2015 7 18

GUYANA No. 104254

SATURDAY JULY 18, 2015

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

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NEOC details works to address flood woes in affected communities

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Ramotar sent on leave pending investigation of US$32M e-Governance project Page

Alexei Ramotar

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President Granger at MERCOSUR Summit in Brazil

Berbice AntiSmuggling Squad 3 disbanded Page

– operations to be incorporated into LEID

Georgetown criminals attacking 8 businesses in Berbice

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– says Divisional Detective

President David Granger with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff at Cúpula MERCOSUR Summit 2015 in Brazil on Thursday. There is a move to return MERCOSUR to ‘its roots’, reach an agreement on some of the original fundamentals, eliminate restrictions to intertrade and strongly promote the trade accord with the European Union

Two flood-relief shelters activated

by Social Protection Ministry 13 Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

NEOC details works to address flood woes in affected communities

T H E N a t i o n a l E m e rgency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Georgetown, Guyana has said that heavy rainfall along Guyana’s coastal regions during the period Wednesday, July 15th, and Thursday, July 16th, 2015 has resulted in increased water levels in rivers and canals; and this has significantly affected Regions #3 and #4, with flooding in several communities, in yards and homes in some instances.

The NEOC has said it had coordinated the following actions by 10:00hrs yesterday: ● Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis teams, comprising personnel from the GDF and CDC and other supporting elements, were dispatched to Central

Georgetown, East Coast Demerara and Region 3. One of these teams was asked to render assistance at the shelters. ● Environmental Health Officers from the Ministry of Public Health were deployed at the two shelters to ascertain the current health needs. ● The NDIA is continuing its efforts to ensure drainage of all communities and to ensure that all pumps and sluices are working. ● GPL teams are working to restore power to La Parfaite Harmonie, Peters Hall, Friendship, and Anna Catherina ● The Environmental Protection Agency and the Guyana Red Cross Society are on a joint assessment of the established shelters. ● A shelter has been established at the Selman Fraser Nursery School in Albouystown and at the Albouystown Nursery School. ● The Regional Emergency Operations Centre (REOC) in Region 4 has been ac-

tivated, and five teams -headed by the Regional Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, Regional Executive Officer, Assistant Regional Executive Officer, and the Regional Engineer -- have been deployed to Buxton-Paradise, Mahaica-Cane Grove, La Bonne Intention-Plaisance, Cane Grove and Mon Repos. ● The NDIA is easing the level of the East Demerara Water Conservancy by releasing water at Land of Canaan and at Hope Canal.

Meanwhile, The Guyana Water Incorporated has indicated that in excess of 2000 household water filters are on standby for distribution to affected areas, in the event the water supply systems become compromised.

The Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force has advised that the following roads are still affected by flood waters: King St; Charlotte St; Albert St, between North Rd and South Rd; Homestretch Avenue; Haley St; Old College Rd;

Cemetery Rd; Light St; Cummings St; Hunter St; Barr St; Albouys St; Hogg St; Hill St; Aubrey Barker Rd, between Claybrick Rd and the Shopping Plaza Bridge; and Blue Mountain Rd. The following alternative routes are recommended for usage: Robb St; Brickdam Public Road; Norton St; Mandela Avenue; Hadfield Street, east of Vlissingen Road; Ruimveldt Public Road; Water St; Vlissengen Rd, between Regent St and North Road; Lamaha St; Young St; Seawall Rd; Irving St and Sheriff St. The NEOC has promised to continue monitoring and assessing the vulnerable communities and conservancies which are usually affected by the heavy rains. Teams have been dispatched along the East Coast of Demerara, in Georgetown, and to the West Demerara area to further assess the community impacts and to aid the RDCs in their responses.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 17, 2015

Ramotar sent on leave pending investigation of US$32M e-Governance project

By Derwayne Wills HEAD of the e-Governance project, Alexei Ramota, has been sent on leave pending investigations into the project, according to a Ministry of the Presidency press release yesterday.

The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition inherited responsibility for the e-Governance project after defeating the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) at the May 11 elections.

The aim of the project was to effect the modification and advancement of telecommunications operations of Government agencies, but was marred by controversy after the appointment of President Donald Ramotar’s son to manage the project, and the many missed deadlines for completion. The project seemed shrouded in shadows.

The move by the Government to send Ramotar on leave follows recent in-

teractions between Ramotar and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, where the project head was expected to submit a report on the operations of the project.

When contacted, Ramotar expressed shock in the decision to send him home pending investigations.

The son of former President Donald Ramotar said he had received no indication that the Administration was taking such a posture, although he was aware of an audit being done into the project.

Ramotar reportedly received a monthly salary of $650,000 for heading the project.

The younger Ramotar expressed concern that although he has not officially received word from the Ministry of the Presidency, by way of letter effecting his leave, his status was published in the media.

The APNU and AFC, while in Opposition during the 10th Parliament (20112015) had many reservations about the project, which was approved in the National

From left, Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Head of the e-Governance project, Alexei Ramotar; and Government’s Adviser on e-Governance, Floyd Levi

Assembly in 2009, during the 9th Parliament, where the PPP/C held a parliamentary majority.

H u a w e i Te c h n o l o g y Company Limited, a Chinese firm, was marked in 2009 to provide infrastructural support for the implementation of the project, which included the laying of a fibre-optic cable from Lethem to Georgetown.

Ramotar told the Guyana Chronicle that the e-Gov-

ernance project, insofar as setting up telecommunications infrastructure, has been completed since August last year, and testing of that infrastructure was being done following that. The testing, he said, is almost complete.

He also managed a separate project, the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM), which was aimed at running the Lethem to Georgetown fibre-optic cable. That project cost some

US$5M, but Ramotar gave the assurance that this was halted in 2013, and the monies are still available. Neither projects, according to Ramotar, went over budget.

Ramotar had submitted a report to the State Minister, following the meeting between the two, where a number of suggestions were offered by the project head on how to salvage the project as well as other recommendations of services, which

could be implemented.

Minister Harmon told the media some time ago the cables being run from Lethem to Georgetown were damaged and might be too costly to repair. This is a notable difference in position from his predecessor's, Dr Roger Luncheon, who told the press corps in 2014 that the issues of the project, which had already expended $1B, could be remedied.

Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) disbanded – unit was performing below expectation – operations to be incorporated into LEID AFTER careful consideration, a decision was taken to disband the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS).

The Unit was established in November 2000 with the objective of curbing smuggling activities within the Corentyne/Berbice area.

A statement from the Guyana Revenue Authority

(GRA) said an examination of the effectiveness of BASS revealed that the unit was performing below expectation, with a rapid decrease in revenue collection over the period 2012 - 2015, and as such, it was deemed not feasible to continue operations.

GRA said based on the foregoing, and the closeness in nature of BASS’

operations with that of the Guyana Revenue Authority’s Law Enforcement & Investigations Division (LEID), a decision was made to fully integrate BASS’ operations

into the Regional Operations of LEID. “It should be noted that prior to the implementation of BASS in 2000, LEID was responsible for the func-

tions performed by BASS. These functions included the patrolling of waterways and roadways to suppress smuggling activities,” GRA stated.

“Moreover, persons currently employed in the BASS Unit will be paid their full benefits owed to them once the Unit is disbanded,” GRA added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Dozens flee homes as wildfires rage in Greece, PM urges calm (Reuters) FOREST fires fanned by strong winds and high temperatures broke out around Athens and in other parts of southern Greece on Friday, sending residents fleeing from flames threatening their homes.

Summer wildfires, though common for the season, heaped additional misery on the government of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, which is struggling to obtain a new bailout from foreign creditors.

The police said 52 separate fires had broken out on four main fronts in a region stretching from the

Local residents try to extinguish a wildfire raging at the village of Neapoli in the region of Laconia in Peloponnese, southern Greece July 17, 2015. Reuters/ Panagiotis Kouros/Eurokinissi island of Evia, northeast of Athens, to the southern Peloponnese.

A 58-year-old died after inhaling fumes and suffering respiratory problems but there were no other reports of casualties.

Tsipras urged calm as more than 140 firefighters with 80 fire engines and 11 aircraft battled the flames near Athens that crept close to homes.

A neighborhood playground was razed and flames surrounded the local church. Dozens of people, including elderly women covering their faces with headscarves, tried to put out the flames with buckets

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of water.

“We all need to stay calm,” Tsipras told reporters.

He said he had asked the air force and armed forces for help and had also appealed to other European countries for assistance with extra fire-fighting aircraft.

Forest fires are common during the summer months in Greece but memories remain vivid of the huge damage and heavy loss of life in 2007, during the most serious outbreak in decades.

The fires started on several fronts and Defense Minister Panos Kammenos

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said arson was possible.

“Armed forces have been ordered to start patrols throughout Greece, and particularly in mountainous regions,” he said.

Te l e v i s i o n f o o t a g e showed huge plumes of smoke billowing over the town of Neapolis, with a wall of fire racing down a mountain fanned by very strong winds. Authorities said three communities in the region were evacuated.

“Things are very bad,” Peloponnese Governor Petros Tatoulis told state television. “The situation is critical. We are working to prevent casualties.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Residents of Waltham Park and Maxfield Avenue constantly without water (Jamaica Gleaner) AS the drought drags on with no end in sight, some urban communities located not so far from the source of the precious commodity are constantly without water.

Residents of Maxfield, Waltham Park and adjoining communities are literally thirsting for water, trudging the streets with pans, jars, buckets and just about anything else.

Corporate public relations manager at National Water Commission (NWC) Charles Buchanan told The Gleaner that low water levels were creating more than the usual set of woes.

Speaking at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Buchanan said last week’s freak storm had a devastating effect on supply in more ways than one.

“It disrupted the power supply, and for 24 hours, we had no power at Tulloch Springs, Bybrook, White Marl, Ferry, Coopers Hill; Molynes and other critical areas,” said Buchanan.

A resident from Frog City in Kingston carries water which is hardly available in his community.

“We could not move more than 18 million gallons of water that we had available, but we could not get to come into the Corporate Area because of that,” he added.

Buchanan said that there have been a few other “instances and hiccups” since then.

“When you are operating your water supply network in these abnormal conditions in which the pressure fluctuations in the pipeline are very wide, you will end up with an increased frequency of breaks on our lines.,” he said.

Added Buchanan: “Since last week, we have had situations where transmission lines have broken and we have had to intervene to repair them, unfortunately disrupting supply to persons.”

Buchanan said the NWC was also aware of complaints from some customers who are not getting water at times when they are scheduled to receive.

“There will be some areas that, despite the best efforts and schedule that we have put in place, will not be able to receive piped supply simply because of where they are on the network,” he said.

Buchanan cited elevations of communities as well as the time required for the system to charge to get to them.

“We had hoped that those would be limited,” said Buchanan.

He said that NWC technicians have also encountered problems that have worsened the drought woes.

“When you have a system and make all the arrangements to supply, and you end up with power-supply problems on the network overnight, or a broken supply 12-inch line that takes water to parts of the network, or you end up with air blockages on the system, it will create some problems for some persons on the system,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Editorial

Guyana

Mr President, congrats on achieving ‘3-score and ten’

P

RESIDENT David Granger turned 70 three days ago.

‘Three–score and ten’ is a biblical number. So it is understandable that as a practising Christian the President would place much store on this milestone.

This year’s birthday is no doubt a special one for a man who up until five years ago was not known as a politician. He was known as a soldier who had risen to the highest echelon of the Guyana Defence Force.

As he himself said in his remarks at the function organised in his honour at the GDF headquarters, he walked into that compound decades ago as a recruit and in 2015 he went back as the Commander-in-Chief.

Having served the army with distinction, David Granger retired to a life of academia.

As a historian he spent much time researching mainly military history and the history of African Guyanese.

He became a prolific writer on these subjects. He combined his research with publishing. For almost two decades he

published and edited the prestigious news-magazine, Guyana Review, which featured analysis of Guyanese politics, society and culture. A keen study of his speeches since entering politics would reveal a weaving of history into his political rhetoric.

Then in 2010 he jumped into the political arena. He announced his intention to run for the presidential candidate of the PNC. Many were skeptical.

While Guyanese tend to be suspicious of career politicians they are nevertheless not electorally disposed to those who have not been nurtured in the political trenches.

Mr Granger would go on to defy that tendency. Although he had been a PNC member, he was not an activist or a known leader of the party.

He became the party’s Presidential Candidate for the impending 2011 elections, even though he was not the leader. When the PNC merged with other parties to form the APNU he became the presidential candidate.

After the combined Opposition lost the

presidency to the PPP/C, he was elected Opposition Leader.

Mr Granger would then contest for the PNC’s leadership against the public and perhaps private advice of some who felt the leadership of the PNC and APNU should not be fused in the same person. He eventually won a narrow victory over current Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

After some hesitation, he was named Presidential Candidate of the APNU+AFC Coalition which went on to unseat the PPP/C. David Arthur Granger was inaugurated as the country’s eighth Executive President.

What an achievement for a man who five years ago was hardly known by the society at large. One may be tempted to say he has been lucky; he threw his hat in the ring at the right time.

Even if that were true, he still had to have the capacity to absorb the positive energies that came his way and manoeuver the roadblocks in his way.

All the best, Mr President!

The PPP extends best Eid-ul-Fitr wishes

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends Eid ul-Fitr greetings to the Muslim Community in Guyana and the Diaspora as the Holy Month of Ramadan comes to an end.

Our Party is aware of the tremendous sacrifices adherents of Islam would have made during the fasting month and extends best wishes as they celebrate through the Eid festivities.

The teachings of Islam remove all barriers among mankind, reiterating that all are equal. This is a universal lesson and our Party believes that

all, regardless of belief, can benefit if efforts are made to heed this teaching.

Islam, which promotes peace, has been exemplary, despite challenges, in promoting togetherness.

Here in Guyana, Islam has remained an integral part of our culture and related observances have transcended religious boundaries. This has been a pillar in the harmonious relationship amongst our people, in this multi-religious society. Charity (Zakat) is pivotal to Muslims during this time and here in Guyana many, would have benefited.

The PPP would also like to commend all Muslims for their invaluable contributions made, especially during this time, to the welfare of others and for the fostering of the noble teachings of Islam. Our Party hopes that the many blessings which are associated with Ramadan would be bestowed upon all, especially those who have made the sacrifice.

We would also like to assure all Guyanese, that like our Muslim brothers and sisters, the PPP will continue to make the sacrifice to protect Guyana’s democracy and the significant

economic strides our country has made over the past 23 years.

We are committed to making the sacrifice to ensure that the gains we have made over the past two decades are not reversed through poor management of the state.

As Ramadan ends, the observances of Eid-ul-Fitr offers an opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices made.

Once again, the PPP extends best wishes for this observance.

Eid Mubarak People’s Progressive Party

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

EID-UL-FITR GREETINGS FROM THE CIOG ALLAHU Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Laa elaaha Illal laa, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa lil laa hil Hamd. Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest!

Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest, and there is no God but Allah (SWT).

Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest, and to Him belong all Praises.

My dear brothers and sisters – I greet you with the universal greetings of Islam.

Assalamu-O-Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe

compliment the compulsory five prayers daily. We perform these actions knowing that by the promise of Allah SWT, we will obtain taqwa or God consciousness and at our journey’s end obtain His paradise.

The obligation of fasting in the month of Ramadaan for the believers, men and women, who are sane and healthy, is a clear message to mankind that unrestricted indulgence in fulfilling the desires of one’s base or animal self has to be curbed for some time, to give an uplift to one’s

Wabarakatuhu. May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah (SWT) be with you.

On this auspicious occasion, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, I extend on behalf of myself, family, and the Central Islamic organisation of Guyana, to all Guyanese and especially our Muslim brothers and sisters, Eid Mubarak!! Eid Mubarak!! Eid Mubarak!!

On this day of Eid-ul-Fitr, we join with Muslims worldwide to congratulate each other with greetings of Eid Mubarak. The holy month of Ramadan was a month of great sacrifice during which we intensified our devotions to Allah (SWT) by fasting from dawn to sunset while remaining in the remembrance of Allah (SWT) and being in a state of goodwill, by giving charity to the poor, needy and the vulnerable, by feeding those suffering from hunger, and the increase of prayers to

spiritual self. The object of fasting as described in the Holy Quran is “so that you may guard against evil”.

During the auspicious month of Ramadan, a fasting person abstains from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn until sunset, in obedience to the command of his Creator Allah.

The month is a training whereby the believer’s trait of God-consciousness is nurtured. Even though he may be in place of total privacy and seclusion, on the hottest day of the year, he does not submit to the temptation of sipping even a few drops of water for he is convinced that he cannot evade the sight of the All-Observing Almighty.

If the spirit of fasting were to become a reality in the society of Muslims who have observed the fasts of Ramadaan and advanced in his piety, then mankind would see a society in which every person

becomes the guardian of the respect, hon- our views and representation is reflected our, property and possessions of others; a in the Government of the day. We work society in which the needy, the poor, the closely with our Government to ensure destitute, and the under-privileged are our contributions are felt in the developtaken care of; a society in which honesty, ment of our country. chastity, nobility, kindness, compassion, mercy and forgiveness shine forth like the midday sun; a society in which no harm is caused to any human or animal without a just reason; and a society in which material progress does not bring about a moral collapse.

Man is a created being and only divine guidance can solve his problems. The reality is clear: The heavy arm of the law on its own, just legislation, the imposition of fines and jail sentences, cannot and will not solve problems that face mankind.

The only sure deterrent to crimes of all kinds is firm conviction and belief in our Creator Allah, a life hereafter and a day of judgement, where complete justice will be meted out. These are long term solutions and solutions that were proven to give the best results and create the best societies on the face of the earth.

Eid-ul- Fitr signifies the end of this CIOG President Fazeel Ferouz fasting period and is a day of joy and thanksgiving, but despite being a day of celebration, the day commences with an Let us lead by example and join with all additional prayer after sunrise, reminding of them in our country who have similar the believers that the object of fasting beliefs to try our best to wipe out cormust be fully borne in mind even after ruption and crime at all levels of society, Ramadan. violence against women, rape, sexual While conveying to the Muslim molestation of children, alcohol abuse, community best wishes for a happy suicide, and racial discrimination. We Eid, I make a humble appeal to every have been trained and fortified in RamaMuslim brother and sister to keep the dan, now is the time to put the lessons we spirit of fasting alive – let obedience have learnt into practice. of Allah Ta’ala shine forth from this It is only the people with strong faith and day forward. Let the rest of mankind a high level of Taqwaa (God consciousobserve the effect that fasting has in ness) who would be able to take up these changing the outlook of a believing challenges.

Muslim.

It is only these people, who can turn the Let the world observe a community free society back to the path of righteousness. from all sins, crime and vice and let us be This was the reason we had to be trained an example which is worthy of emulation in Ramadan. The whole world is calling and of others accepting Islam. May Allah on us to do this work.

Ta’ala grant us the guidance to resolve May Allah (SWT) help us all to work for that we shall make the Quran and Sunnah the establishment of peace, justice and our guiding lights and practise Islam as high moral values in our country and the much as possible. world at large.

On this Blessed day, we thank Allah May Allah (SWT) bless us all and may (SWT) that in our country of Guyana, we He continue to guide us. as Muslims can coexist in harmony with Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid peoples of all faiths. We live in harmo- Mubarak!

David Hinds ny with our Brothers and Sisters of the The Central Islamic Organisation of Christian and Hindu Communities, and Guyana

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Eid-ul-Fitr Message from the U.S. Embassy

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt

U.S. Embassy in Georgetown wishes to extend Eid-ul Fitr greetings to all Muslims in Guyana and around the world, as they mark the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. We congratulate all Muslims on their intense devotion, reflection, service, and spiritual rejuvenation achieved during the month of Ramadan.

One of the many common bonds between our two countries is respect and appreciation of religious freedom and tolerance. Our countries are comprised of people of all races and religions, and it is that diversity that makes us strong as we address challenges of the 21st century.

As President Obama has said, Eid is part of a great tapestry of America’s many traditions As Muslims worldwide recommit themselves to honour their faith by reaching out to the less fortunate through everyday acts of faith, kindness, charity, service, tolerance, and selflessness, we also encourage all to share in the spirit of Eid and to embrace these values which are so important in cultivating cooperation, promoting cross-cultural understanding and sustaining humanity.

It is in that spirit that we hosted an iftar at my residence, and through our Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) we have donated shoes, clothing, and equipment to the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG). We will continue to reach out to the Islamic community to find ways to improve the lives of all Guyanese people.

During this festive period of renewal, we join in sharing your optimism for a brighter future and we wish you a joyous and blessed Eid ul-Fitr.

Eid Mubarak!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Buxton Health Centre, Dr C.C. Nicholson Hospital to be developed – hospital to offer round-the-clock service

A section of the gathering during the meeting at the CC Nicholson Health Center

THE Dr C.C. Nicholson Hospital, at Nabacalis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will provide round-theclock service while the Buxton Health Centre will offer additional services to meet the public health needs of an estimated 100,000 persons.

This disclosure was made

by Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, yesterday, following an inspection of both health institutions, where she met and discussed with staffers areas which could be developed and issues affecting them .

During the discussions pertaining to the Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hospital, Minister Cummings stated that it was time for action, as sitting around and doing nothing would not be wise, because there are obvious issues that need to be addressed immediately.

Some of the major issues affecting the hospital include a shortage of auxiliary staff, which increases the workloads of doctors and nurses,

when their time could be better occupied attending to patients.

Additionally, doctors and nurses at the institution highlighted the problem of frequent power outages.These, they say, pose a problem when they occur because they are forced to discontinue their work and leave, especially if they occur at night.

The minister assured the staff that this problem will be addressed as promptly as possible because in the event of patients needing medical attention, there will be no doctors available to attend to them.

While the move to make the hospital operational around the clock is pending, there are facilities which need to be implemented first, such as an extra department, a phlebotomy department and so forth, which will be useful to the doctors in the sense that instead of referring patients to other hospitals for these services, they would be able to offer them at the same institution.

BUXTON TO COMPLEMENT As they move to sort out problems at individual health institutions, Minister Cummings stated that some problems could be addressed by linking health centres within the area to each other; therefore, she noted that the Buxton Health Centre and the Enmore Health Centre will be complementing the Dr. C.C. Nicholson Hospital, in the sense that if one service is not available there, patients could be transferred to one of the health centres within the area,where the service is available.

The Buxton Health Centre, the minister disclosed, has lots of space which they intend to use in order to install additional facilities such as a polyclinic which will offer urgent care, VIA services, an Ultra Sound Department, a Laboratory and Rehabilitation services among others.

In order to make these a success, she urged members of the community to support them in these ventures, by forming a Public-Private Partnership, as the Buxton Diaspora has already been investing in the health centre for many years.

Minister Cummings emphasised that these initiatives won’t happen overnight, but with positive thinking and efficient work progress will be seen as soon as possible, “most should be on stream early 2016.”

Georgetown criminals attacking businesses in Berbice – says Divisional Detective

By Jeune Vankeric THROUGH intelligence and networking, Berbice detectives have managed to capture three persons following an exchange of gunfire after a robbery had taken place at the M. Ali Supermarket at Main and Pope Streets in New Amsterdam, Berbice on Thursday, July 16.

At approximately 18.50hrs, two identifiable males entered the M. Ali Supermarket and held sales clerk Tamike Lagadeau at gunpoint, before ordering that she direct them to the adjoining bond where Nazmoon Ally, the proprietress, was seated.

They ordered the 64-yearold Ally to hand over cash.

She was fearful for her life, but hesitated; and the men opened the drawer and re-

moved her son’s, Fizal Ally’s, licenced 9mm pistol, $350,000 cash, and a quantity of GTT and Digicel phone cards.

On exiting the building, one of the bandits discharged a round at Ms Lagadeau, but it hit his accomplice instead.

There were two other accomplices who were on the look out. The four men escaped seconds before the police arrived on the scene.

It is surmised that the suspects were timing every move of the cops, as the cops had moments before patrolled that area.

The M. Ally robbery came on the heels of another committed on Monday, when a sales clerk attached to the A Ali and Sons General Store was robbed as she was about to make a $4M deposit at a commercial bank along the Strand Public Road.

Three persons have since been released on $100,000 bail each as the police continue investigating that robbery, including viewing surveillance footage.

CRIMINAL INVASION Divisional Detective, Superintendent Terrance Paul, indicated to this newspaper that a Georgetown-based gang had moved to the Ancient County after ‘heat’ had been intensified in the capital city.

The gang of four, working under the direction of a known Berbice criminal character who is wanted for a series of robberies, had been housed in an old, dilapidated house in Stanleytown, where one was nabbed a few hours after the Ali robbery had taken place.

Due to quick intelligence gathering, the police went to the Georgetown Car Park in New Amsterdam, located in vicinity of Sukpaul’s Gas Sta-

The A. Ali Supermarket which was attacked by bandits on Thursday

tion, and spotted four men in a car a few yards away. But as a plainclothes rank drew near to investigate, the car driver pulled over in a dark area, allowing the men to exit the vehicle and discharge several rounds at the police.

An armed senior rank returned fire at the men before arresting a male suspect with an unlicensed .38revolver and 10 matching rounds. Six rounds were in the barrel of

the pistol, while four were in his pocket. This happened at about 23:30 hrs on Thursday.

Fortunate to have access to five vehicles, the police team employed various strategies to nab the bandits. A team cordoned off the Stelling Road to Gafoor Suppliers under the East Canje Bridge, while another drove southward into the town of New Amsterdam.

At about 01.30hrs on Friday, in the vicinity of Repub-

lic Road and Philadelphia Street, police on mobile patrol observed two men walking parallel to each other on opposite shoulders of the road.

It was also observed that their clothing was muddy, and that one was attempting to hide his face.

Challenged by the cops, the men fired several rounds, and the police returned fire.

The entire episode lasted between twenty and thirty minutes, and residents of the nearby Savannah Park and other areas within a half-mile radius recalled hearing the rapid gunfire. Despite that police effort, the men eluded capture.

H o w e v e r, a t a b o u t 02.30hrs, another team observed a man walking in the vicinity of the Commander’s Residence at Strand and King Street. Arrested, he cooperated fully with the police. He remains in custody.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 17, 2015

NDIA, CDC, reps call for effective disaster risk reduction, early warnings

…less than two inches of rainfall expected today

Flooding in the city Thursday

WHETHER the effects of climate change, a shift in weather patterns over Guyana, or the result of an earthquake off the coast of Barbados, there is no doubt the rainfall experienced across Guyana’s coastline during the course of this week was historic in its measurement, with noticeable increases over the last four years.

In light of this fact confirmed by officers at the national hydrometeorological centre, senior official at the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Fredrick Flatts is calling for a relief of the bureaucratic hold on implementing effective disaster risk management.

Flats pointed out to Guyana’s coastland being below sea level as being enough reason why the county must have systems in place at all times to deal with significant rainfall. Flatts was part of a three-member panel on the National Communications Network (NCN) last

evening at the time of his comments.

“We have to have a system that is very efficient where our pumps are operational at all times,” the NDIA head said, while explaining the extreme case of having to go through the tender process for the repair of sluices or pumps, when the flooding has already begun.

Another panellist, Operations and Training Officer at the Civil Defence Commission, Major Kester Craig, called for a link of disaster risk management, and disaster risk reduction to sustainable development.

He noted that disaster risk management should be a key consideration in building of roads, houses or any type of infrastructural project.

Craig went on to call for more effective building codes in low-lying areas, as well as a greater implementation of those building codes. “If you do not take, for instance, litigation, which is a part of disaster risk reduction, you would

not be able to reduce the risk of flooding. When we are building, we have to build a certain way.”

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson had called some nights ago for the stringent enforcement of laws against citizens who impede the work of technical teams in desilting drains, since “it is affecting the whole city.”

Such impediments, according to Patterson, are linked to the inaccessibility of drains by technical crews, which continues to challenge the hopes of a faster and more effective relief of floodwaters. “We have persons encroaching on our canals [and] we have to find a solution to that because we can’t clear certain canals.”

“The medium-term solution [is that] we have to review our building regulations [and] our designs,” the Minister continued.

Guyana experienced a slight earth tremor on the day of the historic level of rainfall. Seismologists from the University of the West

Indies have been able to pinpoint the focal point of the activity off the coast of Barbados.

“There can be linkages between these types of events (earthquakes and rainfall). Some of these events affect cloud formation,” acting Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings confirmed on the NCN programme, although, he continued, no analysis has thus far been done to determine whether the quake was linked to the heavy downpour experienced in Guyana.

Dr Cummings went on to highlight the challenges faced by Guyana’s weather forecasting service. “As a country, we need to address the issues that the National Weather Watch Centre might have.” Cummings noted that a report was delivered to Minister of State Joseph Harmon, as well as the Public Infrastructure Minister on the state of the facility.

He pointed to the lack of human resources in the sector, since there is a small

group of persons in the job market with comprehensive knowledge of meteorology.

He also highlighted the need for re-evaluating the school curriculum to focus on the sciences, with programmes crafted at the level of the University of Guyana for students looking to specialise in weather forecasting. Meanwhile, Guyana’s hydromet office is being run with four weather forecasters working around the clock, without a limatologist, whose task is to study weather patterns over long periods.

The CDC’s Major Craig interjected to call for a greater weather-watch system, where residents could prepare for the event of a flood or high-tide warning.

This would allow ample time for residents to reduce damage to household items and even livestock in farming areas affected by excessive rainfalls and even droughts.

While water has receded along the country’s coastline, the Hydromet Office is predicting less than two

inches of rainfall today. The CDC will continue to assist with supplies to bring communities back to a state of normalcy. Clothing, water, and food supplies are being distributed, and there are two shelters set up in the Albouystown community to house persons interested in seeking shelter during the flood.

Today, the officers and members of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), will convene at the CDC’s Thomas Lands headquarters for updates on more recent activities, which precedes a brief to the nation and members of Parliament.

Today’s weather forecast, according to Dr Cummings, indicate rainfall less than two inches, which should facilitate the further relief of floodwaters. These floodwaters will continue to be discharged through the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC), commonly known as the Hope Canal, and the Land of Canaan sluices.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Berbice police ranks update Presidential Adviser on security on first day of outreach PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on National Security, Brigadier Edward Collins, yesterday kicked off a four-day outreach to law enforcement agencies in Berbice.

This is the first in a series of such outreaches to be car-

ried out across the country with the aim of interacting with police officers, giving them the opportunity to highlight their challenges, and to make recommendations on the way forward.

Following a report from

Divisional Commander, Christopher Griffith, Brigadier Collins urged the Division to continue to deal strictly with rogue officers, especially those that are responsible for the destruction of police vehicles. Com-

Bolivar boats, bills in bras as Venezuela’s currency sinks

Venezuelan bolivar banknotes and a U.S. dollar banknote, folded as boats, are seen at a fruit and vegetable store in Caracas July 10, 2015 (Reuters/Marco Bello)

(Reuters) Origami-like boats made from Venezuela’s rapidly depreciating bolivar bills sit on the cash register of a small fruit and vegetable store in Caracas.

Cashier Marisol Garcia makes the bolivar boats to illustrate roaring inflation and the currency’s tumble on the black market, where even the country’s biggest bill is worth just 16 U.S. cents.

“People ask: ‘What’s that?’ I say: ‘Our reality,’” explains Garcia, 44, as she rapidly counts wads of notes customers hand her for bananas, coconut juice and mangos.

A debilitating recession and a drop in oil prices have harmed the OPEC nation’s ability to provide dollars through its complex threetiered currency control system, pushing up the black market rate at a dizzying speed.

The bolivar sank past 600 per U.S. dollar on Thursday, compared with 73 a year ago, according to anti-government

website DolarToday.

“We’re behind. We’re going to have to make six little boats out of 100 bolivar bills,” added Garcia, who empties her cash register more than 20 times a day and stores notes in shoe boxes in a locked cabinet.

MORE BILLS, LESS VALUE With prices rising almost before their eyes, some shoppers are sneering at coins, or enduring long queues at cash-machines where people are withdrawing over-andover up to limits that do not keep up with price realities.

Credit cards or transfers are easier and safer in a nation rife with holdups and other violent crime.

Engineer Rafael Toro, 49, was robbed at gunpoint last week as he left a bank with 15,000 bolivars to purchase a car part, a tricky item to find in shortages-hit Venezuela.

That’s twice the minimum monthly wage, roughly $2,381 at the strongest ex-

change rate of 6.3 bolivar per dollar, but around $25 on the black market.

“Having cash in the street is catastrophic for security,” said Toro. “All I keep on me is enough for the bus.”

Lower-income Venezuelans, however, often make do without a bank account.

Angelica Chiquito, who lives in the dangerous Petare slum, hides about a dozen bills in her bra and underwear when she goes shopping.

“I’m always frightened.

I take the bills out in a store aisle,” said Chiquito, 59, resting after buying meat and detergent.

Though many basic goods and utilities are subsidized or price-fixed, Venezuelans are increasingly struggling to make ends meet as price increases gobble up their purchasing power.

“This is a nightmare,” said Beatriz Quintero, 58, as she leant on a half-full shopping cart outside a supermarket and looked aghast at her bill.

mander Griffith reported that 29 complaints were received about ranks of B’ Division.

Of this number, seven have been placed before the court, while departmental action has been taken against the others.

He also called on the Commander and senior ranks to develop a closer relationship with community members. In this regard, the B’ Division is currently working closely with the Community Policing Groups (CPGs) in the region.

Brigadier Collins was briefed on the overall operations of the police in B’ Division by the Commander, who indicated that there are currently 385 ranks attached to the Division which falls

woefully short of the recommended 928, given the vastness of the region.

Commander Griffith said that this shortage is largely due to the fact that the force has been unable to attract recruits because of the current salaries and allowances being offered. He said that if police officers are offered more attractive salary packages, more people will be encouraged to join and even trained ranks who have left the force to seek more lucrative options will return to serve.

President David Granger has committed to modernising the Guyana Police Force.

In his address at the opening of the 11th Parliament, on June 10, President Granger said, “Your Government will

re-fashion the Guyana Police Force into a more professional and better equipped law-enforcement agency.

We shall pay policemen and women better so that they are not easily led into temptation.”

This outreach visit forms part of the consultative process aimed at better equipping the force and improving security across Guyana. Brigadier Collins will spend the next few days visiting the Whim Police Station, the Guyana Revenue Authority and Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) in Moleson Creek, Orealla, Canje, East Bank Berbice, and Fort Wellington on the West Coast of Berbice.

Islamic State claims suicide car bomb that kills more than 100 in Iraq (Reuters) MORE than 100 people were killed in a suicide car bombing at a busy market in an Iraqi town on Friday, in one of the deadliest attacks carried out

by Islamic State militants since they overran large parts of the country.

The blast brought down several buildings in Khan Bani Saad, about 30 km (20 miles) northeast of Baghdad, crushing to death people who were celebrating the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, police and medics said.

Islamic State, which controls large parts of northern and western Iraq claimed responsibility for the attack in the mixed eastern province of Diyala where Khan Bani Saad is located and said the target was “rejectionists”, as the group refers to Shi’ite Muslims.

Angry crowds went on

the rampage after the explosion, smashing the windows of cars parked in the street in grief and anger. Body parts were flung onto the roofs of nearby buildings by the force of the blast, police said.

“Some people were using vegetable boxes to collect children’s body parts,” said police major Ahmed al-Tamimi from the site of the explosion, describing the damage to the market as “devastating”.

An officer from the Diyala police command said rescue crews were still retrieving bodies from under the debris so the death toll could rise.

The Diyala provincial government declared three days’ mourning and ordered all parks and entertainment places to close for the rest of the Eid al-Fitr holiday to pre-empt any further attacks.

Islamic State said in a

statement issued on Twitter that the attack was to avenge the killing of Sunni Muslims in the northern Iraqi town of Hawija, and that the suicide car bomber was carrying around three tonnes of explosives.

Iraqi officials declared victory over Islamic State in Diyala earlier this year after security forces and Shi’ite paramilitaries drove them out of towns and villages there, but the insurgents remain active in the province.

Security forces and militia groups are currently focused on the western province of Anbar, where they have been gearing up for an offensive to retake the mainly Sunni governorate - Iraq’s largest.

The United Nations said earlier this week that nearly 15,000 people had been killed in the 16-month period up to April 30.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 17, 2015

‘Seize the opportunity’ urges Commonwealth at landmark Addis Ababa summit THE Commonwealth has urged the international community to “seize the opportunity” to end extreme poverty at a landmark conference on development finance in Ethiopia.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Deodat Maharaj addressed the plenary session of the International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa on 16 July, 2015, with a call for a global framework that is “inclusive, transformative and universal”.

The Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which was formally

adopted by 193 countries following the conclusion of the conference, puts forward more than 100 measures to fund development, including domestic revenue collection and official development assistance.

The agreement will help to define the funding sources for 17 Sustainable Development Goals – from ending hunger to achieving gender equality – which are set to be endorsed by world leaders at the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Summit in New York in September.

In his address, Mr Maharaj described the adoption of the Addis Ababa Action

Agenda as “a seminal moment” as he asserted the need to support small and vulnerable states, deal with indebtedness and improve global economic governance.

“We have a duty to act collectively and undertake concrete actions to address key systemic bottlenecks in several areas, including trade, tax and global economic governance, where we must seek the development of a framework which is more inclusive and where everyone can participate effectively,” the Deputy Secretary-General told delegates.

The Commonwealth’s 53

member countries includes 41 developing nations, as well as 31 countries classed as small states, with populations of under one million.

Many of these countries are highly fragile and face capacity constraints that affect their ability to manage external shocks, including financial crises and climate change, Mr Maharaj warned in his address.

The Commonwealth Secretariat has supported a financing framework which enhances the effectiveness of existing resources and reduces the vulnerabilities associated with traditional forms of development finance, such as

overseas aid.

Mr Maharaj continued, “Traditional sources of finance, while important, are currently insufficient to meet the scale of the development challenge. We must turn our attention at all levels to innovative finance for development and be bold if we are to succeed.”

During the Addis Ababa conference, the Commonwealth Secretariat brought together leading experts and policy-makers to look at crowd funding as one innovative source of financing.

The Commonwealth Secretariat is also seeking to work with regional and inter-

national financial institutions to reduce the risks associated with diaspora money transfers, which provide a crucial source of income to citizens in many developing countries. A forum on this will be held at Marlborough House in London, United Kingdom, on 20-21 July 2015.

Mr Maharaj was leading a Commonwealth delegation to Addis Ababa which included the Commonwealth Foundation, Commonwealth Education Trust, Commonwealth Local Government Forum, and Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators.

Tens of thousands fear deportation as U.S.-Cuba relations thaw MIAMI (AP) — WITH the United States and Cuba inching closer to fully restoring diplomatic ties, including re-opening embassies for the first time in 54 years, the future is murky for tens of thousands of Cuban immigrants who have been ordered by immigration authorities to leave the country.

As many as 25,000 Cubans living in the United States have outstanding deportation orders, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. They

include people who pose a threat to national security or have serious criminal convictions and are considered priorities for immigration enforcement agents.

Despite being an enforcement priority, those immigrants haven’t yet been sent back to Cuba because the government of President Raul Castro has not given them permission to return. It’s unclear whether the Cuban government’s position will change.

Sisi, a 50-year-old grandmother who moved to Miami with her family

when she was 4, is one of those waiting and wondering what the future holds.

As a teenager in the 1980s, Sisi married a man involved in South Florida’s booming cocaine trade. By the middle of the decade she’d become involved in the business herself and eventually served 2 ½ years in prison, cutting ties to her brief life of crime in 1989.

Though she served her debt to society for the drug conviction, what she didn’t know at the time was that her criminal record would prompt immigration author-

ities to issue a deportation order in 2000.

“I was young, stupid.

It’s hurting me,” said Sisi, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition that she only be identified by her nickname because of her pending deportation order. “It’s coming back now, a lot.”

For decades deportation to Cuba has been complicated by the lack of diplomatic ties and the Cuban government’s decision not to provide travel documents for most immigrants facing deportation.

CDB providing funds for disaster risk management BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – THE Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) says it is making available grants to vulnerable communities to build level capacity for disaster risk management.

The CDB, the region’s premier financial institution, said that it has joined forces with Canada and the United Kingdom to make the US$24 million Community Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (CDRRF) available to communities in 18 borrowing member countries (BMCs).

The CDRRF is a six year medium-size grant opportunity that is strengthening the capacity of CDB BMCs to

mainstream climate change into the sustainable development agenda.

“This is a critical call for the CDRRF as we attempt to get as many potentially fundable sub-projects as possible.

“To be fundable projects must address disaster issues in crucial areas that strengthen the ability of residents to respond to and reduce the risk or exposure to natural hazards such as flooding, land movement and impacts from high winds during hurricanes,” said McDonald Thomas, CDRRF interim project manager, who said the funds are also available to a range of institutions and the application deadline is

August 7.

“Qualified, not-for-profit entities such as community-based organisations, non-government organisations, Government and quasi-government bodies as well as research institutions working with interest groups such as farmers can apply.

“Importantly, the initiatives must be community-based and community driven. Currently applicants may access between US$400,000 and US$650,000 for the implementation of projects for up to 24 months,” Thomas added.

The CDB said it is expected that in the medium-term, projects will en-

able populations to become safer and more resilient as they reduce the risk to environmental and socio-economic vulnerabilities caused by climate variability.

Moreso, projects are set to improve the knowledge capacity of the region as lessons learned in risk management from each project will be collected and shared, it said.

Thomas said that in addition to projects in the priority areas, related projects that can demonstrate sustenance or enhancement in livelihoods and build awareness about these hazards and how to reduce vulnerabilities can benefit from funding.

A 1984 repatriation agreement includes a list of 2,746 people who had come to the U.S. in 1980 as part of the Mariel boatlift who should be deported.

The mass migration from Cuba to Florida started when then-President Fidel Castro announced he would allow anyone who wanted to leave the Communist island nation. An estimated 125,000 Cubans made the perilous trip between April and October 1980.

ICE records show that 1,999 people on that list have been sent back to

Cuba, including 1,093 since 2001. ICE is responsible for finding and removing immigrants living in the country illegally and those who have been ordered to leave.

More than 35,000 Cubans have outstanding deportation orders, and as of the end of March, more than 2,300 other Cubans have open cases pending in U.S. immigration court. ICE said of those, about 25,000 are considered deportation priorities because of their backgrounds, including criminal histories.

For the first time, jihadist child beheads Syrian soldier, monitoring group says (Reuters) A CHILD soldier recruited by Islamic State apparently has beheaded a Syrian army officer, the first such documented decapitation, the founder of a group monitoring the Syrian conflict said on Friday.

The child is among several hundred so-called “Cubs of the Caliphate”. They are children, ranging in age from pre-teens to mid-teens, given military training and hardline indoctrination after being recruited near schools, mosques and in public areas where Islamic State is operating.

Images released by the militant group’s Homs province in central Syria showed a child, apparently a preteen, in a camouflage uniform, holding a human head and a blood-stained knife.

The Syrian officer was captured by the militant group after it took control last May of Palmyra, a site

of Roman ruins east of the city of Homs, according to Rami Abdul Rahman, the head of the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights head, who received a copy of the video.

“This is the first such case of a beheading by a child,” Rahman said.

Islamic State has beheaded or shot dead Syrian civilians, combatants, foreign aid workers and journalists. Videos it has released in the past released videos appeared to show children watching or participating in some of the killings.

S e p a r a t e l y, S y r i a n army sources said a senior army commander, General Muhsen Makhlouf, was killed in an Islamic State ambush on Thursday in the desert around Palmyra, where the Syrian army was launching an assault to regain the town.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Remorseful drug Seaman remanded on trafficker sentenced break-and-enter charge to 3 years’ jail, fined FORTY-eight-year-old Linden Parris of Lot 29 Golden Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was on Friday refused bail when he appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with breaking into a City store and carting off

a quantity of items.

Particulars of the charge allege that, between July 11 and 14, Parris broke and entered Conrad Berkin’s store in Georgetown and stole two suitcases, a gas cylinder, electrical power tools, and an electrical stabiliser, all to the total value of $185,000.

The seaman had been charged indictably, but on application by the Prosecutor, Police Sargent Neville Jeffers, the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied, and the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor objected

to bail citing the nature of the charge and the fact that all the items were recovered except the stolen electrical stabiliser.

Magistrate McLennan upheld the prosecution’s objection and refused bail to Parris. The Seaman will return to court on July 28.

Businessman charged with firearm offences …remanded to July 24 TWENTY-five-year-old businessman Naipaul Basdeoram of Lot 3 Good Hope Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan to answer to a charge alleging that an illegal gun and matchi n g a m m u n i t i o n w e re found in his house during a police search.

Police allegedly made

the find in the wee hours of Wednesday, after which two counts of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition were made out against the businessman.

According to the Police, Basdeoram was busted with a .380 pistol and 9 matching rounds of live ammunition at his residence on July 15; but Basdeoram pleaded not guilty to the charges, and submitted an application

for bail through his attorney, Dexter Todd.

In his bid for bail, Todd said his client was arrested by officers and taken to Vigilance Police Station, where he was later informed that a gun and ammunition had been found in his house.

The lawyer contended that the weapon was not found in possession of his client, and that there is a case of multiple occupancy of the home.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Neville Jeffers, said that, acting on a tip-off, a party of police ranks went to Basdeoram’s house and conducted a search in the presence of the businessman, and the gun was found in his bedroom. Basdeoram, the prosecutor said, told of-

ficers that the gun was left in his car by a friend, and he had taken it into his home for safe keeping.

Jeffers further revealed that when the alleged ‘friend’ was contacted, he denied the allegation.

The Sargent objected to the businessman being allowed his pre-trial liberty, citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence.

He argued that no special reasons had been advanced for the defendant being granted bail.

Notwithstanding Todd’s application, bail was refused, and the case was transferred to the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court, where Basdeoram is slated to appear on Friday, July 24.

Miner remanded for allegedly breaking and entering store TWENTY-nine-year-old miner Jermaine Anderson of Linden was yesterday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of breaking into the store of Ronella Parris at Christiansburg, Linden, to which he pleaded not guilty.

Particulars of the charge detail that between July 6 and 7, Anderson broke into Parris’s store and stole two cases each of Banks beer and Guinness, a quantity of

soft drinks and a bucket of cooking oil, all to the total value of $30,000.

Police Prosecutor Sargent Neville Jeffers did not relate the facts to the court, but objected to bail being granted Anderson on basis of the seriousness and prevalence of the offence, and penalty attached to the charge.

Anderson was refused bail, and the matter was transferred before the Linden Magistrate for a July 22 calling.

$30,000

LUKINVICH Theobald was yesterday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $30,000 for possession of narcotics, after being found guilty by City Magistrate Annett Singh at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Particulars of the offence he faced stated that on April 2 at Water Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 25 ½ grammes of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

On the day in question, police on foot patrol in the Stabroek Market area observed the defendant standing under the clock acting

in a suspicious manner. He was searched, and a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa were found in one of his pants pockets and in his crotch.

The burden had rested upon the prosecution to prove that Theobald had in his possession the narcotic for the purpose of trafficking.

Before being sentenced, a remorseful Theobald apologised for his action when asked by the magistrate is he was aware of the maximum five-year jail sentence attached to the charge.

Ukraine points finger at Russia as families mark downing of MH17 UKRAINE’S president accused Russia’s military on Friday of ordering the missile strike that brought down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 one year ago, as relatives gathered from the Netherlands to Australia to remember the 298 passengers and crew.

“MH17, where 298 victims were killed for no reason, was shot down by a Russian BUK missile, launched by a Russian professional crew under an order and an instruction from the Russian military,” President Petro Poroshenko said on the first anniversary of the disaster.

Ukraine has consistently blamed Russia, but Poroshenko’s comments were his most direct to date.

Russia denies responsibility and in turn has pointed the finger at Ukraine, whose forces are fighting pro-Russian separatist rebels in the region of eastern Ukraine where the plane crashed to earth.

Poroshenko did not say what evidence he had for accusing the Russian military. In comments later on Friday, he used a different form of words, blaming the tragedy on Russian-trained “terrorists” - a description often used by the Ukrainian government to describe the

separatists.

In rebel-held eastern Ukraine, a church service was held and residents joined a procession to a gravestone near the charred area where twisted metal and body parts came crashing down on July 17 last year.

“To the memory of the dead - 298 innocent victims of civil war,” was written on the gravestone in the village of Hrabove, where a Russian Orthodox priest and an imam said prayers.

About 300 people brought flowers and flags of the victims’ countries, some with black ribbons attached, and released white balloons into the sky.

“The memory of these people will always be in our hearts ... Pray for their souls,” said a priest who gave his name as Oleg.

Of the victims, 196 were from the Netherlands, where 1,500 relatives gathered for a ceremony of music and dance at which the names of the victims were read out.

“Today is a hard day, a day of reliving,” Prime Minister Mark Rutte told mourners. “The 298 unique people we remember today are for always bound with your lives and those of thousands of others.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 17, 2015

Two flood-relief shelters activated

by Social Protection Ministry

Affected residents and their children being facilitated at the Selman Fraser Nursery School due to severe flooding in the area

Several children rest on the beds provided by the CDC yesterday at one of the shelters

ery school, Albouystown Nursery, would then be inhabited.

It was unclear whether food had also been provided for the occupants, as one of the volunteers advised that any queries pertaining to the shelter and its operations were to be directed to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

The Selman Fraser Nursery School in Albouystown, where some affected residents are currently being accommodated until the floodwaters in their area have receded

IN an effort to protect residents of Albouystown who have been severely affected by the two days of flooding which occurred on Wednesday last, the Ministry of Social Protection in collaboration with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has activated two floodrelief shelters in the area.

The shelters are now aiding in the protection of children and their parents affected by the flood.

This was revealed through a statement issued by the ministry yesterday, which noted that the two shelters were activated at Albouystown Nursery School and Selman Fraser Nursery School.

When this publication visited the Selman Fraser Nursery School, there were a few shy of 40 persons,the majority of whom were children dwelling in the

large, well ventilated room.

Beds, benches and a television had been provided for the dwellers’ comfort which was evidently of high im-

portance. A source close to the shelter also explained that when the number of persons staying reaches 40, the second nurs-

It was revealed however, that the CDC was conducting a needs assessment to ascertain what was needed for the full operationalising of these shelters.

Simultaneously, Major Sean Welcome of the CDC is coordinating four Damage Assessment Teams on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), Georgetown and

West Demerara.

Damage Assessment Teams were also deployed by the CDC in flood- affected areas on the East Coast Demerara, Georgetown and West Demerara. The teams comprise CDC staff, volunteers and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) with support from the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

At third CARIFORUM-EU Council meeting…

EU Trade Commissioner urges work programme agreement to implement EPA DURING the third meeting of the joint Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) – European Union (EU) Council on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Trade Commissioner of the European Commission, Ms Cecilia Malmström, has urged agreement on a work programme to fully implement the EPA as soon as possible.

According to Ms Malmström during the delivery of her speech yesterday at the meeting, the EPA could be a powerful instrument to support innovation, diversification and economic growth, regional integration in the Caribbean and to create an integrated economic space with clear rules that will help to attract the foreign investments the Region urgently needs.

She further highlighted notable achievements so far, such as the EU having a full

(From left) Hon Oliver Joseph, Minister of Economic Development, Planning, Trade, Cooperatives and International Business of Grenada and CARIFORUM Chairperson; Ms Cecilia Malmström EU Trade Commissioner; and Mr Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg (Photo courtesy of CARIFORUM Secretariat)

duty and quota-free regime for products from the Caribbean, and many CARIFORUM countries having taken important steps to lower their

As crime spirals upwards…

WITH the recent upsurge in crime, the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) is plagued by a shortage of blood

and is therefore calling for persons and companies to come forward and donate blood.

The Blood Bank has

Saturday, July 18, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Sunday, July 19, 2015 - 05:30 hrs Monday, July 20, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

tariffs.

Recognising that the 2008 financial crisis and incomplete implementation had impeded somewhat the EPA’s

ability to create economic opportunities for people of the Region, the commissioner lobbied for agreement on a work programme to fully

implement the EPA as soon as possible.

The EPA review comes on the heels of the signing of the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme [CRIP] of the 11th European Development Fund [EDF] signed between CARIFORUM and the EU in Brussels on June 11, 2015.

Valued at €346 million, it is intended to be spent on Regional Economic Integration, Crime and Security and Climate Change, including Disaster Risk Reduction and Alternative and Renewable Energy. The sum set aside for Regional Economic Integration includes provision for EPA implementation support.

Signed on October 15, 2008, the EPA between the EU member states and CARIFORUM and the declaration on the signing provide for a review to be undertaken after five years. As such, the Joint Council sought to take

stock of the first five years of agreement and to plan the next phase of cooperation.

Also present at the meeting was Mr Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg who currently chairs the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Ms Malmström was also awarded the opportunity to meet with Guyana’s Prime Minister, Moses Nagamooto and discuss the EPA, among other issues. Her visit to Guyana and her participation in the Joint Council were preceded by a visit to Trinidad and Tobago where she met with Prime Minister of the twin-island republic, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

CARIFORUM is a subgroup of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of states and serves as a base for economic dialogue with the European Union.

Blood Bank calls for more donors found itself in a crisis over the last few months as the crime rate in Guyana has significantly increased.

C h i e f M e d i c a l O ff i c e r, Dr Shamdeo Persaud, has therefore echoed the call for businesses to collaborate with the Ministry of Health in carrying out blood drives throughout the country.

The Blood Bank has also been on a consistent call for volunteers to come forward and donate blood.

Though some businesses

and institutions such as Gizmos and Gadgets and the University of Guyana regularly have blood drives, the blood supply stands limited when compared to the number of surgeries to be performed.

R e c e n t l y, t h e Wo r l d Health Oganisation (WHO) has issued a call for an increase in regular blood donations from voluntary, unpaid donors in order to save millions of lives globally each year.

The theme for this year’s

campaign is: “Thank you for saving my life” which aims to encourage people all over the world to be regular donors.

The WHO had mentioned the specifics of blood transfusion, whereby transfusion of blood and blood products help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions to live longer and to maintain a higher quality of life, and it supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Transfusion has an essential, life-saving role in maternal and childcare and during manmade and natural disasters, such as the recent earthquakes in Nepal.

Severe bleeding during

pregnancy, delivery or after childbirth is the single biggest cause of maternal deaths. Of the 289,000 women who died in childbirth in 2013 due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth, 27% were due to severe bleeding.

There are four types of blood groups: blood group ‘A,’ which has ‘A’ antigens on the red blood cells with anti-B antibodies in the plasma; blood group ‘B’ has ‘B’ antigens with anti-A antibodies in the plasma; blood group ‘O’ has no antigens, but both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in the plasma and blood group; AB has both ‘A’ and ‘B’ antigens, but no antibodies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 17, 2015

‘Baby Heart Foundation’ completes 31 surgeries successfully – aims for Guyana to be ‘backbone’ of world-class paediatric, cardiac unit the same vision as the foundation.

Thereafter, the two government agencies and the universal foundation made a commitment to build an Intensive Care Unit and a Cardiac Unit to process and screen patients for the proper delivery of surger-

Doctors from the ‘Baby Heart Foundation’ tend to the needs of children during their first mission

Dr Rodrigo Soto, Chief Executive Officer of the ‘Baby Heart Foundation’ (babyheart.org photo)

THE International Children’s Heart Foundation (ICHF), commonly known as the “Baby Heart Foundation,” has successfully completed 31 pro-bono (free) surgeries with zero mortality on children with heart defects during their two missions in Guyana.

Therefore, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the foundation, Dr Rodrigo Soto during a cocktail reception in honour of their success, appealed for the Guyana Government's support in establishing a paediatric and cardiac world-class unit at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

This proposal, said Soto, will seek to accommodate those Caribbean countries with low-resource settings such as Guyana, by providing surgeries to those children with cardiac problems.

This will also aid in bridging the gap between Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean as countries will call for collaboration.

In the last six months however, the foundation

has received a dozen requests from Venezuela and the north of Brazil, two of Guyana’s continental neighbours, to initiate collaborative efforts. It is this factor that led Soto to believe that Guyana can be the “backbone” of this proposal.

Aside from that, the foundation is aiming to position some of their best surgeons at the hospital, so that local surgeons can benefit from their expertise. This will ultimately help local surgeons to depend less on the foundation’s experts.

Parents in Guyana were faced with the financial burden of sending their children to other countries to seek surgical attention. The Georgetown Hospital has recognised this problem and called for collaboration with the Baby Heart Foundation.

The initiative had then been a little over two years in the making and it was not an easy process. The project however, started way back with the advent of cardiac screening and has been achieving tremendous success. Children from all regions of Guyana have benefited from the project.

Its first success saw 12 successful heart surgeries on children ranging from nine months to 21 years old during its April-May visit this year. Its second mission, late June to July, saw 19 successful surgeries. When accumulated, a total of 31 surgeries were performed with zero mortality.

Soto reflected on the team’s first visit when they saw a large number of sick children, most of whom were dying and needed urgent attention. Aside from that, Soto said the team was heartened by the fact that the hospital along with the Ministry of Health, shared

ies. However, Soto added that greater commitment was seen from the Ministry of Health and the GPHC during the team’s second trip in stemming the minor problems faced by the team.

The foundation has managed to boost the hospital’s performance by imparting their

knowledge to the local staff.

The foundation is equipped with a team of heart specialists that ventures into different countries around the world and provides assistance to children with severe heart defects.

Guyana is nevertheless, fortunate to have benefited

twice from the operations of the foundation.

The team is scheduled to revisit Guyana come November to perform more surgeries, and to maintain its zero mortality with its focus committed to children, specifically those under five years old.

Indigenous Peoples seven-day outre

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OVER the past seven days a high-level ministerial team visited Region 9 where they met and interacted with residents from about 45 villages.

The team was led by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and included Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams.

Other members included Legal Advisor, David James; Advisor on Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Mervyn Williams; Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Claude Bolton; newly sworn in Regional Chairman, Bryan Allicock; and Regional Executive Officer (REO), Carl Parker.

Meetings were held at Aishalton, Sand Creek, Shulinab, St Ignatius, Nappy, Yupukari, Toka, Aranaputa, Karasabai and Annai. Among the issues raised by residents of the respective villages were: access to quality health and education services, the need for support in the areas of agriculture, communication, security, water and land rights.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Residents gathered at the St Ignatius Benab for the community meeting

Minister of Indigenous Peop Aranaputa

s’ Affairs concludes each in Region 9 GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

ple’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock adressing the residents of The issue of land titling and demarcation was most prevalent amongst villagers, since the communities’ developmental agenda is solely dependent on the regularisation of land.

According to James, the issue of lands rights will be prioritised. He said the Ministry is currently reviewing the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation Project which began about two years ago under the previous Administration. It is expected that very shortly, investigations will continue, which will see a team spreading out into communities earmarked for titling and demarcation.

James further explained that once the investigation is completed, a report will be prepared and reviewed and recommendations made will be acted upon. One of the requests from the villagers is that they be made privy to some of the information coming out of the investigation so that they can validate it.

“It should be an exercise that brings satisfaction to the villagers and of course, Government,” James stressed.

There was also a clarion call by the youths for a more structured approach to the development of sports within the communities. Recognising that Hinterland communities have not been benefiting from a structured sports programme, Williams announced that the Ministry is in the process of meeting the needs of the community in this regard.

“There is naturally rich talent in the hinterland. The discipline is there, the capacity is there, the desire is there, but there is need for a structured approach,” Williams noted. He said one aspect of that programme has to do with football and the Ministry is working on a three-year plan beginning January, 2016, to ensure that there is a significant presence of indigenous footballers (both men and women), on the national football team.

Further, the impressed GFF Technical Director Bolton has committed to partnering with the Ministry in designing a programme in this regard. The Ministry, see page 19

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Youths showcasing their culture in the form of a dance

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs concludes ...

The community of Annai, Region 9

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido- Lowe addressing the residents in Aranaputa From center page in collaboration with the GFF, is in the process of identifying individuals in Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 to participate in a coaching programme during the month of August.

The GFF will ultimately design a programme that takes coaching into Hinterland communities and those persons will be involved in that village-based programme.

The residents were also informed by the team that a similar approach will be taken for scouting, to equip adult leaders to take charge of the local training and place at least one scout group in each Hinterland region.

In terms of education, it was recognised that the Regional Education Department lacks the resources to reach out to the schools. As such, Minister Allicock has committed to immediately providing an All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) to the Department so that officers can visit schools regularly.

There is also the question of cultural development, for which Minister Lowe has lead responsible. She informed the residents that the Ministry is working on a plan that will see indigenous culture being significantly boosted, especially as it relates to the Indigenous languages, craft, clothing and food. The aim is to harness and promote the talents of the people, which can result in the way of life of the indigenous people becoming a tourist commodity.

Minister Allicock made it clear that he will be strongly pushing for tourism in Amerindian communities, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the villages.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 17, 2015

GPL launches country-wide Customer Care Survey KEEPING in mind the rapidly changing and developing environment combined with the continuous need to improve customer care, the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) has launched a customer care survey country-wide.

The company through a press statement stated that this survey is primarily focused on examining the quality of customer care extended to “our valued customers when visiting our Customer Services Offices and while accessing our Call Centre.

“We are therefore seeking the full cooperation of

our customers as the feedback garnered is critical for improving the areas which require enhancement.

“Just to note, such important customer feedback in recent years has led to many improvements, including the introduction of Customer Service Centres in district hubs across Guyana in 2014: East Coast Demerara (Mon Repos Centre), East Bank Demerara, (Grove Centre) and East Bank Essequibo (Parika Centre).

This bears testimony to our company’s’ commitment of ardently using the feedback garnered to improve service delivery,”the statement read.

In this process, custom-

ers may be approached by a representative with proper identification, when visiting any of the Customer Services Offices, at their homes or via telephone to answer just a few simple questions which can impact greatly on our customer care.

GPL would like to emphasise that “this survey will be continuously done during the second half of this year and timely feedback will be given to our customers.”

The company looks forward to the support of our valued customers in this endeavour as we work collectively to provide outstanding customer care.

For further informa-

tion pertaining to the survey, customers are asked

to contact our Commercial Call Centre on 226-2606 or

the Public Relations Unit on 225-1471.

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Claude Blackmore to chair Pan AM Technical Committee GUYANESE official Claude Blackmore will chair the Jury of Appeal in the athletics division for this edition of the Pan American Games currently being contested in Canada.

Blackmore, a former president of the Amateur Athletics of Guyana (AAG), will head the panel chosen from the Pan American region to assist in the administration of the discipline.

The other members of the jury will be Pauline Davis of the Bahamas, Roberto Gesta De Melo of Brazil, Alberto Juantoreno of Cuba and Abby Hoffman of Canada.

The team will form part of 22 International Technical

Officials (ITOS) that will assist in the administration of the discipline of Athletics which has the largest number of participants with some 680 athletes.

According to reports out of Canada, some 1 100 athletes had made the qualifying standards which had posed a situation for the Organising committee.

Nonetheless the technical delegate for the games, David Katz of the United States of America, had managed to work with Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO) and set up the ITOS in order to ensure the smooth running of the games.

Athletics is currently under way.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday July 18, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) T&T Red Steel (2) Chris Gayle Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest individual score (without a six) made in CPL cricket to date?

(2) Who is the first player to be dismissed ‘stumped’ in Hero CPL 2015?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Pegasi 09:05 hrs Captain Sam 09:40 hrs Mambo Square 10:15 hrs Purple Mountains 10:55 hrs Crystal Cavern 11:25 hrs Jam Tart ENGLISH RACING TIPS Newbury 08:25 hrs Trevisani 09:00 hrs Sealife 09:35 hrs Consort 10:15 hrs Portamento 10:45 hrs Hawatif 11:20 hrs Emell 11:55 hrs Thunder Pass

NEWMARKET 08:40 hrs Strong Steps 09:15 hrs Arabian Comet 09:50 hrs Sharaakah 10:25 hrs Russian Heroine 11:00 hrs Baroot 11:35 hrs Aranka CHESTER 09:25 hrs Only Joking 10:00 hrs Ballymore Castle 10:35 hrs Palawan 11:10 hrs Cymro 12:20 hrs Distain HAYDOCK 13:20 hrs Swift Cedar 13:50 hrs White Flag 14:25 hrs John Splendid 14:55 hrs Hakesbury 15:25 hrs Cape Victoria 15:55 hrs Dylan’s Storm IRISH RACING TIPS Curragh 10:05 hrs Clear Skies 10:40 hrs Have A Nice Day 11:15 hrs Balmont Mast 11:45 hrs Final Frontier 12:15 hrs Mecca’s Angtel 12:50 hrs Curvy 13:25 hrs The Plan Man 13:55 hrs Gelenschik AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Mandolin Wins Race 2 Private Tale Race 3 saratoga Snacks Race 4 Attractive Ride Race 5 Vigilante Race 6 Lucky Laurie Race 7 Transcend Race 8 Dekalb County Race 9 Perfect Freud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Ticket-holders for Wednesday’s rained-out CPL match can obtain refunds

THE MANAGEMENT of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise has announced that ticket-holders for Wednesday’s rained-out game between Amazon Warriors and the Appleton Estate Jamaica Tallawahs, who were unable to collect ‘exchange tickets’ for yesterday’s game between the Warriors and the St Lucia Zouks can obtain refunds.

Ti c k e t - h o l d e r s f o r Wednesday’s game can present their ticket stubs, which will have their names on them, and a form of identification (Passport or National Identification Card) only at the Ticket Outlet, CPL OPCO Guyana Inc Office, Middle Street, Georgetown between 08:00hrs and 17:00hrs from Wednesday, July 22nd to Friday July 24.

Only persons who purchased tickets at the authorised ticketing outlets will be eligible for refunds,

and ticket-holders must appear in person. Complimentary tickets will not be refunded. The Ticket Office has a record of all those who purchased tickets, and hence will be able to verify legitimate ticket-holders.

The management of the Guyana Amazon Warriors had put in place a ‘ticket exchange programme’ through which persons who purchased tickets for the rained-

out game could have claimed tickets for yesterday’s game between the Amazon Warriors and the Zouks.

That decision was taken following the abandonment of the game between the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Jamaica Tallawahs, as well as taking into consideration the passionate support of fans for the Amazon Warriors team in particular and the Hero Caribbean Premier

League (CPL) tournament in general.

According to a release from CPL, this refund programme is yet another demonstration that the management of the Amazon Warriors Franchise is deeply appreciative of the support from the people of Guyana during the hosting of the CPL games in Guyana and, indeed, the rest of the Caribbean.

were 5-0 victors at home in 2013-14, only need to draw the series to retain the Ashes.

With the comfort of a mammoth total behind them, Australia’s pacemen could afford to let rip against England batsmen wearied by nearly two days in the field.

And it took only took two balls to land the break-

through. Adam Lyth, wafting at a wide away-swinger, edged into the gloves of debutant wicketkeeper Peter Nevill.

Gary Ballance paid a high price for having the cheek to drive Johnson’s first ball for four as a 90mph yorker cannoned into his off stump.

Ian Bell was bowled by Josh Hazlewood when he

tried to work a straight ball to leg, and Joe Root - so often England’s saviour in recent times - edged Johnson behind for one.

With the close of play still 19 overs away, Australia sensed an opportunity to all but wrap up the match, but Stokes counter-punched his way to 38 and Cook dug deep to reach 21 by stumps.

England collapse after Steve Smith double at Lord’s

AUSTRALIA took a giant stride towards levelling the Ashes series as they racked up a huge total and devastated England’s top order on the second day of the Lord’s Test.

Steve Smith’s masterful 215 underpinned Australia’s 566-8 declared and laid a platform from which to attack with the ball.

In an electrifying spell of fast bowling, Mitchell Johnson took two wickets in seven balls as England lost their first four wickets for 30 runs.

On a pitch that remains slow, Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes spared England further embarrassment with an unbroken 55-run stand but they closed on 85-4, still 481 runs in arrears.

England’s deficit reflects two days of complete Australia dominance in response to losing the first Test in Cardiff by 169 runs.

Australia, who

Australia’s Mitchell Johnson reacts after dismissing England’s Joe Root.

Lady Jags open camp

GUYANA’S female National football team, popularly known as the ‘Lady Jags’, will open their week-long camp today as they heighten preparations for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Olympic Qualifier.

The Lady Jags, placed in Group Four, will compete against St Kitts and Nevis on August 21 and Cuba two days later in the Dominican Republic.

The team is made up primarily of professional players, plying their trade in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, as well as women in the U.S. Collegiate system.

Head coach Mark Rodrigues who, along with Technical Director Claude Bolton, hosted a camp in Toronto, Canada last month, believes that the team, being dormant since their historic run in 2010, still have plenty of ground to cover in order to retain their status in Caribbean football.

According to Rodrigues, the camp which runs from Saturday through Sunday July 26, will focus primarily to get players to gel as a unit and comprises tactical and functional sessions, while addressing the team’s fitness.

“Of course we are excited to be playing in Olympic Qualifiers. Yet again, we just do not just want to participate, we intend to leave a lasting impression on field and continue to leave a lasting impression on women’s football in Guyana,” the women’s head coach noted.

In 2010, the Lady Jags qualified for the Women’s Gold Cup in Cancun Mexico, becoming the first Guyanese national team to feature at the pinnacle of CONCACAF football, where they played against the hosts, Canada and Trinidad and Tobago.

“There is no difference this time around compared to 2010 – the goal is and remains the same,” Rodrigues said, while adding, “the Lady Jags, similar to the men, are a vehicle to bring Guyanese together worldwide. This is what we have to use as a catalyst for the physical and social development of the youths in our country.”

Meanwhile, Bolton, speaking on team’s expectation, especially since the women’s team is Guyana’s most successful at all levels, made it clear, “We have no illusions. We know that this group is not expected, nor have they been prepared, to compete at the highest levels. However, coach Rodrigues and every single player have proudly and eagerly accepted the challenge. This effort can be the catalyst for making certain that we never face such a reality again.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Ex-FIFA official Webb is in U.S., prosecutor tells court FORMER FIFA vice-president Jeffrey Webb has arrived in the United States to face criminal charges in a global soccer corruption scandal, a U.S. prosecutor confirmed yesterday to the judge overseeing the case.

Prosecutor Evan Norris said during a court hearing in Brooklyn, New York, that he did not know when Webb would make his first appearance in court to hear the charges against him and enter a plea.

Webb, a Cayman Islands national, was arrested in May in Zurich, along with six other current and former FIFA officials, as U.S. authorities announced a sweeping investigation of corruption in soccer. He later agreed not to fight extradition from Switzerland.

A U.S. lawyer for Webb, who was also pres-

Former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb ident of the CONCACAF regional soccer federa-

tion, did not immediately respond to a request for comment yesterday.

U.S. authorities are seeking the extradition of the six other officials from Switzerland as well as defendants from other countries.

Norris said during the hearing that he did not know how long the Swiss process would take because the defendants could seek lengthy appeals in courts there.

U.S. District Judge Raymond Dearie said it was too soon to set a trial date for Webb or for Aaron Davidson, a former sports marketing executive in Miami.

Davidson, the only other defendant currently in the United States among 14 men who were indicted, has

pleaded not guilty.

The indictment unsealed by U.S. prosecutors charged soccer officials and marketing executives with exploiting the sport for their own gain through bribes of more than $150 million over 24 years. U.S. and Swiss authorities say they are continuing with parallel investigations of the sport.

A U.S. trial, likely months away, could happen before all the defendants have arrived on U.S. soil, the judge said.

The U.S. Constitution guarantees defendants a “speedy” trial.

“Somebody’s going to insist on his trial, and at some point, we’re going to have to accommodate him,” Dearie said.

Edghill selected to attend LATTU Training JUNIOR National Champion Chelsea Edghill has been selected to attend a high-level training programme from August 11 to 17 in Puerto Rico, set up by the Latin America Table Tennis Union (LATTU).

The camp will allow the top 22 junior and cadet players selected from the Latin America region the opportunity to practise, train and play matches with Chinese national junior players.

The one-week sessions will also feature intense training under the guidance of Chinese Olympic and World champion team coaches, headed by world renowned top-level Chinese coach Zhang Xiaopeng.

According to a release from the Guyana Table Tennis Association, each region was given a specific age group and number of participants to nominate.

Central America was offered 7 spots (4 girls + 3 boys) in either the cadet or junior class. The Caribbe-

Matthew Briggs looking forward to Golden Jaguars return COLCHESTER United fullback Matthew Briggs says his first taste of senior international football with Guyana has boosted him ahead of the new season with the English League One club and is relishing the opportunity to once again don the colours of the Golden Jaguars.

The 24-year-old Briggs, the youngest player to feature in the English Premier League with Fulham FC, got his first senior International cap when he represented Guyana in their 2-0 win over Grenada in March, leading up to the 2018 World Cup Qualifier.

Briggs, who represented England at the youth level (U-16 through U-21), told the local Colchester newspapers, the Daily Gazette, that “the

international experience I’ve had has been good, especially

MATTHEW BRIGGS being at senior level now. It’s

been enjoyable, travelling around the world and playing in hot climates and it’s been a good experience and I relished it.”

The former Millwall defender, who recently signed a two-year deal with Colchester United, admitted in the interview that he’s glad about his decision to represent the South American nation, noting, “Anyone would love to play international football, given the chance. I’m definitely hoping for further call-ups and when I’ve been away, I feel I’ve done well and given a good account of myself. Hopefully, it’s given me a good chance of being called up again.”

Briggs, whose family are from Guyana, is hoping that there will be more opportu-

nities for him to impress on the world stage in the coming months.

The player in the interview said that he had never previously visited Guyana, prior to being selected for the squad for friendlies against St Lucia and Grenada, in March.

After making his full international debut against Grenada, he was picked for the Golden Jaguars’ World Cup second-round qualifier last month along with former Colchester United and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Neil Danns.

But Briggs ended up missing both legs of the Golden Jaguars’ qualifier against St Vincent and the Grenadines, who won on away goals after the tie finished 6-6 on aggregate.

Chris Froome sixth as Greg van Avermaet wins stage 13 TEAM Sky’s Chris Froome came sixth in stage 13 of the Tour de France to keep the overall lead as Greg van Avermaet stunned Peter Sagan in a sprint finish.

Belgian van Avermaet held off Slovakia’s Sagan on the line to win the 198.5km leg from Muret to Rodez.

Early breakaway riders Thomas de Gendt, Wilco Kelderman and Cyril Gautier were caught with 200 metres remaining.

Britain’s Froome, 30, remains two minutes and 52 seconds ahead of second-placed Tejay van Garderen.

American van Garderen, who finished 10th but with the same time as Froome, had few opportunities to make up ground on the yellow jersey holder on a stage that lacked drama until the final minutes.

Froome, having showed his resilience in the previous stage by holding

off attacks from his general classification rivals, had a more straightforward time in the peloton on a day when temperatures of up to 35C proved the most troubling factor for riders.

The steep finish on today’s 178.5km route to Mende may offer slight grounds for optimism to Froome’s prospective GC contenders.

Stage 13 came agonisingly close to being won by a breakaway rider, but Belgian De Gendt, Dutchman Kelderman and France’s Gautier, having led the field for the whole day, were overhauled by the peloton on the streets of Rodez with the finish line in sight.

The final incline allowed the peloton to catch them with BMC rider van Avermaet, 30, claiming his first Tour stage win by finishing stronger than Sagan, who has

not won a Tour stage in two years.

The result takes Tinkoff-Saxo rider Sagan’s number of second-place finishes in his Tour career to 15, compared with just four victories.

Sagan, 25, who keeps hold of the green points jersey, told ITV4: “It’s not about luck. It was my mistake for waiting too long.

Leaderboard 1. Chris Froome (GB) Team Sky 51hrs 34mins 21secs 2. Tejay van Garderen (US) BMC Racing +2mins 52secs 3. Nairo Quintana (Col) Movistar +3mins 9secs 4. Alejandro Valverde (Spa) Movistar +3mins 58secs 5. Geraint Thomas (GB) Team Sky +4mins 3secs

CHELSEA EDGHILL an was offered the same number in the same classes.

The split featured 3 girls and 4 boys. South America had 8 spots split evenly between male and female.

The national associations within the region were allowed to nominate a maximum of 2 two players/entries, one female and one male, of which the regional confederation choose one athlete to attend the training camp. Chelsea Edghill and Shemar Britton were Guyana’s nominees.

LATTU utilised various criteria for the selection of athletes to the camp including results from Regional Cadet and Junior Championship 2015 (South American, Central American, Caribbean) as well as players’ LATTU Ranking to June 2015.

The training will take place at the Nilmarie Santini Gymnasium – Sports and Recreation Department, San Juan. As an added incentive the programme offers the best players (one boy and one girl), selected based on their ability, results, technical level and commitment to training, to participate in higher levels and continuous training.

China’s Table Tennis Association will deliver Double Happiness gear to all participating countries.

They join with the China Table Tennis Association, Puerto Rico Table Tennis Federation, ITTF Dream Building, Sports and Recreation Department and Puerto Rico Olympic Committee in making the camp a reality.

While accommodation and meals will be free of cost, the GTTA has to find airfares for the athlete and her coach.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

We have the ability to retain our CASA Titles - Fernandes

AS GUYANA prepare to open their bid at the Junior Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) later today, the president of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) David Fernandes has backed his side to return several titles to Guyana.

Speaking exclusively to the Guyana Chronicle, the GSA boss believes that his side is more prepared this year for the battle that looms in Barbados.

“Actually, this year, some may say we got off to a late start but I actually believe that the team are better prepared than they were last year. The physical work that they did in the last few weeks has really been good for them and all of them are

fitter than they were last year. This year we have the ability to win four (individual) titles and I feel very confident if everything goes as planned and if everyone works hard during the matches, that we have a very good chance of retaining our team title this year.”

He noted that the region has been priming to dethrone Guyana and it is with this that the unit has been training to ensure the retention of their coveted country title.

“All the other countries have been working very hard to improve and that means that our team in Guyana have to keep pushing to try and make sure that we are competitive at every category.”

He showered praise on both the male and female captains, ahead of the tour-

nament’s start today, underscoring that they have both

DAVID FERNANDES been able to excel at the local levels in all aspects.

All members arrived yesterday. Under-13 boys -

Shomari Wiltshire, Samuel Ince-Carvahal, Demetrius De Abreu, Gianni Carpenter, Justin Lilico, Quinn Lilico, and Xavier Gordon.

At the Under-15 male level are Daniel and Anthony Islam while the Under-17 level has Ben Mekdeci and Alexander Cheeks.

On the distaff side at the Under-13 level are Kirsten Gomes, Madison Fernandes, Haley Carpenter, Aliyah Persaud and Sage Gordon while at the U-15 level is Makeda Harding. The U-17 reps are Rebecca Low and Sarah Lewis while Taylor Fernandes, Larissa Wiltshire, Gabrielle Fraser and U-19 female champion and captain Akeila make up the U-19 group.

Carl Ince is the coach, Tiffany Solomon is the assistant coach, Wiltshire is the manager with Fernandes as assistant manager.

Pompey confident of exciting results at Pan Am Games

By Frederick Halley MANAGER/coach of Guyana’s three-member Pan Am Games athletics squad Aliann Pompey feels her charges “pack quite a punch” to do well at the showpiece event of the games now under way here in Toronto, Canada.

While other disciplines got under way last weekend, the women’s marathon which is due to be staged today (Saturday) will signal the start of track and field.

Guyana is being represented by top sprinters Adam Harris, Winston George and debutant Jenea McCammon and they will spring into action on Tuesday at the York University Campus, venue for the athletics showdown.

In an interview with Chronicle Sport, a somewhat confident Pompey declared, “We have a small squad of three but they pack quite a punch.

Winston George has broken the national record this year, running 45.31 seconds over the 400 metres while McCammon, who is set to compete in the 400 metres hurdles, ran her fastest time in two

years in the said event.”

The former Commonwealth 400 metres gold medallist also alluded to the fact that “Harris ran under 10 seconds in the 100 metres, albeit wind-assisted.”

Pompey, who retired from the track a few months ago, also pointed out that “leading up to the games preparations seem to indicate exciting results. Myself and the rest of the Guyanese contingency will be there to support them any way we can.”

The overseas-based Harris represented Guyana in the 2008 Summer Olympics, 2009 World Championships, 2013 World Championships and 2014 World Indoor Championships.

He competed in the 200 metres event at the 2008 Olympic Games, but without reaching the final round.

His personal best time is 20.60 seconds, achieved in July 2013 in Morelia, Mexico. Harris is also Guyana’s National record-holder in the 100 metres & 60 metres dashes. He has 9.90 seconds (wind-aided)/10.09 seconds (wind-legal) in

the 100 metres, and 6.55 seconds in the 60 metres, achieved in February 2014 at the Kelly Family Sports Center in Allendale on the campus of Grand Valley State University.

McCammon, who will be donning Guyana colours for the first time, pointed out that she has been running track and field ever since she was nine years old and according to her “all of the hard work I, along with my coaches, have put in. has finally paid off. I can now say that I am a professional athlete representing Guyana for the first time in July 2015 at Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. I will then hopefully take my talents to Guyana to compete in the Boyce & Jefford Track & Field Classic in August.

McCammon attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University from 2009 and graduated in 2013.

Selected as the Amateur Athletics Association of Guyana (AAAG) Athlete-of-the-Year last season, George also competed in the 400 metres at the 2012 Olympics Games, staged in the United Kingdom where he was also his country’s flag-bearer.

IAAF Youth Games

Samuels suffers 400m disqualification

By Stephan Sookram GUYANESE Avon Samuels was disqualified during the semi-final of the 400m at the International Association of Athletics Federations Youth Championships, currently being held in Cali, Colombia.

Samuels, who had gotten into the semi-final with a personal-best time of 55.42 seconds on Wednesday, was the only Guyanese on the opening day to advance to the next round of competition.

She finished fourth in Heat 4 with that time.

However, running in the second lane of the third heat during the semifinals, Samuels was disqualified under 163.3 (a) of the IAAF rules, according to the event’s official website.

According to the IAAF rule book, in all races run in lanes, each athlete shall keep within his/her allocated lane from start to finish. This shall also apply to any portion of a race run in lanes.

On Wednesday Natricia Hooper also took part in the female 400-metre heat but was disqualified from the race based on that same rule. The quickest time of the semi-final was a personal best by American Lynna Irby with 55.77 seconds.

Guyanese sprinter Compton Caesar delivered a personal best in the male event, posting 10.87 seconds in his 100-metre heat but failed to advance behind Brazilian Derrick Silva (first), Amores Edel (second) and Angus Xavior (third).

In the 400m records of the Championship, Guyana’s Kadecia Baird sits 6th in the all-time fastest women with a time of 51.04 set in Barcelona in 2012.

The outdoor list is led by Jing Li of China (50.01) and was set in Shanghai on October 18, 1997.

Bohemia retain Windball titles BOHEMIA retained both their male and female titles in the recently concluded 18th annual Ministry of Education Department of Sport-sanctioned AL Sport & Tour Promotions End of School Year Primary Schools Windball Cricket tournament.

Playing at the Welfare Centre ground, the female team won the toss against St Patrick’s Primary and scored 38-2 off 5 overs.

Eve Sattaur scored 11 while six-year-

old Devina Singh scored 10. In reply, St Patrick’s Primary were restricted to 30-4.

The Bohemia male side won the toss again but asked St Patrick’s to bat first.

They posted 36-4 thanks to Cowin Newyear’s top score of 10.

In response, Bohemia made 37-2 as Daniel Persaud’s 17, along with Barrat Rampaul’s 10, led the team to their win.

The presentation of prizes will be done in the new school year.

Bohemia male and female teams pose after retaining their Windball titles.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday July 18, 2015

Hero Caribbean Premier League…

Warriors limp past Zouks at home

By Stephan Sookram

THE Amazon Warriors completed a three-wicket win over St Lucia Zouks last evening in a nail biting affair.

Chasing 112 with 20 overs to face, Warriors started the chase comfortably.

After the first six overs, Lendl Simmons scored 25 off 20 (5x4), Assad Fudadin departed for a run-a-ball five then the skipper Denesh Ramdin joined Simmons at the crease.

The duo brought up the 50 off just 6.2 overs much to the pleasure of the Guyanese crowd which was not short of excited fans. Safe singles seemed to be the route the Warriors would take to chase the target down and it worked well for them, before Simmons 31 (27b 5x4 0x6) lofted one to the long on, down the throat of substitute Keddy Lesporis off the bowling of Keron Cottoy.

The departure of Brad Hodge for a duck then silenced the Warriors crowd. A pretty little partnership began to brew between Umar Akmal and Ramdin before the Pakistani was surprisingly given LBW off the bowling of Cottoy.

The departure of hometown hero Christopher Barnwell for 7 gave Cottoy his fourth wicket of the night and set the warriors on a downward spiral.

David Wiese came to the crease to try to bring it home but did not spend long either as he was run out for a duck. Sunil Narine followed soon after for 1 via the same route as Wiese.

Down to the wire was where the game headed as Veerasammy Permaul came out to join the captain in the middle.

Permaul, looking very mature in front of the home crowd settled the innings and brought the game home with a smashing six over midwicket which ignited the crowd.

Ramdin ended on 39 off 45 balls and Permaul 9 (10).

The bowling figures saw Cotty end with with 4-0-18-4 and Johnson 2-1-10-1.

Earlier, Johnson Charles was the first wicket to go for the Zouks after he was bowled advancing to David Weise, while Andre Fletcher was the second to fall after he was

SCOREBOARD St Lucia Zouks Innings A Fletcher lbw Narine 15 J Charles b Wiese 11 KP Pietersen* lbw Narine 24 D Johnson c de Lange b Narine 0 H Davids not out 25 K Mayers c Bishoo b Hodge 7 R Taylor c Bishoo b de Lange 20 N McCullum c Ramdin b Wiese 1 K Cottoy not out 0 Extras 8 Total (7 wickets; 20 overs) 111 DNB – F Edwards, S Gabriel Bowling: V Permaul (4-0-19-0), M de Lange (3-0-281), D Wiese (4-0-25-2), S Narine (4-1-6-1), D Bishoo (4-0-19-0), B Hodge (1-0-9-1) Guyana Amazon Warriors Innings L Simmons c Lesporis b Cottoy 31 A Fudadin c Gabriel b Johnson 5 D Ramdin* not out 39 B Hodge c&b Cottoy 0 U Akmal lbw Cottoy 7 C Barnwell b Cottoy 7 D Wiese run out (Lesporis) 0 S Narine run out (Charles) 1 V Permaul not out 9 Extras 13

Total (7 wickets; 18 overs) 112 DNB – M de Lange, D Bishoo Bowling: N McCullum (4-0-22-0), F Edward (4-030-0), D Johnson (2-1-10-1), Kyle Mayers (1-0-7-0), S Gabriel (2-0-11-0), K Cottoy (4-0-18-4), A Fletcher (1-0-10-0) Results: Amazon Warriors won by 3 wickets Toss - Warriors, who chose to field Points – GAW 2, Zouks 0

caught lbw off the bowling of Narine with the score on 49.

Delorn Johnson looking to accelerate the scoring had a short stint at the crease, after being caught the very next ball at long off for a duck, leaving the St Lucia Franchise at 49-3.

Captain Kevin Pietersen who looked set with some classic flicks and cuts was given a lifeline in the fifth over after he was dropped by Umar Akmal at cover on 16.

He eventually had to depart after the first ball of the ninth over, struck lbw by Narine for 24. Kyle Mayers put the Zouks in even more trouble after he departed for 7 holding out to Devendra Bishoo off the bowling of Brad Hodge.

Ross Taylor and Henry Davids steadied the ship but found trouble accelerating in the ending stages. Taylor too held out to Bishoo at deep midwicket as he scored a composed run-a-ball 20. Nathan Mc Cullum had hopes of delivering but departed in two balls. Davids ended not out on 25 (34b 1X4) alongside Cotty 0 (1) as Narine ended with figures of 4-1-6-3 while Weise had 4-0-28-2, De Lange 3-0-28-1 and Hodge 1-0-1-9.

The Warriors spring into action again today against League leaders Barbados Tridents at 16:00 hrs at the same venue.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Hero Caribbean Premier League‌

Warriors limp past Zouks at home

See story on page 31

Johnson Charles is bowled by David Wiese in match 26 of the Hero CPL match last evening at the Providence National Stadium, Guyana.

Amazon Warriors Captain Denesh Ramdin celebrates as he takes Versammy Permaul airborne after hitting the six that won the game off the bowling of Fidel Edwards.

The Grass Mound invaded by Warriors supporters who witnessed their side take down St Lucia Zouks at the Providence National Stadium. (Adrian Narine Photos) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2015