Guyana chronicle e paper 05 26 2018

SATURDAY 26th May, 2018

No.105286

Children are our future PAGE

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‌ President says Independence best time to remember Guyanese children

Murder/suicide 08 rocks Low Lands PAGE

Mottley 05 takes charge of Barbados PAGE

The Golden Arrowhead hoisted as Guyana celebrates its 52nd Independence Anniversary (Adrian Narine photo)

49 women among 96 Happy 52 Independence for national awards To all readers nd

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

Children are our future GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

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… President says Independence best time to remember Guyanese children

PRESIDENT David Granger has urged greater protection of the nation’s children, and stressed that Independence is the best time to remember that children are our future.

In his 52nd Independence address titled “Children are our future”, President Granger said “we need to bequeath to them, much more than we inherited from our own parents”. This year the President was instrumental in dedicating the flag-raising ceremony which was held during the early hours of Friday afternoon to youths.

Touching on the Independence celebrations, the Guyanese leader said Independence must be valued and safeguarded. “Independence has laid the foundation for a more inclusive and democratic society which will guarantee the good life for the next generation.”

President Granger said Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary is an occasion for celebration as it commemorates a departure from past degradation and articulates the nation’s aspiration for present and future generations.

He told the nation that Independence was not the result of a single event, but rather a culmination of three hundred and fifty years of resistance, revolt and struggle against conquest, degradation, enslavement, indentureship and exploitation - the most dehumanising characteristics of European colonial rule.

A historian, President Granger reminded that the ancestors of the Guyanese people – Africans, Amerindians, Chinese, Europeans (including Portuguese), Indians and persons of mixed descent – fought against colonial rule. “Their descendants, today, are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice. The words of our National Anthem remind us: “We are born of their sacrifice, heirs of their pains…”

The Head of State added that Independence was the future for which our fore-parents fought but did not enjoy, noting that their struggle, inspired by workers’ agitation, embraced all social classes and gained political momentum with the introduction of constitutional

change and the achievement of universal adult suffrage.

Independence, once achieved, enabled the elimination of the worst forms of discrimination, the extension of universal primary and secondary education and the emergence of local economic enterprises, among other changes.

Independence ushered in an era of national pride which has buoyed Guyanese society. National symbols – such as the national anthem, awards, coinage, flag, institutions, patriotic songs and stamps – helped to define our distinctive identity. Guyana took its place as a sovereign state in the international community.

Public education, at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels, became more accessible with the introduction of new multilateral schools, technical institutes, teachers’ college of education and a university.

Our policy for universal primary and secondary education will ensure that every child has a place in school by improving attendance through the provision of buses, boats and bicycles.

Reforms of the public education sector are designed to improve attainment at examinations.

Public infrastructure, with the construction of new aerodromes, bridges and highways and the extension of public utilities and services such as the supply of electricity, housing and water, enhanced the quality of life.

Public health services, through neighbourhood clinics, local health centres and regional hospitals, improved childcare, reduced the incidence of child mortality, non-communicable and vector-borne diseases among our growing population of children.

Social development has been emphasised by the reintroduction of the National Cadet Corps, the National Youth Corps and the reform of the New Opportunity Corps which enabled more children to attain their full potential.

Increased emphasis on arts, culture and sports will help children to enjoy a happier childhood.

Guyana is a bountiful country. We

President David Granger and his escort, little Elliana Ganpat, take the salute at Friday’s flag-raising ceremony held at D’Urban Park. (Adrian Narine photo) are reminded, daily, about our potential. We are on the way to establishing a ‘green state’ in which the environment will be better protected, sustainable development of our natural resources will be pursued, cheaper and more abundant energy from renewable sources will be

provided and the well-being of present and future generations will be assured.

Guyanese are a beautiful people.

We, the children of the continents of earth – Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe – are on the way to creating a more cohesive society.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26 2018

Trump rejects moderate Oleg Deripaska ‘Dreamer’ deal resigns from Rusal – wants the whole hog

WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected a push by moderate congressional Republicans for a “Dreamer” immigration deal, saying he would only back sweeping immigration legislation that met all of his demands, including a U.S-Mexico border wall.

“Unless it includes a wall, and I mean a wall, a real wall, and unless it includes very strong border security, there’ll be no approvals from me,” Trump told Fox News. Any bill would also have to end a visa lottery program and curb visas for legal immigrants’ relatives, he added.

“It’s time to get the whole package,” he said in an interview on the “Fox and Friends” program taped on Wednesday and aired on Thursday.

U.S. President Donald Trump

Some centrist Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are negotiating a bill to address the future of young immigrants known as “Dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally as children.

A group of more conservative House Republicans, how-

– amid US sanctions row

ever, has said they are closing in on a measure with tough new controls on legal and illegal immigration that would win Trump’s support. That plan, however, is unlikely to win over more moderate Republicans or Democrats.

House Speaker Paul Ryan has so far avoided pressure from both sides of his caucus to take up the contentious issue ahead of the November elections that could create headaches for Republicans as they seek to maintain control of the House and the Senate.

Ryan has said he is working with the White House on a plan that Trump would sign into law. He told reporters on Thursday that members were still seeking a consensus but gave no timeline for any action.

RUSSIAN oligarch Oleg Deripaska has resigned from the board of aluminium producer, Rusal to shield it from US sanctions against him.

Rusal, which produces about 7% of the world’s aluminium, said his resignation was part of efforts “to protect the interests of the company”.

In April, the US imposed sanctions on Mr Deripaska and seven other oligarchs.

The sanctions prevent US citizens from doing business with all companies controlled by Mr Deripaska.

Rusal’s share price halved after the sanctions were imposed, and it closed off western credit lines for the company.

The sanctions blacklist was produced in April, with the Trump administration targeting individuals and companies that it said had profited from a Russian state engaged in “malign activities” around the world.

Reports say Mr Deripaska is now planning to reduce his stake in EN+, the energy group that controls Rusal, to a level at which the US Treasury would allow the businesses to be removed from the blacklist.

He has already resigned from the board of EN+.

IRISH PLANT Rusal’s chief executive Alexandra Bouriko and seven directors resigned on Thursday as Rusal began its efforts to distance itself from the oligarch.

In April, analysts said it was likely that Rusal would have to be bailed out by the Russian government.

Rusal owns an alumina plant employing 450 people in Limerick, Ireland, which supplies 30% of the European alumina market.

The factory converts bauxite into alumina, which can be smelted into aluminium in factories.

Trade unions told the Irish Times in April they were concerned about how the US sanctions could affect the local economy in Limerick. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26, 2018

Mottley sworn in as Prime Minister

Ms Mottley taking the oath of office on Friday before Governor-General Sandra Mason

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Less than 24 hours after she led her Barbados Labour Party (BLP) to victory in the May 24 general election, Mia Amor

Mottley, 52, was sworn in as Barbados’ eighth prime minister on Friday, joining a handful of Caribbean women who have led governments in their respective

countries.

Mottley, who first entered local politics in 1991 when she lost the St. Michael North East constituency to Leroy Brathwaite, took the oath of office before Governor-General Sandra Mason and in the presence of family, friends and party supporters.

Attorney Dale Marshall also took the oath of office as Attorney-General.

Mottley, who between 1994 to 2008 held a succession of ministerial portfolios, led the BLP to a whitewash of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), winning all 30 seats in the Parliament.

Mottley was the first female to be appointed attorney-general and minister of home affairs in 2001, and is also the youngest ever Queen’s Counsel in Barbados.

Two years later, she served as the island’s second

‘ISIS terror threat’ under investigation in Suriname PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The security authorities have stepped up their presence across the capital, Paramaribo, and at several schools following a threat made via Facebook on Thursday.

According to the police, although the threat could be a hoax, an in-depth investigation has been launched, and prompted them to increase patrols mainly at some educational institutions.

However, despite reassurance by Vice- President Ashwin Adhin early Friday during a press briefing, several schools remained closed.

In another effort to address the reported threat, President Desi Bouterse, several cabinet ministers and heads of various security agencies, such as the Suriname Police Force and the Bureau for National Security, met in an emergency meeting late Wednesday to discuss this matter and to take measures.

Posted on Facebook by ‘Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mehdi’, the threat said that 50 people would be killed if two brothers who had been detained for several months and charged with violation of the country’s anti-terrorism laws were not immediately released.

The Facebook post mentioned a high school, the

university and a local prison as potential targets.

“Listen to me Suriname and listen clearly. This is a message from ISIS. Free our brothers. We will kill 50 peoples from Anton de Kom University, Santa Boma and Lyceum 1. If you do not take it seriously, we will kill more. You have until 9am to respond or else you will have to face the consequences. Do not let Allah judge you,” said Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mehdthe, who said if his demands are not met, more people will be killed.

The Facebook account has since been removed.

The two suspects referred to in the social media post, who are both from the Netherlands, were arrested last year and appeared in court on Monday.

During the court hearings, prosecutors argued that the suspects, who were allegedly managing a chatroom, were recruiting individuals to join ISIS in Syria. One of the brothers had already made preparations to move to Syria with his family. A request for the release of one of the suspects was rejected by the judge last Monday.

After the ‘threat’ went viral on Thursday afternoon, the management of a high school released a statement, calling for students at this

institution to stay home on Friday because of the threat.

During the press briefing, Adhin said a bomb squad was sent to the schools that were mentioned, but nothing suspicious was found.

Meanwhile, the director of the Bureau for National Security, Daniella Veira, said that the issue is currently being addressed as a purely Surinamese affair. “Let us keep calm and ensure that Suriname is and remains safe,” she said.

In a statement, the government said that the situation is under control, and that it has taken all necessary measures to that end.

“The government guarantees safety at and around schools and other important objects. The educational process therefore does not have to be interrupted,” the statement reads.

Furthermore, the security forces is urging society to pass on information which they may have to the police. Reports of shots being fired near Lyceum-1 high school were false, the authorities said. The government further noticed that it will not hesitate to take the necessary measures to ensure that order is restored if “similar behaviour on social media, where disruption of society is achieved” continues.”

female Deputy Prime Minister, and following the BLP’s defeat in the 2008 election and Owen Arthur’s resignation as party leader, Mottley was chosen as BLP party leader on January 19, 2008.

She also served as the first female Opposition Leader when she was sworn in on February, 7, 2008.

Mottley joins the late Dame Eugenia Charles of Dominica, Janet Jagan of Guyana, Jamaica’s Portia Simpson-Miller and Kamla Persad-Bissessar as women who have led governments in their respective countries.

Following her party’s resounding victory, Mottley said she wanted to thank Barbadians for doing “what is best for Barbados”.

She is expected to name her Cabinet over the weekend.

Hefty fines for Guyanese nationals caught with cocaine jail.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Two Guyanese nationals who were recently charged with possession and trafficking of cocaine were on Thursday ordered to pay thousands of dollars to be paid on the spot or serve three years in jail.

Haniff Bacchus, a retired construction worker, appeared in the St. George’s Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for sentencing after he had earlier pleaded guilty to the charges of being in possession of cocaine after three kilogrammes of the substance were found in his wheelchair at the Maurice Bishop International Airport on Saturday May 5.

The 72-year-old was fined EC$50,000 to be paid forthwith or serve three years in

The elderly man claimed he was vacationing here, but was arrested after police searched his motorised wheelchair and found the drugs hidden under the chair seat.

At the time of the arrest, Bacchus was awaiting to board a flight to Toronto.

Derrick Patterson, 47, was fined EC$75,000 to be paid forthwith, after he was charged with trafficking 2.325 kg of cocaine with a street value of EC$232,500.

The drug was found in a vehicle which Patterson was driving. He pleaded guilty to the summary charge.

Both men are said to be sourcing the money and once paid, they will be deported .

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26 2018

Guyana’s road to Independence TODAY May 26, 2018 marks the 52nd Anniversary of our country’s attainment of political independence from Great Britain. On this historic day in 1966 a new nation, Guyana, the only English-speaking one on the South America continent, achieved national sovereignty to become the 24th member of the-then British Commonwealth of Nations, thus bringing to an end several decades of British colonial rule.

Guyana’s road to political independence was indeed turbulent. For a brief period in the early 1950s its nationalist movement, the original People’s Progressive Party (PPP), under the leadership of the late Presidents, Dr Cheddi B. Jagan and Mr Forbes Burnham, enjoyed overwhelming support from the working class and the masses in general, as they pursued the noble objectives of national unity and internal self-government.

Their resounding victory at the 1953 general elections under adult suffrage astounded many, including local reactionaries, the Colonial Office and more so the U.S. State Department.

The mass-based party’s tenure in office was only short-lived as Great Britain, under considerable American pressure, suspended the Constitution and overthrew the legally elected government under the guise of preventing the establishment of a communist state in the-then British Guiana.

The ironical thing about it was that an interim government was imposed and it comprised many individuals, who themselves had suffered humiliating defeat at the hands of the toppled nationalist candidates. As if that setback

was not enough the nationalist movement itself became severely fractured in 1955 into Jaganite and Burnhamite factions of the PPP and the eventual emergence of the People’s National Congress two years later.

This development paved the way for the subsequent intense political rivalry between our two foremost leaders, Dr Jagan and Mr Burnham. Unfortunately, it was this split more than anything else which also led to racial strife and insecurity in the immediate pre-independence years.

Subsequent events such as political and social instability, including strikes and disturbances, which erupted as a result of the Kaldor Budget and the Labour Relations Bill in the 1962-1963 period, clearly illustrated the turbulent waters that this nation had to endure.

Loss of several lives, the destruction of properties and the severe dislocation of people to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars were the sad reality of life during this extremely dark period of our country’s history.

Under a new electoral system of Proportional Representation in 1964, Mr Burnham headed a PNC/U.F coalition government. As Prime Minister he shouldered the responsibilities of leading the country to independence while his former colleague and by then bitter rival, Dr Jagan, served as Opposition Leader. Political Independence was achieved on May 26, 1966.

With independence came the termination of more than a century and a half of British colonial administrative rule. At the twitching hour of midnight,

thousands of Guyanese of all walks of life stood proudly and cheered lustily as the Union Jack was lowered and our National Flag went up to herald the birth of a new, ambitious and independent Guyana.

Among those who witnessed this highly significant and unique ceremony were the Duke and Duchess of Kent; Sir Richard Luyt, the first Governor-General of Guyana; former Conservative Colonial Secretary, Mr Duncan Sandys; and Colonial Secretary, Mr Anthony Greenwood and 62 delegates from 47 countries worldwide. Of added significance and to the tumultuous applause of all who thronged Independence Square was that comforting “bear hug” embrace between Cheddi and Forbes, the architects of Guyana’s freedom, only minutes before the attainment of nationhood.

That emotionally charged happening promised much at the time but in the final analysis realised very little.

As part of independence we saw the emergence of our new Guyana Coat of Arms. On it is seen the pride of our fauna life - two jaguars holding a pickaxe and stems of rice and sugar cane, and facing each other proudly across a painted shield on top of which rests a visored helmet topped by the feathered crown of an Amerindian chieftain. Beneath a scroll-like banner boldly proclaims the Nation’s Motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny” while on the shield itself are found three barrulets of azure blue symbolising Guyana’s watery nature and its water potential.

This Coat of Arms justifiably accords pride of place in our national minds and reminds us of our unity

and sense of purpose as an independent nation. The Coat of Arms was selected on the recommendation of the National History and Arts Council and approved by the College of Arms, England. It was accepted by the House of Assembly on February 25, 1966.

Independence brought with it our National Flag, a slender Golden Arrowhead set proudly on a background of green and red and stands as a striking symbol of Guyana’s journey into the future. The lush green colour symbolises the fields and forests of Guyana’s assets, of which the country is richly endowed. The red triangle represents the zeal and dynamic nature of nation-building that lies before the young and independent nation, while the deep black border stands for the endurance that will sustain the forward thrust of its people. Finally white symbolises our rivers, waterfalls and our hydro-electric potential of this ‘Land of Many Waters’.

Our new National Anthem is a popular aspect of our Independence. Reverend Archibald Luker wrote the words of ‘Green Land of Guyana’ in response to the nation-wide competition, sponsored by thethen National History and Arts Council while our distinguished Guyanese educationist and musician, the late R.C.G. Potter composed its music. The title of our National Anthem is appropriate and expressive of colour, vitality and land fertility.

On the morning of the May 26, 1966, the National Assembly witnessed all the pomp and pageantry and ceremonial aspects of Westminster. In the historic Public Buildings, the Duke of Kent handed over

to the country’s first Prime Minister, Mr Forbes Burnham, the Constitutional instruments conceding to us the dignity and pride of Independent Nationhood on behalf of her Majesty the Queen and the British Government.

Undoubtedly, the expectations of all Guyanese were very high at that point in time and they had every right to be. Our then Prime Minister Mr Forbes Burnham expressed great optimism when he said: “Thus our journeyings to Independence have ended. We face, however, the harder but more emotionally satisfying and definitely more self-respecting tasks of making Guyana great among the nations - the task of building a free and just society.”

What can we say 52 years after gaining independence? We certainly share the joy, pride and dignity of being an independent nation. Our expectation was that with political independence we would have enjoyed greater political stability, national unity and social and economic progress.

Unfortunately the stark reality is that today our nation is still struggling to fully achieve these desired goals. In several aspects we have fallen short despite the best efforts of many.

While much progress has been made on the social and economic front the nation is still to completely rid itself of economic dependency on international financial agencies. Foreign debts, despite write-offs and debt rescheduling, continue to stifle us while we experience fluctuating and sometimes depressed world market prices for our products.

We are still to fully accelerate our production and

productivity drives. We continue to suffer from migration and consequential ‘brain drain’ and capital flight. We are feeling the devastated effects of the European Union sugar reforms and a decline of the sugar industry. On the positive side our Green Economy strategy is gaining prominence on the international arena. Unfortunately we are plagued with blamegame, insensitivities and controversies which do us no good. We need to focus attention on the challenges which are likely to be associated with the emerging oil and gas sector.

Only last year in his independence address entitled ‘Diversity and Destiny’ His Excellency President David Granger aptly stated, “Society needs to be strengthened in each occupational sector, in each geographical region, in each community and in each social structure…

The cohesive state can be realised only by respecting the differences and the diversity of society and the removal of anger, hatred, ignorance and poverty. It can be created by mutual respect for each other’s cultural and religious differences.” As we reflect on Independence, let us show a greater sense of purpose and maturity and greater mutual respect, tolerance and understanding of all Guyanese if we are to survive as a nation. Let us put nation first at this critical juncture of our country’s history and in the face of an increasingly harsh and oppressive world environment in this twenty-first century of ours.

A Happy 52nd Independence Anniversary to one and all! Long live the Co-operative Republic of Guyana!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26, 2018

Congratulations, Time to repeal this archaic law Mia Mottley!

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor, IT’S not the hurricane season just yet, but the winds of change have blown ruthlessly and decisively across Barbados bringing a 30-nil victo-

ry to the BLP, making Mia Mottley the first female Prime Minister of that country and joining an illustrious list of female office holders in the Caribbean and indeed worldwide.

Ms. Mottley and the Party she leads must be congratulated for this historic achievement.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

The transformation of Moray House - into a veritable theatre of gloom and doom Dear Editor, I VISITED Moray House on Wednesday evening with the hope of leaving the presentations on oil and gas, more informed and better armed with the facts related to this new industry in Guyana. What I witnessed, at least from the presentation made by social activist, Melinda Janki, was an epic account of impending doom for Guyana.

But can this, which is beginning to appear like a well-coordinated campaign against Guyana’s development, be taken seriously?

Let me be clear; as a Guyanese I too want what is best for the country. While I believe that the oil deal with ExxonMobil was the best we could’ve gotten at the time, I still think that going forward, now that we know what is offshore, we should get much more favourable terms. But to say that Guyana will not gain at all from oil production, as Ms. Janki stated at Moray House

without providing a shred of evidence, is a gross misrepresentation of the facts. The IMF and World Bank have cited figures amounting to around of US$370M per year for Guyana when production begins. This works out to just over one million US dollars per day.

Reports in the media, quotes Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson as outlining a number of infrastructural projects in the pipeline to be funded by these revenues. Whether these materialise under the coalition government or a next administration in the future is a matter for Guyanese and the politicians we elect. It will not be for lack of resources.

Ms. Janki also upped the ante by claiming that Guyana will be saddled with untold debt which would be incurred from liability associated with damages to Caribbean islands, affected by a potential oil spill off the country’s coast. She provided no study or data to support this as a real prob-

ability. She implied that a number of laws may have been broken by the governments responsible for the oil contract with Exxon, but when directly asked to say which laws, by a vigilant gentleman in attendance, Ms. Janki was unable to list a single one.

Thanks to the somewhat rational presentations from Colin Constantine and Tarron Khemraj, the evening was not an entire waste of time. They outlined very real pitfalls and laid out some options for how Guyana could avoid them.

Hopefully, we can get more of these reasoned discussions and less of the gloom and doom, since I do not believe sensational warnings help us as a country in any way.

Regards Clement Smith

IN the book Freakonomics, written by two economists (Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner) who dig through seemingly unrelated data, the phenomenon of rising crime statistics in the early 1990s in New York City, specifically murders by teenagers, was discussed.

Despite their best efforts, the City of New York had grappled with increasing crime rates for many years.

Increased penalties, tougher policing methods and others strategies failed to arrest (pun intended) the crime situation.

Then circa 2000, the stats began falling and continued falling. Nothing significant had changed that year that could explain the sudden but welcomed decrease in crime.

The two economists took a broader view and tried to find out what situation or circumstance was responsible for the change.

Roe V. Wade In 1973 the Supreme Court of the United States passed landmark legislation making it legal for women across the United States to legally terminate pregnancies.

Harsh as it seems, the resulting effects of the legislation did not become apparent until 2000.

The economists suggested that the change to allow legal termination of pregnancies resulted in hundreds or possibly thousands of unwanted pregnancies, many of whom

would have been born into the socioeconomic conditions that foster or encourage a life of crime, simply were not born.

So by 2000 many of the persons that would have reached the age of maturity and entered the criminal networks were not here to do so.

This is a harsh lesson, but a lesson nonetheless.

The law in Guyana stipulates mandatory custodial sentences (three to five years) for persons found with small amounts of marijuana. We have read many stories about young men and women who are now locked away in prison for three years or more, for being in possession of a simple spliff/joint. I remember a case of a nursing mother in Albouystown who was sentenced to three years for possession of marijuana. In her case, the drug was not found on her, it was in the shop that she managed or owned. I can go on to list dozens of other cases, including the most recent, of the father of three that caught the nation’s attention.

But, more than the personal impact on the mother or father or the kids that are left behind, what is the impact that this archaic and oppressive law has on our society?

In a developing country like ours, where single parenting is already too common and its adverse effects al-

ready well documented - what effect has this law had on families across this country?

What effect has it had on the young men and women that have been imprisoned for three years? What rehabilitation programmes do we have to help then reenter society as productive, contributing members?

I am not in possession of hard evidence, but I would be more than willing to wager that a check into the background of many bandits that terrorise us today will reveal a stint in jail for possession of marijuana. Will their life of crime in later years be directly linked to their incarceration or the difficulties they encountered thereafter?

These are issues that must be thoughtfully examined by our leaders. It must be more than a talking point for 2020, and it must come from a sincere place, from someone who has the foresight to see the long-term impact this law has on our youth and our society. I’m calling on all our leaders to repeal the current law of mandatory custodial sentencing for small amounts of marijuana. We must, as a society, find a better way.

Regards Michael Leonard AFC Region 4 Chairman

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26 2018

49 women among 96 named for national awards FORTY-nine women from various fields are among those who will be conferred with National Awards by President David Granger as part of the celebrations of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

These persons have been recognised for their outstanding service and sterling contributions toward national development.

The awards will be presented at an investiture ceremony slated to be held on October 6, 2018.

Heading the list of 96 awardees is Founder of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM Guyana), Karen Abrams; followed by medical practitioner, Dr. Holly Patricia Alexander; veteran educator, Donna Ann Chapman; and Optometrist, Dr Michelle Ming all of whom will receive the Golden Arrow of Achievement, while the Ministry of the Presidency’s very own Presidential Photographer, Sandra Helouise Prince; Gender Consultant at the Ministry of Social Protection, Hazel 1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14: 15: 16: 17: 18: 19: 20: 21: 22: 23:

Halley-Burnett; and Coordinator of Women Across Differences (WAD), Clonel Wendella Samuels-Boston will all be receiving the Medal of Service.

President David Granger has said that the conferral of national awards is recognised as a mechanism, provided under the Constitution of Guyana to give due national recognition to outstanding citizens, and he has committed to ensuring that these national honours are conferred regularly.

In 2015, nineteen women from a total of 53 persons received national awards.

The Order of Roraima was received by one person; three received the Cacique’s Crown of Honour (CCH); seven the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA); five the Medal of Service (MS); and three the Disciplined Service Medal (DSM).

In October 2016, a total of 32 women received awards: Four received the CCH; 14 the AA; 12 the MS; and two the DSM. That year, a total of 86 persons were conferred with

MEDAL OF SERVICE Loretta Brotherson-Alexander Morgan Allicock Baidwantie Balgobin Denise Yvonne Belgrave Clonel Wendella Samuels-Boston Basil Selwyn Bradshaw Hazel Halley-Burnett Yvonette Rhonda Chichester Renata Chuck-A-Sang Henry Clenkian Kawalpattie Dayaram Carlotta DeJesus Desiree Adele Edghill Trenetta Hollis Elliot Cleveland Leon Forde Deon Cherryl Gould Elaine Eugenie Grannum Laurie Rufus Greenidge Haimraj Dhanrajie Paul Harris Brenda Hastings Casey Hastings Wendy Ann Cleopatra

STEM Guyana Founder, Karen Abrams

awards, while 12 groups were conferred with the MS insignia in recognition of the country’s 46th Republic Anniversary.

In 2017, thirty-one women were conferred with national awards, with Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Madame Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards leading the list at the time.

On October 6, 2018 when the investiture ceremony is scheduled to be held, 47 outstanding men who had offered yeoman service to the people of Guyana will complement the list of

Hermonstine 24: Yvette Herod 25: Ishwardai 26: Leontina Maria Jose 27: Darul Hakim Khan 28: Vernon Eustace Lambert 29: Barbara Angela Lawrence 30: Julie Lewis 31: Erol Kemal Makzume 32: Syeada Manbodh 33: Paula Erlena McAdam 34: Stanley Ignatius McGarrell 35: Pearl Gladys McLean 36: Shirley Melville 37: Barbara Pilgrim-Roberts 38: Gail Primo 39: Sandra Helouise Prince 40: Paulette Elene Ragoobeer 41: Nadia Ramdin 42: Sharifah Razack 43: Amanda Richards 44: Gaitree Singh-Henry 45: Ignatius Wilson 46: Nicholas Andre Young

1: 2: 3: 4: 5: 6: 7: 8: 9: 10: 11: 12: 13: 14: 15: 16: 17: 18: 19: 20:

Presidential Photographer, Sandra Prince

Optometrist, Dr Michelle Ming

Businessman Komal Samaroo

Medical Practitioner, Dr. Holly Patricia Alexander

female Guyanese stalwarts.

Businessman Komal Samaroo, Justice Oslen Small and Professor Alvin Thomp-

son are in line to receive the country’s second highest award in the Order of Service, the Cacique’s Crown

GOLDEN ARROW OF ACHIEVEMENT Karen Abrams Arnon Adriel Cornelius Adams Holly Patricia Alexander Valeska Austin Robert Jiteshvar Badal Claude Holmon Blackmore Jerome Bulkan John Goodridge Carpenter Donna Ann Chapman Eton McDonald Chester Michael Orlando Correia Pravinchandra Dave Dr Rovin Deodat Denise Dawn DeSouza Maurice Rudranauth Gajadhar Sarah Julia Gordon Everett Nathaniel Harewood Noel Gordon Holder Alim Azad Hosein Mohamed Shabir Hussain

21: 22: 23: 24: 25: 26: 27: 28: 29: 30: 31: 32: 33: 34: 35: 36: 37: 38: 39: 40: 41:

Professor Alvin Thompson

Veteran Educator, Donna Ann Chapman

of Honour. The other awards and awardees are as follows:

Salmaa Naseebah Khan Monica Elizabeth La Bennett MILITARY SERVICE Geraldine Maison Halls MEDAL Yvette Anita Martin 1: Lt. Col Lester Michelle Ming Hakeem Mohamed Sherwin Anderson Haji Shaheed Mohamed 2: Lt. Col Godfrey Bess Mohamod Zabeer Mujay 3: Lt. Col. Julius Aleema Nasir Randolph Skeete Brian John O’Toole Kent Brentnol Phillips DISCIPLINED SERVICES Berneita Louretta Primo MEDAL Canon Thurston Riehl 1: Assistant Commissioner Viola Rowe Leslie Albert James Lennox Oliver Shuffler 2: Assistant Commissioner David Jaikarran Singh Paul Andrew Williams Angold Thompson 3: Divisional Fire Officer Aiesha Unickie Williams Mathilda Saigo-Williams (Retired ) Paul Egerton Carmichael Bertram Wilkinson Norris Witter

Man kills reputed wife, commits suicide A 20-YEAR-OLD mother of one was killed by her reputed husband who later committed suicide by ingesting a toxic substance on Friday at Hope Low Land, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Deorani ‘Priya’ Dyal, a housewife of 123 Hope Low Land, ECD and her attacker Doodnauth Ramlall, 28, called “Naresh” of the same village. She was reportedly stabbed 22 times about the body at the aforementioned address, after which Ramlall drank the toxic tablet

before fleeing to Greenfield Village, also on the ECD where he was apprehended by police. He was later taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he succumbed.

Investigations revealed that Ramlall left his common-law home about two months ago due to domestic issues. Shortly after 09:00hrs on Friday he visited ‘Priya’ who was at home in the upper flat with her son from a previous relationship. Minutes later she was heard screaming and

he was seen fleeing the house.

Her two-year son was not injured in the confrontation, but is severely traumatised.

Neighbours subsequently responded and found her with several stab wounds about the body.

They rushed her to the CC Nicholson Hospital at Nabaclis, ECD, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. One resident said that she heard the young lady shouting “Jenifer, Jenifer, Jenifer,” and upon enquiring at the wooden and concrete house where Priya

lived, Ramlall was seen running from the yard. Realising that something was amiss, the woman said she ventured into the yard and upon checking upstairs the mother bloodied body of the mother of one was found on the verandah.

She said neighbours later assisted in picking up the body which was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The woman’s father, Indarpaul Dyal, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, said he had left to visit his farm around 07:30h

on Friday and was later told by relatives that his daughter was stabbed to death by her reputed husband.

The father of five said that when he returned home `Priya’ was already taken to the hospital. “This boy (Ramlall) was lazy, he doesn’t like wuk and suh, he like to drink rum and live the lazy life.

Some mornings the man left to go search for wuk and never come back, when I asked my daughter about his attitude she couldn’t defend him,” the father said. He explained that

Ramlall had left his home where he lived with his daughter because of his lazy attitude.

Meanwhile, Ramlall’s family described him as a quiet person and expressed shock at his actions. “I don’t really know what problems he and his wife does go through, but this morning after he done do what he had to do he come home and pick up his bike and ride away,” Ramlall’s brother said. Relatives said that Ramlall was a fisherman.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26, 2018

Thousands gather at Jubilee Park

THOUSANDS of Guyanese poured into the Jubilee Park on Friday for the grand flag-raising ceremony, parade and cultural celebration in observance of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

Setting the ceremony into motion was a parade of some 1,500 uniform-clad youths marching around the park in unified sequence to the beat of the vibrant drum corps.

Represented in the parade were members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the National Cadet Corps, Pathfinder and Masterguide clubs, scouts and students from secondary schools all across the country.

The stands of the park, almost filled to capacity, burst into cheers upon the arrival of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Sita Nagamootoo.

Sounds of cheering grew even louder when this was followed by the arrival of the Head of State, President Da-

–for annual Independence Flag-raising Ceremony

Guyana on parade (Photos by Adrian Narine)

vid Granger and First Lady, Sandra Granger.

The two couples sat in the large erected pavilion along with Government Ministers, members of the diplomatic community, international visitors and other special invited guests to watch the unfolding of the event.

And, as expected, those who turned out were not disappointed as a group of young dancers numbering some 2,000 engulfed the park in a well-planned presentation themed, ‘Celebrating our People and our Patrimony’.

Hundreds of the youngsters were outfitted in bright

Some of the overseas guests at the ceremony

orange, pink and yellow flowers while others wore the dark green and brown camouflage colours of the forest.

Some were even costumed as animals such as Guyana’s national animal, the jaguar and other exotic birds of blue, red and grey as they mesmerised the gathering with their

well choreographed movements.

These dancers were followed by groups of high-spirited teens who demonstrated the dances and cultures of the country’s six races of Amerindians, Africans, Indians, Europeans, Portuguese and Chinese.

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Just before the country’s 65’x35? Golden Arrowhead was hoisted on the some 200ft flag pole, the parade of uniformed marchers once again set themselves into motion to stand at attention in place.

Then, to the 21–gun salute, the five-colour flag was slowly raised in the air as scores of children, parents and others in the audience watched on in awe and fascination.

Guiding the gathering in the singing of one of the country’s national songs, ‘Guyana the Free’, was the Police Military Band, MS, and a combined choir which ended their performance with the solemn singing of the National Anthem.

Today, Saturday May 26, 2018, Guyana proudly celebrates its 52nd Independence Anniversary celebrating once again its freedom from British rule first observed in the year 1966.

One of the packed to capacity Jubilee Park bleachers on Friday for the annual Independence Flag-raising Ceremony

Members of the 2,000-strong contingent of dancers in a colourful display of pageantry and patrimony

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26 2018

Coalition needs more cohesion at local gov’t level – Min. Gaskin WHILE both, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have maintained that their coalition is strong and intact, AFC Executive and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin has said that at certain levels, especially local government, the coalition is not functioning as well as the central level.

Gaskin was at the time responding to questions on the strength of the threeyear-old coalition government. “The coalition is intact after three years in government. In many countries coalitions don’t last that long, so I think it is to our credit that we have been able to make this thing work. I don’t see any major fractures within the coalition. I think it is no secret that at certain levels especially at the Local Government level, the coalition is not functioning as well as the central level.”

He was quick to state, however, that apart from the aforementioned the coalition partners have “a fairly good working relationship”.

Gaskin said too, that the coalition was birthed out of the 2015 National Elections which saw the signing of

Chairman of the AFC and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

the Cummingsburg Accord, an agreement between the parties which direct the operation of the coalition.

“There is no such agreement that governs the local government elections and the results of those elections and how we form a coalition within those local government structures. That is something that would have to be agreed upon before we enter into or contest the elections as a coalition,” he disclosed. On the question of joint financing, Gaskin said the matter was discussed and agreed upon for the 2015 national elections and “I see no reason why it should not be on the agenda for discussions for the local government elections.”

Last weekend, President

David Granger, leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) assured his party’s membership that there is no fear in working together with coalition partners.

“We are not afraid of coalition…we are all grownups and we are all concerned about how Guyana is governed and we have made sacrifices to ensure Guyana is well governed,” said Granger.

In his address to the second General Council at the PNC headquarters, Congress Place, Sophia last weekend, President Granger outlined his party’s contribution to coalition politics since the 1960s. He reminded party supporters that the General Council is

made up of members who represent all 10 administrative regions of the country.

It is those members who determine how the party will be administered.

“We are proud of what we achieved as a coalition,” declared the head-of-state who said, “We must not be afraid of working togetherwe have been called again to lead in 2015, again as a coalition, and we have to resume the great work interrupted by the PPP [People’s Progressive Party].”

Additionally, the President noted that since taking office as a coalition government in May 2015, the APNU + AFC has restored much decency to Guyana.

He highlighted salary increases, the creation of new towns, the holding of Local Government Elections (LGE) after an 18 year hiatus to name a few.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan dismissed all negativity surrounding the strength of the coalition as “potent propaganda.” He told reporters that his party has been active across the country but has chosen not to publicise its moves, because the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

Minister of Business and Tourism Dominic Gaskin

strategises to prevent the party from getting in touch with its support base.

Ramjattan said too that while in opposition, he and fellow colleagues had more time on their hands devoted to community outreaches but that does not mean, the party has fallen asleep in that regard. “We [those in government] don’t have that much time but our second tier leadership has been doing a lot of work. We have been keeping the contact… we have been doing our work. I have realised that every time I go to Region Six and I publicise it, the PPP puts its machinery in gear and you don’t get to talk to the amount of people you want to talk to you,” he stated, while noting that the

opposition party is a “master of the art” in that regard.

Ramjattan said his party members including the leader, Raphael Trotman have been making arrangements to meet with villagers, talk with them and solve their many problems. “It takes experienced politicians to do that. Sometimes necessity demands that we talk privately,” said the minister of public security who maintained that his party’s support base is intact.

“I am absolutely confident that our support base in all the regions is intact and probably growing because they have seen us delivering,” said Ramjattan who pointed to several developmental works across the country.

Guyana wants witnesses to Suriname piracy attack …makes formal request for them to come here A MUTUAL assistance request is to be sent to Suriname for seven Guyanese witnesses to come to Guyana to be questioned by investigators here, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told reporters on Friday.

Speaking at the Alliance for Change’s (AFC) media briefing held at its Kitty headquarters, Ramjattan in the presence of party members, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Michael Carrington, Member of Parliament, said that Guyana and Suriname have been

working closely on the case of piracy on the high seas.

Only recently a team of Suriname’s top detectives visited Guyana to interact with investigators of the Guyana Police Force on the matter. “They are going to help us in relation to getting more evidence and so on because we had asked them for more evidence, in relation to people who we suspect here in Guyana.”

Ramjattan said he will soon make the request for mutual assistance for witnesses to come to Guyana to be cross-examined by

the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). “I am going to make that request of the Surinamese authorities. They have sent me all that they have done so far on a daily basis that has gone to the extent of minutia in their investigations- some things were not there but we need some more information before we can fully complete whatever investigation we need,” said the public security minister. He noted too that if the request for the seven witnesses to come to Guyana fails, he is inclined to have Guyana’s

senior investigators travel to Suriname to interview the witnesses. “We need to do that [by] ourselves,” the public security minister stated.

Meanwhile, Ramjattan assured that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and its counterpart in Suriname share “a very close working relationship” which he made clear is not limited to the recent piracy. He said too, that Guyana has been in contact with Surinamese police while noting that Suriname’s minister of security had indicated that Guyana should

put forward the paperwork as a means of formality.

Ramjattan made it clear that while in the first instance, Guyana is looking to question seven persons, all of whom are reportedly Guyanese, that number can increase based on information provided.

Last month pirates attacked 20 fishermen who occupied four boats while in Surinamese waters. The bodies of 12 of the fishermen who had been badly chopped and thrown into the sea are yet to be recovered.

They are Vickey Persaud,

Ramesh Sanchara, Glenroy Jones, Tikaknauth Mohabir, Randy Burnette, Bobby Ibrahim, Bharat Heralall, Ralph Anthony Couchman, Rajkumar Bissesar, Sunil called “Paddock” and Olenski Maxwell.

Five of the 20 fishermen are alive, while four had been discovered dead. The killing of the fishermen has been viewed as a “revenge attack” masterminded by siblings. It is believed that the attack is related to the killing of a Guyanese fisherman earlier this year in neighbouring Suriname.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26, 2018

Chief Justice sets out timelines – for Ashni, Brassington court challenge Limited, lands amounting to 103.88 acres, property of the State, for the sum of $598, 659, 398 (VAT-exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The second charge alleges that the duo, on Tuesday, December 30, 2008, by way of agreement of

Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas

FOLLOWING the in-chamber hearing of a Fixed Date Application for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to be issued in an alleged misconduct in public office matter, a series of timelines have been set.

The matter at reference has to do with the case brought against former Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh and former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

In the hearing before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire on Friday, the applicants were granted leave to file an affidavit in reply to the submission by the State. That is to be done

by June 15, after which written submissions are to be filed by June 29.

By July 16, the State is required to file its response to the applicants’ submission, after which both parties are to return to court on July 30 for clarifications and, or, a decision.

No arguments were heard Friday, and Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas told reporters after leaving the Chief Justice that she is pleased with the timelines provided, and that Fixed-Date Applications are to be dealt with expeditiously. “We are very pleased with the short timelines; the decision should be by July 30,” the Solicitor-General stated.

On Monday, Justice Franklin Holder granted a stay of application in favour of the former Finance Minister under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and former head of NICIL,

for alleged misconduct in public office. The stay in proceedings prevents the Magistrate’s Court from going ahead with the criminal charges made against the duo by SOCU. Justice Holder’s decision pends the outcome of the Fixed Date Application filed by the duo’s attorneys, led by Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall, a former Attorney-General under the PPP administration, had said that Justice Holder’s decision favoured his client’s contention, but Kyte-Thomas made it clear that the decision is separate and apart from the substantive case.

Nandlall had filed a ‘Fixed Date Application’ for an Order or Writ of Certiorari to be issued, quashing the charges brought against Dr Singh and Brassington. In that ‘Fixed Date Application’, which is the substantive application, the legal team, among other things, applied for an “interim order restraining the learned Chief Magistrate or any magistrate within the Georgetown Magisterial District from hearing or attempting to hear or determine or taking any further steps in respect of the Information Upon Oath of Munilall Persaud, Corporal of Police of the Special Organized Crime Unit.”

On May 8, 2018, Dr. Singh and Brassington were charged with three counts of misconduct in public office, contrary to the public law when they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. The first charge alleged that on Monday, December 28, 2009 by way of an agreement of sale and purchase, they “acted recklessly” when they sold to National Hardware Guyana

sale and purchase “without due diligence” sold to Scady Business Corporation land located at Liliendaal, ECD, amounting to 4,700 acres, also the property of the State for the sum of $150,000,000, knowing that the said property was valued at $340,000,000 by Rodrigues Architects Associate.

The final charge alleges that the former finance minister and the former NICIL head on Saturday, May 14, 2011, by way of agreement of sale and purchase “acted recklessly” when they sold to Multi-Cinemas Guyana Inc. 10, 002 acres of land located at Turkeyen, ECD, property of the State for the sum of $185, 037,000,

without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer.

The men were not required to plead to the charge as SOCU’s Special Prosecutor, Trenton Lake, explained to the court that additional investigations into the matter are ongoing.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26 2018

Independence Day Messages PNCR: We can build a truly inclusive political culture THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) salutes all Guyanese, both at home and abroad, as we celebrate our 52nd Anniversary as an independent nation.

The political stewardship provided by the Coalition Government over the last three years has opened new avenues for the forging of a new democratic culture, so necessary for the achievement of real independence and social progress in our country.

Our Party is confident

that if as a nation we (Guyanese) can build a truly, inclusive political culture in which all stakeholders are allowed to play a meaningful role and which can create an enabling environment for the orderly development of the nation, we can look forward to a future that is politically successful, economically self-sustaining and culturally rewarding.

As we celebrate this 52nd anniversary of Independence, the PNCR pledges to work with all responsible and reliable forces, whose

aim is to forge social cohesion and national unity. We believe that working together we can ameliorate the many known problems, which have bedevilled our country and stymied our development.

The PNCR is proud of its record in government and the important role that our Party and our Founder Leader, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, played in our country’s struggle for independence.

Happy 52nd Independence, Guyana!

USA: We underscore our commitment to partnership UNITED States Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, in a message of congratulations underscores Washington’s commitment towards building stronger ties with Guyana.

“On behalf of President Trump and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of the Co-opera-

tive Republic of Guyana on 52 years of independence on May 26. Today, we celebrate our strong connections. We look forward to advancing prosperity by helping Guyana develop its emerging oil sector in partnership with U.S. business. We underscore our commitment to partnership via the Caribbean 2020

strategy.

We wish the people of Guyana, from the Corentyne to the Pakaraimas, from the Takutu to the Amakura, and across the entire ‘Land of Many Waters’, a happy Independence Day celebration with peace and prosperity throughout the years to come.”

M&CC: All Guyanese should take active ownership of President’s ‘green vision’ THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown extend Independence greetings to all Guyanese on this auspicious occasion of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary. This is a time for celebration and reflection on how far we have come as a nation.

It is a time for celebration because 52 years ago we became a nation, set on our own path to dignity and prosperity.

The national Independence Monument known as the Independence Arch on Brickdam is a great symbol of our Independence achievement. On May 22, 1966 this gift from the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) was handed over by Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, to

Mayor of the City of Georgetown, Mr Rahman B. Gajraj.

It was built entirely from Guyana’s mineral resources, demonstrating the richness of our country. Today, as we celebrate and reflect on what we have achieved as a young nation we must endeavour in our hearts to build upon the legacy of those who fought and won our freedom and independence.

We, at City Hall, believe that one way to build on the legacy of those leaders is by moving Georgetown, the nation’s capital, to the status of a green and great city. It is the only way we can sustainably develop our nation and leave for our children a good city, whose air, water and land are not polluted by greenhouse and other toxic gases, garbage and other

things that hurt our natural environment, our public health and the integrity of local neighbourhoods.

This is why we, at the Mayor and City Council, would continue to support the vision of a green state of the incumbent national administration under the strong and wise leadership of His Excellency, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Arthur Granger. All Guyanese should take active ownership of this vision and give leadership in their local communities.

As we celebrate let us, all of us, spare a good thought for the environment and work together to build a green great city.

Happy Independence!

NAREI: Integral to Guyana’s agenda is agricultural development

IT is important to reflect on the strengths of our country as we celebrate our nation’s 52nd Independence Anniversary.

Our national symbols - the Golden Arrowhead and Coat of Arms - perfectly highlight these strengths - particularly our agriculture sector.

For decades, agriculture has been the pillar of support to our country: providing employment opportunities, feeding the nation and earning foreign exchange.

Integral to the country’s green agenda is agricultural development, of which the Na-

tional Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) is crucially involved. Investments are being made to improve laboratory facilities, acquire and provide quality planting materials, build capacities of staff and offer farmers economically viable livelihood projects.

Already, the other crops sector has made significant strides with a constant growth rate of 2.5 percent annually. Farmers are more than ever willing to experiment with new crop varieties and green technologies.

This is owing to their growing

confidence in NAREI derived from years of mutual respect and implementation of tested technologies.

The other crops sector is pregnant with the promise of the good life. Each success story of a farmer or agro-business takes the country closer to accomplishing this ideal.

On this note, the management and staff of NAREI extend Independence Greetings to our brothers and sisters.

PPP: Guyanese remain resolutely committed to nation-building ON the occasion of our nation’s 52nd Independence anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warmest greetings to all Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora.

Our attainment of Independence resulted from a hardfought process, evidenced in sustained struggles, during which selfless sacrifices were made.

It was a moment of tremendous joy and pride for all Guyanese when the shackles of colonialism were cast off. As the Golden Arrowhead was first hoisted 52 years ago, not only did it mark the end of one era and the beginning of another, but it heralded the rise to self-governance

and a renewed sense of hope and expectations for the future.

Since Independence, our country has faced many challenges. The continued struggles for democracy, its return and preservation by the PPP also bolstered the conditions that supported unprecedented progress and prosperity for all our people.

Guyanese remained resolutely committed to nation-building and the PPP recognises and salutes their valuable efforts.

As we observe another anniversary of our Independence, our Party urges reflection on the valiant efforts, which made past successes possible. Looking ahead, our Party urges all Guyanese to

remain motivated by a strong sense of patriotism, as well as being steadfast and hopeful in the face of current challenges.

This year also marks the 100th birth anniversary of our Party’s Founder and its indomitable Leader, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan. As we reflect on the virtues of Independence and the freedom from colonialism, it offers another opportune moment to be inspired by his invaluable contributions through his relentless and unselfish struggles to free our nation.

Happy Independence to all Guyanese!

GAWU: Lift high the banner of freedom and celebrate our Independence THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) is indeed especially pleased to join and extend best wishes as our country celebrates another milestone as an independent state.

We need to recall, at this time, that there was near absolute consensus amongst our then leaders that we needed to shed the Constitutional and other chains with which we were then wrapped.

Independence brought us and we joyfully welcomed our new status as citizens of Guyana, no longer colonial subjects tied to a “mother” country. It also brought heavy responsibilities to safeguard and deepen our newly won freedom and to ensure a prosperous future for our citizens.

The onus was now ours to chart our own course and it was recognised that our freedom could not be delinked from the need for economic independence, social justice, and democratic institutions and norms. Those objectives had to be our guide as a people. They had to be realised and sustained.

GAWU feels certain that the attainment of Independence, which

we fought for, motivated the social and economic progress of our country and was a decisive turning point for our all-round development. There are successes in several fields nationally, while at the regional and international level our country has earned recognition and respect in spite of certain deficits experienced in governance.

Our democratic culture which resurfaced over twenty (20) years ago, still, today, again faces new challenges. Notwithstanding, the trials and setbacks the nation experienced and, most likely will face, we cannot deny the very many significant achievements as we steadily overcome the negative legacy of colonialism.

GAWU is aware that several key objectives are yet to be reached. One of these is our economic sovereignty which we see as crucial to safeguard our political independence especially in the context and circumstances that we see unfolding in today’s world.

The prospects for our country to grow and develop, despite, current setbacks, remain encouraging and we need to tackle the various tasks before us in a collective and

united spirit. In this respect, our people, especially our working people need to be encouraged and become involved in the decision-making of our society.

As we celebrate this historic anniversary, GAWU urges that we all recognise that we have a responsibility to let our democratic culture prevail. It is one of the strong strands that bind our nation and make it united and free.

Additionally, we share the belief that our independence will be secure and strengthened over time when every citizen is given to enjoy the fruits, benefits and opportunities of our collective efforts and work.

It is unfortunate to observe that our 52nd Independence Anniversary finds us as a nation poised with further declining economic fortunes with the sugar industry being an example of this reality.

While this has certainly cast a pall over the nation, we must, nevertheless, lift high the banner of freedom and celebrate our Independence.

Happy Independence Anniversary to all Guyanese!

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday May 26, 2018

Revered Chronicle editor laid to rest – following moving thanksgiving service THE body of veteran journalist and retired Guyana Chronicle Editor, Mr. George Baird was on Friday laid to rest following a moving thanksgiving service at the Smith Memorial Congregational Church on Brickdam.

Mr. Baird, 76, died last Thursday at the Georgetown Public Hospital after a period of illness. He is survived by seven children and other relatives.

Officiating Minister was Pastor Justice Oslen Small, whilst the organist was Mrs. Lynette Cunha.

Viewing of the body was conducted at his home on Manatee Drive in South Ruimveldt Park earlier in the day, followed by a second viewing and tributes from 14:30 hrs.

There was a deluge of tributes from relatives, friends, and former colleagues from among the congregation of mourners and sympathisers.

Among those offering tributes were Editor of the Guyana Chronicle, Mr. Godfrey Wray; City Treasurer, Mr. Oscar Clarke; his relative, Mr Wayne Hinds; and former staffer of the Guyana Chronicle, Mrs. Michelle Nurse on behalf of other media colleagues. The eulogy was read by Mrs. Sefa Maxwell, daughter of the deceased, while a tribute and reflections sent by a sister of the deceased, Ms. Joashaha Drakes of Puerto Rico, were read by his granddaughter Rayemargaret.

Mr. Baird’s daughter, Sefa reading the eulogy

In the tributes read, Mr. Baird was remembered as being a consummate journalist who took his work seriously; very meticulous in his language, and passionate about his vocation as a media practitioner; and one who paid strict attention to detail. He was a stickler for excellence, and was generally known as having had respect for time and greater respect for ‘the Queen’s English’.

He was also remembered as having an incredible memory, and being someone who not only loved life, but was a good organiser as well.

H i s y e a r s o f d i s t i nguished service in the media and his knowledge of diverse hinterland communities around Guyana,

gleaned from tours he regularly made with Mr. Oscar Clarke, then Minister of Home Affairs, won him the favour of the then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham who thereafter took him on several international trips and conference, making him a ‘well rounded’ journalist.

Speakers in their tributes told of George Baird’s passion and commitment to journalism. With a ‘no-nonsense’ personality, he was both respected and feared by many young reporters who passed through his hands, but who now stand to benefit immensely from his tutelage and groundings.

Following the thanksgiving service, his body was interred at Le Repentir Cemetery.

Bereaved family members and other mourners and sympathisers during the Thanksgiving service for Mr. George Baird (Photos by Delano Williams)

Family members bear the remains of Mr. George Baird into the Smith Memorial Congregational Church

Kato School to be fully functional in new school term THE Kato Secondary School in Region Eight is expected to be ready for the new school term this September, after Farfan and Mendes Limited received a contract of $25M to install the solar power and electrical supply for the building, which is expected to be completed in July, 2018.

This is according to Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who said at his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing earlier Thursday that in September the school will be fully functional.

The minister noted there are several schools that were

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

constructed by the previous administration, that are now dysfunctional.

It was discovered that contractors were being awarded very “low con-

tracts” and were, in turn, providing substandard work.

He explained the government is spending quite a large amount of money on schools, “This is to ensure that our children are not just housed in buildings, but in an environment, which is conducive to learning; where our girl children can go to a washroom facility and be comfortable there, and boy children can go to the washroom facility and be comfortable going there.”

He added much more needs to be done.

According to Minister Harmon, the Ministry of Education has commenced

an “inspectorate of schools” which has seen officials visiting schools to check on their progress.

Regarding the Kato Primary School, the minister said while most of the work has been completed it is yet to be connected to solar power, “Everything will be completed by July, this year.”

Minister Harmon also announced the rehabilitation of several schools. $28M has been earmarked for the construction of the Schoonard Primary School on the West Bank of Demerara, while Vryheid’s North’s nursery school on the East

Coast of Demerara will be constructed at a cost $21M. The Strathspey Nursery School will also be constructed at a cost of some $20M Kamarang in Region Seven will also have a new $28.9M primary school.

He said that the former PPP administration wasted good money on the poor construction and rehabilitation of public schools.

The situation is one that the current government is working to address, but Minister Harmon said things could have been better if they were done right from the inception.

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Professionalism, pride, ethical standards integral to competency – Minister Cummings

PROFESSIONALISM, pride, ethical standards and compassion should always remain the driving force propelling medical practitioners to competency, regardless of their specialised field.

This perspective was shared by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) Dr. Karen Cummings on Thursday, during her inaugural address at the first International Medical Conference for Medical Students, hosted by Texila

American University (TAU), Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The two-day conference is being hosted under the theme: “Enriching the Caribbean Medical Education through Research” Minister Cummings said that medical professionals should “strive at all times to convert the science and the art of being an exemplary medical professional into a life-changing legacy for generations to come.”

She explained that during

the two days, world-renowned medical professionals who are passionate trainers will be exploring the many developments in the world of medicine.

Adding that participants should ask many challenging questions and seek various ways to grasp the information being presented, Minister Cummings said the conference will provide a platform for the development of the medical field.

“It will also promote interactions amongst health care students from different countries as they exchange research, knowledge, expe-

A section of the gathering at the opening session of the first International Medical Conference for Medical Students hosted by TAU

riences. (It is) an excellent initiative by TAU,” she said.

Further, the Minister said that the conference will promote innovative thinking by exposing medical students to cutting edge research topics in the broader fields.

Noting that modern medicine has done much in the field of infectious diseases, Minister Cummings said pharmacology is directed to such control. However, clinicians and researchers must turn decisively towards prevention and cure.

“Also longevity with wellbeing is also modern medicine’s other big challenge, as we explore the realms of healthy ageing, studies of longevity and lifestyle changes and healthy centenarians deserve special scrutiny to find what aids longevity accompanied by wellbeing,” Minister Cummings said.

She asserted that it is only through research that academic knowledge is tested and further refined.

The minister said that TAU has the ability to establish and maintain excellence by building a culture of educational scholarship in Guyana.

Dr Anand Arulsamy, the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

Dr. Karen Cummings during her address Vice Chancellor of TAU, said the development of strong research skill and the provision of medical care are inextricably linked and that is why research is stressed during the four years of TAU medical education programme.

The Vice Chancellor said research makes students better scientists, which is a core part of being a physician. It also better prepares them to lead during residency and in practice.

“This conference will provide each and every participant an opportunity to showcase their ideas and research capabilities to a greater audience,” he said.

Chithra Lakshmi, Executive Vice President TAU in her read remarks said the facility of the university has been designed to provide students with a friendly en-

vironment that promotes participation.

“This will be a good platform to explore the most out of your doctor’s journey, interacting with international students too, thereby unveiling the best part of your medical journey,” she stated.

Saju Bhaskar, Founder and President of TAU in a read message stated that the mission of the university is to revolutionise international education by offering updated, modern, and excellent training in areas of health science.

The Texila American University group manages diverse educational ventures with a single-point objective, which is to fulfil the aspirations of the global student community and working professionals by adopting a global benchmark of excellence.

Two-day workshop looks at internal auditing best practices COINCIDING with the observance of Audit Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - Guyana Chapter held a two-day workshop geared towards upgrading the skills of its stakeholders.

The event, which took the theme ‘In-depth Knowledge and Practical Skills’, was held on Wednesday at the Regency Hotel, and comes under the chapter’s Professional Development Programme.

Internal auditors, accountants, heads of department, executives and other stakeholders were engaged on topics such as best practices for internal auditing and analysis techniques.

Chair of the IIA Guyana Chapter Board, John Seeram addressed the gathering, stating that there is still a significant number of organisations which have not yet developed internal audit units or departments.

Noting that he came to the foregoing conclusion based upon his observations, Seeram said that some of the departments that have been established are not well trained; do not uphold the institute’s Code of Ethics; and lack effective communication and leadership skills.

“Having identified the major root causes, our Chapter has to focus on having outreach meetings with the management clients of both private and public sectors organisations,” he said, adding:

“Our Chapter members are well aware of the challenges to develop this internal audit profession in Guyana.

“Criticising is not the way forward; we have to be action-oriented if we are to develop this esteemed profession.”

Meanwhile, remarks came from the Chairperson of the two-day event, Chairman of the Professional Development Committee of the IIA, Fazal Bacchus who spoke to the relevance of internal auditing in Guyana.

He said that internal auditing helps to protect and enhance organisational values; safeguard the assets of businesses; assess the accuracy of financial information; and ensure compliance with laws and regulations among other things.

As such, he encouraged those at the seminar to safeguard their professional independence while maintaining their ethical standing in line with the IIA’s code of ethics.

“Internal Auditors must be pro-active in promoting the values of their organisations.

I take this opportunity to urge our internal auditors to live above reproach and continue to be very professional in the performance of our functions,” Bacchus said.

The IIA Guyana Chapter commenced its Professional Development Programme in 2000, and, to date, has some 80 members, a figure which the body hopes to increase by 40 per cent over the next year.

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GNBA urges stakeholders to be original

… Stop being copycats, promote more local content BR OA D C A S TER S ap proved by the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) were invited by the body to participate in an exclusive stakeholder engagement meeting on Friday to discuss pertinent issues.

The meeting was limited to heads of a number of licensed broadcasting agencies, which met the criteria of the GNBA, and took place at the Herdmanston Lodge Hotel.

It marks the beginning of a series of engagement meetings which the body hopes will help to foster an interactive and harmonious working relationship between the GNBA and its stakeholders.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the GNBA Board, Leslie Sobers, said that the meeting coincides with the authority’s regulatory mandate and vision to develop and maintain the highest standard of broadcasting countrywide.

As such, he welcomed the attendance and participation of those invited.

“It is our hope that with meaningful, robust participation from you, the GNBA will be in a better position to understand your perception of the broadcast industry, where it is heading, and where we want it to go,” he said.

Sobers encouraged those

Chairman of the GNBA Board, Leslie Sobers (Photos by Adrian Narine) stakeholders at the meeting to reinvent their approach to public broadcasting by promoting values of patriotism and lifelong learning rather than imitating and presenting foreign cultures above their own.

“This (embracing of local culture), however, may never become a reality, if our philosophy for broadcasting in Guyana is to mimic foreign accents; focus on other nations’ celebrities, access and rebroadcast foreign content and simply for making money…” he said.

“We have to become aware of the power of the broadcaster and the broadcast industry to shape ideas, beliefs and attitudes towards this end; getting more Guyanese, particularly the youths,

to become interested in our systems of government, their legal rights, their roles as citizens; pride in things Guyanese and pride in being, living and speaking as Guyanese.”

Aiding in the facilitation of the engagement were members of the GNBA Board, among them Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Prudence Lewis-Bhola; Communication Specialist, Dr Rovin Deodat; Attorney-at-Law, Joel Edmond;

Broadcast agency heads at the Herdmanston Lodge on Friday and former UNESCO Communication Specialist, Jocelyne Josiah.

Presentations were

made on the functions and guiding documents of the GNBA, followed by a closed-group discussion

where attending broadcasters were permitted to provide feedback and other concerns.

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Mayor accuses PSC of stalling –– in bid to delay increase in container fees

GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has accused the Private Sector Commission (PSC) of deliberately refusing to meet with the City Council on the way forward regarding container fees.

“The private sector has no intention of meeting with us, in my opinion,” she said, adding that the Commission keeps requesting meetings on dates they know are days on which statutory meetings are held.

“The private sector is not interested in meeting with this Council or moving it forward in any way; two years now and the issue cannot be resolved. We’ve only been writing and

writing and writing,” the Mayor complained.

Chase-Green said that if a meeting is not held between the two parties before the end of this month, the City Council will proceed to take a decision with regards to increasing the fees.

“Why is it that this Council has to bend to the private sector each time? she asked. “We started discussions on the issue, and suddenly it went off the road. But we must not hold much longer, because we’re continuing to see the deterioration of our roads.”

Big business owners are also continuing to take advantage of the City Council, Chase-Green observed, and thus closure

ought to be brought to the matter.

Town Clerk Royston King pleaded with the Mayor to give the PSC another chance. “Let us give them the benefit of the doubt, and take it from the standpoint that they want to work with us,” he said.

BUSH TRUCKS The Mayor also touched on the issue of huge fuel-laden bush trucks parked in front of people’s premises.

“We have to go after these trucks too,” the mayor said, adding: “As soon as we begin to talk about fees, you hear about another protest. There is a particular set in Georgetown which has difficulty every time the city wants to move forward.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle

Chase-Green said the City Council should no longer allow these bush trucks to pass Agricola and enter Georgetown because of the amount of damage they are causing to city streets.

King rejoined that the parking meter project is expected to address these concerns. He said that while the trucks do pay for their road licences, it is not the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) that does road repairs.

Banks DIH, he noted, is one company which helps the City Council repair roads, especially those on which they operate frequently.

King had in the past urged Chase-Green to urgently pursue the container fee issue so that the $5000 being charged currently for each container leaving the wharf can be increased to a more reasonable amount.

“We need to settle this issue so we can get a definite figure. Five thousand dollars is not enough; we’re denying shippers the opportunity to make their full contribution to the city,” King had said.

The City Council had said in the past that it wanted $8,000 in fees for a 20-foot container, and $10,000 for 40 or 45-foot

ones. These new figures were part of a proposal being mulled by the tripartite committee consisting of the Council, the government, and the PSC. Councillor Alfred Mentore had told councillors that the new amounts being requested by the M&CC are fair and reasonable.

Councillor Malcolm Ferreira had said: “People have to understand that a penalty is a penalty; it’s nothing you can just pick up US$12 or US$50 and pay off.

“They (businesses) could put it (their containers) on the road for 10 days and pull out $25,000 out their pocket easy, because they have $50M worth in the container,” he said.

City Hall had decided to implement a $25,000 container fee, but this attracted much flak from members of the business community and the PSC. Some businessmen had also resorted to the courts, accusing the M&CC of illegally implementing such a fee.

And, the courts had ruled in favour of the businessmen.

City Hall has stressed, though, that money is needed to repair roads which the containers have been damaging over the years.

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Mayor in the dark

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… about Mae’s private businessman’s arrangement with town clerk

CITY Councillors recently heard that Mae’s Schools in Georgetown made a donation of $100,000 to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) towards upgrading of the Farnum Playfield.

But Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said over and over at the Council meeting that she had no knowledge of the money.

Councillor Bishram

Kuppen raised the issue, noting that Councillor Carlyle Goring collected the money from Mae’s. He also disclosed how he was in receipt of information that a businessman spent another $2.6M to upgrade the said ground.

The mayor again denied knowledge of any arrangement with a businessman.

Kuppen observed that the Council had no record

of any of the moneys and no work plan was in the records either. He said he cautioned Goring about receiving moneys on behalf of the council without passing it through council records.

“I don’t know of anyone bringing $2.6M to the council. Whoever wants to make a donation through councillors have to do it at the level of council,” Kuppen expressed.

Town Clerk Royston King said he was aware that Goring solicited the assistance of a businessman to upgrade the ground, but was not sure that the works amounted to $2.6M. He said he was also aware that the ‘Rodrigues’ family gave $100,000, but that could be found in council records.

Mayor Chase-Green said at the most recent

meeting, which she attended with other city officials, that this information was not presented.

Earlier this year, King created quite a stir when he signed an agreement with the owner of Mae’s Schools for that institution to use the Farnum Playfield and also to repair and upgrade it, without the consent of the M&CC. The Council had subsequently ordered an

Councillor Bishram Kuppen raised the issue of moneys received and spent on Farnum Playfield without council’s knowledge. immediate cessation of works being carried out by the school on the premises.

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Woman confesses to strangling husband

A 28-YEAR-OLD mother of three, of Soesdyke Back Road, East Bank Demerara, has been arrested in connection with the death of her reputed husband almost two weeks ago.

According to the police, Julian Anthony Reberio, aged 32, died on May 13, 2018 about 03:00hrs. Police said that the cause of his death was given as asphyxiation due to compression to the neck, following a post-mortem done on the May 18. Reberio was laid to rest last Thursday.

The suspect initially told police that her husband went home intoxicated and fell in the house and as a result, she rushed him to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he died.

However, on Friday she reportedly recanted her story during questioning and told investigators that she and the man had an altercation during which she became annoyed and strangled him.

Investigations are in progress.

Trotman slams Citizensreport fake news

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has strongly condemned what he described as a malicious and completely fabricated article on the Opposition People’s Progressive Party propaganda website ‘Citizensreport’ under the headline, ‘Favour requested for Patterson’s narcotics smuggling brother in Grenada”.

Minister Trotman warns the Guyanese public that this website, controlled and operated by known PPP operatives is used to spew false news, hate, lies and as a tool for fear-mongering.

Without an iota of evidence, the report calls into question and brings into disrepute the integrity of the entire Grenadian judicial system, a shocking and disgusting claim.

The article, masquerading as news, is baseless, repugnant and wholly fabricated.

Minister Trotman and members of his family have sought legal advice on this matter and will pursue same to the fullest extent of the law. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

Motor cycle thief jailed for two years SENIOR Magistrate Alex Moore, presiding at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court imposed a two-year sentence on Anthony Patterson, who rode off with a motorcycle (CJ 907), which was parked outside a house at Tucber Park, New Amsterdam.

Demico Qik Serve employee, Amanda Gomes of 927 Fort Ordnance Housing Scheme, East Canje, had worked the afternoon shift at the New Amsterdam Branch, which ended at 23:00hrs. As a result, she decided not to ride home, but to stop and rest at her brother’s house at Tucber Park.

It was at daylight that she discovered that her bike valued $180,000 was missing. An alarm was raised and her brother Shawn Gomes ventured into Angoy’s Avenue, a squatting area on the eastern fringe of New Amsterdam, where he saw Patterson riding the motorcycle.

Gomes gave chase and the rider lost control, ending in a trench from where the bike was retrieved. A charge of simple larceny was instituted.

At his initial court appearance, Patterson had pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty after the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Ramjattan disagrees with Dookie being sent on leave

PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Friday said that he would have preferred Deputy Superintendent of Police Motie Dookie remained on duty rather than be sent on special leave.

“The man gets a free salary and he ain’t doing nothing because that is what special leave does, rather than him working even if you had to put him in the K9 section. I would have preferred him working to tell you the honest truth,” Ramjattan told reporters at an Alliance for Change (AFC) press conference on Friday, despite much reluctance to speak on the matter.

Dookie, the former head of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit who was the lone passenger in a minibus which was busted last December with large amounts of smuggled whisky, was recently sent on leave by Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, who was at the time performing the duties of Minister of Public Security. This is the second set of leave that Dookie has been sent on within the last few months, even as he awaits departmental charges which are to be instituted against him when the Police Service Commission is constituted.

Two weeks ago, Crime Chief Paul Williams had removed Dookie out of No.2 Sub Division in ‘A’ Division while he (Williams) was acting top cop. Ramnarine had posted Dookie to ‘A’ Division after the officer returned from a long period of leave that followed the whisky scandal. Ramnarine defended his decision by saying that “Dookie could not be kept within four walls.”

On Friday when asked his views on the perception that the action taken against Dookie constitutes racism,

the Public Security Minister said “I don’t think it is racism because I myself when I heard about what had happened had indicated that a policeman like that should be fired, but as I had also done with the caveat, it must be done in accordance with the rule of law and that falls within the Police Service Commission (PSC).”

The minister acknowl-

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Motie Dookie edged that there are a number of other senior police officers who have committed egregious acts but were not sent on special leave. Instead they were moved around. He said too, the implications of sending Dookie on special leave while others remain actively on the job can have some implications. “…that is why I said wait until the Police Service Commission (PSC), and in my absence he (Felix) touched it and I do not want to go there because he was performing the functions of the Public Security Minister,” Ramjattan explained.

He said the decision taken should be viewed as a matter of opinion. “An opinion was given and a decision made. I am not going to do

CARICOM lauds Guyana for fostering Caribbean unity THE Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated Guyana on its 52nd Anniversary of Independence, praising its role ‘at the forefront of all initiatives fostering Caribbean unity’.

Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a congratulatory message to Guyana’s President HE David Granger, also noted that the country’s five decades of self-rule has seen it advance socially, economically and in other spheres.

“Guyana has made major global contributions particularly in academia, the arts, both visual and literary, and in sport. It is also a leader in preservation of the environment as part of its aim to become Green Guyana,” Ambassador LaRocque said.

“As the Community moves to increase resilience, Guyana has a critical role to play given its Head of Government has responsibility for Agriculture in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet,” he noted.

Guyana celebrates its 52nd Independence Anniversary today.

all kinds of disagreements with my fellow colleague and cabinet member. Not going to go and attack other senior members who have also done some things. We need senior members in the Force, notwithstanding their indiscretions to manage it,” Ramjattan stated.

He reminded that a number of persons have been removed from the Force as a result of retirement so there is a role for senior members of the Guyana Police Force.

“You are left with a leadership that has risen to the standard of superintendent or deputy superintendent that is very limited,” Ramjattan added. In this vein, the minister made it clear that no other senior officer who has been accused of indiscretions recently will be removed. “They will stay. I will not be removing the other seven or eight of them,” he declared, while making it clear that all of decisions taken by Felix while

performing the functions of Public Security Minister are “Valid and legal”. Felix is a former Commissioner of Police .

Meanwhile, when contacted Felix said that an administrative decision was taken to have Dookie sent on leave in the public’s interest as it was found that in December 2017, he acted in a manner that was in contradiction to his duties. The minister related that to keep Dookie on

the job would have been a bad example to his juniors who are looking on and are following the matter very closely.

While he did not state how long Dookie would remain off the job, Felix indicated that when the Police Service Commission (PSC) is constituted Dookie’s matter would be addressed and a determination made by that body with respect to how they should handle the matter.

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Pakistan tightens grip over England (REUTERS) - PAKISTAN patiently advanced to 350 for eight against a toothless England attack to take control of the first Test on the second day at Lord’s yesterday.

Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam and Shadab Khan made half-centuries in a solid batting display which left the touring side 166 runs ahead and in a strong position to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

England, bowled out for 184, toiled on another overcast day at the home of cricket, dropping several catches in a sloppy performance which did little to lift morale following their heavy Ashes defeat and

series lost in New Zealand.

Resuming on 50 for one, Azhar and Haris Sohail were untroubled by the England seam attack in the first hour and Azhar played one glorious cover drive for four off Mark Wood as the pair took the total to 87.

Wood made the breakthrough when Sohail edged an outswinger to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow to depart for 39.

England captain Joe Root rotated his fast bowlers in an effort to unsettle the batsmen before turning to off-spinner Dom Bess in his first Test.

Azhar nudged the 20-year-

old for a single to bring up a half-century that included six fours, but the compact righthand batsman failed to add to his tally, falling lbw to a fulllength delivery from James Anderson.

Shafiq and Azam took Pakistan to 136 for three at lunch and the pair continued to gather runs comfortably in the afternoon session.

Shafiq chopped Wood high over the slips to reach his half-century and moved on to 59 before he was surprised by a short ball from Ben Stokes which looped up off his bat to Dawid Malan at second slip.

R&F Wholesale Depot on board ‘Champion of Champions’ Dominoes on June 3

SENIOR Organising Secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association (GDA), Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, will be hosting a massive ‘Champion of Champions’ competition on Sunday, June 3, at the R&R Sports Bar situated at 76 Meadow Brook Gardens.

Valuable Player will receive $5 000 each.

Wiltshire added that all prizes are guaranteed and interested teams can contact him on 665-5855.

Among the teams to participate are: Gold is Money, All Seasons, Mix Up, Spartans, Rage, Providence, Gangster,

R&F Wholesale Depot Amrita Singh (right) makes the presentation of trophies to Organising Committee member Jane Chase yesterday at the Bourda Market location.

According to Wiltshire, the tournament will involve teams who finished first and second in competitions this year They will battle teams from Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo.

The experienced dominoes executive said over $300 000 in cash and trophies will be up for grabs with the winning team set to receive $175 000 and a trophy, while the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers will take home $75 000, $35 000 and $20 000 respectively along with trophies.

Entrance fee is $12 000 per team which must be paid on or before the start of play. The top female player and the Most

C7, C6, Thunder, Phantom, R&R, Turning Point, Masters, Gold Star, Angels and OPKO. The invited teams are: Orange Walk, NIS, East Taxi Service, Sun Flower Hotel out of

American Racing Tips Belmont Park Race 1 Latin Love Bug Race 2 Decisive Triumph Race 3 A Lotta Wine Race 4 Major Force Race 5 Alex’s Lemon Twist Race 6 Bad Guy Race 7 Mentality Race 8 Conquest Twister Santa Anita Race 1 Uber Star Race 2 Lucky Staxx Race 3 Queen Laila Race 4 Rockin Ready Race 5 Accelerate Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Macho Brew Race 2 Courtly Race 3 Fire Angel Mikaela Race 4 Penny a Point Race 5 Kyslios’s Justice Race 6 Chill Race 7 Get The News Race 8 Are You Kidding Me Race 9 Abbaa South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Quickfire 09:05 hrs Call To Account 09:40 hrs Doublemint 10:20 hrs Fresnaye 10:55 hrs Dubai Queen Scottsville 08:45 hrs Cue The Music

Essequibo, Rockets, Players, Uprising, Mark Fitness Gym, Yhip’s Bakery, Lippy Lotto from Bartica, Golden Masters, Beacons, Medi Care, Geology & Mines Commission, CARICOM, Lil Boys and Lion.

Some of the sponsors include Dynasty Sports Club, All Seasons Racing Service, Tony’s Jewellery, CBB & L Import & Export, South Land Trading and Boston Casting Jewellery.

Meanwhile, R&F Wholesale Depot of Bourda Market was the latest entity to throw its support behind the tournament with a presentation of trophies yesterday at its location.

Staffer Amrita Singh presented the sponsorship to Organising Committee member, Jane Chase, in the presence of Wiltshire.

She thanked the entity for its support and promised that the tournament will be executed in a disciplined manner. Food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day.

09:20 hrs Sommerlied 09:55 hrs Kasimir 10:30 hrs Waywood Irish Racing Tips Curragh 08:50 hrs Lethal Promise 09:25 hrs Rattling Jewel 10:00 hrs Fairyland 10:35 hrs Merchant Navy 11:10 hrs U S Navy Flag 11:45 hrs Hydrangea 12:20 hrs Wisdom Mind 12:55 hrs Rock Sound English Racing Tips Goodwood 08:55 hrs Autocratic 09:30 hrs Another Batt 10:10 hrs Barbara Hepworth 10:454 hrs Euginio 11:20 hrs Top Tug 11:55 hrs Bahamian Sunrise 12:30 hrs Musical Art York 09:00 hrs Hayadh 09:35 hrs Carnageo 10:05 hrs Isabel De Urbina 10:40 hrs Edward Lewis 11:15 hrs Jfoul 11:50 hrs Desert Diamond 12:25 hrs Theodorico Haydock 09:15 hrs Mancini 09:50 hrs Finniston Farm 10:25 hrs Invincible Army 11:00 hrs Battaash 11:35 hrs Tirania 12:10 hrs Maid In India 13:15 hrs Teodoro

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French Guiana Grand Prix Cycliste de la Cooperation Regionale…

Guyanese cyclists confident ahead of today’s opener

Part of the team during training.

GUYANA’S contingent of cyclists currently in French Guiana for the four stage ‘Grand Prix Cycliste De La Cooperation Regionale’ have expressed confidence ahead of today’s race.

The five-man team consists of Jamual John, Paul DeNobrega, Curtis Dey, Walter Grant-Stuart and Paul Cho-wee-nam along with team manager Marc Sonaram.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Sonaram revealed that he is confident in his team further pointing out that they are the strongest and best cyclists in Guyana at the moment.

He also revealed that the level of competition is high as three teams from Martinique are at the event as well.

“This means that there will be very fast racing but I believe we can do well as we have a good strong team,” he added.

Jamual John is in an impressive run of form having won three of his last four races in Guyana while Paul DeNobrega has also been right on his heels winning last weekend’s road race around the outer circuit of the National Park.

Dey who is competing in his first year as a senior cyclist has been impressive as well keeping right up there with John and DeNobrega.

Dey noted; “I’m here for the first time in French Guiana, I’m a bit nervous but we’ll try to finish in the top 10, we’ll work as a team, try to stay hydrated and help each other.”

John along with Dey represents a very high chance of Guyana doing well in the under-23 category while Grant-Stuart, DeNobrega and Cho-wee-nam will also be looking to finish well.

GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL

Anna Regina Multilateral defend 98 against Charity Secondary ANNA Regina Multilateral School managed to defend a target of 99, to beat Charity Secondary by 45 runs, when play in the 2017-2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sport Commission/National Secondary Schools Cricket League (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL) continued.

At Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast, Anna Regina won the toss and elected to bat. Their openers Kamesh Lall and national youth player Shel-

Sheldon Charles

don Charles added 32 before Charles was dismissed, caught off the bowling of Montly for 22.

Lance Roberts joined Lall and together they took the score to 61, before Lall was brilliantly caught off the bowling of Roniel Gobin for a defiant 32.

However, with the dismissal of Lall, the remaining Anna Regina batsmen found scoring a difficult task, with the last six wickets falling for just 33 runs.

They eventually ended on 98-8 when their allotted overs expired. Bowling for

Charity Secondary, Roniel Gobin took 3-8, while Montly Boyan, Tekchan Dialla and Desmond Carmen each took one wicket.

In reply, Charity made heavy work of victory target of 95, reaching 49-8 when their allotted overs expired.

Desmond Carmen was the only Charity player to reach double figures, with 11.

Bowling for Anna Regina Multilateral, Badesh Parsatam claimed 3-7, while there was a wicket each for Raphael David, Lall, Roberts, Raj Ramgobin and Charles.

Brathwaite puts Sunrisers in IPL final

Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite

(CMC) - WEST Indies Twenty20 captain, Carlos Brathwaite, grabbed two wickets in the final over as his Sunrisers Hyderabad stunned Sunil Narine’s Kolkata Knight Riders by 14 runs to reach tomorrow’s final of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chasing a competitive but hardly imposing 175 for victory at Eden Gardens yesterday, KKR were coasting at 87 for nine in the ninth over before suffering a collapse to end on 160 for nine from their 20 overs.

Australian opener Chris Lynn top-scored with 48, while Shubman Gill got 30 and Narine, a cavalier 26.

Lynn put on 40 off 20 balls for the first wicket with Narine who spanked four fours and a six in just 13 balls at the crease before miscuing a swing at seamer Siddarth Kaul and holing out to mid-on in the fourth over.

Lynn, who struck six fours and a pair of sixes in a measured 31-ball knock, added a further 47 for the second wicket with Nitish Rana (22) before six wickets tumbled for 58 runs to leave the innings in ruins.

West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell was among the carnage, dismissed in the 15th over for three, caught at slip edging a cut at a Rashid Khan leg break.

KKR required 19 runs from the last over but Brathwaite claimed Shivam Mavi to the second ball, caught at deep mid-wicket for six before removing Gill off the very next delivery, in a carbon copy dismissal.

The two wickets dented KKR hopes of a dramatic win, as the over leaked just four runs.

Brathwaite, in only his third match of the tournament, ended with two for 15 from his two overs.

The Barbadian had earlier failed with the bat as Sunrisers marched to 174 for seven, after being sent in.

He managed just eight but opener Wriddiman Saha topscored with 35 while Shikhar Dhawan (34) and Rashid Khan (34 not out) both helped energise the innings.

Narine claimed one for 24 from four overs of off-spin while pacer Russell’s lone over went for nine runs.

Sunrisers clash with Dwayne Bravo’s Chennai Super Kings in the final.

NBS supports Malteenoes Sports Club WITH the aim to construct an all-weather practice facility at its Thomas Lands, Georgetown venue, the Malteenoes Sports Club on Wednesday received a substantial sum from New Building Society (NBS) for the proposed project.

Seepaul Narine, the vice-president of NBS, presented $250 000 to Malteenoes Sports Club’s president Winston Semple at the bank’s Avenue of the Republic location in the presence of representatives of the two entities.

Narine said NBS is hap-

py to contribute to the project, which will help to build its relationship with the club and aid in the development of its cricketers.

Semple, the brother of former West Indies batsman Keith Semple, expressed gratitude to NBS and explained that the project was stalled due to the inclement weather. He said the facility will be of tremendous benefit to the club since its players will be able to practise during the rainy season.

The estimated cost of the facility, which will have

three pitches including a concrete one, is $3.3M and so far the fund-raising drive for that project has accumulated $1.5M. Excavation work will commence as soon the weather improves.

The completion date will depend on the weather and the response to requests for sponsorship.

The club, which was founded in 1902, is looking to develop the site into a multi-purpose sports facility which should double the current estimate.

MSC president Winston Semple (right) collects the cheque from NBS’ Seepaul Narine in the presence of representatives of both entities.

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

Vickery gets first automatic main draw for French Open

Archery Guyana to start Para-Archery programme

… to play Madison Keys tomorrow

By Rawle Toney IN this year 2018, Sachia Vickery has been enjoying her best season of her budding career and from the looks of things, it will surely get better.

Vickery, now ranked 76 in the world by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), will play #13-ranked Madison Keys in the first round of the 2018 French Open tomorrow.

It will be the second meeting between the two players, with Keys winning the first in 2014 in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.

Keys is known as one of the top players in the world, but like Vickery, has never won a Grand Slam, though she has featured in the 2017 U.S. Open final where she lost to Sloane Stephens (6-3, 6-0).

Meanwhile, for the first time, Vickery was an automatic main draw for the French Open, telling Chronicle Sport in an exclusive interview, that she’s extremely happy that her efforts and good form this year is being recognised.

“I’m really happy that I’ll be in the main draw at the French Open for the first

time, off my own rankings and without any wild card or qualification; I’m really happy about that and I’ll also be in the main draw at Wimbledon this year with my ranking,” said the 23-year-old Vickery, who, despite being American, carries the Golden Arrowhead as a representative of her parents; Rawle Vickery and Paula Liverpool.

Looking back, Vickery pointed out: “I’m really happy with the year that I’ve had so far, I had some really big wins and it gave me the confidence for tournaments that follow.”

This year, Vickery notched wins against some of tennis’ biggest names, including Eugenie Bouchard, current world #3-ranked and former French Open (2016) and Wimbledon champion (2017) Garbiñe Muguruza and 2017 ASB Classic champion Lauren Davis just to name a few.

“I’m just going to strive to continue on that path and keep playing the way I’ve been playing. My practice have been going very well and I’m hoping to try and break the top 50 by the end of this year, so I’m just going to keep going,” Vickery said.

GCB commences series of Child Protection Courses

Participants at Thursday’s first session in the GCB’s boardroom.

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) commenced a series of CWI/UNICEF Child Protection Courses on Thursday at the GCB’s boardroom.

The courses are set to target individuals who act in managerial and/or coaching

roles, potential coaches, CGI Academy players, national youth players and individuals who interact with children on a regular basis.

The Child Protection and First Aid courses are the required modules of the CWI Coaching Certification

Programme and both have a validity of three years.

Individuals desirous of gaining a CWI Coaching Certificate are also required to obtain Police Clearance.

Meanwhile, child protection courses will also be conducted in Demerara on

Tuesday July 17, Berbice on Wednesday, July 18 and in Essequibo on Thursday, July 19.

Efforts are also being made to have a similar course conducted in Upper Demerara on Friday, July 20.

‘Lady Jags’ trample Suriname 6-1

By Rawle Toney A DOUBLE from Brittany Persaud (40th, 67th), and single strikes each from Brianne Dessa (45th), Tiandi Smith (88th), Sydney Cummings (65th) and Calaigh Copeland (56th) saw the ‘Lady Jags’ roar to a well-deserved 6-1 win over Suriname last evening, at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, in their second CONCACAF Group ‘E’ Caribbean Qualifiers match.

Having watched Bermuda claim a 3-2 win over Barbados in the first game of the night’s double-header; Guyana knew that a victory and one by a large margin was necessary.

Guyana’s head coach Dr Ivan Joseph made some changes to the starting lineup, placing Mariam El-Mas-

ri, Copeland, Collette Hope, Allison Heydorn and goalkeeper Natalie Nedd on the bench, while opting to start with Tiandi Smith, Brittany Persaud, Nikkita Persaud, Cummings, Alicia Zaban, Cameo Hazlewood, Jade Vyfhuis, Dessa, Ghilene Joseph, Sasha James and goalkeeper Taylor White.

It was Suriname who took the lead in the 38th minute through their captain Sabrina Rigters, but the Lady Jags equalised in the 40th minute thanks to a beautifully taken free-kick off the boot of Brittany Persaud from approximately 22 yards out.

It was all downhill from then on for Suriname, as Guyana found the go-ahead goal just on the stroke of halftime from Dessa, who hammered one home from

a goalmouth scramble after Nathalie Benjamin could not have held on to a squared ball.

With the scores 2-1 coming out for the start of the second half, Suriname felt the wrath of the Lady Jags after Dr Joseph sent in El-Masri, Copeland and Annalisa Vincent.

It was a truly one-sided affair in the entire second half and the score could have easily ballooned if the Lady Jags had only converted on half of the chances created.

After the game, Dr Joseph told reporters that he was happy with way the players responded to the pressure, knowing that they were in a must-win situation and had to win by a considerable margin to boost their chances of top-

ping the group.

T h e f i n a l G ro u p E matches will be played tomorrow and given the current standings, fans will be in for a treat.

Guyana only conceded three goals in the tournament which is the least, of the four teams, and scored the most (eight) which placed them on top of Group E with a plusfive advantage and four points.

B e r m u d a , h o w e v e r, though having four points like Guyana (a win and a draw) are second place on goal-difference since they scored five but conceded four giving them plus-one.

It means that in tomorrow’s game against Suriname, Bermuda will have to hope for Barbados to beat Guyana to stand a chance to advance.

Ganesh Singh is shown the stand and given instructions as to biomechanics in the classroom. Looking on, at left, is Evelyn Hamilton.

ARCHERY is open to athletes with physical impairments and who may shoot with assistive devices, allowed under classification rules, if required.

Para-archery competition, which includes specific categories for athletes with certain disabilities, is an integral part of the Paralympic Games.

The first archery competition for those with physical impairments took place at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in 1948 for recovering veterans.

As participants from other nationalities became involved over the years, this event became the precursor to the Paralympic Games. When the first Paralympiad was held at Rome 1960, para-archery was part of the programme – and it has remained there ever since.

International para-archery was organised by the International Paralympic Committee until 2009, when responsibility as the governing body for rules, regulations and promotion was transferred to World Archery.

Still working closely with the IPC, World Archery promotes para-archery at the world, continental and national levels, including additional competition categories in tournaments outside of the Paralympic Games, to increase participation and the opportunity for medals.

In Guyana, the local governing body affiliated to World Archery is Archery Guyana, which entity stated that they will in the near future be launching officially a Para-Archery Programme.

During the recently held Level 1 Coaching Course, conducted by world renowned coach Phillip Graves, the Chair of the National Commission on Disability, Evelyn Hamilton, paid a visit to the National Resource Centre, accompanied by Commissioner Ganesh Singh.

Also present was Vice-Chair of the Commission on Disability, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.

Coach Graves proceeded to run a presentation on persons with disabilities and explained one of the sighting methods used by the visually impaired. Participants of the Course were able to witness Commissioner Ganesh Singh, who is visually impaired, utilise the tripod stand which is used as an assistive device and after 15 minutes of tutoring, Ganesh Singh took his first shot naturally, applying the principles of biomechanics as he was told and registered a score which challenged many participants into their 5th day of coaching.

Chair of the National Commission on Disability, Hamilton expressed her commitment to working with Archery Guyana to ensure that persons with disabilities can be involved in the sport of Archery.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday May 26, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) (2)

Ankit Rajpoot-5/14 (Kings) 4 centuries

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs without a half-century in the

preliminary round of IPL 2018?

(2) Who took most wickets without a four-for?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 26, 2018

Heineken UEFA Champions League viewing party set for Marriott beachfront today HEINEKEN, through its local distributors, Ansa McAl, is offering football fans an opportunity to view this year’s highly-anticipated UEFA Champions League final between holders Real Madrid and Liverpool, a chance to watch Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo in style. The game starts at 14:45hrs.

The Marriott beachfront

Heineken Portfolio Manager Darshanie Yussuf (left) stands with winner of the Heineken UCL promotion 2018, Nadia Ragnauth.

will be transformed into a ‘party stadium’ with the erecting of three 20-foot screens where hundreds of football-crazed fans are expected to gather and cheer on their favourite team and players, as they do battle in the Ukraine captain of Kiev.

According to a release from Heineken, patrons will be given a chance to win novelty Heineken priz-

es and celebrate with the Heineken Advocates and Ambassadors.

Reggae songbird Tanya Stephens will be performing live after the game and Heineken said that in the past five years of hosting the event, it has tripled in size and this year the team at Heineken plans to exceed all expectations.

Meanwhile, Heineken

UEFA Champions League 2018 www.logograb.com promotion concluded with the grand winner, Nadia Ragnauth.

The loyal consumer was the top player in the Heineken UCL/Logograb promotion and was awarded an all-inclusive package to Trinidad and Tobago to attend that country’s viewing party.

‘Lady Jags’ trample Suriname 6 – 1 … to play Barbados in crucial game tomorrow

See Page 38

From left: Guyana’s goalscorers Brianne Dessa, Tiandi Smith, Sydney Cummings, Calaigh Copeland and Brittany Persaud (Adrian Narine photos)

Mariam El-Masri (#10) battles her way around Suriname’s Stephany Henenberg during Guyana’s 6-1 win over their Dutch-speaking rivals at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

Vickery gets first automatic main draw for French Open … to play Madison Keys tomorrow See Page 38

Madison Keys Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Sachia Vickery SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2018