Issuu

FRIDAY 20th April, 2018

No.105250

A cowardly act

…gov't pours cold water on PPP private charges 03 …warns that more court actions coming against former ministers PAGE

Murder/suicide rocks Belmont

PAGE

Calls for DPP 08 to nix PPP charges PAGE

President David Granger (second right, third row) among world leaders at the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on Thursday. In front row are Queen Elizabeth II (second right) flanked by British Prime Minister Theresa May (left) and Commonwealth Secretary General Patricia Scotland (right) (Commonwealth Secretariat photo)

Help realise Langkawi, Iwokrama objectives – President Granger urges Commonwealth Heads

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Help realise Langkawi, Iwokrama objectives –– President Granger urges Commonwealth Heads

PRESIDENT David Granger said the Commonwealth has an obligation to assist in the realisation of the objectives of the 1989 Langkawi Declaration and the Iwokrama. He made the appeal during his address to the first session of the Executive meetings being hosted as part of

President David Granger making his way into the Ballroom of Buckingham Palace for the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on Thursday. He called on CHOGM to recapture the spirit of Langkawi by doing a number of things, among them, the promotion of projects such as Iwokrama, the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, the International Solar Alliance and the Blue Oceans Charter. “Providing increased financial and technical assistance for climate mitigation and adaptation, particularly for small island developing and low-lying states, coastal states and promulgating initiatives which support ‘green’ economies,” President Granger said, are ways by which the Commonwealth can help the process. Langkawi and Iwokrama, he noted, embody the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting the earth and ensuring a common future for all. This common future, President Granger told the meeting, requires a safe, secure and sustainable “common home,” protected from the adverse effects of climate change. “Everyone’s future will be imperiled unless we preserve and protect earth’s environment,” the President warned. When the Langkawi Declaration was issued, Guyana took immediate action by demonstrating “how a ‘small’ state could make a ‘big’ gift to the world,” President Granger affirmed. Guyana committed a forested area of 371, 000 hectares as a model for conservation and sustainable forest management. The Iwokrama covenant, he said, was sealed in 1995 with the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Guyana and the Commonwealth Secretariat for the establishment of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. President Granger told leaders that, “Iwokrama was then and remains today, the Commonwealth’s flagship environmental programme. It is an excellent example of how the Commonwealth could fulfil the objectives of the Langkawi Declaration for international environmental cooperation. Langkawi survives and thrives in Iwokrama.” A key agreement of Langkawi was the pledge by See page 3

President David Granger greets UK Prime Minister Theresa May in the presence of Commonwealth Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland

A cowardly act

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

… gov’t pours cold water on PPP private charges

… warns that more court actions coming against former ministers By Svetlana Marshall THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in an unprecedented move filed private criminal charges of misconduct in public office against two sitting Government Ministers without the benefit of an investigation. But the Government has described the move as “cowardly” and warned that more criminal charges--the likes of those filed against Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington--are coming. The private charges were filed against Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and her predecessor, Dr. George Norton in relation to a $605M drug purchase and the rental of the Sussex Street Pharmaceutical Bond. Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill and Vickram Bharrat swore to the charges before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. As the informant in the matter brought against the former Health Minister, Bharrat contended that on June 1, 2016, in the capacity of Minister of Public Health, Dr. Norton “wilfully misconducted himself in a way which amounted to an abuse of public trust without reasonable excuse or justification,” when he authorised or caused the rental of a Sussex Street property from Linden Holdings Incorporated for the sum of $12.5M, exclusive of VAT per month. In the other matter, Edghill is contending that the current Public Health Minister between January 16, 2017 and February 16, 2017 abused the public’s trust when she without any reasonable excuse or justification, authorised or caused the unapproved single sourcing and purchase of drugs and medical

supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) from Ansa McAl Trading Limited in excess of $605.9M. The private criminal charge against Minister Lawrence comes close to six months after the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) had cleared her of any malpractice with respect to the multimillion dollar drug purchase last year and observers are curious as to the motive of the complainant in the case. In its report, after an extensive investigation into the matter, the PPC concluded that though Minister Lawrence granted approval for the fast-tracking of purchase, she did not suggest that the Procurement Act be breached to achieve the objective nor did she condone such. Ahead of the PPC’s investigation and report, GPHC’s Board of Directors headed by Attorney-at-Law, Kesaundra Alves, facilitated an investigation into the multimillion dollar drug purchase. That investigation had also exonerated the Public Health Minister. The findings have revealed that after a

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence to make a statement on the charge laid against her on the basis that she has not received any legal notification of the charge filed. The matter is scheduled to come up in court on April 24. Former Health Minister and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton

Juan Edghill

suppliers; sending an evaluation report to the National Procurement and Tender Administration (NPTAB) for approval, followed by the awarding of tender. What transpired, however, was that rather than follow the prescribed plan of action to the letter, the then Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Allan Johnson wrote NPTAB seeking approval for the contracts after the corporation had begun receiving pharmaceuticals from the suppliers. On Thursday, the Public Health Minister declined

drug shortage was reported at the medical facility, Minister Lawrence met with management and asked that a plan be devised to alleviate the situation. Subsequently, a plan of action was developed and presented to the Minister by the GPHC’s finance director. That plan of action included determining the availability of drugs from the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), the Materials Management Unit (MMU) and local suppliers; obtaining quotations from

ATTEMPTS TO DISTRACT Meanwhile, in a statement hours after the charges were filed, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the PPP is clearly attempting to distract the public from the malfeasance charges filed against former Minister of Finance, Ashni Singh and former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington. “The charges that were filed today (Thursday) against the current and former Minister of Public Health is the PPP’s cowardly attempt to draw public attention away from its own sordid record of corruption while in office,” Minister Harmon said in a statement.

He said the PPP is aware that more charges are soon to be filed against high public officials who served under the Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar administrations. Unlike the charges that were filed against Minister Lawrence and Minister Norton, Minister Harmon said the charges being filed against those who served under the PPP Administration are as a result of months of intense investigation by Commissions of Inquiries and evidence gathered by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) of the Guyana Police Force. “The nuisance value of today’s legal action is just another attempt by a political party; the PPP that is aware that investigations have revealed that during its tenure the nation was losing billions of dollars each year through procurement fraud and other corrupt activities by senior public officials,” he said. Minister Harmon added that “the Guyanese public will not be swayed by the legal shenanigans of the PPP, which, in effect, make a mockery of the legal system,” while expressing Government’s confidence its ministers will be vindicated. Government, he assured, will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that those who held public offices and engaged in malfeasance while in office are brought to justice. “We are sure that in the matter before the court, the actions of our ministers will be vindicated.

Help realise Langkawi, Iwokrama... See page 2

developed countries not to connect future international development aid to the commitment to environmental sustainability or introduce trade barriers. This, the developing countries argued, would prevent economic

growth. Meanwhile, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK) Theresa May said the meeting is taking place at a time of significant global challenges, noting that the rules-based international sys-

tem, which has consistently delivered both prosperity and peace, faces threats in many forms and on many fronts. “Climate change and extreme weather continue to take lives and damage livelihoods across the Commonwealth.

And the new opportunities afforded by the digital world have brought with them new risks, with our cyber-security under attack from individuals and state actors,” she pointed out to the Heads of Government.

These issues and more will be addressed both at the Lancaster House and the retreat for the Heads at Windsor. According to the prime minister, Commonwealth is a unique organisation and, at this summit, there is an oppor-

tunity to deliver lasting change that benefits all of our 2.4 billion people of the organisation. Last evening, President Granger attended Her Majesty the Queen’s dinner for Heads of Government at the Buckingham Palace.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Commonwealth meeting

Queen hopes Prince Charles will succeed her THE Queen has appealed to Commonwealth leaders to appoint her son, Prince Charles, to succeed her as their head. She said it was her “sincere wish” that Prince Charles takes over “one day”, as she opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London. The role is not hereditary and will not pass automatically to the Prince of Wales on the Queen’s death. The 53 leaders, gathered at Buckingham Palace, are expected to sign off the deal when they meet on Friday. There had been some sug-

gestions that the position should be rotated around member states, the BBC’s James Landale says. Addressing the gathering of dignitaries, royals and the prime minister, the Queen said it was a “pleasure, this time, to welcome you to my home” for the biennial meeting. She said it remained a “great pleasure and honour to serve you” and to observe “with pride and satisfaction that this is a flourishing network”. She added: “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949.” Other issues under discussion at the two-day summit include

ocean conservation, cyber security, and trade between the countries. Singer Emeli Sande began proceedings with a rendition of the National Anthem in the palace’s ballroom Prime Minister Theresa May told the leaders the summit would “take on some of the 21st Century’s biggest questions”. Speaking in the ballroom, which was decorated with flags of the 53 nations, Mrs May said: “There have been difficulties, successes, controversies, but I believe wholeheartedly in the good that the Commonwealth can do.” The prime minister also thanked the Queen for hosting the event, calling the monarch a “steadfast and fervent champion” of the Commonwealth. Outside, more than 100 officers and soldiers

from the Coldstream Guards were in honour guard, wearing scarlet tunics and bearskins, as a 53 gun salute marked the formal opening. The ceremony is being attended by 46 Commonwealth heads of government, out of the 53 member states, with the remaining attendees being foreign ministers. Earlier, Prince Charles told attendees the modern Commonwealth had a “vital role to play”, adding: “I pray that this [meeting] will not only revitalise the bonds between our countries, but will also give the Commonwealth a renewed relevance to all its citizens.” Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and Prince William were among the other royals in attendance. The Commonwealth represents about 2.4bn peo-

ple, but critics say the organisation is so disparate that it struggles to know what it is for, says BBC royal correspondent Jonny Dymond. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said he will raise LGBT rights with leaders of Commonwealth nations on the fringes of the meeting. But human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who attended a small protest outside the summit, said it was not Britain’s place to “adopt a neo-colonial role to dictate” on LGBT rights. He said: “Commonwealth leaders need to realise that we are not asking them to accept or approve of homosexuality, we’re simply asking them to stop the persecution.” Mrs May said she would be “rallying” Commonwealth countries to follow the UK’s fight against marine plastics

- which has included a ban on microbeads and proposals to introduce a deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England. “The Commonwealth is a unique organisation, with a huge diversity of wildlife, environments and coastlines,” she said. The UK is due to consult on proposals to ban plastic straws and cotton buds 8.5bn of which are thrown away in the UK every year - as part of plans to tackle the issue. It comes as 60 UK music festivals, including Bestival in Dorset and Boomtown in Hampshire, also pledged to ban plastic straws at their events this summer. As head of the Commonwealth, the Queen presides over the meeting but does not take part in the leaders’ discussions.

Wednesday April 18th, 05:00 Thursday April 19th, 05:00 Friday April 20th, 05:00

DATE: DATE: 26/11/2016 18/04/2018 26/11/2016 19/04/2018

10 14 11 12 16 20 18 19 24 24 26 27 02 N J 01

06 08 13 03

14 04

21 13

24 26

26/11/2016 19/04/2018

04 3

07 7

03 4

26/11/2016 19/04/2018

05 8

04 3

01 3

26/11/2016 19/04/2018 02 13

09 17 10 10 21 11 11 13 15 14

08 18

Region Three Agri Expo this Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Members of the planning committee meet to discuss the arrangements at Leonora on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo) THE Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) administration on Saturday is set to kick off

Region Three DREO Jennifer Ferreira Dougall its inaugural Regional Agricultural and Commercial Expo which is expected to feature more than 80 booths with much attention placed on farmers. Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO) Jennifer Ferreira Dougall, said the region is ready to have a grand event at the Leonora stadium. “As mandated by President David Granger, we will have an expo similar to what was held in Regions Two, Four, Five and 10,” said Dougall during a site visit on Wednesday. According to her, the event should have been held last year, but planners decided to wait until this month because they wanted to ensure that everything was in place to make the event successful. The regional administration is being ably assisted by the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “This is the first ever, we’ll have such an event in the region and we know it

is going to be as the young people say, ‘the bomb’,” she said, adding that a lot of planning and preparation were done to ensure that all goes well. The DREO is encouraging persons from all the regions to visit the expo and see what Region Three produces and what it has to offer. Dougall believes that the event would create a wide market for farmers, especially those who do not

get regular markets for their produce. “Region Three can feed the people of the country, we have rice, cash crops and fruits… we intend to make this event a yearly one, so that people can realise the worth of this region,” said the DREO. Regional Information Officer Ganesh Mahipaul echoed the sentiments of Dougall and added that the aim is to show the economic power of the region.

The event will be open to the public at 15:00hrs and will attract an entry fee of $300 for adults and $200 for children. In addition to the unique exhibits, Mahipaul said there will be games, entertainment and a packed programme.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Deserving better GUYANESE, particularly those born in the 1950s, will of course remember the many farewell parties, held as a matter of tradition in those days, for members of their immediate families, relatives and friends, who set sail for England. This was naturally traditional, as well as cultural, since England was our colonizer. British Guiana, as our country was then called, was a part of what used to be referred to as part of the overseas British Empire, in addition to the island colonies of the then named British West Indies. This was a movement that began after the ending of the Second World War, as British West Indians, in their quest for a better life, departed these shores for good old England. After all, they were also responding to Britain’s call for overseas labour to rebuild a country devastated by endless tons of Nazi bombs. Thus, via the Empire Windrush, they sailed mainly to Southampton, where they disembarked. Many of these would-be migrants were former soldiers of the British West Indies Regiment, the British Caribbean contribution to Britain and Europe’s bloody battle against the threat of Nazi tyranny. Caribbean immigrants have never had an easy time settling in Britain. Legion is the account of discrimination in every conceivable form with which these early arrivals had to contend. Whether in the British military, police force, or workplace, this was the daily challenge of immigrants from, especially, the British Caribbean--later the Caribbean-- with the passage of Independence. But they weathered the storm and persevered in furthering the lives of themselves and families, through hard work, with many going on to carve their names indelibly in British political-socio-economic life.

Fast forward, and almost 70 years later, because of new immigration laws recently designed to restrict the flow of migrants going to Britain, and which placed the onus of proof of the right to residency on them, the descendants of those early Windrush Empire boat journeys are now faced with an additional set of challenges because of the lack of proof as bona fides. It is astonishing that many of these early arrivals are now being penalised, with many already being deported to their place of origin, even after they would have been residing in their adopted homeland for over 50 years and contributing to the growth and development of Britain, and even paying their share of taxes. And even if there may be accusations of disinterest on the part of some of these arrivals, yet the threatening measures are disproportionate as penalty. Even, as had been offered as reason(s) for such discriminatory action by the Home Office, as denial of employment, health services, and even housing, the fact is that these people are no more or no less British than those born in Britain. Further, it was a shortsighted and highly questionable decision on the part of what had to be directives from very senior sources. Surely, these well deserving people who would have given so much to Britain and are now being targeted, would have had some form of registration--completed on their arrival at the various ports of disembarkation--which they could have referred to as evidence of their longevity in Britain, even before the Immigration Act of 1971, that granted all Caribbean persons in Britain, before that date, the right of indefinite leave to remain. The destruction, also, of the vital arrival registration information, reported in the British daily, The Independent, explains the very strange and indifferent manner in which

The re-opening of Benjamin Bakery Dear Editor, AS a Guyanese citizen and someone who voted for change in the political landscape of this country, I am pleased to see in our local newspapers that we can once again pride ourselves as business owners in vulnerable areas where crime and criminal activity was the order of the day. I refer to the Buxton/Friendship area where the Honourable First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger declared open the Benjamin’s Bakery. This is certainly a great step in a direction of restoring hope, pride and joy to an area which was once ravished and stigmatized as a haven of notorious gangsterism and crime.

Guyanese young people and particularly those of the Buxton community can now feel a sense of pride and gratitude knowing that in their village, investments will create employment. It is also noteworthy that the establishment of such a facility took stock of education and is generously giving back to this community. It is also significant to note that the facility has expanded its service to other hinterland locations and other regions of the country, thus enabling the company to fulfil its social and corporate responsibility. When the PPP/C administration occupied the seat of governance, the Buxton / Friendship community was an area which attracted a very poignant

stigma particularly to youths, especially after the infamous jail break and phantom gang back in 2002. Even residents of Buxton were scared to engage in any form of entrepreneurial activity because of the stigma on both the area and residents of the area. Once it wasn’t drug related, it did not seem as enterprising or significant. The achievement of this latest investment has given inspiration to others who will go down the same on the road to entrepreneurship. Therefore, the PPP/C’s theory that it is not feasible to invest in Guyana has been tangibly refuted. Best Regards Dillon Goring

this issue of Caribbean migration to, and migrants in, Britain have been dealt with by the State. One is certain that the European Union is perhaps viewing this extant situation relative to the Windrush scenario; for should Brexit become an eventual reality, the status of the millions of European migrants now in Britain comes into question. Diplomatically, apologies have been made to the visiting Caribbean Heads of delegation to the current Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), with offers now being made to those affected, to waive the fees for the processing of regularisation of status. While these are good in terms of ameliorating a very stressful and embarrassing situation for many of those affected migrants, similar efforts should also be considered to have those, already deported to their island states, assisted to return to a place called home, for most of their lives, if they so desire. Britain must always remember the debt owed to their former Caribbean colonies and their many citizens, mostly deceased, who would have spilt their blood and guts on distant shores in defence of the empire under which flag they once lived, and proudly served. The remaining survivors of this era of colonization, moreover, their descendants, deserve better.

The racial divide Dear Sir,

IN this country, scribes and columnist alike wail about this humongous racial divide that exists in this land. The problem, however, is that none of these columnist or scribes is prepared to point fingers. This racial divide that we have could not have materialised out of thin air. Everything has a beginning or am I to understand that this is just one of life’s phenomenon? Should we just blame the politicians, without actually checking the root? What part did we the people play? Mr Ralph Ramkarran sees it as the “root of all evil. A political victory is seen in purely ethnic terms.” Even though it is the root of all evil, according to Mr Ramkarran, he makes no

suggestion as to how it can be healed. Mr Ian McDonald sees it as “the disruptive, unhealable, seemingly eternal antagonism between Indo Guyanese and Afro Guyanese.” So what is your suggestion Mr McDonald, what do we do to heal the unhealable? Dr Hinds says; “It is no secret that the majority of African Guyanese and Indian Guyanese attitude to the PPP and PNC, respectively, is influenced by ethno-racial considerations.” He observed further “some would even accuse people like me of racism for daring to raise the issue of race.” Raising the issue of race and not checking the core is an exercise in semantics. I have often wondered if we could have a catharsis in this country. If we could have telling of the truth and Turn to page 7 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

If people can learn to hate they can be taught to love Dear Editor, THE French author and philosopher, Mr. Antoine de Saint-Exupery, wrote in his astonishing book-Wind, Sand and Stars. “Nothing, in truth, can ever replace a lost companion. Old comrades cannot be manufactured. There is nothing that can equal the treasure of so many shared memories, so many bad times endured together, so many quarrels, reconciliations, heartfelt impulses. Friendships like that cannot be reconstructed. If you plant an oak, you will hope in vain to sit soon under its shade. For such is life. We grow rich as we plant through the early years, but then come the years when time undoes our work and cuts down our trees. One by one our comrades deprive us of their shade, and within our mourning we always feel now the secret grief of growing old. If I search among my memories for those whose taste is lasting, if I write the balance sheet of the moments that truly counted, I surely find those that no fortune could have bought me. You cannot buy the friendship of a companion bound to you forever by ordeals endured together”. While we remember the

passing of our great leaders, or not so great to some, the splendid words of Saint-Exupery will bring obvious comfort to the minds of many. Human beings tend to focus more on the mistakes of men and deliberately forget the numerous good that came from these very men. When the companions of Jesus complained about the excess that was committed by a woman, Jesus said to his companions, “who among us will cast the first stone”. Today, we are casting mountains of stones, totally forgetting our own imperfections. As a young public servant, I had the privilege to work and dine with President Forbes Burnham. I must admit that this gentleman had a magnetic communication skill to captivate anyone. He made some fundamental mistakes, but he will remain a hero in the hearts of many. Same can be said of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Mrs. Janet Jagan, Mr. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Bharrat Jagdeo, Mr. Donald Ramotar and President David Granger. They all have their unique style and [their] support base is strong. Respected editor, the balance of life for these remaining gentlemen is getting shorter as the days go by. Are they comfortable

The racial... nothing but the truth, so help us God. Maybe then we will be able to face up to the many things that we have hidden, including the racial divide and how it was started. No one seems capable or willing to begin an investigation and let the chips fall where they may. Was it always like this? Did we hate each other from the very beginning? How and when did this racial divide start? Who is responsible? Maybe Mr Ramkarran who was a member of the PPP for ages can assist us. How about Eusi Kwayana? Something had to have happened to sever this rela-

to continue on the same antagonistic path? What is the purpose of lauding beautiful speeches when one departs. Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine speech, given when Dr. Jagan died, was the best I ever heard. Wouldn’t it be better to say those words while they are alive? This country needs the support and expertise of all and sundry. Competent chairmen, brilliant, talented, multifaceted individuals, chief executive officers and managers like Mr. GHK Lall are needed for the rapid advancement of this country. During the financial crisis, Wall Street had to make drastic reforms. Many chief executive officers were fired and some were brought before congress while others ended up in prison. With oil’s enormous wealth approaching, Guyana is poised for take-off. A very senior official from Halliburton told me that twenty competent, knowledgeable chairmen, chief executive officers and managers can take Guyana to enormous heights in the next fifteen years, but the key issue is non-interference from the political class. He concluded by saying the gulf state did it and look at the massive development they have earned, so too can Guyana.

From page 6

tionship. What was it? What were the words or action taken that created this crisis? A crisis that is a festering sore that we cannot heal or not inclined to try. Burnham and Jagan won a political victory in British Guiana in 1957, supported by Guyanese of different ethnicities. They then split because of differences. Was it the split that created this division? Surely, if there was animosity it had to be political and not racial. Several Guyanese of different ethnicities went with Burnham [or] stayed with Jagan. Could it be as humans we think in superior and inferi-

or terms, being responsible for this division? Or is it a cultural thing that was seized upon by unscrupulous persons and used to our detriment? If I am being naive I apologize. But maybe the scribes and columnist will divorce their attached souls and try to erase this hatred by creating a real catharsis. I am suggesting, however, as Guyanese that we unearth this division and live up to our motto as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” Regards Milton Bruce

Respected editor, I urge the politicians to harbour the example of the iconic President, Hon. Nelson Man-

dela who moved from prisoner to president, who left his hatred behind the prison walls and reconcile with his oppressors. His words and his work are left for us to emulate. He left us with these astonishing words, “no one is born hating another person’s just because of the colour of their skin,

or his background or his religion. People have to learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate then they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than it’s opposite. Regards Nazar Mohamed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Calls for DPP to nix PPP charges …legal expert cites precedent, says charges bogus

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has the power to discontinue the private criminal charges filed on Thursday against two sitting ministers of government, with a top legal luminary describing them as bogus that have not been supported by any investigating procedure. The legal luminary asserted too that the DPP must act now to protect her constitutional office and the integrity of the justice system from “this wanton abuse of the court system.” Under the Constitution, the DPP can discontinue at any stage before judgement is delivered, any criminal proceedings instituted or undertaken by him or her or any other person or authority. Over the years, the DPP had discontinued a number of cases that were filed privately. On Thursday, Anil Nandlall led two of his colleagues in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to swear to the information in the charges against Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton. However, the legal luminary said it is clear that the PPP, hurt by the court action against Dr Ashni Singh and Winston Brassington, is trying to get even with the government. “This is a bogus charge motivated by the hurt they are DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack feeling, but these charges they have brought have no legal basis,” the legal official said. It was argued that, in the case of the charges against Dr Singh and Brassington, they arose out of a lengthy process which started with forensic audits, then investigations by the Special Organised Crime Unit; a review of the case by the Police Legal Adviser and then advice from the DPP. “This clearly shows that a process of criminal investigation was involved. I am not sure what was involved in the PPP arriving at these charges against ministers Norton and Lawrence,” the legal expert said. The private charges against Ministers Lawrence and Norton are in relation to a $605M drug purchase and the rental of the Sussex Street Pharmaceutical Bond respectively. Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill and Vickram Bharrat swore to the charges before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Meanwhile, over the years the DPP has nolle prosequied criminal charges brought against officials of the state. One of the most famous being in 2002 when Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member, Eusi Kwayana, in his capacity as a private citizen, initiated criminal action against then Senior Superintendent Steve Merai of the Anti-Crime Unit or ‘Black Clothes’ for the murder of Buxton resident, Shaka Blair on April 6. Kwayana had sworn to the information before a magistrate at the Cove and John Magistrate’s Court on April 16, 2002. However, the then DPP, Denis Hanomansingh had written the court instructing that the charge be set aside. The current DPP Shalimar Ali-Hack also had advised against criminal charges being instituted against Nandlall when he had allegedly made threatening remarks during a telephone conversation with a Kaieteur News reporter. The DPP had also advised against criminal charges against Ashni Singh as a sitting minister when the then Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, had filed a complaint with the Guyana Police Force against him over the alleged illegal spending of some $4.5B from the coffers. For its part, the Guyana Police Force then had said that matter was not a matter for its ranks to investigate. The police explained that breaches of the Laws of Guyana can be criminal breaches, breaches under the civil jurisdiction, or administrative breaches; adding that the police force is obligated to investigate criminal breaches only and does not conduct investigations into civil breaches nor administrative breaches, except for those related to the Police (Discipline) Act Chapter 17:01 regarding the conduct of its ranks. “The Guyana Police Force is of the opinion that the section of the Law that it is alleged was breached by Dr. Ashni Singh addresses administrative issues and is therefore an administrative breach,” a statement from the police had pointed out. Ramjattan, now Minister of Public Security, had lodged a complaint with the police after it was discovered that the minister spent the money without prior parliamentary approval; monies the then opposition had disapproved during the 2014 budget.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Energy conference opens here By Svetlana Marshall

THE extensive work done by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in the area of energy will soon translate into action for the region, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Darcy Boyce, said as he addressed the 73rd Special Meeting of COTED on Energy on Thursday. The 73rd Special Meeting of COTED on Energy was convened at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana. The meeting was held one day after the Government of Montserrat ratified the agreement which established the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE). CCREEE is an institution of CARICOM with a mandate to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency investments, markets and industries in the Caribbean. It aims at improving access to modern, affordable and reliable energy services, energy security and mitigation of negative externalities of the energy system by promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency. Together with Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica and Belize, Montserrat became the fifth CARICOM member state to do so, thereby allowing for the establishment of the centre’s legal identity by mid-May. The centre is intended to function as the implementation hub for the CARICOM Energy Policy, as well as the Caribbean Sustainable Roadmap and Strategy (C-SERMS). At the opening ceremony of the COTED Special Meeting, Minister Boyce, who chaired the proceedings, expressed optimism about the future of the region’s energy sector. “Today’s agenda makes me smile because it looks

The 73rd Special Meeting of COTED on Energy in session at the CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown (Adrian Narine photo)

Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados, Darcy Boyce (Adrian Narine photo) like we just about there, and we just need a little bit more to get us over the hump, to get this programme going,” he said. The Barbadian Minister of State noted that the programme for continued energy development in the region has several implications, particularly on countries’ foreign exchange and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Our focus on energy has been driven by our quest to reduce for many of us, the foreign exchange that

Assistant Secretary-General of Trade and Economic Integration (CARICOM Secretariat) Joseph Cox (Adrian Narine photo)

we have to find to fuel the energy for our economies,” he said. As the region makes strides in achieving its regional agenda, Minister Boyce urged his fellow regional leaders to ensure that the benefits of such development and progress trickle down to the man in the street. “We also have to make sure that the benefits of the work we are doing in renewable energy and energy efficiency and all those things benefit the average consumer,” he emphasised, adding that those with ministerial responsibilities have an even bigger role to play in ensuring the benefits are felt by the people on the ground. “This is not just an exercise in academics, this is an exercise of practical living for many people who could barely afford to pay their electricity.” Minister Boyce was pleased that more attention is being placed on oil and gas in the region. “We all also have to bear in mind that if we are the owners of resources, we ought not to let those resources stand there idly, but we should use them for the benefits of our country and for the region. So I

am glad we are not shying away from the matter of oil and gas,” he told his counterparts. Assistant Secretary-General of Trade and Economic Integration (CARICOM Secretariat) Joseph Cox said exciting times are ahead. He noted that the agenda of the COTED Special Meeting on Energy is an “action oriented” one. Review of the interim operations, appointment of the executive board and appointment of the executive director were among items outlined on the agenda. “We are looking to see finite outcomes. We are looking to see the stage being set for us to really push the regional agenda in a

meaningful way,” Joseph said while expressing great optimism. He noted that already technical officers have been assigned to member countries in keeping with an established framework which allows for more strategic and effective engagements.

The assistant secretary-general also noted that up for serious consideration is a Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (REEBC). Guyana was represented by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Linden ‘river front’ slated for massive development

THE enhancement and beautification of both the eastern and western shores of the Upper Demerara River in the mining town of Linden is a project that is expected to commence soon. The project is being pushed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms Simona Broomes, who has been assigned to Linden by the government. She along with Mayor of Linden, Ms Waneka Arindell, Member of Parliament, Mr Jermaine Figueira and PNCR Region 10 Chairman, Mr Deron Adams met with engineers on Wednesday to commence discussions on the design that the waterfront development will take, and the plethora of touristic and economic benefits that will derive from its establishment. The idea of developing the waterfront, Minister Broomes said, came about after listening to President Granger’s recent address to the residents of Victory Valley at the commissioning of the community’s play park. She said that when the president puts forward ideas, local leaders should push to make them happen. As the president said at the commissioning, the development of Linden’s waterfront and that of all the other towns can create a wealth of opportunities, since doing so is not only good for business but helps give the area a certain character. “I would like to see all of these waterfronts develop, so that young people could go strolling at night safely, with solar lights, good food, music,” President Granger said, adding: “And I would like to see this western

shore like a boulevard; every town in Guyana must have a boulevard, full of beautiful trees so that young people can enjoy the environment.” Noting that developing the Linden waterfront is good for tourism, the president went on to say: “Visitors will always remember the black water of the Demerara River.” According to Minister Broomes, by developing the Linden waterfront, not only will the municipality be able to rake in revenue from booth holders, but the main beneficiaries will be the citizens at the grassroot level seeking empowerment.

WHOLE NEW VISTA “It is a whole vision in terms of opportunities; it is a lot. It must be a clear vision, not just building some place and putting some people in it; it’s about bigger growth and development for Linden... It’s creating opportunity for businesses in Linden,” the minister said. Warming to the topic, Minister Broomes said that persons will be able to sell their locally-made art and craft; small-scale cooks can be able to establish their businesses; smoothie, icecream and confectionary vendors can set up shop; and young fashion designers can have an outdoor showroom. On the Wismar shore, where the business atmosphere is somewhat bleak, Minister Broomes said that developing the river front on that side of the river can revitalise the Wismar business community, including the Wismar Municipal Market. “I see it as really opening up a lot of

Minister Broomes in discussion with engineers and regional officials at the Wismar river-front on Wednesday opportunities,” she said. “There is a market there; for business in the market, it will bring back that life because the traffic in the area will develop. “So people in the market will reopen their stalls, and so the market will get back the life that it once had. “There is also talk of setting up a bus terminal adjacent to the Wismar Market that Mahdia and Lethem buses can utilise, as well as an organised taxi shed, which will also add tremendously to people traffic.” Such development, the minister stressed, is giving power to the local people, and

therefore consultation will be held with the residents of Linden in relation to their choice of design, name and other logistics. The Linden Mayor & Town Council (LMTC) had, in the past, developed the Mackenzie river front by installing some benches, a concrete walkway and rails there. This attracted a few outdoor culinary businesses and various promotions have been held there, the biggest of which is the annual River-Front Festival. Owing to the lack of maintenance, however, the aesthetics of the river front has since deteriorated.

Municipal abattoir needs maintenance By Telesha Ramnarine THIS June, the municipal abattoir in Georgetown will be 85 years old and with hardly any maintenance being done to the building, work is being impeded. Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Onica Alleyne-Blackman, told Guyana Chronicle recently that some external funding to do the improvements would be welcomed, especially as the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is financially strapped. “We haven’t been doing much maintenance, which has resulted in some challenges to getting certain things done. The floors, for instance, need to be resurfaced. The lack of smooth work surfaces impedes cleaning,” Alleyne-Blackman explained. However, she said they

are still trying to maintain the hygiene and sanitation standards to ensure that wholesome meats are being sent off from the abattoir. The hygiene situation is currently above average, she said. “Our overall objective is to ensure consumers’ safety and protection,” Alleyne-Blackman said, adding that her department ensures that all food outlets are duly registered and licensed on a daily basis, including food handlers, school canteens, itinerant vendors and snow cone vendors. The system at the abattoir is very manual at the moment, and Alleyne-Blackman is hoping that it can be upgraded to have better facilities such as better water supply, and a pig de-hairing machine. The number of abattoir staff is also inadequate at the

Chief Meat and Food Inspector, Onica Alleyne-Blackman moment. “We would like to see something done about the current structure. It would be nice if we can get some outside funding because City Council might not be able to stand the expenses of what is required now,” Alleyne-Blackman pointed out. Slaughtering and meat inspection exercises are done on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to ensure wholesome meats are distributed for consumption to the various markets. About 30 to 40 animals are slaughtered at the facility daily. Two stun guns are also now in use after being unavailable for quite some time.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Murder/suicide rocks Belmont

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD boy and his seven-yearold sister stood as witnesses when their enraged father brutally stabbed their mother to death in the street at Belmont, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara on Thursday. Dead is Darmattie Persaud, 23, also known as ‘Kalvina’, a housewife. Her alleged assailant who was under guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was taken after he ingested a poisonous substance, died hours after. Guyana Chronicle was informed that the woman sustained years of abuse by the man with whom she has two children. A few weeks ago, the two had a misunderstanding and the woman was abused and she took a decision to leave her children behind and went to stay with her sister at Leonora,

West Coast Demerara. When the new school term recommenced, the children were unable to return to school because of financial reasons. On Thursday, the man telephoned Persaud and instructed her to come and collect her children from the house which they

shared. The house is said to be the property of the suspect’s mother. As the woman arrived in a taxi to take the children from the home, the man advanced to the vehicle, pulled the woman out of the car and began stabbing her about the body, including her head.

A relative weeps as the body of Darmattie Persaud lies across the road

Essequibo businessman reportedly robbed after hit-and-run

POPULAR Essequibo businessman, Nateram Ramanand called ‘Juice man’ of Charity, Essequibo Coast is hospitalised, nursing injuries to the hip and head after he was reportedly struct down by a bus in Georgetown on Wednesday morning.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, the businessman was rescued by a taxi driver who found him next to the road corner in the city and took him to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. While details are sketchy, information re-

vealed that the businessman was crossing the road at the time when he was hit by a bus after which he was left at the side of the road where he was reportedly robbed. Ramanand is the owner of a popular juice centre at Charity. He supplies fresh fruit juices and coconut water along the Essequibo Coast.

Persons nearby rushed to the scene as she screamed “murder”. She collapsed and died on the roadway in the presence of her children. After committing the act, the man retreated to his home and ingested a poisonous substance. Police on arrival at the scene quickly rushed him to the hospital. According to the mother of the dead woman, the arguments between the couple usually stem from the assailant’s inability to honour his responsibilities as a father and the head of the home. During the years of abuse, the woman reportedly received cuts to her abdomen, chest and other parts of the body, this newspaper was told. Persaud, on several occasions, reported her husband to the police but it is not clear what came out of those reports. On other occasions, she would go to her mother’s home and that of her other relatives but each time her reputed husband would show up and re-

Darmattie Persaud quest that she should return home and she would comply. However, after the last bout of abuse, the woman went to her sister’s home, making it difficult for the financially-strapped man to show up there. This publication was told that the man worked with rice farmers from the area and would be employed during planting and harvesting. Due to the frequent

misunderstandings between the two, his side of the family and the family of the dead woman do not communicate with each other. When Guyana Chronicle visited the scene, the body of the woman was lying on the parapet covered with a sheet, even as the police did their work under the eyes of dozens of enraged and curious family members and villagers.

Police at the scene of the murder on Thursday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Conservancy workers threaten strike over retro payments By Svetlana Marshall

WORKERS of the East Demerara Water Conversancy (EDWC) picketed the Agriculture Ministry as their union, the General Workers’ Union (GWU), called for the Ministry of Social Protection Department of Labour to intervene to avert industrial action against the management of the Conservancy over millions of dollars owed to them. According to the workers, the Management of the East Demerara Water Conservancy owes them in excess of $12M in retroactive pay-

ments dating back to 2012. Approximately 30 workers are awaiting payment. As they protested at the Agriculture Ministry on Regent Street, Georgetown, the workers received the strong backing of their union with the GWU president Norris Witter threatening to “up the ante” if the issues placed on the table are not addressed. Putting the issue into prospective, Witter explained that days after the workers protested, the Agriculture Ministry on July 4, 2017, the Board of Directors overseeing the management of the Conservancy invited the workers’ representatives to a

meeting where a number of issues were discussed. “Those concerns had to do with outstanding retroactive payments dating back to 2012, outstanding payments for other allowances dating back to 2012 and the non-response by the management to our draft collective bargaining agreement,” the GWU president explained. It was noted that for 15 years, the management of the Conservancy and the union have been unable to conclude a collective bargaining agreement, although several attempts have been made by the latter to rectify the situation.

“I am saying that there has not been a renewal of the collective bargaining agreement for the East Demerara Water Conservancy for over 15 years. It is a shameful and disgusting situation,” Witter stated. The GWU president said although the board and management of the Conservancy committed to respond to the workers’ concerns following the July 12, 2017 meeting, it did so, months after an ultimatum was given by the union on January 26, 2018. “It was not until January 26, 2018, more than six months after, when we sent the management an ultima-

Workers of the East Demerara Water Conversancy (EDWC) on the picket line on Thursday (Adrian Narine photo)

Counterfeit crooks busted QUICK response from police resulted in four persons being arrested on Thursday after trying to exchange counterfeit currency at a grocery

and general store at Success, East Coast Demerara. Police later seized US$1,300 in counterfeit from two Venezuelan

women and two Guyanese men who were a part of the swindle. They were taken into police custody at the Beterverwagting Police Station

Reports indicate that the same team had visited the store and swindled the proprietor two months ago and, upon seeing them on the second occasion, he

tum indicating our intention to proceed on appropriate industrial action, that the management responded three months after saying that the issues that we raised at the level of the board were more comprehensive that they thought and therefore it has taken them more time that they envisage to have the matters addressed,” Witter explained. For the union and the workers, enough is enough! Strapped with their placards, the workers backed the GWU president as he called on the Social Protection Ministry Department of Labour to intervene. “This action I would consider it to be a moderate action but we are saying very clearly that we have lost confidence in the management of the East Demerara Water Conservancy to address these matters and therefore we want to use this forum to call on the Ministry of Social Protection Labour Department to intervene through conciliation with a view of having this matter resolved,” Witter said. He warned that if these longstanding issues are not swiftly addressed, the workers with the full support of the union will up the ante. “If this issue is not resolved speedily as we expect it to be, through the intervention of the Ministry of Social Protection Labour

Department, and whoever has authority to bring closure to these issues, we are going to up the ante. We are going to move from the activity of a protest to one of a strike, and if we are forced to take strike action, then God knows how long it will last, we don’t want to do that, we are a responsible union.” He said while the union is not uncaring, the rights of the workers who are generally poor ought to be respected. The issues, he lamented, have been dragged on for far too long, and the workers are growing tired of the delay tactics being employed by the management and the board of the East Demerara Water Conservancy.

asked his neighbour to contact the police immediately. The quartet who came in a motorcar, parked in front of the business and the two Venezuelan women exited and spoke rapid Spanish and a male Guyanese accomplice quickly followed and explained

that the women only had US dollars and wanted to purchase some juices. The proprietor delayed the transaction until the police reached the scene and made the arrest. “The police reach so fast on two motorcycles that I could not believe,” one eyewitness said.

GWU President Norris Witter

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Major work on Amelia’s Ward road By Vanessa Braithwaite

RESIDENTS of Amelia’s Ward, Linden are head over heels that the 2018 budget has included the construction of the community’s main access road, called ‘Main Street’. This thoroughfare spans several housing schemes and small communities in Central Amelia’s Ward and residents were suffering tremendously because of its deplorable state. On Wednesday, at a community outreach held in Cinderella City by Minister Simona Broomes and other regional officials, the residents celebrated the news that the road will definitely be done and works will commence soon, since tenders are already out. Residents were forced to walk more than a mile out of the long stretch of road filled with huge potholes to access transportation, since short-drop taxis refused to drive through the road because of its state. For those who decide to do so, an extra cost is attached to the fare. It has been the main cry of the residents since it affects pensioners, schoolchildren, pregnant women and others who cannot walk the long stretch of road and cannot afford the additional cost. “We were very much frustrated with that road. We the people of this community are suffering because of that road, vehicles don’t want to come in,” Webster, a resident of Cinderella City said. Broomes said the

government realised that the people were suffering and that is why the road is being done. The residents of Cinderella City, especially women, will benefit from the contracts since Minister Simona Broomes would have held discussions with the contractors to employ the women to do ‘clean up’ jobs while the road is being constructed. Discussions were held with the RDC to have the residents employed to clean the drains in the community as well. On Monday, community representatives gave the minister a list of those interested in employment. “The whole idea is that whenever persons come into your community to do work, you must be a part of it,” Broomes said. The residents were encouraged to be good workers as contractors have made complaints of undisciplined workers. Broomes distributed tools to the residents to assist them in their community road construction employment work. The women expressed appreciation that some form of employment will come their way since most are only employed on a part-time basis, cleaning drains and parapets in their communities In addition to the Amelia’s Ward Main Street, other roads that will be done are Toucan Drive Main Road; Speight Land Access Road; Riverside Drive Road; Stanley Road in the Wismar Hill Primary School area; the Ballfield Road; the Teachers’ Compound Main Access Road; and the Post

Cinderella City residents receiving the tools donated by Minister Simona Broomes to assist them in their community employment project

Main Street which will be repaired soon Office Road in Wismar. Out of the $3.4B budget, $322.5M has been allocated for public infrastructure in Region 10. With a portable asphalt plant available in Linden that is currently being assembled at the Christianburg area, road construction in Linden in 2018 is expected to be expedited.

The plant is fully automatic and computerised and is being powered by a low emission generator and will produce 160 tonnes of asphalt per hour. With asphalt being available right in Linden, the production of roads is expected to be lower and therefore surplus funds can be used to construct and repair more roads.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Linden youths spearhead clean up drive

WITH the aim of getting youths in an environmentally-friendly mood, Linden youth leaders have begun a series of clean-up campaigns in the mining town. According to Linden’s former Mayor Carwyn Holland, it is the responsibility of each citizen to care the environment. And “doing so is one way of teaching our youths to grow up to be responsible citizens.” Last Sunday, Linden

Youth Leaders, in collaboration with Capital Football Club and Mackenzie High School Upper 6 Students, carried out a massive cleanup campaign on the Mackenzie waterfront between Chester’s Boat Landing and Church’s Chicken. The youths will be paying more attention to the riverfront area, which they feel has been neglected for years. “There is an off treatment to that riverfront, where per-

sons would come up with the will to keep it clean, etc,” Holland said. “Residents and many persons would continue to litter, so we don’t want to stop there,” he added. In an effort to sustain the momentum, the youths will also be distributing brochures and installing signs in order to educate the public on the effects of pollution, and to encourage them to desist from littering. The group intends to

make the activity a bi-monthly one in order to send a strong message. The youths will later focus on the Wismar shore. The Linden Youth Leaders drew their inspiration from Linden Town Week’s theme, which is ‘Celebrating culture, talent, creativity in a clean, ‘green’ 2018.’

In an invited comment, the former mayor lauded the youths for demonstrating sound leadership, and setting a good example to their peers while adding value to the town. Mayor Waneka Arrindell and Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune visited the youths during their cleanup exercise in support of their

efforts. Holland noted that the group has received great support from persons and organisations such as World Wildlife Fund and Food for the Poor. They intend to get the Ministry of Communities and Ministry of Public Infrastructure on board.

Guyana’s gold reserves prudently managed …Central Bank rubbishes Guyana Times story

Linden youths hard at work to beautify their environment

THE Bank of Guyana said it has noted with alarm an article in the Guyana Times captioned ‘Bank of Guyana gold reserves plummet,’ and knocked the story as misleading and reckless. “For the record, the Bank of Guyana trades gold and replenishes the stock based on market opportunities. Gold is not managed as an exclusive reserve asset for holding, but as part of a portfolio of assets,” the Central Bank said in a statement. It explained that gold may be sold for a number of reasons; including maximising profits, rebalancing of the portfolio, meeting liquidity needs, or optimising opportunities in other asset classes.

According to the Bank, with the price of gold as high as USD1, 364 recently, it had been trading gold as any bank worth its salt will do. “Dips in the reserves therefore, reflect strategic trading rather than any involuntary disposal of gold,” the BoG asserted. “BoG therefore wishes to assure that the benchmark for the holdings of international reserves are vigilantly adhered to and upheld. Additionally, the domestic market has an excess supply of foreign currency to meet domestic demand, while maintaining a stable foreign currency exchange rate,” the statement ended.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

No more elections jiggery-pokery … Min Ally tells Jagdeo to stop living in the past THE allegedly “ungodly” acts committed under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration ahead of National and Regional Elections are no more, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Amna Ally said as she called on Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to stop living in the past. Allaying the concerns of the PPP, Ally said the PNCR endorses the move to have a sanitised and realistic list of electors. The PPP, just days ago, called on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to exercise greater

care and due diligence in its attempts to sanitise the list. But the PNCR General Secretary said there is no need to remain in the past. “This is not the PPP/C Government,” she declared, while stating that the Coalition Government strongly believes in authenticity. “We do not have to meddle and tamper with official records of a country like the PPP/C did. Minister of Citizenship Mr. Winston Felix was quite in order when he said that “GRO’s process was transparent and does not include partisanship,” Ally said as she further allayed the concerns of the Opposition.

Reminding the Opposition Leader that Guyana has advanced, and is a more progressive country under the APNU+AFC,the PNCR General Secretary questioned whether the PPP is somewhat confused. “Do not be confused by the digitisation of records (that is progress); accept that you did not have the vision to do it during your tenure. Notwithstanding your seemingly incomprehension of the process, it is my recommendation for GECOM to now have a ‘house to house’ registration so that they can bring home the bacon for the PPP/C.

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally This is not the time for us to fiddle or attempt to confuse,” she stated. With a sense of humor and a bit of sarcasm, Ally said “Let us truly sanitise the list of electors by having house to house registration, hence all those who are alive will be on the list.”

Schoolboy found with ‘weed’ in school A FOURTEEN-year-old student of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS) was caught by his head teacher with a gramme of cannabis in his possession. According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the headmaster of the Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) school, Mr Lalljeet Ruplall reported to police that he found a student with narcotics on him. The search was conducted on the Grade Nine student on Wednesday morning, when one small, green transparent Ziploc plastic bag containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis was found in the inner compartment of his schoolbag. The child denied having knowledge of how the ‘weed’ came to be in his bag, and as such both his mother and the police were called in. The police weighed the substance in the presence of the child’s mother and the head teacher, and found that it amounted to one gramme. Police are currently investigating the matter, while the teenager was handed over to his parents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Uitvlugt estate surpasses first crop target

THE Uitvlugt estate has met and surpassed its production target for the first crop of 2018. Uitvlugt is one of the three estates remaining under GuySuCo management after the downsizing that led to the closure of the other estates in 2017. Uitvlugt surpassed the production target after grinding for seven weeks. This was achieved despite severe mechanical and processing challenges affecting efficiencies at the outset of the crop. The Factory Engineering Services Unit in collabora-

tion with the Uitvlugt Factory team, worked to ensure that those defects were quickly corrected. As a result, the estate was able to surpass its Weekly Production Target for four of the seven weeks during the grinding period. Surpassing the production target is a significant achievement for the Uitvlugt Estate and a testimony of the team work and leadership at the estate, a release said. In addition to leadership, the rehabilitation of the cultivation, which was started two years ago, and revised

harvesting procedures in the crop assisted immensely in the estate achieving its target. Uitvlugt produced a total of 7,011 tonnes of sugar from crushing 84,295 tonnes of sugarcanes. The target set for the estate for the first crop was 6,671 tonnes. Private sugarcane farmers produced 42 per cent (35,176 tonnes) of the crushed sugarcanes. “The performance of Uitvlugt estate for this first crop is the first validation of the new strategy to downsize the company and focus its best talent on making the estates

more efficient and ultimately profitable,” acting GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul Bhim said. He added: “Given the developments at the other two GuySuCo estates, Albion and Blairmont, we expect the same improved performance to become a trend.” Uitvlugt estate so far leads the way for the crop by achieving four Weekly Production Targets. In keeping with GuySuCo’s agreements, employees were rewarded with four days’ pay as incentive for their hard work, commitment and outstanding achievements during the crop. Head of NICIL-SPU, Colvin Heath-London, said that “the performance of the Uitvlugt estate is very encouraging, especially at

The Uitvlugt estate has met and surpassed its production target for the first crop of 2018 this time when the SPU is securing funding for the operations of GuySuCo. The funding has been

predicated on improved production performance from GuySuCo’s three estates.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Mining executive donates to orphanages

FOUR orphanages in Guyana are now a little bit better equipped to serve children under their care, following their selection by mining executive Dean Hassan to receive accumulated donations of G$4.4M. The handing-over ceremony and luncheon was held Thursday at the Marriott Hotel and St. John’s Bosco, Joshua House, St. Ann’s and Shaheed Boys

Tesouro Resources Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dean Hassan (fourth right) and committee members Alex Graham (first left), Julia Johnson (second left) and Collen Williams (first right) with representatives of the four orphanages which benefitted from the donations. (Delano Williams photo) and Girls were the beneficiaries of the donations. The St John’s Bosco Orphanage received $1.2M to purchase 20 bunkbeds while the Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanage received similar amounts for the construction of two equipped computer labs. The St. Ann’s Orphanage received $1M for 12 sessions of psychological intervention for its children. The Joshua’s House also received the same amount for renovation of its kitchen and outdoor recreational equipment. In addition, the Shaheed Boys and Girls Orphanage received a G$25,000 gift certificate from Starr Computers Incorporated which, after hearing about the projects, felt compelled to make the contribution. Hassan, in brief remarks, said he was grateful to be in a position to assist the orphans and added that as Guyana approaches “tremendous wealth”, more help will come to those in need. “Guyana has such immense wealth ahead the magnitude of which I don’t think anybody in this room or anybody in the country really comprehends. Pretty soon the Government will be in the position to assist at levels that we will never be able to. But until then, until that immense wealth comes in, let’s do the level best we can to assist the less fortunate,” he said. He also challenged more people to reach out to the underprivileged. “I challenge each and every one of you… when you are in a position, and I know we are all at different levels to different

extent, to reach out to someone who is not as fortunate, to assist, to help. You may be very surprised at how good that makes you feel,” he stated. Before becoming recipients, the four orphanages were tasked with designing a detailed proposal which outline their primary needs and justified how a minimum of G$1M could be used to meet those needs. It was also requested that the proposed projects provide opportunities for Hassan and his team to visit and interact with the children. A three-person committee was established for the management, implementation and monitoring of the grants to ensure that the children are the primary beneficiaries of the projects. Committee Member Alex Graham pointed out that the grant’s selection process is not a competition whereby institutions must contest for a limited pool of funding. He clarified that all institutions which are invited to participate have the opportunity to become beneficiaries providing that their proposals meet the set requirements. Words of appreciation on behalf of the four orphanages came from assistant administrator at the St. Ann’s Orphanage, Tracy Williams. In the past five years, Hassan has made annual donations to over 500 children during the Christmas season and in 2015 donated G$10M to 16 local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and two long-standing animal rights activists.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

‘GullyRas’ Popular deejay

evolving from music to business By Tracey Khan DEEJAY ‘GullyRas’ continues to evolve from music to a businessman who will not be stopped. Born Ceon LaRose, he started his career carrying music boxes for his uncle and a friend who owned Solid Gold and Untouchable sound system. He worked his way to the top and is now considered one of the biggest deejays in Guyana, touring the world and sharing his talent with fans and supporters. He has even done some backup singing for dancehall superstar Mavado and a few others. He is thankful to influential forces such as Fusion International which has shown much confidence in his work and allowed him to spread his wings and realise his potential. He has not forgotten the show of support and guidance which was shown to him and he is paving the way for other young deejays including his protégé ‘Diamond’. ROLE MODEL But what he is most proud of is being a good father and role model to the youngsters who look up to him. He has been to several high schools to encourage and motivate young people to stay on the right path and make a positive mark. This passion of motivating children through his school tours will continue as he seeks to do his part in society. "That's why I don't enter these sound clashes and certain events. My kids look up to me so how do you think they will feel looking at their father on stage busing another next DJ? I'm not dissing anyone but I just want to be different whereby these big companies would reach out to me to endorse their products and services," the Deejay said.

EARLY HUSTLE Coming from a single-parent family, at a tender age, Ceon would walk the city streets selling cheese and cigarettes to help his mother who was raising four children. It was during these hard times that his love for business grew. "It was my main agenda growing up, I always wanted to be a businessman but I didn't have the finances so I had to toe the line, remember you have to creep before you walk," he laughed and explained. He is seen as a fashion icon with his trendy style and swag. He recently opened his first boutique LaRose Fashion located at 333 Cummings Street, Georgetown which provides the latest in men and women clothing at an affordable price. "I love fashion and that is evident in the way I dress. People are always asking about what I'm wearing so it came naturally and I wanted to provide some of it for the people who admire my fashion sense and give them a sense of direction," he said. He also has a car rental business that he started three years ago with his personal car. The business has grown and is located at Ruimzeight Gardens, West Coast Demerara.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF Ceon has invested in himself a lot of hard work and dedication which is paying off. "A lot of people who don't know your background or where you're coming from and don't know the things you've been through want to assume, because you come from nothing Deejay GullyRas and selector Diamond to something like you can't afford to get certain things on your own. Hard work is the key to success so once you work hard you can get anything in the world you want, everything in life just takes time," he stressed. He said that his transition from just music to business was a challenge but preparedness and focus are the key and he is encouraging youths to be interested in being their own business to be persistent. "Any business you go into, you always have to prepare for rainy days, so if you invest $2 million in your business you can't make that back in the space of a month or tw, so you have to prepare to go into your pocket to pay your staff and doing certain things until

your business reaches that level so it’s a challenge but you can't give up on it," he said. He is now working on his own clothing line "LaRose" which should be out soon. "That will be the biggest dream c o m e through once it's rolled out, Gull y Ras is already established so I want to get LaRose there because that's my title." Ceon said he feels fulfilled with his current state of living but will keep reaching for the stars.

Ceon “GullyRas’ LaRose

Feed The Flames

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

heads to Trinidad for Golden Opportunity

AS Guyana celebrates its 52nd year of Independence on May 26, local Heavy Metal group 'Feed The Flames' will be celebrating their 10-year anniversary. What started as a rock band just for fun by a group of young men who were still in school at the time has now evolved into a force to be reckoned with in the Caribbean Rock Scene. It was announced last December that FTF has been selected as one of the top five finalists for the second-ever 'Wacken Metal Battle Caribbean', where they will battle four other top bands from Trinidad and Suriname for an opportunity to perform on the biggest stage for Heavy Metal in the world Wacken Open Air, in Germany this August. The Wacken Metal Battle Caribbean (WNBC)was launched in 2016 by Jerry Orie in Suriname and saw bands from around the Caribbean participate in the first ever 'Battle of the Bands' of this magnitude. Lynchpin from Trinidad won that contest and went on to Germany in August 2016 to be the first Caribbean Rock band to make it that far. This year, the WMBC teams up with Skyy Rock Festival in Trinidad on April 28 to present the second installment of the competition. Feed The Flames is no stranger to the stage at Skyy Rock Festival as they performed there last year. The band also supports Guyana's own unique style of Rock Music 'Creole Rock', as well as the young and talented Josi from Linden - they were rated as the most entertaining performance for the night by many festival goers, because of their unique styles. Next week - the members of Feed The Flames will embark on what is the most significant performance of their lives. This will be their reward for the last 10 years of commitment and dedication by these young men - who believed in following their dreams no matter how challenging being a musician in Guyana is, much less, being 'Rock Musicians'. This is their golden opportunity to prove to themselves and to their supporters (as well as naysayers) that nothing is impossible and that through hard work and dedication, even the wildest of dreams can become reality. FTF will be performing live tomorrow at Club Latino on Hadfield Street - where they will be hosting one final fundraising effort for their trip to Trinidad. Doors open at 20:00hrs and admission is only $1,000. So round up your friends and support FTF, while experiencing a unique and alternative mode of live entertainment in Georgetown - Rock n' Roll ! Feed The Flames would like to thank their supporters and sponsors who have aided them along the way to Wacken - Howard's Restaurant, Chetson's, Print Zone, Ticketmaster Travel Agency and Radio Rock n' Roll.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

GLOWING AND TOXIC ’ D N I B T A H T S TIE WE ALL come from different worlds; have different views; and are schooled by the wise, the foolish and monsters in between. Then we follow the chemistry we call ‘love’ -a coin of uplifting exhilaration that could endure a lifetime. Then there is the other side of the same coin, of toxic imbalances, conjured by conflicting moods and creeds; a human condition that transcends heterosexual, homosexual and whatever else exists in our myriad sexual persuasions and identities. Very few people grow into a single relationship that lasts a lifetime, most likely after we mature, mid-twenties to early thirties, learning certain rules of compromise and principles we settle into a relationship with someone with the minimum number of issues, where we must decide to work towards a mutual understanding that identifies the intrusive elements that create fragmentation coming from within us, and externally, which in some cases share blood with us. There are cultural, religious and life creed elements in our society which we must be cognizant of. That we share space between matriarchal and patriarchal cultural philosophies, in a matriarchal social consciousness, the female coincides with the saying ‘Mother dead, family done’. I come from the matriarchal lineage, where the female represents certain subliminal, almost sacred values and no social trade includes the women in our pantheon. However, all full moon howling transformations of the hunt are the domain of the male. It is not fair, nor sensible in this virus volatile age we live

‘THE

in, but that’s the ancient way. The paradox of the latter is that sexual violations of adultery cannot be soothed by any concept that implies that she is doing it to help out the unit financially. It is not conceivable to the acceptance of any virile male ego of the culture and such an act is treading on dangerous grounds. One of the elements I was forewarned of growing into early manhood is the force of the ego and the question of ‘trust’. Like most people learning the lessons and passing the test are two different, experiences, but one idea resonated. I witnessed its unfolding in my neighbourhood. When two married people step out from their covenants, even with justified reasons, to become

secret lovers, and eventually they come together, relinquishing the former ‘ties that bind’ then to realise that in the process all residues of ‘trust’ had diminished without conscious realisation, what is born in deceit continues to have deception and suspicion as its companion. Let me share an experience, I had a girlfriend who attended a good high school. I was about two years older. She would visit where I lived in West Ruimveldt on certain days when privacy could be stolen. One afternoon, I was taking her to the Stabroek bus park, when leading to the Demico pave she turned to me and

said: “Don’t say nothing.” She clapped and a young man a few years older than me who was climbing on a motorcycle paused and waited and watched as we proceeded towards him. She spoke “I was at meh sister on ...Street, and meh cousin following meh home, cause yuh know how mommy does behave.” He insisted that a few more minutes would do nothing. I conceded and we went upstairs of Demico. It was the most difficult chicken I ate, while this fellow confided to me of how much he was in love with my "cousin" and that he and his wife was not doing good. The following afternoon at the corner in ‘West’ I was beating my chest on the ego of my manhood. One senior brethren named David just smiled while I controlled the crowd, then David broke his silence with a solemn question: “Yuh could remember how many banna cousins she introduce you to?” The gaff morphed and my ego had a rude awakening of not so glamorous possibilities. Humans have a strange cryptic connection with ‘Love’ and faithful ‘Death’. The immortal Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, the twisted love story of witness for the prosecution among others. The most ironic was ‘Samson and Delilah’. As a child, my godmother who I grew up with took me to see this movie. I didn’t like it. This was the age of movie Gladiators, the Dirty Dozen etc. I can remember she and her friends discussing how Delilah was sorry for betraying Samson, so as Hollywood portrayed it she chose to die with him as he pulled down the Philistine palace, killing all including himself and the remorseful, heroic Delilah. As a young adult, I had reason to look up Delilah. The fact is she seduced Samson’s secret, betrayed him and according to Judges 16: 1-20, Delilah’s god paid departed or as business was done in that day, after getting what they wanted, they just murdered her and took back their money because after the betrayal she ceased to exist in the Biblical record. The church-going folk back then just didn’t independently read the Bible. Hollywood captured what was cool and they digested it. Economics, values and cultural diversions are leading to domestic murders and protest voices in defiance, with sensational slogan waving, but there are no serious workgroups. As a father of daughters/granddaughter, I preach the dialogue of balance and what to look for in the deceptive rainforest of life with its forbidden fruits. There is no one formula because we are dealing with the human mind and that in itself is an unchartered labyrinth, with only the norms of the ages to go by. To ignore the intrusive values and practices of our day is dangerous. The way forward will demand serious cultural work, to create a value system to include all the elements that need adjusting and repairing. Until we begin that process, it’s just riding the bandwagon.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

WCB country boys making it big in the music industry By Vanessa Braithwaite

town to perform and then we started gaining an audience out of Berbice. We created a buzz and a spark of interest in our music,” he said. The group started performing at shows held at the National Park next to the likes of Shelly G, Kwaci Ace and Lisa Punch after they started recording at the Georgetown studio Q5 where manager Franale Holder really pushed them for greatness.

WHAT WOULD have seemed like an unrealistic dream for a group of boys growing in the village of Hopetown on the West Coast of Berbice, is now more than a reality, but an opportunity for greatness in the music industry, not only in Guyana but abroad. Calipack is a group of young boys exploring their talent in hip-pop and rap music and working hard with little financing and sponsorship to materialise their first album which is slated for release in May. The two main rappers in the group are Fonsie James AKA Calipackcuban and Kevin Kowlessar AKA Caliprince. The backup singers and dancers are Terrol Mcfarlane AKA Calipackgunny, Clifton Mars AKA Fitzy, Hakeem Fisher AKA Calipackkeem, Sherland Gillis and AKA 5Gillie In an interview with the Buzz, James related that the group was officially formed in 2011 but its realisation dates back to when the young aspiring rappers were in secondary school in Hopetown village. “I remember years back going to the Sapodilla Learning Centre with Kevin Kowlessar as kids and lunchtime all the boys would be at the lunch table beating on desks with our hands and slinging it. It was then and there I realised I wanted to do music, the togetherness and laughter it brought us was amazing,” James related. Knowing that the village is very closeknit and the support would be real, the boys were inspired to push their music further and in 2011, got their first session with a studio called Rhythm of Life. It was there that James recorded his first song, ‘Make Money’ which was a dancehall reggaeton track. The track

received favourable reception from the villagers and also other neighbouring villages and the boys’ popularity began to spiral, but something was still keeping them back from breaking out of the little box of their village. MORE EXPOSURE Rather than to be known as a random group of boys, James said that a strategic plan was needed and the first thing on the agenda was to get a “dope” name, according to them. “The same night I was watching a documentary on Pablo Escobar and came across one of

Miss Earth Guyana Talent and Costume Preliminaries set for Aracari Resort

The seven dazzling delegates vying for the 2018 Miss Earth Guyana Crown

Tomorrow, the Aracari Resort will come alive as seven dazzling delegates of the Miss Earth Guyana Pageant take to the stage in the Talent and Costume Preliminaries. The event, which will start at 19:00hrs will be staged at the Aracari Resort Poolside Auditorium. This segment of the pageant will see delegates showcasing their Superhero-themed costume and their various talents before a panel of judges. Word is out that amongst the talent presentations, the audience can expect some engaging dances, drama and vocal performances

like never before. On Sunday, the delegates will set the Aracari Resort poolside ablaze as they showcase in their sizzling Swimsuit Fantasia. This is an open show to the general public. Meanwhile, the entrance fee for tomorrow's event is $1,000. Girls have been selected this time around from across the length and breadth of Guyana. Those competing for the coveted crown and title this year are Xamiera Kippins, Garbiella Chapman, Akisha Payne, Oriana Castello, Anita Baker, Luan Pellew and Anasa Williams.

the world’s most notorious drug cartels syndicate called cali cartel, it wasn’t what they did that inspired me but it was their loyalty to each other and that is where I coined the term ‘Calipack’ for loyalty and pack because we are a group with collective talent,” he said. Official writing and recording of Hip Hop songs commenced and after a year at Rhythm of Life, the group started recording at Sykamoh Records in New Amsterdam. “We got our first popular song ‘Adorn’ followed by ‘Swagging Everyday’. At that time we were searching for our voice and in 2015 this girl who kept hip-hop shows and open mic nights contacted us to perform. We drove to George-

GREATNESS IN THE U.S.A After two members of the group migrated to the U.S, they encouraged the others to travel in 2017 since they had already bought studio equipment and had it set up in the room they stayed in. The group started their first mixtape called Swavy but continued to drop singles in between. “We hooked up with a producer from Master T Records, both Master T and Q5 records are helping us to make this tape a reality. We dropped our first single in the U.S called ‘Look we Do’.” The official album is slated for release in May. This is the biggest gig from the group thus far; to magnify from their little village in West Coast Berbice to a studio in New Jersey, USA. According to James, the group sometimes becomes emotional as the members reminisce about all the struggles they would have experienced, the stagnation, the lack of finance and support amongst other things. One of the biggest challenges he said is the belief that Guyana is not a hip-hop country but they are on the verge of changing that rationale. “We refer to our music as ‘swavy’, it’s just cool, chilled, trapped, ‘trancy’, emotional music and now we are targeting a larger market and we are working up the ladder to burst out in NJ since we have a lot of support rather than in our own country,” James said. He is encouraging the Guyanese audiences to give the hip-hop genre a chance and to provide support to the young and upcoming artiste in the local industry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Dynamic passengers to be refunded from May 2

SEVEN months after Dynamic International Airways closed its operations here in Guyana, affected passengers will be refunded. The Public Infrastructure Minister, in a statement on Thursday, said the process of refunds for tickets issued by Dynamic International Airways will commence from

Wednesday May 2, 2018. “Refunds will be issued Mondays to Thursdays from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs and Fridays from 09:00hrs to 14:00hrs at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Accounts Department, Fort Street, Kingston,” according to the statement. Passengers are required to have their Identification

Cards (IDs) or Passports, in addition to proof of ticket purchase. In cases where an individual is appearing on another’s behalf, the Ministry said that an authorisation letter, with two signed witnesses from the passenger whose name appears on the list, is required, along with an identification document of the person uplifting the

refund. “To allow for smooth processing, passengers have been organised by dates, with a maximum of 80 persons being accommodated each day. Passengers who do not appear on their identified dates will be allowed to appear during the fall-back period, May 14, 2018 to May 25, 2018,” the Public Infrastructure Ministry stated. Electronic copies of the list are available on the Public Infrastructure Ministry’s website (www.mopi.gov.gy) and Facebook page as well as the Roraima Airways’ web-

site (www.roraimaairways. com) and Facebook page. The announcement comes months after the Ministry initiated the process to access a bond for the sum of US $200,000. The US $200,000 or GUY $40M was lodged by Dynamic International Airways, LLC, in collaboration with their local handling agent, Roraima Airways Inc. Some 609 passengers are eligible for the refund. The refund for the 604 passengers is expected to amount to just over US$189,000. In July, 2017 the carrier

had announced that it had filed a voluntary Chapter 11 petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court. It was the carrier’s intention to continue its operations here but its principals restructured plans did not work out as planned. The airline noted that its decision to file for bankruptcy protection followed upon litigation matters, resulting from Hajj flights the airline operated in 2014 for Air India. Dynamic International Airways closed its operation here, in Guyana, last October.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

Indian Arrival events must be alcohol-free –– Indian Action Committee urges

THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) has issued a call for an alcohol-free celebration at events to commemorate the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the first batch of East Indian indentured immigrants from India to Guyana. The IAC in a release said while the official anniversary will be May 5, 2018, countrywide events are scheduled before and after. Since its establishment

in 2003, the IAC has, from its first event to commemorate Indian Arrival in Guyana, advocated that no alcohol be allowed at these functions and implemented measures to prevent promotion and consumption. “It was heartened that other organisations promoting similar activities subsequently joined the advocacy which has now become a fixture in related advertisements. The IAC strongly believes that the Indian Arrival commemora-

tion events, which promote family values, must be free from the impact of alcohol consumption and promotion. Corporate entities, which over the years have partnered with the IAC to promote these events and which are known for the production of alcohol, must be commended for promoting non-alcoholic beverages and other similar products,” the IAC said. The IAC said it feels compelled to reiterate that alcohol must not to be pro-

moted and consumed at the upcoming events, since some promotions have al-

ready begun openly advertising its sale. “The IAC, therefore, urges those involved to be mindful of the negative impact these promotions would have, not only on the events and the family values intended to be fostered, but the additional challenges it poses socially. “The IAC takes this

opportunity to invite the general public to celebrate with us our 15th Grand Annual Cultural Melas (free admissions) slated for Saturday, 28th April 2018, at the Anna Regina Community ground, Essequibo, and Saturday, 5th May 2018, at the Albion Sports Complex, Berbice,” the release concluded.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

55 Days to go …

United States' Copa Centenario a turning point for CONCACAF's World Cup teams AS the World Cup looms closer, a growing level of frustration in the United States soccer community would be understandable. But even though the U.S. national team will not be in Russia, the country can take some comfort from the role it played in shaping the road to the World Cup, especially as far as the South American teams are concerned. Nowadays the Copa America is played every four years, kicking off a new cycle of competitive action. In the year after the World Cup there has been nothing but friendlies. The Copa helps whip teams into shape for the next batch of World Cup qualifiers, which get underway soon afterwards. In this cycle, of course, there was the extra Copa -- the event to celebrate the centenary of the competition which took place across the United States in June 2016. At this point, six of the 18 rounds of World Cup qualifiers had been played. The tournament gave the teams a chance to regroup as they looked ahead to the remaining two thirds of the action. Thankfully, what appeared to be the most significant change brought about by the Copa Centenario did not come to fruition. Dejected after yet another defeat in a final, Lionel Messi wandered away from the stadium in New Jersey, announcing his retirement from international football. It was Argentina's good fortune -- and the World Cup's as well -- that he quickly rethought that proclamation and decided to give the competition one more try. Had he stayed away, then Argentina would almost certainly not have made it to Russia. Messi's team had lost the Copa title to Chile after a penalty shootout, but the Copa Centenario proved to be something of a pyrrhic victory. It was Chile's third summer tournament in consecutive years -- and winning it obliged them to take part in a fourth, the 2017 Confederations Cup. All this activity took its toll on a generation that had

Argentina’s Lionel Messi announced his retirement after his side’s disappointing Copa Centenario final loss.

been together for a decade and were ageing together. They ran out of steam in the final rounds of World Cup qualification and missed out on Russia. At least they can look back on perhaps the most remarkable 90 minutes in the history of the Chile national team -- that extraordinary 7-0 quarterfinal thrashing of Mexico in Santa Clara. But it was in Foxborough, just outside Boston, that the Copa Centenario proved most influential. The final group game in the Gillette stadium cut two ways -- with both Peru and Brazil being able to claim long-term victories. The only goal seemed clearly to have been punched in off the arm of Raul Ruidiaz. But however it came about, beating Brazil was a before-and-after moment for Peru. They picked up such confidence that they have now equalled the La Blanquirroja's all-time record unbeaten run -- and will break the record if they avoid defeat against Scotland in their send-off match in Lima at the end of next month. The Copa Centenario was when Peru started to come together. It was where coach Ricardo Gareca could work with a back four that was entirely different from

erating surprising power in his shooting - ended up as the team's joint top scorer of the qualifiers. None of this was clear going into the Copa Centenario, when it seemed that Peru were set to miss out on yet another World Cup. In Brazil, meanwhile, it is now agreed that defeat was the best thing that could possibly have happened to the national team. After their astonishing collapse on home soil in the 2014 World Cup, Brazil made the bizarre decision to recall coach Dunga, whose snarling approach had made few friends when he was in charge from 2006 to 2010. Fortunes did not improve. After six rounds of

better in the Copa Centenario. But that defeat to Peru coupled with the failure to make the quarterfinals was the last straw. He was sacked, and replaced by the man who really should have been given the job two years earlier. If the story of Peru is one of a renewed team, Brazil’s is of a new coach. Because with few changes in personnel, Tite came in for Dunga, and the change was dramatic and immediate. The team that had been struggling were equipped with new ideas and suddenly started cruising and swaggering to the World Cup with 10 wins and 2 draws, scoring 30 goals and conceding just 3.

Brazil’s Copa Centenario exit was the turning point for the five-time World Cup winners who now head to Russia as favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup 2018.

the one which started the qualification campaign; Aldo Corzo at right-back, Christian Ramos and Alberto Rodriguez in the middle and Miguel Trauco at rightback. It was where Orlando City's Yoshimar Yotun, who previously had always been

the team's left-back, was switched to midfield. And it was where the surprise breakout star of the qualification campaign, Edison Flores, was introduced. A little left-footed midfielder, Flores proved adept at filling both attacking and defensive roles and - gen-

the Russia 2018 campaign, Brazil were down in sixth place, outside the qualifying slots. There was real fear that, for the first time ever, Brazil might not be present at a World Cup. Dunga was hanging by a thread. He might have hung on for longer had things gone

And so as fans of the U.S. national team gather to cast a melancholy gaze at the 2018 World Cup, they can console themselves that a little bit of what takes place in Russia can be attributed to events two years ago in a field outside Boston.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

English game would 'always be grateful' for Spaniard Guardiola – Lineker ENGLISH football would "always be grateful" for the influence of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, ex-England striker Gary Lineker says. City were confirmed as Premier League champions on Sunday after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to West Brom. It is their third title in seven seasons but their first under the Spaniard in his second season at City. Pep Guardiola took over "I think unquestionably as Manchester City manager in 2016. Guardiola will influence the style of football in this He was previously Barcelocountry," Lineker said. "Not only is it pleasing na's most successful managon the eye, but it's bringing er with 14 trophies in four years. success. "We all know that success is copied and imitated LINEKER ON CITY'S by other teams, other coach- SEASON I think Manchester City's es and children playing the season has been phenomenal game." Guardiola became City's in many ways, not just the manager in 2016 having led emphatic nature of winning Bayern Munich to three suc- the league, but the style of cessive Bundesliga titles. football that they have played

has been so joyous at times. It's been a breath of fresh air in many ways - attacking, open, adventurous football with really good players. Of course it's been a successful season, because they've won the league and won it in style and they've won it comfortably. It's too early to assess the magnitude of the achievement of this Manchester City side. They've got to go on and probably win the Champions League at some point to compare them to the great Liverpool sides and the great Manchester United sides that we've seen. It's early now but you've got to start somewhere, and in terms of their own levels of greatness, they've started very well. LINEKER ON GUARDIOLA The seriously interesting thing is how Guardiola has

improved so many footballers. Not footballers who are really young, but players like Kyle Walker, Fernandinho and even Kevin de Bruyne. I think that's where his levels of management are above everyone else's, certainly this season. I think Guardiola is great for the English game. So many people said he couldn't play his style of football in the Premier League. I'm glad he's stuck with his principles, that he came through and his style of football which he has not only proved you can win with, but it's so beautiful to watch at times. We'll always be grateful in the Premier League and English football because we all know that success is copied and imitated by other teams, other coaches and children playing the game. I think unquestionably Guardiola will influence the style of football in this country, because not only is it pleasing on the eye, but it's bringing success. (BBC Sport)

Wins for Aurora Knight Riders and Young Achievers in T20 tourney THE second round of the South Essequibo Invitational round-robin T20 Tournament saw wins for Aurora Knight Riders from South and Young Achievers from Central Essequibo. At the Golden Fleece ground, Aurora Knight Riders halted the invasion of Invaders Masters to defeat them by 7 wickets. Winning the toss and batting first, Invaders Masters could muster only 91 all out in 19 overs with Raj Parbattie 18 and Linden Daniels 15 being the only batsmen to reach double figures. Off-spinner Anand Maniram had magical figures of 4-10 from 4 overs while Anwar Baksh supported with 3-19 from his 4 overs of medium pace. In reply, Aurora Knight Riders rode briskly, com-

piling 92-3 in 12 overs to cruise to a comfortable win. Maniram came back to hit 28 while Norwayne Fredericks scored 25. In the second game played at the Walton ground; Young Achievers unsettled United Warriors to achieve victory by 37 runs. Batting first, Young Achievers posted 154-6 in 20 overs with Tamesh Dhanpaul striking 44 (4x6), Vishnu Murray 36 (3x4 and 2x6) and Chevraj Boodram 30 (4x4). In reply, United Warriors were restricted to 117-6 when their overs expired. The competition will continue this weekend with the following matches: - Bacchus XI vs Devonshire Castle, Rising Star vs Hibernia, NOC vs Top Shattas, Golden Fleece vs Jaguar Over 40, Reliance Hustlers vs Bacchus Eagles, Bush Lot Trend Setters vs

Queenstown, Sparwin vs GT Warriors, Crown XI vs United Warriors, Reliance SC vs Young Achievers, Charity SC vs Aurora Knight Riders, Pomeroon Oil Mill vs Police, Gunners vs Lima,

Cotton Field vs Invaders Masters and Walton Hall against Jaguars. Meanwhile coordinator and ECB executive member Ramnarine Ragoobar is appealing to the teams to present their match reports within 48 hours of the completion of matches.

GCA first division two-day action to resume this weekend GEORGETOWN Cricket Association (GCA) action will resume in the GISE/Star Party Rentals/Trophy Stall 1st Division (2-Day) competition tomorrow and Sunday beginning from 09:30hrs when home side GDF face Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) at Camp Ayanganna. Meanwhile the Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division (2-Day) cricket competition will also resume this weekend starting tomorrow at 11:00hrs with UG taking on Police SC at the GYO ground. Also in action will be the DCC U-13 side who will face Bel Air RUBiS in the GCA-VNET Little Champs U-13 Cricket League at the Muslim Youth Organisation ground tomorrow at 09:30hrs. GCC will then take on Transport Sports Club at the same venue immediately after, at 14:30hrs.

GFF Elite League... From back page

first half of the league indeed provided some surprises. Clubs that were newcomers to the League and were expected to take some time to get into stride actually featured among the front-runners. These include Western Tigers FC and Den Amstel FC while former champions GDF FC found themselves in the middle of the table. Newcomers NA United and

Cougars are still trying to come to grips with play at this level and are aspiring to be better contenders in the second half.” The next phase of the GFF League is scheduled for early May. The GFF Elite League is the senior league of the GFF and aims to provide a platform for consistent, competitive football. It is divided into two rounds; the first began in November 2017.

Sir Viv throws weight behind CARICOM... From back page have had in terms of (administration) and the folks who are not happy with the way it is being run. You never know, talking could bring some (benefits),” Sir Viv contended. “And as I said, it would be of utter importance that every one of the parties meet because there is no way you can have one without the other and discuss all the issues face to face.” Chairman of CAR-

South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:30 hrs Greenfield 09:05 hrs Juan Two Three 09:40 hrs Sabbatical 10:55 hrs King Django Greyville 11:15 hrs Spiffy 11:50 hrs Clifton Crusher 12:25 hrs Honest Prince 13:00 hrs Uncle Roy 13:35 hrs Scriptwriter 14:05 hrs Tuscan 14:35 hrs Roy’s Snowdrop 15:05 hrs Pink Cadillac American Racing Tips Keenland Race 1 Agent Provocateur Race 2 Electric Avenue Race 3 New Legend Race 4 Prime Issue Race 5 Warrior Inside Race 6 Plans To Prosper Race 7 Auntie’s The One Race 8 Mines And Magic Irish Racing Tips Limerick 11:30 hrs Falak 12:00 hrs Kellyiscool 12:35 hrs Beginningtogetup

ICOM’s Prime Ministerial sub-committee on cricket, St Vincent and the Grenadines leader Dr Ralph Gonsalves said recently any meeting including Cameron would be welcomed. And with the ICC suggesting a November meeting, Gonsalves said in the meantime CARICOM would press ahead with laying the legislative groundwork for governance reform. 13:05 hrs Ballinabearna 13:35 hrs Moonlight Escape 14:05 hrs Ballela Boy 14:35 hrs Southern Nights English Racing Tips Fontwell 08:40 hrs Risk And Roll 09:15 hrs Wotzizname 09:50 hrs Canelo 10:25 hrs Anthony 10:55 hrs Ballyantics 11:25 hrs Now Listen Here 11:55 hrs Scriptofchartwell 12:30 hrs Melchoir King Newbury 08:50 hrs Well Done Fox 09:25 hrs Jellmood 10:00 hrs Lah Ti Dar 10:35 hrs Global Applause 11:05 hrs Golden Birthday 11:35 hrs Bartholomeu Dias 12:05 hrs Adorable Ayr 09:05 hrs Arthington 09:40 hrs Embole 10:15 hrs Darius Des Bois 10:45 hrs Theinval 11:15 hrs Copain De Classe 11:45 hrs Carnspindle 12:15 hrs Chapel Stile

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

WDCA President’s Cup

Shun hits unbeaten 202 as Wales thrash Malvern by 204 runs THE West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) President’s Cup 50-overs tournament continued last Sunday with three matches despite the inclement weather. At the Wales Community Centre ground, there was a late start due to overnight and early morning rain which forced the game to be reduced to 32 overs per side. The hosts had first strike and finished on a mammoth 308 for 1 from their 32 overs. Ryan Shun hit a pugnacious 203 not out and featured in a massive 277-run unbroken second-wicket partnership with Mahase Persaud who ended on 51 not out. The pair got together with the score on 31 for one. In the onslaught, only Charwine McPherson (1 for 40) got a wicket bowling for Malvern Sports Club. The visitors’ fortune never changed and they were shot out for a paltry 104 in just 19 overs, falling short by a

Ryan Shun and Mahase Persaud after their brilliant unbroken 277-run partnership

whopping 204 runs. Only Ghamsham Hardyal showed some batting pedigree with 45, as Brian Puran picked up three wickets for no run while Kevin Lindo supported with 2 for 5. Over at the Zeeburg Sports Club ground, the home team made 219 all out

in 29 overs against MetenMeer-Zorg ‘A’ in another game that was reduced due to rain. Mark Jeffers hit the top score of 76 and gained valuable support from Ricardo Poloram who made 56. Bowling for the visitors, Emmanuel Crishnauth snared 4 for 36 while Martin Reyn-

Cleveland 'lucky' to beat Pacers, James says after 100-97 win (REUTERS) - The Cleveland Cavaliers were “lucky” to get the 100-97 win to level their NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James said on Wednesday. Having faced the prospect of two opening losses in the best-of-seven series at home, Cleveland limped across the line, with James scoring a game-high 46 points. James was disappointed with his team’s defence in the waning moments, especially when Indiana guard Victor Oladipo got free for a golden three-point chance that would have tied the score with 27 seconds left. “We got lucky,” four-time NBA Most Valuable Player James said in a courtside interview. “We gave up a wide-open three to Oladipo and he missed it. “I’d rather be on time and on target than lucky. We got to do a better job late in games and not give up a shot like that;

Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Larry Nance Jr (22) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. (Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)

that’s something he can easily make.” The result at least gives the Cavaliers hope as they head to Indianapolis for Game Three today and Game Four on Sunday. But they have a long road ahead as they attempt to reach the NBA Finals for the fourth consecutive year, and perhaps

another match-up against the Golden State Warriors. Golden State won the championship in 2015 and 2017, with Cleveland taking out the 2016 title. The Cavs have been far from invincible this season, posting a 50-32 regular-season record to earn the fourth seed for the postseason.

olds bagged 2 for 31. In reply, Meten-MeerZorg fell short by 95 runs as they fell for 124 from 25 overs. The only batsman to make it to double figures was Shawin Jairaj with 13. Jeffers came back with the ball to grab 4 for 18 and got useful support from Malcolm Hubbard with 2 for 39. The other match of the day saw All Youths Sports Club ‘A’ defeat Sawpit at the Canal Number One ground. The tournament continues this Sunday with five matches. At Wales C. Ambass Sports Club take on Malvern SC, All Youths Sports Club ‘B’ battle All Stars at Canal Number Two ground, Independence Sports Club meet Sawpit at Joe Vieira Park, Cornelia Ida come up against Meten-Meer-Zorg ‘B’ at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Sports Club ground while Meten-Meer-Zorg ‘A’ battle Windsor Forest at the Zeeburg Sports Club ground.

England to host 100-ball domestic competition from 2020 (REUTERS) - English domestic cricket is set to get yet another format after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced plans for an eightteam, 100-ball competition in the pursuit of younger, family-oriented audiences. Under the proposals, unanimously backed by the ECB board, each side would face 15 six-ball overs, culminating in a final 10 deliveries - 20 balls shorter than traditional Twenty20 matches. The latest format, which follows experiments with 40-, 50- and 60-over competitions, as well as fourday county championship matches and T20 contests, was presented to chairmen and chief executives of the county clubs and the MCC yesterday. It is due to be launched in 2020. “This is a fresh and exciting idea which will appeal to a younger audience and attract new fans to the game,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said in a

statement. “Throughout its development, we have shown leadership, provided challenge and followed a process. We will continue to do that as the concept evolves. “Our game has a history of innovation and we have a duty to look for future growth for the health and sustainability of the whole game.” The ECB members voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new city-based competition last year, with matches to be played in a five-week window in the middle of the summer. Southampton, Birmingham, Leeds, London, Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham have been selected as venues for the tournament, with Lord’s and the Oval each playing hosts to a London-based team. The tournament will feature aligned competitions for both men’s and women’s teams sharing a common format, brands and team identities.

FIFA hands out fines for ‘third party’ deals MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - FIFA has handed out a series of fines to clubs for transfer deals involving “third party influence”, world soccer’s governing body said yesterday. FIFA policy on third-party ownership bans either clubs or players from entering into economic rights agreements with third-party investors. Frequently such deals involve outside investors retaining or gaining a share of ownership in a player. Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon was fined 110 000 Swiss francs (£80,123.33) for “entering into two contracts that enabled a third party to influence the club’s independence as well as for failing to record an existing third-party ownership agreement”. Another Portuguese club Benfica was fined 150 000 francs for two deals involving third-parties. Spain’s Rayo Vallecano was fined 55

000 francs for a third-party deal and Celta Vigo was sanctioned 65 000 francs for a deal which FIFA said “enabled Benfica to influence the club’s independence”. Qatari club Al Arabi was fined 185 000 francs for several third-party deals and for not entering correct information in FIFA’s mandatory International Transfer Matching System in the case of seven transfers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

NSC takes boxing to Essequibo By Elroy Stephney THE National Sports Commission (NSC) through the Department of Sport in Region 2 has facilitated a oneweek boxing programme which began last Monday and will run until tomorrow. The boxing sessions are targeting Physical Education teachers from the secondary schools, as well as aspiring boxers from the various communities. NSC coach Winsell Thomas is facilitating the sessions which will primarily seek to educate and equip teachers to promote the subject of no-contact boxing which forms part of the CXC curriculum. Sessions are being held

Some of the participants go through their paces at the Imam Bacchus Gym in Affiance.

at various venues including the Bacchus Gym in Affiance, Dartmouth Community Centre as well as

Queenstown Community Centre. The coach will also take the opportunity to

Linden Zone Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

Action resumes in Silvercity tonight THE Silvercity hard court tarmac will come alive tonight, when the Guinness 'Greatest of the Streets’ Linden championship continues with six group matches. The opening fixture will pit Young Kings against Assassa Ballers from 19:30hrs, while Wisroc will lock horns with Next Level at 20:00hrs. In the third fixture, Big Guns take aim at Cherokee Park from 20:30hrs while the fourth fixture will witness Team 25 battle with NK Ballers from 21:00hrs. In the fifth matchup, Swag Entertainment will match skills with Quiet Storm from 21:30hrs, while Silver Bullets faceoff with High Rollers in the final showdown at 22:00hrs. The event features 16 teams divided into four

equal groups. Group-A consists of NK Ballers, Assassa Ballers, Young Kings and Team 25, while Group-B comprises Amelia’s Ward Russians, Hard-Knocks, Amazings and defending champion Dave and Celina All-Stars. Group-C features Swag Entertainment, Cherokee Park, Big Guns and Quiet Storm while Group-D comprises Silver Bullets, High Rollers, Next Level and Wisroc. At the end of the group stage, the top two finishers from each pool will progress to the quarterfinal elimination round. The respective winners will advance to the semi-final stage, with the losers proceeding to the Guinness Plate Championship. The other playing dates

are April 22, 25, May 1 and 5. Winners of the competition will pocket $400 000 and the championship trophy. They will also earn an automatic berth to the National Championship. On the other hand, the second-, third- and fourthplace finishers will receive $150 000, $100 000 and $75 000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. April 20 - Silvercity hard court Young Kings vs Assassa Ballers - 19:30hrs Next Level vs Wisroc 20:00hrs Cherokee Park vs Big Guns - 20:30hrs Team 25 vs NK Ballers 21:00hrs Swag vs Quiet Storm 21:30hrs Silver Bullets vs High Rollers - 22:00hrs

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shane Watson (2008/2013) (2) Chris Gayle (2011)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Which team lost their first three games of IPL 2018? (2) Which team won their first three games of IPL 2018? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

identify talent with the intention to further develop skills. In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, Sports organiser Debra Daniels who is also the coordinator explained that the initial exercise will seek to create an awareness of the sport as well as seek to form clubs within the various com-

munities and have competitions on a regular basis. She further stressed that her department will undertake to provide administrative and technical support, given that there are highly talented boxers within the Region who can achieve greatness. She is also appealing to the public to fully support

the programme even as she expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm and interest already shown by those who are attending. The secondary schools participating are Anna Regina Secondary, Cotton Field, Charity, 8th of May, Abram Zuil, Johanna Cecilia and Aurora Secondary.

Paine says Aussies will reduce sledging NEW Australia captain Tim Paine says the team will reduce their levels of sledging under his leadership. Paine replaced Steve Smith as Australia skipper after Smith was banned for his part in the ball-tampering scandal. Australia have also been criticised for an aggressive on-field approach and Cricket Australia launched a review into the team's culture. "I think what's said and how it's said will be very different going forward," wicketkeeper Paine, 33, said. "A lot of this stuff we were actually starting to speak about under Steve (Smith's captaincy)." Smith and vice-captain David Warner were given year-long bans by Cricket Australia and batsman Cameron Bancroft a ninemonth suspension after admitting to being involved in ball-tampering during last month's Test series defeat by

South Africa. Paine said he will continue to speak to Smith "quite closely" about the team's change in culture and will "keep him in the loop". Asked if sledging will remain a part of the Australian team's tactics, Paine said: "No, I don't think it will, not a lot. "I think there's always a time and place to talk to your opposition, but I think what's said and how it's said will be very different going forward." Australia do not play another Test until October when they face Pakistan while their next fixtures are a one-day international series against England in June. "I'm really looking forward to playing that role and winning back the trust and respect of our fans and the Australian public first and foremost," added Paine. "I don't think it's as disastrous as it's been made out. We've had this incident

Tim Paine

which has brought everything to a head. "During the Ashes there wasn't a lot said about our culture and looking back it's just a few little things we can tweak and do a little bit better as a team. "If we do that then I think the Australian public will jump back on board pretty quickly. That's one of our main aims for this coming summer." (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, April 20, 2018

GCB/Hand-in-Hand Inter-County U-19 Tournament

Essequibo topple Demerara by six wickets … Anderson’s 73 not out puts Berbice in firm control against U-17s By Michelangelo Jacobus DAY two action of the third round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/Hand-inHand Inter-county U-19 tournament on Thursday saw Essequibo beat a hapless Demerara at the Tuschen ground by six wickets while Berbice ended the day in a strong position at stumps at Everest in their match against the Select U-17s. After bowling out Demerara for just 40 on day one and then compiling 143, the Essequibians had Demerara on the back-foot as play resumed on yesterday morning with the score at 91-5. However, Shurland Anthony did not allow Demerara to post a competitive score, snaring a five-wicket haul as the defending champions were bowled out for just 136

leaving the Essequibians to score 34 runs for victory. Essequibo had a couple of hiccups but got their total in the end with six wickets to spare ending on 34-4. Over at the Everest cricket ground, the Select U-17 resumed their first innings with the score at 76-4, and they just managed to add 35 runs for the remaining six wickets as Berbice left-arm spinner Kevin Umrao claimed five for 34 and received valuable support from Kevin Sinclair who had figures of 3-11. Top-scoring for the U-17 side was Andrew Seepersaud who managed 26. In their second innings, the Berbicians were in trouble at 106-4 until Kevlon Anderson partnered with Steve Deonarine to take their side to 198 at stunps without further loss. The pair put together an unbeaten fifth-wicket

Berbice batsman Kevlon Anderson is a picture of concentration as he drives into the off-side during his unbeaten knock of 73 on day two against the Select U-17 team. (Adrian Narine photo)

partnership of 92. Earlier opener Alex Al-

goo made 62 before U-17 bowlers Niron Bisu (2-44)

‘Screw’ Richmond Linden Schools U-18 football

Christianburg, New Silvercity clash today for bragging rights By Joe Chapman DEFENDING champions Christianburg/Wismar ‘Multi’ Secondary and New Silvercity Secondary will clash today for bragging rights and honours in the final of the 10th annual Edward ‘Screw’ Richmond Linden Secondary Schools Under-18 football championship, after they registered 1-0 semi-final victories over Wisburg Secondary and Mackenzie High respectively, on Wednesday afternoon at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. It will be a repeat of last year’s final where the ‘Multi’ boys turned back the challenge of the New Silvercity lads, posting a 3-1 win. In the first semi-final New Silvercity ended the unbeaten streak of Mackenzie High in a closely-fought encounter which was decided in the 48th minute when the tournament’s leading goalscorer Emanuel Atkins’ left foot shot from the region of the penalty area to give his team the lone goal of the game.

Atkins, who had previously netted six goals, claimed his seventh, this time after a corner taken by Ojai Whittington was cleared by the defence but he latched on to the ball and in one fluent motion banged the ball goal-wards to score. That proved to be the winner. In the other semi-final Wisburg, the home team, put up a good show, but were never able to get the ball to the back of their opponents’ net. It boiled down to a free kick awarded to pressing Christianburg/Wismar from the edge of the 18-yard box on the left side that created the goal. And the kick, taken by the experienced Omar Brewley was powerful and sailed to the lurking substitute Rawle Semple who was there to head home in the 57th minute to beat the Wisburg goalkeeper on his line. Like the first semifinal that would also decide the game and the battle for top honours will be decided this afternoon. The coach of the New

Emanuel Atkins of New Silvercity Secondary

Ojai Whittington of New Silvercity Secondary

Silvercity, Dwalon Farrell, is confident that his side can turn the tables on their opponents. They will field a team which will feature names on the forward line: Shane Haynes and Emanuel Atkins, Ojai Whittington who is second in the score chart with four goals and Donovan Alsopp at midfield while in defence will be Chad Henry and Seon Allicock. Taking up duties in goal will be Deuel Thomas. Officials from the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) and the Education Department of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) are

expected to witness the final. The Christianburg/Wismar Secondary will seek to maintain their dominance over the New Silvercity opponents and coach Dellon Peters is pinning his hopes on Omar Brewley and Randy Pickering up front, Andre Mayers and Brinsley Allicock in midfield and his defence will centre on Randy Douglas and Oshia Prince with Decklan Lee in goal. The first game between the losing semifinalists will be at 14:45hrs and the final at 16:15hrs at the Wisburg Secondary School ground.

Hand-in-Hand Insurance representative, Ms Sarita Mohabir (left) hands over the man-of-the-match prize to Sherlon Anthony

and Nigel Deodat (2-46) had the Berbicians in all sorts of trouble. Anderson is unbeaten on 73 while Deonarine is

on 19, The Berbicians head into the third and final day of play in a strong position with a lead of 263 with six wickets remaining.

Seebarran looking to continue rich vein of form By Stephan Sookram DRAG-racing action is back this weekend at the South Dakota Circuit with the King of the Strip 2 and it is expected that the competition will be bigger than ever. One man has his eyes set on the 11-second class. His name is Raymond Seebarran and along with his Nissan Pulsar and his team of sponsors in Ray’s One Stop Auto Parts, Clearview Windscreen Repair and Big Kahuna Hot Dogs, he is looking to dominate that class. Speaking to Chronicle Sport, he predicted that this meet will be one of the largest and as such, he is going all out to get that elusive crown. “This time around, I plan to lift that 11-second crown. This is my third event (drag racing) and the first time, I made it to the final and lost and the second was cancelled on account of the incident. I was in the final then as well,” he said. This time around, I want that trophy,” he added, saying, “I feel great. I had an awesome time circuit-racing just over a month ago where

Raymond Seebarran’s Nissan Pulsar

I picked up three podiums in my class and three more in a class higher than mine so I want to translate that form come Sunday.” He noted that the competition on Sunday will be stiff but that does not faze him from remaining confident of the title. “I know of the Trinidadians and Surinamese but to tell you the truth, I am focused on myself on race day. I’m looking to take every race as it comes and not over-pressure myself. I am confident in myself.” The King of the Strip 2 is sponsored by the Trans Pacific Motor Spares, BM Soat, Prem’s Electrical, Mohamed’s Enterprise, JAPARTS, E-Networks, STAG and Tropical Shipping. Admission is $500 for children and $1 000 for adults.

Stunning Gayle ton ends Sunrisers' unbeaten start

CHRIS Gayle plundered his sixth Indian Premier League (IPL) century as Kings XI Punjab ended Sunrisers Hyderabad's unbeaten start in emphatic fashion. The Sunrisers had won all three of their matches in the 2018 IPL but Gayle ensured that run came to an abrupt halt in Mohali as his 104 not out set up a 15-run win. Gayle took apart the normally dangerous Rashid Khan with aplomb, the explosive left-handed opener carrying his bat and sending the ball to all corners. He was ably supChris Gayle celebrated his sixth ported by Karun Nair IPL hundred and 21st overall with the 'cradle' celebration. He (31) after KL Rahul later dedicated the innings to his and Mayank Agarwal daughter, who will turn two today. had both fallen for (©BCCI) 18, Gayle eventually

getting to three figures with a quick single. A six-ball cameo from Aaron Finch added 14 runs to their total, leaving Kings XI 193-3 from their allocation – a target Hyderabad never looked like reaching. Captain Kane Williamson did his best to force the pace but Kings XI's bowlers were excellent, off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman particularly impressive. As the required run rate climbed, Williamson was ploughing a lone furrow, the skipper dismissed for 54 as the Sunrisers finished well short on 178-4. 'UNIVERSE BOSS' STRIKES AGAIN After initially going unsold in the IPL auction, Kings XI snapped up Gayle in the third round of bidding, and what an impact he has made already. He hit 63 on his debut against the Chennai Super Kings, and went even better yesterday with a fantastic knock that stunned the previously unbeaten Sunrisers. Gayle's unbeaten 104 was his 21st T20 century – 14 more than anyone else – and included 11 brutal maximums, a solitary boundary and just 21 dot balls.

MILESTONE BEFORE MISERY FOR RASHID Rashid has become a T20 sensation over the past two years and in dismissing KL Rahul in the eighth over he moved onto 100 wickets in the shortest format since the start of 2017. However, it all went downhill from there, as Gayle came to the party with ferocious effect. Six of his 11 maximums came off the leg-spinner, including four in succession in the 14th over, as the normally economic Rashid finished with figures of 1-55. DHAWAN DEPARTS EARLY Shikhar Dhawan was set to be a key part of Hyderabad's run chase but he departed first ball as he was forced to retire. A good-length delivery from Barinder Sran – the fifth of the innings – caught the opener out and slammed into his left elbow, leaving him in searing pain. Attention from the team physio failed to improve his condition and Sunrisers lost their top man.

Sir Viv throws weight behind GFF Elite League round one concludes tomorrow CARICOM intervention … Supporting fixture to feature Guyana-based national senior women’s team

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Legendary former Test captain, Sir Vivian Richards, has thrown his weight behind CARICOM’s efforts at governance reform in West Indies cricket. The Antiguan, who never lost a Test series as skipper, said he believed the regional nation grouping’s intentions were genuine and were aimed at correcting some of the problems which have plagued the sport regionally. “They are not in anyway, in my opinion, looking to run the board or anything of that particular factor,” the 66-year-old told the Observer newspaper here. “They’re just looking basically to address some of the problems which we have in terms of administration and things like that. “We saw what happened in Guyana so no government (faction) should get involved and we see that at the highest level even with FIFA and so forth, so the same applies here to the governments in the region.” CARICOM is challenging Cricket West Indies’ right, as a private entity, to manage the “public good” of West Indies cricket. In fact, the body has endorsed the 2015 Governance Report which recommended the “the immediate dissolution” of CWI and the appointment of interim board “whose structure and composition will be radically different from the now proven, obsolete governance framework.” While CWI has resisted, CARICOM has

Legendary former West Indies captain, Sir Viv Richards

continued to agitate for change, and only recently approached cricket’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), to lay out its position. The ICC, however, made it clear it would only agree to such a meeting if embattled CWI president Dave Cameron was present, a move Sir Viv has also backed. “It’s good to talk, it’s better to negotiate than to fight; so I think that if they can meet along that particular line and address certain issues, and problematic things we would Turn to page 32 ►

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will wrap up round one of the GFF Elite League tomorrow at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ground, Camp Ayanganna with two matches, one featuring the Guyana-based National Senior Women’s Team against a Boys’ East Bank U-15 GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres (ATC). The supporting fixture will start at 18:00hrs and will be followed by GDF FC versus Ann’s Grove United FC at 20:00hrs. The match with the senior women’s team will serve as part of the preparation for the CFU Caribbean Women’s Challenge Series, scheduled for April 25 in Trinidad and Tobago. Akilah Castello, Guyana-based assistant coach of the senior women’s team, known as the ‘Lady Jags’ said this match will serve to test the team’s ability to compete in a professional arena: “The technical team will use this match to examine the progress made by the squad so we can see the growth achieved …” The coaching staff has placed a lot of emphasis on fitness, technical and tactical

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

GFF’s Competitions Director Ian Alves

ability and a number of practice matches were played to test the team in these areas. The team have showed great improvement in every area and they will continue to grow since it’s an ongoing process.” Meanwhile, Ian Alves, GFF’s Competitions Director, said the League has been competitive and had some surprises: “The Turn to page 32 ► FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018