Chronicle 11 2 2015

GUYANA

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

GuySuCo warns against strike No. 104360

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The delegates of the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant 2015 were formally introduced at the official launch of the pageant last evening at the Princess Hotel and Casino Guyana International, Providence, East Bank Demerara (Samuel Maughn photo)

Missing Parika taxi driver found dead P. 3

Shurland Dalloo

President declares November 1 Defence Day

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President David Granger

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

President declares November 1 Defence Day – as Defence Force observes 50th anniversary

By Leroy Smith C O M M A N D ER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces of Guyana, President David Granger on Sunday announced that Guyana will from now on celebrate November 1 as “Defence Day”.

The President made the announcement during his address to senior officers and members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) at the Force’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The occasion was marked with a church service held at the National Cultural Centre, Georgetown, Guyana.

Mr Granger said the declaration signifies the appreciation Guyanese have for the members of the GDF. “I give notice that as a token of the gratitude of the nation to our military men and women, I intend to declare that today 1st November and that this day every year hereafter shall be observed throughout the nation as Defence Force Day,” the President said to a resounding applause from the gathering.

and veterans for 50 years of service,” the President said.

ETERNALLY GRATEFUL Mr Granger, a historian, also reminded that the GDF came into being on November 1, 1965, a few months before Guyana gained Independence from British Guiana.

He said the entire nation is eternally grateful to the men

dressed in black tuxedo adorned with his military badges, impressed upon the serving officers of their duty under the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

To this end, he urged them “to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity and guarantee the normal functioning of in-

with the Defence Force Act. DOCTRINE OF PEACE Despite the current controversy with Venezuela, the Head of State reminded the gathering that Guyana’s national defence doctrine is one of peace.

On that score, he called on all to support the GDF, saying that the Army will never let them down.

“We are confident that

President David Granger addressing the gathering at the National Cultural Centre (Cullen Best Nelson photo)

The church service was also attended by former senior officers of the GDF, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of the Government and other special invitees.

President David Granger told the well-attended gathering that he was honoured to be the Commander-in-Chief at the time when the GDF is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

“The 50th anniversary of the Defence Force finds our future along the road of con-

Soldiers at the church service held at the National Cultural Centre (Cullen Best Nelson photo)

solidating our defence. We are forming our democracy, protecting our territory and making Guyana a safer place for all of us. We owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers

and women who continue to serve with commitment, constancy and courage in the GDF. The former Brigadier and now Commander-in-Chief,

A section of the gathering at the GDF 50th anniversary which was observed with a Church Service at the National Cultural Centre yesterday (Cullen Best Nelson photo)

stitutions and security of citizens against any harm or aggression”.

The GDF for the past 50 years has admirably fulfilled its constitutional obligation to the nation.

The Army continues to be vigilant over Guyana’s land and sea borders as it discharges its mandate to protect Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

During the church service, the President also spoke about the GDF Air Corps which has undertaken missions of mercy, relief and surveillance. The infantry, he added has dutiful and diligently supported the civil power in maintaining order.

The Engineer Corps, Mr Granger said, is now being restructured to participate fully in hinterland infrastructural development while the Coast Guard has patrolled the territorial waters.

In addition, the Special Force Unit has launched numerous search and rescue missions in the hinterland.

And last but not least, the Reserve Force and the Guyana Peoples’ Militia have supported and reinforced the regular Force in its training and operations in accordance

the GDF in the future as in the past, will always honour and uphold the Constitution and we are encouraged by the extraordinary example and eternal vigilance, evidenced by the Force,” President David Granger said.

He added: “The 50th Anniversary of the Defence Force finds our future along the road of consolidating our defence; we are forming our democracy, protecting our territory and making Guyana a safer place for all of us. We owe a debt of gratitude to our soldiers and veterans for 50 years of service,” President David Granger noted.

The Commander-in-Chief ended his presentation by praising the men and women of the GDF for their selfless sacrifice in serving Guyana.

Chief of Staff Mark Phillips also made brief remarks on the momentous occasion. The GDF anniversary was celebrated under the theme “Commemorating the past, Celebrating the present, Carving the future”.

Randolph Reynolds, Archdeacon of St Bridget’s and Parish Priest of the St Sidwell’s Anglican Church conducted the service. The service featured the singing of hymns and readings from the scripture.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

GuySuCo warns of grim Christmas for sugar workers – if protest continues THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has warned the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) that if protest action continues, it could spell a grim Christmas for sugar workers and their families.

According to the corporation, workers have lost millions in basic wages and incentives as a consequence of the recent three-day strike called by GAWU. Previously, the corporation had given as its reason for not yet going to the bargaining table that government, GuySuCo’s shareholder, had not yet considered the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the state and future of the sugar industry.

The sugar company noted

that on Friday, October 30, 2015, the Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, Mr. Errol Hanoman expressed the Corporation’s disappointment at the recent strike action. He informed the union that it was never the Corporation’s intention not to commence negotiations of its 2015 wage proposals. He reiterated that the Corporation was awaiting advice on the way forward for the industry after government considered the report and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

He informed the union that having received a record high bailout from the government, a road map for the future of the industry was crucial and the CoI was expected to recommend a

GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer Errol Hanoman

GAWU’s President Komal Chand

basis for such a plan. He indicated that government is supportive of the sugar industry and its people and is keen to consider any plan that would ensure its survival and sustainability. He felt the union and workers have

a critical role to play in the question of survival and sustainability.

The CEO emphasised that there will be negotiations but we have a “chicken and egg” situation. Wage negotiation before the road map

or the road map before negotiation? He informed the union that both will happen.

Tremendous goodwill was built up over the past few weeks as the industry surpassed its production targets. Errol Hanoman cautioned the union and its delegates against the loss of this goodwill which would accompany protest action at this time.

He appealed to the union, the representatives and the workers to get on with the task of taking off the crop and completing the tillage and planting programmes.

He exhorted them to set the scene for a successful end of 2015 and a successful 2016.

“Let us not be hasty.

There will be negotiations, just not today,” he said, as

he called on all to focus their energies on a good outcome in the evolving road map for the industry.

He advised that negotiations would commence as soon as GuySuCo is in a position to do so. GAWU wants a nine per cent increase in wages and salaries.

The union said it would be meeting on November 7 to discuss this latest development. GAWU’s President Komal Chand has already said he would not rule out another strike.

GuySuCo’s annual wage and salary bill is more than 60 per cent of already declining revenues coupled with low production and high production costs and low world market prices for the sweetener.

Missing Parika taxi driver found dead

By Clifford Stanley THE body of the missing taxi driver from Parika, Region 3 (West Demerara/ Essequibo) was found in a canal aback of Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice early yesterday morning.

A group of West Coast Berbice men going into the backdam to hunt iguanas came upon the badly decomposed body of Shurland Dalloo, 33, of 55 Parika around 07:30 hrs.

The body was discovered tucked under aquatic weeds and may have been there for a number of days since the area is off the main road from Onverwagt to the Abary River and is relatively isolated.

The forehead of the dead man had been bashed in making facial recognition impossible. The extent of the damage suggested that he had been bludgeoned to death.

Yesterday relatives of the dead man travelled from Parika to West Coast Berbice and positively identified him by means of the clothing he had been wearing when he left home at 07:30 hrs in his taxi to ply the Parika to Georgetown route on Monday, October 26 last.

Found dead: Taxi driver Shurland Dalloo

Relatives said that the discovery had ended an almost countrywide search for the 33-year-old man after he failed to return home from operating his taxi that day.

“We searched in Linden, in the Rupununi, in Mahdia along the East Bank Highway, West Demerara, all over. Many of his taxi driving colleagues were involved,” his uncle-in-law said.

Others who declined to be named said that although the news of the discovery was horrifying, at least they felt some closure in the discovery of his remains.

They expressed hopes that the police would soon arrest the perpetrators of the brutal act.

Dalloo went missing on

October 26th last.

He left his home at 07:30 in his hire car, a silver grey Carina, registration number HB 8739, and failed to answer phone calls on his cell phone around 12:30 hrs.

According to reports a mini-bus driver who is a friend of the dead man saw him inside his vehicle parked on the Flour Mill Road at Eccles, East Bank Demerara with two men inside around the same time.

The man said that Dalloo hailed him and put on the hazard lights of his vehicle.

He returned the call but

did not stop since he was transporting passengers and he felt that Dalloo was merely hailing him as he usually did.

Reports said that the driver subsequently realised to his chagrin, that Dalloo was probably being held hostage at the time and trying to attract his attention so that he could assist him in getting out of the situation.

Dalloo has left to mourn his parents, one brother and his wife.

The body of the dead taxi driver was taken to the mortuary at Fort Wellington where a post-mortem is expected to be performed

today.

The vehicle driven by Dalloo at the time of his disappearance has not yet

been recovered.

The police said that investigations are continuing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 2, 2015

IS captures town in Central Syria ISLAMIC State (IS) fighters have reportedly captured the Syrian town of Maheen, in central Homs Province, from government forces.

They launched the offensive with two suicide car blasts late on Saturday, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.

Clashes were also taking place in nearby Sadad, a mostly-Christian town.

The latest development comes amid air campaigns in Syria by Russia and a U.S-led coalition.

IS has been expanding from its mainly northern and eastern strongholds towards Homs in central Syria in recent months. The group overran the town of Tadmur - home to the ancient ruins of Palmyra - in May, and later took al-Qaryatain town in August.

tween government troops and IS are said to be continuing on the outskirts of Sadad. The town is home to Syria’s Assyrian Christian minority, where the ancient language of Aramaic is still spoken.

It comes amid continued Russian air strikes in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, which Russian officials say are targeting IS and other “terrorist groups”.

However, activists on the ground say the strikes have been hitting moderate rebels and civilians in western areas, where IS have little or no presence.

They said more than 60 people were killed

by Syrian army raids and Russian strikes in the northern province of Aleppo on Saturday.

(BBC News)

Islamic State overran the archaeological site at Palmyra earlier this year

The latest offensive on Maheen and Sadad brings IS to within 20km (13 miles) of the main road that links the Syrian capital Damascus to Homs and other cities further north.

The Observatory said at least 50 government soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting. The attack on Maheen began late on Saturday with twin suicide

car bombs, a favoured tactic for IS militants launching an assault.

By Sunday morning the Observatory reported that the whole town was reported to be in IS hands. An IS statement also said the group had taken the town.

Maheen is home to a large military complex and arms depot.

Meanwhile, clashes be-

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Chile seizes erotic book from schools

THE Chilean government has begun seizing copies of an erotic version of the children’s story ‘Little Red Riding Hood’.

They were mistakenly distributed to 283 primary schools over the past year.

The book, entitled ‘Little Red Riding Hood Eats the Wolf’, is a collection of six short stories with explicit sexual references.

The mix-up was discovered by a teacher in the remote southern Chilean town of Rio Bueno.

The teacher alerted the authorities after he was approached by a young boy who told him about the book’s contents.

The book was written by Colombian author Pilar Quintana and published in Chile in 2012.

One of the chapters tells the story of a sexual encounter between a teacher and a female pupil.

Another one describes the rape of a 13-year-old girl.

“This book can cause irreparable damage to our students,” said the Mayor of Rio Bueno, Luis Reyes, who took the case to Chile’s Education Ministry this week.

“To describe in such a detailed manner the violation of an underage girl does not help in any way in the education process of young children,” he said.

A Chilean government statement said the book “does not meet the appropriate pedagogical requirements to be included in the national curriculum”.

The folk story of Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf date back to the Middle Ages in Europe.

But its best-known version is that of the Brothers Grimm, Wilhelm and Jacob first published in 1812. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 2, 2015

Pomeroon children get another boat

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-- President plugs education for development agenda ANOTHER boat was handed over to the children of the Pomeroon as part of President David Granger’s ‘Buses, Boats and Bicycles’ or ‘three Bs’ programme aimed at ensuring that all the children of Guyana are able to get to school.

The ‘David G II’ was donated by CGX Energy Incorporated and brings to three, the total number of boats that have been provided through the programme, which is made possible through partnerships between the government and members of the private sector.

At the commissioning ceremony in Charity on Friday, President Granger said, “I do believe in the marrow of my bones... that if every Guyanese child got access to education we will be able to solve many of the developmental and

economic problems facing this country. Just give the child access.”

The President added that the idea for the ‘three Bs’ programme was birthed in the Pomeroon when a resident told him that he was forced to pay $5000.00 per week to get his children to school. He told the large crowd of residents and school children that he has listened to all they have said and now he is using their vote to work for them.

The Head of State said education and ultimately the development of Guyana was an important factor in maintaining territorial integrity.

“This (Guyana) is ours and we have to make sure that this country is well developed and that we are well educated, so that Guyana remains ours,” he was quoted by the Ministry of the Presi-

President David Granger surrounded by students as he delivered his address at the commissioning of the school boat ents to recommit themselves munity in which they live dency as saying.

Co-Chairman of CGX, to the idea of a fully literate and ultimately, the nation,” Referencing the threats to Professor Suresh Narine, society. he said. The REO declared Guyana’s borders, President who participated in the comThe Co-Chairman said over that education is a public Granger called on the resi- missioning of the boat, said the past five years, CGX has good that all Guyanese dents of the Pomeroon and the company was one of invested about US$750,000.00 must all take responsibility all Guyanese to stand strong the first private sector or- in the education sector in Guyfor. in defence of their patrimony. ganisations to jump at the ana, since it views this as a Minister of Social Co“Children, this is yours opportunity to sign on to the priority area and urged other hesion, Amna Ally, who is to inherit.’ ‘Big people’, this programme, after President agencies in the private sector playing an integral role in is yours to protect. All Guy- Granger called for boats to follow suit. the private-public partneranese, you must stand up for for the children, rather than During opening remarks ship to support the “three Guyana.” at the ceremony, the Regional gifts for his birthday.

Bs” programme, was also “Without investment in Executive Officer (REO) of present to witness the comour education, the future of Region 2, Rupert Hopkinson missioning of the boat. this country is highly uncer- noted that there is a causal GAICO Construction tain and so anything that we link between education and and General Services Indo add to this investment is development and said that the corporated’s Chief Execvalue of donating school boats crucial,” he said. utive Officer Komal Singh Reflecting on his own cannot be quantified. and prominent business“This boat is a gift to all of experience, growing up in a man, Alfro Alphonso, both poor family, Narine said that us; every citizen of Guyana. of whom had previously through education he has For when children become donated boats to the probeen able to see the world. educated, as adults they can gramme, also attended the He urged teachers and par- contribute more to the comevent.

The David G II, which will serve the children of the upper Pomeroon

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Guyana

EDITORIAL

Much to negotiate with Venezuela

(Reprinted from the Trinidad Express October, 28, 2015) THIS week’s Caracas mission, involving Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses, two other cabinet ministers, and top public and foreign service officials, marks new vigour and purpose in Trinidad and Tobago’s relations with Venezuela.

Historically, T&T’s closest and largest neighbour has tended to be overlooked or taken for granted by Port of Spain whose foreign policy emphasis is on North America, Europe and, more recently, Asia. However, given the urgent issues between the neighbours, this mission to Caracas is a welcome and important step for shaping the agenda for the upcoming summit between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro Some standard issues are sure to be on the agenda.

These would include pirate attacks in the maritime strip between Trinidad and Venezuela, and the porous borders of both countries which demand heightened co-operation against the smuggling of drugs, arms and human beings.

The highest priority summit item, however, is sure to be the situation with the cross-border natural gas reserves which has been in abeyance for far too long. With both countries now in desperate need of a resolution, this may be the best opportunity for achieving meaningful traction. The critical shortages developing in T&T’s gas supply make it urgent and imperative for this country to find reliable and adequate supplies from new sources.

With the Venezuelan economy in crisis, President Maduro should be anxious to monetise gas from the Loran/ Manatee cross-border field. Now, with both their backs against the wall, neither country can afford the luxury of continued delay.

The new Rowley administration, which has committed itself to a path of professional diplomacy, will earn national and regional respect if it can raise neighbourly relations out of the morass of sluggish negotiations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 2, 2015

A tribute to old soldiers on the occasion of GDF 50th Anniversary ON Sunday, November 1st, 2015, the Guyana Defence Force observed its 50th Anniversary. It is a time for giving thanks, for reminiscing among old soldiers about their experiences in the bases, barracks, bashas, bunkers and bars. It is a time of celebration and exhortation by the leadership of the force and the Commander-in-Chief, himself an old soldier. It is also a suitable occasion to remember those comrades-in-arms who, if they have not already transitioned, are generally out of the limelight -- either overseas or at home, unmindful of the glitz and military pomp and ceremony, when all focus of attention understandably, will be on the podium, the speeches, the saluting dais and the displays.

The Comrades-in-Arms to whom I refer are the Other Ranks: the Warrant Officers, the Senior and Junior Non- Commissioned Officers and the Private Soldiers, who serve under the command of commissioned officers, and without whom the mission of the Force could not be executed.

For those of us who were recruited by the British Army-led selection process to be officers in the Guyana Defence Force in the formative years of the mid-1960s, it was a privilege and an honour to serve alongside the Other Ranks. In the formalities of military protocol, they were our functional subordinates but over time, became our comrades-in-arms, and after retirement, the relationships evolved into lifelong friendships and membership of our extended families, cemented by the Ex-GDF and Veteran’s Associations. Many of us are, who we are today, largely because our careers were enhanced by the dedication, commitment and loyalty we enjoyed from those whom we were duty bound to lead and who were prepared to lay down their lives for their country and their friends.

During this month of commemoration, when we also observe Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Day, I wish to pay tribute to those for whom the Guyana Defence Force was their home and their family – not that they loved their biological families any less but because their whole routine, their careers and their lives were unconditionally dedicated to the pursuit of the mission of the Guyana Defence Force. In such circumstances, camaraderie and comradeship thrived and the elements of trust, of team spirit – esprit de corps, as reflected in the mantras – “All for One and One for All”, “ It’s not the Body but the Mind!”, became ingrained in the mind set of all.

As young officers, we were completely dependent on the abilities, resourcefulness, creativity and resilience of our Other Ranks for the successful execution of operations, field tactical exercises, military sports and games and fitness for role inspections. Man management, Morale and Maintenance of the Aim were some of the aspects on which officers’ performances were assessed. Critical to the success of all of these, was the extent to which Other Ranks were responsive to the leadership we provided. A true test of such a relationship was when an officer made an error of judgement on the Parade Square or in the Field but the Other Ranks knew the correct drill or maneuver from their training and experience and compensated for the error, to the extent that it ‘saved the day’.

Many of those who served from the 1965 period have migrated or have transitioned to the great Parade Square in Eternity.

We have a saying that “Old Soldiers never die, nor do they fade Away”, because the memories live on and become the folklore and legends that are kept alive during the reunions and the commemorative activities, and at the funeral services.

Also to be welcomed is the inclusion of Culture Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly in the Caracas mission which suggests an important emphasis on people relations. T&T and Venezuela enjoy a long history of cultural co-operation which has been on the wane in recent times and is in need of rehabilitation. Scope for this has improved with the visible increase in the number of Venezuelans residing in Trinidad, which could be due to Venezuela’s deteriorating economy and polarised politics.

On both sides of the Gulf of Paria, this week’s mission is seen as the build-up to the summit between Prime Minister Rowley and President Maduro. When they meet, the T&T

In my Foreword to the book ‘The Mataruki Trail’, which I edited and published in 2004 from the manuscript of Captain C. Arthur Hudson, MBE, Royal Engineers, based on his account of the British Guiana - Brazil Boundary Commission 1929-1939 (including the fixing of the Brazil, Suriname and Guyana TriJunction Point at Farogle’s Rock, the East Kutari source of the Corentyne River), I wrote: “Arthur Hudson’s account is a fascinating record of the planning and extensive logistics that had to be undertaken in order to support the painstaking surveys executed under stressful conditions. It acknowledges the hardiness, courage, and sacrifice of these field teams comprising surveyors, foremen, droghers, labourers, boat captains, crews, wireless operators and the legendary Colonel Art Williams. And it describes the trailblazing, watermanship and aviation skills involved in these epic journeys through the mountains, rivers, forests and watersheds and captures memorable episodes of the history, culture and folklore of the 1930s in British Guiana.

“Viewed from an aircraft, Guyana’s hinterland with its rich diversity in ecosystems, portrays hauntingly beautiful landscapes.

But on the ground, these convert to mostly rugged terrain which, when combined with adverse weather conditions, can exact a heavy toll on those human beings who dare to experience physically and mentally its uniqueness and mostly pristine environment, or those others whose work as surveyors, geologists, foresters, explorers, scientists and soldiers, forces them to pit their skills in confronting harsh terrain, turbulent waters and poor weather conditions. The experiences recounted in this book of such 1930s pioneers as Trailblazer Baldwin, Boat Captain Pequeno and Aviator Colonel Art Williams, have given inspiration to those of my generation , who from the late 1960s, in defence of Guyana’s borders, have had to contend with many of the challenges in the hinterland such as those related in Arthur Hudson’s account. My generation can also point to its heroes in Mountaineer Isaac Jerry, M.S., Boat Captain Levans M.S., and Aviator Captain Roland DaSilva C.C.V.” I can highlight a few names randomly of Other Ranks from the 1960s and early 70s whom Old Soldiers will fondly recall and in remembering, they will come up with names of other stalwarts: Caterers such as James Hamer, Carew, Newton, Drakes, Warren and Johnson, and females - Rose and Parker; Drivers - Benjie Newark, the Smiths, Dalgetty, Rakeeb, Chand, Hart, Fernandes, Hoppie, Scipio and Mounter; Expert hinterland Boatmen – Johnson and Naraine; Wireless Operators – Martindale and Hector Stoute; Reconnaissance Platoon Trackers – Adrian and Simon, Schuman and Clenkian and Joel Simmons; Paratroop Jumpmasters - Cornel Millington and Joey Walcott; Military Bandsmen - Ron Bennett, David, Haynes and Johnny Douglas and female musician - Rose Wood; Military Policemen - Scantlebury and Rokko George; Pay Office Staff - Chetram and Davis, Rodney and Chattergoon; Stores Staff – Bharat and Kishun; Registry Staff – Eversley, Maggie Arthur and Lorraine Glasgow; Medical Personnel - ‘Two Shake’ Glasgow and Woolworth; Welfare’s Angie Duncan; Intelligence, Operations & Training staff –Baker and Bharat, Mc Kenzie and Primo, Nichols and Sutton, Richard Cummings and Hartley Liverpool, Khan and Khaleel, Stuart and Nedd, Winter and Glasgow, Garth Angoy, Veerapen, Panday and Meloquina Williams; the ‘Q’ See page 7

leader would be expected to carry his Caricom hat to the meeting for the purpose of raising the border controversy between Venezuela and Caricom partner, Guyana. Dr Rowley would want to leave the Venezuelan president in no doubt about T&T’s disquiet over Venezuela’s sabre-rattling against Guyana. If Venezuela insists on pursuing a claim against a large chunk of territory in Guyana’s possession it should do so through established channels. It must either submit its case for arbitration or report it to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. Sending warships into the disputed territory amounts to sheer harassment of Guyana and will not be tolerated. (Trinidad Express)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 2, 2015

Fake seeds a major problem in rice industry Dear Editor,

These promising lines of seeds are being constantly IF this letter with contents evaluated whilst there is is true which was published continuous monitoring of the in the Sunday Stabroek 1st varieties while in the field by November, 2015 , “Prob- extension officers and plant lems at Burma Rice Re- breeders. In any agricultursearch Station”, the board al industry, the production of directors need to launch of good seed material is of an investigation immedi- paramount importance to the ately to determine the cause farmer. Quality seed is quite why poor quality seeds are literally the starting point being produced and sold for rice crop cultivation. As to rice farmers throughout such its importance cannot the rice growing regions of be overstated. Poor quality Guyana. seed affects productivity and The unknown writer of contributes to the spread of the letter highlighted a num- disease. When these seeds ber of serious weeds which are contaminated and sold to were found in the basic and farmers with schoonord grass C-1 seed paddy which were ( Echinochloa), murina grass produced at the Burma Rice ( Ischaemum rugosum),bird Research Station. As a former seed grass ( Echinchloa coloextension rice officer I know num), monkey tail ( Echithat the plant pathology and nochloa crus-galli) and red plant breeding department has rice it can affect and destroy responsibility for breeding the rice industry. lines of the various varieties These seeds from Burand will observe for desirable ma Rice Research Station traits – typically blast resis- are also being distributed tance and free from all kind of to all RPA installations and weeds. More than 1000 lines GRDB branches throughout sometimes are being bred the rice growing regions. with four acres of pre-basic The rice research station seeds among them and are will produce on a crop-tocarefully monitored for blast crop basis 20,000 bags of which is naturally infected seeds. RPA would buy these by fungus depending on the pre-basic and basic seeds and weather conditions. would identify and register

seed growers in the various regions.

These seed growers are farmers who generally have small plots of land ranging from 5–10 acres. Routinely, these seed growers will be given basic seeds from RPA Bonds to grow at harvest time. If these plots meet the seed requirements, RPA would purchase the paddy and sell it back to farmers as C-1. Farmers need seeds adapted to their production requirements and conditions.

However, farmers at time find themselves at a disadvantage from the outset when they are sold poor quality seed at GRBD branches.

Burma seed systems need to be strengthened to make it more resilient so that farmers will have access to adapted varieties that meet their varying needs. The benefits of farmers using good seeds are (1) control of red rice (2) seeds of uniform grain, length and width, thereby reducing the breakage during milling, (3) better and even plant stand in the field, (4) uniform ripening of the field, (5) partially unfilled seeds are removed by the cleaning process, leaving the viable healthy seeds and (6), high milling recovery and

excellent cooking quality.

Once the necessary steps are taken at the GRDB, the above seed sources can meet the seed requirements of farmers.

Because of the unusual nature of the weather pattern at this time, experiments and multiplication plots might be planted at off-station locations. The board should ensure that the quality control department and the head of the extension department monitors and certifies these seeds to ensure quality before it is being sold to farmers.

Very often farmers suffer from inadequate access to quality seed at a price they can afford.

Obstacles to small scale farmers’ ability to obtain good seed include weak production. Fake seeds are a major problem in many rice growing regions with unscrupulous seed growers selling poor quality substitutes to farmers, many of whom only discover their costly mistakes when their harvest fails. Other major problems are lack of information and inadequate national seed policies.

Yours faithfully,

Dharmic Sabha’s submission to the minister was self-defeating Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me to address the comments made by Dr Persaud and Pandit Jagmohan of the Dharmic Sabha in the article ‘Dharmic Sabha Motorcade Billed for November 10’. (Chronicle 30/10).

The submission made to Minister Ramjattan by Dharmic Sabha, dated September 4, 2015 and signed by Dr Persaud in support of November 11 was self-defeating, to say the least.

Dr Persaud admitted: (a) That Diwali is celebrated on the night of Amavasya, which is the last day in the dark half of Kartik; (b) That Amavasya finishes at 13:59 hr on the 11th November; (c) That “Performing Maha Lakshmi Puja at 06:00pm on November 11, would, therefore, be four hours later than the exact Amavasya/ new moon moment.”

This is more like supporting November 10.

In the submission under reference, Dharmic Sabha did not present any form of evidence that its case for November 11 had its foundation in any Panchang, (authoritative Astrological chart). Though it made mention of the Bhavani Shankar Panchang, its calculation was left dangling; it was not carried to a logical conclusion. It merely relied upon its Calendar to support its case, “Please be advised that according to the Hindu calendar, Diwali occurs on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.”

Dharmic Sabha can be said to facilitate the change of date by its very weak case. Mr Ramjattan could only work with what was presented to him. On the other hand, the evidence presented by the other organisations was overwhelming. Dr Persaud must also know that in a matter of a religious nature, the attestation of 90 Pandits and Swamis far outweigh those of 6,000 lay persons.

Pandit Jagmohan wants to know what becomes of November 11 if Govardhan Puja is listed for November 12th.

Well, it is not lost into oblivion. Since Amavasya ends at 13:59 hr on the 11th, Pratipada, the first day of the bright fortnight begins immediately, and will end at 15:15 hr on the 12th. Govardhan Puja can, therefore, be performed anytime within this period, not necessarily during the night of the 11th. In Guyana, pujas are done during the night as a matter of convenience.

Govt should curb lawless acts by Celina Resort A tribute to old ...

Regards, PANDIT R BALBADAR

Dear Editor,

IT was reported in the media on October 30 that the Celina Atlantic Resort (CAR) has been cutting down Courida and other trees growing on the Kitty foreshore to expand its facilities.

The Sea Defence Ordinance, a chapter in the Laws of Guyana clearly states that it is an offence to build any structure and/or cut down trees on the sea defence and its reserve which is where CAR facilities are located without prior written authority from the Sea Defence Board (SDB). It is evident therefore that CAR has been beaching the Laws of Guyana with impunity unless it had received permission from the Sea Defence Board to do so but to date no such permission

has been recorded in the minutes of the meetings of the SDB. In the interest of good governance, the APNU+AFC Government through its Ministry of Public Infrastructure should take immediate steps to curb these lawless acts by CAR since their action can have adverse consequences on the welfare of people living in Kitty and adjoining areas. After all, people with political affinity and get-rich-schemes should not be allowed to take the law into their hands to pursue their agendas as they see fit and in the process endanger the lives and welfare of others.

It is worth noting that the previous government (PPP) had received a grant from the European Union to plant mangrove trees on

a stretch of foreshore on the East Coast of Demerara to stabilise its mud bank from erosion and to provide a first line of protection by damping incoming waves, thus enhancing the integrity of the sea defence behind it.

The action by CAR to cutting down all trees in a critical area of the Kitty foreshore to expand its facilities can only weaken the sea defence system there since during cycles of erosion of the foreshore there will be no trees to stabilise it. Therefore, any exposure of the toe of the concrete seawall structure due to erosion of the foreshore could imperil its stability and hence its ability to protect Kitty and adjoining areas from flooding due to high tide levels with severe wave action. Guya-

nese will recall not so long ago overtopping of the sea defence which caused severe flooding in the Kitty/Subryanville/Bel Air Spring areas. There were no trees on the foreshore at this location as a first line of defense to dampen wave action and therefore the concrete seawall was overwhelmed and failed to provide the necessary protection from overtopping due to the incoming waves with large amplitudes. However, trees and a built-up foreshore in the CAR area at the time had prevented the Ocean from overtopping the sea defence at this location, thus saving this section of Kitty from flooding.

Yours faithfully,

CHARLES SOHAN

From Page 6 men –Deomangal and Davey, Isaacs and Baldy King, Chetram and Washington, Coast Guard’s ‘Palawala’ St Louis and Brown, our orderlies/runners – Rodney and Grenada, Frank and Freeman, and that ‘virtual’ name that lives on in our institutional memory and is revived at the reunion sing along –‘John A Raghu’.

So, as we observe and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Guyana Defence Force with Operation Greenheart, Trooping of the Colours, Military Tattoo, and Military Command Competition, let us remember and honour the Other Ranks on whose shoulders the traditions of selfless service were purposefully carried, and encourage the modern day soldier and those of the future, to emulate those stalwarts of yesteryear.

In concluding this tribute, I am reminded of the ODE of Remembrance taken from Lawrence Binyon’s poem: ‘For the Fallen’: “Age shall not weary them.

At the going down of the sun And in the morning We shall remember them.”

Yours sincerely

MAJOR GENERAL (RETD) JOSEPH G SINGH (Former Chief of Staff 1990-2000)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

DDL graduates three from foundation programme – 27 secondary school students now benefiting THE DDL Foundation last Saturday evening presented the first three graduates of the foundation at the Fifth Annual Fundraising Dinner at the Marriott Hotel.

Chelsea Balkarran who attended Queen’s College, along with Fareeda Bacchus and Natasha Loncke who attended the Bishops’ High School, were the first students selected when the DDL Foundation was established five years ago. These three students all successfully completed secondary school.

The DDL Foundation assists secondary students by providing financial assistance to cover the main costs associated with attending

school. This includes books, uniforms, transportation and meals. The main target group are students who have excelled in the National Grade Six Examination and who have demonstrated their need for assistance as a result of their financial or social constraints. Employees of DDL also support the students by serving as mentors, and the students attend quarterly sessions to report on their academic progress.

Today, just only after five years, the Foundation is providing full assistance to 27 students at the country’s leading secondary schools.

The DDL Foundation provides for the students through support from a variety of corporate sponsors.

From left: DDL Foundation Secretary Sharon Sue-Hang, Chairman Komal Samaroo; the awardees Chelsea Balkarran, Fareeda Bacchus and Natasha Loncke; Chief Financial Officer Vasudeo Singh and Foundation Chairman Rudy Collins

Speaking after presenting the graduates, DDL Foundation Chairman Rudy Collins said, “The Foundation is working to further establish itself as the premier, the most sought after, the most dependable and the most respected national institution providing assistance to young Guyanese of exceptional talent to pursue their dreams – dreams the realisation of which will have a positive and direct impact on and will therefore make a significant contribution to Guyana’s development.”

Giving his report on the Foundation’s work over the past year, Chairman Collins added that, “The Board has

decided on the creation of an Endowment Fund. This will allow a benefactor who believes in the future of the foundation and seeks to ensure its stability to donate a significant sum of money to be used for any agreed set of purposes. Perhaps the most common one is to request that the donated sum be held in a fixed deposit or invested in particular shares and the interest acquired be used by the Foundation, for example, in providing scholarships.”

Chairman of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), Komal Samaroo, in his remarks noted that “In recent times “sustainability” has become the new cornerstone

of development. Indeed, the United Nations has only recently been meeting on its new Sustainable Development Goals. And it is in this context that I particularly wish to welcome the announcement by Chairman Collins of the setting up of an “Endowment Fund” the income from which, in the long term, will ensure sustainability of the work of this Foundation.”

Mr. Samaroo then went on to announce that his family would be making the first donation to the DDL Foundation Endowment Fund of one million dollars. Mrs. Silitha Samaroo, wife of Chairman Samaroo made the presentation of the cheque to Chairman of the DDL Foundation Rudy Collins.

Later on in the proceedings Mr. Sharma made a presentation of another million dollars on behalf of the family of Bert Carter and this was followed by a pledge of one million dollars by Mr. Kads Khan on behalf of the Kads Khan Family Trust.

During the evening, as part of the fund raising efforts, a bottle of the limited El Dorado 25-YearOld Rum was auctioned along with three bottles of El Dorado Rare Collection Rums – Versailles 2001, Port Mourant 1999 and Enmore 1993. These El Dorado Rare Collections Rums are only available in Europe.

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

Hope Beach Wind Farm…

Power Purchase Agreement needed with GPL before construction

– Minister Patterson

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE Guyana Wind Farm Incorporated (GWF) and Guyana Power Light (GPL) will have to reach a pact on the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) before a decision is made pertaining to the Wind Farm construction, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson disclosed.

The government has approved the detailed examination of a proposal by Guyana Wind Farm Inc. (GWF) for a 25-megawatt wind energy plant at Hope Beach.

Minister Patterson explained that the PPA would address critical financial, commercial and technical issues relating to the development, construction, operation, maintenance and ownership of the project, including the issue of the price for which the power will be sold to GPL, and how the power is to be delivered.

When asked if there is need for tabling of a bill for this transaction in Parliament before it becomes operational, Minister Patterson said the GWF when developed will be an independent power producer which, under the current law, can only sell power to a public supplier, who in this case is GPL, if so licensed by the minister.

“Where GPL and GWF agrees to a PPA, and same is approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), a licence to GWF to sell the power to GPL may be granted by the minister,” Patterson underscored.

The International Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA),

CO2 emissions by over 3,000 tonnes. (If 50 per cent of Guyana’s electrical needs were replaced by wind power it would result

An artist impression of the proposed Wind Farm

one of the investors in the Hope Wind Farm Project, says the 25 megawatt facility can reduce the country’s fuel bill by US$5 million (G$1B) annually.

The project, was stalled under the previous administration, is now back on the agenda. IPA is a part of Guyana Wind-Farm Incorporated, which has once again put forward an offer which could see GoldWind of China, rated at least third in the world in the establishment of wind.

Lloyd Singh, the proprietor of IPA had long seen the benefits of the project, but said the initiative was frustrated by the PPP, which was in power for 23 years, but lost power to the multi-party APNU/AFC coalition last May. According to Singh, by the end of the third phase, the project could provide up to 65 megawatts of electricity.

Adding that if phase two and three are implemented, he said 65 megawatts can be added to the power grid.

Renewable energy, particularly wind is available 24 hours by seven days a week, throughout a year.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had determined that the project would not have a negative impact on its surroundings.

Energy is integral to development. Every developed economy in the world has been built on extensively disproportionate consumption of what seemed at the time to be abundant cheap energy – fossil fuels. It’s known, however, that emissions from industrial magnitude consumption of fossil fuels have all the while been spawning a global climate change time bomb.

Wind is clean and renewable and the cost of wind technology has been declining. According to work done

by Mckinsey & Co for the Guyana Government, wind power is the third cheapest energy source behind nuclear and geothermal in the lineup of power technologies that reduce CO2 emissions.

Reports reveal that one megawatt-hour (MWh) of wind energy reduces CO2 emissions by roughly 1,200 pounds, so a single average size 1.67-MW turbine that produces over 5,000 MWh of electricity would reduce

in a 250,000 tonnes carbon reduction which would be valued in a carbon trading system at US$6.2 million assuming a $25/tonne

price). In addition unlike fossil fuel generation, operating costs are predictable once the initial capital outlays are provided for.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

Scores benefit from IAC health fair

The doctors, nurses, students and other professionals who attended to the public on Saturday

SCORES received medical checkups when the Indian Action Committee (IAC) (formerly Indian Arrival Committee) in collaboration with the Texilla American University and Cancer Institute of Guyana hosted a Cancer Awareness and Health Fair on Saturday.

Dr Raveendranath Ichlangod of the Cancer Institute of Guyana and Dr Sayan Chakraborty, along with a few medical students and nurses from the Texilla American University came out to render their services.

Many who benefited say

they were happy about the initiative and are calling on the IAC to make the good gesture an annual event.

The doctors, students and nurses provided a range of services including blood pressure and blood glucose testing. Flyers and brochures on numerous health issues, especially on cancer were also distributed to the public.

The doctors emphasised that persons must do regular checkups as it is important to diagnose and treat the chronic disease from an early stage.

The IAC has over the

years been reaching out to the public but of late has decided to include health outreaches in its programme.

As much as the IAC would want to make the medical outreach an annual event, it would require the support of the private and public sectors for this to happen.

The IAC expressed gratitude to the Texilla American University and the Cancer Institute of Guyana for their support in making the Cancer Awareness and Health Fair a success.

Abandoned but not alone…

Physically disabled girl celebrates 12th birthday

By Jeune Bailey Van Keric ABANDONED by her mother, Sherlana Plass, a preteen suffering from cerebral palsy, is a survivor and has celebrated her 12th birthday among those who have grown to love her at the Pediatric Ward of the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Cuban-trained Pediatrician Dr. Ronaldo Medina Dominquez, who cares for Sherlana, has become so attached to the patient, that he saved her photograph on the screen of his mobile phone.

Departmental Sister Tamica Henry recalled that the patient was admitted to the health institution over three years ago, after being taken there by her mother.

Diagnosed with cerebral palsy form birth, Sherlana, then aged nine years, was malnourished and underweight. Following medical intervention, she was discharged but by then her mother had ceased to visit.

However, a teenage sibling made periodic visits, but is now reportedly pregnant, and is no longer visiting the heath institution.

Little Sherlana Plass takes a bit of her birthday cake from a fellow patient as Dr Ronaldo Medina Dominquez and a nurse look on

Sister Henry reported that efforts were made to contact Sherlana’s mother at their home at Angoy’s Avenue, a squatting area on the eastern fringe of the New Amsterdam township, but information received indicated that the woman has since sought employment at an interior location.

However, despite being abandoned, Sherlana was overpowered by lots of love during a special birthday party, organised by the hospital staff

and overseas- based Guyanese, who ensured that the ‘birthday girl’, was adorned with a pink dress, a pair of white gloves, with matching shoes, while the attendees were given party hats and were served iced cake with ice cream along with other delicacies.

Fellow patients gave gifts, while Chief Executive Officer Colin Bynoe, along with doctors and nurses assigned to the ward expressed well wishes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

Guyana needs more entrepreneurs – Granger … urges less dependence on ‘wage labour’

By Svetlana Marshall “ENTREPRENEURSHIP will build this economy, not wage labour,” President David Granger said, as he urged the young population to broaden their horizons.

According to him, the trend of having a ‘9-5 job’ five days per week with an enterprise “is no longer the way to go”. President Granger believes there is a need for more entrepreneurs among the growing population.

“We want to see more independent farmers, more independent agro-processors, more independent manufacturers and more independent exporters,” he said.

According to the President, the education system must

equip young people with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to develop themselves in the areas of science and technology, agriculture and entrepreneurship, making them less dependent on wage labour.

At the time, he was speaking with the Guyana Chronicle and Capitol News during the ‘Public Interest’ programme on Friday.

It is estimated that unemployment among young people is approximately 40 per cent.

However, it is believed that entrepreneurship is an avenue that can be taken to curb this worrying situation.

But while entrepreneurship may be a way out for Guyanese, there is a general lack of scientists, engineers

President David Granger

and mathematicians stymieing innovation within this sector.

Lecturer in the Department of Business and Management, University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Eric Phillips had told the Guyana Chronicle that to compete globally, innovation is key and it is underpinned by science, technology and mathematics.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY “Ultimately, cheap energy is what will make us better and more competitive entrepreneurs in non-traditional areas because our internal markets are too small and we need to export. With exports, you have to be very, very competitive with other companies in our country,” he said, noting that science and technology can provide the solutions to these challenges.

Stressing the importance

of science and technology, Phillips also pointed out that the innovation of scientists and engineers when converted into commercial goods and services redound to huge economic benefits to companies and nations.

He said science and technology must not be separated from business, and stressed the importance of the Ministry of Education focusing more attention on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the school system.

Entrepreneurship, he said, is also critical to the development of Guyana. This country, Dr. Phillips emphasised, needs to robustly diversify its economy.

“Sugar is in trouble, rice is having difficulty, gold – the prices have dropped; we have to look into non-traditional

45% of main city drains cleared PHASE One of the city drainage rehabilitation works has concluded and although some 45% of the drains have been cleared, major works have been affected by persons living on the reserves.

Works started almost immediately after the coalition government came into office and coincided with the seasonal May-June rains. On Saturday stakeholders were briefed on the works undertaken. The meeting which was convened by Chief Engineer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Walter Willis in the boardroom of the Ministry saw the participation of several stakeholders including the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI), the Mayor and City Council, the Ministry of Communities, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

According to a Government Information Agency release, briefing the representatives on the purpose of the meeting Willis indicated that it was the desire of Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson to engage the stakeholders, update them on the status of the works and ask for their support for phase two of the exercise. The city drainage rehabilitation works were undertaken to bring relief to the many citizens who were affected by floods resulting from the 2015 May/June rains which saw several areas in Georgetown and its environs being inundated for almost three days.

“It showed the extent which the system has and which had deteriorated over the years in the length of time it took for us to drain the water off the land… It took three days and, even after that there were still some isolated areas that suffered longer period of inundation,” Willis said.

Willis recalled that at the onset, Minister Patterson had summoned a meeting where a taskforce was set up to immediately start emergency works.

The taskforce was mandated to look carefully at the drainage system and to identify the critical areas for rehabilitation.

According to Willis, a sum of $75M was provided for the programme that catered for the desilting of outfalls, drains and inlet channels and sluices.

He said, eleven contracts were awarded out of which, nine have been completed, one suspended and one ongoing.

“The Meadow Bank sluice that is owned and operated

by Vieira, we had to suspend the desilting of that outfall channel due to the collapsing of an old revetment. If we had continued, the revetment would have collapsed and the high tide would have flooded Meadow Bank,” the Chief Engineer stated.

He added that, of the 79 kilometres of main drains leading from Cummings Lodge to Agricola, 33.2 kilometers were desilted. These drains lead to 13 sluices that drain the city. Most of the work was done using NDIA equipment through a collaborative effort.

According to Willis, one of the major challenges was the occupation of the reserves.

“The reserves are occupied in various ways, with derelict vehicles, vending and people living on the reserves. This matter has been raised with the minister and his colleagues and we are looking to address it sometime in 2016,” he stated.

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson in remarks to the meeting, explained that a substantial amount of work remains to be done and it is in this regard the private sector and other stakeholders are being asked to join the effort. Patterson lauded the initiative of the residents of Subryan-

ville, Georgetown, where they raised approximately $1.5M among themselves to assist in the restoration effort. He is urging other communities and residents to follow suit. The Public Infrastructure Minister then proposed that a formal presentation be held with the private sector bodies and all other stakeholders to specifically identify the needs for the successful completion of the project. The minister assured the meeting that his ministry would ensure the presentation is done as there is a great urgency to complete the desilting and clearing process.

In his remarks, City Engineer Colvern Venture stated that the Mayor and City Council will continue to work with Ministry of Public Infrastructure and other stakeholders to restore Georgetown to its former glory. He also updated the meeting on the current works being undertaken by the City Council to aid in the clean up prices. Venture reported that in excess of $120M was already expended on the clearing of drains, sluices, canals and alleyways in the city particularly in the Bourda/ Lacytown area with 80 percent of these works being completed. Major works are currently ongoing on the Church Street canal as well as on the Avenue of the Republic canal. Other works costing an additional $1.5m are being undertaken in East and West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. This is also providing jobs for persons within those communities.

Community Liaison Officer on social and other issues at the Public Infrastructure Ministry Neilson Mc Kenzie stated that several projects are also being undertaken in 12 other communities within Georgetown. These communities include South, North and East Ruimveldt, Sophia, Albouystown and Cummings Lodge. These projects, McKenzie said,

include addressing the relocation of persons from the reserve to facilitate clearing the drains within those areas.

Some of the residents were

agriculture areas,” he said, but noted that while entrepreneurship is a source of wealth-creation and a key driver of the economy, access to capital remains a challenge in the setting up of business.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL To address this problem, Phillips believes Guyana should go in the direction of setting up of a Grameen Bank.

Through such a bank, micro-credit loans are based on the concept that the poor have skills that are under-utilised and, with incentive, they can earn more money.

Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in Guyana are estimated to account for 40 per cent of total employment and contribute significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

…desilting affected by persons living on reserves

also provided with jobs by the City Council. The government remains resolute in its efforts to ensure that the drains, alleyways, sluices

and canals are cleared and maintained to avoid flooding and disruption of lives of the citizens of the city and its environs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 2, 2015

111 graduate from Berbice High School

ONE hundred and eleven students, including Best Graduating CSEC student Raywattie Ragasami, who received special awards in Chemistry, English A, Physics, and Principles of Business, graduated from the Berbice High School in New Amsterdam last Thursday.

The event at the 99-yearold learning institution, which had among its students Sir Shirdath Ramphal and Sir Lionel Luckhoo, had the usual pomp and ceremony associated with graduation ceremonies.

The three-hour programme was quite interesting with dances from the Sandvoort Heritage Group and Aruna Jaikarran respectively, the report

by Headmistress Tracey Helligar, a feature address

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, and a motivational talk by recently retired Principal Jennifer Rollins.

The event saw the fairer gender dominating Grades One to Three in the CSEC examinations, but the males did not lag far behind as Johnny Hieronymo copped the Agriculture Science Award, Luke Ashrafally got the Technical Drawing prize, Jordan Rankin, a favourite among his peers, secured the Physical Education trophy and Lui Channerdai won the Information Technology award.

Twenty-three additional awards, inclusive of the eight Avril Davidson prizes, were also presented to students who excelled academically, were most cooperative, excelled in their deportment, along with attendance and punctuality, and in other areas of the school’s activities.

Meanwhile, Randy Arrindell was awarded the Head Mistress Prize for excelling despite being faced with overwhelming challenges.

Addressing the hundreds gathered, including regional educators, teachers and auxiliary staff at the Berbice High School Auditorium, situated a few meters from the Canje Bridge, the Attorney General highlighted the need for the students to remain in their homeland and make a meaningful contribution to the improvement of life in Guyana.

“I am pleased to announce that there are many options available to you since my government is at

the reigns of this country. I am happy that you are the cream of the crop, and the talents you have exhibited will be beneficial to all Guyanese.”

Addressing the performance of the male students, Minister Williams observed that throughout the region, the women are leaving the men behind, even in the legal profession, where he worked for several decades, but was pleased to know that the males are rebounding.

While referring to a famous Latin phrase from which the school’s motto ‘carpe diem’ is taken, Williams said, “Seize the day and take action for the future.”

“Students at this point in your life, your future is dangling before you. Due to uncertainties, you can be swayed in any direction. But I implore you not to have your future hanging …..Seize it.

Take it by force and make it what you want it to be.”

He noted that as children they may feel that their fate is out of their hands, but “that notion is far from the truth,” he emphasised.

“From this day forward every decision you make will impact your future.

Therefore decisions regarding your future should be taken very seriously.”

The prospects of oil, Williams added, will open up opportunities. With oil, the need for skilled professionals will be there, and there will be a growing demand for environmental, electronic and mechanical engineers, along with other field operators.

“Once oil is on stream, people will leave all other areas and gravitate towards the oil industry …In addition, the government plans to open up the interior where opportunities of trade and tourism will unfold.”

Recently retired Head Mistress Jennifer Rollins in her motivational charge to the students commended them for their exceptional performance, both regionally and nationally.

CONTINUOUS LEARNING She said, “But as you go along life’s journey, it will become more intricate, and complex . No more teacher running to see you complete your work or submit assignments. For those who have moved on to university you will realise it’s a different situation. If you are contented with what you already know,

you will not get very far in life, continuous learning will help to shape your future…”

Earlier, in the report by Headmistress Helligar, she noted that the 113 candidates had portrayed commendable performance in the CSEC examinations.

An analysis of the results revealed that of the 113 candidates who entered in the 23 subject areas, 103 students passed five or more subjects with Grades One to Three, a success rate of 91.96%, which is an increase of 15.4% in comparison with 2014.

In addition, the following subjects saw 100% passes in Grades One to Three, Electrical and Electronic Technology, Technical Drawing, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Electronic Document Preparation and Management, Information Technology, Food and Nutrition, Home Management, Physical Education and Sport, along with Human and Social Biology.

Further, significant performances were recorded in Agriculture Science, which achieved 97.25% in Grades One to Three passes, English A - 90.19%, English B - 86.43%, Integrated Science - 96.8%, Mathematics - 86.49 % , Principles of Business - 87.1%, Biology - 77.7%, Caribbean History - 70.8% , Spanish - 66.4%

Attorney General Basil Williams addressing the gathering at Berbice High School graduation last Thursday bice High School has moved and Social Studies - 94.59%. Grade Four, and 26 at Grade to the seventh position in the In comparison to 2014, Five and one Grade Six. country.

English A achieved 76.8% Meanwhile for the Capasses, while English B TOP STUDENT ribbean Advance Proficien[Literature] gained 61.6% Top student Raywatcy Examination (CAPE) 26 Mathematics - 63.76%, Bi- t i e R a n g a s a m i a t t a i n e d students were entered in 17 ology - 53.96%, Caribbe- t w e l v e s u b j e c t s a t t h e subject areas. And 100 per an History - 33.4%, Social CSEC examinations, with cent passes were achieved in Studies - 86.91%, Integrated ten Grade Ones and two Entrepreneurship, AgriculScience - 94.45%, and Span- Grade Twos. ture Science Unit 2, Comish - 23.56%.

Further, it was revealed munication Studies, PhysIt was noted that im- that 91 students, including ical Education and Sports, proved performances were 43 males and 48 females, along with Tourism Unit recorded for the two main scored passes in five or One and Two. subjects, namely Math- more subjects, including The best graduating ematics and English A E n g l i s h L a n g u a g e a n d CAPE student was Bibi [Language] but there was Mathematics.

Fazina Kaleem who gained a decline in performance in This, Helligar said, repGrade Two in CommuChemistry, Geography and resented an increase in the nication Studies, Grade Principles of Accounts. matriculation rate of 27.0% in Three in Caribbean StudCollectively the students comparison to 2014, making ies and Sociology, Grade amassed 207 Grade One Berbice High School the top Four in Unit 2 Environpasses, 362 at Grade Two, school in the CSEC exams in mental Science.

241 at Grade Three, 97 at Region Six. Further the Ber-

A section of the beaming graduating class

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 2, 2015

PPP makes nine proposals to assist rice industry

OPPOSITION spokesperson on Agriculture, General Secretary of the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj is calling for a number of recommendations to be implemented, contending that these would assist the more than 120,000 Guyanese who depend on the rice industry, directly and indirectly, for their livelihood.

In a list of recommendations that was also copied to Opposition Minister of Agriculture Noel spokesperson Holder, the People’s Progreson Agriculture Dharamkumar sive Party (PPP) listed nine Seeraj items that in their view would a private matter’ and give assist the rice industry. support to the industry ,esNine recommendations pecially the farmers.

Leading the list are: Amid growing pressure on the government to find (1) Government’s renew markets and to ensure sumption of negotiations reasonable prices to growwith the Government of ers, scores of rice farmers Venezuela with the intention from across Guyana proof selling rice and paddy to tested while sounding a that country; call for promises made by (2) To immediately re- APNU+AFC to them to be move all form of taxes and fulfilled.

“Rice farmers were duties on fuel for the inpromised double the price dustry; obtained for a bag of paddy (3) Removal of all taxes in the 2015 first crop by and duties on inputs for the agents of the APNU+AFC in industry, including machin- the May 2015 election camery, equipment and spares. paign but currently they are receiving between 35% to (4) Commence discus- 60% of the first crop price in sions with all the banks this the second crop and this lending to the industry to is leading to bankruptcy and review terms and conditions despair in the sector,” Seeraj of loans taken in view of stated in a letter dispatched the low prices farmers are to the Agriculture Minister.

The GRPA general secgetting in order to ‘soften’ retary further noted that repayment conditions; there were recent protests by (5) Government to sus- rice farmers across the rice pend payments of land leas- growing regions and twice es and drainage and irriga- in Georgetown over this situation and in meetings with tion charges. the public Leader of the (6) That Government Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo issues a supplementary pro- was asked on numerous vision to the Parliament to occasions to help resolve provide financial support the problems of the farmers to farmers to aid in the pur- in particular and the industry chase of seed paddy and in general.

“I have been directed by fertilizers; the Leader of the Opposition (7) The GRDB to imme- Bharrat Jagdeo to communidiately implement minimum cate to you (Minister Noel export prices for rice and Holder) about the PPP/C grave concern over the curpaddy; rent situation of the rice (8) Implement an ag- industry,” Seeraj declared.

According to Seeraj, the gressive marketing strategy statement made by President in order to enhance current David Granger that “rice is prices and secure new lucranot in crisis,” was not accutive markets; and finally rate, although the president (9) the Government is admitted that Guyana has being asked to withdraw lost the Venezuela market.

“The Venezuela marits pronouncement that ‘it’s

- resumption of Venezuela negotiations heads list

ket in terms of a monetary value represents over 70% of export earnings and … in terms of volume… the amount of rice represents about 40% of total export,” Seeraj said, adding that such a loss meant that rice was definitely in crisis.

To add insult to injury, Seeraj said, the government has turned a blind eye to the

oldest and largest rice farmers’ organisation in the Caribbean.

NEW RICE MARKETS Meanwhile, the Guyana Government last Tuesday made some headway in securing commitments by the Mexican government to buy some of this country’s rice.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who attended

the Open Governance Global Summit in Mexico City met with Mexico’s Agriculture Minister Jose Calzada during which the commitment to rice purchase was made.

However, Venezuela will now be importing rice from Suriname as part of the PetroCaribe agreement. This deal was ham-

mered out following a lightning visit by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to Paramaribo last month.

Maduro’s visit was one of several to CARICOM countries against the backdrop of efforts by Caracas to mobilise support for its position in the simmering border controversy with Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 2, 2015

IAST says untidy financial records cleaned up DIRECTOR of the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), University of Guyana (UG), Dr Suresh Narine has taken umbrage at a recent article carried by this newspaper on the Audit

Office 2010 report on the agency.

The article in question headlined: “Audit finds… ‘Untidy’ financial record-keeping at IAST – improperly maintained cash book among oth-

er lapses” was published on October 26. In a letter to this publication, Dr Narine said measures have since been put in place to correct the deficiencies highlighted in the report by the Audit Office.

“DATED 2010 REPORT He went on to say that the “article reports on a five-yearold (2010) audit report of the institute. However, the article does not mention that the re-

porter solely utilised information from a dated 2010 report, and so the impression created is that the article reports on the current state of affairs at the institution.”

The “dated 2010 report” to which Dr Narine referred was tabled in the House by Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally on behalf of Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who was absent from the October 22 sitting of the National Assembly.

In the lead of the article or first sentence, it clearly stated that “The Audit Office has found a number of shortcomings in the financial statement for the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) for year ending December 31, 2010.”

In his letter, the IAST Director also noted that the reporter did not seek any input from the institute regarding whether any of the issues raised in the article had been addressed in the five intervening years.

“As you are aware, every audit finding is followed by a response to the Audit Office, explaining reasons for particular findings, which can be due to very legitimate reasons, and articulating appropriate management actions to address others,” he said.

SINGLE RESPONSE However, audit reports allow for and contain management response to the findings of the auditor(s), and in the 2010 report on the IAST, there was only a single response to the issues raised therein. The article carried by this newspaper focused on the findings on the year 2010 at the IAST as contained in the Audit Office report and as was indicated in the first paragraph of the story.

The information provided was sufficient to be reported on for that year, and all the information provided is limited to the year 2010 and not beyond that period.

Dr Narine in his letter pointed out that immediately

Dr Suresh Narine

upon receiving the audit findings for the year 2010, measures were put in place to bring the institute into conformity with all accounting principles required by the Audit Office.

In his letter, Dr Narine provided details of the work done by the institute in relation to the findings of the Audit Office.

Dr Narine became director of the IAST in mid-2006 and when he did, the last audited accounts for the IAST was in 2003. He said the new management team began reconciling accounts for the intervening years but many of the records were missing and claimed to have been destroyed in the 2005 floods.

“The senior management team made continued representations to the Audit Officer for auditing of reconciled accounts since 2007. When our telephone calls did not result in audits being conducted, we resorted to writing. We have in our files the last written request in 2009, to the Office of the President and the Audit Office, requesting audits to be conducted of the IAST accounts. Audits of the years 2004 to 2010 were finally conducted in 2011, and preliminary findings presented to the institute. Before this, the institute had no external audit commentary or verification if its accounts were being kept in accordance with the requirements of the Audit Office,” the IAST Director stated in his letter to this publication.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 2, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 2, 2015

Kone treble inspires Everton

By Tony Jimenez

LONDON, (Reuters)-Arouna Kone grabbed a hat-trick as Everton piled on the Premier League relegation worries for Sam Allardyce’s Sunderland with a 6-2 demolition job at Goodison Park yesterday.

In the day’s other match, Ronald Koeman’s Southampton climbed to seventh in the table after first-half goals from Steven Davis and Graziano Pelle secured a 2-0 home win over southcoast rivals Bournemouth.

Everton were 2-0 up inside 31 minutes against Sunderland thanks to Kone and Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu.

Kone sent a looping ball over the defence for Deulofeu to score the opener and the Ivory Coast international added a second goal following a one-two with strike partner Romelu Lukaku on the edge of the box.

Jermain Defoe in spired a Sunderland rally, volleying their first goal in stoppage time before playing a part in Steven Fletcher’s headed equaliser five minutes after the break.

The visitors, however, were always vulnerable to the counter attack and Everton made it 3-2 when Sebastian Coates prodded a right-wing cross from Deulofeu into his own net.

Deulofeu also set up the fourth for Lukaku, with the Belgian rounding goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon to score.

Another Everton counter-attack led to Kone planting the ball into the net with his left foot in the 62nd minute before the Ivorian com-

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pleted the rout with a close-range header following a centre with the outside of his left boot from Lukaku.

Everton’s victory lifted them to ninth with 16 points from 11 games while Sunderland remained second from bottom on six points. Southampton have 17 points, moving above Liverpool on goal difference.

EXCEPTIONAL ATTACKING “I thought our attacking

AROUNA KONE play was exceptional,” said Everton manager Roberto Martinez. “More than anything, the understanding of how to break down a defensive system.

“Sunderland came here with a clear idea of being very difficult to break down and then try to hit us on the counter attack and I thought the way we coped with that was very impressive.”

Martinez’s opposite number Allardyce disagreed, blaming his own

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team for their second-half capitulation.

“If Everton had scored a wonder goal you can say ‘there’s not a lot we can do about that’, but the last four goals were all stoppable by us and there was nothing brilliant about Everton’s play,” said Allardyce.

“We became so open and so easy to play through.

We seemed to get carried away by the euphoria of getting the equaliser.”

Southampton went ahead against fourth from bottom Bournemouth when a sweeping passing move ended with Ryan Bertrand crossing for Steven Davis to volley home from close range in the 31st minute.

Pelle then made sure of the win with a towering header following a leftwing centre by Dusan Tadic.

The only negative for Southampton was the late sending-off of Victor Wanyama for a second bookable offence.

“That was the best 45 minutes, maybe the best in more than one year,” said Koeman. “It was a high tempo. We had good ball possession and if you watch the two goals it is all about a high quality of football.

“I am very pleased about that but we know we still have to learn from mistakes and we know that you get a reaction from the opponent after halftime.”

Today, Tottenham Hotspur entertain managerless Aston Villa with Mauricio Pochettino’s side looking to rise to fifth in the table and close within five points of joint leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 2, 2015

Anderson, Broad bowl out Pakistan for 234 (REUTERS) - JAMES Anderson claimed four wickets as England made a good start to the third and final test in Sharjah by bowling out Pakistan for 234 yesterday.

With England needing a victory to level the series, Pakistan won the toss and batted but Anderson and fellow paceman Stuart Broad made them regret their decision by producing combined figures of six for 30.

“We’re delighted but I don’t think anyone knows what a good score is,” Broad told the BBC after his side ended the day on four for no loss in reply.

“From the seamers’ point of view it was quite easy to tie the batsmen down. If we have a good day with the bat tomorrow it makes today an excellent day.”

Pakistan were 116 for five at one stage and were only spared complete embarrassment by captain Misbah-ul-

Haq’s 71 and 39 from Sarfraz Ahmed.

Sarfraz, batting at number seven, was caught by Joe Root off spinner Moeen Ali and Misbah’s men collapsed with their last five

wickets falling for just 38 runs.

Pakistan’s top order did not show much application, failing to convert good starts into significant contributions.

Misbah won his sixth

James Anderson trapped Younis Khan lbw with the first ball of his second spell. The England pacer finished with four for 17 from 15.1 overs

ECDCA Premier Beer T20 cicket ...

Brand Manager urges dedication and commitment as action starts

THE East Coast Demerara Cricket Association (ECDCA) Premium Beer T20 cricket competition bowled off at various venues yesterday with the sponsor’s representative urging the teams to exercise discipline, while showing “dedication and commitment” to the game.

Addressing the Lusignan B and Golden Achievers teams minutes before the bowl-off of the first match of a double-header at the Enmore Community Centre ground, Premium Beer Brand Manager, Shameer Shahib, spoke of the importance of the tournament, and the need for players to display a high level of professionalism.

“You must show dedication and commitment, as well as discipline because only that way other sponsors will be encouraged to invest in the sport,” Shahib told the players.

He added, “Also respect the umpires’ decision. Of course, everyone wants to win, but there can only be one winner.”

Shahib further stated that it is from competitions like these that emerging talents can be spotted and groomed for the future.

Further, Shahib urged the players to aim high as they stand on the cusp of representing their county, country and even the West Indies.

Eighteen (18) teams drawn from the East Coast of Demerara are competing in the knockout competition, which will continue on weekends and culminate with a third place playoff and final on November 22 at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

The champion team will take home a trophy and $200,000; the runners-up a trophy and $100,000 and the losing semi-finalists a trophy and $50,000 each. The Man-of-the-Match and the player who is deemed to have created the Play-of-the-Day in the final will pocket $20,000 and $5000 respectively.

At the launch of the competition a week ago, ECDCA Chairman Tejnauth Jadunauth thanked the sponsor and encouraged the teams to maintain a high level of discipline.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Secretary Anand Sanasie said he was happy to see cricket being played on a regular basis in the area, adding that the GCB was always willing to assist. He lauded Banks DIH Limited and congratulated the ECDCA on the partnership.

Meanwhile, Lusignan B defeated Golden Achievers by five runs to advance to the next stage of the competition. Inserted to take first strike, Lusignan B posted 93 with Chetram Jeenarine (18), Tameshwar Motiram (17) and national Under-15 player Robin Williams (15) among the runs.

Keron Roberts was outstanding for Golden Achievers, claiming 5-20 from four overs, while Seon Walcott bagged 2-14 from 2.1 overs. Golden Achievers in reply, folded for 88 with Winston London scoring an unbeaten 28 and Premchand Sookdeo hitting 21. B. Agnadu picked up 2-12 and young Motiram impressed with 1-5 from two overs.

successive Test toss and, for the third time in the series, opted to bat first on a pitch that offered significant turn.

Anderson was rewarded for his immaculate line in the third over when the scoreless Azhar Ali, one of two changes in Pakistan’s side, was caught behind.

Mohammad Hafeez (27) looked confident but the opener succumbed to a soft dismissal, top edging Moeen to Broad at deep backward square leg.

The bearded spinner also had Shoaib Malik trapped leg before on 22 but the Pakistani reviewed the decision and got it overturned.

Broad tasted success after lunch when he had Malik caught behind by Jonny Bairstow for 38 and the lanky paceman sent down five maiden overs on the trot to stifle the batsmen.

It yielded immediate dividends as Anderson, replacing

Broad, trapped the dangerous Younus Khan leg before for 31 with the first ball of his new spell.

Playing his first Test since December 2012, leftarm spinner Samit Patel then dismissed Asad Shafiq for five.

Anderson finished with exemplary figures of four for 17 from 15.1 overs while Broad was equally mean

with the ball, taking two for 13 in as many overs. Moeen and Patel also picked up two wickets apiece.

The only downside for England was the shoulder injury sustained by Ben Stokes that led to the all-rounder going off the field in a sling.

Stokes, who was hurt while making a failed attempt to catch Sarfraz, will have a scan today.

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings M. Hafeez c Broad b Ali 27 Az. Ali c Bairstow b Anderson 0 S. Malik c Bairstow b Broad 38 Y. Khan lbw b Anderson 31 Misbah-ul-Haq c Root b Anderson 71 A. Shafiq c Bairstow b Patel 5 S. Ahmed c Root b Ali 39 W. Riaz b Patel 0 Y. Shah c Patel b Broad 7 Z. Babar not out 6 R. Ali c Ali b Anderson 4 Extras (b-1 lb-5) 6 Total (all out, 85.1 overs) 234 Fall of wickets: 1-5 Az. Ali,2-49 M. Hafeez,3-88 S. Malik,4-103 Y. Khan,5-116 A. Shafiq,6-196 S. Ahmed,7-196 W. Riaz,8-

224 Y. Shah,9-224 Misbah-ulHaq,10-234 R. Ali Bowling: J. Anderson 15.1 - 7 - 17 – 4, S. Broad 13 - 8 - 13 – 2, B. Stokes 11 - 4 - 23 – 0, S. Patel 23 - 3 - 85 – 2, M. Ali 13 - 3 - 49 – 2, A. Rashid 10 - 1 - 41 – 0.

ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook not out 0 M. Ali not out 4 Extras 0 Total (for no loss, 2 overs) 4 Fall of wickets:To bat: I. Bell, J. Root, J. Taylor, B. Stokes, J. Bairstow, S. Patel, A. Rashid, S. Broad, J. Anderson Bowling: R. Ali 1 - 1 - 0 – 0,Y. Shah 1 - 0 - 4 – 0.

Sri Lanka thwart Narine to beat WestIndies by one wicket

COLOMBO, (Reuters)-Sri Lanka paceman Suranga Lakmal took three quick wickets before Tillakaratne Dilshan smashed a 32-ball 59 to lead Sri Lanka to a tense one-wicket win in a rain-curtailed first one-dayer against West Indies yesterday.

The hosts seemed to be cruising to their target of 163, adjusted by the Duckworth-Lewis method, before off-spinner Sunil Narine struck three times in an over to bring West Indies right back into the match.

Sri Lanka still needed 11 runs when they lost their ninth wicket and it was left to tail-ender Ajantha Mendis to post his highest ODI score of 21 not out to see his team over the line with seven deliveries to spare.

Earlier, Dilshan (59) pulled and hooked the fast bowlers with disdain, hitting six fours and three sixes while bringing up the fastest ODI fifty of his career in 25 balls.

Sri Lanka were well set at 89 for one until a flurry of wickets and some magic from Narine gave them a fright.

The home team planned to negotiate Narine’s overs without taking too much risk but the spinner, back in international cricket after a 14-month absence due to a variety of reasons including work on his action, ran through the middle order.

West Indies were hampered by the absence of Andre Russell, who was injured after delivering five balls, and it meant the touring side had to use part-timers to fill up his quota.

Johnson Charles, bowling the penultimate over, overstepped for a no-ball and Mendis hit the resultant free hit for a six over long-on.

After a lengthy rain delay, West Indies made a poor start to their innings after being put in by Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.

Lakmal bowled an impeccable line and length to reduce the visitors to 24 for three before another interruption meant the match was curtailed to 26 overs a side.

West Indies came out all guns blazing on the resumption with Russell smashing 41 from 24 balls and skipper Jason Holder bludgeoning 36 from 13 to lift his team to a total of 159 for eight.

The second game in the three-match series is at the same venue on Wednesday.

Ajantha Mendis and Suranga Lakmal celebrate Sri Lanka’s narrow victory over West Indies in the first ODI in Colombo, yesterday

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES Innings A. Fletcher c Dilshan b Lakmal 3 J. Charles lbw b Lakmal 1 Da. Bravo b A. Mendis 38 M. Samuels lbw b Lakmal 2 J. Carter b Jayasuriya 8 A. Russell c Gunathilaka b Mathews 41 C. Brathwaite b A. Mendis 9 J. Holder run out (, K. Perera) 36 D. Ramdin not out 9 Extras (lb-3 w-9) 12 Total (for 8 wickets, 26 overs) 159 Fall of wickets: 1-2 J. Charles,2-13 A. Fletcher,3-24 M. Samuels,4-42 J. Carter,5-100 A. Russell,6-113 Da. Bravo,7-130 C. Brathwaite,8-159 J. Holder Did not bat: J. Taylor, S. Narine Bowling: L. Malinga 6 - 1 - 20 - 0(w-1),S. Lakmal 5 - 0 - 15 - 3(w-6), S. Senanayake 5 - 0 - 25 – 0, S. Jayasuriya 3 - 0 - 15 – 1, A. Mendis 4 - 0 - 46 - 2(w-1),A. Mathews 3 - 0 - 35 - 1(w-1).

SRI LANKA Innings K. Perera run out (, Carter) 14 T. Dilshan c Ramdin b C. Brathwaite 59 L. Thirimanne c Ramdin b C. Brathwaite 17 A. Mathews c Carter b Taylor 13 D. Gunathilaka b Narine 12 M. Siriwardana c C. Brathwaite b Narine 7 S. Jayasuriya b Narine 0 S. Senanayake b Carter 7 A. Mendis not out 21 L. Malinga lbw b Carter 0 S. Lakmal not out 1 Extras (lb-3 nb-2 w-8) 13 Total (for 9 wickets, 24.5 overs) 164 Fall of wickets: 1-46 K. Perera,2-89 L. Thirimanne,3-104 T. Dilshan,4-120 A. Mathews,5-132 M. Siriwardana,6-132 S. Jayasuriya,7-133 D. Gunathilaka,8-152 S. Senanayake,9-152 L. Malinga Bowling: J. Taylor 5 - 0 - 32 - 1(w-1), S. Narine 6 - 0 - 21 - 3(w-1), J. Holder 5 - 1 - 29 - 0(nb-1), C. Brathwaite 5 - 0 - 35 - 2(w-4), A. Russell 0.5 - 0 - 18 – 0, J. Carter 2.1 - 0 - 14 - 2(w-1), J. Charles 0.5 - 0 - 12 - 0(nb-1 w-1).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 2, 2015

Agricola Red Triangle crowned EBFA /Lens Craft Optical U13 champs

THE Agricola lads took the league title with 15 points from their six matches, five wins and a single loss.

They were scheduled to take on Kuru Kururu Warriors in the final match of the competition on Saturday at the Grove ground but the latter did not show up with Agricola getting the walk over to see them take their first junior title in many years, dethroning last year’s winners, Grove Hi Tech which came second .Agricola also took away the Most Valuable Player award which was presented to Leon Moore who ended the competition with six of his club’s 20 goals and played a pivotal role in the championship win.

They also walked away with the Best Goalkeeper trophy which went to Christopher Adams; only two (2) goals were scored against him in their six matches. The most lethal player in the league was Herstelling Raiders’ Shoran James who took the

Highest Goal Scorer trophy for his 7 goals .Grove Hi Tech was awarded the Fair Play Trophy along with the second place trophy and 16 silver medals. Herstellingreceived the third place trophy and medals with the fourth place trophy taken by Mocha.

EBFA vice-president Kevin Anthony congratulated the teams at the presentation ceremony while urging them to remain discipline on and off the field of play.

Manager/Owner of Lens Craft Optical Allister ‘Ali’ Parris expressed delight at being the sponsor of the tournament stating that it was his way of giving back to the community while ensuring a positive outlet for the development of young players.

Parris thanked the EBFA for organising a successful tournament that saw seven team competing .Kevin Scott of Kuru Kururu Warriors ended tournament with 6 goals,

… Leon Moore is MVP, Shoran James HGS

EBFA president Franklin Wilson presents the Lens Craft Optical trophy to Agricola Red Triangle captain Brian Price.

Rasheed Evans of Grove 4 while netting 3 each were Ian Mars (Mocha Champs), Darren Niles (Mocha), Akeem Williams (Grove) and Teon Forde of Diamond United.

Final Points Standings

Club Played Won Lost Draw GF GA GD Points Agricola 6 5 1 0 20 2 +18 15 Grove 6 4 2 0

Integrity versus Unity for the governance of football

By Ras Wadada IN less than two weeks’ time the most anticipated elections in the history of the oldest Football Federation in the Region would take place and a new Executive Committee would emerge to charter the course for the ‘Beautiful Game’ here in Guyana after just over a year’s governance by a FIFA installed Normalisation Committee.

The campaigning among the 22 voters, loaded with gifts and promises will intensify as ‘D-DAY’ nears.

The character assassination has already begun and no doubt the ‘Ghost’ letter writing will increase leading up to D-Day. The quest for the hierarchy of the sport is being contested by Team Integrity, under the leadership of Businessman and President of Fruta Conquerors FC, Wayne Forde and Team Unity, led by Attorney and Chairman of Political Party AFC, Nigel Hughes.

It is no secret to the fraternity who are the architects behind the Unity slate and

their boastful confidence in prevailing at the polls on D-Day. I and I am certain many others were caught by surprise on hearing that the man well known for his tremendous works in the Judicial Courts as well as in the Political and Social arenas is their Presidential candidate.

Hughes who represented Georgetown in the GTU’s inter-branch U-16 schools competition in 1978 as a goalkeeper comes with no experience of football Management or understanding of the landscape he is entering, but no doubt, he would be guided by the Masterminds steering Team Unity.

The frightening scenario for the People’s Game is who and where the guidance is coming from. The leadership skills of Hughes are unquestionable and likewise his corporate connections, so one could assume the ship is in safe hands There is an old adage, “One bad apple would spoil the whole basket of Apples” and there is a strong consensus of opinion within the sport that

Team Unity has a rotten apple and a few spoilt ones too. That could be disastrous.

In contrast, Team Integrity’s Presidential candidate Forde comes with a successful wealth of football Management skills and experience and more importantly he is well supported by three vice presidents whose expertise football needs at this juncture to propel the development.

It would be very dishonest if anyone would refute the claim that football lacks unity. However it is clear that the disunity has come about mainly because of the want of integrity among the micro-management of dictators who have been abusing the game for decades.

Untrustworthiness and non-transparency have been their traits and the people, who hold the sport dearly to their hearts, have sounded their voices; enough is enough.

It must be noted that these guys are students and very close associates of a former disgraced football boss, here in Guyana, as well as his former chief who is

currently battling extradition for corruption. We must also take account of what has been unfolding at the world governing body and how effective the Ethics Committee is proving to be.

In an interview late last month live on the weekly TV show – Real Football Vybz – Chairman of the NC, Clinton Urling stated that the Ethics Committee was almost nearing establishment. By now it should have been announced, but we are still awaiting word.

It must be in place so as to clear all persons submitted on the two slates as eligible for contesting the elections.

The ultimate responsibility for chartering Guyana’s football pathway for the next four years are in the hands of those elected to vote on November 14th, and while they ought to be directed by their members, their secret ballot has opened the door for wheeling and dealing that could lead to purchasing, and that is the gossip permeating the football environment.

It was first heard that a million dollars is being offered for a vote but now it has been doubled ac-

cording to hearsay. Indeed the thirst for power in the world’s richest sport can be costly and people are willing to pay the price.

Let’s hope this is just a rumour, but in every rumour there often is some truth.

All eligible voters have the golden opportunity, now, to nip the bud of corruption and bring some respectability to a sport blighted and stagnated for years.

Let’s join FIFA in putting our house in order so as to guarantee a bright future for the good of the ‘Beautiful

Game’ seemingly gone ugly.

I am so inclined to share with you my all-time favourite utterance of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Sellassie First, which I find appropriate at this moment in our country’s football history, “Throughout the history of mankind it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, and the silence of the voice, when it mattered most, that has allowed evil to triumph.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 02, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Dimuth Karunaratne-199 runs Darren Bravo-144 runs

Today’s Quiz:

Which SL player had the highest individual score in the recent WI/SL Test series?

Which WI player had the highest individual score in the recent WI/SL Test series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 2, 2015

Persaud retains Digicel Guyana Open Golf title

By Rawle Toney

UNDER the sweltering heat at the Lusignan Golf course, Avinash Persaud retained his Digicel Guyana Open Golf Classic title when the curtains came down last evening on the two-day championship at the East Coast Demerara venue.

Persaud started the final day (yesterday) with a Gross of 80 to easily take his sixth Guyana Open title, totaling a Gross of 154 and net of 150 to finish way ahead of the field of 67 golfers.

A decent crowd was on hand to see Mohanlall Dinanauth and Rishi Sukhram who went into final day sharing a Gross 76, could

…Webster takes female championship

help but watch Persaud play some ‘Tiger Woods’ like shots on his way to securing another ‘Red Jacket’.

Persaud’s brother, Avinda Kishore was second with a with a Gross 160 and a net 154, while Alfred Mentore finished third with Gross 161 and a net 147.

Meanwhile, Shanella Webster was in superb form when she snatched the champion women’s trophy was the 2014 title holder Joann Deo to take home her first Guyana Open winner’s trophy.

Webster scored a net of 148, beating Deo into second place (net 150) and sea-

sons campaigner Christine Sukhram who was in the lead heading into yesterday’s championship round with a net 73 but had to settle for third (net 151).

Kevin Kelly, Digicel’s Chief Executive Officer, said that his company was delighted to once again play its part in sponsoring the Guyana Open again this year, and pledged Digicel’s continued support for the event.

Lusignan Golf Club President Oncar Ramroop believes the tournament this year was much more competitive than previous ones,

and lauded Digicel for once again coming on board to sponsor the event.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; a former Club Captain, congratulated the Lusignan Golf Club for running off another success tournament and added that he believes that with Digicel has played in important role in bring the sport to the forefront in Guyana.

Both Webster and Persaud expressed heartfelt thanks to Digicel for sponsoring the event and said that next year, they are looking forward to defending their titles.

Forde, Josiah-Tanner pull off wins for Guyana in South American 10k GUYANA’S ‘Little Kenyan’ Cleveland Forde continues to showcase his dominance by winning the first leg of the South American 10k on Saturday in Suriname.

Forde stopped the clocked at 31 minutes, 54 seconds while Rupert Green of Jamaica finished third in a time of 33 minutes, 18 seconds.

Guyana’s Cleveland Thomas was third in a time of 33:42s while Winston Missenger finished sixth to stop the clock at 34:56s.

On the distaff side of the event, America based Guyanese Euleen Joisah-Tanner topped the field with a time of 39:43s while World CLEVELAND FORDE Championship representative for Guyana Andrea Foster finished second with a time of 41:48s.

The event will now shift to Guyana on November 8 for its second leg where Forde is a nine time winner before heading to Panama for the third and final leg on November 15.

Caribbean region could be hurt by inadequate FIFA representation Champions Shanella Webster and Avinash Persaud with representatives from Digicel following the conclusion of the Digicel Guyana Open Golf Tournament.

Williams set for female umpire history ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Jacqueline Williams will create history later this year, when she becomes the first female umpire to ever officiate in the Regional 4-Day Tournament.

The 39-year-old from the western Jamaica community of Ashton in the parish of Westmoreland will stand in the middle with international umpire Peter Nero for the fifth round match in the WICB Professional League R4Day between Jamaica Scorpions and Guyana Jaguars from December 11 to 14 at Sabina Park in her nation’s capital of Kingston.

(EDS: See schedule of appointments for Rounds 1 to 5 attached).

“It’s a humbling feeling to know that I will have this opportunity,” said Williams. “I have put in the hard work over the last few years, it’s been seen and now it is paying off for me.

“I still am pinching myself to know that it is real and will be happening. I am

not overawed at the prospect of standing in a match with male players – I have done it before at the club level – but it is still a learning experience for me and I am just open to all of the challenges it will bring.”

Prior to this, Williams will have standby duties for the fourth round match between Scorpions and Leeward Islands Hurricanes from December 4 to 7 at the same venue.

“I used to play the game and I was encouraged to become an umpire even before my playing days were finished,” said Williams. “I took it up in 2007 and it has been a lot of hard work, but I am happy with what I have been able to achieve so far.”

Williams recently made her international debut, when she stood in the first One-day and first Twenty20 Internationals during the ongoing Pakistan Women’s Tour of the West Indies.

“The experience I have

gained working with Joel Wilson, Gregory Brathwaite, Peter Nero and Nigel Duguid, as well as match referees Hayden Bruce and Michael Ragoonath has been invaluable,” said Williams.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them and learn so much in such a short period of time. The things that I have learnt I will also be looking to transfer that knowledge to other umpires in Jamaica, so that they too can benefit.”

Wi l l i a m s i s b e i n g groomed by the WICB with an eye to possible selection on the international panel for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 in England and Wales.

She was one of four female umpires that joined two-dozen of their male colleagues in benefitting from a workshop last June in Trinidad.

Jamaica’s Jacqueline Williams set to become the first female umpire to officiate in a Regional 4-day tournament.

FORMER Trinidad and Tobago national player turned coach Keith Look Loy fears inadequate representation for the Caribbean in a restructured FIFA organisation.

In recent years the Caribbean, as a region, has always has strong representation on the global football body’s board, with former FIFA Vice presidents Jack Warner and Jeffrey Webb, however, in the wake of scandals that have rocked the region the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) has lost representatives in top positions.

For instance no CFU representatives have been selected in the interim CONCACAF leadership committee in the wake of the arrest of former CONCACAF president Webb. Look DAVID NAHKID Loy believes the situation could be a major blow for development of the sport in the region.

Without proper representation Look Loy believes “the Caribbean would just be some islands in the sea now with no concern about them.”

In the past under then CONCACAF president and Fifa vice president Jack Warner the region secured additional World Cup spots which saw both Jamaica and T&T qualify for the France 1998 and Germany 2006 World Cups Only last week the narrow chances of another former national player David Nahkid holding a top rank within FIFA was snuffed out after his bid for presidency was rejected for not having enough nominations and violation of the nomination rules.

(Sportsmax.com)

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Williams set for female umpire history See story on page 23

Ospina wins final stage but disqualified for refusing drug test

...Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal declared overall winner

By Michael DaSilva

TEAM Coco’s Carlos Ospina won the final stage of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) `Tour of Guyana’ Five Stage Cycle Road Race and was expected to be declared the winner of the overall event according to the recoded timings, but he refused to do a random drug test and was disqualified..

Colombian Carlos Ospina of Team Coco’s crosses the finish line unchallenged yesterday to win the fifth and final stage of the Tour of Guyana’ Five-Stage Cycle road race, but was later disqualified. (Samuel Maughn photos) Coco’s members while the others were from different teams.

Immediately after learning that five Team Coco’s members were identified to be tested, the team’s manager Eian Davis lodged a protest and asked for answers as to why five of his team members were chosen and only one or two from other clubs.

However, when Chronicle Sport tried to get information from the GOA officials as to why the ten cyclists were chosen to undergo testing, this reporter was not given a reason, however, a source close to the testing said it was on the instructions of the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Association that the testing had to be done.

The 10 cyclists randomly chosen for the drug test were Team Coco’s Hamzah Eastman, Raynauth Jeffrey, Ospina, Darren Matthews and Jaime Ramirez along

with Geron Williams (Continental), Alonzo Greaves (Roraima Bikiers), Marloe Rodman (Jamaica),Jamal Eastman (Barbados) and Raul Leal (Team Gillette Evolution).

While some of the Team Coco’s’ members and the others from the various clubs went ahead and did the test, Ospina refused and was subsequently disqualified.

In the process he lost the overall first place position as well as 14 of the 30 prime prizes that were up for grabs during the five-stage event.

Ospina who won the first stage (Corriverton to New Amsterdam, Berbice) in one hour, 37 minutes and 58 seconds, placed fifth in the second stage (Rosignol Berbice to Georgetown) with a time of two hours, 23 minutes .02 seconds, finished second in a bunch time in 57 minutes 13 seconds from Wales (West Bank Demerara ) to Bushy Park (East Bank Essequibo),

This set the stage for `Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal to be declared the overall champion when the presentation ceremony was held at the National Cultural Centre shortly after the conclusion of the fifth and final stage.

The random drug test came about on the urging of the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) who was

sanctioned by the Caribbean Regional Anti-Doping Association to carry out the testing.

At the finish of yesterday’s final stage, officials of the GOA including vicepresidents Stephanie Fraser, Charles Corbin and Treasurer Garfield Wiltshire decided to choose ten cyclists to do a random drug test, and of the ten identified, five were Team

placed third in the fourth stage (Supenaam to Charity and back to Suddie on the Essequibo Coast) in a time of two hours 25 minutes and 20 seconds and then won yesterday’s final stage (Kara Kara, Linden to Georgetown) in a time of two hours, 35 minutes, 50 seconds finished with an overall time of nine hours, 58 minutes 51 seconds, bettering the time recorded by last year’s winner Robin Persaud who won the event last year in a time of 10 hours 26 minutes, .06 seconds.

Leal on the other hand placed fourth in the first stage (1.37:58), finished sixth in stage two (2.23:02), third in stage three (0.57:13), fifth in the fourth stage (2.26:01) and placed in a bunch finish for the other top places after Ospina had crossed the line minutes ahead of them. In the fifth stage, Leal recorded a bunch time of 3.39:27 to finish with an overall time of 10.03:31.

Persaud retains Digicel Guyana Open Golf title

See story on page 23

Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal (right) accepts the overall winner’s yellow jersey as well as the winning trophy from Ministry of Education representative Trevor Williams.

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2015