Guuyana chronicle e paper 04 1 2018 by Guyana Chronicle

1st April, 2018

No turning back No.105231

– Guyana rejects Venezuela’s call for return to Good Offices process O3 – says ICJ ruling must be respected PAGE

GAWU welcomes

$30B sugar bond 03 PAGE

OAS pumps US$83,000 into technical, 09 vocational education PAGE

Italian company 02 eyes investing here PAGE

The beautiful town of Lethem, Region Nine, came alive as residents and visitors, including from neighbouring Brazil gathered for the annual Rodeo on Saturday (Alva Solomon photo)

Woman shot dead by army officer PAGE

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

‘There are more things that unite than divide us’ PRESIDENT David Granger took his kite-distribution exercise to Corriverton

and Rose Hall, Region Six; and Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, where hun-

– President says at kite-distribution exercise in Berbice

dreds of children came out to meet and interact with him and receives kites. The Head-of-State was accompanied by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, who has been instrumental in organising the countrywide exercise that commenced last week in Orealla. At all three locations, the President took the message of social cohesion and togetherness, which national festivals such as Easter help to foster in the Guyanese society. “Today’s activity is part of a national festival. It doesn’t matter if you are Hindu or Muslim or Christian… In Guyana we celebrate each other’s festivals. What is happening in Guyana is that all of the religions are coming together to celebrate these ceremonies and festivals as national events. We take time off to celebrate and to recognise that we are all Guyanese, and to show each other that we are brothers and sisters and there are more things that unite us than divide us,” the President said. Similarly, he said that the celebration of national festivals also cuts across the political divide. He told the gathering at Bath Settlement

President David Granger gives a kite to this lad during a stop at the Original Market Square, Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, where he was welcomed by a large crowd

that “I don’t care where you are from, I don’t care which party you belong to, it is my duty to serve as President for all of Guyana…. Festivals like this have a way of bringing us all together,” he said. The children were excited to receive their kites. For little Miss Tishanna Blair from West Berbice, there’s a competition between her

and her cousins to see whose kite will soar higher on Easter day. She said that she is very glad that the President brought the kites in time for the big day. Today, Guyana will join the rest of the world in the celebration of Easter, which marks the resurrection of Christ. However, in true Guy-

anese fashion, the celebration will continue on Monday, popularly known in Guyana as ‘Easter Monday’, when Guyanese from all walks of life will line the seawalls and congregate at parks and other open-air spaces to take part in that unique Guyanese Easter tradition, kite-flying. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Italian company eyes doing business here SAIPEM has sent a Letter of Intent for a logistics base

and marine agency services to John Fernandes Limited.

According to a media release from ExxonMobil, the contract encompasses the receiving, storage, handling and load-out of line pipes and other project equipment, vessels and personnel for ExxonMobil’s Liza Phase 1 development in Guyana. “One of Saipem’s core values is the fostering of truthful and effective local content in every community in which it operates and this partnership with a reputable and long-established Guyanese company is the first step into Saipem’s plans for Guyana,” the statement read. Saipem’s website described them as the global leader in drilling services, as well as in the engineering, procurement, construction and installation of pipelines and complex projects, onshore and offshore, in the oil-and-gas market. “We have distinctive competences [sic] in opera-

tions in harsh environments, remote areas and deep water. We provide a full range of services with contracts on an “EPC” and/or “EPCI” (“turnkey” basis) and we have distinctive capabilities and unique assets with highest technological content,” the company said. In 2017, the Italy-based company received a new engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract to develop the Liza field. The contract was for subsea umbilical, risers and flow lines (SURF) package of the proposed Liza project located nearly 120 miles offshore Guyana at a water-depth of 1,800m. The field was estimated to contain more than one billion oil-equivalent barrels, and is operated by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana, an affiliate of ExxonMobil.

No turning back 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

– Guyana rejects Venezuela’s call for return to Good Offices process

– says ICJ ruling must be respected VICE-PRESIDENT and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge is maintaining that the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela will be final, and countries must respect that ruling. Since 1962, Venezuela has been contending that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which it had agreed to, is null and void. The ICJ will now determine the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. On Friday, the Venezuelan Government renewed calls for the continuation of the Good Offices process, but Minister Greenidge, on Saturday, made it clear that the Good Offices process is a thing of the past. “Venezuela, at this point

in time, needs to deal with the new arrangement that is now in place to resolve the issue and that is not the Good Offices process,” he said while adding that “resolution of the issue does not depend on Venezuela agreeing… the court will make a decision, and as members of the United Nations, we all must respect that decision.” The territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela was referred to the ICJ by the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, on January 30, 2018 after he concluded that the Good Offices process, which the parties had engaged in for almost 30 years, had failed to achieve a solution to the controversy. In keeping with a request put forward by the Government of Guyana in 2014 and 2015, the UN secretary-gen-

eral chose the ICJ as the next means of settlement. “Einstein is reputed to have said that insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” Minister Greenidge said while alluding to the fact that the Good Offices process was unsuccessful in reaching a solution. Renewing its objection to a judicial settlement, Venezuela called on Guyana to re-establish diplomatic ties to allow for a “practical and satisfying solution to the territorial controversy” surrounding the Essequibo region. “Under the aegis of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela proposed the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to re-establish the diplomatic contacts that allow

for a practical and satisfying solution of the territorial controversy,” the Venezuelan Government said in a statement on Friday. The statement was issued one day after Guyana submitted its application to the ICJ requesting the court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. On the issue of re-establishing “diplomatic contacts”, Minister Greenidge stated that the two countries are in diplomatic contact, and the ambassadors along with the ministers have been in contact formally, and informally. Hence, there is no need for the re-establishing of contacts that already exist. Guyana, through its Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, on Thursday initiated the judicial process by handing over its application to Philippe

Couvreur, Registrar of the ICJ. Vice President Greenidge will serve as the country’s agent in the proceedings before the court. In a statement, the Foreign Affair Ministry said that Guyana in its application highlighted that Venezuela had for more than 60 years consistently recognised and respected the validity and binding force of the 1899 Award and the 1905 map agreed by both sides in furtherance of the award. “Venezuela had only changed its position formally in 1962 as the United Kingdom was making final preparations for the Independence of British Guiana and had threatened not to recognise the new State, or its boundaries, unless the United Kingdom agreed to set aside the 1899 Award and cede to Venezuela all of the territory west of the Essequibo River, amounting to some two-thirds of Guyana’s territory,” the statement by the

Foreign Affairs Ministry said. Guyana contends that while Venezuela has never produced any evidence to justify its belated repudiation of the 1899 Award, it has used it as an excuse to occupy territory awarded to Guyana in 1899, to inhibit Guyana’s economic development and to violate Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights. Vice President Greenidge noted that Guyana, in filing its application to the ICJ, has respected the UN secretary general’s decision and placed its faith in the ICJ to resolve the controversy in accordance with its statute and jurisprudence, based on the fundamental principles of international law, including the sanctity of treaties, the maintenance of settled boundaries and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States.

GAWU welcomes $30B sugar bond – but wants input into revitalisation of sugar industry By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) said it is in full support of the move by the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) to secure a $30B syndicated bond to aid in revitalisation of the country’s sugar Industry. However, the union is calling on the SPU to reveal the strategic plan that would guide the utilisation of finances. The SPU, an important arm of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), through its head Colvin Heath-London, disclosed that the $30B bond will be made available within two weeks, and will be repaid within a period of five years. In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Thursday, GAWU President Komal Chand endorsed the move. However, the veteran trade unionist said they are important questions to be answered, and the SPU or the

GAWU President Komal Chand

PSC Executive Ramesh Dookhoo

SPU head Colvin Heath-London

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) should make its plan of action known to the public. Chand noted that while the industry has been equipped with the necessary resources in recent years and benefited from in excess of $32B in government subventions between 2015 and 2017, it still fell on tough times. As such, he said a strategic plan is important. “You enjoyed a good crop that was planted in 2014, you reaped 231,000 tonnes of sugar in 2015, 2016, you slumped to 183,000 tonnes, and then

contrary to their own assessment, they just produced in [the] last year, 138,000 tonnes which is just about 9,000 over the lowest set of production that was made in 1990, when the industry produced 129,900 tonnes. So the plan is important,” Chand explained. If a strategic plan has already been drafted for utilisation of the $30B syndicated bond, Chand said GAWU would be disappointed that as a key stakeholder in the sugar industry, its input was not sought. However, if the plan is still being drafted, he said GAWU is willing to help.

INPUT “We would like to be aware of the plan, if it is not fully in order, we would like to have our views taken on board and it is important, so that you feel that you are part of this thing,” Chand posited. Heath-London, in making the announcement, said that major focus will be placed on co-generation, a move that would see GuySuCo raking in significant sums of revenues to produce electricity for the national grid. Chand said expansion of the co-generation pro-

gramme was among the proposals put by GAWU to the corporation during a meeting last February. He posited that such a move would bring in much-needed finance. “It is in keeping with the green economy, and in fact, in 2016, the industry sold Skeldon to the national grid $9.5B in electricity with only 30,000 tonnes in cane production. That estate is designed to produce 110, 000 tonnes and even if that is not attainable because of whatever reason, if you produce 2/3 of that [it] would be very profitable,” he posited. Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Edward Boyer told the Guyana Chronicle that the commission is consulting on the $30B, positing that there was need for clarity. However, PSC Executive Member Ramesh Dookhoo said that the move by the SPU was a “positive one”. “I think it is a very positive move. Thousands of people are without jobs, and it shows you that with government’s help, GuySuCo’s assets could still be leverage

to raise money,” Dookhoo told this newspaper. Speaking on his own behalf, Dookhoo said he is “impressed” with the work of the SPU, positing that it has adopted a businesslike approach in managing the sugar industry. LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY However, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said any attempt to fix GuySuCo must cater for the long-term sustainability and viability of the industry. “We are confident that a proper feasibility study, coupled with prudent management, fiscal responsibility and transparency can achieve these objectives,” the parliamentary opposition said in a statement on Thursday. It also reiterated confidence in the sugar industry, saying that it is of the firm view that the industry has a viable long-term future. “We are prepared to partner with the government to make this a reality. However, we insist on a scientific and transparent approach,” the party said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

Minister Lawrence puts smiles on faces of children

THE faces of hundreds of children lit up on Friday as Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and her team continued the annual kite-distribution exercise in several communities. Children residing in Agricola, La Penitence, Guyhoc, and Lodge were the lucky recipients of 600 kites. “Every year, we (Ministry of Public Health) choose different areas to provide children with kites, schoolbags at school time and even toys during the Christmas season, because we believe that every child should be able to participate in whatever festival that his or her nation is celebrating,” Minister Lawrence ex-

plained. She noted that this gesture can be considered as being two-fold, as it allows the children to participate in the activity, whilst providing an outlet for them to play and exercise, thereby ensuring a healthier lifestyle. The children were reminded to fly their kites in wide open spaces and to steer clear of electrical wires. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, and Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry were among other ministers who also participated in kite-distribution exercises on Friday. (DPI)

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence gives a kite to this little one during the distribution exercise on Friday

Britain and Russia lock horns as Moscow cuts UK diplomats MOSCOW has told Britain it must cut just over 50 more of its diplomatic and technical staff in Russia as a standoff deepened over the poisoning of a Russian former spy and his daughter in England, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. Moscow also demanded an official explanation for the search of a Russian passenger plane in London, saying it reserved the right to act similarly against British airlines in Russia. Britain said the search was routine. Russia advised its citizens to think carefully before traveling to Britain, warning they could fall victim to official harassment. More than 100 Russian diplomats have been expelled by Western countries, including 23 from Britain,

to punish the Kremlin over the March 4 attack on Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the historic English city of Salisbury. London says Moscow was responsible for the first known use of a military-grade nerve agent on European soil since World War Two, and Britain’s defense minister on Saturday said it was “heartening” to see the backing of international allies. “The world’s patience with Putin’s repeated pattern of malign behavior has worn thin,” Gavin Williamson wrote in a newspaper column, urging that Britain’s defense capabilities needed to keep better step with Russia’s broadening tactics. Russia denies responsibility for the attack. It has cast the allegations as

a Western plot to sabotage East-West relations and isolate Moscow. Russia had already retaliated in kind by ejecting 23 British diplomats. On Friday, the Foreign Ministry sum-

moned British Ambassador Laurie Bristow and told him London had one month to further cut its diplomatic contingent in Russia to the same size as the Russian mission in Britain. It also expelled

59 diplomats from 23 other countries for backing Britain. A spokeswoman for Britain’s Foreign Office called the Russian move regrettable, and said it was considering the impli-

cations of the measures. She did not say how many diplomatic staff in Russia would be affected, while the British Embassy in Moscow says it does not make staff numbers public.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

“I want to make sure that you can enjoy Easter’ –– President Granger tells East Coast and Soesdyke children

AS Guyanese joined Christians across the world in the observance of Good Friday, President David Granger and ministers of government took the administration’s kite-distribution exercise to Buxton and Lusignan on the East Coast of Demerara and Kuru Kururu and Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, bringing smiles to the faces of over 1000 children. Starting at Wilson’s Gas Station in Buxton, accompanied by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, the President said that the flying of kites at Easter is a unique Guyanese tradition, which brings together not only Christians and families, but people from all walks of life as well. “You can go all over the Caribbean, Anguilla, Belize and nobody is flying a kite. It is a Guyanese thing. So let us preserve this tradition and let us have fun. So we are here to help you to celebrate a traditional Guyanese Easter,” he said. Gladis Browne, a resident of the area, in an invited comment said that the children from Buxton and its environs always look forward eagerly to the President’s visit every Easter and Christmas, as they know that he always has them at heart. “Since he has been in office, we look forward to seeing him every year and he doesn’t disappoint. So today we are happy that he is here to share kites and make the children happy,” she said. Over at Lusignan, where over 300 children received kites, the President echoed those sentiments, noting that he makes it his duty to visit the Lusignan/ Good Hope Learning Centre every year to bring joy to the children. “This is where we want to come, to Good Hope and Lusignan and our purpose here is to make sure that you can enjoy your Easter. We are [here to] help you enjoy this holiday that all of us as Guyanese celebrate,” President Granger said. From Lusignan, the President travelled to the Kuru

President David Granger with children at the Yarrowkabra Primary School during his kite-distribution exercise on Friday Kururu and the Yarrowkabra Primary Schools, where he shared a similar message. More than 600 children, some as young as one-year-old, were beaming with excitement as they received their kites from President Granger, Minister Ally and Chairperson of Demerara- Mahaica (Region Four), Genevieve Allen. Yonette Fortune, a resident of Kuru Kururu, said that she is pleased that the President was able to visit the community. “We welcome you Sir and we thank you for taking the time out to be here with us,” she said. Little Daniel Williams said that he is eager to go out on Easter Sunday to fly his two-foot kite, which he received from the President. (Ministry of the Presidency)

President David Granger interacts with children at the Lusignan/ Good Hope Learning Centre; he distributed more than 300 kites

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

Only the facts and the truth

IT IS true that since May 2015, controversial shooting deaths involving the Guyana Police Force had virtually ceased. Properly described as extra judicial killings, these are deaths of reported suspects who are executed in circumstances that are outside of what are known as Standard Operating Procedures. This means that such acts are not only illegal, but are unsanctioned according to the Rules of Engagement and unprofessional, and are also known to include rogue elements of the police force that are known to have been hired for “hit jobs” and other serious illegalities. Broadly speaking, this is a culture that has become a norm in many regions of the world, in countries where the system of governance has become degraded. This inevitably leads to a distortion of public morality, with state-sanctioned criminalities of every kind undermining the functioning of

key state institutions, with the principal democratic tenet of the Rule of Law becoming desecrated in the process. The above has been no stranger to Guyana’s social dynamics over the past two decades. In fact, such a former daily, expected police practice accounted for the lives of dozens of particularly young Afro-Guyanese, in circumstances that have been as questionable as the recent one in which three alleged suspected robbers were shot dead on the Georgetown seawall. The incidents of the Mandela Avenue shooting deaths of three young men, and those of the South Road killings of an equal number are recalled. It is not that we wish to highlight our law enforcement agency in such a negative and questionable light, although we have done opinion pieces calling into question police behaviour, and how it impacts on public perception of, and confidence in, this key

agency on which the nation depend for protection. But we must point out that a reported operation such as what took place on the seawall, and the several questions arising out of same, are bound to evoke memories of a bygone era. Memories cannot be convenient on the part of some, or forgetful, as to the destructive effects such actions would have exacted on community relations with the Guyana Police Force. The results are only too fresh in our minds: hatred for police personnel; and a refusal to report criminal acts and cooperate with criminal investigations that led to so many unsolved crimes. No society can afford such a schism, as it can only engender anarchy, and great fear among its citizens. Guyana must not return to such a dark era. It explains why, through numerous programmes and initiatives employed for a better functioning and professional police force, by the coalition

government that community relations with the police have been greatly improved. This has led to the solving of many cold cases, and above all, the quick solving of current acts of serious crime and apprehension of suspects. This is the kind of positive public engagement that fosters a safer society, especially one that is predicated on law and order, and in which the Rule of Law is respected. Society will, and should always raise questions when due process is seen to be in question in any aspect of police operations. We are not here making any pre-judgment on the circumstances of the seawall incident, except to say that the decision of the government to swiftly order an inquest is indeed welcomed. It is in the wider public interest that such a procedure be invoked, with all those who may have information, make it their civic duty to testify. Only the facts and the truth must explain what occurred.

Easter messages Easter messages Easter messages

Abide by the teaching Embrace hope in –– Indian Action Committee of Christ adversaries, GAWU urges

WE are well aware that Easter has a special place in the faith of Christianity and we are fully cognisant of the fact that it is a period observed with reverence and prayers. The observance of Easter goes back a long way in our country and its national recognition calls attention to the diverse religious faiths which make up the spiritual fabric of our society. Religious faiths and their meaningful and moral underpinnings have and continue to have an influencing role in our lives, offering guidance and helping so many to avoid or endure the pitfalls one finds in life’s journey. Over the years, Easter is widely associated with kite-flying, an activity that is popular and engaged in by Guyanese of all faiths. This national celebration can be considered as yet another activity that goes to strengthen national unity along the way

of consolidating our nationhood. On this occasion, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is pleased to send special wishes to that substantial portion of its membership who are Christians. Many of them will have to face up, together with their colleague workers, to the reality that Easter this year will be observed but not without concerns over the loss of jobs or the threat to employment that hangs over their heads. One of the abiding messages associated with Easter is that of hope. In our challenging times, that message strengthens the resolve of workers and those suffering from burdens that their struggles and sacrifices for betterment will win out. Let the Easter period keep our hopes alive and undaunted by the adversities in our steady march to a satisfying future. A happy Easter to all Guyanese from GAWU.

THE Indian Action Committee (IAC) in recognition that many Guyanese, including a number of persons of Indo-Guyanese origin, are adherents of Christianity, in which a Jewish Carpenter named Yehshua (Jesus), is believed by his followers to be the son of God. The IAC also recognises that the followers of Yehshua believes that he was crucified by the Romans, acting under the advice of the Jewish religious leaders of that time; and that after his brutal execution, managed to regain life and proceed out of his tomb and sometime later made himself visible to his disciples. The IAC further recognises that Islam includes Jesus as one of the holy prophets preceding the Prophet Muhammad SWT. The IAC understands that Buddhists claim that Jesus was a monk who spent his ‘missing years’ between the ages of 13 and 29 in the Himalayas as a student of sages and that he visited many places in the Indi-

an sub-continent and even Tibet. The IAC is of the opinion that the teachings of Yehshua are universally held to be good and thus encompasses all of the great religions of the world including Sanatan Dharma. The IAC acknowledges that festivities will occur on Easter Monday which is characterised by the flying of kites and enormous consumption of alcoholic beverages and so, the organisation calls upon all revellers to raise their kites in open areas devoid of electrical wires and have regard for the practice of no drinking and driving. The IAC calls upon all Guyanese to follow the teachings of Yehshua who preached peace on earth, forgiveness and goodwill towards mankind, which are necessary goals for the development of a unified Guyana. The IAC takes this opportunity to wish Christians of all denominations a Happy Easter.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

Prime Minister Nagamootoo back this week

PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo is scheduled to return to Guyana in the first week of April, just over two months after leaving to seek urgent medical attention in the United States. Guyana Chronicle was told that Prime Minister Nagamootoo is expected on April 5th or 6th since a definite date has not yet been set for his return. “There are plans for PM’s return to Guyana shortly, but the dates are not yet confirmed. He is expected to return this week,” a source said, noting that a welcome ceremony will be scheduled for him. Minister of State Joseph Harmon had

stated in a press release in February that the prime minister had underwent a routine medical examination locally and it revealed that he had a cardiac issue. “Prime Minister Nagamootoo was advised to seek further medical intervention and brought forward a planned private visit to the United States,” the State Minister continued. He noted that the prime minister would have undergone by-pass heart surgery on February 13th at a medical institution in the US. Since then the prime minister was being monitored and was up and about in a relatively short time following his successful surgery.

SisterCities Director John Dabeet paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in Muscatine, Lowa. The member of the Washington-based organisation expressed interest in twinning American cities with towns in Guyana. He gave the prime minister a floral gift as a get-well gesture. In his absence, Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge had been performing the duties of prime minister. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and wife Sita Nagamootoo will return to Guyana shortly, and saying goodbye to them in Lowa City were cardiac surgeon Dr. Wayne Richenbacker (right of prime minister) and associates. They are flanked by the prime minister’s daughters and their spouses.

Man detained after ex-girlfriend dies at his home A FAMILY has been plunged into mourning following the untimely death of a young lady who left her home on Good Friday evening and never returned. Rosemary Rudder, 32, a caterer of Eccles was found dead at the home of her former lover whom she went to visit. According to what this publication was told, the woman left her home and went to the man’s house, located at Westminster, West Bank Demerara. It is unclear what transpired between the man and his former girlfriend but according to reports, the two had an argument which turned into a fight during which the

woman fell to the ground. It was after the woman fell to the ground that the man reportedly went to the police station where he reported the matter. The police detained the man for questioning even as they await a post-mortem report. Persons who were close to the woman said that she was seeing the young man for some time and then they seperated after they began having frequent verbal confrontations. On Saturday when the Chronicle visited the home of the deceased, her mother was there. The woman had travelled to the Police ‘D’ Division where she was being interviewed by

Dead: Rosemary Rudder detectives. She did confirm that her daughter left home on Friday night but said she never returned home and that calls to her phone went unanswered.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo was accompanied to the US by his wife, Sita, and had the support of other close relatives.

Woman shot dead by army officer A SPECIAL assistant to the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) went berserk Saturday morning, emptying his gun on his reputed wife in First Street, Alexander Village, Georgetown. After committing the act, Captain Orwain Sandy submitted himself to police at the Ruimveldt Police Station. Dead is Reona Payne of Haslington Village, East Coast Demerara. She worked as a travel agent at Muneshwer’s Travel Service. The GDF hours after the shooting said Sandy, an Aide-de-Camp (personal assistant) to GDF Chief-ofStaff Patrick West, was immediately interdicted from duty and an inquiry has been launched into the incident. The chief-of-staff has ordered the inspector-general of the Guyana Defence Force to conduct a Board of Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The GDF sought to assure Guyanese that Sandy’s action does not mirror the image of other soldiers. “The force is truly saddened by this occurrence and would want to reassure

GDF Captain Orwain Sandy and his reputed wife Reona Payne in happier times the general populace that tion after receiving news of this is an isolated incident the incident. and is not reflective of the One eyewitness said values and standards of the that when the solider shot Guyana Defence Force,” the his lover the first time, he army said. growled at those who were The GDF has since ex- around and demanded that tended sincerest condolences no one intervene as he conto the relatives of the late tinued to empty the clip of Reona Payne. rounds into her body. Meanwhile, persons in Payne reportedly susthe Alexander Village area tained more than 10 gunshot said the two came out of the wounds about her body. man’s car fighting and the Last year, Sandy was soldier pulled out his weap- adjudged the best graduaton and fired several shots at ing student of the Officer’s her. Her body was left on the Course. side of the road and he left Two years ago, he gradfor the station. uated from the University The man’s ex-wife later of Guyana with a Bacheturned up at the police sta- lor’s Degree in Sociology.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Agriculture research station for Rupununi By Alva Solomon GOVERNMENT is considering the establishment of an agriculture research station in the Rupununi, a move which Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock told residents on Saturday will provide major benefits for farmers there. While addressing residents at the annual Rupununi Rodeo on Saturday, Allicock said the station, which is being considered in consultation with the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), will allow for the transfer of technology in the region and enable farmers to cultivate, produce and market their products. He lauded the determi-

to South America. As regards the rodeo, the minister told the gathering which included Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock and Mayor Kerry Jarvis that the event occurs at a time which speaks of faith, the resurrection of Christ and eternal life. He told the gathering that Easter is a time that tells a story that in order for one to succeed, there is need to “roll away the stone that keeps us locked in”. He said that once this is done, then everyone can use the opportunity to rise above challenges and utilise vigour and strength to realise the full extent of their dreams and goals and to attain self-actualisation.

A scene from Rodeo 2018 that thrilled the large Lethem gathering This beautiful young lady who was soaking up the excitement at Rodeo 2018 strikes a pose for Guyana Chronicle photographer/ journalist Alva Solomon

These young dancers perform at Rodeo 2018 on Saturday

nation of the people of the region and said one of the major projects planned for the region is the construction of a new road network. He said work on this project is in progress, as he noted that the town of Lethem is quickly being established as the gateway

He said that as Easter is celebrated and rodeo in particular, persons must reflect on achievements and shortcomings as a region. President David Granger often reminds Guyanese that Region Nine is bigger than Costa Rica. “We need to search our

minds individually; we need to have discussions, an opportunity to talk to those who have made the Rupununi their home and those who are interested in doing business in the region,” he said. Allicock also said that development can only happen by discussion and plan-

A section of the gathering at Rodeo 2018

ning and according to him, “we have to know exactly what we need”. He said Region Nine’s obstacle “is being rolled away”, adding that the burdensome “doom- and-gloom situation” is being erased. Regional Chairman Brian Allicock said the rodeo continues to grow annually with the quality of perfor-

mances on show. The rodeo continues through the weekend until Easter Monday. Persons at the event were entertained during an afternoon of excitement as the key events, such as the wild bull riding, horse racing and wild cow milking, among other exciting events were on show. Meanwhile, in the pag-

eant, Shenelle Thomas was crowned Misa Takutu Hotel Rodeo Queen 2018, on Good Friday evening. Thomas, who represented Sand Creek Village, was sponsored by the Silver D Ranch. The pageant was held at the Takutu Hotel and attracted a large gathering.

Suspect in Linden businessman’s Police hunting man who stabbed, murder in police custody kicked labourer to death ON the day that Linden businessman, Romel Edison Gomes was found dead in his house which also houses his business place, two men were seen at the premises. They were spotted by the babysitter for the now dead man’s toddler son. On Friday the woman who saw the men positively identified one of them during an identification parade at a police station after he was picked up on Wednesday last by the police in Georgetown. The police picked up the man while he was at a location on Carmichael Street. The operation to locate him was

said to be intelligence-driven with persons from Linden and Georgetown sharing information with the police about the man’s movements. That operation was reportedly ongoing for some two weeks before the police managed to apprehend the suspect. Up to Saturday, he did not confirm that he was the person at the location nor did he admit to the crime, but the police are positive that they have the right man as he fits the description given to the police by the person who saw him on the day in question. Gomes was killed at his home by a gunshot wound.

He was found with his hands and feet tied while his mouth was gagged. His home was ransacked and the police suspected that cash was missing. It is believed that the man was killed during the course of a robbery. The police questioned the suspect’s motive for travelling all the way to the mining town to commit the act and questioned how he got to the location. On the day the man was killed, his car was also removed from his home but it was subsequently recovered and nothing was taken from it. The police are hoping to lay charges shortly.

TAJ Andrew Jarvis, 27, was killed on Friday evening during a robbery as he and his friend were walking along Alexander Street, Kitty. Jarvis resided at Dowding Street, Kitty. The 27-year-old, who previously lived overseas and who was said to be very outspoken, resisted demands for cash and other valuables by the bandits and an argument ensued. The police in a press statement said that the incident took place just after 20:00hrs on Good Friday

evening. The police related that after the argument between the two in relation to the cash which was demanded, the bandit inflicted two stab wounds to Jarvis, one to the chest and the other to the chin. Additionally, as Jarvis fell to the ground, the suspect began kicking him while he laid helplessly on the roadway. Police detectives who spoke with this publication indicated that they have been given a name and possible locations where they can

find the suspect and as such, efforts to locate him are ongoing. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. On Saturday, efforts to secure a comment from the relatives of the deceased were futile. While the police are not ruling out the possibility of robbery as the motive, they are also said to be looking into the credit records and patterns of behaviour of the now dead man as part of their investigation.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018 I’LL never forget the day I heard that the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana was stepping in to help address the implementation of parking meters in Georgetown. Really, I felt a bit sorry for him, given that Guyana’s governance structure seems sometimes to land every problem at his door. Dedicated leader that he is, he stepped in with zeal, but he can’t have expected that this would be a part of his job description. I want now to follow up on my previous article about constitutional reform, as well as last week’s article about term limits in the hope that I can weave together the points of consensus that I think lie at the heart of reform conversations. Every soul in Guyana, after just an instant’s reflection, must surely recognise that something is not quite right about our governance system if the most senior member of the administration must step in to deal with issues as minute as parking meters. Can you imagine the President postponing preparation for an international summit so he can work his way through the endless legal terms of a parking meter contract? It is in a way very unfair to our highest office-holders to place so much responsibility on their shoulders. They, like each and every one of us, can only be expected to do so much. My suspicion is that Guyana’s leaders are often subjected to the phenomenon

By Elson Low

Decision Fatigue commonly known as “decision fatigue.” To the astonishment of my roommate at the time, I once walked into an H and M store and purchased eight of the same grey, button-up dress shirts. My shirt-wardrobe now consists of only white, black and grey dress shirts and white, black and grey T-shirts. Why the monotony? As a young professional,I increasingly felt worn down by trying to keep up with constantly changing trends while balancing a demanding job and research project. My mind was clouded and I desperately needed to clear it. This is what “decision fatigue”, or exhaustion coming from having to make

a large number of decisions, is all about. It causes underperformance by distracting and wearing the brain down. Eventually, I decided to give up the responsibility for dressing aesthetically, by simply buying a range of quality clothes that matched no matter what I wore. Problem solved. Being able to differentiate between the problems which truly matter, and those which do not, is key to effective leadership. Famed military writer Sun Tzu says: “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.” But with much of local government funding concentrated in the National Assembly, I can understand why all pleas end at the

President, who exercises significant authority over the agenda of that body. And so, because everyone knows he has the ultimate authority, even when he intends to follow Sun Tzu’s great advice, this may not be possible. This points to the central question of constitutional reform -- how do we relieve the President of burdens that shouldn’t demand his attention, while ensuring he/ she still exercises enough authority to push through national development projects? I don’t claim to be objective by any means, but a Martian dropped on earth could tell that this is the heart of the discussion. Executives over the years haven’t wanted to give up any power, because

they need that authority to develop the country quickly and that’s why each and every one, across political parties, has been hesitant to reform. This is not to deny that there can be constitutional abuse or efforts to abuse (as those are to be expected in any democracy); but to say that ignoring the perceived need for concentrated power is a major impediment to gaining broad support for reform. One way or another, it seems we have decided on a government interventionist approach to development, and that usually means concentrated power. If those reformers concerned about abuse are serious, they would advocate for a

reduced government role, which would understandably entail a more restrained Executive. I will build out the final key pillars of the reform structure it seems might be possible in a further column, but I want to write quickly about something which details how important it is for us to get this structure right. One of the senior professors at the college I attended in Massachusetts once referred to former President Jagdeo as “the good President.” This was in the wake of the former President’s efforts on behalf of forest conservation, when it seemed for a moment he was spearheading international green efforts. That his name came out of the mouth of one of the foremost academics in the world was monumental, as this meant the former President was being discussed favourably at the highest levels of power internationally. For a moment I was really proud. But then, in the years that followed, the Amaila project was mired in allegations of corruption and Skeldon turned out to be a slow failure. The former President’s light faded, his legacy tarnished. I can’t help but wonder if the reason those projects fell apart is that, with the endless demands our constitution puts on him, he took his eye off the ball at a critical moment. Maybe I’m wrong, but I bet looking back at those failures , even he might think reform isn’t such a bad idea.

OAS pumps US$83,000 into technical, vocational education THE Organisation of American States (OAS) has injected US$83,000 into the development of technical and vocational education in Guyana. There has been a growing demand for a workforce with specialised skills, as well as a need to increase sustainable employment opportunities for Guyanese. In order to address this gap, the OAS made a monetary contribution to the Ministry of Education on Thursday. Education Minister Nicolette Henry expressed her gratitude to the OAS on behalf of the government for the good gesture. “I believe that the development of this country hinges on the development of the people… oftentimes we focus on the mainstream academic and people with skills for technical and vocational education are left

off of the radar,” the minister said. She added that the agreement is very important, because it will help them to provide a better opportunity for persons who are “left out”.

It has been proven on many occasions that technical and vocational skills are important elements of sustainable development. “We are looking towards the development in terms of oil and we have to prepare

Education Minister Nicolette Henry (left) receives the signed agreement from OAS representative Jean Ricot Dormeus (Adrian Narine photo)

our people to manage the resources and this contribution will feed the broader picture”, said Minister Henry. The younger population is expected to benefit from programmes that will stem from the money that was given to the ministry. Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson said the funds will be used specifically for training and occupational health and safety. Once persons are properly trained, they will find good jobs, said OAS representative Jean Ricot Dormeus. “With good technical and vocational training, they will secure good jobs and set up businesses so that the country will improve and grow its economy,” he explained. The OAS hopes that the contribution will help to move Guyana forward by

equipping persons with the skills to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Over the years, Guyana has benefited from scholarship programmes from the OAS and the new contribution will support the improvement of the technical and vocational education in secondary and post-secondary institutions. “We want to promote equality, inclusive and equitable education,” said Dormeus, pointing out that there should be a balance between academic and practical skills. In 2016, Guyana received funding of US$12.3 million from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to enhance access to, and improve the quality and effectiveness of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme in Guyana. “This project will assist

the Government of Guyana in increasing economic competitiveness and creating a labour force that can meet the demand for specialised skills in emerging sectors like tourism and hospitality. We believe that strengthening the education sector and particularly the TVET sector, provides an excellent opportunity to broaden social inclusion of men and women, people with disabilities and indigenous peoples,” CDB Projects Department Director Daniel Best had said. The project had several components, including enhancing the TVET teaching and learning environment; improving the quality, relevance and effectiveness of TVET instruction; strengthening capacity within the sub-sector; and enhancing second-chance opportunities for at-risk and unskilled learners.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

Better yields, more profits –– farmers praise Genetic Improvement Programme

SINCE the commencement of the Genetic Improvement Programme (GIP) in swine and small ruminants, several farmers across the country have reported tremendous boosts in their swine and small ruminant rearing with profits from production enabling them to better provide for their families. This is according to the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), which has implemented the programme to boost development of the swine and small ruminant sector. Through the introduction of several programmes to redesign and re-establish the sector, farmers have the opportunity to better appeal to not only local markets, but top regional and international markets. The authority commenced works on its GIP by offering Artificial Insemination (AI) in cattle. After several successful trials, GLDA expanded its operations to offer AI in swine and small ruminants. Dr Renita Lashley, a senior veterinarian at the GLDA, who is spearheading the programme travels across the country to perform AI services at several farms. She indicated that the outcome thus far is astonishing in both swine and small ruminant AI cases.

“GLDA is looking to surpass all of our targets for 2018 as it relates to the genetic improvement programme. So far, our results are leaning towards achieving that goal. We are having amazing results and our pilot farmers are extremely happy with the results of the project thus far,” Dr Lashley said. In 2017, the authority started making semen from these animals available to farmers across the country, specifically in Regions Four, Five and 10. Farmers have expressed favourable returns, adding that the programme has allowed them to better provide for their families. IMPACT Eric Anderson, who has been involved in the rearing of pigs for over a decade, indicated that the programme has played a major role in improving his operations since it was introduced. “With GLDA’s AI services, I have been enjoying larger litter sizes with lower mortality rates. I am having piglets weighing as much as 2.4kg with litter sizes as large as 21 piglets. I am very happy about this, but I must point out that proper feeding is essential – if the nutritional aspect of your operation is not right, it doesn’t make any sense,”

Small ruminant semen samples to be used for artificial insemination

Piglets that were conceived through artificial insemination Anderson said. He further stated that GLDA’s efforts, more specifically Dr Lashley’s commitment and hands-on approach to the programme has led to major successes thus far. One aspect of genetic improvement in the swine programme entails cross-breeding animals with outstanding properties to achieve desired results. In some instances, the Tempo Boar was bred with the Land Race or the Large White, while a cross between the Large White and the Land Race produced a breed referred to as the “Top Pig”. Each of these breeds is known either for their fast growth rate, high litter sizes or their ability to withstand different climatic conditions. Another farmer, Owen McGarrel, who benefited from the programme indicated that the piglets are growing quickly and producing quality meat, which is what customers are looking for. “I have pigs weighing as much as 139lbs (63.04kg) at three months and 260lbs (117.9kg) at seven months. These animals have all been conceived through AI and have very low fat content, which is extremely important to butchers. With an average litter size of 13 piglets, I am very grateful to GLDA for taking the necessary steps to rebuild the industry,” McGarrel said. PROPER MANAGEMENT He too emphasised the importance of proper feeding and management, adding that the animals having proper nutrition is 80 per cent of the work. In 2016, the GLDA imported two Tempo Boar pigs with the aim of improving the stock and ultimately revolutionising the swine industry.

The animals were imported at the cost of US$4,500 from Costa Rica to be used for artificial insemination purposes only. GLDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nigel Cumberbatch indicated that the genetic improvement programme was developed to allow Guyana to enter into international markets while being able to satisfy the local demand. “Guyana’s swine industry is relatively small. As part of GLDA’s mandate, we aim to change this. We intend to tap into new markets and produce top quality cuts of pork,” Cumberbatch said. In addition to AI in swine, GLDA through funding from the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute’s (CARDI), Agricultural Policy Programme (APP), procured three mature Katahdin Rams to commence operations in the small-ruminant aspect of the GIP. The rams were acquired in 2017 at the cost of US $9000 and have since been trained and acclimatised. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder in an invited comment indicated that re-building the country’s livestock industry is a major priority. “When taking office in 2015, it was recognised that the livestock industry had suffered from lack of technological inputs, thus resulting in alarmingly low numbers. In addition to conducting an agriculture census, a five-year plan has been developed that will see rapid increases in genetically modified stock countrywide,” Minister Holder said. Holder further stated that through the introduction of improved breeds and knowledge gained of new technology, government is seeking to ensure that the livestock industry is able to secure international marketing capabilities.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

‘Guyana is a place for all of us’ –– says Minister Harmon at Region Three kite distribution exercise

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon on Friday distributed kites to children from Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three), while encouraging them to participate fully in the celebration of Easter. The distribution was done at the Wales Primary School, West Demerara Secondary School, and the Den Amstel Community Centre as part of the administration’s annual exercise, which allows the President and Ministers of Government to meet and interact with children across the country and encourage participation in the annual tradition of kite-flying in Guyana. “Easter is an important time in the lives of Christians and it has now become a celebration for all Guyana, irrespective of your religion. As you raise your kites, remember [the flag], remember Guyana. Remember that Guyana is a place for all of us. We’re one country, one Guyana. So remember that this is a time of togetherness. It is a time of cohesion… it’s about oneness,” the minister of state said.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon with children during the kite distribution exercise on Friday Minister Harmon also said that the flags raised high in the air are symbolic of the rising hope in the hearts of all Guyanese. “The holiday of Easter represents the rising of hope for Guyana and the rising of hope for all of the children of Guyana. So, today as I distribute these kites, it is

really a symbol of what we all hope for in Guyana, that is a rising of all our hopes and expectations and the delivery of a good life for all of us as we live together in peace and harmony in this country,” he said. Teacher at the Wales Primary School, Nichola Gould was inspired by the

Life imprisonment for chopping neighbour ANDY Boodram was on Thursday afternoon sentenced to life in prison after a 12-member jury found him guilty of the felonious wounding of his neighbour back in 2011 at Grove, East Bank Demerara. The sentence was imposed by Justice Navindra Singh in the Georgetown High Court after several hours of deliberation by the jury. The 32-year-old man was indicted for felonious wounding on September 4, 2011 in the County of Demerara. He wounded Deonarine Prasad or Persaud called “Anil” with intent to murder him. The jury found him not guilty on the first count – attempted murder. It is alleged that on the day in question, the victim went over to the home of the accused who lives next-door at about 20:00 hrs to ask him to turn down the loud music he was playing, since it was affecting his new-born baby. There, a fight broke out between the

men after which Boodram armed himself with a cutlass and inflicted three chop wounds to the head of the victim. The victim was rushed to the hospital where he underwent several surgeries for the wounds he received. The accused was represented by defence attorney, George Thomas, while the State prosecutors were Tiffini Lyken, Abigail Gibbs and Shawnette Austin. In his plea of mitigation, Thomas asked the court for a lenient sentence. The accused failed to show any remorse when he was asked if he had anything to say, stating that he never chopped the victim. In response, State Prosecutor Tiffini Lyken asked that the judge consider the fact that the victim had to undergo several surgeries and that a cutlass was used in the commission of the act. Lyken asked the Judge to impose the maximum sentence for the offence. It was then Justice Singh handed down the life sentence.

minister’s words. “It’s a great initiative because, as he said, Guyana is on the rise, especially where chil-

dren are concerned because the youth [will be] the leaders,” she said. Minister Harmon was

accompanied by his mother, Susan Clement and his daughter, Daniele Harmon-Klien.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Bobby Vieira launches Guyana Lite 104.1 FM VETERAN Guyanese broadcaster Bobby Vieira will be celebrating 40 years as a broadcaster this week which will also coincide with the launch of his new radio station, Guyana Lite 104.1 FM. The new station is located at lot 41 United Nations Place, Georgetown. In an interview with this publication, Vieira said the station will commence operations on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 with “Bobby in the morning” from 07:00 – 9:00hrs. He noted that Guyana Lite will be an alternative to the regular programming heard on radio in Guyana daily. “Our concept of soft, relaxing music can also be considered as ‘Music to unwind with’. We bring you music to add flavour to your day and send good vibes to your house, car, work space or that early-morning jog. Guyana Lite Radio is the place to

Veteran Guyanese broadcaster Bobby Vieira in studio at Radio Station Lite 104.1 FM

make things happen to your soul, so please sit back, relax and listen to the sounds of the lite days of Guyana,” Vieira said. He continued: “If you listen to people across the board, you would recognise that the younger people also need to find something, especially students [who] need to find something to listen to what is relaxing and comfort-

ing, so that they can do their work quietly, so it will be 24 hours of soft, relaxing and light music.” Noting that there will be a significant amount of Guyanese music on the station, the broadcaster said the parent company of Lite FM is about multicultural broadcasting and there will also be programmes with such flavour.

“Guyana is a potpourri of different ethnicities and so we cannot run away from that; and it’s not about being politically correct, it’s just that it’s the right thing to do, because we must recognise that there are other groups with other cultural aspirations, so we want to make certain that everybody is comfortable,” he said. He said in the evenings such as on Mondays, there will be pan music, Tuesdays will be instrumental, Wednesdays,oldies and goldies, Thursdays, jazz, followed by Caribbean Fridays. Meanwhile, on Saturdays there will be a threehour youth programme titled ‘Generation Next’. Additionally, Vieira said that he intends to partner with other stalwarts to train young broadcasters. “I plan to invite people like Margaret Lawrence and Ron Robinson to assist with training… we have a problem now with people on the

radio who cannot announce, pronounce words, their grammar bad, using another dialect from another country and that is frustrating to many people,” the broadcaster said. Underscoring his passion for training, Vieira said in the US where he studied, no one can just go on air without passing an approved test set out by the Federal Communications Commission that the person has reached the criteria. Noting that he is the holder of an FCC broadcasting licence, which allows him to broadcast in any of the states in the US, Vieira said only persons who fulfil certain broadcasting criteria will be allowed to operate on Lite 104.1 FM. Another aspect of the radio station would be community affairs; the broadcaster said this will give citizens the opportunity to call into the station to speak on various issues to educate society. He said the station also

plans to have on Wednesdays an ‘International Link-Up’ with persons in the Guyanese diaspora. “Generally it’s education, entertainment and information, but music will be our theme and [our] tagline [is] songs of ‘yesterday, today and forever,” he said. He said persons can download the Lite Radio app in the play store or visit and stream on http://www. guyanalite.com/. In radio-broadcasting operations, Vieira said “we seek to promote the full distribution of public information; to obtain access to sources of news not commonly brought together in the same medium; and to employ such varied sources in the public presentation of accurate, objective, comprehensive news on all matters vitally affecting the community.” Vieira started as a broadcaster in the days of “Radio Demerara” under the tutelage Turn to page 15 ►

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Pensioner dies in accident PERCY Lashley, 73, of Coffee Grove Village, Essequibo Coast, has died after he was struck down by a motorcar on the Coffee Grove Public Road while riding home on Thursday. Erza Junior Adams, the 30-year-old driver is in custody assisting police with their investigation. According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, motorcar PVV 8733, driven by Adams, was proceeding south along the eastern side of the Coffee Grove Public Road and was negotiating a

left bend when the driver lost control of his vehicle. As a result, he collided with the rear wheel of the pedal cyclist who was proceeding in the same direction. The cyclist was flung

Dead: Percy Lashley

Bobby Vieira launches Guyana... From page 14

of Pat Cameron, James Sydney and Ron Robinson. He later migrated to New York where he pursued a career in broadcasting at the New York College of broadcasters. There he learned to produce for both radio and television. After graduating, he started off working at a station in Miami called 1080KM. Years later, he then returned to New York where he worked with 103.9 WNBM-FM. He finally moved on and was also par-

tial owner of One Caribbean Radio 97.9 HD2, which was the last broadcasting outfit with which he worked in New York until he returned to Guyana in 2015. Vieira said prior to that, he had spent 20 consecutive years visiting Guyana every Christmas to air the Christmas Morning Show. “During that period, we also did the Christmas Day greetings from New York, where persons sent greetings to their relatives,” he said.

onto the bonnet of the car, then onto the front windshield, then onto the roadway, causing him to receive multiple injuries. He was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited persons and

rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was admitted but later succumbed. A breathalyser test administered on Adams has revealed that he was under the influence of alcohol. Information has also

revealed that Adams was previously charged for DUI on November28, 2016 and fined $7,500. The body of the pensioner is at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

SUNDAY CHRONICLE April 1, 2018

Duncan will not bow to King

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has signalled that its Georgetown councillor Sherod Duncan will not apologise to Town Clerk Royston King. The party in a statement said King needs to better understand his role and functions and the reporting structure at City Hall. “He is a servant of the people of Georgetown and the Mayor and City Council, not, as the evi-

Town Clerk Royston King dence of his actions and conduct suggest, the other way round. Specifically, the AFC puts Mr King on notice that the vulgar

AFC Councillor Sherod Duncan demand letter sent to duly elected councillor and former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan will be strongly resisted by the party,” the AFC said. The party also said that it has detected that the public no longer has any confidence that King is ei-

ther capable of, or willing to execute the functions of the town clerk. King has sent a lawyer’s letter to Duncan demanding an apology for newspaper articles that King said have brought

him into ridicule and contempt. Attorney-at-law Maxwell Edwards prepared the “Demand Letter” on behalf of King, in which three Guyana Chronicle articles were cited with

the headlines, “Duncan signals no-confidence vote against King”, “King faces no-confidence vote,” and “Secret Ballot to decide King’s fate.” The letter said the statements mentioned in the article conveyed the meaning that the town

clerk was in serious jeopardy of administrative disciplinary proceedings and was liable to face disciplinary consequences as severe as dismissal from the office of town clerk. “The offending published statements and comments constitute a most

callous and disparaging libel of my client done with malice; and with the predominant intent to injure my client in his employment,” the letter said. King wants a full apology from Duncan to be published in the Guyana Chronicle.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Sir Leon Lessons crowned 2018 Milo U-18 Champions By Stephan Sookram SIR Leon Lessons are the reigning Milo champions. The side won a one-sided affair 5-1 against Buxton Youth Developers under last night’s stars at the

Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. The jubilations lasted long into the night for the new champions who had knocked out the former champions Chase Academic

Foundation. With the win, Sir Leon Lessons have also secured bragging rights and $500 000 towards a project. Buxton will pocket $300 000. The earlier third-place playoff featured a walkover

for Annandale who collected $200 000. The tournament was also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health under its awareness campaign of Gender Based Violence.

Joshua beats Parker to add WBO belt to WBA, IBF titles By Luke Reddy, BBC Sport in Cardiff ANTHONY Joshua unified the WBA, IBF and WBO world heavyweight titles as a controlled performance saw him earn a unanimous

points-win over Joseph Parker at a tense Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The Briton used his left hand to telling effect throughout an intriguing affair, in which New Zealand’s Parker displayed swift hands, movement and impressive durability. But his WBO title always looked like it would end up round Joshua’s waist as a significant points-gap opened up, with the favourite landing a hard left uppercut in round eight and two stinging left hooks early in the 10th. Parker tagged his rival to howls of concern in the 11th and he deserves immense respect for becoming the first man to take Joshua to the scorecards, which read 118110, 118-110, 119-109. ‘FINESSE’ - HOW THE NIGHT PLAYED OUT Joshua raised his right hand on ring announcer Michael Buffer’s reading of the cards and he now holds three of the four recognised world titles. Parker looked to the sky. But the New Zealander played his part in a compelling evening and brought colour to an intriguing build-up. Never before had two

world champions from the glamour division met to unify titles on British soil. For the away fighter this was a whole new level of scrutiny; for Joshua, it was a third consecutive stadium fight, with a cumulative 250 000 seats sold in the process. Each fighter walked to the ring to an accompaniment of strobe lights, flames and fireworks, with the estimated 78 000 in attendance providing a glittering background as smart phones lit up the tiers. When the bell rang, Parker looked sharp, flicking his left jab to keep Joshua at bay and maintaining a guard with just his right hand, compared with two high hands from Joshua. Afterwards, Joshua pointed to a bout he felt came down to “boxing finesse” and there is no doubt he used the jab and repeated left hooks tactically to stave off his opponent’s threat. It took until the halfway stage before either man truly began to load their shots, as early respect gave way. Parker, stung early in the sixth, gave chase and landed his own left hand from a crouched position. The beaten man admitted he lost to a “better champion” but he at least showed the

“granite chin” his camp had built much of their hope on beforehand. Unlike Joshua, Parker has never been dropped as an amateur or a professional and he showed his durability in sucking up two hard left hooks early in the 10th. This was a more chess-like Joshua. The knockout artist Britain has grown to love was forced to show us poise over 36 minutes, though the result never really looked in doubt. WILDER CLASH EDGES CLOSER Those close to Joshua describe his tendency to return from a fight with improved knowledge of what he wants to change about his preparation next time. This time, weight was an issue and cutting his lightest frame since 2014, he looked more comfortable than when he stopped Carlos Takam at this stadium in October. He maintained a healthy pace late on and his twoinch height advantage was expertly deployed as the “glass chin” Parker’s camp claimed to believe the home fighter possessed never really came under substantial threat.

English Racing Tips Ffos Las 09:25 hrs Point N Shoot 09:55 hrs Burrows Edge 10:25 hrs Market Road 11:00 hrs Never Equalled 11:35 hrs Jennys Surprise Southwell 09:05 hrs Poppy May 09:35 hrs Majestic Appeal 10:05 hrs Major Peirson 10:35 hrs Cousin Khee 11:35 hrs Mujassam 12:20 hrs Da Capo Dandy Plumpton 09:15 hrs Traffic Fluide 09:45 hrs Iona Days 10:15 hrs Amalfi Doug 10:45 hrs Remiluc 11:20 hrs Jumping Jack 11:55 hrs The Lion Dancer 12;30 hrs Benbecula Irish Racing Tips Cork 09:00 hrs Galtymore 09:30 hrs Bang Bang Rosie 10:00 hrs Milsean 10:30 hrs Sumos Novios 11:05 hrs Lareena 11:40 hrs Bleu Et Rouge 12:45 hrs Stay Humble Fairyhouse

Chantoba shines ...

08:50 hrs Savannah Storm

running in the Girls’ U-20 1500 metres, did well for third, when she ran 4:52.88 to finish behind the Jamaican pair of Kara Grant (4:47.52) and Shaqueena Foote (4:46.56). Over in the Girls’ U-17 400 metres, Skeete, Guyana’s gold medallist in the 400 metres at last year’s South American Youth Games, in Chile, ran a new personal best (PB), 54.15 secs on her debut at the games. Skeete was third, coming in behind Daniella Deer of Jamaica (53.95 secs) and The Bahamas’ Megan Moss (53.19 secs). Skeete, in 2017, at the South American Youth Games, won gold in the event with 57.28 secs. Meanwhile, much was

09:50 hrs Laurina

expected from Daniel Williams, the 2017 IAAF U-18 World Championships 400m silver medallist, who was competing in the Boys’ U-20 400 metres at the CARIFTA Games. However, Williams’ time, 48.35 secs, (his PB is 46.72 secs), saw him finish seventh in the race won by Dashawn Morris of Jamaica, who ran 46.58 secs. Barbados’ Johnathan Jones (46.97 secs) was second and Ramsey Angela (47.01 secs) from Curacao was third. Earlier in the day, USbased Avon Samuels had a hamstring injury and did not finish her Girls’ U-20 400m preliminaries. Up to press time, it was not yet known if she will be com-

From back page ► peting in the 200 metres today. Skeete will be in action in the Girls’ U-17 200 metres preliminaries, with the hope of advancing to the final today. Williams will be aiming to make up for his 400 metres run when he turns out in the Boys’ U-20 category. Also, Murray is set to compete in the Girls’ U-20 3000 metres, while Charles and Nash will run in the Boys’ U-17. Guyana will also participate in the 4x100 Girls’ U-17 and U-20. In the field events, Princess Brown will be in action in the Girls’ U-17 long jump, and the duo of Tremaine Brown and Carl Williams will compete in the Boys’ U-20 long jump.

09:20 hrs Call A Cab

10:20 hrs Scarpeta 10:55 hrs Patricks Day 11:30 hrs Shattered Love 12:05 hrs Sizing Pottsie South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:40 hrs Bling Swing 09:15 hrs Parabola 09:50 hrs Crown And Country 10:25 hrs Hashtag Strat 11:00 hrs Arinos Bagofgold

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

73 Days to go… Russia’s World Cup anti-doping guide:

No ‘exotic tea’, shisha pipes

Russia’s National football team

THE Russian Football Union is warning players against drinking “exotic tea” or

smoking shisha pipes as it tries to avoid any doping cases ahead of the World Cup

this summer. In a guide to help players avoid failing drug tests by accident, the RFU said players should be wary of accidentally consuming banned substances. It recommended players read the label on exercise supplements and check online whether they can be contaminated with banned products. The RFU also advised players “not to consume exotic tea” to avoid smoking shisha, and to be wary of possibly contaminated meat from China or South America, adding: “Be aware. Your career depends on it!” It wasn’t immediately clear what prompted the tea warning. A 2012 study suggested green tea could make testosterone appear lower on drug tests, though that wouldn’t constitute an offence. As for shisha, an Algerian player was banned after a 2015 positive test for cocaine he said he accidentally consumed via a friend’s pipe.

The Russian guide comes as FIFA investigates allegations that positive drug tests in Russian football in previous years were covered up. Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko said last month FIFA is investigating current Russia international Ruslan Kambolov. Mutko said the case was “not linked to the national team.” There is also a FIFA investigation into Ivan Knyazev, a former defender with the Russia Under-21 team, Mutko told the Tass state news agency at the time. Both players “have given evidence and we’ll see where it goes,” Mutko said. Russia has been rocked by multiple doping tests across many sports in recent years and of a state-sponsored cover-up. The government denies ever supporting drug cheats.

Paul Pogba, Ousmane Dembele racism incident shows FIFA must act - Lilian Thuram FIFA can only show its determination to stamp out discrimination in football if it encourages referees to stop games after racist incidents, France great Lilian Thuram has told AFP. World football’s governing body announced earlier this week it is investigating allegations that Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele were targets of monkey chants by home fans during France’s 3-1 win over World Cup hosts Russia on Tuesday in St. Petersburg. Thuram, a 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winner whose foundation aims to end racism in football, believes more radical action must be

taken, notably at this summer’s tournament. “Is there a real will from FIFA, from the Russian Federation and society in general, to resolve this problem?” Thuram asked. “How to explain that things don’t change radically?

For how long have we been talking about racism in stadiums? When will a referee stop a game or the players walk off the pitch when there are racist incidents?” “If this happens during the World Cup, will the referee stop the game? I doubt it.

We will only see how serious FIFA are if they decide to stop

Russian football fans carry bananas at Euros 2016

Paul Pogba (right) and Ousmane Dembele

Former France International Lilian Thuram

a game.” Manchester United’s Pogba - who scored one goal and set up another in the victory

- and Barcelona’s Dembele were abused by a section of the crowd in St. Petersburg, French media reported. An AFP photographer

confirmed Dembele was abused while taking two corners and Pogba was targeted in the 73rd minute. “The most important thing is to thank the photographers and TV viewers who denounced those acts,” Thuram said. The allegations had provoked a swift response from France’s Minister for Sport, Laura Flessel. “Racism has no place on football pitches,” Flessel wrote on Twitter. “We have to act in unison at a European and international level in order to stop this inadmissible behaviour.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

BJ Watling, de Grandhomme lead Kiwis fightback CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (Reuters) - BJ Watling continued to defy England as he combined with Colin de Grandhomme to resurrect New Zealand’s innings and lead them to 192 for six as the second day of the second Test at Hagley Oval ended about 30 minutes early due to bad light. Watling was 77 not out after he and de Grandhomme had come together at 36 for five and then combined for 142 runs for the sixth wicket to drag the hosts back into the match after Stuart Broad and James Anderson had blasted the top off the innings. Tim Southee was 13 not out after de Grandhomme had been dismissed for 72 about an hour before the scheduled end of play. England had been dismissed for 307 early yesterday at Hagley Oval after Jonny Bairstow was the last man out for a well-deserved 101.

Bairstow had rescued England’s innings from 94 for five to marshal a stubborn rearguard action with

followed up Bairstow’s fifth Test century with four quick wickets to put England in charge as they reduced the

The 28-year-old had already caught Tom Latham for a duck and Jeet Raval for five before lunch as Broad

England’s Jonny Bairstow celebrates his fifth Test 100. (REUTERS/Paul Childs)

the bowlers as they scored 156 runs for the final four wickets - 95 of those coming in an eighth-wicket partnership with Mark Wood (52). Broad and Anderson then

hosts to 32 for four at lunch. The hosts lost Kane Williamson shortly after the break for 22, the home captain becoming Bairstow’s third catch.

and Anderson ran riot with the new ball. Broad took three of the first four wickets to fall, also capturing Ross Taylor for two and trapping first-Test

centurion Henry Nicolls in front for a duck. Anderson and Broad, however, were less effective after lunch as the ball softened and de Grandhomme and Watling were able to fight back, something Broad acknowledged with the second new ball due just 5.1 overs into the third day. “We have to make use of that new ball tomorrow,” Broad told reporters. “New Zealand are 100-something behind and with the new ball around the corner, we’ve seen the damage the new ball can do on this pitch.” “(de Grandhomme and Watling) played exceptionally well, but from our point of view, we held them well enough to still be ahead of this game.” England need a win to stop New Zealand clinching their first series against them since 1999. The hosts won the first Test at Eden Park in Auckland by an innings and 49 runs.

Bavuma denied century as Proteas tighten grip on fourth Test By Nick Said JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa’s Temba Bavuma was left stranded on 95 not out as they tightened their grip over scandal-hit Australia after reducing the hapless visitors to 110 for six at the close on the second day of the fourth and final Test yesterday. Aided by Bavuma’s brilliance, South Africa posted 488 in their first innings and lead by a massive 378 runs at The Wanderers as they seek a first home series win over the Australians in almost 50 years. The controversial tour looks to be coming to a meek end for the visitors in a game they need to win to share the series and their new captain Tim Paine (five) and Pat Cummins (seven) will resume on the third day facing a daunting task. Australia need a win to share the series, an outcome that would provide hollow comfort after the chaos that engulfed the team in the wake of their ball-tampering in the third Test in Cape Town and the crisis that followed this week. The squad was bolstered by

openers Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw, who arrived in the country 48 hours before the start of the fourth Test along with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, after deposed captain Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were sent home for their part in the scandal. However, if the tourists had hoped that fresh blood at the top of the order might spark a change of batting fortunes, it proved false optimism as they were blasted out. Burns’ (four) tame prod saw him edge Kagiso Rabada to a diving Faf du Plessis at second slip, while Queensland opening partner Renshaw (eight) provided a simple catch to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock off Vernon Philander (3-17). AUSTRALIAN DISARRAY Peter Handscomb has been on tour since the start, but his long wait for a chance to bat lasted one ball when he played onto his stumps as Philander found the right amount of movement. Australia were in disarray at that stage on 38 before Usman Khawaja (53) and Shaun Marsh managed a slow recovery.

Temba Bavuma was stranded on 95 when Maharaj and Morne Morkel fell off consecutive deliveries. South Africa managed to make 488. (AFP)

The pair put on 52 for the fourth wicket, but Khawaja was superbly caught by de Kock having got a

feather-edge down the leg-side to give Philander his third. Mitchell Marsh (four) then played on to a Morne Morkel delivery as the light faded, his early promise on the tour having now been long forgotten, while his brother Shaun (16) edged to AB de Villiers at slip off Keshav Maharaj. After Aiden Markram’s masterful 152 on the opening day, Bavuma was left stranded five runs short of what would have been a second Test century when he ran out of partners. His 95 not out was deserving of three figures as he manoeuvred the ball around the ground with great skill, adding 85 for the seventh wicket with de Kock (39) and 76 for the ninth wicket with Maharaj, who smashed a career-best 45 from 51 balls. But when the latter slashed at a wide delivery from the excellent Pat Cummins (5-83) and was caught by wicketkeeper Paine, Morkel, playing in his final Test, edged the first ball to Handscomb at second slip and Bavuma was denied the chance to claim a deserved ton.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings Alastair Cook b Boult 2 Mark Stoneman c Latham b Southee 35 James Vince lbw Southee 18 Joe Root b Southee 37 Dawid Malan lbw Boult 0 Ben Stokes c BJ Watling b Boult 25 Jonny Bairstow c Taylor b Boult 101 Stuart Broad c Sodhi b Southee 5 Mark Wood b Southee 52 Jack Leach c BJ Watling b Southee 16 James Anderson not out 0 Extras: (b-9, lb-5, nb-1, w-1) 16 Total: (all out, 96.5 overs) 307 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-38, 3-93, 4-94, 5-94, 6-151, 7-164, 8-259, 9-307. Bowling: Boult 28.5-5-87-4, Southee 26-7-62-6 (w-1), Colin de Grandhomme 17-4-44-0, Neil Wagner 20-5-69-0 (nb-1), Sodhi 5-0-31-0. NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Jeet Raval c Bairstow b Anderson 5 Tom Latham c Bairstow b Broad 0 Kane Williamson c Bairstow b Anderson 22 Ross Taylor c Cook b Broad 2 Henry Nicholls lbw Stuart Broad 0 BJ Watling not out 77 Colin de Grandhomme c Bairstow b Broad 72 Tim Southee not out 13 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (six wkts, 74.5 overs) 192 Fall of wickets: 1-0 Latham, 2-14 Raval, 3-17 Taylor, 4-17 Nicholls, 5-36 Williamson, 6-178 de Grandhomme. Bowling: Anderson 19-5-43-2, Broad 16-438-4, Wood 17.5 -3-50, Leach 18-3-46-0, Root 1-0-9-0, Stokes 3-1-5-0.

SCOREBOARD ` SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Dean Elgar c Sayers b Lyon

Aiden Markram c Marsh b Cummins b 152 Hashim Amla c Handscomb b Cummins 27 AB de Villiers c Paine b Sayers Faf du Plessis lbw Cummins Temba Bavuma not out

69 0 95

Kagiso Rabada c Renshaw b Sayers

Quinton de Kock c Marsh b Lyon

Vernon Philander c Khawaja b Lyon 12 Keshav Maharaj c Paine b Cummins Morne Morkel c Handscomb b Cummins Extras: (b-13, lb-12, (w-5) Total: (all out, 136.5 overs)

45 0 30 488

Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-142, 3-247, 4-247, 5-299, 6-299, 7-384, 8-412, 9-488. Bowling: Hazlewood 26-3-86-0, Sayers 35-9 -78- 2, Cummins 28.5-5-83-5 (w1), Lyon 40-3-182-3, Marsh 6-1-30-0, Renshaw 1-0-4-0. AUSTRALIA 1st innings Matthew Renshaw c de Kock b Philander 8 Joe Burns c du Plessis b Rabada

Usman Khawaja c de Kock b Philander 53 Peter Handscomb b Philander Shaun Marsh c de Villiers b Maharaj Mitchell Marsh b Morkel

0 16 4

Tim Paine not out

Pat Cummins not out

Extras: (b-3, lb-8, nb-2) Total: (six wkts, 38.0 overs)

13 110

Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-34, 3-38, 4-90, 5-96, 6-96. Bowling: Philander 12-7-17-3, Rabada 9-3-24-1, Morkel 9-2-23-1(nb-2),Maharaj 8-2-35-1.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Man City close in on Premier League title

… Man United, Liverpool win By Steve Tongue LONDON, England (Reuters) - Manchester City need just one more win to secure the Premier League title after a blistering firsthalf display secured a 3-1 win at Everton yesterday. Deliciously for City fans, the three points could be secured next Saturday at home against Manchester United although with that game sandwiched between the two legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool, manager Pep Guardiola was keen to play down the chances of a title celebration. “We have to focus on the Champions League, we have United in the middle but for the line-up we have to think about the Champions League,” the Spaniard told reporters. City took just four minutes to get in front with a superb volley from Leroy Sane after a fine cross from David Silva, The game was put beyond

Everton within 37 minutes with a Gabriel Jesus header and a Raheem Sterling finish making it 3-0. Guardiola’s side took their foot off the gas in the second half and Everton restored a little pride with a 63rd minute strike from Yannick Bolasie. It has long been a matter of time, before City formally clinch the title but next week’s opponents head into the derby in second place and with a win under their belt after beating Swansea City 2-0 at Old Trafford. Romelu Lukaku reached 100 league goals by scoring in the first five minutes as United dominated a Swansea side who have been revitalised under manager Carlos Carvalhal. Alexis Sanchez struck before the interval, the Chilean forward’s second goal for United, and the hosts comfortably saw out the victory at Old Trafford. “We have 10 points more than last season but there

Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Victor Lindelof applaud fans after the match. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnd)

is a club which is making it practically impossible to follow. In other leagues we would be fighting for the title,” said United manager Jose Mourinho. Liverpool came from behind to win at Palace in manager Juergen Klopp’s 100th league game in England and move five points ahead of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who visit fifth-placed Chelsea today. Mohamed Salah scored their late winner, his 37th of the season in all competitions,

after the equaliser by Sadio Mane. Palace’s Serbian penalty expert Luka Milivojevic had converted his seventh spotkick out of eight this season to put the home side in front early on. GOOD HEART His old club were left in good heart ahead of an exciting week, with a Champions League quarter-final first leg at home to Manchester City on Wednesday and the Merseyside derby at Everton three

Cricket Canada sets sights on building stadium

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada -Cricket Canada’s maiden Global T20 tournament, set to be played here in July, will see spectators being accommodated in makeshift structures but plans are on stream to construct a stadium by the time the third segment is staged in 2020. According to Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini, “a few million dollars” have been committed by Mercuri Group, an Indian company that acquired the Master Licence Agreement to manage the league with Cricket Canada, for the purposes of building a stadium, though full costs including an exact location have not been identified. The three-week tournament, which precedes the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), set to commence on August 8, has been given the green light by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and will be played at three venues across Toronto. The three venues earmarked are Toronto Cricket

Skating and Curling Club, Sunnybrook Park and Maple Leaf Cricket Club. Reflecting on the last T20 All Star tournament, held at the Rogers Centre in 2012, which saw several players suffering financial losses, Saini assured that such disorganisation would not happen with the Global T20 Canada. The Cricket Canada president said that the league had enough investment backing from Mercuri Talent Management Private Limited, an Indian media and entertainment business with offices in Pune and Chennai, to operate the league in the initial few seasons. According to Saini, agreements are scheduled to be signed shortly with team owners while pointing to the fact that Mercuri has the capacity at this time to own all the teams themselves and lease them out to different management. Saini pointed out that the league is currently owned by Mercuri while Cricket Canada has given it the authority to own, sell or lease. The Global T20

Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini

Canada would be the first franchise league held completely in North America. Meanwhile, Cricket Canada has also distanced itself from reports about claims made by Toronto businessman Roy Singh to start his own T20 franchise league in Canada, a proposal not sanctioned by the ICC or Cricket Canada. Saini recently told the Caribbean Graphic here that the idea for a Canada-based annual international T20 League was first hatched as far back as 2009, during his initial term as president of what was then the Canadian Cricket Association. His relative

lack of market knowledge and experience however, resulted in his adoption of a formula which proved to be unattractive to its financial sponsor, whose support would have been mandatory for its survival. Following his ouster from the presidency after the ill-fated 2011 World Cup, Saini told Caribbean Graphic that in his absence the new board seemingly had no interest in hosting an international T20 League and as such the plans that he had formulated were discarded until his eventual return to the Board, initially as a Director, then subsequently for his second term as president. Having been given a second chance and armed with the valuable experience of the impractical first attempt, he was determined to get it right this time around. West Indians Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo as well as New Zealander Brendon McCullum are three of the players listed to participate in the tournament.

days later. “It is usual for us that we need to fight here, especially after a difficult start, but it makes it more special at the end,” Klopp said. Palace, however, remained in trouble, only two points above the relegation zone. “It is a bit of a groundhog day playing against these top teams,” their manager Roy Hodgson said after his side conceded a late winner again, just as they had to Manchester United and Tottenham in their previous two home games. West Ham jumped above their London rivals with a comprehensive 3-0 home victory over a poor Southampton side, who were three goals down at halftime in manager Mark Hughes’ first league game in charge and stayed in the bottom three. Marko Arnautovic, who fell out with Hughes after leaving Stoke City for West Ham in the close-season, scored two of the goals. Manager David Moyes was delighted with his team and their fans after protests marred the last home game, a

3-0 defeat by Burnley. “The supporters were great: they have been great here bar a few. The players gave them something to shout about today,” Moyes said. Huddersfield Town remained in trouble, three points above relegation, after losing 1-0 at Newcastle United to a goal by Ayoze Perez. Bottom club West Bromwich Albion, who have won only one league game out of 30 since beating Burnley in August, lost to the same opponents 2-1 at The Hawthorns. Ashley Barnes, with a spectacular bicycle kick, and Chris Wood against his former club were the scorers before Salomon Rondon grabbed a late consolation for West Brom. Brighton were beaten 2-0 by Leicester City in a dramatic finish after Glenn Murray had his penalty saved by Kasper Schmeichel and Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi was sent off. In the other mid-table game, Jermain Defoe’s equaliser in stoppage time earned Bournemouth a 2-2 draw at Watford.

Over 70 entries received for today’s Jumbo Jet horserace meet THE Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee horse race meet, which was scheduled for last February 18 at the Rising Sun Turf Club will now start today at the Port Mourant Turf Club. Race one gets underway at 13:00hrs. The meet has attracted over 70 entries. With over $20M in prize money up for grabs in the now two-leg event, turfites can expect a thrilling day of horseracing on the Corentyne Coast, Berbice. Organisers of the event were forced to reschedule the activity due to inclement weather conditions that had the racetrack in an unfit state for racing. Now that the conditions are more favourable, the event will get underway today. The final day of the championships is set for April 29 and will be held at the Rising Sun Turf Club. Both days of the meet will have the follo0wing first place cash prizes in the respective classes: `C’ class and Lower $1M; `F’ class and Lower/E’ class non-earners/last start $400 000; Three-year-old Guyana-bred $350 000; `H1’ and Lower $300 000; `J/K’ and

Lower $240 000; `K’ Class non-earner/last start $230 000; `L’ and Lower $200 000. Note: Cash prizes will be awarded from first- to fifthplace. For the final leg in West Coast Berbice, the stakes will be higher and are as follows:: `C’ and Lower $1.2M; `F’ and Lower/`E’ Class non-earners/ last start $500 000; Three-yearold Guyana-bred $400 000; `H1’ and Lower $350 000; `J’/`K’ and Lower $240 000; `K’ Class non-earners/last start $200 000; and `L’ and Lower $150 000. There will be bonuses for any horse that wins all two of their races in the event with a maximum bonus payout amounting to $500 000. According to the organisers, horses will not be promoted or demoted for any event in their classes, to give them the opportunity to win the bonus and to be hailed the `Triple Crown’ champion of their respective class. Among the top animals that will be showcasing their mettle are: Just Call Me Boss, Vera’s Finally, It’s My Choice, Storm Bird, Party Time and Ready to Romance.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

BCB launches Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh coaching programme

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) recently launched the Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh coaching programme, as the board aims at providing the necessary opportunity to young cricketers in Berbice. The programme will cater to 240 promising cricketers between ages 12 and 18 years. They will be tutored by a highly qualified panel of coaches from the county. Sixty youths will be named by the selection committee from each of the four zones; West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne/Black Bush Polder. The panel of coaches, led by Albert Smith, are Julian Moore, Winston Smith, Andre Percival, Delbert Hicks and Tremayne Smartt, who will spend two full days in

each zone. Special emphasis would be placed on batting, fast bowling, art of spin, wicket-keeping, fielding and physical fitness. Sessions are also to be held on topics such as the history of cricket, rules of the game and structure of Berbice cricket. At the end of the sessions, a squad will be selected for regular coaching programmes and to be a part of the 2018 Berbice Cricket Board Cricket Academy scheduled for July. The squad would be selected based on talent, attitude, personal discipline and commitment. At the launch, BCB pres-

Head of Guyenterprise, Vic Insanally, hands over sponsorship to BCB president Hilbert Foster.

ident Hilbert Foster stated, “Every young cricketer in the Ancient County would be given the same opportunity to excel and the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) would work hard every day to provide avenues to make this possible. This Coaching Programme would be historic for any County Board in Guyana and is just the first step of a long journey to return to the glory days of John Trim, Rohan Kanhai, Basil Butcher and Alvin Kallicharran.” Foster urged the players to take full advantage of the opportunities being presented to them by the BCB and cautioned the panel of

coaches that the board would expect nothing but their best efforts. Foster expressed gratitude to Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh. He assured the sponsor that his large investment of US$2500 would be properly used and would result in Berbice producing more cricketing talent to follow in the footsteps of its legends. Foster also extended gratitude to former BCB secretary Oscar Ramjeet and veteran broadcaster Vic Insanally for the major roles in assisting him to obtain the sponsorship. Under the deal, the sponsor would provide cricket balls for the programme, stipend for the coaches, snacks and meals for the cricketers on a daily basis.

Stephens sees off Ostapenko Guyana U-15 beat to win Miami Open title T&T by 32 runs (REUTERS) - American Sloane Stephens kept intact her streak of never having lost a final as she defeated Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko 7-6(5), 6-1 to claim the Miami Open tennis title yesterday. After a tense first set, the U.S. Open champion reeled off six consecutive games in the second to beat the French Open winner and claim her first Miami title after a slow start to the season. “I wasn’t expecting a title here or anywhere, really. I just wanted to make sure I got my game back where I wanted it to be,” Florida native Stephens said in a courtside interview after extending her record in finals to 6-0. “I knew if I just got back to the drawing board I would be okay.” The crowd favourite had just six winners, compared with 25 for Ostapenko, but 48 unforced errors by the Latvian and Stephens’ relentless defence were the difference. Adding to her triumphant weekend, Stephens, who was seeded only 13th in Miami, will make her world top-10

GUYANA Under-15 cricketers continued their impressive performances in this year’s Regional tournament, whipping Trinidad & Tobago by 32 runs in a round three clash yesterday. Batting first, the Guyanese struggled to build a huge total and in the end they were bowled out for just 105 in 45.5 overs. Zeynil Ramsammy and Chandrapaul Ramraj, scored 16 runs apiece. Bowling for T&T Ronnilster Perreira claimed 3-11. In reply, T&T struggled from the outset, and were eventually bowled out for 73 in 35.2 overs. Safeik Khan and Ramraj were

the chief destroyers with figures of 4-11 and 4-18 respectively. The Guyanese will play Jamaica at the Jamalco Cricket ground tomorrow before playing Barbados at Up Park Camp on April 4. The Regional Under-15 Tournament – in its 23rd year – will be contested under a round-robin format, featuring five rounds of matches with the team accumulating the most points being declared champions. The Barbadians captured the title last year on home soil, following victories over Windwards, Leewards, Jamaica and T&T, and a no-result against Guyana.

Sloane Stephens celebrates with her Miami Open trophy. (Reuters)

debut tomorrow, after rising to number nine. Ostapenko is currently ranked fifth. Their error-strewn first set began with four consecutive service breaks and went to 6-6 before Stephens pushed ahead 6-2 in the tiebreak. Ostapenko saved four set points but could not halt Stephens as the Latvian lost her first tiebreak - and first set - of the tournament when Stephens’ return pulled Ostapenko wide to the backhand and the Latvian netted. Ostapenko grabbed the first break in the second set, but Stephens broke straight

back and cruised to victory in an hour and 31 minutes. “I was a little nervous and it was showing in my game,” Stephens said of the first set. “My feet weren’t moving. I wasn’t swinging good at the ball. “I just needed a little reminder to go for my shots, go for my forehand and really go for it if I wanted to take the title.” The men’s prize will be decided today with American John Isner going for the biggest win of his career against Germany’s Alexander Zverev.

The national Under-15 team has so far won all three games in this year’s Regional tournament so far. (WIPA photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Warner ‘resigned’ to not playing for country again BATSMAN David Warner says he is “resigned to the fact” he may never play for Australia again after his part in the ball-tampering scandal. Warner and Steve Smith were given year-long bans by Cricket Australia after the incident against South Africa. The 31-year-old apologised yesterday, saying he took “full responsibility for my part in what happened”. He added: “I have only ever wanted to bring glory to my country through playing cricket.” Smith and Cameron Bancroft, who received a ninemonth ban for his role in the plan to tamper with the ball by using sandpaper during the third Test, had earlier apologised for their part in what happened. Reading from a statement, an emotional War-

ner told a news conference: “To all Australians, cricket fans or not, I apologise for my actions and I am sorry for the impact those actions have had on our country’s reputation. “It is heartbreaking to know I will not be taking the field with team-mates I love and respect and that I have let down. “It is something I will regret for as long as I live.” WHAT DID WARNER SAY? Addressing the media for the first time since the incident, Warner said that: He had a “tiny ray of hope” he might play for Australia again, but he was “resigned to the fact that may never happen”. He “fully supported” Cricket Australia’s review into team culture

Australian cricketer David Warner listens to a question at a press conference at the Sydney Cricket ground. (Getty Images)

He would “seek out advice and expertise to help me make serious changes”. He is responsible for “my

actions and the consequences it brings”. He did not directly answer questions about whether

any other members of the Australian team had been involved in the plan to tamper with the ball, instead restating that he was there to take responsibility for his own actions in Cape Town. Warner later posted on social media that he would do his best “in time” to answer questions people may have. “There is a formal CA process to follow and I am taking advice to make sure I properly comply with that,” Warner tweeted. “I should have mentioned that in my press conference, I’m sorry for not making it clearer.” Describing the Australian team as his “family”, Warner said he would miss being on the field with them for the next 12 months. Prior to the ball-tampering saga, Warner was fined

Windies receive traditional Sindh welcome on arrival in Pakistan KARACHI, Pakistan (CMC) – The main group of West Indies players and officials touched down here late last night for the historic three-match Twenty20 series against Pakistan, with the remainder of the squad scheduled to arrive early today. Eleven players were part of the contingent which arrived at the Jinnah International Airport at 21:30hrs (12:30hrs), and were greeted by Sindh Sports Minister Sardar Bux Mahar. Stand-in captain Jason Mohammed was among the 11 who were presented with the traditional Ajrak’, a specially designed, colourful shawl peculiar to the Sindh province in southeast Pakistan. Afterwards, the squad were whisked off to their hotel under tight security.

They are not expected to hold any media conferences or practice sessions before the opening game. West Indies will clash with Pakistan in the opening T20 International today at the National Stadium here beginning at 20:00hrs (11:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time). Matches will also be played tomorrow and Tuesday at the same venue, representing the first time in nine years a major Test-playing side have engaged in a bilateral tour of the country. The Windies are a depleted squad, however, after several leading players – including regular captain Carlos Brathwaite – opted not to travel due to security concerns. In 2009, a Sri Lanka team bus was attacked by militants, leaving several players injured and members

West Indies Twenty20 captain Jason Mohammed poses in his traditional Sindh Ajrak, on arrival in Karachi yesterday.

of the security forces dead. Since then, Pakistan have

played all home series in United Arab Emirates.

by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after an altercation with South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock. Warner later said that “vile and disgusting” remarks made by de Kock against Warner’s wife, Candice, had prompted the altercation. Speaking in Sydney, Warner said the wellbeing of his wife and their two daughters was “foremost in my mind”. “We let our country down, we made a bad decision. I really regret what happened on that day three,” Warner added. “We know what the consequences are when you make horrible decisions like this.” (BBC Sport)

Pepsi Under-16 boxing Saturday

THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will stage its first Pepsi Michael Parris Under-16 card for the year on Saturday, starting at 13:00hrs at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Albouystown. Several gyms from across the country will battle for honours, including the recently-formed Savannah Boxing Gym of Region Nine and the Moruca Power Right Gym of Region One. The gyms were formed following direct intervention of Minister of Social Cohesion Dr George Norton. The minister was instrumental in employing coach Orland Rogers, who has been visiting regions and honing the skills of future champions. Rogers was recently in Region Seven and plans to travel to Region Eight soon. GBA president Steve Ninvalle disclosed that Technical Director Terrence Poole is in charge of organising the event which is expected to be a 20-fight affair. Guyana’s silver medallist at last year’s Youth Commonwealth Games `Lightning’ Keevin Allicock is a product of the DDL Under-16 programme which is in its sixth year.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, April 1, 2018

Guyana Sports Hall of Fame launched By Stephan Sookram SPORTING heroes of yesteryear as well as recent ones are one step closer to having a place where their memories can live on, with the announcement and launch of the Guyana Sports Hall of Fame. At the launching, which took place last Thursday evening at the Umana Yana in Kingston, a Board and the layout of the first committee’s five-year plan were announced. Chairperson of the committee, Rayman Williams, contended that the vision started when a group of men saw the need to have sporting heroes and their achievements preserved for future generations. Williams told the gath-

Master of Ceremonies and veteran commentator Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, recounted many tales of sportsmen and women whose strides have made the country proud. Also speaking at the launch was Director of Tourism Donald Sinclair who commended the body

sports and tourism. Ventures like this (sports hall of fame) have the ability to bring tourists to Guyana,” he said, while recounting the various ways in which sport and tourism go hand-in-hand. Deputy Director of Sport, Melissa Dow-Richardson, no stranger to the topic having

athletes. An initiative like this, she noted, would also help future generations to understand where they came from, and what strides have been made before the present time. There were also speeches by Allan La Rose, a sport enthusiast; words of wisdom

From left: Director of Tourism Donald Sinclair, Guyana Sports Hall of Fame Board member Grantley Culbard, Deputy Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson, Committee member Ronald Williams, Chair Rayman Williams and Claude Raphael. (Adrian Narine photos)

ering, made up of sporting administrators and association heads, “This is not a fly-by-night organisation, it’s here to say. So we need your support.” He was referring to the nomination of athletes once

the project comes on stream. The organisation which will be non-profit in nature will also see its first board run for a five-year period, allowing for fresh faces and ideas to flow through the body.

Front row: GBBC president Peter Abdool is among the attendees at the launching ceremony on Thursday evening at the Umana Yana.

for turning their idea into something more, adding that it bridges the gap between

Colts, Royals on collision course at National Club Championship … Tournament to bounce off April 7

FLASHBACK! Colts celebrate their 2017 National Club Championship title after beating Linden’s Victory Valley Royals 85-83 in the final.

WITH the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship drawing near, Guyana’s top ‘ballers’ would want to impress the selectors at the National Club Championship, which will bounce off on Saturday, April 7, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. President of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) Nigel Hinds told Chronicle Sport that all systems are in place for the Championship that will crown the country’s number one basket-

ball club. Ravens are the notable omission from this year’s tournament. They have had a topsy-turvy 2017 and one which saw the country’s once top club fall out of contention at the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) level. The GABF released their Group standings for the April 7-28 tournament, which will see defending champions Colts placed with Linden’s Half Mile Bulls, Plaisance Guardians, Pacesetters and their

2016 final opponents Retrieve Raiders. In Group Two, last year’s finalists Victory Valley Royals will play Kobras, fellow Linden side Amelia’s Ward Jets, Nets and a club from Berbice to be determined by the GABF. The Group stage will play in a round-robin format, where the top two teams will advance to the knock-out stage. At last year’s National Club Championship, Colts retained their title after narrowly edging Linden’s Victory Valley Royals in an 85-83-point thriller. The win also saw Colts pocket $600 000 while Royals received $400 000. In the third-place playoff, Travis Burnett carried the Kobras to a third-place finish and a $200 000 cash prize, following their 76-75 extra-time victory over Ravens. The GABF will send a male and a female team to this year’s CBC Championship, set for neighbouring Suriname from June 15 to 22 (female) and June 25-29 (male).

represented Guyana on two occasions, spoke of equality between male and female

from Ian McDonald and Vic Insanally, who were unable to attend the event.

US-based Guyanese cyclist Scott Savory in drive to assist local counterparts By Michael DaSilva SCOTT Savory got involved in the sport of cycling at a tender age and as he progressed over the years, he elevated himself to become an Elite cyclist and is now training and competing on the North American circuit with much success. However, it was not an easy road as he faced difficulties early in his career with acquiring training and competition gear and equipment. This did not deter Scott Savory from striving for higher heights and over the past four years or so, he has been doing exceedingly well, so much so that he has been giving back to the sport through donations of gear and equipment not only to his Guyanese counterparts, but also to cyclists’ from Cuba and Suriname. In 2013, Savory started a cycling and equipment collection drive from his New York base and sought assistance from a number of international cyclists who responded positively to his plea for assistance for the less

fortunate. His goal is to get cycling equipment and gear to cyclists who are in need and may not have the resources to have quality parts and clothing. The main aim of the donation programme is to support cyclists in need, to motivate them to continue in the sport. According to Savory’s point man in Guyana, Enzo Matthews, “Too often the cyclists will leave the sport because they cannot maintain or buy the very basic equipment for their cycles, so, Collective Cycling is here to assist.” Since starting the equipment and clothing drive in 2013, over 2 000 pieces of clothing and equipment have been donated to those cyclists in need – 500 pieces were donated in 2013. Notable contributors to Savory’s cause are: Angelo Calilap, DH Fine, Michael Stromberg, Matt Long, Christian Mambelli, Ricky Corbin, Michael Zak, Bill Elliston, Kevin McNeil, Elroy Anzola, Mike Galvonie and Dave Bush.

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Chantoba shines ‘bright’ on day one of 2018 CARIFTA Games … Guyana end with one gold, four bronze medals By Rawle Toney

Shaquka Tyrell (first from right) flanked by Jamaicans Theresa Graham (centre) and Rushana Dwyer for the Girls U17 400M.

Sir Leon Lessons crowned 2018 Milo U-18 Champions

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A GOLD medal performance by Chantoba Bright, coupled with bronze medal finishes by Murphy Nash, Deshanna Skeete, Kezra Murray and Shaquka Tyrell, saw Guyana end day one of this year’s CARIFTA Games with five medals so far and much to cheer about, as they look to better last year’s showing when they won a total of eight medals - the most in the country’s history at the prestigious regional championship. Competing in the Girls’ U-20 long jump, Bright, who also won gold in the same event last year, leaped a distance of 5.95 metres to defeat Jamaica’s Lotaivia Brown (5.70 metres) and Curaçao’s Nasya Ramirez (5.65 metres). It was Guyana’s only top-ofthe-podium finish for the day. Bright will feature in the Girls’

Chantoba Bright won Guyana’s lone Gold Medal on the opening day of the 2018 CARIFTA Games in the Girls U20 Long Jump

U-20 triple jump today. Tyrell actually opened Guyana’s medal count with her third-place finish in the Girls’ U-17 1500 metres, clocking four minutes 55.97 secs (4:55.97) behind Theresa Graham of Jamaica (4:48.30) and eventual winner, also of Jamaica Rushana Dwyer (4:47.90). Another Guyanese, Kissanna Glen’s time of 5:12.43 was just good enough for a ninth-place finish. Murphy Nash stopped the clock at 4:13.59 for third in the Boys’ U-17 1500 metres, in a race that was won by Jamaican J’Voughnn Blake (4:08.73), while Michelle Curtis of The Bahamas was second (4:13.41). Cordell Charles, also competing in the same race, ran 4:29.35 to finish in eighth place. Murray, just like Nash and Tyrell, making her debut at the games, Turn to page 25►

2018 Champions! Sir Leon Lessons are the new champions of the Milo U-18 Schools Football tournament. (Adrian Narine photo)

Joshua beats Parker to add WBO belt to WBA, IBF titles Anthony Joshua becomes unified world champion.(Sky News photo)

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SUNDAY APRIL 1, 2018