Guyana chronicle e paper 06 28 2016

Be united No. 104596

TUESDAY JUNE 28, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

- President urges City Hall, says no declaration of war against municipalities Page

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President David Granger on Monday addressed City Hall, as Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan and Mayor Patricia Chase-Green paid rapt attention (Adrian Narine photo)

2 dismissed in major GRA shakeup

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‘Strong, 14 Bandits shoot, mutually rob Canal beneficial’ businessman Page

- EU pledges closer ties with Guyana; gives $2B towards river, sea defences

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Accused Crum-Ewing killer pleads innocent By Clestine Juan REGAN Rodrigues, alias ‘Gray Boy,’ who is currently on trial for the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, yesterday expressed frustration after the matter was forced into another adjournment by Magistrate Judy Latchman. Rodrigues has currently spent over the last 11 months on remand for the murder of the political activist, which occurred on March 10, 2015, at Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. At Monday’s hearing, Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes was ready for the continuation of the trial since

he had brought another witness to testify along with evidence to be submitted to the court. However the matter was adjourned until June 29. Grey Boy, who is always vocal during his hearing, pleaded his innocence and accused the police of improper investigation. “The police need to investigate themselves, because I can’t see the gun that they say I shoot the man, don’t match the same bullet they found in his head,” Rodrigues said while he stood shackled in the prisoner docks. The prisoner pointed out that the police had no solid evidence linking him to the charge. However they

arrested him because of his criminal background. “It’s because ah poor and needy. The same gun the police link and charge me with get dismissed” Rodrigues stressed. Magistrate Latchman, after hearing the prisoner’s claims scolded him and said: “You need to have a little faith” as she give the matter another date for trial. However Grey Boy shook him head in disagreement and said under his breath: “I must have faith in the court system and them charging me for the murder of a man I never kill?” In January, Rodrigues was sentenced to three years’

imprisonment after being found guilty by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a charge of escaping from lawful custody. Rodrigues, however, had the charges of possession of illegal arms and ammunition dismissed against him. He was indicted for escaping from lawful custody on July 13, at Riverview, Ruimveldt, while in the custody of Constable 2041 Thomas pending criminal charges for unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful possession of ammunition. It was also alleged that on the same day, he had in his possession one Taurus pistol and 14 live rounds of ammunition without being a licensed firearm holder. These two charges were dismissed since the Magistrate found no evidence to show that the defendant had knowledge of the weapons. She noted that the illegal gun was not found in the defendant’s bedroom, but was instead under a chair

the police had to lift up. In addition to that, the defence, during the trial, raised a concern that there was multiple occupancy of the home. At his first court appearance last year , ‘Grey Boy’ explained that he was being victimised by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), because everybody is labelling him a murderer and a cold-blooded killer, who wanted to execute an innocent man. The magistrate had to remind Rodrigues of his right to remain silent, although he told her that he would like to “reason with the court.” In his “reasoning,” he implicated Rajput Narine, a former bodyguard of former Attorney General and People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) executive member Anil Nandlall, and a highly ranked police officer whom he named as ‘Creaser.’ Narine and ‘Creaser,’ Rodrigues noted, were the ones who had offered him

money to execute Courtney Crum-Ewing, but he said he had refused the offer because he was a supporter of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). He said he had gone to the police, who instead held him for the crime, because “once money pass, nobody cares.” Political activist, Crum-Ewing was gunned down on March 10, 2015 while encouraging residents of Diamond New Housing Scheme to cast their votes in the May 11, General and Regional Elections against the PPP. The former soldier had come to the public’s attention after he had held a one-man demonstration for 80 days in front of the office of the then Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, following revelations of a taped conversation between that official and a senior reporter of the Kaieteur News. Crum-Ewing was shot five times -– thrice to the head, once to the back of the neck, and once under one of his arms. All the bullets were fired from behind and at close range, except the one that hit him under his arm and exited through his shoulder.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

BE UNITED

- President urges City Hall, says no declaration of war against municipalities By Alva Solomon PRESIDENT David Granger has pledged his Government’s support to the Georgetown Municipality. Welcomed at City Hall by a parade of City Constables held outside the downtown landmark on Regent Street, and escorted into City Hall compound by Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, the President’s address to the Council was the first made by a Guyanese leader in over 20 years. Addressing councillors gathered around City Hall’s horse-shoe table shortly after 14:00hrs on Monday, the Head of State said he had visited City Hall to encourage unity among councillors and offer proposals which the Council can adopt in discharging its mandate to enhance the development of the capital city. He appealed for unity at City Hall, and made several proposals to the Council as he called for the City to be more sustainable. “Some people complain -- and they will always complain -- about new financial measures,” he said. He noted that as long as such measures are transparent, approved by the Council, and are in the interest of the nation, Central Government would fully support their implementation. The President called on the councillors to reach out to their respective constituencies, as he noted that each councillor represents approximately 2,800 citizens within

Georgetown. “And you have to listen to them,” the President said. “We expect you -- week by week, month by month -- to engage those citizens in your constituencies, so that you can bring back to the Council their opinions on matters affecting them,” he charged. He said that, thus far, the Council has been working to improve the outlook of the City, and he noted that persons have been making positive remarks about the City’s progression. He promised that Central Government would remain committed to assisting the Council in discharging its mandate, and reiterated his call for councillors to work together in the interest of the citizenry. The President said the governance structure is based on three strata, the most elementary of those being the local or municipal stratum. He said the local government system must work if the country is to become prosperous. NO DECLARATION OF WAR He assured that there will be “no declaration of war between Central Government and the municipality,” noting that Central Government will always be prepared to meet the Council…and in the final analysis, the citizens can be assured of their concerns being addressed,” he said. President Granger spoke of the unsanitary and unsightly state of the City in

years gone by. “It had degenerated into a national embarrassment,” he noted, as he recounted that Georgetown had become prone to a plethora of problems, including poor drainage and problems associated with solid waste management. “Our national capital (city) must never be neglected again,” he said, “regardless of which political party is in power. The City must regain its image as one of the Caribbean’s most picturesque and pleasant places for residents, and an attractive destination to visitors,” he said. President Granger said the Council has only 30 months to carry out its mandate, since elections are due in December 2018. “If you don’t perform, you will get a bad report and people will not put you back in office. As long as I am

President, municipal elections will be held when they are due,” he promised. PLANNED DEVELOPMENT According to the President, the City must avoid “unplanned development”, which he noted has affected its progression many times in the past. He said the boundaries of the capital were extended, but the requisite resources were not increased or improved. The extension, he said, was in response to demands of commerce, industry, and for human settlement. “I ask this Council today to consider the possibility of establishing a National Capital Planning Commission,” the President said, noting that the task of that body should be to review the numerous plans which were prepared

President Granger is being escorted into City Hall compound by Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on Monday afternoon over the years, and develop a structured approach to urban renewal. “Business places should not intrude in areas designated as residential zones,” he said. He also called for each vendor to be placed under a roof, to cheers from those gathered. “Vending is a legitimate economic activity, and I would like the City Council, as it has abided in the past, (to) let us find suitable places where vendors could be

The President inspecting the Guard of Honour outside City Hall

protected from the elements,” he said. The President suggested that the Mayor and councillors should develop a “much clearer vision” and “much more profound sense of mission”. He said that on September 25 last year, the country adopted “the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The agenda contains 17 goals, and number 11 speaks to making citizens safe. “The Council should, I suggest, create a City where people can feel safe,” the Head of State noted. EXPECT THE BEST Mayor Patricia-Chase Green welcomed the President’s proposals, and assured that the Georgetown Municipality would work to ensure that one can “expect no less than the best from the City”. The Mayor called on the councillors to support the City’s agenda; and in her chants of “yes we can”, several councillors placed their hands on the table as others looked around.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 28, 2016

2 dismissed in major GRA shakeup Cameron to face EU THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has dismissed two managers for poor performance, Board Chairman Rawle Lucas has said. Speaking with reporters on Monday, Lucas disclosed that the services of Head of the Human Resources Management Division, Archana Joshi, and Head of Customs, Jameel Baksh, were recently terminated following an in-depth review of GRA operations. The GRA Board Chairman said the Board was dissatisfied with the rate of revenue collection and the poor conditions under which staff members have been forced to work, hence the decision to relieve Joshi and Baksh of their duties. A decision was also made on Monday to appoint Hema

GRA Chairman, Rawle Lucas Khan as Deputy Commissioner General. At the time of her appointment, Khan was serving as the Deputy Commissioner for Tax Operations and Services. The office of the Commissioner General still remains vacant. While interviews have been conducted, the candidates are still being evaluated. “While we are in the process of completing the selection of a Commissioner General, the organisation has gone ahead with some changes in critical areas,” Lucas told reporters

leaders over Brexit

while explaining that the Head of the Law Enforcement and Investigative Division, Karen Chapman, will now oversee GRA’s transition programme. “The functional structure leaves large amounts of revenue uncollected and vast communities of taxpayers underserved. It also leaves the staff demoralized, and this situation the board intends to change,” Lucas posited. Through the transition programme, Chapman is expected to address many of the inefficiencies within the system. “The new transitional programme will focus on our regional approach to revenue collection; it will focus on taxpayers’ needs, ease of doing business, and creating more acceptable working conditions for the staff,” Lucas explained. Fitzroy Corlette, who has been functioning as the Head of Projects, will now head the Law Enforcement and Investigative Division; while international attorney Lancelot Wills will now take over the Customs portfolio.

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David Cameron is to meet European Union (EU) leaders for the first time since the UK voted to leave. The UK Prime Minister will discuss the implications of the Brexit vote and the way ahead at an EU summit in Brussels. German, French and Italian leaders said on Monday there could be no “formal or informal” talks on a British exit at this stage. Meanwhile, Chancellor George Osborne has ruled himself out of replacing Mr Cameron as Prime Minister. He said in the Times that “it isn’t in my nature to do things by half-measure, and I fought the referendum campaign with everything I’ve got. I believed in this cause and fought hard for it. “So it is clear that while I completely accept the result, I am not the person to provide the unity my party needs at this time.” And Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has said the UK must remain within the EU’s single market.

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Mr Hunt, who is said to be considering standing for the leadership after Mr Cameron stands down, has floated the idea of a “Norway plus” arrangement outside the EU where the UK would enjoy the current trade benefits of being a full EU member while negotiating revised immigration rules. In other developments on Tuesday, Labour MPs will vote on a motion of no confidence in their leader Jeremy Corbyn - who has insisted he is staying put - while Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address MSPs over Brexit’s implications for Scotland’s future. As Europe tries to come to terms with Britain’s decision to leave, Mr Cameron will attend a working dinner of EU leaders after meetings with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Mr Cameron is standing down after last week’s referendum went against him. The Prime Minister campaigned for the UK to remain a member but has insisted that the result must

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be accepted. Speaking on Monday, he said a special unit within Government was being set up to lay the initial groundwork for leaving the EU. However, he has said that it must be up to his successor who will be elected by the start of September - to decide how to proceed and precisely when to give formal notification of the UK’s intention to leave by invoking Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. Under EU rules, once this happens, the UK would have two years to negotiate the terms of its divorce from the EU - unless the remaining 27 members unanimously agreed to extend the process. It must also decide the shape of its future trading relationship with the EU. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has said a new UK Government must be given time to prepare itself but other EU leaders have said the process cannot be delayed indefinitely amid fears of “contagion” for an organisation facing multiple economic and political challenges.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Getaway pilot reportedly has murky history By Alva Solomon

AS LOCAL authorities continue to examine the legal basis on which to tread, reports have suggested that the operators of two aircraft which departed Guyana without authorisation on Saturday had committed several aviation violations while operating here. The pilot of one of the two aircraft, Munedat “Raj” Persaud, along with another pilot whose only name was given as “Vladimir”, departed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA), un-

known to the authorities here, in two Cessna 206 aircraft bearing registration 8R-GTP and GMP. The two flew undetected to Grenada, and later island-hopped their way further north to the island of Anguilla. This newspaper was informed that one of the aircraft was prevented from moving onward, while the other was allowed to depart for San Juan, Puerto Rico the following day. Persons within the aviation sector told this publication on Monday that Persaud had always “bullied” his way while operating here. The pi-

lot has, reportedly on several occasions, provided incorrect information to the authorities; and one aviation official noted that such violations are known within aviation circles. Same occurred on Saturday when the pilot departed from these shores minus customs or immigration declarations. In addition, Persaud and his colleague flew through Trinidad’s airspace without authorisation. Calls to the numbers provided for Oxford Aviation at Ogle on Monday went unanswered. According to reports, the company folded in recent

Boy struck down by motorcyclist

By Shirley Thomas

TWELVE-YEAR-old Hajey Naresh of 159 Zahora Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara was walking along the Railway Embankment Road between Prince William Street and Graham Street, Plaisance on Sunday morning when a speeding, out-of-control dirt motorcycle driven by an allegedly unlicensed motorist struck him down outside the Village Council Office. Picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, he has been admitted in hospital suffering from multiple injuries, including a gaping

cut of about six inches to the head; fracture to both hands, and three punctures to his legs. He is expected to return to theatre for further surgical intervention today (Tuesday). His father, Naresh, told the Guyana Chronicle that Hajey was going to the Plaisance Market to buy DVDs when the accident happened. He said eyewitnesses recalled that the child was on the right side of the road and was proceeding east to west when the motor cycle, heading in the opposite direction, ploughed into him after becoming uncontrollable. His father has expressed gratitude to those public-spirited persons who rushed him

to hospital, adding that persons had also picked up the child’s money which was scattered on the roadway and had returned same to him (the father). The eldest of three siblings, Hajey is a student of the Montrose Secondary School, who wrote the National Grade Six Examination a few weeks ago. Now that he is lying on a hospital bed with both hands, legs, and head injured, his parents have expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life, and because he was not injured before he was able to write his examination. The motorcycle rider was taken to the Sparendaam Police Station and released on bail.

months and the operator was planning to relocate the two aircraft to the United States, where the company operates a flight school. Prior to last weekend’s incident, the company’s operations here have reportedly been dogged by several notable accidents, in one of which its aircraft was damaged beyond repair. A Guyanese by birth, Persaud, during an interview with this newspaper in February 2011, had said he decided to start operating here because he had seen the need for a service to hinterland areas, and he had started with two aircraft. Shortly after, however, the company lost an aircraft in an incident at Ekereku, in Region Seven. On board then were five persons, some of whom were employees of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). All the passengers managed to escape with minor injuries after the plane ran off the runway at Ekereku Bottom

during take-off. That aircraft, the first of two owned by Oxford, was damaged beyond repair, and subsequent investigations established that it had crashed as a result of pilot error -- the pilot had overloaded the plane. He had suffered only minor injuries, Persaud confirmed at the time. Then, in January 2010, the pilot of another aircraft operated by the company landed the aircraft short of the Baramita airstrip in Region One. “The facts are that the aircraft landed short of the runway. Why he landed short of the runway, we don’t know. From what I was told, the aeroplane was coming in to land at minimal air speed, and he landed short of the runway; and part of the consequence was that he hit a ditch and lost control,” Persaud had said at a press conference at that time. It is unclear whether the incident at Ekereku Bottom

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was related to another incident which involved another aircraft operated by another local company -- Domestic Aviation. That aircraft, a Cessna 172 model aircraft bearing registration 8R-JIL, had sustained structural damage during a collision with an aircraft operated by Oxford Aviation. That incident resulted in pilot Orlando Charles of Domestic Aviation taking the matter to the courts to be resolved. The active High Court proceedings barred Persaud from operating the two aircraft, and this is seen as the genesis for the pilot’s actions on Saturday morning. Reports are that the two pilots, using their airport pass, passed through the security at the airport and informed security personnel that they were going to the aircraft to place something onboard. The incident has resulted in criticism of the security arrangement at the airport.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Addressing mental health issues

OVER the years, the issue of mental health in Guyana has mostly been dealt with from a reactionary standpoint -- after certain tragedies would have happened to emphasise the need for better services and facilities. There is an evident correlation between a country’s mental health and its economic growth, as mental health can impact poverty through loss of jobs due to illness, among other factors; while a positive impact on health can see finances destined for health being diverted to other sectors. Despite the evident need for these facilities to be available, as well as persons trained in the area of mental health, there has been both ill-managed and inadequate allocation of resources to provide for mental health issues. Several factors are at play in the lax struggle against mental illness. These factors range from political unwillingness to a culture of self-reliance and stigma; and it will take several interrelated factors to help hasten the process of tightening the struggle against mental illness. Currently, there are five psychiatrists in the country’s public health sector, although there are several psychologists; and while they offer counselling, their limited numbers do not enable much change, especially since they are almost all located in Georgetown. There were some murmurings about a possible Master’s in Psychiatry programme being implemented and conducted through the University of Guyana, but whether or not the plan is still in the works remains unknown. Such a programme would, however, be beneficial, as it would serve to increase capacity of the public health sector in tackling mental health and those suffering from it. Public Health Minister Dr. George Norton has also stated that a Mental Health Institute (MHI) would be introduced to the country, while internal and external improvements are being made at the National Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice. On the surface, there seems to be a lot of plans to address mental health, but with the country having the highest suicide rates in the world, questions need to be asked regarding the sufficiency and adequacy of these plans, and how soon these changes will be seen. Mental health has, for too long, been placed on the back burner, resulting in minimal expenditure and general neglect of the sector. One step which needs to be taken soon is to carry out one of the World Health Organization’s suggestions to decentralise mental health care and integrate it into primary health care. This would see tasks being carried out by general workers rather than by specialists, as they are in short supply, while the need for their services is great. Better systems alone, however, cannot eradicate the problem, and clinical settings should not be seen as an end-all achievement. Familial and societal support can play a large role in treatment, as will education on the need for acceptance and inclusion of afflicted persons, so as to ensure they are not being ostracised. One of the major hurdles which need to be overcome is

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 28, 2016

Duncan should tread carefully Dear Editor, I AM concerned about Mr. Sherod Duncan on two fronts. Firstly, his meteoric rise to fame and stardom is dazzling; and for this he has to be wary. And secondly, he really did nothing spectacular; all he did was ask if the duly elected councillors could have a say in what happens at the council. For that simple request, he is now the talk of the town (pun intended). This reminds me of a saying: “one-eye man is king in blind man country.” If Mr. Duncan had said what he said in a country that is not a banana republic, his request would have been granted; adjustments would have been made, and the matter would have lasted all but three days. But in Guyana, where old habits die hard, a little known councilor, simply by being practical, has now been able to attract the backing of the international community, including

the ambassadors of the world’s most powerful nations. Who would have thought this can happen? He even made the Government do what the PPP are now saying is illegal: reviewing the parking meter contract. Mr. Duncan has caused consternation to the City’s single most ambitious project. No other project in the City, in recent history, has engendered more investment capital, international and local impetus, and political involvement. Single-handedly Mr. Duncan has brought to a bitter place a project that in the minds of many was ‘a walk in the park’; the four most powerful M&CC bigwigs were on board with this deal. Now all eyes are on Mr. Duncan. Many will seek him out. He will be approached by those who have long had ideas and plans for the City of Georgetown but could not (or did not want to) pay the usual “concessions” that are re-

quired. Additionally, he will be approached by those who are willing and able to pay such “concessions” but would want him to endorse their projects. He is now in demand. It is perceived that he can make kings of some persons and paupers of others. My first concern, therefore, is that from here on, everything Mr. Duncan does will be under severe scrutiny. Secondly, it is possible that some of those whom he offended might seek to get to him. After all, if there is one thing Guyana is known for, it is its awful and brutal vindictiveness. Just ask Freddie. I was going to say ask Waddell, ‘Sash’ Sawh, or Crum-Ewing, but they can’t be asked; they were murdered. Even the facts about who killed Walter Rodney are up for discussion despite a multi-million-dollar inquiry. So Mr. Duncan needs to tread carefully. I might even suggest that the international countries that found logic

in Mr. Duncan’s objections should find ways to protect him; not only from those who might have been affected by his ‘spoke’ in the wheel of this current project, but also from those who think that he might be a hindrance to other projects in the pipeline. Editor, I debated Mr. Sherod Duncan in the runup to the Local Government Elections. My only problem with him then was that he was campaigning under the banner of the Coalition, which I thought was unfair. I believed then, as I still do now, that the Central Government should not be running the Local Government. However, if I had known that Mr. Duncan would have been this independent in his thought and intent, I would have left him alone. I tip my hat to him. Regards, PASTOR WENDELL P. JEFFREY

Generator bid contract explained Dear Editor, REFERENCE is hereby made to the article with heading “Bidders Protest $7.5M Generator Contract Award”, published in the Kaieteur News on June 25, 2016. The article refers to a procurement process conducted by the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc. (HECI). As the head of the HECI, I would like to comment on our procurement processes in general, and not address the specific issue in the article. I previously attempted to address the issue of bidprice when I wrote a letter that was published in the Kaieteur News on October 24, 2009 under the heading “Invariably, price is not the only criterion for winning a bid”, so I would repeat some of what I wrote in that article. Some contractors and suppliers believe that a contract should be awarded to

the bidder with the lowest price, while others believe the contract should be awarded to the bidder with the price closest to the engineer’s estimate. What those persons do not realise is that the procuring entity looks for the best value, not necessarily the lowest bid or the price closest to the engineer’s estimate. Generally, in a procurement process, bidders are expected to meet certain stated requirements, which are used as the criteria for evaluating the bids. Bidders are therefore expected to submit sufficient relevant information from which a determination will be made as to whether or not they meet those requirements. However, very often, bidders ignore some or all of the requirements and just concentrate on offering the lowest possible price for their goods or services. A bidding process usually has the following: 1 - A financial requirement, to ensure

the stigma associated with those who suffer from some kind of mental health issue. Guyana being a superstitious country, its citizens often view mental illness as something due to demon possession or the manifestation of Obeah having been worked on the sufferer. That aside, there is the belief that the mental health sufferer is just crazy and needs to be locked away and forgotten. This stigma often results in many persons concealing their symptoms if they can, to preserve their “normalcy” in both their family structure and society; as lack of understanding, personal biases and intolerance hinder them from seeking treatment. This concealment often results in the person not getting treatment as early as they should; and consequently their condition

that a bidder has access to sufficient funds to successfully complete the contract; 2 - Equipment and skill requirements, to ensure that a bidder has the capacity to perform the contract; 3 - An experience requirement, to ensure that a bidder has successfully performed similar contracts in the past; and 4 - Strict technical specifications that items must meet, in the case of the procurement for equipment. In a bidding process, bidders are expected to meet the stated requirements even before their prices are considered and compared. In other words, a bidder’s price is irrelevant if he does not meet the requirements, even if his price is the lowest or closest to the engineer’s estimate. In the case of the procurement of equipment, it is particularly important that the goods meet the technical specifications. This is to provide some level of assurance to the procuring entity that

the equipment can serve the purpose (for which it is being procured) in an effective, reliable and efficient manner. As such, bidders should pay special attention to the bidding requirements when participating in a bidding process. If a bidder cannot meet all the requirements, that bidder should consider partnering with another contractor/supplier in order to do so. I reiterate that price is not the only criterion for winning a bid. Using price as the primary basis for awarding a contract could result in the wrong contractor, supplier or equipment being selected, and this could have serious repercussions for a project. Regards, HORACE WILLIAMS CEO Hinterland Electrification Company Inc.

-- when they finally seek treatment -– is usually too advanced for them to ever reclaim a life of normalcy. Too often, those suffering from mental health issues -- such as depression, stress and anxiety -- see suicide as an option; as mental health, besides being heavily stigmatised, is not understood. There has, for too long, been a general attitude of sloth in the mental health sector; and while many politicians have, over the years, made pronouncements on their plans to address mental health, actions invariably fall short and lack proper execution. While the intentions behind the National Mental Health Strategy 2015/ 2020 can be seen as good, execution has mostly not been properly done.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Gov’t must tackle corruption at City Hall Dear Editor, THE impudence, nerve and disrespect of the Georgetown Municipality is mind-boggling and unbelievable, to say the very least. It is unbelievable that, with only half of the year completed, the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) has just declared itself bankrupt for the umpteenth time, and is requesting a financial bailout from Central Government when: (i) it has not had its books audited for over two decades; (ii) it has not presented to the citizenry of the capital a budget for 2016. M&CC cannot have it both ways. On one hand, in order to carry on with the scandalous parking meter contract, its of-

ficers are ignoring the concerns of the citizenry and senior Government functionaries and pressing ahead regardless; whilst, on the other hand, cap in hand, its officers are expecting to be rescued by the same Government. Here is the real issue: How much longer will Government keep pumping valuable financial resources into this bottomless pit before a decision is made to cashier the Council’s chief administrative and financial officers? Had this been a corporate entity, a private sector company, or a well-run state enterprise, those two persons would have long been gone. It would seem that at City Hall senior officials are answerable to themselves, and are allowed to obliterate, wipe out

and break up this institution; and then walk away scot free with their pockets overflowing. That is a crime against the citizenry and the state. That is a crime of betrayal against our beloved country, and it should be dealt with as such. To add insult to injury, the folks at City Hall are claiming that the money they are seeking from Central Government is for cleaning up the city for the Golden Jubilee of Independence. Utter nonsense! The Council is obligated to clean the city, Jubilee or not, as this is what citizens pay their property rates and other fees for; not for them to squander it on their friends! Government needs to address the gargantuan corruption that exits there, the nep-

otism and cronyism and the incompetence. The dishonest, devious and disreputable senior administrators must

no longer be propped up, but must rather be sent packing if we are to rescue our capital from total annihilation.

Regards, DEODARIE PUTULALL

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Linden subvention increased by $5M By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Mayor and Town Council of Linden has been granted a $5M increase in subvention from Central Government, and would now be in a better position to finance its programmes. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland said the subvention, increased from $11M to $16M, will assist the Council to get out of its poor financial state. The Linden M&TC had lobbied the President to increase the subvention. “We lobbied further that we need a little bit more help, and I thank God that today our subvention was increased from $11M to $16M; and I think that’s a plus for this new Council,” the Mayor told reporters. With a debt of $200M, the Linden M&TC is currently in the process of gazetting the Kara Kara toll booth, which will help in paying off its debt and meeting other expenses; and in seeking to secure an increase in shares of the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge. The policy that mandates $10.00 per square foot for market stall rental

is also under review by the Markets Committee with the intention of increasing the sum. The Council is, moreover, soliciting Central Government intervention to relieve it

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland of its $70M debt owed to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Currently, none of the council’s 124 employees is in receipt of social security benefits from the National Insurance Scheme, and none will receive NIS pension after retiring. The Council has made a legal agreement with NIS to address its liability by means of paying $200,000

Two arrested for robbing fellow passenger FORTY-SEVEN-year-old Shan Goasu of Regent Street, Georgetown was heading to the city in a taxi with two other persons when, at Number 2 Village, West Coast Berbice, the driver drove the taxi along a lonely road, and one of the suspects choked Goasu and relieved him of one gold chain, one gold ring, three hundred thousand Guyana dollars, one iPhone, a passport and $2,500 in Suriname currency. This robbery, which occurred at about 14:15hrs on Sunday, was promptly reported at the Blairmont Police Station, West Bank Berbice; and diligent work by the police, assisted by information received, led to the arrest of two men at Church View International Hotel on Main Street in New Amsterdam. A search conducted on their persons unearthed Gy$300,000, one iPhone, $2,500 in Suriname currency, a passport, and a bag containing clothing which belongs to Goasu. The men have been arrested as investigations into the robbery continue.

per month; but as this is paid, the debt will continue to grow, as the Council cannot afford to pay the current NIS requirement of $800,000 per month for its workers. Giving a mathematical analysis of the situation, Councillor Devin Sears said it would take the Council 29 years to pay off the debt to NIS at the rate of $200,000 per month, and that does not address paying the current NIS rate. “Mr. Mayor, at this time, we need intervention; we need to start looking at direct solutions where we can generate and garner enough money to pay our debts to ensure our employees benefit from the little we have to offer at this Council,” he explained. Mayor Holland had said he had made representation to Central Government on behalf of the Council, and had been given a positive response.

Bandits shoot, rob Canal #1 businessman By Rabindra Rooplall ARMED bandits stormed the home of 36-year-old businessman Dhaniram Tirbeni at Lot 13 Studley Park, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara at about 1:00hr on Monday, gaining access to the home by prising open a window in the lower flat of the building. Two of the four unmasked bandits then proceeded to the upper flat of the building, where four persons were asleep: the businessman and his wife in one room, and their two children in another. Tirbeni was then awakened by gun butts to the

Injured businessman Dhaniram Tirbeni head, whilst the bandits demanded cash and jewellery. He was placed to kneel with his hands behind his head, and then shot once to the right arm. He also received

cuts to the head from the beating. The bandits then ransacked the entire home before making good their escape with jewellery and an undisclosed sum of cash. Relatives rushed Tirbeni to a city hospital, where he was admitted and is said to be in a stable condition. The Tirbeni family operates a grocery shop and poultry business, and relatives say the Tirbenis are traumatised and are calling on police to bring the perpetrators to justice. Police found the keys of the businessman’s vehicle in a neighbour’s yard, as investigations into the robbery continue.

The Tirbeni property was ransacked by bandits

La Grange gas station robbed twice in 48 hrs - several suspects for court today

Brazen armed bandits have robbed the D&L Gas Station at La Grange, West Bank Demerara two nights in a row. The robberies occurred on Saturday and Sunday, and this newspaper understands that on each occasion the bandits approached the pump attendants and demanded cash before escaping. Police have since apprehended several suspects who reportedly attacked the entity on Saturday night, while the hunt continues for the others who carried out the daring robbery at

about 23:45h on Sunday. According to police sources, the men in custody will today be charged and placed before the court. Owner of the gas station, Deodat Deokinandan, called ‘Beard Man’, is calling on the police to find the culprits. He is of the view that the business community is being targeted by persons who are not willing to work for what they need. Deokinandan said the gas station will now be protected by armed security guards.

This gas station at La Grange, West Bank Demerara was robbed twice in 48 hours

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Westford trial begins July 11 COME JULY 11, 2016, People’s Progressive Party Parliamentarian and former Public Service Minister, Dr. Jennifer Westford and her former principal personnel officer, Margaret Cummings, will go on trial in relation to charges they are facing for alleged attempted larceny and forgery of documents for the purchase of eight state vehicles. The trial will be presided over by City Magistrate, Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Corporal, Bharrat Mangru is slated to call a total of nine witnesses who will testify on behalf of the prosecution. Last August, the former minister was placed on a total of $800,000 bail after she pleaded not guilty to the charges. The charges alleged that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state-owned vehicles to four persons. Westford's former principal personnel officer, Margaret Cummings was also slapped with four counts of forgery. Cummings also

try’s accounts department. It was discovered that on 24 occasions, Westford signed a memorandum amounting to $639,420,000 and sent it to the Office of the President for approval. Approval was granted and cheques were prepared and encashed by Bank of Guyana. It was revealed that the Margaret Cummings pleaded not guilty to four charges, which alleged that she forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles. She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail. In June 2015, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, had told the media that it was brought to his attention that some documents were sent to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), purportedly signed by Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Hydar Ally. This was done under Ally’s letterhead, but signed by someone else. “He had no knowledge of this transaction,” Minister Harmon had stressed. It was Ally who directed

Former Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer Westford Harmon to the discrepancy in the paperwork forwarded to GRA for the transfer of eight vehicles. In light of the overwhelming evidence, the vehicles were returned to the government. In April, Westford and Cummings were each released on $4.8M bail after denying a total of 24 charges which alleged that they stole over $639M, while being employed in the Public Service. According to court facts, Westford was employed as Minister of Public Service from 2001-2015, while her co-accused was the principal personnel officer of the Ministry. Cummings was also in charge of the Minis-

Atlantic Ville bridge needs fixing A BROKEN bridge has brought a number of woes to residents of Atlantic Ville, East Coast Demerara, causing one child to fracture her leg and creating a major hindrance to persons traversing the area. Numerous complaints have gone unattended over the past three years, even as residents continue to bemoan their plight. The bridge is used as a main access point to the community so persons are left to take their chances traversing the dilapidated structure on a daily basis. The distraught residents lamented that vehicle owners are frequently faced with punctured tyres or they are sometimes robbed at the bridge as they are forced to a crawl when crossing due to its current condition. In addition, heavy-duty trucks and buses use the bridge as a gateway route to the community. Meanwhile, the calls have increased for a new bridge in order to boost the outlook of The wrecked bridge which has been causing the community and ensure the safety of the residents. problems at Atlantic Ville for the past three years

monies were requested to carry out various activities throughout the 10 administrative regions. But personnel from the various regions were contacted and denied ever receiving the cash. Investigations were carried out and no money was recovered. Westford of Lot 55 ‘AA’ Victoria Avenue Ec-

cles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Cummings, a mother of three, of 709 Section ‘A’ Diamond EBD are being represented by a team of attorneys; Rexford McKay, SC; and attorneys Neil Boston, Keisha Chase, Eusi Anderson, Bibi Shaddick, Brandon Glasford and Dexter Todd.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

GTT launches Daily Councillor approaches Social and Shared Town Clerk’s daughter 4G data plans -for details on his recent trip to Panama and Mexico

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) will today launch two additional 4G data plans to suit the varied needs of its customers. The plans are as follows: the Daily Social Plan, which provides unlimited access to Facebook and WhatsApp for just $160 for a period of 24 hours; and a Shared Data Plan, which allows up to five persons to share one data plan of 3GB for only $3,499 monthly. “We continue to lead the market with our competitive new offers, which come just a month after we introduced Free Basic Mobile Data Services and free Facebook and WhatsApp with every

data plan”, said GTT’s Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Gert Post. GTT’s new Social Daily Plan allows customers to use the most popular social network APPs at the most affordable price, and renews automatically on a daily basis. It can also be activated or disabled by dialling *100#. The Shared Data Plan is reportedly an excellent option that can be easily used among friends and family members. GTT data plans are said to provide great ways to stay in contact with loved ones via WhatsApp and/or Facebook. Customers can continue to dial *100# to activate any of GTT’s data plans.

Tuesday June 28th, 2016 - 10:30 hrs Wednesday June 29th, 2016 - 12:30 hrs Thursday June 30th, 2016 - 14:00 hrs

GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and Town Clerk Royston King have sternly condemned the “depths” to which some councillors are going as they seek to investigate financial and other improprieties at the City Council. A case in particular, to which both of them referred on Monday, has to do with an unnamed councillor approaching King’s daughter to find out if she had gone on the recent controversial trip to Mexico and Panama, and if any other of King’s relatives had been included. “You cannot invade a man’s privacy, not with his girl children; you cannot go to such depths, your family is off-limits. There are so many implications to this,” the Mayor told councillors during Monday’s statutory meeting at City Hall. She reported that the Town Clerk had called her on Sunday morning and was very upset at what his daughter had told him about the councillor. According to her, the councillor had urged King’s daughter not to mention to her father anything they had spoken about. Chase-Green said that councillor could be charged for obstruction, and could even be locked up. She plans on taking this issue up today with the Human Services Department of the Council, and possibly the Ministry of Social Protection. The Mayor said the behaviour of some councillors is unbecoming, and she urged that a workshop be organised to train them how they ought to conduct themselves. The Town Clerk offered that councillors should not in-

terfere with the work of the administration, and that if clarifications are needed or a problem arises, councillors should contact either him or the Mayor. “I have always sought to give councillors their due respect, even when my name has been bandied around in the press unjustifiably,” King said. Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, in considering the minutes of a past statutory Town Clerk meeting, asked that they be Royston King corrected to reflect that the team (Mayor, Town Clerk, Councillors Junior Garrett and Oscar Clarke) was going to Mexico, and that no mention was made about Panama. While a team from the City Council was meeting in Mexico on the issue of installing parking meters in Georgetown, several councillors had questioned why they could not gain access to the parking meter contract that was signed recently. Furthermore, one councillor questioned why the Council was not informed of the reason for this visit to Mexico; and what the purpose of the visit was, considering that the contract was already signed in May.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Transitioning into a resilient business By Audreyanna Thomas, Senior Communications Officer, GuySuCo

THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) is currently undergoing one of its most dynamic, complex and turbulent periods in decades. The realities of the Corporation have created an urgency to act, and to act decisively and speedily. The leadership, management, employees and all stakeholders have to rethink the business in a way they have never done before; GuySuCo simply must become a more resilient business entity. ‘RESILIENCE’ IN THE GUYSUCO CONTEXT Organizational resilience is the ability of an organization to anticipate, prepare for, respond, and adapt to incremental change and sudden disruptions in order to survive and prosper. GuySuCo has to develop business resilience, which is the ability to quickly adapt to disruptions while maintaining continuous business operations and safeguarding its employees and customers, and its assets and overall reputation. On its way to becoming resilient, the corporation must contemplate being more efficient and deriving profits from the current core business, sugar. In this light, several engagements are being undertaken with both employees and stakeholders, to detail a programme for achieving more efficiencies and improved production in sugar. Another important exercise is that the corporation is

Another 3 years for man with submachine gun A TWENTY-SEVEN-year old security guard was on Monday sentenced to three years in jail and fined $100,000 after he was found guilty by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on an illegal gun and ammunition charge. The charge stated that on June 5, 2015 at East La Penitence, Edward McCollin had in his possession an Intratec 9 mm Luger submachine gun, along with eight cases of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licenses. Edward McCollin He is also accused of unlawfully and maliciously discharging the weapon at Umbelita Grant on the same day with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause her actual bodily harm. In her submission to the court the magistrate said that McCollin, was in physical possession and had control of the firearm and ammunition at all times, while he was not the holder a firearm licence. The Magistrate further stated that from the evidence received from the police prosecution and their witness, there was no doubt that McCollin had knowledge of the firearm and ammo. According to a report, police ranks on duty, after hearing what appeared to be gunshots, went in the direction of the shots and encountered Grant, who told them that McCollin had attempted to shoot her. Police subsequently pursued McCollin, who they say started to run after seeing them approaching. He then threw the firearm into a septic tank. He was subsequently apprehended and charged. McCollin was charged last December with possession of a rifle and ammunition. He was found guilty and sentenced to five years in jail.

renewing its focus and revising its goals by developing a diversification programme. Future projections show a high probability that sugar will not be profitable over the next decade; this has therefore created the opportunity for GuySuCo to re-think whether its core business should still be sugar, even though the market indications are trending downwards. It is inconceivable that the highs of the former European Union (EU) preferential market would ever return. A key aspect of developing a resilient business would require some degree of risk-taking. As a matter of fact, there is risk if the corporation chooses to act, and there is a greater risk if it does not act; and in this instance, timing is also of paramount importance. A very critical point to note is that the corporation cannot only concentrate on surviving these challenging times, but must also craft a strategy for a prosperous future. It has to develop what some call the “psychological immunity” to, or the ability to, rebound from and withstand difficult seasons, and the only way to accomplish this is to diversify. Hence feasibility studies are being done in fruit crops, rice, aquaculture, dairy farming and livestock. LEADERSHIP GuySuCo is such a dynamic entity and player in communities and the society that it is important that a resilient culture and resilient leadership be further developed within the corporation – from the sugar cultivations all the way

Shot teen mechanic…

Police close to cracking the case POLICE ‘A’ Division Commander Clifton Hicken said yesterday that there will soon be a breakthrough in the case in which a teen was shot in the face during a daring daylight robbery earlier this month. He told the Guyana Chronicle that detectives are doing some groundwork and will soon crack the case. As such, he did not want to divulge any information that may hamper the probe, but said the police are still reviewing footage of the armed robbery/shooting. A suspect who was arrested has since been released, pending investigations, but a vehicle that matches the one in the footage is still lodged with the police. During what appeared to be a well-orchestrated robbery, 15-year-old Jahmaul Lewis of Wren Avenue, Jahmaul Lewis South Ruimveldt was shot in the face at his place of employ, just a corner away from where he lives. Reports are that, on the day in question, the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School student had just returned from buying plantain chips, and was sitting on his bicycle when three armed men stormed the mechanic shop, which also serves as a base for the Green Ice Taxi Service. The incident reportedly occurred at about 14:00hrs.

to the Board of Directors. The diversification programme also enables the corporation to work on more than one time cycle -- the short term, which is sugar production; and the long-term, meaning other ventures. Due to the relationship between GuySuCo and the communities, there has always been a heavy dependence upon the corporation for the economic and social development of communities within the vicinity of sugar estates. As such, the economic downturn of the corporation has exposed a critical flaw in the development programme of these communities; that is, to a large extent, their growth and development depended on the efficiencies of the estates. Therefore, when the estates are not achieving their targets, this has a debilitating effect on progress in these areas. Additionally, it puts a greater responsibility on GuySuCo to operate a successful business. Nevertheless, the realities are grim, hence it has become imperative to go beyond GuySuCo transitioning into a resilient business; but the lesson learnt is that community development for areas around estates must also include a strategic programme to ensure that these communities become resilient. Finally, with this awareness, moving forward would require much optimism; decisiveness; integrity; and open communication, both at the formal and informal levels, with employees and other stakeholders. All must come on board!

More cocaine tendered in Dataram trial THREE boxes of cocaine, containing the remaining 420 pieces of the total 692 pieces of the illegal drug, were tendered into evidence Monday, in the ongoing trial of self-confessed drug trafficker Barry Dataram. Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor Kunyo Sandyford-Thompson, in her appearance before City Magistrate, Judy Latchman, made the submission for the boxes of cocaine pieces to be admitted as evidence in the trial of Dataram, his common-law wife Anjanie Boodnarine, together with Kevin Charran and Trevor Gouveia. One of the boxes contained 200 cocaine pieces, while the second contained another 200 and the third 20 pieces. The white freezer in which the illegal pieces were found, along with a multi-coloured box containing utensils were also marked and tendered into evidence. The utensils in the multi-coloured box were three plastic cups, two table spoons, two hammers two digital scales, one stainless bowl, a Barry Dataram stainless pot spoon, a knife, a small chopper and one box cutter. The evidence was tendered and marked as exhibits in the presence of the defendants and lawyer Glenn Hanoman. It is alleged that on April 16 last, at 661 Fourth Avenue, Block X, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, 129.23 kilogrammes of cocaine were found on the premises when Dataram and the others were in the building. Hence they were charged with being in possession of the drugs for the purpose of trafficking. The matter is adjourned to July 14, 2016.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 28, 2016

Digicel launches CPL promotion

DIGICEL Guyana on Friday night launched its 4G Promotion for the upcoming CPL Cricket where customers with an active data plan will be eligible for an all-inclusive ticket each for the Party Stand at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on July 10. Digicel is sponsoring the Party Stand where customers, who are not on the 4G Network, can top up their phones to get tickets. The tickets, according to Head of Marketing Jacqueline James, is all inclusive where food, drinks, music, models and celebrities will be in house for cricket fans on July 10. On Friday night, Digicel with its models went bar hopping at Palm Court, 704, and Altitude bars where entertainer Jumo Primo launched the new CPL song “Bring the Beat”. They also had tickets giveaways to customers with active 4G Data plan on Friday night at the three bars they visited with their promotion launch. The promotion was well received, especially the upbeat song sang by Primo and the dancing models.

At Palm Court, a patron Navin Prashad displays a ticket he won after his phone was checked and he has an active 4G data plan, compliments of Digicel

Teen still on life support

THIRTEEN-year-old Shemar Henry, who was hit by a speeding car on the Goed Fortuin Public Road on May 29, remains on life support at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The lad, who turned 13 just four days after the accident, was last Monday transferred to the High Dependency Unit (HDU), where he remains in a state of unconsciousness and can only breathe through a tube inserted into his throat. He is also being fed intravenously. Shemar is unable to speak, and even though his eyes are open, he appears not to be seeing and cannot respond to persons at his bedside. Injuries suffered by the lad include four fractures to the head, facial fracture and a host of other technical complications, which have left his family in deep agony. Meanwhile, the other person injured in that accident, 43-year-old Wazir Ali of 18 Industry Front, East Coast Demerara, is warded at the Male Surgical Unit with his left leg amputated after three surgical interventions. There is also a deep incision into his right leg which has carried about 20 stitches. Recounting the horror of the

The injured Shemar Henry

Injured: accident and the agony associated with it, Ali told the Guyana Chronicle that on May 29, he was standing at the roadside on the Goed Fortuin Public Road awaiting transportation to Georgetown, en route to his home at Industry Front, East Coast Demerara, when tragedy struck. Ali recalled that a shiny black motorcar drove up and the driver asked him to allow him

Wazir Ali some space so he could park and leave the vehicle for a while. Ali complied and at that moment looked up the road and saw another motorcar approaching at a terrific speed. Noticing Shemar and two other boys walking in the same vicinity, he called out to them, cautioning them to beware. But before he had finished his warning, another motorcar,

(a Blue Bird), said to be driving at a terrific speed, slammed into one of them, (who happened to be Shemar Henry). The lad was sent flying through the air while the car ploughed into Ali, and rammed him into the shiny black car that had just taken up parking. His left leg was crushed and he ended up in a sludgy black water drain where his exposed tissues remained submerged. It was around 15:15 hrs and the lads were going to play football. Word quickly went around and Shemar’s mother, Sharon Henry, rushed to the scene where she initially had trouble getting a taxi to take her bleeding child to hospital. Meanwhile, an ambulance was passing shortly after with a pregnant woman, and public-spirited persons at the scene flagged the bus down and begged the driver to take Ali to the GPHC. Meanwhile, the man who allegedly caused the accident and injuries is said to be a ‘man-of-the-cloth’ (a pastor) from a nearby community. Even though he was said to have visited the teen in hospital twice, the distraught wife of Wazir Ali claims he has never visited her husband.

Jumo Primo with the Digicel models on Friday night

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Moraikobai gets school boat, bicycles to follow

THE VILLAGE of Moraikobai, situated up the Mahaicony River, Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) on Sunday became the latest beneficiary under President David Granger’s Five B’s or ‘Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books’ Programme, which is aimed at ensuring that every child has access to and stays in school. President Granger commissioned a 42-seater boat, which was donated by the Guyana Goldfields Incorporated/Aurora Gold Project. The company had handed over the boat to Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, earlier this year. In addition to handing over the boat, the President has committed to ensuring that a number of bicycles are handed over to the community before the beginning of the new school term to cater for travel, during the dry season. Before officially commissioning the boat, President Granger in his remarks, said that in November 2015, three women – Deputy Toshao, Ms. Mary Joseph, Ms. Shenelle Adrian and Ms. Lynette Adrian - from the village had visited him at the Ministry of the Presidency, where they shared the plight of the students, who travel as much as 100 miles to get to the Central Mahaicony Secondary School. The children are forced to pay as much as $3000 per day to travel out of the village

President David Granger pours coconut water on the newly commissioned boat to attend school. Consequently, school dropouts and absenteeism had become prevalent. “I was encouraged to come here by three wise women. They came to me last year November and I did promise to come and today I am fulfilling that promise. What they asked me for was a boat and I have brought the boat. These are the women who came out of this river and took the initiative to come and see me. I didn’t refuse to see them. I didn’t tell a clerk to see them. They came into my office and I gave them my word. I am honouring that promise,” the President said, even as he gave each of them a token of appreciation. Given his intense focus on education, the President noted that he was moved to initiate action so that the burden of travel-

ling can be significantly reduced for both students and parents alike of the village. “I couldn’t come before because there was a drought and the river was too low but here I am today… We must keep our children in school and there must be no excuse; no excuse of lack of transportation. Let us keep this boat working and I promise you, we will do everything possible to ensure that it is kept repaired and functional at all times because if our children cannot go to school, they cannot take part in making Guyana that better place and giving themselves that good life that has been promised. I want to urge the Toshao to make sure every child goes to school,” President Granger said. Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, who has been

playing an instrumental role in the coordination of the B’s programme, in her remarks, highlighted that though the President had made the commitment since 2015, he has fulfilled the promise so that younger generation can benefit to take Guyana forward. “I recall being told by the President of your approach to him for a boat to be used by our children and members of the community for essential purposes and here we are; the President is delivering on his promise as usual. Requests like these cannot be ignored or forgotten because this administration recognises that education and essential services happen to be the best investment that we can make in our people. We as a government have initiated legitimate action to improve access to education through President David Granger’s B’s project,” Minister Ally told the residents of Moraikobai. She noted that the programme is a representation of how responsive the government is to the needs of the people, especially in the areas of education and social development. “We have a proactive government whom by every means necessary, will seek to address social ills and inequality issues, specifically issues that impedes children and young people from achieving their full potential in life. We will make all the necessary investments to ensure that every child has equal access to education, regardless of their

location, whether it is riverine, hinterland or coastal communities,” the Minister noted. Meanwhile, Toshao of the Moraikobai, Mr. Collin Adrian, expressed his thanks, noting that it is heartening to see the President keep his promise, which he had made to the women who had visited his office since November last year. He also extended thanks to the Government for its quick response to addressing the village’s flooding situation about two weeks ago. “Our expectation surely was not in vain. This is a visit that we were expecting since December and today it has borne some fruits. A few weeks ago our community was affected by the flood; however I must thank the Government for its quick response. Thank you, Mr. President for responding to our call,” he said. Though no representative from the Guyana Goldfields Incorporated/Aurora Gold Project was present at the commissioning ceremony, Logistics Manager of the company’s Buck Hall operations, Kenrick Glasgow, during the handing over of the boat to Minister Ally, earlier this year, had said that the commitment to give this gift to the President - a boat for his ‘Buses, Boats and Bicycles’ or ‘three Bs’ programme, was made the same day that the company poured its first gold bar. “This is a present from the people of Guyana Gold Fields

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for the children of Moraikobai in the Mahaicony River. It is indeed a pleasure and an honour to give this gift for the children so that they can go to school,” Glasgow said. Ms. Mary Joseph, one of the women who had visited the President in November, expressed her gratitude, noting that the President’s actions to honour his promise, has not gone unnoticed. “I feel so great that the President has really stood to his word and I know that he didn’t fool us. He promised us and he has dedicated himself and came to us and delivered and for that we are most grateful,” she said. Ms. Shenelle Adrian, another resident said “we feel happy because it is good for our children. When they have to go to school, they have to travel on the pontoons in the rain and now all of them will get to school,” Ms. Adrian said. The Boat is expected to benefit at least 50 students and Headmistress of the St. Francis Primary School, Ms. Shalome Calistro, hopes that it will significantly boost the morale of the students and parents alike, encouraging regular and punctual attendance at school. To date, eight boats and nine buses have been commissioned by the President, while hundreds of bicycles have been distributed to communities across the ten administrative regions of the country. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Parents accuse headmistress of bad management Foo is alleging that at this February 12, election Cornette told him that she will not be supporting the new body, because she was not in favour of the appointment of Ms. Shonette Charles as treasurer and Ms. Marcia Velloza as assistant secretary/treasurer, for personal reasons. Foo said that as president, he did not comply with her demands, one of which was that he replaced Charles and Velloza, as he felt that what she was asking was unconstitutional.

A parent shows gate of school locked By Vishani Ragobeer MEMBERS of the Parent Teachers Association (PTA), other concerned parents and teachers of the Rama Krishna Primary School yesterday held a small protest against the school’s headmistress for alleged mismanagement. Mr. Gary Foo, president of the recently established PTA,

spoke to this newspaper, giving us an insight into the situation. He noted that prior to February 12, when election of the current team of office bearers was held, the school was run by what he called “a non-functioning and unconstitutionally appointed” PTA appointed by the headmistress, Melanie Cornette, and comprising close friends and relatives.

--want her sanctioned or removed

President of the PTA, Gary Foo, along with other members of the

school’s PTA, concerned parents and patron vendor protest outside BREACH OF the Rama Krishna Primary School REGULATIONS because their parents spoke out As such, when the PTA against the headmistress, who allegations. held its first committee meetOTHER CONCERNS They said that several at- tends to favour some teachers ing, the headmistress did not Concerned parents and PTA tempts to bring the matter to more than others. attend, as was expected of her, Attempts to make contact committee members at this the attention of the Ministry of being its vice-president, and in protest outside the school also Education have proved futile; with the head teacher by this accordance with the Ministry highlighted other issues of con- they stated that they even have newspaper proved futile as the of Education’s regulations. cern, such as the headmistress copies of the letters they sent gate to the school was locked Foo said he formally invited not allowing them to enter the the Minster of Education, Dr. with a chain and padlock. The her to the meeting, well before it school without being super- Rupert Roopnarine, as well as guard was sent to contact the was due to be held, but she did vised, which, according to Foo, the Principal Education Officer, head teacher, while members not attend it, even though she is tantamount to being treated Immanuel Bridgewater dated of this newspaper were locked was on the school’s premises. like a prisoner. March 1, 2016 and March 2, outside the school. She howHe said he went to her ever refused to meet without The PTA group has also 2016 respectively. office after the meeting to disaccused the headmistress of Teachers were not able to a permission slip from the cuss the matters that had arisen reopening the school’s canteen, be present at this protest, as Ministry of Education. at the meeting, and to inform Parents say that if some which was decommissioned end of term examinations are in her of a few proposals that by the Ministry of Health due progress; however, one teacher, disaster such as a fire, was to were being put forward, but, to insanitary conditions, and who asked not to be named happen, this locking of the in the presence of past comof making false reports to the for fear of being victimised, gate would present many mittee members, she verbally police about parents abusing told this newspaper that many problems to their children’s abused him. their children among other children have been victimized safety.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

‘Strong, mutually beneficial’ - EU pledges closer ties with Guyana; gives $2.2B towards river, sea defences

By Svetlana Marshall ‘STRONG and mutually beneficial’ is how the European Union regards its relationship with Guyana, and by extension the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Evidence of this is its helping to finance improvement of Guyana’s sea and river defences to the tune of G$2.2B, a cheque for which sum was handed over yesterday to the Guyana Government. The gesture is in sharp contrast with how it perceives its relationship with Britain, now that the latter has indicated that it wants to part company with the 28-member trading bloc. Head of the EU Delegation here, Ambassador Jernej Videtic, said yesterday, “The EU stands ready to launch negotiations swiftly with the United Kingdom regarding the terms and conditions of its withdrawal from the European Union. In the meantime, the EU’s relationship with Guyana and the Caribbean Community shall remain a strong and mutually beneficial one.” He was at the time addressing Ministers of the Government, members of the diplo-

matic corps and State officials at a function at the Marriott Hotel to officially hand over the cheque to Government. TREMENDOUS SUPPORT The EU has been offering Guyana tremendous financial and technical support in the areas of sea and river defences, agriculture, economic development, energy, and human rights; but sea and river defences have been the most important feature throughout the cooperation. “Given that Guyana is a low-lying coastal area, it is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal erosion of natural estuarine and sea defences,” Ambassador Videtic, also head-of-mission to Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago, explained while noting that this country’s capacity to adapt to these vulnerabilities needs to be developed. Injection of the of G$2.2B into the national treasury comes at a time when the country is showing remarkable progress in its attempt to combat rising sea levels; a progress which started some two years ago. Guyana, through its Ministry of Public Infrastructure,

has formulated an Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme, in addition to the implementation of a new Sector Policy and Strategy. Ambassador Videtic said it was based on the EU’s positive assessment of Guyana that the money was released from the 10th European Development Fund (EDF). This support is expected to more than triple: “We are currently developing, in partnership with the Government, our follow-on Sea and River Defence Programme under the 11th European Development Fund. Under the 11th EDF, we will more than double our assistance to the sector to approximately $7B,” Ambassador Videtic explained. The programme at reference will focus on future policy development, including legislative measures, strengthening defences and increasing drainage capacity in Georgetown. FEAR, UNCERTAINTY Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who received the cheque on behalf of the Government, said the budgetary support comes at a time when there is a high level of uncer-

Ambassador Jernej Videtic presenting the cheque, worth Gy$2.261B, to Finance Minister Winston Jordan for improvement of the country’s sea and river defences tainty, fear and distress about future relations between the EU and the Caribbean on the one hand, and between Britain and the Caribbean on the other. “Guyana has always valued its relationship with the European Union, one of the largest donors to the country. From the Lomé and Cotonou Agreement to the present Economic Partnership Agreement, our country has received significant support under the various financial facilities, not least among them the National Indicative Programme and the Regional Indicative Programme,” Minister Jordan pointed out. In addition to handing over the cheque to Minister Jordan, Ambassador Videtic presented Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson with a copy of the newly developed Coastal Engineering Design Manual,

which he believes will set the standards for designing sea and river defences specific to Guyana’s conditions. Presentation of the manual comes almost seven months after the Ministry and the EU partnered to host a two-day workshop to finalise the document. The Public Infrastructure Ministry’s Sea and River Defence Department had, last December, gathered to offer input on the manual, with the goal of improving Guyana’s sea defence system. PRACTICAL GUIDANCE The manual aims to provide appropriate and practical guidance for application of methods and techniques in regard to the design and implementation of coastal engineering projects in Guyana. These projects concern

new constructions or repair and rehabilitation of existing ones; the prevention of the erosion of oceanic, estuarine, and recessed coasts; coastal flooding; and the heavy damage from wave attacks to valuable coastal commercial, urban, and tourist communities of Guyana. The manual was put together by a team of consultants, who would have spent time in Guyana interacting with a number of agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture; the Environmental Protection Agency; the Transport and Harbours Department; and the Central Housing and Planning Authority. Since the cooperation commenced in 1975, the EU’s combined commitment of funds to Guyana has mounted to well over 500 million euros.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Amsterdam joins boxing team to French Guiana LIGHT heavyweight champion Desmond Amsterdam has been added to a team of local boxers, set to depart Guyana this morning for the Creole Games in French Guiana. The only elite boxer on the side, Amsterdam was a late inclusion on the team after a special request was made by the French association. The team consists of mostly youth and junior

boxers and would be led by the talented bantamweight Keevin Allicock from the Harpy Eagles Gym. Allicock would be making his first international appearance. Welterweight Christopher Moore of the Essequibo Gym and light flyweight Omar Pollard of the Pocket Rocket Gym in Linden are the other members of the travelling side. Guyana Amateur Boxing Association president Steve Ninvalle

said the association was forced to go it alone following a dearth of sponsorship. The composition of the team reflects the GABA decision to place emphasis on the nursery of the sport, Ninvalle added. With the exception of Amsterdam, all other members participated in the inaugural International Schoolboys and Juniors tournament held in April at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Guyana won two of the three gold medals up for grabs then. The Creole Games is scheduled for June 30 to July 3 in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana. So far Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Lucia and the host country have confirmed participation. Clifton Moore will double as manager and coach of the local team, expected back in Guyana on July 5.

Slingerz FC crowned... had plotted for his charges, ”It was a very disappointing end because we did everything to win the game, but we see again that finishing is an awful situation for Alpha. We created lots of chances but did not convert then coming down to the bottom we made a very silly mistake and they capitalised on that goal-scoring opportunity which gave them the Championship. At the end of the day it came down to who converted their chances”. A happy ‘Bill’ Wilson, in a post-match victory comment, summed up his feelings to Chronicle Sport, “To win a Championship is always a good feeling, but to win it in the manner we did is an even greater feeling. We have worked very hard as a team, making a lot of sacrifices and commitments so the success is sweeter.

The players, the management and staff, the owner of the club Javed and our fans have all made their contributions and at the end of the day, collectively, we have achieved what we had set about to achieve – to win a National Club Championship and to qualify to compete with top clubs of the region so as to give our players the opportunity to showcase their talents. It has been an outstanding season for all.” The newly crowned Kings of Guyana’s Elite Football Clubs dominated all in the League Genesis and Finale where they played the other seven Elite clubs twice in the two phases. However, in the Play-offs to decide the winner they went on to win the Genesis title last year November by beating Alpha 3-2 in the final, but lost the Finale via a penalty shootout with Alpha just over a week ago and the stage was set for a grand ‘Champion of Champions’ showdown to determine the National Club Champions of Guyana. “Our victory is like Justice has prevailed. I keep saying there is no need to have a KO to determine a League Champion as far as I am concerned. Had we lost it would have been unfair because over the four rounds of matches in both the phases we have beaten all the teams. Having said that I must admit that Alpha played much better than I anticipated. It was a highly competitive and open game. They played far better than in the previous meeting which they won on penalties,” Wilson opined.

The Secondary School teacher who hails from BV also singled out the performances of three of his players, “Vurlon Mills always gives the team a boost in confidence whenever he is present and although he is not fully fit he played well within his limitations and did make his presence felt. I

From back page

thought goalkeeper Winslow McDowall came up big time and had an outstanding night. He is an experienced and quality goalkeeper and he showed it in this game big time. It was a deliberate tactic to bring Millington from off the bench and it worked,” Wilson disclosed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Italy knock out Downes, Gentle are GBTI tennis tournament champions champions Spain AFTER intense battle among the top tennis players in the GBTI Independence Jubilee Open tennis tournament, Anthony Downes claimed his sixth consecutive Men’s Open Singles title while Afruica Gentle became the youngest Ladies’ Open Singles champion in the two-week tournament. Downes trounced Daniel Lopes 6-1, 6-2 while Gentle whipped Nicola Ramdyhan 6-4, 6-1. Meanwhile, in the other results; Kalyca Fraser won the Girls’ Open Singles title from Shivani Persaud; Heimraj Resaul captured the Boys’ Open Singles title from Keenan Persaud.

In the Men’s Open Doubles, Anthony Downes and Harry Panday defeated Nicolas Fenty and Leyland Leacock while in the Ladies’ Open Doubles, Cristy Campbell and Afruica Gentle bettered Aretta Dey and Nicola Ramdyhan. The Mixed Open Doubles event was won by Anthony Downes and Afruica Gentle after they beat Aretta Dey and Daniel Lopes; Leyland Leacock got past Godfrey Lowden in the Men’s 35 and Over while Godfrey Lowden got the better of Harry Panday Men’s 45 and Over event. In the Novices Singles event Asif Subhan defeated Devon Gonsalves while in

the Novices Medley Doubles event Patricia Hope and Martin Campbell upstaged Asif Subhan and Devon Gonsavles. At the closing ceremony Marketing Manager of the GBTI, Pamela Binda, expressed the Bank’s appreciation for a successful tournament. She praised the tournament team for all the hard work, and reflected that the increase in the number of participants indicated that the sport is growing. Binda further indicated that the financial institution is willing to provide continuous support to the Guyana Tennis Association (GLTA) GBTI’s Chief Executive Officer and former GLTA

Executive Member, John Tracey, in his remarks explained that the GLTA needed strong support in order to take tennis forward. President of the GLTA, Jamal Goodluck, pointed out that the GLTA will be pursuing closer relationship with the bank to forge a stronger partnership. Goodluck noted that the lack of facilities and the need for tennis to establish its headquarters are high on the GLTA’s agenda. GLTA tournament committee chairman, Robert Bostwick, praised the level of performance of the players, particularly the juniors, who are consistently raising their level of play.

Winners and runners-up at the just concluded GBTI Independence Jubilee Open tennis tournament. In the front row from left are Afrucia Gentle, John Tracey and Anthony Downes.

ITALY produced a passionate and tactically brilliant display to end Spain's quest for a third consecutive European Championship title and secure a mouth-watering quarter-final tie against world champions Germany. Using wing-backs Mattia de Sciglio and Alessandro Florenzi to brilliant effect, they were the more potent attacking team until they withdrew in defence of their lead in the final stages. Giorgio Chiellini scored the game's opening goal, bundling home from close range after David de Gea had parried an Eder free-kick in greasy conditions in the first half. And Southampton striker Graziano Pelle sealed victory in injury time, volleying home from eight yards after an attempted clearance from substitute Matteo Darmian's cross had looped up invitingly as Italy hit a tiring team on the break. The scoreline could have been a lot worse for Spain were it not for a series of outstanding saves by Manchester United keeper De Gea. He made three in the first 45 minutes before smothering an effort from Eder in the second half after he had been put clean through by a sublime flick from Pelle. Italy played with an in-

Manager Roy Hodgson looks crestfallen as England bow out of Euro 2016.

tensity and fierce determination that hinted at their ambition to avenge their 4-0 defeat in the 2012 final and extend their participation at the current tournament. It was only in the latter stages that they were subjected to any threatening, sustained pressure - but Sergio Ramos headed wide and Gianluigi Buffon saved longrange efforts from Andres Iniesta and Gerard Pique. And with full-time looming, Buffon made a brilliant dive to his right to save a close-range effort from Pique before Italy broke clear to score their decisive second. (BBC Sport)

England out of Euro 2016 after shock loss to Iceland … Manager Roy Hodgson resigns ENGLAND suffered their worst humiliation since they were knocked out of the 1950 World Cup by USA in Brazil as Iceland shocked them 2-1 in the last 16 of Euro 2016. Manager Roy Hodgson resigned after the abject embarrassment of losing to a nation ranked 34th in the world - and with a population of just 330 000 - despite taking the lead through Wayne Rooney's fourth-minute penalty.

Iceland equalised within a minute as England failed to deal with a trademark long throw and Ragnar Sigurdsson bundled home from close range. England's shameful performance was summed up by Iceland's 18th-minute winner when goalkeeper Joe Hart was badly at fault - just as in the win over Wales - as he let Kolbeinn Sigthorsson's shot through his hand. Hodgson made changes as Iceland dug in, but the

underdogs had as many chances as England before the final whistle blew on their Euro 2016 hopes and his four-year tenure as manager. The ultimate responsibility lies with the manager but, make no mistake, he was badly let down by players capable of so much better - not just on this black night for English sport but throughout Euro 2016. Hart has had a nightmare tournament, young hopes such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli failed to live up to their performances last

season, and captain Rooney, who had been England's best player up until this game, chose this night to give one of his worst performances in an international. England were shown up by the work-rate, desire and sheer physical commitment of their counterparts. Yes, Hodgson will take the blame and has paid the price but these highly paid Premier League players should not escape criticism. Football Association chairman Greg Dyke had flagged up a quarter-final place as a minimum re-

quirement, but Hodgson's England could not even achieve that. Hodgson's thinking had been muddled even before England arrived in France, with constant changes of personnel and approach exemplified by the sudden re-introduction - and subsequent substitution - of Raheem Sterling, although the Manchester City forward did win the penalty from which Rooney scored. As the game went on, Hodgson cut a detached figure, seemingly powerless to influence the game - and

he waited too long to introduce the fearless pace and direct running of Marcus Rashford, who posed more problems in four minutes than most of those who had gone before. Hodgson has never given off any sort of assurance during Euro 2016, unsure of his best team and strategy. England have won one game out of four, with a last-minute winner from Daniel Sturridge against Wales - and this defeat will be a scar forever on Hodgson's record and reputation. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Willis stuns Wimbledon as Djokovic wins on day one DEFENDING champion Novak Djokovic reached round two of Wimbledon as Great Britain's world number 772 Marcus Willis

stole the headlines on day one. The qualifier stunned world number 54 Ricardas Berankis, earning £50 000

in the process having won £220 all year. Willis, 25, faces seven-time champion Roger Federer, who beat Guido

since 1998, courtesy of his 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win. He took advantage of Berankis' missed opportunities, as the Lithuanian converted just one of 20 break points.

Novak Djokovic

Venus Williams

Pella. Dan Evans overcame Jan-Lennard Struff in four sets and Britain is guaranteed three men in round two as Andy Murray faces Liam Broady today. British number one Johanna Konta is also in action on day two, when women's top seed Serena Williams starts her defence of the title on Centre Court against Swiss Amra Sadikovic at 13:00hrs BST. American Kevin Anderson, seeded 20, and Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber, seeded 21, were the bestranked players to go out on day one. Djokovic - seeking a calendar Grand Slam having already won the Australian and French Open titles this

year - produced 21 unforced errors but was in no mood for an upset as he overcame Britain's James Ward in straight sets on Centre Court. The Serb has not lost at a Grand Slam since his defeat by Stan Wawrinka in last year's French Open final, a run of 29 matches. There were also wins for David Ferrer, Marin Cilic and David Goffin in Djokovic's half of the draw, while sixth seed Milos Ranoic served 27 aces to advance in straight sets. Fifth seed Kei Nishikori faced a 142mph serve - the fastest of day one - from Australian Sam Groth but won through 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Willis, meanwhile, becomes the lowest-ranked player to reach round two

ANOTHER WILLIAMS RECORD French Open champion Garbine Muguruza provided an early show of grit on day one as she faced a tough test against Italy's Camila Giorgi before progressing 6-2, 5-7, 6-4. The number two seed is in the same half of the draw as five-time champion Venus Williams, who equalled Amy Frazier's record of appearing in 71 Grand Slams as she overcame Croatia's Donna Vekic in straight sets. Williams, 36, has not won a Grand Slam singles title since 2008 - in which time her sister Serena has secured 13. The 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic was the first notable scalp in the ladies' draw, citing an injured wrist after defeat by 21-year-old qualifier Ekaterina Alexandrova, who hit 19 winners. Germany's Sabine Lisicki, a finalist in 2013, blasted nine aces - including three in a 52-second opening game - to beat Poland's Magda Linette. (BBC Sport)

NSC to conduct three-day cycle workshop in Bartica THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has organised a three-day cycle racing workshop for teachers and interested persons from the Region 7, (Bartica) community. The activity which will be conducted by National cycle coach Hassan Mohamed will commence at 13:00hrs today at the Bartica Community Centre and will run until Thursday. According to Mohamed, the rules of competitive cycling and organising cycle races will be the primary focus of the workshop. Mohamed, the senior coach at the NSC said it is the intention of his ministry to go to all 10 regions of Guyana and conduct outreach programmes. Just last week, the Ministry of Education’s Department of Sport, in collaboration with the

NSC, held a similar workshop that benefited teachers from 15 primary and secondary schools in Region 7. The three-day workshop was conducted by cricket coaches Latchman Radram and Daniel Richmond.

At the end of the cycle workshop, the teachers and others who benefited from it will be charged with the responsibility of passing on their knowledge to students and other interested persons in the region.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Sunil Narine (WI) (2) 14 fours; 2 sixes

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which team won the recently-concluded Tri-Nations ODI series? (2) Who was declared ‘Player of the Series’ in the recently-concluded Tri-Nations ODI tournament? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 28, 2016

BHS female duo set to make history ... eye U-16 CBC championships By Daniel Haynes WHAT do you get when you mix heart, dedication, talent and perseverance together? You get Kesann Charles and Jayla Jones the Bishops’ High School female duo who have made a school programne proud. Bishops’ High School has been a steady face on the school basketball circuit over the last four years, with a programme under coach Deborah Solomon, who took over in 2013. The team has always featured male players, and understandably has produced a number of athletes who have represented Guyana at international level. However, in January of this year the school added a female team to its basketball programme and six months later, the team has two players on the Guyana U-16 CBC championships squad after three were called to trials. It all started when both Kesann and Jayla, who are 13 and 15 years respectively, decided they would pick up the game of basketball and just try out for the team. “I have always loved basketball, and for me it was a no brainer when I heard Bishops’ was starting a female team, I knew it was something I had to be a part

of,” stated Jayla. At first glance the fourth form student, born January 17, 2001, who stands at only 5’4 is not just quiet, but very unassuming, since her petite frame and childish features create one impression of her. But put her on the basketball court and there all illusions are stripped away and the quietness is replaced by the ferocity of a jaguar and the intensity of a forest fire. “Jayla is one of those players who, if she doesn’t get it, pushes herself harder and harder, she is always willing to learn,” said coach Solomon when asked about her combo guard. “In areas where she isn’t as good as others, she is always putting in extra work and since starting in January has grown leaps and bounds,” Solomon further stated. The guard has yet to decide what she wants to do when it comes to her career but is confident she will excel at whatever she tries since it is in her nature. Having three other siblings, competition is in her blood and like her favourite player Michael Jordan, she hates losing. Her running mate, born October 3, 2002, is one of the youngest on the Bishops’ team as well as the Guyana

team. Though close friends, Kesann and Jayla are the reverse sides of a coin, with Kesann at 6 feet. The forward is a bundle of energy and is constantly on the move. Whether it be on the court or simply on the corridors of Bishops’, getting Kesann to settle was a next to impossible task. Kesann’s energy is infectious and being around her you cannot help but let that energy in. Her basketball start was quite similar to Jayla’s since she shared a love for the game that runs deep. “I would always watch basketball, I mean, it really is my favourite sport and I cannot imagine not playing it now,” stated the second-former who eyes playing professionally. “Kesann is all over Kesann Charles with the jumpshot Jayla Jones in action the place, and runs continuously, she is alprogramme take off. to marry both extracurricular that there was a great future ways cracking jokes and her “I think there is great and academics. for her students in basketnatural ability is hard not to scope for basketball at Bish“We try to make sure ball. see,” stated coach Solomon. ops’ High School just like they do well on both sides, Both Kesann and Jayla “She’s always working any other regular extracur- and getting them involved are anxious for the games on her game as well and is ricular activity, and under in sports is in itself a way to start and are currently hungry for more.” the stewardship of Deborah of getting them to be dis- in training. The eyes of The school’s Headmis- Solomon, it has been put on ciplined and we have seen Guyana will be on them as tress Mrs Winifred Ellis is the road.” evidence of it being carried they compete from July 12 happy with the girl’s selecMrs Ellis went on to state over in the academic work.” to 16 at the Cliff Anderson tion, stating it could help the that at the institution they try She finished by saying Sports Hall.

Messi quits international football after Chile `retain Copa By Larry Fine EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey,(Reuters)- Lionel Messi blasted a penalty over the bar in what looks like being his last act in international football as Chile beat Argentina in a shootout to win the Copa America for the second year in a row on Sunday. Messi cut a dejected figure after losing his third Copa America final, and fourth major final after Argentina's loss to Germany at the 2014 World Cup, and said after the match he was retiring from the international game. "In the dressing room I thought that this is the end for me with the national team, it's not for me," the 29-year-old forward said. "I tried so hard to be champion with Argentina. Now I am leaving without having managed it."

Claudio Bravo of Chile hoists the trophy after defeating Argentina to win the Copa America Centenario.

Striker Sergio Aguero, a second half substitute for Gonzalo Higuain, suggested he and other players might follow Messi's lead and quit the team. "The likelihood is that

Messi is not the only one that will leave the national team," Aguero, who lost his third final with Argentina, told Argentine sports newspaper Ole. "There are several players

like me that are evaluating whether or not to continue," said Aguero, who was hugely disappointed after Argentina failed to end their 23-year trophy drought at senior level.

"Unfortunately, the one that leaves most affected is Leo Messi after his penalty miss. This is the worst that I've seen him in the changing room," said Aguero, who along with Messi won an Olympic gold medal in 2008. Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo, who saved Lucas Biglia's penalty before Francisco Silva scored the crucial spot-kick to help his country retain the trophy, had praise for his Barcelona team mate Messi. "In my opinion, he is the best player in the world and in history," Bravo told Marca. "They have to enjoy him, value him and understand him." The two sides were deadlocked 0-0 after 90 minutes and also after another half an hour of extra time in a match where both teams were reduced to 10 men in the first half. For the second year in

a row, therefore, the teams faced off in a shootout to decide who would take the biggest prize in South American soccer. It started well for Argentina when their goalkeeper Sergio Romero got down to block Arturo Vidal's opening penalty but Messi blasted over and Lucas Biglia's spot kick was saved by Bravo. Substitute Francisco Silva took Chile's fifth penalty and struck it low and to the right of Romero to give his country their second successive title after winning their first on home soil last year. "We're going to enjoy ourselves," Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi said, before talking of his pride in his players. "Before them today was the number one team in the world, with the best players in the world and the best player in history."

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Slingerz FC crowned National Football Champions By Ras Wadada

SUPERB goalkeeping by Winslow McDowall, complemented by a clinical finish from substitute Devon Millington, inspired Slingerz FC to a 1-0 victory over Alpha United and the Club’s first National Football Championship, when the top two in the country met last Sunday night at the Leonora Park in the Guyana Football Federation(GFF)/STAG Elite League ‘Champion of Champions’ decider. Before a fair-sized crowd, both teams attacked each other from the opening whistle in search of an early lead, with Alpha creating more clear-cut chances that were competently turned back by the Vincentian New football Kings of Guyana, Slingerz FC, and fans celebrate custodian McDowall, who was their 1-0 victory that dethroned quick off his line. He twice deAlpha United last Sunday night. nied Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams (Samuel Maughn photo) on ‘one-on-one’ situations in the box to give his team hope Dominique Garnett and he responded with at the end of a score-less first zest to give his team a needed lift. half. The nippy Millington received a stiff pass Twelve minutes after the break, Slingerz coach Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson introduced his from right back Murilo Barbosa midway into trump card Millington, who was inserted for Alpha’s half on the attacking right in the 73rd ARGENTINA have never won a major tournament with Lionel Messi. The world’s best player has been constantly reminded of that one blemish in his otherwise stunning career. And those whispers will undoubtedly become roars after Argentina’s 0-0 (4-2 penalties) loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final on Sunday. Chile had bothered Messi all match - not giving him much space to operate - but in penalties, it was Messi’s time to help lead Argentina over the international hump. That didn’t happen. After Arturo Vidal was denied on his PK for Chile, Messi took the first shot for Argentina. The best player in the world sent his shot to the stands. It was a shocking miss. There’s fatigue of a 120-minute match, but the pressure of the moment always plays a role. After Chile’s win, Messi sat alone on the bench. He was crushed. It was the first penalty shootout miss in Messi’s Argentina career, and it came at the worst time. For the second straight year, Chile are the Copa America champions over Messi’s Argentina. (See other story on page 23)

From just inside the box on the right Millington booted home low to the far post with a perfect instep right-booter that left goalkeeper Richie Richards flat-footed and stranded at the near post. At the other end of the field, Alpha’s Daniel Wilson was squandering the several offers served up, while McDowall continued to shine in goal for Slingerz and on one occasion he left his line to punch clear of danger at the top of the area. Alpha also had a goal overruled by referee Sherwin Moore just before Millington’s winner. Millington’s golden conversion sixteen minutes after his introduction proved to be the determining factor in a fast-paced contest that lived up to its billing to the very last whistle which subsequently brought joy to the winners and sadness to the losers. It was also fitting that the title of club supremacy was handed over by the reigning Champs Alpha to the new Champions Slingerz. It was not the end result that coach Dover

... dethrone Alpha United 1-0 minute. His control of the pass, in motion, turned Alpha’s left back, Chris Comacho, inside out before eluding the onrushing defender to make inroads into to the area and then he unleashed the winner.

Messi crushed after missing crucial penalty in Argentina’s Copa loss

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Argentina superstar Lionel Messi reacts after his miss during the penalty-kicks phase of Sunday' NIGHT’S Copa final. TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2016