2015 9 04

GUYANA No. 104302

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

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

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Granger unveils plans to

crush racial, political disunity – says social cohesion, inclusivity key to national unity Page

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Page

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Search for missing

woman at

Kaieteur Laleta Sivanand

extended

down river

Two miners killed

after separate pits collapse

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$629M owed to 10 Reg. 2 rice farmers Page

UG names Professor

Nigel Harris Nigel Harris

new Chancellor

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President David Granger ties the symbolic indigenous marriage band on First Lady Sandra Granger’s wrist, during Tuesday’s launch of Heritage Month. The ‘marriage band’ was presented to the First Lady by an Amerindian girl, at the gala launching ceremony (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Two miners killed after separate pits collapse SHERWYN Henry, 39, of Sophia was killed on Wednesday afternoon when a mining pit he was working

in at Jumbie Creek, Potaro in Region 8, collapsed and buried him.

Henry and eight others

were in the mining pit when it caved in, trapping him. He was heard screaming loudly but there was nothing his

colleagues could do to save him since the entire area was covered with dirt.

His body was later retrieved and will be transported to the city.

It was reported that investigations are ongoing following the death of another miner identified as Nigel Edwards when the pit he was in collapsed, trapping him also in the Takutu area.

The deaths come in the wake of a Commission of Inquiry set up by the APNU+AFC Government after a spate of mining deaths this year and last year.

TOROPARU BACKDAM Meanwhile, in one recent mining tragedy, a 38-year-old

miner of Queenstown, Essequibo died at Toroparu Backdam, Cuyuni River. Police reported that at about 11:45 hrs on August 05, 2015, a mining pit caved in at Toroparu Backdam, Cuyuni River, resulting in the death of miner Omet Samuels, 38, of Queenstown, Essequibo, who was trapped beneath. Investigations are in progress. Â PAMELA, MAHDIA On April 15, 2013 a teenager was killed and another person injured after a mining pit caved in on them at Pamela, Mahdia, Region 8.

Dennis Anthony Barker, 16, of Lot 550 East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was killed while Scotland Pluck, 20, of

Number Eight Village, Berbice was injured.

According to a police press release, around 15:40 hrs the men were working in a mining pit when it caved in on them.

MOWSIE BACKDAM On May 17 last, 17 men were working in a pit at Mowsie Backdam, Mahdia, when it caved in during heavy rainfall. Seven of the men survived while 10 perished.

Following the incident, an intense search was conducted and five bodies were initially retrieved and within three days the remaining five bodies were pulled from the mud.

Some of the dead men Turn to page 11 â–ş

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Granger unveils plans to crush racial, political disunity

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– says social cohesion, inclusivity key to national unity IN an effort to strengthen societies and foster social cohesion, President David Granger said the new coalition Government will dismantle artificial walls of mistrust and division, which have been erected to create separateness among Guyanese.

Addressing yesterday’s opening of the historic social cohesion round-table discussions at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre, President Granger made a stirring appeal for unity among Guyanese while outlining a 5-point plan to build a strong and cohesive society.

Addressing groups from a

The show before the formal start of the round-table discussion was a celebration of the way of life of the people of Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

These singers captivated the packed gathering in the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

wide cross-section in society as well as members of the international community at the discussions themed ‘Social cohesion for lasting peace and unity’, the President said his Administration will be placing attention on reducing extreme poverty; eliminating gender and geographic inequalities; fostering greater participation of political parties in national development; creating opportunities for fair employment and safety in the hinterland; and ensuring equal access to education.

Contending that he is bringing a square deal to the round-table discussion, the Head of State said Guyanese need to take strident steps to stop social erosion, and ensure effective participa-

tion and representation in all strata of society.

The goal, President Granger said, is to end exclusion and marginalisation and build trust among the various groups and instill a sense of belonging in all.

He said Guyana, a country with land space larger than England, and with bountiful resources and beautiful people, need not be poor and divided.

On that score, he stressed the need for cooperative relations among all members of society, be it the indigenous groups, political parties and communities, pointing out that this is necessary as “society has been scarred by violence, which has left a lingering level of distrust with the potential for fresh

President David Granger addressing the gathering

disorder”.

RESTORE TRUST He noted that while mon-

Turn to centre ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

‘We can’t do it alone; we need all hands on deck’ - Prime Minister tells social cohesion meet

By Rabindra Rooplall UNDER the theme, ‘Social Cohesion for Lasting Unity and Peace’, a Social Cohesion Roundtable held yesterday saw 10 representatives from separate groups voicing their concerns about the whole issue of social cohesion.

The discussion, a oneday affair, was held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre at Liliendaal, and was designed to engage citizens and field ideas on the subject.

Giving the closing remarks at the end of the day, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo declared, “We are Guyanese that need to work together” with the aim of bridging the gaps created by social, economic and ethnic divides.

As he was at pains to explain, if there is need for legislative change to effectively facilitate social cohesion in Guyana, then the requisite changes would

have to be made, based on recommendations emanating from the roundtable discussions.

“We have before us the possibility of avoiding our country from going in the wrong direction, and so long as we talk; so long as we engage; so long as we have a dialogue, I believe these are themselves some of the palliatives that may prevent us from going over the precipice,” the prime minister said.

“Of course, the society is still hurting from decades of self-inflicted wounds.

And even today, some of our politicians are still unmindful of the hurt of the past,” he added.

Underscoring the fact that all Guyanese have been victims of injustice of some sort, especially those of a colonial making, the Prime Minister noted that after 300 years of colonialism, there are bound to be scars that need to be healed.

He, however, drew the

line at wounds of our own making. “We must not have self-inflicted wounds when it is not necessary, as we may create further damage,” he said. “And so, this conference for social cohesion must be an open invitation to all who have a grouse; not to settle our grouse in the street corners, but they [politicians] should come around to the roundtable and they should dialogue, discuss, and rationalise.”

Of course, this drew a hearty round of applause from participants, and, obviously heartened by the response, the Prime Minister said that with Guyana heading in a new direction, there is need for a Government of national unity.

Said he: “We can’t, as a Government, move this country alone; we need all others, including the Opposition.”

And in an attempt at a bit of humour, he said: “There is, in our Father’s mansion, many rooms; and

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo there is one for the Oppo-

sition.

“Thus, the dialogue that has been started with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, while it may be painful to come to the table; it is fruitful to be there.”

Charging participants to hold the Government accountable, since it will benefit society to have social cohesion, the Prime Minister said ways and means must be found to forge cooperation to move the country forward together.

As a result, during the entire social cohesion discussion, practical options, strategies and capacities for building social cohesion and addressing inequalities were identified, while

simultaneously creating national awareness and sensitisation among stakeholders on issues of social cohesion.

Additionally, emphasis was placed on ethnic relations and politics; equality – social and economic; community safety and well-being, and political participation and governance.

This initiative, which is being funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British High Commission, will pave the way for the development of a strategic framework for the implementation of Guyana’s five-year social cohesion plan.

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Guyana

EDITORIAL

The State Media debate

- here is where we stand

THE Opposition PPP has formally and through the media complained of inadequate coverage in three of the daily newspapers - Stabroek News, Guyana Chronicle and Kaieteur News.

The party contended that of 30 press statements issued between June and August, less than half was carried by each of the three newspapers. We endorse the explanation given by our two sister papers that the primary criterion for determining coverage is the newsworthiness of the story rather than its author.

Of course, such decisions are mostly subjective to the paper’s editorial direction and are left to the discretion of the editor or editorial team. Hence there is bound to be some degree of bias for or against carrying a particular story.

We are satisfied that we have been as fair as possible to the PPP both in terms of the volume and breath of coverage afforded to that party. In addition to carrying some of its press releases, we have given ample coverage to the PPP’s weekly press conference, mostly hosted by its General Secretary.

Sometimes we have not carried the press releases, precisely because the issues therein were covered at the press conference. Further, we gave equal coverage to the PPP Members’ contributions to the recently concluded Budget Debate. And critically, we have covered the PPP without editorialising in the news stories. We are glad to have rid ourselves of this habit which had taken root under the PPP. Maybe we deserve some kudos from the Opposition party on this score - it is not subjected to the ills it inflicted on others.

As a newspaper operated by the Government on behalf of the State, we have an added burden which the private media does not necessarily have - to ensure political balance in our coverage. As was manifested through the comments by journalists and political commentators over the Government’s role in running the State media on behalf of the State, this is a thorny issue.

We maintain that the Government of the day is the primary manager of State assets, including the public media; it exercises ownership on behalf of the State, but the key is that it must be accountable. The issue, then, is less about what is meant by ownership of the State media, but more about whether, in fact, those media are inclusive in both their general thrust and day-to-day coverage.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

UG names Professor Nigel Harris new Chancellor GUYANA-born Professor Nigel Harris, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, has been appointed to serve as the ninth Chancellor of the University of Guyana, effective August 26. He succeeds another Guyanese, Dr Compton Bourne, who served from 2009 to 2012.

In commenting on his new appointment, Professor Harris said, “I welcome this Chancellor Harris opportunity to work with the is married to Dr C. leaders, staff and students Yvette Williamsof the University of GuyHarris, a general ana community, as well as internist; they have with government and other three children and stakeholders to forge the five grandchildren. growth and success of this institution so critical to the the Caribbean.”

Professor Harris has economic, social and cultural development of Guyana and held many leadership po-

sitions, including his most recent post as Vice-Chancellor of the University of West Indies (October 1, 2004 to April 30, 2015); President of the Association of Caribbean Universities and Research Institutes (UNICA)from 2012 to 2015, and Chairman of the Association of Commonwealth Universities for a two-year term (2011-2013).

He is internationally known for his work as a Rheumatologist.

He graduated with a BSc in chemistry from Howard University (1968), then proceeded to Yale University, where he earned his Master’s in Biochemistry (1973).

He obtained his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania (1977), fol-

lowing which he returned to the Caribbean to complete his residency in internal medicine at the University of the West Indies at Mona.

He was subsequently awarded the post-graduate degree, Doctor of Medicine (DM) in 1981.

Professor Harris has also acquired many notable awards including the Cacique Crown of Honour from Guyana in 2011, the Martin Luther King International Award that was received in Washington DC in 2010. And the 11th Congressional District of the USA declared February 11, 2015, the “Eon Nigel Harris Day” in recognition of his contributions to Medical Research.

State of field and management’s resistance cause Uitvlugt strike -GAWU & GuySuCo meet today for compromise

By Navendra Seoraj JUST days after cane harvesters at Wales Estate took industrial action to protest overworking, which has been resolved, 500 of their contemporaries at the Uitvlugt Estate have downed tools to protest the poor state of the fields and management’s failure to meet their demands.

President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), Komal Chand, yesterday confirmed that the 500 cane harvesters have been on strike since Monday. He said, “They are not accepting the additional prices offered to them by the management, which is an effort to compensate the workers for having to work in the field which is overtaken by vines which are affecting the cane growth.”

Chand said the union made this discovery after visiting the field yesterday.

According to Chand,

The gate to the estate is closed as members of this publication were barred from entering of GAWU and the Guyana management of the estate Sugar Corporation (Guyhas offered per crew an adSuCo) meet to brainstorm ditional hour’s pay -- which a solution to satisfactorily is equivalent to $4.58 -- for address the issue and get the an additional five hours. The workers back on the job. crews are of two sizes:- three The current situation has men working to fill one punt, affected the estate’s ability and five men working to fill to reach its set target for this two punts. week of 900 tonnes, given Chand said the workers that its production figures up are calling for an additional to last week stood at 25,846 6 to 10 hours’ pay, given that tonnes of sugar. they have to work in unacA Chronicle news team ceptable conditions. visited the Uitvlugt Estate An effort to compensate yesterday to speak with manthe workers will be made agement, but a hostile securiagain today, when members

This is what we have strived to do since the new Government has taken office and signaled that it had no desire to oversee the paper in a partisan way. We took that signal seriously and has strived to assert our editorial independence. This is an element which the critics overlook.

The Government is made up of people who in our one-party form of governance reflect a particular set of political values and aspirations which, most often than not, are not shared by the Opposition party. That cannot be wished away. One cannot expect the media to solve a problem that the people and their parties have failed to solve or may not regard as a problem at all. If we evolve to a National Government, inclusive of all our parties, the anxiety over the State-media may well be lessened.

Having said the above, we do believe that the State media have to be held to a higher standard on the issue of fairness of coverage. The PPP and other Opposition voices must be given

ty guard barred our personnel from entering the compound and forced them to stand in the sun, as the managers of the estate remained reluctant to speak to this publication.

The guard shouted to this publication: “Y’all can’t come in here! Y’all can’t come in here! Look de manager going there. He say y’all can’t come, in and he ain’t want talk to y’all!”

GuySuCo recently noted that this is the worst strike to have hit the Uitvlugt Estate, and that the cane harvesting gangs are “demanding exorbitant payment for obstacles in the field.”

GuySuCo has said that a field visit was conducted on Monday by both central and local management and central and local union in order to resolve the dispute. “This action by the workers has brought sugar production at that location to a halt. In the meanwhile, the condition of the canes burnt and the fields continue to deteriorate,” GuySuCo noted.

equal coverage. Our media entities’ news coverage must not be reduced to simply what the Government and its Ministers say and do. They must be covered, but that must be balanced by coverage of the Opposition, Civil Society and our Community Organisations. Our editorial page, inclusive of editorials and opeds, must uphold that sacred duty of the media to be critical of Government and Opposition alike when the need arises. There are no two ways about this. In our case, such self-criticism is vital to democratic renewal. But ours should not be the role of destabiliser, under-miner and saboteur of Government.

Ultimately, like the Government, the State-owned media coverage must reflect a balance of the various contending interests in the society. There is no other way. We must advance a balanced coverage of the interests of the Government and the Opposition, of male and female perspectives, of the worlds of the rich and the poor and the views of those in country and town. That’s where we stand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

Gov’t accuses Linden call centre of flouting labour laws --threatens legal action

TOUCAN Connections Incorporated, the only Call Centre in the mining township of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), allegedly violated labour laws when it closed operations recently and sent home some 90 persons without prior notice.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the alleged violation has forced the government to intervene, so as to ensure that those now unemployed persons will be given their full benefits.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, who holds oversight responsibility for the labour department, led a team to the mining town on Wednesday to meet with officials and staff of the now closed Call Centre.

According to GINA, during the engagement with the manager, supervisor, and 86 staff members at the Centre, the minister explained that she was informed of the issue by Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian, who was also present.

The minister was told by staff that the management of the Centre had advised them that the benefits due them would be paid by the Government.

This notion was, however, quickly dispelled by Minister Broomes, who told them that they’d been misled. “If it was told to you that it is the responsibility of Government to pay your severance, I would like to say to you, this is not true. It is the responsibility of the person who employed you to do so,” she told the now unemployed persons.

The minister explained

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Brooms addressing staff members of the Call Centre investigations at the Centre. that the management of the Call Centre had violated the labour laws of Guyana, which mandate that businesses, upon their closure or intentions to do so, must first inform their employees and then the respective government or State agency.

Supervisor of Toucan Connections, Shontel Brooks, advised the minister that the company had misinterpreted the laws, since it was felt that the severance package was the responsibility of the Government.

Minister Broomes, who didn’t buy the explanation, viewed it as ‘misleading the employees’, since ignorance of the law is no excuse.

“How can you be here and establish a building and say to me that you didn’t know the law? You are misleading workers to say that it is Government’s responsibility to pay severance,” she said.

She further said that had it not been for the intervention of the Regional Chairman, the staff had intended to stage a protest, blaming the Government for their dilemma.

In addition to this, investigations were also done by the Ministry’s team, only to discover that NIS contributions were not remitted to the Scheme, since they were told by the supervisor that all documents are managed in St. Kitts.

However, these contributions, along with the PAYE, are deducted from their salaries. According to Minister Broomes, “the reason I had sent for inspections to be conducted is that I had received complaints from workers that they are being abused, and made to work in terrible conditions.”

Labour, Occupational and Health Officer, Dawn Gardener, said she witnessed the abuse first-hand while conducting her

CAL promises major upgrade to fleet TRINIDAD-based Caribbean Airlines has reiterated its strong interest in serving the Guyanese market, promising a complete upgrade of its entire fleet of aircraft next year.

Upgrades include new seats and onboard wifi, and assurance that the inconvenience of re-screening passengers at Piarco Airport is a thing of the past.

The announcement was made yesterday when top executives of the regional airline met with Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo at his office.

The airline over the years has come under heavy criticism

by Guyanese passengers for the manner in which some of them are treated while in-transit at Trinidad’s Piarco Airport.

However, during yesterday’s meeting with the Prime Minister, CAL reiterated the

immense value it places on the relationship with Guyana and the Guyanese travelling public.

Company Chief Executive Officer, Michael DiLollo advised that CAL employs, full-time, some 40 Guyanese.

He also said that the airline is making significant gains with regard to dealing with indebtedness, before mentioning that in 2016 the entire fleet will be upgraded with new seats, lighting, in-flight entertainment systems and on board wifi.

Meanwhile, Minister Nagamootoo has announced that the government is committed to extending the current Cheddi Jagan International Airport runway to 10,500 feet and mentioned that the Departure Tax will be reviewed. Guyanese pay a $4000 departure tax.

The prime minister also told the meeting with the airline

executive that government is expecting 50,000 visitors to Guyana for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations in 2016 as he solicited the airline’s cooperation in helping to transport the visitors. “Cultural groups from every part of the world where Guyanese originated will visit Guyana for the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations,” Nagamootoo told the CAL team, while urging the airline to continue to be vigilant on the issue of passenger arrivals and overall security.

The CAL team included CEO, Michael DiLollo; Dion Inniss, Sales Executive, Guyana & Suriname; Roy Ferguson - Area Manager, South America; and Dionne Ligoure, Head, Corporate Communications.

Minister Broomes has since committed to ensuring that all the necessary contributions will be paid up-to-date, and advised that the ministry intends to file legal action against the company for breaches of the labour laws, under the Termination of Employment and Severance

Pay Act, Chapter 99:08-Laws of Guyana.

According to the Act, employees should be consulted “as early as possible, but no later than one month from the date of existence… with recognised trade unions, or, if none exists, the employees or the employee’s representatives and the Chief Labour Officer, on the possible measures that could be taken to avert or mitigate the adverse effects of such circumstances, in relation to employment generally and employees concerned.”

The law goes on to say: “Any employer who contravenes any of the provisions of this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000, and imprisonment of three months.”

Adele Bakker, one of the persons who’ve been laid off, explained to Minister Broomes that the company has been robbing them of their monies, in that whenever an employee logs out of the system, whether to go to the washroom or see the supervisor on request,

money is being deducted from their salaries.

Having heard enough, Regional Chairman, Rennis Morian said he intends to have the building secured, since it belongs to the State, and has appealed to the Minister to launch an overall investigation into the operations of the Centre, as he was advised that valuable assets have already been removed from the premises.

He is also asking that the travel documents of the foreign managers of the company be placed on hold, until the workers are paid all their benefits ,and all arrangements are completed.

Region 10 Member of Parliament, Valerie Patterson, urged the Minister to ensure that the agreements with foreign companies, wanting to invest in Guyana, be done in accordance with the prescribed rules, regulations and laws of the country. Owner and Managing Director of the Company, Gordon Walker was not present during the meeting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

‘No information deficit’ – President Granger to hold press conference soon F O L L O W I N G t h e re cording of the newly revamped, weekly television programme, ‘The Public Interest’, President David Granger told members of the media, who participated in the programme, that he will be holding a press conference soon.

The President, who often works more than 12 hours per day, in order to keep up with his packed agenda, indicated that it was simply a matter of scheduling, but that he has informed the Director of Communications, Mark Archer, that he is available for a press conference.

The Head of State added that he is looking forward, also, to meeting with the media in an informal setting, as well as holding press conferences but during the past few months the Administration has had to rely heavily on post-Cabinet press briefings, which are hosted by Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman.

Other ministers of Government have often participated in the briefings as well.

President Granger said, “I didn’t feel that there was an information deficit.”

The Public Interest now includes a panel of journalists, which will be drawn

In photo (L-R) are President David Granger, Malika Ramsey (moderator), Travis Chase of Nightly News, Kiana Wilburg of Kaieteur News and Radha Motilall waiting for the recording of the Public Interest to begin, yesterday, in the Blue Room at the Ministry of the Presidency

from the local and regional press corps, weekly. The journalists who participated in the new show are Kiana Wilburg of Kaieteur News, Travis Chase of Nightly News and Radha Motilall of the National Communications Network.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday stated that both the ministry and Mr Granger look forward to a wide cross section of journalists participating in the programme going forward and will continue to make this and other media engagement opportunities available. These avenues include, but are not limited,

to the following:1. Interview Requests Members of the media may submit a request for interview with the President of Guyana or any minister or authorised officer within the Ministry of the Presidency, through the Press and Publicity Unit.

While, due to scheduling limitations, not all interviews can be granted, this remains an option to directly engage the President of Guyana and ministers.

2. Ministerial Press Conferences Ministers within the Ministry

of the Presidency are empowered to engage the media though press conferences on issues that fall within their portfolios. Additionally, the Minister of State and the Minister of Governance are responsible for hosting post-Cabinet press briefings, weekly. From time to time, this has also become a forum where other ministers of the Government can engage with members of the media.

3. Presidential Press Conferences The President will hold press conferences to engage members of the me-

Reporters who participated in The Public Interest pose for a photo with President David Granger and Moderator Malika Ramsey, following yesterday’s recording

dia, from time to time, on major national issues, following major international engagements and as the need arises. The first such press conference is being planned at the moment. All ministers of Government are empowered to speak on issues that fall within their portfolio and have been directed to regularly engage the press.

4. Television Interview The President will participate in a statutory television

programme, as mentioned above, which members of the media will be invited to participate in. Details of this engagement will be shared with media houses through direct communication with the editors as the programme is rolled out 5. Other means of engagement The President continues to be regularly accessible to members of the media, who do engage him at public forums.

Gov’t to address concerns of Region 10 small loggers – Minister Trotman meets with representatives THE Government has given a strong commitment to work with the relevant State agencies and all other stakeholders, to address the issues affecting the small loggers of Region 10.

A team of representatives from the logging community within the region met with Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, who also has responsibilities for the Natural Resources Sector.

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the meeting took place at his office on Wednesday evening.

Reporting on the meeting, Minister Trotman told GINA that the group which came to the Department consisted of representatives from 14 different logging associations in Region 10, and several individuals who are into logging, without being a part of any

association. Among the major concerns raised was access to lands for the purpose of logging.

“They are concerned about an obvious downturn in the global economy. A lot of logs were going to China and Asia and there have been a down turn, so they have a lot of stock in hand…they want to know what concessions if any, Government can give,” Minister Trotman said.

According to Trotman, concerns were raised about large logging companies crowding them out of the market, the impassable state of access to roads and fuel prices. He described the meeting as “a very good” one.

The representatives have pledged their support to the new Government but, according to the minister, “they have also put us on notice that it is

not a blanket support, they expect that we would perform in their interest.”

COMMITMENT With regard to the Government’s commitment to immediately address these concerns, Minister Trotman stated that, “The one commitment we gave was that we would work in their interest to relieve the concerns they raised.”

He however pointed out that some of their concerns will be addressed through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), while noting that some new regulations and practices have come into play. These include using the Global Positioning System (GPS) as the representatives requested training in this regard.

Minister Trotman committed his ministry to partnering with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, to address the deplorable

state of the roads used by the loggers.

“I do plan a visit to Region 10 later in the month of September, and I would insist that Minister Patterson go along, because the state of the road is very critical, much of the cost of production or getting the logs to market has to do with transportation and the bad state of the road… so hopefully the trip can involve Minister Patterson and some others, where we can bring some immediate relief and the minister can see for himself what the needs are,” Trotman stated.

TAX CONCESSION Addressing the issue of possible tax concessions, the minister explained that he would have to seek the permission of Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who in turn has to get Cabinet’s approval.

With regard to reviewing the tax concessions, granted already to existing companies, the minister explained that “I do not want us to get

into the mood of being anti-investment or anti-foreigner. We are going to ensure that the playing field will be level, it must be the same for the foreigners as well as for the local small loggers. These are things we are working on with the GFC.” The intention of the Administration is to also ensure that those large companies that have been granted concessions, are working them and doing that in a proper manner, respecting the country’s laws and regulations, Trotman told GINA. “We want to ensure that they are keeping to their agreement at the end of the day, so that its value added.

If they can’t, then we will look at taking them away, but we don’t want to start off by saying we are going to be taking anything away, that’s not in our interest.”

NORWAY AGREEMENT The minister was firm on maintaining good relations with Norway, as this is crit-

ical for the development of the forestry sector in Guyana.

In November 2009, Guyana signed the Agreement with Norway. This will see Guyana benefitting from US$250M by 2015, for avoided deforestation, once certain performance indicators are met.

In the country’s efforts to promote and improve its value-added products, “we have to maintain our good relations with Norway, we have to maintain that Guyana has a product that is lumber or logs that can be harvested, we have got to ensure that there are value-added products.”

Minister Jordan had stated in his 2015 Budget presentation on August 10, 2015, that the conclusion of the 5-year forest agreement with Norway provides the impetus to open discussions on a successor agreement.

This, he said, will be pursued on the next visit of the team from the Kingdom of Norway to Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

Indigenous cultural extravaganza captivates at Amerindian Heritage Village

By Rebecca Ganesh AS celebrations continue at the Amerindian Heritage Village at Sophia, indigenous cultural groups from across Guyana came together on Wednesday to captivate the public with a cultural extravaganza.

Under the theme: ‘Preserving our customs and traditions’, Amerindian groups gathered from near and far to display some of their customs and traditions.

Master of Ceremonies, Ovid Williams, explained that the main building used for the evening performances were built by the Arawaks and “the entire Amerindian Village at Sophia took approximately 36 days.”

UMANA YANA The Masekenari Cultural Group, a group of Wai Wai origin, during their performance of the Macaw and Powis dance and their rendition of ‘Identity Preserver’ called on the new Government to have the Umana Yana rebuilt. The group, through poetry, related the significance of the ‘Umana Yana’, a meeting

The ‘Sahaman Healing’ skit performed by the Karaudanau Cultural Group lage ‘Sahamans’ were called in to cure the person.

‘Choosing the right husband’ was performed by an Akawaio Group from Region 7 (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni). During their display, the elders through a skit explained their method, according to their customs, to choose the right life partner. It was advised that “all that is shiny is not gold, choose a life partner that can provide for your everyday needs and this will carry you through life.”

The Guyana Chronicle

of the pageant delegates tomorrow at 20:00hrs. Then there will be the celebration of the life and works of Stephen Campbell and other notable Amerindians on September 10, with re-enactments of Campbell during his days in Parliament.

The Annual Heritage Fund-Raising Dinner will be held from 19:00hrs on September 8 at the same venue, where a number of Amerindian delicacies, such as roast labba, pepperpot and mountain chicken will be available.

Tickets to this treat cost $7,000 each.

The Masekenari Cultural Group during their Macaw and Powis Dance (Adrian Narine photos) place, to the indigenous people as they stressed the importance of the rebuilding.

SAHAMAN HEALING The Karaudanau Cultural Group through drama enlightened patrons on the traditional indigenous ways to cure the sick. “Sahaman Healing” was the method used by the ‘first people’ to cure illness since they are a very superstitious group of persons. Williams also explained that due to their beliefs all sicknesses were deemed evil and the vil-

spoke with a few patrons on Wednesday, some of whom expressed their satisfaction while noting that a few of the customs highlighted were alien to them. First time patron ‘Andrew’ explained that he heard of the foods prepared during this time and decided to ‘give it a try’. He noted too that he enjoyed the cassava bread with tuma pot and the ‘fly’ sweet potato wine.

The Cultural Extravaganza continues daily from 19:00hrs at the Amerindian Village in Sophia.

Other activities at the Amerindian Heritage Village will include the sashing

‘How to choose the right husband’ done by an Akawaio Group

A Heritage Dance by the Katiwau Dance Group from Sand Creek

Performers from St. Cuthbert’s Mission

Search for missing woman at Kaieteur extended down river THE search of the Kaieteur National Park and its environs has extended down river for a missing woman, who was part of a guided day tour on Tuesday via Air Services Limited.

The woman who has since been identified as Laleta Sivanand is said to be in her early 40s and resides in the city.

Since the incident, all tours to Kaieteur National

Park has been suspended as a team from the Police Force, National Parks Commission Rangers, GGMC officials and Guyana Defence Force continue the search.

Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes said that, as at 14:00hrs yesterday, additional people were sent in to assist in the search and they remain hopeful in locating the missing woman.

She was at the time speaking at a press confer-

STILL MISSING: Laleta Sivanand

ence ‘Yachts’ Rally party at the Ministry’s office on Camp Street yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the missing woman’s facebook page said she worked at Laparkan Group of Companies and there was no recent post to her timeline.

A visit to the woman’s house did not yield any further information since relatives refused to speak to the media.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

ExxonMobil to continue exploratory work – Minister Trotman extends Govt’s full support

THE Government of Guyana through the Minister of Governance with responsibility for the State’s patrimony and natural resources, Raphael Trotman, has extended its full support to oil giant, ExxonMobil as the company reaffirmed its commitment to continuing exploration works in Guyana, beginning early 2016.

This commitment was communicated to the company by Minister Trotman at a meeting which was held with some of the company’s top executives, at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Boardroom, on Wednesday.

ExxonMobil’s team was led by Erik Oswald, ExxonMobil Exploration Vice President and included Craig Kelly, Senior Director for the Americas, International Government; Chuck Calavan, Vice President, South and Latin America; Jeff John-

son, Exploration Commercial Manager; Alison Rana, Public and Government Affairs Advisor; Jeff Simons, Country Manager Esso, Guyana; and Carlton James, Public and Government Affairs Manager, Esso, Guyana.

According to the Vice President of Exploration, Mr Oswald, the company was especially happy with the discovery made in Guyana.

“As you know we have had a discovery of what we thought was a very successful well. This was a very low probability well so it is one of these things we love to see.

It’s a very risky investment so we are very pleased about that,” he said.

To this end, Oswald said the company remains committed to its work in Guyana and is looking forward to the next investment, which should take shape as early as January 2016. “All that work is underway right now.

Minister Raphael Trotman flanked by (from right) Technical Officer, Theresa Gaime, Advisor on Sustainable Development, Clayton Hall and Technical Officer Euileen Watson and Executives from ExxonMobil

When the technical work is done, the others will be done.

And the idea is, if we have a lot of success, we will bring additional rigs,” Oswald said.

He explained that the rig, the ‘Deepwater Champion’ left Guyana in June upon completion of its contract with the Corporation.

Government’s role in ensuring the Company’s right

From left: Senior Director for the Americas, International Government Relations at ExxonMobil Mr Chuck Calavan; ExxonMobil Vice President South and Latin America Mr Jeff Johnson; ExxonMobil Exploration Vice President and Exploration Commercial Manager Mr Erik Oswald; and Country Manager Esso, Guyana Mr Jeff Simons

to continue its exploration in the Stabroek Block was also discussed during the meeting.

Minister Raphael Trotman reminded the company’s representatives of President Granger’s assurance that the block will be protected. “I give you my assurance. The commitment to the project is 110 per cent. We have no intention of giving up on that partnership,” Minister Trotman told the team.

He also communicated the Government’s willingness to support and assist in any infrastructural needs, which

may arise when the company expands its operations here.

Given the ongoing threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity, Minister Trotman also used the opportunity to update the company on the ongoing border controversy and the recent visit to Guyana of a team from the United Nations Headquarters.

“The UN had a team here in Guyana…We are doing our best to get it resolved.

We are pushing for a comprehensive and resolute result.

The dispute has not been helpful to this country. We

are entitled…to develop our country’s natural resources,” he expressed.

The oil and gas exploration began in Guyana on 5 March, 2015, with drilling offshore in the Stabroek Block. Just two months later, on May 20, the company announced that its engagement in Guyana was proving successful, as its exploration drill ship, the Deepwater Champion, had found a deposit of a ‘significant’ amount of oil in the Block, about 120 nautical miles offshore Guyana.

$629M owed to Reg. 2 rice farmers

THE Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana empathises with the frustrations of the rice farmers and hopes that the rice millers can make arrangements to have outstanding amounts to rice farmers remitted to them at the earliest possible time.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) reported that consultations with the Guyana Rice Development Board on the issue of payment to Region 2 rice farmers by rice millers

have resulted in the following information being made available.

PAYMENT UPDATE BY MILLERS TO FARMERS FOR SPRING CROP 2015 (REGION 2) ● MILLERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED PAYMENT TO FARMERS IN FULL 1. Arnold Sankar 2. Roopan Ramotar 3. Golden Fleece Rice Inc 4. Imam Bacchus 5. Vincent Persaud 6. Caricom Rice Mills Ltd ● MILLERS WITH OUT-

STANDING PAYMENTS TO FARMERS 1. Wazeer Hussein (Dry Shore/KSCL) - $285,360,540 2. Ramesh Ramlakhan (Exmouth) - $156,584,455 3. Deonarine (Evergreen) $135,000,000 4. Old Mac Guyana Inc. $28,300,000 5. La Resource Rice Industry - $27,600,000 Government is reiterating its call for millers in arrears to settle their outstanding debts to farmers who have supplied them with paddy for processing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Defective sections of East Bank Berbice road to be remedied by contractor the road and hairline cracks which clearly indicated that the base material still has vegetable soil.

The compaction test of the thoroughfare will be re-evaluated by the ministry’s laboratory, the ministry assured. The contracting company will be executing some independent density Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson meets with Technical staff from the Works Services Group and Contractor H. Nauth & Sons

DEFECTS in the 12 km stretch of the East Bank Berbice road (EBD) will be corrected by the contractor, H. Nauth and Sons, before the official handing over of the project to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

The contracting company was hired to resurface 12 km of the road, between Everton and Mara, and work commenced in November 2014 and was completed in June 2015. The road project cost $393.9M. At a review meeting held at the ministry on Wednesday, Mr Jerry Loochan, General Manager of H. Nauth and Sons informed Min-

ister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and the technical staff of the Works Services Group, that remedial works will commence on September 9, 2015.

The ministry revealed that during an inspection done on August 26, the ministry’s internal auditors found that sections of the road where surfacing was completed “did not meet the specifications, debris were very visible in wearing course, which resulted in holes emerging on the road surface.”

The team also highlighted that also noticeable was vegetation growing through

Two miners killed after...

From page 2

were identified as Bobby Brittlebank of Wisroc Housing Scheme, Linden; 17-year-old Raymond August of Dartmouth, Essequibo; Michael Moore Gardener, 26, of Better Hope, East Coast Demerara; and Esmond Martin of Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara.

The other causalities are Leyland Jones; Jason Trotman of Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara; Trevon Phillips of Old Road Stewartville, West Coast Demerara; and Nomar Cort, Dick Frank Bernard and Glenn Bernard, all of Nappi Village, North Rupununi, Lethem.

The seven who survived are Sheldon Adams, Andrew Lazarus, Henry Xavier, Regan Greene, Alex Greene, Shawn Xavier, and Collymore Lewis.

Two weeks later, Thomas Anton, 64, a diver from

Kamarang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) drowned while working at Quimenang River, Upper Mazaruni.

Anton was reportedly operating equipment under water, when it is suspected that he drowned after being trapped under a quantity of loose earth.

JUMBIE CREEK On June 19, 2015 another miner was killed and another injured at Jumbie Creek Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) when the mining pit they were working in collapsed and they were trapped.

Orlando Archer, 25, of South Turkeyen perished while Leonard Persaud, 44 of Sophia escaped with injuries to his foot. Reports stated that a group of men were working in the pit when suddenly the walls caved in.

tests as well.

A technical team from the ministry will accompany the contractor to inspect all defects with the aim of conducting a detailed assessment of the corrective works needed to bring the project within the specifications and standard as per contract. (Rebecca Ganesh)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Fire Chief reports...

Over $4M worth of foam, other chemicals used to contain GuyOil blaze CHIEF Fire Officer Marlon Gentle said the probe into the cause of the blaze Monday night at GuyOil’s bond at Providence, East Bank Demerara is incomplete.

He also noted that over $4M worth of foam and other chemicals were utilised to contain the blaze, which de-

stroyed petroleum products valued thousands of dollars.

Gentle said a team of investigators from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) are at the location to review surveillance footage and inspect the large bond in an effort to determine the source of the fire which started at about 20:00hrs.

It is not certain how the blaze started but shortly after smoke was observed coming from the storage bond, firemen were alerted and began their firefighting efforts and contained the fire.

Gentle added that the GFS responded with tenders from Diamond, West Ruimveldt and the Central Fire

Over $4M worth of foam and other chemicals were utilised to contain the recent blaze at the Guyoil Providence Service Station

Station and executed industrial fire-fighting operations.

They were aware they were dealing with petroleum products, oils and additives which are extremely different from a basic house fire, the Fire Chief said.

“This threat we don’t handle lightly because it has the propensity to expand, to deteriorate or to get into a next phase very rapidly. This is petroleum products [sic] and this does not take any

bluff,” Gentle remarked.

Meanwhile, referring to another incident, he said that the Wednesday night fire which destroyed a wooden two-storey house at Lot 3 Bladen Hall, East Coast Demerara, was caused by a lamp that was left unattended. Two persons are displaced following that conflagration.

Rafeena Hassan, 52, and her husband Ivan Calistro, 72, occupied the bottom

flat of the house which is relatively aged and were the caretakers for several years.

The building is without electricity and a lamp was used by the couple, who were preparing to retire to bed for the evening when the fire started and quickly consumed the house.

However, a bucket brigade formed by residents saved a house/store next door from the blaze. (Michel Outridge)

Young professionals give back to Enterprise Primary A GROUP calling itself Enterprise Young Professionals (EYP) yesterday gave back to its hometurf by donating a quantity of stationery to children of Enterprise Primary School.

Among those items were 1500 pencils, 600 erasers, and 100 rulers, which, according to the group, are

courtesy of Habitat for Humanity, Hardat Kisseur and Family, and whatever they themselves could chip in.

Currently, they are working towards improving their community by making small but very effective contributions every month.

Back in July, they held a ‘Fish-Fry’, the proceeds

of which they used to help a family in the community get back on its feet after suffering untold losses during a fire.

They intend to continue to work very hard to do even more, and stand by their Motto, ‘Youths with Motivation and Determination’.

Group members distributing items to youngsters at Enterprise Primary

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Police charge 5 more Berbicians with drunk driving

CHARGED: Rameshwar Chan

CHARGED: Devon Reece

CHARGED: Shalimar Smith

CHARGED: Mohamed Ally

THE Guyana Police Force has disclosed that five more drivers have been charged for drunk driving, as its Traffic Department continues with enforcement activities.

The Police, in a statement yesterday, said the following persons have been charged for driving under the influence of alcohol. ● RAMESHWAR CHAN of Lot 16 Rotter Dam, East Bank Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-07-16 while driving motor vehicle HB 7108 on Main Street, New Amsterdam. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate Court on 2015-07-20 where he pleaded ‘guilty’ and was fined $7,500. ● DEVON REECE of Lot 126 Akawani Street, C/Ville, Georgetown, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-07-24 while driving motor vehicle PKK 7197 on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Georgetown Magistrate Court on 2015-0730 where he pleaded ‘guilty’ and was fined $7,500. ● SHALIMAR SMITH of Lot 23 Scottsburg, Corriverton, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 201507-23 while driving motor cycle CF 4404 on the Number 79 Public Road, Berbice. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-07-23 where he pleaded ‘guilty’ and was

CHARGED: Clovis Hunte

fined $7,500. ● MOHAMED ALLY of 133 Line Path, Corriverton, Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-07-19 while driving motor vehicle PKK 5333 on the Number 79 Public Road, Corriverton. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-0720 where he pleaded ‘guilty’ and was fined $7,500. ● CLOVIS HUNTE of Lot 10 Grant 1806, Crab Wood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, was stopped and tested with a breathalyzer on 2015-07-18 while driving motor cycle CF 2434 on the Crab Wood Creek Public Road. He was found to be above the legal limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol. He was charged and appeared at the Springlands Magistrate Court on 2015-0720 where he pleaded ‘guilty’ and was fined $7,500.

The Police Force, through its ‘name and shame campaign’, has charged a number of persons in recent times, several of them from Berbice, and placed them before the courts for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) after they were found to be above the legal limit in terms of alcohol consumption.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Digicel gives almost $1M to Indigenous Day of Sports

IN celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month, cell-phone giant Digicel Guyana on Wednesday handed over a cheque for $800,000 to representatives of the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs for the sponsorship of the Day of Sports.

This year, the event will include swimming and archery for the first time.

The handing-over ceremony took place at Digicel Guyana headquarters at Fort and Barrack Streets, Kingston.

Company Communications Manager, Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara told reporters at the ceremony that for the past seven years, Digicel has been sponsoring the event, slated this year for September 18-20, 2015.

She added that they have presented a cheque and are on board with the month of activities planned

to observe Amerindian Heritage Month as well as provide cutting-edge cell phone service to far-flung hinterland communities.

Bijlall-Sanichara told the gathering that they will continue to do their part in supporting and giving back to the indigenous peoples.

In addition to the company’s annual contributions for Indigenous Heritage Month, they will be giving back to the indigenous people by enhancing the lives of children in many Amerindian villages through a community project in hinterland schools .

Project Officer/Sports Coordinator of the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Besham Ramsaywack said that he is grateful to Digicel for their support in which they have added swimming and archery this year for the Day of Sports in which 500 athletes from the 10

administrative regions will participate.

He said last year Region 9 won the football competition and this year there are other games as well for both children and adults such as cricket, volleyball, tug-owar and a piwarie drinking competition.

Ramsaywack stated that the Day of Sports is a family-oriented event and this year it is slated to be bigger and better as well.

Coordinator of swimming and archery, Ivan Persaud said it was with a sense of pride that he was expressing gratitude to Digicel for lending a helping hand to the Indigenous Heritage celebrations by solely sponsoring the Day of Sports.

He said that they have to get more than 500 athletes to the city to participate in the games which is quite costly and they need to off-

Digicel Communications Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara handing over the cheque Wednesday to Besham Ramsaywack, Project Officer/Heritage Coordinator. With them are, from left, Elke Rodrigues, Louanna Abrams, and Ivan Persaud (Photo by Adrian Narine)

set expenses, among other things.

Persaud pointed out that about 65 officials such as scorers, referees, organisers and others will be there to assist in managing the games, and that is an added

cost. He added that they had difficulty getting sponsorship in the past but with Digicel they can pull off the activity smoothly.

Meanwhile, Elke Rodrigues, Assistant Coordinator for the Indigenous

Heritage Day of Sports said she was pleased that swimming will be a part of the games since she is very passionate about the sport.

Also present was sponsorship and events manager, Louanna Abrams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

Granger unveils plans to crush rac uments have been erected for victims of violence, more has to be done to repair that damage and restore trust.

There is no need to build more monuments, he said, but create the group to build moral communities.

He told the gathering that more has to be done to fight extreme poverty.

“Far too many Guyanese are extremely poor which means that they do not have enough to buy basic food on a daily basis. There can be no social cohesion in an economy characterised by huge gaps and a wide income disparity between a very few rich people…and the poor. Extreme poverty can be reduced and eventually eliminated. We want to contribute our human resources on the task of developing our country for the good of our people,” the President said.

He added: “Poverty undermines families; it can destroy a household…that is why it is so important to eliminate extreme poverty.”

Elaborating on the need to end gender and geographic inequalities, the President observed that while “we speak of one nation, in economic terms, we are two countries” - one on the coastland and the other the vast hinterland regions.

“Everyone, everywhere, deserves a good life.

The disparity in development and income between the coastland and the hinterland must be reduced and removed, the gender gap must be closed to ensure that girls and boys are given equal opportunities to be educated and employed. Cohesiveness cannot be nurtured in an unequal environment,” the President said, pointing out that all will benefit from equal rights, access to education, health and greater opportunities for the disadvantaged since a more equal society will bring about a more inclusive society.

POLITICAL INCLUSIVITY In all of this, the President noted that attention will

be given to ensure greater political inclusion, at the level of all parties, through regional, general, regular municipal and Local Government elections.

“We need elections to create a system of inclusionary democracy by promoting the participation of citizens and by including their organisations in decisionmaking. We are committed to that objective. We believe that the creation of an inclusive political system is the foundation for national unity,” President Granger said.

Reiterating that he will be a President for all of Guyana, Granger said the Administration cannot ignore the interest of the 49 per cent of the population who did not vote for it in the last elections.

“Political inclusivity will allow us to combine our efforts with those of others and to accelerate the task of national development. It will help us to reduce and possibly avoid violent conflicts. My recent meeting with the Leader of the Opposition to discuss how we can take the process of national unity forward is a step in this direction,” President Granger told the gathering.

Businesses, civil society, non-governmental organisations, trade unions will be involved in the process, and fair employment laws to ensure the safety of miners.

“Providing jobs fo tional priority. We mu thousands of people w are unable to find job be able to escape from pointing out that equal greater opportunity fo gap between the well helping to end poverty Meanwhile, Minist said the discussion see national motto ‘One Pe a reality.

Acknowledging th vergent views, she sai straightforward one, b a national strategy on into account the ident regardless of their cla religion.

Before the forma at the Arthur Chung ter tur un peo son ski

President David Granger listens attentively to this differently-abled young lady who requested an audience with him

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

cial...

JOBS or our people is a matter of naust provide opportunities for the who leave school every year but bs…without jobs, they will not m the cycle of poverty,” he said, l access to education will provide or upward mobility, bridging the l off and the disadvantaged and y. ter of Social Cohesion Amna Ally eks to bring to life and make the eople, One Nation, One Destiny’

These dances entertained the gathering at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre before the formal start of the round-table discussions

hat there will be groups with diid the task at hand will not be a but it will feed into efforts to craft social cohesion which will take tity of all the people of Guyana, ass, gender, sexual orientation or

al programme, the gathering g Convention Centre was enrtained by a captivating culral presentation, celebrating nity and the identities of the six oples of Guyana in the form of ngs, dances, drumming and a it. (Tajeram Mohabir)

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A section of the gathering at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre yesterday (Delano Williams photos)

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President meets, holds fruitful talks

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 4, 2015

– with West Berbice Chamber of Commerce President David Granger (third left) with members of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce- They are, from left: Tage Singh, Dr. Alexander Sinclair, Imran Saccoor, Pradeep Bachan and Hardat Malchand

PRESIDENT David Granger met Wednesday with members of the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce (WBCC) to discuss ways in which they and the government can work on enhancing the region, especially from an economic perspective. The meeting took place at the Ministry of the Presidency, here in the city.

According to WBCC President, Imran Saccoor, the possibilities are endless, in terms of business opportunities for residents of Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), and the membership is willing to work closely with the administration to ensure that those opportunities are capitalised on, especially by farmers, and small and medium-scale business owners.

Saccoor said the Chamber is pleased with the 2015 Budget, particularly where the sums allocated to the agriculture sector is concerned.

“The region is a heavily driven agriculture region,” he said, “and I am optimistic that, with the release of these funds, our farmers would be able to benefit.”

The region is also looking at possibilities of harnessing its tourism potential, and will be staging the first ever West Berbice Expo in April next year. Plans are also under way to launch a business magazine that highlights the activities of Region 5.

Said Saccoor: “From us at the Chamber, we are prepared to work with the business sector; we are prepared to work with any organisation that is willing to enhance and foster business development.”

The West Berbice team also seized the opportunity to register their concerns about the crime situation with the President.

Saccoor said that a number of business owners have been organising their own vigilante groups, and working closely with the Guyana Police Force, but noted that the issue needs to be properly addressed by the authorities given its impact on the business community. (Ministry of the Presidency)

No arrests yet in Leopold St. murder POLICE yesterday said that no arrests have yet been made in the murder of Leopold Street resident, Deon Macey, but they are continuing the probe.

Macey, who did odd jobs around the neighbourhood, was stabbed several times in the chest and stomach by a group of men during an argument on Wednesday morning.

The 51-year-old occupied a small shack at Lot 67-68 Leopold Street, Werk-en-Rust property, which boasts a large house that is subdivided into several apartments.

The tenants of those apartments all said they did not hear anything as to indicate that the murder was as a result of an altercation.

Macey’s bloodied body was found in a sitting position in his modest apartment, the walls and ground of which were spotted in places with blood.

The police were summoned after calls to him went unanswered.

Macey was last seen alive at around 02:00hrs when he mentioned to no-one in particular as he was leaving the yard in which he lived that he was “going on a fine hustle.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

Phone # 592 619-1952

Thrilling Indigenous Heritage festivities continue at Sophia Miss India Guyana wows Mumbai

C

The enthralling dancers at the 2015 Indigenous Heritage celebrations

ELEBRATIONS continue at the Amerindian Heritage Village at Sophia with Indigenous cultural groups from across Guyana coming together to captivate the public with fantastic cultural extravaganzas.

Under the theme ‘Preserving our customs and traditions’, groups gathered from near and far to have a chance to display some of their customs and traditions.

The Masekenari Cultural Group (of Wai Wai origin) was a splendid showcase as they portrayed their Macaw and Powis dances. Through their rendition of the beautiful song ‘Identity Preserver’,

they called on the new Government to have the famous Umana Yana structure rebuilt. Through poetry, the group related the significance of the ‘Umana Yana’, a meeting place to the Indigenous people, as they stressed the importance of the rebuilding.

Through drama, the Karaudanau Cultural Group enlightened patrons on Indigenous people’s traditional ways to cure the sick. ‘Choosing the right husband’ was performed by an Akawaio group from Region 7 (Cuyuni/ Mazaruni). During their display, the elders, through a skit, explained their method, according to their customs, of choosing the right life partner.

The cultural extravaganza continues daily from 7pm at the Amerindian Village, Sophia. Other activities at the Amerindian Heritage Village will include the sashing of the pageant delegates, slated for September 05 at 20:00hrs; followed by the celebration of the life and works of Stephen Campbell and other notable Amerindians, on September 10.

The Annual Heritage Fund-raising Dinner will be held from 19:00hrs on September 8 at the same venue, where a number of Amerindian delicacies, such as Roast Labba, Pepperpot and Mountain Chicken, among others, will be available. Tickets to this treat will cost $7,000.

Blue Berry Bar returns with a bang!!!

M

ISS India Guyana 2015, Lieve Blanckaert, performed well during the talent round of the contest last evening in Mumbai. She reportedly performed a combination of Flamenco and Belly-dancing with a certain Caribbean sizzle.

She will be contesting against 32 other countries on Saturday, September 05, 2015 for the Miss India Worldwide crown.

Miss Monica Gill, the reigning international queen, will be crowning her successor.

“IN de good ole days, we used to rush down to de Blue Berry Bar at Better Hope village (ECD), and de action was always smashing…”

Then the proprietor, ‘Dharmin’, closed shop because of unforeseen circumstances, and fans near and far were certainly disappointed.

Well, folks, great news emanating from knowledgeable circles is that the Blue Berry Bar is back with a bang and with lots of exciting features. This bar now opens all week; and, from Monday, fans can enjoy ‘after-lunch limes’ as they listen to pulsating sounds made possible by one of the top local DJs. And that’s not all: On Fridays the venue explodes with the ‘Friday Night Hangout’; and on Saturdays, of course, their Saturday Night Fever showcases are held.

On Sundays, folks can wind down and de-stress as they enjoy a ‘musical mix’ like never before.

The bar will soon see appearances by various live bands, and a special Miss Bootilicious package is planned for this venue. Of course you can, while there, enjoy succulent ‘cutters’ and any beverage you so desire.

Check out this joint, especially on weekends, and you are bound to return again and again.

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Silyne Griffith

Tensions rise to ––atboiling point beckon of Princess Karaoke Star finals LADIES and gentlemen, the time has arrived for us to declare the lucky winner of the 2015 Princess Karaoke Star, now that the final showdown is slated for tomorrow night.

Club Next (Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara) will come alive with astounding vocals and a blinding kaleidoscope of riveting choreography when the show kicks off tomorrow night at 9pm.

Fans are promised a fantastic showcase, as the singers are all bringing their ‘A’ Game to the proceedings. The contestants have all promised a thrill for spectators, with mind-boggling props, creativity, and vocal packages like never before.

Everyone is anticipating that showdown between Georgetown’s Lashaun Charles and Bartica’s Silyne Griffith, and we assure it will be an electrifying face-off since either girl is raving that she is here to ‘demolish and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

destroy’ the competition.

But those girls will have to face the likes of the sultry Romichelle Brummell, who has vowed to set the place on fire with what she is bring to the competition.

Daniel Dondrake has issued a stern warning to Bartica’s Dameon Apple that he will create an upset that will have the Apple guy reeling from its intensity.

Meanwhile, Azzaruddin Laljie will certainly have to put his best foot forward, since he faces stiff competition from wild card save Jonathan Basteano and crowd favourite Louis Ebenezer, who have both unsheathed their claws for battle.

Each singer will perform one song as his/ her ‘warm-up entry’, and that will determine who makes it to the top five finalists. Thereafter, they will have to do their competition song, which will decide who makes it into the coveted top three spots.

Excitement is buzzing among four of the female contestants, since a special prize of $50,000 has been donated by ‘Madamme

Lashaun Charles

Cleo’, who is presently in Paris, for the female contestant who has impressed the most with her fashion statements throughout the event.

Vying for the ‘Hottest Diva’ cash prize are Lisa Walcott, Silyne Griffith, Maria Roshuevel and Romichelle Brummelle. Fans are asked to vote for their diva of choice by sending their votes with the diva’s name to phone numbers 691-6411 or 619-1952.

These finals are dubbed ‘I will Survive’, so one can only imagine the vocal talent that will be on stage tomorrow night.

Make sure you are there inside Club Next when this spectacular showcase unfurls. Admission to the event is a mere $500.

Mingles Car Wash to host customer specials and karaoke fantasia

EVERYONE is looking for that special car wash location that is decidedly different from the rest, and everyone is just about to have their expectations met and exceeded.

You see folks, the Mingles Car Wash, located at 43 Garnett Street Campbellville, has every intention of keeping its customers satisfied; and, as such, is giving every customer a beverage of choice every time they take a complete wash on their vehicle at the location.

That aside, the entity is poised to begin its massive

‘karaoke fantasia’ on premises, to be done ‘open air style’ under umbrellas and the beautiful, starry night sky. This event will begin in

the next two weeks, and will be spearheaded by the city’s popular DJ Jeffery, who is famous for being able to present any song of choice at his sessions.

At the car wash, folks are offering perfection auto detailing (engine and bottom wash) and headlamp restoration, but compounding, polishing, and so much more would also be available.

And of course they can be contacted by calling phone numbers 626-3186!

Be sure to give them a call for a shiny clean, or for a night of ‘breezy karaoke’ under the tropical night sky.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

Entertainment Hotspot

‘Paradise in the Hills’ is the perfect leisure time getaway AS an entertainment journalist, I am certainly required to travel far and wide in pursuance of my duties; and in so doing, I inevitably bump into some

filled weekend.

I have got to admit being taken aback by the posh interior of this joint, and I am not talking only about its very sophisticated and

First time visitor Worren Hinds enjoys a blissful weekend at the ‘must visit’ location

really impressive sites and recreational entities that do nothing but take people’s breath away.

Just recently, while on a visit to the mining town of Linden, my companions and I were directed to stay at the very impressive ‘Paradise in the Hills’ guest house, since we intended to enjoy a fun-

impressive decor. The apartments were so very spacious and spotless that I simply could not keep my jaws up.

The decor was certainly not overdone, and there was Dolby stereo surround sound setup in every apartment.

The flat screen televisions offered more comfort, and each apartment was accentuated

Co-co-co-Banna Nightclub to host ‘Throw Back Weekend’

BERBICIANS are certainly not being left out of all the concept parties popping up around Guyana. Starting tonight, the Co-co-co-Banna Nightclub at Belladrum, West Coast Berbice will commence its ‘Throw Back Weekend’ festivities, which will begin with the ‘Friday Afternoon Hangout Session’ that will evolve into the pulsating ‘Friday Night Explosion’ party.

Come tomorrow night, the venue will stage its ‘Saturday Night Fever Dance Party’ that will see patrons enjoyed mixed musical vibes all night long.

On Sunday night, patrons can simmer down and relax as they listen to mixed music with a special ‘yester-year flava’, geared at taking them back in time. This continues weekly at the venue, which has been remodelled to offer excellent leisure time relaxation and comfort.

with a spanking kitchenette, immaculate washrooms, and a sitting room that was unquestionably adorable.

The sparkling china in the kitchen added to the pleasant surprise, and there were shiny pots in a pantry and, of course, a gas cooker fitted with oven for weekend baking.

The chandeliers were ‘Oh my!’ adorable and cast in the apartment a very cozy effect that fuelled the desire for comfort, romance and so much more.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner offers were truly royal, and were served steamy ‘hot from the pot’.

The place was just remarkably cool, and we had the options of using either overhead fans or air conditioning; and we were not troubled by mosquitoes, since the windows were all secured with very fine mesh.

I certainly never dreamed there would be such a perfect weekend getaway location hidden in the hills of Linden; and to think that it is called ‘Paradise in the Hills’!

Our weekend was certainly made a paradise by the very polite owner of this guest house, who prefers to be called ‘Kai Kai’, and by

The spectacular hideout in the pristine valleys of Linden is certainly worth visiting...

his very efficient staffers.

I challenge anybody to refute my assertion that this plush hideout in the sandy dunes of 888 Amelia’s Ward, Linden is one of the biggest

and brightest discoveries in Guyana’s tourism/entertainment sector. Moreover, I very strongly encourage anybody so desirous to visit the place and refresh, rejuvenate and

recoup their optimism and drive. This is a location that evokes deep desires and romantic allure.

Of course you can call 628-6819 for reservations.

‘Guinness Extravaganza’ to unfurl at Mahaicony

ALL Mahaicony (East Coast Demerara) is greatly anticipating the ‘Guinness Extravaganza’ that will be staged tonight at the Mahaicony Guinness Bar. The venue will reverberate with popular music from some of the hottest stereo sounds around, and guest appearances will be made by some of the hottest local DJs as they pass through.

There will inevitably be fiery clashes amongst some of the hottest male dance groups from Calcutta, Perth Village, Perseverance and Central Mahaicony. The most anticipated showcase is the faceoff between the Airy Hall Dancehall Divas and the ‘Mahaicony Hotties’, who have vowed that they will put on a show to be remembered for ages to come.

Patrons can enjoy all-night ‘Guinness Specials’ and the succulent wild meat choices and cutters provided at the location.

If you are looking for a little fun in a

cozy countryside setting, then the Mahaicony Guinness Bar is certainly the ideal place for you.

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Club 704 to host ‘Selfie Stick Party’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015 CLUB 704 continues to impress with its pulsating party concepts. Come tomorrow night, the club would be serving up the concept of its ‘Selfie Stick Party.’

Fans are urged to attend this event in their numbers, since the first fifty persons arriving will receive a free ‘selfie stick’ so they can take their photos from practically any angle in the club as they dance the night away.

And of course ‘DJ Scene-Up’ will be there, as expected, to ensure that fans get their fill of hot Caribbean vibes. The excitement would be heightened by the exciting presence of the versatile Selecta Andray, who will be up in the club unleashing his spectacular ‘musical mixes’.

The club’s management has confessed to having embarked on a series of new initiatives with the

aim of giving back to the club’s supporters, so to speak.

Starting next Monday, the club will begin its ‘Concert Mondays’, which will entail the showing of exciting concerts of the most popular international artistes around the globe. This begins at 4 pm and is geared at enhancing relations for fans as they enjoy beverages and cocktails.

With the purchase of every four Banks Beer, persons will be given one Banks Beer glass free.

On Tuesdays patrons can enjoy the ‘No Vat Tuesdays’ concept, which allows a 16% discount on all drinks and food; and this begins from 3 pm to whenever the club closes.

On Fridays one can take advantage of the ‘Free Up Fridays’ (from 4-7 pm), and enjoy another cocktail at half price after purchasing the first one. This also goes

for shots as well; while there will be several bottle special offers available.

The club has teamed up with Stag and ANSA Mc AL, and on Saturdays will offer three Stag beers for $1000. Patrons will get an opportunity also to mingle with the Stag DJs and models, and this will last until 5 pm.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the club will host its ‘Surprise Happy Hour’ events. At the sound of a bell, patrons will be able to get as much as 17% off items at the bar.

This promotion will conclude on September 13, 2015.

The club has also launched its Pizza and Beer Promotion, which allows for a free pitcher of Banks Beer with the purchase of a 10 inch pizza, and one pitcher of Banks Beer. Fans will also receive free Banks DIH jerseys and other giveaways.

Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!! Bulletin!!!

Miss United Continents Guyana 2015 is off to Ecuador

MISS United Continents Guyana 2015, Cherese James, departed the JFK International Airport earlier this afternoon en route to Miami and then to Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she will be competing for the coveted title of Miss United Continents 2015.

This will be the first time a Guyanese beauty will be competing in this pageant, which will see participants from different countries battling it out in evening gown, swimsuit, national costume, and interview segments. The finals of the Miss United Continents will be held on September 12, 2015.

Miss United Continents Guyana 2015, Cherese James

Tessanne to perform at ‘From Jazz with Love’ event TESSANNE CHIN

RED Entertainment is presently finalising arrangements for the hosting of “From Jazz with Love”, fused with its signature event, “Kiss My ART Festival”.

This double-event is billed for the HJ Water World, East Bank Demerara, on September 26.

‘From Jazz with Love’ music festi-

val will feature an evening of funky jazz, soul and art from across the Caribbean region, and will see Jamaican artiste Tessanne Chin, Arturo Tappin of Barbados and Guyana’s own Romeo “Mystic” Nermal performing.

Chin is winner of Season 5 of the NBC’s reality TV singing competition ‘The Voice’. She has opened for famous acts such as Pattie LaBelle, Peabo Bryson and Gladys Knight.

On the other hand, Arturo Tappin is considered by most to be one of the smoothest and most soulful saxophonists in the Caribbean, with his unique funky jazz and a healthy dose of Caribbean soca and reggae to boot.

Finally Nermal, also called “Coolie Bhai”, has become a local sensation with his well-known hit ‘Coolie Bhai’, and the original reggae tracks that he composed. He has been performing at various events both locally and internationally.

However, the event will also feature artistes from Guyana, such as a young local band named Collage, and Bravo Arts and Classique Dance Company performing a body art dance.

Local art will also be on sale.

Part proceeds will go to the Rotary Club of Demerara to contribute to their ongoing initiatives that focus on improving the lives of Guyanese.

Tickets will be available from September 1 at E-Networks (Camp Street), Giftland Mall and Footsteps Mega Store. Interested persons can contact the organisers on telephone number 676-2311.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

To be invited to PCL trials is great - Sarwan FORMER Guyana and West Indies middle-order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan has been in training as he prepares to try out for the Jamaican franchise in the upcoming Professional Cricket League (PCL) four-day season.

The 35-year-old will travel to Jamaica this weekend, where he will undergo a fitness test on, during the same period with the contracted players who all go through their physical evaluations.

A trial match for the Jamaican Scorpions is scheduled for September 8 and

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 12:15 hrs Paix Embleme 12:45 hrs Goodnight Nurse 13:15 hrs Ayrton 13:45 hrs Iced Gem 14:15 hrs Cat In Command

9 and according to Sarwan (many refer to him as ‘Sars’), “I’ve been doing some running and stuff like that, nothing too rough, but I’m getting there, where I want to be.”

Sarwan added, “It’s going to take some time; probably another 2-3 weeks or so but to be invited to trials for Jamaica is a great opportunity.”

If selected as part of the squad, the Guyanese, who is registered to play for Kingston CC in the local 50-over club cricket competition, will be paid based on the games he plays.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

Pybus, Lloyd, Simmons to meet with franchise coaches BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Director of Cricket, Richard Pybus; chairman of selectors, Clive Lloyd and newly appointed West Indies head coach Phil Simmons, will sit down with coaches from the six regional franchises here today, to discuss crucial matters ahead of November’s start of the Professional Cricket League

(PCL).

Pybus, who will chair the meeting, said the Coaches Conference would allow every coach to be on the same page, convey their challenges while also networking to share tips and advice with each other.

“It’s the first sitting of the franchise coaches with us and to get them all aware of what are our common goals

as we approach the second season of operation of the PCL,” Pybus said.

“It is very important that they also have the opportunity to share the challenges which they face at the franchise level, as we work together to build a World-class cricket performance system.

“At the end of the day, the goal is for us to be pro-

Richard Pybus (left) and Phil Simmons ducing international-quality players for the West Indies and we need to be able to identify what challenges we face and streamline the system, so that it works efficiently.”

He added: “It’s also an opportunity for the coach-

es to network with fellow coaches and take practical examples back to their franchises, so that we are able to advance West Indies cricket.”

Simmons, a former West Indies player, said the conference would be an import-

ant one as issues of training methodologies, fitness standards and player evaluations would be discussed.

“This is one of the first things for which I asked when I was appointed West Indies head coach, so that we can outline to everybody where we want them to be and where we want the players to be,” said Simmons.

The conference will be attended by Hendy Springer and Dexter Toppin of Barbados Pride; Esaun Crandon and Rayon Griffith of Guyana Jaguars, Junior Bennett of Jamaica Scorpions, Reginald Benjamin of Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Gus Logie of Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Ian Allen of Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The PCL, the West Indies Cricket Board’s first class season, was staged for the first time last year with Guyana Jaguars lifting the title.

Matthew Wade stars as tourists win first ODI A STUTTERING England batting display handed Australia a 59-run victory at Southampton in the first game of their five-match oneday series.

Adil Rashid’s 4-59 reduced the Aussies to 193-6 but Matthew Wade (71 not out) added 112 with Mitchell Marsh (40 not out) to help the tourists post 305-6.

Jason Roy (67) led England’s reply but fell when well set, as did James Taylor (49) and captain Eoin Morgan (38).

England lost three wickets in four balls at one stage and their last seven for 94 runs before being bowled out with 27 balls to spare.

Coming off the back of Monday’s five-run victory in the Twenty20 international at Cardiff, England made four changes from their last ODI against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street in June.

... England collapse hands Aussies win Taylor replaced the rested Joe Root at three, Jos Buttler returned with the gloves in place of Jonny Bairstow and Sam Billings and David Willey were omitted in favour of Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes.

Australia had just five survivors from their World Cup-winning side in March.

Having won the toss and elected to bat, it was an innings of three parts from Australia.

A solid platform saw Joe Burns (44) and David Warner (59) put on 76 for the first wicket before a mid-innings wobble, when Steve Smith’s side lost four wickets for 29 runs in the space of six overs.

But wicketkeeper Wade, whose unbeaten 71 not out came off 50 balls, recovered from being involved in the runout of Shane Watson to share a vital seventh-wicket stand with Marsh.

The innings was even more impressive considering the 27-year-old Tasmanian took nine balls to get off the mark before striking 12 fours in his 48th ODI appearance.

Wade’s return to the green and gold was to get even sweeter in the field when he took three catches with the gloves.

England’s pursuit of 306 started with two promising innings from Roy and Taylor.

But both surrendered impressive starts when they gave their wickets away and England’s reply fell flat.

Surrey opener Roy put on 70 with opening partner Alex Hales (22) and reached his first ODI half-century off 49 balls with 10 fours.

But, just as he looked set to bat through the innings, he slashed Glenn Maxwell to point to be dismissed for 67 off 64 balls.

Hinds heads overall standing ...

From Page 29 auth Jeffrey, Horace Burrowes (GCF president), Scott Savory and Godfrey Pollydore, are also campaigning in the U.S. and return home frequently to compete for spots on national teams to represent Guyana regionally and internationally.

However, their placings in races on the U.S. circuit are not considered by the GCF as performances noteworthy of being added to the points they would have accumulated on the local scene.

Williams of the Continental Cycle Club is 10th in the standing with 63 points, the same number registered by veteran rider Robin Persaud of Carlton

Wheelers and Team Coco’s junior cyclist Jamaul John.

Making up the top ten positions is Alonzo Ambrose of Team Alanis with 68 points (7th).

Raynauth Jeffrey of Team Coco’s is 20th with 21 points, while Team WS United’s Burrowes is 21st with 15 points and Team Lupus’ (U.S.) Scott Savory is placed 29th with six points.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

OMSCC inaugural Toronto Cup bowls off today … GFSCA among teams battling for top honours

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – When the inaugural Toronto Cup softball tournament kicks off here today, it will be the culmination of a dream, born out of last year’s annual presentation dinner and dance staged by the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC).

The announcement by OMSCC president Jai Singh was met with roars of approval from those present and today 14 teams, six in the Open category and eight in the Masters will start their quest for top honours following last night’s meet and greet and draw at the Tropical Nights Restaurant and Bar here.

Picking a winner in either division seems an arduous task in the three-day tournament which climaxes on Sunday with the two finals, set for the University of Toronto ground.

Preliminary matches will be played at Ellemere, Ashtonbee, Littles and St Bede’s with Dean Park being the alternative while the semi-finals are scheduled to be played at Littles tomorrow afternoon to facilitate hardball cricket at Ellesmere and Ashtonbee.

When the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) staged a similar tournament in 2003, its team, led by Rovendra Madholall, emerged winners, by defeating a Guyana XI captained by Dharam Persaud. That tournament

was, however, competed only in the Open category.

Madholall is once again in the fray and is in the OSCL lineup and according to manager Terry Mathura he’s confident of success once again.

According to Mathura, his charges have been undergoing rigorous training sessions over the past few weeks and are raring to go.

Apart from the hard-hitting Madholall, the team also includes 2003 Most Valuable Player Munniram Khan, the likes of former Guyana fast bowler Trevon Garraway, former Under-19 player Harrinarine Chattergoon and Travis Blyden.

Two teams, which have been making waves in the OSCL, Dant and Caribbean Sensation are also brimming with confidence that they will be in winners’ row come Sunday.

Dant took the OSCL by storm in their debut 2014 season, capturing all three competitions (20-over regular season, 15/15 and 10/10) in an unprecedented performance and were unbeaten until they were stopped in their tracks by Caribbean Sensation in this season’s 10/10 tournament. They were also beaten by Cricketers Cove in the 15/15 final but are still in contention for the 20-over regular season honours.

Among the big names featuring for Dant are former Guyana captain Damodar Daesrath, former Guyana and West Indies Under-19 batsman

Hemnarine Chattergoon, Farook Hussain, Yadram ‘Lara’ Bhog, skipper Looknaught Ramsuchit, Shaun Deonandan, Riaz Kadir, Avi Singh and Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkarran. It is also learnt that former skipper Aftab Shamsudeen will be making a return following his sudden retirement earlier this year.

Caribbean Sensation, on the other hand, have been enjoying a successful year, winning their first title after five unsuccessful attempts. They defeated Masters in the OSCL 10/10 final, and in Rishi Samuel and Zaheer Allard possessed two of the finest hitters in the tournament.

The other Toronto side, GM Sports, formerly Cove/ Masters, also cannot be taken lightly but the loss of man-ofthe-match Ejaz Mohamed in the 15/15 final will definitely be a big blow to their efforts.

Mohamed’s mother passed away in Guyana on Monday and according to report he has flown out to Guyana for the funeral.

Much is not known of the New York invasion but with the influx of several seasoned former Guyanese players among their contingent they cannot be underrated. They are being represented by New York Softball Cricket Club (NYSCL) and New York Enforcers.

The Masters category also promises lots of action with the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA),

Hinds heads overall standing in GCF’s points rankings TEAM Gillette Evolution’s Orville Hinds is the current leader in the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) points standing after three quarters of the cycling season near an end.

According to a Guyana Cycle News report, Hinds has so far accumulated 165 points to occupy the top spot ahead of his team mate Michael Anthony (147).

Roraima Bikers’ Alanzo

Greaves (98) and Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman (96) are third and fourth respectively with Team Alanis Paul DeNobrega (94) and Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal (75) complementing the top six to date.

Greaves, Eastman and DeNobrega are currently training in the United States.

All three riders, along with Geron Williams, Rayn-

Orville Hinds

See Page 28

led by Rickey Deonarine fancying their chances of coming out on top.

GFSCA will not, however, have things their own way as the leading team in the OMSCC, Our Own Sports Club boast quite a formidable lineup. Until last Sunday, they have not been defeated in a record 55 games over a three-year span. That remarkable feat however ended last Sunday when they went down to their nemesis Guyana Sports Club.

Skipper Mahedranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth is however confident his team will be holding the winners’ trophy aloft come Sunday. Among the other

big names in the team are Sunil Dhaniram, Troy Gobin, Shiv Seeram, Desmond Chumney, Jaimini Singh and Orin O’Neil.

The other teams in contention in the Masters category are an OMSCC XI, NYSCL. New York Muslim Softball Cricket Association and Caribbean Sensation.

The winning team in the Open category is guaranteed US$3000 while the Masters winners will cart off $2500 In addition, the victorious and runners-up in both categories, the most valuable players and the man-of-thematch in the final are assured of trophies, compliments of the Trophy Stall of Guyana.

Proprietor Ramesh Sunich, who is also part of the GFSCA Legends, will be on hand to present several of the trophies.

As part of the three-day event, the New York Enforcers Cricket Club, in its ongoing efforts to contribute to charitable organisations in Guyana, has planned a massive food drive in conjunction with the OMSCC. Spectators and players are therefore urged to donate generously in the form of canned foods and other items such as school supplies and toys. The donated items will be shipped to Guyana to help the less fortunate.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

COURTS Guyana Inc. buys into Stag Elite League THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday secured a major partner in COURTS Guyana Inc. for the upcoming inaugural season of its Stag Elite League, set to be launched tomorrow.

The league, which will feature the top eight foot-balling clubs in the country, (Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Pele, Fruta Conquerors, Buxton United, Monedderlust, Guyana Defence Force, and Georgetown Football Club), will run for eight months.

Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, during the handing-over yesterday said that the sponsorship from COURTS “will ensure that we have a successful and sustainable football league. It’s our premier football event of the Guyana Football Federation”.

Urling further added, “With this partnership we will ensure that our clubs in the tournament work alongside community-based centres and groups to provide social

Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling (first from left) addressing the media at yesterday’s Press Conference (Samuel Maughn photo)

GT Beer Futsal Tournament

Quarterfinalists decided!

GFF Congress set for November 14 MEMBERS of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will be tasked to elect a new executive on Saturday, November 14, with the Normalisation Committee announcing a date for congress yesterday.

“We’ll have to forward this date now to FIFA and they will push it to their executive committee for approval, but we’re confident that the date will be approved (by FIFA)” explained Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling, while addressing the local media.

After the world governing body had installed the five-member committee last October, it was stated

by Primo Cavaro, FIFA’s Head of Member Associations, that the Normalisation Committee, Guyana’s first, will be tasked

to, above all, reform the constitution of the GFF and their affiliates and had given a deadline of September 2015 for new elections to be held.

The GFF at their June 26 Extraordinary Congress, adopted a new constitution, paving the way for the Normalisation Committee to now go through the constitutional reform process of all 22 of their affiliates.

“We’ve already distributed the template to the Member Associations (MAs) and they will have to convene a meeting to adopt that constitution and then have elections,” Urling said. “We have about six weeks minimum to issue a formal notice to our members; we haven’t done that as yet, but we had this meeting to come up with the date and we’ll

do it all within the specified time.”

Urling had met with the Member Associations on Wednesday at the GFF’s Head Office to address the way forward for Congress and it was agreed that November 14 would be ‘D’ Day football in Guyana.

The former Chairman of the Private Sector Commission told the local media yesterday, that “the main two we (GFF) need are for the MAs to adopt the new constitution and then hold elections and the Normalisation Committee will be the Electoral Committee to supervise all 22 of those elections”.

The first stop for the GFF and their constitution reform team is Linden, where they will meet with the clubs on Wednesday, September 9.

THE quarterfinalists of the Petra Organisation/GT Beer Futsal Tournament were decided following the final four preliminary matches on Wednesday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

West Back Road, Sophia, West Front Road-Gold is Money and Bent Street made it into the final eight following victories over Beterverwagting (BV), Broad Street, Show Stoppers and North Ruimveldt, respectively.

This Sunday, September 6, four teams will exit the tournament while four teams will advance as Sophia tackle Bent Street in the first of four quarterfinal matches from 19:00hrs, West Front Road meet their opposite (West Back Road), then Sparta Boss take on Kitty Weavers.

The night will conclude with Festival City going headto-head with Albouystown at 21:45hrs. The winners of these encounters will progress to the semi-final stage.

On a night where most of the goals were scored in the second half, West Front Road put forth an amazing performance to record a 7-6 come-from-behind victory.

Show Stoppers dominated the first half as Anthony

Sancho completed a hat-trick before goals in the second, 12th and 15th minutes. He was also supported by Dexroy Adams who also scored on the brink of halftime.

Wendell (7th) and Hubert Pedro (14th) scored once each in the first 15 minutes to take West Front Road into the final 15 minutes trailing 2-4.

However, Pedro scored in the 24th and 27th to complete his hat-trick while Randolph Wagner on a burst of success recorded a hat-trick as well for the eventual victors.

Wagner found the back of the net in the 27th and 28th minutes before he scored the match-decider in the final minute of play (30th).

His performance overshadowed the two second-half goals added by Show Stoppers from Simon Emmanuel and Lloyd Prince.

West Back Road strolled into the quarterfinal stage via a walkover from BV which meant the victors recorded an automatic 3-0 win.

In match two, Sophia dismantled Broad Street 10-4 after the two sides were deadlocked 2-2 at the half. Omallo Williams and Joshua Kamal scored in the second and 15th minutes for Sophia while Rocky and Jimmy Gravesande scored in the sixth and 13th minutes for

work. We will do that in collaboration with COURTS, if they are already working on some projects or we will generate some of our own projects.”

C O U RT S M a r k e t i n g Manager Pernell Cummings indicated the company’s willingness to support the venture, noting that they have sponsored the Pee Wee tournament and have now made the jump to the senior level.

“We look forward to the clubs coming out and assisting their communities by being responsible, by being socially responsible because COURTS is all about being socially responsible and the clubs should also be a part of this responsibility and help to build their brand.” Cummings said.

The league, which is mandated by both FIFA and CONCACAF, was formulated to develop football at the club level and will kick off on Friday September 18, at the Leonora Track & Field Facility. (Stephan Sookram) the losing side.

The second half then rained goals as Sheik Kamal scored another on the night to strike three times. He was supported

by Williams, Desmond Cottam and Shem Porter who all doubled. Kevon Cummings and Leon Richardson accounted for Broad Street’s other goals.

Bent Street squeezed past North Ruimveldt 7-6 in a nail-biting encounter to bring the curtain down. Like Wagner, Daniel Wilson scored the decider for Bent Street after the game was tied at 6, in the penultimate minute of play.

Wilson, who went on to score a brace of goals, recorded his first goal in the ninth while Okeene Fraser and Colin Nelson pitched in with a goal each to answer all three goals scored by the opposition.

Joshua Browne toggled the score-line 16 seconds into the encounter then Gerald Gittens gave the side their second goal prior to Colin Daniels finding the third goal.

In the second half, Stellon David produced a double alongside Sheldon Profitt, who scored once to put pressure on North Ruimveldt before Wilson took the fight away.

Rickford Jones also recorded a second-half double in the match but those two goals along with Gittens’ second in the 29th were not enough to push them into the next round.

The winner of the tournament will take home $500 000 and the championship trophy, while second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers will receive $250 000, $125 000 and $75 000 respectively.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 4, 2015

31

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GFF Congress set for November 14 See story on page 30

COURTS Guyana Inc. buys into Stag Elite League See story on page 30

GFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling (centre) is all smiles as he collects COURTS sponsorship of the Stag Elite League from Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings (right) while Roberta Ferguson of COURTS looks on. (Samuel Maughn photo)

OMSCC inaugural Toronto Cup bowls off today

GT Beer Futsal Tournament …

Quarterfinalists decided!

See story on page 30

See story on page 30 The Trophy Stall of Guyana trophies are up for grabs in the three-day Toronto Cup.

A total of 40 goals were scored on Wednesday night from three matches. This is part of the action on the final night of prelims.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015