Chronicle 12 02 2015

GUYANA No. 104390 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2, 2015

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

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

PRICE: $80

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BBCI keeps nation waitingon lowering toll

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Easy access for the differently-abled 2 Page

Audrey Bowling cutting the ceremonial ribbon at the launch yesterday of ‘Ramps and Yellow Border’ at the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour.

Looking on, from left, are Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings; Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister of Labour, Simona Broomes; National Commission on Disability Executive Secretary, Beverly Pile; and Assistant Deputy Chief Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Officer, Lydia Green (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

Over $76M in Presidential 3 Grant paid out P.

Cocaine Stolen taxi and

duo convicted

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a burnt3 body

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P. of gruesome murder - Court hears

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Easy access for the differently-abled - at Social Protection Ministry

By Shauna Jemmott THE Ministry of Social Protection has big plans afoot for making access to its services easier for everyone, particularly the differently-abled, by installing ramps and stair lifts at its various facilities countrywide.

According to Minister of Labour, Simona Broomes, the new building, which is currently under construction, has already been outfitted with two ramps so as to accommodate persons in wheelchairs.

She said a ‘lift’ will be installed shortly so that those with different kinds of disabilities can access all parts of the building.

A stair-lift is a mechanical device used to take people and wheelchairs up and down stairs. A wheelchair lift, on the other hand, is specifically designed to carry both user and wheelchair wherever they wish with the aid of a staircase.

The minister was at the time speaking at a simple ceremony yesterday to launch a project with a big purpose, titled ‘Ramps and Yellow Border’, at the Department of Labour.

The Ministry has installed two ramps giving access by wheelchair to its boardroom and another room located at its bottom flat where services will be provided specially for those with walking disabilities.

Minister Broomes said it was just a few weeks ago that she had talks with Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Beverly Pile, about installing the ramps and yellow borders to make access easy for persons with disabilities at the Ministry of Social Protection, Department of Labour, located on Brickdam.

FUNDING With funding from Mr. Komal Singh and the Private Sector Commission (PSC), the project has been successful.

“Just a few weeks ago, we had talks with the National Commission on Disability... And this shows that we can achieve great things with commitment,” Minister Broomes said.

“We are a government that will deliver, and today we have delivered at this Department for the people of Guyana and persons with disabilities. This is just a baby step to what you will see happening throughout the country and throughout the ministries.”

She said just a few days ago, she was approached by a woman who was obviously in distress. The woman, according to the minister, “was hopping and in beads of perspiration.

She just needed information; she was abused in her home, and to access or to contact someone for that information, she struggled.”

The minister pointed out that very often, wheelchair-bound persons would visit the ministry in the hot sun, and officers would meet them at the bottom of the stairs, standing in the sun to deal with those persons.

But now all that is in the past. “Now there is access here that they could enter; and there is a small room that the officer would then come downstairs (and) we could deal with them,” Minister Broomes said, adding: “If there’s a conference or a workshop, they can access that too.”

YELLOW BORDERS Yellow borders have also been painted on the stairs leading to the upper flat so as to guide those who are visually impaired.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that yellow is the only colour that can be recognised by the visually impaired.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr. Karen Cummings congratulated Minister Broomes for the wise initiative, and has invited all government ministries and agencies to adopt similar strategies in serving its differentlyabled community.

Lydia Green, a senior employee within the Ministry of Labour said the project was executed in keeping with aspects of the theme for National Disability Week, “Inclusion matters: Access and empowerment of people of all abilities”.

She said such special provision for the differently-abled gives them a feeling of inclusion in the world of work, and

Wheelchair-bound Audrey Bowling tests the ramp leading to the boardroom of the Ministry of Labour, yesterday assures them that they, too, can access all services though they are faced with challenges.

It was certainly a woman’s afternoon out for government ministers, as the event was attended by Minister within the Ministry of Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; and Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

BBCI keeps nation waiting on lowering toll

By Rabindra Rooplall THE Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) has not yet signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) which proposes a toll reduction to traverse that facility, although government had anticipated that such would have been done by December 1, 2015.

According to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, a copy of the agreement had been sent to the BCCI early in November, and another had been sent on November 30, 2015, but the position remains unchanged.

This publication tried on multiple occasions to garner comment from BCCI Chief Executive Officer Omadat Samaroo, but he has always been either not in office or unavailable for comment.

Management of the BBCI had, in October, indicated that a proposal to the coalition government had been submitted, accepting its proposed $40M subvention towards reduction of the tolls.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, said a proposal had indeed been sent

by the company, indicating its willingness to accept the subvention being offered by the government, and that the document had been reviewed

by Cabinet.

“The agreement was prepared and sent to the BBCI’s lawyers for them to review, and once they review and concur therein, we will just sign onto it and make the funds available…. We are giving them some time; hopefully, before the week is out, we may have a reply,” Minister of Public Minister Ferguson explained.

Infrastructure Minister Patterson had David Patterson noted, “Both parties have agreed to lower the tolls, but it is just the mechanism to get it in place…and is in the form

of the agreement which we expect will be signed very soon.”

The BBCI had first rejected the government’s offer of financial support on the premise that its shareholders had not been consulted on the matter; and in an effort to relieve the travelling public from the burden of high tolls, government had implemented river taxis, operating on the Berbice River at a subsidised cost.

Government’s efforts to reduce the Berbice Bridge toll is part of its effort to alleviate the burden of high fares for the more than 150,000 Guyanese who live within Regions Five and Six, who traverse the bridge to access education and health services, conduct business, and travel on a daily basis.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had, on August 10, announced that from September 1st, the toll for passenger cars and buses crossing the Berbice River Bridge would have been reduced by $300 -- from $2,200 to $1,900; while the toll for all other types of vehicles would have been reduced by 10 percent. This reduction was intended to fulfil an elections campaign promise made by the APNU+AFC coalition.

MINISTER of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, has revealed that the ministry disbursed Presidential Grant funds worth $76.547 million to 208 hinterland communities during 2015.

Minister Allicock told the Government Information

noted that some communities allowed their funds to backup for the past two years. They have been urged to collect their funds since the ministry is no longer allowed to keep such monies.

The Presidential Grant project provides contributions of up to $5M

equipment.

This project was not included in the 2015 National Budget, due to its late presentation in the year. However, it is catered for in the 2016 National Budget and is expected to benefit over 204 Amerindian communities.

Over $76M in Presidential - for 2015 Grant paid out thus far Agency (GINA) during a recent interview that the disbursement was done between April and November 2015. However, he explained that the process is still ongoing, since a number of communities are still to uplift their 2013/2014 grants.

Minister Allicock further

to hinterland communities to implement income generating projects. Some of these plans include the construction of village shops, guest houses, multipurpose buildings, and sewing centres, agricultural ventures, purchasing of 4x4 pick-ups, minibuses, All Terrain Vehicles, and

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock

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Lindeners hold rally to mark World AIDS Day

SEVERAL organisations in Linden hosted a massive rally and march in the town to mark World Aids Day, observed the world over.

The organisations included: For The Children Sake Foundation in collaboration with Adolescent Unit MOPH, Ministry of Education-Department of Culture Youth and Sports, Peace Corp Volunteer and Linden Fund USA. The awareness march commenced from the old Aluminum Plant and ended at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground where the rally was held.

Speakers noted that Guyana had made a significant breakthrough in identifying and developing strategies in terms of combating HIV/AIDS. Dr. McDonald who is attached to the HIV and AID’s unit at the Wismar Hospital said the key was providing adequate non-discriminatory care and treatment to vulnerable groups like commercial sex workers and young persons who use drugs.

Several of the presenters reflected on their positive experiences in supporting the prevention and control of HIV in the Caribbean Region and expressed their support to drive for a complete removal of infections, discrimination and AIDS-related deaths. The Director of “For the Children’s Sake Foundation” Tisha Campbell, in her presentation, said although the

Linden Aids March challenges faced in the fight against HIV have been huge, the response had also been strong and resilient.

The response has engendered continuous reduction in both the HIV

prevalence and HIV incidence rates over the years.

“These declines have given us buoyancy in the belief that, yes we can indeed do better and further reduce the burden of HIV in the country,” she

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posited and added that the response of HIV prevention strategies, guided by appropriate political will and policies have remained sharpened, and have assisted us to reach the milestones we have so far.”

Miss Campbell urged the audience to continue in their fight against HIV and AIDS. Those in attendance were Executive Director Vernon Todd, Director Tisha Campbell, Deputy Director of Youth Leslyn Boyce, District Education Officer Region 10 and the President of Regional Aids Committee Carla Lucky,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

GT&T, Digicel at odds over access to MMG service THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) and Digicel Guyana are at present in contention over access to the MMG App which GT&T is providing to all customers but claims that Digicel has been blocking access by its subscribers.

The Guyana Chronicle yesterday was among other dailies who carried a paid advertisement from GT&T that lashed out at Digicel for allegedly restricting customers from accessing the Mobile Money Guyana (MMG) App that is available at Play Store for all mobile users.

Digicel, in a response, said the claims are false and that it was contacted by GT&T recently where the reported inability to access the app by Digicel customers was not possible and Digicel assured the other network that they will be looking into the concerns.

According to the “Do More” Network, it has noted what seems to be an action by Digicel to restrict its customers from accessing Mobile Money.

“GT&T recently extended its Mobile Money service to these customers who clamored to have access to the service based on its convenient, wide-reaching, safe and reliable qualities,” the advertisement from GT&T stated.

This publication contacted senior functionaries at Digicel for a response on the ad and among other things the company stated: “GT&T contacted us last Thursday for the first time, (the App has been in the market since October) and we responded by saying we would investigate and try and help.”

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD In its advertisement, GT&T said it believes that it is the right of customers to choose their applications and services and the company has always lobbied for a level playing field for the benefit of all customers.

The company added that the application for Mobile Money is available at Play Store for android and calls are toll free to the customer number 0664.

“In the interest of customers we hope that prudent judgment prevails and customer’s right to choose would be respected,” GT&T posited.

Digicel in its response through its press statement said: “We would like to emphasize that the GT&T App and its functionality is the responsibility of GT&T to ensure it works properly. We are therefore disappointed in GT&T’s approach to this matter. On a wider note, we welcome GT&T’s very recent conversion to customers’ choice and look forward to this new approach to be applied to residential landlines and liberalisation of the telecoms sector so every Guyanese can enjoy the benefits of improved communications in Guyana rather than the current monopoly which restrict customers’ choice.”

The Mobile Money Application which is available on the platforms of mobile phones does not need internet to be active but once there is a cellphone signal the application can work once a customer signs up for it.

The feature was rolled out by GT&T in 2014 and is used mainly by customers to pay utility bills and in some instances transfer money from remote locations to rural areas or the other way around.

Reference was also made to it by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan during his budget presentation earlier this year.

The Public Utilities Commission is expected to engage the two companies with respect to the latest development.

The most notable involvement between the PUC and the two companies was bringing both GT&T and Digicel to a compromise on facilitating customers from both networks to text each other for a very reasonable cost.

That move was welcomed by subscribers of both companies and there is now increased cross-texting between customers of the two networks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Vehicle in fatal hit and run held

The pickup vehicle suspected to be involved in the accident

Family members of Travis Bollers, and others protesting yesterday at Square of the Revolution

THE police yesterday recovered a pickup which is suspected to have been involved in the fatal hit-and-run accident last Thursday on Sheriff Street when a 17-year-old lad was killed and his cousin injured.

Traffic Chief Dion Moore who spoke with this publication confirmed that they were able to pick up a vehicle in North Sophia.

The vehicle’s registration number is said to be GHH 5201 but police were unable to pick up the driver at the time they confiscated the vehicle.

Moore explained that when the vehicle was found, ranks could not at the time get access to information at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to verify the identity and address of the owner.

Last Thursday Travis Bollers, 17, was riding a motorcycle along Sheriff Street with his cousin Quacy McAlman on the pillion when a vehicle sped out of Pike Street and collided with them. The driver reportedly exited the pickup and took a look at the two youths who were sprawled bleeding on the roadway before making a getaway.

Bollers died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital. The brother of the dead youth then took to his Facebook page pleading with persons to come forward with any information they might have that could lead to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver.

The young man also gave a description of the vehicle that struck down his brother, based on reports from eyewitnesses.

The police over the weekend began receiving information on the likely whereabouts of the vehicle and reportedly came closer on Monday to locating it. Police yesterday reportedly searched all day until they came to the location where the suspected hit and run vehicle was hidden.

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Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Ex-offenders need a brotherhood

EDITORIAL

Scrapping the WICB

THE Independent Review Panel of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Sub-Committee on Cricket Governance is spot-on in recommending that the West Indies Cricket Board be disbanded and an interim committee be set up.

They have, for too long, operated like a law onto themselves, doing as they please with a game that belongs to the people of the Caribbean. Surely, Professor V. Eudine Barriteau; Sir Denis Byron; former Trinidad & Tobago and West Indies cricketer, Deryck Murray; President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr Warren Smith; and President of the Grenada Cricket Association, Dwain Gill, would not waste three months in coming up with a verdict as strong as this.

Cricket, the International Cricket Council and the WICB need to look around them and see what is going on.

Just recently, we saw how much bickering had engulfed the sport of football locally, with more football-related issues being played out in the courtrooms than on the lush greens of our many grounds. There and then the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) stepped in.

They immediately disbanded the administration that was in place and set up what they deemed a normalisation committee, to handle the day-to-day affairs of the sport and fix what issues were plaguing the sport at that time.

Those issues included discrepancies in the constitution, legal matters and tournament clashes.

To make a long story short, close to one year later, football in Guyana is back on its development path, with the female team, the Lady Jags, recently qualifying for the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Associations of Football (CONCACAF) Olympic Qualifier after a 2-1 win over Jamaica.

Conversely, the West Indies have missed out on a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy, slated for 2017. It is an unprecedented feat, their moving from being the the kings of the world under Clive Lloyd to being in the trenches at present. And yet the board does not see the need to humbly resign.

Quoting directly from the Report of the CARICOM Sub-Committee on Cricket Governance, “Caribbean societies and the West Indies’ game of cricket have changed drastically since the origins of the latter in its organised, competitive form in the British colonial Caribbean in the mid to late 19th century. In the 21st century, the game of cricket is now embedded in the global corporate world of business. Caribbean people continue to experience excitement or despair about what happens on every field of play, to agonise about the fortunes, successes, failures or foibles of the West Indies teams; but Caribbean cricket is far more than the public’s support and consumption of West Indies cricket.

“The shareholders of West Indies cricket, led by the WICB, however, rely on the active involvement of other stakeholders of the game to deliver its product. These include several Caribbean governments who finance the construction and maintenance of the stadia where the

Dear Editor WHILE studying in the USA, I wrote a Lecture Series that the Indiana Department of Corrections now use in their prisons and correctional facilities. In one of the lessons, I noted that ex-offenders need a “Brotherhood” -- a ‘State of Belonging’. I wrote the lecture series, which is now a work book, while serving as a Prison Chaplain in the State of Indiana. The course is based on extensive research, and also as a result of my own experience.

The lectures were written in 2007. However, the more time elapses, the more justified I feel for having written the book, even as I see what is happening here in Guyana, and especially among the offender community. We have a recidivism rate of 75-80%; these offenders are between the ages of 18 and 45. Additionally, most of those who recidivate do so two or more times. So what we have is 3/4 of our prison population going in-and-out of prison, within months of their release; yet we have absolutely no programme in place to assist this problematic clientele.

In my lecture series, I noted that there was need for a ‘brotherhood of ex-offenders’. This is based on what obtains behind the walls of the prison. While incarcerated, packs, groups and gangs are formed to aid in the survival of the inmate. It is an established fact within the prison population that everyone needs someone to look out for him/her. The need is so great that often sexual favours and other illegal acts are solicited to guarantee the needed protection.

Hardly anyone incarcerated for any protracted length of time goes through a prison sentence without forming allegiances with some subset of his/her fellow prisoners. This default survival tactic then forms part of the mental psyche of the prisoner. Over time it becomes a part of the inherent behaviour of the inmate -- a sense of belonging. It is assessed as one of the modus operandi of those incarcerated, and forms part of what is commonly termed the “prisoner mentality.”

When the ex-offender leaves prison, that bonding and the need for support and protection do not immediately cease.

So the default behaviour of the released individual is to go in search of his/her buddies. Because Guyana does not have a formal ex-offender rehabilitation programme, there are no healthy ways for the individual with the “prisoner mentality” to find support. The only persons, then, that remain a part of the support group are those still practising criminal behaviours.

The now stigmatised, isolated, mostly illiterate, unemployed ex-offender feels compelled to seek the warmth of these problematic gatherings, and the cycle of crime and recidivism continues.

It is a known fact that anywhere there is a formally established ex-offender rehabilitation programme, the crime and recidivism statistics are reduced. This is because the ex-offender who has decided to change could now have access to facilities and programmes that speak to his/her criminogenic needs.

Prison is never easy or preferred, and there are many who leave prison desiring to change but, because there are no structured initiatives in place, the ex-offender is likely to seek the company of those of savory character, and the vicious cycle of violence and antisocial behaviour is repeated.

This administration should establish a place where the formerly incarcerated could benefit from resources that would aid in their developing behaviours that lend to the reduction in crime and the building up of Guyana. It would be to the Government’s benefit to spearhead the establishment of Guyana’s first ex-offender rehabilitation programme.

Give the ex-offenders a healthy place, where they could meet and find support from each other. This will help in the reduction of crime in Guyana.

PASTOR W. P. JEFFREY Practical Christianity Ministries

All my overseas mail have been tampered Dear Editor, FOR a very long time now, I note with a great deal of interest that all my overseas mail, delivered to me from the Guyana Post Office Corporation, have been tampered. I received a mail from the USA last week, and I noticed the envelope came in a sealed plastic bag. When I opened the bag, I discovered that the envelope had been opened with a sharp object, like a knife, but the person who opened my mail could not paste it back, because the envelope was damaged; so he/she took scotch tape and pasted the envelope, then cleverly placed it in a clear plastic bag.

I also noticed a stamp at the back of the envelope with the words: “Received at GPO: Taped, soiled, damaged etc. with a scratched signature on a line and the date 24/11/15.”

Mr. Editor, this is not the first time this has happened to my overseas mail; it has been happening for over five years, but when I went to inquire about it, I was told that my mail had been received by GPOC damaged, which I found difficult to believe. The stamp they placed at the back of my mail cleared them off the hook from any suspicion of mail tampering.

From my keen observation these people who opened my mail were searching for something, because the contents in the mail have marks of hands or fingers on them.

If the customs are opening mail, then I think their stamp should be on the mail. What is the purpose of the plastic bag if someone is not trying to cover up something? Then what about scanning mail? Overseas mail are checked through scanners, they have no need to cut open the envelopes. game is played; several important industries, such as tourism, aviation, and food and beverages; former players, some of whom constitute an elite group of exemplary ambassadors of the game, known as the legends; and the current players, both women and men, and their representative organisation, the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) (who) constitute another key group of stakeholders,” the report said.

“Finally, the Caribbean public completes the stakeholder community on which the delivery of the public good of West Indies cricket depends.” Is this not enough?

Dave Martins and the Tradewinds put it best: “Al yuh take a rest!”

Not very long ago, I sent a package to England by express mail at GPOC. It contained a cheque in Pounds Sterling. My package was destroyed and the cheque was stolen. Customs officials had examined my package before posting; they knew I had a cheque in it, but thought it was registered. Still, it was stolen and the contents destroyed. I was not aware of my missing package until the bank sent me a letter informing me that my cheque was not cashed. Upon inquiry to the England company, I was informed that my package was never received.

When I took my receipt and inquired at GPO, I was told, after a few months had passed, that my package is very difficult to trace. In my opinion, a registered express mail ought to be secure; that’s why it’s called: registered express mail.

It’s amazing that my other mail coming from GPL,GRA, GT&T have not been tampered and placed in a plastic bag.

If they are examining mail for money, cheques, or drugs, it would be wise to thoroughly examine all of them, both local and overseas. I would want to assume that a few pieces of mail coming from overseas can be tampered, but it’s more than ridiculous to see all my personal overseas having been violated and searched all the time, and to know that some I never received.

I visited a Post Office not long ago, and I saw two female workers were sorting out a bag of overseas mail. I behaved as if I was not watching them, but I saw clearly that they were putting the mail on the sunlight reflection to see what was inside the envelopes. One even had a little torch light.

That incident convinced me that most mail tampering is done right here in Guyana, and can be easily covered up because our security system to catch corrupt workers is very weak.

Because mail move around like money, it’s easier to say it arrived from Trinidad like that, then Trinidad can blame St. Lucia, and they all can say it came so from the USA. So it’s very difficult to make a case of this horrendous dilemma we are faced with, until someone starts to file lawsuits against these organisations.

In my experience with FEDEX and DHL, I sent lots of packages, which all arrived in just a day or two in the USA, and nothing was missing. It’s time our new administration and the relevant authorities step up the standard of GPO. With modern technology, mail will soon become obsolete; yet we still need the mailing system to See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

‘My HIV STORY’ released

By Shirley Thomas

A NEW book on HIV/ AIDS, which promises to take its readers by storm, was yesterday released in Georgetown, during a formal launch at the George-

reward for those who continue to champion the cause of the eradication of stigma and discrimination against people with HIV (PLHIV).

M o r e o v e r, h e a d d s : “This book is the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

Rawle Nelson presents a copy of his book ‘My HIV Story’ to Dr. Shanti Singh, NAPS Programame Manager town Treatment and Care Centre, Thomas and New Market Street.

Titled ‘My HIV Story’, the 198 page ‘must read’ book, authored by Guyanese Award-winning journalist, Rawle Andre Nelson, presents 30 chapters of true stories of people living with HIV. “Told by Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV), the book is dedicated to all those persons who are either living with, or affected by HIV,” says Nelson. It serves as a

People opened up and revealed what they had kept hidden for many years in the hope that their stories would help prevent fellow Caribbean people from taking the wrong road.”

Commenting on the many chilling revelations by persons who opted to tell their stories about how they became infected with HIV, Nelson asserts: “This book will open people’s eyes and can be used as a teaching tool for young people taking their first steps into the sex-

ual world.”

The publication chronicles stories of the lives of people from Guyana and a number of other Caribbean countries.

He touches on the grim reality: “What was (sometimes) done in secret, exploding into the open like a ‘bomb,’ affecting everyone within range of its blast.”

The objective, Nelson says, is to have the book get into schools and vulnerable groups. Already he has forged a relationship with the President of the GTU, Mr. Mark Lyte, with the hope that he would be able to influence teachers who are members of his union, to familiarise themselves with the book. That being done, teachers would be able to promote the book. In fact, he says his work is for his two sons who are both under ten.

Among those attending the launch were: Dr. Martin Oditt, UNAIDS Representative in Guyana; Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr. Shanti Singh; Mrs. Debra Success-Hall, Coordinator of Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT); Dr. Ramos and Ms. Jennifer Ganesh, also of NAPS; President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union; and President of G+, Ms. Chystol Albert.

Among the speakers were Dr. Shanti Singh who has always been supportive of the work of Rawle Nelson in HIV/AIDS and Dr. Ruth Ramos who commended the initiative and offered the

Patrons of the Flame and the Ribbon show at the National Cultural Centre Tuesday evening took time out to light a candle in memory of those who died from HV/AIDS (Delano Williams photo)

All my overseas mail...

From page 6

post important documents.

How reliable is our mailing system? What kind of people do we have working in these offices? Are they people of integrity? Can they be trusted? Why do mail posted from Georgetown take three weeks to reach the East Coast, and some two months to reach

Berbice?

I am calling on the relevant authorities to put in place laws in our Post Offices to eradicate mail tampering and theft.

Yours truly, REV. GIDEON CECIL

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At yesterday’s launch of ‘My HIV Story’ by Rawle Nelson. Displaying copies of the book are (from left): UNAIDS Representative, Dr. Martin Oditt; Dr. Ruth Ramos; Dr. Shanti Singh; and Author, Rawle Nelson author words of encourage- Edward Green, U.N. Special Ministry of Health. ment.

Envoy for HIV in the CaThe book which is beNelson has expressed ribbean; Dr. Shanti Singh; ing sold for $7,000 and thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ruth Ramos of NAPS; can now be found in lothose who have partnered Travis Benain, President of cal bookstores, was also with him along the way, in- UWI STAT Corps, Cave Hill on sale at last evening’s cluding those who have given Chapter; Dr. Gina Watson, Annual World AIDS Day him moral support. Such per- OECS and Barbados PAHO; show ‘The Ribbon and the sons include: Rev. Patricia Grenada University of Sci- Flame’ at the National CulBisnauth, Executive Director ence and Technology; and tural Centre. It can also of the Guyana Responsible Mr. Trevor Thomas, former be had on Amazon.com and Parenthood Association; Dr. Permanent Secretary of the Amazon UK.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Stolen taxi and a burnt body - Court hears of gruesome murder

By Michel Outridge THE 2010 murder trial of taxi driver Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo commenced in the High Court yesterday before Justice Navindra Singh and a 12-member jury. Several witnesses are testifying.

The State is being represented by Narissa Leander in association with Teshanna James-Lake, while the defence counsels are Jermaine Jervis and Clevann Humphrey.

In her opening statement, Leander told the court that the deceased had been a taxi driver who had last been seen alive on January 19, after which a search was launched for him and his car.

She said that, on January 27, the car was found at a bodywork shop in Herstelling New Scheme, East Bank Demerara, and later the badly burnt body of Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo was discovered at Mocha Arcadia Access Road, also on the East Bank of Demerara.

Leander said the accused, Balram Singh, was arrested and charged for the offence.

The first witness, Bhoop Singh, who is the father-inlaw of the deceased, told the court that the victim had been married to his daughter and had lived at his home for some time prior to his demise.

He noted that Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo had been a taxi driver who operated in the vicinity of Guyana Stores and drove a motor car which belonged to his son. Singh told the court he had last seen his son-in-law alive when he had visited his office at Houston, EBD. Thereafter, calls to his cell phone had gone unanswered and he had found that very strange.

After some hours, he and his family members had begun enquiring about Sukhdeo’s whereabouts at the hire car park, but had come up empty-handed; and after 24-hours had elapsed, they had filed a missing person report at the Brickdam Police Station.

Singh recalled that in an effort to locate Sukhdeo, he had printed flyers with his photo and had distributed them, and had initiated a search with his relatives.

He told the court that, on January 7, he and his son began searching Herstelling, and he observed a car which looked similar to the missing

car parked under a house. He went to Providence Police Station and reported it to the ranks, and was accompanied by two officers to the house, which housed a bodywork shop, and there they observed the car was partially stripped.

There, he stated, they compared the engine and chassis numbers from the registration certificate he had in his possession; and it was revealed that the chassis number was different and appeared to have been tam-

‘MURDER ACCUSED’: Balram Singh pered with.

Singh said he produced a spare key to the vehicle, and it opened the vehicle, started the ignition and engine, and at that point he knew the car was the missing one.

Singh said he managed to get the police to visit Mocha Arcadia Access Road, where they noticed the charred remains of a human body.

He told the court that he observed a section of the head had cropped hair and two missing teeth from the lower left side of the mouth, similar to that of his son-in-law. He said he came to the conclusion that the remains were those of his son-in-law.

Under cross-examination, Jermaine Jervis asked Singh if the body was burnt beyond recognition, and he said parts of the face were missing. When questioned, he said the owner of the bodywork shop was not at home when he had visited with the police, but the man’s wife was present.

Kumar Singh, the son of Bhoop Singh, also testified, saying he was the owner of the car, acquired in 2009

with licence plate number PLL 5912, but changed to HB 7419. He said his brother-in-law worked the car as a taxi, and he had last seeen him alive the night before he had gone missing.

He spoke of how he assisted his father in searching for the deceased and the car, and said the said car was later sold.

Chandra Gordon, wife of the owner of the bodywork shop, testified under oath that she was at home when Singh and the police showed up to check the car, and she cooperated.

She said she was asked to accompany them to the Providence Police Station, where she was detained until her husband showed up.

Gordon told the court that the car was in the workshop to be sprayed in yellow, and had been there for less than a week after being driven there by two men and her husband.

She identified the two men as ‘Bharat’, owner of a taxi service in Grove, and a man called ‘Papa’, an employee of Bharat (only name given).

Gordon added that her husband was arrested for three days, but was not charged.

Sookdeo Dookie, a welder/spray painter, also testified under oath. He said one Bharat had come to his house saying he “got a wuk fuh I do, and we can go see the car at his taxi service at Grove.”

Dookie told the court that they took the car to his workshop, and he was asked to paste on to the chassis of the car a series of numbers which were taken from a crashed vehicle, and he was also asked to spray the car.

He said the car was stripped and ready for spraying, but he did not get to do it.

Police witness Deputy Superintendent Ramesh Pareshram told the court he was stationed at Providence Police Station as the licensing and certifying officer in 2010, when he was asked to examine a car which was lodged in the compound of the station.

He said he noticed that the engine numbers corresponded with that on the certificate of registration, but the chassis numbers were different and appeared to have been tampered with, using compound.

At that point, he removed the fake numbers and saw the original chassis numbers, which were the same on the registration certificate of the car.

Under cross-examination, Pareshram said he reported his findings to his superiors, since it was a crime to tamper with the chassis number of a vehicle.

Yohan Henry, another police witness who is a Detective Sergeant attached to Bartica Police Station, told the court that in 2010 he was stationed at Kitty Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and was on duty when he received certain information.

He noted that on January 27, 2010, he went with a party of ranks to Lot 85 Second Street, Agricola, where he contacted Balram Singh and cautioned him, after he put the allegation of hijacking and murder to him.

Henry said Balram Singh replied saying, “Meh nah know nothing of what you talking about.”

He was, however, arrested and placed in custody at Brickdam Police Station.

Another police witness, Devon Bowen, a police constable who was stationed at Providence Police station in 2010, said he assisted in the probe, and relative to a report, accompanied Bhoop Singh to a house where a car was parked.

Bowen told the court that he met Chandra Gordon, who was present, and he told her of their findings and asked her to accompany them to the Providence Police Station, where the car was also lodged.

He also said he later received information and went to Mocha Arcadia Access Road, where, about 600 yards on the northern side of the road near a trench under a tree, he saw what appeared to be the burnt remains of a human body.

The indictment states that between January 19 and 27, 2010, in the county of Demerara, the accused Balram Singh murdered Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo.

The car was hijacked and sold to a taxi service owner in Grove. The charred remains believed to be that of taxi driver Bhomeshwar Sukhdeo was found at Mocha Arcadia Access Road.

It is believed that he was shot in the head and set alight, after which his body was dumped.

Wanted 17-yr-old murder suspect captured, makes court appearance

By Clestine Juan AFTER being on the run for almost eight months, the alleged teen accomplice in the murder of businessman Abdool Farouk Ghanie, proprietor of Hamson’s General Stores, had his first date with the High Court yesterday.

Seventeen-year-old

Police Prosecutor Corporal Bharrat Mangru did not state the facts to the court, but requested that the matter be adjourned until Rammit’s next court day in January, so that the two matters could be heard consecutively. The chief magistrate adjourned the matter until January 29 for report.

On July 30, Rammit,

Seventeen-year-old murder accuse, Kemo Tyron Evans

MURDERED BUSINESSMAN: Abdool Farouk Ghanie

Kemo Tyron Evans of Water Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara and of Sophia, Greater Georgetown was captured a few days ago after a wanted bulletin was issued in October for his arrest. Evans had reportedly provided the police with a detailed statement on how Floyd Anthony Rammit (also charged for Ghanie’s murder in July) and he robbed and killed Ghanie after staking o u t t h e b u s i n e s s m a n ’s C o l l i n g s w o o d Av e n u e , Nandy Park residence.

In the wake of his revelation, a murder charge was instituted against the miner, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Particulars of the charge state that between April 15 and 16 at East Bank Demerara, Rammit murdered Ghanie, aka ‘Brother’, during the course of a robbery.

who worked as Ghanie’s handyman, was charged and remanded for the murder of the businessman when he appeared before Providence Magistrate Leron Dailey.

According to a police report, on April 15, the businessman left his home and went to his place of business on Regent Street and returned home around 18:00hrs. At 20:00hrs, Rammit and Evans were seen at the murdered man’s home, leaving the premises in a hasty manner.

On April 16, around 07:20hrs, neighbours found the body of Ghanie lying at the back of his yard in a pool of blood. There were wounds to his left side chest and cheek.

The police were summoned and found that the businessman’s firearm, cell phone and other items were missing. Ghanie was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead

Ten months for larceny

CITY Magistrate Faith McGusty yesterday sentenced Vickey Sufficl to ten months’ imprisonment after he was found guilty of larceny.

On Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Main Street in front of Palm Court, he stole from Bretia Shilds one cellphone valued $30,000.

The facts that were presented in court stated that the virtual complainant was in front of the night club taking a smoke when the defendant came up to him and demanded all he had.

In fear, Shilds dropped the phone. Then the defendant tried to make good his escape but he was apprehended by the police in the area after an alarm was raised.

He was later detained by the police and informed of the allegation and charged. After making several appearances before the magistrate, he was sentenced to 10 months for larceny.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

No plans to ask ExxonMobil for advances

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– Minister Trotman

THE Government of Guyana, through Minister of Governance with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, is debunking claims that it will ask U.S. oil company ExxonMobil f o r u p f ro n t p a y m e n t s ahead of the commercial production of oil here.

In its Thursday November 26, 2015 online edition, ‘demerarawaves’, under the caption “Guyana wants ExxonMobil to front-load some oil profits for major projects,” reported that the Government plans to solicit pre-commercial production payments from ExxonMobil.

B u t o n Tu e s d a y, Minister Trotman, in an invited comment, said the assertions carried in the online new report are false, contending that it was never directly communicated that

Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman Government had asked the company or intends to ask the company for advances.

Trotman further said he was approached by the journalist who questioned whether the Government would consider asking the oil company for funds ahead of production and, if it was afforded the

ExxonMobil’s oil rig, the Deepwater Champion, anchored in the Stabroek block, 120 miles offshore Guyana (File Photo) opportunity to receive early payments, which area of development would the funds be channelled into.

The Minister of Governance said it was to this hypothetical question that he responded that

Body of suicide victim recovered AFTER almost two weeks at the bottom of the majestic Kaieteur gorge, the body of 2 1 - y e a r- o l d R o s h n i Phagwah was recovered and brought out to the Memorial Funeral Home with assistance from ranks of the Guyana Defence Force, yesterday.

Roshni had jumped off the more than 700foot Kaieteur Falls in an apparent suicide during

a visit there on Saturday, November 21, 2015.

Authorities said the woman, who worked with the Guyana Power and Light’s New Amsterdam branch, dashed from a group of other domestic tourists and Kaieteur National Park rangers and jumped off the falls.

Back in September, Gyaneshwarie ‘Lalita’ Sivanand also jumped off Kaieteur falls to her death.

The 21-year-old Roshinee Phagwah

Government would focus on infrastructural development if given the resources.

“I also said that if those matters were to be raised it would have to be by our President when he meets ExxonMobil's president

in January. I distinctly remember saying that I had no knowledge of government seeking any such money upfront,” Minister Trotman said as he cleared the air.

However, while Government has not received

any offers to date, Minister Trotman said it will consider all possibilities which are in the best interest of the country.

The news of Government soliciting financial advances from the oil giant had created quite a stir in the political realm, with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo contending that such a move would be disastrous.

According to the former President, Guyana would accumulate unnecessary debt under such a transaction, leaving no room for transparency.

“We haven’t even gotten oil proceeds yet to save and he now wants to spend it today, money we don’t have…

ExxonMobil still has to drill more wells before they get into the development,” Jagdeo said during a recent press conference at Freedom House.

Morrison to know fate Friday

By George Barclay

LAWYERS representing the defence and the prosecution in the Anthony Morrison murder trial addressed the mixed jury at the Demerara Assizes yesterday.

Following this, presiding judge Miss Sewnarine Beharry decided to sum up the evidence to the jury on Friday, after which she will hand over the case to them for their consideration and verdict.

Morrison went on trial for the alleged murder of his former lover Donna Thomas of Leopold Street in 2012.

Morrison pleaded not guilty and is being represented

by Attorney-at-Law Mr. Arun Gajraj.

The prosecution, led

by Miss Stacy Goodings in association with Mr. Siand Dhurjon urged the mixed jury to accept the prosecution’s case which is partly built on an alleged oral confession and circumstantial evidence.

But defence counsel Mr. Gajraj exhorted the jury to disbelieve the State’s case, and contended that the story that the accused had made an oral confession to the police was a fabrication.

He claimed that from the magistrate’s court, the p o l i c e w e re u n a b l e t o produce the book in which the alleged oral confession was recorded.

This oral confession came about after witness Odel Percival told the prosecution that he was present at the Brickdam C.I.D. on May 31,

2012 when Constable Kyte contacted suspect Anthony Morrison who was in custody for the alleged murder of Donna Thomas.

According to the witness, after the allegation was put to Morrison after being cautioned, he replied: “I was going out and she did not want me to leave.

She held on to me. I had a knife and I cut she upon she right hand and left. I did not know that would have happened to (her).”

The woman was later found dead and the accused, on the basis of that alleged oral confession, together with other evidence, was arrested and charged with murder.

The trial continues on Friday when the judge will sum up to the jury.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

King’s Jewellery World opens new branch - in Giftland Mall

A MAN who started out as a small business jeweller more than 20 years ago has now expanded into a multi-milliondollar enterprise to become one of the gems in Guyana’s successful business crown.

Last Saturday evening at a cocktail reception, Kings Jewellery World added yet another multi-million-dollar branch to its chain by launching a new branch at the Giftland Mall at Plantation Pattensen, Turkeyen.

Looknauth Persaud, the business owner, said the idea is to make it easier for persons looking for exquisite, authentic made-in-Guyana gold, diamond and precious stones jewellery made with quality and style to the highest standard, which they can access even after working hours.

The businessman said, “We continue to build on our motto to ensure that all Guyana can be proud of saying this is made in Guyana. Our Jewellery should last a lifetime and for generations because when we sell you a product the emotions should go with it.”

He dared to dream and pursue this motto to the point of securing backing from local banks to expand following the company’s launch at a trade expo in 1994.

Unlike many who approached the banks, he said, as a result of the commitment to standards and quality “the banks came into us and said we can help you to improve and we took the initiative from them.”

Speaking about choosing the right timing, Persaud said many years ago there was a bank manager who made offers but he did not immediately accept for fear of losing but now he has no regrets.

QUALITY PIECE OF GUYANA “The demand is there to match our creativity because people like exquisite items and that’s what makes us stand out with changes annually.”

Comparing their products to other local jewellers, Harrinand Ralph Persaud, the company’s Chief Financial and Marketing Officer, said his family business has taken the local industry a bit further with the aim of offering the world a quality piece of Guyana.

“We have collectively a whole family

unit probably of the most trained gemologists and jewellery designers locally and in the region so our products make us unmatched to anywhere else in the world and we have done a lot of expansions abroad.”

The younger Persaud said the company has a wealth of knowledge that sets their brand of jewellery apart from others through cultural experiences shared in Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas, New York and having been to a cruise ship port.

INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS He also noted that the decision to have the branch in the mall is to cater to domestic as well as international tourists at all levels. “Our products are meant to last a lifetime and

when tourists looking for something of quality that represents Guyana to take back with them they now have a golden opportunity to head to the mall even after working hours to do their late shopping of exquisite pieces that can last for generations.“ Notably, he said, within the cricketing fraternity from England, Australia and even India there is a large clientele that demands the Guyana gold band that is creatively handmade and designed.

The company works closely with the Bureau of Standards and from day one they have been approved for meeting and in many instances surpassing their requirements.

“Every time they do random testing we make sure the products exceed the requirements and if more jewellers would do the same thing they too can also help project a positive image of Guyana,” Persaud said.

He also noted that there are less than a handful of jewellers in Guyana who actually work towards the standards of the Bureau of Standards which must be a national standard.

He noted also that as part of testing the Bureau of Standards normally use methods which Kings developed to ensure that jewellers stand up to what they say they are offering.

While acknowledging that business can fluctuate, the elder Persaud explained that he remains an investor locally after more than twenty years as a proud Guyanese and moreover because he loves doing work that makes Guyana proud.

“To me, when people buy jewellery representing Guyana to take overseas they must be proud to say I got this from Guyana so I see no reason for me to leave Guyana out of my investments because I was born (here) and I am comfortable here.”

Kings Jewellery, which also sells luxury products, has a head office at 141 Quamina Street, Georgetown, and provides employment for over one hundred persons. “If we were to go we would be leaving them unemployed also and that is not what we are about…Guyana has been good to us so we will continue to be good to Guyana by remaining here and developing a product and paying our dues to Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Duo convicted in Canada - of conspiring to import 112 kilos of cocaine from Guyana

TWO men have been found guilty in connection with a cocaine smuggling venture that saw close to Cdn$4 million worth of the drug make its way by sea from Guyana to St. John, New Brunswick, and then to a public storage facility in Mississauga.

According to a report yesterday in the Mississauga News, written by Louie Rosella, Justice Peter Daley found James Buttazzoni, 43, of Mississauga, and Rampersaud Ramlall, 40, of Whitby, guilty in Brampton court on Friday of conspiracy to import cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

H o w e v e r, t h e j u d g e acquitted both men of importing cocaine, ruling Buttazzoni only became involved with the cocaine when it arrived in Ontario.

Evidence showed that Ramlall had communication with people in Guyana, who were involved in the exportation of the cocaine to Canada, but the judge ruled “his conduct, on the evidence, does not constitute importing.”

According to the Mississauga News report, the shipment of cocaine arrived in Canada on May 28, 2012 at the port of St. John, New Brunswick by ship, in a sea container. The estimated value of the cocaine, if sold at the kilogram level, was approximately Cdn$3.9 million and, if sold at the gram level, was Cdn$8.9 million, the court heard.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers opened the container and

located 112 kilograms of cocaine with a purity of 74 per cent, which was hidden in the wooden pallets located in the container. The container also held quantities of hot sauce, Chinese sauce, seasonings and noodles, the Mississauga court heard.

Customs officers contacted the RCMP, who conducted a controlled delivery and tracked the shipment to a public storage facility in Mississauga. The container was equipped with

TWO men have been found guilty in connection with a cocaine smuggling operation that saw close to Cdn$4 million worth of the drug make its way to a public storage facility in Mississauga, Canada from Guyana (photo: Mississauga news)

Lady Northcote resumes operation today

AFTER undergoing two months of massive rehabilitation works, Motor Vessel Lady Northcote is set to resume its public operations today.

The vessel, which falls under the control of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), will set sail for Kumaka, Region One. MV Lady Northcote had been docked since September but had its first test sail last week, when it was undocked from the E.C. Vieira Dockyard at Houston, East Bank Demerara.

Last Tuesday, the 78-yearold MV Lady Northcote set sail along the Demerara River The Lady Northcote on the after its much needed $140M Demerara River last week in repairs were completed by the E.C. Vieira Investments Limited. The company had possession of Lady Northcote since the vessel was docked in September.

While initial rehabilitation costs had been pegged at approximately $70M, the extent of the damage carried up the total cost to about $140M, due to extensive unforeseen damage.

Amongst the extensive works done to Lady Northcote were the repair of its hull; servicing of all on-board machinery; improvement of interior and exterior decking and upgrades to the main and passenger decks. The facilities on board have also been improved through the upgrade of the galley while the vessel’s crew is expected to be more comfortable thanks to improved beds and washroom facilities.

Additionally, the offloading and loading capabilities were improved while all of the vessel’s plates were changed. In terms of safety, the vessel now holds 100 life rafts. The underwater propellers were also completely rebuilt.

The rebuilding of the propellers is of particular significance; for years, MV Lady Northcote’s route – from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, Region 1, lasted about 36 hours.

However, the engineering team has projected that the rebuilt propellers will cut down on this travel time. The team will shortly be able to determine the accuracy of its theory when the vessel begins maximised functioning following tests.

electronic audio and physical surveillance devices, court heard.

“The process of secreting the cocaine within the wooden pallets, the placement of the pallets within the container, and the shipping of the container from

Guyana to New Brunswick was a sophisticated and planned scheme and did not happen by chance or through inadvertence,” Daley ruled.

“This was a sophisticated importing scheme, which involved several persons, some of whom were unknown

to each other and others who joined the agreement at times beyond the initial inception of the agreement between the importing parties present in Canada and the parties in Guyana.”

Two others charged in the scheme were acquitted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Education Ministry moving to restore national pride in students THE Coalition Government is keen on restoring a sense of “national identity” in Guyanese, especially youths. For Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, this must begin with students.

The minister stated that, “Children must grow up with a love for country, and we must take a number of steps to ensure that this element of patriotic education is there in schools. Children must care about Guyana,” he stressed.

Minister Roopnaraine said it is heart-breaking that the nation is prepared to invest as much as it is in educating a child, from nursery all the way up to tertiary level, but as soon as many youths complete

their university studies, they seek to leave the country. He described this situation as a “crisis”.

He stated that he would love to turn that trend around and face a “re-migration crisis”. “What am I going to

do with all these people who are coming back to Guyana, that’s the challenge I want, to deal with this constant hemorrhaging of our skills,” he asserted.` Guyana has become known for the migration of a large percentage of its skilled labour force to other countries, for a variety of

Minister of Education, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine reasons.

President David Granger has called for a return of a sense of patriotism and renewed national identity as the Coalition Government seeks to develop the nation and its people. (GINA)

GuySuCo surpasses last year’s target - with a few weeks to go - union, corporation still to deliberate on API

DESPITE the strikes and problems affecting the sugar industry, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been able to surpass their 2014 sugar production target of 216,000 tonnes, with a production of 216,816 tonnes last weekend.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday during a telephone interview, GuySuCo’s Chief Industrial R e l a t i o n s M a n a g e r, Deodat Sukhu made the declaration, adding that “the current production as of last weekend stands at 216,816 tonnes.”

The corporation will be now tasked with acquiring the set target for 2015 with just about four weeks remaining in the year. When asked if they will be able to meet the target of 240,000 tonnes, Sukhu said, “If GAWU’s President, the factories grind cane at Komal Chand a fast rate, we will surely be able to get it.”

Due to recent strikes by sugar workers, production was halted; however he disclosed that the workers have returned to work in full.

This was also confirmed by President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Komal Chand when contacted by the Chronicle.

Meanwhile, asked whether corporation had engaged GAWU on the Annual Production Incentive (API), which sparked the recent strikes, Sukhu said that they are waiting on the union for further deliberations, given that they were supposed to meet some time back.

However, he said due to the strike they were unable to meet with GAWU, but he said a meeting is expected during this week to discuss the API. Chand said that they have not received any word as yet from GuySuCo as it relates to the API discussions and they are still awaiting the corporation’s response.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Guyana to boost int’l image - through professional diplomatic service

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge said Guyana has to establish itself as a responsible international actor through the level and quality of diplomatic service it offers.

“If foreign affairs does its job properly and effectively, it will make it easier for Guyana to be recognised as a brand that is both trustworthy and one worth looking at,” Greenidge told local reporters during the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta.

Guyana has to gain the confidence of the wider global arena so that it can be seen as a reliable, good office o r h o n e s t b r o k e r, contributing to major global debates at various international forums, he added. Greenidge explained that while the rest of the world will see pictures of Guyana, hear about its natural resources and about the Foreign Affairs Minister products it has to sell; it is Carl Greenidge what the country projects at the international level that really influences the way it is seen globally. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is better placed to promote Guyana this way than other public sector agency.

Meanwhile, President David Granger said the process of selecting ambassadors to represent Guyana overseas is moving apace and that announcements should be made some time this month (December). Granger said the process is very detailed since the Administration is looking to appoint a corps of experienced professionals and not simply political hacks as was done over the past several years.

“We want people who can advance Guyana’s economic interest…we are not just looking to fill the slots which existed before but we are looking to see whether new positions are necessary in order to advance Guyana’s strategic and national interest,” the President said.

Audit finds…

Serious breaches of Stores Regulations last year - at Culture Ministry

By Alva Solomon SERIOUS breaches o f g o v e r n m e n t S t o re s Regulations were committed last year at the then Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and the agency has taken steps to correct them.

According to the audit report, which was seen by this newspaper, poor storage and accountability for equipment procured by the agency occurred during the period audited, breaching the Stores Regulations.

The findings were among several faults discovered at the agency following a forensic audit of the Sports and Arts Development Fund which was launched in 2007 at the ministry, now renamed the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport.

The audit was undertaken for a period stretching from January 1, 2012 to May 31 this year.

The report pointed out that goods purchased by the ministry during the year 2014 were “not taken into stores”, while ledgers were not recorded.

In addition, there were

instances where vouchers were missing and there was no form of accountability to substantiate these. The report cited instances where items loaned or transferred by the stores breached the Stores Regulations.

In addition, the absence of inventories for equipment purchased was another area of concern, a clear breach of Section 24 of the Stores Regulations.

Among the findings, the auditors noted that records of accountability were discovered at the National School of Music on Brickdam for musical equipment. However, these did not exist at the ministry’s main stores on Main Street.

It was noted too that an examination of the stores records indicated that only electronic instruments valued some $6.7M were received and accounted for in the stores, however ledgers to match these were not updated.

The report highlighted

the cases of steel pans which the agency purchased for $3M in April 2014. It was noted that while delivery notes were presented by the Administrator of the National School of Music as well as the Berbice High School and President’s College, all of which received steel pans, no records existed at the Ministry’s stores for issuance and delivery of these. There were also similar breaches when steel pans were loaned to the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) on the Essequibo Coast.

The auditors recommended that the Permanent Secretary investigate this breach of the regulations and to submit recommendations to remedy the situation.

Following the observations of the auditors, the ministry was asked to respond to the findings and its responses indicated that the musical instruments purchased were subsequently taken into stock while

relevant documentation pointed out during the audit were also undertaken. In addition, steps were taken to mark items as being the property of the Ministry.

RECOMMENDATION The auditors recommended that the ministry put systems in place to ensure that relevant financial records are maintained in accordance with standard accounting practices and procedures as well as with government regulations.

Following the M a y 11 e l e c t i o n s , t h e Government of Guyana has been undertaking physical reviews of several ministries, departments and statutory bodies as well as several projects. This is to determine the accuracy of record-keeping, the degree of accountability and transparency as well as the efficiency of State resources.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Chandarpal urges...

Reach out to the suicide-minded

By Shauna Jemmott CHAIRPERSON of the Wo m e n a n d G e n d e r Equality Commission and former Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Ms Indra Chandarpal, is calling on Guyanese to stop placing labels on individuals who commit suicide, and start empathising with, and reaching out to, persons experiencing depression.

The rate of suicide in Guyana has skyrocketed, making this country the leader in suicide cases in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Many suicide cases have been reported in the media

over the past months, the most recent being the death of 21-year-old Roshinee Phagwah of Reliance Abandon, East Canje, Berbice, who plunged to her death at the 741-foot Kaieteur Falls while she was part of a tour on November 21.

STOP LABELLING PEOPLE Speaking at a recent press conference, Chandarpal said labelling people “is not the best thing”, but families of individuals and members of the wider society should try positioning themselves in the lives of potential suicide victims, “getting into their shoes” to understand “where they’re coming from”.

She said though there are various issues that contribute to suicide, depression is the most profound of them all.

She said society needs to take a deep look at depression, since it affects every individual at some point in their lives, and if not addressed properly, those suffering could easily give up.

“It’s not good enough to say only people who are cowards take their lives,” she said. “There are people who are educated and middleclassed and everything, but are unable to deal with the issues at hand, and feel the easiest thing, since they can’t cope, is to ‘Let me just walk away from everything’.”

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA Sensing that not too many were aware of the gravity of the situation, she asked: “How many of us understand the emotional trauma of our young people today?”

Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 - 10:30 hrs Thursday December 3rd, 2015 - 11:30 hrs Friday December 4th, 2015 - 12:30 hrs

Among some of the suffering the youths of today experience, she said, are unemployment and isolation. And after successfully acquiring an education, some find it difficult to secure

Ms. Indra Chandarpal, Chairperson of the Women and Gender Equality Commission employment and become impatient. Some of them isolate themselves, she said, locking in with social media, and as a result do not have opportunities to relax and play. They become dejected, considering their own troubles.

“How is it that the social media can make us become introverts in the way in which we all spend our time reading messages, face-booking, texting, locking our rooms doing the same thing...We are slowly removing ourselves from interaction with people, with play, from learning how to interact with people out there.”

She said studies relating to the countrywide rate of suicide suggest that one of every five persons suffering from depression has a tendency to contemplate suicide, and she recommended urgent, widespread community intervention.

“I do not honestly feel that community intervention is put to work here. Sometimes we expect intervention at the national level or from an institution that is there. In an NDC, there are young people who are going through all kinds of trouble…then you have to wait until somebody comes to the ministry, or come to help and shelter, or find a social worker to help them. For us as a nation, we have to think about what are the community initiatives we can put in place that we may be able to help. “ W h e t h e r t h e y a re victims of violence, whether they are children dropping out of schools, whether they are young people who are going through depression, as a nation we have to be concerned and try to find ways of dealing with this,” the former government minister voiced.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

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Two-day National Dialogue on HIV and the Law to begin Dec. 9 - SASOD makes robust submission

IN observance of World AIDS Day 2015, the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) made a robust submission to the National Dialogue on HIV and the Law. The National Dialogue is set to begin on December 9 and culminate on December 10, Human Rights Day. SASOD’s submission focuses on the first-listed thematic area of the call for submissions: “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity”.

REPEAL ARCHAIC LAWS In the submission, SASOD renewed its call for the repeal of archaic laws which criminalise same-sex intimacy and crossdressing – a position which the organisation has been advocating at local, national and international levels for over 12 years.

These and other issues related to human rights and key populations affected

by HIV will form part of the two-day national conference being spearheaded by a 10-member advisory committee of government ministries and civil society organisations in equal ratio, with technical and financial support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The National Dialogue will be a twoday meeting for a range of stakeholders — primarily from government and civil society — to share insights and experiences on HIV, law and human rights.

It is intended to be a space for policy discussions where those who influence, write and enforce laws, and those whose lives are impacted by them, engage in constructive, frank and pragmatic dialogue.

During the conference, legal and human rights issues related to HIV in Guyana will also be up for discussion. According to SASOD, it sees the National Dialogue as a timely opportunity to formulate key recommendations for law and policy reform that advance human rights in Guyana.

“Three decades of experience have shown that the promotion and protection of human rights are essential for preventing HIV transmission and reducing the impact of HIV and the burden of AIDS. A rightsbased approach to HIV prevention, treatment and care, coupled with an enabling legal environment that protects key populations whose rights are routinely violated, helps to reduce vulnerability to HIV, ensure that HIV services are accessible to those most-at-risk and facilitates the participation of key affected communities in planning and implementing

effective interventions on their own behalf,” the society said in a press statement.

PUNITIVE LAWS On the other hand, SASOD pointed out that the laws that criminalise HIV transmission, sex between men, sex work and cross-dressing are major barriers to accessing HIV services and interventions.

“Punitive laws also reinforce stigma and discrimination and hinder effective grassroots responses to the HIV epidemic in Guyana.”

Over the last year, the society has expanded its capacity to include HIV testing services at its social events, creating safe places for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) persons to receive HIV prevention education, testing and referral services.

“Though the initial reach of this focus has been successful, findings from SASOD’s consultation among key populations inform us that much more needs to be done to ensure all Guyanese are knowledgeable of their risks, rights and services available to them. Recent findings also support the need for advocacy and outreach across the broad spectrum of key populations, primarily in the case of sex workers,” SASOD said.

“Discriminatory and commonly misunderstood laws prevent MSM, sex workers and transgender persons from seeking assistance from health, law enforcement or other state-provided social services. And even when they do, these punitive laws inhibit persons from disclosing their sexual orientation, gender identity and occupation for fear of maltreatment or prosecution.

Discriminatory laws and the institutional prejudices emanating from them leave these populations feeling unprotected and without recourse,” it added.

Guyana has made significant strides in reducing HIV prevalence among the general population. But prevalence remains significantly higher among key-affected populations – an issue which can be significantly reduced with the help of the government.

“If the APNU+AFC administration is seriously committed to achieving this, then the government must demonstrate that it has the political will and bold leadership to make the necessary policy and legal changes that will create the enabling environment to sustain epidemic control.

Guyana can see an end to AIDS. But we need our leaders to act now to make this a reality,” SASOD asserted.

Fisherman claims obeah used against him

Marlon Jarvis, a 45-year-old resident of Kitty, made his first appearance before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore on a spate of assault charges made against him by his neighbour - police officer Tracy May-Gittens.

According to the charge, on November 27 on the Kitty Public Road, Jarvis made use of threatening and abusive language against Gittens.

It is further alleged that he also made used of threatening and abusive language against Linden King.

Jarvis, in his plea of guilty, explained that King worked alongside Gittens and had a habit of breaking into his house and stealing his stuff while Gittens would hurl nasty insults at him and would throw rice and rotten eggs as part of her ‘demonic ritual’ to get rid of him.

The fisherman had the courtroom in laughter with his antics as he narrated his side of the story which still did not explain the charges against him. Nevertheless, a not guilty plea was recorded on his behalf.

Magistrate Azore granted Jarvis $20,000 bail initially but he was later released on self-bail. The man will make his next court appearance on January 18.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Baramita students get ‘tech’ exposure - during recent Georgetown visit

TWENTY-three students from Baramita, Region One, many of whom are preparing for the National Grade Six examinations, recently participated in fun and educational activities as Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe took them on a technology tour at STARR computer Inc. in the city of Georgetown.

The students arrived in the city recently as part of an exposure tour designed to boost the children’s self-esteem and increase their knowledge, skills and attitude in relation to social and economic issues in Guyana.

This is also being facilitated by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO).

During an interactive session, Minister Lowe assured the students that as long as they were willing to work hard on their educational development, she would do everything within her authority to provide them with the tools and facilities for their development.

In an interview with the Chronicle, the minister explained that with development of such inventions like the internet, the popularity with educational technology was growing every day. “Nowadays it is one of the most preferred methods of learning. Traditional lessons have been supplemented by virtual ones,” she commented.

She also noted that the visit to Georgetown by the students from Baramita, sponsored by PAHO, was very educational and informative to the students. According to her, Government is interested in giving students a brighter perspective about life and what avenues are available, especially in the technology sector. “We are working very hard making schools computerised and internet ready,” she noted.

Underscoring that STARR computer provided an excellent tour and seminar for the student, Minister Lowe said the technology company was willing to provide free tours for hinterland student to educate them on the options available in the sector.

Adding that the computer company is a pioneer in the tech industry and has been around for more than two decades, Minister Lowe said STARR produced its own brand of computer and maintenance support to meet the local demands in Guyana. Its 16 years of Security and Surveillance solutions and 14 years of telecommunications combined with several years of Renewable Energy experience placed the company at a very strategic level in modern history and a great place for students to learn.

Meanwhile, President of STARR Computer Michael Mohan disclosed that there were various ways of improving teaching efficiency with technology in education. As such, he said society shouldn’t underestimate the possibilities of educational technology in our modern society.

General Manager Rehman Majeed indicated that many Guyanese successfully developed their educational and technological skills for over two decades with a computer before the internet age – using standard applications and educational digital contents. The internet years later enhanced their abilities at a faster pace but at the expense of excessive social distraction. He noted that STARR Smart Labs are ideal for the communities because of its low cost of ownership, energy savings and, low maintenance cost.

He further noted that the field trips and seminars had been done over a decade and it had provided many enthusiastic students with exposure to various technologies.

Sales and Marketing Supervisor Penny Francis spoke to the students about the importance of focusing on their education to become a success in life.

Samsung Product Manager Raydon Samaroo and Sales Consultant Yanick Sobers gave the students a tour of the Samsung, Lenovo and Q-See Experience Centers while explaining and answering various questions that were raised.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe addressing Baramita students during an informative session at STARR Computer, recently

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

At IDCE

Regist private se

- and gradua A view of the gathering on Saturday (Photos by Adrian Narine)

By Navendra Seoraj NEWLY-appointed Registrar of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Nigel Gravesande has challenged the private sector to invest more money in the university.

He made the call Saturday while delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony for 317 more students who made it past the many hurdles to come out successful from the university’s Institute of Distance and Continuing Education (IDCE).

THE CHARGE Held in the George Walcott Lecture Theatre, the event saw Dr. Gravesande not only challenge the private

sector, but the graduands as well, whom he urged to be agents of change; to move forward, and not just be satisfied with obtaining a certificate from IDCE. “You all have the potential...given that you are all mature, and have now attained your diploma,” Dr Gravesande said.

He also encouraged that they rise above the challenges and pressures, for the betterment of not only themselves but the country as well.

CLASS OF 2015 Punctuated by musical renditions from the talented Guyana Police Force Band, the graduation ceremony marked yet another year of achievement, not only for

$1B Kato s January THE new Kato Secondary School has been completed, and will be opened to facilitate students next year. This latest development continues the trend of making education accessible to all Guyanese.

Located in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), the Kato Secondary School was specially built to ease the distance they traverse to access secondary level education.

Its dormitories will cater for those students from far off communities in the region.

The school is currently being furnished, and Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, indicated that the related human resources are ensuring that this is taken care of in time for 2016, along with other elements. This school was initially billed at $780M, but Government said the final tally

The could be about $1B. While such a school is not a new concept, the self-sustaining Kato Secondary is to be replicated in other schools. Kwakwani Secondary in Region 10 is such an institution.

For the Kato Secondary School to be self-sustaining, resources such as solar energy and agricultural projects are being considered, Sam pointed out.

Solar energy will be a boost for students while

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

E graduation ceremony ...

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trar challenges ector to invest at UG

ands to be ‘agents of change’ those graduating from the IDCE, but also for Guyana’s development.

Students obtained Diplomas in the areas of: Industrial Relations and Management; Early Childhood Development; Early Childhood Education; Supervisory Management; Marketing Management; Academic Upgrading; Mathematics, English Language, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts and Office Administration; Proficiency in Mathematics and English Language; Introduction to Social Work; Care of the Elderly; and Sign Language.

As the evening progressed, prizes were presented to students who did exceptionally well at their studies; some were

also awarded certificates of recognition. But the signature event of the evening was the valedictorian’s speech.

THE IDCE Birthed in January, 1976, the IDCE which was then known as The University of Guyana’s Extra-Mural Department, sought to devise outreach programmes that specifically targeted the felt needs of the majority of the population.

In any given year, the Institute registers in excess of 600 students at the Georgetown centre alone. Over the years, some of them have pursued careers in law and business, and have even become lecturers at the institution.

school for opening

Kato Secondary School complex studying for their exams, completing assignments, and of course, providing electricity for all classrooms. Implementation of agricultural projects in the school will supply food for students living-in at the dormitory.

Ongoing is the filling of vacancies for various positions: Principal (Headmistress/Headmaster), Senior Master/ Mistress, Heads of Departments and Assistant Mistresses/Masters to

teach Social Studies, Mathematics, English and Science among other subjects.

The school has an adjoining administrative block, teachers’ quarters, kitchen and sanitary facilities.

Apart from the dozen classrooms, the school will boast computer and science laboratories, and industrial arts, home economics, visual arts and agriculture departments

UG’s registrar, Dr. Nigel Gravesande during his charge to the graduands

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Guyana’s Golden Jubilee in New York billed from June 4 – 12 THE Consulate of Guyana in New York City and Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee in New York are alerting the diaspora of plans to exploit the anniversary celebrations.

Consul General Brentnold Evans and Chairman, 50th Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee, Rickford Burke said in a media release yesterday that they have been notified by some Guyanese nationals in Brooklyn that they have received invitations for meetings related to Guyana’s 50th Anniversary of Independence, as

well as solicitations for monetary contributions.

The Consulate and Committee stated, however, that they are in no way associated with these meetings and requests for monetary contributions.

Guyanese nationals and business owners should, therefore, be cautious and eschew activities that are not sanctioned by the Consulate or the official 50th Independence Anniversary Committee in New York.

The official celebration of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence in New York City will be

from June 4 – 12, 2016, the release stated.

It said further that this commemoration promises to be the greatest celebration Guyanese will ever see.

Sponsorship requests will carry the official logo and seal of the Committee and the official events of the celebration will be advertised with the official logo and seal.

This celebration is being planned by Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary Committee (New York) in collaboration with the Guyana Consulate and Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations.

The theme is “Reflect our Journey, Forging Unity and Embracing Modernity”, and the commemorative events are being designed to produce the synergistic effect needed to realise the celebration theme.

The committee therefore intends to inspire every Guyanese to play a meaningfully role in forging national harmony.

The official commemorative events from June 4 – 12, 2016, will be widely publicised on the Committee’s website: www.celebrateGuyana50thinnyc.com, as well as in the media and on all social media sites.

The grand celebration launch will be on December 19, 2015, at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Ave, Queens, New York, 11432.

The Committee is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organisation that is registered under the laws of the State of New York and regulated by the Charities Bureau of the office of the Attorney General, the release informed.

Meanwhile, the Committee gave notice that it will pursue any unlawful and/or unauthorised use of its logo and other materials in accordance with U.S. Copyright and Trademark laws.

Bail granted to 23 petitioners - totalling over $9M

ACTING Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang S.C., last Friday granted 20 petitioners bail totalling $9,075,000, pending the hearing of their cases.

Following are the offences, the offenders and the amount of bail granted to each petitioner: ** POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS FOR TRAFFICKING: Gavin Dublin - $325,000; Vanessa Moore - $950,000; Shawn James - $200,000; Michael Whaul - $250,000; Kamisha Pethy - $350,000; Alicia Smith - $500,000; George Hope - $500,000; Owing Boyce - $500,000; Shaquille Allicock - $200,000; Chiscell Browne $900,000; Travis Smith -$325,000; Jomo Nicholson - $100,000; Dwayne King - $1,500,000; Orin Thomas - $125,000. ** UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION: F. Pethy - $50,000. ** RAPE: Jason Gilkes - $350,000. ** UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARM & AMMUNITION: Keshan Williams - $300,000. ** LARCENY BY CLERK OR SERVANT: Tiffany Peters - $1,000,000. ** ROBBERY: Wayne Mc Pherson - $250,000. ** ROBBERY UNDER ARMS: Renbert Khan - $600,000.

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New Zealand remembers Jonah Lomu at memorial A PUBLIC memorial for New Zealand rugby great Jonah Lomu, who died last month at 40, has been held at Auckland’s Eden Park stadium.

The former All Black was capped 63 times by his country and was considered one of rugby’s first global superstars.

Thousands attended the service, which opened with a traditional Maori haka for Lomu, who was of Tongan descent.

He was diagnosed with a rare kidney condition in 1995, but the exact cause of death has not been established.

Jonah Lomu was known for his deft ball-handling skills, superb balance and a sense of timing

Doctors believe he died as a result of a blood clot that developed on the long flight back from the UK where he had recently been watching the Rugby World Cup with his wife and two young boys, reports the BBC’s Jon Donnison in Eden Park.

Many of those at the memorial were from New Zealand’s Pacific Island communities. A private family burial service will be held in Auckland on Tuesday.

This was a great send off for a great man. Perhaps not the attendance everyone was hoping for, but several thousand turned up

GFF President concerned ...

From back page

Alpha United 3 – 2 on Sunday last at the Leonora Stadium to hoist the coveted title and the $4M first place prize with Forde highlighting that the “Elite league is a remarkable tournament and Guyana definitely needs to get into the semi-pro and ultimately the professional football environment.”

Forde stated that while the league presented its fair share of challenges, “My primary concern with regards to the league, is how would the clubs sustain themselves and continue to participate, because it [club] imposes a financial burden on them, and that is the solution the GFF needs to lead in solving, because it’s important to Guyana that we have a semi-professional league that sustains itself over the long run.”

He further added, “The conclusion of the Genesis half of the league is tremendous; we had the crowd support and participation that reflected the kind of momentum that the league has enjoyed over the past couple of months.”

Ansa McAl, under their STAG Beer brand, are the league’s title sponsor, along with COURTS Guyana Inc, the Government of Guyana and E-Networks which are other contributors to the league.

Forde was however adamant that for the league to really reach its full potential, corporate Guyana will have to play a part in helping to give the players and football fans a league which Guyana deserves.

Looking ahead, Forde promised a better league, adding, “We have just about two months to sit and see how much we can improve the league. There’s no limit to how much we can improve things and it’s important also, that we get the best league possible”.

The STAG Elite League (Finale) will resume next February, where the eight participating clubs (Slingerz, Pele, Fruta Conquerors, Alpha United, Buxton United, GFC, Monedderlust and GDF) will attempt to outduel each other for the overall crown.

Former and present All Blacks perform a haka as Jonah Lomu’s casket is carried out of Eden Park. (Reuters) at Eden Park to remember a legend of rugby union.

The game’s first global superstar.

The ceremony opened with a haka, performed in traditional warrior costume with spine tingling intensity. The crowd heard tributes from people ranging from Queen Elizabeth II to Elton John.

Dozens of former All Blacks were there to pay their respects, among them Grant Fox, who told me: “The scary thing with Jonah was he was performing with a debilitating illness.

Imagine what he could have done if he was 100% healthy.”

Former winger Eric Rush reduced the crowd to laughter and then tears as he addressed the gathering, remembering his

dear friend.

It was a tough day for Jonah Lomu’s wife Nadene, who did her best to comfort the couple’s two young boys, Dyhreille and Brayley, both decked out in the famous number 11 shirt their father wore to such devastating effect.

The memorial opened with a haka, and powhiri welcome ritual. Jonah Lomu’s coffin was then carried into the stadium by pallbearers, including several former All Blacks.

Lomu’s wife Nadene followed, wearing a woven skirt - a traditional Tongan symbol of respect and mourning - accompanied by her two sons.

The tributes were led

by World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset, who travelled from Paris

for the memorial. He described Lomu as “a giant of a man (who) leaves a giant space in world rugby”.

“He will forever be a big part of rugby’s story,” he said.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key recorded a video tribute in Paris, where he is attending the world climate conference.

“He proved that you can come from anywhere in New Zealand, in any background, and make it to the top,’’ he said in the message.

Jonah Lomu fought a nearly two-decade battle with kidney illness, which former All Blacks coach John Hart recounted, saying “he was a fighter until the very end.”

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Catterick 08:20 hrs Astrum 08:50 hrs Bennylicious 09:20 hrs Romain De Senam 09:50 hrs Stilletto 10:20 hrs Stoneham 10:50 hrs Cyrien Star 11:20 hrs River Dun LINGFIELD 08:30 hrs Karmadal 09:00 hrs Nokhada 09:30 hrs Charlies Mate 10:00 hrs Lightscameraction 11:00 hrs Ripinto 11:30 hrs Feb Thirtyfirst LUDLOW 08:40 hrs Scoppio Del Carro 09:10 hrs The Bugler 09:40 hrs Dusky Legend 10:10 hrs Howard’s Legacy

10:40 hrs Jayo Time 11:10 hrs Minellacelebration 11:40 Stickee Fingers SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Kenilworth 08:25 hrs Angkor Wat 08:55 hrs Royal Trump 09:35 hrs Fifty Cents 10:10 hrs Tonya 10:40 hrs Amarillo Rose 11:20 hrs Romagna AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Brimstone Race 2 Colonel Juanita Race 3 Broken Border Race 4 Groomedforvictory Race 5 Corner Three Race 6 Shericco Race 7 Touching My Toes Race 8 S’maverlous Race 9 Head Shrinker

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Australia call up Coulter-Nile after Starc injury

By Ian Ransom ADELAIDE, (Reuters)Australia called up uncapped paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile for the first Test against West Indies yesterday as a replacement for left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc, who was ruled out of the series due to a broken foot.

The 28-year-old Western Australian comes into the 12man squad for first of threeTests in the series against the Caribbean Islanders, which starts at Bellerive Oval Hobart a week on Thursday.

Coulter-Nile, who has played 13 one-day internationals and 11 Twenty20s for Australia, is short on match practice after being suspended from his most

NATHAN COULTER-NILE

recent Sheffield Shield outing for showing dissent to an umpire.

Chief selector Rod Marsh said the need for pace was a consideration after the loss of Starc and retirement of Mitchell Johnson after the second test against New Zealand in Perth.

“Once Mitchell Starc went down, I think everyone’s mind turned straight to Nathan Coulter-Nile,” he told reporters at Adelaide Oval yesterday.

“I guess we’re at the situation now where because of the two Mitchells, one retiring and one being injured, that we do need a bit of pace up front.

“That doesn’t guarantee him a game in Hobart but he’s in the 12.”

James Pattinson looks certain to join Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood in the pace attack after being called into the squad for the final test against New Zealand in the wake of Mitchell Johnson’s retirement.

“It’d be nice to see ‘Patto’ back to where he was, he’s a boy that once he steps over that boundary rope, you’d rather him on your side than theirs,” said Marsh. “He’s a beauty.”

Australia won the Adelaide test on Sunday to clinch the series 2-0.

Right-armer CoulterNile’s best chance of a start in Hobart is if Australia decide to rest Hazlewood, who played all three Tests against New Zealand.

Concerns about his workload have led to uncapped 26-year-old Victorian Scott Boland, another right-armer, being put on standby for the Hobart Test.

“It’ll be very difficult for Josh to get through six Test matches this summer and then go to New Zealand and play two more,” Marsh said, adding that selector Trevor Hohns had been impressed

by Boland after watching him in three Shield games.

“He’s been a bit of a sleeper ... One of the state coaches said to me that when he bowls and your team is batting, you never feel comfortable.”

Squad: Steve Smith (captain), David Warner, Joe Burns, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Peter Nevill (wicketkeeper), Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan CoulterNile, Nathan Lyon.

RHT Metro Females defeat No. 52 Under-19 THE Rose Hall Town Metro Female Team won their fifth successive game against their male counterparts when they cruised past No. 52 Survival Under-19 team by 61 runs in a 25-Overs cricket match.

Superbly led by West Indies all-rounder Shemaine Campbelle, Guyana’s only female cricket team thrilled a large crowd last Saturday at the No. 52 Ground with a superb display of top class cricket.

No. 52 Survival Under-19 Team won the toss and inserted the visitors to take first strike. National players Melanie Henry and Shaneeta Grimmond added 72 for the first wicket before Henry was caught and bowled

by Richard Drepaul for 22.

Grimmond went on to score an impressive 35 and along with skipper Shemaine Campbelle 49 and fellow national player Plaffiana Millington 32 saw Rose Hall Town Metro to an impressive 175 for 6 off their 25-Overs.

Campbelle struck five boundaries and a massive six before she was dismissed off the last ball of the innings.

Bowling for No. 52 Survival Drepaul claimed three wickets for 32 runs from 5-Overs while N. Tulsi took 2 for 27.

Needing to score 176 from 25-Overs saw the embarrassment of being defeated by females, the No. 52 Under-19 Team suffered an early setback when medium pacer Sherica Campbelle had R. Tulsi caught behind by Shemaine Campbelle for 02 at 13 for 1 in the 3rd over.

The home team never recovered and were restricted to 114 all out from 20.3 Overs. Only Hemant Singh with a composed 33, Raj Rahaman 18 and D. Rahaman 13 reached double figures as the Rose Hall Town Metro Female bowled well and were brilliant in the field.

Offspinner Melanie Henry Secretary/CEO of the Rose took four wickets for 25 runs from five impressive Overs, Shabati Gajnabi took 3 for 30 from five Overs while Plaffiana Millington, Sherica Campbelle and Shaneeta Grimmond took one wicket a-piece.

Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Hilbert Foster and Coach Collis Butts both expressed gratitude to the No. 52 team for inviting the Metro Female team and for hosting them.

Foster noted that the Berbice cricketing public was very supportive of the female team and the club was receiving numerous invitations from across the country as male teams from Georgetown, East Coast Demerara, Essequibo and the Corentyne Coast are requesting to play Guyana’s only female cricket team.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Cricket Development Committee would only accept such requests after careful consideration of the club’s track record of hosting teams and a willingness to make a return visit to the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club.

Foster is also challenging established First Division Teams across Guyana to form a female cricket division.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 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: (1) Michael Holding & Courtney Walsh (2) 3

Today’s Quiz:

(1) When and where did Gordon Greenidge once captain the WI in a Test match?

(2) Which two teams contest the very first ODI game at Bourda?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

IKD Chairman grades 110 karatekas at YMCA

NINTH Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, Founder of the International Karate Daigaku, graded over 100 karatekas of the ASK-Guyana at the YMCA Thomas Lands last Sunday.

He was assisted by 6th Dan Sensei Amir Khouri & 3rd Dan Sensei Roger Peroune.

ASK-G students from Linden, Albion, Blairmont, land of Canaan & Georgetown (West Field, North Georgetown, Guyana Karate Family & YMCA) were graded by Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai. The only first Dan promotion was Mekhi Proffit of the YMCA. Four students were promoted to White belt/ Yellow stripe (9kyu) while 38 students were upgraded to the Yellow belt (8kyu).

Seven students moved to Orange Belt (7kyu), 4 stu-

Sensei Woon a Tai poses for a photograph with the newly promoted students dents to Green Belt (6kyu), 14 students to Blue Belt (5kyu), 11 students to Purple Belt (4kyu), 10 students to Brown Belt (3kyu), 14 students to Brown Belt (2kyu) and 7 students to Brown Belt

(1kyu).

Outstanding kyu grades promotions from 10 kyu to 8 kyu included :- Udhyam Lekhraj, Sienna Sookram, Farah Khan, Caleb Martin, Jaden Allison, Cedella

James, Abhigyan Chatterdeo, Kymani Jordan, Pierre Grant, Adrian Mangar, Xaty Bennett, Ava Koosial, Adrian Mohan, Daniel Narine, Richard Sankar, Dusand Barrow, Rehan

Fitness Express New Zealand Cricket back McCullum continues support after Cairns verdict for bodybuilding FITNESS Express, renowned retailer of sports and exercise equipment, and health and nutrition supplements, is once again lending its support to the cause of bodybuilding and fitness in its part-sponsorship of the December 6 Flex Night International event.

Winners of specific categories on Sunday can expect to be taking home nutritional supplements, compliments of Fitness Express.

Flex Night Inc. records its deepest gratitude to Fitness Express for the support rendered to the Flex Night International 2015.

At the Sheriff Street location, Manager of Fitness Express Jamie, McDonald presents a cheque to David Gomes, Flex Night Inc. Director of External Resources

WELLINGTON, (Reuters)- New Zealand Cricket have promised to support Brendon McCullum after former Test all-rounder Chris Cairns was acquitted of perjury in London despite evidence given against him by the Black Caps captain.

Cairns had been accused of falsely claiming he had never cheated at cricket when he won 90,000 pounds ($135,531) in damages from Lalit Modi, the former boss of the Indian Premier League, in a libel action three years ago.

McCullum was one of two former team mates, along with self-confessed matchfixer Lou Vincent, who gave key evidence against Cairns in the trial, accusing his predecessor as test skipper of twice asking him to fix matches.

On Monday, however, Cairns was found not guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice, ending what the 45-year-old described as “five years of hell”.

“Brendon is an employee of ours, so we’ve got a duty of care around him that makes sure he’s in a safe working environment and free of harassment and all that humiliation stuff,” NZC chairman Stuart Heal told the New Zealand Herald.

“I hope it doesn’t come to that, but of course we will support Brendon. As I say, he’s our current captain and an employee of New Zealand Cricket.

“We need him on the park leading our side and doing what he does best.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledged the verdict in the perjury trial in a brief statement.

“The ICC notes the decision of the jury finding Mr Chris Cairns not guilty and confirms its utmost respect for the process that has been followed,” it read.

“The ICC and its (Anti-Corruption Unit) will continue to work closely with and provide all possible support to players in order that the fight against corruption can be tackled effectively and collectively.”

Samad, Aashinee Narine, Osbourne Pryce, Narren Persaud, Anthony Vitalis, Delisa Cumberbatch, Saskia Persaud, Neha Singh, Naresh Ramkellawan, Naomi Stephen, Con-

doleeza Williams, Dominic Wharton, Obadiah Amsterdam, Mustapha Ally, Nicholas Narine, Kristine Ramkissoon, Aolione Griffith, Christopher Ramkissoon, Harvest Alert and Michael Webster.

From 10kyu to 7kyu:Erico Allicock And Amy Koosial, while Orlando Giddings and Rasheed Franklin moved from 8kyu to 6kyu.

Anil Soodo and Apparo Manchem moved from 7kyu to 5kyu while Andru Rambarran moved from 10kyu to 5kyu and Assad Abdool moved from 6kyu to 4kyu.

Other movers included Ridwan Juman, Pablo Chunilall and Maqsood Mansoor (5kyu to 3kyu) and Samah Ahmad (4kyu to 2kyu).

Shuseki Woon-A-Tai also presented Shodan & Nidan Diplomas to students who were successful at the previous examination.

UDFA restructures to accommodate GT&T/Limacol finale AMIDST the challenges faced by Petra Organisation, organisers of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T)/Limacol Round Robin/Knockout Football Competition, they have confirmed that the finals will be contested this Sunday at the Mackenzie Sports Club in Linden.

According to Co-Director of the Organsation Troy Mendonca, Secretary of the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Terrence Mitchell recently made contact with them to approve that all football activities organised by the UDFA have been suspended to accommodate the staging of the grand finale between Linden’s Milerock and East Coast Demerara’s Victoria Kings.

UDFA President This now means Sharma Solomon the UDFA League will break on Friday instead of the initial plan which was next Wednesday.

Mendonca disclosed that UDFA President Sharma Solomon met with the executive in an emergency meeting on Monday night to organisation to stage the final in the discuss how best they could facilitate the request made by the Mining Town on Sunday and they agreed to put on hold their own league until next year.

The Petra Director also mentioned that the organisation is extremely grateful to the executive of the UDFA in agreeing to accommodate the finale at a time when they too have ongoing football activities.

The UDFA is scheduled to commence their year-end tournament shortly and have three teams from their association set to appear on Sunday, two in the third-place playoff and one in the final.

The third-place playoff is an all-Linden affair between Topp XX, who lost to Victoria Kings and Winners Connection that fell to Milerock in semi-final action, at the Victoria Community Centre ground on Saturday night.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Eight teams face the axe tonight In Guinness Greatest In Da Street…

TONIGHT the Georgetown leg knockout stage of the 2015/16 Guinness Greatest In Da Street Futsal Tournament commences at the National Cultural Centre’s Tarmac as eight teams face elimination.

This tournament which has already displayed a very high level of intensity and competitiveness boils down to the final teams that qualify for the Round-of-16 Playoff.

In the opening showdown billed for 19:00 hrs Upsetters take on East Front Road then North East La Penitence tackle Stevedore Housing Scheme in the second match.

Bent Street, a team with an increasing number of supporters will lock horns with Old School Ballers in the third battle of the night before West Back Road team take the field to clash with North Ruimveldt.

Crossing over the half way mark on the programme, Leopold Street face Channel-9 from 21:00 hrs.

After that encounter former champs Back Circle tangle with Jamoon Drive then the undefeated West Front Road team are scheduled to take on Shopping Plaza prior to the final match which will see National Champions Sparta Boss and Hope Street Tiger Bay wrap up the night’s proceedings.

The winners of these matches move up to the quarterfinal round which is scheduled for Friday, December 4 at the same venue.

On Saturday night when the prelims ended at the Banks DIH D’Aguair Park, the opening match saw Channel-9 Warriors and Cross Street battle to a nilall draw then East Front Road sank Costello Housing Scheme 2-0 as Dillon Kelly

A total of 48 preliminary matches were contested in the Georgetown leg of the 2015/2016 Guinness Greatest In Da Street. accounted for both goals in the first half.

Game three was a see-

Tucville enters South Georgetown Secondary Schools semifinals TUCVILLE Secondary led by half centuries from Ricky Stewart and Godfrey Phillips, crushed Ascension High by 145 runs to book a semi-final spot in the

GODFREY PHILLIPS South Georgetown Zone of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary School Cricket League (NSSCL) sponsored by Digicel and Banks DIH. At Everest ground, Tu c v i l l e w o n t h e t o s s and elected to bat as they amassed 201-5 off 20 overs with Stewart (56) and Phillips (55) top scoring while Brandon Rose took 2-52

bowling for Ascension.

Ascension’s reply was a very short one as they were blown away for 55 in just 11.3 overs. Romeo Brown had excellent figures of 4-12 while Shemieu Gasper and Stewart took two wickets each for Tucville.

Over at Enterprise ground, Cummings Lodge got the better of Apex Academy by five wickets. Batting first after winning the toss, Apex were bowled out for just 69 runs in the 19th over.

Mohammed Jumaladeen offered some resistance with 18 not out as Prakash Debidyal tore through the batting line with 4-9 off 4.4 overs and was supported by Reaz Mohamed (3-11).

Cummings Lodge Secondary replied with 70-5 in 11.1 overs. Mohammed scored 18 for the eventual victors while Chandra Mohan captured 3-30.

In the other match played at Enterprise ground, Dequan France’s five-wicket haul led Lusignan to a crushing eight-wicket victory. Taking first strike; Annandale Secondary was bowled out for a paltry 47 in just 8.3 overs as

France produced excellent figures of 5-18 off 3.3 overs while Shaun Cudjoe supported well with 2-11.

Lusignan Secondary

RICKY STEWART took just five overs to knock off the target as France returned with the bat to score 17 not out.

Today, Tucville Secondary will battle Charlestown Secondary in the semi-final of the South Georgetown Zone at GNIC ground while St. Joseph’s High will face New Campbellville Secondary in the East Georgetown Zone final at DCC ground.

saw battle between Laing Avenue and West Back Road which also ended in

a stalemate. While game four saw Old School Ballers ‘school’ Globe Yard

1 – 0. Junior Jordon scored the decider in the 20th minute.

Festival City Warriors and Albouystown-B romped to a 1 – 1 draw as FCW drew first blood through a Jermaine-Tinch goal in the fifth minute before Chris Marshall equalised in the 15th minute.

The penultimate game of the prelims saw North East La Penitence scrap a well-fought victory over Albouystown A. Goals from Calvin Moore (3rd & 16th), Shaquille Brown (12th) and Webby Webster (15 th) was enough to shadow the efforts of Daren Benjamin (18th & 19th) and Kemo Smith (17th).

West Front Road sank Alexander Village 2 – 0 but the latter went down with a fight. Their defense was resolute but was breached

by Hubert Pedro (14th) and Randolph Wagner in the 14th and 20th, respectively.

The other game of the night that was contested between North Ruimveldt and Leopold Street ended with both sides recording a clean sheet.

South Africa hope Delhi Test will last more than three days

By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELH, Reuters)- The 22-yard wicket at Delhi’s Ferozeshah Kotla Stadium filled the beleaguered South African team with optimism yesterday that the fourth and final Test against India will buck the trend and last more than three days.

South Africa kicked off their longest tour of India by winning the Twenty20 and one-day series before the hosts rolled out turning pitches and unleashed their formidable phalanx of skilful spinners to turn the tables in the Test matches.

The world’s top-ranked Test team were beaten inside three days in Mohali and Nagpur while India also dominated what little play was possible in the rain-ruined match in Bangalore.

The visitors were naturally eager to have a look at the pitch to be used for the final Test starting tomorrow and assistant coach Adrian Birell was hopeful it would last longer.

“We are playing in India so we expect the pitches to turn. This one looks like

it will go more than three days,” Birell told reporters after the team’s practice session.

South Africa lost all 20 wickets in Nagpur to the Indian tweakers, with off-spinner

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN Ravichandran Ashwin claiming 12.

Birell said he and spin bowling consultant Claude Henderson were helping the batsmen prepare better for the likes of Ashwin and leggie Amit Mishra.

“We are trying to do very specific training. We take the stumps and put it

behind and use the rough there to try and simulate maybe what we’re going to get in the match,” he said.

“I’m an old leg-spinner and I bowl from a very shortened run-up and bowl from about 15 yards, try and simulate Mishra. I’m not even close, but we try.

“And we got others guys that throw off-spinners and try and simulate Ashwin.

We’re doing what we can to try and prepare as specific as possible. Unfortunately, we’re not as good as Ashwin.”

South Africa have missed Dale Steyn, nursing a groin injury, after the first test in Mohali and Birrell said the pace bowler will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday before a call is made on his participation in the final match.

Mishra warned that the Proteas would have to improve their technique against spin to avoid another defeat.

“I admit it spun more (in the series). Their technique was inadequate to cope with it. I think, if they improve their technique, they can better deal with spin,” said the 33-year-old.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 2, 2015

Guyana strikes gold at US open Table Tennis Championships GUYANA’S Table Tennis Team which participated at the recently concluded United Sates Open Team Table Tennis Championships in Maryland struck gold The tournament, which featured action from November 26 to 30 took place at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Centre in Maryland, USA, saw the Guyanese pick up 3 Gold Medals and 2 Bronze Medals.

The team represented the nucleus of Guyana’s table tennis talents and the next generation of future champions with players straddling from eight-years to the senior levels.

The U.S. Open Team Table Tennis Championships, one of the biggest team championships in the world, embraced

over 200 teams and 1000 participating players from all over the world.

The format of the competition/ championships offers a wide variety of players.

The Tournament exposed participating players to both higher and lower ranked players with an extensive amount of matches.

Team Guyana featured Tyriq Saunders, Neveak Clarkston, Thuraia Thomas, Aneka Philips, Delecia Cummings, Yuedistir Persaud, Navindra Persaud, Niron Bissu, Krystan Sahadeo, Colin Wong, Miguel Wong, Alec Hopkinson, Nigel Bray, Joel Alleyne, Nicholas Roamin, Brandon Jaikarran, Orlando Mc Ewen, Raynor Anderson, Jamal Nicholas, Isaiah Layne, Priscilla Greaves, Shemar Britton, and Idi Lewis.

Team Guyana with the participation documents and medals

Mae’s Primary crowned East Georgetown Scotiabank Kiddy champions Windies batting great Richardson encourages team to believe FORMER West Indian batting great Richie Richardson has called on the team to have self-belief ahead of what is expected to be a difficult tour of Australia.

Coming off a disastrous tour of Sri Lanka, the relatively young West Indies team, led by 24-year-old skipper Jason Holder, will have it all to do to make any impression against the world number-three ranked team.

“We have to back ourselves and look to win. We have a young team we are moulding.

Our players will be looking to establish themselves and gain as much experience as possible,” Richardson said.

The regional team’s recent record against the RICHIE RICHARDSON Austrailians is not likely to provide any encouragement with the team having last won a Test in Australia in 1997 and last won a series Down Under in 1992-93. The last time the teams met on Caribbean soil it was the Aussies that also coasted to a comfortable victory.

“When I played the game I never underestimated anyone,” said Richardson.

“On any given day, you can get the better of somebody, but you have to back yourselves. That’s how I played the game and that’s how I talk to the players. You have to believe you can conquer.

If you do that, you start to gain respect, you start to find yourself being on the same level as them and probably going past them.”(Sportsmax.com)

ON the back of another fine batting display by Jonathan Van-Lance, Mae’s Primary overcame Stella

Maris Primary in the final of the East Georgetown Zone of the Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One

Cricket.

Winning the toss and batting first, Mae’s Primary compiled 130-4 in 14 overs as Van-Lance followed his match winning knock of 42 in the semi-final with an unbeaten 43. He was well assisted by J. Honkirk, who contributed 26 and O. Percival with 25, while Antonio Williams and D’Angelo Hall had a wicket each for Stella

Maris.

In reply, Stella Maris were restricted to 96-5 when their 14 overs expired as the Mae’s Primary bowlers showed good control stifling the batsmen throughout the chase. Williams was the main contributor with the bat as he turned in 28 while a collective bowling effort by Mae’s brought five bowlers a wicket each.

Mae’s Primary, the East Georgetown Champions.

Third umpire made wrong call in Adelaide Test - ICC (REUTERS)- Third umpire Nigel Llong made an incorrect call after using video technology to review an appeal during the day-night Test between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Tuesday.

Australia’s Nathan Lyon was given not out by the on-field umpire when the ball was caught at slip after he attempted to sweep spinner Mitchell Santner. New Zealand reviewed the decision.

Although “Hot Spot” showed the ball did hit Lyon’s bat, “Snicko”, a different form of technology, did not detect any contact and Llong upheld the original decision.

Umpire Nigel Llong

“ICC has reviewed the decision and acknowledged that it was incorrect,” the ICC said on Twitter.

“ICC confirms the umpire followed the correct protocol, but made an incorrect judgement.”

Lyon, on nought at the time, went on to score 34 and help Australia recover from 118 for eight to secure a first-innings lead of 22 which proved crucial in a low-scoring game the hosts won by three wickets.

The decision, made in the first ever day-night Test match, was widely criticised by television commentators and New Zealand Cricket contacted the ICC to ask for an explanation.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Guyana aiming for series ‘sweep’ tonight

Guyana strikes gold at US open Table Tennis See story Championships on page 35 Guyana’s Shane Webster loses the jump-ball (Samuel Maughn photos)

GT blowout Antigua 83 – 57 to win game three

By Rawle Toney

Guyanese point guard Nikkoloi Smith trying to muscle his way through the paint to get off his shot against Antigua and Barbuda on Monday.

PLAYING in Guyana for the first time since 1988, the Antigua and Barbuda national basketball team, based on the results of the three matches played so far, will more than likely be given the ‘broom’ by Guyana when the fourmatch series culminate tonight at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Having won the first game in Linden 76 – 42 and the second 73 – 56 at the Burnham Basketball Court, Guyana trounced the visitors 83 – 57 on Monday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to setup a historic match-up at the same venue.

Watched by a fair-sized crowd at the lone indoor basketball facility, it was not until their third quarter blitz did Guyana pull away from the Antiguans.

The two teams ended the first quarter tied at 16 points a-piece but Guyana held on to a one-point advantage at the half mark (29 – 28).

Guyana’s Jason Squires scored the bulk of his game high 18 points in the third quarter as Guyana outscored

Antigua 31 – 11 in the penultimate period.

Harris’ backcourt basically won the game for Guyana with the team’s Head Coach exploiting the much slower Antigua and Barbuda guards and front court, especially on the transition.

Squires along with the versatile Travis ‘Blur’ Burnett (16 points), carried their team’s scoring while skipper Akeem ‘The Dream’ Kanhai played the role of the facilitator, though finishing with 13 points of his own.

After their defence was made to look ineffective by the Guyanese point guards in the third stanza, Antigua and Barbuda started the fourth and final period on a good note with Kareem Meade leading his team’s charges.

Adisa Harris joined Me-

ade in the visitors’ attempted claw back into the contest but, already down 21 points, owing such to Guyana’s explosive third quarter, Antigua and Barbuda would eventually be outscored once again 23 – 18 in the fourth quarter as the home side closed out the game 83 – 57.

Made was his team’s highest scorer with 15 points but none of his teammates scored double digits; Adisa Harris had nine points and Marcel Edwards and Dale Gore scored seven points each.

This is Antigua’s first Goodwill tour; their two previous visits were for participation in the then CARICOM Championships, which is known today as the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship.

GFF President concerned about Elite League Clubs sustainability Praises teams for high level of competitiveness

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, while praising the high level of competitiveness in the just concluded STAG Elite League (Genesis), also said that he’s concerned about the

A section of the crowd at the Leonora Stadium on Sunday last, during the Slingerz FC/Alpha united final of the STAG Elite League (Genesis)

participating clubs being able to sustain themselves.

Slingerz Football Club defeated See page 31

Third umpire made wrong call in Adelaide Test - ICC

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See story on page 35

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2015