Issuu

THURSDAY 23rd August, 2018

No.105375

Diabetes in children 17 submissions Prayer, piety and See page 5 of symbols for charity mark 12 increasing â€“ Min Lawrence urges affected See page 5 Qurbani festival to take control of their condition LGEs PAGE

U.S. CONGRESSMEN IN GUYANA - to engage President Granger in high-level meeting today See page 3

U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway escorting the U.S. Congressmen and military personnel to the Natural Resources Ministry from the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

Man kills girlfriend, then surrenders to police

By Tamica Garnett RESIDENTS of Freeman Street, East La Penitence, were left in a state of disbelief Wednesday afternoon when news spread that 33-year-old Guyoil security guard, Jermaine Bristol, allegedly murdered his longtime girlfriend, 24-year-old Shenece Lawrence. Bristol turned himself into police shortly after and led them back to the murder scene, where, according to reports, a knife was still sticking out of the victim’s neck. The murder came as a shock to many of the neighbours, and the young man’s family, who live in the same street as there had been no indication that anything was amiss in the house prior to the police arriving. Neighbours did not hear arguments, strange noises, or screams coming from the premises. “We ain’t hear nothing, nothing, people only

know when the police turn up. Is he had to go and tell the police about this crime, because nobody didn’t know nothing,” said a neighbour from across the street. Even the owner of the property, who lives in an adjoining apartment in the same yard, said he did not hear anything strange. However, he recalled hearing the suspect on the phone earlier that day inviting the victim over for lunch. There were also reports that Bristol was seen with a knife earlier in the day. The couple was previously living together at the home of the victim’s mother in Broad Street, but moved to their current location as of last June. Lawrence, reportedly, had left the apartment and started back staying with her mother last Thursday, but returned Sunday to go to church with the suspect. She was not seen in the area again until Wednesday morning. Family members of the

couple confirmed that the relationship was a tumultuous one; nonetheless, the couple apparently had plans to marry in December. According to the victim’s mother, Lawrence had plans to leave the relationship and this might have provoked Bristol. “I guess it was because she was threatening to leave, from what she was telling me is that she was planning to come back home and even

further to give up the relationship. A few days ago she keep saying that she wants to come back home because of the situation. Sometimes she would stay over here. She slept here up to [Tuesday] night and then left [yesterday] morning,” her mother said. The owner of the property confirmed that the couple would have occasional arguments, but indicated that, to

The suspect Jermaine Bristol and victim Shenece Lawrence, in happier times

The house where the incident occurred (Delano Williams photo)

the best of his knowledge, it never got physical. Bristol’s family also said that while the couple did have their occasional fights, they do not recollect Bristol ever getting physical, which made the

murder all the more baffling for them. “They’re together over six years now, they break up and make up back. But Jermaine is not this kind of person... Turn to page 3 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

U.S. Congressmen in Guyana

- to engage President Granger in high-level meeting today By Svetlana Marshall

tis, Todd Rokita, Richard Hudson, Steve Cohen, Scott Peters and Darrel Issa. Other expected members of the delegation are: Sergeant First Class Alexander Morrow, Lieutenant-Colonel Eric Hanson, Staff Sergeant Michael Layton, Lieutenant-Colonel Sean Foster, Robert Goodlatte, Landon Sanford, Sue Curtis, Lynn Peters, Shelly Husband, Braden Ritchie, Eric Bagwell, Ryan Breitenbach, Andrea Loving, Scott Bennett, Jamie Miller and Maunica Sthanki. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in his column ‘My Turn,’ had said that the visit can mean well for Guyana, noting that the visit

curity profile of Guyana, and presented a new geopolitical and strategic reality in the western hemisphere. “The Government of the United States of America was quick to connect with this reality on the occasion of the 52nd Independence Anniversary of Guyana. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo reinforced ‘strong connections’ with Guyana, and committed the United States to the advancement of our prosperity, by helping Guyana to develop her emerging oil sector ‘in partnership with U.S. business’,” Nagamootoo stated. The prime minister pointed out that this is the single largest congressional delega-

SEVERAL United States Congressmen are expected to engage with President David Granger in a high-level meeting today. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who is also performing the functions of prime minister and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, are also expected to meet with the U.S. Congressmen, who are being accompanied by senior military personnel in what the Guyanese government had earlier described as a “familarisation tour.” On Wednesday, Minister Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle that “they are coming to have discussions of a general political nature.” It is unclear when the U.S. officials arrived in Guyana; however, on Wednesday, U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway led them into a meeting with Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman at the Natural Resources Ministry on Duke Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Earlier that day, the U.S. officials met with alumni from the U.S.- supported exchange programmes for lunch at the Duke Lodge Restaurant. It was last Thursday that the Minister of State had disclosed that the congressmen and military personnel were expected to visit. According to him, the visit is testimony of growing confidence The U.S. officials entering the Natural Resources Ministry in Guyana on the interna- Kingston, Georgetown (Photos by Delano Williams) tional scene, as well as the strengthening of U.S./Guyana coincides with the prospects tion ever to visit Guyana. He of first-oil by American gi- was quick to note, however, relations. Those who were named ant, ExxonMobil. “The huge that some of the mistrust to be part of the team include vested interests have not only afloat can be attributed to nine congressmen: Chairman attracted high-profile, albeit several instances in the past, Bob Goodlatte, and repre- controversial, coverage from whereby Guyana was disadsentatives John Rutherford, the New York Times, but has vantaged by the North AmerMark Sandford, John Cur- also raised an enhanced se- ican nation. “There have been

previous episodic decades that could give justification for this negative nationalism, going back to the late 1950s when the then British colony became a pawn in the Cold War. She was subsequently converted into a laboratory for every conceivable ideological stratagem of American imperialism, which has since been well documented. “The role of an American company in voter registration for the 1968 elections had spawned a legacy of electoral malpractices, once described by Lord Avesbury, head of a UK Observers’ Mission, as ‘Something to Remember’,” he explained However, these “episodic

compound at Duke Street,

decades” gave way to the “wind of change”, Nagamootoo continued, with the involvement of the U.S. in facilitating positive change and investment in a number of areas. “Five American senators petitioned their gov-

U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway introducing Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman to members of the U.S. delegation.

ernment to embrace electoral democracy. Ambassador Fleming Jones and former President Jimmy Carter played key roles in promoting bipartisan cooperation ahead of electoral reforms. Not widely known, is the role of then President George Bush Snr in supporting ‘free, fair and credible elections’, which assurance was conveyed to me at the State Department by then Assistant Secretary of State, Sally Cowal,” he recounted. The prime minister also listed Beal Aerospace Technologies Inc’s agreement with Guyana in 1999, for the installation of a US$50 million rocket launch site in the Waini River area and the granting of an oil exploration concession to ExxonMobil, now proven to be worthwhile. He also highlighted the support of America in the Guyana-Venezuela border

controversy, stating: “With the expected oil bonanza, came renewed but overt diplomatic support for Guyana’s territorial sovereignty against a spurious claim by Venezuela. “The U.S. Government declared recognition for the entire ‘Land of Many Waters’ from ‘the Corentyne to the Pakaraimas, from the Takutu to the Amakura…’” Apart from these, are some 500,000 Guyanese who live and work in the U.S., accounting for US$264.6M in remittances in 2016 and the launch in Guyana of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), with start-up members including ExxonMobil and Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Co Limited (GT&T).

Man kills girlfriend, ...

”expressed Bristol’s aunt Yvonne Morris. “She came here just this morning [Wednesday], she looked beautiful with her nice red lipstick. She came to see if he was here and I told her that he’s not here; next thing you know someone said, look Jermaine and a van load of police gone in the yard, and I run up the road and they said: Shenece dead, and I said: Shenece can’t dead. I faint, because I know Jermaine

can’t do that, where Jermaine get strength from to kill. I still can’t believe Jermaine do that. Jermaine is not that type of person, Jermaine is a quiet, loving person, shy.” Lawrence’s mom, however, said the picture was different on her end, and she recalled incidents of Bristol being physically abusive to her daughter, but no matter what measures she took to get her daughter to end the relationship, Shenece would

always return to Bristol. She, after pressuring her daughter to refrain from seeing Bristol, resulted in Shenece sneaking out on several occasions from her home, she eventually resolved to stop fighting it. The murder, she says, came as no surprise to her. “To be honest, it did not come as a shock to me because they had problems before. One time they were not supposed to be talking to each other, but she sneaked

out and he took her to a hotel and they had a big fight there, he throw away all of her clothing and her phone,” she recalled. “The security from the hotel called me, so I went and I got her and brought her home. But since she was of age, even though I was angry and I wanted her to take action, it was still left up to her and I realise that she didn’t want to pursue with whatever. That night at the hotel

that was the first that I know about it [the physical abuse], I don’t know if it used to happen before and she never said anything. Then it was only recently that she tell me that since they’re there living [in Freeman Street] they had fights about three times already.” Her mother recollected how it was that she heard of her daughter’s demise. “One of my daughters she was going to the house and

From page 2 ►

she said she saw the whole place cordon off and a whole set of police and people saying that this boy kill he girlfriend. She called me crying that’s how I know that something was wrong, so I got my shoes and called a car and headed out. My son got there before me and he confirmed that she was killed,” she recollected amidst tears.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

Trump, White House deny wrongdoing after Cohen plea The White House pushed back forcefully on Wednesday against suggestions that a plea deal struck by President Donald Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen implicated Trump in a crime. “As the president has said, we’ve stated many times, he did nothing wrong. There are no charges against him,” press secretary Sarah Sanders said at a White House briefing. “Just because Michael Cohen made a plea deal doesn’t mean that that implicates the president on anything.” Cohen on Tuesday pleaded guilty to eight criminal charges of tax evasion, bank fraud and campaign finance violations. He told a federal court in Manhattan that Trump directed him to arrange payments ahead of the 2016 presidential election to silence two women who said they had affairs with Trump. The White House’s position tracked what Trump had

maintained throughout the course of the day. Earlier, the president lashed out at Cohen in a Twitter post by saying the campaign finance violations Cohen pleaded guilty to in federal court in New York on Tuesday were not a crime even though prosecutors and Cohen agreed that they were. Trump made the claim without offering any evidence. In another tweet, Trump said, “If anyone is looking for a good lawyer, I would strongly suggest that you don’t retain the services of Michael Cohen.” At the same time, Trump on Twitter praised former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who was convicted on Tuesday of multiple counts of fraud, as a “brave man” for not cooperating with federal authorities. Fox News released excerpts of an interview conducted with Trump on Wednesday in which the president said he knew of the payments made by Cohen “later

US President Donald Trump

on” but did not elaborate. After first denying that he knew anything about Cohen’s actions, Trump earlier this year acknowledged that he reimbursed Cohen for payments he made in late 2016 to Stormy Daniels, an adult-film actress whose real name is Stephanie Clifford. Daniels has alleged she had a relationship with Trump. The president has insisted he paid Cohen out of personal funds and that the payments were not intended to benefit his campaign but to resolve a personal matter. “They’re weren’t taken out of campaign finance. That’s a big thing,” Trump said in the Fox interview. “They didn’t come out of the campaign; they came from me.” TIMING IS QUESTIONED Trump critics have argued the case being made by the president that the payments to Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal were personal do not hold up given the timing – only weeks before the election. “If this was a personal matter, why wasn’t she paid

Tuesday 21, August, 2018

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off after the affair or in the intervening decade?” said Paul S. Ryan, the head of litigation at Common Cause. “The election was what made her story valuable.” Cohen attorney Lanny Davis said his client had information that would be of interest to Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is investigating whether the 2016 Trump campaign conspired with Russia to influence the election. Davis set up a website to collect donations for Cohen’s legal expenses. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer, speaking on the Senate floor on Wednesday, labeled Trump an “co-conspirator” and demanded that the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, which is scheduled for early September, be delayed in the wake of Cohen’s plea. Trump has granted presidential pardons to conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza and former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio but Cohen attorney Lanny Davis said his client would not accept a presidential pardon. “Mr. Cohen is not interested in being dirtied by a pardon from such a man,”

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Davis told NPR. Cohen’s plea came as Manafort, who served as chairman of Trump’s campaign, was found guilty on eight charges in a separate financial fraud trial in Alexandria, Virginia, stemming from a federal investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign. In a morning tweet, Trump said, “I feel very badly for Paul Manafort and his wonderful family. ‘Justice’ took a 12 year old tax case, among other things, applied tremendous pressure on him and, unlike Michael Cohen, he refused to ‘break’ - make up stories in order to get a ‘deal.’ Such respect for a brave man!” The Cohen and Manafort cases ratchet up political pressure on Trump and fellow Republicans ahead of November elections, in which Democrats are seeking to regain control of Congress. The Mueller investigation has clouded Trump’s presidency for more than a year and Tuesday’s developments increase pressure on him personally. While Cohen did not name Trump in court on Tuesday, referring to him as “the candidate,” Davis on Wednesday accused the president of being directly involved. Cohen had “information ... regarding both knowledge of a conspiracy to corrupt American democracy by the Russians and the failure to report that knowledge to the FBI,” Davis told MSNBC. PRESSURE FROM DEMOCRATS Schumer said he was concerned that Kavanaugh, a federal appeals judge, told him during a Tuesday meeting that presidents should

not be subject to criminal or civil investigations – or even be required to comply with related subpoenas – while in office and that impeachment by Congress is the only legal recourse. On the Senate floor, Schumer argued that Trump should not be permitted to select a Supreme Court justice when that justice could ultimately end up hearing a case involving the president. “A president identified as a co-conspirator of a federal crime, an accusation not made by a political enemy but by the closest of his own confidants, is on the verge of making a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, a court that may someday soon determine the extent of the president’s legal jeopardy,” Schumer said. Congressional Republicans still were taking measure of the situation, with Senator John Cornyn, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, saying Cohen’s “credibility is in tatters because he’s basically been all over the map in terms of what his story is.” Cornyn said Congress would continue, as it has been, investigating into claims of Russian interference in the 2016 election, but noted that, “nothing we heard yesterday has anything to do with Russia, or the reason why director Mueller was appointed special counsel.” Russia has denied U.S. intelligence community findings that it interfered with the 2016 election with the aim of boosting Trump and hampering Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton. Trump has denied any collusion by his campaign with Moscow and repeatedly called Mueller’s investigation a witch hunt. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

17 parties, groups, individuals submit symbols for LGEs THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has received 17 symbols thus far from political parties, voluntary groups and individuals seeking to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections. GECOM’s Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward, while disclosing that 17 symbols were submitted to the commission as of Tuesday, could not at the time indicate what percentage of the symbols was approved or what percentage came from individual candidates versus political parties and voluntary groups. All political parties, voluntary groups and individuals desirous of contesting the Local Government Elections on November 12, 2018, have one week to submit their symbols for approval

by GECOM before Nomination Day. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, August 29, 2018. Ward, on Tuesday, warned that any list of candidates submitted by any political party, voluntary group or individual candidate on Nomination Day without the pre-approved symbol will be deemed defective and the defaulting political party, voluntary group or individual candidate will be deemed ineligible to contest the elections. “If you do not submit your symbols, then it doesn’t make any sense completing Nomination Day forms, because without a pre-approved symbol, you will not be allowed for Nomination Day,” Ward said. In response to daily en-

quiries about the process for submitting symbols, the PRO said there is no form, but pertinent information is required. “There is no prescribed form to submit the symbols. What the persons are required to do is to write a letter to the chief election officer requesting the approval of the symbol they submitted,” she explained, while reminding that applications for symbols must include both printed and electronic versions of the respective symbols. The letter to the chief election officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield should also include information on the Local Authority Area (LAA) and or constituency being contested, along with contact information. In a recent publication,

GECOM explained that political parties or groups must contest all seats for the Proportional Representation component and must submit a list of candidates with 10 additional names, apart from the total number of councillors for the municipality or Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). In addition, only the names of candidates qualified to be councillors equal to the number of constituency seats which it intends to contest in LGEs must be submitted, while the name of an independent candidate can only be submitted for the seat he or she is contesting. GECOM outlined, too, that each list of candidates must be submitted on the prescribed form indicating name, address, ID number and occupation

of each candidate and the names of candidates should be one below the other with surnames in alphabetical order. The signature mark of each nominator must be stated, together with the name and the ID card number and each list of candidates must be accompanied by a declaration on the prescribed form, from each candidate contesting the election. Nomination Day is September 21.

Elections not about individuals, but the nation – Minister Lawrence Newly elected Chairperson of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), Volda Lawrence, has sharply responded to Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira over comments about the elections. “Elections are not about individuals but about our nation, about improving the lives of all irrespective of

race, colour or creed and my plea to all in Guyana is together we will aspire, together we shall achieve,” the PNC/R Chairman said in response to Teixeira’s claim that she can beat Lawrence at any elections if placed as a presidential candidate. At a recent People’s Progressive Party (PPP) press conference, the Opposition’s

Chief Whip said she can “slaughter” Lawrence in any elections. She subsequently retracted the word “slaughter” and replaced it with “beat.” In a statement posted by the PNC/R on Wednesday, Lawrence, who is the Minister of Public Health, said slaughter is a terrorist word while contending that Teixeira's comment was rac-

ist. The PNC/R Chairman said that while Teixeira retracted the word, she said what was in her heart. “I on the other hand respect Ms Teixeira and as a Christian would never think of such an utterance against any human being and especially the female gender,” said Ms Lawrence. “Onward, upward

may we ever go,” Lawrence said. Lawrence secured the chairmanship of the PNC/R after defeating former chairman Basil Williams, SC and Minister of State Joseph Harmon in a highly competitive elections when the party held its biennial congress last week.

Conductor stabbed during fight over passenger fare structure agreed by the government, which should be published soon for clarity. Both parties agreed on the need for an established Code of Conduct for minibus oper-

A scene from the 31 bus park after the incident had occurred (Samuel Maughn photo)

A POPULAR minibus conductor was stabbed after an alleged confrontation with a route 31 minibus driver on Wednesday. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 10:00hrs after the driver and conductor got into an argument over a passenger- a norm on the Stabroek Market bus park. The conductor, whose nickname was given as Andrew Blacks, was allegedly taking a passenger to a bus which he operators when the suspect tried to pull the passenger away. A relative of the conductor said the driver stabbed Blacks several times until he collapsed. Blacks was immediately taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

and was admitted. According to the conductor’s relative, the driver was apprehended by police. Police sources confirmed that the driver was assisting with the investigation. On Monday, government agreed to a $20 increase in bus fares but as part of the agreement, the United Minibus Union has to develop a Code of Conduct. Some of those malpractices which the Code of Conduct will discourage are: busses which operate on ‘hot plate’, overloading, touts tugging at passengers, and police officers who ignore these actions and more on a daily basis. UMU President Eon Andrew, told the Guyana Chronicle that the fare increase will be based on the most recent

ators, and that engagements in this regard will continue. Andrews said that future engagements with the government could include hospitality training for con-

ductors, prior to their being allowed to uplift their conductors’ licence; guidelines on mode of dress; seating rules; and fare structure display.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

Let good conscience prevail

THE section of Merriman Mall, which stretches from Vlissengen Road going West to the western boundary of Albert Street, and bordered by Church Street to the north and North Road to the south, can be described as a peep into the window of what a garden city should be. In fact, this section of the city has been transformed from a weed-strewn environment, with weed-choked canals, to beautiful scenery of green, with flowers and shrubs around the immediate swathe of the mall that are given special attention. Only a few days ago, workmen could have been seen repainting the lower part of the trees, as is now customary, around that section of the mall, as well as the poles that line the northern and southern borders. Also being cropped and manicured are

the grass reserves/ parapet on both sides, to make for a complete, daily enhanced environment which is once again pleasing to the eyes. The succeeding block, west, a children’s play park, is now a welcome sight, with its colourful benches for seating parents and children who wish to enjoy an outdoor afternoon of fun and play, especially on weekends and holidays. In other sections of the city, maintenance work is ongoing, which when completed will no doubt add to the environment. But the examples above should be replicated especially in the other parts of the city, on a regular basis; particularly the clearing of canals and other secondary waterways. For they all lend to the aesthetical value, apart from creating a wholesome and positive ambience, and at the same

time, impacting on the mental and physical well-being of citizens. In other words, our capital can look better, gradually returning to that coveted place of a Garden City. The recent statement by the town clerk, on the astronomical debt of “big city businesses” to the tune of $4B owed in property taxes, explains greatly the difficulty in the municipality not being able to effectively supply the vital services, not only for daily necessary maintenance, inclusive of mandatory sanitation works, but also to undertake enhancement initiatives. Though he did not indicate, this huge sum would be apart from that which is due from non-business dwellings, such as domestic residences, since the latter was last reported to have an also huge debt on its page. As citizens, there has to

be genuine realisation, acceptance, and understanding of the fact that our capital city needs more finances for its daily programmes and that such can only come from those who are obligated to fulfil their civic duty. This cannot be done by other citizens from another municipality, except by those with residences and businesses in Georgetown. And if one is to be guided by the town clerk’s further statements, his city’s financial crisis is compounded by what he has alleged is the “judicial sloth” which according to him, “serves as a disincentive to actually collect money.” In explaining this aspect, he cited the very lengthy process of time taken before “a judgement”, concluding that “…we are in a vicious circle.” Since timely court proceedings are vital for deal-

ing with such matters, and also given the long list of defaulters, coupled with the dire financial circumstances of City Hall, consideration should be given to a special municipal court, established to hear the specific cases as per action by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) against defaulters. Such a judicial component, we reason, can best be able to adjudicate on the matters of defaulting taxpayers in a timely manner. Already in the magistrate’s court there is provision for timely discharge of municipal matters. In fact, the Commercial Court housed in the High Court was established in 2006 and presided over by Justice Rishi Persaud, dealt with the large number of indebted persons to a commercial entity. Through the passage of time, we have acknowledged in prior editorials on

the challenges which confront the city authorities, which we opined would have to be addressed by its internal managers. There have also been calls for an audit, which should be done for clarification of doubts as to the management of this important city body. The bottom line is that no city, anywhere, can perform its statutory functions with the kind of financial balance sheet, due to those who continue to not honour their financial obligations. Where else can such gross recalcitrance occur, without resulting in the very problems which the municipality of Georgetown continues to encounter? As citizens, let good conscience prevail. All are obligated to help the city to regain its past glory. Only the citizens of Georgetown can make this happen.

I remain in awe of a writer whose sharp gaze was equally cast, wherever he went Dear Editor THE curmudgeon-y old West Indian known as V.S. Naipaul died last week. I suppose that description could be applicable to many of my acquaintances, including my own father. When first we landed in Miami in the late 70’s, I and my siblings were exposed to the writings of Naipaul and Selvon and a few others my father felt we needed to read to ensure we didn’t forget our roots in the West Indies. Although I later read a number of his novels, “Miguel Street” remains my bittersweet favorite and “Among the Believers” caused me to question the undeniably negative influence of Arab “culture” on a religion that spans every corner of the globe. One that rejected monarchies, encouraging instead a type of benevolent socialist egalitarianism while embracing the Abrahamic traditions and prophets of older, established religions. The West Indian in Naipaul probably died a long time ago. His prolific erudition

and claims of being a travel writer aside, the incisive sarcasm inherent in his writing speaks of a mind that queried, questioned and eventually dissected everything and everyone. To describe him as a ‘self-hating Trinidadian’ might be too mild. That intellectual tension must have weighed on him, knowing that there existed a seemingly buffoon-esque-ness of one’s homeland versus the more ‘serious’ nations of the world. As a born Guyanese, I suppose in my older years I can relate to this, as I often wonder why we do not take ourselves more seriously. Why is it that those who do take themselves seriously are usually the ones preaching about some worshipfulness or the other? The pretensions we take for granted as ‘civilizing’ disappear when we look at our country’s statistics on crime, suicide, road violence, domestic abuse, rape, gender inequality, etc. The list goes on. I wonder if Naipaul, in his time, also looked at these rampant ‘uncivilized’ tendencies about the region he was from, or whatever it was that ran contrary to the social

evolution of his homeland’s society, i.e the caste system? I remember well his tome “India: A Wounded Civilization” as my father spoke about it constantly. He argued with West Indian friends about it, especially noted Trinidadian agronomist, Dr. Earl Chandool. The plight and position of the descendants of those that came from India was a peculiar one. Not “Indian” exactly (we spoke no subcontinent languages), we aped what was to be found in the pirated Indian movies found in the region, adopting a sort of stylized “Indian-ness” that was neither stylish nor truly “Indian”. Accepting that we are “West Indian” and not “Indian” is truly difficult. It feels like one is rejecting one’s ancestors, but the truth is, I, like my parents and children, and Naipaul, we have never had to leave India. But, we have always remained West Indian, no matter where we went. And a significant set of our ancestors remain ‘Indian’ no matter what we culturally evolve to become. This is what I most gleaned from reading

Naipaul, from the droll tragedy that is “Miguel Street” to the weirdness of the “Suffrage of Elvira”. West Indians remain a betwixt people. We remain a squabbling bunch, and Naipaul (clearly) never thought we would go much beyond that. The funny thing is, West Indians are over-achieving all throughout the world, including Sir Vidya. We are a brilliant people, a creole mixture of cultures that has proven to be enduring, beautiful, querulous and intellectual. When we choose to be, Sir Vidya put us all on the map, and for that I am personally grateful. His brutal, scathing view of us is possibly the most honest one we know, from one that knew us well. While I much prefer the imaginative creativity of our local boy, Wilson Harris, I remain in awe of a writer whose sharp gaze was equally cast, wherever he went. Regards Scheherazade Ishoof Khan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

The unwarranted attacks must end Dear Editor I HAVE noted with grave concern Mr. Holder’s constant attack on the Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Mr. Rawlston Adams’ credibility over the New Demerara Harbour Bridge Feasibility Contract. Over the years, I have had great admiration for Mr. Holder and his contributions towards the engineering profession in Guyana. However, over the weeks I have noted quite sadly that this scholarly gentleman’s mental capacity seems to be on the decline. Mr. Editor, we all yearn for the day when this dear land of ours can move from a developing to a developed

nation and Mr. Holder’s reluctance to put the best interest of this country first is quite startling. What one can conclude once we look beyond the obvious is that Mr. Holder, despite his apparent patriotism, is placing the preservation of what he considers as his legacy i.e. Modular Bridge above country. His Facebook page is inundated with joems/poems and article about why the existing structure should remain but, are we Mr. Editor, to continue to invest in a structure which has outlived its usefulness. One just has to question the residents of Region Three who can testify to the daily hassle to get to and from work or visit the Commissioner of Informa-

tion Office to have a look at the cost of maintenance of the current structure. The high cost of maintenance in my opinion is money that could be more wisely spent to promote development in other areas. Thus, one now has to question Mr. Holder’s sincerity pertaining to the welfare of the workers. You see, Mr. Holder, when the great visionary, the late LFS Burnham gave the bridge a 30-year life span, he was not only thinking about the physical structure but its capacity to accommodate the volume of traffic. Your articles clearly show that you didn’t understand that in 1978, neither do you some 40 years after. Mr. Editor, several ques-

tions come to mind that I would like Mr. Holder to address: 1. How is it only now that you recognised that the current GM’s contract has expired since 2016? 2. Were you not a Director attending Board meetings at which Mr. Adams was present in the capacity of GM? 3. Were not all your enquiries directed to the said gentleman during the period you were acting in the capacity as Chairman? 4. When was the last time you visited the bridge to observe the current state and the daily maintenance struggles of the staff? 5.Is Mr. Holder aware that with development comes

changes and that the staff can be retrained? I would strongly advice the government of the day to be more selective when they are choosing directors and have all directors sign non-disclosure agreements so that confidential information would not be leaked by person(s) who seem to have a hidden agenda. Instead of raising his concerns with the relevant authority, Mr. Holder comes across as someone who is petty and wants to stymie the development of the country. Also, his actions seem to be directed to tarnishing the reputation of these two gentlemen. Companies now need to be very careful with the in-

formation directors are privy to, hence as in the case of Joe Holder, can be used against them. It is my hope that many other like-minded professional Guyanese lend their support towards the future development of this great nation. Mr. Holder, your name will forever be associated with the Demerara Harbour Bridge; however, it has outlived its usefulness. Minister David Paterson and Mr. Rawlston Adams, let no detractor derail your valiant efforts [to] let development continue. Keep up the excellent work you are doing. Let development continue. Concerned Citizen

GGDMA claims it supports Minamata Convention on mercury Dear Editor ONCE again, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] publicly affirms its unequivocal support for the Minamata Convention on mercury. We also make it crystal clear that in keeping with the tenor of the Convention, the Government of Guyana is required to provide technical and financial assistance to small scale miners so that gold mining can be done in a responsible manner. Further, the GGDMA reaffirms that decisions that affect the mining sector must be based on valid data and sound science. We do believe that our firm positions on these matters are well known. In the circumstances the GGDMA categorically rejects the wrong-headed editorial, captioned “Towards the ban on mercury”’ in the Guyana Chronicle of August 18, 2018. Based on current views, we are forced to consider the editorial an ill-conceived and wanton attack on the gold miners in general and the GGDMA in particular. Certainly, the editor could have referred to the report in the Guyana Chronicle of June 1, 2010 captioned “Collaborative study of Mercury in fish by MOH and GENCAPD concludes” for factual information about the occurrence

of mercury in Guyana. The study was multi-year and among the conclusions stated in the 2010 Chronicle report is that methyl mercury occurs naturally in the environment, and that seasonal erosion of soils and jetting in the extractive process of gold were the key paths for entrance of mercury into the aquatic food chain. The 2010 Chronicle report also pointed out that the study found that mercury levels in carnivorous fish in both mining and non-mining hinterland areas exceeded the critical limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The editorial, in a rush to judgement of the miners and GGDMA, carelessly includes magnetic separation as a key mercury based alternative to gold processing. That is patently wrong. But even more sad is that the editorial mentions sluicing as an alternative to mercury-based extraction. The editor appears to be blissfully unaware that the main current method of processing of gold by local miners is sluicing. As if this was not sufficient, the Ministry of Natural Resources joined in the ill-conceived and wanton attack with the veiled threat that the GGDMA must decide if it wants to be a political pressure group. The GGDMA is registered under the Trade Union Act of Guyana and will vigorously and

fearlessly defend the rights of the miners and partners. And so, when roads to mining areas are in deplorable conditions, the GGDMA will state the facts. When the fiscal regime is deliberately punitive, it is only reasonable that the GGDMA will vigorously fight for change. And when the Minamata Convention says elimination of mercury in small scale mining is only required if feasible, the GGDMA abides by the convention. So now the Chronicle editorial seems to suggest that notwithstanding what the international convention says, Guyana is determined to enforce more stringent conditions on the local miner. So the GGDMA has to holler. The GGDMA has to ask why this unwarranted attack on Guyana’s local miners. We detected a pattern since Guyana refuses to implement the UNFAO definition of deforestation which notes that clearing of forest only becomes deforestation if it is a permanent change. Instead, Guyana insists on another definition that intends to penalise and stigmatise local mining and miners. Are these actions centrally controlled? Regards Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

Art school graduates showcase talent at exhibition THE 2018 graduating class of the E.R. Burrowes School of Art put on a grand exhibition of numerous paintings, sculptures and other art forms at the Umana Yana on Wednesday, showcasing their accomplishments at the institution. The family and friends of the eight students turned out in their numbers to show support for those who were completing the three-year diploma and two-year certificate programme. At the ceremony, remarks came from Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain, who challenged the graduating class to be innovative and to set themselves apart from the rest. She said that the Government of Guyana recognises the importance that art plays in the development of communities and the country by extension. As such, Boatswain urged the students to use their skills and talents to highlight pressing issues, while inspiring other Guyanese to develop a love for

Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain delivers remarks in the compound of the Umana Yana on Wednesday (Delano Williams photo)

Kamalita Heralall displays her semi-abstractive mobile tree, representing the embodiment of all life forms (Delano Williams photo)

creativity. “I challenge you to be innovative and to set yourselves apart from the rest. In

a career where the financial rewards are not always glorious, you must realise that you have a greater role to

That ‘lil bit of fun’ comment Dear Editor THAT ‘lil bit of fun’ comment by a sitting minister in the Twin Island Republic was highly offensive and derogatory to women. Since when does the unravelling of a female in public constitute a ‘lil bit of fun’? Women all over the Caribbean and farther afield should rise up and let their voices be

heard against this atrocious conduct which was directed not just against our Hindu sisters, but indeed against womanhood. The slap on the wrist apology is what we have come to expect and accept and it is time to say enough is enough. Regards Shamshun Mohamed

A message from the ERC on the occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha AS our Muslim brothers and sisters observe the sacred occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, enshrined as a national holiday in Guyana, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) takes this opportunity to extend warmest greetings to them and to other Guyanese across our nation and those based overseas. We embrace all Guyanese with the salutation “Eid Mubarak”. The message of Eid-ul-Adha has a positive impact for all humanity as it underscores the qualities of humility, obedience to God and of the selfless sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim. These are pertinent traits in the quest for the realization of peace, brotherhood and togetherness. The ERC therefore urges all to reflect on the significance of this occasion and to work towards heeding its universal message which

is most beneficial to the advancement of all humanity. To achieve a particular goal, it would take commitment, hard work and sacrifice. As we work together as a nation to achieve the goal of national harmony and good relations, it will necessitate all to recommit to this effort for the good of our nation so that our motto of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” can be truly observed. The commitment to the cause, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, signified through the observance of Eid-ul-Adha, remains a beacon of inspiration to guide and motivate each and every one of us in this crucial endeavour of building and promoting national harmony. Eid Mubarak from the ERC.

play in Guyanese society. Use your talent and your canvas to inspire national dialogue on important issues of interest to our society and to inspire more Guyanese to appreciate the beauty of art. You are more powerful than you know,” she said. Meanwhile, remarks came too from the school’s Administrator Ivor Thom, who stated that since 1979 the institution has been churning out graduates who have continued to use their tools to inspire change. He added that over the years, the E.R. Burrowes School of Art has worked its way into the education landscape of Guyana, where it can annually enable students to be who they want to be in life. Similar remarks came from External Examiner George Struikelblok, who commended the eight youths on their quality of work, which he said continues to improve. He further commissioned them to expand their fields and promote their work, as art plays a crucial role in the creation of culture and the uniting of people. The Guyana Chronicle was fortunate to speak with two of the students; Kamalita Heralall, a diploma student and Laurindo John, a certificate student. Kamalita told this newspaper that her work explores the relationship between her inner feelings and her love for nature. She draws inspiration from her former class teacher Michelle Damon and her desire to see more Guyanese appreciate the resources around them, which they can use to create beautiful art. Her theme was focused on

‘Connecting with Nature’ and, apart from her paintings and other craft work, created a semi-abstractive mobile tree representing the embodiment of all life forms. Items used to create the large display included jute, leather and scrap wood leftovers she would collect

Certificate (CSEC) examination, which is still an achievement she wants to cross off her to-do list. Meanwhile, Laurindo hails from the Surama Village in the North Rupununi and through his high school art teacher Godfrey Alexander, came to know about the E.R.

Laurindo John stands near his drawing of The Great Huntsman (Delano Williams photo)

from her colleagues as they worked. “I want to bring awareness to the local and natural materials that we are surrounded by, rather than to just have a foreign mentality. I want to create art using the local and natural materials that we see every day and take for granted,” she said. After graduating, she intends to complete her Caribbean Secondary Education

Burrowes School of Art. His work took on the theme of ‘The Great Huntsman,’ which he fashioned after a story he was told of a hunter in the Guyana jungle who received great power over the animals. After graduating, he intends to return to his village where he will open a small business of his own to display and sell his art work and jewellery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

Diabetes in children increasing – Min Lawrence urges affected to take control of their condition

ABOUT 100 children from across Guyana are suffering from ‘type 1’ diabetes, but Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence believes that they should not look at it as the end of the world and instead be champions of their condition. “I want to say be champions of your condition… feel free to speak about it and I know even as you fight, you are helping to save other lives,” said Minister Lawrence in her remarks at the launch of a three-day annual diabetes youth camp organised by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the Guyana Diabetics Association (GDA). Children who are suffering from diabetes usually have low self-esteem, but through the programme, the organisers intend to educate the participants about their condition; teaching them how to take their medication and deal with depression. According to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterised by elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia). It is associated with an absolute or relative deficiency in the secretion and/or action of insulin. Raised blood glucose, a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes, may, over time, lead

to serious damage to blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. There are three main forms of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common, accounting for approximately 85 per cent to 90 per cent of all cases. It is related to modifiable risk factors such as obesity or overweight, physical inactivity, and high-calorie diets of low nutritional value. In 2011, it was reported that there were 54 children in Guyana who have diabetes. Over the years, the number has evidently grown, so the ministry has been working to ensure that the children are educated about the disease. “We are all fighters… we are not about to give up on any condition… we have decided that we are going to commit ourselves to ensuring those diabetic boys and girls across Guyana are given a fighting chance to live just as any other boy or girl,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that the ministry stands ready to give the necessary assistance to any child or group which has a similar objective to the ministry. Children were urged to be optimistic about life and ensure that they pursue and achieve their dreams, goals and aspirations.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence interacting with children during the launch of the annual diabetic youth camp (Samuel Maughn photo)

With the support of the ministry and other stakeholders, the minister believes that children, who are living with diabetes, could go on to do great things. President of the GDA Glynis Alonzo-Beaton, said the camp which is being held at the Madewini camp site, serves as a stepping stone for children to garner the encouragement and go on to excel. This year, approximately 35 children are participating in the camping programme. The programme has been held for the past 12 years, but

the youth arm of the GDA has been spearheading the camp for three years. Prior to the actual camp, the children usually go through a series of preliminary training which helps them to build their self-esteem and grow academically,

emotionally and socially. Over the next two days, the children will be participating in different exercises and competing for prizes. They have been split into teams. President of the youth arm of the GDA, Keziah

Nestor, said while they will be having fun, the children will also be learning about their condition so that they can become an “army” which will sensitise other children and even adults about the disease. According to statistics from PAHO, in 2014, around 422 million adults aged over 18 years were living with diabetes worldwide, with 62 million (15 per cent) of them living in the Americas. The overall prevalence of raised blood glucose in the Americas had increased from five per cent in 1980 to 8.3 per cent in 2014. The increase in prevalence of diabetes was attributed to population growth and aging, the rise in age-specific prevalence or the interaction among these two aspects. Also, the associated risk factors such as overweight and obesity, together with insufficient physical activity, are estimated to cause a large proportion of the diabetes burden.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

Another tremor rattles Guyana …as Venezuela hit by second earthquake A TREMOR, which appeared to be an aftershock from Tuesday’s earthquake which rattled the northern coast of Venezuela, was felt in parts of Guyana on Wednesday morning, including on the coastland and as far as Bartica.

The tremor was felt around 09:30hrs and reporters attached to this newspaper at Linden and on the Essequibo Coast noted that the tremor lasted for several seconds, shorter than Tuesday’s. Residents of Bartica and Mabaruma in the North West District also reported the

geological occurrence. University of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Unit seismologist Dr Joan Latchman, said that following the earthquake on Tuesday, aftershocks could be strong and could take days—even a few years—to materialise. The Univer-

sity of the West Indies’ Seismic Research Unit measured the earthquake on Tuesday at 6.8 at a depth of 73 kilometres, but the magnitude was later upgraded to 7.0 by the United States Geological Survey. The position of the earthquake in Venezuela was placed at 55 kilometres east/south-east of Carúpano, 95 km northeast of Maturín, and 131km southeast of Porlamar. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck neighbouring Venezuela and is the second to rock the country in 24 hours. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said it has not received any report of local damage or injury. The 24-hour Emergency Response Centre remains on standby. Director-General of the

Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the Hydrometeorological Service was closely monitoring the situation. In the event of an earthquake, Craig issued a few precautions. “For earthquakes, there is a whole list of precautions that you can take, but if you are indoors, you need to drop down to the ground take cover and get under a sturdy table or piece of furniture and hold on until the shaking stops. Stay away from glass windows, do not use the doorways. So I have a whole list of precautions on my Facebook page,” he said. Many persons in Guyana and sections of the southern Caribbean reported that the tremor was the largest they had experienced.

Man seeks justice after alleged assault by employer A 30-year-old labourer of Middle Walk, Friendship Village, East Berbice-Corentyne is seeking justice after he was struck on his face and head with an iron bar and left on the roadside in an unconscious state, allegedly at the hands of his employer. Nandkumar Heeram, called “Ravi”, 30, said the incident occurred on Saturday evening whilst he was making his way home from a wake a short distance away. The perpetrator is said to be Heeram’s employer and also a relative. Heeram explained that at approximately 20:30hrs, he was returning home after attending a wake when he was suddenly attacked. “I was walking to come home to watch a piece cricket when he [the employer] come up to me and lash me with an iron bar, but I didn’t expect him to do something like that, cause me and he ain’t get issues. When I get the knock I get blackout, when I catch myself was the next day in the hospital. My nose was fractured and me get a bust to meh head.” He is still seeking answers as to what may have led the man with whom he has been working for a little over a year, on and off. Despite being released a little after noon on Monday, he is unable to work due to his injuries and would get constant headaches. Meanwhile, the mother of the victim, Parbattie Seechun, 50, is calling on the police to thoroughly investigate the incident, since the attacker is said to be walking freely. She said on the night in question, she received a telephone call that her son was involved in an accident, since his body

was found lifeless on the side of the road. “I rush out when me hear, when I see was bare blood all over he face and he bleeding heavy from the nose and mouth, so me and other family hurry and take he to the hospital. Sunday when he catch he self then he say what happen,” she recalled. The man, who was picked up in an unconscious state was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he was treated for a fractured nose and lacerations to his head. On the way to the hospital, Seechun said they stopped at the Whim Police Station and informed ranks of the situation and then on Sunday after Heeram regained consciousness she returned to notify ranks of the new developments. She further stated that she went a second time on Sunday after still seeing the suspect around the village. Eventually, the police showed up late Sunday evening and took the suspect with them. The family breathed a sigh of relief, but were shocked to see the man again walking freely around the village early Monday morning. “That not fair man, my son and he nah had no fight or anything and he gonna beat he up and deh free while he in pain and can’t work? They [police] need to do something or charge he,” Seechum pleaded. When contacted, a police source confirmed that an investigation into the matter is in progress and could not comment further at this time.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

Nurses urged to further their education

In the photo are members of the panel addressing the topic ‘Advancement in Nursing Education’. From left are: Former Director of Health Sciences Education at the Ministry of Health, Wilton Benn; Midwifery Adviser Mandy La Fleur; Coordinator of the University of Guyana (UG) Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Nursing Education Programme, Afesha Marshall; Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis Field of Operations at the Ministry of Public Health, Nicola Melville; founder of the nursing degree course, Gwendolin Tross; United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) Midwifery Specialist in South Sudan, Gillian Butts-Garnett; GNA President Cleopatra Barkoye and senior lecturer of the B.Sc Nursing Programme, Tabitha Malampattie.

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Nurses Association (GNA) has called on nurses to further their education at the opening of a two-day education seminar at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Tuesday. At the seminar, local health experts and visiting representatives from health organisations in the Guyanese diaspora transferred their wealth of knowledge. The attending nurses were taught on the topics of quality improvement, mental health, nursing in the technological age and the importance of research in clinical practice, among others. On the topic of advancement in nursing education, a panel of eight senior specialists assembled to highlight the value of nursing education in Guyana, targeting primarily young nurses. Those on the panel included United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) Midwifery Specialist in South Sudan, Gillian Butts-Garnett; Coordinator of the National Tuberculosis Field of Operations at the Ministry of Public Health, Nicola Melville; and Coordinator of the University of Guyana (UG) Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) Nursing Education Programme, Afesha Marshall. Others included Senior Lecturer of the B.Sc Nursing Programme, Tabitha Malampattie; former Director of Health Sciences Education at the Ministry of Health, Wilton Benn; GNA President Cleopatra Barkoye and midwifery adviser, Mandy La Fleur. La Fleur, who was the panel’s moderator, believes

that many persons still have misconceptions about university degree programmes. Through the seminars, she hopes that nurses can begin to find solutions to “systemic bottlenecks” such as time off from work that continue to hinder their advancement towards higher education. “We want to be able to talk to our young people, especially our young nurses to let them see themselves as being able to achieve higher education in Guyana,” she said. She added: “We want to be able to set this platform for these young nurses so that they can see themselves moving to the level of where these senior nurses are.” One of the main pushes at the seminar was for the nurses to move past their diploma achievement level to the B.Sc Nursing Programme offered at UG. Malampattie, who teaches the programme, has been a nurse educator since 1997, and studied in India. She presented to the gathering a comparative study conducted in 2015 on the challenges and strategies of nursing education in Guyana and India. NOTABLE CHALLENGES Speaking with this newspaper, she said the challenges identified specific to Guyana were lack of adequate and qualified faculty; insufficient learning and teaching resources; lack of professionalism demonstrated among nurses; and limited clinical experiences. “In Guyana, some recommendations were made, one of which is to accredit all the

programmes offered in Guyana just like the rest of the Caribbean and another was to provide adequate, qualified nursing faculty because when you have good education you will have a good nursing work force,” she stressed. Other recommendations the research highlighted were improved infrastructure, professional development programmes for faculty and for the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration (RENR) to be offered in Guyana. “We don’t do that exam in Guyana, we’re not prepared for that examination and so we are at a disadvantage. It is actually impeding our common economy and single market process. If our nurses are prepared for that regional examination to practice nursing then that is definitely going to benefit our country to receive income whereby more nurses would come here and our nurses can also practice anywhere else,” Malampattie said, addressing the latter. Apart from the B.Sc programme, the university also offers a master’s in nursing education which is supported by a number of agencies such as the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the University of St. Joseph in the US as well as a Doctoral Programme in nursing offered through the São Paulo University in Brazil. Some of the core areas nurses can receive training in through the B.Sc programme include nursing professionalism, critical care, primary health care, research methodology and leadership and management in nursing. “The world is changing, the Caribbean is moving towards entry-to-practice at

Nurses listen to the presentations on Tuesday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) (Delano Williams photo)

the B.Sc level, meaning that you cannot just have your diploma to practise, you have to have a degree. So we have to encourage them [nurses] to start to recognise very clearly that nursing is dynamic and you have to be educated to be able to be the best of what you can be,” said former director of Health Sciences Education, Wilton Benn.

The two-day education seminar is a part of a string of activities in commemoration of the GNA’s 90th

anniversary and its Global Guyanese Nurses Reunion Conference which began on Monday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

Prayer, piety and charity 6,000 households hooked up with mark Qurbani festival

Representatives of several masjids came to the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (GIOG) to slaughter bulls and distribute the meat to locations around the country

Story and photos by Rabindra Rooplall MUSLIMS countrywide joined their brothers and sisters the world over in celebrating Eid-ul-Adha known as “Qurbani,” on Wednesday, one of the two most important festivals on the Islamic calendar. The occasion marked the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son at God’s command. Eid-ul-Adha, which in Arabic literally means the “Festival of the sacrifice”, is marked by the slaughter of animals such as bulls, sheep and goats. The meat is shared among family and friends and donated to the less fortunate. Muslims traditionally greet each other on the day

by wishing one another “Eid Mubarak” (Blessed Eid). The three-day Muslim holiday of Eid-ul-Adha began with special prayers at 06:30 hrs. Eid-ul-Adha also marks the completion of the pilgrimage to Mecca by Muslims. Later in the day, Muslims used the opportunity to visit family and friends and to give gifts and money. Additionally, some believers set aside certain amounts of money to prepare food and to buy clothes for those who are in need. Reflecting on the message of the festival, Meten-MeerZorg Masjid Imam Halim Khan, who was assisting in the distribution of beef at the mosque, said it is an occasion in which Muslims everywhere are encouraged

to make sacrifices for the spiritual, moral, social and economic upliftment of themselves and mankind. He explained that Eidul-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Zul-Haj and commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God’s command, before God then intervened through his angel and instructed that a sheep be sacrificed instead. Khan said in remembrance of Ibrahim’s obedience, Muslims offer a sacrifice, usually in the form of a bull, on the day of the celebration. The meat from the sacrificed animal is often divided into three parts. The family retains one third; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is given to the poor and

needy. Deputy Imaam of the Queenstown Masjid Omar Haniff noted that the meat is a representation of the sacrifices that must be given up and it also signifies Muslims’ attempts to eradicate their vices. With this sacrifice comes the ushering in of benevolence, kindness and other good qualities and it is for that reason, the meat is divided into three portions. According to committee member of the Kitty Masjid Don Rahim, a special prayer was offered at 06:30hrs and the day started with the distribution of beef as several bulls were slaughtered. Representatives of the Georgetown abattoir came to inspect the meat to ensure that it was healthy for consumption, while members of the public came to receive the blessed charity.

Muslims at Meten-Meer-Zorg masjid parcelling off beef for distribution

GTT’s Blaze

OVER the year, more than 6,000 households and businesses have received Guyana Telephone & Telegraph’s (GTT’s) 'Blaze' high speed internet, however, some 4,000 are still on the waiting list. During a press conference on Tuesday, GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd said that the company is installing up to 120 connections per day and will continue to look for ways to accelerate the number. “That’s a good problem to have and it’s not a problem that we simply ignore or take lightly. We’re pushing very hard to reduce the waiting list and it’s not unusual for you to see technicians working into the night and in the early morning and on weekends to get services installed,” he said. The CEO was, at the time, providing an update of the year 2018 thus far and provided a list of statistics to the media gathering at Herdmanston Lodge. Other data presented showed that, at any given time, more than 98 per cent of GTT’s landline and DSL connections were working with a fault rate of less than 2 per cent.

Meanwhile, with the introduction of Blaze, overall internet traffic grew by 13 per cent from January to June while the number of persons using landlines is decreasing. Nedd added that GTT is now more than 93 per cent more affordable than its competitor with a statutory tax rate of 45 per cent while its competitor’s stands at 27.5 per cent according to their audited financial statements. Aiming to enhance its customer experience in the near future, GTT’s capital expenditure for the expansion of its Fiber-to-Home project is an over US$20M investment. In the next 12-18 months the communities of Linden, Berbice and Bartica will receive upgraded services while GTT intends to deploy its services to areas such as Tuschen, Parika, New Herstelling and Perseverance. And, on the matter of improved customer service, the company has injected $40M each year for the last three year into training its employees which it believes is vital to the growth of its business and the country by extension.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

‘Don’t be afraid;

stay focused’

– Region 10’s Asher Marks urges others preparing to write CAPE

ACKENZIE High’s Asher Marks is Region Ten’s top performer at the Caribbean Advancement Proficiency Examination (CAPE). He achieved a Grade One in Caribbean Studies, Grade Twos in Accounting Unit Two and Economics Unit Two, and a Grade Three in Management of Business. This adds to Asher’s four other CAPE subjects that he sat last year while in Lower Six. He’d also topped the region last year by obtaining a Grade One in Communication Studies; Grade Two in

Management of Business; Grade Three in Economics; and a Grade Four in Accounting Unit One. Asher, who was the region’s top achiever at CSEC as well back in 2016, says he’s very elated about his achievement, given the amount of hard work he’s had to put in during the last year. “Writing CAPE is not easy,” he said. “It requires a lot of hard work and dedication. So to be able to come out successful, I am very proud of that.” He also credits his success to the overwhelming support from family and peers, which helped

Linden’s getting there at long last T

HE mining town of Linden is seeing infrastructural development of all sorts, the latest being the construction of a dedicated passport and immigration office in Retrieve. When construction is completed, which is in a matter of weeks, no longer will residents of Region 10 have to seek passport and other documentation services at the National Insurance Scheme building, as the one-storey building comes equipped with spacious waiting room, interview rooms, washrooms and loads of other facilities. It is also comes equipped with air conditioning. A passport service was first introduced to Linden in August 2016, which meant that Lindeners no longer had to travel all the way to Georgetown to either renew their passports or replace them if they were lost, damaged or otherwise unserviceable. All applicants had to do was submit their applications on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and uplift the document the following Thursday. They were, however, unable to apply for first-time

passports; that particular little errand had to be done in GT. When done, the passport office will also be expected to facilitate the processing of such other documents as birth and death certificates, as is all part of the current administration’s goal to decentralise certain key services. In another few weeks as well, the $80M state-of-the-art ‘E’ Division headquarters will have been completed, replacing the old wooden Mackenzie Police Station. Funding for the construction of the massive two-storey building, which measures approximately 135ft by 45ft, was facilitated by the Government of Guyana through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). According to officials on the ground, when completed, the facility will greatly improve the Division’s day-to-day operations owing to the additional space it now has. Former Divisional Commander, Mr Fazil Karimbaksh had said back in December 2017 when construction began that the new facility

Asher Marks steer him in the right direction. Again, he could not have done it without the help of God and the dedicated teachers at Mackenzie High, particularly his lessons teacher, Mr. Colin Lucky. And now that he’s done with CAPE, Asher will be going on to further his studies in Economics at the University of Guyana. His advice to upcoming CAPE students is don’t be afraid of the word ‘advanced’, but to remain focussed just as they did for CSEC, and they will likewise be successful. For years, Mackenzie High was the only school in Region 10 that had a Sixth Form, but come September, Christianburg Wismar Secondary (CWSS) will rise to that status, but will still keep focus on the vocational field.

– brand new passport office, ‘E’ Division HQ almost ready

The new ‘E’ Division HQ will have certain advantages, in that staff will no longer be cramped for space, which had in the past led to various departments having to be housed at other stations in the Division. “We’re very appreciative of this new building that’s going to come on stream, as it will house all our departments,” Karimbaksh had said, adding: “So the people

of Region 10 in particular will have better service, and we will be operating at our full capacity in terms of our departments. “It will be more comfortable too.” Meantime, the Police Department is operating out of make-shift offices in other structures within its compound, until the completion of the reconstruction process.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

Call for bids has Linden all excited –knowing that work on the highway is about to begin

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson

HE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has invited bids for a feasibility study and design to be done for the rehabilitation of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Since the notice was published, Lindeners, especially those who drive, are optimistic that something positive is about to happen at last, given that the rehabilitation of the 49-year-old highway has been on the radar for a while now; as far back as 2016. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson told the Guyana Chronicle that the

invitation for bids is the first step in the execution of major rehabilitation works, and that the Ministry of Finance was able to secure funding for this project through the World Bank. **The feasibility study is expected to last one year, after which major repairs will commence. Last month, during a meeting of the Regional Democractic Council (RDC) in Linden, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes revealed that the government has big plans for the highway in terms of a complete overhaul.

Such a development, she said, was intended to make drivers and passengers safer and more at ease, not only when travelling during the day, but at nights as well. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has been consistently doing minor repairs along the 45-mile stretch of roadway whenever the need arises, especially at eroded areas, and has even placed reflector lights and road signage along dangerous curves and turns, but unfortunately, some of these, have been stolen. The world-renowned Soesdyke-Linden Highway connects Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) to Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Upper Berbice). After its construction in 1969, it saw major repairs being done to it around 1997-1999. Many drivers have described the current state of the highway as deplorable, given its many structur-

A panoramic view of the famed Soesdyke-Linden Highway

al faults, undulations and proneness to erosion in parts. The shift in its foundation has resulted in several bumps and holes along the way, and only someone familiar with these faults can navigate it without incident. Many of the accidents

that have occurred there were caused by some of these very structural faults. Back in 2016, one of the indentations at reference was the cause of three major accidents on the same spot in the vicinity of Bamia, but thankfully, it was remedied

before further harm could be done. Commuters have long been asking for the highway to be lit, for sufficient signage to be placed at strategic points, and for overhanging vegetation to be regularly trimmed.

Knowing a trade is the way to go – with O&G around the corner, young joiner predicts

day, employment opportunities within the township, where at one time skills such as theirs were in great demand, continues to dwindle. Local joiner, Adrian Jacobs believes that the answer does not always lie in leaving Linden; that youths who graduate from LTI can find meaningful employment right in their own communities by marketing themselves. BE THE BOSS He also believes that they can create their own jobs; be their own bosses. Jacobs graduated from LTI in 2000 with a Distinction in Joinery, and returned the following year to pursue advanced studies in the same field. Immediately after graduating, he was able to land a job at a local wood-working shop, where he stayed for three years. But when things did not work out between him and his employer, they parted company and he began working with himself from his Wisroc home. Today, he finds what he does more of a hobby than a job, even though it helps pay the bills. And while joinery is not his only means of employment, Jacobs believes that as a man, being able to supplement your income with your vocational skill may help to better provide for the family, given the continuous rise in the cost of living. Adrian Jacobs with a wardrobe he built

HE Linden Technical Institute has been equipping Linden youths with a variety of skills in the technical and vocational fields for over 60 years. But as time went by, and the bauxite industry, the mainstay of the township, could no longer provide them with employment, they were left to either wander the streets aimlessly or seek alternative sources of income outside of Linden. This turn of events was as a direct result of the downsizing of the bauxite industry. And while the yearly intake at LTI continues to increase to this

TRADE IS IT “I believe that having a trade is very important; you can survive and bring up a family with it,” he said. He makes home furnishing such as wardrobes, chest of drawers and beds, and even pieces of handicraft such as ornaments, pen holders, wooden kitchen utensils. While many youths might believe that the market for such items is not readily available in Linden, Jacobs begs to differ as he has been getting orders, and even wishes for more time to meet the demand. Many Lindeners, he said, are interested in this particular niche market, since it guarantees durability. “The thin materials that they use for the ready-made stuff is not strong enough, so the wiser ones come to the joiner for durability and items that are long-lasting,” he said, adding: “One man told me that he wants a wardrobe that when he use it, his children can be able to use it as well.” He uses a special type of pitch-pine wood to produce his furniture

A bed built by Adrian Jacobs

thus guaranteeing longevity. At Christmastime, the joinery trade is more in demand, and youths can look forward or this time of year to market themselves to gain customers and to build their brand. MAJOR CHALLENGE The only problem, according to Jacobs, is the sourcing of the machines as a small- scale joiner since they are very expensive and difficult to source locally. He said that he can increase his output like many others in the field, if only he had the kind of machines he needs to get the job done, since most of his time is taken up in manual labour. But all is not yet lost, as he sees a light at the end of the tunnel with the coming of oil and gas, and prays that the government sees the wisdom in establishing an industrial estate of sorts in Linden where all the various machinery and other equipment can be produced. “We already get the land and the human resources,” he said. “All we need now is the support. And I believe that with all this talk about oil and gas, an industry where all of the skills can be able to come together and produce items that will be needed for oil and gas production and even for export would be good for the small man.” With that in mind, Jacobs is working assiduously on expanding his joinery business in time for that first oil.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

Talking development in Constituency

– with area ‘rep’, Councillor Fern McKoy

Councillor Fern McKoy

OUNCILLOR for Constituency Seven, Fern McKoy believes that being elected to serve in 2016 has allowed much to be done by way of development in those communities for which she is responsible. Those communities at reference are Blue Berry Hill and its Extension; Andyville; Prosville; One Mile North and its Extension; and the Wismar Housing Scheme. McKoy may have been a municipal councillor for nine years, but the most fruitful she feels are her last three under a new Council, since she would have been able to execute many of the projects she’s always wanted to. Whether it was through funding from the Council, the Ministry of Communities or her own pocket, she got the job done, because, in her eyes, she’s “a go-getter”, and the development of her constituency is all that matters. She also believes that it is her sworn duty to serve selflessly and diligently. Being proactive, McKoy says, has helped her make representation on behalf of her residents not only at the level of the Council, but at whatever forum the opportunity presents itself. WORKS COMPLETED McKoy related that her very first call of duty after being elected was to thank the residents for voting her in, and promising them to work assiduously for their betterment. Today, she believes she would have fulfilled that promise many times over, in spite of the many setbacks along the way, simply because she did not have the means at her disposal. Among her many accomplishments to date is the installation of lights along the Wismar Housing Scheme and Blue Berry Hill bridges after she realised that those areas were very dark at night and posed a danger to residents. She was also instrumental in having those street

lamps that would have gone bad replaced at the One Mile Extension area as well as other communities, except for Andyville and Prosville, which, because they have not yet been regularised, do not have electricity. She was, however, able to get stand pipes installed at Andyville, by pleading the community’s case with the CEO of Guyana Water Inc (GWI), Dr. Richard Van West- Charles. And while the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) does not have the authority to do capital works, McKoy was able to get some roads in her constituencies patched up until better can be done at the level of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). Bridges were also repaired in the One Mile Extension area, while the “speed humps” on the Blue Berry Hill access road were lowered somewhat since residents were complaining of the damage they were causing their vehicles. The Christianburg Wismar Secondary School’s access road is currently under repair, while repairs to the access road to the teachers’ hostel have been completed. Eroded areas in the communities were also made level, as best they can. Said Councillor McPhoy, “I am a person always on the ground and looking to see what is to be done in my constituency. “Even though I was a Councillor before, a lot was done for my community. I am a Councillor that has the interest of the people at heart; I am always trying to make it possible, and to see what can be done.” She was also instrumental in getting scholarships for some youths within the Constituency, while she helped others become involved in training programmes. She also saw to the launching of a sewing project, and by the end of the year, she will have seen to the construction of a community centre. In collaboration with the Community Development Council in Blue Berry Hill, a

Blue Berry Hill Bridge where lights were installed

block-making project is also expected to be rolled out. “In all my communities,” she said, “I have great interest in what goes on. I am at every meeting, and I even render assistance on occasion, even if it’s from my own pocket. “I don’t have a job, but the way I look at it, as a Councillor, serving my people is a job; it’s my sworn duty.” STILL TO COME While what was done was considered a lot, there are still many projects on McKoy’s agenda to be completed such as a play park in Blue Berry Hill that has already started. Several roads are also still to be done, and the regularisation of Andyville and Prosville is still to be completed. One of her major challenges is getting the support from the level of the administration at LMTC, since she would have submitted for funding for a number of projects, but they are not being executed. “I could have done a lot more that was promised, but for the lackadaisical attitude of the administration,” McPhoy said, adding: “A lot of recommendations and projects were sent in to the Council,

and it is now up to the administration to execute. But it is not happening; not the way we would like it to.” RESIDENTS SAY Residents of Andyville believe that Councillor McKoy would have done her best in serving her constituency and making representation for the communities. “Councillor McKoy has been ‘footand-foot’ with us, giving us the support as we try to get regularisation; she has assisted us a lot in getting things done,” said Michael Green, one resident. And according to Amelia Bourne of One Mile Extension, Councillor McKoy would have been instrumental in lighting up the community and in assisting in whatever way she can. “She is very proactive; always at the meetings, and I think that is good leadership,” Bourne said. For Tiffany Lee of Blue Berry Hill, Councillor McKoy has done a lot for the community; always making representation; always lending a helping hand. McKoy believes that Local Government Elections (LGE) was a window

of opportunity for betterment for the residents of Linden and not only her constituency. As she compares her service during the Interim Management Committee (IMC) years to post-2016, she believes that far more was done through democratic renewal. “With

our government now in place, we are getting more assistance from them, and ensuring that our residents have a better living standard,” McPhoy said, confident that she will be voted back in come November.

Lindeners have their say

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday August 23, 2018

– about proposed new Wismar-Mackenzie bridge

HE Government of Guyana will be funding the construction of a new Wismar Bridge to the tune of US$4.4M, courtesy of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), to aid in enhancing the transportation sector and the development of interior communities. The proposed bridge will bring to an end the dependency on the one-lane 50-year-old iron bridge that has long outgrown the burgeoning vehicular traffic in Linden. Daily, over 3000 vehicles traverse the bridge, which is a main means of commuting between the capital, Georgetown, and the country’s far-flung interior locations. Most importantly,

the new bridge will alleviate the present traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, and significantly complement the Linden to Lethem highway that should see commencement of construction by 2019. News of this latest development was met with much optimism up in Linden, so much so that many residents could not help but share their excitement with the Guyana Chronicle. DENTON OSBOURNE, who is managing director of the public relations firm, Osbourne and Associates, had this to say when the Guyana Chronicle caught up with him: “President Granger made a promise that he will build the

road to Brazil; we hope that indeed the road will pass through Linden. If it does, then a new bridge will indeed be welcomed, because it will bring a lot of economic opportunities, because of increased traffic and our strategic location. “There are already talks about a deep-water harbour, building a container yard, opening up pf a free-trade zone... “Those are all things to help Linden get the boost that was always talked about. With all these economic activities, we need a new bridge to facilitate them, since no big-ship can pass across the present one.” To Detective SHARIFA ERSKINE’s way of thinking, “The new Wismar Bridge

Toshanna Allicock

Renecia Datterdeen

Sharifa Erskine

Orlon Rogers

will indeed bring economic benefits to the town. It will attract more investors; it will increase trade and tourism, and this will have a ripple effect on local proprietors. “As business increases, revenue will increase in the town. The newly-constructed bridge will also allow for a safer crossing, since they was talk that the current bridge is sinking, and many persons experience fear while crossing.” Boxing Coach, ORLON ROGERS is overjoyed at the prospect of a new bridge. “I think the new bridge will be a great impact for Lindeners, especially for the future,” he said. “There is much talk about developing our aqua-tourism

said, “as the project will see Lindeners employed to get the work done. It will also complement the Linden to Lethem Road. “The township of Linden will also see heightened economic activities, as persons passing through will undoubtedly be looking for certain services to be provided such as food and beverage, accommodation, entertainment among others. “In addition, this should force service providers to improve and also diversify their services. So I’m optimistic that the bridge will Denton Osbourne bring much economic relief to our township.” The Guyana Chronicle also caught up with TOSHANNA ALLICOCK, and like any true public relations person, she, too, is able to see the bigger picture with the coming of the bridge. “The new Wismar Bridge and the Linden to Lethem Road, I believe, will be a big boost for Linden, given its strategic location and its plethora of tourism and industrial potentials,” Toshana said. “That road will allow Linden to become what Reycia Nedd it really is: The gateway to potential, and the new the interior and the hub of bridge will create a new economic activities between look to the Demerara Riv- Region 4 and other interior er. “We recently held regions. “And while the road the Linden River-front will not answer all of Linden’s Festival which aims at economic problems, it will promoting the beauty of Lin- definitely enhance the spendden. With the bridge, many ing traffic and key industries more persons will be able to such as hospitality, tourism journey to Linden to support and even mining, will benefit.” RENECIA DATTERfestivals as these; not only people from Georgetown, DEEN, may be a lowly teachbut Lethem as well. “When er, but she, too, has big dreams the Berbice Bridge was built, where that bridge is concerned. “The Wismar Bridge has everyone wanted to see it, so they travelled to do just that been a talk for too long,” and take pictures. With our she said. “I believe that the new bridge, the same thing people of Linden need to see some action. “It been long in will occur.” REYCIA NEDD is Branch the cards, but is yet to get off Manager of NCN’s Linden the ground. And as the days office, and she, too, is excit- progress, every day we cross ed about what’s in store for the old bridge, we continue to Linden. suffer with a lot of time wast“The construction of the ed waiting. “For a big town new Wismar Bridge will sig- like Linden with over 40,000 nificantly benefit Linden, and residents, a new bridge is Region 10 as a whole,” she needed like yesterday.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

Guyana racquet-wielders ...

KAYSAN Ninvalle and Jonathan Van Lange will form the core of Guyana’s challenge for honours in the 13-and-Under category when the Caribbean Mini and Pre Cadet championship serves off in the Dominican Republic early next week. Ninvalle, the national Under-15 king and Van Lange the local Under-13 champion are teaming up for the doubles and team events. The duo team dubbed ‘NinVan’ left Guyana yesterday for the championship along with other team members and official. The Under-11 Boys will comprise Dhanesh Persaud, Alexander DeAbreu, Malachi Moore and Colin Wong while the Under-13 Boys will be led by current national champion Van Lange and the others are 2016 gold medallist Ninvalle, Krystian Sahadeo and Christopher Barrow. The female Under-11 unit will feature Jasmine

Billingy, Akera Watson, Samara Sukhai and Rachel Saunders while Titans’ Thuraia Thomas will lead the female Under-13 lineup with the likes of Nkechi McRae, Tatyana Mohamed and Roze-Anna Saunders completing the team.

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Show Court Rce 2 War Value Race 3 Cadillac Frankie Race 4 Hogans Holiday Race 5 Pipes Race 6 Our Honor Race 7 Dream Passage Race 8 Shangai Schwartz Race 9 Goodthingstaketime South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:05 hrs Elusive Moon 08:40 hrs Sailor Girl 09:20 hrs Parisienne Chic 09:55 hrs Exclusivity 10:30 hrs Winter’s Forge 11:05 hrs Ration My Passion Irish Racing Tips Killarney 11:25 hrs Cardini 12:00 hrs Queen Rabab 12:30 hrs Exchange Rate 13:00 hrs Cache Queen 14:00 hrs Black Scorpion 14:30 hrs Grey Mountain Mist 15:00 hrs Cap D’Aubois English Racing Tips Chepstow 08:45 hrs Bond Angel 09:15 hrs Just Sherry 09:50 hrs Stringybark Creek 10:25 hrs K Club 11:00 hrs David’s Beauty 11:30 hrs Contended 12:05 hrs Natural History York 08:55 hrs Angel’s Hideaway 09:25 hrs Masaru 10:00 hrs Firmament 10:35 hrs Sea Of Class 11:15 hrs Lah Ti Dar 11:50 hrs Move Swiftly Fontwell 11:40 hrs Mr Fickle 12:50 hrs Competetion 13:20 hrs Holryale 13:50 hrs Eric The Third 14:20 hrs Whatthebutlersaw 14:50 hrs Longhouse Sale

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

India revive Test series with Green Machine... 203-run win over England By Rawle Toney

NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) - India wrapped up victory in the third Test against England yesterday picking up the final wicket needed, to secure a 203-run victory at Trent Bridge. The victory narrows England’s lead in the five-Test series to 2-1 ahead of next Thursday’s fourth Test at Southampton. India needed just 17 balls to get the final wicket with off-spinner Ravichandran India captain, Virat Kohli (centre), waves after Ashwin removing James Anwinning the third Test against England at Trent derson who gloved a catch to Bridge. Ajinkya Rahane. England ended their second innings 317 all out after Jos Buttler’s maiden Test century on Tuesday INDIA first innings 329 provided some cheer in what was ENGLAND first innings 161 INDIA first innings 352 for 7 declared a poor batting display against fine ENGLAND 2nd innings o/n 311 for nine Indian seam bowling. Alastair Cook c Rahul b Sharma 17 It was an excellent all-round Keaton Jennings c Pant b Sharma 13 performance from India as they Joe Root c Rahul b Bumrah 13 bounced back in some style from Ollie Pope c Kohli b Shami 16 defeats in the opening two Tests. Ben Stokes c Rahul b Pandya 62 Skipper Virat Kohli was named Jos Buttler lbw Bumrah 106 man-of-the-match after knocks of 97 Jonny Bairstow b Bumrah 0 and 103 for the tourists. Chris Woakes c Pant b Bumrah 4 “The victory was much needed Adil Rashid not out 33 and to have a performance that was Stuart Broad c h Rahul b Bumrah 20 so clinical is pleasing for me as capJames Anderson c Rahane b Ashwin 11 Extras: (b-2, lb-16, nb-4) 22 tain and the management. All in all Total: (all out, 104.5 overs) 317 it was the complete Test match for Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-32, 3-62, 4-62, 5-231, us,” said Kohli. “There was no need to change 6-231, 7-241, 8-241, 9-291. Bowling: Jasprit Bumrah 29-8-85-5 (nb-2), anything. At Birmingham it was Ishant Sharma 20-4-70-2 (nb-1), Ravichandran close. As a batting group we spoke Ashwin 22.5-8-44-1, Mohammed Shami 19- that if we step up we will definitely 3–78-1, Hardik Pandya 14-5-22-1 (nb-1). be on top.

SCOREBOARD

“That is what we did. We dominated this game because we got runs on the board. The bowling group was eager to take those 20 wickets again. It was about the batsmen, what we could do to give them that cushion.” India’s seam attack deserves plenty of credit, though, with Hardik Pandya taking five wickets in the first innings and Jasprit Bumrah doing the same when England batted again. While England retain the advantage in the series, their top order batting was a major disappointment and the only aspect to provide skipper Joe Root with any satisfaction was the 169-run partnership on Tuesday between Buttler and Ben Stokes. “That partnership from Jos and Ben is a real lesson to our team on how to play Test cricket. They adapted to the situation and built the partnership looking very clear on how they were going to score the runs. We need to make sure when we turn up to Southampton we score 400 or more in the first innings,” said Root. England coach Trevor Bayliss said the first-innings collapse to 161 all out was the decisive aspect in the Test and urged his batsmen to be wiser with their shot selection. “We obviously lost that game on day two with the way we batted but I’m very happy with the way the guys applied themselves in that partnership yesterday (Tuesday),” he said. “We hope that partnership will be the catalyst for going forward. The guys we have in the team go hard at the ball; constantly we are working on that. You can still play shots with good footwork but it’s about playing the situation.”

Invaders Masters capture ram in 10/10 competition BLESSED with brilliant sunshine and witnessed by a fair-sized crowd, Invaders Masters showed their experience and team effort to capture the prized ram (sheep) in the four-team 10/10 cricket competition played last Sunday at the Reliance ground on the Essequibo Coast. In the first encounter, Invaders Masters easily disposed of Reliance Sports Club, winning by 30 runs when play got on the way an hour after the scheduled 10:00hrs start. After calling correctly, Invaders Masters opted to bat first, and registered 103-6 from their allotted 10 overs with Barry Alphonso striking 22 (3x4) and former national Under-19 batsman Vijay Surajpaul supporting with 18 including 2x4. Medium fast bowler Jamal Wilson had figures of 2-26

from 2 overs for Reliance who then struggled for consistency and were restricted to 73-5 when their overs expired. Only former Essequibo senior inter-county captain Elroy Stephney 20 (2x4, 1x6) and former national Under-15 player Zavier McDonald 16 (2x4) reached double figures. Former national youth left-arm spinner Beesham Seepersaud bowled accurately with bounce and turn to claim 3-12 from his 2 overs to give the Masters the ideal start to the competition. The second match saw hosts Reliance Hustlers defeat Cotton Field Sports Club in a close and exciting finish. Batting first, after winning the toss, Cotton Field posted 102-7 from their 10 overs with former national Under-19 batsman Nathan Persaud smashing 49 (5x4, 3x6)

while Carlos Yapp contributed 20 with 4x4. In reply, Reliance Hustlers rallied to victory in the final over with Wayne Osborne 48 (3x4, 3x6) and Mark Austin 35 (5x4, 1x6) ensuring that the Hustlers crossed the line, ending on 103-6 for a thrilling four-wicket win. The stage was then set for the final which was also another close game that fluctuated just as the sunshine began to fade. After deciding to take first strike, Invaders Masters continued their consistency posting 105-8 due mainly off the bat of an attacking half-century by opener Barry Alphonso whose 55 contained 8x4, 2x6 while Raj Parbattie made a brisk 22 (3x4) to push the score along. Off-spinner Wayne Osborne bowled miserly to end with 3-18 from his 2 overs including claiming

all 3 wickets in one over. In response, Reliance Hustlers were kept in the chase after fluent innings from Dillon Blackman 30 (3x6) and Rovindra Parasram 24 (2x4) kept the scoreboard ticking. However, their departure ended the contest as they reached 96-6 from their 10 overs to concede defeat by 9 runs. It was then celebration time as Invaders Masters claimed another tournament triumph, this time taking away a ram as the top prize. At the presentation, Chairman of the Reliance grounds committee, Trevis Simon, thanked the teams for supporting the events as he disclosed that the proceeds will be channelled towards the restoration of the Reliance ground, along with providing sports gear and uniform for the club. (Elroy Stephney).

DESPITE not being properly prepared, as stated by the coach Kenneth Grant-Stuart, the ‘Green Machine’ departed Guyana yesterday for Colombia, where they will compete in the inaugural Americas Rugby Challenge, from August 24 to September 1 at the Estadio Cincuentenario in Medellín. Guyana will open the 15s format tournament with a clash against hosts Colombia on August 26, and will also face Paraguay and Mexico, in the cross regional event that encompasses both North and South America. Speaking to the media prior to the team’s departure, Grant-Stuart stated that the team’s preparation was mainly hampered by the lack of training facility most the grounds in the city could not have been used because of the rain. According to Grant-Stuart, “It was tough in the early stages, due to the fact that we didn’t have a proper playing field, due to the weather pattern, but to the latter end, we were able to move around and get reasonable practice.” Meanwhile, Ryan Gonsalves, the team captain, made it clear that the tournament will be the most challenging 15s tournament ever played, since it will be the first time that Guyana will be playing outside of the Caribbean Zone. “We have a lot of youngsters that are now making their debut into the 15s side, so it’s going to be challenging, but we’re going to have to make it work. Those teams that we are playing against will be very good technical teams and if we don’t play our ‘A Game’, we’re going to punish on the day. So we are going to go out there and get cracking from the first whistle,” Gonsalves said. Gonsalves, one of the best scrum-half in the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Region, will lead Jason Tyrell, Allain Crawford, Rondel McArthur, Kevon David, Grantley Williams, Richardson Staglon, Jamal Angust, Cloyd Prowell, Lancelot Adonis, Avery Corbin, Claudius Butts and Godfrey Broomes. Also making the team,

which was announced yesterday by the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), are David Garnett, Joseph Rahaman, Cyon Kitt, Ahmad Isaacs, Vallon Adams, Walter George, Sean Phillips, James Osborne, Daniel DeAbreu, Toby David, Selwin Henry and O’Neil Charles. “South American rugby is totally different from the Caribbean rugby that we’re accustomed to. So we all know that it’s going to be a challenge. But I’m sure the guys are up for it and we will give our best,” Gonsalves pointed out. Paraguay and México will open the tournament on Sunday, August 26, while hosts Colombia will tackle Guyana to close the first round of the tournament. Trans-regional matches will also be played in the second round with Guyana meeting Paraguay, and Colombia playing against México on Wednesday 29th. The final round, on Sunday, September 1, will see Mexico clash with Guyana, and Colombia versus Paraguay as the closing match. The winners will be the team accruing the most tournament points. This Americas Rugby Challenge will provide Guyana, Colombia, Mexico and the Paraguay with international competition to aid their development, as well as promote the growth of rugby across the continent. World Rugby Rankings points will be on offer and the proximity of the four teams in the rankings ensures games will be both relevant and interesting. Paraguay (ranked 38) and Colombia (43) joined Sudamérica Rugby’s elite in the new 6 Naciones Sudamericano. Guyana (47) and Mexico (53), representing Rugby Americas North, will be able to advance in the rankings on the back of good performances. The Americas Rugby Challenge is following in the footsteps of the successful Americas Rugby Championship, which will have its fourth season of competition this coming February/March. The competition was created by Rugby Americas for development teams in the Rugby Americas North and Sudamérica Rugby regions.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

UK prosecutors drop charges against ex-police chief over Hillsborough LONDON, England (Reuters) - A former British police chief constable, accused of lying over his role in the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium crush that killed 96 fans, will no longer face charges after a review of evidence, prosecutors said Tuesday. Norman Bettison had been charged with four offences of misconduct in public office related to statements he made in the aftermath of the disaster and about the culpability of fans which prosecutors believed were untrue. The victims, all Liver-

pool supporters, died in an overcrowded, fenced-in enclosure at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, northern England, during an FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest. Police at first blamed the tragedy on drunken fans, an explanation that was always rejected by survivors, relatives of the victims and the wider Liverpool community. Families spent decades campaigning for justice for the 96. Prosecutors announced last year that they would b r i n g c r i m i n a l c h a rg e s

Spanish players indignant over plans to stage matches in U.S. MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Spanish footballers are surprised and indignant that an agreement to stage regular season La Liga matches in the United States has been made without their consent, their union said yesterday. La Liga’s organising body announced last week in partnership with multinational media, sports and entertainment group Relevent that it plans to hold Spanish top flight games in the U.S. in the future. La Liga has not yet given details on when the first game across the Atlantic would take place, how many games per season would be involved, how they would be selected or whether it would compensate the loss of home advantage for teams involved. In response, the Spanish Footballers Union (AFE) said it was holding a meeting yesterday to discuss the issue and added to the criticism which it made at the time of the announcement. The AFE said that “captains and players” from La Liga sides would participate. “The AFE and the players do not understand unilateral decisions,” said a statement published yesterday. It said the players were “surprised

and indignant that their views were not taken into account in an agreement which affects them directly.” “La Liga is distancing the fans from the players, which damages the spectacle and the essence of football,” it added. “The players again feel they are marginalised from decision-making (even though) they are the fundamental actors and their opinions are essential for the growth of Spanish football. “The players demand that our opinions be heard and taken into account in any future negotiation or decision by La Liga which affects them.” The AFE also demanded “balance and common sense” in decision-making and complained about the kickoff times for some La Liga games this season. “The players are again being punished by the kickoff times of certain matches, which can damage their health because of the weather conditions or the lack of recovery time,” it said. “The AFE points out that certain kick-off times can be harmful for everyone who is involved in the spectacle - players, fans, and referees, whose health can be endangered.”

Former British police chief constable Norman Bettison

against six people including Bettison and other former police chiefs over the deaths and an alleged subsequent cover-up by police of their own mistakes. The Crown Prosecution Service said yesterday they had discontinued the case against Bettison, however, following a number of developments. “These include changes in the evidence of two witnesses and the death of a third witness,” it said. As a result there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. “I appreciate this news will be disappointing for the

families and the CPS will meet with them in person to explain the decision,” it added. The families of those who died at Hillsborough said they were bitterly disappointed with the decision. Speaking outside court where the charges were dropped, Steve Kelly, whose brother Michael died in the disaster, said: “I’m absolutely devastated. I feel as if I’ve been beaten up this morning.” The main campaign group said it would be exercising its right to an independent review.

In a brief statement outside court, Bettison said his role around Hillsborough had been misrepresented. “I’ve been forced to deny strenuously that I have done anything wrong in the aftermath of the disaster and today’s outcome vindicates that position,” he said. C h a r g e s re m a i n i n place against other officers, including former police chief superintendent David Duckenfield who was in charge of police operations at Hillsborough on the fateful day. He was charged with manslaughter by gross negligence.

Vijay, Yadav dropped from Test squad as India call up Shaw, Vihari

M U R A L I Vi j a y a n d Kuldeep Yadav have been d ro p p e d f ro m I n d i a ’s squad for the fourth and fifth Tests against England, while Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari have been called up. After scores of 20 and six at Edgbaston, opener Vijay bagged a pair at Lord’s and was subsequently replaced by Shikhar Dhawan for the third Test at Trent Bridge, which India won by 203 runs yesterday. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep, a surprise selection for the hammering at Lord’s, did not feature in Nottingham and has been sent to play with the ‘A’

team. Joining the senior squad are batsmen Shaw and Vihari - both of whom average in the mid to high-50s in firstclass cricket. Teenager Shaw captained the Under-19 side to World Cup glory in February but it seems both he and Vihari may find it hard to force their way into Virat Kohli’s XI after such a resounding victory. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (back) remains absent from India’s 18-man party, while head coach Ravi Shastri indicated after the game at Trent Bridge that the hip problem bothering Ravichandran Ashwin should

Kuldeep Yadav

not keep the off-spinner out of the next Test at the Ageas

Bowl starting on August 30. England hold a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, with the two sides set to conclude their battle at The Oval from September 7. India squad for fourth and fifth Tests: Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Prithvi Shaw, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Karun Nair, Dinesh Karthik, Hanuma Vihari. (Yahoo Sports)

Gayle shocked by Stars collapse ST Kitts and Nevis captain Chris Gayle admitted to being taken aback by the St Lucia Stars meek capitulation after coasting to a seven-wicket win, with 72 balls remaining in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) on Tuesday night. The Stars looked to be on the rise after claiming their first win of the season in 14 matches, with a convincing win against the Barbados Tridents in their last encounter. The Renaissance was, however, a short-lived one. Against the Patriots, only Qais Ahmad (24) and David Warner (14) managed double digits as the Stars were dismissed for 69. Sheldon

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots captain Chris Gayle

Cottrell did the damage for the Patriots after claiming 3 for 14 runs. In response,

Devin Thomas had a cracking 38 from 21 as the Patriots easily chased down a target,

which was never likely to be a problem. “Based on their last two games, I wouldn’t have thought there was a chance of that happening,” Gayle said in reference to the paltry total. Despite their position at the bottom of the table the Stars have made over 200 runs in two of six matches and gone over 150 in one other. “That’s the nature of the game of cricket, these things do happen. Not often as a captain, do things go exactly to plan; very thankfully it went according to plan from my point of view.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

Ramdhanis victorious on opening day of CAREBACO Senior Badminton Championships THE BWF CAREBACO International Senior Championships 2018 opened on Monday at the Ring Sports Center in Paramaribo, Suriname after the official opening ceremony with the presence of the Suriname Olympic Association president and the Director of Sports along with other members of the sports affiliates. Guyana’s athletes started off on a winning note, with Narayana and Priyanna Ramdhani both progressing further than their countrymen and women. The results of the opening matches are: Men Singles Round-1 Narayan Ramdhani (GUY) thrashed Amir Mahabir of Trinidad: 21-6, 21-2. Jonathan Mangra (GUY) defeated Denzel Sweet of Suriname: 21-11, 21-10. Darrell Carpenay (GUY) overcame Jai Luo of Suriname: 21-13, 19-21, 21-13. Akili Haynes (GUY) lost to Mitchel Wongsodikromo of Suriname: 21-8, 21-6. Tyrese Jeffrey (GUY) lost to Kevin Yao Lin Zou of Suriname: 21-9, 21-11 Men Singles Round-2 Narayan Ramdhani (GUY) bettered Jonathan Mangra of Guyana: 21-17, 21-11 Darell Carpenay (GUY) trounced by Gilmar Jones of Suriname: 21-7, 21-6. Ladies Singles Round-1 Priyanna Ramdhani (GUY) defeated Imani Mangroe of Suriname: 18-21, 21-7, 21-13. Mixed Doubles Round-1 Narayan Ramdhani & Priyanna Ramdhani (GUY) defeated Gilmar Jones & Rugshaar Ishaak of Suriname: 24-22, 11-21, 17-21.

Guyana’s Senior Badminton team

Kohli poised to eclipse Tendulkar …India’s superstar batsman looks likely to pip the Little Master after second century of the series at Trent Bridge INDIA’s batting maestro Virat Kohli is just six runs away from pipping the legendary Sachin Tendulkar when it comes to innings taken to reach 6,000 Test runs. After his second century of the series put India in command of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Kohli was out for 103, leaving him with a career aggregate of 5,994 Test runs at 54.49 from 118 innings. If the 29-year-old scores six runs in his next innings, likely to be in the fourth Test in Southampton, he will have reached the mark in precisely one innings fewer than Tendulkar, the man with whom he has so often been compared.

Virat Koli (left) is just six runs away from pipping Sacinn Temdulkar.

The overall mark belongs to Sir Donald Bradman, who reached 6,000 Test runs in a preposterous 68 innings, while the Indian record is owned by Sunil Gavaskar (117 innings).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday August 23, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Chadwick Walton (Warriors vs Stars, Providence, August 12) (2) Kesrick Williams (Stars vs Tallawahs, August 14) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams have each won the CPL title twice to date? (2) Who was voted Man of the Tournament in the first CPL season? Answer in tomorrow's issue

Earlier this year, then Australia captain Steve Smith levelled Sir Garfield Sobers in second place on the list (111 innings). Tendulkar was averaging a tick over 56 when he passed the milestone as a 26-yearold, against South Africa in March 2000. The Little Master remains the only played to have scored 6,000 Test runs prior to turning 27. But Kohli is busy making history of his own, having emphatically put to bed suggestions he struggles in English conditions with 200 runs in each of the first and third Tests, including centuries in both. The right-hander now has 440 runs for the series, with two Tests still to play, and looks a strong chance

to surpass Rahul Dravid’s tally of 602 runs for the most by an Indian in England. “You would be hardpressed to argue against him being seen as the best player in the world at the moment,” said England assistant coach Paul Farbrace. “He’s a high-quality player, and has shown he’s learnt a lot on this tour alone.” Another hundred in either of the next two Tests would also put Kohli level with Dravid for three in a series in England – the most by an Indian and a feat Dravid managed twice (2002 and 2011). Beyond that, the air is particularly rare; only Englishmen Herb Sutcliffe (1929) and Denis Compton (1947), as well as the incomparable Bradman (1930) have scored four hundreds in a Test series in England.

Fastest to 6,000 Test runs Sir Donald Bradman (Aus) - 68 innings Sir Garfield Sobers (WI) - 111 innings Steve Smith (Aus) - 111 innings Wally Hammond (Eng) - 114 innings Sir Len Hutton (Eng) - 116 innings Ken Barrington (Eng) - 116 innings Kumar Sangakkara (SL) - 116 innings Sunil Gavaskar (Ind) - 117 innings Viv Richards (WI) - 120 innings Sachin Tendulkar (Ind) - 120 innings Mohammad Yousuf (Pak) - 120 innings

CPL Playoffs ticket prices range between US$15 and US$25

GUYANA is set to host this year’s edition of the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Playoffs matches on September 11 and 12 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. Tickets for the two games are now on sale online and at the local box office and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Ticket prices range from US$15 and US$25. The Playoffs are a hugely important part of the Hero CPL season as we find out who will be taking part in the final of the fast-growing T20 tournament. “This is the ticket that everyone in Guyana wants and these matches are just reward to the Guyanese public for their wonderful support of Hero CPL over the years,” CPL said. Fans wanting to buy tick-

ets for these fixtures can do so at www.cplt20.com and at the main ticket office, which is located at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown. Tickets are also on sale at Lot 19 Princess Elizabeth Road, Queenstown, New Amsterdam, and at Imam Bacchus and Sons General Store at Affiance, Essequibo Coast. “Fans are encouraged to buy soon as the tickets are expected to sell out very fast,” CPL added. Speaking about the release of tickets for the Playoff games, Damien O’Donohoe, CEO of Hero CPL, said: “The support that we have over the years from the Guyanese government and the Guyanese public has been outstanding. “The games in Guyana have an atmosphere like nowhere else on earth. This is the biggest sports event of the year and I urge fans to get their tickets early and not be left disappointed. “There were so many fans who missed the home games as the tickets sold out so fast. We also have a few surprises up our sleeve for the Playoffs … so make sure to follow us on www. cplt20.com.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2018

Parks, Dundas relishing their opportunity with the ‘Golden Jaguars’ THEY consider themselves privileged to be part of this historical ‘Train and Play’ Camp that has been organised by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the core of its young players and some senior players, ahead of what is anticipated to be an intense four-year cycle of foundation football. The 22-year-old duo of defenders, Kevin Dundas who plays with Den Amstel Football Club and St Ignatius Football Club’s Franklyn Parks, a midfielder, have both expressed delight at being chosen to be part of what they have described as the commencement of a journey of a lifetime. Dundas, who commenced his playing career in his home village team Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demer-

Kevin Dundas

ara, has also plied his trade with Buxton United FC for two years and the Guyana Defence Force for one year before returning to his village team. Speaking with GFF Media, Dundas said he feels blessed to have been given this chance since he has been working hard over the years

and would be grabbing this first-time chance with hands and feet. “To get this opportunity, I am really grateful to God and my coaches for creating the pathway for this so that I can become a better player and improve. So it’s a really great opportunity to learn and go forward in the game. The coaches here have widened my horizons on how football is structured and the way forward with the game,” Dundas said. Having been called to a number of trials before, Dundas revealed that this is his first tour and it couldn’t come at a better time since it has boosted his morale and passion for the game, pointing out that “most of the time I am working and not selected; you feel like you not really

Exxon joins KOTS sponsorship team On behalf of the GMR&SC, Gonsalves expressed gratitude to the conglomerate that has been an avid patron of motor racing recently. According to reports from the GMR&SC, over 80 entries are expected for the KOTS 3 event and it was noted that the final figure could even be significantly higher, since there is much buzz among the local racers, along with the overseas contingent. Team Mohamed’s Nissan GTR remain the undisputed ‘King of the Strip’ while in the other classes, Shawn Persaud’s Toyota Caldina reigned in the 8-second class, Raj Panday in the 9-second. The 10-second class is currently held by Damian Persaud, son of Shawn Persaud, who also drives a Toyota. Michael Namchand of Suriname with his Toyota Mark II took GMR&SC secretary Cheryl Gonsalves collects the the 11-second class in KOTS 2 sponsorship cheque from Exxon’s Nicholas Yearwood. last April with Raymond John joining his countryman on the podium for the 12-second class. OIL Giant ExxonMobil has signalled its intention to be part of the team for this week- The 15-second class was won by Troy end’s King of the Strip Three (KOTS3) Kowlesar with the Trinidadian bike duo of Shawn Briggs and Ian Atherly also picking Drag race event. The company joins the list of sponsors up trophies. The scorching action gets underway at that will see competitors from Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname and Barbados go head-to- 09:00hrs this Sunday. Admission to the venhead with the local motor-racers at the South ue will cost $1 000 for adults and $500 for children. Dakota Circuit. The sponsors for KOTS 3 include Recently, at the company’s New Market Street office, GMR&SC representative Sherry Mohamed’s Enterprise, Ansa McAl, B.M. Gonsalves was presented with ExxonMobil’s Soat, ExxonMobil, Tropical Shipping, Del contribution by their representative Nicholas Ice Company, Japarts, Palm Court and Trans Pacific Auto Sales and Spares. Yearwood.

Franklyn Parks

going anywhere, so this is a major boost to my game and I’m learning something new every day from the coaches as they are very experienced and this is the way forward.” With the ultimate aim of Guyana qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and along the way, qualification for the CONCACAF Gold

Cup next year, Dundas is confident that he would be one of the main pillars in the team. The solid defender also shared that he has learnt a whole lot more in the area of dieting, which is very important to be at the top of one’s game, stating that “if you don’t put out the work and make the sacrifices you can’t go anywhere; so basically sticking with the diet and keeping hydrated is my responsibility.” Meanwhile, Parks, who has come from a football family, saw his other brothers play the game – Terrence, Brandon, Peter, Anthony and Daxton – so, as he puts it, it’s in his DNA. He started playing the game at age 10 in his home village of St Ignatius, in the Rupununi.

Like Dundas, Parks said he feels privileged to be part of the ‘Train and Play’ Camp and so far is comfortable with the way things have been progressing. The young midfielder also disclosed that he has been learning to focus more on his aim as a player and to set goals: “I see myself being a part of the GFF long-term programme because I am a person who pushes to be successful.” He noted that this exposure would motivate his fellow villagers to believe that they too can do it, pointing out, “it would show them more that we can come out here to take ourselves to a different level. We can perform and get better and play our part in developing the game nationally”.

RHT Farfan and Mendes, Albion through to Mike’s Pharmacy U-15 final

The victorious Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team

ROSE Hall Town Farfan & Mendes and Albion Under-15 teams will compete in the final of the Berbice Cricket Board-sponsored Mike’s Pharmacy Inter-club 50 overs tournament, after both teams won their respective semi-final games. Albion defeated Tucber Park Cricket Club by three wickets, while the defending champions got past a determined Blairmont team by five wickets at the Area ‘H’ Ground. At Albion, Tucber Park

were bowled out for 104. Zeynul Ramsammy, the only batsman to offer some resistance, with 35. Kumar Deopersaud and Pavendra Ganesh were the chief destroyers with 4-20 and 4-27 respectively. In reply, the home team reached 105-7. Hemendra Gurdyal (21) and Tameshwar Mangal (18), were the principal scorers. Ramsammy took 2-16, while N. Looknauth had 2-27. At the Area ‘H’ Ground, Blairmont were bundled out

for 103 in 35.3 overs. Shredath Roopnarine made 27, with extras contributing 32 to the total. Matthew Pottaya (2-16), Jeremy Sandia (2-23), Johnathan Rampersaud (2-24) and Kevin Ramnaraine (2-18) were the main wicket-takers. In reply, Johnathan Rampersaud hit a composed 54, which guided his team comfortably home, at 106-5. Roopnarine took 2-19, while H. Ragbir had 2-32. A date for the final will be announced shortly.

Some members of the Guyana rugby team prior to their departure for Colombia

‘Green Machine’ wing out for Americas Challenge Series … Captain Gonsalves anticipates tough tournament

See Page 20

Ex-Brazilian soccer boss jailed for four years in FIFA probe Guyana racquet-

Jose Maria Marin was the head of the Brazilian federation between 2012 and 2015.

NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - A former president of Brazil’s soccer federation was sentenced yesterday by

a U.S. judge to four years in prison after being convicted on corruption charges related to the bribery scandal at FIFA, the sport’s governing body. Jose Maria Marin, 86, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Pamela Chen in Brooklyn, New York. He was also fined $1.2 million and ordered to forfeit $3.34 million. Marin, the former head of Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF), was convicted on December 22 by a federal jury on six conspiracy counts, including to commit racketeering, wire fraud and money-laundering. He was among the first to stand trial over what

U.S. prosecutors called a sprawling scheme involving payments of more than $200 million of bribes and kickbacks in exchange for marketing and broadcast rights for soccer matches. Prosecutors said Marin received several million dollars in bribes. “We are disappointed in the length of the sentence but appreciate the judge’s efforts to strike a fair balance,” Marin’s lawyer Charles Stillman, said in an email. “Mr Marin will pursue an appeal.” Prosecutors had sought a minimum 10-year prison term, less 13 months that Marin has already spent in custody.

Defence lawyers said Marin’s age and health meant he should be sentenced to time served, court papers showed. CBF declined to comment. At least 42 individuals and entities have been charged in the FIFA probe, and many have pleaded guilty. Juan Angel Napout of Paraguay, a former head of South America’s soccer governing body CONMEBOL, was a co-defendant at Marin’s trial and was also convicted. His sentencing is scheduled for August 29, court records showed. The third defendant at the trial, former Peruvian soccer official Manuel Burga, was acquitted.

wielders leave for Caribbean Mini and Pre Cadet championship See Page 19

‘Hinterland Boxing Championship’ to kick off in the near future

Orlando ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers

ORLANDO ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers, who was appointed to overlook the development of Box-

ing in the hinterland by Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr George Norton, is pushing to keep youths meaningfully occupied through the sport. Rogers recently formed a gym in Wakapao, Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam. It has 30 members from the four neighbouring areas of Curemeru, Mora, Myrie and Massarie. Other gyms formed by Rogers are Region One’s Moruca Power Right Boxing Gym, Region Seven’s

Bartica Blazing Gym, Region Eight’s Hands in the Glove Gym and Region Nine’s Savannah Boxing Gym in Lethem. Meanwhile, these youths will be participating in an inaugural ‘Hinterland Boxing Championship’ scheduled for the near future. The champions from that tournament will go on to represent Guyana at the Caribbean Schoolboys Boxing Championships. Rogers has repeatedly expressed his appreciation to Minister Norton, Direc-

tor of Sport Christopher Jones and president of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, for fully supporting the venture. His next tour will be to Kwakwani in Region 10 and other remote areas such as Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Leguan, Wakenaam, Charity and Annai. Rogers’ first gym was formed in Victory Valley in Linden. Many members have participated in international competitions, many times returning home as champions.

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Kaysan Ninvalle (left) and Jonathan Van Lange were yesterday morning snapped at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall just before leaving for the Dominican Republic. THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2018