Chronicle 01 09 2016

–g o t g o l fc a r t , a no t he r v e hi c l ef r o mGRA

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

Gastro outbreak in Baramita THE Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the indigenous community of Baramita, Region One, after

several cases of vomiting and diarrhoea were detected there.

The symptoms resemble

those of gastro enteritis, and they have landed 60 persons at the Baramita Health Centre since their detection late last month. One person has since died from the illness, Public Health Minister Dr George Norton told the Government Information Agency (GINA).

“Some years ago, right in Parliament here, Mr Granger moved a motion for an investigation on the Commission of Inquiry into deaths in the North West District, particularly the Port Kaituma area, of children dying of gastroenteritis. For some reason

or the other, there has been a closing-off of the media in terms of providing the public with information about that situation.

“We want to do it (differently). We want to be the first to let the media know that we are on top of the situation that has existed, not in Port Kaituma now, but in the village of Baramita,” Minister Norton said.

Baramita, which has a population of about 3000, with 20 satellite villages, has one health centre which is manned by a community health worker, a medic and a doctor.

According to Minister Norton, the situation is under control; however, he said, the issue is of great concern to the Public Health Ministry, and a team of officials will be deployed to the area to educate the residents about the illness and about measures they can take to avoid it.

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system.

It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites found in water, food, or animals. It

causes a combination of diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain; cramping, nausea, and headache. Dehydration may occur as a result.

Minister Norton said there are some challenges in terms of getting into some of the satellite villages. These areas are accessible only by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

“We do have it under control, we have enough medication there…. The other situation is we find that the population is not cooperating.

They don’t want to use the bleach in the water or the tablets that we’re using in the water, because they said it tastes bad. Secondly, they’re not carrying through with the medications we’re giving them to use, and they are not all attending the clinics, even though the clinics are there, available for them.

“So we’re running into some difficulties there. But the situation has improved from what it was from the beginning,” Minister Norton explained.

The occurrence of gas-

Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton

tro-enteritis is seasonal, with the highest incidence occurring during the period December to March.

In 2013, there was an outbreak in the North West District, where a total of 529 residents from Port Kaituma and surrounding communities were infected, most them children. There were three reported deaths.

Prior to that, there was an outbreak in 2009, and six residents died.

Meet Nadira Williams, 34. She is single and does housekeeping service. According to Williams, when she is not working, she enjoys reading, cooking and surfing the Internet. She told us that her favourite foods are fried rice and baked chicken.

She says everyone should strive to realise their full potential, but warned, “With great gifts come great responsibility”.

Nadira Williams

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

$107M to beat back criminals …Canada undertakes major training on crime management

By Svetlana Marshall THE Government of Canada is pumping Cdn$750,000 (equivalent of Gy$107,660,104) into boosting capacity of local lawmen to arrest the crime situation, better manage crime scenes, and conduct forensic analyses. This move comes amidst concerns about the escalation of violent crime locally.

More than 75 members of the criminal justice system are currently being trained in Major Case Management, Crime Scene Management, and Forensic Video Analysis as the David Granger-led administration, with assistance from Canada, seeks to bring the crime rate down. The training forms part of a capacity-building project themed “Strengthening the Guyanese Criminal Justice System”, being implemented by the Justice Education Society (JES) of British Columbia under Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity Building Programme(ACCBP) Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams; Charge d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, Sharmini Poulin; JES International Programme Manager, Evelyn Neaman; and Director of Public Prosecutions, Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack, on Friday visited the Police Training Centre in Georgetown, where the training is being conducted.

“This training comes at a very opportune time, when our government has undertaken to restore the rule of law; to deliver a jus-

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, seated among Canadian Charge d’Affaires Sharmini Poulin; JES International Programme Manager, Evelyn Neaman; and Director of Public Prosecutions, Bibi Shalimar Ali-Hack, and other members of the justice system

tice system that is impartial, accessible and accountable; and to ensure that crime is solved more quickly and efficiently,” the Attorney General said as he addressed the police prosecutors, crime scene investigators, state prosecutors, magistrates, and forensic experts.

It will also help to build the country’s capacity in crime scene investigation, forensic training, and training of prosecutors, he said.

Singling out the Forensic Video Analysis aspect of the project, the Attorney General said it would assist investigators significantly at a time when technology is playing a leading role in crime scene investigation in the developed world.

He said government is pleased to engage Canada in a partnership that would help to strengthen the capacities of crime scene investigators and forensic experts to solve crimes and boost the abilities of police prosecutors and magistrates.

“Through intense consul-

tation with stakeholders and (culling of) views on crime prevention, criminal investigation and case management, our continuous cooperation has contributed greatly to the development of an even closer relationship between the criminal justice administrations of our two countries -- Guyana and Canada,” Minister Williams added.

It is often said that economic development provides the basis for social stability, but according to the Attorney General, sustainable public peace based on law and order are inevitably needed to ensure the fruits of economic development.

“Together with this common objective, I am sure we can do much to help the government in giving the protection the people need, and in ensuring their safety and security.”

The Canadian Charge d’Affaires said the project was a symbolism of Canada’s commitment to promoting freedom, democracy,

human rights and the rule of law by strengthening the professionalism and accountability of law enforcement agencies.

“Our capacity-building efforts in Guyana and elsewhere are helping criminal justice systems to be more responsive to the needs of citizens. For instance, we have also supported a successful JES programme in El Salvador, (and this) has resulted in tangible, positive results in terms of increased efficiency of criminal investigations, greater collaboration between institutions, and reduced impunity rates,” Poulin said.

Access to a competent and fair justice system is a fundamental human right, Poulin added, while noting that in an effective criminal justice system, all parties involved must have a common understanding on decisions pertaining to the management, policies and procedures throughout the entire system.

“For instance, if the po-

lice are going to focus more on the collection and recording of evidence, then the prosecutors need to know how to present evidence-based cases, and magistrates must know how to effectively review such cases. The work that JES is doing helps to promote these synergies,” she explained.

It was pointed out that the JES project complements work already being done locally to strengthen court procedure rules and improve access to, and efficiency of, the justice system.

But although JES continues to work in different corners of the world, its work does not follow a “one size fits all” model, Poulin emphasized, stating clearly that while the methodology is based on Canadian best practices, it is always modified and tailored to local and social conditions.

“Work is done in full collaboration with local partners from project inception to completion. This is

why the support of our local partners: Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Guyana Police Force, the Office of the DPP, and the Judiciary, is essential in order for the project to be successful.

“Thank you for your support and guidance from planning to implementation.”

The JES project will come to an end in May 2017, when more than 250 persons within the justice system are expected to have completed their training which commenced in August, 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Residents fuming over Karrau waterway pollution

By Alva Solomon

KARRAU Village in Region Seven is fuming over the polluted state of its main waterway, which passes through the community. A miner who was granted permission to operate near their titled lands

in 2013 is being fingered as the alleged culprit.

The creek passing through the village is Karrau’s only source of water, and it is used for several purposes, among which are drinking and washing. Within recent months, residents began to notice that the wa-

answers”.

ter in the creek was increasingly becoming discoloured, and they have allegedly traced this development to the activities of a miner started operating there.

Villagers claim the miner is acting in contravention of regulations regarding mining near water sources connected to communities.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, told the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday that he is aware of the issue at Karrau, a village located on the Mazaruni close to Bartica.

He said there are similar reports from other communities affected by mining, including one in the North West District. The Ministry of Natural Resources is aware of the issue, and is engaging the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and “all the relevant authorities; so we are hoping that very soon we will be having some

POLLUTION OF WATERWAYS According to Allicock, there are some communities which are also engaged in mining and may be part of the problem, and that is also being examined. He added that pollution of waterways has been an ongoing problem, and the time is ripe to have it addressed.

According to the residents of Karrau, during the last quarter of 2015, their concerns on the issue increased, since parts of the creek that are closer to the village became visibly polluted. In the months prior to the miner’s presence, The water appeared milky, contrasting sharply with the dark colour of the natural state of the water. The only possible cause was the miner’s operation, and the community is hoping that tests will be undertaken to determine whether the water is potable.

According to reports, in 2013, the GGMC granted the miner permission to mine near Karrau village.

The area is reportedly on a parcel of land for which the village council had applied for extension of its boundaries several years prior to the miner’s entry to the area.

“That very miner is causing our discomfort and shows total disrespect to the Village Council when he is on our ancestral lands,” one resident posted online recently.

He said that permission continues to be granted to miners who operate on mining claims/blocks, “whilst violating the very laws that are there to protect us as indigenous peoples”.

VIOLATION According to the village, the situation is in violation of the Mining Act, particularly, Section 112 of the Act which states that “all land occupied and used by Amerindian communities and all land necessary for the quiet enjoyment by the Amerindians of any Amerindian

settlement, shall be deemed to be lawfully occupied and used by them.”

The village alleges that the council was not notified by the mining authorities regarding the issuance of a permit to the miner. To this end, it said the situation breaches aspects of the Amerindian Act of 2006, particularly as it relates to permission being granted to miners to operate on any land which is contiguous with village lands, rivers or creeks.

For years, indigenous communities have raised concerns regarding miners whose operations result in pollution of the waterways connected to their villages and affect their way of life, including their main sources of food and drinking water.

The problem has resulted in some communities taking the issue to the courts for results.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has indicated that the laws regarding enforcement of the environmental regulations are being reviewed.

Saturday January 9, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Sunday January 10, 2016 - 05:30 hrs Monday January 11, 2016 - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Duo wanted for teen’s disappearance

By Nafeeza Yahya

POLICE are seeking to identify a male body found aback of Kildonan village, Corentyne, Berbice on Friday afternoon. The body is suspected to be that of missing UK teenager Dominic Bernard, 18, who disappeared on arrival in Guyana last October.

Police have also issued wanted bulletins for two youths of the same village, as they intensify investigations into the matter.

Staymon George and Aaron Wilfred Hing are wanted for questioning in relation to the disappearance of the British citizen.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of George and Hing are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 2256 4 11 , 3 3 3 - 2 1 9 1 , 3 3 3 2151, 226-1326, 225-7625, 911, or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with strict confidence, the lawmen assured in a release. George, 23, is said to be a resident of Kildonan Village, Corentyne. He is of African descent. Hing, 22, is also from Kildonan. He is said to be mixed race.

Earlier this week, Bernard’s father made an appeal for anyone knowing the whereabouts of his son to please come forward with the information. At a press conference held at Cara Lodge, the senior Bernard told journalists: “I am holding this press conference because my wife and I need your help in locating Dominic. My son Dominic Bernard is a British citizen. He is 18 years

… cops probe body aback of Kildonan

commenced investigations.

They were seen leaving with samples before ordering the crime scene closed and posting armed ranks to prevent anyone from venturing into and contaminating the area.

The samples are expected to be analysed and results disclosed soon.

Investigators late last night returning from The police have arrestthe crime scene ed a suspect, Alex VellouMile and Third Reef”, some za, also known as “Black 3 miles from the Public Road old and is missing. Any bit in a clump of bushes. of information, however According to police resmall, will be helpful,” he ports, intensive investigapleaded. tions led the detectives to The fa t he r sa i d his comb the backland, and they son left London to travel stumbled upon a scent emato Guyana on October 14, nating from a shallow grave.

2015, adding: “He landed The discovery was made at at Timehri Airport (Cheddi around 15:30hrs.

Jagan International Airport) As news spread of the at 9.50 pm, and has not been discovery, scores of people heard from since.” lined the streets and walked Giving flight details, the the 3-mile distance into the elder Bernard said: “My son backdam to get a glimpse flew on BW 903, leaving of the body while having London’s Gatwick on 10/14 to contend with swarms of at 12:50 pm, arriving POS mosquitoes. at 5.30 pm on the same day.

They will now have He then boarded BW 483 to wait until tomorrow, as from POS to GT at 8.40 the police have closed off pm, arriving at Timehri the crime scene and posted at 9.50 pm. We know Domarmed ranks to secure the inic cleared customs, after area and body until arrival that we have no informaof a pathologist. tion,” the lad’s father had Earlier in the day, vullamented. tures were seen circling the area, hoping to get a meal BODY FOUND of the corpse, as everyone Late on Friday afterwaited on the pathologist noon, the body of a man susand crime scene investigapected to be that of Bernard tion team to arrive. was found in the Kildonan The wait was finally backdam, the hometown over at about 20:00 hrs of the prime suspect Aron when a high-level team Hing, who is also the God of sleuths from the major brother of the teen. crime unit in Georgetown The body was found in an arrived and immediately area commonly called “Eight

Boy”, the neighbour of Aaron Hing, who has a farm a stone’s throw from where the body was discovered.

A wanted bulletin has been issued for his cousin, Staymond George, called “Convict” and “Stayee”. He is a close friend of Aaron Hing.

Persons at the scene were devastated at the news of the discovery of the body, believed to be the missing teen.

Speaking with Guyana Chronicle, an elderly resident was moved to tears as she said she was hoping the teen would have been found alive. Others expressed disbelief with the holding of the suspects in custody as well as those wanted, saying they don’t feel they are capable of committing such a heinous act.

The police are continuing their investigations.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The Diaspora

WITHIN recent days, letters have been appearing in the newspapers expressing concerns about the treatment and facilities in place to welcome ideas and contributions from the diaspora and re-migrants.

Make no mistake: Guyana owes its development to the contributions and participation of every Guyanese, at home and abroad.

The importance of the diaspora was reinforced in the 2015 elections. Political parties, as they vied for votes at home, simultaneously vied for the attention, financial resources and support/endorsement from overseas-based Guyanese.

Though this group was not afforded opportunity to cast a ballot, commitments were given by political parties that their ideas and contributions, valued as they were, would be factored into the nation’s development.

Recognised among this pool are many who are residing in countries where public opinions are valued and used as leverage by the elected and the contesting, their perception/reality being informed by said value.

Additionally, promises cannot only be made; they will have to be honoured and fulfilled, given that the participatory culture of the diaspora includes holding persons to account.

Over the years, much has been said about remittances that continue to play an important role in our economy.

In 2014, the Inter-American Development Bank reported that Guyana pulled in $90B. While remittances cannot be relied on to promote development, they serve to keep the economy afloat and aid in sustaining the wellbeing of resident Guyanese. Also, through purchase and exhibits of local art, craft, cuisine, entertainment and so forth, the diaspora is not only generating economic opportunities and money flow, but is also promoting our Guyanese-ness, serving as unofficial ambassadors.

Further, the premium placed on foreign exchange to development, sees countries embracing labour programmes for seasonal and migrant workers. While Guyana may not have a structured programme facilitated by the government, in enhancing the facilitation of such programme, government, through protocol, has contributed to the free movement of certain skills to work in any CARICOM country, and allows for individual and agencies to do likewise.

As the world advances in technology, opportunities are created for the diaspora to transfer knowledge and skills, which could make it less expensive for us at home to acquire the training and development yearned for. A nation and its people benefit when there is improvement,

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Toughen action against criminals -- FITUG

Dear Editor, THE Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) finds it urgently necessary to record its sustained alarm over the virtually daily occurrences of criminal activities, often violent, now being experienced throughout the length and breadth of Guyana.

Inasmuch as crime is not a new social phenomenon, it is obvious that in recent months it has escalated to a level that, in our view, threatens to destroy the social fabric of our nation.

Insecurity and fear are pervasive today, and the guardians of our security are obviously facing overwhelming challeng-

es at this time. We feel constrained to ask: What drives the rise of such widespread criminal activities?

Clearly, our expectations that the current administration will effectively contain crime, even with its previous statements and the surfeit of security-oriented personnel in its ranks, are certainly not being realised. FITUG feels that the present grave situation warrants a national consultation. In previous times, such an approach had a positive impact in reducing crime in the country.

Furthermore, whatever has happened to the ‘policing groups’ on which great efforts and resources were expended?

Police crime statistics as evidence of a decrease in crime are not really reassuring. The real situation -- the violence,

the brutality, the daily crime occurrences, the attacks in homes and street corners - shows a different and scary narrative to our anxiety-filled people. And anyway, we must realize that statistics can never convey the pain felt by the victims, relatives, and communities when crimes are committed.

FITUG now calls on the Public Security Ministry and its supportive agencies to tell the nation whether new initiatives in crime-fighting are being introduced, and whether there is a considered programme to enlist and train citizens disposed to actively assist in law-enforcement.

FITUG recognizes that our interior communities may require special and specific policing strategies, and we hereby express hope that these

are being put in place to arrest hinterland (gold-mining) crimes.

Given the present grave crime situation in the country at this time, FITUG looks forward to hearing more of a Crime-Fighting Master Plan; but, more importantly, about successes which provide much needed comfort presently. FITUG stands ready to co-operate in such justifiable activities as crime-fighting based on its overall possibilities and at the level of communities. We urge the administration and the relevant personnel to pay serious attention to this vexed crime situation. Really, we expect that the Government must meet this new and frightening upsurge in crime.

Regards, FITUG

In defence of Brassington Dear Editor, WE IN Guyana are on the verge of celebrating our 50th independence anniversary, on May 26, 2016. The current political and economic environment holds great promise for us all. We need to set our sights on strengthening our economy for the benefit of all stakeholders, and sidestep the mistakes made by our political leaders over the last sixty-plus years.

So much time has passed since April 27, 1953 and we, as a country with abundant resources, have not kept pace with the economic development in other lesser endowed CARICOM territories.

Our history in politics has primarily been one of division.

We continue to vote on the premise of race, disregarding merit and what is best for a country with the motto of one people, one nation and one destiny.

In the past, the nature of our politics dictated that half of the country was stymied while the other half prospered, regardless of who controlled the executive.

For decades, we have attempted to walk forward as a country

with one leg amputated. Let us cease hopping and commence walking and running as a whole.

In this manner, we will achieve so much more.

We are at an opportune time to begin our long-awaited recovery. Let us take the gift of the present to bandage our wounds and heal.

Politics could be the most vicious and demanding of professions. Each political party has to come up with promises to motivate its supporters and expand its base in its quest to achieve power. However, after that authority has been achieved, we must remember the vital original intention is not to simply have power, and to demonize members or supporters of other political parties, but to utilize power in an inclusive manner, and to provide opportunities for as many Guyanese as possible.

Of course, we must pinpoint the errors of the past that bled corruption into the heart of our country; of course, we must take corrective action to remedy these faults, not in a persecuting manner, but with the goal to harness and wield the talents of all our people for the greater good of Guyana, regardless of party

not only in the construction of roads and buildings, but also in the manner of response to the people’s input.

Guyana continues to benefit from visiting programmes, such as education and health. Overseas-based Guyanese initiate these programmes with colleagues of different nationalities who engage to do various outreach here.

Often, the motivation is consciousness of nationality and a sense of nationalism to give back, invest in, and improve the lives of those at home.

It needs to be said that structures are necessary to channel resources in all forms for the country to benefit. For instance, when products to assist in health or education outreach are being garnered and channelled to communities, it helps when there is less hassle at the port of arrival and when red tape is removed. It is known that medical teams have arrived here

affiliation. There comes a time when we have to consider what is best for the country, rather than the party. That time is now.

Nearly fifty years have passed since we gained independence. We must push forward towards completing new projects and those we have already started. With the APNU+AFC coalition holding the reins of power, it is time to build on the good things that have taken us to where we are now, under leadership of the Jagans Burnham, Hoyte, Jagdeo, Ramotar, and now President Granger.

I am not recommending some utopian system, I am all for the cut and thrust of politics, which requires a strong and vibrant opposition. There are many persons and entities, including CN Sharma, Tony Vieira, Christopher Ram, Tacuma Ogunseye, Freddie Kissoon, David Hinds and Anand Goolsarran, Kaieteur News and Stabroek News that have done exceptional work in forging opinions while providing us with an awareness of our shortcomings and reminding us of how we can and must improve.

The third transformative elections in British Guiana/Guy-

anese history, by my count, took place in 2015 with the forming of a coalition government; following on transformative elections in 1964 and the 1992 elections.

The 2011 elections did, in many ways, expose the need for APNU+AFC coalition to come into being, as, without executive power, the Constitution of Guyana in its present form does not sufficiently diminish the power of a minority government over the majority that voted for the opposition parties.

In our beautiful Guyana, we are at a point in our history where our political leaders can truly lead in the interest and for the benefit of all Guyanese. Once we start going downhill, especially in our race-based culture, changing course is difficult and reversing course is almost impossible.

However, we are still within striking distance of moving in the right direction to achieve many of the goals that have eluded us for over fifty years.

It is with these thoughts in mind that I now ask for the ongoing ill-treatment of Winston Brassington to cease. The pow-

See page 7

and products for supporting their activities were left at the wharves because of the red tape involved before release can be done. Where those who are re-migrating have concerns, there ought to be a system in place to address those concerns and ensure re-migrants’ reintegration is hassle-free.

In addition to other things, re-migrants bring finances which contribute to our needed foreign exchange. It is held that a country can be measured by the way it treats its citizens.

There is a uniting and symbiotic relationship between the diaspora and the home-based, which is love for country and a desire to see country do better. Together, the responsibility is ours at home to work to make the re-migrating and the diaspora feel appreciated and welcome as they work with us to improve and acquire necessary knowledge and skills to help achieve our mutual aspirations and goals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Region One outreach…

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DPP responds to letter on Kevin Jordan’s case

Dear Editor, REFERENCE is made to your published letter, “Failing a minor,” on page 7 of Friday, January 8, 2016 edition.

Please be made aware of the following facts: 1. Bail in the sum of S1M was granted by the Court of Appeal on December 2I, 2015, based on the

fact that Kevin Jordan is likely to succeed on appeal; 2. The majority verdict of 11 guilty to one not guilty by the jury was not properly received by the trial judge, since it was in contravention of section 158 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act Cap. 10:01, which speaks to a minimum requirement

In defence of ...

From page 6 er to do so rests squarely on the shoulders of the President of Guyana. Also, it will be very helpful if leaders of the current opposition focus their ideas and criticisms on issues that will reverberate in a manner beneficial to all Guyanese.

I will highlight why Winston should not be pilloried and condemned: his pivotal work in multiple areas that, on balance, resulted in significant value for Guyana. Many of the projects and privatisation of state assets that NICIL was involved in: saved jobs, created employment,

improved services to the public, increased returns to the Treasury, with a positive multiplying factor leading to significant upside in real estate value, among other benefits. Whether it was in the bauxite industry, where we now have Bosai and Rusal, or the major improvement in electrical services from GPL, or the completion of the Berbice Bridge, or establishment of a Marriott in Guyana, or the high market value received for the sale of government shares in GT&T, GNCB and NBIC; Winston Brassington played a central and positive role.

On the broad margins, we

of two hours’ deliberation by the jury once the verdict is not unanimous, meaning all twelve members of the jury are not in agreement.

The jury in this particular case deliberated for 70 minutes; 3. the above mentioned section 158 has been interpreted in several cases

by the Appellate Court to be mandatory, meaning it must be strictly complied with. In similar cases which were ventilated in the Appellate Court, the convicted person was not completely exonerated on appeal, but retrials were ordered in those cases; 4 It is conceded that indeed the offence com-

mitted by Kevin Jordon on this child is horrific, but let it be known that regardless of which state attorney appeared in this matter, the decision of the Court of Appeal would have remained the same, given the foregoing; 5. Your anonymous writer and readers at large must know that, in keeping with her

constitutional mandate and responsibility, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Madam Shalimar Ali-Hack, does appear in court matters.

can scrutinize projects and privatizations that together number over two hundred and find imperfections, including preferential treatment and measures that go against the grain of good governance. However, the development of a country does not occur in a pristine vacuum.

We must enjoin ourselves to the present, and focus on what we can do now that will strengthen the platform for our future goals and objectives.

Across the globe, we have had amnesties for illegal immigrants, delinquent tax payers and prisoners. I appeal to our leaders to use this year of our fiftieth independence anniversary to have a truce and thereby avoid continuing down a path of retributive politics. Not to say there is no basis for punitive action, just not now, not when we have this

grand opportunity to enrich our political culture.

With the PPP/C in opposition as a vibrant and well-resourced political party, and APNU+AFC holding the reins of power, we are at that fork in the road where we can make the right turn to accelerate the development of our country. We must have confidence in the stability of our political and democratic culture.

Of all the leaders we have had under British Guiana/ Guyana, I believe the current President is best suited to lead the healing of the wounds we have inflicted upon each other, both within political parties and against opponents of political parties. The patience President Granger showed when in opposition, his penchant for listening, and his sense of fairness and jus-

tice were evident to not only his supporters, who were at times critical, but also was evident to supporters of the then ruling party and other opposition parties.

It is a given that senior personnel changes across the political and state apparatus should occur when a new government takes office, this is necessary.

However, it does not have to be adjoined with unjust tactics.

There will never be a time when a change of government occurs and the new government cannot identify cronyism and corruption by the previous political administration.

What we have to build are functioning institutions and systems within the state machinery to mitigate such misdeeds. It is important to be better than our former self with each passing day.

While identifying and correcting previous mistakes is an imperative, we must avoid confrontational politics.

The current opposition also has an important role to play in this process. Grandstanding should be shunned.

It will only lead to toe-to-toe and blow-for-blow politics that will result in a vicious and destructive climate that will undermine our political, social and economic progress. Competitive politics is necessary for the development of our democracy and country. However, there are certain ethical codes that need to be embraced, requiring all political parties to avoid tribal politics whenever and wherever possible.

Regards, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Dpp Chambers

Regards, NIGEL HINDS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

Lucas bemoans revenue collection

By Ariana Gordon

NON-COMPLIANCE with tax regulations continues to be a major issue for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), but the Board of Directors has undertaken to closely monitor the situation in order to minimise cases of tax evasion.

The eight economic centres outside of Georgetown -- Anna Regina, Bartica, Corriverton, Lethem, Linden, New Amsterdam, Ogle and Parika -- have been studied by the Board, and it was discovered that they are only contributing two per cent to the country’s revenue.

GRA Board Chairman Rawle Lucas stressed that revenue collection does not match the observed levels of economic activity in the studied areas.

“This is as much of a surprise to me as it is to others. One would have thought that an area like Corriverton, situated in Region 6, with its multi-sectorial economy and border trade, would be making a larger contribution to tax revenues than the $1.3B, and substantially more than an area like Linden, which brings in an amount of $1.1B in tax revenues on a much narrower economic base,” Lucas said.

“One is surprised, too, that areas like Anna Regina and Bartica combined cannot do as well or even better than the relatively depressed economic area of New Amsterdam,” Lucas told the media.

GRA Chairman, Rawle Lucas

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Asked whether the closing of the Berbice Anti-Smuggling Squad (BASS) had an impact on the low revenue collection from Corriverton, Head of the Customs and Excise and Trade Operations, Jameel Baksh, said he does not believe so.

He explained that there was a decline in imports from Nickerie to Moleson Creek, and that is one of the reasons responsible for the decline in revenue there.

“From previous experience, I don’t think that BASS was effective in terms of revenue collection in Berbice. We have received many reports that imports were coming across the Corentyne River and they were not apprehending smuggling. They were not effective in carrying out their functions,” Baksh said.

CORRUPTION The issue of corruption and non-compliance with tax regulations has resulted in the disaggregation of data about tax collection for 2015.

The Chairman explained that the monitoring of tax performance is done at the level of the tax structure.

“We intend to disaggregate the data by sector, industry, regions, and by important economic hubs or centres. At this particular point in time, we have begun to disaggregate the data by important economic hubs or centres. The work done so far excludes Georgetown, which is by far the most important economic centre,” he added.

It is as a result of the preliminary results that the enforcement arm of the GRA must beef up its activities.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, only recently, in an interview with this publication, said the entity must “make its presence felt”.

The Minister stressed that, with over one thousand persons working in the organisation, the GRA has “sufficient resources” to carry out its duties.

Based on information he received, the Minister said, although not in a position to state the amount of revenue collected for 2015, he believes the Revenue Authority may have experienced a shortfall of “less than one per cent” with respect to the amount of revenue collected last year.

“There are severe leakages of revenue in the economy,” Jordan told the Guyana Chronicle, noting that the GRA has to curb the problem.

“There is too much smuggling, under-invoicing, ‘big ones’ who are untouchable, and way too many instances of alleged corruption,” the Minister said.

Like Lucas, Jordan believes that more needs to be done on the part of the GRA to ensure revenue is collected.

“When tax collection reaches the stage of enforcement, demands of GRA become more onerous for the taxpayer. At this stage, one could expect some level of confrontation.”

He stressed the public must understand that the enforcement responsibility

of GRA is demanded by the laws of Guyana that govern revenue collection and is executed by the Law Enforcement and Investigative Division, the Debt Management Division, Tax Audit Division, and supported by the Legal Division.

NO VILLAIN “Taxpayers must understand that GRA’s employees are required by law to enforce revenue laws where voluntary compliance is lacking.

One therefore must not view GRA officers as villains, for they are not; they are humans with an interest in success at their work, like every other Guyanese.”

Lucas noted that enforcement officers have their own tasks, but the intimidation felt by taxpayers, given the “power vested in GRA officers”, is understandable.

“Anxiety, desperation and inconvenience could all add up to a state of vulnerability that forces taxpayers to engage in what they might believe are transactions of relief,” the Chairman said.

But he was quick to warn that taxpayers who “succumb to frustration and harassment and engage in illicit transactions are themselves breaking the law and exposing themselves to prosecution”.

“We are asking all officers to be measured and considerate, and to act always in the view of achieving the best outcome for taxpayers, while protecting the interest of the Government. We are

also asking our enforcement officers to be mindful of the laws and avoid forcing taxpayers into compromising positions,” he said.

The Board expects that GRA officers will conduct themselves with utmost professionalism, as the board has a zero-tolerance limit for corruption.

“It means that anyone found violating the Employee Code of Conduct will be dealt with condignly,” Lucas said.

The Chairman stressed that it is the intention of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to obtain a more accurate measurement of its tax base, to plan for the future.

He noted that “An inaccurate tax base leads to revenue losses”. Revenues are lost through all of the tax structures, but the self-employed, income tax, property tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties are of grave concern to the entity.

“One of the troubling things that we have seen so far is the inverse relationship between the total number of registered taxpayers and those paying taxes,” said the GRA Chairman.

He said that, in “an economy that was growing at an annual average of 4.5 per cent, the number of persons paying taxes was declining”.

This is something the Board will be studying, he said, so as to understand the behaviour of the variables and “reverse this unconfirmed yet troubling trend”.

Fire victim pleads for help

By Jeune Van Keric TEN-YEAR-OLD fire vic-

tim Danya Padarat is appealing for assistance to replace her school items

after her Lot 1103 Canefield Settlement, East Canje, Berbice home was destroyed by

fire a few days ago.

The fire started in the upper flat of the two-storey building which she shared with her grandfather, Chunilall Basdeo, 61.

Padarat, a Grade Five student at Cumberland Primary School told the Guyana Chronicle that, on Saturday, her grandfather purchased her school items for the new school term, which commenced on Monday.

According to the child, her caregiver later ironed her uniform and placed it on a hanger. Her new shoes, bag and notebooks were untouched when fire razed their home, at about 11:00 hrs on Sunday. She was, at the time, looking at one of her favourite television programmes.

Padarat, an aspiring heart surgeon, recalled smelling “burning rubber”, but assumed it was coming from one of the neighbour’s homes. There was a funeral in the neighbourhood, and her

Little Danya Padarat with her grandfather, Chunilall Basdeo

neighbours were not at home at the time. Nevertheless, investigating where the smell was coming from, the young lady went to the unoccupied upper flat of the house, and there she saw thick smoke.

She alerted her grandfather, but his efforts failed to control the blaze.

The entire upper flat of her home was destroyed, along with a section of the lower flat where her diabetic grandfather lived. In the blaze, Padarat lost her passport, birth certificate and bed. Several household items were also lost.

Her parents are separated.

After spending some time

with each parent in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, the young lady opted to return to her homeland and to stay with her grandfather.

Basdeo said he loves his granddaughter dearly. Little Padarat, during the interview, showed this newspaper a photo of her and her grandfather when she was a baby.

At their home on Thursday, neighbours were working to restore the damaged home, utilising salvaged materials from the blaze.

The family of the child can be contacted on telephone numbers 672- 9276 or 337-2015.

–g o t g o l fc a r t , a no t he rv e hi c l ef r o mGRA

10

PSC alarmed at SARU role in money laundering probe

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has said it is alarmed to learn that the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) is involved in money laundering investigations of a major financial institution, as per a newspaper reporter. The Kaieteur News reported on the matter on Wednesday, a claim which the Republic Bank has denied.

“It is our understanding that the mandate of the Unit is to investigate and recover assets belonging to the state. We are also aware that

this unit is operating outside of any known laws in Guyana. The PSC is only aware of the role of the Financial Intelligence Unit, the Special Organised Crime Unit, and the Bank of Guyana in anti-money laundering investigations,” the business umbrella body has said in a statement.

PSC is calling for a clarification on why SARU, and not SOCU or the FIU, is involved in such an investigation. In addition, the body says it seems clear that the damage being done to one

of the foremost banking institutions in Guyana by such an unsubstantiated release could lead to erosion of foreign and local investor confidence.

“This could be damaging to our economy,” the PSC added.

On Tuesday, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited (RBC), as well as the Bank of Guyana, rejected the assertion that it is engaged in money-laundering activities. Republic Bank, in a statement, said it has a rich history of integrity

spanning over 175 years, and views any suggestion of this nature to be malicious, libellous and unfounded.

“In particular, the Bank denies that any deposit of cash or cash equivalents was made to the referenced account by the named party on June 16, 2011 or (on) any other date. In light of the article, which seeks to tarnish the Bank’s reputation and question its adherence to sound banking principles, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited will take all necessary steps, including reviewing legal options, to address these false allegations (in order) to protect its reputation and the interests of all stakeholders,” the statement added.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG) also responded to the article, captioned “SARU probes local Bank accused of money laundering.” The Central Bank said the article suggested wrongdoing by Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and inaction on its part.

“One of the functions of the Bank of Guyana is to supervise and regulate financial institutions in Guyana, and it is against this background that this press release is being issued.

“The Bank wishes to advise that, subsequent to the receipt of a letter of complaint and request for prosecution of the financial institution, the Bank conducted an examination of the relevant records of the financial institution. Based on the documents and records examined by the Bank of Guyana, no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited was found.”

According to the Bank of Guyana, the examination revealed that the financial institution had taken steps to ensure compliance with the relevant Prudential Supervision Guidelines issued by the Bank of Guyana under the Financial Institutions Act No 1 of 1995.

In light of the recent article, which has the potential to destabilise the financial sector, the Bank of Guyana says, it has found it necessary to issue this press release for the guidance of all parties.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

GUYANA

THE Chronicle resumes today – as a Monday feature – this anti-crime advisory column. As the tagline states, the Chronicle, the community and the police must collaborate in the battle to reduce, if not eliminate, crime.

Our contributor will work with the GPF’s Public Relations Unit, even as readers will be invited to contribute straight from their own communities.

THE CRIME OF RAPE (PT 1)

ONE of the most insidious crimes against the person is rape and sexual assault. When a person forces himself or herself upon another without any consent whatsoever, that act represents not merely gross disrespect, but the baser instincts of human-kind on display.

Rape and assault cases are mostly perpetrated by males against females. There are, of course, cases involving persons of the same sex, females against males, and even husbands against wives.

A glance at our national newspapers and TV screens would reveal that this heinous crime seems to be on the increase in Guyanese society.

Especially vulnerable are our schoolgirls and other teenagers.

Much of what follows is taken from Pamphlet Number 7 in the series “The Law and You”, published by the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers.

SOME TIPS…

1. Young ladies on outings, visits, tours or ordinary errands should endeavour to be in the company of others -– even when in buildings or with males they might have known in the past.

Company is especially important when in strange places.

2. Observe whether young males are under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol. Avoid such company EVEN AT PRIVATE PARTIES, IN CLUBS, OR HOMES. 3. Whatever you do or wear, never give the impression of agreement or consent by your behaviour or the language you use. This could be used against you later (all this, of course, is applicable if you really have no intention of being intimate with your partner or would-be partner).

4. If you have been raped or otherwise sexually assaulted, you should make a report to the police as soon as possible after the incident. If you are unable to contact the police yourself, ask someone responsible to make the report for you, either by telephoning or going to the police station.

5. When you go to the police station, it is a good idea to have a friend or relative with you. You will have to give a statement to the police about what happened. You may find telling what happened and answering the police officer’s questions difficult, but you should try to give as much detail as possible.

6. After you make a report to the police, you will be sent to a doctor for a medical examination.

Some of your clothing may be taken for a laboratory test.

If you are a female, a female officer or other responsible woman should go with you to the hospital or doctor’s surgery. If you are a male, a male police officer should go with you. If the victim is a child, a parent or guardian should go with the victim.

You should have a medical examination done within 24 hours of the assault. It is expected that modern rape-kits would be available.

7. The Medical report should be kept safely by both you and the police. It will be needed as evidence if the matter goes to court.

(NEXT WEEK, CRIMEWATCH WILL DISCUSS WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ABOVE STAGE).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

Region 10 Land Committee to breathe again

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Region 10 Land Selection Committee, having been in a state of dissolution for several months, will be reinstituted, and new members will be selected to carry out the tasks that the previous committee members had failed to do.

This state of virtual dissolution had been a severe hindrance to the process in which persons were granted land, and was cause for much criticism. Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian, who had been the driving force behind this dissolution because in his opinion the committee was not fulfilling its mandate, was enthused to have this committee reinstituted with the advent of a new Minister who is from Region 10.

He is optimistic that Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson, will honour requests made by the committee, as those were hindered by the previous administration, making the

committee obsolete.

The new committee will be tasked with eliminating land issues that are facing the people of Region 10.

One of these issues is the delay in issuing land to persons even though they have paid for same.

“We have in our possession receipts of payments for lands made years ago, and these are the issues that will be given priority with this new committee,” the Chairman said.

Correspondence will be sent to the Minister, seeking permission to have the committee and the region make the decision as to how lands must be selected and distributed, as this was not done in the past. The system that had obtained in the past was the bugbear to the way in which lands were issued to the people.

“We are hoping that Minister Patterson will support us in this venture, so that our committee will not just hold a title but will be a true representation of what the people want and what we think is best for

Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian

the people in this regard,” Morian said.

The aim of the committee is to have land distributed in an orderly manner, and this should be done expeditiously so as to eliminate the long wait the people are forced to endure.

In addition, the Land Selection Committee will be looking to have the prices for those lands decreased, and to ensure that persons are in possession of their titles within two months of being issued land.

Digicel donates to Mahaica Children’s Home

Digicel’s Senior Sponsorship Executive, Louanna Abrams, and Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara, hand over a quantity of school and other items to Pearline Cummings and Pam of the Mahaica Children’s Home

SEVERAL staff members from Digicel Guyana paid a visit to the Mahaica Children’s Home to deliver school packs and grocery items for the girls who are living there.

Digicel, in November 2013, handed over the newly constructed Mahaica Children’s Home after completing works. The initial works started out as refurbishing plans, but turned out to be the building of a completely new multi-million-dollar structure.

Reconstruction started in July 2012, and the home was handed over in late November of 2013. The home houses children who come from abusive dwellings or have been displaced for one reason or another with no place to go.

With the blessings of Digicel Chairman Denis O’Brien,

the company worked along with Marcel Gaskin and Associates, who came up with the design and layouts; Patterson and Associates, who did quantity surveying; and R&D Engineering.

Facilities in the home include two dorms, bathrooms, a sick bay, a study room, a recreation room, kitchen, laundry room, water filtration and tanks.

Digicel has made it a priority to keep the Mahaica Children’s Home close to its heart.

“The wellbeing of the girls is a major focus for us, and we make it our duty to visit them and find out what their needs are. We intend to keep doing this as long as there is a need for us to do so,” noted Digicel Head of Marketing, Jacqueline James.

The school items will see

every school-age girl in the home attending the new school term fully equipped, and the food items will assist in the provision of three hot, healthy meals a day for the girls.

House Services Supervisor Pearline Cummings thanked the cell phone company for its generous donation, and said she would ensure that every child in the home benefits from the donation.

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 33 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific.

After almost 14 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service, and best network.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

$7.8B CLEARED …House approves funds for constitutional agencies

AHEAD of the presentation of the 2016 national budget, the National Assembly yesterday approved some $7.8 billion for what are described as constitutional agencies.

These agencies have been delinked from the normal budgetary allocations which were controlled by the Minister of Finance.

Among those constitutional agencies are the Parliament Office, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution,

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo impassionedly defends the estimates in Parliament

and the Audit Office. The Rights Commissions is also included.

Even though the Constitution has been amended in 2001 to extend independence to these agencies to prevent government from regulating their finances, the former PPP Government never changed the process to ensure that these agencies were not forced to beg for finances.

The AFC+APNU coalition, when in Opposition, piloted amendments to the Constitution to add these agencies to the list of bodies that should get lump sum allocations.

In 2013, APNU’s Carl Greenidge tabled a bill to add the agencies to a list for which monies should be given without direction from

the Government. The PPP voted against the move, and President Ramotar refused to give assent to the bill.

Last night, when Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo accused the coalition of interfering with the indepen-

dence of the constitutional agencies, it attracted strong rebuttal from Vice Presidents Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo accused the Opposition of hypocrisy and shedding crocodile tears when they voted against the autonomy of these agencies.

The Coalition speakers were at pains to repeat that, on every agency, there was an increase over and above what was voted in 2015. There were no “cuts”, the PM said, and the Opposition was seeking to sow mischief.

This was the first time that the 15 agencies were given lump sums, and each agency has to account for how their respective amount is spent.

This was done to remove ruling politicians from using monies to influence the critical agencies.

The under mentioned is a list of the constitutional agencies 2016 budgetary allocation as passed and approved by the National Assembly, save and except for the Parliament Office and the Constitutional Office of the Leader of the Opposition where a combined $1,416,596,000 was approved.

1. Audit Office of Guyana - $714,335,000 2. Chamber of the Director of Public Prosecutions - $160,090,000 3. Ethnic Relations Commission - $81, 446,000 4. Guyana Elections Commission –$3,574,487,800 5. Human Rights Commission - $28,342,000 6. Indigenous People’s Commission – $23,346,000 7. Judicial Services Commission – $10,020,000 8. Office of the Ombudsman - $44, 756, 000 9. Rights of the Child Commission – $31, 134,000 10. Public/Police Service Commission- $ 87,957,000 11. Public Service Appellate Tribunal - $12,499,000 12. Supreme Court of Judicature $1,532,287,000 13. Teaching Service Commission - $109, 205,000 14. Women and Gender Equality Commission - $ 38, 598, 000

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

$75M child rights project launched pean Union and its member states. The European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights also provides the possibility to support civil society projects in this area in Guyana. The rights of vulnerable groups, especially children, are particularly important in this regard, and

Ambassador Videtic and Ms Madray affix their signatures to the contract in the presence of EU Delegation and ChildlinK Inc officials

HEAD of Delegation of the EU to Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and the Dutch OCTs, Ambassador Jernej Videtic; and Managing Director of ChildLink, Omattie

Madray, have signed a grant contract to implement the project, titled “Child Rights Alliance”.

The grant involves support to a maximum of $75.7 million, and will be funded

from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) 20142015 country allocation for Guyana.

“Human rights are one of the core values of the Euro-

the ChildLinK proposal convinced us. We look forward to a successful implementation,” Ambassador Videtic has said.

Madray explained that ChildLinK’s vision for Guyana is a society in which children are growing up in safe families and communities.

“This new initiative, the Child Rights Alliance (CRA), builds on our previous and current work; more specifically, on the work of the Child Advocacy Centres which were all funded by the European Union. Whilst the centres will continue to provide services to abused Turn to page 14 ►

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

Islamic scholar calls on President PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday received a copy of the Holy Quran from Shaykh Faid Muhammad Said, an Islamic scholar from the United Kingdom, who

is currently visiting Guyana under the auspices of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG).

In accepting the holy book, President Granger

thanked the scholar and the CIOG for continuing to extend the reach of Islam in Guyana.

“Ignorance of other people’s customs and beliefs is normally the

source of conflict; and once that is removed, people will understand that we are all one and there is no reason for us to fight each other,” the President said.

The visiting delega-

$75M child rights project... children, greater emphasis must be placed on prevention of abuse of children, to give more children a better chance

to grow up without the trauma of abuse. The CRA will therefore build a national coalition, led by the Rights

of the Child Commission, to work strategically with stakeholders across all regions, creating higher levels

of awareness of child abuse to safeguard children from all forms of abuse.

“ChildLinK”, she said, “is very pleased that the European Union has a long-term commitment to creating safe families and communities for Guyanese children.”

VIOLENCE PREVENTION The overall objective of the fresh project is, through improved networking, to strengthen national collaboration to prevent violence and abuse against 6,000 children; to influence policies and practices; and, by June 2018, to engage in advocacy in Regions 3, 4 and 5.

Further, the activities foresaw, under the grant supplement, work done already

by ChildLinK under three previous grants totalling over $86 million, which were funded from previous EIDHR Calls for Proposal put out by the Delegation.

ChildLinK Inc, a local non-governmental organisation, was established in 2009, and its mandate is to work with its partners towards crafting a Guyanese society in which every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure family and

tion also included Nazim Baksh, a Guyanese by birth who resides in Canada, and Ustadh Nader Khan, a qaseeda singer and social activist from Canada.

They were accompanied by the CIOG Di rector, Shaikh Moen ulHack; CIOG President, Fazeel Ferouz; Kads Khan and Fazil Hack, also from the CIOG.

From page 13

community.

EIDHR is a self-standing financing instrument that provides assistance for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide, and specifically aims at assisting civil society to become an effective force for political reform and defence of human rights. The European Union launches regular calls for proposals.

PREVIOUS GRANTS ChildLinK Inc has previously received three grants, totalling over $86 million, all funded from the aforementioned EIDHR initiative; and had, in 2013, completed activities under one of them -- the HUG project which was implemented over 30 months.

The HUG initiative was envisioned with the principal objective of improving the lives of Guyanese children experiencing violence and domestic abuse. The project exceeded its stated objectives in sensitising almost 2,000 children from the Agricola and Ruimveldt communities who, under the activities conducted, were able to access services and information to enable them to realise their rights to protection from

abuse.

Two ongoing actions, also funded by the European Commission, are aimed to provide children an opportunity to grow up in environments that are safe, secure, and conducive to their allround development.

Their collective focus is to ensure that children receive direct psychosocial support in the form of counselling, and family support to help them develop resilience in their various roles and situations; and, where possible, to accommodate changes.

These interventions will contribute to ChildLinK working directly with 500 children; 300 in alternative family-based care comprising foster care and kinship care, and 200 children who are at risk of losing parental care.

It is envisaged that the fresh grant will complement the work already undertaken, and over the next 30 months, the beneficiary will be working along with its partners, which include the relevant Government agencies, such as the Childcare and Protection Agency, towards the effective roll-out of the activities foreseen under the intervention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 9, 2016

Natural Resources Ministry to be relocated EFFORTS are underway to relocate the Ministry of Natural Resources from its present site at Brickdam in the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) compound.

This disclosure was made on Wednesday by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, who said the move is to facilitate accommodation for Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes.

Minister Broomes was last week reassigned to the portfolio by President David Granger, while her previous post of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection was filled by former

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott.

According to Trotman, the Ministry’s present location is cramped for space and the move to relocate will see both ministers and their staff being comfortably accommodated, as well as members of the public who show up to conduct business.

The minister said that efforts to identify and select a building will be the responsibility of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Joslyn McKenzie.

The building now being used by the Ministry was constructed by the GGGMC but it was taken over by the

Bail for beating alleged goat thief CITY labourer Cort Mingo, who allegedly confronted Lawrence Viveros whom he suspected of stealing and killing his goat, appeared on Friday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of unlawful and malicious wounding.

The 29-year-old Mingo denied the charge.

The prosecutor did not object to bail, and same was granted in the sum of $15,000.

Mingo’s matter was transferred to the Linden Magistrate’s Court for January 20.

Mingo is reported to have confronted Lawrence Viveros over his missing goat at Viveros’s home. He accused the man of killing his goat and allegedly dealt him several stabs with a knife to his shoulder. The matter was reported and police then instituted the wounding charge.

Cutlass-wielding residents attack GWI disconnection team The Guyana Water Inc (GWI) has reported two incidents in which contracted employees attached to its disconnection team were attacked.

While conducting a disconnection exercise at Lot 574 Hibiscus Place, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown on Wednesday, GWI Contractor Winston Jones and his team reportedly came under attack by customers.

A female employee was severely injured to the head by an object thrown at her by a resident of the aforementioned address, and had to be rushed to the GPHC for treatment.

And on Thursday, the Jones Disconnection Team was again attacked, this time at Lot 232 Luckhoo Street, Lodge Housing Scheme, while allegedly disconnecting water facilities for the account of Sheila Thomas.

Residents of the aforementioned address threat-

ened the Disconnection Team with cutlasses. Three of the contracted GWI employees, including Supervisor Jones, were injured during the assault. The Disconnection Team was forced to flee the community after suffering several injuries.

Jones has reported the incidents to the West Ruimveldt Police Station and the East La Penitence Police Station.

GWI Chief Executive Officer Dr Richard Van West-Charles said he is appalled to hear of the attacks, and will be pursuing full legal action against perpetrators.

“We cannot condone these violent attacks against our contractors,” the GWI CEO declared.

“GWI will explore every option, including engaging the Guyana Police Force, to ensure the perpetrators are fully prosecuted,” he promised.

previous Government to house Minister of Natural Resources, Robert Persaud, back then.

That decision had caused some concern in the GGMC, as their executives contended that the construction cost had been met by the Commission, and after investing millions on the foundation and erection of the building, they had to hand the property over to the Ministry without being compensated.

In the meantime, it is unclear whether the Government will construct a new

facility, utilise one of the unoccupied state buildings, or lease a private building. It is also not known if the present building that houses the Ministry would be returned to the GGMC. On the issue of unused state buildings, the previous Government had spent millions of dollars to demolish the former Guyana Broadcasting Corporation Building on High Street and construct a new facility to house the then Ministry of Human Services and Labour, but that plan never

came to fruition.

To date the unoccupied building lies in a state of disrepair, with several contractual flaws which have prevented its occupancy. The Government had threatened to bring sanctions against the first and second contractors of the facility, but it is unclear if that was ever done.

The eyesore building has cracked walls, broken glass, missing windows and zinc sheets; has been subjected to wanton vandalism, and now serves as a haven for vagrants.

This High and Princes Street edifice is a glaring example of a state property that has been left unoccupied although millions had been spent to bring it into existence.

Another classic example is the unfinished Central Police Station in New Amsterdam, which has been under construction for some time now.

The Guyana Police Force is said to be renting the current facility used as the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam.

16

Three-way battle for newborn

By Shauna Jemmott

A NEW-BORN baby is in the middle of a controversy, as three women, including his biological mother and a woman she says is her best friend, battle for custody in a matter which has engaged police and the Child Care and Protection Agency (CPA).

Roberta Browne, mother of the baby, said she was frustrated when she handed the baby over to her friend, but realised hours after, that she had made a

The baby who is the subject of a controversy

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

mistake. When she telephoned the woman, whose name she gave to this publication, the woman refused to return her baby, and told her she would have to visit the welfare department which had custody of the child.

A tearful Browne yesterday spoke to the Guyana Chronicle at her Bagotville, West Bank Demerara home.

Guyana Chronicle was also able to meet family members of this 22-year-old mother of three.

Browne’s mother, Daphne

Family members turned up in their numbers to support Roberta Browne Browne, said the other woman’s mother, also named, had been her very close friend, thus their daughters became bonded from childhood association. The other woman became Roberta’s best friend, and Roberta at one time lived in Diamond with that family.

Roberta Browne said she never intended to give away her child, but merely left him in care of this other woman while she visited the hospital, on December 28, to seek medical care for a health condition.

Since that day, she said, she and this woman have been at loggerheads over the return of the baby, whom she never got opportunity to name because he was just a few days old at the time.

Roberta said the other woman told her she had given the baby to another woman who has no children, and she is upset and distressed because her baby is with someone with whom she is not familiar.

NEVER MET When Guyana Chronicle contacted Roberta’s erstwhile best friend, albeit by telephone yesterday, she said she had never before met nor heard of Roberta Browne, and she has never had contact with Browne’s baby. She has heard of Browne only by reading her story in a local newspaper yesterday.

However, Browne even presented a photograph as evidence that this woman had indeed been her friend, and she informed this publication that the woman was employed at another media house in the past, but is now employed in

the hospitality industry. She also gave other details about the woman, including that she got married last Saturday.

Browne’s relatives turned out in their numbers at the home yesterday and voiced their concerns. An aunt, Suzette Browne, said the family prefers that Roberta’s baby stays in the custody of relatives, even if the mother of the infant is incapable of caring for him.

She said her niece has two older children, and although she has been unemployed for a while, she receives money on a regular basis from her dad, Robert Kelder, and his wife Catherina, who live in Europe.

Besides, this aunt said, Roberta is supported by other members of the family.

The woman said that if the Child Protection Agency (CPA) is not willing to place the baby in Roberta’s care, then she is willing to take custody of the infant and care for her great nephew.

Roberta Browne lives in a three-bedroom house with her two children and her grandmother, while her aunt lives in the same yard in a three-bedroom house as well.

CPA head, Ann Greene, said the child is in the care of the agency, which has also launched an investigation to decide whether the child was sold or is a victim of trafficking. Greene said the CPA is interested in knowing that the baby is given the best possible care. She also disclosed that the CPA has begun looking into the interest of Browne’s two other children, aged six and one respectively.

The police are also investigating this matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

First Lady donates bicycles to Region 7 students

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger shakes the hand of this shy Bartica Secondary School student who is about to receive her brand new bicycle

T

WENTY-ONE students of the Bartica Secondary School in Region Seven on Friday received bicycles from the Government as part of President David Granger’s ‘Buses, Boats and Bicycles’, or ‘three Bs’ programme, aimed at ensuring that all of Guyana’s children are able to attend school.

Two boats and a 30-seater bus are also expected to be added to this complement before the end of the year, to provide transportation assistance to the children of Region 7.

The bicycles, were donated to the ‘three Bs’ programme in December by David and Margaret Enterprise, of Potaro, Mahdia, Region Eight; and Kent Phillips of Antarctic Maintenance and Repairs in Georgetown. First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion Ms. Amna Ally presented the bicycles to the students at a simple ceremony held at the school The ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’ initiative began in July 2015 when President Granger celebrated his 70th birthday and made a call for support for the initiative that aims to ensure transportation

is provided so that children can get to school safely and comfortably.

There has since been a tremendous national response, with private citizens and businesses donating boats, engines and bicycles to the programme.

In brief comments, the First Lady charged the students to take care of the bicycles. She noted that the gift must serve to strengthen the resolve of the students and drive them to pursue their education.

“This initiative to get our children to and from school has caught on… many [persons] have come on board to assist [them],” Mrs. Granger said. “The onus is on you, the children, now to prove that you value your education, and take advantage of the education that can propel all of us here in Guyana to a better future. There is no room for school dropouts; there is no room for any child dropping through [the] cracks in our education system.”

Minister Ally, under whose purview the ‘three Bs’ programme falls, told the students of the Three Miles Secondary and the Bartica Secondary schools that the donation of bicycles was received through the determined efforts of the First Lady and her drive for a better

Guyana. The minister noted that, for too long, too many of the nation’s children have been denied a proper education because of poverty and other factors.

“Bartica is no different, but this government (under President David Granger’s stewardship) is going to make a change, and Bartica and Region Seven as a whole will not be left out. The President spent a great part of his life in Bartica, and so there is a little spot in his heart [for this budding township]. Very soon, we will be putting a 30-seater bus along the Four Miles road to help the children to get to school; and as the Regional Chairman has indicated, the Region has budgeted for two boats to take the children to school,” Minister Ally said.

According to the Minister of Social Cohesion, while Government understands that there are children in every region who are affected, “A day will come when no child will be able to complain that they live too far and they are unable to go to school; that they have to walk far distances to get to their schools. We are going to be proud of this initiative.”

Minister Ally also encouraged the students to be their brother’s keeper and to talk to a trusted relative or friend if they are experiencing hardships or depression. She cautioned them against committing suicide, reminding them that, with support, they can endure and overcome even long-time problems, and that they are Guyana’s most valuable assets.

“I want to say to you there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I know that you have experienced hardships; I know that many people have experienced depression for one reason or the other -- stress, emotional problems and so on; but I want to make a plea to you, as the Minister of Social Cohesion, not to give up. I want to ask each of you present to make it your business to talk with your neighbours, your families, your friends, and your schools, and try to impart the knowledge that now is not the time to give up. We have got to work out ways of overcoming our problems. We are having far too many people giving up on life, and we can’t afford that. Our young people are valuable resources, and we depend on them,” she said.

Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford praised the ‘three Bs’ initiative, telling the students that education is the most important element in the development of any nation. “This project is not the first and the last. We have in our programme buses, and two boats have been budgeted for in the Regional Budget. We know that this nation needs educated children to take this country forward, so that we can achieve our true potential as a nation,” he said.

The Regional Educational Officer and the Headmistresses of the schools selected the beneficiaries on the basis of distance away from the school the child lives, and other factors to determine need for transportation. Minister Ally said that her Ministry, through the Ministry of Education, will be monitoring the attendance and performance records of the students who have benefitted under the initiative, to ensure that it is effective.

To date, five boats and a number of bicycles have been handed over to several communities across the country under the ‘three Bs’ programme. The President is also expected to commission a number of buses within this month.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally; First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger; and other government officials stand among the students as they proudly display their new bikes, courtesy of President David Granger’s ‘three Bs’ initiative

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Defending Super50 champs off to...

From Backpage for 40 to be the most successful bowler, while Nikita Miller was the most economical, his 10 overs and two wickets costing just 27 runs.

Tamar Lambert had two wickets as well, while there was a wicket apiece for

Sheldon Cottrell, Marquino Mindley, and John Campbell, who was the most expensive with his six overs going at 6.16.

Jamaica’s response did not inspire confidence from a team their coach expects good things.

Debutant Trevon Griffith was run-out for 20

off 40 deliveries, while Campbell was trapped leg-before-wicket by Jon Ross Jagessar, before Richards bowled Devon Thomas and Andre McArthy for seven and 21 respectively.

Richards was also responsible for having Tam-

ar Lambert caught behind for one and trapping Miller, lbw for nought.

Ottley accounted for the tail of Cottrell and Mindley, leaving Jacobs not out on six. (Sportsmax.com) Today’s action in the West Indies Cricket Board NAGICO super 50 tournament will feature the Jamaican Scorpions taking on the ICC Americas at the University of the West Indies SPEC while the Trin-

idad and Tobago Red Force engage Barbados Pride at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Both games begin at 09:00hrs Over in St Kitts, the Guyana Jaguars go toe to toe with the Leeward Islands Hurricanes from 13:30 hrs at the Warner Park Ground w h i l e t h e Wi n d w a r d Islands Volncanoes take on the Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners in St Pauls from 09:00hrs.

WICB retains 15 players for the rest of 2016 ST JOHN’S, Antigua - The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has retained the following list of players for the period, October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016 Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Denesh Ramdin, Devendra Bishoo, Shannon Gabriel, Jermaine Blackwood, Jerome Taylor, Sheldon Cottrell, Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich, Leon Johnson, and Kemar Roach, The schedule for the rest of this period also includes: NAGICO Super50, January 7-23 PCL Round 2, February 11-March 18 ICC World T20, March 8-April 3 Indian Premier League, April 8-May 29 Tri-Nation ODI Series, June 6-26 Caribbean Premier League.

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08:15 hrs Francia 08:50 hrs Deo Juvente 09:25 hrs Rabada 10:00 hrs Ma Choix 10:40 hrs Legal eagle 11:20 hrs Jets-A-Blazing 11:555 hrs Waiting For Rain 12:30 hrs Overshadow

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Lingfield 08:10 hrs Shiela’s Buddy 08:45 hrs Singyoursong 09:20 hrs Threebagsue 09:55 hrs Twin Point 10:30 hrs Captain Cat 11:05 hrs The Commendatore 11:40 hrs Mioss Glier South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Strong Dude Race 2 Saratoga Wildcat Race 3 La Verdad Race 4 Rock garden Race 5 Bileaps and Bounds Race 6 Arthur Avenue Race 7 Be a Hero Race 8 Eighty Three Race 9 Sourcesandmethods

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Smith says challenge for Australia is to win abroad SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Australia captain Steven Smith believes the real challenge for his team is to win a series abroad and they will have to master the swinging ball if they are to succeed in their tour of New Zealand next month.

Smith and his men ruthlessly dominated the threeTest home series against West Indies, winning it 2-0 after the rain-hit final match ended in a draw in Sydney on Thursday.

“We’ve always played quite well at home but the challenge for us is to make sure we’re winning series away from home, and that starts with a tough series for us in New Zealand,” Smith said.

After this month’s limited over home series against India, Australia tour New

Steven Smith is congratulated by former Aussie legend Alan Davidson before receiving the Frank Worrell Trophy on the fifth day in Sydney.

Zealand and Smith warned on them and are going to the conditions would be dif- swing a bit. So we have to be better than we have been ference across the Tasman.

“Hopefully we can adapt previously on those sort of to the conditions we’re going wickets and hopefully we to face in New Zealand,” can adapt well and have a successful tour there.”

Smith said.

Victory in New Zea“I daresay they’re going to have a bit of grass land, provided England

translate their 1-0 lead in the ongoing four-match series in South Africa into series victory, will see Australia return to the top of the Test rankings.

Smith had no doubt his team mates would adapt to the conditions to achieve top rankings.

“I’ve had a few chats about it to some of the boys.

When you’re under pressure you go back to the way you know and that can hurt you a little bit away from home.

“I think you almost have to find another way to do things. Whether that be playing in England or New Zealand making sure you play under your eyes. Here you can play out in front of you a little bit more but that will get you into trouble in England and New Zealand.”

Dhawan, Kohli hit form before spinners dismantle WA XI THE Indians started their limited-overs tour of Australia with a comfortable 74-run win over Western Australia XI in a Twenty20 match at the WACA ground in Perth, where they will play the first ODI against Australia on January 12.

On a lively pitch, the Indian batsmen took a bit of time to get their bearings right, but the two Delhi batsmen, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, entertained a healthy crowd – 4 000 by some estimates - with 74 runs each to take India to 192.

With the ball left-arm quick Barinder Sran made a good impression with two wickets in his first spell, and then the spin trio of R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel proved to be too good for the hosts, which didn’t include any of the Perth Scorchers personnel.

“It was a great boost for Barry,” said Dhawan at the post-match press conference.

“We call him Barry now. In time he is going to get more experienced and more mature.

He looks fit and strong, and looks a good prospect for the Indian team.”

Although this was not an 11-play-11 match, India didn’t try anything funky. There

Shikhar Dhawan is one of three batsmen to score 74 in the Indians’ 74-run win. were no retirements to give for a suicidal single. Dhawan the remaining batsmen a go: and Kohli, though, coming Kohli and Dhawan’s 149-run together in the third over, partnership ended in the 17th took their time before hitting over, which meant there was out against an inexperienced not much chance for the others attack. to get a longish innings in.

The Western Australian A matter of small con- quicks bowled short often cern will be that Mohammed with mixed results, but once Shami, coming back from leg-spinners Liam O’Connor a long injury layoff, didn’t and James Muirhead started bowl at all. There will be bowling short, the two dug another game, a 50-over one, in. There was a bit of toying against the same opposition around later, as Indians went at the same venue today. from 44 for 1 in seven overs Indian tour began on a to 161 in the 17th. familiar note: an ordinary deKohli and Dhawan both cision by Rohit Sharma, who fell in quest for further quickpushed to mid-off and set off er runs, but MS Dhoni pro-

vided the final push with two sixes in his 22 off 14.

Further good news came for India as Sran began a sharp spell at the top of the innings, taking two wickets in three overs for 15 runs. Umesh Yadav and Rishi Dhawan were steady at the other end before the spinners came on to take complete control of the match. Jadeja and Axar took two wickets each while R Ashwin hardly bowled a loose ball. Between them the three spinners bowled 10 overs for 36 runs and four wickets.

“I’m quite happy that I have scored runs in the practice match,” said Dhawan. “It is good that I have got used to this pitch. The longer you spend in the middle the better it is. It was a good time to get into the groove. Good to get get a hundred-run partnership before the main matches start.

Whatever we needed from this match we got it. We are happy about it.”

Left-hand opening batsman Travis Birt was the sole bright light for Western Australia XI in the chase, as he hit the ball hard in his unbeaten 74 off 60 balls.

The rest of the team, extras included, managed just 54 in the other 10 overs. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Jayawardene, Head take Strikers to the top

BEWARE of the wounded cricketer! At the end of the fourth over of Adelaide Strikers’ chase, Mahela Jayawardene looking in simply sumptuous form - pushed Josh Lalor to short fine leg, and sprinted through for a single, as fast as his little legs would carry him.

In doing so, perhaps with all 38 of his years showing, he overstretched, and felt one of his quadriceps sting.

Scores: Adelaide Strikers 2 for 179 (Ludeman 57*, Jayawardene 53, Head 50) beat Brisbane Heat 6 for 175 (Peirson 51, Reardon 40, Rashid 2-17) by eight wickets.

This would be a situation relished by Brisbane Heat, on their last legs in BBL 2015-16. But, after five minutes of treatment by the physio, Jayawardene picked himself up, pulled up his trousers (literally) and drilled James Hopes on the up through the covers for four to move to 31 off 13. By the over’s end, the Sri Lankan had driven Hopes down the ground for a stunning six.

Jayawardene was not going to die wondering, and it was the foundation he set up courtesy a 30-ball 53 that helped the Adelaide Strikers move up to the top of the points table as they chased down 176 with eight balls to spare and eight wickets in hand.

By the time Jayawardene’s innings had died, in the tenth over, wrongly adjudged leg-before, attempting to reverse-sweep off a Samuel Badree googly, the Heat were on their knees, and the damage had been done. Before his injury, Jayawardene had consecutively top-edged Andrew Fekete for six, cover-driven for four, then middled a pull for six; afterwards (despite some near-suicidal running from Tim Ludeman) he was ramping Ben Cutting over the keeper’s head, and skipping towards Badree and firing the ball back past him for four to bring up a second consecutive half-century since moving to the top of the order against Scorchers on Tuesday.

A loss here meant Brisbane Heat’s last two games - both away from home - are irrelevant. Heat have been much improved, but they ran into a more efficient unit yesterday. Earlier, for once, Chris Lynn did not top-score; Jimmy Peirson notched a fine half-century, standing and delivering, carting the ball down the ground, and targeting the leg-breaks of John Holland, before falling to Travis Head’s part-timers when ready to push on.

Lendl Simmons was given leg-before to Michael Neser’s second ball, but Chris Lynn appeared to shine briefly to help overcome the early damage. Billy Stanlake’s rangy seamers were dispatched for three fours in an over. Ben Laughlin was consecutively driven for four, past the umpire, then through the covers, but the introduction of Adil Rashid - now the competition’s highest wicket-taker, with 12 scalps - did for Lynn, as he tried to slog-sweep against the spin and was caught at deep midwicket.

Rashid’s four overs went for just a single boundary, and 17 runs, and his last delivery snared the Heat’s last dangerous hitter, Ben Cutting, bowled by a beautifully disguised googly.

When Rashid was done, lusty hitting from Nathan Reardon, and a wonderful finish from Hopes, who took Neser’s final over for 17 with some impressive swiping across the line, carried Heat to 175 for 6.

In response, Jayawardene’s early assault had done the damage, but Ludeman and Head picked up where he left off, accepting regular gifts from the Heat. If it was careless to allow a limping Jayawardene to amble between the wickets for ones and twos, it was downright irresponsible to drop Head on 4 (Sam Heazlett at backward point) and 7 (Josh Lalor, running in from backward square); plenty more sloppy fielding followed.

As Ludeman anchored, playing conventional strokes, including a glorious cover-driven four to move to 49, Head played himself in then freed his arms.

They would become the first top three in BBL history to all reach 50 in a single innings, a stat in stark contrast to Peirson’s being the first 50 for the Heat this season not coming from Lynn’s bat.

Lalor found a fine 14th over to briefly put Strikers’ brakes on, before Head began batting like it was the last night of 2015 all over again. Andrew Fekete played the role of Sean Abbott, driven over long-off then twice pulled over square-leg, all for six.

When he was caught swinging across the line (a ball after hitting Cutting down the ground for another six to bring up his half-century), Brad Hodge came out to drive down the ground and see them home.

As their march towards a home semi-final continues, Strikers will hope the quad injury of their other elder statesman (and new lynchpin) Jayawardene is not too serious.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

DCC recognises Mayor’s Birth Anniversary finals outstanding players definitely set for tomorrow ahead of key missions

THE Mayor’s 81st Birth Anniversary Seven-a-Side football tournament finals will ‘definitely’ be played tomorrow at the Den Amstel ground, West Coast Demerara, beginning at 14:00hrs.

The round-of-eight finals were originally set for the Thirst Park ground more than a month ago but the unavailability of the venue caused tournament organiser and former National footballer and coach Lennox `Mullen’ Arthur to reschedule.

In the eight-team finals, Kitty will face Lima Dam in the opening game; Uitvlugt will come up against Haslington in game two; Victoria will face Pouderoyen in the third game and hosts Den Amstel tackle Mahaica in the final round of eight matches.

The winner of game one will then meet the winner of game three and the winner of the second game will match skills with

Trayon Bobb the winner of game four.

The final will bring together the winners of games five and six while the two losing teams will do battle for the third and fourth places.

The winning team in the final will receive $200 000 and a trophy, compliments of John Fernandes Limited, while the runner-up team will draw down $100 000 and a trophy compliments of the Department of Sport.

The player scoring the most

goals in the competition will receive a three-piece suite, compliments of AH&L Kissoon and to date Trayon Bobb of Uitvlugt leads the field with six goals to his credit.

Quincy Moore of Mahaica follows with three goals, while Marvin Josiah (Pouderoyen), Keon Moore (Victoria), Kevaughn Ward (Den Amstel) and Anthony Sancho (Kitty) all have two goals each to date.

The third-placed team will earn $70 000 and a trophy from China Trading and $30 000 and a trophy from the Business School.

Other sponsors on board are: Banks DIH Limited, Beepats, CBR Mining, MACORP, Massy Group of Companies, Guyana Beverages Company, IPA, Munesjhwar, E-Networks, Cummings Electrical, BEV Processors, E.C. Vieira, Crown Mining, Sattar Gafoor, Kenav HDL and Nigel

GCC, Blairmont clash for Roy Fredericks Cup on Sunday

THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) continued its tradition of recognising members who have performed creditably and have gained selection to the Guyana and West Indies teams, with a simple ceremony last weekend in the Fred Wills Pavilion in Queenstown.

Kevin Boodie, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach will be leaving for various cricketing assignments overseas and were recipients of gifts from the club that has nurtured their talents.

Boodie is on his maiden trip with the Guyana Jaguars team to take part in the West Indies Cricket Board’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) 50 Overs Tournament. He received a bat from Mr Brian Glasford on behalf of Caribbean Clothing, a longstanding sponsor of DCC. Tevin Imlach and Keemo Paul had outstanding performances in the Regional Under-19 tournament last year in Jamaica where they

helped Guyana retain the Under-19 title and will be heading off to Bangladesh with the West Indies Under-19 team as they compete in the International Cricket Council’s Under-19 World Cup from January 22 to February 14. Keemo Paul has played with the West Indies U-19 team previously while Imlach is on his maiden tour. Both received a pair of batting gloves and US$100.

Among the attendees at the simple ceremony were Guyana’s Honourable Minister of Business Mr Dominic Gaskin, Member of Parliament Mr Trevor Williams, president of DCC Mr Alfred Mentore and other executives and members of the club, including former Test player Travis Dowlin and current Guyana Jaguars 50 Overs vice-captain Christopher Barnwell.

Minister Gaskin said it was an honour to be at the ‘Home of Legends’ with such

rich history in Guyana’s and West Indies cricket. Mr Gaskin commended the club in preparing and producing players for the national and international teams and congratulated the young players and told them they must feel honoured to represent the respective teams and be motivated to do well.

Trevor Williams, Dowlin, Barnwell, Lynden Lyght and Mark Griffith all wished the players well and reminded them not to be complacent while having fun and representing the club, the country and themselves proudly.

In response, Imlach said he was thankful for the support and will do his best in Bangladesh after putting in the hard work to reach so far. The soft-spoken Boodie said that was the first time he is being acknowledged in such a way and said he will do his part to take Guyana to the title this year along with Chris Barnwell and the rest of the squad.

… Pavilion to be named in late batsman’s honour

IN WHAT is dubbed a Berbice versus Demerara showdown, Blairmont Cricket Club will face Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) tomorrow in a feature 50-over match for the first-ever Roy Fredericks Cup at the Blairmont Community Centre ground, West Bank Berbice.

The match will get cracking at 09:30hrs, but prior to the bowl-off, management of the Blairmont Community Centre will unveil the name of a pavilion after Fredericks, the late great former Guyana and West Indies opening batsman.

Fredericks, a dashing lefthander, played for the Blairmont

Cricket Club in his heyday, and current executive Shabeer Baksh said branding the pavilion after the batsman is a fitting way of paying tribute to his contribution to the game.

Baksh informed that the club has sought permission from the Berbice Cricket Board, which has control over cricket in the county, and the Guyana Sugar Corporation, which has authority over the ground, before naming the pavilion after Fredericks. Both entities approved the request.

When action gets underway on the field, Blairmont will depend on the likes of former Test fast bowler Brandon

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday January 09, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Basil Williams & Desmond Haynes (2) 3 Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches Australian Max Walker played against the WI? (2) In which Test match WI Dennis Atkinson scored a double century and claimed a five-wicket haul?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Bess, national Under-19 player Parmanand Ramdhan, Waqar Hassan, and leg-spinner Kevon Jawahir, who was outstanding in the Guyana Cricket Board’s Local Franchise League, to push their ambitions for victory.

GCC’s chances will rest on the shoulders of opener Jeetendra Sookdeo, left-arm spinners Raj Nanan and Anthony Adams, Devon Lord and Joshua Wade.

Admission to the venue is free and trophies for the game have been provided by Berbice Bridge Company Inc., Baksh Travel Service, Big B Restaurant and Greens Massive.

Kevon Boodie collects his bat from Brian Glasford on behalf of Caribbean Clothing, a longstanding sponsor of DCC.

Tenelec Inc. U-15 cricket ….

Stewart 6-35 sees Tucber Park through to the semi-final

TUCBER Park took first innings honours from Port Mourant to advance to the semi-final of the Tenelec Inc. Under-15 two-innings cricket competition in Berbice.

In the scheduled two-day quarter-final which had to be extended to a third day due to the second day completely lost to rain at the Port Mourant ground, the home team won the toss and sent Tucber

Park in to bat.

They were bowled out for 138 with Ravishkar Budhoo hitting a top score of 33. Steve Deonarine (25), Daniel Dharamdat (19) Romel Retemiah (17) and Reuben Latcha (13 not out) were the other batsmen with any meaningful contributions.

Bowling for Port Mourant, Sudesh Ghamandie took

3-14, Ezekiel Kempadoo 3-26 and Cheddi Boodoo 3-61.

With the entire third day available to Port Mourant to get the crucial first innings points, they had a promising start of 25 from Brandon Mangal and Revaldo Williams.

However, leg-spinner Brandon Stewart removed Mangal (9) and Mahendra

Nandu (6), while off-spinner Budhu claimed the wicket of Williams (9), to leave the home team 38-3.

Kempadoo batted resolutely, putting on a crucial 25 for the fourth wicket with Ghamandie (3) but Stewart dismissed the middle and lower order including Kempadoo for 39 as they were eventually bowled out for 85.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday January 9, 2016

Benn, Carter hand Pride nervy win ST AUGUSTINE, Trinidad (CMC) – Seasoned left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn combined with left-hander Jonathan Carter to deliver Barbados Pride a nervy four-wicket win over ICC Americas, in their opening game of the Regional Super50 here Thursday.

Opting to bowl first at the UWI Sports and Physical Education Centre, Pride limited the Americas side to 183 all out off 43.1 overs, with Man-of-theMatch Benn ending with four for 40.

Off-spinner Ashley Nurse picked up three for 23 while pacer Justin Greaves claimed two for 19.

Alex Amsterdam top-scored with an enterprising 73, while Nitish Kumar struck 25.

Carter then stroked an unbeaten 55 while captain Kevin Stoute chipped in with 40 as Pride reached their target in the 43rd over after a few stumbles.

They were struggling somewhat at 126 for six in the 32nd over but Greaves joined Carter to hit a precious 23 not out in a 58-run, unbroken stand for the seventh wicket.

over at 95 for four.

Americas then picked up two more wickets for the addition of only 31 runs as Kenroy Williams (21) and Mario Rampersaud (0) departed in quick succession.

Carter, however, took control of the innings in a knock that came from 84 balls and included two fours and a six.

Greaves, in his first regional one-day game, faced 32 balls

RTC’s anniversary Lawn Tennis tournament to kick off January 15

Sulieman Benn celebrates one of his four wickets aganist ICC Americas.

The partnership produced spells of two for 30 from leg-spinner Timil Patel and two for 36 from seamer Timroy Allen, which threatened to undermine the innings.

Pride lost the dangerous Dwayne Smith cheaply for two,

at 18 for one in the fourth over, but Stoute and Shamarh Brooks, who scored 12, added 48 for the second wicket to stage a recovery.

Both fell in the space of 20 deliveries to leave Pride tottering on 69 for three in the 15th

over before Carter posted 26 for the fourth wicket with Roston Chase 14.

Once again, Americas struck a crucial blow at a key moment when Patel had the right-handed Chase caught at cover by captain Ruvindu Gunasekara in the 22nd

Another FACC 40-mile road race billed for Sunday FRESH from their successful ‘Season Opener’ 40-mile event, the Flying Ace Cycle Club of Berbice has announced another 40-miler for Sunday and it is open to cyclists countrywide.

Last Sunday’s (January 3) event which attracted some of Guyana’s top pedal-pushers saw Berbician Romello Crawford of Trojan Cycle Club outlast his senior counterparts including Team Gillette Evolution’s Marlon `Fishy’ Williams, Roraima Bikers’ and Alanzo Greaves among others.

In winning the overall race, Crawford also won the junior category.

However, this Sunday, Crawford is expected to be severely tested, as over the past few days, the `bigger guns’ have been putting in lots of miles in their legs and are all raring to go.

Apart from Williams and Greaves, Crawford will have to be wary of fellow Berbician Andrew Hicks, his (Crawford) cousin Juban Crawford, Junior Niles, Orville Hinds and Raul Leal to name a few.

The FACC also plans to stage the Benjamin Sports Shop’s 55-mile road race on January 24 in Berbice.

to stay with Carter and ensure Pride reached their target with time to spare.

Earlier, Amsterdam rescued his side with a bold innings after Americas were reduced to 110 for eight in the 30th over.

He struck ten fours and one six in an 87-ball knock, putting on 66 for the ninth wicket with Hammad Shahid who made 11.

LAWN tennis in Guyana will look to make a running start to the year when the Rebel Tennis Club (RTC) hosts its first anniversary championship, set for January 15-24.

The tournament, which is expected to feature some of the top local names getting back into the swing of things, will be played at various venues.

Club member Jamal Goodluck, during an invited comment, stated that “it (the tournament) was the baby of Andrew Erskine. He is the coach of the club and he really wants to see tennis grow into a prestigious sport.”

“Rebel is a very unique name because it is not just about being a rebel but you have to stand out in terms of discipline, academics and everything,” reminded Goodluck.

He noted that the club is hosting the tournament which is usually done by the association because the members believe that clubs need to do more on their own to grow the sport of lawn tennis.

“We found that in order for tennis to grow clubs have to step up and that’s why Rebel Tennis Club is taking the forefront in initiating a tennis tournament …,” said the Rebel member.

It will be played in two categories, the men and ladies singles, and will be played at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, National Park and Nash’s Tennis Club during the evening under lights Admission for fans is free.

GCB extends condolences to Chandrika on the passing of his father

Romello Crawford

THE executives and staff of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) extend condolences to Guyana and West Indies player, Rajendra Chandrika, on the passing of his father earlier this week.

It stated: “It is never easy to lose a loved one, especially a parent. Rajendra was very close to his father and looked up to him for guidance and support. We share his pain and grief and extend our most heartfelt sympathies for his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time and we wish him peace to bring comfort and courage to face the days ahead.”

It continued, “We also urge him to keep the memories of his father alive by continuing to progress in his cricket. His father was his biggest fan; so proud of his achievements. Remain committed to the sport and forge ahead in the future.”

WICB retains 15 players for the rest of 2016

Leon Johnson

See Story on Page 28

Defending Super50 champs off to winning start with brilliant Richards spell

A

TREMENDOUS bowling spell from Guyana born medium pacer Marlon Richards gave the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force the perfect start to the defence of their NAGICO Super50 title.

Playing in the Group A feature game against the Jamaica Scorpions at the Queen’s Park Oval, Richards helped the Red Force defend a paltry 221 fairly easily with his five for 36 ensuring an 84-run victory.

Batting first, the Red Force were bolstered by Man-of-the-Matchr Marlon Richards and wkpr Steven Katwaroo celebrate the wicket of a run-a-ball 74 from Evin Aldaine Thomas during the Group “A” match between Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and Lewis, but were hamJamaica Scorpions in the NAGICO Super50 Tournament on Thursday at Queen’s Park Oval.

(Photo by WICB Media/Ashley Allen) strung by the regular fall of wickets around him.

Kyle Hope struggled to get going at the top of the

Windies U-19s depart for Bangladesh

Windies Under 19 Team with BCA President Joel Garner and Rawle Lewis before they left for Bangladesh.(WICB media photo) BARBADOS – The West Indies under 19 team departed the Caribbean on Wednesday afternoon for Bangladesh where they will participate in the ICC

Under 19 World Cup from January 22 to February 14.

West Indies are placed in Group C alongside England, Fiji and Zimbabwe.

They open their campaign

on January 29 against Fiji in Chittagong.

Squad: Shimron Hetmyer (capt), Keemo Paul, K a c e y C a r t y, S h a h i d Crooks, Michael Frew,

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

Jyd Goolie, Tevin Imlach, Ryan John, Alzarri Joseph, Kirstan Kallicharan, Obed McCoy, Gidron Pope, Odean Smith, Shamar Springer, Emmanuel Stewart.

order and was first to go, facing 26 balls for his 16.

Narsingh Deonarine took his wretched run of form in the WICB Professional Cricket League, only managing six.

Jason Mohammed, 4, Yannic Ottley, 5, and Steven Katwaroo, 0, all went cheaply.

Lewis did receive some support from Akeal Hosein, who scored 23 from 38 deliveries, before lower-order batting from Rayad Emrit, 43, and Richards, 31, helped rebuild the innings before another collapse brought it to an end two balls into the 48th over.

For the Scorpions, Damion Jacobs bagged three

See page 28

Autographed Bolt shoes stolen from BMW

A PAIR of running shoes autographed by world’s fastest man Usain Bolt was stolen from a grey BMW on Watling Street, in Hertfordshire last month.

The autographed shoes came with a certificate of authenticity and a picture of the Olympic 100m champion.

The owner of the shoes had paid “a significant amount of money” for the pair, Hertfordshire Police said.

PC Ben Kirby, of Hertfordshire Police confirmed the memorabilia had significant value and was due to be displayed in the owner’s house.

Usain Bolt “Whilst the charity has very kindly offered to replace it, the victim is keen to see the return of the original, to allow it to be auctioned again and raise further money for the charity,” he said.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 2016