2015 8 03

GUYANA No. 104270

MONDAY AUGUST 3, 2015

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

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CARICOM seeks audience with former colonial masters Page 5

––as it strengthens case for reparation

President 8 Berbicians welcome move 3 fellowships to reduce Berbice Bridge toll with Freedom Life Ministries Page

Page

... On its 7th Anniversary

Teachers upbeat about acquiring latops 6 from Gov’t Page

President David Granger addressing the hundreds in attendance at the seventh anniversary celebration of Freedom Life Ministries yesterday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

President calls on Guyanese to build strong communities ––at Emancipation celebrations in Berbice

AS President David Granger joined Berbicians in observing the 177th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, he called for a new covenant to be made on the pillars of family, school, church and entrepreneurship.

The President was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry; and regional officials as he participated in

Emancipation Day activities in Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday.

The President’s first stop was at Kildonan, where the #28 Bush Lot/Adventure in Action group gave him a grand welcome. He also made his way to Liverpool, where the Hogstye/Lancaster Ibo Group put on a cultural show. Over at Sandvoort Village, the President enjoyed another cultural programme.

In his Emancipation Day address to the residents of

President David Granger as he addressed the gathering at Kildonan Village Corentyne on Emancipation Day

Residents of Sandvoort, West Canje, Berbice who came out to be a part of Emancipation 2015 celebrations Berbice, the President urged that they see Emancipation Day 2015 as “New Year’s Day”, as well as a day where a resolution is made to aid in the further development of families, and ultimately the communities they live in. “Strong homes make strong communities; strong communities make strong regions; and strong regions make a strong country,” President Granger said.

As he called on citizens to look to the future, the President noted the importance of learning from the lessons of their foreparents. These lessons, he pointed out, include the importance of keeping families together, raising a society with the fear and love of God, ensuring education and practising entrepreneurship.

“You must free yourself; don’t look to government for everything. You can do it because your foreparents were able to do it with less resources,” the President said.

Further, the President challenged the residents to play their role in building the nation, by ensuring See page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

Berbicians welcome move to reduce Berbice Bridge toll

By Jeune Bailey VanKeric BERBICIANS have collectively welcomed the Government’s move to reduce the Bebice Bridge toll, but some are saying that it should not be subsidised by the State.

However, others feel that no one company should have a monopoly but instead it should be open for competition among other businesses.

President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce [ UCCC] Mr. Abraham Subnauth told this newspaper that while he welcomes the move, he is hopeful that the reduction will apply to commercial traffic as well.

“The cost of goods leaving and entering the region is very high, and needs to be reduced,” Subnauth said.

He noted that the Chamber had previously held several meetings with the Bridge Company, where several concerns were raised, including the toll reduction.

However, the businessman was not in agreement with the government’s position to subsidise the company.

He suggests, instead, that the State creates an avenue for competition rather than allow the current company to have the monopoly.

“Open an avenue for competition. Once there is competition, the toll will eventually be reduced,” he suggested.

Another businessman, Ramroop Ragnauth, popularly known as ‘Danzies’, also welcomes the move, as it was one of his main concerns, having felt that the fee being asked was “too exorbitant”.

He suggested that the toll reflect that paid by commuters traversing the Demerara Harbour Bridge in Georgetown, who are privileged to do so at an extremely low cost.

“We all pay the same taxes; we are exposed to the same income. Why should our

Meanwhile, a hire car driver, who gave his name as Charles, was in high spirits on hearing the announcement, since he feels that it will bring a reduction in the burden faced by persons living on the West Coast of Berbice who have to traverse the bridge every day

toll be higher,” asked Ragnauth.

Ragnauth is the President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association, and supports the Government’s initiative to subsidise the company.

“I know it is a private partnership, but the Government should have subsidised it a long time ago, as it is doing now,” he said.

in an effort to get to school or work.

According to Charles, it costs a family in excess of a thousand dollars for a child or

Trio in custody after Coomaka $1M robbery THREE men are in police custody following an armed robbery at Coomaka, Linden committed on an Enmore, East Coast Demerara man on Saturday night.

According to a police press release, at about 13:00 hrs on Saturday, Naresh Pooran, 43, of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, was held up by two men, one of whom was armed with a firearm, at Coomaka, Linden, during which the perpetrators took

away his licensed pistol and ammunition and $1M and escaped.

Subsequently, police ranks at a roadblock at Nottinghamshire, Linden, stopped and searched motor car HB 4064 in which the stolen firearm and ammunition along with $859,000.00 and an unlicensed .38 revolver with three rounds were recovered.

Three men have been arrested and are in police custody assisting with the investigations.

adult to cross to the other side of the Berbice River.

“The fare to just cross the bridge is $300; a return fare is double that figure.

A driver plying the bridge on a double trip will have to pay $4,400, which is equivalent to gasoline needed for the journey,” Charles said. “With a reduced toll, the passenger will be faced with a reduced fare.”

Another Berbician, Adrian Anamayah, said that the Berbice Bridge venture was due to a private investment, without which initiative, easy access to east Berbice would not have been possible.

He is of the opinion that the current toll should remain as is, when one considers the hours lost when having to wait for the ferry to cross.

He suggested, however, that a shuttle system be put in place to benefit teachers, students and other categories of workers who use the Berbice Bridge on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, Minister of Governance Mr Raphael Trotman, while chairing the weekly Cabinet press briefing last Wednesday, said the reduction is in keeping with the new Administration’s first 100-day plan, and is intended to ease the financial burden faced by everyday bridge users.

The reduction of the bridge’s toll will benefit mainly the people of Regions 5 (Mahaica-West Berbice) and Region 6 (East Corentyne-Berbice).

Vryheid’s Lust pedestrian killed in Montrose accident A PEDESTRIAN was killed on Saturday night as he attempted to cross t h e M o n t ro s e P u b l i c Road, East Coast Demerara.

The man has been identified as 46-year-old cattle farmer, Byron Persaud of Vryheid’s Lust, also on the East Coast Demerara.

He lived alone and reared cows.

Yesterday, his house was abandoned, while his neighbours were erecting a tent for a wake. They were very reluctant to divulge any information, but said they were just assisting, since he has no relatives around.

Police reported that

at about 20:25 hrs on Saturday, pedestrian Byron Persaud attempted to cross the roadway at Montrose, ECD, and was struck down by a motor vehicle.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The driver of the motor vehicle is in police custody assisting with the investigations.

The house where Byron Persaud lived alone prior to his demise

Cuban shot,robbed Henrietta shopkeeper shot during robbery on Regent Street

IN a third armed robbery over the weekend, at about 13:25 hrs yesterday, Cuban national Mirko Cardenos, 35, was walking along Regent Street, Georgetown, when he was attacked by two men, one of whom was armed with

a firearm.

Mirko Cardenas was shot to his chest and robbed of $9,000 by the perpetrators who escaped in a waiting motor car.

He has been admitted to hospital while police investigations continue.

AN Essequibo Coast businessman was shot and injured during an armed robbery at his shop on Saturday night.

Police said at about 23:00 hrs on Saturday, businessman Mark Warner, 47, of Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast, was in his shop when he was held at gunpoint by

three men, one of whom was armed with a firearm.

The perpetrators took away $150,000 during which Warner was assaulted and shot to his left foot. He has been admitted to the Suddie Hospital. Investigations are in progress.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

Woman, 82, succumbs after Houston accident

DAPHNE Layne, 82, of Lot 52 Banks Avenue, D’ Aguiar Park, Georgetown has succumbed to multiple injuries following the Friday morning accident at Houston Public Road.

She was the front seat passenger of motorcar HA 5086 when minibus PMM 3891 slammed into the rear of the car after putting off a passenger.

She was on her way to the Alexander Village masjid at about 08:30hrs when the collision occurred after she had left home in high spirits.

Layne sustained a broken hip, and a badly damaged face and was unconscious.

The driver, Joel James, 59, escaped with minor injuries and was treated and sent away, while two other passengers received serious injuries that required surgery. They are Amanda Ram, 34, and her son, 16-year-old Christopher Naipaul.

The group was heading to the Meadowbank wharf when a speeding ‘pit bull’ minibus, PMM 3891 registered to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), hit the side of the car which crashed into a utility pole.

Reports are that shortly after 08:20hrs, the car was travelling at a normal rate of speed when the accident happened; the driver of The Toyota car in which 82-year-old Daphne Layne lost her life

the heavily tinted minibus reportedly fled the scene of the accident.

However, the injured driver and passengers of

the car, a Toyota Carina 150, had to be pulled from the mangled vehicle, which also crashed into a utility pole and broke in two.

They were taken to the hospital for medical attention by passersby who rendered assistance.

The police were

summoned and lodged the bus, while the badly wrecked car was towed away by a Canter truck.

Taxi driver assisting police in Ruby murder probe POLICE are hoping to make a breakthrough in the murder of a Phil-

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adelphia, East Bank Essequibo seaman whose decomposing body was found along the access road at Ruby on Friday.

They have held the private hire taxi driver for questioning. The man

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claims that he picked up the deceased from his home, but on their way to Parika, also on the East Bank Essequibo, the passenger joined the vehicle of a friend and that was the last time he was seen alive.

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Davonan Sookram, 37, left home on July 27 for Parika, and had been missing since.

Police reported that at about noon on July 31, they received information that a decomposing body was observed along the access road at Ruby, with a suspected gunshot wound to the head.

It was later identified to be that of the missing man, Davonan Sookram.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

CARICOM seeks audience with former colonial masters --as it strengthens case for reparation

By Tajeram Mohabir GUYANA Reparations Committee Chair, Dr Eric Phillips reports that the governments of the Caribbean have agreed to move forward on dispatching a letter to former colonial powers, seeking to have an audience with them before year-end.

The Committee, in December, had submitted a comprehensive report to the former Administration for perusal, and to be forwarded to the CARICOM Reparation Commission.

The regional Commission is headed by distinguished Caribbean academic, Sir Hilary Beckles.

Dr Phillips told the Guyana Chronicle that the Region has a strong, evidence-based case that the Europeans would find difficult to defend, and that it is now a matter of due process.

He said that should Guyana succeed in its endeavour, the money awarded would not go to the Africa Cultural and Development Association (ACDA), but a National Endowment Fund.

“No individual cheques will be handed out; the Fund will focus on development, education, scholarships and the promotion and development of business,” Dr Phillips said.

He also noted that a Board will be nominated and elected to manage the Fund, and that the nationally-elected group will have a mandate to ensure that there is reparation both mentally and physically.

In the Region, Dr Phillips said, the reparation spirit is alive and well. He reported of a conference in Antigua, in New York with the African-American Reparations Committee, and of the CARICOM Heads of State, at their meeting in Barbados, voting to move the process forward.

FUNDING According to Phillips,

Head of the CARICOM Reparation Commission, Sir Hilary Beckles

the local Committee has been meeting weekly, and is hoping to get some funding in the budget to carry out its educational programmes on radio, television and other forms of the media. These will also include poetry and singing competitions.

“We are supporting that effort towards educating people. Right now in England, there are two BBC programmes, Series 1 and 2, which talk about the 46,000 former British slave owners; and so, we will be bringing those tapes to share the information here.

It [reparation] is a very active topic right now, globally and in CARICOM. We are waiting on the Budget, so that we can get some funding and go out in the field and do more things,” Dr Phillips said.

Sir Hilary, in a speech to the House of Commons in 2014, noted that the British Parliament in 1833 determined that the 800,000 enslaved people in the Caribbean were worth, as chattel property, £47M. This was their assessed market value.

The Parliament determined that all slave owners should receive just and fair compensation for the official taking away of their property, and provided the sum of £20M in grants to the slave owners as fair compensation for the loss of their human chattel.

PROPERTY “And we know that this Parliament determined that the enslaved people would receive none of this compensation. The argument made in this House was

that ‘property’ cannot receive property compensation. This Parliament, in its Emancipation Act, upheld the law that Black People were not human, but property,” he had said in his address.

The international historian revealed that what the British Parliament hid from the world is that it had also determined that the remaining £27M would be paid by the enslaved people to their enslavers, by means of a four-year period of free labour, called Apprenticeship.

B ritis h s la v e s h ip s brought 5.5 million enslaved Africans into their Caribbean colonies over a period of 180 years, and when slavery was abolished in 1838, there were just 800,000 persons remaining, a retention/survival rate of 15 per cent.

“CARICOM Governments, like the Government

Guyana Reparations Committee Chair, Dr Eric Phillips

of Great Britain, represent nations that are independent and equal. As such, they should proceed on the basis of their legitimate equality, without fear of retribution, in the best interest of humanity, and for a better future for us all,” Professor Beckles had urged in his address to the House of Commons.

The General Assembly of the United Nations, on December 23, 2013, proclaimed the International Decade for People of African Descent, commencing January 1, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2024, with the theme, ‘People of African descent: Recognition, justice and development’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

EDITORIAL

Guyana

Making Emancipation a month-long celebration

MOST of the activities to observe the 177th anniversary of Emancipation are now over. From all indications, it seems that this year’s observances were more widespread and elaborate.

As usual, ACDA’s Folk Festival at the National Park was very well attended by those in and around Georgetown. There were also smaller events in communities across the country. This is a good sign.

It is important that communities and their organisations be encouraged to mount these activities. They

serve to bring residents and communities together to reflect and celebrate this important moment in our history. Of course, given the plural nature of our country, these ethnic-centered observances do not generate much cross-ethnic participation.

That is a problem that cannot be overcome in the shortrun; it takes much public education to convince non-African groups of the linkages between Emancipation and their own place in the Guyanese tapestry.

Emancipation starts with the African Guyanese story, but it is simultaneously a

broader Guyanese and Caribbean story. Towards this end, we make the following suggestions. First, the government should declare August as Emancipation Month.

Organisations and communities would be able to plan programmes rather than a single activity on August 1.

This would allow the opportunity to integrate festivities with public education. Some communities such as Buxton and Bagotville are already doing this.

Second, more of the observances should focus on children, who should learn that Emancipation is more

than festivities. We propose that there should be Emancipation Camps for children during the month.

The Black-Consciousness organisation, Cuffy250, is already holding these camps in a few communities where the children are exposed to lectures on Black and Guyanese history and other subjects such as Law, Entrepreneurship, Health and Career Guidance. They also participate in drama, craft and creative writing, using Emancipation themes and narratives.

Third, we feel that in the weeks leading up to the

end of the Easter Term, the Ministry of Education should introduce a lecture series, whereby historians and others knowledgeable about Emancipation visit the schools and share their knowledge with the students. This can be done in collaboration with organisations such as ACDA, Cuffy250 and Pan African Organisation.

Finally, we support the imitative by the government to make some resources

available to the communities through their groups. But we urge a more equitable distribution of those resources.

It is unacceptable for one organisation to get $2 million, while the others get a few thousands. We agree that some groups have more elaborate programmes. But surely the huge gap can be closed without necessarily allocating more money.

Teachers upbeat about acquiring laptops from Gov’t

By Shivanie Sugrim IN light of the recent move by the Government to equip teachers with laptops to assist in the electronic delivery of the school curriculum, teachers from various regions in Guyana are upbeat about this development.

The last batch of 10,000 laptops from the One Laptop Per Family (OLPF) project is expected to arrive soon, and Government intends to channel these laptops towards teachers for the proper delivery of curriculum to students.

An enthusiastic ROSENNA REID, who is a teacher at the West Watooka Nursery in the mining town of Linden, said she was thrilled when she heard of the Government’s intention to give laptops to teachers. Reid said this initiative will, without a doubt, aid in

making her work easier since she as well as other teachers will be able to computerize their daily routines and foster better pupil interaction.

Being a teacher for thirty years, and now a Headmistress at La Retraite Primary School on the West Bank of Demerara, ROSANNE ALLEYNE said that this initiative was a “long-overdue” one and teachers will finally breathe a sigh of relief.

ENSURING INTERNET ACCESS Given that teachers at La Retraite Primary have not had access to computers for years, Alleyne said this initiative will enable them to carry out their respective tasks without any major hurdles. In addition, the Headmistress said she is hoping the Government will ensure the availability of internet access so that teachers can carry out re-

search and be up-to-date with information.

In Georgetown, AMIT MOHABIR, a teacher at Cummings Lodge Secondary, said this move by the Government will be beneficial for every teacher since it will reduce the cost to print materials for students by storing information on his/her system and doing Powerpoint presentations.

The distribution of these laptops, Mohabir said, will enable teachers to become more technologically knowledgeable so that they will be able to present information in an effective manner that assists in learning.

Mohabir also noted that most teachers do not own a personal computer, and so the distribution will provide the opportunity for self-improvement of teachers, given that they will be able to research information and build on their knowledge

in their respective fields.

Moreover, they will be able to impart clearer and more concise, yet comprehensive, information on the topic areas to their students.

In the Potaro-Siparuni Region of Guyana, at Paramakatoi Secondary School, there is the young and capable Information Technology teacher, ZINA BELL. A beaming Bell said she is grateful for this move by the Government, since she will be able to conduct practical lessons on Information Technology.

Speaking on behalf of the entire school, (Paramakatoi Nursery, Primary and Secondary) Bell said the teachers will be liberated from depending solely on textbooks, as this initiative will help in gathering information on the various subject areas. Bell, like Alleyne at La Retraite Primary, is also hoping that the Government will ensure

the availability of Internet access, once the distribution is done.

Meanwhile, this newspaper has received reports that computer systems at Paramakatoi Secondary are not working, and there is a lack of textbooks to deliver content to the students.

Paramakatoi is the biggest village in the Potaro-Siparuni Region, but yet less focus had been placed on enhancing its only school.

The community also has no electricity and Internet access.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT This laptop for teachers initiative by the Government originated after it was recognised that the education system has been dwindling. The reason for its downfall, according to Education Minister, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, stems from the existence

of ‘outmoded’ methods in schools.

This setback, said the Minister, can only be corrected once the system is equipped with new technologies for Guyana to see an actual revolution in the delivery of education in the school system.

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman has said that Government took this factor into consideration and decided to push for technological advancement in schools, beginning with providing laptops to teachers.

In the meantime, President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte says that aside from salary increases, equipping teachers with better instruments to deliver the content in schools would complete an enhancement package for any teacher.

(Additional reporting by Sherah Alleyne)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

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President calls on Guyanese ...

From page 2

A young Liverpool Village resident presents President Granger with a gift

that every school age child in their respective communities is in school.

Referring to the old adage which says “It takes a community to raise a child”, the President said citizens can pool resources to ensure that children in their communities have the basic necessities.

He also called on Berbicians, and by extension all Guyanese, to play their role in fighting against the “Four horsemen of the Guyanese apocalypse”. The horsemen at reference, he said, are poverty, ignorance, disease and crime.

President Granger said while it is necessary to reflect on the past, it is even more important to look to the future.

“We can talk all day about the past; about the history; about 200 years of slavery; and about the Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo revolts and the slaves who died, but today, let us think about the future and what Emancipation means for us and the future of our children,” President Granger said.

Noting that the struggle endured by our foreparents was not easy, President Granger said the freedom inherited now should not be taken for granted. “On May 11th, you came out and said you wanted freedom; and you must resolve that nobody will take away that freedom from you again,” the President said.

President Granger said history would show that it was emancipation that brought about the birth of Guyana as a nation with many people. He added, “Without emancipation we would not have a nation. I would like to say emancipation is the birth of a nation. It was because of emancipation the Indians, Chinese, Portuguese and Europeans came to our land.”

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings, who seemed quite impressed by the youth involvement in the cultural displays at each village, spoke of the need to nurture the democracy that all Guyanese now enjoy.

“Our emancipation must be of mind, body and soul. As one people of this land, we must nurture democracy,” the Minister noted. She assured residents that the Government will continue to do its part in ensuring that the “good life” is made available to all citizens as she called on all to play their role in nation building.

“We must cooperate. You citizens and villagers have an integral part to play.

We are interconnected, tied to a garment of neutrality...and we must respect our differences,” Minister Cummings said.

Also on the occasion, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, in her remarks, called on citizens to ponder on the true meaning of democracy.

“She added that one major form of slavery in modern day continues to be missed opportunities in the areas of education which most often results in poverty. Moving forward, Minister Henry stressed the need for all Guyanese to be fully emancipated and to truly enjoy economic independence.

Each event the President and his team attended was filled with rich cultural presentations, reflecting African traditions that are still alive in Guyana.

From brief history of the different villages, to African drumming, dancing, singing, acrostics and fashion displays, each village showcased their talents.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

President Granger (fourth left), Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, and Minister within the Ministry of Education, Ms Nicolette Henry (third and second left respectively) sharing a light moment with some Kildonan residents upon their arrival at the village to join in celebrating Emancipation Day

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

Small bonds, computerised system to be put in place ––to ease drug shortage problem in hinterland regions

By Tajeram Mohabir

SMALL bonds will be built in every region, and a computerised tracking system will be implemented to reduce the problem of far-flung regions not having access to basic supply of drugs, and in a timely manner.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings in an exclusive

like Panadol was not available in some health centres.

SOLE SOURCING The Minister blames the at times late supply of drugs on sole sourcing, pointing out that the producer, the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Company (NEW GPC) is often paid up front, but the goods are not always delivered on time.

Dr Cummings noted that there might be genuine reasons for the delay, but conceded that at the end of the day, ordinary persons who are entitled to basic treatment are denied timely services provided by the State.

Coupled with late supply is the time

then Ministry of Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) procure medicines and medical supplies through two mechanisms.

Medicines and certain medical supplies are procured through a list of prequalified suppliers. This list of prequalified suppliers has been determined after an open tender process, using public tendering modelled after a World Health Organisation (WHO) model and recommended specifically by the World Bank.

The company said certain specialised medicines, laboratory supplies and medical supplies are procured through regular, open tender as the need arises. It also noted that

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings interview told the Guyana Chronicle that the Ministry is disturbed by the current system, but is moving swiftly to correct it.

“We have been working with Supply Chain Management System (SCMS), at Diamond, where they have changed their system, whereby they are going to have each region have a semi-bond or small bond,” Dr Cummings said, adding: “So, when your stock level reaches a critical level, a flag would be raised and drugs would be going there, rather than waiting for us to come all the way from Georgetown.”

The tracking of drug availability in all the regions, she said, will be done electronically. “In times past,” Dr Cummings said, “drugs did not reach the outlying regions because they were not delivered, although monies were paid in advance. I have visited the Diamond Bond, and they have a highly technological system. We are trying to improve our heath information system, so I can stay from here and look at Region 9 and see what drugs they have and don’t have. We are getting there, so, right now, we are working to have the SCMS to ensure that when drugs are short, they can report directly to Master Control, so that there would not be a case where the regions would be out of stock for long.”

The issue of shortage of drugs in outlying areas has been a matter close to Minister Cummings. In her first speech in the National Assembly in April last year, she had lamented that a basic drug

Inside the Diamond Bond, on the East Bank Demerara it takes to get the drugs into the outlying regions, which require both land and river transportation.

Dr Cummings said there is little the Government can do when it makes a purchase, and supplies are not delivered on time.

According to the Minister, there are also instances when the drugs are supplied, the remaining shelf-life is short. This, Dr Cummings said is a waste of taxpayers’ money.

The Minister told this publication that she will have no grouse with sole sourcing if it is being properly managed by the producer, and drugs are routinely delivered on time.

Dr Cummings is of the view that multi-sourcing would be the answer to the problem, since it would not be too prudent to rely on one supplier, and when he fails to deliver on time, things come to a standstill.

OTHERS SHOULD BENEFIT “Like anything,” she said, “we want other people to be part of the pie; you wouldn’t want one person to enjoy everything. You have IPA and others who are suppliers, and they, too, have to survive.”

The NEW GPC had explained that the

following the recommendation of the Auditor General in 2010, medicines and certain medical supplies began to be procured through a list of prequalified suppliers.

And between 2011 and 2013, four international entities, namely the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Programme

(UNDP), International Dispensary Association (IDA) and two local ones, MediPharm and NEW GPC, were prequalified under the stated criteria.

The company had also pointed out that for the years 2014-2016, there has been an advertisement soliciting suppliers from Guyana and members of Caricom to be prequalified and be added to the list of international suppliers. Seven companies applied, and the NEW GPC was the only one that fulfilled the publicly stated criteria according to WHO and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards.

COURT CHALLENGE But the International Pharmaceutical Agency Guyana Limited (IPA) has since challenged the prequalification process for the supply of drugs to the health sector, saying that it is unconstitutional.

The IPA has contended that the decision that it does not meet the criteria to supply drugs to the Government for 2014 to 2016 by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) is unfair, unlawful, and null and void.

The revised evaluation criteria for prequalification for the supply and delivery of pharmaceutical drugs and medical supplies for the period 2014 to 2016 the IPA believes are heavily weighted in favour of the NEW GPC. This, it said, has rendered the prequalification process unfair and unreasonable.

This matter aside, Dr Cummings said the Ministry of Public Health will also be paying strong attention to the quality of drugs on the market.

She said from feedback from medical outreaches, persons have complained that drugs supplied here do not have the potency as the ones from overseas.

The Minster told this publication that the Ministry will be working more closely with the Food and Drug Analyst Department, the National Bureau of Standards, and other agencies to ensure consumers get their money’s worth when they purchase drugs on the local market.

The tracking of drug availability in all the regions, Minister Cummings said, will be done electronically

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

In celebration of 7th Anniversary...

President fellowships with Freedom Life Ministries

--plugs importance of family to nationhood

By Ravin Singh FEATURED as the guest speaker at the seventh anniversary celebration of the Freedom Life Ministries yesterday, Guyana’s leader, President David Granger urged the congregation to recognise that the family is the foundation upon which a nation is built, as he underscored the significance of Emancipation to the social orientation of Guyana.

A standing ovation greeted the President, who arrived at the Princes Street location, neatly dressed in a lily white shirt, complemented by a pair of black pants and a tailored black jacket. The omission of a tie had been the perfect call, since it reflected a deviation from stereotypical Euro-centric suited outfit.

Taking to the podium to face a congregation of which he himself is routinely a part, given that he is a Believer in the Christian faith, the well-postured Guyanese leader reflected on the celebrations of Emancipation just two days earlier, advising the people to examine the day as a National Day, and not one limited to African celebrations.

According to President Granger, 177 years ago, Africans won their freedom, which paved the way for East Indians, Portuguese and Chinese to be transported to Guyana, which is now reflected in the present multi-ethnic society. He contended then that Emancipation Day should be considered a national day, because “it was the day Guyana was born.”

Rhetorically questioning what did Emancipation mean to Guyana and Guyanese, the Head of State said: “It meant that we had a new start to life; our fore-parents had emerged from the most abominable system ever known to humanity. Our fore-parents emerged from that inhumane system and they built a house; a house on four pillars.”

THE FOUR PILLARS The first pillar which was alluded to by the President was that of the family. A historian too, the Head of State explained that during the period of slavery in Guyana, Africans were not allowed to marry, as their rights were “taken away” from them.

“Wives and children were separated and they had no rights. So as soon as these people got the opportunity, they walked off the plantation and built homes for their families to have somewhere to live,” he

Pastor Joel Uwagboe of Freedom Life Ministries Pastor Joel Uwagboe (left) and other Ministers of Freedom Life hugs President Granger upon his arrival yesMinistries offering prayers for President David Granger and Guy- terday at the church’s anniversary celebrations ana (Photos by Samuel Maughn) told the gathering of a few hundred yesterday.

These positive actions by the freed Africans 177 years ago, he said, is what is remembered today as the family is the foundation of any nation.

The second pillar, he told the congregation, was that of the church. “They [the freed Africans] built churches with the little that they had.

They didn’t send overseas for grants from missionaries, they built their own churches” President Granger noted.

But this, he said, had been a result of the people being dedicated to the worship of God and them being spiritually driven. Even today, he suggested, if one is to “throw a brick up” in any of the traditional African villages, there is a high possibility that it would land on a church.

To this end, Granger reflected on the two-day 1823 Demerara rebellion which was an uprising on August 18, involving more than 10,000 slaves that took place in the Crown colony of Demerara-Essequibo, now part of Guyana.

Underscoring the importance of a balanced academic life, the Head of State revealed the third pillar as the school.

During post-Emancipation, he said, Africans began to remove children from fields where they traditionally worked and pushed them to be educated, which resulted in them becoming the first village overseers, the first clerks and the first priests. But this was only made possible because they were given the opportunity to have an education, he added.

ABSENTEEISM IN SCHOOLS Pleading with the members

of the congregation not to ignore the importance of education, and its role in today’s society, the President detailed his experience of travelling to the Pomeroon and the Rupununi, and witnessing absenteeism from school due to the lack of financial resources and basic necessities such as food and shoes.

“In the Pomeroon, people are paying $4000-5000 a week to send their children to school; and you know that in every community, children are not going to school because they don’t have food or money. But school was very important to our foreparents 177 years ago, and it is important to us now,” he said, adding that “Nobody must stay home or skulk because there is no transportation, or bus or meals.”

The final pillar upon which Guyana was built by our fore-parents, Granger not-

ed, was that of work. Work was needed for the sustenance of our fore-parents, he said, as they had to grow food on farms.

SELF-RELIANCE According to the leader, “They [our fore-parents] ate what they grew and they were self-reliant. So let us get the idea out of our heads that we can survive without working.

Those who had farms were able to produce a few chickens, some cassava, yam, eddo and plantain, and that was the money they saved to buy those plantations from the English planters.”

As a result, he noted, we

too must learn to save our financial resources and appreciate the value of work.

He charged that Guyanese must be able to produce also.

With those few words eloquently delivered without the guidance of a script, the Head of State closed his address to the gathering by urging them: “Let us look back in order to look forward; Let’s picture the house that our fore-parents created and reflect on the four pillars which the home was built on.”

For Monday August 3, 2015: 05:00hrs For Sunday Tuesday 4, 2015: 08:30:00hrs For Wednesday August 5, 2015: 09:00hrs

A section of the congregation at yesterday’s celebrations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

West Coast pensioners get improved accommodation --in new shed at Meten-Meer-Zorg Post Office

By Michel Outridge IN a week’s time, senior citizens who had to brave the blistering sun and heavy downpour at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Post Office while collecting their monthly pensions will benefit from a shed which will be outfitted with chairs for their comfort.

The project is 75% complete, and by this weekend, it will be commissioned and among the invitees are Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence.

This construction is another initiative of ‘D’ Division Commander Stephen Mansell, along with the support of a group of businessmen on the West Coast Demerara.

The Senior Superintendent yesterday told the Guyana Chronicle that he had observed the plight of the elderly and he approached several businessmen and they came onboard with materials and blocks, etc. and so the construction began.

The small building that houses the post office can only accommodate a few persons at a time, so the new shed would improve the comfort of the senior citizens while they wait for their pension on a monthly basis.

Mansell observed that often more than not, some 100 senior citizens would visit the Meten-Meer-Zorg Post Office, and they had to stand outside, often in flooded conditions. However, with assistance from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the drains were dug, and earth used to build up the area surrounding the small bridge.

It was noted yesterday during a visit to the facility that the inside of the compound was inundated but there are plans to concrete under the shed and also construct washroom facilities for the older folks.

Mansell added that the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) has given them their full cooperation in this endeavor and new signs will be affixed to the building, including the re-painting of the Post Office sign.

The senior officer stated that a similar project will also be undertaken at the Den Amstel Post Office for the benefit of the ‘D’ Division Commander, Stephen Mansell flanked by businessmen Halim Khan and Rajiv elderly.

Singh yesterday outside of the Meten-Meer-Zorg Post Office (Photo by Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

Balwant Singh Hospital procures two unique analysers

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-to offer tests at a cheap rate

By Navendra Seoraj

THE Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital on Saturday officially announced it has procured two new analysers to boost the hospital’s medical capacity and facilitate various tests at affordable costs.

The analysers are the Cobas c 311 Chemistry Analyser and the Cobas e 411 Immunology Analyser.

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, has commended the hospital on this development. “They are lifting the bar on what is available in laboratory testing in Guyana, as quality healthcare is always expensive and a large part of the budget is always dedicated to healthcare,” he said, adding: “It is a fact that the private/public partnership is one means of reducing the cost of services to patients, as many facilities will only be available at the private level.”

It has been acknowledged that “a lot of lab tests in Guyana have been sourced to overseas at great cost.” “Therefore,” Dr Madhu Singh of the Balwant Singh Hospital said, “we look forward to easing the burden of Guyanese patients at much less cost and at a shorter time.”

Dr Singh explained that the analysers will offer tests for viruses and diseases such as Interleukin 6, Hepatitis B, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and the Anti Cyclic citrullinated protein (Anti CCP), which will allow doctors to better predict the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Cobas 4000 series was designed to provide high performance assays and generate faster results of excellent quality, as its robust design and advanced technology allow for the highest standard in confidence and quality of laboratory work.

These analysers are the only ones of their kind in Guyana, and the Cobas

4000 series is the first to be installed in the Caribbean.

As compared to other private laboratories, the hospital will offer anti-mullerian hormone tests starting from as low as $4,000, whereas other

labs offer the same test at $50,000.

The hospital always plans on providing a turnaround time of three hours, as compared to regular hospitals having a turnaround time of 14 working days.

Dr. Norton and Dr. Singh cutting the ceremonial ribbon to christen the analysers (Photo by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

Dr Paloma Moham enactment of copyr

--to protect locally produced works of

President of CineGuyana Inc., Phillip Williams in discussion with Junior Education Minister, Nicolette Henry

By Shivanie Sugrim DIRECTOR of the Centre for Communication Studies at the University of Guyana, Dr Paloma Mohamed, is calling

for enactment of Copyright laws to stimulate the film-making industry in Guyana and protect locally produced works of art, including film; so that when something is

produced, “the pot can be refilled from sales to support the creation of more products.”

Dr Mohamed was instrumental in the establishment of CineGuyana Inc., in 2010, as an initiative of the University of Guyana’s Centre for Communication Studies, in collaboration with the Ohio University and The President’s Film Endowment Project.

She worked tirelessly along with others against great odds and in the face of tremendous personal sacrifices, to ensure the viability of this project, which grew

exponentially in its reach and potential in 2011 as Dr Mohamed leveraged the resources of several private organisations to boost the then President Bharrat Jagdeo’s US$50,000 grant to carry out the project.

With a team of local artists, CineGuyana Inc has managed to set the tone and foundation for filming in Guyana, by crafting short films that depict Guyanese life outside the context of worrisome news. Within the relatively short span of five years, CineGuyana Inc has successfully produced eleven short films, which

were plastered on the walls of international cinemas.

The film industry in Guyana has always been absorbed by piracy, and this is exacerbated by the deafening silence from influential investors on the issue of copyright laws.

In this regard, Dr Mohamed iterated: “Driven by technology, the world is consuming cultural content at six times the rate of production; so we can’t (afford to) produce for other people to steal. Protection is necessary.”

She pointed out that this is the reason for the “no-

show” of CineGuyana films in Guyana.

Over the past five years the then President Jagdeo’s grant and private investors’ funding have thus far managed to sustain CineGuyana.

However, operations have been temporarily halted pending the company securing further funding for its operations.

Dr Mohamed believes that should the company be able to secure annual government funding, and once this is augmented by private investors, the company would be able to produce one film per year.

She suggested that funding through loans and grants

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

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med plugs right laws

f art, including film

Dr Paloma Mohamed can also come from com- were the films Hope, Beach, mercial banks, as Guyana is Backyard, Three Cards, and gradually being recognised Luck Beats Handsome.

Eight of these films as a growing cultural inwere showcased around dustry.

The project was orig- Guyana, in parts of the Cainally designed to fund ribbean, the United States five short films by five and the United Kingdom, local film-makers under and also entered film festithe guidance of internation- vals around the world.

CineGuyana President, al scholars, but was later morphed into an eight-film Phillip Williams, said the project. Its first world pre- company’s primary goal at miere was held in 2011. present is to establish trainEach film had a cast and ing schools across Guyana crew of 30 persons, all of to train members of the pubwhom had undergone four lic who are highly intrigued months of rigorous training in video production and the consisting of 12 hour ses- overall aspects of filming.

He said that filming in sions each day, inclusive of Guyana will serve as the weekends.

Having tasted success, ideal avenue for writers, CineGuyana Inc. is now actors and producers to geared to put Guyana on the network their innovative international map by reposi- energies.

The industry will also tioning Guyanese Cinema. amplify the advertising At CineGuyana Inc’s launch, staged at the newly dome, as businesses and opened Giftland Mall last products can be featured Thursday, Guyanese were in the films and be shown fortunate to witness first- internationally.

Guyana has, for years, hand the aptitudes of local been faced with limited artists, as snippets of the resources for video proeleven films produced were shown. Topping the list duction.

From Left: Director of Public Information, Imran Khan; Natalya Thomas, Miss World Coordinator; Director of Sports, Christopher Jones; Miss World Guyana 2015, Lisa Punch; Secretary of CineGuyana Inc., Denise Harris; Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency Ivan Sierra; another Member of CineGuyana Inc.; Junior Education Minister, Nicolette Henry; Marketing and Distribution personnel of CineGuyana Inc., Burchmore Simon; Founder and Director of CineGuyana Inc., Dr Paloma Mohamed; and President of CineGuyana Inc., Phillip Williams at the launch of CineGuyana Inc. on Thursday last at the Giftland Mall (Adrian Narine photo)

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ACIC stages first of planned series of health fairs, medical outreaches

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday August 3, 2015

At Saturday’s health fair and medical outreach at The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (Photos by Adrian Narine) SEVERAL persons living on the West Coast of Demerara took time off from their Emancipation Day celebrations to participate in a health fair and medical outreach held at The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) on Saturday.

This outreach originated from a challenge by President David Granger to the organisation to make some form of contribution to the community that would help develop the country.

Reyaz Hussein, ACIC’s Public Relations Officer, said the organisation felt the need to organise the medical outreach because it would aid in developing the health sector by delivering free medical attention to persons in the Anna Catherina community.

The members of ACIC, doctors for the West Demerara Regional Hospital and other medical personnel were in attendance at the event, which was expected

to benefit more than 600 persons of all religions and ethnicities.

Some of the services offered were blood pressure testing, blood testing, diabetes testing, cholesterol testing, HIV testing, blood donation, diagnosing of medical condition[s] and dispensing of drugs.

Free drugs were administered to the persons who had to receive medication.

Several pharmacies were represented at the fair, and they assisted in distributing the drugs. There were also corresponding booths advertising the products of these pharmacies and offering samples to attendees.

The ACIC has indicated that this health fair represents the first of many to be held throughout Guyana. The members of the Masjid were pleased to give back to the community in a manner that would benefit the country.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

ARIES Listen closely to the wind, for the answers are blowing right in front of you. Make contact with people you haven’t heard from in a while. You can be quite productive today in unexpected situations. Ironically, the less you plan, the more you will accomplish. Be spontaneous. Revelations will come to you in a flash.

TAURUS You might be sidestepping in order to avoid a commitment today. Don’t keep giving someone the run around. Be strong and let people know your thoughts even if you think their feelings will be hurt. Your job is to protect your emotions. Other people can handle their own. Be aggressive if you have to. Your sanity depends on being true to yourself.

GEMINI You’re at a dramatic climax in your monthly emotional cycle today. It’s quite possible that you will erupt like a volcano. Don’t be ashamed about releasing these emotions. Your feminine and masculine natures are connected, and they’re working harmoniously to express themselves to the fullest.

Open up the gates of communication and let the stampede charge through.

CANCER Your philanthropic side may want to come out and do good works today.

Your default mode is to care for others. This is fine, but make sure it doesn’t deplete your vital life force. The key is to offer advice and then walk away from the situation. You aren’t responsible for other people’s actions. Offer information, but leave the final decision up to the person you’re trying to help.

LEO Today is a terrific day, and you can get a lot accomplished using your quick mind and sharp wit. Information is flying quickly. Grab what resonates with you and discard the rest. The more informed you are, the better equipped you will be to handle the decisions of the day. Get all the facts before you proceed.

VIRGO Why me? You may feel like you ask yourself this question more than anyone else. Your life may seem like an intense roller-coaster ride that never stops. But deep down you realise that you would have it no other way.

Take a break from it all today if you can. Communicate your thoughts and feelings. By talking, you will feel much better about the situation.

LIBRA Your brain may buzz like a beehive today. That’s good. There is a great deal of information to process now. Have you been thinking about buying some new electronic equipment or small appliances for your home? Now is a great time to do some research on this project before you hand over your credit card. Use SCORPIO Don’t automatically assume that you can work out all your problems alone.

Just talking things out with others may help shed light on a situation that baffled you earlier. Enlist the help of others in areas where you need it.

Don’t be ashamed to ask for assistance. We all have problems and issues to deal with. You aren’t alone.

SAGITTARIUS Get up early and get working. You have a lot of emotional and physical energy that should help you accomplish whatever you need to do. The planetary energy is on your side. Take advantage of it to say what’s on your mind and get a step closer to wherever you need to be. Your active, receptive nature is prominent. You should be able to find a healthy balance between giving and receiving.

CAPRICORN Speak up today. Perhaps no one has heard your point of view in a while.

More than likely, it’s incredibly important for them to hear it. Just because people don’t ask for your opinion doesn’t mean that it isn’t valid. You have incredible insight that others don’t have. Don’t assume that they know what you’re thinking even though you probably know what they’re thinking.

AQUARIUS Someone has just turned on the fan and papers are flying everywhere. The pace is picking up and you’re scrambling to pick up the pieces. Stay in close communication with others today, for this will be your saving grace. You may require others’ help to gather the documents that have blown across the room. Keep an eye on things so you don’t lose your place.

PISCES No one is going to cater to your needs today, so get up and do things on your own. There’s little sympathy from others, and strong opinions are a dime a dozen. There’s a great deal of gossip buzzing around that you may be tempted to join. Don’t enable this sort of behaviour. It’s only going to alienate you from others in the end.

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T&T, Guyana agree to Joint Commission (TRINIDAD Express) – Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have agreed to a Joint Commission to initiate and oversee collaboration in construction, education, business and other areas where it would be mutually beneficial to deepen ties.

The Office of the Prime Minister, in a release on the visit to T&T by Guyana’s President David A Granger, says the Commission was agreed during bilateral talks headed by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

The discussion, held at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, included Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie, Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development and currently acting Minister of Foreign Affairs; Senator Kevin Ramnarine, Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs; and officials from those ministries.

NEED FOR POLITICAL WILL Talks focused on enhancing the existing bilateral relationship in

various industries while both leaders exchanged views on deepening the collaboration already initiated in agricultural production, skills development, and energy cooperation, the Office of the Prime Minister stated.

“Additionally, it was agreed that a Joint Commission will be formed to assess the furtherance of these and other items such as construction, education and business,” the release disclosed.

“President Granger welcomed the presence of Trinidad and Tobago’s expertise and companies, and also noted that in order for significant progress to be made, there must be sufficient political will.”

Following the meeting, Persad-Bissessar and Granger departed for the South Campus, Penal-Debe, of The University of the West Indies, where Granger was expected to deliver the feature address at the ceremonial topping off and deed handover.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:25 hrs Verlaine 09:05 hrs Dancing In The Snow 09:40 hrs Credibility 10:10 hrs Money Grubber 10:45 hrs National Road English Racing Tips Nottingham 09:00 hrs That’ll Happen 09:30 hrs Cliodhna 10:00 hrs Liberality 10:30 hrs Queen’s Pearl 11:00 hrs As Good As Gold 11:30 hrs Must Have 12:00 hrs Malimbi RIPON 09:15 hrs Itsinthestars 09:45 hrs Bahango 10:15 hrs Corton Lad 10:45 hrs Snap Shots 11:15 hrs Imtiyaaz 11:45 hrs Pin Up 12:15 hrs Pertuis WINDSOR 13:00 hrs Al Khateya 13:30 hrs Spider Lily 14:00 hrs American Artist 14:30 hrs Aldayha 15:00 hrs Burmese 15:30 hrs Gioia Di Vita IRISH RACING TIPS Naas 09:25 hrs Auld Enemy 09:55 hrs Compass Hill 10:25 hrs Catwilldo 10:55 hrs Herald The Dawn 11:25 hrs Katimavik 11:55 hrs Beechmount Whisper 12:25 hrs Jolyne AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Syros Race 2 Underthemoonlight Race 3 Somerset Sandy Race 4 Lead by Example Race 5 Greek Life Race 6 Hinder Race 7 Runaway Posse Race 8 Anchor Dawn Race 9 Lady Shipman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

NSC regrets passing of Blind Cricket team member THE National Sports Commission regrets the passing of Gordon Sandiford, a cricketer on Guyana’s Blind Cricket team, who died on Friday, July 31, during a beach outing in St Lucia.

The 28-year-old was with the team for a tournament currently under way on that island.

An official of the Saint Lucia Blind Welfare Association (SLBWA) disclosed that when it rained it made play impossible so some of the cricketers went on various outings.

Sandiford was at a beach in the north of the island and appeared to

encounter some difficulty in the water, whereupon he was taken back to

GORDON SANDIFORD

shore and CPR was administered.

However, it was reported that he was frothing at the mouth and nose and passed away while on his way to hospital via ambulance.

Cricketers and officials for the tournament have expressed shock at the death, describing Sanndiford as a very outgoing individual.

They subsequently attended a debriefing session conducted by a clinical psychologist.

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport Dr Rupert Roopnarine and the Director of Sport Christopher Jones visited Gordon’s Plaisance home to extend condolences to his family.

Angel Di Maria set for Paris St-Germain medical MANCHESTER United’s Angel Di Maria is set to have a medical in the next 24 hours before a proposed move to Paris St-Germain.

The winger, a British record £59.7M signing last summer, is expected in Doha on Sunday to meet PSG officials.

The fee for the 27-year-old Argentina international is believed to be about £44.5M. Di Maria did not join United’s pre-season tour of the United States after appearing at the Copa America in Chile.

The former Real Madrid player moved to Old Trafford last August after helping the Spanish giants to a 10th European Cup in 2014.

But after a promising start, including a goal and an assist in three of his first four appearances, his form fell away midway the season.

He started only one match after a defeat

by Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final on March 9.

ANGEL DI MARIA

Troy Merritt wins first PGA Tour title WORLD number 180 Troy Merritt picked up his first PGA Tour victory at the Quicken Loans National in Virginia.

USA’s Merritt finished 18 under after carding a four-under 67 in the final round, three ahead of world number eight Rickie Fowler, who shot 69.

England’s world number seven Justin Rose was among six players in tied fourth after shooting a one-under 70 to

finish 12 under.

Tiger Woods went round in 68 to end eight under in a tie for 18th place.

Fellow American Merritt’s had only ever won one previous professional title at the 2009 Mexico Open, but the 29-year-old doubled his career tally in Gainesville, picking up a winner’s cheque of $1.2M (£768,000) in the process.

TROY MERRITT

Leaked IAAF doping files …

Lord Coe promises ‘robust’ response

LORD Sebastian Coe says the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) will react robustly to new allegations of doping in the sport.

Data leaked to the Sunday Times and a German broadcaster has revealed an “extraordinary extent of cheating” by athletes at the world’s biggest events, according to the newspaper.

Lord Coe, currently standing to become the next IAAF president, said the world governing body “takes these allegations extremely seriously” and “will issue a robust and detailed response to them”.

The leaked data shows that a third of all medals in endurance events at Olympics and World Championships between 2001 and 2012 were won by athletes who recorded suspicious tests, according to independent experts used in the investigation. It was further alleged that none of these athletes had been stripped of their medals.

Coe, who is the Lord Sebastian Coe favourite to win the presidential election against fellow IAAF vice-president Sergey Bubka on August 19, has made independent testing a key part of his manifesto.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) president Sir Craig Reedie said his organisation was “very disturbed by these new allegations ... which will, once again, shake the foundation of clean athletes worldwide”.

WADA’S independent commission will investigate the claims in the ARD/WDR Documentary Doping Top Secret: The Shadowy World of Athletics.

British athletes have also responded to the news, along with the Russian sports minister and Athletics Kenya - two countries singled out in the latest allegations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

Moore hails all-round performance COACH Julian Moore says an all-round team effort was responsible for Guyana’s retention of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional Under-15 One-Day title. Guyana whipped the Windward Islands by 98 runs on Thursday to seal their fourth title at this level.

“As we saw throughout the tournament it was a total team effort,” Moore said.

The tournament was affected by the inclement weather, but it took the hosts only three games to

come out on top.

The Guyanese regis-

JULIAN MOORE

tered wins against Jamaica, Leeward Islands and the Windward Islands, but their games against Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados were washed out.

“I am pleased with the performance of the team. I think the guys played good team cricket and they were confident throughout the tournament,” Moore said.

He added “The bowlers did a tremendous job as well as the batters. The fielding was a bit rusty upfront, but I think the guys bounced back quickly and took

some decisive catches, which I think was the most pleasing part of our game – that we were able to improve tremendously as a fielding unit.”

Moore further mentioned how pleased he was with the emerging talents he witnessed throughout the tournament.

“It’s always nice to win, but as a coach it is important to look at the finer points, I saw some good talent emerging during the tournament. While it is hard to single out one particular player, I think

Arsenal win Community Shield FA Cup holders Arsenal won the Community Shield for the second season in a row as they beat Premier League champions Chelsea at Wembley.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored the winner with a powerful drive into the top corner with his weaker left foot.

It was the first time the former Chelsea goalkeeper had been called into action - after 68 minutes of play - and soon after he comfortably held on to Kurt Zouma’s header.

Arsenal went close late on through Santi Cazorla and Kieran Gibbs in a match where both sides

boss called his opposite number a “specialist in failure”, then in October the Gunners boss shoved his rival during a heated touchline quarrel.

Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stunning strike was Arsenal’s first goal against Chelsea for 506 minutes, as the Gunners ended the Blues’

ARSENAL! The 2015 Community Shield Champions.

Ramires headed wide unmarked from Loic Remy’s cross as Chelsea failed to hit the target before the break.

Eden Hazard skied a chance over the bar before Oscar’s freekick was parried wide by Arsenal debutant Petr Cech.

looked rusty a week before their Premier League opener.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger finally had reason to celebrate against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea having failed to win in any of his previous 13 attempts.

In February 2014, the Chelsea

eight-match unbeaten run against them.

Chelsea, though, can argue they are a week behind Arsenal in terms of preparation, with Italian side Fiorentina visiting Stamford Bridge in their final pre-season match in midweek.

the three pacers – Qumar Torrington, Haifa Walters and Alphius Bookie did a tremendous job for us, and if you look at the points standing, I thought the wickets they took made all the difference for us winning the tournament.

“The spinners – Kev-

lon Anderson, Ashmead Nedd and Kelvin Umroa – were also good talents throughout the tournament as well as Sachin Singh, Robin Williams and Junior Sinclair who performed exceptionally well with the bat,,” Moore concluded.

Nadal turns tables to claim Hamburg title SPANIARD Rafael Nadal turned the tables on Italian Fabio Fognini to win the Hamburg Open yesterday and claim his 67th career title, winning 7-5, 7-5 on the red clay.

Fognini had already beaten the 29-year-old Spaniard twice this year, in Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona, but was unable to record an astonishing hat-trick against the 14time grand slam champion who has dropped to 10th in the ATP rankings.

Nadal’s hard-fought victory clinched his third title of the year after triumphs in Stuttgart and Buenos Aires.

World No. 32 Fognini, who won the Hamburg title in 2013, broke Nadal’s opening service game in a 12-minute tussle, setting the tone for an intense baseline battle.

“I think it’s been a great final, a very tough one which was up and down so I hope the people enjoyed it,” Nadal said, before wincing and laughing RAFAEL through cramps on the NADAL winners’ podium.

“Coming back to Hamburg after eight years was a big challenge for me but very exciting. I’m very happy to be here with the title.”

Nadal, whose previous air of invincibility on clay has begun to evaporate, hit just six winners and 15 unforced errors in an evenly-contested opening set.

He hit back from dropping serve to break three times in the opening set and then appeared to have gained the upper hand early in the second when he broke en route to a 3-1 lead.

Fognini roared back with successive breaks to move 4-3 ahead and served for the set at 5-4 but Nadal saved a set point to claw it back to 5-5 and held for a 6-5 lead.

Fognini was unable to take the match into a tiebreak and succumbed when he blazed a forehand long before a clearly emotional Nadal fell to his knees and saluted the crowd after the final point.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

WICB Regional U-19 50-over tournament

Guyana sink Jamaica to retain title

GUYANA Under-19 team complemented the performance of the Under-15s, as they retained their West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Regional 50-over title with a four-wicket win over Jamaica yesterday at Manchester High School, Jamaica.

The hosts won the toss and took first strike on familiar turf to amass 245-6 off 50 overs. They were led by a top knock of 92 from opener Jevoy Spence and he was supported by Brad James (51 not out) and Michael Few who contributed 30.

Akenie Adams (2-33) and the consistent Keemo Paul (2-39), along with a wicket each from Balchan Baldeo and Ronaldo Alimohammed, were the Guyana bowlers to claim the spoils.

In reply, Guyana battled to 250-6 in the 47th over, compliments of their lengthy batting line-up. Shimron Hetmyer once again top-scored with 55 but his innings was stopped via run-out, like Tevin Imlach’s (14) and Baldeo’s (15).

Paul also contributed 15 before he was caughtand-bowled but the skipper Travis Persaud (24) and Sherfane Rutherford (45) steadied the ship during the chase, but made way for Parmanand Randan (6*) and Kassem Khan who hit an unbeaten 43 to push Guyana over the line and complete a terrific tournament-run.

A wicket each went to Brad Barnes, Miguel Smith and Michael Frew in the Jamaican camp.

Jamaica tangled with Guyana in the opening round of the seven-round tournament and the home side prevailed by five wickets.

After that Guyana defeated Trinidad and Tobago and Leeward Islands in rounds two and three then were well rested, following win in round four over Barbados.

Windward Islands and Canada then suffered defeats at the hands of the champions in round six and seven as they qualified for the final.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday August 03, 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) 95 players (2) 37 players

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who is the first batsman to make a century in an ENG/AUST Test?

(2) Who were the first captains involved in an ENG/ AUST Test?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

11th Regan Rodrigues Memorial

Anthony dethrones Persaud in 50-mile event

MICHAEL Anthony impressed on the roads of West Demerara yesterday to sprint off with top honours in the 11th Regan Rodrigues Memorial 50-mile event.

The Team Gillette Evolution rider got the best of Team Coco’s Jamal John in a thrilling two-man sprint to the finish to end Robin Persaud’s winning streak of the event. Prior to this edition, Persaud had won the annual road race on three consecutive occasions.

Akeem Wilkinson (Team Gillette Evolution) joined his teammate and John on the podium while Stephano Husbands (Team Coco’s), Alonzo Ambrose (Team Alanis) and Kravitz Jeffrey (United Bike Shop) completed the top six paid positions.

Besides the winner’s trophy, Anthony bagged half of the eight sprint prizes along the route which he completed in a brisk one hour 56 minutes 34 seconds, some 16 seconds better than Persaud’s winning time last year.

John claimed the remaining sprint prizes to register a two-man domination of the 40-odd competitors.

The race, which rolled off at Wales, proceeded to Bushy Park and returned to Schoon Ord for the finish was over at Vreed-en-Hoop on the upward journey.

Following the event, members of the late Rodrigues’ family, along with staff members of Ricks and Sari Agro Industries, assisted in the presentation of prizes and food hampers.

Ramdin was not axed from squad – source

CONTRARY to reports in some circles, experienced wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin was not dropped from the West Indies team for the proposed tour of Zimbabwe.

Information reaching CMC Sports indicates that the 30-year-old Test captain was indeed picked in the squad to play a tri-nation series with the hosts and Pakistan. The tournament was subsequently cancelled after Pakistan withdrew from the originally proposed period of August 20 to September 3. The matches were to be

played in Harare and Bulawayo.

squad for the tournament.

He was and still is the No.

Denesh Ramdin A source indicated: “Ramdin was picked in the

1 wicketkeeper in West Indies cricket team and will

continue to play a key role in the ODI team with young captain Jason Holder at the helm. Yes, there was much discussion surrounding several members of the squad and the future of West Indies ODI cricket, for what was to be a crucial period … but to say that Ramdin was omitted is simply not true.”

With the tour of Zimbabwe off the West Indies’ next international assignment will be a full tour of Sri Lanka where they will play all three formats.

The West Indies last toured Sri Lanka in 20102011 where they drew the Test series and lost the ODI series.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday August 3, 2015

Lindeners defeat Chase Academy 2-1 to take fourth consecutive title

Christianburg/Wismar Secondary - Champs again!

CHRISTIANBURG/Wismar Secondary School, popularly known as Multi, cemented their place in history after winning the fifth Digicel Schools football tournament by a 2-1 scoreline over Chase Academy last evening at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Watched by approximately 4 000 spec-

tators at Guyana’s premier sporting facility, Amar Jones (4th minute) and Omar Brewley (58th minute) scored for the Lindeners who captured their fourth consecutive title; featuring in all five finals.

With the win, ‘Multi’ went back to the Mining Town $1M richer along with bragging rights for another year as Na-

tional champions.

The two sides had promised an enthralling finale of the country’s lone nationwide schools football but Chase Academy found themselves trailing early in the contest when Jones headed home from a set piece from Duquan Hercules.

Brewley was fouled about 25 yards out on goal and Hercules stepped up to take the free kick. The well-built midfield player is known for his dangerous freekicks but this time, however, he lobbed a silky smooth ball into the six-yard area and Jones climbed high above the much shorter Chase Academy defenders and neatly tucked the ball at the back of the net.

Pandemonium broke loose in the stands as the Linden supporters, who journeyed the over-60 miles to support their team, burst into celebration.

Back on the pitch, Chase Academy tried but failed to get any real chance on goal.

Benjamin had threatened with several welltimed run but the resolute defending of Amaniki Buntin, Seon Barrett and Keyshawn Dey thwarted his every move.

Captain Tevin Crawford, who was later named the tournament’s best goalkeeper, pulled off some crucial saves while, ‘Multi’ kept hunting for more goals.

After forward Jovon Bobb was brought

down just on the edge of the penalty area, Brewley stepped up this time to take the free kick.

His sweetly placed shot curved beautifully over the Chase Academy wall as the ball beat Amanackie Forde between the uprights and clipped the uprights.

Dejection was all over Brewley’s face after coming so close to scoring the game’s second goal, as the first half came to a close.

In the match’s second stanza, Chase Academy were the aggressors while Linden where forced to play a more defensive-type football.

Coach Anthony Stephens made the adjustment to withstand the pressure from his Chase Academy counterpart Vurlon Mills whose men were desperate to draw one back.

Benjamin drew a penalty in the 76th minute after being clipped from the side by Barrett in the six-yard area and stepped up to easily convert the goal himself.

In the 85th minute, Benjamin turned smoothly between two defenders close to the goal and sent a rocket on target, but Crawford, by a whisker, barely held on to it before it crossed the goal line.

Linden played it safe, cautiously defending until the final whistle and their players burst into grand jubilation.

Third place showdown …

Annai hold nerve for 4-3 penalty win ANNAI Secondary School held their nerve to pull off a 4-3 penalty win over Waramadong Secondary and cart off the third-place spot in the 2015 Digicel Schools Football Championship at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence yesterday.

Annai looked the better team with more technical plays and were rewarded in the second minute after a routine Sheral Daniels shot pierced the goalie. Annai had the advantage and continued to look for more goals, eventually finding the second in the 28th minute.

Daniels completed his brace in a comfortable manner to put Annai on course for what seemed an easy win. However, Waramadong returned in added time before the close of the first half to convert a penalty thanks to Deon Rodrigues.

The second 45 minutes saw a rejuvenated Waramadong side who equalised on the first run down. Anzal Medina scored the equalising effort which sent Annai once again in search of the lead, but several chances were blocked by the goalkeeper.

Waramadong, on a streak after scoring two quick-fire goals in each half led for the first time after Medina again

powered one home in the 64th minute.

With Waramadong leading, Annai threw their everything into the game to secure an equaliser and eventually found the back of the net in the 82nd minute, thanks to Triston Daniels. No further goals were scored sending the game into penalty kicks.

Annai scored their first, third, fourth and fifth efforts from the spot while Waramadong converted their first, second and last, leaving Annai to savour the win.

Speaking after the game, Annai coach Kelly Brasch indicated that the result pleased him especially with this being his debut year as a coach. “This is my first time as a coach, coaching any team. It made me feel happy. Knowing that I’m not an experienced coach and probably the youngest coach in the tournament, bringing us to this level of the tournament has given me much encouragement for next year.”

He indicated that he did not feel his team needed a penalty result to secure a win and had several moments where he held his breath.

“At first it was kind of hard for me to digest that we had to go to the penalty shootout but when I saw my goalie snatch

Annai Secondary players celebrate their victory over Waramadong in the Digicel Nationwide School Football Competition’s third place match. one out of the air, it brought back the encouragement that we were going to win.”

All in all however, coach Brasch is

satisfied with the result and has thanked Digicel for bringing the tournament to the Hinterland region.

Sport CHRONICLE

11th Regan Rodrigues Memorial

Anthony dethrones Persaud in 50-mile event

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

See story on page 22

Omar Brewley (fourth from left) leads the celebration following his goal; the second for his team against Chase Academy last evening (Samuel Maughn photo)

Lindeners defeat Chase Academy 2-1 to take fourth consecutive title See story on page 23

NSC regrets passing of Blind Cricket team member

See story on page 20

Annai hold nerve for 4-3 penalty win

See story on page 23

four times as nice! Christianburg/Wismar Secondary celebrating after picking up their historic fourth championship, following a 2 – 1 win over Chase Academy at the Guyana National Stadium (Samuel Maughn photo)

Guyana sink Jamaica to retain title See story on page 22

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SHIMRON HETMYER

MONDAY, AUGUST 3, 2015