Guyana Chronicle E Paper 05 19 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

SATURDAY 19th May, 2018

Bandits No.105279

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shot dead … after failed robbery

Guyana Timber Expo opens

… calls for more value added products 16 PAGE

Trevor Barrow

GRA warns against release of tax info … Statia distances P A G E self from KN 05 concessions stories

‘Don't shelter under the blue’

–– ACP Williams warns recruits 04 PAGE

WestJet eyes Guyana 12 PAGE

On display at the Timber Expo which opened on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Photo by Delano Williams)

Exxon concessions to stay … Min Trotman reiterates security considerations guided decision

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Bandits shot dead after failed robbery Story and photos by Leroy Smith

TWO bandits were on Friday shot dead and a third suspect was arrested after they had attempted to rob a store on D’Urban and Hardina Streets. Dead are Calvin Dover, 27, a plumber and Trevor Barrow, 26, also known as “Skull Boss”. The two men had on Friday morn-

ing, reportedly invaded the grocery store where they attempted to rob the establishment. According to reports, a businessman was preparing items to send to an interior location where he has another business when he felt a cold metal to the right side of his head. A male then ordered him to hand over his belongings and while attempts were

being made to relieve him of same, a loud explosion was heard. That caused Dover to exit the premises and Barrow continued to attempt to rob the man. A fight ensued and Barrow reached for a firearm which he had in his waist and pointed it at the businessman and pulled the trigger but the gun snapped. The businessman then reached for his firearm which he had on his person and discharged several rounds at Barrow fatally wounding him. However, due to the police intelligence, police ranks quickly cordoned off an area several metres from the crime scene in pursuit of Dover who reportedly opened fire at them. The police returned fire and Dover who was wounded in the foot, sought refuge in the home of a family along Bent Street where he was cornered and killed. Prior to that, as he was running away from the cops, he attempted to make his exit from the community by using a yard, which according to residents, is used as a thoroughfare by many strangers to the community. However recently, the owners of the property erected a huge fence and it was that fence that prevented the young man from using that escape route. At the crime scene on D’Urban Street, Barrow who was dressed in a white jersey and cap appeared to have been shot to his head. His relatives showed up at the scene and began crying as his body lay in the grocery store, even as the police conducted their investigations and hundreds of onlookers gathered with

their phones snapping photographs and uploading shots to social media. Relatives blamed the “bad company” of the youth for his demise and even indicated that he was someone who never listened to them when they cautioned him against the company he was keeping. Over at Bent Street, the scene was no different from that at D’Urban Street. Relatives, police and curious onlookers were all out even as the police used their vehicles to cordon off the area, while relatives of Dover spoke with the police and the occupants of the house provided the police with statements. The police also invited two females down to the station to assist them with their investigation as well a male who was handcuffed. As the male was escorted out of the yard and into the vehicle his mother begged to see him and the detectives allowed her. The woman broke down in tears as she saw her son in handcuffs. He was then placed in the back of the police vehicle where he remained under guard as the police conducted their investigations. After a while the hearse arrived to remove the body but that took a while as only one undertaker arrived. The police had to seek the assistance of a resident to assist the undertaker to carry the body of Dover from the upper flat of the house in which he was killed, to the hearse.

A relative of Dover explains to the media that he was informed that Dover surrendered before he was shot dead by the police

A man being taken to the station for questioning after he was found in the house in which Dover sought refuge

The body of Dover being removed from the strangers’ house by an undertaker and a public-spirited citizen

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Concessions to Exxon will remain … Min Trotman reiterates security considerations guided decision

By Ariana Gordon

CONCESSIONS granted by the Government of Guyana to U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil in its 1999 agreement, which was subsequently revised in 2016 will remain “intact” Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman told the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on Friday. In an update on the performance of his ministry, Trotman told the Committee chaired by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Odinga Lumumba, that the 1999 agreement between the government and ExxonMobil was strategically crafted. He disclosed that security reasons formed the basis of the government’s decision to grant ExxonMobil concessions from “tip to tip” representing Barima Waini, located in Region One to the Corentyne, located in Region Six. Trotman reminded the committee of Venezuela’s threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and noted that decisions made were informed by the “happening of events in the West”, as he demonstrated Venezuela’s claims via a map during a PowerPoint presentation. In May 2015, just after the APNU+AFC coalition government had won the general and regional elections, Venezuela had issued a Presidential Decree No. 1787 claiming the territorial waters in the Atlantic Ocean off the Demerara Coast to include the Liza well located 123 miles off the Mahaica coast. That decree was made a few weeks after ExxonMobil and its partners Hess and CNOOC Nexen announced a significant discovery at Liza-1 well. “Venezuela’s decree put us in a serious national security situation,” said Trotman, who stressed that the 1999 contract with the oil company had strategically given ExxonMobil, “the length and breadth…from tip to tip of the two boundaries of Guyana.” “This was not a coincidence; it was deliberate that we needed a partner in 1999 to cover the entire sea space from tip to tip… an American company,” the Minister added, noting that “we believe that those circumstances did not diminish or disappear.” STRATEGIC MOVE He said it was critical for Guyana to work with a company that has “international gravitas” and as such it was strategic to ensure that “the Exxon Block remain intact as it was in 1999”. Venezuela subsequently withdrew that claim following diplomatic pressure. In 1999 the Government of Guyana sought partnerships with American Companies, Beal Aerospace and Exxon. The Beal Deal was not completed but Exxon’s was. However, after the change in government in 2015, the new administration had re-negotiated the 1999 contract with ExxonMobil. The government through discussions with Exxon officials had

two primary objectives, to start production in the earliest possible time (2020) and to protect the country’s resource. In so doing, Trotman made it clear that there had been no breach of the 1999 agreement between the parties, neither did the contract expire. He said both parties voluntarily agreed to engage in a process of updating the 1999 agreement, while noting that the template used for the update was the 2012 model developed and used previously by the Government for Anadarko Petroleum Corp. “We recognised one, the sanctity of the agreement that the agreement was based on strategic reasons and those strategic reasons did not diminish after the discovery in 2015; they did not disappear – in fact it deepened because Venezuela strengthened its claim against Guyana. It was important therefore

by Venezuelan military officials in 2013. Trotman said foreign companies wanted to ensure that the government would not in the face of opposition or adversity forsake them. Venezuela had written to all of the oil companies operating offshore Guyana and that move scared many. The Minister said only few stood up, ExxonMobil being one of them. Profits to be gained from gas were also placed into the new agreement. According to the new agreement, 12.5 per cent during the cost recovery phase would go to the government and 50 per cent thereafter. The amount will be calculated based on production. “We have not tried to renegotiate the fiscal terms; that has been kept intact,” Trotman added. Acreage provided to Exxon remains the same and Trotman told the committee that the law gives him the power to consider

“The decision not to release blocks in that area was strategic for national security?” Lumumba followed up, to which the Minister answered in the affirmative. Trotman disclosed that the government received advice from Sir Shridath Ramphal and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rashleigh Jackson. The duo had advised the government in 1999. The chairman then questioned whether other companies would be allowed to partner with ExxonMobil in areas allocated to the U.S. oil giant. “…If other companies want to partner with Exxon we will not interfere,” the Natural Resources minister said, noting that companies coming to operate in Guyana must understand that the natural resource is Guyana’s and will be developed by Guyana.

SIGNING BONUS Meanwhile, on the question of the US$18M signing bonus, Trotman said after discussions with ExxonMobil, the company agreed to give Guyana support. US$15M of that sum has been earmarked for legal fees for Guyana’s challenge against Venezuela at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its territorial space, while the remaining US$3M will be used for capacity building for the period 2017-2020. Lumumba queried whether the government used a formula in determining the quantum of the signing bonus. It was then that Minister Trotman disclosed that the method used to arrive at the signing bonus total resulted from the July 2000 incident inMinister of Natural Resources (centre) Raphael Trotman updates the Parliamen- volving CGX Energy. Then, the oil company tary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on Friday. Seated to his right, attempted to explore towards the north eastis Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes (Adrian ern side of the country and gunboats from Narine photo) Suriname arrested the CGX drillship and stopped work. The matter was placed before that we see everything done in that context.” applications for the granting of more than 60 the International Law of the Sea Tribunal Chairman of the Parliamentary Sectoral blocks, where he is satisfied that special cir- and the fee, as advised, was in the vicinity Committee on Natural Resources, Odinga Lu- cumstances exist for doing so. of US$12M. That fee was said to have been mumba, called on Minister Trotman to outline The Natural Resources Minister told the paid by an oil company that had vested interto the committee the fundamental differences bi-partisan committee that the threat to Guy- est in assisting Guyana in the matter. between the 1999 and 2016 agreement. ana’s sovereignty was paramount in the mind “With the benefit of that advice and the Trotman said while the differences are of the administration, notwithstanding that adjustments made, it was my understanding few, a new feature to the agreement in- economic considerations existed. He made it that the figure of US$15M was given as a fair cluded the presence of a signature bonus. clear that Guyana was already going to earn figure that would cover expenses in the ICJ,” Government in 2016 received US$18M as 3.2B barrels of oil. “We were already going Trotman explained. “ a signature bonus from ExxonMobil. Addi- to be wealthy- we wanted to anchor Exxon I assume there is a letter somewhere from tionally, licensing fees have been increased into our waters to let them know we were a Exxon to the Government of Guyana saying from US$ 250,000 annually to US$1M serious government, and to let them know we that we are granting this US$18M for this annually while the parties have introduced were serious about developing our resources,” purpose?” asked Lumumba to which Trotman an annual payment for Corporate Social he explained. replied, “Sir, you will not find that [letter] in Responsibility (CSR) for projects, to be Lumumba questioned whether the existing any office…the government asked for support determined by both the government and agreement with Exxon allows for that com- from Exxon of a sum.” The minister made it the company. pany to release some amount of the blocks clear that it is not ExxonMobil’s role to tell granted to it. “Because of national security the government what it should do with the STABILISATION CLAUSE reasons that is being delayed?” asked the money received. A different stabilisation clause was also Committee’s chairman. Trotman explained “We determined that. We needed the included in the 2016 agreement. that after the 2013 incident with Anadarko it sum of money for a particular purpose That clause is identical to that found in was believed that Exxon should have been al- and that is to hire the best lawyers,” said the agreement with the American company, lowed to hold on to the acreage given strategic Trotman who denied writing ExxonMobil Anadarko, whose research vessel was seized security reasons. on the matter.

‘Do not shelter under the blue’

--ACP Williams warns recruits; urges that they speak out against lawbreakers FOR too long officers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been “sheltering under the blue” and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ag), Paul Williams believes that the practice needs to stop. “Do not use the uniform to break the law! Far too many officers shelter under the blue, but if you have seen it from your peers and you remain silent, then you are equally guilty,” said Williams at the passing out parade for 150 recruits of the GPF at Tactical Square on Friday. He warned this latest

batch of recruits that ignorance of the law is no excuse, therefore they must be objective and ethical in their practice of law enforcement. Some of the key traits he urged them to adopt were discipline, diversity, partnership and capacity-building. Williams believes that officers need to possess those attributes in order to serve the public properly. “That, too, when serving the public there should be no discrimination as to sex, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual preferences and

relationships…You need to show respect for all human rights and constitutional rights,” said the commissioner. The new recruits were also told that they need to ensure that they have the requisite performance and knowledge to cope with the changing environment. “In order to do that, you need to see this as a career path; we within the administrative level started where you were…remember the fundamental pillars and communicate with your superiors to seek help before making decisions that might

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ag) Paul Williams taking the salute at Friday’s passing out parade

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ag) Paul Williams addressing new recruits at their passing out parade on Friday (Adrian Narine photos)

affect the entire force,” he posited. The new recruits began training in November 2017. Over the past six months, they were taught self defence, anger management, communication, English, combat and so forth. They were also coached and trained on the introduction to policing, basic policing and the theoretical aspect of traffic and crime, among other things.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Linden businessman, community advocate Stephen Bovell passes on

Steve Bovell, founder of Demerara Bakery

THE Linden business community was plunged into mourning on Wednesday with the passing of Stephen Bovell, a passionate, industrious and dedicated businessman. He suffered a heart attack. Bovell was the owner of Demerara Bakery, located on Burnham Drive, Wismar, and a staunch member of the Linden Chamber of Commerce and Development. He had survived five major heart bypasses and a major heart surgery in 1994, which was the motivating factor behind his establishing the bakery, not as a profit-making entity, but as a means of giving back to the community, in appreciation for spared life. The bakery opened its doors in October 1995, and

Bovell used that first month to freely distribute its products to the less fortunate. Though he was an electrical engineer by profession, and had no experience in baking, Bovell followed the voice in a dream which told him he should open up the bakery. Since then, he’d focussed on community development and employment for Lindeners. He was also an advocate of community development, and played an integral role in the Linden Restoration Project. He is described as heart-warming and generous. The President and members of the Linden Chamber of Industry Commerce and Development extend heartfelt condolences to his wife, children and other relatives and friends.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

GRA warns against release of tax info

…Statia distances self from KN concessions stories

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Friday warned that the unauthorized release of information is a serious offence while noting that it will “exercise great diligence in accordance with the law to sanction anyone found guilty.” The statement by the Revenue Authority follows the publication of two articles which appeared in the Kaieteur News on May 17 and 18, 2018 respectively on the subject of tax concessions granted to foreign min-

ing companies Aurora Gold Mines and Troy Resources. The publisher of the article also released financial data relative to the concessions granted to the companies noting that the information was made available by the GRA. According to the articles, the two foreign companies, which are involved in large scale mining operations here, have benefitted from generous concession from 2016 to date. “Against this backdrop, the GRA wishes to reiterate that while the quantum of

concessions given to persons so benefitting should be published by the Authority, the information concerning itemised concessions are confidential in nature and that any unauthorised release is in breach of the oath of Confidentiality and Secrecy,” a statement to the media said Friday. Section 4 (1) of the Income Tax Act, Chapter 81:01, states, that every person who has any official duty or is employed in the secrecy administration of this Act shall regard and deal with documents,

information, returns, assessment lists and copies of those lists relating to the income or items of income of any person, as secret and confidential, and shall make and subscribe a declaration in the form prescribed to that effect before a magistrate. The Revenue Authority, headed by Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia said in the past similar offenses which included acts of collusion tarnished the professionalism and reputation of the GRA which

has a mandate to collect all revenue belonging to the Government and ensure that Guyana’s best interests are adequately safeguarded. Meanwhile, the Commissioner - General who was referenced in the articles as stating that Guyana is not getting value for its concessions, denied making any such statement to that newspaper. “The Commissioner-General would like to reiterate that tax revenue is only one criteria of measurement. Other criteria include but are not limited to

social benefits of increased employment and training, and foreign exchange contributions to the economy.” The statement said too that on the investor’s side of the equation, operating and development costs, uncertainty in exploration activities, volatility of commodity prices, the inability of government to fund its own exploration, and the political and economic climate, all allow for increased risk, and the demand for a higher rate of return by investors.

Plane crashes, erupts into fireball Up to 10 dead in Texas school shooting … after takeoff in Cuba

The scene after a Cubana de Aviacion aircraft crashed after taking off from Havana’s Jose Marti airport A BOEING 737 passenger dering wreckage surrounded jet with more than 100 by dozens of onlookers. people aboard crashed in Residents of the rural a huge fireball Friday after area said they had seen some taking off on a domestic survivors being removed in flight from Havana, Cuba, ambulances. according to reports. State media outlets said There were no imme- the plane, which was headed diate reports on casualties, to the eastern city of Holguin, but images from the scene crashed near a high school beshowed widespread, smol- tween the airport in southern

Havana and the nearby town of Santiago de las Vegas. The airliner was rented by Cubana de Aviacion, the country’s national airline, from Blue Panorama, according to Local10.com. Cuba’s ambassador in the US, José Ramón Cabañas, said in a social-media post that 104 passengers were on the flight, which went down about 12:30hrs near the Jose Marti International Airport. Government officials, including President Miguel Diaz-Canel, rushed to the site, along with a large number of emergency medical workers and ambulances. In the last few weeks, Cuba’s national carrier had to ground a number of its ageing planes because of safety issues, according to CNN. (NewYorkPost)

BETWEEN eight and 10 people have been killed in a shooting at a Texas high school, police say. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez told reporters the majority of the dead at Santa Fe High School were students. A student is in custody after the attack at the school, which is about 40 miles

(65km) south of Houston. The death toll makes this the deadliest school shooting since the one in February at Parkland, Florida. That attack left 17 dead, and spawned a nationwide youth-led campaign for gun control. The Texas school district confirmed that people were injured in an “active shooter”

incident as classes began on Friday morning. Sheriff Gonzalez said his officers were tackling a “multiple-casualty incident”, but the final number of dead is unclear. He earlier tweeted: “An injured police officer is being treated; the extent of his injuries is unknown.” (BBC)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Still work to be done

THE achievement of independence on the 26th May 52 years ago marked another phase of development in the quest for freedom. This journey began with the fight against enslavement, indentureship and colonisation. In the process of acknowledging that development occurs in phases, recognition is given to the abolition of the slave trade which predated amelioration and freedom from slavery, which was followed by freedom of indentureship. These phases laid the foundation for the fight and achievement of universal adult suffrage, limited self-government and independence. The bottom line is, independence is a stepping stone to a nation’s growth and development. Among those who contributed to the 1966 struggle are Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Peter D’Aguiar and not forgetting the people of Guyana. In spite of all who struggled, at the end of the day, there had to be someone whom the British Empire trusted enough to hand the Instrument of Independence: That person was Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. In politics, it is also about policies and programmes, and in this regard, Burnham gained the favour of the British coloniser and its allies, in an era when the Cold War was raging, and no consideration had been given to any self-proclaimed communist. With political independence, Burnham was tasked with the responsibility of leading the nation; to build and to forge “One people, One Nation, One Destiny”. It was he who took our young nation a step further to attaining the next phase of republican status, which is the ultimate freedom from political control. As the nation achieved its political independence, the former coloniser/mother country still sought to retain control through various methods of control and influence such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. It became evident that political independence did not necessarily mean economic independence, and the government of the day ought to have recognised this. The policies of economic self-reliance, such as feeding,

clothing and housing the nation sought to address this challenge for a nation that was importing more than exporting, and not fully exploiting its agricultural and other natural resources for its own benefit. Independence meant facing the many challenges of racial and ethnic tension. An indigenous education was pursued to reshape the way Guyanese saw themselves, to forge a nation, and to promote, understanding, respect, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups. This had the potential to reduce tensions, particularly between the two major groups, but yet proved more challenging, given what appeared like an imbedded appositional tendency to accept the domestic leadership of Burnham. These struggles also gave rise to the promotion of egalitarianism, with efforts to ensure all were socialised to see themselves as equals. Each worker was promoted as important. No longer was the small man seen as mere hewers of burden, and his well-being incidental to production and productivity. The ideal promoted was for “the small man to be the real man”. The quest for economic independence also influenced the nationalisation drive, e.g., in the bauxite and sugar industries, and the opening of national banks to drive local economic ventures. These sectors at the time epitomised a class, colour and race hierarchy, where Guyanese were not at the helm. Nationalisation did away with that and created space and opportunities for locals to be in positions of ownership and control. That foundation having been laid, all who came after have to add to that vision in keeping with time, national and global perspective and challenges. Whereas at independence there was need to establish resistance to cultural penetration and other factors, local and external, that would have threatened the stability of a fledgling nation, it is now left for others to advance nationhood within the current context. Today, the nation is witnessing decay in the early values. Guyana faces the threat of information communication

technologies influencing anti-nationalistic behaviours. In addition to the threat of terrorism, there is the drug trade, and corruption that transcend borders. Facing this challenge will require measures being put in place for social protection in the context of crime and drugs, where they have infiltrated every strata of society, rivalling the formal economy, and threatening the arms of government. Where the National Insurance and Social Security Scheme (NIS) was put in place in 1969 as a safety net, there is need for another safety net, such as protection from the influences of drugs. The APNU +AFC government, to its credit, has undertaken to advance development in less than a year, with the invitation of the DEA to set up a Guyana-based office. The government has also advanced the passage of stronger AML/CFT laws which will help in eradicating this scourge. The narco trade undermines the structure of government and independence, and destroys the very fabric of society. At the political level, the challenge this nation faces is the restoration of holding leaders accountable within the confines of the laws, even as efforts are made to deepen and strengthen them. And last but not least, the most important challenge facing this nation and leaders lies in forging greater unity and respect. As a people, we have gone back on building one people, seeing ourselves as Guyanese with a purpose, where we are inter-related, interdependent and can co-exist in peace and harmony. There is work to be done to channel our energies towards nation-building, where all can enjoy the fruits and benefits of this country.

M&CC pensioners still to receive full gratuity Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me space in your letters column to highlight the callousness and cruelty that is being meted out to retirees of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. Employees who have retired from the services of the Council over the last three years, by and large, have been denied their gratuity payments. In fact, it is only a very few, like one former employee of the personnel section who had been

paid the gratuity and this is only because that person is a friend of those in charge. The other few that have been paid have only received one-half of what is due and this merely happened because they took the matter and the council to court; the Local Government Commission, and also the Ministry of Communities. The rest of retirees are left, as they say in Guyana, ‘to suck bricks’. The retirees, many of whom have served the council and city of George-

town for most of their working lives, with the majority working there for well over thirty years, are made to feel as though they are begging alms when they go to receive their pensions. They are paid when and how the administration of the Council pleases, having to visit their banks or City Hall multiple times and are told that they have to wait until after the current employees receive their delayed salaries, before they can be considered. And whenever they attempt to

complain of the inconvenience this is causing them, many of whom have become physically challenged; they are impolitely told that they have to wait until those who are currently working and producing are paid first. I would like to know whether the administration of the council realises that when these elderly former employees whom they are maltreating worked with the council, that Georgetown was a clean, pristine ‘Garden City’; that its accounts were properly

managed and audited each year; that the City Hall building was not on the verge of collapse; that the clocks at the various markets worked; that there were no pigs being reared at the cemetery; that there were no contractors carting off tens of millions of dollars each month; that the roads, bridges and streetlights were properly maintained; that there were hardly any robberies committed around the markets; that the abattoir was fully functional and produced wholesome beef and pork for consumers; that the

city hadn’t a fraction of the mosquitoes, rats and other rodents; that the constabulary ranks did not shoot unarmed and mentally challenged prisoners, and that the city’s building codes were fully respected. I would like to call on the Ministry of Social Protection to look into the plight of the pensioners of the Georgetown City Council. Regards Jermaine Johnson

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

City Hall day of reckoning will soon come Dear Editor, THERE is something that is seriously and fundamentally wrong with the accounting and financial management systems of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown that needs to be urgently and comprehensively addressed, before the municipality is destroyed. Even though it is clear that the elected Council is not in charge as they should be, but rather just the Mayor, Finance Chairman, the Town Clerk and a few other powerful Councillors, all of them will have to take the blame when the day of reckoning comes. Almost every conceivable municipal fee has been jacked up, including a special fee which is being applied to both commercial and industrial waste – either solid

or liquid; barbers and hairdressers licences; property rates increased by 10 percent, certificate of compliance fees increased by a whopping 750%, the illegal container fee is to be increased, markets stall rents have spiraled upwards and in spite of all of this revenue increase the city is more broke than ever. All of this is due to the fact that the council maintains a massive and highly paid staff of over 800 employees. whilst at the same time retaining a huge cadre of extremely well paid contractors. Then there is the scandal of the council deducting National Insurance Scheme, Guyana Revenue Authority and Credit Union contributions from employees’ salaries but not paying these monies to those entities, clearly a violation of the laws of Guyana. Should SOCU and

SARA not be called in? The Auditor General’s office has been unable to audit the books for years because of the disappearance of records, yet it is well known that the council is in a perpetual state of financial crisis with no proper accountability or transparency for the billions of dollars it received and spent over the last three years. The members of the Council’s Finance Committee seem to be operating in an ivory tower, approving massive expenditure for items that have not been tendered for, nor undergone competitive bidding and without contracts being presented to full Council for examination and approval. Then there is the big scam involving many persons who were granted amnesty, reductions or waivers on interest on rates and taxes owed to the coun-

cil, but without the requisite approval being given. Almost every citizen of our capital is aware that the City Council is being mismanaged. Most of the municipality’s buildings are falling, including the main City Hall building, the city abattoir and all of the markets. But who will bell the cat? In the meanwhile, the ‘Cabal’ continues to proceed willy-nilly on foreign trips to China, to Jamaica, the USA and just about every continent available without any tangible benefits. With the Council’s financial crises should there not be a halt to these useless foreign trips? There must be a forensic audit of the Council now before everything collapses and disappears. Regards Mark Roopan

NICIL debunks Guyana Times ‘vulgar’ article Dear Editor, THE Guyana Times newspaper carried this article “NICIL under APNU/ AFC Gov’t still retains billions in dividends” on May 16,2018. It was a vulgar attempt to garner sales for their failing publication as the accusation is wholly false. From the contents of the article it is clear that the ‘source’ that provided the information has zero knowledge about the subject, and it was also clear that the reporter is incapable of recognising bilge. NICIL would like to provide the following facts for your readership in the event that they may have seen the article under question: 1. During the period 2015 - 2018, NICIL received dividends of $4.219 B 2. $4.2 B was remitted to the Consolidated Fund for

the same period 3. $19.9 M was retained by NICIL to cover its administrative expenses. We wish to also point out that the Board of NICIL had requested 10% retention of funds collected, but that request was rejected by the Minister of Finance. The article also accused NICIL of ‘sameness’ of modus operandi as that which obtained under its previous management. We wish to make clear that there is a marked difference in the direction of this entity now; NICIL is actively seeking ways to help to loosen the noose from around the necks of tax payers of this country left by its previous management. Regards Horace James CEO, NICIL

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

New DHB, deep-water harbour closer to fruition … now that funding has been approved for those, other major projects

By Lisa Hamilton IT’S been long in the making but according to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, the new bridge across the Demerara River is closer to fruition than initially anticipated. And so too are the Linden-to-Lethem road, a regional airport at Lethem and the proposed deep-water harbour here in Georgetown, among a host of other ma-

jor projects that have been bandied about for years but never saw the light of day. The catalyst, Minister Patterson said, is the Ministry of Finance’s approval of the funding for the foregoing projects from among “a shopping list” he has drawn up and submitted for its perusal. While he did not specify where the moneys would come from, he did indicate that revenues from the production of oil, when the wells

do start to pump in 2020, will be used to fund a number of large-scale infrastructural development projects. He also disclosed that discussions for the infrastructural projects at reference have been ongoing with ExxonMobil since it made its first find back in 2015. But the good news doesn’t end there. According to the minister, the government is also making plans for the construction of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas

(LPG) plant to supply local consumers with cooking gas to aid the country’s self-sufficiency. “So, when that’s up and running, we’ll no longer have to import LPG or cooking gas, and, obviously, we, being part owners of the gas (will ensure that) the prices are dropped so we will have stable electricity at a cheaper cost, and we’ll have self-sufficient gas,” Minister Patterson said. “The only major issue is that there’ll be more LPG available than the country uses. So, right now, I’m looking at alternative uses, maybe for the transportation sector or if there is any market where I can probably bottle it and send it to the outlying regions (in Guyana).” Jobwise, Minister Pat-

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

terson said that during the construction phase, some 150-200 persons will be employed, while a team of 30-40 persons will be hired permanently for maintenance and operational works. Of the 475 acres designated for construction, only 20-25 acres will be utilised, and discussions are ongoing for the construction of an industrial park in the remaining area to assist manufacturers with cheaper energy.

“The idea is that we can incentivise our manufacturing sector as we’ll make the same cheap electricity available to them directly, rather than go to GPL. So therefore, they will be able to produce products far cheaper,” he explained and added, “Electricity costs about 30-40 per cent of their overheads, and if we can drop that by a large percentage, we’ll now create more industries for persons.” Additionally, the minister hopes that with the greater generation of energy that will come along with this development, there will be a reduction of total shutdowns experienced in some parts of the country, and a more stable and reliable electricity system. But for that to happen, he said, the longstanding issue of ageing powerlines will have to be addressed simultaneously, so as to have the best possible end results.

Minister Trotman commissions 10-year mineral sector plan …two former GGMC Commissioners in three-person team THE Ministry of Natural Resources has commissioned a consultancy which includes two former Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Commissioners to develop a strategic 10year plan for the mineral sector. A press release from the Ministry yesterday said that University of Guyana Senior Lecturer, Mr. Sherwood Lowe, along with former Commissioners of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Mr. William Woolford and Ms. Karen Livan have been engaged by the Ministry of Natural Resources to spearhead the process of designing the plan. Mr. Sherwood Lowe has been identified as the Team Leader. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman on Monday mandated the team to oversee and produce a National Minerals Sector Policy Framework (NMSPF) and a National Minerals Sector Action Plan, with the Action Plan identifying the work activities for the implementation of the Policy Framework. He stressed that the work to be done has to be framed within Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy. The Ministry envisages that in crafting of the Policy Framework the team will meet with stakeholders in the mining industry, at all

From left are Karen Livan, William Woolford, Sherwood Lowe, Minister Trotman and Technical Officer for Mining in the MNR, Euliene Watson

stages of the value chain, and would visit outlying areas to garner insights as to what the Guyanese people expect to see in the document. “In addition, the team will be reviewing all existing documents that speak to policy issues within Guyana’s mining sector, and take as a guide, what applies internationally,” the release said. The Ministry said that Mining is presently the country’s largest export earner and a major contributor to the GDP. “In addition, it creates employment for several thousands of Guyanese in various disciplines, which has created a positive spin-off effect in other sectors of the economy.” The release said that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, established in 1979, is the regulatory body that has oversight for the mineral sector, and

it is one of three entities over which the Minister of Natural Resources has ministerial responsibility. The other two are the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Gold Board. “Both the Ministry and the Commission recognise that for sustained success in the implementation of their mandates, they must craft and review policies and developmental plans as standard practices. Equally important, is the engagement of relevant stakeholders in order to promote consensus and cooperation within the sector,” said the Ministry’s release. It said the team is expected to wrap up its work in seven months and asked for the cooperation of the public and stakeholders by engaging them in meaningful conversations for the betterment of the Guyana’s mining sector.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

LHC making strides

– expanding several departments, conducted first surgeries

THE Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) has recorded its first major prostate surgery which was conducted during the week by Urologist Dr. Brian Niles. This is months after the hospital conducted its first renal cancer surgery by a team led by Dr. Yu Zijun of China. Apart from conducting the prostate surgery, Dr. Niles said that he is very pleased to be offering these specialised medical services to the residents of Linden; prior, they would have had to travel to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to receive same or at a private hospital. Dr. Niles revealed that the enlarged prostate and

have seen an exponential growth in the patronage of the service…the service was much needed…the referrals for the speciality of urology was primarily to GPHC, and it was nice to know that we were able to come directly to Linden and provide the services to the community of Linden, and I think that is responsible for the growth of the service.” The LHC is expected to have available equipment and machinery that will allow for less invasive surgeries to be done soon. EXPANSION IN DEPARTMENTS The LHC has also in 2018, expanded several of its departments and services to better serve the

The Chinese team led by Dr. Yu Zijun conducting the first renal cancer surgery kidney stones were the largest he had removed. They weighed 276 grammes. The patient was diabetic and while passing urine, felt extreme pain. He was happy to have conducted the surgery right in Linden and to see the patient recovering well. “We are very excited for this type of development for the Linden community, and I feel very confident in saying that we can do a lot for Linden in Linden as far as urology goes, our resources may not be perfect but we make good use of what we have,” Niles mentioned. He expressed appreciation for the maximum support being given by the management of LHC as well as the Ministry of Public Health, and with this continuous support, he believes that Linden’s urology services will grow to a higher level. Niles, has been practising urology internationally and has been a visiting urologist since 2013, but is now here on a full-time basis. “We

needs of the residents. The psychiatry team has recognised the need for more clinic days because of the number of patients that they treated for mental health during the previous monthly clinic. Clinic days are now Monday to Fridays and the clinic was relocated to a bigger, newly renovated office in the compound of the old Mackenzie Hospital’s building. Patients can now enjoy more privacy and comfort. Another area of expansion at the LHC is the o p h t h a l m o l o g y d e p a r tment. Clinics were held in a cramped office at the antenatal clinic but this has also been relocated to an also much bigger, and newly renovated area which accommodates more patients on a daily basis. The hospital was unable to provide laboratory services from a biochemistry analyser as it was out of order since May 2017. But in May this year, a new analyser was secured and has been

of great benefit to the patients and the doctors of the LHC. This analyser ensures that tests are done rapidly and at no cost. Therefore, it helps the patients’ pockets and ensures timely and accurate diagnosis which leads to accurate treatments being administered.

Linden’s Urologist Dr. Brian Niles The hospital was gifted from the Chinese medical brigade, a portable ultrasound machine and two EKG machines. The portable ultrasound machine has been placed in the maternity ward and one of the EKG machines has been placed in the emergency ward. The LHC has also moved to establish committees that have the potential of ensuring better management within the hospital. The ethics committee serves as a review committee of complex cases which had an unfavourable outcome. The main aim of the committee is to retrace the procedures and protocols that were followed in a particular case to determine what could’ve been done differently to ensure a more favourable outcome. The drugs and therapeutic committee aims to assess, control and requisition drugs in a more organised manner. Following complaints from nurses of a shortage of drugs and other medical

supplies, the hospital has expeditiously rectified this with the help of the Ministry of Public Health and is now requisitioning drugs from the Material Management Unit (MMU) as needed.

276 grammes kidney stones that were removed during the surgery

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

GTT to support local charities through MMG

AS part of its “More To Love Campaign”, through its Mobile Money Guyana (MMG), the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company (GTT) has partnered with about nine charities to receive donations. GTT has embarked on the project to make philanthropy easy for persons who might want to donate but do not know how to do it or might not have the time. GTT Mobile Money and Trade Marketing Specialist, Kester Abrams said persons would now be able to use their mobile phones to donate towards a charity of their choice. “Some people might have $200 and they want to donate, so this is a perfect way to give any amount;

your donation is made in confidence,” Abrams said. The project, which was launched on Friday, will allow persons to donate up to $400,000 a day to charities like the Joshua House Children’s Home and Food for the Poor Guyana.

In order to make a donation, persons would first need to be registered with GTT’s MMG, which Abrams said can be done at any of the 160 MMG agencies countrywide. He explained that in the same way someone would

“top up”, they would be able to put money into their MMG wallet and then simply donate it. Persons who might want to know more about the service are asked to visit any of GTT’s stores countrywide.

Police Blotter…

Mobile Money and Trade Marketing Specialist, Kester Abrams speaking to a radio broadcaster on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

Foreign-accent bandits raid mining camp POLICE are investigating an alleged robbery under arms committed on a mining camp located at the Baboon Backdam, Cuyuni River, which occurred on Wednesday between 19:00-00:00 hrs by four masked males armed with a rifle and shotguns. The bandits were reportedly outfitted in dark coloured clothing and spoke

a foreign language. A quantity of raw gold and other valuables, including a licensed shotgun were carted off by the perpetrators. None of the twenty-eight employees of the mining company was injured. The scene was visited by a team comprising ranks of the Joint Services. No arrest was made.

Kitty mason held in big ganja find RANKS of the Force’s Narcotics Branch on Friday morning acting on information received went to the home of a Thomas Street,

Kitty resident and conducted a search for narcotics in his presence. Police said that during the process, the ranks found

two transparent plastic parcels containing a total of 4,924 grams of cannabis. A mason is in custody assisting with the investigation.

Gun, ganja found in West Dem operation POLICE in “D” Division, West Demerara on Friday acting on information received went to a location at Vriesland Sea Dam, West Bank Demerara and found an unlicensed automatic pistol and 45 grams of cannabis inside of a camp. No arrest has yet been made.

Man jailed on public terror, threatening language charges A MAN was on Friday jailed on two charges of threatening language and causing public terror when he appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. Aleem Ally was charged with three counts of threatening language and one count of causing public terror, which occurred on November 19, 2017. Police said

he had previously pleaded not guilty, but on Friday he appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court and changed his plea on all of the charges to guilty. He was sentenced to one month on each of the threatening language charges and six months for the other.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

‘Fabulous’ murder - DPP advises trio be charged jointly

ON Friday, three men appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged jointly for the murder of America Street ‘money-changer’ Shawn Nurse, known as ‘Fabulous’, who was gunned down in Georgetown in February this year. The men, Kerwin DaSantos called ‘Buffy’ and George Hope called ‘Gregory,’ both 24 years old, along with 25-year-old Kacey Heyliger of Shell Road, Kitty, were charged jointly based upon the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). DaSantos and Hope were undergoing a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) for Nurse’s murder which commenced in April before Magistrate Judy Latchman. Two weeks ago Heyliger was charged after

being on the run from the police. The DPP advised that the single matters be withdrawn and the men be charged jointly and undergo a PI together. The charge read that the trio on February 4 at America Street murdered 47-year-old Nurse during the course of a robbery. They were not required to plead to the indictable charge and they were remanded to prison until June 8 when the matter will be recalled before Magistrate Judy Latchman. On Sunday, February 4, Nurse was shot in the head after he refused to comply with the suspect’s demand that he turn over whatever cash he had on him. Reports state that after Nurse was shot to his face, the robber made good his

Kacey Heyliger escape. The police were able to make the arrests after reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding buildings. During last year, Nurse was robbed but was later able to identify two of the persons who had allegedly committed the offence.

CDB seminars to focus on resilience –– as well as air transport, the blue economy

THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will bring together government officials, experts and thought leaders for three interactive seminars during the 48th Annual Meeting of its Board of Governors in Grenada. Discussants will address three topics: building resilient cities; the blue economy; and regional air transport during the events which are scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31, 2018 at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort. After a devastating 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the Bank designed the meeting to include a forum for discussing “Building Resilient Cities”. The seminar will provide a preview of the Bank’s Urban Sector Policy and discuss solutions to, and progress made in addressing the region’s urban sector challenges. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, will deliver an opening keynote address, which will be followed by a panel discussion. The discussion will be chaired by Gabby Crane, Team Lead, Regional Development Banks, United Kingdom Department for International Development. She will be joined by panelists Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands; Dr. Janice Cumberbatch, Lecturer, University of the West Indies; Leonard Francis, Director, Spatial Planning Division, National Environment and Planning Agency, Jamaica; and Cavon White, Operations Officer, CDB. “Throughout the region, our cities host many of the primary economic, environmental, social and institutional activities. This seminar will explore how CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries can build resilience, especially in the context of increasing climate change activities. The discussion will seek to explore opportunities for knowledge-sharing and behaviour change,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects, CDB. At the meeting, CDB will also present recent research, which will be the focus of presentations and discussions for the other two seminars. “Aviation Competitiveness and Connectivity”, a working paper, examines the importance of air transport connectivity

to the region. “Connectivity is vital for increased competitiveness—it boosts tourism, contributes to growth in the wider economy, facilitates trade, and helps to improve efficiency. Through this paper, we hope to examine the factors inhibiting connectivity and competitiveness in the regional aviation industry,” said Dr. Justin Ram, Director of Economics, CDB. The seminar will feature a keynote address by Hon. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. It will take place on May 30, 2018. Panellists will discuss opportunities for overcoming connectivity deficits, and improving performance. The discussion will be chaired by Ian Bertrand, Principal, El Perial Management Services, joined by panellists Peter Cerdá, Vice-President, International Air Transport Authority; Julie Reifer-Jones, Chief Executive Officer, LIAT; and Dr. Ram, who will also make a presentation. The second research paper, “Financing the Blue Economy: A Caribbean Development Opportunity”, will examine the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health in the Caribbean. “Although the Caribbean is limited in land size, we have vast maritime resources at our disposal. In this study, CDB will explore the potential of ocean-based industries and their potential financing to increase economic growth and improve livelihoods in the region. We look forward to the discussants advancing the regional conversation around this very important topic,” said Dr. Ram. The seminar discussing the study will take place on May 31, and will begin with a presentation by Dr. Roger McLeod, Economist, CDB. Gail Hurley, Development Finance Policy Specialist, United Nations Development Programme, will chair the conversation. The panel will include Dr. Eric Deans, Chief Executive Officer, Jamaica Special Economic Zone Authority, and Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative Task Force; Tahseen Sayed, Director for the Caribbean, World Bank; and Robert Weary, Senior Director, NatureVest, the Nature Conservancy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

WestJet eyes Guyana market

AS the country’s air transport sector develops, Canadian carrier, WestJet, is eyeing the Guyana market. WestJet, Canada’s second largest air carrier after Air Canada, operates daily flights across North America, Europe, Central America and to the Caribbean. On Friday, Wesley Kirton performing public relations duties at the Caribbean Aviation Handlers Association (CAHA)’s annual general meeting at the Duke Lodge in Kingston, told the gathering that the company’s representatives are expected to travel to Guyana shortly to meet with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and possibly officials of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Reports are that the airline plans to operate flights between the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Canada. Kirton said the company was expected to participate in the CAHA meeting, but its delegation was unable to make it, due to unforeseen circumstances. WestJet operates over 100 aircraft, exclusively Boeing models, out of Canada. The airline currently operates the Boeing 737 and Boeing 767 aircraft, and according to recent records, it has ordered 10 Boeing 787 aircraft to boost its fleet. In a statement issued in December 2016, the airline said that it is seeking more large aircraft with the intention of adding new destinations.

In recent years, a number of airlines from across the region and further afield have expressed an interest in the Guyana travel market. Earlier this year, major US carrier,

American Airlines announced that it will be operating flights between the CJIA and Miami from December this year, offering travellers additional travel options between these shores and North America.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

9 months jail after Accused of posting nude photos of ex changing plea A LABOURER was on Friday sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment for break and enter and larceny. Manish Arjune, who denied a break and enter charge three weeks ago when he appeared before a city magistrate, changed his plea to guilty on Friday. The charge alleged that between

April 24 and 25, 2018 at New Market Street, Arjune broke and entered the building of NASHA and stole one laptop worth $250,000, one hard drive worth $ 40,000 and one headset valued $8,000. After changing his plea he was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment by Magistrate Leron Daly.

A SOUTH Ruimveldt man was on Friday charged for posting nude photos of his ex-girlfriend on WhatsApp. Wayne Tennant appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court and denied that on February 4 at Ruimveldt he circulated obscene photographs of Abiola Moses on WhatsApp. He denied the charge and was released on $80,000 bail. The matter is

adjourned until May 21. According to reports, Tennant and Moses shared an intimate relationship during which they made several sex tapes and nude photographs together. However, the relationship ended and both parties moved on. Subsequently Moses got engaged and Tennant became annoyed and sent her fiancé the nude photographs of Moses on WhatsApp and also shared them on social media.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

GCAA plans to regulate airport ground-handling services

THOUGH their services to the aviation sector are often overlooked, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) will soon be expected to regulate the local airport ground-handling

agencies. This is according to Acting Director-General Artie Heeralall, who was at the time addressing the opening of the Caribbean Air Handlers Association’s (CAHA)

GCCA Acting Director-General, Artie Heeralall (Delano Williams photos)

three-day annual general meeting which will conclude on Sunday at the Duke Lodge in Kingston. “We are in a transformational stage,” Heeralall said of the sector, in obvious reference to the major developments it has seen in the past decade, such as the expansion of fleets. “All of these things tell us that Guyana is serious about aviation,” she said. And seeing that the sector drives economic development, Heeralall said that with the increase in activities, ground-handling and support services will become even more demanding, in that it will become “a core service” to the aviation

A section of the gathering at the forum

sector. Heeralall said that while an oversight mechanism of ground-handling services was never put in place in the past, since the contribution of the ground-handling services will become more important to the sector, the GCAA has plans to regulate the services here. She said it is expected that the companies offering such services will embrace such a move, and the GCAA is always working to ensure a safer and more efficient aviation sector. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, told the gathering that the sector has been evolving globally, given its potential to develop any country, so he is

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson addressing the opening of the CAHA meeting pleased that the CAHA is working to represent a unit within the industry which may have been overlooked. The minister said that in Guyana, information suggests that Roraima Airways’ ground-handling service is the only local agency that is a member of CAHA, and he posited that the body should promote its position to other local entities so that they, too, can benefit from its services. “This becomes even

more important for Guyana, as we are on the precipice of the transformation of our economy,” Minister Patterson said, as he noted that the AGM here comes at a timely period within the country’s development. CAHA has been in existence since 2007, and in addition to ground-handling entities around the region, its membership includes airline and aviation-related agencies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Guyana Timber Expo opens

….calls for more value-added products By Svetlana Marshall THE need for value to be added to more of Guyana’s forest products was underscored when the Guyana Timber Expo 2018 was opened on Friday at the Guyana National Stadium, under the theme “Expanding Markets for Guyanese Timber Products through Public Education, Awareness and Sensitisation to promote a Greener Guyana. The three-day expo – comprising approximately 30 exhibitors from across the country – was declared opened by Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin in the presence of Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes, and key players in sectors. Those players included, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative Reuben Robertson; EU Representative Frederico Suarez; Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission Board Jocelyn Dow; and President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) Shyam Nokta. In delivering the feature address, Minister Gaskin bemoaned the fact that Guyana has become the dumping ground for “the world’s excess of cheap low-grade products.” He expressed dis-

may that Guyana – a country known for its rich forest resources – now imports wood. He said the country is not faced with this reality over its failure to invest in value-added products. “This is

“We would like to reduce, very importantly the export of logs to the export of finished materials even if they are just sawn and squared,” she told those gathered at the stadium. Alluding to the fact that there

Guyana Timber Expo 2018 (Photos by Delano Williams )

happening because we have not nurtured or developed our local resources in a way that fully exploits the various value chains associated with these resources,” the business minister explained. Minister Gaskin said though he is not an expert in the area of forestry, he knows that the country is adding “very little value” to its timbers before they are exported. Guyana, he emphasised, stands to reap significantly if greater emphasis is placed on value-added products within the sector. Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) Board Jocelyn Dow, echoed similar sentiments.

are 69 logging communities spread across the country with a membership of 1473 – 60 of which are women, Dow noted that the forestry sector keeps families going. “When we add value, we add value to the product and improve households’ income and sustain livelihood,” she posited. The GFC Board Chairperson also took a knock at the GMSA President who, prior to her remarks, had alluded to the challenges now faced in the Forestry Sector. Dow said that while focus is often placed on the logging industry, Guyana has been earning significantly through the eco system services it provides. Guyana earns a sum of about

Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes cuts the ribbon as she assists her colleagues, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson in declaring Guyana Timber Expo 2018 opened.

US$35M per year for eco system services it provides under the Norway Agreement. She posited that while the forestry sector continues to do good, what happens to the money is not always up to GFC or other key stakeholders. “Left to us, we would take some of that money, set up a revolving fund, and be able to improve what exists that is so badly needed, access to financial resources that many of our producers need. Interest rates in Guyana are high, and I would urge the banks to take a good look at what is going on here today,” she posited. Meanwhile, the GMSA President in brief remarks, spoke of the challenges the Forestry Sector now faces, as he put a number of solutions on the table. “We have witnessed a steady decline in production, the exit of several large multi-national operators and the range of value-added products exported has declined to mainly plywood and shingles,” he said, while painting a picture of the situation.

It was noted that while 2017 saw improved performance in terms of log production, it was primarily due to an increase in logs harvested by small concession holders, but despite this export volumes of manufactured woods products continued to decline. Fully aware of the challenges and their impacts, Nokta said the GMSA successfully lobbied Government resulting in the reversal of the decision of VAT on timber products. Additionally, measures were applied to address the impact of imported substitutes and budgetary allocation of the $120M that was set aside by the National Assembly for the conduct of a National Forest Inventory. “We believe these interventions can be helpful in stemming the decline in the forestry and wood-processing sector, however, for the sector to expand and grow to realise its true potential, challenges to competitiveness need to be addressed,” Nokta posited. High cost of production, which among other things is linked to high energy costs;

and the need for increased market access were among issues cited by the GMSA President. “For the international market, certification is becoming necessary, notwithstanding the fact that Guyana has one of the most advanced Codes of Practices and Traceability System. The cost of attaining such certification can be prohibitive for many companies. In addition, the system of multiple forest usage by several sectors and the absence of a land use planning system to rationalise these various uses poses a major challenge to attaining and maintaining such certification,” he explained. Robertson, in giving brief remarks, said that the FAO was pleased to be associated with the expo. “This initiative is fully endorsed by FAO. Why? It brings public and private sectors together in a partnership that contributes to the attainment of the sustainable development goal number 17 – reinforcing partnership for achieving the SDGs,” he explained. Additionally, he said that it is aligned with the country’s national policy for a Green State Development which seeks to create a green initiative, green innovative industries, infrastructure, decent employment and economic growth. ND&S Furniture Establishment, Barama Company Limited, Exotic Wood Products and A. Forrester Lumber Yard are among the exhibitors. The Timber Expo will come to an end on Sunday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Business Summit to headline Youth Week activities

NATIONAL Youth Week 2018 comes with a difference as it will address youth-related social issues, career challenges and youth entrepreneurship through an inaugural Youth Business Summit competition. The event is being held under the theme, ‘Empowering Young People to Foster National and Community Development through Innovation’ and will last for the period,May 20-27. At a press conference on Friday, Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael; Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce and Project Officer Jermaine Watson updated the public on the upcoming activities. Perhaps the most anticipated event is the Youth Business Summit on May 23-24, where youth from all across the nation will compete by pitching their business proposals for the reward of possible startup financing. The Ministry has received over 230 applications for the summit and a panel has sifted out 21 proposals, which will be pitched at the Pegasus Hotel from 09:00 to 17:00hrs. Based on their proposals, 10 youth will receive grants ranging from G$500,000 – G$1M, providing they successfully demonstrate to the judges why their business proposal should be funded within a period of eight minutes. On the panel are members from the Ministry of Finance; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Master Class Institute, Rosh Khan; Executive Member of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), Eric Phillips; Officer in Charge of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Gillian Edwards and CEO of the Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited

(IPED), Ramesh Persaud. On Day One, presentations will also come from Ministers of Government, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA). Meanwhile, young people are advised to look out for the opening ceremony of National Youth Week which will be held on May 20 at D’Urban Park, following a grand Youth Rally and Parade. Participants in the parade will assemble at Parliament Building for 13:30hrs and begin the procession towards D’Urban Park at 14:00hrs. Then, on May 21, the youth of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) will contribute to discussions on youth issues and challenges facilitated by policy makers and other representatives, at the Lichas Hall in McKenzie at 10:00hrs. A Career and Training Fair will follow at the Mahaicony Technical Institute in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) on May 22, at 10:00hrs where some 34 organisations will be represented. On May 25, sensitisation will commence on social issues such as drug and violence, suicide, mental health and domestic violence through an Art Expression in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), at the Youth Choice building and this will be followed by painting sessions at the market square. Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will also be visited during the Youth Week for a Department on Youth Exhibition at the West Demerara Secondary

Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael, at centre, with Assistant Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce (left), and Project Officer, Jermaine Watson (Photo by Adrian Narine)

School, on May 28. Youth and other inter-

ested persons are being asked to contact the De-

partment of Youth, should they require additional in-

formation about the aforementioned activities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Drop in gold declaration, sales …due to mercury exposure issues at Gold Board

By Ariana Gordon GOLD declaration and sale at the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) have dropped ever since the mercury exposure fallout at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) compound, Brickdam close to two months ago. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman in a report to the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on Friday disclosed that there has been “an appreciable downturn” because of the negativity surrounding the incident. According to information provided by Trotman, GGB projects declarations to be 800,000 ounces with Licensed Gold Dealers 275,000 ounces, GGB225,000 ounces, Guyana Gold Fields 200,000 ounces, Troy Resources 100,000 ounces. Additionally, the GGB had projected for January to April 2018 purchases will be 96,000 ounces, while for the same period foreign sales will be 88,208 ounces with revenue in the sum of US$111,585,144.

In April, the GGB was forced to close its Brickdam, Georgetown laboratory due to the high levels of mercury emissions in the compound. The laboratory is used to burn amalgam to rid the gold of mercury. Mercury is mixed with gold, forming a mercury-gold amalgam which is then heated, vaporising the mercury to obtain the gold. This process can be very dangerous and lead to significant mercury exposure and health risks. Chairman of the Committee, PPP MP, Odinga Lumumba questioned whether there has been any revenue loss as a result of the closure of the laboratory. “We have seen a direct impact on gold sales at the gold board,” said Trotman during his presentation. The incident, which resulted from a blockage in the laboratory’s chimney, resulted in approximately 65 staff of the GGMC being sent home. The staff have since been tested and treated for the high levels of mercury found in their bodies. Describing the situation as unfortunate, Minister Trot-

man said testing of mercury levels in staff continues but made it clear that high levels of mercury could be present in some persons as opposed to others as a result of their diet. “What we have done to date, we have called in the

see who was in District 6 or Brickdam,” he explained. The Minister reminded that gold is burned at several locations across the city and the blockage of the chimney in the GGMC compound is but one way individuals can be exposed to mercury. He said there are strict measures in place to protect workers while noting that as soon as the problem arose,

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes making a point before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources Friday (Adrian Narine).

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, Friday. (Adrian Narine)

EPA, I know that the Ministry of Social Protection is also carrying out its own studies. Each member of staff was tested, recognising that some staff are working in the field, in mining communities ---they would be exposed to mercury. We have not disaggregated to

workers were removed from the laboratory and provided with medical attention. Speaking to reporters just after he briefed the parliamentary committee on natural resources, Trotman said he believes the negativity about the gold and the GGB has left miners “uncertain”. “We also believe, we weren’t ashamed to say, some of the measures government introduced in 2016 and 2017 may have had an impact hence the minister of finance removing the tributor’s tax and so on,” he explained. Trotman also pointed to the “Rasul effect”, the removal of Bartica gold dealer Saddiqi “Bobby” Rasul from the system “has seen some dropping off of declarations.” On March 27, 2017, Rasul signed an Acknowledgement of Debt and Undertaking, admitting that he, while fully knowing that his account at Citizens Bank (Guyana) Incorporated had been closed, fraudulently and by false pretence sought to negotiate and obtain payments on the cheques. On March 31, 2017 he was arrested and charged on April 1, 2017, with six counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretence, contrary to Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Cap.8:01. The aforementioned charges were withdrawn and on April 21, 2017; the applicant was then slapped with six charges of Obtaining Credit by False Pretense, contrary to Section 213 (2) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act Cap.8:01. He again pleaded not guilty and was placed on $1,500,000 bail on each count after these charges were read to him at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. The matter is still engaging the attention of the court in

Bartica. Meanwhile, Trotman said there are nine licenced dealers along with the GGB, all of which have the power to buy and burn gold but acknowledged that there are a number of unauthorised places buying and burning gold. Meanwhile, in the interim, Trotman said a company has agreed to assist the GGB with finding “a new home”. Questioned on what can be deemed an “incestuous relationship” where the regulatory body is using the facility of a miner to carry out its functions, Trotman said, “It has been raised and we are satisfied and we have our staff there; it is a temporary situation. We are actively scouting a few sites; it is only temporary.” Staff of the GGMC is currently occupying a building in Subryanville, Georgetown, the minister disclosed. Meanwhile, Trotman indicated that there is a system set up to ensure that all workers receive the required medical attention. By virtue of examination from medical professionals and collaboration with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) some staff have been sent on sick leave and given medication. “As some go off, others come one. There have been disruptions at GGMC and the Gold Board,” he said adding that only administrative services are being offered at GGMC’s Brickdam office. Asked whether the incident was caused by staff incompetence or the breakdown of machinery, Trotman said the blocked chimney is regularly maintained but became blocked over a period of two days. He said, “It was maintained but not daily. It wasn’t any wanton or deliberate act.” Member of the Committee of Jermaine Figueira questioned whether other persons, miners or otherwise, who frequent the GGMC compound were tested for high levels of mercury. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, a miner for most her life; said complete

evaluations were done on all mines officers. “While there was a problem with the chimney- there were persons always before tested for mercury before the chimney broke down for decades. Persons were tested and did not receive their results and so I don’t want us to lock the situation that is specific to the Brickdam compound. It is a bigger problem.” Broomes said, what is important is that the safety of the workers is being dealt with as priority. The workers and their safety are being taken seriously, said Broomes who pointed to their evacuation from the compound. “We are encouraging all of the miners to equip themselves with the equipment that they can use to test themselves. It is your health; it is not only a government responsibility. You come out of the interior where many persons are not in compliance…persons still squeezing silver with their hand, resting it on their clothes…no gloves are used so there and you are exposed to mercury.” The Minister within the ministry of Natural Resources said testing miners who frequent the GGMC compound will not solve the problems as they are not specific to the Brickdam location. Meanwhile, Trotman said government has been looking to alternative measures to the use of mercury. He reminded that last September, Guyana signed the Minimata Convention which calls for the reduction and eventual eradication of the use of mercury in mining. He said his government is working with local and international stakeholders such as mining organisations, the UNDP and Conservation International (CI) to realise this objective. Government’s intention is to work with miners to introduce new technologies for the safe recovery of gold, while highlighting the dangerous effects of mercury, Trotman posited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Over 300 athletes to participate

GUYANA Overseas-based Sports Association’s (GOBSA) third annual Independence track and field meet will get going today with at least 300 athletes set to take the field at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, West Coast Demerara. GOBSA, who is collaborating with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), held a press conference yesterday. President of the AAG, Aubrey Huston, at

the presser revealed that a packed contingent is expected over the next two days. Hutson assured the media that the facility is equipped to combat the current inclement weather. He revealed the athletes are eager to do well, given the stakes. One of GOBSA’s founders, Orin Thomas, explained that the central rationale of the event is for it to be “a talent-finding activity”. Thomas noted, “It

is important to spot talent at an early stage so they can be moulded into well-rounded athletes”. The organiser further revealed athletes from as far as Region Seven are listed to be on show. Gordon Lewis, another former national athlete, who is a part of the association also urged the athletes to put their best foot forward and reminded that there is a world outside of the track, as he called for there to be

a balance between athletics and academics. The athletes are already looking ahead to next year’s event and plans are in the pipeline to invite competitors from Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries in order to improve the level of competition for local athletes. The action begins at 10:00hrs and an entrance fee of $300 will be charged. Athletes will be rewarded with cash prizes.

Sharapova reaches Italian semi-finals (BBC) - FORMER world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after fighting back to beat reigning French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. Sharapova, 31, won 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-5 against the 20-year-old Latvian, taking her third match point to end a gripping contest which lasted over three hours. She will play world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis. U k r a i n e ’s f o u r t h seed Elina Svitolina will play Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit in the other last-four

match. Svitolina won 6-4, 6-4 against Germany’s twotime Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber,

while Kontaveit knocked out Danish second seed Caroline Wozniacki with a 6-3, 6-1 victory. Wo z n i a c k i ’s d e f e a t

means Romania’s Halep will remain top of the rankings if she beat French seventh seed Garcia later yesterday. Sharapova missed two match points against the dogged Ostapenko, who is ranked sixth in the world, before sealing a victory which means the Russian is set to be seeded at the French Open later this month. The five-time Slam winner, who is projected to be inside the world’s top 32 next week, has not been seeded at a major since returning from a Maria Sharapova, currently ranked 40th, earned her best 15-month doping ban last win of the year against world number six Jelena Ostapenko. year.

Ronaldo will be fit for Champions League Final – Zidane (BBC) - Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for the Champions League final against Liverpool in a week’s time, says manager Zinedine Zidane. Ronaldo, 33, has not played since spraining his ankle during the El Clasico draw with Barcelona earlier this month but could feature against Villarreal in La Liga today. Real will attempt to win their third straight Champions League title when they meet Liverpool in Kiev on May 26. “Right now he is 120%,” said Zidane. “He is fine. If Cristiano is 120% that’s fine with me.” Zidane added Ronaldo, who will captain Portugal at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, is available for the

match at Villarreal as Real try to finish second behind rivals Barcelona. They are currently three points behind Europa League winners Atletico Madrid, who face Eibar tomorrow, but have a far superior goal difference. Gareth Bale scored twice in a 6-0 thrashing of Celta Vigo on Saturday and got the equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Barcelona, but Zidane would not be drawn on whether the Wales forward had played himself into contention to start in Kiev. “You can say he’s playing better because of the goals he has scored, but he has been training well,” Zidane said. “The most important thing is to see everyone in good physical shape. That’s what I care about.” Race11 Girls Know Best Race12 Ax Man Race13 Justify

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Former France and Real Madrid midfielder Zidane, 45, said it would be “huge” for his side to win the Champions League for a third consecutive year, which would see him join Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley as the only manager

to win three European titles. Ancelotti won the 2003 and 2007 titles with AC Milan before leading Real Madrid to the 2014 trophy, while Paisley won the European Cup with Liverpool in 1977, 1978 and 1981.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 12, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Dwayne Bravo (CSK) (2) Sam Billings (CSK) Today’s Quiz: (1) Against which team MI won their first game in this season’s IPL? (2) Against which team SH suffered their first defeat in this season’s IPL? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE Newbury 08:50 hrs Eqtidaar 09:25 hrs Crystal Ocean 10:00 hrs Masaarr 10:40 hrs Addeybb 11:15 hrs Barbill 11:50 hrs Crystal Hope 12:25 hrs Rip Orf Newmarket 09:40 hrs Purser 10:15 hrs Showmethedough 10:50 hrs Angel’s Hideaway

11:25 hrs Desert Frost 12:00 hrs Hameem 12:35 hrs Move In Time Irish Racing Tips Navan 08:55 hrs Betsey Trotter 09:30 hrs Coral Beach 10:05 hrs Summerseat Dream 10:35 hrs Oneoveryou 11:10 hrs Southern France 11;45 hrs Bianca Minola 12:20 hrs Rapture’s Delight

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

25 Days to go …

tatistics don’t win football matches, per se, but they do tell you a lot about what takes place on and off the pitch. Since manager Tite took over in June 2016, Brazil have played 19 games. Daniel Alves missed only five of them, and three of those matches were friendlies in which only domestic-based players took part; he was suspended for Paraguay’s visit to Sao Paulo for the South American qualifiers on March 2017, and sat on the bench earlier this year during a friendly against Japan four days before Brazil faced England at Wembley. Of the 14 remaining games, Alves failed to last the full 90 minutes in just one of them: The PSG man was replaced after 83 minutes in Brazil’s recent 3-0 win over Russia. More than settle arguments about Alves’ dominance on the right flank for the Selecao, these numbers highlight the size of the problem Tite faces now that he’s been deprived of the 35-yearold Alves, thanks to a knee injury, for a likely World Cup hurrah. A crucial cog in Tite’s tactics, Alves is also one of the leaders of the team and one of the most experienced players at his

Brazil will miss Dani Alves at World Cup given importance of right-back role

Dani Alves injured weeks before

World Cup

disposal, having won everything in football everywhere apart from the World Cup and the Bahia State League. His absence would be a blow in any circumstance, but what the numbers also reveal is Alves’ reign in that position: For the first time since Mexico 1986, Brazil will arrive at a World Cup with nothing but understudies in one of their most feted positions. Older readers will quickly point out that the aforementioned tournament marked the incredible story of Josimar, who made it on the pitch after Spain 1982 stalwart Leandro withdrew from the team on the way to the airport and reserve Edson was downed by a thigh injury during Brazil’s second group stage. (Check out Josimar’s screamers against Northern Ireland and Poland on YouTube, by the way.) But please make sure you see him let Michel Platini escape and slot in an equalizer in the Selecao’s ill-fated quarterfinal against France. Full-backs are part of the soul of the Brazilian football school. Two of them, the late great Carlos Alberto and Cafu (1970 and 2002), actually lifted the World Cup, an honour that Alves would have the chance to emulate had it not been for the injury in the French Cup final. Jorginho’s Beckham-esque cross in 1994 found Romario’s head for a crucial winner against Sweden in the semifinals while Djalma Santos bossed the aisle in the 1958 and 1962 title campaigns. Even in failed campaigns like 2010, the position was well-served -- at that tournament, Maicon arrived at the competition as an integral part of Jose Mourinho’s feared Inter Milan squad and put Alves on the bench. Strange days indeed: even the Russian Federation announced the name of Brazil-born Ma- rio Fernandez in

their provisional World Cup squad. Yes, a right-back. But is the current drought a phenomenon only affecting Brazil, where football articles invariably quote club managers desperately seeking solutions? Statistics website Transfermarkt, for instance, has a list of the most valuable players in the world. The first right-back to show up is Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, in 47th place... It is true that PSG’s Alves is hardly a spring chicken and that his critics nicknamed him “Alves Avenue” thanks to some defensive fragility that Croatia exploited very well in the 2014 World Cup, when they stunned the World Cup hosts with an early goal in a nervy tournament opener. Also, in his last 20 games for Brazil, Alves registered just a single assist. Nevertheless, he still seemed yards ahead of the competition and under Tite looked a much better defender than ever. Fagner was the closest to being considered a contender having clocked 272 minutes for the national team, more than double the time the other two right-backs of the Tite era, Bayern Munich’s Rafinha and Manchester City’s Danilo, spent together on the pitch. He also worked under Tite at Corinthians and played an integral part in winning the 2015 league title. However, a thigh injury has kept him out of action since April 29 and Fagner won’t be match-ready until the end of the month. Danilo’s case wasn’t helped by the fact Pep Guardiola preferred to have Kyle Walker on the right at Man City and more often deployed the former Real Madrid player as centre-back or a left-back. At least he’s got versatility on his side. Both players were named to the World Cup squad. Ironically, Rafinha missed out for being more of a “classic” Brazilian right-back since becoming an established name at Bayern Munich, spending more time on the sides of the pitch than the short passing and triangulation game Tite fancies. What is certain is that whoever lines up in Rostov on June 17, when the Selecaofaces Switzerland in their first group game at Russia 2018, will have huge boots to fill.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time Concacaf Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers

LADY JAGS ARE IN TOWN! The Guyana National Women's Football Team, commonly known as the "Lady Jags", is preparing for the Concacaf Caribbean Women's Qualifiers scheduled for May 23, 25 and 27 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

ADMISSION: $500 Children attired in school uniform will be admitted free

COME AND SUPPORT THE "LADY JAGS" AS THEY PLAY AGAINST THREE OPPONENTS IN GROUP E : BARBADOS, SURINAME AND BERMUDA

Some members of the team arrived on Thursday while others came yesterday

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Rain forces postponement of KMTC horse race meet RAIN forced a last-minute postponement of the Pre-Independence horse race meet on Sunday at Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne. Excessive rainfall yesterday left the venue somewhat waterlogged, forcing the organisers to call off the activity at the last moment. According to chief organizer, retired Justice Cecil Kennard, a new date will be named shortly. Seven events were listed on the day’s card and over 50 horses had entered to partici-

Cecil Kennard

pate in the day’s activity. Over $2.5M and other awards were up for grabs. According to Kennard there will be no changes to the original programme whenever the race meet is staged. The programme confirmed that H Class and Lower event would be the feature race, which will carry the top purse of $240 000, while the second-place will receive $120 000, third $60 000 and fourth $30 000. The other races include the L Class-Non earners of

Harshal, Mishra help Daredevils trip up CSK

$50 000 from January 2017 that will see the winner cash in on $100 000, the K Class and Lower will have a $140 000 first-place prize, the Twoyear-old trial $100 000, L Class Non-winner $120 000, J 1 and Lower $160 000 and the L Class Open $130 000. Prizes will be awarded from first to fourth in each category. Once this race meet is completed, next on the agenda for the Club will be meets on July 29, October 21 and the grand meet on Boxing Day.

STAG Beer to promote Independence beach cricket today SIXTEEN softball cricket teams will compete for the top prize of $100 000) today at the Golden Fleece beach on the Essequibo Coast. Beer giant STAG Beer is hosting the event as part of Independence celebrations in the county. According to one of the organisers, each team must purchase one case of STAG Beer to qualify, with the first 16 teams

gaining entry. Softball beach cricket is very popular and already among the top teams, who have signalled their intentions to participate, are Affiance, Adventure, Richmond Youths, Walton Hall, Reliance, Suddie, Golden Fleece and Charity. The fun-filled day of sports will also see after-party celebrations, as the

winners along with patrons and fans will enjoy lots of added incentives from the company. A large turnout is expected as local heroes, including Patrick Ruplall, Ramesh Narine, Latchman Rohit, Vishwanauth Lall and Shivanandan Mandolall, are all expected to represent their respective teams. The 5-a-side tournament

will commence at 10:00hrs and all teams are invited to be on time. The popular site is one of the many tourist attractions on the Essequibo Coast. It is known for its vast landscape of sand where in as much as 15 matches can be played simultaneously. The organisers are appealing to the sporting public to support the event in a grand way.

GuyanaNRA/IPSC Independence Shoot on tomorrow THE Guyana National Rifle Association (GuyanaNRA), in conjunction with International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Guyanam will tomorrow host an inaugural Six-Stage Level 2 Match at the Timehri Rifle Ranges, dubbed the 2018 Independence IPSC Shoot. Top shooters in this section namely Smallbore captain Dale Hing, vice-captain Gordon Richards, Harold Hopkinson, Ryan McKinnon, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon among others, will make this one to remember. Apart from the Individual category, there would also be teams consisting of 3 members, each vying for top honours. The match is sanctioned by Harold Hopkinson, the Regional

Director for IPSC Guyana, who has promised that the 2019 Independence Shoot will see international shooters from other IPSC Regions descend on these shores to compete. This inaugural Independence Shoot is sponsored by BM Soat as well as Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., and will see the top five individuals in each division being rewarded, while each member of the top team in the Team matches would receive a trophy. Following are the stages: First Stage – Oops: consisting of 6 steel plates and 6 steel poppers, 30 and 35 feet away. Shooters will engage the 6 poppers first, freestyle then, execute a compulsory magazine change and knock down the six plates using

one hand, minimum round count 12. Second Stage - The Joker: This course consists of 8 IPSC targets and 4 poppers. Shooters must place 2 shots minimum per IPSC target and also knock down the 4 poppers, whilst traversing this 20-round medium course without incurring any penalties or breaking the dreaded 180° safety angles. Third Stage - Over and Under: This a large 32-round course. On the large course, competitors will be vying for 160 points, while changing magazines, executing perfect shots and running as fast as they can. Shooters must also jump over or duck under a barrier whilst traversing the course. If the barrier is dislodged, the errant shooter will incur a

minus 10 point penalty. Completing this Level 2 Course will be 3 IPSC Classifiers, consisting of two 12-round and an 8-round course. These IPSC Classifiers will give members the international ranking needed, while taking part in IPSC and USPSA competitions. Members will compete in three divisions, Production, Standard and Open. According to IPSC Regional Director Hopkinson, he would be using his customised Open Race gun, sponsored by Shay Horowitz, owner of Akai Custom Guns of Miami, Florida and will be shooting 9mm major ammunition against the likes of Glocks, CZ Shadow 2s and Bull Storms which will be used by other members.

Harshal Patel in his delivery stride, Delhi Daredevils v Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2018, Delhi, yesterday.

(ESPNCricinfo) - SANDEEP Lamichhane was born the year Amit Mishra made his first-class debut. Eighteen years on, the two leg-spinners with immeasurable skills and skyhigh confidence levels were at the forefront of a superb Delhi Daredevils win that may have not yet assured Chennai Super Kings of a top-two finish. The pair finished with 3 for 41 off eight overs to tie CSK down after Ambati Rayudu’s 29-ball 50 put them ahead at the halfway mark. The chase boiled down to MS Dhoni, with CSK needing 58 off 24. On a sluggish surface, this proved a little too steep. Earlier in the evening, Harshal Patel clubbed four sixes and took apart Dwayne Bravo for 26 in the final over that gave Delhi Daredevils 162. This proved to be the turning point. Prithvi Shaw isn’t a biffer, but can take the attack to the bowlers by trusting his instincts and hitting through the line. On a Feroz Shah Kotla deck with more bounce than usual, he was denied this luxury early on by Deepak Chahar and Lungi Ndigi. So, he became a little adventurous, and the move backfired. Shaw’s innings included a leading edge on the bounce to third man, two miscued slog sweeps that just eluded the backtracking midwicket fielder and a reprieve at mid-on by Shardul Thakur - all in Ravindra Jadeja’s first over, the fourth of the innings. But Chahar triumphed eventually when he had Shaw toe-ending a cross-batted heave to Shardul Thakur at long-on. Daredevils: 24 for 1 in the fifth over. NGIDI GETS PANT, AGAIN Twice this season, Rishabh Pant has sold the dummy to his captain. Here, he was nearly undone by Shreyas Iyer, but for Chahar’s underarm throw from mid-on missing the stumps at the bowler’s end in the fifth over. All this played out even as Iyer struggled for timing: his control percentage against three of the five bowlers he faced was less than 66. Vijay Shankar and Harshal Patel at No.5 and No. 7 respectively may have been a tad too high. However, they chose to disprove that notion with a stunning late assault that yielded 65 off just 32 balls. The destroyer was Harshal - no more than a pinch-hitter in domestic cricket - who used the depth of the crease superbly to muscle four sixes, three peppering the sightscreen. Dwayne Bravo got his execution wrong, the dipping slower deliveries gave way to full tosses and the last over was taken for 26. He finished 36 not out off 16 deliveries with Bravo’s figures reading a dismal 4-0-52-0 as Daredevils finished with 162. Shane Watson struggled for timing and ploughed his way to 13 off 20 as CSK crawled to 22 without loss in five overs. Rayudu then got stuck into Avesh Khan, pulling him for three sixes and a flat-batted slap for four off the sixth to break the shackles. Then there was a bit of drama. Mishra first had Watson miscuing to long-off and then bamboozled Suresh Raina with a googly that took the edge, only for Pant to fluff the chance first ball. This proved to be the trigger for Rayudu to continue his sustained attack to bring up a 28-ball half-century. But he would fall next ball to a hoick well held by Glenn Maxwell to leave CSK at 70 for 2 in 10 overs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 19, 2018

Leguan/East Bank Essequibo beat Bartica/Wakenaam by one run THE 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/National Sport Commission/National Secondary School Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/ NSSCL) continued in the Essequibo District, where Leguan/East Bank Essequibo Combined defeated Bartica/ Wakenaam Combined by one run. At the Good Success ground in Wakenaam, Bartica/ Wakenaam won the toss, and sent Leguan/East Bank Essequibo in to bat first. Leguan/Essequibo struggled to adapt to the touring conditions, as they found scoring very challenging on the Good Success pitch. In-form all-rounder Wa-

zim Mohamed was the top scorer with 26, while Ronaldo Schouten and Javal Sahoye each made 10. Bowling for Bartica/ Wakenaam, Hamel Lamb grabbed 5 for 24 from 5 overs, while Rickey Persaud supported well with 3 for 21 from 5 overs. In reply, Bartica/Wakenaam gave a good account of themselves, and looked set to overhaul the Leguan/Essequibo score of 86, with Hamel Lamb producing a valiant batting display in which he stroked 46. However, Lamb failed to get the necessary batting support and the team stumbled to 85 all out. Bowling for Leguan/East Bank Essequibo, fast bowler

Travis Christian grabbed 5 for 18 from 4.3 overs, while Wazim Mohamed and Javal Sahoye took 2 for 12 and 2 for

NSSCL will continue today at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Camp Street, with North Georgetown Zone win-

Waszim Mohamed

Travis Christian

23 respectively. Leguan/East Bank Essequibo won by one run. The GCB/DMLAS/NSC/

ners, Chase Academy, doing battle with East Georgetown Zone winners, North Georgetown Secondary, for the

Georgetown District Championship title. This match was post-

poned from its previously scheduled date, due to unfavourable weather conditions.

Hamel Lamb

Ansa McAl supports Pepsi Garner hails cricket as ‘force Hornets ‘STAG Carnival 7s for good’ ahead of fund-raising T20 … Ramps Logistics latest sponsor

Ramps Logistics Operations Director Richard DeNobrega (second from left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Pepsi Hornets’ Elwin Chase.

THE Pepsi Hornets Rugby Club benefited from some much-needed support from corporate Guyana ahead of tomorrow’s Guyana Carnival Sevens Rugby Tournament in the National Park. Ansa McAl, behind their STAG Beer brand, became the title sponsor for the event which will bring together some of the Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s top ‘Ruggers’, all vying for top honours in the lucrative

tournament. Nigel Worrell, one of the company’s managers, made a simple presentation to Pepsi Hornets’ Roger Perreira at their Beterverwagting (BV) Headquarters. He stated that the entity is happy to play its part in ensuring that the sport of Rugby receives support in order to ensure that the tournament is a success. Ramps Logistics, known for providing logics solu-

tions to ExxonMobil, also threw its support behind the tournament, with Operations Director Richard DeNobrega, making the presentation to Pepsi Hornets’ Elwin Chase,. He proclaimed it an honour to be supporting one of the country’s most successful sports discipline. The STAG Carnival 7s tournament will kick off at 11:00hrs, after an opening ceremony.

(CMC) – WEST Indies legend Joel Garner has added his voice to those supporting the massive goodwill effort to rebuild stadiums affected by the passage of deadly hurricanes Irma and Maria last September. West Indies clash with an ICC World XI on May 31 at Lord’s in a fund-raising Twenty20 International and Garner noted that cricket was again showing it was a unifying force for good. “Our players have always been willing to be involved in any kind of charitable working going back to my playing days and even before,” said the former Windies team manager. “It is great to see the youngsters have again joined that rich tradition and they are happy to participate and give back to the community and those in need.” The great former fast bowler was Windies team manager last year during the one-day tour of England when several Caribbean islands were devastated by the tropical cyclones. He joined the outreach then by volunteering to collect funds and this year will be involved as part of the delegation to Lord’s for the high-profile match. “Last year we had a good day at the Oval where we interacted with the spectators in an effort to raise funds,” he explained. “This year will be no dif-

ferent. I think over 6 000 tickets have been sold so far and the match is still two weeks away. Based on these sales, it seems we will have a great crowd at Lord’s for the upcoming game.” He continued: “Cricket is again showing it can be a ‘force for good’ and it can help to bring people together. We have a situation here where cricket has stepped forward to help those in need. We have to say a huge thanks to the players who will participate.

T20 World Cup hero Carlos Brathwaite and includes twotime world champions Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and Samuel Badree. The match will also mark a return to international cricket for Andre Russell following his recent year-long ban. England white-ball captain Eion Morgan will skipper the World XI which will feature exciting Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan, Pakistan batting star Shoaib Malik, Bangladesh stroke-maker Tamim

Fast bowler legend Joel Garner (second from left) pictured here last September raising funds for hurricane relief at the Oval in London.

“All around the world sports helps to bring a smile to people’s faces and sportsmen are hailed as heroes, so it’s always great to see when those players give back in a meaningful way.” The Windies will be led by

Iqbal as well as Sandeep Lamichhane, the sensational 17-year-old wrist-spinner from Nepal. The match will be played under lights starting at 18:00hrs (13:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time).

Third Annual Independence Track & Field Meet

Over 300 athletes to participate See Page 27

AAG president Aubrey Hutson (left), along with GOBSA founder David Thomas (centre), is pictured with other officials.

… Ramps Logistics latest sponsor See Page 31

Ansa McAl’s Nigel Worrell (right) makes a presentation of its title sponsorship for the May 20 event to Pepsi Hornets’ Roger Perreira

Rain forces postponement of KMTC horse race meet

See Page 30

Leguan/East Bank Essequibo beat Bartica/ Wakenaam by one run

See Page 27

SEE INSIDE

Ansa McAl supports Pepsi Hornets ‘STAG Carnival 7s

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SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2018