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Harmon spreads Christmas cheer at Bartica Page 11

Nothing strange No. 105123

MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

–– signing bonuses normal in petroleum agreements, says Exxon country manager

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$1B Foodmaxx opens – creates opportunities for over 1000 jobs

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Inside the Foodmaxx Supermarket that was commissioned on Sunday and will be open to the public today (Samuel Maughn photo)

Six killed in separate accidents See other stories on pages 2, 4 & 8

Dead: Gavin Crandon

Dead: Marvin Dodson

Dead: Daymon Barron

Dead: Abbeana Hubbard

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Young motorcyclist killed in accident

A MOTORCYCLIST died instantly while his pillion rider remains critical following a collision with a motorcar at Main and Lad Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice in the wee hours of Sunday morning. Dead is Gavin Simeon Crandon called “Paddy”, 29, a carpenter, of Lot 93 Angoy’s Avenue. Seriously injured is Harold Williamson Junior known as “Picky”, 15, also of Angoy’s Avenue, a squatting area on the eastern fringe of the New Amsterdam township. Eyewitness Linslay London related to the Guyana Chronicle that the accident occurred around 01:00 hrs moments after he had parked his car along Main Road, in the vicinity of Pitt Street and had stepped out to view passersby. He said there were two speeding motorcyclists and pillion riders, none of whom were wearing helmets. The cyclists were riding along the eastern carriageway going into the southern direction. However, as they proceeded with increased speed

Gavin Crandon one behind the other, a white Carina motor car PSS1890, being driven by an off-duty policeman who was moonlighting as a taxi driver, was proceeding in the opposite direction. As the driver turned to enter Lad Lane, Crandon, who was riding motorcycle CJ735, collided head on with the car and was flung into the air before landing on the bonnet of the car. His teenage pillion rider sustained injuries to his neck, back and other parts of his

body. The injured were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where Crandon was pronounced dead on arrival while Williamson was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where he remains a patient in the Intensive Care Unit. According to Marissa Henry, wife of the now deceased Crandon, she and her mother-in-law, Marlyn Alexander called “Daphne” were asleep when they were awakened and informed of the accident. After they visited the New Amsterdam Hospital, they were informed of their loved one’s death. The young woman said the death of the father of her two children Melvin, four, and Mohamed, one, is a severe blow since he was the main breadwinner of her family. Williamson lives a few houses away from Crandon. His sister, Nadine Williamson said her youngest brother, who will be celebrating his 16th birthday on December 29, met the accident mere minutes after leaving home.

Injured: Harold Williamson According to her, Crandon had asked her brother to go with him to a party, and they left shortly after informing their parents Ramwattie and Harold Williamson Snr, who were at the time preparing to retire to bed. Investigations are continuing.

Marissa Henry and her two children,with her motherin-law, Marlyn Alexander, after receiving the news that her husband had died in an accident on Sunday morning

Soldier dies in accident GUYANA Defence Force (GDF) Lance Corporal Marvin Dodson, 29, has died after he was struck down by a speeding minibus in front of a popular nightclub at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD) early Sunday morning. According to a police report, an intoxicated driver was driving his minibus south along the eastern carriageway allegedly at a fast rate when he collided with the victim who was at the time standing at the side of the eastern carriageway with his colleagues. The accident occurred around 03:10hrs. Dodson, of Cross Street, Alexander Village, was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical attention. Meanwhile, the driver of the minibus BTT 8922 was identified as a 31-year-old resident of Schoonord, WBD. The minibus driver, who stopped a short distance from the point of impact, was allegedly accosted by a group of persons who allegedly assaulted him before he was taken into custody by the police.

Dead: GDF Lance Corporal Marvin Dodson An investigation by the police has revealed that his alcohol level was above the legal limit. The investigation continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

$1B Foodmaxx opens –– creates opportunities for over 1000 jobs

By Navendra Seoraj THE Giftland Group has once again taken a significant stride in the local retail and wholesale industry by opening the doors to its $1 billion state-of-the-art Foodmaxx Supermarket on Sunday. Foodmaxx is an addition to the Giftland Group existing array of integrated stores at the US$24 million Giftland Mall, Liliendaal. The facility is located on the bottom floor of the mall

Prior to the tour, the prime minister said despite the prophecy of “doom and gloom” for the economy, there are local businessmen who have big dreams. In recognition of the large investment, Nagamootoo lauded Beepat for being one of those businessmen willing to bank their confidence in the local economy. The mall is new, innovative and placed Guyana on a different level of innovative businesses, the prime minister said, noting that the

was rice, which has been on the rise since Guyana acquired new markets in Cuba, Peru, Panama and Mexico. However, in local indigenous communities which have been producing sundried tomatoes, as well as many farmers who produce a wide range of crops, they at times struggle to find markets for their produce. Ironically, the prime minister pointed out that a recent visit to a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) camp revealed that the soldiers were using

GREAT OPPORTUNITY “We have been encouraging thousands of small farmers to produce more, but they need markets although they are willing… they need support,” said Gaskin, adding that Foodmaxx provides such an opportunity for farmers to have access to big markets. Local products will be displayed, marketed and advertised to the many persons who shop at the supermarket. “I do not believe we need to ban imported foods… we just need to encourage our

it,” he said, pointing out that the investment is long-term and would send positive signals to other investors willing to invest here. The business minister went on to say that there was need for someone to take the lead and show there is still confidence in the economy, despite predictions of doom and gloom. Through this investment, he said the government hopes that local investors will understand that the economy is in no danger of collapsing.

FRESH FOOD SPECIALIST He said another dream of his was to launch Foodmaxx which was already labelled as the “fresh food specialist”. The proprietor explained that although only 20 per cent of the supermarket is currently occupied, it will expand over the next 90 days. Their intent is to stock local fishes, quality cuts of meat that are processed right at the supermarket, fruits, vegetables, Italian breads and other items.

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo (left) and Monica Beepat (right) cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare Foodmaxx open

A customer service representative welcomes Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo to the newly opened Foodmaxx Supermarket

Owner of Foodmaxx, Roy Beepat (right) in conversation with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo during a tour of the facility on Sunday

A section of the gathering at the opening of the supermarket

and will be officially opened to the public today. It reportedly has 100 employees, but with the need for farmers, fisheries and breeders, openings for over a 1000 jobs have been created. While members of the public will be able to browse the aisles of the expansive facility today, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, members of the private sector and other distinguished persons were given a tour of the supermarket on Sunday.

supermarket is a significant addition. “Some local businesses are busy importing foreign products rather than encouraging local producers… nothing is wrong with packaging and branding local products… one day we can even have canned fish here,” said Nagamootoo, as he went on to highlight the potential that local products have for both the local and international markets. A produce that was highlighted as a top performer

imported products. A decision, he said, had to be made to ensure they consume local products. “Local is good and edible! It is a sense of who we are and that is Guyanese to the core,” the prime minister said. Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin expressed similar sentiments, and noted that Foodmaxx will be a way to encourage consumers to consume a great percentage of local produce and products.

people to consume what we produce…we can eat a lot more of what is produced locally,” the minister said. In view of that, he acknowledged Beepat’s investment, adding that the supermarket was launched at a time when there has been a noticeable slowdown in the economy. “Over the past week in the National Assembly during the 2018 budget debates, the political opposition cried about no investments; I wish they were here to see

The budding oil and gas sector was also used as a signal of hope for the country, and Gaskin urged local businesses to cash in on the sector. Beepat, who took advantage of existing opportunities, encouraged persons to apply themselves and follow their dreams. According to him, one of his dreams came through when he opened the Giftland Mall which is now 99.5 per cent full with stores.

“The Caribbean has a US$13.2B food import bill and we have full access to the market…we can lead the way and supply a major part of the bill because we have enough resources to make the country very strong,” the businessman said. His intent is to work with farmers to make this a reality, but he noted that the disparity between the prices for local and imported products needs to be addressed.

Three dead in Mahaicony smash-up

THE driver of a motorcar and two passengers who were on an outing with friends died in an accident at Perseverance, Mahaicony, on Sunday night.

Stephen Phillips

The driver, Buxton resident Stephen Phillips, 27, known to his friends as “Mal” and front seat passenger, Abbeana Hubbard, 21, of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara, succumbed to injuries they sustained after their car

crashed into a tree, located at the centre of the roadway. Two other persons were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) in criti-

car may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The occupants of the car were apparently returning from an outing on the lower East Coast Demerara when the accident

Afesh Harris

Abbeana Hubbard

cal condition but one succumbed while receiving medical attention. That person has been identified as Guyana Defence Force soldier, Afesh Harris. Reports are that sometime after 20:00hrs on Sunday night, the driver of the

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Newspaper vendor ends trade on sad note

AFTER faithfully serving in the newspaper business in South Georgetown for more than 12 years, a horrific experience with robbers last week has forced a well-known young female newspaper vendor to give up the trade for which she has a passion and fervour, and is equally endowed with amazing energy. The woman, who without discrimination sells each of the dailies, distributing papers in Tucville, Guy Hoc Park, Lamaha Park and Joint Services Housing Scheme, related an experience of being held up and robbed by two young men last Tuesday, shortly after leaving her home to go and uplift her supplies of newspapers. Terri, (not her right name) recalled that it was around 04:10 hrs and she had just left her home and was just a short distance away when two young men, slimly built and in their late teens rode up on bicycles, dismounted and threw the bikes down at the roadside then walked up to her. She recalled that she

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

occurred. Phillips, a father of one was a close friend of the late Cleon Perreira, a biker who died in an accident at Better Hope, East Coast Demerara, last August. The police are investigating the accident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

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Saturday, December 9, 2017

saw one of the men attempt to push his hands into his pocket and then on the same note, commanded her, saying: “Empty your pocket!” Gripped by fear, she impulsively threw her hands up into the air in surrender and in resignation retorted: “Y’all empty it.” And of course they had the temerity to run through her pockets. They relieved her of about $5000 she had on her person, sprinted off and jumped back onto their bicycles, heading in the direction of the Sophia Black and White Bridge. Thanking God that they did not harm her, Terri dolefully struggled back home and told her family what had happened. She was traumatised and can now still visualise what might have been the scenario had the man

whipped a gun out of his pocket and what would have played out had her husband been with her, because man as he is, he was not going to get away without a struggle. For the next two days she was unable to perform her duties and eventually, in the interest of her safety, painfully and reluctantly, made a decision to give up vending. “It’s a decision I regret, because actually it is a family tradition that I maintained. My mother who died several years ago was a newspaper vendor and I took over from her. I enjoyed doing the job, but then there comes a time when one has to make tough decisions for the sake of their children. My children need me and I need to be around for them,” the woman said.

Palestinian stabs Israeli in Jerusalem; anti-Trump protest flares in Beirut JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A Palestinian stabbed an Israeli security guard at Jerusalem’s main bus station on Sunday, police said, and violence flared near the U.S. Embassy in Beirut over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Four days of street protests in the Palestinian territories over Trump’s announcement on Wednesday have largely died down, but his overturning of long-standing U.S. policy on Jerusalem -- a city holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians -- drew more Arab warnings of potential damage to prospects for Middle East peace. “Our hope is that everything is calming down and that we are returning to a path of normal life without riots and without violence,” Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Army Radio. But in Jerusalem, a security guard was in critical condition after a 24-year-old Palestinian man from the occupied West Bank stabbed him after approaching a metal detector at an entrance to the city’s central bus station, police said. The alleged assailant was taken into custody after a passer-by tackled him. In public remarks on Sunday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, a frequent critic of Israel, called it an “invader state” and a “terror state”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who spoke at a news conference in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron after the two leaders met, fired back: “I‘m not used to receiving lectures about morality from a leader who bombs Kurdish villages in his native Turkey, who jails journalists, helps Iran go around international sanctions and who helps terrorists, including in Gaza, kill innocent people,” Netanyahu said. Macron told Netanyahu that he needed to make gestures to the Palestinians to break the impasse between the two sides. Most countries consider East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed after capturing it in a 1967 war, to be occupied territory and say the status of the city should be decided at future Israeli-Palestinian talks. Israel says that all of Jerusalem is its capital, while Palestinians want East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent state.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Venezuela votes in crucial Honduras tribunal says partial regional elections vote recount shows same result

THE INDIAN EXPRESS - Venezuela “remains in a full-blown economic, humanitarian, and political crisis with no end in sight,” said a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Venezuelans headed to the polls on Sunday in regional elections see it as a crucial test for President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition alike, after months of deadly street protests failed to unseat him. Public opinion surveys predicted that the opposition would win a majority of state governorships despite alleged government efforts to suppress a high turnout through last minute changes in voting places and other tactics. An estimated 18 million people are eligible to elect governors to four-year terms in 23 states.Voting got off to a slow start at 6:00 am (local time), when the country’s more than 13,500 voting stations opened, AFP journalists on the ground reported. The opposition Democratic Union Roundtable (MUD) coalition called Saturday on Maduro to immediately expel “Nicaraguan advisers” who it said had been brought to Venezuela to carry out electoral fraud. It said they were specialists in abruptly changing the sites of voting places, “a technique used by the Nicaraguan government to disconcert opposition voters.” The MUD has cried foul over changes to the locations of 274 polling stations in 16 states from areas

where they polled strongly in the 2015 legislative elections. “If the vote were to be free and fair, the MUD would likely win between 18 and 21 states,” an analysis by the Eurasia Group said. The vote comes against the backdrop of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report in which it sees no end to the economic downturn and suffering of the population.

perinflation, when prices soar uncontrollably every day for a long period. It said shortages are taking a huge toll on the Venezuelan people. “The main risk to the region relates to the humanitarian crisis and ensuing migration of Venezuelans to neighbouring countries,” it said. “The number of Venezuelans arriving in Brazilian and

Venezuela’s citizens wait to cast their votes in a polling station in Caracas, Venezuela. (Source: REUTERS)

Venezuela “remains in a full-blown economic, humanitarian, and political crisis with no end in sight,” the Fund said in a report on Latin American economies. The country’s economy will have contracted by 35 per cent by the end of this year from 2014, and the Fund says the country is headed toward hy-

Colombian border towns has been rising sharply as the crisis in Venezuela intensifies.” International powers accuse Maduro of dismantling democracy by taking over state institutions in the wake of an economic collapse caused by a fall in the price of oil, its main source of revenue. Today’s polls are the first

Couple held with $.2m cash ... Probe into $5m heist

TRINIDAD EXPRESS -As investigations continue into the $5 million heist at Piarco International Airport last week, two people were detained during a police exercise on Thursday night with a large sum of money. The two people,a man

and woman said to be in their 30s, were held during an exercise at Longdenville, Chaguanas, by officers of the recently formed Organised Crime and Intelligence Unit (OCIU). They were found with about $250,000, which they were unable

to “properly account for under questioning”, police said. However, police sources stressed that, contrary to reports, there was no confirmation up to late yesterday that this money was part of the missing $5 million taken from Piarco.

Mother, son, among five charged with sexual assault on girls, 12 NEWSDAY (Trinidad) - Five people including a mother and her son appeared in the Princes Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with a slew of sexual offences against two 12-year-old girls. They were all remanded into custody for tracing and are expected to return to court on Tuesday. One of the girls is said to be four months pregnant. Four of the five accused were held during a sting exercise by the Southern Division Child Protection Unit (CPU) and the South Western Division CPU be-

contested by the opposition since the legislative elections which gave it a majority in the assembly. But the MUD finds itself having to lift its own discouraged support base. They have seen Maduro’s hand strengthened after he faced down four months of protests that killed 125 people, forming a Constituent Assembly packed with his own allies and wresting legislative power

tween Thursday and Friday, while one of them surrendered at the Princes Town police station on Saturday morning. Two of the accused are

mother and son, while the other two are cousins. The fifth accused is a 17-yearold boy who cannot be named as he is still considered a minor.

from the opposition-dominated national assembly. For Maduro, the polls are an opportunity to counter allegations of dictatorship at home and abroad levelled at him after forming the Constituent Assembly. Maduro signalled this week that the election would effectively be a vote in support of the assembly, forcing even its staunchest critics in the opposition to recognise it.

TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduras’ electoral tribunal said on Sunday that a partial recount of votes from the disputed presidential election showed broadly the same result as previously, giving the lead to current President Juan Orlando Hernandez. In the partial recount of 4,753 ballot boxes, the conservative Hernandez won 50.1 percent of the votes, against some 31.5 percent for his rival Salvador Nasralla from the center-left coalition Opposition Alliance against the Dictatorship. The tribunal did not specify exactly how many votes from the Nov. 26 election were recounted. There are some 18,000 ballot boxes overall. Including all votes, Nasralla trails conservative Orlando Hernandez by 1.6 percentage points according to the official count, which has been questioned by the two main opposition parties and a wide swathe of the diplomatic corps. Observers from the Organisation of American States (OAS) issued a se-

ries of recommendations this week to authorities including a recount of disputed ballots. The election has been plagued with problems since voting stations closed, sparking concerns of deepening political instability in the poor, violent Central American nation. The tribunal declared Nasralla the leader in an announcement on the morning after the vote, with just over half of the ballot boxes counted. However, it gave no further updates for about 36 hours. Once results then started flowing again, Nasralla’s lead quickly started narrowing, sparking a major outcry. Since early December, the government imposed a curfew which is still in place in five of the country’s 18 departments. Opposition parties on Friday presented formal requests to annul the election. On Sunday afternoon, opposition groups were expected to take to the streets to protest the results. The electoral tribunal has until December 26 to declare a winner.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Housing for all

IN simple language, a shelter over one’s head is an absolute requirement. This means housing. It should be a compulsive necessity, since it is about ownership of a very important asset that adds value to one’s social stock, thereby improving one’s material standing in the process. Further, it is a form of security, especially in the case of a family, providing both spiritual and material comfort and a legacy of which to be proud. Housing has continued to be a key component of every Administration’s social development programme, since Guyana became an independent nation in 1966. Those of a sufficiently mature age, will recall the Feed Clothes and House policy of the then Forbes Burnham government. It was a visionary initiative, particularly for the fact that it had sought to make Guyana self-sufficient in the realm of food security, and providing housing to the working-class. It was an important part of the conceived socialist plan of making “the small man a real man.” Much to the credit of the then government, thousands of Guyanese through selfhelp, were able to become home-owners. In fact, well-known housing communities such as Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Guyhoc Park, South Ruimveldt, Melanie Damishana, Tucville, Tucber, North Ruimveldt, and Meadow Brook Gardens came to fruition during this period.

Fast forward to the mid-1980s that began the steady drift of persons from the rural to the urban environs in search of employment opportunities and inadequate housing became a stark reality. This ushered in the phenomenon of squatting. Even the successor People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C) multi- billion dollar response of distributing 55,000 house lots as a means of alleviating what was essentially a housing crisis, has not adequately solved the nation’s housing problem. This programme, which was used as a political drawing card by the then administration, primarily benefited those who were eligible for mortgage facilities, in addition to those who had ready, available finances. And if we are to be guided by Minister Bulkan’s figures, of approximately 28,000 of these lots, for a 50 percentage unoccupancy, then it is not difficult to understand why there are thousands of Guyanese who are still unable to own their home. Dissecting this into the smaller time frame from 2011 t0 2015, during which 20,000 lots were developed, there is a figure of less than 4000 houses being built in 38 housing schemes. This would have cost some $13 billion, with a further $16 billion still needed for infrastructure, as outlined by the minister. What a revelation! Taxpayer’ money was not properly spent. In fact, for such a huge investment, every lot ought to have

been occupied with a built home. Receiving a houselot was a good start on the quest for home ownership; but the means to build was another. This definitely was not part of the PPP/C MP’s understanding of housing, as he boldly alluded that persons needed houselots for home construction, and not a ‘’tenement policy.” How sad and shortsighted a view on such an important aspect of human existence. It is a bird that cannot fly. It is a blinkered, as well as a deceptive view by this MP who, if he had meant to be objective and honest with regard to the coalition government’s housing policy, would have discered a government that has inherited a national housing policy that has proven inadequate in addressing the housing needs of the nation in a holistic manner, despite the billions expended. It is a strategy meant to cater for the more than 25,000 unanswered housing applicants, waiting for a lot since the 1990s and into the new millennium; and the really poor who cannot afford to build homes of their own. It is seeking also to give dignity to the category, such as the Broad Street group, for whom the government will be building 72 homes at a cost of $43M at Plantation Prosperity on the East Bank of Demerara. Even Food For The Poor is joining in the latter endeavour, for success. Provision has also been made for squatters from Sophia to be housed at government’s expense on

the East Coast of Demerara. This will be done in the form of core homes. This MP should be asked to explain his former government’s decision to sell acreages of land to friends and cronies who, as land developers, had planned to build homes and sell at astronomical prices well beyond the means of the working-class. How could this have happened by an administration that spoke about housing the nation? Where was the social responsibility in ensuring that the housing needs of the less financially capable, were a priority? This MP should be informed that there have been very favourable responses to the new housing alternatives as offered by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). These have been attracting buyers from across ethnic lines. He must be further reminded that it is not about what he has derisively described as “tenement policy.’’ Instead, it is the government’s recognition of its social responsibility in ensuring that its programme is adequate in providing housing for citizens. And this is in keeping with the Declaration of Human Rights of 1948, that spells out the right to adequate housing; and the subsequent 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights that supports this ideal. The Department of Housing, a division of the Ministry of Communities, has a budgetary allocation of $6B to further advance its programme in 2018.

Hope Peeping Tom is not selectively convenient Dear Editor, I REFER to captioned article “Trial by social media”, via columnist Peeping Tom, as in December 8, 2017 Kaieteur News. I am on record via a letter to the editor of Kaieteur News on November 23, 2017 that, “There should be no cover-up of this matter”, which contained therein “I am neither judge nor jury in this issue that is indeed a shocking scandal; as well as there is the presumption

of innocence until otherwise proven.” Of course, I support Peeping Tom’s contention that for a mass media circulation to publicise an unverified story from social media, is not only unfair to the educator who is at the centre of the serious allegations, but also a desecration of media professionalism. However, what we are witnessing is a society’s total disgust and anger over one of the most abhorrent categories of criminal behaviour that has

become cultural, unfortunately a way of daily life in our country – sexual violence. I do believe that citizens are so fed up with this monstrosity, that if given a chance – they would lynch those accused of such a debauched act! But this would be wrong in the eyes of the law, since it would be taking the law into one’s hands, which is not permitted. As well as, printing an unsubstantiated story. About social media’s role in such matters – it has given some of its users another op-

portunity to be dangerously mischievous, in disseminating some of the worst perversities seen thus far. In fact, the Guyana Chronicle editorial on October 14, 2017, captioned, “The dark side of social media”, dealt adequately with the issue of social media, especially its Facebook component, in fanning the ugly flames of racism in Guyana. And this is where the Peeper comes in. It is very good that he has underlined social media’s dirty actions

in this instance, since it once again highlights the dangerous and dark side of an ICT component that should be part of daily, positive and constructive networking. But, I should enquire of the columnist as to the omission of dealing with the subject of social media in its wider context of Guyanese politics, in which its users continue to abuse another ethnic group, inclusive of its leaders, describing its members in the most derogative of terms.

I do recall in a correspondence, “Where is the logic in this contradiction”, of Guyana Chronicle on October 19, 2017, in support of the editorial named in this missive, expressing very strong condemnation of the racists and their use of social media in the odious exercise of racism. I hope Peeping Tom is not being selectively convenient. Regards, EARL HAMILTON

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Vessel named after fallen prison officer commissioned

A $127M marine vessel to transport prisoners, staff and cargo between Parika and the Mazaruni Prison was officially commissioned on Saturday at the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Wharf, Lombard Street, Georgetown.

liams, who was only four years old when he was killed and his mother Alexis Williams cut the ribbon to officially launch the vessel before it was given a test run in the Demerara River. Acting Prison Director, Gladwin Samuels, who rec-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan formally hands over the key of the vessel to acting Prison Director, Gladwin Samuels The vessel, the M.V Troy–W is named after Troy Williams, the prison officer who was killed during the 2002 jailbreak. His sister, Briana Wil-

ommended the vessel be named after Williams, said all prison officers should serve in the spirit that Williams did, pointing out that the prison officer served with

distinction until his death. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan said the aim of the Government is to improve security, efficiency and proficiency of the services and new assets are more than helpful in this regard. “ [The] Georgetown Prison, like so many of the other prisons, are more than a 100 years old; that prison was flattened. The other assets accompanying these institutions are very old and for the transportation of ranks and prisoners, safe transportation is needed,” Ramjattan said. He said Cabinet has agreed that only brand new vehicles should be bought rather than reconditioned ones that do not give proper service. Expressing satisfaction at the quality of work and the rate at which the vessel was completed, Minister Ramjattan said he is pleased at the finished product and that local persons benefitted from jobs. In keeping with the modernisation of the prison service, Ramjattan said Government intends to do what is needed to safeguard the interest of society. “We want to also expand the Mazaruni Prison to include another 500 prison-

The new passenger-cargo vessel “M.L Troy” for the Guyana Prison Service is docked at the GNIC shipyard on Lombard Street, Georgetown (Photos by Rabindra Rooplall) ers… and the 2018 allocation is $1.5 billion that will see the start of works next year,” he said. Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Clinton Williams said the company is confident of its products and the quality of maintenance offered. “In fact, over the years, through collaboration with the Board of Industrial Training (BIC), we have trained in excess of 1,000 youths within our facilities in wielding and fabrication, electrical installation and plumbing,”

he explained. He continued: “In our view, we make a contribution to the country’s poverty alleviation programme… we are continuously engaging a number of vendors and service providers in the oil and gas sector with a view to expand our services.” The vessel has accommodation for 80 passengers above the main deck as well as for 60 tonnes of cargo below the main deck ahead of the engine room. It contains three watertight bulkheads which divide the hull into four compartments.

The boat which is designed with a free running speed of not less than 12 knots, is fitted with two Perkins Diesel Engines developing about 500HP. Two warders had undergone training to operate the vessel in the correct manner. Also in attendance at the commissioning were Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson; Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman; and other senior officers from the Guyana Police Force and the Prison Service.

More a matter of inexperience than corruption Dear Editor, MY initial thinking is that the coalition government’s handling, if not bungling of the signing bonus with Exxon Mobil results from inexperience if not incompetence, rather than a desire to be corrupt. Time may perhaps tell. However, no one can be blamed, other than the government itself for the widespread perception that corruption was the intent. That having been said, I am of the view, as has been evidenced by several letters and articles which I have previously written, that no stone should be left unturned in ensuring that Venezuela’s claim to our geographic space, including our maritime boundaries, is finally and permanently settled in Guyana’s favour. I therefore have absolutely no difficulty with the government’s decision to negotiate and use a signing bonus from Exxon Mobil for the purpose of payment of legal fees and funding of heightened diplomatic activity in preparation for mounting our arguments before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). I am also well aware that there are certain arrangements, especially those with a complex international architecture that for a host of reasons require a certain amount of secrecy, at least for a period of time until public disclosure would have limited negative impact. I want to believe that this signing bonus arrangement is one such case. But here is where I have a problem with the approach of the coalition government and where its inexperience is exposed. If corruption is not the intent -- and I repeat that I don’t think it is -- I am of the view that the President should have invited the leader of the opposition, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Auditor General, the Chair of the Guyana Council of Churches and the Chair of the Private Sector Com-

mission to a meeting at which he would have informed them of the impending possibility of the matter of the Venezuela claim going to the ICJ and the need for Guyana to have readily available, in an unencumbered manner, financial resources to meet its bills. His Excellency could then have informed them, having laid out a convincing case of the need for these resources to be used to protect and maintain our territorial integrity and our natural resources, of the negotiation of, and intent to use a signing bonus from Exxon Mobil for the purpose of meeting our expenses. He could also have advised them that because of the complex international architecture of the arrangement, including Exxon’s own problems with Venezuela, that the arrangement had to remain secret for the time being and that he counted on their support on this issue. Then the President could have gone on to explain to this select group that the funds would be initially deposited in an interest-bearing account through the Central Bank (Bank of Guyana) and not deposited into the Consolidated Fund and presented the arguments in support of this. Further, he could have invited the select group to meet with him every quarter for an update on how the funds were being spent, a report that would have been delivered to the group by the Governor of the Bank of Guyana. Now, according to Christopher Ram, some laws may have been broken with this approach and the constitution even violated. If the approach I have suggested had been used, then I have no problem with breaking laws and violating the constitution in defence of our territorial integrity and the preservation of the vast natural resources therein. In fact, it would have been nice, if not comedic, to see some ministers of government charged with breaking laws for this purpose and among the defence witnesses are Jagdeo, Eddie Boyer, some priest, pandit or imam et al.

I would like to see which court would punish anyone for the legitimate pursuit of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Just my take. Regards, WESLEY KIRTON

Hindus iron out differences over religious dates Dear Editor, I AM pleased to inform that the issue of Hindus celebrating religious holidays on different dates has now been resolved. According to the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Calendar for 2018, it will be celebrating Holi, Diwali, Janma Ashtami and other religious occasions on the same dates as other Hindu organisations in Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname and North America. Come 2018, all Hindus will be celebrating on the same dates. Yours truly, Pt. R. Balbadar President, Sanatan Vaidic Dharma Pandits’ Sabha, Region Three

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Collective effort needed to fight corruption –– British High Commissioner tells GSMA dinner and awards ceremony

BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn has called on the Government and private sector to work together to stamp out corruption, noting that Guyana has dropped two places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index. The diplomat made the appeal during his remarks at the 22nd Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Limited (GMSA) annual Dinner and Awards ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel, last Friday. “It’s a sad fact that Guyana’s scores from the Transparency International Corruption Index are unacceptable low and I had many discussions with members of the business community,” Quinn told members of the private sector and other dignitaries.

The British envoy during his speech about the ‘Perception of corruption in Guyana’, pointed out that Guyana scored 34 out of 100 in the Transparency International Corruption Index. “The global average is 43 and the average of the Americans is 44. Anything below 50 indicates a failure to tackle corruption,” the commissioner said. According to him, the Transparency International Corruption Index is globally accepted and is highly praised by investors desirous of doing business in any given country. He added that it is critical for the Government and the public sector to address this crucial issue before the oil revenue comes on stream. “There are too many instances worldwide where

oil revenues have not been spent in the way that it should have been; instead it was converted into pet projects and into other people’s pockets. Guyana must avoid that!” the commissioner urged. Last year Guyana dropped from 126 to 124 in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index. Quinn also noted that bureaucracy must be reduced and the ability of entrepreneurs to set up businesses must be made easier. Labelling entrepreneurs as the driver of the private sector, the diplomat pointed out that there is still a lot of work to be done in Guyana as suggested in the index. Before closing his presentation, the commissioner touched on the importation of Green Heart to the United Kingdom.

Cyclist killed by speeding policeman DAYMON Barron, 43, a minibus driver who was riding a bicycle along the roadway at Rosignol Village, West Bank Berbice, was knocked down and killed by a policeman driving a privately-owned vehicle last Saturday evening. Reports are that Barron was riding his bicycle south along the public road when the vehicle driven by the policeman hit him from behind. Barron was flung several feet away by the impact of the hit and was picked up in an unconscious condition. He was rushed to the New Amsterdam Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Hospital Corporation, where he succumbed

Dead: Daymon Barron to his injuries early Sunday morning. A report from the Police Public Relations Department said the constable, stationed at Fort Wellington, was proceeding south along the eastern carriage-

way in motorcar PWW 5999 allegedly at a fast rate of speed when it collided with the rear of the bicycle. The policeman was tested but was found not to have any alcohol on his breath. Relatives said Barron of 103 William Street, Rosignol, was a minibus driver who had lodged the minibus at the home of the owner at a neighbouring village around 1830 hrs on Saturday and was cycling home at the time of the accident. He leaves to mourn his wife and four children between ages 18 to eight years. The policeman, who was off duty at the time of the accident, is under close arrest as an investigation into the collision continues.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn( photos by Delano Williams) He stressed that there is no ban on the importation of Green Heart lumber to the UK, but noted that there are regulations which have to be followed. He added that timber is currently being imported from the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. Some 17 companies were honoured at the dinner and awards ceremony.

Plympton Farms received the President’s Award for their significant export of processed pepper to regional and international markets. The National Milling Company was honoured in recognition of the company’s attaining international food safety certification to facilitate supply to KFC and Pizza Hut fast food franchise holders in Guyana and the

region. Sterling Products Limited, Bounty Farm Limited, Flexotech Inc., Precision Custom Carves, a subsidiary of Bulkan Timber Works Inc.; Umami Inc., Fiber Tech Industrial Plastics, Massy Gas Products Limited, SS Natural Fruit Flavour, and Brass Aluminum Cast Iron Company were among the other companies honoured.

Executive Chairman of Gafsons Enterprise, Sattaur Gafoor, presenting the President’s Award to Plympton Farm, Founder and Managing Partner, Kapil Mohabir

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Nothing strange AMERICAN oil giant ExxonMobil Guyana t h ro u g h i t s C o u n t r y Manager , Rod Henson, has confirmed that the company paid a US$18M signing bonus to Guyana , one which was earned by the country. Henson told members of the media following a public lecture on Oil Spill Readiness Response at the Queen’s College auditorium on Sunday night that such bonuses are “customary and normal in many petroleum agreements”. He said the money was paid into a Bank of Guyana account last year, one that is owned by the Government of Guyana and which

falls under the management of the Ministry of Finance. Noting its reputation as a business entity, he said

the company has no role in how the money will be spent. Henson said the oil

ExxonMobil Country Manager, Rod Henson

company is a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. He noted that when Guyana attains membership of that body, such payments would have to be publicised. Last Friday, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman disclosed that the Government of Guyana has accepted funds from ExxonMobil to assist with protecting the country’s territorial sovereignty. In fact, the “large sum” received from the oil giant is geared towards the payment of legal and as-

--signing bonuses normal in petroleum agreements, says Exxon country manager sociated fees should the Secretary-General of the United Nations refer the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for final ruling. Speaking on the final day of the budget debate, Trotman said, “Mr Speaker, yes, the Government received a large sum,” noting that his administration was advised that the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration, when faced with a “terrible situation” when a company attempting to explore its rig had been chased from the country’s waters, had gone the same route. The natural resources

minister said the ExxonMobil contract with Guyana is no different from any other signed by the previous administration and believes many would be disappointed when the contract is revealed. Trotman said the leaking of a letter penned by Finance Secretary, Hector Butts, on the signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil requesting the opening of a bank of account to receive the signing bonus, was “deliberately organised to cause some embarrassment to this government”. Government is expected to release the contract it signed with Exxon before the end of this year.

Bauxite workers threaten industrial action By Shirley Thomas

SOME 400 RUSAL Bauxite employees working at Kurubuka Mines, Demerara Berbice Region, are emotionally charged and psychologically ready to take industrial action, if not promptly reimbursed the more than $173M deducted as taxes on overtime worked in excess of 40-hours per week and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. This was the clear signal sent when executives of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) met with the Guyana Trades Union Congress’ General Secretary Lincoln Lewis on Friday. The delegation comprised: Ephraim Velloza, Branch President; Leslie Junor, Secretary; Garfield Brutus, Vice President; and Rawle Casey, member. The officials, who had come straight out of Kurubuka with the clear mandate to make it known to their employers, the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BGCI) that “Enough is enough! We want our money now!” They said their patience is ‘running thin’ and warned that they will make good on their promise made recently about taking strike action, should the company and Government not tell them

decisively when they would be paid their money. Lincoln Lewis outlined that the issue at hand has long been pending and the tax-free concession on overtime is an entitlement for the workers and not a favour. “It is a benefit to which the bauxite workers are entitled, and was given since the former President Desmond Hoyte’s time,” Lewis declared.

only the sugar workers were made to enjoy tax-free overtime. He said that subsequently, representation was made for the Government’s re-intervention into the issue which entailed the removal of taxes from overtime worked in excess of eight hours in any day (Monday to Friday) or Saturday and Sunday worked. The documents were drawn up and

BCGI) do not recognise the GBGWU. This is despite the fact that the GBGWU is the certified and recognised union, under the laws of Guyana to represent the bauxite workers. Lewis said the matter went on for eight years, and eventually a poll was called in October 2016 and was won convincingly by the same GBGWU. Thereafter, the company

demanded that unless the matter is addressed and they are refunded the monies that were deducted as taxes, they would take strike action. That demand led to the company signing the document but the relationship between the company and union has reportedly remained strained, with little interaction between the union and the company, likewise the union and the

Executives of the Bauxite Union, from left: Ephraim Velloza, Branch President; Leslie Junor, Secretary; Garfield Brutus, Vice President; and member, Rawle Casey, at their meeting on Friday

He said the Government decided that the companies directly involved in bauxite work: Bosai, BGCI and Oldendorff were to benefit from the tax concession. However, Lewis recalled, the Jagdeo administration took the concession away and so eventually

endorsed by the respective employers; Government and the unions. Unfortunately, in the case of BCGI, the unions said, the company decided that it would not sign the document since the GBGWU was a part of the process and, that they (the

is reported to have claimed recognition of the GBGWU, however, the union secretary, Mr. Leslie Junor claims that the company has failed to acknowledge letters that the body has written to them. A fortnight ago, the workers gave the company an ultimatum in which they

GRA. According to the union, the Government has ruled that the cease order for the deduction of taxes on the overtime hours specified, take effect from October 1, 2017, but that has still not happened. Further, the union said

it was led to believe that the BCGI would have been calculating tax pay from November 1, 2017, to 28 November 2017, and securing it in a safe place for expeditious payment to the workers. Instead, the union is now led to believe that they are being taken for a long ride, as it is not clear where the money is and when it will be paid over. “We are asking questions but not getting answers,” Junor said. However, the union has acknowledged that Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott had insisted that the monies owing to the workers by BCGI be paid to them. It is still not clear why this instruction has not been honoured, the union commented. Meanwhile, asked what is the Revenue Authority’s position on the matter, the bauxite union said the GRA is not meeting with them. Lewis said he has been trying without success to reach them by telephone. “We need some answers and we need clarity,” he said. Efforts by this newspaper to reach the human resource manager of the bauxite company proved futile, and this newspaper was told that the personnel was not available for a comment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Time to get real WHETHER you like it or not, during the next few weeks you will be swept along as if a tidal wave has hit you as we, Guyanese, get ready for Christmas and year-end celebrations. During this season ‘big people’ in particular like to sport and this includes the excessive use of alcohol ( and other illegal substances) followed by situations that sometimes get out of hand. One of the worst scenarios is when a person is encouraged to take one more drink ‘for the road’ they usually say, but that drink could impair the cognitive skills of a driver, resulting in an accident or even

fatalities. ‘It’s Christmas’ and for many this simply means anything is permissible. Unfortunately, children are usually in the mix- up, witnessing adults either behaving badly or taking unnecessary risks. Grown-ups like to think that children do not fully understand the things that adults do and say, but children are silent witnesses who are forever taking in information. Depending on their ages, maybe their ability to deduce a situation or occurrence may not be as refined as an adult; but you can be sure that as they grow they will remember the things that adults wish

they would forget and they will understand the significance of the things that happened. Therefore, adults need to pay special attention to what they do and say in front of their children and do not let the festivities of the season make their ‘tongue loose’ or their behaviour ‘worthless’. Think positively, stay positive and set good examples for children -- not just during this season, but all year through. During this time of year there are many gatherings and parties where food and drink will be free and plentiful , but parents must always remember to put their children first. Children

should not be left alone at home to take care of themselves while their parents or caregiver is out having a fun time. Children must be adequately provided for and supervised at all times; it is a parental duty to ensure that children are nourished, safe and protected. It is so easy for adults to get caught up in the excitement and merriment of the season that they neglect their children to the extent where, what should be a fun time for all, just becomes a miserable season for children. Making the season a fun time for children needn’t mean spending money you do not have or aiming to put

your hat higher than your hand can reach. You could take this opportunity to teach children about values that are not purely based on materialism. The wonderful fact that families can share time together and enjoy each other’s company over the holiday and new year is already something to be celebrated: you have all made it through another year. While we are all aware that this is meant to be a season for giving, life itself and good health are the most beautiful presents of all so any ‘present’ received after that is indeed a bonus. Teach children humility and thankfulness for the things they have, things

sought after, will come in due time. Caring, sharing, loving and nurturing are aspects of togetherness that should lie at the heart of families this season and throughout successive years: So, parents embrace your family with love and devotion: show them how much you really care. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

376 youths gain employment –– through police career fair By Rabindra Rooplall

SOME 376 youths are assured of employment at various institutions while another 32 will start a tertiary education as a result of a career day fair hosted by the Guyana Police Force last month in ‘C’ Division. Commander, Senior Superintendent Stephen Mansell said the fair was a partnership with the regional administration and included public and private sector stakeholders. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the applications of 120 youths were accepted for employment at the Giftland Mall Foodmax Supermarket; 37 at Qualfon Guyana Inc.; 200 at the Guyana Defence Force; 10 at the Guyana Prison Service; and nine at the Mon Repos Neighbourhood Democratic Council. Twenty persons also sat the entrance examination to gain entry into the Guyana Police Force and they are awaiting the results. Twenty-seven youths will be enrolled at the Mahaicony Technical Institution to commence classes in January 2018 while another five are slated to be enrolled at the Guyana School of Agriculture. “We see this as a success and a crime prevention strategy, as youth empowerment and development, partnership, building public trust and community relations,” Mansell said. He praised the support of the regional administration, the Joint Services, the proprietor of Buxton Gas Station and other private enterprises for supporting the career day fair. Buxton/Friendship Fuel Station Propri-

etor, Morris Wilson, who was a part of the planning, said the event was a success because of the efforts of Senior Superintendent Mansell. “We need more of these job initiatives and based on future collaboration more will be done for the youths,” he said. Buxton Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Leon Abrahams said that activities that promote the well-being of youths and opens up opportunities for employment are most welcomed. “The driving force behind crime is the lack of employment and poverty, the fact that Commander Mansell could have come up with this initiative is commendable since young people need the support in society,” he said. Adding that more agencies and young people should be brought onboard, the chairman said he is hopeful that next year the event can be larger and greater since many communities will benefit. “Many young people do not know of opportunities out there and the event created the occasion where this was presented to them and the offers were taken, it’s a huge plus because even persons from Georgetown benefitted. Despite what we say, many young persons want to work and if given the opportunity, they will take it,” Abrahams said. The career fair which was held at the Buxton Community Centre Ground saw some 2300 in attendance of which about 1800 were youths from Buxton and its environs.

From left: Commander Stephen Mansell; Proprietor of Buxton/Friendship Fuel Station, Morris Wilson; and Chairman of the Buxton Foulis NDC, Deon Abrams discussing the results of the career fair and future events (Photo by Rabindra Rooplall)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Harmon spreads Christmas cheer at Bartica

THREE Miles Secondary School, Bartica, Region Seven, was enveloped with cheer, laughter and loads of smiles as Minister of State Joseph Harmon continued government’s Christmas drive for 2017 with a

to share the love and joy in helping others in need. Expressing joy at spending time with the children of Bartica, Harmon told the gathering that whatever gift is received, it should be put to good use.

and also the bonus being touted by the opposition.” Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall thanked Cabinet ministers and the government for their continued commitment to the township. Hundreds of children

Minister of State Joseph Harmon starts the gift distribution with a member of the disability association (Photos by Adrian Narine) gift-distribution exercise that has benefited over 500 children of various communities. The children on Sunday were entertained by songs, poems, gifts and they each received a meal. Also present were members of the disability association of Bartica, Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford and Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall. In brief remarks, Harmon brought Christmas greetings to the people of the region on behalf of President David Granger. “I want all of you to be happy because the President, the Cabinet, the ministers, all of us in the government cherish you and loves you and that is why I am here,” Harmon said to a roaring round of applause. Underscoring that it is the season of caring and sharing, the minister of state advised the children

“I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and I know the new year will be a bright one for all of us; and your government has promised you that, because we are now discussing our budget and in that budget there are many good things for the people of Bartica,” Harmon told the children. One of the Barticians, Anthony Sunesh of Four Miles Housing Scheme, said the region is fully behind President David Granger and the government on the issue of border security. “We at Bartica fully approve of the way this government is handling the border issue and that whatever is needed to be done to secure the people in Essequibo and the entire Guyana at large, do it,” he said. He continued: “We are not moved by persons who write in the newspapers or social media etc.

attended the Christmas cheer and over 500 gifts were shared, including to members of vulnerable communities in the Potaro region. “For the first time we had the disability group and as a Council, region

and by extension the government we need to work with the group to identify a plot of land so we can construct a building for them since this is needed,” Marshall said. He said this is a target group that the municipal-

ity will be focusing on in the new year and support is expected from central government. The mayor noted that the event was the first of a series of activities planned by the municipality.

The children lit up with the gifts they received

Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall and Minister Harmon sharing gifts to the children at the lively Christmas cheer on Sunday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

GPL needs more spinning reserves – energy expert

HEAD of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Energy Unit, Dr. Devon Gardner, believes more “spinning reserves” are needed to boost power supply by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company. “We get more blackouts here than we would appreciate,” Gardner told participants gathered at the Pegasus Hotel for the 10th session of the Turkeyen and Tain Talks held recently. The presentation topic was “The Guyana imperative for prospering in a climate-altered world.” Spinning reserves are extra generating capacity available by increasing the power output of generators that are already connected to the power system. Gardner explained that GPL has been highly reliant on the traditional reserves that are operating at a high cost. GPL’s generators are designed in a way that makes the operating cost high, said the energy expert, adding that only base load power generators, which provide minimum power, are in operation most of the time, when instead, peaking generators should be turned on during the hours when high levels of electricity are consumed. According to Energy Storage Association, the base load on a grid is the minimum level of demand on an electrical grid over a span of time, for example, one

CARICOM Energy Unit Head, Dr. Devon Gardner (CARICOM photo) week. Base load power sources are power stations which can economically generate the electrical power needed to satisfy this minimum demand. The association further defined peaking resources as those which operate during the day with high peak

demand. “We have more blackouts because we do not have reserves… we need more power by installing more standby and spinning reserves,” he advised. GPL is in the business of selling electricity to customers. It generates the power, transmit and distribute it to most of the areas along the coastal plain of Guyana. The customer base stretches from Charity, Region Two, all the way up to Moleson Creek, Region Six. There are a number of commercial offices spread out across the country that enable customers to pay their bills. GPL reportedly earned $17.0 billion in the first half of 2017, up from $14.7 billion for the same period in 2016, as a result of more timely payments. This is according to the mid-year report that was produced by the Ministry of Finance. According to the government’s mid-year report, the company’s expenditure increased from $9.3 billion in the first half of 2016 to $12.6 billion in the same period of 2017. The expenditure increase was driven by higher cost of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for which the weighted average cost rose to US$48.70 (for the half year) from US$30.50 as at June 30, 2016. Despite its improved cash performance, the report also revealed the company’s technical performance remains plagued by inefficiencies. It shows that the production of electricity increased marginally to 394,832 Megawatts (MWh) in the first half of 2017, from 387,864 MWh for the first half of 2016.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Lakmal leads rout as Sri Lanka romp home against India (REUTERS) - Sri Lanka pace bowler Suranga Lakmal helped them steamroll India by seven wickets in the first one-day international in Dharamsala on Sunday.

half of the team total. Sri Lanka’s top order were not completely convincing against the moving ball but Upul Tharanga’s breezy 49 helped them chase

India got off to a terrible start losing Shikhar Dhawan, one of their five scoreless batsmen in the match, in the second over which triggered a spectacular collapse. Angelo Mathews, an all-rounder who has been reduced by injury to an occasional bowler, dismissed Dhawan leg-before and Lakmal sent back Sharma caught behind for two in the fifth. On both occasions, Sri Lanka used the review option to overturn the original not out decisions. The double blow completely unhinged India, who

lost the top half of their batting order to score their first 16 runs. Dhoni combined with number nine Kuldeep Yadav (19) to help India first go past the record for lowest ODI total of 35 -- by Zimbabwe against Sri Lanka in a 2004 match in Harare -- and then their own lowest total of 54 against the Sri Lankans. Dhoni hit 10 boundaries and a couple of sixes but India still ended up with a total which Sri Lanka overcame without breaking a sweat. Mohali hosts the second ODI on Wednesday.

SCOREBOARD

The pitch, a seamer’s delight, helped Suranga Lakmal immensely as he dismissed captain Rohit in his third over.

The 30-year-old claimed four wickets for 13 runs in his impeccable 10 overs, which included four maidens, as the tourists bundled out India for 112 in 38.2 overs at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. India were reeling at 29-7 in the 17th over before Mahendra Singh Dhoni struck a belligerent 65, with the former captain contributing more than

down the small target with nearly 30 overs to spare and go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Smarting from their 1-0 loss in the preceding Test series, Sri Lanka opted to field against an Indian team led by Rohit Sharma in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli who has been rested ahead of the team’s imminent tour of South Africa.

INDIA Innings Ro. Sharma c Dickwella b Lakmal 2 S. Dhawan lbw b Mathews 0 S. Iyer b Pradeep 9 D. Karthik lbw b Lakmal 0 M. Pandey c Mathews b Lakmal 2 M. Dhoni c Gunaratne b T. Perera 65 H. Pandyac Mathews b Pradeep 10 B. Kumar c Dickwella b Lakmal 0 K. Yadav st Dickwella b Dananjaya 19 J. Bumrah b Pathirana 0 Y. Chahal not out 0 Extras: (lb-2 w-3) 5 Total: (all out, 38.2 overs) 112 Fall of wickets: 1-0 S. Dhawan,2-2 Ro. Sharma,3-8 D. Karthik,4-16 M. Pandey,5-16 S. Iyer,6-28 H. Pandya,7-29 B. Kumar,8-70 K. Yadav,9-87 J. Bumrah,10-112 M. Dhoni Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 10 4 - 13 - 4(w-1), Angelo Mathews 5 - 2 - 8 - 1(w-1), Nuwan Pradeep 10 - 4 - 37 – 2, Thisara Perera

4.2 - 0 - 29 – 1, Akila Dananjaya 5 - 2 - 7 – 1, Sachith Pathiran 4 - 1 - 16 – 1. SRI LANKA Innings Danushka Gunathilaka c Dhoni b Bumrah 1 Upul Tharanga c S. Dhawan b H. Pandya 49 Lahiru Thirimanne b B. Kumar 0 Angelo Mathews not out 25 Niroshan Dickwella not out 26 Extras: (lb-1 nb-2 w-10) 13 Total: (for 3 wickets, 20.4 overs) 114 Fall of wickets: 1-7 D. Gunathilaka,2-19 L. Thirimanne,3-65 U. Tharanga Did not bat: A. Gunaratne, T. Perera, S. Pathirana, S. Lakmal, A. Dananjaya, N. Pradeep Bowling: B. Kumar 8.4 - 1 - 42 - 1(w-1), J. Bumrah 7 - 1 - 32 1(nb-2 w-2),H. Pandya 5 - 0 - 39 - 1(w-7)

Embattled England narrowly avoid embarrassing warm-up defeat

ENGLAND found scant respite on the pitch as they diced with danger and only narrowly dodged adding an embarrassing defeat against a Cricket Australia XI to their barroom woes. While team management ponder what disciplinary measures to dole out to Lions opener Ben Duckett for pouring beer over all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson’s head during a night out on Thursday, a two-day tour match without too much extra drama was doubtless on the wish-list. In the end, they just about got that at Richardson Park - although for several overs, after CA captain Travis Dean (100) and his opening partner Will Bosisto (50) had racked up a quickfire stand of 152, it appeared

Moeen Ali’s second-string team was perhaps literally contriving to lose. The two camps had agreed a victory target of 294 in a minimum 37 overs, following three declarations. With the CA openers then soon in full flow against an apparently vulnerable attack, it was no foregone conclusion that England would close out at least a stalemate. Ultimately, the hosts finished a few more big hits short on 269 for eight as Moeen persisted with spinners Jack Leach (four for 104) and Mason Crane to keep buying wickets. Another bruising half-century stand between Clint Hinchliffe and Mac Wright kept the chase just about on with Leach going at more than 10-an-over - but Tom Curran

(three for 28) had already done just enough to spare further England blushes. There were two wickets for Mark Wood in CA’s first innings, as he seeks to press left-field ambition to be added to a full Test squad which will return to Ashes action 2-0 down with three to play at the WACA on Thursday. After the hosts resumed on 62 for one on the final morning, Jake Doran mis-pulled Wood to deep midwicket and Dean played on as three wickets fell for eight runs before an unbroken stand of 74 out of 151 for four declared. After the lunchtime deal, Keaton Jennings failed to add to his previous day’s 80, caught at gully for a golden duck from Gabe Bell’s first legitimate ball of the innings. But Moeen and Gary

Ballance then both bagged 40s as England reached 130 for three in a pre-agreed 20 overs to set up the target. As the hosts took up the challenge, Dan Lawrence dropped a routine slip chance off Wood to reprieve Bosisto on just eight - and by the time the same fielder took his second opportunity to see off the opener, well-judged off Leach at wide long-off, the boundaries had been coming thick and fast. Dean had the lion’s share, and hit 16 fours and two sixes in a dashing century from just 68 balls. He too holed out in the deep off the returning Curran, but it was still not until the final over of the match that home hopes were done and England could breathe easily.

Shillingford bowls Volcanoes to historic tie at Providence Stadium By Rajiv Bisnauth

ON a surreal fourth morning when the Guyana Jaguars played some silly cricket, the sixth round Cricket West Indies (CWI) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day encounter between the title-holders and Windward Islands Volcanoes ended in an historic tie yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence. It was the first tie in 152 years for the regional firstclass championship Scores in the game: Windward Islands Volcanoes 117 and 241; Guyana Jaguars 194 and 164. Statistics had highlighted the Jaguars dominance this season, but this match shifted balance throughout its course, swinging precariously from one side to the other until the end, after the Jaguars lost their last six wickets for just 60 runs. Despite the shocking result, they Jaguars remain at the top of the table, moving to 97.2 points, having earned 10.8 from this match. It was ultimately a-below-par performance from the hosts, taking into consideration their dominance throughout the history of the PCL. Set 165 for victory, the home team resumed on 104-4, 61 runs short of the winning target, but things largely went wrong for the three-times defending champions from the very start, as off-spinner Shane

Shillingford wreaked havoc with (5-47) to take his 40th five-wicket haul at this level. The former West Indies off-spinner claimed four of the six remaining Jaguars wickets, as the hosts’ batsmen had no answer to the turn and bounce of Shillingford. Resuming on 48, Test batsman Vishaul Singh was Shillingford’s first victim of the morning when he trapped the diminutive lefthander leg before wicket for 56, at 118-5. Teenagers Sherefane Rutherford and Keemo Paul failed to add any aspiration to the Jaguars intent, with Rutherford(2) being removed by left-arm seamer Delorn Johnson (3-45), while Paul (3) was run out in a total mix-up with Anthony Bramble, the other overnight batsman, at 138-7. Bramble, who resumed the day on ten, played a lone hand in reducing the Jaguars deficit, adding 20 with Veerasammy Permaul, but Shillingford continued to gain appreciable bounce and sharp turn, removing both Permaul (5) and Gudakesh Motie (0), at 158-9. With seven runs needed from the last pair of Bramble and Keon Joseph, the Jaguars fell short of the target by one run as Shillingford completed his five-wicket haul when he trapped Bramble leg before wicket for 45. The Jaguars now host the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in round seven from Thursday before the tournament break for the Christmas season.

SCOREBOARD VOLCANOES 1st Innings 117 Jaguars 1st Innings 194 Volcanoes 2nd Innings 241 Jaguars 2nd Innings (target: 165 runs) (overnight 104 for four) T. Chanderpaul lbw b Johnson 0 C. Hemraj lbw b Mayers 19 L. Johnson b D. Johnson 12 V. Singh lbw b Shillingford 56 S. Chanderpaul c Devon Smith b Shillingford 11 A. Bramble lbw b Shillingford 45 S. Rutherford c Cato B Johnson 2

K. Paul run out (Cato) 3 V. Permaul c&b Shillingford 5 G. Motie c Devon Smith b Shillingford 0 K. Joseph not out 0 Extras: (b-5, lb-2, nb-4) 11 Total: (all out; 47.2 overs) 164 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-28, 3-51, 4-88 Bowling: Johnson 12-1-45-3, Lewis 8-1-30-0, Mayers 10-331-1, Shillingford 16.2-0-47-5, Theophile 1-0-4-0

Kohli-Sharma set ...

Continued from back page

There has been no confirmation from the couple. The Indian captain has said he needed to rest because of his "massive workload", ahead of the national side's tour of South Africa in January. Kohli and Sharma, both 29, started dating in 2013 after they met during the filming of a shampoo advert. The high-profile couple made their first public appearance a year later during a football match. Kohli is one of the world's highest-paid athletes and a

huge star in cricket-crazy India, and Sharma is one of the top actresses in the multi-billion-dollar Indian film industry. If the two stars do get hitched, theirs will be the latest in a list of Bollywood-cricket weddings. From former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore to the recent Zaheer Khan-Sagarika Ghatge union, India has a long history of marriages between cricket players and movie stars. (AFP)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

City move 11 points clear at the top after 2-1 derby win over Man. United By Simon Evans

(REUTERS)-Runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City moved 11 points clear at the top after a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in their derby clash on Sunday. The victory means City are the first team to win 14 consecutive English top-flight games in the same season. The result ended United’s run of 40 home games unbeaten in all competitions. City’s lead over second-placed United means the title is now theirs to lose and, while Pep Guardiola’s side did not provide a classic display of their manager’s attractive passing football, they showed they have the grit as well as the class to come through the toughest challenges. Jose Mourinho’s team se-

lection suggested United’s manager was intent on playing expansively, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford chosen as wide support to central striker Romelu Lukaku. But United struggled to get any of their forward players involved as City dominated possession. Mourinho’s team were let down by poor passing and struggled to keep the ball. Gabriel Jesus, playing as the lone central striker with Sergio Aguero on the bench, had an early opening but shot tamely straight at United keeper David De Gea, as did Raheem Sterling when he wriggled some space. City’s dominance was rewarded in the 43rd minute although the breakthrough was not a product of clever passing but sloppy defending from United at a set-piece. Romelu Lukaku failed

Manchester City’s Nicolas Otamendi celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Darren Staples

to clear Kevin De Bruyne’s inswinging corner and the ball fell to David Silva, who was played onside by Ashley Young. The Spaniard gratefully hooked the ball home. Poor defending at the other end allowed United to get level before the break. Marcos Rojo hit a hopeful diagonal cross into the City box but Nicolas Otamendi misjudged a header, Fabian Delph hesitated and Marcus Rashford pounced on the loose ball and drove low past Ederson. At the break, City were forced to replace skipper Vincent Kompany with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, a switch that meant Brazilian Fernandinho moved back into the defence. United were also forced into a change with Marcus Rojo, who had suffered a head injury, replaced by Swedish centre half Victor Lindelof.

City restored their lead nine minutes into the second half after another piece of poor defending. Silva whipped a free-kick into the box and Lukaku, who had a derby to forget, drove an attempted clearance into the back of team mate Chris Smalling. The ball looped to Otamendi who, making amends for his earlier mistake, showed great athleticism to volley home on the half-turn. Guardiola shored up his back line by bringing on defender Eliaquim Mangala for Jesus and allowing Fernandinho to go back into his usual role in the holding midfield position. City had keeper Ederson to thank for the three points after he produced a superb double save at close range six minutes from the end to keep out efforts from Lukaku and Juan Mata.

Bangladesh appoint Shakib as Test cricket captain Duckett suspended from playing BANGLADESH on Sunday appointed all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as Test captain, removing Mushfiqur Rahim from the post ahead of the two-Test home series against Sri Lanka starting January. Shakib, who is already the national Twenty20 captain, takes over the Test side after a disastrous tour of South Africa in a move that the cricket board said would allow Mushfiqur to focus on his batting.

Mushfiqur led Bangladesh in 34 Tests since 2011, guiding them to some remarkable wins over England, Sri Lanka and Australia since last year. But the wicketkeeper-batsman fell from grace after a disastrous tour in South Africa where Bangladesh lost both Tests by heavy margins. Hasan said the decision to remove Mushfiqur as Test captain was taken as they wanted him to concentrate

All-rounder Shakib Al Hasan

“We have decided to change the Test captain. Shakib will be our new Test skipper from the upcoming series and Mahmudullah will be the vice-captain of the side,” Bangladesh Cricket Board president Nazmul Hasan told reporters in Dhaka following a Board of Directors’ meeting. “There will be no change in the other formats,” he said.

on his batting. “We want best batting service from Mushfiqur. We want him to concentrate on his batting, want to free him from pressure,” he said. Shakib, who took the helm of the national Twenty20 side from Mashrafe Mortaza in South Africa, takes charge of the Test squad for the second time, having led the side in nine Tests between 2009 and

2011. Tamim Iqbal was removed as vice-captain of the Test side but Hasan said the opening batsman would continue as Shakib’s deputy in the Twenty20 squad. Mortaza remained at the helm of one-day international side but the BCB president indicated they would make a few other changes in near future. “Overall, we are willing to make a plan for next four to five years and the decision is just the beginning of the new plans,” he said. Bangladesh faced a huge backlash at home after they failed to win a single match in any format during their South Africa tour. Coach Chandika Hathurusingha resigned in the middle of the series but Bangladesh was yet to name his successor. The BCB interviewed English-born South African coach Richard Pybus earlier this week and former West Indies coach Phil Simmons on Sunday for the post but did not confirm any appointment. Bangladesh are scheduled to play a tri-nation One-Day International tournament involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in January before hosting the Sri Lankans for the twoTest series and as many Twenty20 internationals. (AFP)

and warned about his conduct

(REUTERS)) - England Lions cricketer Ben Duckett has been suspended from playing in the remainder of the team’s training camp in Australia and warned about his conduct after a bar incident last week, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Sunday. England’s Ashes tour was plunged into crisis after batsman Duckett was suspended for pouring a drink on a senior England player reported to be paceman James Anderson after an argument in a Perth bar late on Thursday. The 23-year-old Duckett, who was stood down from an Ashes tour game, was also fined the “maximum allowable amount” for a Lions player. He will remain with the team and return to England at the end of the camp on Dec. 17, ECB said on their website (www.ecb.co.uk). Earlier, all-rounder Moeen Ali said England’s cricketers must improve their off-field behaviour or risk turning a younger generation of players away from the game. England’s Ashes tour was plunged into crisis after batsman Duckett was suspended for pouring a drink on a senior England player reported to be paceman James Anderson after an argument in a Perth bar late on Thursday. The 23-year-old Duckett, who was stood down from an Ashes tour game, was also fined the “maximum allowable amount” for a Lions

player. He will remain with the team and return to England at the end of the camp on Dec. 17, ECB said on their website (www.ecb.co.uk). E a r l i e r, a l l - r o u n d e r Moeen Ali said England’s cricketers must improve their off-field behaviour or risk turning a younger generation of players away from the game.

played down the row. England coach Trevor Bayliss described Duckett’s actions as “not acceptable” on Saturday and expressed his frustration at having to constantly explain the off-field behaviour of his players to the media. ”Trevor Bayliss, Andrew Strauss and all the guys who get most of the flak for it...

Ben Duckett

The behaviour of England players has come under scrutiny after all-rounder Ben Stokes was left out of the tour after he and team mate Alex Hales were arrested following an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in September. Australia batsman Cameron Bancroft said England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow had given him a friendly headbutt in a Perth bar before the series but both men

you feel for them,“ Moeen added. ”We’re all grown men and we should know how to behave. “Through county cricket all the way up to international cricket, the individual needs to be responsible. Off-field behaviour needs to improve and we all know that.” The third Ashes Test starts on Thursday in Perth with England down 2-0 and hoping to avoid another humiliating whitewash.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Rain, Ramdin rescue Red Force against Scorpions at Sabina Park

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Rain and defiant batting led by their captain Denesh Ramdin came to the rescue of Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and earned them a draw with Jamaica Scorpions in the Regional 4-Day Championship on Sunday. Ramdin was unbeaten on 52 and shared a crucial fifth-wicket stand with Tion Webster that carried the Red Force to 162 for six when rain stopped play about six minutes after tea on the final day of their sixth-round match at Sabina Park. Red Force – starting the day still 271 in arrears – were reeling on 62 for four, but Webster came to the crease and shared 58 with Ramdin to stem the fall of wickets before he was stumped off leg-spinner Damion Jacobs for 30. Ramdin was also in-

volved in another defiant stand with veteran Imran Khan that had yielded 40 when the rain came and saved the Red Force from defeat. The result meant that Scorpions – starting the match in third on 55 points – gained 12.6 points. This included three for the result, the maximum five batting points, after reaching 432 for five at the 110-over threshold in their first innings, in addition to three bowling points and 1.6 pace bowling points. Red Force – entering the match second on 61.8 points – earned 5.8 points. They collected three for the result, as well as one batting point, one bowling point and 0.8 pace bowling points. Starting the day on 21 for one, Red Force suffered an almost immediate

setback, when Reynard Leveridge bowled Yannic Cariah for a duck in the

utes, Ewart Nicholson came to the crease and defied the Scorpions’ attack with

Denesh Ramdin was unbeaten on 52 when the weather brought play to a halt.

second over without addition to the overnight total. For the next 40 min-

left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano before he was caught close to the wicket

off Odean Smith for 17. Solozano continued the fight for another 10 overs before he fell for 23, giving part-time off-spinner John Campbell a return catch. For a shade over an hour, Ramdin and Webster held the Scorpions bowlers at bay, but two wickets in the space of seven balls left Red Force woozy. Webster was dismissed and Leveridge bowled Roshon Primus for one, leaving Red Force 123 for six, but Khan arrived and with Ramdin further frustrated the Scorpions for close to an hour and a half either side of tea before the weather brought play to a halt. In the next round, the final match before the long Christmmas/New Year’s holiday break, Red Force host Barbados Pride in a renewal of their fierce rivalry at the Brian Lara

Thomas hits 103, Saunders 64 to propel Hurricanes to within reach of victory target BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, (CMC) – Devon Thomas hit his third first-class hundred and a career-best knock from Akeem Saunders, defying a destructive spell from left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, that carried Leeward Islands Hurricanes to within reach of a stunning come-frombehind victory over Barbados Pride in the Regional 4-Day Championship before they settled for a draw. Thomas hit the top score of 103 – his first hundred in two years – and Saunders supported with a resolute 64 that propelled the Hurricanes to 286 for eight – just shy of the target of 312 set earlier on the final day of their sixth-round match at Warner Park. The pair defied the Pride attack for close to two hours either side of tea with a stand of 108 for the fifth wicket after the Hurricanes looked in danger of crumbling on 133 for four. They separated about an hour after tea and the Pride attack, led by Warrican with 6-89 from 28 overs, made a big push for the win, but the Hurricanes tail-enders chose discretion as the best part of valour to bat in the closing stages. The result meant that Pride – entering the match in fifth position on 48 points – earned 8.8 points, gaining three for the result, two batting points after reaching 265 for seven at the 110over threshold in their first innings, three bowling points

and 0.8 pace bowling points. Hurricanes – starting the match in fourth on 49.6 points – finished with 7.4 points that consisted of three for the result, one batting point, two bowling points and 1.4 pace bowling points. The Pride overnight pair of Kenroy Williams, not out 49, and Kevin Stoute, not out on 32, used the first hour of the day to advance the visitors to 163 for four with an unbroken, fifth-wicket stand of 79 before they declared. Openers Montcin Hodge and Chesney Hughes gave the Hurricanes the perfect start, scoring at more than five runs an over to share 57 for the first wicket, but they were both dismissed before lunch. Hodge was caught in the deep off Warrican for 33 and Hughes was lbw to part-time off-spinner Kenroy Williams 17. Resuming from 59 for two after the interval, Nkrumah Bonner and Thomas ushered the Hurricanes past 100 before two more wickets slowed their advance. Bonner was lbw to Warrican for 16, and former Hurricanes leg-spinner and Pride first-innings b o w l i n g h e ro H a y d e n Walsh, Jr bowled Jahmar Hamilton for 16. Saunders came out and with Thomas batted through the remainder of the afternoon session to carry the Hurricanes to 186 for four at tea.

With a minimum of 31 overs to chase down the remaining 126, Saunders and Thomas continued to score at a steady rate to take the Hurricanes past the 200 mark. Thomas was first to

reach his 50 and Saunders soon followed, but was fell to Warrican, trying to push the scoring along, on the stroke of the final drinks break with 71 needed. He batted 102 minutes, faced 101 balls, and struck six

Devon Thomas

SCOREBOARD PRIDE 1st Innings 394 Hurricanes 1st Innings 246 Pride 2nd Innings (overnight 110 for four) A Alleyne c Cornwall b Tonge 13 S Moseley c wkpr Hamilton b Thomas 16 *S Brooks c and b Louis 29 J Carter lbw b Cornwall 22 K Stoute not out 32 K Williams not out 49 Extras: (w1, nb1) 2 TOTAL: (4 wkts decl’d, 48 overs) 163 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-37, 3-70, 4-84 Bowling: Tonge 10-4-24-1; Louis 16-1-61-1; Thomas 9-2-20-1 (nb1, w1); Berridge 5-1-17-0; Cornwall 6-0-35-1; Warde 2-1-6-0 HURRICANES 2nd Innings (target: 312)

M Hodge c Greaves b Warrican 33 C Hughes lbw b Williams 17 N Bonner lbw b Warrican 16 D Thomas st Rampersaud b Warrican 103 J Hamilton b Walsh 16 A Saunders c Carter b Warrican 64 T Warde b Warrican 9 *R Cornwall c Stoute b Warrican 10 G Tonge not out 5 J Louis not out 4 Extras: (b6, lb1, nb2) 9 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 77 overs) 286 Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-57, 3-105, 4-133, 5-241, 6-264, 7-271, 8-278 Bowling: Harding 2-0-17-0 (nb2); Warrican 28-4-89-6; Williams 131-50-1; Stoute 16-1-53-0; Walsh 10-1-49-1; Greaves 8-1-21-0 Points: Pride 8.8, Hurricanes 7.4

fours and two sixes. Thomas duly reached his hundred following the break, but the Hurricanes plans to make the final assault hit a snag, when he was stumped off Warrican with 48 required. He spent 199 minutes at the crease, faced 155 balls, and struck six fours and one six. This opened the game up for the Pride, and they added the scalps of Terrence Warde bowled by Warrican for nine and Hurricanes captain Rahkeem Cornwall caught close to the wicket off the same bowler for 10 before Jeremiah Louis joined Gavin Tonge to bat through the final 20 minutes. In the next round, both teams play road games: leaders and reigning threetime champions Guyana Jaguars host Hurricanes at the National Cricket Stadium in Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago Red Force welcome Pride to the Brian Lara Cricket Ground in Trinidad.

Cricket Ground in Trinidad and Windward Islands Volcanoes welcome Scorpions to the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia for a day/night affair.

SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st Innings 243 Scorpions 1st Innings 535 Red Force 2nd Innings (overnight 21 for one) +A Jangoo c Smith b Leveridge 9 J Solozano c and b Campbell 23 Y Cariah b Leveridge 0 E Nicholson c Griffith b Smith 17 *D Ramdin not out 52 T Webster st Thomas b Jacobs 30 R Primus b Leveridge 1 I Khan not out 17 Extras: (b9, lb2, nb3) 14 TOTAL: (6 wkts, 75 overs) 163 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-21, 3-47, 4-62, 5-120, 6-123 Bowling: Green 15-4-30-0; Leveridge 11-5-23-3; Smith 8-2-14-1; Campbell 11-2-36-1; Allen 6-2-4-0; Palmer 1-0-2-0 Points: Scorpions 12.6, Red Force 5.8

RACING TIPS American Racing Tips Laurel Race 1 Glam Slam Race 2 Great Provider Race 3 Paula’s Pistol Race 4 Jag Race 5 Have Hope Race 6 Gimme Kimmy Race 7 Tiger Eyes Race 8 Angel At War South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:20 hrs Deago DeLuxe 08:55 hrs Heracles 09:35 hrs Bongo Dance 10:15 hrs Tiffindell 10:50 hrs Tin Soldier 11:25 hrs Fremont English Racing Tips Southwell 08:30 hrs Dorian Gray 09:00 hrs Strategic Heights 09:30 hrs Magnetic Boundary 10:00 hrs Bertie Moon 10:30 hrs Monteverdi 11:00 hrs Mach One 11:30 hrs Chillililli Fontwell 08:45 hrs Comrade Conrad 09:15 hrs Goosen Maverick 09:45 hrs The Vocalist 10:15 hrs Ramses De Teillee 10:45 hrs Our Merlin 11:15 hrs Stoical Patient 11:40 hrs Llantara

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday December 11, 2017) 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 Saturday’s quiz: (1) NZ won by an innings & 67 runs (2) Neil Wagner Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI played in the first Test but not in the second of the current WI/NZ series? (2) Which NZ played in the first Test but not in the second of the current WI/NZ series? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, December 11, 2017

Black Caps take control over West Indies in Hamilton

HAMILTON, New Zealand, (CMC) – West Indies’ batting crumbled meekly on day two of the second Test against New Zealand here Sunday, leaving the Caribbean side needing a Herculean effort to stay alive in the contesst at Seddon Park. Replying to the hosts’ 373, the Windies started badly and never really recovered, finishing the day on 215 for eight in their first innings – still 158 runs adrift of the lead. Not for the first time in recent history, opener Kraigg Brathwaite was the only shining light, leading by example in his first match as skipper with a topscore of 66. Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich made a dashing 35, Shimron Hetmyer got 28 while debutant Raymon Reifer was propped up the innings deep in the final session with an unbeaten 22. But opener Kieran Powell failed to score, Shai Hope and Roston Chase were left still looking for a significant score in the series while rookie Sunil Ambris trod on his stumps for the second time in three innings, to continue his bizarre start to his Test career. New Zealand’s bowlers were steady without ever being spectacular, with the seam quartet of Tim Southee (2-34), Colin de Grandhomme (2-40), Trent Boult (2-67) and Neil Wagner (2-73) each picking up two wickets.

West Indies had earlier endured frustration as New Zealand converted their overnight 286 for seven into a competitive first innings. They did well to remove the overnight pair of Tom Blundell (28) and Neil Wagner (1) cheaply for the addition of just 26 runs but were then held up by a last-wicket stand of 61 between Boult and Southee.

el finished with four 119 and Roach, three for 58, while Miguel Cummins ended with two for 57. Left with a tricky period to navigate, the Windies’ misery increased when Powell sparred at the sixth ball of the innings from Southee and was caught at the wicket with five runs on the board. On 24 for one at lunch,

Kraigg Brathwaite struck a defiant half-century to help West Indies avoid the follow-on.

Boult played with gay abandon in a 27-ball knock that included five fours and two sixes and Southee joined with a four and a pair of sixes, in an entertaining 39-ball innings. Seamer Kemar Roach finally ended the innings 45 minutes before lunch when he took a low caught and bowled chance to his right, to remove Southee. Speedster Shannon Gabri-

West Indies benefitted from two small partnerships afterwards, Brathwaite adding 41 for the second wicket with Hetmyer and a further 44 for the third wicket with Hope who made 15. Only 55 minutes play were possible in the second session because of rain, in which time Hetmyer showed flashes of his usual aggression before playing too early at one from Boult

Lomachenko stops Rigondeaux to retain WBO world title ( R E U T E R S ) - Va s y l Lomachenko retained his WBO super-featherweight title with a sixth round technical knockout of Guillermo Rigondeaux in New York City on Saturday, the impressive Ukrainian handing

duel between a pair of double Olympic champions resulted in an anti-climatic finish, however, when Rigondeaux, citing a hand and wrist injury, told the referee that he did not want to continue prior to the seventh round.

New champion: Vasyl Lomachenko poses with his belt after winning the vacant WBO featherweight title

the Cuban-born American his first professional defeat. The highly-anticipated

All three judges had Rigondeaux, who moved up two weight divisions for the bout, behind when

he quit in front of a disappointed Madison Square Garden crowd, making it the fourth consecutive Lomachenko fight in which his opponent has retired. Lomachenko, the 29-year-old heavy prefight favourite, defended his title for a fourth time and improved his career record to 10-1 (eight TKOs), including seven knockouts. The 37-year-old Rigondeaux (17-1), who was warned by the referee several times for foul play, began telling his trainer after the third round that his left hand and wrist hurt. “This is not his weight so it’s not a big win for me,” Lomachenko, who won gold medals at the Beijing and London Olympics, told reporters. “But he’s a good fighter, he’s got great skills. I adjusted to his style, low blows and all.”

and watching as the left-armer pulled off a brilliant one-handed return catch diving to his left. The 20-year-old left-hander struck four fours and a six – a top-edged hook to fine leg off Boult. When the rains arrived, the Windies were 87 for two with Brathwaite and Hope together, and when they returned 20 minutes after the scheduled tea interval, the slump ensued. Hope, unbeaten on 14 at the rain break, added just one before falling 10 minutes following the resumption, edging Southee to Ross Taylor at first slip. It all then went downhill quickly for West Indies as five wickets tumbled for 70 runs. Chase was bowled for 12 driving down the wrong line at de Grandhomme and Ambris (2), in only his second Test, astonishingly stepped on his wicket again attempting to turn a delivery into the on-side off the back foot. Brathwaite, dropped on 14 by Tom Latham off Boult, struck nine fours and a six in 116 balls at the crease before finally succumbing to a brilliant catch at short cover by Southee, driving uppishingly at de Grandhomme. Tottering on 135 for six, Dowrich arrived to stroke seven fours in an up tempo 45-ball innings, adding 34 with Reifer. He eventually paid for his aggression, top-edging a pull to be caught and bowled

by Wagner. Reifer anchored the lower order, putting on 35 with

Roach (17) before seeing out the day in partnership with Cummins (10 not out).

SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st Innings (overnight 286 for seven) J Raval c wkp Dowrich b Gabriel 84 T Latham c wkp Dowrich b Cummins 22 *K Williamson c wkp Dowrich b Cummins 43 R Taylor c wkp Dowrich b Roach 16 H Nicholls lbw Reifer 13 M Santner b Gabriel 24 C de Grandhomme b Gabriel 58 +T Blundell b Gabriel 28 N Wagner c Hope b Roach 1 T Southee c and b Roach 31 T Boult not out 37 Extras: (lb1, w3, nb12) 16 TOTAL: (all out; 102.2 overs) 373 Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-154, 3-159, 4-186, 5-189, 6-265, 7-275, 8-286, 9-312, 10-373. Bowling: Gabriel 25-4-119-4 (w1, nb7), Roach 23.2-8-58-3 (nb1), Cummins 20-4-57-2 (w2, nb4), Chase 13-1-90-0, Reifer 17-8-361, Brathwaite 4-0-12-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings *K Brathwaite c Southee b de Grandhomme 66 K Powell c wkp Blundell b Southee 0 S Hetmyer c and b Boult 28 S Hope c Taylor b Southee 15 R Chase b de Grandhomme 12 S Ambris hit wkt b Boult 2 +S Dowrich c & b Wagner 35 R Reifer not out 22 K Roach c Boult b Wagner 17 M Cummins not out 10 Extras: (b1, w7) 8 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 64 overs) 215 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-46, 3-90, 4-112, 5-117, 6-135, 7-169,8-204. To bat: S. Gabriel Bowling: Southee 18-8-34-2 (w1), Boult 19-5-67-2 (w2), de Grandhomme 12-1-40-2, Wagner 152-73-2. Position: West Indies trail by 158 runs with two wickets intact.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

T&T Women’s Cricket Association hurt by country’s no-bid decision THE Trinidad and Tobago Women’s Cricket Association (TTWCA) is more than a little ticked off that the government of the twin-island Republic will not be backing a bid for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which will be held in the Caribbean. “We are disappointed and we are hurt,” said TTWCA boss Jocelyn Francois-Opadeyi. There was a 16.00hrsdeadline for each Caribbean territory to put in a bid to host games for the World Cup but a story had broken earlier, that SPORTT chairman, Dinanath Ramnarine had questions about the feasibility of hosting the tournament, and that the minister of sport and youth affairs, Daryl Smith, was not offering support to the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board in their bid for games. Smith had said earlier, that the government had financial constraints that would prohibit it from backing the venture. The TTCB, however, had said there were more benefits

to be earned than losses to be made from the venture and so there was uncertainty if a bid would have continued even without government backing. According to TTCB president, Azim Bassarath, up to two hours after the deadline for bidding had passed, he had received no word from the government or the SPORTT Company about declining to bid.

Windies leg- spinner Anisa Mohammed was also left disappointed by T&T’s no show

Windies spinner, Anisa Mohammed was also left disappointed by T&T’s no show during the bidding process. “I honestly thought they would have at least bid for a couple of games at the Brian Lara Stadium. It is disappointing to not play a World Cup match at home. As an athlete, you want to perform at home in front of your family and friends, and in front of all the fans you are representing. To know that we will not be given that opportunity to play in a World Cup at home is disappointing,” said Mohammed. The TTWCA boss called government’s decision not to back a bid from the TTCB a missed opportunity and more than that, a step backward for the women’s game in the country. “It is a backward step. For the past 14 to 15 years, we have toiled and we have struggled. The players have done their bit in terms of sacrificing so that would have been a culmination of all the years of hard work for us,” said Francois-Opadeyi.

Black Caps take control over West Indies in Hamilton

See Page 27

CWI/PCL 4-day tournament…. See Page 24

Shillingford bowls Volcanoes to historic tie at Providence Stadium

Off-spinner Shane Shillingford finished with a match haul of 9 for 83.

Kohli-Sharma set to marry in Italy: reports

INDIA cricket captain Virat Kohli is set to marry longtime girlfriend and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma in a much-anticipated wedding in Italy this week, according to media reports on Sunday. Rumours started swirling when Kohli pulled out of India's limited-overs matches against Sri Lanka and Sharma also ducked out of her busy

acting schedule in December. Indian TV channels have gone into overdrive over what they have billed as the "wedding of the year". "A heritage property within a resort in Tuscany is being decked up for the wedding," the Hindustan Times said on Sunday. "Arrangements for a typically Punjabi wedding are reportedly being made by the

The Windward Islands Volcanoes players celebrate after the match ended in a tie.

wedding planner," the newspaper added, citing unnamed sources. The celebrity couple and their families have reportedly flown out of India for the week-long celebrations. A grand reception is also planned in Mumbai on December 26.

Turn to page 24

Indian TV channels have gone into overdrive over what they have billed as the "wedding of the year"

GCN to host awards ceremony on Sunday at Club Latino ---A number of local businesses and individuals have contributed

THE Guyana Cycling News (GCN) will on Sunday host an awards ceremony at the Club Latino , Hadfield and John Streets, for local cyclists who have performed exceedingly well during the 2017 season. According to information received, among the top performers for the 2017 season include Team Coco’s Jamaul John in the open category who won 10 National Park and Road Races during the season which began in February and notched up 217 points in the GCN’s points standing; Team Evolution’s Paul DeNobrega with 188 points and Team Alanis’ Alonzo Ambrose. In the Junior category, Team United We Stand leads the way with Curtis Dey (Trojan) and Nigel Dugid (Team Evolution) following in that order. In the veteran’s category, Junior Niles (Team Coco’s) the evergreen cyclists heads the list of awardees with Ian `Dumb Boy’ Jackson following in second, while Lear Nunes is next in line. To date, a number of local businesses and individuals have made valuable contributions to the activ-

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

ity which, apart from the awards ceremony, will also have a party atmosphere as it will be going through the night. Among the sponsors on board who have all pledged $20,000 each are: former national cyclist Robin Persaud and his wife Juliet of Regent Mul-

General Supplies situated at Hope Front, Enmore, East Coast Demerara; Damian Persaud of LBI Super Bet shop; and Kurt Bumbury of Kurt and Carol Grocery, Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara. The organisers of the activity are appealing to

Jamaul John tiplex Mall Money Gram the business community and LBI Money Gram; and private individuals to veteran cyclist Shameder step on board and support Baksh, General Manager this activity which is in its of Universal Auto and third year. MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2017