Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 17 05 2016

TUESDAY MAY 17, 2016

Price: $80

Protecting the prison No. 104554

(Vat Inclusive)

- Attorney Pieters hails removal of high-profile inmates

I’ve done nothing wrong

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- Broomes defends transfer of dredge to children

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

Pupils of Nismes Primary School, West Bank Demerara were in a happy mood as they were taken to the streets by their teachers for a Golden Jubilee walk on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

Boy, 10, killed Man shot Pan on the wall by allegedly for Jubilee while ironing drunken, 2 8 celebration 5 speeding cop clothes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Boy, 10, killed by allegedly drunken, speeding cop

By Michel Outridge TEN-YEAR-OLD Davin Sealey of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara, who at about 21:00 hours on Sunday went in search of his father who was at a relative’s house, was mowed down by the reportedly speeding vehicle of an allegedly drunken policeman while on the village public road.

A police release said investigations have thus far revealed that Sealey was riding a bicycle along the roadway when he was struck down by the motor vehicle driven by a police constable who was later found to be over the limit in terms of the consumption of alcohol.

After hitting the child, the vehicle collided with a parked vehicle and turned turtle.

Davin was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), while the driver received injuries and has been admitted to hospital.

Deon Sealey, father of the late Davin, said that at sometime after 20:00 hrs on Sun-

day, he left to go a relative’s home, a short distance away, and his son left home on a bicycle to go look for him when the accident occurred at Post Office Street, Sisters Village.

Deon Sealey told Guyana Chronicle he was at his brother’s house, located about two lots from the scene of the accident.

“I saw a vehicle coming at a fast rate of speed, after which it collided with a parked car and then it toppled twice before coming to a stop; but I did not know it was my son it struck,” the father said.

Deon Sealey added that when he went to the scene, he realised it was his son, and the boy appeared lifeless; his limbs were broken and he was bleeding. The grieving father said he ran home for his wife, and a neighbour took them to the hospital, where the child was pronounced dead on arrival.

The reportedly drunk driver was picked up at the scene and taken to the hospital for medical attention. He allegedly was so intoxicated that he had to be assisted out of his car.

A post-mortem is expected to be performed on Davin on Wednesday.

The child’s mother, Tealica Thomas, was inconsolable on Monday when Guyana Chronicle visited her home.

She was wailing loudly and had to be comforted by relatives who had gathered at their Lot 34 Sisters Village home.

Davin was the eldest child of five siblings, and had been a pupil of Patentia Primary School.

The lad’s grandfather, Titus Thomas, 57, told Guyana Chronicle that the family needs justice. He pointed out that no policeman should be

speeding, much less driving under the influence and causing death. He contended that lawlessness on the roadway has been taken to a new low, and said the way the police deal with these matters leaves much to be desired.

When the family went to the Wales Police Station to report the accident, they were reportedly chased out of the building by an officer, and had to make their way home through the rain.

Acting Traffic Chief Boodnarine Persaud told Guyana Chronicle that, this year, the Traffic Department recorded 50 road accidents with 54 deaths. Of that total, four were children.

During the corresponding period last year, there were 31 road accidents with 40 deaths, nine of which were children.

The acting Traffic Chief has said that road safety is everybody’s business, and apart

Dead: Davin Sealey from traffic enforcement and education campaigns, everyone has to play a role in promoting vigilance.

He noted that in almost all the weekend fatalities, speeding and drunk driving, coupled with inattentiveness, were the leading contributors.

Persaud is of the view that the fine for drunk driving is too minimal, as too many persons continue to drink and drive.

The ill-fated motorcar is parked outside the Wales Police Station

Who’s on Page 2 Name: Corwin Williams Age: 52 years old Marital Status: Single Born: July 23rd 1964, Georgetown Public Hospital Address: Lot 2312, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown Profession/Occupation: Professional photographer Hobbies: Fishing

Tealica Thomas, Davin Sealey’s mother, and two of her children

Corwin Williams was born to Albert Williams, a former employee of the Transport and Harbours Department, and Evelyn Williams, an industrious home maker.

He graduated from the GuySuCo Apprenticeship Training School in 1984 as a Fitter Mechanic and Welder.

His Motto: Do unto others as you would want others do for you

Davin Sealey’s grandfather, Titus Thomas, with Davin’s siblings on Monday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

I’ve done nothing wrong - Broomes defends transfer of dredge to children

By Ariana Gordon Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes said she “will not buckle” as allegations of conflict of interest continue to surface following the transfer of a dredge to her children.

Broomes, a miner for more than 28 years, told reporters on Monday that she will stand up to all the challenges before her, while asserting that “there is no conflict of interest” and “I have done nothing wrong”.

The minister explained that she and her family have been involved in mining for more than two decades and when she became Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, she decided to transfer her dredge, which has been out of operation for a number of years, to her children.

“I am not responding to the attack but I am giving clarity to the issue… what is circulating is very deliberate and I expected it,” she told reporters during a media briefing at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Brickdam.

She was at the time making reference to an article carried by the Stabroek News on Sunday and one carried by the Guyana Times on Monday.

Both articles alleged conflict of interest by the transfer, but Broomes reiterated that she has done nothing wrong.

“I transferred a dredge… I did not transfer a Mining Permit (MP) to my daughter… a dredge is what I transferred…that is all I transferred,” she added as she explained that the dredge has been in existence for decades.

The minister added that the allegation of conflict of interest is vexatious, as she has no role to play in the granting of permission to mine. Broomes applied for the transfer of the dredge to her children, one of whom bears the same first and last names, as she.

“To say that special favours were handed down is false. I have no saying in these matters.” The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), she said is responsible for the granting of permission for the transfer of dredge from one person to another. Permission was granted by GGMC for the transfer of the dredge SD 1967 from Minister Broomes to her two children.

The minister said citizens need to be cautious of the attempts by several to malign her and her family. She said she wrote to Commissioner of GGMC earlier this year requesting that the dredge be transferred to her children.

That permission was granted, but the signing of the

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes documents could not have been done immediately, as her children were abroad and had to return to Guyana to finalise the process.

NO SPECIAL PRIVILEGES Broomes added that her children, who are involved in the industry have no choice but to comply with the laws. She said her position as a minister would not grant them special privileges.

“While my children are in the sector, they have no other door to go through but the right one…. I think it is very outstanding that a minister has a child towing the line and going by the law… I have always taught my children to be law abiding,” she noted, while adding that the issues were foreseeable.

“I knew that my involvement in this Ministry would have posed a lot of problems,” Broomes stated.

Broomes said too, should there be a real issue of conflict of interest, she will not be responsible for the handling of the matter, as that lies with Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman.

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Additionally, the minister said she was not asked by any Government official to transfer her dredge to her children.

“My children are Guyanese, the Constitution says every Guyanese has a right to earn… to move an attack from me to my children… Why would one want to drag my children through the mud? My children have committed no crime,” she asserted.

Additionally, the Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources said she worked as a miner all her life and struggled to achieve all she has. Minister Broomes noted that she has always been transparent and that will not change with her post as a minister of Government.

Broomes said functioning as a minister, while having devious people attempt to malign her character and integrity is not easy, but she will not give up.

“It is not an easy task, but I am committed. I am one of the female ministers that will stand tall and I will not buckle… I am in mining all my life, what are my children to do? Leave everything on the ground and flee?”

The minister said over the years she has suffered as a miner. Her children, she said, have recently restarted mining after years of challenges.

“We had to flee… there were gun attacks… we had to leave everything and flee… I suffered for activism,” said Minister Broomes, who was honoured by the United States Secretary of State John Kerry as one of the 2013 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report Heroes.

She called on those making allegations against her to educate themselves before making spurious claims.

“Persons have to read more, study more and understand more before they make statements, they are making wild statements,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 17, 2016

Linden Town Week opens

By Vanessa Braithwaite

CHILDREN adorned in costumes of the national colours danced through the streets of Linden on Sunday evening, accompanied by the instrumental music of the scouts’ band, whose army proudly showcased their military march, giving homage to the newly-elected Mayor and Members of Parliament.

A feeling of patriotism permeated the air as spectators, some holding national flags in their hands, and even clad with the national colours, anxiously witnessed the opening parade of Linden Town Week 2016.

Young Andela Alexander’s mind-blowing rendition of the National Anthem raised the hairs on the backs of many. A solemn quietness was broken on her final key. Many Lindeners expressed the feeling of joy to celebrate their town, saying that they have been marginalised for many years.

This year’s celebration

is indeed significant, as the people of the mining town will, over the next 10 days, be celebrating 46 years as a town, 50 years as a nation, 20 years of Linden Town Week, and 100 years of bauxite mining.

Mayor Carwyn Holland, in his feature address, told the audience that there is much to celebrate. He urged the people to unify their minds, as the development to come requires a cooperative effort, and pessimism and malice will only stymie progress and create division.

“As we rebuild Linden, I call for us to collaborate in every corner, in every sector, to shore up the most vulnerable parts of our town.

We need a collective effort to promote a secure environment where businesses can thrive and investments will plot,” stressed the Mayor.

He said he would not make grand unrealistic promises to give false hope and create mistrust in the public, but would fulfill what was promised with discipline and hard work.

“This is our time. We can and will return to a better place, where people from across the nation and overseas will once again flock for the best in products and services…. Linden will be

Mayor Carwyn Holland takes the salute from a march past. Also in photo are A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Member of Parliament (MP) Jermaine Figueira and other regional officials To achieve this, the May- but cooperation and involvethe place to be; Linden will or said, assistance is needed ment. be the model of true develfrom the diaspora, and not As he officially opened opment; Linden will be great only though financial means, Linden Town Week, the again.”

These young ladies do a march past at the opening of Linden Town Week

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Mayor said he is looking forward to the cultural presentations celebrating the region’s wealth and cultural resources.

The opening ceremony also saw several other cultural performances by local artistes such as Dianna Chapman, Lisa Punch, Quacy Ace and Calvin Burnette.

The delegates of the big, bold and beautiful pageant that will be held on Thursday were also introduced in addition to the finalists of the high school supanova singing competition.

The Anglican dance group performed several dances, and academics and sports achievers were rewarded for their successes during the year.

Linden Town Week Chairman Devin Sears gave a synopsis of the scores of activities, ranging from cultural, sporting, entertainment, educational and tourism. The event was also attended

by Deputy Mayor Waneka Arindel, Minister of Communities Valarie Patterson, Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Audwin Rutherford, Head of NICIL Horace James, Community Development Councils’ Deputy Director Sandra Adams and several councillors. Linden Town Week is held under the theme “Reflection, Resilience and Rediscover Linden, Celebrate who we are”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17 , 2016

Pan on the wall for Jubilee celebration “PAN on the Wall”, which features concerts simultaneously occurring at two spots on the seawall, is one of the many activities that have been planned to include steelband music into the Jubilee celebration, according to Music Development Officer and Administrator of National Music School, Andrew Tyndall.

Tyndall said the two locations are the bandstand and the 1863 Monument, and the concerts will be held during the period May 19-21. He explained that the first major steel pan music event was held on April 23, a signal steel band concert at the National Cultural Centre.

“Of course, when you go to the National Cultural Centre it is exclusive, and some people feel that they are excluded from that activity,” Tyndall explained, hence the idea for the Pan on

de Wall, to bring the music to the people, he said.

According to Tyndall, Pan on de Wall provides the opportunity for the public to attend the music session with no restriction, no dress code. “You can come out and have your food right here, things which you would not be able to do at the National Cultural Centre,” he pointed out.

The event features six of the top steel pans in Guyana: the Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra, North Ruimveldt Multilateral School Band, the Guyana Police Force Steel Band, the Guyana Defence Force Steel Band, the Parkside Steel Orchestra and the National Steel Orchestra.

According to Tyndall, the groups will be presenting a diverse repertoire of music, including classical, reggae, calypso, jazz, chutney, and fusion, and at both locations on the seawall. He explained

that the use of two locations is to ensure that there will be two different audiences. “We did not just want to have one area and have people crowding to see what is happening.

So it will be spread out so that everyone has an opportunity to come out and listen to the bands,” he said.

Other activities planned in commemoration of the country’s 50th Independence anniversary, and with steel pan music in mind, include, in the month of June, a series of regional and community concerts.

Tyndall noted that the concerts are part of the celebratory aspects of the 50th celebration. There are also several educational aspects.

Tyndall explained that a magazine is being developed, which will focus on the history of steel pan music as well as examine steel pan music in its present state, and how to move the art form forward.

PPP fighting hard to regain power -says Rohee

PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has signalled that it is on the move to regain governmental power come 2020, when Guyanese head to the polls for General and Regional Elections.

Party General Secretary Clement Rohee said during a press conference on Monday that members are on the ground mobilising party supporters, and have accordingly been missing key State activities such as GuyExpo.

Apart from their activities, Rohee said, the party was uncomfortable with a few pronouncements made

by President David Granger during his State of the Republic Address on Thursday,

-- criticises President’s speech in Parliament

May 12.

“Heavy emphasis was placed on high-sounding and lofty ideals such as social cohesion and national unity… the President spoke about using this special year to usher in an era of social peace, political collaboration and economic prosperity for generations,” said the PPP General Secretary.

However, he said the PPP is asking for an explanation as to how the “bridges” of which the President spoke will be built, and how trust will be restored in this “hostile, anti-democratic and anti-people environment (that is) characterised by fear and intimidation engineered by his own administration, which he spoke so glowingly and glibly about”.

According to Rohee, the “absence of national unity has led to political and economic fatigue”, and is a reflection of a yawning gap between political rhetoric and the socio-economic realities obtaining in Guyana today.

Rohee also criticised the APNU+AFC’s advertisement, “Guyana Unleashed”, placed in the daily news-

papers to mark one year in Government. He contended that things such as increased salaries for public servants, press freedom restored, Local Government Elections held after 22 years, political victimisation abolished, 3 new townships, restored billions from phantom accounts to treasury, over $40 billion for Public Security, lower crime rates, and aggressive crime-solving are issues that have been dealt with marginally.

Since taking office, the APNU+AFC administration has increased public servants’ salaries, held free and fair Local Government Elections, launched operation dragnet and solved several high profile cases.

During the month of August, there is also a planned Steel Band symposium. For this event, a tent or booth will be set up during the hosting of the Youth Village in August. Tyndall explained that, during the exercise, persons will be taught how to play the pan. “Those persons who are there and are interested in learning,” he said.

There will also be a video demonstration on how the steel band is made.

Other activities planned for the 50th celebration include a number of workshops that deal with composing and arranging music, and how to produce better music and better instruments in the future.

The activities will end in November with a Steel Band Music Festival and Awards Ceremony at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Tyndall explained that persons who have made major contributions to the art form over the past 50 years will receive awards.

(GINA)

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GuySuCo denies appointing Vieira as operations director THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has denied appointing Anthony Vieira as its Field Operations Director, contradicting a report carried in this newspaper on Monday.

GuySuCo said the inaccuracy of the headline “Vieira takes charge” which accompanied the story “is a clear indication of the irresponsibility of your newspaper in not verifying the facts –particularly (regarding) an obviously important announcement which in any case would have been formally made by GuySuCo.” According to GuySuCo, there is no descriptor in GuySuCo called ‘Field Operations’, nor is there such a position as ‘Director, Field Operations’.

“In the apparent absence of any understanding of the structure or operations of GuySuCo, logic suggests that it behooved a responsible journalist to verify the accuracy of any related information, rather than be embarrassed by a clear act of recklessness. We insist, therefore, on an appropriate retraction of this story as expeditiously as possible,” GuySuCo said.

Vieira is the son of Joe Vieira, whose business acumen and expertise have been of great importance to the development of Guyana in the agricultural sector.

The former Administrative Manager of GuySuCo Estate was appointed Field Superintendent for technical matters in 1965 after obtaining a Diploma in Plant Anatomy and Physiology at the Tropical School of Agriculture in Trinidad and at the University of Guyana.

He was promoted to Assistant Field Manager in 1969, and Field Manager in 1973; and finally Administrative Manager in 1976 at the Versailles Sugar Estate. In 1983, Vieira pioneered the first television broadcast station in Guyana, for which he was awarded the Medal of Service.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 17, 2016

OP-ED

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Towards a green economy

AS THIS country takes the initiative to become a ‘Green Economy’, it is pivotal to get the Guyanese people fully equipped for the transition and the benefits deriving from such. President David Granger and former President Baharat Jagdeo have made great strides in this transition, but it can be realised only with a greater involvement of the Guyanese community and by decentralising some of the functions from central government.

Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) can be part of the solution. CBNRM has proven to be one of the most successful ways of managing natural resources worldwide. The Guyana REDD+ Monitoring Reporting & Verification System (MRVS) 2014 Five Report indicated that mining is accountable for 87 percent of the deforestation during that year, and that without drastic and well calculated measures, this will be the dominant practice for years to come, having a negative impact on what we want as a nation. For us to conserve our pristine rainforests, we all need to take action now. There are many models of conservation all over the world, and CBNRM has proven to be very successful.

The impact of deforestation due to mining is one all Guyanese should be concerned about. We have all heard and read reports of the effects of reckless mining in all of the regions: the muddy rivers, large ponds, vast land clearing, chemical-filled ponds, destruction of the flora and fauna, piles of debris, heaps of soil, all affecting the health and wellbeing of our people.

CBNRM is a win-win situation for preventing deforestation and preserving Guyana’s pristine rainforest.

With CBNRM, the government, the people, and experts can combine their knowledge in the management of our natural resources in a way that will be beneficial to all.

This can be achieved by making each Guyanese a direct beneficiary in the conservation efforts, and providing the opportunities for them to benefit directly and indirectly from conservation.

Through this approach, we will all have a new sense of appreciation, and obligation to preserve our natural heritage by helping the government implement the laws; and hold each investor, as well as miner, both large- and smallscale, accountable for extracting our resources in a sustainable manner. These responsibilities will not fall solely on the government, with its limited resources, but the whole country will have a vested interest in our heritage, and in actively participating in the conservation efforts.

CBNRM can also help expand our eco-tourism in-

International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia

TODAY, 17 May 2016, marks the celebration of the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia; and the European Union and British High Commission join Guyana and the rest of the world in commemorating this significant day.

Today we reiterate our strong and unwavering commitment to the equality and dignity of all human beings, irrespective of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

The European Union and British High Commission wish to pay homage to the resolute and courageous advocacy efforts carried out by individuals and civil society organisations in Guyana and around the world, in addressing the discrimination faced by LGBTI persons. Their work has been crucial, every step of the way, in putting these issues on the table, documenting abuses, and advocating for the effective protection of fundamental human rights. The EU and British High Commissions have been proud to provide support to Guyanese activists such as the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) in their struggle to obtain protection from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Guyana is a democracy based on respect for the rule of law, and indeed is one of the few countries to have an anti-discrimination framework that is very close to comprehensive.

The missing element is, of course, that Guyana does not

protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The right to equality and the protection of all persons against discrimination are fundamental norms of international human rights law.

The European Union and the British Government are committed to the principles of equality and non-discrimination. The member states contain very different peoples, we speak different languages, and we have different cultures; but we are united in our commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Of course, democracy does not mean that the will of the majority must always prevail. Democracy means accepting people who are different, respecting their right to be different, and not discriminating against them because they are different. We are united in our commitment to respect the dignity of one another. On this, the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we encourage Guyana to act on the main recommendations delivered in the framework of its second United Nations Universal Periodic Review, held in January 2015, in particular regarding decriminalisation of consensual same-sex intimacy between adult men, and cross-dressing.

Regards, GREG QUINN: UK High Commissioner JERNEJ VIDETIC: European Union

M. Maxwell is not a real person Dear Editor

M. MAXWELL is not a real person. He is not in the GECOM database.

M. Maxell continues the odious deception of using a fictitious African name to speak on issues affecting Africans when he is indeed of another ethnic origin.

This prominent lawyer/ professional is well known to us. His most recent intervention was his argument that the APNU is abusing the Cummingsburg Ac-

cord. Having been a close friend of Cheddi Jagan and a Burnham hater, he has transformed himself into the cowardly personality of M. Maxwell, who hides behind a curtain of deception to address his historical problems with Burnham, which have metastasized into a general hate for Africans in Guyana, including those in the current government.

If newspaper editors continue to print his letters, fully knowing no such person exists, I would rec-

dustry, thus creating opportunities for a large number of small-, medium- and large-scale businesses. This could become more widespread in Guyana with increased community participation. Cardenas-Torres et al (2007) posited that “to derive financial gain for local communities from conservation is through ecotourism, especially for projects that focus on protecting dramatic wildlife that attracts visitors”.

CBNRM was adopted in many countries of the world: Nepal (Forest Users Groups), Namibia (Community-Based Organization), and the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development (IIC) have adopted a CBNRM approach to conservation, co-managing with the local communities, international community and the government is the most successful way to preserve our

ommend they read the proposed Cybercrime law. In any case, I will respond to him the next time using his real name. Failing all, I will ask Christopher Ram to use his forensic auditing skills to find out the true identity of this intellectual coward and Peeping Tommy.

Now to the matters the invisible M. Maxwell has raised. His first issue is similar to that raised by Paul Chekana in his article in the Guyana Times entitled “Eric Phillips has offended the

Guyanese Indigenous People”. In that article, Paul Chekana claims “The Wai Wais, like all indigenous peoples, have been nomadic peoples before settling in the land which is now known as Guyana. As such, the entire South America belongs to us, and the national boundaries which created Guyana have not stopped us, even now, from engaging in cross-border acSee page 7

rainforest. Research has shown that our own Amerindian communities use a community-based approach to resource management.

Using the CBNRM approach, the communities assist the government in enforcing environmental policies leading to best practices in land reclamation, since this is never being done after mining.

Getting the community involved as part of a three-way partnership (Government, communities and international organisations) will ensure that mining companies will restore the environment. CBNRM will help create more awareness and a sense of ownership of our natural heritage. It can change the economy; restore biodiversity, preserve our rainforest, and lead to Guyana becoming the world’s first ‘Green Economy’.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17 , 2016

The EPA adheres to its mandate

--according to the Environmental Protection Act (1996)

Dear Editor, THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to the letters written

by Mr. Charles P. Ceres, which were published in the May 10, 2016 issue of the Stabroek News and Guyana Chronicle, and hereby issues a response as to the functions–- which have been called into question -- of the Agency in executing its mandate under the Environmental Protection Act, No. 11, 1996.

EPA HAS THE AUTHORITY TO COMPILE A LIST OF CONSULTANTS The EPA has the authority, under the Environmental Protection Act, 1996, to compile and amend a list of approved persons to carry out environmental impact assessments, as stipulated in clauses. Clause 4. (3) states: In the exercise of its functions, the Agency shall Compile and amend, from time to time, with the assistance of internationally recognised environmental groups, a list of approved persons who have the qualifications and experience to carry out environmental impact assessments.

Clause 11 (4) states: Every environmental impact assessment shall be carried

out by an independent and suitably qualified person approved by the Agency.

EPA’S PROCEDURES FOR REGISTRATION OF CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN LONG ESTABLISHED These stipulations under the Act were operationalized in the early years of the Agency after deliberations by the relevant Boards, and by Management of the Agency well before the current staff was employed.

Further, it is instructive to note that the writer of the letters was a member of the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) when the operationalization of these stipulations was deliberated at the level of the Boards.

Referring to Clause ‘4(3) a’ of the Act, the approved procedure of the Agency in compiling a list of consultants is: (i) Consultants register with the Agency using the online Consultants’ Registration Form, and pay an annual administrative fee of US$15; and, (ii) Consultants submit information relevant to their qualifications and experience, along with the form. In the form the consultant makes a declaration to uphold professional and academic standards by affixing his/her signature to

the form.

Further, the EPA requires that an EIA be done by a team of consultants; this is in the public domain, and is reflected on its website (www.epaguyana.org): “The EIA is done by a team of independent consultants selected by the developer and approved by the EPA. Each consultant must have knowledge and experience relating to at least one relevant area of the project; and together, the team must be able to comprehensively assess the impacts of the project on all areas of the environment, including the human population”.

It is important to note that the Agency does not deny anyone opportunity to register. Consultants register on their own free will and determination that they are qualified in their area of expertise and are competent to undertake the necessary environmental studies. The information in the registration forms are then compiled by the EPA, and this list is shared with developers who may require the services of consultants.

The EPA’s records show that eleven consultants were registered in 2013, twenty (20) in 2014, nineteen (19) in 2015, and eleven (11) in

2016. The list for 2016 comprises Esan Cadogan; Coastal Dynamics Limited (CDL) (T&T); Natasha Sawh; NRM Solutions (T&T); Green Engineering (T&T); Environmental Management Consultants (EMC); Environmental Sciences Limited (ESL) (T&T); CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (T&T); SYGMA Environmental (T&T); Eustace Alexander; and, Godfrey Marshall.

More details on these consultants can be obtained from the Agency.

EPA AMENDS THE LIST OF CONSULTANTS ANNUALLY Another aspect of Clause ‘4(3) a’ is that of amending the list from time to time. The Agency follows the approved procedure of amending the list annually.

However, in the event that a developer sources a consultant not on the list, then the Agency requests that the registration of that consultant be undertaken, and the list is amended.

It must be emphasized that consultants are required to register annually. The Agency cannot assume that a registered consultant of a particular year would be available in the following year. In this regard, while

Mr. Ceres has registered previously, he has not registered since 2014, hence the Agency could not put his name on the current list of consultants.

NO NEED AS YET TO CONSULT WITH INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED GROUPS A third aspect of Clause ‘4(3) a’ is that of the Agency seeking the assistance of internationally recognised environmental groups in compiling and amending the list of consultants. This particular stipulation addresses the concern that the expertise in some areas may be lacking locally, and as a recourse the Agency may approach international groups to provide assistance in identifying relevant experts. If the need arises, the Agency would explore this option.

Screening criteria for consultants are under review.

The Agency is currently developing more robust screening criteria to align with international standards in identifying and approving qualified and experienced environmental consultants.

Upon completion, these criteria will be submitted to the EAB for approval.

It should be noted that

Clause 11(4) is the determining stipulation with regards to conducting EIAs. For every EIA, the developer has to submit a list of consultants to be approved by the Agency in order to undertake the studies and the preparation of the EIA. It should be noted that the current system does not specify separate criteria for firms and individuals. This issue would, however, be addressed when the screening criteria for registration of environmental consultants are revised.

The EPA records indicate that the application fee of US$15 per year has been in place since registration began in 2001. This fee is also expected to be revised.

In closing, the EPA consistently adheres to the stipulations in the Environmental Protection Act, a practice it will endeavour to continue do. However, as issues are highlighted by stakeholders, the Agency would endeavour to rectify them. In this regard, the Agency would welcome any contribution the public may have regarding issues in the legislation of the Agency.

Regards, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

M. Maxwell is not a real ... from page 7

tivities with our brothers and sisters in Brazil”.

M. Maxwell seems to take the same position that the Indigenous People came first and own all of Guyana (and South America).

Most of the upset seems to be because I exposed the inconvenient truth that 3 tribes in Guyana, who have already received some of the 13.8% of Guyana by

Law, came here 100 to 200 years after Africans. No one, including Maxwell, has disputed this historical fact.

Maxwell speaks about Amerindians being the first, followed by Europeans then Africans third.

But for a man of many degrees, M. Maxwell seems to be uneducated. Were Maxwell to read Guyanese born Ivan van Sertima’s book “They came before Columbus”, Max-

well should feel ashamed of himself. Secondy, were Maxwell to read the epic story “The Journey of Man” by American Scientist Spencer Wells -- who proves by genetic analysis that Africans were the first people on Earth; and in India, and in China, and in Australia, and in the Americas, including Brazil and the USA -- Maxwell could be better educated about the facts of life.

Finally, if both Paul

Chekana and M. Maxwell were to google the name LUZIA, they may, to their own horror, find that LUZIA was the name given to the African skeleton found in Brazil in 1995. That skeleton proved that Africans were here before Amerindians. This is perhaps another inconvenient truth for Maxwell.

With the logic of both Maxwell and Chekana, Africans should own the entire world. But Maxwell

knows all these facts, the educated man he claims to be. His ethnic interests and his innate desire to deny Africans their rights and contributions have created subliminal and personal clashes with moral, ethical and legal truths.

Next, Maxwell shows his disdain for Africans in Guyana by asking pseudo-intellectual Darwinian question such as: ‘what would Africans do with

the land? What about mixed people? What about those in the diaspora? Etc, etc.

Strangely, M. Maxwell has never asked this of Amerindians, who already have 13.8% percent of Guyana; and to the Waispaichan, who already have part of that 13.8 per cent but want another 10 per cent Regards, ERIC PHILLIPS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Armogan: Golden Jubilee celebrations will be a resounding success - many businesses onboard

REGION 6 Regional Chairman David Armogan is optimistic that their activities for the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence will be a resounding success since many businesses are onboard for both the region’s float parade, as well as the one to be staged in Georgetown.

He told the G uyana Chronicle that they launched their Jubilee activities two weeks ago and the Minister within the Ministry of Education with responsibility for Sport, Nicolette Henry was there for the opening.

Armogan stated that since then, they have had a few activities but because of the inclement weather the street

lime had to be postponed.

FOOD FESTIVAL IN NA The Regional Chairman said that they are hoping they will be able to pull off their street affair, which will bring out hundreds of Berbicians for the Food Festival in New Amsterdam this week.

In addition, he said they have quite a few indoor activities, including sports, as well as debating competitions in schools.

Armogan told this newspaper that for the float parade they have a-100 strong participant band.

He said they also have a float parade in New Amsterdam as well, and many businesses are expected to

participate, making it the biggest parade ever for Guyana’s 50th anniversary.

BUSINESS IN BERBICE Meanwhile, Armogan explained that business in the region has been very slow as elsewhere in Guyana. He explained that it is because money is not circulating and so the spending power of many people has diminished significantly.

Sales have dropped and this has been noted for about a year now where sales have gone down to almost 50%, compared to two years ago.

Armogan noted that the Berbice economy depends heavily on rice and sugar.

Many Berbicians are sugar

Youth freed of raping 13-year-old A 22-YEAR-OLD youth who was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl four years ago was freed on Monday.

When the charge was read to him, he had pleaded not guilty, and was told that 12 jurors in court would be selected to try his case.

The accused, Chris, was unrepresented by counsel as he awaited the outcome.

The first witness to be called was the victim, who related her name to the prosecution. But apart

from admitting that she was the one responsible for the report of rape that was engaging the court, the victim declared that she does not wish to pursue the case, and would not be leading any evidence against the accused.

As a consequence, the prosecution was unable to lead further evidence in the matter.

The jury being put in charge of the accused, it was the judge’s duty to direct the jury to return a verdict of

not guilty in favour of the accused.

Following the jury’s verdict of not guilty, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow advised the accused to walk the straight and narrow path, since he might not be so lucky again.

Before the matter was decided, the victim had told the judge that no one had told her what to say, nor did anyone pay her.

She said she was concerned with burying the past and looking forward to the future.

Jamaicans remanded for narco-trafficking Two Jamaicans have been nabbed at the Number 79 Foreshore in the Upper Corentyne, attempting to leave the country via ‘back track’ with 7.17kg of cannabis sativa.

Benjamin Carrington, 29, of Lot 12 Papeen Campus, Kingston 12, and his travelling companion Dian Patterson, 22, of the same address, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at Springlands Court on Monday, where they pleaded not guilty to the charge of being in possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

They were refused bail and were remanded to the New Amsterdam Prison, where they will remain until May 30.

On May 12, at about 16:15hrs, a policeman was on duty at the Number 78 Foreshore conducting searches on passengers who had intended to travel to Suriname via the ’back track’ route when a black suitcase was presented by the male defendant Carrington. The suitcase was found to have a false bottom.

Further checks revealed six compacted, square-shaped, black-plastic-bagged parcels containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Carrington and Patterson were escorted to Springlands Police Station, where the narcotic was weighed and sealed in their presence.

Patterson reportedly told investigators that she entered Guyana two days prior to the incident on an invitation of her lover. She claimed not to have been aware of his business dealing. However, she is concerned that her parents may not know of her whereabouts.

Regional Chairman, Region 6, David Armogan workers and once sugar is not doing well, automatically the spending power would decrease as well.

The regional official added that the out-of-crop period is longer and the prognosis is not good since a lot of people are employed in the sugar industry.

CRIME SITUATION Moreover, Armogan observed that the crime situation has escalated in the region over the past five to six months and it seems to be getting worse by the day. He further stated that almost every night someone gets robbed and more so the business community is being targeted.

Armogan noted that with the increase in armed robberies, fear has gripped the general population because they don’t know who is next and now businesses are closing up earlier than usual.

He said the bandits are attacking the business people and it is a worrying trend in the region, but they have had meetings with the police who have highlighted their efforts so far.

Armogan pointed out that while the police are trying to implement newer strategies to fight crime, especially on the Corentyne, the bandits seem to be a step ahead.

Man shot while ironing clothes A SALESMAN is nursing gunshot injuries at New Amsterdam Hospital, following a shooting incident on Sunday while he was ironing clothing at his residence at Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

The incident reported occurred around 20:00 hours and Satraz Bacchus, called “Andrew”, 31, is currently a patient at Ward Eight, male surgical wards at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

The modest one storied wooden edifice in which Bacchus lived has a lone incomplete stairway. The house is secured by a sheet of plyboard.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Bacchus said he was at home “doing some ironing” when he observed a hand moving a plyboard that blocked the doorway.

On seeing the hand, he shouted thief! thief!, then suddenly, he heard three loud explosions and felt a burning sensation on his upper right leg.

He did not see who shot him, nor did he lose consciousness during the ordeal.

However, his shouts for help alerted his neighbours and they hurriedly went to the Rose Hall Police Outpost to report the matter.

The bloodied injured man was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital by cops, but he was subsequently transferred to New Amsterdam Hospital, where he remains a patient. Investigations are continuing.

He said the bandits are using technology to plan crimes and utilise cell phones to coordinate attacks and remain aware of what is happening around them.

The senior regional official stated that even some locals are involved and feed information to criminal elements, who have been successful in carrying out robberies.

DEVELOPMENTAL PLANS Armogan told this newspaper that they will roll out their regional programmes to be executed with money provided to further develop the region.

He stated that they have been allocated $490M in the capital budget and a further $1B in current expenditure, which will also see several contracts being given out for remedial works and repairs to schools and public buildings, etc.

Baby, 7 others injured in Mahaica accident

A THREE-MONTH-OLD baby and seven others were injured in a collision between a minibus and a car on the Mahaica Public Road, East Coast Demerara early on Monday morning.

The minibus was reportedly travelling towards Georgetown when a car travelling in the opposite direction allegedly lost control and collided with the minibus.

The victims of the accident were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where they received medical attention.

Three occupants in the car and six passengers in the minibus were reportedly taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

A hospital source said none of the injured is in critical condition.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Keeping faith in labour (Below is part of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s speech delivered on Labour Day 2016 at the National Park)

By Moses Nagamootoo TODAY, May Day 2016, brings back the famous words of Martin Luther King: “Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

Fifty years ago, Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan, two irreplaceable national leaders, embraced as we welcomed independence as a sovereign nation. That embrace had symbolised national unity.

It was short-lived.

Today, 50 years later, when we are observing our Golden Prime Minister, Jubilee as an independent Moses Nagamootoo state, the two factions of the labour movement – GTUC and FITUG – embraced. Today is a celebration of working class, ethnic and national unity, even symbolically so. Let us hope that this is the first giant step towards the reunification of the working class movement in Guyana.

Last year, on this day, when David Granger and I joined the march, it ended up at two separate venues. It was our version of labour apartheid. Today, there is apparent reconciliation.

There still remain two factions, but one march. Let the healing begin, not only among our trade unions, but among our people, especially our working people.

HOMECOMING For me, this is homecoming today. I have always considered myself as a labour man. The labour movement has been my political incubator. The red flag, for me, remains the symbol of struggle and the banner of our Guyana revolution. As a politician and journalist, I have come to know, over a period of 40 years, some of the finest trade unionists -- like Joseph Pollydore, Ashton Chase, Harrylall, Boysie Ramkarran, Bertis Bangaree, Gordon Todd, George Daniels, N.K. Gopaul, Komal Chand, Norris Witter, Patrick Yarde, Lincoln Lewis and many others. They have invariably stood at the cutting edge of struggles, and at times (were) viewed as “enemies of the state” due to an authoritarian political impulse that had intruded into the labour arena.

Today we must leave that past behind us. I can assure you that you have friends in Government; you are our allies and partners. Labour forms an important part in our model of industrial, trade union and participatory democracy.

Just as I had done throughout my career, I came to Government with a genuine commitment to labour. In the 2015 Coalition Manifesto, I said this: “The success of our plans depends on genuine partnership between state and investors and with trade unions and workers. There must be a new day for both business and labour”. Page 7.

MANIFESTO PLEDGES Our Manifesto pledged (page 25): 1. Restoration of collective bargaining throughout the Public Service. Collective bargaining has been slaughtered in Guyana some 20 years ago.

2. End fragmentation and restore solidarity and dignity to the labour movement 3. Restore the check-off system for automatic deduction of union dues 4. Ensure that Guyanese are employed at all projects 5. Provide subventions to all legally constituted and functioning trade unions.

6. Restore the Government subvention to Critchlow Labour College, to ensure that there is reproduction of union leadership through training, and that the children of workers secure an education.

7. Reform and modernise Public Service 8. Establish a salaries review commission SALARIES On the latter, I wish to say this: We are committed to pay salary increase for 2016 after submission of the CoI Report. It is this Government that has decided to reform the Public Service, and part of this reformation is not only a training college for you, but to have a commission to evaluate what you do and have stratification of job responsibilities and assignments, so that you can be compensated in accordance with your work.

Instead of one-off, we would wish a long-range arrangement that goes beyond wages and salaries. We want a return to merit increments. We must reward hard work and honesty.

We must professionalise the public service and restore respect and commitment to duty.

NEW ARRANGEMENT Much has been said, as if this Government, which is a partner of labour, has been sitting on its hands in these last 12 months. But I want to let you know that the contours of this new arrangement I talked about have been emerging:(A)We paid a small, modest, wage increase, then topped it up with a $5,000 incentive (B)We increased the minimum wage to $50,000.

(C)We raised income tax threshold from $600,000 to $660,000. This benefits 68,000 workers.

Guyana in moves to strengthen weather, climate services IN KEEPING with its mandate to observe, archive and understand Guyana’s weather and climate, the Hydrometeorological arm of the Ministry of Agriculture facilitated the opening ceremony for the National Consultation on Climate Services (NCCS) and National Climate Outlook Forum.

The workshop is scheduled to last three days with persons from various local and international organisations and agencies such as the Government Information Agency (GINA),the University of Guyana, Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), among others, giving presentations on various studies relating to weather and climatic conditions.

During his opening remarks at the ceremony, Deputy Chief

Hydromet Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings, stated that “in recent years, hydromet has been seeking to build capacities and establish partnerships with other organisations.” The forum is intended to encourage participation among persons, while gaining knowledge on the development of user driven climate services and the rationale, objectives, key components and implementation priorities of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). It was designed to simplify information on weather and climatic conditions so that it can be easily understood.

During his presentation, Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology CIMH representative, Dr Cédric J. Van Meerbeeck, stated that climate information prepare us for the weather that we will experience and that climate services provide climate information in a way that assists decision-making individuals and organisations.

(D)We raised old age pensions, and increased the number of these pensioners by 18% (E)We zero-rated more basic, essential items free from VAT, amounting to over $180 million (F)We reduced the price of gas and diesel at the pump (G)We reduced the residential and commercial GPL energy charges (H)We resumed transfer of subsidies to sugar workers. A tranch of $3 billion was made this year. Whilst we were in the Opposition, we voted, as bailouts for the sugar industry, some $17 billion of taxpayers’ money. Those who say they love the workers did not say that they spent $47 billion to repair a sugar factory – Skeldon -- that became a white elephant; that they placed the industry in $82 billion debt.

(I)Of course I didn’t agree with how the announcement of the closure of the Wales factory was done. I think it was a public relations disaster. And I had asked the Agriculture Minister and GuySuCo to meet the workers, talk with the workers, explain to the workers what to expect. I could not bludgeon GuySuCo’s Board, because they would say “Nagamootoo politically interfering”.

This year, the coalition set aside $43.8 billion for wages and salaries, as employment costs; and an additional $6.6 billion for benefits and allowances. The state carries employment costs of $50.4 billion for workers. Any increase has to await the report of the Commission and negotiations, to ensure that we follow procedures and best practices as regards the relations between Government and trade unions, and allow the process of collective bargaining to take its course.

LABOUR OR SOCIAL PROTECTION For us, labour is much more than fighting for wages and salaries. We are concerned about the social protection of workers. The Ministry of Social Protection must not only be concerned with labour issues, but the all-round protection of our workers. It must look into housing for workers, environmental safety, sexual harassment at places of work, child labour, trafficking and prostitution of our women, gender equity and domestic violence, and family planning.

The State must protect workers not only as workers, but as citizens. We rightly have a Ministry of Social Protection, and I applaud Minister Lawrence for carrying the burden of ensuring that we have not only to deal with wages, but the social problems of our working people.

We need the general approach; we must not take the tree for the forest.

Yes, we have our troubles, but we must have fresh hope.

Like the phoenix, we can rise from the ashes; we can be great again. We can, if we work together. We are becoming clean again. Our ‘Garden City’ will blossom again. Our towns and villages will live again!

“There needs to be collaboration between climate scientist, policy makers and sectoral investors. When information is tailored correctly it is known as an early warning system that can be disseminated through an information chain.” Dr. Meerbeeck also added that the aim of the GFCS is to improve the usefulness of information to be taken into decision making. “Agriculture feels the impacts of climatic conditions like drought faster than other sectors since agriculture primarily relies on water from the soil, where as other sectors mainly utilize water reserves.”

Participants expressed their satisfaction with the dimensions of the presentations, adding that it is important for them to get an understanding of the weather and climatic conditions if they are to go out into the field to conduct relative studies, interact with other colleagues and do news reports and documentaries. Guyana is the fifth country in the region to come on board with National NCCSs and NCOFs. Other countries include Dominica, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname. The National Consultation on Climate Services and National Climate Outlook Forum is scheduled to continue on May 17th and 19th at the Pegasus Hotel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Regions Five, Six students benefit from 60 bicycles - under President Granger’s ‘Five Bs’ Programme

SIXTY students from five schools across Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have benefited from the receipt of bicycles under President David Granger’s ‘Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books’, or “Five Bs” programme.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, under whose Ministry the programme is managed; and First Lady Sandra Granger, who has thrown her support behind the initiative, on Monday personally presented the bicycles to the students who were identified by regional educational officials.

Starting off in at the Department of Education building in New Amsterdam, (Region Six) Minister Ally and the First Lady handed over 30 of the 60 bicycles to students from the Canje Secondary School, and from Angoy’s Avenue and Sandvoort.

Addressing the students and teachers, Minister Ally said Government believes that an educated nation would help to foster a good life for all.

“This project is the vision of President Granger, because he wants every child in school to have the opportunity to have a good education, and it is not by accident or for show that he has introduced the “Bs” project.

“This project has benefited a number of students, and I hope that all the students of this region will make full use of this opportunity to ensure that they get to school on time, and not tired,” Minister Ally said. “This Government is very serious about this project. We want to give you the opportunity to have a better life in Guyana.”

The minister noted that while the Government has been in office for only a little over a year, it has impacted the education sector in almost all of the regions across the country.

“We have touched education to provide transport for our children; we have touched schools to provide footwear. So we have touched many lives in this one year, particularly in the educational aspect,” she said.

The minister said that while everything cannot be done at once, “as soon as is practicable, all the other regions will get more buses, boats and bicycles”. She thanked the corporate citizens who have been supporting the programme, stating that it is necessary to note that the Government was putting “no pressure on anyone to give what they are giving; but they understand the President’s vision and what he wants for Guyana and they, too, understand that if they invest in education, we will have a better nation”.

The First Lady, in her brief comments, said that the contributors must be appreciated, and the administration must be lauded for its efforts to realise the project. She charged the students to take care of the bicycles, noting that the machines must serve to strengthen students’ resolve and drive to pursue their education.

“It is important that we have educated people who will take decisions which can grow and develop our country,” Mrs Granger said.

OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION Region Six Educational Officer Ms Volika Jaikishun remarked that the presentation of the bicycles was a testimony to the fact that the President and the Government of Guyana were committed to providing the good life to all Guyanese.

“We are very thankful for the buses. The three buses are facilitating more than 1,000 students per day. I know that our children will make full use of the bicycles, and we know that this initiative will continue because the President has promised a good life to all Guyanese,” Ms Jaikishun said.

Region Six Executive Officer Dr Veerasammy Ramayya echoed these sentiments, noting that the bicycles provide the opportunity for students to acquire an education.

In addition, Headmistress of the Canje Secondary School, Ms Vanessa Jacobs, whose school had seven students benefiting from the donation, said she is pleased with the effort that the Government has made to ensure that the most vulnerable students are given the opportunity to get to school.

“These bicycles will be very beneficial. Some of the students who benefited from the bicycles are coming from homes which have more than one student, so you will find two persons using one bicycle, for those who received. The

catchment area for Canje Secondary School is very wide, and so they are coming from very, very far areas, so the cost for the parents is quite high; so that will be a great relief for the parents, and it will help with the punctuality of the students,” Ms. Jacobs said.

Over in Region Five, Minister Ally and the First Lady handed over another 30 bicycles to beneficiaries, including those from the Mahaicony Secondary and Novar Secondary Schools.

“Children, I hope that you will not only take care of these bicycles, but that you will be safe in riding these to your schools,” the Minister said.

Deputy Regional Education Officer Annesta Douglas said education is valued in the region, and it is good to see that the students are being given the opportunity to stay in school through the bicycles.

“These bicycles are providing the opportunity to reduce absenteeism and unpunctuality. (They are) going to make sure that our students are always on time and regular… On behalf of the Department of Education, we want to say thank you, and we will encourage them to care the bicycles,” she said.

In an invited comment, Headmistress of the Mahaicony Secondary School, Ms Francine McKenzie, said she expects the donation to impact school attendance and punctuality.

“The students who have benefited today are students

This student smiles brightly as he receives his bicycle from First Lady Sandra Granger who are often absent [and] late…. So this will get them to school. Most of them are high achievers, [but] because of the absenteeism factor they are unable to cope with the work; so I am happy to see that they are benefiting from this programme.”

Sharon Heeralall, Headmistress of Novar Secondary School, shared similar sentiments, noting that she expects that the beneficiaries will now be more motivated to attend school.

“Our absenteeism rate is very high, and we are hoping that these students will be in school regularly and punctually from now. From what I can see, they are now upbeat, and I hope that this will transcend to their attendance in school,” she said.

The Five Bs’ programme aims to ensure that all of Guyana’s children are able to get to school. The 'Boats, Buses and Bicycles' initiative started back in July 2015, when President Granger celebrated his 70th birthday and made a call for support for this initiative that will ensure transportation is provided so that children can get to school safely and comfortably.

There has since been a tremendous national response, with private citizens and businesses donating boats and engines, buses, bicycles and shoes to the programme.

The President recently added breakfast and books to the programme to ensure that all the bases are covered for children to be in school. (Ministry of the Presidency)

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger addresses students and teachers of Mahaicony Secondary School at the presentation ceremony earlier today

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger presents one of the 60 bicycles to this student from Region Six

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, addressing the students and teachers at the Department of Education in New Amsterdam

Protecting the prison

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

- Attorney Pieters hails removal of high-profile inmates

ATTORNEY-at-law Selwyn Pieters has hailed the move to transfer several high-profile inmates from the Camp Street facility.

Pieters, who recently represented the Guyana Prison Service at the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 3, tragedy at the Camp Street jail, said he hopes the inmates would use constructive means to resolve gang disputes, and deal with bullies.

Several prisoners and prison officers testified during the CoI that the culture of ‘bullyism’ and ‘gangs’ are major concerns at the penal facility.

A joint services-led “Operation Restore Order”, conducted at the prison Saturday, unearthed several contraband items, including offensive weapons, and resulted in the transfer of 15 prisoners believed to be the “ringleaders” to the high-security penal facility on the Mazaruni River, just off Bartica.

Reports reveal that the items seized during the raid include 149 cigarette lighters, 44 cell-phones, 30 cellphone batteries, a quantity of marijuana, three garden files, five tattoo machines, two kitchen knives, three phone memory cards, one hacksaw blade, 173 improvised weapons, three screwdrivers and a quantity of razor blades.

PEP TALK Pieters told the Guyana Chronicle Sunday that Director of Prisons (DoP), Carl Graham had advised prisoners at the jail during a talk with them after the search that since turning to violence helps no one, they should find constructive ways of solving disputes.

“Hopefully,” Pieters said, “the impact of this massive seizure and the transferral of the inmates on the operations of the prison would be that inmates that remain at the prison could be assured that they no longer require improvised weapons to protect themselves from the “ringleaders” or “bullies” that posed a threat to them and the officers at the Camp Street Prison.”

According to Pieters, “The operation was relatively successful, in terms of the

Barrister-at-law Selwyn Pieters extraction of the inmates identified as “ringleaders” or, for reasons of the institutional security that needed to be transferred to other prisons.”

While being extracted, Treon Douglas and Carl Browne, two inmates, actively put up resistance and directed threats, which were quickly neutralized with necessary but minimal use of force.

INCIDENT-FREE The operation was incident-free, and with the unified effort of the prison service, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Guyana Fire Service (GFS), it has restored confidence in the operations of the Prison Service, which is seriously understaffed.

“In terms of officers,” Pieters said, “the operation, hopefully, will restore their confidence that the State security apparatus, from the respective joint services, are completely with them as they perform their duties, and will assist, when and where, required to restore order.”

While prisoners made no complaints to the DoP, Pieters said “The prison had to be sanitised of illegal weapons that were in the possession of inmates.

“The nature, scope and variety of improvised weapons located are a serious cause for concern, and adds currency to the concerns that the officers related post

March 03, 2016 in respect to the fear for their lives in the yard.”

CONTRABAND ITEMS When asked how so many contraband items were in the jail, despite the recent successful search on March 2, Pieters said the wooden structures at the prison makes it exceedingly difficult to search, with some items being missed.

He recalled too that on March 04, the inner cordon of the Georgetown Prison was completely taken over by inmates, and several weapons belonging to the prison service may have been taken by the jail men.

To prevent a repeat of contraband items entering the jail, Pieters said all must be involved.

“It involved issues of ethics, trust, loyalty and security. If every rank, officer, visitor and civilian understand these tenets and stick to it, contraband being introduced into the prison could be at its minimal.”

He however pointed out that prisoners will always find creative ways to introduce contraband into the jail, and there will always be persons who are “ethically compromised, so that whatever the risk, they will ‘try a thing’ to make a few dollars”. The prison system has to be more vigilant in recognizing those persons so that they can either be dealt with departmentally or arraigned.

Officer-in-Charge at the Georgetown Prison Kevin Pilgrim said he would not speak to the press without DoP’s approval, but could only say that the operation is titled “Operation Restore Order”, “in the light of indeed restoring order” in the place that houses some of the country’s most dangerous criminals, which had over months become out of order. He said restoring order is in itself, “not a microwave situation where you just put (something) in, press two minutes and it’s over.

It takes time! The process is ongoing, and a lot of things need to be fixed.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

19-yr-old begins setting up animation network

By Akola Thompson OVER the last few years, animation in the Caribbean has become a growing and thriving industry, as more and more persons recognise the importance animation can play in the preservation of cultural history.

In Guyana, animation has, for the most part, been a small market; but with a vision to see animation grow and thrive in the country, former Bishops High School student 19-year-old Jubilante Cutting has embarked on the mission of creating an animation network.

Cutting, who first became interested in animation in the year 2013, after being a part of CARICOM’s ‘Girls for ICT day’, said she hopes the network will help to mark and solidify Guyana’s role in the future of animation.

After the ‘Girls for ICT day,’ Cutting said, she made known her interest in being more involved in the programme, and was, later that year, invited to a workshop which featured Camille Selvon Abrahams, who is one of the forerunners of animation in the Caribbean.

Cutting, however, admitted that while she was happy for the opportunity to be at the workshop, she was a bit disheartened that the majority of the persons at the workshop were not those who were truly interested in animation, and she believed that animators and writers should have been given first priority to attend the workshop.

Another issue she saw which needed addressing was the fact that many Guyanese who would have the opportunity of attending these workshops would remain silent about what they would have learnt, and thus those interested in the animation industry felt as if nothing was being done in their area.

Aside from that, she said, it was a great experience, as not only did they learn about animation, but also about the culture of Guyana. “Old folklores that we didn’t but should know were also told to us, because the emphasis was putting Caribbean folklore into animation. Sooner or later that’s what they want to do: they want to produce a Disney film, but a Caribbean version strictly made by Caribbean artists,” she said.

Guyana, she believes, does not do enough to support the Arts. She recounted her shock, while attending the Animae Caribe Festival in Trinidad, upon learning that there were 18and 19-year-olds in Trinidad who already owned their own animation businesses. This, she said, was especially surprising given that many of them were given grants by the Government

Jubilante Cutting, right, and Caiphus Moore, a senior artist for EA Games, were present at a Just Youth it Conference held last year to do animation outsourcing and work.

She stated that despite the low support for the Arts, young people should also try to push their craft more, as “it was not a case where they (Trinidadian animators) were dependent on the Government, but they were interested in art and culture and began doing their own underground work, and then when

they launched out, the Government had no other choice but to give them grants.”

It even went so far as them building the UTT campus for Arts and animation, music and dance, so young people who do not have an interest in Business or the Sciences would be able to get their degrees and then work for companies such as Disney and Cartoon Network, she said.

Admitting that she is more of a supporter of animation than an animator herself, Cutting said that she “sees the need to have networks like these established, because you need to have these collaborations in the Caribbean when the time comes.”

Shortly after making known her interests in forming an animation network back in Guyana, Cutting learnt of the legal ramifications of having a network established, and claimed that that has set her back quite a bit. The reason for the setback, she said, has to do with the fact that she would have to launch it as a non-for-profit incorporation so that there will be no Government intervention.

“My purpose is not to have this animation group manipulated by Government,” said Cutting. “Art is something you don’t want manipulated by politics, and I want to give animators the opportunity to have their work out there without having any political bias affect it.”

Recognising that not many people involved in the tuning of the network now are Guyanese, Cutting hopes to hold a public call very soon, so that everyone will know about the network and be fairly represented. Following the network’s establishment, she said, she will begin mapping out who will be involved, so as to start meeting with them to explain the network’s purpose and vision, and its role in partnering with others in order to accomplish the goals set out.

“They’ll be able to gain expertise and training from the networks I would have established with people from the programmes I have been a part of. CARICOM is on board in helping to groom the network, so persons will be able to also be a part of CARICOM’s projects,” she said.

It is hoped that the network will be launched before the Animae Caribe Festival this year -- which is normally in October -- so that Guyanese will have an opportunity to start showcasing their work and begin fostering an appreciation for their own work and culture. Too often in Guyana, she said, it’s a case in which “we don’t appreciate our culture and reflections of it. So to have a network that speaks to that specific cultural need would be great.”

Reparations Relay and Rally for Parade Ground THE Guyana Reparations Committee will, this Friday, hold the main event of its monthlong activities for the CARICOM International and Regional Youth Reparations Relay and Rally at the Parade Ground.

This CARICOM initiative began in Barbados on April 16 when Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Chairman of the CARICOM Heads of State Sub-committee on Reparations, launched the event. President David Granger is a sitting member of that Sub-committee. A Reparations Baton, created in Barbados and made of Mahogany wood, was at the event passed on to Guyana by Chairman of the Barbados Task Force on Reparations, Professor Dr. Pedro Welch. It was passed to Acting Consul General of Guyana to Barbados, Monique Jackman. It arrived in Guyana on April 19, 2016.

In a release, the local committee said the CARICOM Relay and Rally is part of a wider effort to spread the reparations message around the Caribbean through public education and other initiatives focused on Youth. Friday’s event sits in the middle of a large number of activities all across Guyana. On Friday, May 6, and Saturday, May 7, the Reparations Baton was sent to Essequibo, where it was first taken by boat to Hackney, Liberty, Marlboro and Lillidale in the Pomeroon before being taken to Charity. From Charity, runners relayed the Baton to Dartmouth, where a ceremony was held. Runners then took the Baton to Anna Regina, where a ceremony was held at Damon Square.

Runners continued to Queenstown, where a ceremony was held, and finally the Baton was driven from Hopetown back to the Stelling. At each ceremony, the Moringa Tree (‘The Tree of Life’) was planted.

According to the committee, Essequibo activities were followed by Berbice activities. On Friday, May 13, the baton was taken to Berbice, beginning its journey at Calcutta (Mahaicony), then going to Belladrum, Litchfield, Hopetown, Lovely Lass/Golden Grove and Ithaca.

At each stop there was a ceremony and a planting of a Moringa Tree. Drummers, outriders, runners and speeches were all part of the process for this 7-hour journey of the Baton through Region # 5, West Berbice.

This was followed on Saturday, May 14, by Region # 6, East Berbice activities. Be-

ginning with the historical heritage village of Sandvoort, the Baton was relayed through Winkle (an historical village of free African technologists) to the Esplanade in New Amsterdam, where representatives from Skeldon, Kildonan, Manchester, Lancaster and other African villages were waiting for a grand ceremony which was significantly facilitated by the Mayor of New Amsterdam and several other individuals. Libations, drumming, singing, speeches and tree planting, as well as a Message from the Guyana Reparations Committee, constituted the programme.

According to the committee, the next major activity is set for Friday at Parade Ground, beginning at 4 pm, with young runners leaving with the Baton from Stabroek, where slaves were undocked, to travel through several historical stops (Parliament Building, Cuffy Square, the Sea Walls) to the Parade Ground for the 6pm programme.

Sir Hilary Beckles, Danny Glover and Don Rojas of the African American Reparations Committee have been invited to the Parade Ground Event. Following the Parade Ground event, both East Coast and West Coast Demerara villages will stage their own activities. The Calendar is as follows: 20 May Plaisance (am) 21 May Mocha (pm) 22 May Buxton (am) Victoria (pm) 28 May Linden (also 27th) 29 May Farm and other cluster villages (am) 29 May Den Amstel and other cluster villages (pm) The Baton will then be sent to the next CARICOM country after Guyana’s activities are over in May, and will tour all 15 CARICOM reparations countries this year. Guyana has produced 3 replicas of the Baton in beautiful Mahogany, one for each of the three original counties of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Statue to be built in honour of J.H. Pollydore

IN recognition of the outstanding contributions made

by Joseph H. Pollydore as a trade unionist, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), and the Public Service Union (PSU) have moved a motion for a statue to be built in his honour.

Pollydore is often touted as one of the outstanding trade unionists of this country and a negotiator and tactician who fought tirelessly to prevent the breakdown of the labour movement.

Commenting on the motion, GTUC General Secretary Lincoln Lewis told Guyana Chronicle that Pollydore is well deserving of a monument, considering his contributions pre- and post-independence. According to Lewis, Pollydore not only made remarkable contributions in the area of labour, but contributed significantly to the overall development of the country.

Questioned about a possible erection site, Lewis opined that the statue could be built at the head of the Joseph Pollydore Street in Lodge.

Pollydore, who was born and bred in the village of Catherine, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, some 65km from Georgetown, got his first job at the age of 17, and became involved in the trade union movement in the 1930s while working at the Transport and Habours Department (T&HD).

In March 1938, he became a founding member of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) of British Guiana, and while serving as the union’s General Secretary, Pollydore clashed with the management of T&HD. The then General Manager of the T&HD, Colonel Robert Teare, had come face to face with the TWU when he attempted to put stringent measures in place to eradicate the numerous abuses, such as revenue leakages, malingering, excessive claims for overtime pay and sick leave.

Faced with major opposition by the union, Teare had taken a decision to transfer key members of the union, including Pollydore; and in response, a four-day strike was called to prevent the transfer.

In an article captioned “Joseph Pollydore: Eminence grise”, President David Granger recalled that the TWU strike had a galvanizing effect on other Government workers. “In April 1950, several unions, including the Transport Workers Union, Nurses’ Union, Government Employees Union, Post Office Workers Union and others, came together under the Federation of Unions of Government Employees (FUGE) to strengthen their ability to bargain with their common employer, the Government. Again, under the presidency of the flamboyant Andrew Jackson, Joseph Pollydore, as general secretary, built FUGE into a formidable front for advancing workers’ wages and rights,” the President noted.

NEAR-FATAL RIFTS Pollydore was to see the Trades Union Congress suffer two near-fatal rifts during his six decades in the labour movement.

“The first rift, in 1953, came in the aftermath of the

suspension of the constitution, when the six elected ministers of the original PPP were expelled from office in October. The next month, the ‘old’ British Guiana Trades Union Congress (BGTUC), which was aligned to the pro-USSR World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU), was disbanded.

“Pollydore was part of the lurch towards the ICFTU, becoming a member of the executive council and later Vice-President of ORIT. It was on the bases of his positions and reputation in the TWU and FUGE and his affiliation to ORIT that Joseph Pollydore was able to win election to the post of General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress on a full-time basis.

“During his decades with the GTUC, Pollydore never held a position of leadership. He was concerned mainly with formulating representations to various agencies with which GTUC affiliates were involved in disputes,

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and submitting proposals to the Government for legislative action. He held the general secretary’s office for 25 years, and afterwards remained as adviser and consultant until 1999. But though instrumental in influencing the Government to take a number of minor policy decisions, he was publicly critical of the administration. “…He was the eminence grise, moving behind the scenes, avoiding disputes, averting disaster, preventing ruptures, sealing breaches and bringing his considerable age and formidable experience to bear on the search for consensus among contentious unions. He was a conciliator rather than an agitator, and preferred to be seen as an ‘honest broker,’ regarded by all sides as an outspoken and principled man of moderation,” the President revealed.

Joseph Pollydore died in February 2003 at the age of 94.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 17, 2016

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day ICT entrepreneurship for social impact

By Valmikki Singh Managing Director, National Frequency Management Unit TODAY is World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2016. It marks the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on May 17, 1865.

Following up from last year’s theme, ‘Telecommunications and ICTs: Drivers of innovation’, this year’s theme is ‘ICT entrepreneurship for social impact’. Notwithstanding the risks and challenges, entrepreneurship is an endeavour that grows economies, both in the developed and developing world. With globalization and the setback in the traditional productive sectors of our economy, more and more Guyanese entrepreneurs are emerging.

The Information and

Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as pointed out by the ITU Secretary General, is amongst the most profitable and successful in the world. It is therefore very appropriate that ICTs should be harnessed through entrepreneurship for social development.

This cuts across many of the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations, established in 2015 (to be achieved within the next 15 years).

Of course, for maximum impact, the environment needs to be conducive for investment and entrepreneurship. In this respect, the Government of Guyana will be taking the Telecommunications Bill to the National Assembly soon, with the intention of opening the telecommunication/ICT sector to full competition, and setting clear rules and guidelines for the regulation of the sector.

This should not only encourage further investments by the existing operators, but pave the way for other and smaller players to get involved in our telecom/ICT sector. Better prices and quality of services, resulting from liberalization, would also be

good for entrepreneurs.

Because developing countries like Guyana have been more consumer centric than anything else, we as a nation need to push more to innovate and create. This, we believe, will have the greatest positive economic and social impact on Guyanese.

It is for this reason that the NFMU has begun looking at ways to foster innovation in the ICT sector. This is in line with Government’s policy of boosting the creative and innovative abilities of our students.

One of the most popular inventions in the ICT sector is the mobile phone. It has evolved to a smart phone and is ubiquitous in many countries. With the recent commercial launch (by our two mobile operators) of mobile broadband services to most of our population, smart phones are expected to be more and better utilized.

This means that in addition to more mobile applications (apps) being utilized, the demand for more apps will also rise. Herein lies a great opportunity for our Guyanese creators and innovators.

Guyanese can also potentially market their mobile apps to the estimated 3 bil-

lion mobile broadband users worldwide. We do have what it takes to develop mobile apps. One classic example is the Directory.GY mobile app (named the official app of our Jubilee celebrations), launched last week by Intellect Storm, a group of young and talented Guyanese inno-

vators and entrepreneurs.

Generally, apps can range from simple social interactions and location services to providing counselling to persons in need, or match demand with supply of goods/ services etc. The possibilities of ICT entrepreneurship and the social impact that they

can have are limitless; we only have to believe. Once we believe, we can achieve.

A Blessed and happy 50th Independence Anniversary to all Guyana.

Happy World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2016 to you all.

Message from UN International Telecommunication Union Secretary-General

Houlin Zhao LAST year, in 2015, we celebrated ITU’s 150th anniversary, reaffirming its reputation worldwide as one of the most resilient and relevant organizations devoted to connecting the world with the most innovative means of communication.

As we celebrate World Telecommunication and In-

formation Society Day 2016, marking the establishment of ITU on 17 May 1865, we continue to look to future advances in communications. We focus our attention this year on “ICT entrepreneurship for social impact”.

The ICT sector is amongst the most profitable and successful, and has revolutionized the way the world communicates. Through a combination of forward-looking government policies and regulatory reforms, international standards, industry innovation and investment in infrastructure, and new services, billions of people have been brought into the information society in a remarkably short period of time. This is a shared achievement for which we can all be proud.

Building on this foundation, we are now in an increasingly smart, networked environment encompassing cloud computing, big data, and new applications in diverse areas from health to finance, while moving towards a future of smart transport systems and cities. As we advance the roll-out of infrastructure and connectivity, the role of services and applications will grow, along with the potential for many innovative smaller players to enter the market with solutions to address local needs.

ICT entrepreneurship is set to bring about a paradigm shift in making significant social impact. We need their expertise, innovation and investment to achieve our common goals of sustainable economic and social development.

Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and technology hubs are the drivers of innovative and practical solutions for catalysing progress, especially in developing countries. SMEs make up more than 90 per cent of all businesses worldwide, and represent a

‘path out of poverty’ for many developing countries.

The fundamental role of ICT innovators and SMEs is also reflected in the outcomes of the World Summit in the Information Society (WSIS). World leaders recognized the economic potential of ICTs for SMEs as well as their specific needs, such as increasing their competitiveness by adding value to their products and services, streamlining administrative procedures, facilitating their access to capital, and enhancing their capacity to participate in ICT-related projects.

WSIS also encouraged a series of related measures, including incubator schemes, venture capital investments, government investment funds, investment promotion strategies, support for research and development networks, and software export activities, as well as for software parks.

As the specialised agency of the United Nations, dealing with state-of-the-art telecommunications and information and communication technologies, I call upon our partners – governments, industry, academia and technical experts – to promote the role of small, young, and innovative firms in the ICT sector; encourage the spread of digital social innovation; prioritize economic policies which promote innovation; ensure the availability of necessary human capacity; support the establishment of comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystems, as well as assist entrepreneurs in moving from idea and innovation to sales and revenue.

Let us put our resources together to harness the catalytic role of ICTs in achieving sustainable development and delivering on economic growth, social inclusion and environmental balance.

Steadying the ship

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17 , 2016

-- Greenidge speaks about first year in office

By Ariana Gordon GUYANA’s Foreign Service, once described as broken, is now gradually being repaired as the Government of Guyana works assiduously to regularise and restructure the operations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, during a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), described his first year in the office of Foreign Affairs Minister as one focused on “steadying the ship”.

According to Greenidge, May 2015 to May 2016 has also been a period of capacity building, to ensure the Foreign Service is where it needs to be.

Upon entering office last May, the APNU+AFC Coalition Government discovered several limitations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: capacity deficit, shortage of professional diplomats at the ambassadorial level, the absence of coherent policy (Foreign Service Policy); and moreover, the new administration was forced to protect and defend strongly its territorial integrity, due to threats posed by both Venezuela and Suriname.

Venezuela has renewed its claim to Guyana by stating that the 1899 Agreement was null and void, while

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge Suriname resurfaced its claim to the New River Triangle.

According to GINA, since taking office, the APNU-AFC Coalition Government has been able to improve Guyana’s image, and notwithstanding the threats faced, the year-old administration has committed to advancing talks with both Venezuela and Suriname.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs told GINA that the damage done to the country’s Foreign Service over the years was occasioned because the former administration had not viewed the Foreign Service as important.

“I think the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) was of the view that -Dr Jagan in particular, and subsequently both Mrs (Janet) Jagan and Mr (Bharrat) Jagdeo -- that a Foreign Service really was

an unnecessary expense; that you could get any set of people to carry out a foreign policy; and all you needed were those persons who are sociable, who can go and chat with a President here, a Prime Minister there,” he explained.

As such, there was an immediate need for that culture to come to an end.

To that end, 15 new ambassadors have been appointed to serve Guyana overseas. They are required to command respect from the international community, and restore confidence in Guyana.

All of the newly appointed ambassadors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted, have experience and qualifications that are essential to realising the administration’s economic thrust.

MERIT “Before (previously), diplomatic postings were filled by political ‘faithfuls’; the new administration’s emphasis has been on merit as well as experience (technical, negotiating and diplomatic) as a basis for staffing the posts,” Minister Greenidge explained.

Accordingly, he said, changes will be ongoing at the Foreign Affairs Ministry to ensure that the Government and people of Guyana benefit significantly from those who are sent abroad to represent the country.

He noted that the nonchalant behaviour of the former administration relative to Foreign Service

resulted in much ‘eye pass’ coming to Guyana.

“Venezuela Presidents have come here (in Guyana) and having been royally entertained and feted; and they leave, and sometimes before they leave the Office of the President, we have had instances of armed people, including parliamentarians and civilians, coming over our borders, or people being shot at (and being) arrested,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

He said, too, that the APNU-AFC administration could not follow the failed policies and approaches of the previous administration.

The Foreign Affairs Minister believes that one of the most important initiatives that have been achieved by the Government is its defence of the country’s territorial integrity. The continued threats by both Venezuela and Suriname to the country’s territorial integrity have led to the announcement of a Total National Defence Policy.

Notwithstanding, Guyana has called for a juridical settlement to the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy.

Successful meetings have been held at the level of the United Nations since Venezuela’s renewed claims to Guyana.

EXTENDING FOREIGN TIES The minister said Guyana will soon establish in Geneva a diplomatic mission that will serve to en-

hance Guyana’s trade. Its establishment in Geneva will ensure that Guyanese officers who coordinate trade across the Caribbean bloc are on site and are involved in the processes.

In the past, the capacity of the foreign aids was constrained. Those who will be appointed to work there will be required to work with Swiss officials, as the office there will serve as a bilateral one.

Guyana has not worked much with the Swiss, and efforts will be made by the appointed officers to develop relations with Swiss officials.

That aside, the GINA feature stated that the administration has begun “deepening cooperation” with other South American countries, with the aim of taking advantage of its strategically located position within Latin America, the Caribbean and further afield.

REBUILDING CAPACITY Given the shortfall discovered by the APNU-AFC Coalition Government since taking office, the capacity to effectively execute the country’s foreign policy priorities is being remedied. The administration is currently compelled to hire qualified and experienced persons who will serve in Guyana’s interest locally and abroad.

Given the new policy employed by Government with respect to Foreign Service, much emphasis has been placed on in-

vestment and trade matters. The revival of the Foreign Service Institute has also been identified as critical to building the capacity of the Foreign Service staff. The institute would now not only guide the development of professional skills, but the programmes delivered would also guide the implementation of a foreign policy that is in keeping with the new emerging world environment.

GUYANA AND CARICOM The administration has continued its push to ensure that CARICOM becomes a stronger entity, and as such, $60M have been earmarked in the 2016 budget to clear some of the arrears owed and accrued over the past five years to the CARICOM Competition Commission.

Guyana found itself before the Commission a few years ago when Trinidadian Cement Company (TCL) complained of unfair competition practices. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled in favour of Guyana.

Additionally, Guyana continues to partner with its CARICOM sister states in several areas of mutual benefit. Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Belize are just a few examples of the countries Guyana has turned to in the areas of infrastructural development and trade, to name a few.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Awareness being raised on leprosy

By Telesha Ramnarine DOCTOR-in-charge of the Public Health Skin Clinic, based in the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, Heather Morris-Wilson, is currently visiting primary and secondary schools, in an effort to create awareness of Hansen’s disease in Guyana.

The disease, also known as leprosy, is a chronic infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. It takes its name from the Latin word Lepra, which means “scaly”, while the term “Hansen’s Disease” is named after the physician Gerhard Armauer Hansen.

Although Guyana sees a small number of cases each year, Dr Wilson believes that if care is not exercised, staff expertise can become low and thus diagnosing will become very hard.

In targeting the young population, Dr Wilson said she and Dr Nikita Mc Kenzie, also from the Skin Clinic, have decided to visit the schools to talk about the disease and what to look for in determining if an individual has it.

The intention of the doctors is not only to raise awareness, but to stimulate the students to do their own research on the disease. They are targeting five primary schools, Grades 5 and 6, and five primary schools, Grades 8 and 9.

The primary school students are being asked to use their artistic skills in creating a poster after their interaction with the doctors.

They will be judged by May month-end and the winners (1st, 2nd and 3rd) will be given prizes, compliments of Austin’s Book Store.

After seeking permission from the Ministry of Education,

the two doctors have so far visited the Paradise Primary, Cummings Lodge Secondary and Annandale Secondary Schools.

They also visited President’s College, Plaisance Primary, Hope Secondary, Vryheid’s Lust Primary, and Gibson Primary.

On May 19, the doctors will head to Lusignan Primary and Mon Repos Primary.

Meanwhile, Dr Wilson, in an interview, had explained to this newspaper that Hansen’s disease is one of poverty. Hence, persons exposed to poor housing, bed bugs, overcrowding, poor sanitation and water are more susceptible to the disease.

“It tends to spread in these conditions. So you find a lot of persons in the slums would get it.”

IMPORTED CASES Importantly, she noted that Guyana sees ‘imported’ cases from time to time because neighbouring Brazil has the largest amount of cases per year.

According to her, one of the first clinical signs that indicate leprosy is a noticeable rash on the skin, where there is loss of feeling or sensation. The rash can develop on any part of the body, depending on the type of leprosy.

In addition to skin rashes, there can also be a tingling sensation in the hands and/ or feet, and a burning sensation of the skin – because the disease affects the nerves.

Furthermore, there is loss of feeling, no sweating and no hair growth in the affected area. “We call it a numb spot disease,” Dr Wilson said.

A cotton wool test for sensation would then be in Please see page 17

Dr Heather Morris-Wilson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Fisherman hospitalised in accident FISHERMAN Chetram Deonarine of Kilcoy/ Chesney Village, Corentyne was reportedly bicycling along the village public road, at about 11:00 hrs on

Friday 13th last, when he headed into the path of motor car PSS 1636 driven by 24-year-old Javid Balgobin, an electrician of Queenstown, Corriverton, and

sustained injuries about the body.

The 49-year-old was rushed in an unconscious state to the New Amsterdam Hospital, but after being

Six to be charged for professor’s death SIX TEENS are expected to be charged for the murder of former University of Guyana Professor Parietdeau Mars, called ‘Perry’, 75 years old, who died last Thursday night after he had been beaten and bound in his Prashad Nagar home.

The teens are between the ages of 15 and 17, and they have since confessed to the murder/robbery and are expected to appear at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today.

It’s reported that on Thursday May, 12 at about 18:30hrs the professor was found in his home with his hands and feet duct-taped and injuries to his head. The house was ransacked, and a number of articles and cash were missing. He was pronounced dead on arrival at a private hospital.

Murdered: retired According to reports the teens were known to the ‘Per- Professor Parietdeau Mars, called ‘Perry’ ry’s. The youth were arrested after neighbors observed the group leaving the retired professor’s residence on Thursday night with suitcases in a car, and subsequently his wife returned home and found his bloodied and lifeless body in the house.

Less than 24-hours later police arrested the six suspects and the recovery of a sum of cash, a laptop computer, an iPod and a PlayStation.

He was described as a very kind-hearted person who gave freely, and so people had nothing but good things to say about him, so much so that they are very upset about his brutal murder.

Mars specialised in African Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA; having studied history at the University of Guyana and Carelton University in Ottawa, Canada. He went on to work at Africana Studies at Wayne State University.

He was also credited with developing an international academic exchange project between Africana Studies, the College of Urban Labor and Metropolitan Affairs (CULMA), and the University of Guyana.

Awareness being raised ...

From page 16 order. It is referred to as the ‘pinch and touch’ test.

On most occasions, when it is indeed leprosy that the person has, he will not be able to differentiate a pinch from a touch.

Some persons who suffer with the disease also have to endure weakness, paralysis in the hands and feet, and affected muscles of the eyes.

“Leprosy treated late can cause severe eye complications and lead to blindness because of weakness of the eyelids and the muscles of the eye. So we would need

to do a skin smear test where we just use a lymph fluid. We don’t need blood,” Dr Wilson explained.

Dr Wilson has had patients who confessed to her that they opted to consult a witch doctor for help because they believe leprosy is a curse from God. However, Dr Wilson said: “Everyone is susceptible to leprosy. You develop leprosy depending on your body’s immunity. So you have to try to build your immune system; exercise, eat your proper meals. Just be healthy. There is no way

to really prevent it. You can obtain it in indirect ways.”

Transmission can occur by someone who has a lot of leprosy in their body and if treatment is not started, this individual can cause the bacteria to spread.

“If it is discovered late, it can cause deformity because of the nerve damage.”

It has been found that leprosy patients are often shunned, even by family members, because the disease comes with visible deformities. And hence, such individuals feel discriminated against.

examined by a doctor, was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

His bicycle and the motorcar PSS 1636 remain lodged at Albion Police Station compound, while the driver is in police custody.

Reports are that a canter

truck which was ahead of Balgobin’s vehicle pulled on the southern side of the road and the cyclist Deonarine emerged at that instance and rode across the thoroughfare and into the path of the overtaking car.

Despite his best efforts,

Balgobin reportedly detailed, he collided with the rear of the bicycle, causing the cyclist to fall onto the roadway and receive serious injuries to the head and other parts of the body.

Police are investigating the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Miner remanded for murder of ‘quiet’ man

A 27-YEAR-OLD MINER was Monday charged for the murder of a man, whose mutilated body was found along the Mahdia trail last year.

Thurston Kenrick Williams was not required to plead to the capital offence when it was read to him by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

It’s alleged that between March 5 and 6, 2015 at Dickman Hill, Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) Williams murdered 57-year-old Charles Major.

Williams, of Lot 9-10 Queen Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown was not represented by a lawyer.

The labourer was remanded to prison and had

Charles Major his matter transferred to the Mahdia Magistrates’ Court for July 8.

According to reports, Major of Lot 386 Victoria Village, East Coast Demerara was viciously chopped to death during a suspected robbery along the Dickman

Thurston Kenrick Williams Hill Backdam trail.

It was reported that the man, who owned a mining camp in the area for 15 years, was a quiet individual and so his colleagues and relatives were in a state of shock at his death.

Tuesday May 17th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday May 18th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs Thursday May 19th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 17, 2016

Challenge to the Cricket Act by Anand Sanasie is a deliberate plot to ostracise Linden and avoid elections of the GCB “I WISH to congratulate our cricketers for performing with distinction against all odds, including an illegal, incompetent and discriminating regime that has hijacked our cricket for over seven years during which time there has been no elections.

Although our youngsters have done us proud, Guyanese have been finding it difficult to gain selection to the WI Test, One-Day and T20 teams.

Are we winning the battle but losing the war?

This illegal regime has been wreaking havoc on our cricket establishment for over seven years. I am amazed that successive Governments of Guyana, the cricket fans and even sponsors could tolerate this untenable situation for so long.

It is most disheartening when reputable firms sponsor youth cricket tournaments knowing full well that our youngsters are being weaned within an environment of illegality, unaccountability, ethnic discrimination and improper cricket development programmes. Indeed our cricketers must play as much cricket as possible.

However, their cricket development must coincide with their personal development so that even if they do not become successful cricketers they would be well-rounded and decent citizens.

We cannot afford to develop our youngsters under a regime where leaders were charged with treason, perjury etc and they engage in illegalities and ethnic discrimination, making the youngsters feel that it is the norm and therefore acceptable.

The continuing illegality of the GCB could be properly addressed immediately once the Attorney General, the Minister of Education & Sport and the current Government as a whole demonstrate the will or desire to restore our cricket to order by defending

the challenge to the Cricket Act in Court. This matter is outstanding since December 2014 and as a result free and fair elections cannot be held.

It is time for Guyana to have order, decency and accountability restored to our beloved game of cricket.

The fact remains that Anil Beharry, Keith & Hilbert Foster, Angela Haniff the executive body of Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Roger Harper of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) and Bissoondyal Singh of the East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) are the ones to be complimented.

Their steadfastness and their excellent cricket development programmes continue to produce cricketers at all levels for our country and have made us proud.

They do not receive any funds from the GCB although that Board receives US$640 000 per year to develop our cricket.

Essequibo, West Demerara and East Bank Demerara selected the present so-called GCB officials but have precious little cricket being played in their areas and consequently have not produced any cricketers for Guyana over the past seven years.

The reality is that Anand Sanasie is on the executive of the West Demerara Cricket Association for fourteen years and that Association failed to produce a single cricketer for the Senior National team.

So what were the criteria used to award Sanasie with Administrator-of-the-Year? Is it for the following? a) Not holding legal elections for six (6) years b) Not circulating the GCB financial statement as must be done by law c) Distributing cricket gear on the East Coast of Demerara and excluding every African clubs d) Withholding subventions from the Berbice Cricket

Board, East Coast Cricket Board and the Georgetown Cricket Association for the past six (6) years. e) Registering a privately-owned company and transferring all the GCB assets including all the bank accounts?

The Upper Demerara Cricket Association (Linden) has been totally ostracised by the present illegal GCB with their youngsters, male and female, unable to participate in any Cricket Board tournaments because of the deliberate discriminatory action by the GCB. Their main contention in the challenge to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act is that they do not want the inclusion of the Upper Demerara Cricket Association in the National cricket administration structure. It is therefore ironic that this callous attempt to ostracise in excess of forty thousand (40 000) Afro-Guyanese and Amerindians from Linden by Anand Sanasie and his four (4) Indo-Guyanese buddies namely Fizul Bacchus, Lalta Digamber, Ronald Rohan Sarjoo and Johnny Azeez is apparently not bothersome to the APNU/AFC administration although they received three (3) seats in the National Assembly from that very area.

In this regard, the incumbent National Sports Commission must explain to the nation the rationale for the recent awards to the GCB and its Secretary Anand Sanasie. Having mentioned the above and especially as

it is generally accepted that the current GCB is illegal, I wish to remind the cricketing public of the following: 1. Minister of Education and Sport Dr Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister Joseph Harmon, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, Attorney General Basil Williams and Director of Sport Christopher Jones sat on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee and after twenty-two meetings approved the Cricket Administration Bill unanimously.

2. It was Education & Sport Minister Dr. Roopnaraine’s articulate presentation which piloted the Cricket Administration Bill through its successful passage in Parliament.

3. The Director of Sport, Mr Christopher Jones, recently and publicly chastised the administration of the GCB and had previously stated that there should be free and fair elections of the GCB. 4. There is an outstanding challenge to the Cricket Administration Act where both the Attorney General and the Minister of Education & Sport are the defendants.

These Honourable Ministers have been somewhat tardy in their efforts to defend the frivolous challenge.

Maybe the attendance of high-ranking coalition government officials at Secretary of GCB Anand Sanasie’s recent birthday party may suggest the reasons for the long delay in having free and fair elections under the Act.” Yours in Sports W. G. BOSTON

Leicester celebrate title triumph with victory parade (REUTERS) - Leicester City’s players celebrated their Premier League title success with a victory parade on an open-top bus through the streets of the Midlands county town in front of about 250 000 ecstatic fans yesterday.

Supporters had begun lining the streets from midday to see their heroes and Italian manager Claudio Ranieri display the gleaming trophy that had seemed an unlikely prize at the start of the season when they were 5000-1 outsiders.

The players waved and smiled as they passed the thousands thronging the streets on their way from Jubilee Square in the city centre to a special stage erected in Victoria Park where they lapped up the adulation of the adoring Foxes faithful.

The players were individually introduced to the crowd who cheered every name and the players re-enacted being presented with the trophy -- which they had received officially after their final home game against Everton at the King Power Stadium.

“I enjoyed today in front of all our fans. I want to say thank you to everybody because in all the season they pushed behind

us and they believed in us,” said Ranieri, who like Leicester, picked up his first top-flight league title.

Captain Wes Morgan said: “What we’ve achieved this season has been fantastic and the boys and the staff ... and the fans, everyone has contributed to it and it has been a fantastic season and you can’t take that away from us.”

Leicester finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal, with Tottenham Hotspur, the only team left chasing the Foxes in the final weeks of the season, finishing a further point back.

Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez added: “I’m very happy to be here with these fans and it’s amazing, unbelievable. What we’ve done this season ... we should be proud of ourselves. It’s magnificent.”

Highlights of the club’s amazing season, including goals from striker Jamie Vardy, the Football Writers’ Player-of-the-Year, and PFA Player-of-the-Year Mahrez, plus memorable quotes from Ranieri were replayed on big screens to cheers.

Rock band Kasabian, formed in Leicester in 1997 and also fans of the club, performed after the players left the stage.

This is how we learn...

From backpage Sunday night.

EXPOSURE NEEDED FOR THE YOUTH Coach Shabazz also explained his starting line-up saying, “We used a lot of players that we look to the future with.”

“Either we want a truth or we want a lie. We must give exposure to some of the

younger ones. Some of them came up big tonight,” added the Trinidadian as he cited Trayon Bobb and Devon Millington.

This he noted was the reason that several seasoned players were omitted from the match, saying, “The people who were to benefit from this game played tonight (Sunday) and I think they will certainly benefit from it.”

ICC rejects Perera compensation claims SRI Lanka Cricket and Kusal Perera have not applied for compensation, following his recent suspension, says the ICC. The ICC has denied reports it has been approached

by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for compensation in relation to Kusal Perera’s recent suspension.

Perera was suspended by

world cricket’s governing body last December after a WADA-accredited laboratory in Qatar reported he had tested positive for 19-Norandrostenedione, a prohibited anabolic steroid.

The same substance was confirmed to be present in B samples provided by the player. However, after lawyers questioned the results,

an independent review was commissioned.

That review led to the laboratory withdrawing its original finding, stating there was no evidence the player had ever used p e r f o r m a n c e- e n h a n c i n g drugs.

As a result, Perera’s ban was lifted and some reports had suggested the SLC would

look for recompense given the batsman missed the World Twenty20.

However, the governing body has rejected those claims, tweeting: “ICC confirms it has not received any request for compensation from @OfficialSLC or Mr Perera and it has not agreed to any reimbursement.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17 , 2016

FIFA finds it hard to give up five-star lifestyle

By Brian Homewood

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (Reuters) - A few steps from the entrance to Mexico City’s imposing Presidente Hotel, where FIFA delegates are staying during this week’s Congress, a boy of around 10 years old sells tamarind balls covered in chili powder from a cart for 10 Mexican pesos ($0.55) each.

The spicy, tangy sweets are a local specialty yet are unlikely to have been tasted by the FIFA delegates.

The guests of world soccer are more likely to be inside sipping lattes for eight times the price.

FIFA has often been known for lavishing a fivestar lifestyle on its delegates

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and officials. When former president Sepp Blatter went to an event in Zurich with the city’s mayor, he arrived in a chauffeur-driven limousine while the politician came and went by tram.

But after Gianni Infantino was elected president of soccer’s scandal-plagued body in February, one of

his first pledges was to make FIFA more humble, suggesting, among other things, that federation officials no longer wore suits to matches.

The early signs were promising as he flew to Britain for his first official engagement by a budget airline rather than the private plane favoured by his predecessor.

But last week’s Congress in Mexico City has looked as extravagant as any held under Blatter.

FIFA confirmed that it paid all the expenses for each of its 209 member associations to bring a three-man delegation, flying business class and staying in five-star accommodation. Each delegate was also given $1 000 in

Sangakkara hails Bayliss and Farbrace revolution

TREVOR Bayliss’ relationship with Paul Farbrace has been key in England’s revival across all three forms of cricket, says Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Since taking charge of the England team in May 2015, head coach Bayliss and assistant Farbrace have regained the Ashes, masterminded a Test series win in South Africa and reached the final of the World Twenty20.

Sangakkara worked with the pair during their previous roles with Sri Lanka - when they reached the 2011 Cricket World Cup final - and he sees a lot of similarities between the two sides.

The retired batsman believes England are reaping the rewards of the relaxed atmosphere created by Bayliss and Farbrace.

“I think the entire change of set-up has been to the credit of both coaches, Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace - both of them have done exceptional jobs,” Sangakkara told Omnisport.

“I think Farby gets a bit lost in the entire thing and

Kumar Sangakkara has praised Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace for turning England’s fortunes around since May 2015. doesn’t get the recognition that he’s due, but when Trevor and Paul were coaching Sri Lanka from 2008 to 2011 they worked very well in partnership. Both of them have a great attitude towards people and the way they approach coaching.

“I think the biggest plus they bring to the table is the fact they allow players to grow. They don’t crowd them; they don’t overwhelm them with too much information. They’re not over-bearing.

“They allow players to be themselves, to express

themselves and they’re very free when it comes to allowing people to make mistakes as long as they learn from them.

“That has been one of the biggest changes you’ll see players enjoying themselves more, playing with a lot more freedom, making mistakes at times, yes. But the support they get from the two coaches in Trevor Bayliss and Paul Farbrace is outstanding and that really makes for a healthy dressing room.

“They are exceptional people, exceptional coaches.” (Omnisport)

spending money.

LEAVE THE BUBBLE Rooms at the Presidente are booked for about $400 a night. Members of the FIFA Council, the world governing body’s board, are staying at the plusher Four Seasons Hotel where rooms typically cost $675 a night, according to hotel booking websites.

FIFA sources told Reuters that efforts were being made to persuade delegates to leave their bubble but having them walk a few hundred yards took some effort.

Some were seen walking the 500 metres from their hotel to Thursday’s opening ceremony at the city’s 10 000-seat National Auditorium, considered one of the world’s best entertainment

venues.

It was seen by FIFA as a step, albeit it a small one, in the right direction, although others insisted on taking a luxury bus.

The night before, FIFA seemed as detached as ever when its so-called Legends team of former international footballers took part in an exhibition match at Mexico City’s historic Azteca Stadium.

FIFA billed it as a “football fiesta” and said it was “engaging more with the football world and getting football back to the heart of FIFA,”. It was closed to the public.

It was witnessed only by specially invited guests who spent most of the evening in a tent built onto the pitch,

where they were pampered with wine, champagne and canapes while traditional Mexican dances were performed on a stage.

Privately, FIFA sources said the event had been hastily arranged and had not been what they intended.

Infantino, who has vowed to cut costs, was somewhat vague when asked about it at a media conference on Friday, though he said it was something FIFA could look into.

“I think it’s always been the case that they are paid $1 000 as a fee for the delegates, it’s part of the budget approved by the finance committee,” he said.

“It’s good that it’s been raised and we might have a look at it.”

Gayle, Kohli, AB de Villiers boost RCB play-off push

VIRAT Kohli and AB de Villiers delivered another masterclass in Twenty20 batting to guide Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a potentially crucial Indian Premier League victory over Kolkata Knight Riders.

Royal Challengers were set an imposing target of 184

by Kolkata in yesterday’s contest at Eden Gardens, Gautam Gambhir (51) starring again as he tied David Warner for most fifties in the IPL with 31 while Manish Pandey (50 from 35) and Andre Russell (39 not out) also impressed with the bat.

But the Knight Riders were undone in devastating fashion by Bangalore’s star-studded top order, Chris Gayle ending his slump in form with 49 off 31 balls before Kohli (75 not out) and de Villiers (59 not out) produced a stunning 67-ball partnership of 115 to guide Royal Challengers to a nine-wicket win.

Kohli now has 752 runs to his name, the most in any IPL season, his brilliant stand with de Villiers moving Royal Challengers within two points of fourthplaced Gujarat Lions. Robin Uthappa (2) departed early for Kolkata but Gambhir

Player-of-the-match Virat Kohli scores an unbeaten 75 off 51 balls.` and Pandey quickly mounted a superb response, the former hitting seven fours before he was run-out for the third time in this IPL campaign.

Sreenath Aravind (241) then dismissed Pandey before Kolkata lost two further wickets, only for Russell to steady the ship with a 19-ball effort that included three sixes.

Gayle produced an emphatic return to form with five boundaries and four sixes before being trapped

lbw by Sunil Narine (1-34).

His exit provided no respite for Kolkata, however, as Kohli and de Villiers combined put together a wonderful display of both patience and aggression.

They hit the accelerator with six overs to go and piled on 61 runs off 28 balls to seal the win, which was clinched with a de Villiers boundary past short fine-leg off Piyush Chawla after Russell came off with an apparent knee injury.

(Sportsmax.com)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday May 17, 2016

Trophy Stall Badminton

Ramdhani beats Mangra to win Open Men’s singles title THE Trophy Stall Independence Open and Age Group Badminton tournament concluded last Saturday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, with matches played in the Open and Under-11 and U-13 categories.

In the Open Men’s Singles Sunburst champion Narayan Ramdhani defeated Jonathan Mangra in a three-setter 21-5, 19-21, 21-9 to be crowned the champion in that category.

Third place went to Marlon Chung, who defeated Avinash Odit also in a three-setter, 24-22, 15-21, 15-21.

The overall results from the tournament read: Open Men’s Singles – 1. Narayan Ramdhani 2.

Jonathan Mangra 3. Marlon Chung.

Under-17 Boys’ Singles - 1. Tyrese Jeffrey 2. Akili Haynes 3. Tyreese Richards.

Under-17 Girls’ Singles - 1. Priyanna Ramdhani 2.

Priyanka Shivnauth 3. Gabriella Pertab.

Under-13 Boys Singles 1. Andrew Debidin 2. Omar Samad 3. Ronald Hamilton.

Under-13 Girls’ Singles - 1. Wonita Yang 2. Reba Ramlall 3. Reanna Persaud.

Under-11 Boys’ Singles - 1. John Wang 2. Abeva Jones 3. George Ramlall.

Under-11 Girls’ Singles 1. Gabriella Pertab 2. Emily Choo-A-Fat 3. Kyla Jordon.

The other finalists and third-place winners were as follows:

The respective winners and participants at the just concluded Trophy Stall Independence Open and Age Group Badminton tournament Under-11 Boys’ Finals: Jason Wang defeated Abeva Jones; 21-16.

Third place went to George Ramlall, who edged

Jonathan Debidin: 21-18.

Under-11 Girls’ Finals: Gabriella Pertab beat Emily Choo-A-Fat: 21-13.

Third place went to Kyla

Jordon.

Under-13 Boys’ Finals: Andrew Debidin defeated Omar Samad: 22-20.

Third place went to

Ronald Hamilton, who got the better of Verun Challu: 21-10.

Under-13 Girls’ Finals: Wonita Yang thrashed

“I only learnt about it from head coach Phil Simmons on Wednesday (last week), and when he told me I said to him that I am very disappointed, because I never expected it, and I never saw it coming because he never gave me any indication he was going to let me go.

So, it came as a bit of a shock basically, but I haven’t decided which direction I am going to take just yet. I’ll just pause and give a little time to think about it and decide where I want

to go after,” Ambrose told the Antigua and Barbuda Observer.

According to Ambrose, who took up the post three years ago, the reason given for the decision by head coach Phil Simmons was that the team needed more technical personnel. Ambrose will be replaced by former West Indies A team cricketer Roderick Estwick.

“I spoke to head coach Phil Simmons, and he told me that he wanted someone who is more technical to

Reba Ramlall: 21-6.

Third Place went to Reanna Persaud, who trounced Jayde DaSilva: 21-7.

Ambrose left shocked by dismissal

WEST Indies bowling legend Curtly Ambrose has expressed shock and disappointment at being relieved of coaching duties last week.

Ambrose, who served as the West Indies team’s bowling consultant, claims he was

work with the fast bowlers.

“So, I said to him well, if you knew I was doing a poor job then you should have told me. He said, “No, I did a fantastic job, because I brought a high level of discipline to the team, and I have motivated the guys quite a bit. I’ve gotten the respect from all the guys, and I did a fantastic job, but he wants somebody more technical, hence, he is going for Roderick Estwick’,” he said. (Sportsmax.com)

Linden‘s Guinness Greatest of De Streets Round of 16 begins tonight Mussenden disappointed CFU voters Curtly Ambrose as surprised as anyone else to hear his services had been terminated.

THE round of 16 in this year’s Linden edition of the ‘Guinness Greatest of De Streets’ 2016 football competition will enter its round of 16 playoffs tonight with eight exciting match-ups at the Mackenzie Car Park kicking off at 19:00hrs.

The encounters are Royal Youths versus Hard Knocks, Classic Six against ½ Mile/One Mile, Plantain against Cheese Future Stars, Team 25 take on Constabulary, Jermaine and Son’s Silver Bullets face F.C. Deportez, the Magic Stars tackle Retrieve Unknowns, Eagles oppose High Rollers and Amelia’s Ward Russians come up against the Main Street Panthers.

At stake in the competition which began with 32 teams are: 1st place winners $400 000, 2nd place $150 000, 3rd place $75 000 and 4th place $50 000. (Joe Chapman)

backed new CONCACAF president

LARRY Mussenden, the Bermudan lawyer who sought to take over CONCACAF’s top post but was beaten by Canadian Victor Montagliani last Thursday, is disappointed.

The 52-year-old president of the Bermuda Football Association grabbed 16 of 41 votes but missed out to Montagliani, who bagged 25.

“I thought I had a good

Larry Mussenden

manifesto and good plans and based on what people had told me I was confident,” said Mussenden.

That confidence was shattered by incorrect canvassing, as votes he expected, did not come through.

“I know what voters are like and I’m disappointed in that regard,” he said.

Playing the numbers game, Mussenden, should

have been a shoe-in with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) accounting for 31 of the 41 votes, however, it seems the region did not support its own.

According to Mussenden, before the election, he had 24 pledges of support but that did not pan out on the day, with almost half of the region supporting Montagliani.(Sportsmax.com)

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, May 17 , 2016

Motie, Singh among four Guyanese in WI camp ahead of India Test series

By Rajiv Bisnauth

LEFT-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie, along with batsmen Vishaul Singh, Rajendra Chandrika and Leon Johnson, has been called by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for a week’s training camp ahead of the Test series against India.

Information reaching Chronicle Sport, indicated that the four Guyanese are part of a 14-member training squad who will focus on spin bowling and batting under head coach , at the High Performance Centre in Barbados.

“The camp is specifically for batsmen and spin bowlers. At this stage, we want the batsmen to focus on getting better against the slow bowlers,” Simmons was quoted on Cricinfo.

“We want bowlers to look at ways to improve

Gudakesh Motie their art of spin bowling. In the coming months we will have Test matches against India and Pakistan - two higher-ranked teams - so we know we will face a lot of spin and we will play against players who are good players of spin.

“The list of players for this camp does not mean that the players have already been selected to play the Test matches. The squads for the India and

Vishaul Singh Pakistan matches will be named at a later date. We have chosen players to work on certain specific areas and to have a closer look at their techniques and skill sets, as we look to prepare for what is ahead of us,” Simmons concluded.

Motie, Singh and Johnson have all had extraordinary seasons in the 2015-16 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)/Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional four-

Rajendra Chandrika day tournament.

Motie has created an impression in his first season of first class cricket. The young left-arm spinner along with fellow Guyanese left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul finished joint-fourth on the list of wicket-takers with 40 wickets each.

Singh was the third highest run-scorer with 712 runs, including three centuries while Johnson is the only batsman with 800

Leon Johnson runs during the season.

The 28-year-old stroked two centuries and five half-centuries in piling up 807 runs at an average of 57.

Johnson was overlooked by the West Indies selectors, despite averaging nearly 40 in Test cricket (39.28).

Johnson, who has played four Tests and six One Day Internationals, last represented the West Indies in both formats of the game against South Africa in January last

year.

The solid left-handed batsman was overlooked for West Indies home series against England and Australia earlier last year, as well as the Sir Lanka series later that year.

On the other hand, Chandrika has played three Test matches.

West Indies are scheduled to play four Tests at home against India in July and August, after which they will take on Pakistan in three away Tests in September and October.

The players called up for the training camp are: Kraigg Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, Shai Hope, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich, Leon Johnson, Vishaul Singh, Roston Chase, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Imran Khan, Gudakesh Motie, Damion Jacobs, Jomel Warrican.

Chase Academy edge Christianburg/Wismar Secondary 2-1

By Daniel Haynes

IN a match that was merely the supporting cast for the Guyana versus Canada showdown on Sunday night, Milo champions Chase Academy took on the Digicel Nationwide champions Christianburg/ Wismar Secondary.

This game, however, was far more competitive as it finished with a score line of 2-1 in favour of Chase Academy.

Played in front a small crowd of faithful fans made up of school football followers, parents and friends, the game proved to be a physical one from the first whistle.

The game was also played at an aggressive

Brian Johnson beats the goalkeeper to tie game for Wismar. pace, with Wismar players holding an advantage in height and size but the shorter Chase team levelled the playing field with pace on and off the ball.

The possession tally told the story of the game with

Chase holding more possession as well as having more purposeful drives at goals. Chase also had quick one passes both aerially and along the ground. When Wismar did attack their assaults were stopped by the Chase

defence which was led by captain Jeremy Garrett.

Chase’s first goal of the game came on a counterattack when Ralph Parris was brought down in the penalty box by an errant tackle from a Wismar de-

fender. Jeremy Garrett calmly stepped up to the penalty spot and blasted one just under the bar in the middle of goal, as the goalkeeper dived to his right and the game went into halftime break 1-0.

At the start of the second half the intensity of the game kicked into a higher gear with Wismar playing even more physical. Just like in the first half through Garrett, Wismar evened up the game and opened their account from the penalty strike. Brian Johnson on a blinding drive was brought down by a defender.

He then stepped up to the spot to put one down the middle to tie the game up and make it interesting down the stretch.

But under the bright lights Chase would not be denied and Kelsey Benjamin scored the decisive goal with a clinical volley while falling down that beat the keeper. From there it was tight defence from Chase who held their nerves to finish the game 2-1.

Chase coach Vurlon Wills commented on the win by saying, “We expected them to come at us physically; they hold the advantage with their height but we knew once we played our brand of football and played the passes, we could win.”

He finished by saying the win was just another day at the office for the Chase side.

Australia briefed on Zika virus ahead of Windies tour

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Australia captain Steven Smith and his team have been warned about risks associated with the Zika virus ahead of their tour of the West Indies next month.

Australia will play West Indies and South Africa in a triangular one-day international tournament in St Kitts & Nevis, Barbados and Guyana from June 5.

A handful of cases of Zika - a mosquito-borne vi-

rus known to cause the birth defect microcephaly - have been recorded in Guyana, on South America’s north coast.

Cricket Australia chief medical officer John Orchard said the players had

been briefed on how to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and reminded of “safe-sex practices”.

Zika is spread primarily by mosquitoes but can also be transmitted sexually, prompting the Australian

Olympic Committee to provide ‘Zika-proof’ condoms to athletes heading to the Rio de Janeiro Games in August.

An outbreak of the disease in Puerto Rico caused two Major League Baseball games to be relocated from

the Caribbean island to Miami later this month.

Preparations for the Rio Olympics have been overshadowed by a major Zika outbreak in Brazil, prompting some athletes to elect to skip the Games.

Ambrose left shocked by dismissal

See Page 26

Leicester celebrate title triumph with victory parade

See Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri, Danny Simpson, Kasper Schmeichel, Riyad Mahrez, Andy King, Christian Fuchs, Danny story on Drinkwater, Leonardo Ulloa, Robert Huth and Jamie Vardy with the trophy on the bus during the parade (Reuters/Phil Noble) page 24

This is how we learn our lessons! - Shabazz speaks after 5-1 drubbing

By Stephan Sookram

‘LESSONS that are learnt easily are not lessons at all.

They are gracious acts of luck. But lessons learnt the hard way are lessons never forgotten,’ a quote made famous by U.S. Legislator Don Williams Jr and epitomised Sunday evening by Guyana’s Golden Jaguars.

The locals sank to a 5-1 loss against the Canadian U-23 side at the Guyana

Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz

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

National Stadium, Providence and head coach Jamaal Shabazz minced no words in reiterating the statement.

“This is the level of the game; this is how we learn our lessons. When we play a superior opponent and we make simple errors we pay for them.

I think these types of lessons are necessary in building the football brand and culture for Guyana,” he said.

He continued, “You

could see their confidence (the Canadians) on the ball and their composure when the game really got tight, they pulled it through and there was so much that we can learn from this; I told our guys always battle and at times we made some crucial mistakes and were forced to pay.”

“We saw the future of two countries’ play and it shows us that we have a lot of work

to do in terms of catching up with the higher end of CONCACAF. This is not a Caribbean football opponent, this is North American opponent,” the head coach contended Meanwhile, captain Collin Nelson, added that the team will take the loss and head back to the drawing board in an attempt to correct those mistakes made See page 24

TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016