Chronicle 02 01 2016

PEOPLE’S BUDGET No. 104449

MONDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

– Private Sector hails Budget 2016 as ‘pro-working class’

3

P.

7,000 more hot meals

15

P.

Some $1.9B have been allocated to the National School Feeding Programme this year, catering for more than 7,000 students from the hinterland regions

Suicide’s link Coverden woman dies to poverty in accident likely a fallacy 2

P.

8

P.

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

Coverden woman dies in accident

By Rabindra Rooplall

AN employee of Prairie International Hotel, Coverden, East Bank Demerara lost her life in front of her workplace Saturday evening after leaving work.

Dead is Ann Mohamed, 33, of Coverden East Bank

Demerara. The mother of two was killed after a two-vehicle collision caused a pick-up to pin her down while she was standing on the road. A car which crashed into the pick-up was pitched into a nearby trench.

The driver of the pickup was identified as Colin

Lovell who is attached to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). According to police, charges are pending and Mr Lovell will appear in court soon.

According to reports, Ms Mohamed was struck by one of the vehicles involved in the collision after a pick-up coming out of a driveway came into contact with a speeding car, resulting in Mohammed being caught in its path while attempting to run to safety.

She was subsequently pulled from under the pickup by public-spirited citizens who rushed her to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she succumbed to her injuries.

One eyewitness said that “she was under the

van and they had to cut out her clothes to get her out of there, it was very sad, she had to die on the spot from that impact”.

Vinod Mohamed said he saw a call coming from his wife’s cell phone Saturday evening and he thought she wanted him to pick her up from work.

RUDE POLICE OFFICER “But when I answer my phone was one of her friends at the accident site

crying, saying she found her phone some distance from her body and there was an accident. When I rushed down there I saw a lot of people and lots of vehicles and said to myself this is a big accident. Then I went over to the officer who was rude to me and chucked me after I started asking questions. Then I saw my wife’s lifeless body and when I touched her neck for a pulse I said, ‘oh God she’s dead’,” Mr Mohamed lamented.

He said the post-mortem examination will be done today and based upon the findings the driver is expected to be charged and placed before the courts.

According to their son Vinod Mohamed junior, he received a telephone call Saturday evening informing him about the accident and his mother’s demise.

“I still can’t believe it.” The vehicles involved in the smash-up were taken to the Madewini Police Station.

Big marijuana field destroyed THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Saturday destroyed a two-acre-size field of marijuana plants at Onderneeming Backdam, Essequibo Coast, during the Force’s drug eradication operation in that area.

A statement from the

GPF said that approximately 4,200 plants at an average of 30 centimetres were found and destroyed, and an abandoned camp with 100 kilogrammes of dried marijuana was also found and destroyed. No arrests were made.

PEOPLE’S BUDGET

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

– Private Sector hails Budget 2016 as ‘pro-working class’

By Svetlana Marshall THE $230B budget presented by the APNU+AFC Government will set the stage for massive development in Guyana. In the words of Clinton Williams, immediate past President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), it is a “people’s budget”.

“It is a pro-working class budget,” Mr Williams told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, adding that “it sets the stage for the good life that the coalition Government has promised the people of Guyana.”

In the budget, which last Friday was presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan under the theme “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons,” $40.3B have been allocated for the Education Sector, $28B for the Public Health Sector, $24B for Public Security, $20.3B for the Agriculture Sector, $15.8B for Housing and Water, and $14.4B for Public Infrastructure. This is in addition to

the US$50M loan agreement between the Governments of Guyana and India for the construction of a new road link between Ogle on the East Coast of Demerara and Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara.

According to Mr Williams, the rebuilding of physical infrastructure -- such as roads, bridges, airstrips and harbours -- is critical for the development of the country.

“Investment in technical and vocational education is critical for our existing manufacturing sector, and also for the mining sector and the emerging oil and gas sector, among others,” he said.

AFHP Chairman of the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC’s) Trade and Investment Sub-committee, Ramesh Dookhoo, applauded Government’s decision to reconsider construction of the Amaila Falls Hydro Power Project, noting that this initiative had, in the past, gained the support of the private sector.

Though not considered to be viable in its current

PSC Executive Ramesh Dookhoo

Former GMSA President Clinton Williams

configuration, the coalition Government and the Kingdom of Norway are engaged in discussions for a final review and determination for the future of the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project.

Additionally, the Government proposes to prioritise the construction of four mini-hydro power stations at Kamaira, Kumu, Tumatumari and Tiger Hill.

Expressions of interest (EoI) have also been invited from firms for the rehabilitation and operation of the Moco Moco Hydropower Scheme under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) arrangement. The intent is to supply power to the Lethem Power Company

Inc. Mr Dookhoo said this is a step in the right direction.

“The private sector needs a massive solution to our energy issue. If we are to remain competitive, we need to have electricity that is comparable to any other country in the world,” he said.

In addition to the production of renewable energy, Mr Dookhoo was also in favour of Government’s decision to reduce excise tax on motor vehicles and ban the importation of used tyres.

According to him, the reduction in the excise tax will pave the way for more of the “average Guyanese” to become owners of vehicles.

Excise tax on motor vehi-

cles under four years old and under 1500cc is in line to be removed. Currently, these vehicles attract excise tax at the rate of 30 per cent and an effective tax rate of 118.7 per cent. With this removal, the effective tax rate will be reduced to 68.2 per cent.

Additionally, there has been a reduction of excise tax from 50 per cent to 10 per cent on motor vehicles under four years old and between 1500cc and under 2000cc.

As a result, the effective tax rate of 152.3 per cent will be reduced to 85 per cent.

“This is a very positive move,” Dookhoo said, as he alluded to the measures to reduce excise tax on imported vehicles. In addition to the reduction of excise taxes, the Government has taken a decision to reduce the importation of used and/or reconditioned vehicles under eight years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation.

This restriction will take effect from May 1, 2016.

USED TYRES Since 2011, the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) had called for a ban

on used tyres, citing safety implications. Approximately five years after that call, the new coalition Government has taken up the challenge.

Among measures announced by the Finance Minister were an intended ban on the importation of used tyres and a reduction of taxes on new tyres to encourage their use.

This ban will be put into effect as soon as some procedural hurdles are cleared, and according to Dookhoo, the Government has once again made a very good decision.

“I totally agree with the ban on used tyres…. Why should we be using second-hand tires from another country?” he asked.

In addition to representatives from the private sector, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) was among organisations that applauded the Government on this year’s budget.

The GTUC has said that the Government’s decision to await the conclusion of discussions with unions before announcing salary increases for public servants ought to be applauded.

Chronicle supports Science and Technology Fair PLANS are moving apace for the hosting of the Region Four Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair.

Set to commence on March 2 at the Diamond Secondary School, the twoday event will attract close to 133 schools from across the region.

Currently, registration is open, but will be closed by mid-February for hosting of this much-anticipated and very competitive event, which will see nursery, primary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools competing in a total of 25 categories. Students in all categories are expected to exhibit innovative projects and ideas.

In the Nursery division, there are two categories: Mathematics combined with Science, and Environmental Science combined with Arts and Craft. In the Primary division, there are four categories: Craft and Visual Arts, Environmental Science,

Mathematics, and Science.

Students competing in the Lower Secondary division can compete in 13 categories, while those in the Upper Secondary division have a maximum of 12 categories.

According to sources, more than 75 trophies will be awarded to the winners.

In support of the fair, the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) has donated a trophy.

While the Region Four Fair is set for March, the regional fair for the District of Georgetown is slated for February 4-5 at Queen’s College. The best of the best from these events would be selected to compete at the National Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair which would be held from March 29-April 1 in the Mining Town of Linden under the theme “Enhancing Traditional Technologies to Sustain Modern Societies through STEM.”

GNNL Personnel Relations Manager Colin Alfred presenting the trophy to an official of the Regional Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair set for March

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

10,000 child migrants missing More than 10,000 migrant children may have disappeared after arriving in Europe over the past two years, the EU’s Police Intelligence Unit says.

Europol said thousands of vulnerable minors had vanished after registering with state authorities.

It warned of children and young people being forced into sexual exploitation and slavery by criminal gangs.

Save the Children says some 26,000 child migrants arrived in Europe last year without any family.

It is the first time Europol has given a Europe-wide estimate of how many might be missing.

“It’s not unreasonable to say that we’re looking at 10,000-plus children,” Europol’s Chief of Staff told the Observer newspaper.

“Not all of them will be criminally exploited; some might have been passed on

to family members. We just don’t know where they are, what they’re doing or whom they are with.”

Officials in Italy warned in May 2015 that almost 5,000 children had disappeared from asylum reception centres since the previous summer.

In October, the authorities in Trelleborg in southern Sweden said about 1,000 unaccompanied refugee children and young adults who arrived in the town in the previous month had since gone missing.

Confirming the overall estimate of missing minors, a Europol spokesman said a large proportion may have also disappeared after landing in Greece.

The country is the first entry point for most of the 1 million migrants who arrived in Europe by boat in 2015, and authorities have been criticised for failing to register and check the

Some migrant boys say they have no choice but to sell sex in order to survive

ganisation for Migration (IOM) spokesman Leonard Doyle told the BBC the figure of 10,000 missing children was “shocking but not surprising”.

He said it was “to be expected” that many of these would be caught up in exploitation.

“Let’s hope now the EU puts the resources into finding these children, helping

arrivals.

Criminal gangs known to be involved in human trafficking in Europe are now targeting refugees, Europol said.

There are fears unaccompanied children and young people may be dragged into sex work, slavery and other illegal activity.

The International Or-

them and reuniting these children with their families.”

Fabio Sorgoni works for the Italian charity On The Road. He told me that there is a very short window of time to provide unaccompanied minors arriving in Europe with a safe haven.

By law, they are allowed out of reception centres during the day, when they easily fall prey to organised crime or individuals looking to exploit them, he said.

Few Italian centres have enough translators who speak the children’s languages. They do not employ staff experienced in spotting victims of sexual exploitation.

Feeling uncertain and unprotected, thousands of children have run away from Italian reception centres, disappearing on to the streets.

With no one stepping in or taking responsibility for them, they’re left to fend for themselves - doing what it takes to survive.

The warning from Europol comes days after the UK Government said it would accept more unaccompanied child refugees from Syria and other conflict zones, without giving numbers.

However, it said it would not be taking in vulnerable children who had already made it into Europe.

On Saturday, at least 39 migrants, including several children, drowned trying to cross the Aegean Sea from Turkey to Greece.

The IOM said on Friday that 244 migrants had drowned in the Mediterranean so far this year, out of 55,568 arrivals.

(BBC)

Youngest conjoined sisters separated Doctors in Switzerland say they have separated eightday-old conjoined sisters, believed to be the youngest babies to be successfully parted.

The twins, born in December, were fused at the liver and chest.

Swiss media say doctors

DATE: 30/01/2016

E 03 10 23 22 16 27 28

30/01/2016

05

06

07

had originally planned to separate them when they were several months old but brought the operation forward when they each suffered a life-threatening condition.

The operation reportedly carried a 1 per cent chance of success.

The twins, named Lydia and Maya, were born eight weeks premature at the Inselspital Hospital in Bern, along with a triplet who was fully separate and healthy.

The hospital said the twins were “extensively conjoined on the liver, but had all vital

11

13

30/01/2016

09

organs”.

They weighed just 2.2kg (4lb 14oz) together. One of the twins had too much blood, and very high blood pressure, while the other one did not have enough.

A 13-strong medical team took five hours to separate the girls on December 10.

“Such small conjoined siblings had never been successfully separated before,” the hospital said.

The head of paediatric surgery, Steffen Berger, paid tribute to the medical staff, saying: “The perfect teamwork

05

01

30/01/2016

of physicians and nursing personnel from various disciplines were the key to success here.

We are very happy that the children and parents are faring so well now.”

The girls underwent further surgery to close their abdominal walls and are now recovering in a paediatric intensive care ward.

The hospital says the children are “still very small” but developing well.

Le Matin Dimanche newspaper said they had put on weight and had begun breastfeeding. (BBC)

01

07

08

12 15 20

21

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

Zika pregnancy cases Abandon Privy Council, double in Colombia says Bahamas Judge

The Zika virus has been linked to infant microcephaly, which can hamper brain development

THE number of pregnant women in Colombia infected with the Zika virus has doubled in a week, officials said.

Almost 2,000 pregnant women now have the virus, Colombia’s National Health Institute said, out of the more than 20,000 people infected across Colombia.

The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to babies being born with abnormally small brains.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned Zika is “spreading explosively”, predicting up to four million cases this year.

Colombia says it expects the overall number of people to be infected to rise to

more than 500,000 by the end of 2016.

On Monday, the WHO meets to decide whether Zika should be treated as a global emergency.

Brazil has been worst affected by the outbreak, followed by Colombia, but more than 20 other countries have seen cases.

Jamaica and Peru reported their first confirmed cases over the weekend, with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala urging calm and stressing that the patient contracted the disease outside of the country.

Zika symptoms are mild, causing a low fever, joint pain, headaches, a rash and conjunctivitis.

But concern surrounds

a surge in babies born with microcephaly, or abnormally small heads, from mothers infected with Zika. A link has not been confirmed.

Colombia has also said it has seen an increase in cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder that can cause temporary paralysis that has also been linked to Zika.

The outbreak has sparked health warnings and eradication campaigns, with Brazil deploying troops and Colombia launching a mass fumigation campaign to fight mosquitoes.

Colombia and other Latin American countries have advised women to delay getting pregnant for the moment. (BBC)

RETIRED Justice Neville Smith, QC, said on Thursday that the country should not allow itself to become a “hostage” to the Privy Council. He recommended that The Bahamas set up its own final Court of Appeal rather than continue to “perch” on the British Government’s doorstep.

“Who knows when the British Government, bent on the restructuring of its courts … will do away with the Privy Council that it created by an 1844 English act,” said Smith at a special sitting at the Court of Appeal to mark the opening of the legal year.

“Should we not set up our own final court in our own deliberate time rather that to continue to perch on the doorstep of the foreign office in London or wait to be embarrassed by the British Government doing away with the Privy Council and cause us here to run … to make up a replacement court?

“We should not allow ourselves to become a hostage.”

He said the Court of Appeal is suited to fill the role of becoming the final court of appeal in The Bahamas.

Smith noted that before the establishment of the Court of Appeal, The Bahamas operated on a twotiered court system, the Supreme Court and the Privy Council.

“It therefore should not be earth shattering if we revert to a two-tiered system minus the Privy Council with this court at the top, sometimes sitting with a three-judge panel and for the more complex appeals with a five-judge panel.

“I am aware that there would be considerable criticism and disapproval of the idea of giving up the... Privy Council as the final decider of what is or should be.”

Smith said the country must come to the realisation and acceptance that The Bahamas cannot indefinitely rely on the good graces of the British Government to provide this service.

“A well-managed colony has to sooner or later, preferably sooner, take responsibility of choosing the

court which will carry its cases,” he said.

Over the years, several observers, including MP Leslie Miller, have repeatedly called for the abandonment of the Privy Council.

Miller said he can’t understand why The Bahamas as an independent country continues to “rely on 10 or 12 old men in London” to decide who lives and who dies.

The calls intensified following the March 2006 Privy Council ruling that the mandatory death sentence in The Bahamas was unconstitutional.

Many condemned men at Her Majesty’s Prisons escaped the death penalty because the Privy Council ruled in 1993 in the Jamaican case of Earl Pratt and Ivan Morgan that it would be cruel and inhumane for prisoners to wait more than five years on death row.

Since the 2006 decision, the Privy Council has made it increasingly difficult for The Bahamas to carry out capital punishment. (Caribbean News Now)

6

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams

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

Editorial

Wales Estate closure in perspective THE recent announcement of the move to close the Wales sugar estate has been greeted with strong rejection by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which has claimed that the Government is targeting its support base.

This charge is, by now, hardly surprising to those who follow political developments closely. Wales, like most cane-farming communities on the sugar cane belt, is a traditional PPP stronghold; and, as evident in the past two elections, the PPP has shown that it has no qualms in pushing a divisive line to appeal to its supporters.

As difficult a decision as it has been, from all the information that has been made public by the Government -- and has not been disputed -- the closure of the Wales estate was necessary to ensure the survival of the other estates. But in a politically and ethnically polarised society -- where large sections of the masses still give blind support to the political party they follow -- conveying to and convincing them of such facts is a difficult thing to do.

This has, for far too long, been a situation that has been mercilessly exploited by some politicians to suit their selfish and divisive agendas. While the announced closure of the Wales estate is a serious matter, and should be discussed broadly in the genuine interest of some 1700 workers who will be affected, it is unfortunate that the PPP has chosen to paint the situation as an attack by a vindictive government.

Though unfortunate, this charge from the PPP is not strange. During the recent elections’ campaign, that party had repeatedly told its supporters that the APNU+AFC coalition would close down the sugar industry if it wins power. What that party’s supporters did not hear about is the corruption, ineptitude, and nepotism which bankrupted the sugar industry and threatened the livelihoods of the workers.

It was also the PPP, under the leadership of then President Bharrat Jagdeo, which had publicly threatened to de-recognize the workers’ representative, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU). Quite ironically, President Dr Cheddi Jagan, the late founding member of the PPP, had at one time served as General Secretary of GAWU. And it was not incidental that the union was in the vanguard of the many early PPP struggles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Current Opposition a high political risk for Guyana Dear Editor, I WOULD be grateful if you should publish the following letter in your Letters Column. Thank you.

With the recent reading of the 2016 Budget, Bharrat Jagdeo has risen to take a stand for the poor. It is a cruel twist of fate for Guyana that he continues to grace the halls of Parliament, much less appear to champion the cause of the poor.

The current administration has committed itself to examining the criminal atrocities committed under the administration of Jagdeo, so it is just a matter of time before the former Minister of Health, along with one of Jagdeo’s min-

isters who was previously responsible for Home Affairs, and others stand to give evidence for the administration of justice in regard to the victims and those aggrieved.

The misuse of NICIL by Jagdeo’s administration, to acquire property for himself and his political cronies at well below market values, along with the abuse of other state resources, should be found to be criminal at the very least, or else should be considered gross misappropriation and mismanagement of the state’s resources.

No attempt should be made to secure appropriate compensation for these resources. The transactions which facilitated the transfer

of state lands for Jagdeo’s mansion should be voided, and reversed to facilitate the return of these resources to the state. The same holds for the other beneficiaries of those transactions. Efforts should also be made to hold those responsible for the misuse of taxes to lay civil infrastructure on these lands prior to their transfer.

Jagdeo’s appeals on behalf of the poor are farcical in light of the fact that his administration systematically marginalized and underdeveloped African Guyanese and their communities.

While the recent investments by ExxonMobil stand as a testament to its own research and confidence in the future of Guyana’s politics

and the current administration, from the global perspective, the current representatives of the Opposition stand as a high political risk to foreign investors, since few international businesses which make it a principle to avoid corrupt countries would consider the Opposition an attractive alternative administration under which they could consider operating in the long term.

This is something that needs to be considered and addressed if Guyana seriously intends to accelerate its transformation to make up for the lost years under Jagdeo’s administration.

Supply Service system was “shut down”.

This malfunctioning intake pump was then taken from the location for a rectification service process, and was reinstalled only on Saturday last at about 18:00hrs.

After the installation process, technicians then encountered an operational setback, causing the pump to again be disassembled for rectification of an ensuing pump seal problem, which was discovered when it was attempted to “prime” the intake pump before throwing it into full operation. This meant that technicians then had to work

further into the night to completely rectify that problem, which they eventually did, to realise the refilling of the Seventh Avenue Reservoirs and Treatment Plant.

Water eventually resumed flowing through the taps at about 9:00hrs on Sunday last.

Residents of Bartica are now expressing their profound gratitude for the resumption of the community’s water supply system, which they recognise resulted from the persistent and valiant efforts of the Bartica GWI personnel who kept working on location assiduously throughout Saturday night last to ensure

full restoration of Bartica’s water supply.

The other malfunctioning intake pump on the Bamford Point location will soon be serviced to be fully operational again, while another will soon be placed on location along with the other two intake pumps to boost the intake pumping operations at the Bartica GWI Bamford Point location.

Faithfully, CRAIG SYLVESTER

Bartica water service resumes Dear Editor,

THE water crisis confronting Bartica has been addressed on Saturday, January 30th, 2016 with the reinstallation of a serviced intake pump at the Bamford Point GWI Pump House location.

The Bamford Point Bartica GWI location facilitates two intake pumps on site, which function within the Bartica GWI Water Service System. However, in recent times, only one of these intake pumps was operational, and due to the malfunctioning of this pump on Monday last, the entire Bartica Water

It was neglect over the past 15 years -- coupled with external challenges -- that has today brought the industry to its knees. The decision to close the Wales estate is therefore no targeting of PPP supporters by the coalition Government. In fact, if there has been any targeting of sugar workers, it has happened during the presidency of Mr Jagdeo, as it was under his presidency that the Diamond and LBI estates were closed without any proper consultation with the workers.

Those workers were forced to fend for their livelihoods after they had received their severance packages.

But there is more to it; former President Jagdeo, apart from supporting the shutting down of the Diamond and LBI estates, had also reportedly recommended the closure of the very Wales estate that he is now asking the Government not to close.

Back then, heightened interest in the welfare of the

Yours faithfully, EDWARD A. PERSAUD Producer, Bartica TV News Programme

workers was apparently not a big issue on his agenda; but now that he is in opposition, interest in the welfare of the workers at Wales has all of a sudden become very near and dear to him.

The administration has accordingly got to take with a pinch of salt Mr Jagdeo’s call for a rethink of the closure of Wales, since, from all indications -- given all that had happened under Jagdeo -- the appeal can be likened to a farmer who, through mismanagement, milked his cow to death and yet sees it fit to hire a consultant to investigate why the cow died.

This in no way says that the welfare of the workers should not be given paramount attention. A more comprehensive plan needs to be drafted in consultation with the workers, and that plan should enable them to enjoy secure livelihoods when the rundown Wales estate is closed. Now is certainly not the time for political gimmickry.

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

NA Hospital a more child-friendly environment

THE New Amsterdam Regional Hospital (NARH) has been made a more child-friendly environment with the commissioning of a playpark with support of the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).

The project, a brainchild of NARH Medical Superintendent Dr Vishalya Sharma, will benefit children of the Paediatric Unit. It features two swings, one see-saw and one colourful slide.

PAHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, in brief remarks at the event, pledged his continued support, as PAHO will also be funding the construction of the shed and walkway of the park.

Dr Sharma expressed gratitude to PAHO/WHO for the assistance to the medical institution, and noted that the initiative was conceptualised three years ago, and without hesitation PAHO had come forward to assist.

The project was done in three phases: the beautification of the unit, provision of a

playpen, and then the playpark.

The NARH Medical Superintendent observed that, for some children, the institution had become home for them.

“Today, the Paediatric Unit continues to create waves; we continue to expand our services. Over the years, the hospital, specifically the Paediatric Unit, has become home for many children, a second home for some kids; and the doctors and nurses have become a lot like family,” the NARH Medical Superintendent said.

Regional Chairman David Armogan said the project, though small, was significant in the sense that it is another initiative which seeks to improve the general condition of health services within the region.

He also expressed his appreciation to PAHO for its continued support in improving the health sector.

“This project seeks to provide a comfortable environment. This is one which seeks to do it not only in this ward, but the other ward also. We had some ideas in the improvement of the Maternity Ward,

so we want to make the entire hospital as friendly an environment as possible for those people who have to use it…

People should not be afraid to come to the hospital, people should not want to run away from the hospital once they need treatment; they should feel nice to come here.”

Regional Executive Officer Dr Verasammy Ramayyah, in brief address, commended the initiative and PAHO for the collaboration.

It is hoped that this project can also be implemented at other medical institutions in Guyana, he said.

The hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Colin Bynoe, noted that the playpark provides a child-friendly environment while the Maternity Ward also benefited from improvement works.

Director of Regional Health Services, Jevon Stephens, noted that the project has therapeutic benefits and would also afford children the opportunity to play together, so that they can become well-rounded social individuals.

Used tyres should be phased out

-- dealers urge

By Rabindra Rooplall

GOVERNMENT intends to ban used tyres and reduce the taxes on new ones in order to make them more attractive for use, but many taxi drivers and dealers in the trade are asking “how much reduction in taxes on new tyres will suit the small man, whose pocket can’t even afford to buy used ones at present?”

This was the sentiment of a driver attached to a taxi service in the city. Not willing to give his name but eager to comment, he said, “I know the Government has our best interest at heart, but that tax on new tyres really has to be nominal altogether if we want to promote quality and safety; if that’s the reason for the ban.”

A driver of a private car was much more optimistic, saying that the phasing out of the importation of used vehicle tyres should be seen as part of a wider effort to enhance road safety and gradually reduce the environmental hazards associated with the disposal of tyres.

“Guyana should not be a dumping zone for old and

used stuff,” he said.

Meanwhile, Forbes Garraway of Forbes Vulcanising said the ban will affect the business overall, as the used tyre trade is a US$30M business in Guyana. He recommended that “Government should drop the duty on the new tyres and eventually the used ones will be phased out naturally. You won’t find car dealers bringing 170 Toyota Carina anymore, because no one wants it. The same way they (Government) can do with the used tyre business. If you really drop the taxes on new tyres, people will buy that instead; but now you’re forcing people to go deeper into their pockets,” he contended.

Mr Garraway further explained that it’s not used tyres that cause accidents, but “drunkenness, wildness and speeding, which are the major causes of accidents; while many people who can afford new tyres have issues with the roadway and the debris that are puncturing and cutting their tyres.

“If you want to ban used tyres, then you must have a sweeper to sweep the road of all the objects that will damage new tyres…. If they drop the duty on tyres, they have

to drop the (duty on) spare parts also,” he contended.

In general, many of the tyre dealers interviewed are of the opinion that the used tyre business should be phased out naturally, dropping the taxes on the new tyres to make them more attractive and affordable for drivers.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) is finding it hard to monitor used tyres, which are a major concern to many consumers.

Persons have been complaining about the poor quality of some used tyres, and have indicated their concern to the agency.

When a shipment of used tyres arrives in the country, GNBS inspectors physically check each tyre for certain specifications, and those which are found to be defective are destroyed.

Surveillance exercises are carried out at storage facilities to ascertain the quality of used tyres being sold.

Guyana reportedly imports more than 40,000 new tyres and 139,083 used tyres annually, while the disposal of used tyres reportedly costs the city council millions annually.

Mr Bynoe and Dr Adu-Krow assist these children on a see-saw in the park

New Amsterdam Regional Hospital Chief Executive Officer Colin Bynoe assists a patient of the Paediatric Ward to cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening of the playpark. Also in photo are PAHO/ WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow, and Region Six Chairman David Armogan

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

Suicide’s link to poverty – says PAHO/WHO official likely a fallacy

By Ariana Gordon

SUICIDE being tied to poverty may very well be a fallacy, says PAHO/ WHO Resident Representative Dr William AduKrow, who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle recently from his Brickdam, Georgetown office.

One of Dr Adu-Krow’s areas of expertise is public health, and he says that while Guyana’s suicide rate is indeed high, judging from statistics made available to his office, he does not believe that the reason behind the majority of cases is poverty.

He, however, cautions that this does not mean he is disputing that there may be cases of poor people committing suicide.

“People may say that it could be a case of poverty, but it is not just poverty; it is more than that,” the diplomat said, noting that global studies have shown that the countries with the highest rates of suicide are surprisingly middle-income countries.

He is of the opinion that had the boot been on the other foot, whereby lower-income countries were shown to have the highest suicide rates, then the argument of poverty being the main cause of suicide would have held currency.

SKYROCKETED Guyana has been grappling with the issue of suicide for a number of months; and as of recent, the number of deaths by suicide has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, public health officials have, to date, not been able to say what are the factors responsible for the rising incidence of suicide here.

In an effort to determine this, the PAHO/WHO Local Office will be soon embarking on a project that will see a consultant spearheading a number of studies here.

“PAHO is going to hire an ethnographer, or somebody who is doing a PhD in Suicide, to look at it for us,” Dr Adu-Krow said, adding that the person will be working with a team of locals on compiling the data.

Noting that the high in-

cidence of suicide here is cause for alarm, Dr AduKrow says something needs to be done, and urgently, to arrest it.

IS IT RACIAL? Not knowing the cause of the problem, he says, is the real worry, as it means that the issue will prevail. “We have to learn a little more about suicide,” he said. “Is it racial?”

Perhaps anticipating the question ‘What does race have to do with it?’ Dr AduKrow said PAHO/WHO statistics have shown that an equal number (30 per cent in each case) of Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese tend to attempt suicide.

However, upon closer examination of those who go through with the act, statistics have shown that in 80-90 per cent of the cases, it is the Indo-Guyanese.

“Why? We don’t know,” Dr Adu-Krow said. “Is it cultural; is it something that is done? Is it religion?” he pondered.

Dr Adu-Krow said, “When you look at religion, Muslims are the least (likely to commit suicide). They have the least numbers in terms of suicides, followed

by Seventh-day Adventists.

Now, if you look at Christians alone, the worst happens to be Pentecostals.”

OTHER STRATEGIES As to what else PAHO/ WHO has been doing to help combat this problem, Dr Adu-Krow said the or-

PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr William Adu-Krow

ganisation has been assisting the Ministry of Public Health with formulating a mental health strategy. This has already been finalised and adopted, he said.

“We have also gone a step further to help the country to write up a suicide strategy and a work plan….

Now, the challenge is the Ministry of Public Health doesn’t even have a unit to work, so we are now working with it to set up a viable unit that would also champion the work of (combating) suicide,” he explained.

Once that unit has been established, he said, with the help of the strategy guides that are available, coupled with the work plan, “We will begin to see some amount of progress”.

“We have so many people doing different things… but there is no coordination,” he said, adding: “Once we help the Ministry of Public Health to set up a coordina-

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton

tion unit, that should probably take care of that.”

To fully answer the question about what the PAHO/ WHO has been doing, Dr Adu-Krow said there are a number of interventions in train, and that, hopefully, the Ministry of Public Health will follow the advice of PAHO/WHO on the setting up of the unit.

He said his office (at the time of the interview) was awaiting a document from the Ministry of Public Health, so that efforts to strengthen the capacity of the unit can progress.

“I was to receive something two days ago. Up to now, I haven’t received it for us to look at it and advise whether it is plausible or not.

Once we receive it, we will give our comments, then it is up to Government to set up the unit, and hopefully take it up,” he added.

THE LATEST Asked what was the lat-

est position with the document at reference, Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, said the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) “was instructed to complete and submit it”.

Other than that, he said he could not say with any certainty whether or not the document was completed, as he was out of the country this past week. He, however, said that as far as he knew, the Coordinating Unit has been established, but a coordinator is yet to be appointed. That unit, he said, was set up following a stakeholders’ meeting on suicide held approximately two weeks ago.

“The unit will meet again to organise a larger stakeholders’ conference, to involve all the different organisations to decide on a collective way, both in Georgetown and all the regions,” Dr Norton said.

He also noted that an eight-member committee has been selected to look into the matter, and that a coordinator will be chosen from the lot to head it.

As for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s (GPHC’s) Mental Health Unit, Dr Norton said that department is functioning. It is headed by Dr Bhiro Harry, who is a qualified psychiatrist. “So, all are involved in the process,” Dr Norton said.

ROOT CAUSE Dr Adu-Krow believes that, in order to effectively tackle suicide, the root cause or causes need to be found. He said that for every one case of suicide that is committed, there are 25 more attempts. He noted that all groups and all possibilities must be examined.

According to him, statistics show that the elderly also commit suicide, though in small numbers. “When I looked at the data,” the minister said, “I was shocked!

Those over 60, they also commit suicide, but the numbers are small. But because the numbers are small and the percentage in the

population is also small, it gives them a very high per capita rate.”

He said there are many reasons why elderly persons commit suicide, and those range from chronic pain to the absence of family members and loved ones. And though unproven, Dr AduKrow believes that with technological advances, it is becoming increasingly difficult for some to cope with challenge.

“All these are in play, and we are hoping that the consultant who is coming to look at the issues from either racial, religious or cultural perspectives will be able to provide the answers.”

PRESIDENT’S INTERVENTION President David Granger convened an emergency meeting earlier this year to deal with this scourge. At that meeting, the President declared his intention to have a hands-on approach to addressing the issue of suicide, and he said he would be looking to implement a national programme that has assessable outcomes.

“I am concerned, as President, that Guyana has a higher rate of suicide than other countries. It is not as though there is an average around the world and we are just average…” said President Granger. He also said that implementation of Guyana’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy, launched by the Ministry of Public Health in September, is critical.

“I intend to find out why we have so many suicides, and once we identify those factors, try to use Governmental action and try to get the efforts of civil society and households to put this scourge to an end. We are above normal, and I want to find out if it’s social, if it’s cultural, or if it’s economic; and (I intend to) bring an end to it… We know what the disease is, let’s find out what the cures are.” the Head of State said.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

Alternative energy can open ‘new doors’ – says prominent Barticians

By Svetlana Marshall AN alternative source of energy can open “new doors of opportunity for the people of Bartica,” says Chairman of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Interim Management Committee (IMC), Gifford Marshall.

He was commenting on the Government’s decision to shift from the use of fossil fuel to renewable energy in the supply of electricity to the emerging town.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure is currently soliciting competitive proposals from suitable firms desirous of being independent power producers. They should be able to design and develop a generation system utilising appropriate renewable energy technology or a combination of technologies under a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) structure, to supply electricity to the Bartica grid under a negotiated and agreed Power Purchase Agreement.

REDUCING DEPENDENCY ON FOSSIL FUEL Mr Marshall told Guyana Chronicle on Friday, is critical for Bartica in becoming the country’s first ‘green town’.

“If we are to effectively manage and sustain our environment by reducing pollutants in the atmosphere and even in our waters, we have to start by reducing our dependency on fossil fuel and seriously consider alternative sources

of energy.

“So, yes! The Government is indeed moving in the right direction,” Mr Marshall asserted.

The IMC Chairman said he is pleased that there are ongoing discussions on the possible establishment of solar farms, wind mills and hydro power plants in Bartica.

RENEWABLE ENERGY He said that when Bartica is powered by renewable energy, the town will then work collectively to develop a ‘green tourism product’ that would generate further income for its people.

The IMC’s Vice Chairperson, Kamal Persaud, said the residents of Bartica would be better able to preserve their environment if there is a shift from fossil fuel to a renewable source of energy.

Beside the positive impact renewable energy would have on the environment, Persaud said it would open a window of opportunity in the town’s economy.

“A cheaper and reliable source of energy would definitely attract investors to Bartica,” Persaud posited.

IDEAL PLACE According to Persaud, Bartica is an ideal place for the construction and operation of a recycling plant. Persaud cited one of the many projects that can be realised with cheaper electricity.

“It would also encourage the local people to venture

IMC Chairman Gifford Marshall

BIGA President Holbert Knights

into large scale production. We could add value to our products by packaging them, such as plantain chips,” Persaud explained.

Former Region Seven Chairman Holbert Knights, who currently heads Bartica Independence Green Alliance (BIGA), said an alternative source of energy would mean much for the people of Bartica. He noted that it would significantly reduce the cost for electricity.

It was pointed out that on an average, residents pay between $8,000 and $10,000 for the supply of electricity on a monthly basis. However, Mr Knights said, for those operating in the commercial sector “it is much higher”.

“I am not sure if the alternative source of energy would be able to power an industrial site in Bartica, or even the small welding shops, ice factories or the hotel industry that require an unusually large

supply of power,” he said.

However, there is need for clarification on the areas that would be powered by alternative energy sources once the Power Purchase Agreement is signed.

Currently, Bartica is being powered by Guyana Power and Light, but it has been a long and hard struggle to keep the lights on. For years, the power station has been encountering technical problems since most of the generators have “outlived” their time.

President David Granger, during his visit to Bartica in June 2015, announced that the mining community would gain township status

by April 23, 2016, in keeping with an ordinance made by the British Government some 178 years ago. It was during that visit that the President announced that Bartica would also become the country’s first ‘green town’.

Bartica water crisis remedied A RECENT water crisis in the mining township of Bartica, which was as a result of a damaged pump, has been remedied, but the dry season continues to pose problems for communities that rely primarily on creeks for water supply.

This is according to Chairman of the Bartica Interim Management Committee (IMC), Grifford Marshall.

The Bamford Point Bartica Guyana Water Inc (GWI) location facilitates two intake pumps on site. Those function within the Bartica GWI Water Service System.

However, in recent time, only one of the intake pumps was operational, and due to the malfunctioning of this pump on Monday last, the entire water supply service

system was shut down.

This issue did not only affect residents of Bartica, but of other outlying areas such as Potaro Road and the Five Mile Housing Scheme.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Mr Marshall said the issue was remedied on Saturday last with the re-installation of a serviced intake pump.

This has resulted in residents expressing their profound gratitude for the resumption of the supply system.

Additionally, the other malfunctioning intake pump on the Bamford Point location is expected to be serviced and fully operational, while another will soon be placed at the same location, along with the other two pumping operations.

And while this unexpected mishap has been remedied, another remains -- that is, access to water in communities which has no GWI facilities and are adversely affected by the ongoing dry season.

According to the Chairman, the Byderabo and Potaro roads are areas where there are no GWI facilities, which translate to these communities being entirely dependent on natural sources such as creeks.

The dry season has affected communities as in South Rupununi.

“The IMC had intended to take water to these communities every two days because they cannot rely on their natural sources like the creek, due to the dry season.

But while we have been

trying our best, we have not been able to take treated water to them due to the fact that the pumps were down.

But the water which we took could have been used for washing and other purposes,” he said.

The IMC Chairman noted that while these efforts have been ongoing, it must be acknowledged that trucking water into these areas cannot be prolonged, since it is putting a strain on the already limited resources.

In this regard, he committed to ensuring that the issue is raised with the relevant authorities, who are expected to provide a solution at the soonest possible time.

Bartica is one of the three proposed areas to gain township status this year. (Ravin Singh)

Whatsapp worries

A COURT case regarding a domestic dispute became a popular topic due to the all-too-relatable issue we often have in relationships when it comes to Whatsapp and other social media:one’s relationship status. The public couldn’t help but endlessly discuss the case in which a man assaulted his partner for not changing her Whatsapp display photo to a photo of him.

It wasn’t so much the story that had everyone amused, but the familiarity with the trouble in which too many of us have found ourselves as regards our significant other.

The man wanted to be claimed, and the woman, for some reason or the other, felt that that was not necessary. Many assumed that maybe she was ashamed, or that he was not the only one -- reasons that are all too familiar in these cases, I’m sure. Of course, his decision to abuse her was inexcusable, but the events leading up to her battery are a harsh reminder that social media puts a lot of pressure on us in times when we may be seeking to be discreet.

CHILLING COINCIDENCE

The news of the death of a Guyanese man in Queens, who set himself afire, came as more than just a shock to the public, in light of the current spate of suicides that has been rocking Guyana lately.

Many even went so far as to wonder if it’s a “Guyanese thing”, since Guyanese are killing themselves even abroad. That’s a bit harsh, not to mention hasty to assume, I’d say, but the coincidence is indeed chilling. One person even mused whether our Government would have to “set up a strategic plan over there too”. At this point, I suppose we should try anything, if it would work.

ALL THINGS ZIKA

The Zika virus continues to worry the public as more and more materials surface regarding the mysterious disease -- from facts people need to know about the virus to doctors questioning whether it’s Zika at all; even a local report about Guyana’s concern about a US CDC advisory regarding travel here, despite only one reported case. All and sundry are grasping at any news possible to inform themselves of the Zika virus.

It’s good to know these things, especially in this age of information, where it’s easily accessible.

We should remember, as we seek knowledge, that while it is good, an overflow could also be the cause of premature panic.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

Development action plan for all regions

By Ariana Gordon

GOVERNMENT has undertaken to prepare a Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD) in all administrative regions, says Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

Jordan, in his maiden full year budget presentation to the National Assembly on Friday, said last year significant advancement was made in the completion of a pilot draft PARD for Region 10.

That draft PARD outlines the region’s development agenda over the next 10 years.

“The process of preparation involves region-wide consultations with all major stakeholders. In 2016, this process will be replicated in two additional administrative regions drawn from the coastland and hinterland,” Minister Jordan said.

The Finance Minister noted that local representatives elected by citizens will play

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

a critical role in ensuring the towns, municipalities and villages have better management and more accountability and autonomy in local affairs.

With Local Government Elections (LGE) around the corner, Government expects that the new system of local governance will provide for

the effective maintenance of community roads, streets, street lights, drainage canals, playgrounds, and solid waste management.

According to Mr Jordan, “The people are eager to practise local democracy through participatory methods.” He pointed out that, with new life breathed into the Local Government system, it is expected that citizens will be pleased.

Local Government Elections were last held in 1994.

Prior to 1994, elections were held in 1970; it therefore means that citizens will be going to the polls for LGE for the second time in 46 years.

FULFILLING A PROMISE The APNU-AFC Coalition Government has made good on its elections promise to host the LGE. It has continuously stressed the importance of having such elections regularly.

Local government embodies a system of locally elected members representing their communities and making decisions on their behalf. Local issues are better taken account of by local governments that are charged with decision-making powers within their communities.

The local authorities, however, have to work closely with Central Government and other stakeholders to achieve their goals; and once elected, they are empowered to serve the people who live within their municipalities, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC) and constituencies.

But with the 19-year hiatus, the majority of Guyanese are ill-informed or rather lack the requisite understanding about local governance.

As such, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is responsible for educating the masses about the importance of the

elections, and why they need to vote.

AGGRESSIVE CAMPAIGN GECOM’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and his Deputy Vishnu Persaud recently said the Commission had embarked on an aggressive education campaign across the country to ensure persons understand what LGE is all about.

Meanwhile, GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said the majority of citizens would be going to the polls either uneducated or not sufficiently educated on local governance.

He explained that education on local government should have taken place a number of years ago, so that the masses would understand the importance of the LGE. “I think it is not just about

Local Government Elections but about Local Government, because, really, people are not very conscious of the presence of local authorities and the functions. What is most important now is knowledge about Local Government itself,” he told this publication.

He believes that with sufficient knowledge of Local Government, persons would then be in a better position to appreciate the importance of the elections.

“When local bodies are in place, people can have the kind of relationship to ensure there is accountability and things like that,” added Mr Alexander, who believes that Local Government education is “long overdue.”

GECOM has received $3.574B to execute its mandate, with $1.908B to be used to conduct LGEs in the 71 Local Authority Areas (LAA) across the country.

Timehri North residents show gratitude – bent on making village East Bank’s best

By Shauna Jemmott HAVING experienced a practical turnaround in their fortunes after a prolonged battle for residential status, residents of Timehri North are now showing their gratitude by their efforts to make their community the best one on the East Bank of Demerara.

Seon Nestor, a 65-yearold resident, told the Guyana Chronicle that various groups have been formed within the closely-knitted community to take Timehri North higher.

This is the same community -- in the vicinity of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri -- which was under serious threat of being bulldozed by the past government for alleged trespassing. When the Guyana Chronicle visited this serene and sandy village yesterday, quiet social gatherings were observed at various points, while a few commercial spots, including One Touch business centre -– a barber shop, video game shop and boutique -- was opened for business.

TASTE THE GOOD LIFE Jamal Adams, a young barber, is grateful to the Granger administration for allowing Timehri North residents a taste of the promised ‘good life’, and is hoping to one day have the opportunity to cut the President’s hair as a show of gratitude.

Linda Cush and Rhonda Ogle (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

Seon Nestor doing upholstery work

The multi-talented Nestor, who was busy adding some finishing touches to his upholstery project, took time off to speak with the Guyana Chronicle.

He explained that the community not only thrives on farming and commerce, but is also home to the Guyana Prison Service, Laparkan and Amerijet cargo facilities, and the Guyana Fire Service.

He said the area is a beautiful place, and has become more united and determined to prevail in the midst of trials, as it faced destruction in recent years.

MORE UNITED “Since the last Government tried to put us off,” Nestor said, “we became more resolute and united as one body to fight against those people…Election Day was one of a difference.

Since the new Government came into place, we have engaged Minister Patterson in relation to our regularisation and our position from the last Government, and he made it clear to us that when they were the Opposition, they were totally against the removal of residents; and

they are now there, and they will ensure that we remain.”

He said that while some 15 to 19 houses were in the vicinity of the airstrip development project area, the new administration has since identified and started preparing a plot of land within Timehri North so as to make available approximately 64 house lots to accommodate those 15 to 19 displaced households as well as those persons who may have applied for land before but had not gotten through.

ACTION GROUPS Residents have since banded themselves into various development groups, he said, in a bid to take the community forward.

The Timehri North Ac-

tion Group has drawn up quite an ambitious programme of activities, with a day set aside each month for a voluntary clean-up campaign and for fund-raising activities that would benefit all.

While a plot of land has been identified for a community centre, residents are awaiting its approval, and are in fact due to start receiving potable water in another few weeks, courtesy of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI).

Noting that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is also expected to throw in its lot by supplying improved electricity services, Nestor said: “We will work towards making Timehri North the best village on the East Bank, taking into account

that Timehri is the gateway to and from the country.”

Now that they, too, have won their independence, plans are also in train to erect signs, flags and banners across the roadways for the upcoming Independence Anniversary celebrations, with the blessings of the Minister of Youth and Culture.

Secretary of the Timehri North Action Group, Linda Cush, said she is eternally grateful for the complete turnaround the community has seen, with comfort and a purposeful future being restored to the area, instead of discomfort and dim hope.

“We’re trying on our own to start to develop our community. We have different projects we started,” she said.

“We wanna make the start so that we can get the help. We don’t just wanna sit down and just wait; we are passionate about our community.”

Among items the group produces are bottled seasoning, cassareep, mango achar and pepper, and potential customers can contact Chairwoman Carmen Simon on 628-7973.

The group is also preparing to launch its block-making project, through which youths, too, will learn the trade; and an exhibition to showcase farm, home-made furniture and other products is in the making.

“Timehri North is a special community,” Cush said. “God granted us this land, and I feel He did for a purpose.”

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

Cannot be taken for granted – ILO Director General says of sustaining middle class INTERNATIONAL Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General, Guy Ryder, has warned that an adverse shock to the BRICS economies could unwind efforts in building a robust middle class in their countries.

Speaking at the first ever meeting of Ministers of Labour and Employment of the BRICS countries, Mr Ryder noted that while in recent decades BRICS countries have been the drivers of the growing “global middle class”, many such households remain not far above the moderate poverty line.

He stressed that, in the current environment, con-

tinued high rates of economic growth sustaining the middle class cannot be taken for granted.

“It is important to note -- particularly for those of us responsible for employment and social well-being -- that growth is not the whole story. High growth does not guarantee decent work, inclusion and equity,” said Mr Ryder.

He emphasised the need for effective public investments in infrastructure, to boost job creation while addressing productivity and economic transformation concerns.

He also noted that another instrument to create more

and better employment is enterprise modernisation.

“There is solid evidence that enterprises attaining higher productivity through product or process innovations also exhibit higher employment growth,” Mr Ryder said.

The ILO Director General pointed to the role of the small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) as the “main providers of employment” in the BRICS countries. In this regard, he recalled that the ILO has made working conditions and productivity in SMEs a priority area of work in the last two years.

Mr Ryder called on the

BRICS countries to “build solid bridges and ongoing communication between training providers and enterprises, in order to match skills provision to labour needs and demand,” and to ensure the direct participation in the process of employers and workers together with Government.

“Continuous workplace training and lifelong learning enable workers and enterprises to adjust to an increasingly rapid pace of change,” he added.

“In matching skills and demand, an important role belongs to public employment services. They can help connect enterprises

ILO Director General Guy Ryder

with workers, but also with training institutions,” he said.

He told delegates that a priority for their countries should be to reinforce pension systems for today’s working population, so that

they would have income security when they grow old.

He noted that much progress had been made by the BRICS on social protection, but beyond that actual financial effort, there is work to be done on the mechanisms used to provide coverage, the adequacy of benefit level, and the strength of institutional capacities to deal with changing labour market patterns.

“The ILO Conventions and Recommendations on social protection provide sound advice on building social protection and pensions, advice that is applicable to countries at all levels of development, and that has been tested over time,” Guy Ryder said.

Strong homes, churches, schools needed

– to effectively tackle crime, disease, ignorance and poverty, says President PRESIDENT David Granger has issued a call for citizens to redouble their efforts to build strong homes, churches and schools, so as to effectively tackle crime, disease, ignorance and poverty.

Addressing the congregation of the Guyana District of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas at the closing rally of its 2016 Conference, held at the National Cultural Centre, the President said: “Together we must work to achieve the national unity we dreamt of 50 years ago. We must enhance the social cohesion we hoped would have been the dividend of Independence; (and we must) recommit ourselves to building this beautiful country.”

Speaking on the issue of crime, the Head of State said strong institutions (homes, schools and churches) are critical in order to nurture the young generation particularly through the difficult adolescent years and encourage them to stay on the right path.

The Head of State noted that it is also important to address the causes of crime.

Another issue which the President believes is hindering Guyana’s development is the proliferation of diseases such as dengue, malaria, gastroenteritis, and more recently Chikungunya and Zika.

“We are called to ensure a cleaner and greener environment, a more sanitary and healthy environment, so that we can bring up our

sations, other religious organisations, to overcome these four horsemen of the apocalypse,” he said.

The annual conference saw a series of activities being undertaken over the past week, including a health fair held in George-

President David Granger being escorted into the National Cultural Centre by Bishop Otto Wade and Reverend Kofia Nials

children in a healthy country and overcome that horseman of epidemic diseases,” the President said.

Ignorance, the President noted, is another factor that must be addressed in order for the country to move forward. He said it is the greatest threat to the country’s development, and he explained that too many children are failing exams, even at the primary level, being not qualified to enter secondary schools; while those who enter are ill-equipped to complete.

“Every year, over 4,000 Guyanese children drop out of primary and secondary schools; many of them are semi-literate or completely illiterate. We cannot build a country, we cannot build a new society, we cannot go into another 50 years of Guyanese Independence with a population which is

dropping out of school at this rate,” President Granger stressed.

The President’s drive to ensure that, without exception, every child attends school has given birth to the now overwhelmingly successful “Three Bs” programme, which has already touched the lives of children across the country.

With regard to the issue of poverty, the President said it is the root of inequality which affects a large part of the population, preventing them from getting an education and overcoming diseases, and seducing young people into a life of crime.

“Poor people have very few choices …the Government cannot solve these problems alone. The message I bring to you today is to appeal to the Methodist Church to work with other non-governmental organi-

town. It brought together members of the Berbice, Essequibo, Mahaica, West Demerara, Georgetown chapters of the Methodist Church in Guyana.

Another high point of the conference was the appointment of Bishop

Glenna Spencer as the Methodist Church’s new District President. The conference was held under the theme “Vision 2300+ Moving Forward, Empowered by the Holy Spirit”. (Ministry of the Presidency)

12

Kudos to Bel Air Lions

A Proud Lion: President David Granger in his full attire as Honorary Member of the Lions Club of Bel Air (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

PRESIDENT David Granger has challenged the Lions Club of Bel Air, and other similar organisations, to look at their plans of action to ensure they remain responsive to the needs of the country.

The President, an honorary member of that club,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

President Granger addressing the members and invitees at the Lions Club’s 43rd Charter Anniversary Dinner (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

made the call at the Club’s 43rd Charter Anniversary on Saturday evening. He, however, praised the club for its outstanding service over the years.

At the Georgetown Club’s Camp Street venue, where the proceedings took place, the President said: “You have a good reputation. You have a proud record of service, and I congratulate you,”

Monday, February 1, 2016 - 11:00 hrs Tuesday, February 2, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - 13:30 hrs

He added that he is proud to be an honorary member of the club.

However, the Head of State said that in a year that he has designated the Year of National Renaissance -- Guyana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence -- it is critical that all Guyanese come together to address the problems facing the country.

President Granger accordingly called on the Lions to be guided in their work by what is taking place in the rest of the country.

“That Renaissance requires responsiveness, and this is the year in which we

can respond more vigorously, more purposefully, to deal with the problems facing the society; problems which are corroding our social fabric; problems which are gnawing at the nation’s economic muscle; problems which are rotting the moral fabric of society,” the President said.

The Head of State added that it is his personal hope that Guyana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence will be a time of reconciliation as Guyana heals the wounds and repairs the damage it sustained in the period leading up to the 1966 event.

“We have to work to-

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger receives a bouquet of flowers from a Bel Air Lion, at the 43rd Charter Anniversary of the Club (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

gether to achieve that national unity, and in order to improve national cohesion in order to develop that common purpose and enhance the common good…. It is not going to be easy, but we will not get much further forward, we will not move much faster, unless we heal those divisions and achieve a common purpose -- that purpose of being Guyanese; of building a kinder, gentler, more humane society.”

According to the Ministry of the Presidency, among the critical priorities the President named at this time are crime, disease, access to education, and teenage pregnancy and poverty.

“I have a plan of action in designating this the

Year of Renaissance; and I hope that I will be able to more positively tackle the problems of children’s education, of juvenile crime, of disease -- particularly of maternal deaths and of poverty -- if we are to achieve that target of a rebirth, something I dream about,” President Granger said.

President Granger was formally inducted into membership of the Lions Club of Bel Air by President of the Club, Mr. Matthew Langevine; in presence of Mr Leon Rutherford, Club Secretary; and Mr Sheikh Nasseer, Director of Membership. The President was accompanied by First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Life in the bauxite days

S

LOUCHING on a Lazy Boy chair, clad in a T-shirt and a pair of khaki three-quarter pants even as he sported dark shades, the octogenarian Walter Melville reflected on his 34-year stint at the Demerara Bauxite Company in Linden, and this publication was fortunate to be speaking with him.

His casual and relaxed disposition echoed the life of a retiree who was satisfied with his accomplishments and who had made provision for his wife and self to live out their lives in the peace and comfort they had steadfastly created.

Protected from the ravages of the midday sun and lulled by a calm east wind, Melville expressed how delighted he was to be part of the 100-year celebrations of bauxite mining in Region 10.

As one of the first workers to witness the manufacturing of alumina in the plant, he recollected the curiosity and enthusiasm that filled him on the very first day he had observed the process. Melville remembers that day like yesterday.

He revealed that the Alumina plant commenced operations in 1960, and he was privileged to be among the first batch of workers taken to the plant.

“I was in one of the first batches of people they took on the train with Guyanese engineer Mr. Evan Wong, and we were selected to be trained in the whole bauxite-making process,” he said. “The memory I have is with this white stuff coming out from the end of the kiln, almost covering us.

We had a bath of alumina dust, but that was not a bother since history was being created right then before our eyes. It was indeed the first time anything like that had happened in Guyana,” he proudly reminisced.

Melville shared anecdotes of his life before being employed by the bauxite company, which at that time was known as DEMBA (Demerara Bauxite Company), and how he evolved from being an insignificant lad to an executive of the company, and even town clerk of Linden.

Born on March 16, 1933, Walter Melville spent the beginning of his life in a little riverine village along the Demerara River. His father, whose goal was to provide a better life for his family of 11, migrated to Linden with the aim of seeking employment at the Bauxite Company.

He was contracted as a supplier of wood from down river before being permanently employed.

“My father joined the exploring party (which) would search for bauxite reserves, and even though he did not have sound formal education, he always had a drive, and this pushed him to work his way

…as told by Walter Melville up to (become) leader of that search party,” Melville said.

His father died at the good old age of 104, while his mother died at 94 years old.

Being a former student of St. Aiden’s Anglican School, located on the Wismar shore, Melville said the bauxite company was only concerned with Mackenzie, and everything on that shore was company-owned.

“Wismar-Christianburg was outside the pale because they only catered for Mackenzie, as they had company houses for employees,” he revealed. Speaking of his own community, Watooka, the retiree said that during this time, Watooka along with surrounding communities -- especially Richmond Hill -- was reserved for the expatriates, and to get into the community one had to be in possession of a special pass.

As his father advanced in rank as a company worker, the family moved over to Mackenzie and secured a company house in Bulletwood Street.

“We first went to Bulletwood Street, then we moved to Mora Street, then we finally settled at Retrieve,” he recollected.

Now a resident of Mackenzie, he was transferred to the Mackenzie All-Age School, where he later served as a pupil teacher.

THE BAUXITE INDUSTRY Melville said that even though he enjoyed teaching, the need for progress lured him to the bauxite company.

“People who were getting work in the bauxite company were handling a lot of money, and at that time teaching was $25.00 a month and persons whom I taught were “sporting me”, so I left teaching and joined the company in 1958,” he revealed.

His first position was that of an analyst of bauxite samples in the laboratory. As mentioned earlier, he was taken to the alumina plant, where he was trained and was later promoted foreman of the Precipitation and Calcination section of the plant. With his potential in the field noticeable, he was then promoted to General Forman in 1965. “I had opportunities to get other better-paying jobs, but somehow experimentation intrigued me and I wanted to be a part of it, so I stayed,” he said.

He confessed he didn’t have any regrets in so doing.

Melville was then transferred to the Personnel Office, where he progressed from Employee Relations Officer to Administrative Coordinator of the entire company. In 1971, the Bauxite Company was nationalized and became GUYBO (Guyana Bauxite Company); and in 1980 it became GUYMINE.

He abruptly resigned the position of Administrative Coordinator in 1992, after 32 years of working in various sections of the bauxite company. This resignation came after experiencing several clashes with the previous administration, one of

which was occasioned because of the property he had bought from the company before it was nationalized. He subsequently served as Public Relations Officer and Town Clerk of the Mayor and Town Council of Linden.

The affable Melville said that with the significant decrease in bauxite production, the town could no longer be sustained by the company, and therefore diversification was needed for a stable economy. “I don’t have

much knowledge about what is going on in the company now, but physically, the place has changed,” he posited.

After nationalization, the decline in production began, and even though he does not share the same view as others on the disadvantages of nationalizing the plant, it was the heavy politicizing of the company that resulted in this reduction.

“If we, as a people, could have developed a better focus of

who we are and who we were, things would have been better, because exploitation of the area should not have been encouraged.

I don’t think we understood sufficiently what nationalization would have meant for us,” he said.

Melville said he was using his retirement to get closer to God and his wife of 41 years.

He enjoys playing games on the computer and keeping himself updated on current affairs.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Region 10 road safety body tackling ‘back roads’

THE REGION 10 Road Safety Association has embarked on a project to rehabilitate roadways that are commonly called ‘back roads’, which were initially used by lumber trucks and heavy duty machines.

The association on Sunday commenced rehabilitation of the Fair’s Rust backroad that was initially used by the lumber trucks but has been in a deplorable state for a while, causing heavy-duty trucks to begin using the main access road of the community, where two schools and the Linden Hospital Complex are located.

This has been deemed unsafe by the road safety association, and efforts have been made to have the back-

road repaired so that it can be used for its initial purpose.

Coretta Braithwaite-Walton, treasurer of the association, told this publication that the members had embarked on this initiative as it was dangerous for the trucks, on a daily basis, to be traversing the same roadways as school children, especially during peak times. She said that the school children, in fear of the trucks, might end up running in the wrong direction.

With a build-up of traffic at the hospital, the situation was also deemed unsafe and needed urgent attention. “This was the initial road that they used to use, but because of the deplorable state of the road, they stopped using it; but we are encouraging them to come back (to using this road), as

our mandate is to look after the road for the safety of the residents of Linden and the country at large,” she posited.

The association acknowledged the willing support of members of the corporate community, such as Forrester & Sons Equipment Rental and Transportation System, as well as Bosai Minerals Incorporated.

The treasurer said that stringent measures would be enacted to ensure that the trucks use the backroad for the purpose specified. “We will enforce the signs and the bars on the front road, which will hinder them from using it. The police will also be involved, and any heavy duty truck driver seen using that front road will be charged.”

Community Development

Council Leader of Fair’s Rust, Wainwright Betune, says that this initiative will benefit the residents in the community tremendously, not only as it relates to road safety, but with their health, as there has been a buildup of dust because of the heavy duty trucks.

“This was an initiative that was there before, and we are happy that the road safety people came aboard, because those big trucks took over the entire width of the road and there was an unwarranted buildup of traffic,” he posited.

President of the Association, Antonio Hackett, told this publication that discussions are currently on to reinstitute a toll system on the roadways that the trucks traverse, and to have the funds garnered from that tolling

system to be used for the maintenance of the roads.

In the interim, however, he shared similar sentiments as the treasurer and said that it is of paramount importance to take care of the safety of the children.

He is urging other members of the corporate community to come on board and contribute to these projects.

“Road safety is everybody’s business, and every one of us has to be involved. And we want to thank those who came out today to contribute to this project,” he said.

Despite Linden recording low road fatality figures, the Association is concerned with the number of minor accidents that occur in the region, and efforts will be made to sensitize the public, especially

drivers, on how they can use the roadways safely.

Mr. Hackett revealed that school patrols would be reactivated, and he is urging drivers to give these patrols due regard. “We are asking drivers to give these patrols heed, as they are there for a purpose and should be respected,” he said.

The road safety body, at a standstill in 2015, has been active for this year, and is urging residents to join the Association, as the members are few, so as to contribute in whatever way in the fight to make the roads safer. For 2016, there has already been one fatality, and the association is working assiduously to keep the statistics minimal.

Banks DIH (Linden) gets Chairman’s Trophy

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE MANAGER of the Banks DIH Linden branch, Shondell Eastman, was proud to announce that that branch had earned $1,019,243,984 for the fiscal year 2015.

And Managing Director of Banks DIH Limited, Mr Clifford Reis, said this has been the first time that the Linden branch has earned over 1 billion dollars and this feat should receive high commendation.

The branch has increased its total earnings over the 2014 earnings by 11.6% or $243,984, in the process earning the “Best Performer” accolade for a second consecutive year, as it was awarded the Chairman’s Performance Trophy in 2014 as well.

Eastman was given the award on behalf of the Linden branch, and was congratulated for a job well done. The branch also sold 704,860 cases of products, an increase of 6.3% over its 2014 sales.

Moreover, the branch contributed 13% of the company’s overall sales target when it wasslated to contribute only 4%.

Chairman Reis said it was a display of hard work, as the company did not raise prices, hence the branch had to sell more volume. He lauded the management and staff of the Linden branch and challenged them to break the record of $2 billion next year.

“As the only female branch manager, Shondell has worked

hard, and that is why I had to give her the Chairman’s Trophy again,” posited Mr. Reis.

The manager and staff of the Linden Citizen’s Bank were also applauded for the yearly totals and increases. The branch recorded a total revenue increase of $33.7 million. In addition to this, loans and advances grew by $150 million. The bank gave out $670 million in loans, and there was currently $586 million in deposits.

“Some societies don’t have that kind of money in their main branch,” articulated Mr. Reis. He said that even though the New Amsterdam Branch was built before Linden’s, the performance of the latter was better. The hard work of the staff had proven all initial pessimism of establishing the branch in Linden wrong according to Reis.

The applause of the local shareholders displayed their appreciation for the achievements of the two branches. This increase in sales and revenue of the branch will see its extension as part of the countrywide renovations and extensions to branches.

These include plants, breweries and the Idiho restaurant. Some of the renovations that have started will continue during 2016.

“Our customers will receive new and exciting experiences and environments for the enjoyment of a variety of services,” the Chairman mentioned. The company will also continue with the construction of a new Citizen’s Bank branch at Regent

and Camp Street.

The Chairman was pleased to announce to the shareholders a dividend payment of $69 million. He said that a share is now worth $28.60, and because of this increase, he encouraged the shareholders to desist from selling their shares. He said that owning shares in the company was the best investment anyone could make, and the shares

should be left to one’s family.

“If you need money, you can go to the bank and use your shares as collateral for a loan; but don’t sell your shares,” he cautioned.

He further encouraged shareholders to have their children’s names on their certificates in case of their dying, the shares will continue to pass down in the family.

Even though the company has progressed, the Managing Director said that one of the biggest challenges faced was that of the heavy demand in taxation from the Government. Currently, the company is paying the Government $15 million per day in taxes, and this is very strenuous on the company’s operations.

“We are asking the Government to review this taxation

and to look at decreasing the tax in the restaurant business,” pleaded Mr. Reis. He said that despite those challenges, the company would continue to strive and it was there to stay. The aim is to continue strengthening the Banks family as they celebrate their 60th Anniversary with the theme ‘The journey of discovery continues.’

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

7,000 more hot meals --for hinterland students

Some $1.9B have been allocated to the National School Feeding Programme this year, an increase from the $1.3B last year, to cater for hot meals for over 7,000 additional hinterland students.

This announcement was made by Finance Minister Winston Jordan on Friday last in his second budget presentation to the House.

He also informed the august body that, in an effort to ensure students at all levels have access to teaching-learning materials, Government would introduce the Education Resources Delivery Software in 2016.

“No child should be asked to learn without having access to the requisite textbooks, and our Government will ensure that this barrier is removed,” Minister Jordan said.

In keeping with the tenet that access to potable water

is a fundamental human right, Government will this year strengthen systems in order to achieve the targeted outcomes in the water sector.

Minister Winston Jordan said the National Water Council, the Non-Revenue Water Reduction Programme and the Dakoura Creek Watershed Protection Plan will be resuscitated.

“In tandem with these initiatives will be our drive to increase national water delivery coverage. In this regard, we spent $1.6B in 2015 to expand and rehabilitate the water supply and distribution systems across the country.

For the first time, over 1,200 residents are receiving potable water in Ann’s Grove, Angoy’s Avenue and Friendship,” he said.

The minister added: “Another $4B (have) been allocated this year to improve and expand access to water

Government will this year strengthen systems in order to achieve the targeted outcomes in the water sector across Guyana. Areas that will be targeted for water supply and line distribution improvements and expansion include Paramakatoi, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Hubu to Naamless, Waiakabra, Yarrowkabra, Area ‘C’ Golden Grove, Victoria, Lusignan, Le Ressouvenir, Vryheid’s Lust, Albouystown, West La Penitence, Baramita, Parakees, Canal Bank, Belladrum, Lovely Lass, Itaballi

and Tiger Pond. Over 18,000 persons are expected to benefit from these improvements, while another 11,000 persons will benefit from the rehabilitation of water treatment plants at Cotton Tree and Bartica.”

NEW WELLS New wells are earmarked for Vergenoegen and Lima Sands, while a ground storage facility will be installed in

Sophia.

“We have allocated $2B for the drilling of new wells at Uitvlugt, Diamond and Sheet Anchor. Further, a programme costing $5.6B is being designed that will see new water treatment plants constructed at Friendship, Hope Estate, Bush Lot, Leguan, Bartica, Port Kaituma, Mabaruma and other locations in Regions 2 and 6,” Mr Jordan informed the House.

Upon the assumption of office, the Coalition Government heralded the rebirth of “my clean space” and the public’s response shows that the Guyanese people have embraced and are championing this initiative.

Last year, the Georgetown Restoration Programme was initiated, for which $300M (were) allocated.

This programme realised the transformation of several communities within Georgetown. Families can now enjoy restored areas designated for recreation and entertainment.

To further advance this

successful initiative, Government in 2016 has budgeted a further $200M, while another $319M will be expended on the Solid Waste Disposal Management Programme.

“This year, we expect to finalise the National Solid Waste Management Strategy, establish an inventory of all future landfill sites, and construct a sanitary landfill site in Bartica, which will bring much needed relief for residents of this community.

Other activities include the execution of critical drainage and clean-up works within the local communities of the city, which will be executed by community groups.

We intend to seek financing through the UK-CIF to complete Cell 1 of Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill, operationalise Cell 2, and upgrade sanitation facilities in the existing six townships,” he said.

In budget 2016, provision has been made for the lifting of standard of living in all the administrative regions.

GT&T customers in for ‘big surprises’

By Ariana Gordon NEW and exciting things are in store for customers of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd told a gathering of media professionals on Thursday night at the Marriott Hotel.

Nedd said the company intends to “bring broadband to the homes” of all Guyanese. “Look out for that in 2016!” he exclaimed, though he was quick to add that the company is also looking forward to the Government granting it an increase in spectrum so that 3G service can be provided to customers.

He said the company remains optimistic that it will receive the spectrum required to advance its plans. “We remain optimistic, as we always have,” he said, adding: “It has been several years…a new administration is in for about a year, and we are still waiting for spectrum.

“I am really optimistic that this year is the year that you could look at videos on your phones,” Nedd declared.

Noting that GTT is committed to Guyana, Mr Nedd said: “We have been here for a long time, and we have no intention of going any-

“The Government is committed to having these bills tabled and passed this year,” said the Finance Minister.

According to the company’s new CEO, GTT is committed to introducing “new things” to the people of Guyana. “We’ve got several

surprises for you; not too many details on what we will do for you, but it will be a fantastic year,” he said.

‘WE BLAZED THE TRAIL!’ GTT Public Relations Officer (PRO) Allison Parker said that, 25 years ago, GTT

joined hands with ATN and “dared to tread where other investors feared to come”.

Mrs Parker emphasised that it is because of GTT’s boldness over the years that telecoms’ access and facilities that are available today were made possible. “We blazed the trail!” Mrs Parker said,

adding: “Do the research! All others now walk in our footprints; they follow us!”

The phone company rebranded last September and moved away from its traditional colours of blue and white to blue and orange, and now sports a new logo: “Do more”.

GTT’s Chief Executive Officer Justin Nedd where.”

And by way of proving it’s no fly-by-night company that is just out to reap profits and leave, Mr Nedd said: “We are here to stay! We are Guyanese!”

ENDING THE MONOPOLY Last Friday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, in his presentation of the National Budget for this year, said the Government is working to conclude negotiations with Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) and GTT, with the aim of ending GTT’s “claim to a monopoly over international voice and data transmissions and domestic wireline service.”

“Draft legislation (bills, regulations, and model licences) have already been developed that will inform and govern a liberalised telecommunications regime,” Minister Jordan said.

The Magistrate’s Court at Sparendaam, East Coat Demerara (ECD) will soon be demolished to facilitate the erection of a new courthouse. With effect from today, sittings of the Magistrate’s Court which were scheduled to be held at Sparendaam, will, until further notice, be held at the Better Hope Community centre, ECD (Samuel Maughn photo)

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Golden opportunities to produce

By Rabindra Rooplall WITH agriculture on the decline across the Caribbean, the region is now saddled with an annual food import bill that exceeds US$4.5B, according to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Country Representative Reuben Hamilton Robertson.

Put into perspective, Mr Robertson said: “So what we work for we spend it on imports”.

Mr Robertson is, however, of the opinion that all is not lost. Young people,

he said, have a significant role to play if food and nutrition security is to be achieved within Guyana and the region.

Mr Robertson said most of the studies done on agriculture performance in the region have shown that it is declining in almost every

country in the region.

“Foreign exchange from agriculture is also declining. We recognised also that our taste buds, as consumers and as a people, have developed an affinity for imported foods, where we go on the premise that what is imported is better

--regional annual food import bill over US$4.5B

FAO Representative to Guyana, Reuben Hamilton Robertson

than what is produced locally,” the FAO Representative asserted.

Through the studies, Mr Robertson said, it has been recognised that alongside the dietary habits are non-communicable diseases which governments grapple with, as there is a noticeable shift whereby young people -- who are supposed to be the engine of growth -- are shifting from the rural communities into urban areas in search of a better way of life.

“Agriculture, which was the mainstay of the rural communities, because of its declining trend, the rural livelihood which rural people eked out of agriculture is challenged. What is now surfacing (are) increasing incidences of poverty, which are opportunities there for young people,” Mr Robertson emphasised.

The FAO Representative noted that studies further revealed that the average age of farmers in the Caribbean is increasing, as the last statistics show the age to be 60, which reveals that many youths are not venturing into farming.

TODAY’S YOUTHS Sustainability in food and nutrition security needs to be taken on by the youths of today, Mr Robertson said, but most parents have educated their children out of agriculture.

“This happened because we don’t want them to be exposed to the risk, the uncertainties and harsh conditions that we see in traditional agriculture; and then we say young people have an aversion towards agriculture,” he said.

Questioning whether youths really don’t want to be a part of agriculture, Mr Robertson said while there are a number of young persons whose interest might be in different career opportunities, a large number of youths still want to embrace opportunities in agriculture.

“They want to have the opportunity, because they see the possibilities there to either do it full-time or part-time, and to eke (out) a living from it…. If an analysis is made, it will be found (that) all they have to give is their labour, nothing else,” he said.

H e n o t e d t h a t i t ’s shameful to consider the golden opportunities to produce more food in the Caribbean, and significantly reduce the astronomically high annual food import bill.

Statistics reveal that, at a time of very low or no economic growth, many of the countries that comprise the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) continue to spend huge sums on buying food outside the Caribbean.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Crossword

Sudoku

Yesterday’s Solutions

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 1, 2016

23

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

India clinch thriller despite Pepsi Hornets ‘sting’ Yamaha Caribs in GRFU season opener Watson’s unbeaten ton …tourists complete 3-0 T20 sweep

India pose with the T20I series trophy in Sydney, yesterday.

S Y D N E Y,

(Reuters)-Shane Watson’s unbeaten hundred could not prevent Australia falling to a seven-wicket defeat to India in the third and final Twenty20 match yesterday as Suresh Raina hit a four on the last ball to complete a 3-0 clean sweep in the series.

India were chasing 198 to win and needed 17 runs in the final over as Yuvraj Singh hit a four and a six off the first two balls from paceman Andrew Tye and Raina hit the final ball through point with his team needing two.

All-rounder Watson, leading Australia in the absence of the injured Aaron Finch, powered the hosts to 197-5 with an unbeaten 124 after winning the toss and opting to bat.

Australia made five

changes to the side that lost the last match in Melbourne to concede an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, handing debuts to batsman Usman Khawaja and part-time wicketkeeper Cameron Bancroft.

Watson, named player of the match, was the fulcrum around which the hosts’ batting revolved and it was due to his 71-ball knock, which was studded with 10 fours and six sixes, that Australia posted a strong total.

India replied with half-centuries from in-form opener Rohit Sharma (52) and Virat Kohli (50), who was named the player of the series, and then Raina’s 25-ball 49 to chase down the steep target.

Rohit and Shikhar Dhawan got India off to a rollicking start, scoring 46 in just

3.2 overs, with fast bowler Shaun Tait going for 24 runs in the third over.

Rohit and Kohli then added 78 for the second wicket to keep India strongly on course, before both batsmen fell to leg spinner Cameron Boyce.

Yuvraj, who did not get an opportunity to bat in the last two matches, was sent in ahead of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni at number five and though the left-hander struggled initially to put bat on ball, he produced the goods when his team needed.

Raina and Yuvraj added 53 for the unbroken fourth wicket.

The 3-0 sweep in Australia took India to the top of the T20 rankings in a timely boost ahead of the World Twenty20 at home from March 8-April 3.

New Zealand win rain-hit thriller, bag series vs Pakistan (REUTERS)-Martin Guptill and Kane Williamson hit brisk fifties and combined in a record stand of 159 to power New Zealand to a thrilling series-clinching three-wicket win against Pakistan in the third and final one-day international in Auckland yesterday Babar Azam (83) and Mohammad Hafeez (76) laid the platform for a big total with a stand of 134 for the third wicket after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat.

But the touring side, needing to win the match to tie the series at 1-1, suffered a mid-innings collapse to be shot out for 290 in the 48th over.

Brendon McCullum, returning from a back injury to lead the side, fell on the first delivery

he faced from Mohammad Amir but Guptill (82) and Williamson (84) steadied the chase with their stand, the highest for the second wicket for the hosts.

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali dismissed both batsmen in quick succession with his part-time leg spin to bring his side back into the match and New Zealand were quickly reduced to 210-5.

But a rain interruption disrupted play and when New Zealand returned their target had been revised to 263 off 43 overs by the Duckworth-Lewis method.

All-rounder Corey Anderson (35) was given not out by umpire Billy Bowden off Rahat Ali after a confident appeal for caught behind and the powerful

left-hander made most of his fortune by smashing the paceman for two sixes on the next two balls.

New Zealand, needing six to win off the last over, got over the mark with two balls to spare with Mitchell Santner hitting Wahab Riaz for two boundaries.

Earlier, Pakistan were comfortably placed on 215-3 in the 31st over, riding on half-centuries from Hafeez and Azam but lost their remaining seven wickets for just 75 runs to fall short of the target they would have liked to set New Zealand.

They would have folded for even less had wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed not scored 41.

Adam Milne accounted for Pakistan’s tail, picking up 3-49 while Trent Boult and Matt Henry picked up two wickets each.

THE newly outfitted Pepsi Hornets got off to a perfect start in their 2016 campaign with a 38 – 20 win over rivals Yamaha Caribs when the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) season opened yesterday at the National Park Rugby field.

Veteran Walter George scored the first try of the game, putting the Ming’s Products and Service sponsored Caribs team in the lead as Theodore Henry made good of the conversion.

Henry then extended his side’s lead, scoring a penalty kick but Jose Feliciana, just before the stroke of half time, scored for the Hornets as the eventual winners closed the first stanza trailing 5 – 13.

Already trailing eight points, Hornets came out in the second half looking more composed and begun to claw their way back into the contest.

Rockford Cummings bullied his way past the Caribs’ defence to score a try and this seemed to open the flood gates, since Peabo Hamilton, Rawle Cole, Elwin Chase and Blaise Bailey all would’ve either scored a try or conversions to round off the Pepsi Hornets’ impressive victory.

‘Hurricane’ Gayle...

From Backpage dismissed by Gajanand Singh and Shepherd respectively, the Warriors slipped further with Singh accounting for Sammy (12), Holder (13) and Assad Fudadin without scoring.

Anthony Bramble made 19 while Veerasammy Permaul Permaul contributed a 12-ball unbeaten 24.

Singh finished with figures of 4-25, while Shepherd and Bravo supported with 2-36 and 2-23 respectively.

The game was organised by Eworth Williams of Legacy Promotions and James Bond, head of the 007 Promotions, with the aim to unite Guyanese through Sports and to contribute to Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

sixes on his way to 50 off 38 balls while left-handed batsman Robin Bacchus scored a 22-ball 32.

The 007 Warriors lost Shemroy Barrington (0) and Barbadian Dwayne Smith (7) to Bravo and Romario Shepherd, leaving the Warriors hope hanging in uncertainty in the third over at the score of 14-2.

Simmons combined with Bacchus in an up-tempo 88 runs for the third wicket. Bacchus hit consecutive boundaries off Shepherd and Sulieman Benn to set the tone of the innings, before Simmons took the attack to Narsingh Deonarine’s first over, hitting the off-spinner for two sixes and a four.

But when the pair was

South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Siena Star 08:50 hrs Umbani 09:20 hrs Racing Red 09:50 hrs Razzle My Tazzle 10:20 hrs Easy To Please English Racing Tips Plumpton 09:35 hrs Generous Jack 10:10 hrs Very Live 10:45 hrs Son Of Suzie 11:20 hrs Loves Destination 11:50 hrs Debinn 12:25 hrs Caroalin Wolverhampton 10:00 hrs Warm Order 10:35 hrs Jeanie’s Place 11:10 hrs Wavelet 11:40 hrs Nezwaah

12:10 hrs Abbey Angel 12:45 hrs Grecian King 13:15 hrs National Service Kempton 10:15 hrs Little Indian 10:50 hrs Kelvin Hall 11:25 hrs Giovanni Di Bicci 11:55 hrs Queen Aggie 12:30 hrs Saint Pois 13:00 hrs Sonnythenavigator American Racing Tips Mahoning Valley Race Course Race 1 Sir Gary Race 2 Arbiter Race 3 Ten Cent Hat Race 4 Vandelita Race 5 Pyrite Halo Race 6 Luckysdream Race 7 Bayou St John Race 8 Dynafox

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Djokovic thumps Murray to win sixth title

By Nick Mulvenney

MELBOURNE, (Reuters)-Novak Djokovic vanquished Andy Murray for the fourth time in an Australian Open final yesterday to win a record-equalling sixth title and serve notice to his rivals that he could surpass even his stellar 2015 this year.

The Serbian’s fifth crown in six years on his favourite court not only allowed him to match Roy Emerson’s record Australian Open tally but also brought him level with Rod Laver and Bjorn Borg on 11 grand slam titles.

He has won four of the last five slams, 38 of his last 39 matches, and at this rate Roger Federer’s record 17 is within range of the 28-year-old.

Although world number two Murray battled hard after losing the opening five games in the blink of an eye, the dominant manner of Sunday’s 6-1 7-5 7-6(3) victory vindicated Djokovic’s opinion that he was at the zenith of his powers.

“There’s no doubt I’m playing the best tennis of my life over the last 15 months,”

Murray gave it everything he had in the two-hour, 53-minute baseline battle that was compelling viewing throughout an engrossing and pivotal 80-minute second set.

Novak Djokovic kisses the Australian Open trophy after claiming a sixth Australian Open title with a straight-sets win over Andy Murray. the 28-year-old, who topped the ATP rankings for the whole of 2015, said.

“I do feel that I’m at the peak of my abilities and my career. I don’t think about limiting my ambitions or what I might be able to achieve.”

For Murray, distracted on his 11th visit to Melbourne Park by the illness of his father-in-law and the

impending arrival of his first child, a dispiriting night ended up with a record of the wrong sort.

The Briton’s defeat was his fifth in five finals at the Australian Open. Only his former coach Ivan Lendl has lost as many at one grand slam and he at least wedged three U.S. Open titles in between the defeats.

DELAY INEVITABLE He was only able to delay the inevitable though.

“A lot’s been going on,” twice grand slam champion Murray, who was catching the first flight home, told reporters.

“I started the last couple of matches quite slowly, understandable in some respects.”Obviously it’s not good to begin matches like that against someone like Novak. But I’m proud of the way I fought and managed to get myself back into the match.

“Now I just want to get home.”

Djokovic reprised the two sets of flawless tennis he played in his semi-final against Roger Federer to race to a 5-0 lead in just 19 minutes.

Murray contributed to his downfall, a double-fault handed his first service game to his opponent, but the depth

and accuracy of Djokovic’s groundstrokes had the Scot chasing shadows on the Rod Laver Arena.

To his credit Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon titles and probably would have claimed several more but for the Serb, rose to the challenge.

He had chances too. He was 5-5 40-0 ahead in the second set with Djokovic under pressure before he came off second best in a spellbinding 36-stroke rally as Djokovic roared back to break before clinching a two-set lead despite two double faults.

Murray even fought back from 2-0 down in the third, but his resistance snapped in the tiebreak and Djokovic fired down his seventh ace to secure victory.

“Every grand slam title is very significant in its own way,” Djokovic said. “Here, I managed to make history tonight and equal Roy Emerson’s six Australian Open titles.

“I’m honoured to be mentioned alongside legends of our sport.”

While Emerson’s triumphs came in the pre-professional era of the 1960s when few players from the rest of the world made the long journey Down Under, Djokovic’s dominance is international.

He won 11 titles including three of the four majors last year and already has a 12-0 record this season, having thrashed the other members of the “Big Four” -- Rafa Nadal, Federer and Murray -- to win in Doha and Melbourne.

Only Australian Laver, who was on the court named after him watching the final, has managed to win all four grand slams in one year and Djokovic would have to break his Roland Garros duck to match the feat and make more history.

He said he thought he was getting closer to winning the French Open title every time he played the claycourt grand slam but had learned not to think too far ahead. “(I’m) very hungry (for Paris),” he concluded. “But the wolf needs to eat a lot of different meals to get to Paris. Paris is a dessert.”

Under-19 World Cup

Namibia stun defending champions South Africa to make quarter-finals QUALIFIER Namibia upset defending champions South Africa by two wickets in a thrilling chase to join host Bangladesh in the quarterfinals from Group A of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup yesterday.

Bangladesh beat Scotland by 114 runs in Cox’s Bazar for its second win and now clashes with Namibia in the last league match tomorrow to decide Group A winner.

The winner of Bangladesh-Namibia match will feature in the first quarter-final against Group D runner-up (India or Nepal) in Mirpur on Friday, 5 February, while the side that finishes second in Group A will take on winner of Group D in Fatullah on 6 February.

England brushed aside Zimbabwe by 129 runs in Chittagong to top Group C with a third successive win.

This match was produced by ICC TV and aired around the world by 15 broadcasters.

England will now wait the second-placed team from Group B in the quarter-final on 7 February in Mirpur.

The West Indies romped to a 262-run win over Fiji in another Group C match in Chittagong. It now faces

Namibia Under-19s celebrate their twowicket win over South Africa Under-19s which sealed their quarter-final spot, Zimbabwe tomorrow to determine the second qualifier from the group with the winner meeting Group B champion (Pakistan or Sri Lanka) in Fatullah on Monday, 8 February.

Namibia’s unheralded cricketers, who had beaten Scotland in their first match, kept their cool amid mounting tension to knock South Africa out in Cox’s Bazar.

South Africa, batting first, was reduced to 60 for eight by the half-way stage following a four-wicket haul

by Michael van Lingen. But Willem Ludick hit 42 in a ninth-wicket stand of 55 runs with Lutho Sipamla as the young Proteas added a

further 76 runs.Defending a modest 136 for nine in 50 overs, South Africa claimed a wicket off the first ball and continued to dismiss batsmen regularly, but Lohan Louwrens stood in the way as he steered Namibia home with an unbeaten 58.

The memorable win meant that Namibia, who finished 14th in the United Arab Emirates two years ago, will improve upon its best finish of 11th in Malaysia in 2008.

Namibia’s captain Zane Green said he was delighted with the win and said he was not surprised that his team had made the knockout rounds.

“We were positive from

the start of the tournament because we knew we had the team to go far,” said Green.

“Our aim was to take it one game at a time and that is what we will continue to do.

“We want to take the positive energy from this game into our next match against Bangladesh. And then take it from there.”

Namibian coach Norbert Manyande said he was proud of the way his boys responded to the challenge.“It is unbelievable and a great feeling,” he said. “I always believed in the guys and I am proud that they delivered today.

“We did not expect that we will restrict South Africa to 136, but I think we struck to our disciplines and that was the key.

“I always knew that our bowling was very solid and we had shown that in the qualifiers as well. Today was just a beautiful day.”

South African captain Tony de Zorzi said his side had let the nation down, but vowed to do well in the Plate Championships.

“Our top-order failed badly,” he said. “If the boys are honest with themselves, they will realize they played some

loose shots. We should have got more than 136 for sure.

“We have let our country down by not qualifying for the quarter-finals, but we will definitely try to finish ninth .... that’s the best we can do.”

England, who had scored 371 for three against Fiji in the first match, once again showed its batting prowess to pile up 288 for four after electing to bat against Zimbabwe.

Durham’s Jack Burnham hit an unbeaten 106, his second hundred in three matches, opener Dan Lawrence made 59 and Max Holden hit 51.

Zimbabwe was dismissed for 159 despite a heroic 91 from Jeremy Ives as Saqib Mahmood claimed four wickets for 39 runs and Callum Taylor took three for 14.

“We can only go up from here, hopefully there are more wins to come,” said Burnham, whose 104-ball knock contained six sixes and five boundaries.

Nazmul Hossain delighted home fans with an unbeaten 113 and skipper Mehidy Miraz hit 51 as Bangladesh scored 256 for six and then bowled Scotland out for 142.

Nazmul Hossain Shanto is jubilant after reaching his hundred Azeem Dar top-scored for Scotland with 50 as Mohammad Saifuddin and Saleh Ahmed grabbed three wickets each.

B a n g l a d e s h ’s h e a d coach Mizanur Rahman said his team was improving with each game.

“The start was disappointing, but I was happy with the way we finished both in batting and bowling,” he said.

“We accelerated towards the end and that is something we missed in the last game.

“These are the kind of wickets where you have to dig in and try to play as long as possible. Nazmul Hossain showed us how it is done. It was a splendid knock under pressure.”

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Springer, Pope fire Windies to win

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, (CMC) – Shamar Springer struck a stunning hundred as West Indies Under-19s clobbered minnows Fiji Under-19s by 262 runs here yesterday, to pick up their first victory of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Sent in, West Indies stormed to 340 for seven off their 50 overs with Springer blasting 106 off just 78 balls, in-form opener Gidron Pope stroking 76 and Jyd Goolie, a breezy 66.

Seamer Cakacaka Tikoisuva finished with six for 59 from his ten overs.

In reply, Fiji could only muster a paltry 78 off 27.3 overs with Peni Vuniwaqa top-scoring with 29 to be one of just two batsmen to

make it into double figures.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph did the early damage with three for 15 before off-spinner Gidron Pope ran through the innings with four for 24.

Behind Joseph’s devastating new ball spell, Fiji tottered at 13 for four in the seventh over and never recovered, and have now lost three straight games in the competition.

With their win, West Indies moved into second spot in Group C on two points alongside Zimbabwe. The two teams meet tomorrow, with the winner clinching a post in the Super League quarter-finals.

Needing a strong result following their opening loss to England last Friday, West

Indies fired from the outset as Pope and Tevin Imlach, who scored 36, put on 120 for the first wicket.

The left-handed Pope

Shamar Springer faced 77 deliveries and hammered 12 fours while Imlach struck six fours in a 40-ball knock.

Despite the strong start,

West Indies slumped once the opening pair were parted, losing four wickets for 20 runs in the space of 29 deliveries with Tikoisuva taking the first three wickets to fall.

He claimed Imlach playing on, trapped Pope lbw with a full length delivery in his following over before having Keacy Carty caught at cover for one off a loose drive.

When captain Shimron Hetmyer edged an attempted cut and was caught at slip off off-break bowler Vaibhav Kapadia in the 23rd over, West Indies were left to rebuild.

Springer then arrived to spark the revival, lashing ten fours and four sixes in a rollicking 157-run, fifth wicket stand with Goolie, which snuffed the life out of Fiji.

Goolie, a left-hander, faced 75 balls and counted five fours and a six.

The right-handed Springer reached his first fifty off 42 deliveries. He moved into the 40s with a four and a six in the 37th over bowled by off-spinner Tuwai Yabaki and reached his landmark in the following over, with the second of three consecutive fours off Kapadia.

Springer needed only 32 more deliveries for his hundred, edging seamer Peni Vuniwaqa to the third man boundary to reach the landmark.

Facing a daunting total, Fiji’s job was made even more difficult when the impressive Joseph wrecked the top order.

With a single run on the board, he bowled T Veitacini with the third ball of the innings with one that seamed away and then trapped Delaimatuku Maraiwai lbw for four in the fifth over with a delivery that shaped back.

His new ball partner Ryan John then claimed Jordan Dunham for three at 11 for three in the sixth over before Joseph completed his top order demolition by producing a beauty of a delivery that jagged back to bowl Samuel Saunokonoko for two, as the batsman offered no stroke.

Vuniwaqa stood alone as wickets tumbled around him, facing 49 balls and hitting five fours before finally being ninth out, bowled playing back to Pope.

Everton spoil Carlisle’s big day in the FA Cup

Everton’s Ross Barkley celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine Livepic

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday February 01, 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) WI vs IND, Bangalore, 1974-75 (2) 17 ODI centuries

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two made their Test debut in the same match?

Lawrence Rowe, Tony Howard, Geoff Greenidge, Raphick Jumadeen, Bernard Julien (2) How many ODIs Lance Gibbs played?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

(REUTERS)-Carlisle United had dreamed of an FA Cup fairytale back at their Brunton Park home that had been so heavily damaged in December’s floods, but Everton ruined the fourth tier side’s big day with a comprehensive 3-0 win in the fourth round yesterday.

It was an emotional occasion for Carlisle following the devastation wrought by Storm Desmond which had

Notable Dates

LIGHTWEIGHT Cesar Barrow suffered his third professional defeat after trailing on points when a 10-round contest against Trinidadian Johnny DePeiza ended in Port of Spain.

The fight was held on February 1, 1963.

Barrow broke into the professional ranks on April 1, 1955 and Joe Primo was his first scalp. Barrow defeated Primo by points at the end of the four-round contest.

Born on March 4, 1935, Barrow was a skilled lightweight boxer who knocked out 46 percent of his opponents. He was undefeated in 12 fights when he challenged Trinidadian James Harper at the BGCC ground in March 1960.

Harper knocked out the Guyanese in the first round. However, Barrow was quick to return the favour and gained revenge in September of the next year. Then, Harper was KOed in round three.

He would snatch the national lightweight title in May 1960, following a fifth round knockout of Emmett Smith at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground. Barrow lost six of his last seven fights. He died in July 2005.

left much of the Cumbrian city deluged, including the football stadium, where water rose as high as the crossbars.

Following a major relief effort, with players, management and staff helping with the clean-up as the club were forced to play away from home, Carlisle had returned to League Two action at a newly-relaid Brunton Park last week.

Still, everyone’s thoughts remained on their money-spinning, glamour Cup tie against five-time winners Everton, seeking their first final success in the old competition since 1995.

Ye t t h e i r h o p e s o f achieving an upset befitting of the occasion in front of a sold-out crowd were doused within two minutes as Aaron Lennon swept down the right wing and crossed low for Arouna Kone to tap home the simplest of goals.

When the rampant Lennon cut past a static defender to fire home a second after 14 minutes, a long afternoon looked in prospect for the home side but Carlisle held

out until a brilliant 65th minute Ross Barkley strike from the edge of the penalty area made it 3-0.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez told BT Sport afterwards: “We knew that you can allow these games to be very complicated. I thought we dealt with it with an incredible professionalism. The start of the game allowed us to control the rest of it.

“The fourth round of the FA Cup always brings excitement. I thought we played well and controlled the threat that Carlisle can bring.”

Everton missed out on the chance of a Wembley final in the League Cup when they lost the second leg of their semi-final to Manchester City on Wednesday, going out 4-3 on aggregate, but Lennon is eying some FA Cup glory.

“We knew we had to get back to winning ways and fast. We had to get over Wednesday’s disappointment and we are in the draw later today,” he said.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 1, 2016

Demerara Masters, female teams win respective titles TIME constraints forced organisers to call off the Open final, but despite that softball fans were treated with the highest level of entertainment from four top-quality matches played on Saturday at the National Stadium.

The games along with the feature T20 Unity Cricket match were a part of the one day event organised by Eworth Williams of Legacy Promotions and James Bond, head of the 007 Promotions, with the aim to unite Guyanese through Sports and to contribute to Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Demerara Masters easily disposed their Berbice counterparts by six wickets with three balls to spare.

Batting first the gentlemen from the Ancient County put up a respectable total of 113-4 off their 15 overs, but that was not enough to

Demerara Masters easily disposed their Berbice counterparts by six wickets give them a taste of victory.

Eon Abel top scored with 45 while John Sumair supported with 43 to give the Berbice Masters a possible winning total.

Led by a composed 56

from Jagdesh Persaud, Demerara Masters reached 119-4 in 14.3 overs. Mohamed Rafeek and Ramo Malone contributed 25 and 19 respectively.

On the distaff side, De-

merara defeated their Berbice counterparts by 35 runs.

Matanna Cambridge made an entertaining 75, while Latoya Smith contributed with 19 in Demerara’s total of 109-5 in 10 overs.

In reply Berbice reached 74-7. Only Vishanie Cort with 19 offered any meaningful resistance. Smith claimed 3-5, while Haseena Mohamed had 2-10.

Meanwhile, in the first

semi-final in the Open category Wolf Warriors whipped Karibee Boyz Berbice by 57 runs. Scores: Wolf Warriors 119-7, Karibee Boyz Berbice 62-7.

In the other semi-final

Narine impresses with remodeled action in local league WEST Indies mystery spinner Sunil Narine showed off a remodeled action and grabbed two wickets during a 10-over spell for Queen’s Park against Clarke Road in the T&T local club league yesterday.

Suspended from international cricket in December for a suspect bowling

action, Narine is hoping to use his participation in the local competition to get comfortable with his adjusted action ahead of a crucial test in England, in February.

The test will be important for the spinner as he will need to be cleared by the ICC before joining up

with the West Indies team ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup. By all accounts the performance of the spinner gave cause for assurance.

“Sunil looked good today in his comeback game.

Everyone who saw him was happy with his outlook. National coaches Gus

Logie and Kelvin Williams were both here looking at him and they were pleased.

They were very happy with the fact that during his last few overs he got back his pace on the deliveries, so all in all it was a good day for him,” Parkites coach David Furlonge said.(Sportsmax. com)

Ronaldo says Zidane doing a phenomenal job CRISTIANO Ronaldo had nothing but praise for Zinedine Zidane after Real Madrid hammered Espanyol 6-0 yesterday.

Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Zinedine Zidane’s role in Real Madrid’s resurgence in recent weeks after they destroyed Espanyol 6-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid have collected 10 points from four games since Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm, netting an impressive 17 goals in the process.

They proved much too strong for Espanyol on Sunday

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane

and Ronaldo - who scored a hat-trick to take his La Liga tally in 2015-16 to 19 goals - was quick to underline his coach’s role in their good run of form.

“Zidane has come up with different ideas and we feel much better,” Ronaldo told Movistar+.

“Zidane is doing a phenomenal job. He has been doing great.

“The team keeps on getting better, but we need to keep working hard, me and the whole team. The goals are coming naturally, but

the most important things is that the team is playing well.”

Espanyol were never able to trouble Madrid, but Ronaldo stressed that it did not feel as an easy game for the hosts.

“I don’t think it was an easy match. Wins come easier if you work hard,” he added.

“We will see what happens when we meet stronger opponents.

“But nothing is easy in my opinion. It only becomes easier if you work hard for it.”(Sportsmax.com)

Sunil Narine

Hockey Board ‘s AGM rescheduled to February 20 THE Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has been rescheduled to February 20 due to schedule conflicts.

According to a GHB release, the AGM which was to be held yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club Pavilion, had to be rescheduled to February 20 because of schedule conflicts. The release did not eloborate.

High on the agenda was the election of office bearers for the years 2016/2017.

The president’s and Secretary’s reports was have been presented as well as the report of the Auditor. There was also to be the election of Auditors.

The board’s incumbent executives are; Philip Feranandes (President); Ivor Thompson and Rawle Davson (Vice-Presidents); Tricia Fiedtkou (Secretary); Devin Hooper (Treasurer) and Jonelle Webster (Asst.

Secretary/Treasurer).

The committee members are; Gail Harding and Brian Asregado.

Narine impresses with remodeled action in local league

See Story on page 27

Sunil Narine

‘Hurricane’ Gayle blows away 007 Warriors - smashes unbeaten 101 off 48 balls

Director of Sport Christopher Jones flanked by Team Legacy Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan and Team 007 skipper Darren Sammy along with Promoter James Bond and Luana Abrams, Digicel’s representative at the Presentation Ceremony on Saturday night..

Chris Gayle smashes Jason Holder down the ground for one of his of his eleven sixes on Saturday night.

By Rajiv Bisnauth

W

hen Chris Gayle’s bat does the talking there is little any bowler in the world can do to stop the ‘Gaylestorm’. His innings on Saturday night reinforced why the West Indian is rated as the best T20 batsman in the world by many experts and fans.

Gayle blew away the 007 Warriors bowlers with an unbeaten 101 off 48 balls on Saturday evening to give the Legacy All Star a seven-wicket win in the T20 Unity Cricket game at the National Stadium.

This was Gayle in his most imperious form. The big lefthander thrashed 11 sixes and four fours in a brutal assault on the bowlers.

His innings included an extraordinary sequence during which he hit five consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Samuel Badree to reach his century off just 47 balls, before retiring, as 007 Warriors 176-8 was chased down in spectacular style with 3.1

overs to spare.

Gayle was at his violent best and had explosive support from opening partner Andre Fletcher as the pair put on 50 in 32 balls for the first wicket.

Both batsmen were off the mark with boundaries, with the strong Jamaican, who has earned a reputation as one of the most destructive players in the format hammered Badree for his first maximum and then clobbered Dwayne Smith for his second six.

After smashing Smith for the innings third six, there was a glimmer of light when the leg-spinner Badree got the wicket of Fletcher (18).

However, Fletcher’s dismissal did not prevent Gayle as he continued to bully the bowling attack to all parts of the Stadium with a sublime powerful hitting display.

There was not a bowler, who was not savaged by Gayle’s swinging willow. He smashed Darren Sammy for consecutive sixes to register his 50 off 34 balls.

Sammy, who stood-in

as captain for the injured Christopher Barnwell tried rotating his bowlers, but with Gayle in the mood he was, no bowler was going to steal his thunder.

Gudekash Motie, the young left-arm spinner was asked to tie Gayle down, but it was an ultimately futile attempt at damage-limitation as he too could not have survived the carnage.

Gayle hit two more sixes before skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan got into the act, pulling Jason Holder to the mid-wicket boundary.

Gayle then took 31 runs off Badree in the 14th over when he retired at 150-1. Sarwan was dismissed for 24, but Dwayne Bravo (22) and Nicholas Pooran (7) saw the Legacy All Star safely home.

The start of the match was delayed by 40 minutes due to the late arrival of the teams, and when play finally got underway Lendl Simmonds hit five fours and two

See page 24

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

Pepsi Hornets ‘sting’ Yamaha Caribs in GRFU season opener

Pepsi Hornets’ Elwin Chase on his way to scoring a try during his side’s 38 – 20 win over Yamaha Caribs. See Story on page 24 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2016