Chronicle 03 4 2016

17 DEAD No. 104481

FRIDAY MARCH 4, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Riot at Camp St Prison

See stories on pages 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 & centre

Media workers and the curious at the scene outside the prison

One of the inmates being lifted out of the prison

Inmates defy gunshot warnings, SOPs ‌lit nine fires, attacked wardens

Moving bodies out of the Camp St prison

Granger orders COI

Prisoner being assisted to the ambulance Photos by Samuel Maughn & Ivan Bentham

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

Reserves must be army of the people ‒ President Greater presence of People’s Militia in all regions

By Ariana Gordon

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on the reservist unit of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to be the Force’s eyes and ears.

The President’s charge to the reserves was made at the Force’s annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday at Camp Ayanganna.

Granger said it was important for the reserve arm of the Force to be the army of the people as new and continuing threats to Guyana’s territorial integrity surface.

The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces noted that even as Guyana re-introduced the Guyana People’s Militia, there is no immediate need to increase the current capacity of the GDF. He noted that all eyes will be on the People’s Militia to support and supplement the regular force. “The strength of the Guyana Defence Force is not going to be increased above the current capacity levels. The Force, however, will be built up not only by a strong regular force but it will be augmented by a reserve force which as you know has already reverted to its original name,” President Granger told GDF Officers.

The President emphasised the need for both the regular and reserve arms of the GDF to be in “a state of readiness”

President David Granger, Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Philips, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General Basil Williams and Minister of State Joseph Harmon (all seated in the front row) take a group photo with Officers of the GDF on Thursday at Camp Ayanganna

at all times for deployment in the event of threats to Guyana and the Caribbean.

“Guyana’s borders are too extensive, its landscape is too expansive and the cost of maintaining large regular units, too expensive if we are to preserve our territorial and coastal security,” Granger stated as he disclosed that there would be much greater presence of the People’s Militia in all administrative regions.

“The reserve force will support and supplement the regular force. Reservists must be deployed in every region

to ensure that Guyana’s defence is total and comprehensive…reservists will be the Force’s eyes and ears.

Reservists will constitute a sort of army of the people,” the President added.

Meanwhile, on the issue of diplomacy and defence, Granger said Guyana from the time of independence had been the victim of various security problems, pointing to “outright aggression, annex-

ation of our territory…,transnational crimes.” As such, the President said there was need for a “coherent and comprehensive defence strategy to conquer these threats that undermine the security and stability of the state.”

He noted that Guyana’s national defence strategy over the next four years must acknowledge the need to take steps in concert with our regional partners to address

security threats facing the Caribbean.

“Guyana must be a reliable partner in the calls for regional security and ensuring that the Caribbean remains at peace. The philosophy of Guyana’s national defence strategy must reflect the thinking process to respond to multiple crises facing the country, Caribbean community and the continent- that is at the national,

A section of the officers attending the Annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday

regional and international levels,” he added.

The country’s strategy must also emphasise that Guyana is a national power, but this must be done within the framework of regional interests. “Our strategy must ensure that our national indeContinued on page 3 ►

Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President David Granger speaks to Officers at the GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

Riot at Camp St prison

17 meet fiery death

By Leroy Smith

SEVENTEEN prisoners in the Capital Section of the Georgetown Prison at Camp and Durban Streets died yesterday as a result of an unrest that started on Wednesday evening.

The Capital Section of the Georgetown Prison has a capacity holding of 68 and would usually accommodate persons who are on remand for murder and gun-related crimes.

According to senior security personnel, the prisoners prior to the unrest at the jail, were being removed from the Capital section to another part of the prison when things got out of hand.

It was reported that during the movement, one prisoner became rowdy and protested against the officer who was supervising the transfer. The others then began to cheer

Cadet Officer Anthony Austin listens to concerns from relatives of prison inmates

him on and as they were about to enter the holding area where they are usually searched for contraband,

the prisoners rushed into a room where they locked an eight-foot high steel door and barricaded themselves inside

with metal beds.

One of the prisoners then lit a mattress as part of the protest and the Fire Service

was summoned but the fire quickly got out of control and the prisoners then attempted to free themselves from the room they had commandeered.

The prison officers then employed the Standard Operating Procedures and attempted to blow torch the door open, but by the time they had completed that exercise, they found multiple lifeless and charred remains of the prisoners.

It was communicated to this publication that 16 of the men died instantly, while another died while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Of five other prisoners, two were treated and sent away while up to late on Thursday evening three were still hospitalized in critical condition at the facility.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum last evening con-

Reserves must be army of... pendence is preserved; that our sovereignty is secure; and that our territorial integrity is guaranteed.”

President Granger said the country’s defence strategy is an undergirded concept of total national defence and implies that all elements and instruments of national power - be it economic, military, political, social and technological must be employed in the interest of national security.

The Head of State said Guyana for the past 50 years has deployed diplomacy as its first line of defence and has used diplomacy to denounce acts of aggression against its territory to isolate aggressive states internationally and to put pressure on them to retract their aggression and refrain from continuing similar acts.

Guyana, he said, mobilised international solidarity to support its sovereignty.

This he said reaffirms important principles of international law, such as respect for orders and international agreements, the peaceful settlement of disputes, non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs of other states as the right features of co-existence.

“Guyana for 50 years successfully pursued diplomacy as an instrument of defence.

Guyana is a small state, so we use our diplomatic might to

garner support for our efforts to deter aggression, safeguard our territorial integrity and to pursue the cooperation of the international community,” President Granger asserted.

Speaking specifically to the unlawful claims made

by Venezuela to Guyana’s territory, the President said Guyana will continue to pursue diplomacy to advance relations in the international community and to secure the country’s vital interests including defence against external threats. The Caribbean Zone, he said, has “imperial footprints” of Britain, France, the Netherlands and the United States, but Venezuela is persistently attempting to “redraw the maritime map of the Caribbean and to seize large portions of Guyana’s land and sea space.” Venezuela’s actions, the Guyanese President said, cannot be dismissed.

“Guyana’s sea and land frontiers are now, as much under threat as they have ever been in the past 50 years,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Granger said that as a founding member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), CARICOM was at the core of Guyana’s security strategy. He said Guyana is a partner in the promotion of regional peace and security. “Security like the coordination of foreign

policy is another pillar of the Caribbean Community,” President Granger noted.

Last month at the 27th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Heads of Government of CARICOM in Belize, heads of states examined the security threats facing the bloc and agreed to a protocol that will amend the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to incorporate the Council of National Security and Law Enforcement as an organ of the community and the implementation agency for crime and security impact as an institution of the community.

Guyana over the years has amply demonstrated its attitude and ability to deploy its defence force in support of several military missions over the years said President Granger, who noted that Guyana is a signatory to the Treaty of Security Assistance among Caribbean States.

“This treaty establishes

a security assistance mechanism which has as its objective a sufficient and timely response to the management of natural and man-made disasters, expeditious, efficient mobilization and deployment of regional resources in order to manage and diffuse national and regional crises and to combat serious crimes and elimination of threats to national and regional security.”

Guyana, through diplomacy, has expanded its relation with a plethora of states and international organisations, including the CARIBBEAN Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, Union of South American States (UNASUR), Community of Latin America and Latin America States (CLEAC), Organisation of American States (OAS), MERCUSOR, Association of Caribbean States (ACS) among others.

Meanwhile, Chief of

firmed that the Guyana Police Force has since launched an investigation into the matter and already they were questioning several prison officers who were on duty at the time.

Additionally, the police will be moving to question several of the prisoners to find out what really transpired between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

The joint services were forced to take control of the areas around the Georgetown Prison cordoning off streets leading to the prisons.

The police, army, firemen, medical personnel and prison officers all had a presence at the location, both within and outside of the prison walls. Equally present were dozens of media operatives, relatives of prisoners and spectators.

The police kept a close watch as the crowd swelled Turn to centre ►

From page 2

Staff, Brigadier Mark Phillips in his opening remarks noted that Officers of the GDF have been studying the threats to Guyana’s sovereignty and it is the studies that have served as reminders that the GDF “must be ever vigilant to defend our nation.”

Brigadier Phillips noted that this year will be no less hectic than last year but emphasised the need for better assets necessary to carry out the Force’s functions more efficiently.

“We remain hopeful that our shared aspirations for better air, maritime and engineering assets necessary to exercise greater land and maritime domain awareness will be converted into a defence capability plan to detail and schedule programmes for the period 2016-2020.”

At the start of 2016, the Force re-established the Guyana People’s Militia, a

semi-autonomous reserve with the mandate of recruiting, training and mobilizing by needs within all ten administrative regions. “It is a vital component of our total national defence strategy,” Phillips stated.

In 2015, the Chief of Staff said there was heightened recruitment and training of new soldiers which began the previous year. “This has improved our staffing and today our border deployment is no longer hampered by threats,” he said.

The two-day annual Officers’ Conference is being held under the theme, “Towards greater operational readiness for national defence and security.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Camp St Riot

Inmates defy gunshot warnings, SOPs

By Alva Solomon PRISON authorities said they applied all relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while addressing the unrest at the Georgetown Prisons on Thursday, including the firing of a single gunshot, but the inmates defied all of these.

This was revealed by Officer in Charge of the Georgetown Prisons on Camp Street, Senior Superintendent, Kevin Pilgrim, at a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Pilgrim was flanked by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, Director of Prisons, Carl Graham and Deputy Director of Prisons, Acting Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels.

Sixteen persons died on Thursday following unrest which resulted in fires being lit by the inmates between Wednesday and Thursday.

Pilgrim said that the SOPs were unraveled as the situation progressed on Thursday morning when the Joint Services -backed prison authorities were transferring prisoners from the Capital A section of the prison , where the events unfolded the night before. He said the situation resulted in the immediate action drill being followed. These included the application of prison rules or guidelines aimed at preventing a fire, riot or escapes.

Noting that the situation was under control on Thursday morning, Pilgrim told the media that in the overcrowded prison, persons are housed according to their classification. He explained

that to relocate the prisoners after Wednesday night’s events would be a process.

“The capital division is for capital offenders and persons of high profile status, so we just can’t mix them in another division overnight”, he noted, adding that unlock and lockdown procedures

…lit nine fires, attacked wardens

bile phones and a quantity of marijuana.

Pilgrim said the search lasted for two (2) hours and following the operation he undertook his debrief and completed his visit to the location. He said sometime later, Wednesday evening,

advised to address it in the appropriate channel; they were demanding to have back the illegal items and this was not done”, he explained. He said Thursday morning the prison commenced another Joint Services supported exercise

caused it to go further”.

No beating In response to reports that persons were beaten, Pilgrim refuted such allegations, and he noted that during the rescue efforts

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan is flanked by Officer in charge of the Georgetown Prisons, Senior Superintendent Kevin Pilgrim , Director of Prisons ,Carl Graham and Deputy Director of Prisons, Acting Senior Superintendent Gladwin Samuels at yesterday’s press conference. were activated at the time.

He said during the procedure, no prisoner is allowed to move unless it was an emergency situation.

Giving a breakdown of the events which led to the deaths of the prisoners, a visibly tired Pilgrim told the media conference that around 2 pm on Wednesday, the authorities conducted its monthly , mandatory Joint Services operations in which the unit targeted key areas within the various division of the prisons. He said the team searched the capital division, which houses capital offenders. “Upon searching, we unearthed a number of prohibited items”, he said, and these included 19 mo-

he received a call and was asked to respond to disturbances within the Capital A Division of the prisons.

Upon responding, he said he met the Capital A Division in a state of unrest as some inmates were participating in lighting mattresses.

Pilgrim said a total of nine (9) fires were set by the inmates in that section of the prison and according to him, through the assistance of the members of the Guyana Fire Service, the fires were extinguished.

Pilgrim said the situation returned to some degree of normalcy and some inmates were prompted to remain calm, since some were touting on the issue to continue. “They were

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to remove the prisoners from the Capital A building. Noting that there was opposition and reluctance from the inmates, the officers worked in the face of heat and Graham added that missiles were being thrown by the inmates amid “very adverse” conditions and actions to ensure that the situation was controlled.

Pilgrim said yesterday morning’s exercise included moves to have the prisoners fed and searched. He described the situation at that time, which was shortly after 10 am as being “relatively calm, but as a result of promptings from the general prison population and heckling ,it would have

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persons were sent to the infirmary at the prison.

He said if the medical department of the prison cannot handle the situation, the persons would be referred to the hospital.

In addition, he noted that there is a medical officer at the prison, including a medex and also a doctor.

The medical officer would visit the scene and make an assessment, he added.

As regards shots being fired, Pilgrim said the SOPs of the prison allow for this course of action in certain eventualities and he noted that a single shot was fired yesterday morning. Questioned on the ability of prisoners to smuggle prohibited items such as mobile phones into the prison, Pil-

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grim noted that “once there is a will there is a way”. He said prisoners would rant boldly that contact with their relatives is important.

He said that the prison rules provide for two phone calls for a remand prisoner per week but he noted that the inmates will clearly state that this is inadequate and they would” do whatever they can to make this (make phone calls) happen”.

Collusion Asked whether the inmates could have colluded with prison staff, Pilgrim said he would not deny that there are corrupt officers, however, he noted that as administrators, the prison conduct searches such as what occurred on Wednesday and also yesterday, and daily searches. He said the prison is scoured manually and as a result persons may breach the rules unknown to staff. He added too that parcels are sometimes hurled over the fence and this has resulted in ranks being placed outside of the walls of the prison.

The ill-fated Capital A division houses prisoners who are committed to stand trial and others who are remanded for various offences. The population of that division was listed as 68 yesterday.

As regards reassurance that the situation was under control yesterday, Graham said that the prison is under the command of Pilgrim with support of the entire Joint Services units. ”Senior ranks are on the ground”, he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Church Street casino for review

By Alva Solomon THE PERMIT granted to a city businessman to operate a casino at a hotel in a residential area on Church Street in the city is likely to be reviewed and the Muslim community nearby views the scenario as an “insult to Islam.”

The hotel under construction is located at the corner of Albert and Church Streets and persons reported that parking considerations at the Merriman’s Mall were given to the hotel owners.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan , told this newspaper Thursday that the issuance of the relevant permit to operate a casino falls under the remit of the Gaming Authority .

He said that while he was unaware of the issue, he would examine the matter.

Reports are that the permit to operate a casino at the location was granted to the businessman by the previous administration. Ramjattan said even if this were the case, the permit would be reviewed. The building in question is owned by a city businessman who also operates another hotel a few buildings away from the site.

Yesterday, the Imam of the Queenstown Masjid,

The hotel under construction at the corner of Albert and Church Streets.

Imam Shaheed Mohammed told the Guyana Chronicle that the Muslim population was unaware of the issue until it was highlighted this week by Former Chief Magistrate, K Juman Yassin , who wrote on the matter in

the letter columns of two newspapers.

He said that the area in question was close to the Seventh Day Adventist Church, while another church lies in Albert Street, two doors away from the ho-

tel. Two churches are located on North Road, opposite the hotel. He said that the area is a residential one, adding that the play-park on Merriman Mall should also be considered since it is visited by families almost daily.

SMV Nasseer of the Queenstown Masjid also opposed the planned move by the businessman. He said that the matter was one which lies in disregard for the religious organsiations.

Nasseer noted that the masjid was one which is frequented by worshippers from all parts of the country, noting that its doors were open late into the nights to facilitate worshippers.

He said the news of a casino being set up at the hotel comes as an “insult” to the Islamic community, noting that Islam opposes gambling .He said that the authorities should re-examine the arrangement put in place in granting the businessman license to operate a casino at the location.

Persons in the area noted that the casino would taint the image of the community.

One resident noted that while businesses bring benefits to neighbourhoods , a casino was not ideal for Church Street. “The street’s name is Church Street”, she added.

Yassin in his letter stated that he could not,” comprehend how a licence could be granted for a casino to be opened in this area and more so, how the commission for the licensing of casinos could have granted permis-

sion”. He asked,” Did they not see the two long-established religious buildings there? Were they blind to the fact that that this was a residential area? This will change the face of Church Street and Georgetown”. He described the situation as “shameful” and he called on those persons appointed to the licensing commission to resign in disgrace and if they do not, should be removed.

Former Trade and Tourism Minister, Manniram Prashad, was in 2014 renamed Chairman of the Gaming Authority. Efforts yesterday to contact him for a comment on the issue proved futile.

The authority, mandated by laws established back in 2007, is the body which regulates how casinos are run in Guyana and it has powers to determine the content of how applications are made for casinos, fees, and it also has the power to set conditions for the restriction of licences.

Under the Gambling Prevention Act, only three licences can be issued in Guyana. Currently, the Ramada Georgetown (Princes Hotel) operates a casino and another casino was touted for opening at the Marriot Hotel.

Few suspected cases of Zika in Linden DOCTORS from the Linden Hospital Complex are concerned over the number of patients being treated over the past week with zika related symptoms. Two of these patients however have been tested for the virus and the samples have been sent overseas.

This information was relayed at the RDC’s statutory meeting on Thursday by chairman of the health committee and medical doctor attached to the Linden Hospital, Gregory Harris. Dr. Harris said that while many patients have been treated for zika related symptoms, he is extremely concerned about two patients who showed additional symptoms of red eyes and skin rashes. The patients were on Tuesday tested, treated and sent home as the disease was contagious.

This revelation has called for the expediting of fogging in the communities. However, the Regional Health Officer said that they were awaiting the end of the rainy season to do so. Upon the commencement of this fogging exercise, the residents will be notified of same so as to take the necessary precautions.

In addition to fogging, the Regional Health Committee has committed to sensitizing residents on the different ways in which one could prevent contracting the disease. Medical outreaches have commenced in various riverain communities

that are more susceptible to mosquito infestation because of the heavily forested terrain. Recently, a health fair was held in Kwakwani where residents were sensitized about the virus.

In addition to this, residents are given chemicals to throw into stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.

Guyana has already recorded five cases of the virus and the Ministry of Health is assiduously trying to keep the situation under control. The Zika virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also known to carry the Dengue, Yellow Fever and Chikungunya viruses. Health experts are unsure why the Virus – detected

in Africa in 1947 but unknown in the Americas until last year – is spreading so rapidly in Brazil and neighbouring countries. Brazil and Colombia are reportedly the most affected countries.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

The Camp St Prison and reform THE shocking news of 17 inmates at the Camp Street Prison burnt to death while rioting on Thursday has once again raised the question of security at the facility; its location in the heart of Guyana’s capital and the conditions that exist within its walls.

There can be no denying that the Camp Street Prison- the birthplace of the 2002-08 prison escapee-led violence has been of much concern to citizens over the years and as we have said in this column before, society has a responsibility to contribute in influencing a national conversation on the state of our prison system and what we desire of it; and serious conversation must start now.

The prison has been and will continue to be an institution in society. Recognising that the prison encompasses people who are citizens, it must not only be looked at as a penal system, but a reformist institution that prepares the incarcerated for re-integration into society. Repeated reports of unrest and complaints of poor conditions must be of concern and tackled with the same commitment with which other issues are handled in the wider society.

The walls of the prisons are bursting at their seams, given the larger population than what they were originally designed for. This is in itself a violation of prisoners’ rights and in some society there would be outcries to have this corrected. The correct disgust for criminal actions must not translate to violation of human rights which prisoners too are guaranteed.

Addressing reform will require reviewing sentencing based on the type of crime. Innovative ways can be examined to dispense with petty crimes such as stealing a bicycle, wherein justice can be dispensed through community service in a controlled environment. Sentencing for marijuana should also be examined as a matter of priority, including decriminalisation of a certain amount for medical reasons.

President Granger’s pardon to some young men who had committed non-violent offences, must be considered a good intent to kick-start major prison reform. The prison population can be placed in several different groups, since the one-size-fits-all system is a proven failure. Even as inmates are taught CXC and basic technical ed-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Tesouro Resources labels KN story ‘misleading,’ ‘unbalanced’ Dear editor, I WRITE in relation to a story in the Kaieteur News’ edition of Sunday 28th February, 2016, captioned “No Mining land, ‘Landlordism’ Cause Miners to Block Road In Protest – One Arrested.”

The story reports that Tesouro Resources (‘the company’) has been depriving small local miners of the little land they had and even blocked them from carrying out their operations. The Kaieteur News’ story further states that the issue of ‘landlordism’ throughout Guyana and in that particular area is rampant. It claims that large companies have allowed miners to mine on their lands until they “lash out,” after which they send their security forces to forcibly remove them from these lands.

The above statements, with the claims of ‘landlordism’ are completely misconceived. Recent complaints of what has come to be called ‘landlordism’ by small miners, are based on claims that some largescale miners are given preferential treatment by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) in the award of mineral properties.

However, such claims cannot apply to Tesouro, as all of the properties mentioned in the story and held by Tesouro, were never awarded by the GGMC, but were acquired through independent arrangements with the former registered holders. What some persons are attempting to do is to use spurious claims to compel Tesouro to allow them to work properties it has acquired the rights to work, at considerable expense.

This has now taken the form of persons trespassing on Tesouro’s property at Konawaruk, blocking

mining roads and refusing to remove. On separate occasions over the past three weeks, the GGMC and the Guyana Police force have had to forcibly remove raiders from the property. The GGMC has issued Cease Work Orders to these persons.

In response, the intended raiders have threatened to kill Tesouro personnel, and to burn its facilities.

An atmosphere of deliberate lawlessness is being created by these persons to compulsorily deprive Tesouro of its properties. This behaviour is not allowed anywhere in the world.

The Kaieteur News’ story further romanticises this lawless behaviour, by repeating a claim by two persons Mario Figueira and Alisha Figueira of Konawaruk, of being invaded by shotgun-toting men dressed as security guards who sprayed their mining camp with shotgun pellets, declaring an intention to destroy their camp.

It is regrettable that the Kaieteur News by this publication has placed itself in the unfortunate position of advancing these untruthful and wild assertions, without even attempting to make contact with Tesouro resources, who would have been able to provide much needed balance to the story.

While I am reluctant to enter into too much detail, as the matter involving Mario and Alisha Figueira is currently engaging the attention of the High Court (2015-HC-DEMCIV-CD-644), the Figueiras had been allowed to work 3 (three) blocks of land held by Tesouro.

They were then discovered clandestinely and secretly illegally (‘raiding’) a fourth property held by Tesouro.

On being ordered to remove,

ucation, such can be complemented with programmes such as an effective parole system designed to prepare prisoners for re-integration and reducing the congestion that presently exists.

Every incarcerated individual, outside of those on death row or life imprisonment, is expected to re-integrate into society. Taking cognisance of this reality requires a reform structure that is deep, focused and incisive with consideration for the varied groups. It should be considered that prison life must bring with it new opportunities or a second chance to pursue a life of legitimacy and productivity through acquisition of knowledge and development of appropriate lifeskills.

In the wider society, efforts can also be made to sensitise the citizenry to the various crimes and corresponding penalties via roadway signs, etc., which play a role in deterring crime. Our prison

they had asked to be allowed to remain. Tesouro had declined as it had already formed plans to work the property itself, and had acquired it at great expense from the previous holder for this purpose. At that point, the Figueiras refused to remove and continued to raid the property, which resulted in their being removed therefrom. In the course of raiding Tesouro’s property, they had sought and obtained injunctions from two Judges in different divisions of the High Court on the untruthful premise that they had an oral contract with Tesouro for the forth property.

We assume the legal proceedings were intended to unduly protract the issue, giving them time to complete the raiding. However, on being apprised of all of the facts, successive judges discharged their injunctions for non-disclosure of material facts.

They subsequently in November 2015, tacitly acknowledged in writing that they had been trespassing and “raiding” Tesouro’s fourth property, but claimed to have mistakenly thought they were on the three they had permission to work. All in these days of technology such as the GPS being commonplace in the mining industry.

As I have stated above, I am constrained from further discussing the matter as it is still sub judice. However, I expect that your newspaper will publish this response to the Kaieteur News’ initial misleading and unbalanced story.

Yours sincerely Jaswick Williams, Lt Col (retd) General Manager TESOURO RESOURCES

system has remained in an era the world has moved beyond. For instance, Camp Street, which is the major prison, is not only overcrowded, but the time is past where for its original purpose it should be outside of Georgetown that is not only congested, but also displaying signs of crises in urban planning. When this prison was built it was situated on the periphery of the town. And given that the prison system is being managed at a tidy sum to the taxpayers, attention ought to be paid to value for money. Applying this principle can see a system put in place targeting reduction in recurring offenders by separating them from the hardened criminals who can influence them into a life of crime. Prison reform is possible in the presence of will and commitment, but such must also be seen as a matter of necessity to bring Guyana into the 21st century.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

GTU President Mark Lyte Mighty Late, with Headline Misaligned Dear Editor: I AM compelled to respond, very briefly, to a letter written by president of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mr Mark Lyte, and published in the Stabroek News dated March 3, 2016.

Mr Lyte, in his missive titled “Letter on GTU full of misinformation,” took virtually one week to respond to a letter I wrote and was carried in the dailies since last Friday – a letter in which I discussed how preposterous and replete with self-interest is the proposal the GTU has devised to negotiate with the Ministry of Education .

And Mr Lyte’s response is an inarticulate letter whose substancelessness would insult the commonsense of a simpleton, far more the intelligence of the faithful readership of the letter columns of our dailies.

The lacklustre content

of Mr Lyte’s letter betrays the headline like Judas betrayed Christ. When I saw the headline, I started reading with interest to see how Mr Lyte would present an exposé of my misinformation, but alas, I was disappointed – and so the rest of the readership, I am sure – to see no substantive reference to my misinformation. Mr Lyte could not identify misinformation regarding my discussion on the components of the proposal, because he knows I was accurate in my reference.

The proposal is not classified; it would bear me out.

So Mr Lyte has sought to – most unintelligently – justify a few lofty demands of the infamous, preposterous proposal.

A man is entitled to defence, and when that man is seeking re-election to high office, that right to defend self becomes a compelling need. So I

have no fight with Mr Lyte on this score. However, as Mr Lyte might soon find out, it is better for someone to keep his mouth shut and allow others to speculate about how dense he is, than for that someone to open his mouth and confirm how dense he really is. Confirmation of such education limitation is self-condemnation; auto-assassination.

It is laughable that Mr Lyte should investigate whether someone by the name ‘Anthony Nedd’ is within the employ of the teaching service. To actually google my name is flattering. But to conclude that I must be politically motivated, and that it is public knowledge that I am one of the two other persons contesting the GTU presidency at the upcoming election – writing under the pseudonym ‘Anthony Nedd’ - is slanderous. It borders on libel,

Extremely unfortunate ––Gouveia, PPP react to prison riot

FORMER Chairman of the Guyana Prison Sentence Management Board, Captain Gerald Gouveia has viewed the deadly riot at the Camp Street Prison as extremely unfortunate.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, Gouveia said overcrowding has been an issue at the prison for some time and called on the authorities to address the situation as soon as possible.

Overcrowding at the prison poses a number of challenges for prison authorities. These include hostility among prisoners, due to cramped space; low warden-to-prisoner ratio; poor sanitary and hygiene condition; and a greater possibility of a prison break.

Gouveia, who is a member of the Prison Sentence Management Board, noted that the authorities have been working assiduously to improve the general atmosphere at the prison.

The Board has been developing strategies to prepare prisoners for reintegration into society after they have served their time.

The Captain told this publication that he was surprised at the development at the Camp Street facility and

called on the authorities to investigate the riot as soon as possible.

On Thursday, 17 bodies were discovered inside the

GERALD GOUVEIA remand section of the prison following a fire, which inmates started earlier in the day. The prisoners, the day before, had set fire to the facility several times, but the blaze was contained by firefighters who responded promptly to the situation.

This publication was able to confirm that prisoner Rayon Paddy died at the Georgetown Public Hospital after suffering from severe burns and five other prisoners have been hospitalised. Yesterday a large

crowd gathered outside the prison, including relatives of inmates who were observed crying, asking about the condition of the prisoners.

On Wednesday night, the prisoners set ablaze their mattresses at the penitentiary during the protest, clamouring for their freedom and better living conditions. The prisoners were heard shouting, “We want we freedom”.

Official reports have since disclosed that the prisoners started the protest following a surprise raid of their cells by prison officers, who found cell phones, marijuana and other prohibited items.

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in a statement expressed shock at the horror at Camp Street Prison and used the opportunity to ask the Government to launch a full investigation into the incident. “A Board of Inquiry must be established immediately to investigate the circumstances that led to this sorry state of affairs at the Georgetown Prisons.

We will have much more to say on this matter as the situation unfolds,” the Opposition party said in a brief statement.

and his character will be impugned by it. It is demonstrative of the idleness and infantile character of a person not worthy of high office.

What Mr Lyte should endeavour to do is disclose to the general membership of the GTU the current state of the union’s financial account which receives in excess of $58,000,000 annually from union dues, providing details of income and expenditure; clearly show how the union has worked in the interest of teachers, and how successful it has been; and ensure professional monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of the union’s operations.

He has a fiduciary responsibility to head a union that embraces and demonstrates transparency and accountability.

So I end with some advice for you Mr Lyte: that your counterparts in

the Region enjoy full-time release to attend to union duties does not mean you have an entitlement to similar facility. Such consideration is commanded by the evidence of your diligent representation of your constituents – and if teachers repose no confidence in the union and many are withdrawing their membership, how less impressed would the government be by your work and relevance to consider granting such request.

Additionally, whenever the union wishes to have the services of any teacher outside of Wednesday when such teacher (union executive) is released or loaned to the union, the executive must write the Department of Education requesting the release of such teacher. A copy of such request must be sent to the respective princi-

pal. When the release is granted or declined, official notice must be presented to same principal.

You cannot barge into the school and demand of the principal the release of any teacher. It is unethical and not within your span of authority.

Finally, whenever you approach the bargaining table, present proposals that are reasonable, negotiable and sustainable.

Unreasonable, unsustainable, untenable, unrealistic proposals result in unfavourable outcomes.

Now, Mr Lyte, you are evidently substance-light and not so bright, but you sure are heavy on indebtedness to me for sound counsel. When you are ready to honour your debt, the ‘real Anthony Nedd’ will show up.

Yours respectfully, ANTHONY NEDD.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

Granger orders COI into Camp St riot …three-man panel to be named today

By Alva Solomon President David Granger has ordered a full investigation into the riot at the Camp Street Prison which has claimed the lives of 17 inmates and injuries to at least five inmates.

In a statement by his office, President Granger also extended deepest sympathy to the families and other relatives of the 17 prisoners, who perished during the riot.

“The President is deeply saddened at the loss of life and has ordered the immediate establishment of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the circumstances and causes of this tragedy to ensure that there is never a recurrence,” the statement added. The President assures the family members of the deceased and injured that everything will be done to ensure that there is a full and

complete investigation.

President Granger, also at an emergency meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), which he called Thursday afternoon instructed Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan to set up the three-member Commission, which will not only investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but will also make recommendations to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents. The names of the members of this Commission are expected to be made public by today. The President has also mandated that every effort be made to ensure that the situation is brought under immediate control.

Meanwhile, at a news conference Minister Ramjattan said whatever recommendations are made by the panel to avoid a recur-

rence of the unrest will be promptly acted upon by the authorities. Deeming the riot a crisis, Ramjattan said a number of issues “to ensure that there will be stability of the situation was recommended and we are going to act on them immediately”.

The minister said these included placing additional human resources to the prison staff roster. To this end, he said the number in terms of staff total at the Georgetown Prisons has not been reached even though training is ongoing.

OVERCROWDING The inmate capacity of the Geogetown Prisons caters for 600 persons, and as of Thursday, the number of inmates stood at 984.

Ramjattan noted that one of the considerations discussed is the upgrading of the Mazaruni Prisons in

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

order to accommodate inmates from the overpopulated Georgetown Prison.

The Public Security Minister added that a major bugbear facing the authorities is sloth in time for trials for persons who are on remand.

“That is also a bugbear that creates tremendous frustration and vexation in prisoners, especially in Capital

A,” he said. He noted that the situation in the Capital B and Capital C sections of the prison is fairly good, but some prisoners were protesting the long years they have to wait for trail.

“That has to be looked at in a conjoint effort with the judiciary,” he added.

The minister posited that the overpopulation is also caused by persons who are charged and are unable to source their bail money. “So we may very well have to persuade people, knowing the economic circumstances of persons charged and accused as to quantum of bail or even not remanding them,” he noted.

As regards not placing persons on remand, he said young first time offenders may be considered since such persons on remand lead to over population. According to Ramjattan, during the course of the national budget presentation, the question was asked as regards a new jail being

built, but according to him, this venture “is very, very expensive”.

He said this will not happen in the near future since the capital amounts to pursue such a project may be too much. The possibility of shifting prisoners to other jails around the country may be a possibility, but Ramjattan noted that the Director of Prisons may have to adopt a measured approach in this regard.

He explained that for the prison in the City, there is a quicker reaction time for back- up services from sister organisations such as the army and police to address situations such as the one that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday. Although there may be space such as at the Mazaruni Prisons, the reaction time may be beyond the authorities in certain eventualities, the Public Security Minister said.

Emotional scenes at A&E …as relatives seek names of casualties

The scene at the Georgetown Public Hospital yesterday

By Shirley Thomas Emotions ran high on Thursday at the Georgetown Public Hospital when relatives showed up to identify relatives burnt to death in the Camp Street riot.

Sixteen prisoners are now dead and several others are suffering severe third degree burns, after inmates on Thursday set the Georgetown Prisons alight, protesting among other issues, overcrowding and prolonged delays in having their cases tried.

In what was considered their fiercest act of resistance to incarceration ever at the Camp Street facility, the inmates launched their first attack on Wednesday night by burning mattresses in the cells and intensifying their

A tearful mother tries to find out about her son whom she fears might have been caught up in the terror

assault on Thursday. Swift action by the Central Fire Unit of the Fire Department on Wednesday evening put the fire out without casualties. But scarcely had the

firefighters finished their mopping up exercise when, around mid-morning, another fire was set in the facility, this time resulting in deaths and serious injury.

The police responded promptly, joining forces with the firefighters, while the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Medical Corps made available its ambulance to assist the GPHC’s fleet of ambulances in whisking the injured to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).

Around 10:45 hrs, the army ambulance arrived at the Accident and Emergency Unit with the first set of casualties, followed in rapid succession, by another private ambulance and two from the GPH, heralded by the most mournful wail of sirens.

Relatives plead with police ranks to be given information about their loved ones

The scene immediately attracted large crowds in the vicinity who encircled the ambulances as the casualties were taken into the hospital. Within minutes a contingent of police ranks

was deployed to push the crowd back and maintain law and order, since by then both incensed and sorrowing relatives and friends of the dead and injured had gotten wind of the fact that another

fire had erupted and that there were deaths and casualties.

The influx of casualties from the tragedy forced an immediate suspension of medical treatment to other Continued on page 9 ►

Camp Street Prison 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

By Tajeram Mohabir

THE 132-year-old Georgetown Prison, also called the Camp Street Prison, has experienced several occasions of unrest over the past decade. These were caused by a number of factors, including poor conditions of the prison and lengthy periods of incarceration without trial for prisoners on remand.

The prison was built to house about 600 inmates, but for years, it has been dogged by overcrowding, holding over 900.

Wednesday’s fire was the fourth reported in the past five years, but aside from these, there were several incidents at the prison that made the headlines. ● In July 2010, inmates set alight a mattress in the Brick Cell block at the facility.

Thick smoke emanated from the southern end of the prisoner’s block soon after and an alarm was raised. Luckily, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) arrived promptly and

doused the flames. No major injury was reported.

● In December 2010, the police and army swooped down on the Georgetown Prisons following reports of a break-out by inmates.

Reports indicated that there was an attempted breakout by prisoners in solitary confinement. Armed police and army men were forced to barricade the immediate vicinity of the prisons, while residents were told that a Joint Services operation was under way. ● In April, 2013, officials at the Georgetown Prison had to take swift action after remanded prisoner Colin Jones had set his mattress on fire. He was in solitary confinement. The convict was facing a number of charges ranging from murder to arson to possession of guns and ammunition to escaping from lawful custody and cultivating cannabis. ● In March 2015, inmates started a fire in a cell on

The Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, has been affected by several disturbances in recent years

the new capital wing, but the Guyana Fire Service responded quickly and was able to prevent it from spreading to other sections of the prison. ● In September 2015, pandemonium broke out at the Camp Street Prison after a fight between cellmates ended with one prisoner chopped several times about his body.

During the commotion, a mattress was set on fire, and again the Guyana Fire Service responded promptly and was able to put out the blaze.

Like before, questions were raised as to how inmates get hold of flammable materials. ● On February 23, 2002, five dangerous men, Dale Moore, Troy Dick, Shawn Brown, Andrew Douglas and Mark

Move away from high gov’t spending ‒ Caribbean economies urged EMERGING markets, including those in the Caribbean, must find new models of economic growth, and the first step is to move away from models based on high government spending or driven by debt, says Natalie Mansoor, head of Asset Management at RBC Investment Management (Barbados) Ltd. Speaking at the recent Annual Forecast Dinner hosted recently by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Barbados, Mansoor noted that many Caribbean economies have traditionally linked their growth cycles to the external environment, together with reliance on one or two products or services.

“It is a simple model,” she said. “In good times spend. In bad times borrow and continue to spend and

wait for good times to come back.”

But Mansoor said the problem with this approach was that without stronger growth cycles the debt simply continues to grow. As a result, she said she expected to see downgrades, debt restructuring and defaults.

She added: “I expect devaluations. They are inevitable, whether we choose them or have them forced on us.”

She told CFA members and guests that slow growth in wages had become a drag on consumption in developed markets, and growth in the global economy would have to come from emerging markets with growing populations and rising incomes. In the United States, for example, she said, growth in wages was not keeping abreast of job creation.

Natalie Mansoor, head of asset management at RBC Investment Management (Barbados) Ltd

“In the US we have unemployment of 5%, but we still see low wage growth.

Normally, we should be getting more wage growth,” Mansoor said.

The investment banker said two major factors were now keeping the lid on wage

growth in developed markets.

First, most of the jobs being created are low-skilled and low-paying. Secondly, the declining cost of automation is displacing middle-skilled jobs.

In their presentations, both David Noel, Scotiabank’s managing director, Caribbean East, and Donna Wellington, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s managing director – Barbados Operating Company, also warned that high indebtedness and large fiscal deficits continued to undermine hope of meaningful growth.

Made up of approximately 50 local investment professionals, the CFA Society Barbados is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute, a global not-for-profit organization, comprising over 135,000 investment professionals worldwide.

Fraser, escaped from the prison, killing a prison officer and seriously wounding another in the process. The escapees had unleashed a reign of terror in Guyana.

The authorities in recent years have been making an effort to improve conditions at the Camp Street Prison.

The fourth phase of a brick building being built in the compound of the prison is expected to be completed by July month-end. That phase of the project is being executed to the tune of $52M. Over the years, various sums have been allocated towards construction of the building. In 2007, $40M was allocated to the project; $31.7M in 2012; and $81.7M in 2014.

Following its completion, a further $150M has been earmarked to be spent on rehabilitating the older structure.

According to Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, prisoners in the older building would be re-

located to the new one to facilitate the rehabilitation works that cost $150M. The brick building is expected to ease congestion at the prison.

Over the years, reports on the local prison system have indicated a need for reform in the criminal justice system, as it does not offer adequate alternatives to incarceration.

In addition, conditions for both staff and prisoners are poor and there is minimal scope for constructive work to help prisoners to resettle in society.

Prisoners on their part have complained of badly prepared meals; beatings by bullies; congested cells; filthy mattresses; poor health care and personal hygiene; lack of training, recreation and constructive activity; and delays in court procedures resulting in large numbers of pre-trial or remand prisoners being held for long periods awaiting trial, among other problems.

Emotional scenes... emergency cases at the A&E Unit, and cases were redirected to the Medical Outpatient Unit. For hours, the door to the A&E Department remained locked and under close guard by police and hospital security ranks, even as the police cordoned a large area enclosing the entrance to the Emergency Unit and throughout the day the Burns Care Unit and A&E Department remained under close police watch.

GPHC LOCK DOWN Meanwhile, all gates to the compound, except one, were heavily padlocked and overlooked by security ranks.

For the remainder of the day, persons braved the sweltering heat of the sun to get glimpses of the patients being brought in and to otherwise satisfy their curiosity.

Reports yesterday said that what was partly responsible for the setting the building ablaze was an operation by prison authorities, in which they carried out an intensive search for forbidden substances, cellular phones and dangerous implements. Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjat-

From page 8

tan was quoted as saying at a Press Conference held Thursday, that: “We have a crisis on our hands. Long delays in trials have caused much frustration and vexation among prisoners.” Late into the afternoon, families with members imprisoned at the institution, restless and uneasy, continued to pace the hospital compound, trying desperately, but in vain, to get past police ranks manning the cordons and occasionally venting their feelings through loud outbursts.

Throughout the day, relatives tearfully appealed to hospital authorities to release the names of the dead and injured, but without success.

By 16:00 they, through some other source, managed to get a few names and hysteria and pandemonium broke out. Some fainted and others wailed. Then as they tried to enter the compound of the mortuary, they were again prevented.

As the relatives wailed, mourned and rolled on the ground, the hearse, used an unfamiliar exit and sped away with bodies bundled on each other, but neatly wrapped under a sheet.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

Monopolies not good, Digicel CEO Competition will bring prices down

By Ariana Gordon SHOULD the Government of Guyana (GOG) fulfill its promise to liberalise the telecommunications sector before the end of 2016, Guyana will open the gates to investment. This is the view of Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kevin Kelly.

Kelly, in an interview on Wednesday with the Guyana Chronicle at his Fort and Barrack Streets, Kingston office said, once the sector became liberalized his company would then offer 4G service, residential internet and landline services and even a television service.

“Basically, we’d hope to go into landline in Georgetown, residential international, and bring submarine fibre cable to the country,” he stated.

The Digicel Chief is excited about the future after liberalization and notes that with the sector being opened to fair competition, all parties will benefit. He reminisced

on the impact the Irish company made on the local market when it started business here in 2007.

“We would replicate that… in that people would have a choice of providers.

At the moment, people are stuck with the landline, or residential international,” he said, noting that there would be increased competition in those areas, thereby allowing for a reduction in prices.

Kelly said Guyana was the only country in the Caribbean, apart from Cuba, that does not provide customers with 4G network. According to him, with the liberalization of telecommunications Guyana’s economy will thrive and the people will be the biggest beneficiaries.

“I am not selling this because I am with Digicel only…it will benefit school children, everybody. Once you have competition, the price comes down…right now you only have GTT selling certain aspects of it, be it landline or whatever.”

“It would make it a lot

easier for people to get stuff on the internet. People would be able to watch Netflix etc.

It will have general impacts on the country,” the CEO added.

Kelly, who has been living in Guyana for eight years, said he strongly believed that Guyana stood to benefit tremendously from the competition. “If we open the country up for business the economy itself would grow, so even GTT itself would be financially better off because people will come in and create jobs,” he said.

Kelly maintained that if the telecommunications sector was liberalized eight years ago, Guyana would have been far advanced.

“Every other Digicel market, including countries that are not as developed as Guyana, like Haiti, has 4G. If we had passed liberalization four years ago, we would have so much down the road, I am not talking about Digicel, I am talking about the country…just getting jobs for our young people so that

Digicel Guyana’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Kelly

they have a choice to stay here…as opposed to migrating,” he added.

The CEO stressed that monopolies were not good in any shape or form and noted that the powers that be need to think about the country, noting that the monopoly that GTT held had not been honoured in toto. He argued that there were many communities in Guyana that should have received service from GTT but today were being served by Digicel.

“We have more mobile services than they have in the remote areas,” he remarked.

The issue he said is bigger than the two telecommunications companies, noting that the country needed to be “freed up.”

“Free up the country and people will come and invest.

At the moment people won’t invest and that’s the issue.”

Kelly hopes that the sector will be opened up before Guyana observes its 50th Independence celebration.

This, he believes, would be symbolic of freedom in many aspects. He said once the monopoly comes to an end, Digicel is willing to roll out its plans immediately.

“It is about making the country available for investment and attracting people in because we have certain advantages here as a country that other countries around us don’t have. But we need to have an open market where people feel they can come and invest,” he added.

With approximately 300,000 customers presently, the company expects its customer base to grow significantly when it starts offering additional services.

“What we are trying to do is bring a range of services that are in other Digicel markets,” Kelly stated.

When asked to highlight the main challenge affecting Digicel’s growth here

in Guyana, the CEO said, “Our main challenge is the monopoly.”

“To be fair to Guyana, there is no major challenge except this monopoly holding the country over. It is impacting all aspects of the country,” he said, referencing the Tourism sector. He explained that many persons from Europe, for example, would love to visit Guyana but due to the lack of some basic telecommunication features are reluctant.

Kelly said he had met with subject minister Catherine Hughes and said based on his discussions with her, he believes that government would fulfill its commitment of liberalizing the sector.

“We believe they would honour this. I would like them to pass it before the 50th [Independence] Anniversary.

It would be nice.”

He said it was strange that both GTT and the government of Guyana have said they are in favour of liberalizing the system but unfortunately the process has been stalled for too long.

“The whole thing is holding the whole country up…every day that passes is every day that is lost from people traveling into this country or people doing business in this country. Say they had passed this legislation eight years ago, think about how much further the government’s infrastructure would be now.

Whatever downside there is to not passing this legislation, the upside is 100% better.”

The CEO noted that with liberalization, more jobs would be created and it would be a win -win situation for all. “There would be no loser in this!” he remarked.

Over the years, the liberalization of the telecommunications sector here has been hamstrung by the decades-old monopoly held

by GTT. Efforts were made by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP) to break the monopoly but there were several failed attempts with the legislation being laid be-

fore the National Assembly more than once but never passed.

Meanwhile, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has called on the GOG to live up to its promise of a liberalized telecommunications sector and demanded that government establish and announce specific timelines for liberalization to begin.

“The fact is that Guyana’s economic advancement and growth is being seriously handicapped by the country’s limited access to bandwidth and affordable high speed connectivity. The PSC looks forward to a Telecommunications Bill that will ensure unrestricted and unfettered competition by our telecommunications providers,” the PSC said.

It alluded to the fact that the absence of high speed affordable connectivity has left Guyana behind the rest of the world and the Caribbean, noting too that it hindered domestic and international investment in the creative innovation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) services, as well as the employment and productivity that this investment is noted to produce in all sectors.

GTT too has expressed optimism that the telecommunications sector will soon be liberalized. That company’s CEO Justin Nedd told Guyana Chronicle recently that once liberalized and the spectrum is granted, GTT would be in a better position to offer customers 3G and 4G services.

GTT holds the monopoly on landline and international services. Digicel has to pay GTT for its mobile services bandwidth.

The Telecommunication Bill seeks to ensure a number of changes in the policies and operations of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), as well as create a level playing field in the sector by crafting a new set of telecommunications regulations based on those found in other countries.

Guyanese held in big cocaine bust in Barbados

LARGE QUANTITIES of cocaine and cannabis were seized at Carlisle Bay (Browne’s Beach), St Michael by the Drug Squad in an early morning operation on Wednesday.

Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police and public relations officer David Welch said cocaine weighing 122.9 kilogrammes and valued in the region of $6 million and cannabis weighing 9 4 kilogrammes valued in the region of $375 000 were seized along with a boat.

He said two males, a Barbadian and a Guyanese, were assisting police with the matter. (Barbados Nation)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

PPP concerned about clean-up campaigns …people are suspicious of what’s going on - Teixeira EXECUTIVE Member of the People’s Progressive Party-Civic and Opposition Chief Whip, Ms. Gail Teixeira has signaled the Party’s deep concern about the Clean-Up Campaign of Georgetown and Durban Park, noting that the exercise appeared to be shrouded in secrecy.

Addressing members of the media at a Press Conference at Freedom House on Wednesday, Ms. Teixeira said that this issue was raised in the Budget Debate but yet there was no disclosure, she says.

“During the Budget Debate we were told that no money was coming from the government coffers. However, Durban Park continues and we understand that Phase II, which I assume is leading up to May 26, would come from taxpayers’ money.”

She said: “How much; who the contracts are being awarded to; how the contracts are being awarded; what is the design of Durban Park; what are we actually building or what are we looking at - no one knows, since there is no

disclosure. “So no disclosure, no transparency… and people are highly suspicious about what’s going on.” she emphasized.

Teixeira recalled that despite Parliamentary Press Briefings, and constant calls, since last November to say what’s going on with Georgetown clean-up, nothing has been forthcoming.

“But we are well aware of which contractors are being given jobs without tendering and in fact we also know that prisoners have been brought out to do work on the Durban Park.

The PPP would like to know how the contractors are being paid and what are the prison rates. She contended that where there is lack of transparency there is ultimately much speculation

about what is happening on the ground.

And on the question of increased taxes, the Central Executive Member quoted Mr. Bulkan, during the Debate, as saying that there would be an increase in property taxes in Georgetown. He was at the time referring to the need to have a new evaluation of properties in Georgetown.

“But the question Mr. Bulkan needs to ask, she contended, is: ‘Are there going to be increases in property taxes in Georgetown when right now Georgetown has the highest property tax for the entire country?’”

And on the issue of political and ethnic discrimination and the targeting of people, Ms. Teixeira alluded to Kwame Mc Koy

PROVIDENCE Magistrate Leron Daily on Wednesday sentenced a man to 15 years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to three counts of armed robbery and admitted to having an illegal firearm and ammunition in his possession.

Trevor Wilson confessed that on February 3 and February 8 at Eccles, East Bank Demerara he robbed Trevor Blackett, Totaram Baburam

and another man of a total of $27,000, while he was armed with a handgun.

Wilson on February 8 was caught by police with an illegal .32 revolver in his possession and three live rounds of matching ammunition.

The juice vendor was sentenced to three years jail on each count of armed robbery; another three years sentence on the illegal firearm charge; and

and Jason Abdulla who have to report every day to the Police at Eve Leary just to keep them in check. Just to intimidate them, she opined, adamant that the rationale was totally absurd and unacceptable.

Meanwhile, touching on dismissals and firings without recourse to people defending themselves was a problem which continues unabated” she said, and alluded to Mr. Badri Persaud as one such example. She lamented that invariably people do not have the recourse to defend themselves or even to reply.

Ms. Teixeira argued strongly that persons removed from jobs, boards or appointed positions should be given the opportunity to write a reply and to defend themselves, noting that such is enshrined in a number of pieces of legislation in

Guyana and is based on our constitutional provisions.

three years for possession of the ammunition. Howev-

er these sentences will run concurrently.

RODNEY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY Noting that there continued to be demands that the Commission of Inquiry on Walter Rodney be made public, Teixeira stressed, “It must be made public!”

She considers it unbelievable that not even out of courtesy and respect that the widow of Dr. Rodney was issued with a copy of the report (as of one day ago).

“Even though government has been responding to the report, it has not been made public,” she affirmed.

“They have not been able to put on a website so that people can read it … and at this point there is no indication that it will be laid in the house,” Teixeira concluded.

Attorney on causing death charge Armed robber to serve 3 years Attorney-at-law Keisha Chase yesterday found herself on the wrong side of the law when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan charged with causing death by dangerous driving.

Chase was released on $250,000 bail. It is alleged that on November 10, 2015 at Duncan Street, Campbellville Public Road Chase drove motor vehicle PRR 8181in a dangerous manner causing the death of 47-year-old Julian Leitch of “C” Enachu Street, Bel Air Park.

Court reporters were barred from the hearing by a police officer who informed them that there was a “private matter” ongoing. However it was later confirmed that the officer’s claim was false.

The lawyer was represented by attorney Mark Waldron and the matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones. Chase waited in the courtroom while her relatives posted bail and ran downstairs to the back entrance to a waiting car to avoid the media.

Almost six months ago Chase is alleged to have fatally struck Julian Leitch

Attorney-at-law Keisha Chase

on Duncan Street, Georgetown. Reports stated that at about 18:30h, Leitch was attempting to cross the roadway when he was struck. Police in a release had stated that the driver reported that she was proceeding east along Duncan Street, when she heard a loud sound. Upon investigation, she saw the man lying on the road. He was then picked up by public-spirited persons, along with the driver, and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He reportedly suffered multiple abrasions to his body and died while receiving treatment at the medical facility.

Friday, March 4, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Saturday, March 5, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, March 6, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

Styrofoam ban in effect from month-end

THE THREE-MONTH waiver on the importation of Styrofoam containers will end on March 31 with the ban taking full effect.

The due date was reinforced when officers of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) met with representatives of importers of Styrofoam and alternative material food containers during a recent meeting.

During the meeting, it was explained that the waiver allowed for all import declarations for food-service Styrofoam containers, which were made prior to January 1, 2016, to be processed by the Customs and Excise Department of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

However, the ban is currently enforced with regard to the importation of Styrofoam food- service containers and Styrofoam materials for the purposes of manufacturing (molding) of food containers, but not on the use of food-service containers that are already in country.

“The EPA is currently preparing to conduct an audit of stocks of Styrofoam food-service containers imported and manufactured

in the country to determine the quantity existing and the estimated period for consumption. This information will allow for determination of the effective date for full enforcement of the ban, including usage,” the EPA explained in a statement yesterday.

Currently,the use of Styrofoam food-service containers is not prohibited. “The ban on the importation and manufacture of Styrofoam applies to food containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, meat and vegetable trays, egg cartoons, and other products made of expanded polystyrene. It does not apply to pre-packaged food,” the EPA stated clearly.

Importers of bio-degradable food containers have long been asking for a tax reduction given the high price tag attached to these alternatives. In response,the Natural Resources Ministry said it had requested that tax incentives be considered by the Ministry of Finance.

Bio-degradable alternatives are made of 100% natural materials such as bagasse, paper, corn starch, and even mushroom, and are readily available throughout the country.

‘Laffie’ freed of manslaughter

By George Barclay A MAN was freed of manslaughter Thursday at the Demerara Assizes after the three main witnesses who had testified at the preliminary inquiry into the case refused to give worthwhile evidence at the jury trial.

Ramsammie, called “Laffie,” who was charged with the offence of unlawfully killing Rabindranauth Rajukamar called “Black eye” on October 20, 2005, was freed because of the lack of evidence against him.

The three witnesses who appeared before presiding judge Mr. Navindra Singh and a mixed jury were Joseph Mangroo, Sookram Rajkumar and Roopdai Rajkumar.

Roopdai came to court

with the aid of a walking stick. Like the others, she too said that she had nothing to tell the court about the trial and declared that no one had threatened her or forced her to say or do anything.

All of the witnesses came from Farm Squatting Area, East Bank Demerara.

Following the witnesses’ testimony that they knew nothing, the judge, directing his remarks to the jury, told them: “There is no evidence, but because you were put in charge of the accused, I have to direct you to return a verdict of ‘not guilty’ in his favour.”

The registrar then enquired from the jury members what was their verdict and the collective answer was: “Not guilty.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

Independents in ‘all-out’ push

‒ as LGE draws ever closer

Alfred Park of the Healing of the Nation Theocracy Party

By Shauna Jemmott AS LOCAL Government Elections (LGE) draws ever closer, independent candidates and groups alike have upped their game with the staging of a number of political meetings and of media blitzes designed to get their messages across.

A case in point is the holding of a meeting tomorrow tonight by independent candidate, Alfred Park of the Healing of the Nation Theocracy Party (HTNTP), in up-market Earle’s Avenue, in suburban Subryanville, to discuss development plans his Party has for Constituency Two: Kitty-Subryanville.

According to an excerpt of his manifesto which Park left with the Guyana Chronicle, he has great plans for the constituency, and the Capital City by extension, and is encouraging voters to support his party, which has as its symbol the ‘lion head’.

NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION Park, who’s a herbalist by profession, said he was inspired to contest the election after observing and experiencing first-hand, as other citizens have, the neglect for over two decades, and understanding the need for transformation.

A self-professed fighter for people’s concerns, needs and a better community, Park says he has a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against dishonesty, corruption and mismanagement, particularly within the Kitty-Subryanville neighbourhoods, and Georgetown by extension.

As such, his agenda is

about good governance, visionary leadership and total development, and he will work to ensure law and order is restored here in the capital, once referred to the world over as, “The Garden City of the Caribbean.’

Ever confident that Georgetown “will rise again,” Park said he plans ensuring a better life for all, both economically and socially, and for starters is encouraging residents to pay up their rates and taxes in order to make the city more financially-viable.

“I will work to ensure the improvements in drainage, roads, water supply, collection of garbage and waste disposal, as well as improving the security of our community and the rest of the city,” Park vowed, adding: “This will be helped with the installation of more street lights, and working closely with the Guyana Police Force and the City Constabulary on the reduction of crime and traffic accidents.”

GAMEPLAN He also has this vision about how best to curb poverty here in Guyana, and the gameplan is to establish cottage industries and small business enterprises so as to provide employment, and establish a learning and earning centre so as to benefit school dropouts, the young, women and single parents, who will be trained in various skills such as computer technology, garment production, furniture making, home economics and craft production.

The establishment of a Kitty-Subryanville Community Centre with library and internet services is also part of the grand plan, as is the restoration of the Kitty-Subryanville children’s playground.

“In the area of sports and culture,” Park told the Guyana Chronicle, “I will strive for the formation of sports and culture clubs; revitalising the once popular Farnum’s Playground in Subryanville, now under-utilised…

“It is also my dream to host a Kitty-Subryanville Reunion to encourage citizens to return and help develop the community.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 4, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Young people are assets ready to be used …says Caricom Youth Ambassador

YOUNG people are assets ready to be used, Caricom Youth Ambassador of Belize, Tarun Butcher said, as she addressed the 29th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) Thursday.

CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque; Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Douglas Slater; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; and St. Lucia Minister of Youth Development and Sports, Shawn Edward, were among the dignitaries present during Butcher’s address for the opening ceremony of the twoday forum.

Constantly, youth are reminded that they are the future leaders and key to the development and sustainability of the Region, but Butcher made it clear that the young generation had been forging ahead despite many challenges.

“Caribbean youth have long contributed to social, political and even economical change in not only our Region but in the world,” she posited.

Butcher added: “Despite the challenges that young people face, the limited resources that we have, and for some of us in the Region the lack of support from these institutions, we continue to charge forward and contribute to the development of our Region.”

The Caricom Youth Ambassador said while the young generation had the elements needed to contribute to societal change, technological innovation and the development of the Region as a whole, they continue to battle with the issues of poverty, social inequalities and marginalisation.

“Poverty, social inequalities and marginalisation are just some of them [issues] that are corrosive to the impact that we can have on our communities, on our countries, the Region and the world,” Butcher said.

Though acknowledging that the youth governance structures and programmes were being strengthened within the realm of CARICOM, she said those questions must be asked: “Have you [CARICOMleaders] really done your part? Have you incorporated your young leaders at the discussion table?”

It is time, she said, that a larger percentage of young people be active participants at the decision-making table and not just invited to meetings as a matter of courtesy. According to her, stronger relationships are needed.

“The youth want to participate now, if not now, then when? If not us the youth, then who? “The survival and development of our young people are directly related to the survival and development and the sustainability of our Region,” the Youth Ambassador said.

“We are one million strong,” she added, while reminding the Caribbean leaders that youth must be seen as valuable assets and not problems to be solved.

In his address, Ambassador LaRocque said the scourge of crime and violence was a crippling burden that many of the member states and associate members were grappling with, noting that it has seriously compromised citizens’ security and robbed society of the energy and potential of youth, in particular, who are both victims and perpetrators.

“The social, psychological and economic cost is too high, although we know that it is a minority of our youth who are falling victims to a line of crime. It is an important minority that we need to address urgently,” the Secretary-General emphasised.

Alluding to COHSOD’s theme: “Leveraging CARICOM’s Human and Cultural Assets for the Sustainable Development of the Community,” Ambassador LaRocque said it speaks pointedly to the tremendous opportunity

The 29th COHSOD Meeting in progress at the CARICOM Secretariat the Region has in both developing the Region’s youth and cultural assets.

He recalled that the Heads of Government, during the 26th Inter-Sessional Meeting in the Bahamas in 2015, reflected on the theme, during which it was observed that the strategy that combines the cultural and sporting assets of the Region’s innovative, youthful human resource and with new technologies will open up opportunities for new and sustainable development pathways.

It was pointed out that the development of that youthful human resource would engage the attention of CARICOM as it conducted a five-year review of the report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development and the Declaration of Paramaribo on the future of youth in the Caribbean Community.

“These seminal documents were both considered by Heads of Government in 2010 and represented a watershed moment in youth development in our Region. It is an appropriate moment for reflection and assessment of our progress and to redouble our efforts to address the challenges to the full implementation of those important recommendations,” the Ambassador said.

Caricom Youth Ambassador (Belize) Tarun Butcher

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

From page 3

and people wailed. As dust approached the Director of Prisons, Prisons Superintendent and Deputy Director of Prisons then emerged from the Camp Street compound and proceeded to the Officers’ Sports Complex where they met with relatives of the injured and dead.

Families each received a one-on-one talk with the three top executives of the prisons and as they emerged from the venue, families broke down, some being uncontrollable as they wept.

Among those who were killed in the fire yesterday were Randy Paddy, Anthony Primo and Sherwayne Trotman.

Those injured have been identified as 31-year-old Marcellus Verbeke of ‘C’ Field Sophia, Errol “Shortman” Kesney of Pilot Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice and Dwayne Lewis.

Twenty-six-year-old Rayon Paddy, a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank of South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown and construction worker Orin Arthur, 25, of Diamond, East Bank Demerara, were back in April 2015 charged with a series of robbery-related charges, as well as two counts of murder.

One of the murder charges alleged that

the duo was involved in the murder of Wilfred Stewart and the execution of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission employee Trevor Abram on February 27, 2015 on the East Bank of Demerara.

Marcellus Verbeke of ‘C’ Field, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who was wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Troy Skeete of ‘B’ Field, Sophia, had surrendered to the police. He was in custody assisting with investigations. Troy Skeete was fatally stabbed during an argument with another man at ‘C’ Field, Sophia, on June 09 last year and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Errol Kesney, injured, known as “Shortman”, 31, who gave his address as Pilot Street, New Amsterdam, was nabbed in Berbice back in 2015 by alert police who was informed about his whereabouts. He is facing murder charges for a killing he allegedly committed in 2009 on fireman Patrick Ivor Daly of Lot 99 Esau Street, Land of Canaan.

Ivor Daly was doused with acid and then hacked to death by three men who had cornered him in a backyard toilet at his Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara home. Kesney, when he was held, had in his possession two grams of marijuana.

A Georgetown Public Hospital ambulance leaves the Georgetown Prisons with bodies of prisoners killed during the fire

Prison officers assist an injured prisoner out of the prison compound

A man fetches an injured prisoner towards an ambulance

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Crime Chief Senior Superintendent Wendell Blanhum and Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken exit the Camp Street Prison

A woman weeps as she speaks to the media after getting word on her relative’s condition

Police form a human barricade to prevent curious persons from getting to one of the prison entrances

A young lady expresses frustration that no information was forthcoming to her family on the condition of their relative

A badly burnt murder and robbery accused Rayon Paddy lays on a stretcher to be taken to the hospital

A woman reacts to news of what happened to her relative  at the Camp Street Prison

A woman weeps following the news that a relative was among the causalities

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

‘Lively-ing up’ Camp Street --with the call of the drums

By Jasmaine Payne OF the long list of things that sets Guyana apart, it is the country’s cultural diversity, which is one of her most endearing characteristics.

On any given day, it is therefore not strange to see the varying contributions of our multi-ethnic society occupying parts of Guyanese life.

A glaring example of this is the musical hum added to the Regent Street ‘busy-ness’ by a group of five musicians using African instruments.

For the past 24 years, these same men have made the corner at Camp and Regent Streets their place of work, by serenading passing Guyanese with African drums, shak-shaks, a trombone and the singing of cultural songs in exchange for donations.

On a good day, the men would see a substantial flow of contributions, but on other days, the most they may receive is a harsh charge from a passerby to “find a real wuk”.

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC But it’s all for the love of music, and the preservation of Guyanese culture that keeps these men coming out daily, and plying their trade as curb-side music makers.

And while after all these years, you’d think that they would have given themselves a name, these men revel in the simple pleasure of standing, side-by-side without label; without any other purpose than to give passersby a reason to tap their feet in exchange for whatever monetary donation they may receive.

“Drumming is what gave me money in the hard times,” said 37-year-old Sherwin James.

“I just never gave it up.”

Sherwin and his brother, Mark, both learned to play the drums as young boys growing up in the African Church. From there, Sherwin lent his talents to the National Dance Company. Later, the two young men met with the others who would form members of the current group: “Sleepy Eye”, who also plays the drums; “Shaka”, who plays the ShakShak (which explains his ‘call-name’); and Malcolm Rodney on the trombone.

These five musicians believe wholeheartedly that it is important to keep the African culture alive, as it serves as a direct connection to our ancestors. Just as drumming plays a role in the culture of other races, Africans need to hold on to this art as a means of paying tribute to their past.

“The Indians and the Chinese stick to their traditional forms of drumming; the negroes run away from the traditional drumming, gravitating more towards drum sets,” Sherwin said.

The group of musicians: From left are: Mark and Sherwin James, Malcolm Rodney and ‘Shaka’

He described his years doing this kind of work as “a joy”, adding that it’s always good to see the reaction of some people who especially enjoy the music they play.

“Sometimes some people pass with the joy in them, and would ‘throw their foot’ to the music and shake up their body. We like to see that,” Sherwin said.

Otherwise, you can find the group attending queh-quehs, wakes, birthday services, banquets and other African-oriented events.

Recently, the group was able to showcase their talents by providing music for the Winfer Gardens Primary School at the Children’s Mashramani Competition.

Sherwin was proud to say that the school brought First Place in their category. And as the Jubilee celebrations approach, Sherwin said that the group would love to be part of the festivities, and would consider approaching the relevant authorities to offer their services.

As time passes by, Sherwin and the unnamed group of musicians have agreed that they are content with this purpose of providing live entertainment for the public. And while some of the men also provide other services -- ‘Shaka’ is also a well-known gymnast ‘DRUMMING IS OUR CALLING’ who performs at other public events -- it is this daily gathering as like-minded musicians “But drumming is our calling; and just as the other races stick to it, so should we,” he that give them the most gratification. added.

LOOKING AHEAD

--with Junior Calypso Monarch, T’Shanna

Just T’Shanna

AFTER winning the Junior Calypso Monarch title and getting to compete against some of the best Calypsonians in the Adult Calypso Monarch Competition, 19-yearold T’Shanna Cort has only just begun in her musical aspirations and plans to get much further in the not-so-distant future.

Ever since she was much younger, T’Shanna knew that she had the talent to sing, and with the support of her family, the then 13-year-old set her eyes on stardom by entering the Cellink Plus kids-stage competition,

which she credits as being the beginning of her singing career.

“Three years later,” she said, “I was tempted to enter the GTT Jingle and Song Competition.

“I would describe that competition as my best musical experience ever. In that competition, I was also a finalist; I placed 7th .”

It was through this competition that she met music producer, Burchmore Simon who later asked if she was interested in participating in the Junior Calypso Competition.

It’s a day she’d always

remember. “That day, I remember I smiled uncontrollably and jumped excessively.

Then I sat and envisaged what my future would be like. And ever since then I have been blossoming fairly well,” she said.

So far, the young musician has penned and recorded three songs: ‘Ansa me’ and ‘I have hope’, both of the calypso genre, and ‘Mama’s wish’, which was recorded for a local Christmas album.

Winning the junior calypso crown has given her much hope; so much so that she has declared the Year 2016

as her Year of Victory. “For a period,” she said, “I thought I would never win anything in my life; but it all falls back to my team. I remember working day and night with my manager to get my vocals perfect.”

As time progresses, T’Shanna hopes to reach the highest of heights as regards her singing career.

To date, most of the inspiration for her songs comes from the memory of her late aunt, who, up until her death, believed that T’Shanna would grow up to be a successful singer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Taking it to another level (Part II) --Local photography comes of age

By Jasmaine Payne AS we said before when we started this series two weeks ago, gone are the days when taking professional photographs occurred solely on occasion; where a photo studio with tacky props and cartoon backgrounds would serve as the only source for a family portrait, an engagement or some other important event.

Neketa Forde discovered photography in 2011, when she first joined Eiripan, a charity for encouraging schoolchildren in the Rupununi.

She considers her specialty to be event photography, as it allows her to make eternal memories of important occur-

rences. “I love documenting youth events through photographs; it’s a big part of my work for Youth Media Guyana,” Neketa said.

Her motivation for photography comes as a result of a lack of documentation in the area of youth-related activities.

“In Guyana, I am sad to acknowledge that most activities in relation to youth are often not highlighted, unless there is a big international or local donor behind the activity.

“And even then, the media doesn’t stick around to actually see what impact the event might have had on the attendees.

For this reason, I am determined to continue documenting as many of these events as I can through Youth Media

Guyana,” she said. As such, Neketa’s aim is not exactly to convey a particular message, but to instead focus on depicting emotions of the event at hand.

As regards her style, Neketa considers herself a traditionalist. “The most I do when it comes to “editing” my photos is reduce the exposure, and decrease the size of the photo; because I ALWAYS shoot in RAW,” she said.

Neketa is one of the few professional photographers in a field where men dominate, and though her work does not fall among the more popular niches, she is content, knowing that her work is produced for a specific and important purpose of helping to promote awareness of youth-related activities.

Neketa’s particulars are: EMAIL: neketaforde@gmail. com youthmediag @gmail.com

Today, young men and women are slowly changing the game by taking to the streets to capture moments in time, and sharing these treasured memories with a seemingly hungry public.

We’d promised that, over the weeks, we here at the Buzz will be introducing you to some of these intrepid youngsters who have been making a buzz all of their own locally in the field of photography.

We gave you two last time; today, we’d like to give you two more. Enjoy!

“It’s the same thing that motivated and inspired me to get started in the first place; that gut feeling you get, knowing you’ve just preserved a moment that’s gone in reality.”

This motivation of his has led to his starting his own business, Infinity Photography, which is branded with that same motivation #LiveOn. His passion for art, he says, only grew after he became a father in 2011. “I love seeing my son’s smile; so, taking a photo to save Azikiwe Denheart that love and joy in the moment was inevitable,” he Known to many as just many others, are rooted in thesaid.

“Ziggy”, this young pho- technical field, having worked tographer has made a as a videographer since 2008 at name for himself over the National Communications Azikiwe’s t h e l a s t t h r e e y e a r s Network (NCN). particulars are: shooting weddings and Ziggy says that his motiEMAIL: fashion photography for vation for photography stems azikiwed@gmail.com m a g a z i n e s a n d o t h e r from life itself. “It’s so beautiWEBSITE: wwpublications. ful being able to wake up, live, w.500px.com/azikiwe His beginnings, like love and preserve,” he said.

TEL: (592) 672 8992

‘Beauty is about being unique’

--Lisa France-Cummings, makeup artist LISA knew she loved makeup from an early age, having taken a special interest in her mom’s daily rituals of applying makeup before leaving their home.

As she got older, she was determined to make an art out of the use of makeup. Thanks to countless Youtube tutorials and many trials on her own face, she later developed the knack, and that led her to becoming the Makeup Artist she is today.

During beauty is about being unique her four years as a makeup artist, Lisa has come to specialse in makeup for weddings, photoshoots and stage performances, and has honed her skills by working at significant events such as Wedding Expo and the Inter-Guianas Cultural Festival.

“We are all beautifully

made by our Creator, and makeup enhances the natural beauty of a woman,” Lisa said, adding that when a woman is given the chance to accentuate her natural beauty, the attention she gains as a result helps to improve her confidence.

“Makeup is important, because it is our face that projects our deepest essence, and where people look when they want to know us or understand us,” she said.

But, she is aware that skeptics abound as regards their view that makeup, instead, represents falsehood and vanity, detracting rather than adding to a woman’s beauty.

“As a makeup artist, it is my belief that because everyone is uniquely beautiful, those who opt to use makeup are more satisfied with their

natural appearance, as against those who choose surgery to alter their appearance indefinitely, which can be considered falsehood or vanity,” she said.

To her, beauty is about being unique, and involves both inward and outward qualities. “Beauty is art; beauty is being able to feel comfortable in one’s own skin,” Lisa said.

In the next five years, Lisa hopes to have a more established business of her own in the form of a salon, where she can continue her makeup artistry and nail art.

“Many people know me for my makeup, but what they don’t know is that I also do nail designs, manicures and pedicures. So I see myself doing this full-time, even before five years’ time,” she said.

Until then, Lisa is content operating on a smaller scale, while offering classes to persons interested in learning to apply makeup, for both professional and personal use.

Meanwhile, if she could offer a simple tip to women looking to spruce up their daily makeup routine, it would be to wear mascara, since it accentuates the eyes in an almost natural fashion.

“As for skin care,” Lisa says, “always cleanse your face before you go to sleep, especially if you had on makeup. And by this, I don’t mean just washing your face with soap and water. Rather, use a product that will completely get rid of any residue and dirt, because this can clog your pores and lead to acne.”

Lisa can be contacted on Facebook as: Lisa’s Artwork Or on Instagram as: @ beatfacechrisy_doll

Lisa France-Cummings

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Inaugural women’s exposition for Pegasus tomorrow THE Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) in association with the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts, and the Ministry of Business will be hosting their first ever ‘Women in Expo’ exhibition at the Pegasus Hotel tomorrow.

The event, proposed to be an annual undertaking, will begin at 11:00hrs and conclude at 18:00 hrs.

According to a release from WASD, other partners in the venture are the Ministry of Social Protection; the Guyana Business Coalition; the Pegasus Hotel; NCN; Star Party Rentals; DnA Marketing; Ming’s Products and Services Limited; and Icon Media.

UNIQUE BLEND OF WOMEN Seeing that it is in keeping with the theme for International Women’s Day this year, WASD says the exhibitors are a unique blend of women between the ages 19 and 65 with a diverse array of products and services.

“These women,” WASD says, “are farmers, environmentalists, up-cy-

this Expo.”

According to the release, Dr Williams-Beckles is looking forward to establishing links, and continuing the dissemination of her specialised service to hair industry practitioners.

It was noted too that some of the Guyanese manufacturers have expressed an interest in attracting investment, and seeking distribution liaisons to expand their brand equity.

Members of the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development

clers and recycling crafters, event planners, artists, immigration consultants, barristers, fashion designers, wood crafters, body and hair care consultants, manufacturers, jewellery designers, fitness experts and much more, representing Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.”

It was also noted in the release that highlights of the exhibition will be a marketing workshop, which will be facilitated during

the morning session by Dr Eric Phillips, and another on book-keeping by Scotiabank. The closing session will feature a grand finale showing of Sonia Noel’s 50th anniversary collection.

“Throughout the day,” the release says, “there would be free make-overs, and lots of samples and giveaways.

“Great expectations are in store with the possibilities of new business prospects and investment

potential.

“Dr Germaine Williams-Beckles, leading Trinidadian trichologist and beauty science columnist, is thrilled to be part of

MOTIVATIONAL TALK Meanwhile, on Sunday, prominent Trinidadian social activist, Nicole Dyer-Griffith would be presenting her formidable and impactful motivational and empowerment experience, Oxygen with Nicole (O2N), at the ballroom of the Pegasus Hotel from 15:00 hrs.

This event, moderated by international creative director, Richard Young, kicks off the week com-

memorating International Women’s Day. “Ms Dyer-Griffith’s vision for women’s networking and liberating will come alive through her inspirational communication, further exemplified by other social influencers - Sonia Noel, Roshini Boodhoo, Meleesa Payne, Setra O’Selmo and Sabanto Tokoroho,” the release stated.

According to WASD, the events are timely now that Guyana is experiencing a turnaround in the way human beings confront socio-economic realities.

“Traditional values on sustainable development and economic independence have been reevaluated to make way for an unbiased, non-discriminatory, unprejudiced benchmark on role playing, in charting the best possible way forward for future generations. In this regard, our women have empowered themselves by redefining their roles and have sought to make distinctive marks on the totem pole of social development.”

Colincia Rodrigues...

More than meets the eye THE saying “Never judge a book by its cover” has been used for decades, if not centuries, and though clichéd, is the perfect way of describing Colincia Rodrigues.

At first blush, she looks quiet; reserved; shy. Standing no more than 5’ 5” and having a petite frame all help contribute to this first impression.

However, sit down with her and have a conversation, and let her warm up to you, and what you’ll find is that behind the dimples and shyness is a confident, ambitious and free-spirited young lady.

As part of the Guyana fashion and model world, it is no surprise that one of her aspirations is becoming a stylist as well as designer at both the local and international levels. Currently a student at Nations University Guyana, she is pursuing a degree in Marketing Management, something that should complement her ambitions to market herself as a stylist when she chooses to do so.

Just turned, she spends her time outside of the norm, and could be found

Colincia Rodrigues at home with her family or taking a casual stroll. If it is either with her closest friends nature-related, she’s up for it. being a complete entertainer, In her opinion, her most from telling jokes, perform- redeeming quality is her ing songs, to just simply ability to always see the being comical. good in people, even when This aspect of her life is she finds herself doubting it. also one that contrasts with She believes that every day, the shyness you would first waking up with a purpose to ascertain about her. The ease see life and live life without with which she manoeuvres merely existing is the key to conversation, flitting in an being successful. out between topics like a With her dedication to butterfly. her dreams and goals, as well Colincia also spends a as her ability to surprise and lot of her free time in the take people off-guard, the outdoors, either hiking or world is her oyster.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Panorama 2016...

A night of energy, hype and stiff competition

By Daniel Haynes SUNDAY, February 28, 2016 has come and gone, and, as anticipated, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall was bursting at its seams.

It was the biggest night in steel pan in Guyana, and the annual Mashramani Steel Band Competition, known by one word, Panorama, did not disappoint, as always.

Never mind this year’s event was not as big as last year’s, it by no means lacked

the customary energy, hype and competition.

There were a total of 11 bands on the big night: Four small-school bands; four big-school bands and three large-school bands.

You take some of the biggest names in school steel pan, like upstart Buxton Pride who won two years in a row, and veteran North Ruimveldt Multilateral; the biggest names in large bands like Department of Culture Youth and Sport and Panwave Parkside, and what you have is a show.

TAKING BACK THE CROWN On the night, the competition was most stiff between Buxton and North Ruimveldt Multilateral School (better known as ‘Multi’), who have been doing battle since Buxton burst onto the scene in 2014.

The two other schools in the ‘big-school’ category, namely Bishops’ and St. Roses, were mere bystanders; and like the patrons who were in attendance, were treated to what steel pan

should sound like.

‘Multi’ went before Buxton, and their synchronicity was on point; and for a school that has had a rich history in steel pan, dating back to 1978, showed their class with a medley of ‘Oh Beautiful Guyana’.

However, it was not a simple knockout, as Buxton came out swinging, taking up the challenge set by ‘Multi’.

Buxton’s conductor, Ray Sparman was the first to acknowledge that it was a close call indeed, after both bands had finished performing.

In the end, the judges favoured North Ruimveldt’s rendition and awarded them first place, a decision that sent fans into an uproar, and even saw some pannists of the school shedding a few tears.

Also taking back their crown that night was Panwave Parkside, who took first in a decision that was a close call between them and the Department of Culture Youth and Sport.

However, The Guyana Po-

lice Force was not going to let either of the two run away with the show, and one policeman embodied the spirit of performance by jumping up on his six-bass drum and gyrating his waist whilst still playing his bass in tune with the melodies.

The Department of Culture Youth and Sport proved their prowess with a performance that looked like it came straight out of the movie, Drumline, with pannists jumping up and singing along to what they were playing.

Ultimately, it was Parkside, whose band comprised mostly of schoolchildren who have been battling with exams and the everyday struggles of lessons.

Director of the band, Cary Gillis who is also a player, attributed the win to the coming together of the band members and the determination to not be second best any longer, since them just like Multi came in second last year.

FINAL VERDICT The results from the night

included the small school band seeing St. Roses take third, Lodge Secondary second, and Dolphin’s Secondary first.

In the ‘big-school band’ category, third place went to Bishops’ High, second to Buxton Pride, and first to arch rival, North Ruimveldt Secondary.

Finally, to round off the night, the Guyana Police Force came third, Deparment of Culture Youth and Sport second, and Parkside first.

With performances like the ones seen on Panorama night, it’s no surprise that steel pan is back in Guyana in full swing.

What does come as a surprise, however, is the amount of youth who are throwing themselves wholeheartedly into the instrument.

Names like Hanani Ben Lewi, Reon Miller and Jovanka Williams, all from Parkside, are embracing what steel pan pioneers in Guyana were trying to achieve all along.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Diamond Well station restored - $12M spent on rehabilitation

T

HE GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) says that customers of Diamond and Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, began receiving normal water service on Wednesday evening following the completion of rehabilitation works on the Diamond Well Station.

A release from the GWI quoted the Water Resources Manager Orin Browne as saying, “The final stage of the rehabilitation involved testing the well to ensure that it is capable of normal production levels. We are pleased to report that this exercise was successful and we were able to return the well to the Diamond water distribution network on Wednesday afternoon. Customers of Diamond and Kaneville are now receiving water at adequate levels of service.”

According to the release, Browne further explained that GWI would continue to monitor the well station with a camera inspection scheduled for early next week.

“It is important that we continue to consistently monitor the well station to avoid a recurrence. Our priority countrywide is to ensure that customers are receiving a continuous service.”

Further, Divisional Manager, East Bank Demerara, Orion Dhanraj, explained that the GWI would be conducting a “flushing” exercise to remove any sediment within the distribution system that serves the communities of Diamond and Kaneville.

“Because there was not a continuous flow of water during the rehabilitation of the well station, it is vital that we “flush” the mains to remove any foreign particles. This exercise is necessary to maintain water-quality standards,” Dhanraj was quoted in the release as saying.

The rehabilitation of the Diamond Well Station was supervised by GWI and executed by contractor Nabi Construction Inc. at a cost in excess of G$12 million.

“GWI wishes to apologise and express gratitude for the patience of all customers of Diamond and Kaneville who were without service during the period of disruption.

The company also wishes to express sincere gratitude to the management and employees of the Civil Defence Commission for their assistance with water distribution within the affected communities,” the release stated.

Employees of Nabi Construction Inc during final works on the Diamond Well Station

More than 36 Leap Year babies

By Jasmaine Payne

GUYANA saw an addition of at least 36 Leap Year Day babies on February 29. That means that these babies– according to the Modern Gregorian calendar- will technically only celebrate their actual birth date every four years, although the mothers of most of the babies have opted to do so annually on either February 28 or March 1 and grand bash every four years.

According to information received from public hospitals around the country, 13 babies were born at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, three in Region 10 (Linden, Kwakwani and Upper Demerara), one in Skeldon, four in New Amsterdam, 11 in West Demerara, one in Lethem and three in Essequibo.

When 18 year old Tamara Tucker heard that she would be giving birth to her daughter on February 29, rather than think about the birthday situation, she felt that regardless, it was a blessing. “I’ll just celebrate her birthday on March 1 for the other years. I didn’t have any particular reaction to her being born on the Leap Year,” she said. For Tanesha Bernard however, the young mother admitted to at first being puzzled as to how she would celebrate her child’s birthday. “I was really wondering what would happen, and there wasn’t anybody who would tell me what would happen next year when February 29 didn’t come,” she said. Meanwhile, Anjalieene Ketwaroo chose to have her newborn son share his birthday celebrations with family members who all had “regular” birthdays in February. “I haven’t made any plans, I’ll deal with that when next year comes around,” Ketwaroo said.

For those whose birth dates actually circle every 365 days, there is always the question of how Leap Year Day Babies (known as “Leaplings” or “Leapers”) celebrate their birthdays and whether there is any truth behind the myths surrounding Leap Years.

Tamara Tucker and her daughter Talia Local folk legends have it that a Leap Year is not one with the best of luck; some believe that Leap Years are actually ill-fated, often making a busy season for death to run rampant, stealing great minds away from the living. Yet, ill-fated or not, actual Leapers feel no such bit of bad luck, except for the tiny fact that, for three years in a row, they have to borrow birthdays from either February 28 or March 1 until their beloved February 29 comes back around. Throughout the span of their

lives, it is said that Leapers keep track of two sets of ages: their annual age (how old they really turn after every 365 days) and their quadrennial age (how old they turn according to ‘actual birth date’).

“When I was growing up, sometimes I would feel special that I was born on a Leap Year, other times I would feel sad that I didn’t have an actual birthday when I saw other children having big parties on the actual date of their birth,” says Ingrid Perreira, a 48 year old who technically has only had 12 actual birthdays in her life. The years that she didn’t have a “birth date”, she said her parents tried very hard to make her feel special on one of the two “borrowed days”. On the years that she did, they would go over the top to make up for the years missed. “But those things not important to me these days, I’m just glad to be alive,” she said.

Apart from Leap Years being tagged as ‘unlucky’, there are other myths surrounding the 366 day year and those born in it. In other parts of the world, some believe that Leapers are actually lucky and possess unusual talents. Others say women should propose to men in a Leap Year as they are unlikely (or unable) to refuse. Others believe that people should never get married or divorced during a Leap Year, lest never ending woe follows them the remaining days of their lives. Of course, as the world moves more toward modernity, many are gravitating towards debunking these myths.

So how does a Leap Year work? Well, while the Gregorian calendar says that the Earth’s orbit around the sun takes 365 days, it actually takes 365 days plus 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45 seconds. That means that every year, there is an extra quarter of a day. After four years, there is an extra day, which is added to the year so as to keep keeping our clocks (and calendars) in sync with the Earth and its seasons. The chances of having a leap birthday are one in every 1,461 births worldwide. To date, it is said that there are approximately 4.1 million people around the world who have been born on February 29.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

GTTA National Junior and Cadet Championship serves off today THE BEST of Guyana’s young table tennis talent will be on show this afternoon when the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) serves off the National Junior and Cadet championship at the National Gymnasium.

The Novices (boys and girls) category will start the action at 16:00hrs and would be followed by competition

in the Under-13 division.

Beginning at 09:00hrs tomorrow, the Under-11, Under-15 and Under-18 Boys and Girls would be contested.

The Under-13 Boys category is expected to be loaded with action as it is stacked with talented players, the likes of Nyron Bissu, Isaiah Layne and Kaysan Ninvalle.

C o l i n Wo n g a n d

Dhanesh Persaud are the top-seeded Boys Under-9 players while Ninvalle is expected to be confronted

by Kristian Shahadeo and Wong in the battle for honours in the Boys Under-11.

Nevaeh Clarkson and Abigail Martin are expected to provide keen competition for each other in the Girls Under-13 category.

The championship will

KAYSAN NINVALLE

conclude on Sunday and is critical to achieving the following: crowning and naming of national champions in the respective categories into the annals of history of the sport.

In addition, the holding of the upcoming competition will foster the establishment of ranking system which would guide the national selection process.

It will also establish a benchmark to which players must aspire and improve the competitiveness of the sport domestically and allow for the promotion and marketing of players.

JEREMY SINGH

DCB/RSI Brokers Over-40 20/20 Competition ...

Mavericks, Lions lead points standings going into second round WEST Demerara Mavericks and Lower East Bank Lions are leading the points standings going into the second round of the DCB/RSI Brokers Over40 20/20 competition which goes down today at venues across the County of Demerara.

Mavericks and Lions secured seven points each in round one. Mav-

ericks got four points for their victory, two bonus points for winning by seven wickets and one bonus point for reaching the target in less than 12 overs. Lions got four for winning, one bonus for winning by more than 50 runs and two bonuses for scoring over 175.

Georgetown Bears and Upper East Coast Tigers are second on the points table on six points each.

Bears were awarded four points for their victory and two bonus points for scoring over 175 while Tigers got four points for their victory and two bonuses for winning by eight

wickets.

West Coast Demerara Seals were the only losing team to win a bonus point (for scoring more than 150 runs).

In today’s action, Upper East Bank Colts will clash with Georgetown Buffaloes at Everest ground, Upper East Coast Tigers will meet West Coast Demerara Seals at Wales ground, Georgetown Bears will take on Lower East Coast Bulls at Lusignan ground, and Lower East Bank Lions will square off with West Demerara Mavericks at DCC ground.

NOTABLE DATES LENNOX Allen was an undefeated 20-year-old super middleweight when he clashed with Ade Alfons of Indonesia on March 4, 2006. The eight-round bout was staged at the Karang Melenu Sports Hall and the southpaw Allen was adjudged winner by unanimous decision.

Allen started his professional career in 2004 and had his first three fights in Guyana. The next two were held in Australia after he accepted an offer from fellow Guyanese Gairy St Clair to compete there. The win over Alfons improved Allen’s record to 6-0.

He secured the vacant World Boxing Council, Caribbean Boxing Federation (CABOFE) title in 2011 following a unanimous 12-round decision over Kwesi Jones at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Earlier, he captured the vacant New York State super middleweight title following a seventh-round technical knockout (TKO) over Nick Brinson in November 2010.

The heavy-handed Guyanese has moved up to the light heavyweight division and was set to make a return to the ring last month, but the fight was postponed. The six-foot one-inch Allen is undefeated in 21 fights (13 KOs).

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe dies TRIBUTES flowed yesterday for former New Zealand cricket captain Martin Crowe, who died after a long battle with cancer. He was 53.

Widely considered New Zealand’s finest batsman, Crowe was initially diagnosed with follicular lymphoma in 2012 before the disease went into remission.

In September 2014, however, Crowe said a more aggressive form, double-hit lymphoma, had developed and he had been told only five percent survive more than 12 months.

New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive David White paid tribute to Crowe’s contribution to the game.

“It’s incredibly sad and hard to believe he has been taken from us so early,” White told Radio New Zealand. “Our hearts go out to his family and close friends.

“Over the next few days and weeks we will celebrate his life and outstanding contribution to New Zealand and world cricket.”

Crowe’s funeral will be held in Auckland on March 11.

The Dean of Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, Jo Kelly-Moore, said: “Martin’s life is being remembered today across the nation and the world as a husband, father, brother and cousin, batsman, hero, friend and sporting champion.

“The funeral will be a time for those private and public memories to join together.”

After making his first class debut as a teenager, Crowe played the first of his 77 Tests against Australia in 1982. He went on to score 5 444 runs at an average of 45.36 with 17 centuries, still a record for the country.

He had a top-score of 299, falling a single short of becoming the first New Zea-

lander to score a Test triple-century, against Sri Lanka in 1991.

That mark stood until Brendon McCullum

Former New Zealand cricketer Martin Crowe accepts a cap as induction into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame, at the Cricket World Cup match between Australia and New Zealand in Auckland, in this file picture taken February 28, 2015. scored 302 against India in 2014.

The elegant right-hander also scored 4 704 runs at an average of 38.55 in one-day internationals.

His death was keenly felt in cricketing circles, with an outpouring of tributes flowing

UDFA Division-1 League

Topp XX inch closer to title

SILVER Shattas had their dreams of becoming champions of the UDFA Division-1 League shattered by Net Rockers, losing 2-1 to the Wisroc-based club on Wednesday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club.

With Silver Shattas losing, Topp XX will move closer to securing the trophy since Federal Winners Connection have an outside chance with 13 points, having two losses.

The Shattas went into this game with a chance of grabbing the coveted Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) crown as they were on 12 points and a win would have brought them within a point of leaders Topp XX, who

are on 16 points.

But, as it is now, Topp XX, with only one loss so far, are in a very strong position having two more matches left, one being against lowly-rated Blueberry Hill tonight.

The Federal Winners Connection are now in

the second position with 13 points but they have a mathematical chance of beating Topp XX only if the Collie Hercules side suffer another loss.

In the other matchup tonight, Eagles United will tackle Amelia’s Ward Panthers.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday March 04, 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) Marius Fernandes (2) Rohan Kanhai

Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many Test matches the WI have played to date?

(2) How many ODIs the WI have contested to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

on social media.

“Very sad to hear of the passing of Martin Crowe this morning - an inspiration to me and so many others. One of our true greats,” former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming wrote on Twitter.

Cricket Wellington, one of the three first class teams Crowe played for in New Zealand, described him as “a genius, true legend of the game”, while former Indian leg-spinner Anil Kumble called him a cricketing icon.

New Zealand Cricket issued a short

statement acknowledging Crowe’s death on their website yesterday and a spokesman said they were honouring his family’s wishes for privacy.

Crowe had been scathing of NZC’s administration in the latter stages of his life, particularly in the way Ross Taylor, whom Crowe mentored, was sacked from the captaincy in late 2012.

Local media reported at the time Crowe had even burned his New Zealand blazer because of the decision.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

Dominant Slingerz FC face GFC tonight, Fruta Conquerors and GDF to battle THE STAG Elite League Finale will continue tonight at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with another double-header, starting at 18:00hrs.

League Genesis winners Slingerz FC will face GFC in game two and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will do battle with Fruta Conquerors in the opening fixture.

Already showing signs of their intention to take the season’s second half title, Slingerz FC will be clear favourites in tonight’s clash with GFC, especially after dismantling rivals GDF in their previous match.

Points standings Club Alpha United Slingerz FC F/Conquerors Pele FC GDF FC GFC Buxton United Monedderlust

GP 3 2 2 3 2 2 3 3

W 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0

Slingerz FC remain undefeated in two matches so far and are on six points - one behind league leaders Alpha United, who notched seven points from their three games.

For GFC who managed a draw and a loss, tonight’s game will see them hunt their first win.

Sitting third in the standings with four points (win and a draw), Fruta Conquerors will face a GDF team who are out to prove that their humiliating 7-1 defeat to Slingerz FC could not be repeated. (Rawle Toney)

L 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 2

D 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1

NSC extends Sports award deadline

By Stephan Sookram THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has extended the date of submissions for nominations for the 2016 National Sports Awards, according to Sport Director Christopher Jones.

The annual awards, handed out to the best athletes, sports teams, officials and journalists will this year coincide with the 50th Anniversary celebrations in the month of May. However, Jones has lamented the fact that some sports associations have failed to submit their nominations but has offered a second chance to those ‘delinquent’ associations.

“The deadline for the submission of nominations for sport awards was February 29. On to this morning (Thursday) we received a nomination. A lot of the associations are in fact in default. They have not made their submissions,” said Jones.

“To-date we have 11 submissions that were made,” Jones pointed out, adding, “We have extended the deadline for some of the associations that have not made their submissions, by another fortnight. Once we pass that deadline, we will begin the process of identifying those persons who will actually be awarded.”

Meanwhile the venue seems likely to remain the National Cultural Centre and according to Jones, the facility will be filled to capacity.

Plans are also progressing nicely for the introduction of the new format of a ‘Grammy-style’ ceremony on the night of the event.

The day of the awards is essentially when the athletes will know whether or not he or she was successful. They would not get any pre-empted information, Jones had told Chronicle Sport late last year.

GF 8 8 3 2 2 1 1 1

GA 2 1 2 2 7 3 3 6

GD +6 +7 +1 - -5 -2 -2 -5

Pts 7 6 4 4 3 1 1 1

SLINGERZ FC

G/town-Mahaicony Combined are NSSCL champions Yadram, Persaud main architects in 78-run win

By Rajiv Bisnauth

BHASKAR Yadram hit a composed hundred first up before off-spinner Joshua Persaud snatched a five-wicket haul to help Georgetown-Mahaicony Combined whip Essequibo Combined by 78 runs when the final of the National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL) Combine Elite League was played yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

Essequibo Combined paid the price for some mediocre bowling and shoddy batting as they were outplayed in all departments of the game.

The visitors’ bowlers gave away too many runs in the first half of the Georgetown-Mahaicony Combined innings to allow the host to pile up a big total of 257-8.

Yadram, one of the country’s brightest talents, crafted a classy 106, and constructed an opening stand of 155 with Sachin Singh, who contributed only 48.

The duo’s partnership ensured that the decision by Orlando Jailall, the Essequ-

ibo Combined captain who opted to field first, quickly backfired.

Both batsmen rotated the strike efficiently. However,

hundred from 102 balls, he too was dismissed by Fortune at 162-2.

The left-hander’s innings spanned 106 balls, studded

Bhaskar Yadram collects the Man-of-the-Match trophy from Digicel’s Public Relations Manager Vidya Bijlall-Sanichara.

Yadram was unstoppable and kept pilling on the runs at will with some beautiful stroke play.

Yadram lost his opening partner to Joel Fortune, and after registering his

with ten fours and a six. Towards the fag end of the innings, Essequibo Combined got their act right with wickets falling at regular intervals.

Georgetown/Mahaicony Combined then lost Josh-

ua Persaud (48), Alphius Bookie (2), Kurt Lovell (17), Christopher Campbell (9), Ashmead Nedd (6) and Mark Baptiste (2).

Fortune was the best bowler on show with 2-36.

Bisham Moses also had 2-44, while Joshua Jones, Bomesh Ramdaaim and Shemar Dusrat claimed a wicket apiece.

In the run chase most of the Essequibo Combined batsmen were out on poor shot selections and they could not stitch any substantial partnership in the face of some tight bowling by the host bowlers, the highest being the 50 for the fourth wicket between Rayon Venture and Randy Rooplall.

Venture made a scratchy 48, while Joshua Jones (37) and Rooplall (23) were the other two batsmen to offer any sort of resistance.

They eventually folded for 179 off the last ball of their innings. Persaud, who made life difficult for the batsmen finished with figures of 5-20. Colin Barlow supported Persaud with 2-14.

Yadram was named Man-of-the-Match.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday March 4, 2016

JUMP BALL!

The Road to Mecca III tips off tonight

By Rawle Toney

AFTER going down 7586 to defending champions Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters, last year, Colts will begin their quest for redemption when they come up against Block 22 Flames in the opening game of tonight’s double-header from 19:00hrs, as the GABF National Championship gets on the way.

Dubbed ‘The Road to Mecca’, the Championship is the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) third installation of the marquee event which determines the country’s number one club.

Game two, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, will be an all-Linden encounter with the Mining Town’s number

one club Half Mile Bulls, squaring off with the Amelia’s Ward Jets at 21:00hrs.

“We’re ready,” said Colts president and vice-president of the GABF, Michael Singh, who told Chronicle Sport yesterday that his players are fully prepared for the champions in the ‘win or go home’ format.

National junior standout Stanton Rose, according to Singh, is the club’s lone addition to their roster for the championship.

Singh said that Rose, who hails from the Berbice River community of Kwakwani, is a valuable addition to the team’s already solid backcourt that features national guards Dave Causway, Shelroy Thomas and Kurt English.

“I know they’re a small team, but we wouldn’t be

… Colts on the road to redemption

TERRON WELCH taking them for granted because anything could happen.

We have a healthy team, no injuries, so now we’re just focusing on taking one game

GFA STAG Premier League

Wins for Police and Northern Rangers

By Rawle Toney

nine points with Western Tigers, but are still second on the table since the West Ruimveldt-based team hold a superior goal difference and have played one game less.

Meanwhile, former national player Omalli Nassy rolled back the years when he netted a double in Northern Rangers’ 3-2 win over Beacons.

Beacons took a 2-0 lead through Chris Galloway (9th minute) and Desmond Cottam (52nd minute) while Nassy scored his first in the 60th minute and equalised five minutes later.

Sunil Logan’s goal in the 72nd minute proved to be the game-winner for Northern Rangers, who secured their first three points of the eight-team league. Beacons remain at the bottom of a cellar; winless after four matches and conceded the most goals so far – 13.

NORTHERN Rangers Football Club picked up their first win of the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) STAG Premier League with a 3-2 victory over Beacons FC, while the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club defeated Flamingo 1-0 to move second on the points standings behind Western Tigers.

The Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground was the battlefield for Wednesday evening’s double-header where the lawmen ensured that Flamingo picked up their third loss of the League.

As the two battled throughout the night, creating their fair share of chances, it was the Police who took the three points with a Quincy Holder strike in the 86th minute.

The win places the policemen level on

Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts Western Tigers 3 3 0 0 9 2 +7 9 Police 4 3 1 0 6 1 +5 9 Santos FC

3

3

0

0

4

1

+3

9

Riddim Squad 3 1 1 1 1 1 0 4 Camptown

3

1

2

0

3

6

-3

3

Flamingo

4

1

3

0

4

7

-3

3

Northern Rangers

4

1

2

1

5

7

-2

4

Beacons

4

0

4

0

5

13

-8

0

at a time,” Singh noted.

Matching up the two teams, Colts, based on their size and speed, will be heavily favoured to advance to the quarter-finals next week.

Apart from their outstanding backcourt, the Colts will rely on their ‘garbage player’ Nikko Fraser, centre Shane Webster and ‘big man’ Kurt ‘Gypsy’ Elias, in the frontcourt.

The Bulls/Jets matchup should be entertaining, given the fact both clubs have similar playing styles.

However, Bulls, with the sharpshooting Terron Welch who over the last year has built a reputation of being local basketball’s ‘Steph Curry’, will be the deciding factor.

The Jets will rely on their all-round team effort while Bulls will feed from Welch’s ability to either get himself open for the shot or, create his own play where he is just as effective.

Meanwhile, three matches will be played on Saturday, March 5, with Plaisance Guardians coming up against Republic Bank Nets from 17:00hrs, followed by a clash between New Amsterdam Warriors (Berbice) and Linden’s Retrieve Raiders at 19:00hrs.

Saturday’s final game brings together the University of Guyana (UG) Trojans and Pepsi Sonics.

Defending champions Trinity Grid Holding (TGH) Pacesetters’ quest to secure a

title will see them face Eagles on Sunday, March 6 from 19:00hrs.

Victory Valley Royals play the Rockets at 17:00hrs, while Ravens, winners of the inaugural edition, come up against the Amelia’s Ward Falcons in the final game of the day’s triple-header at 21:00hrs.

The tournament’s quarter-finals will be played on March 11, semi-finals of March 13, and final on Saturday March 19.

Apart from the handsome first place prize, the team finishing second will go home with $250 000, while third- and fourthplace finishers will receive $150 000 and $100 000 respectively.

COURTS, Banks DIH support E-Networks Cross-Fit games

By Stephan Sookram COURTS Guyana and Banks DIH Limited yesterday showed their support for the second edition of the E-Networks Cross-fit Challenge.

The furniture and electronic store handed over a cheque valued at $300 000 while Banks DIH, behind their Aqua Mist Water, Vitamalt Plus and Powerade brands presented the organisers with an

also having some demonstrations with our GoFit line of equipment that we carry,” continued Cummings.

The event, which is in its second year, will comprise several different exercises to test the athlete’s level of fitness and endurance.

Meanwhile a total of 36 persons have signed up for the games which will feature nine teams each comprising one female and three male participants.

Shimron Hetmyer West Indies Under-19 captain and Aqua Mist Brand Ambassador hands over sponsorship to Guyana Fitness Games Jamie McDonald (third from left) last evening while other sponsors and organisers look on (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo) undisclosed sum for the event which gets on the way on March 17 at the National Park.

During a brief ceremony, the COURTS, through Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings and Public Relations and Promotions Officer Roberta Ferguson reminded the gathering of the company’s commitment to the event.

According to Cummings, the games are “in keeping with the company’s commitment in the area of healthy living and fitness and COURTS is proud to announce that the company will once again be on board with the Cross-Fit Fitness Challenge.”

“COURTS will be involved a little more than last year where we will be blending protein shakes and other shakes using our bullets and

The CEO of Fitness Express and coordinator of the event, Jamie McDonald, at the launch on Wednesday revealed that the athletes will have to perform several exercises during the gruelling event.

These include Olympic snatches, a combination of running and deadlifts and a mixture of Cross-Fit movements like jumping over walls and pushing sleds.

Other sponsors include DeSinco Trading, Axe Apparel, Fitness Express, Healing Water, WindJammer Hotel, Wings Investment, The Trophy Stall, Genesis Fitness Express, Wings Transportation Services and Baganara Island Resort.

Tickets are on sale at Fitness Express, Genesis Fitness Express and local gyms.

GTTA National Junior and Cadet Championship serves off today See story on page 28

The Road to Mecca III tips off tonight See story on page 31

COURTS, Banks DIH support E-Networks Cross-Fit games See story on page 31

‌ Colts on the road to redemption

From L-R, COURTS Public Relations and Promotions Officer Roberta Ferguson watches as Cross-Fit Challenge coordinator Jordana Ramsay collects the cheque from Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings in the presence of Instructor and Co-ordinator Noshavyah King

Colts Basketball Club

Wins for Police and Northern See story Rangers on page 31

G/town-Mahaicony Combined are NSSCL champions

Part of the action between Police and Flamingo at the GFC ground Wednesday evening in the GFA STAG Premier League. (Samuel Maughn photo)

The winning Georgetown-Mahaicony Combined team pose with GCB officials and representatives of the sponsors (Adrian Narine Photo).

GFA STAG Premier League

See story on page 30

Yadram, Persaud main architects in 78-run win

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

FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016