Guyana Chronicle E-paper 09-20-2018

THURSDAY 20th September, 2018

HISTORIC PACT No.105403

– Guyana, T&T sign MoU on energy cooperation

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President David Granger and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley smile as they exchange copies of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at State House on Wednesday, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in the energy sector (Adrian Narine photo)

► Prime Minister Rowley says Guyana has a genuine friend in T&T

► President Granger hails pact as win-win for both countries

► stands with Guyana on border controversy with Venezuela

► says local private sector has nothing to fear

► T&T removing honey importation restrictions

See stories on pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9

► willing to buy Guyana’s rice

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Work must go on with or without King – says Mayor Chase-Green GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has declined from offering any comments “whatsoever” on the recent developments surrounding the establishment of an inquiry to probe alleged irregularities at City Hall.

She also offered no comments on the fact that Town Clerk Royston King, Chief Executive Officer of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), is to be investigated for alleged misconduct.

The next fortnightly statutory meeting of the M&CC

will convene on Monday as usual. “Of course, the works of the Council has to go on,” the mayor said on Wednesday.

According to her, the Local Government Commission (LGC) has appointed Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry to sit in for King during his absence.

Retired Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard, was on Tuesday sworn in as chairman and sole commissioner to probe the alleged irregularities at City Hall, following a recent order by the LGC. The inquiry is scheduled to begin on September 24 and will conclude on October 31.

The gathering of evidence began last Monday and persons desirous of submitting statements to the commission have until September 21 to do so.

Since the evidence-taking has commenced, the commission has already been in receipt of 11 official complaints, though more are ex-

pected in the coming week.

To facilitate the investigation, King, will be proceeding on administrative leave from September 21, pending the examination and determination of all the issues under inquiry.

The LGC was set up last year August and is mandated to, among other things, monitor and review the performance and implementation of policies of all local government organisations; monitor, evaluate and make recommendations on policies, procedures and practices of all local government organs and investigate any matter under its purview and propose remedial action to the minister, wherever and whenever necessary.

Last April, the LGC took a decision to carry out an investigation based on multiple complaints and adverse reports received with reference to the municipality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

T&T stands with Guyana on border controversy with Venezuela PRIME Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley has pledged his country’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty amid claims by Venezuela.

“Trinidad and Tobago stands fully behind the position of Guyana with respect to its differences with Venezuela and as long as whatever has to be done is in keeping with that commitment, Trinidad and Tobago is of that position,” Prime Minister Rowley said, while fielding questions from reporters during a joint press conference at State House on Wednesday.

President David Granger, who held bilateral talks with his Trinidadian counterpart, indicated that Trinidad and Tobago has always been in support of Guyana’s rejection of the territorial claim

by Venezuela. Presently, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is preparing to submit a memorial to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of October

1899 between Guyana and Venezuela.

By an order dated June 19, 2018, the ICJ fixed November 19, 2018 and April 18, 2019 as the respective time-limits for the filing of a memorial by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and a Counter-Memorial by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Venezuela has indicated that it will not participate in the court’s proceedings.

The written pleadings, in the form of memorials will address the question of the jurisdiction of the court in hearing the case brought by the State of Guyana.

In March, Venezuela had indicated that it would not participate in the judicial proceedings, however, the Guyana Government has made it clear it will proceed with the case, noting that under Article 53 of the Statute of the Court, “whenever one of the parties does not appear before the Court, or fails to defend its case, the Turn to page 8 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Guyana, T&T sign MoU

By Svetlana Marshall TAPPING into Trinidad and Tobago’s wealth of experience while that country capitalises on Guyana’s natural resources would create a win-win situation for both countries, President David Granger said, moments after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley, on Wednesday at State House.

The signing of the MoU, which creates greater avenues for cooperation in energy between the two CARICOM Member States, was witnessed by Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; and Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses along with other Cabinet members from both sides.

The MoU sets the platform on which Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago can develop and promote joint projects throughout the hydrocarbon value chain, in accordance with identified provisions and without prejudice to their respective national legal systems.

While highlighting the rich history between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, President Granger said though the MoU is largely focused on cooperation in energy, the bilateral talks which preceded the signing on Wednesday covered a wide range of areas including agriculture, security and youth and sport.

The President, declaring that there is much to learn from the twin-island republic, said through collaboration, the social, physical and economic landscape of Guyana can be further transformed.

“Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean in terms of its economy, in terms of manufacturing, in terms of the exports, in terms of the standard of living, in terms of education, and Guyana of course is the largest CARICOM state.

“We have abundant raw materials, natural resources

… Paving way for enhanced cooperation on energy …President Granger hails pact as win-win for both countries

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley making a point to President David Granger shortly after the signing of the MoU (Adrian Narine photo)

respond to operational accidents which may result in damage, environmental impacts and personal injury.

Under Article 3, the CARICOM Member States have agreed to establish an Executing Committee, comprising ministers responsible for energy on both sides. That committee will establish a Joint Working Group comprising a maximum of 10 representatives – five from each of the two countries.

President David Granger and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley signing the MoU on cooperation in the energy sector (Adrian Narine photo)

– gold, diamond, timber, manganese, bauxite – and we are confident that by collaborating, we will be able to combine the natural resources of Guyana with the entrepreneurial expertise, capital and investment from Trinidad, so for both of us it is a win-win situation,” the Guyanese leader explained.

STRENGTHENING COOPERATION He emphasised that the commitment to strengthen cooperation between two countries does not only mean well for them but it is a significant step in making the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) stronger.

Weighing in on the topic of cooperation, Prime Minister Rowley said the signing of the MoU as well as the Framework Agreement for the deepening of bilateral cooperation, which was renewed earlier this year, will pave the way for economic opportunities to benefit the people of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.

“We anticipate that the roles of the Governments in laying the groundwork and providing the encouragement for our private sectors to seize opportunities which are available to both countries at this time could only be a good thing for the people of Trinidad and Tobago and for the people of Guyana,” he told those present at the signing ceremony.

Like President Grang-

gy sector, and pave the way for the establishment of an executing committee and a joint working group.

According to Article 2 – ‘Areas of Cooperation,’ the two countries may provide technical assistance in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources; exchange information on public policies in the areas of regulation, administration and sovereign management of hydrocarbon resources and

er, the TT Prime Minister underscored the significance of maximising on each other’s resources and expertise for economic prosperity. “We should not acknowledge the existence of ‘borders’ but let our efforts identify the resources available in each of our countries and to put those resources whether they be financial, raw material, our entrepreneurial skills, to work, so as to grow the economy of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, where two groups of people with so much in common and so much history and so much common desire can advance ourselves, that we should not be held back by any bureaucratic impediments,” Dr. Rowley said.

COOPERATION IN ENERGY The MoU consists of a total of 14 Articles, which clearly stipulate the areas of cooperation in the ener-

technology transfer; promote training and capacity-building of technical personnel; development procedures to prevent and

“The Joint Working Group will identify and evaluate the feasibility of the projects and activities in pursuance of the objec-

tive of this MoU, and will advise on potential areas of cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago in accordance with guidelines set by the Executing Committee,” Article 4:01 states.

The Joint Working Group, under Article 4 of the MoU is required to establish Joint Technical Teams, which would be expected to report to the Joint Working Group within three months of their creation; and receive, consider and make recommendations in writing with supporting documentation to the Executive Committee.

According to Article, the MoU does not provide any exclusivity or prohibit Guyana and Trinidad from entering into agreements of similar nature with third parties. The MoU is not a legally binding agreement; however, it is in effect for a period of five years.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma formed part of the Guyanese delegation while Trinidad’s Ministers of Energy, Sport and Youth Affairs, Planning and Development, and Agriculture and Fisheries accompanied Prime Minister Rowley.

Vice President and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, in discussion with Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

MOU on energy cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago

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overnments of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on energy sector cooperation during a meeting at the State House.

2. The Executing Committee will establish a Joint Working Group comprising a maximum of ten (10) representatives, of which each of the Parties will designate five (5) members respectively.

3. The Executing Committee will develop the guidelines and the policies of the Joint Working Group.

4. The Parties will provide written notice of its representatives of the Joint Working Group to the other Party within thirty (30) days from the entry into force of this MOU.

BELOW IS THE FULL MOU The Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (hereinafter referred to individually as “the Party” and collectively as “the Parties”); CONSIDERING the commitment of both governments to continue the development of cooperation mechanisms to foster the creation of an environment conducive to energy integration on the basis of the principles of reciprocity, solidarity and respect for sovereignty; RECOGNIZING that the development of the energy sector contributes significantly to the strengthening of economic and social development while improving the quality of life of the citizens of both Parties; The Parties have reached the following understanding:

ARTICLE 4 JOINT WORKING GROUP 1. The Joint Working Group will identify and evaluate the feasibility of the projects and activities in pursuance of the objective of this MOU, and will advise on potential areas of cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago in accordance with guidelines set by the Executing Committee.

2. In the performance of its functions under this MOU, the Joint Working Group will: (a) establish Joint Technical Teams comprising of representatives from the Parties and such other persons as either Party may appoint; (b) establish the Terms of Reference of the Joint Technical Teams to advance the achievement of cooperation activities in accordance with the objective of MOU; (c) determine the priority and specific content of the activities to be undertaken in fulfilment of the objective of this MOU; (d) require the Joint Technical Teams to report to Joint Working Group within three (3) months of their creation, unless otherwise agreed; (e) receive, consider and make recommendations in writing with supporting documentation to the Executing Committee on the matters referred for its determination and advice pursuant to Article 2 of this MOU; (f) invite other persons to attend meetings at the request of either Party, as required; and (g) report to the Executing Committee established herein within sixty (60) days of the receipt of a written report from Joint Technical Teams.

3. The Joint Working Group may request the services of experts from the hydrocarbon industries of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to advise on matters to be addressed in the process of implementation of this MOU.

ARTICLE 1 OBJECTIVE This Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as MOU) establishes the process through which the Parties agree to work with each other in the development of the energy and energy related sectors of the Parties with the aim of developing and promoting joint projects throughout the hydrocarbon value chain in accordance with the provisions hereof and without prejudice to their respective national legal systems.

ARTICLE 2 AREAS OF COOPERATION 1. The Parties may cooperate in the following areas: (a) technical assistance in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources; (b) the exchange of information on public policies in the area of the regulation, administration and sovereign management of hydrocarbon resources and technology transfer; (c) the exchange of information on government programmes throughout the hydrocarbon value chain and related experiences; (d) the promotion of training and capacity building of technical personnel and the development of energy technologies through, inter alia, technical visits, secondments, seminars and presentations; (e) the promotion of cooperation and exchange of experiences between state-owned petroleum enterprises for the development of joint projects utilising mechanisms convenient to the Parties; (f) the development of policies, plans and protocols relating to health, safety and the environment and the establishment of procedures to prevent and respond to operational accidents which may result in damage, environmental impacts and personal injury; (g) the development of policies relating to local content; (h) the identification and development of projects throughout the hydrocarbon value chain; (i) the identification of projects in the area of construction and maintenance of plants and infrastructure related to transportation, storage and supply of hydrocarbons and derivatives; (j) the exploration of possibilities for synergy through exchange arrangements and other delivery mechanisms for hydrocarbons and derivatives; and (k) any other means of cooperation agreed to by the Parties in the areas related to the objective of this agreement in accordance with the national legal system of each country.

2. The Parties may enter into specific agreements for the development and implementation of the activities described above.

ARTICLE 5 EXPENSES 1. Each Party will bear its own internal expenses related to any activity carried out under this MOU in accordance with its respective budgetary allocations.

2. The Executing Committee will mutually agree in advance to the contracting of third parties and the distribution of costs related to any activity undertaken under this MOU. ARTICLE 6 LABOUR RELATIONS All personnel or representatives designated by a Party to participate in cooperation activities under this MOU shall be deemed to be under the direction and supervision of such Party and shall continue to be governed by and subject to the terms and conditions of employment of that Party. There shall not be any implied labour or contractual relationship between the personnel or representatives of a Party and the other Party or between personnel and representatives of the Parties.

ARTICLE 7 CONFIDENTIALITY 1. Each Party accepts that all information provided directly or indirectly by the other Party shall be treated as confidential information and shall be held and protected in strict confidence, except as required by law and shall not be further disclosed by the receiving Party without prior consent of the disclosing Party.

2. The term “confidential information” does not include information that is or comes within the public domain other than through the fault of either Party.

ARTICLE 3 THE EXECUTING COMMITTEE 1. The Parties will designate the Ministers responsible for energy and energy related industries who shall comprise the Executing Committee for the implementation this MOU.

3. The confidential information disclosed by one Party shall remain the property of that Party, who may request the return thereof at any time. Upon receipt of such request, the other Party will promptly return to the disclosing party all original confidential information disclosed hereunder and shall ensure that all copies and reproductions thereof in its possession are destroyed.

4. The obligations contained in this Article will survive for a period of ten (10) years after the termination of this MOU, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.

ARTICLE 8 NON-EXCLUSIVITY This MOU does not provide any exclusivity or prohibit either Party from entering into agreements or instruments of this type with third parties.

ARTICLE 9 EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS Unless the Parties agree otherwise, this MOU will not affect existing arrangements of either Party or existing discussions between the Parties as at the date of entry into force of this MOU. ARTICLE 10 DISPUTE RESOLUTION Any dispute between the Parties arising from the interpretation, application, implementation, or compliance with this MOU will be resolved through negotiations by the Joint Working Group in the first instance or by the Executing Committee.

Where the dispute has not been resolved within the ninety (90) working days, the dispute shall be resolved amicably between the Parties through diplomatic means.

ARTICLE 11 SOVEREIGNTY Nothing provided in this MOU will affect the rights of the Parties over their respective archipelagic waters, territories, maritime zones and air space under their sovereignty and jurisdiction and all natural resources in respect thereof, in accordance with the national laws and regulations of the respective Party and the applicable rules and principles of international law.

ARTICLE 12 AMENDMENT This MOU may be amended by written agreement between the Parties through diplomatic channels.

ARTICLE 13 NON-BINDING NATURE The Parties acknowledge that this MOU shall not constitute a legally binding agreement between the Parties in any respect, nor is it intended to create rights or provide remedies enforceable by either Party ARTICLE 14 ENTRY INTO FORCE AND DURATION 1. This MOU will be applicable upon the signature of both Signatories and shall remain in effect for a term of five (5) years, and will automatically be renewed for other periods of five years each, unless both Signatories mutually agree otherwise, or either of them terminates it as hereunder.

2. Either Party may notify the other Party at any time through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate this MOU. Termination shall be effective six (6) months after the date of the receipt of the notification.

3. The termination of this MOU shall not affect the development of programmes and projects agreed to by the Parties as at the date of termination, the implementation of which shall continue unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.

Signed in the city of Georgetown on the 19th day of September, 2018 in duplicate. FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF CO-OPERATIVE REPUBLIC OF GUYANA FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Nothing to fear

By Svetlana Marshall

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RESIDENT David Granger and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley said there is nothing sinister about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the energy sector, as they allayed the fears of the local private sector.

Ahead of the signing of the MoU by the two countries, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had expressed concern that the ‘agreement’ would open up the floodgates for Trinidadian companies to come here at a time when Guyana is on the verge of unprecedented wealth, due to the discovery of more than four billion barrels of oil-equivalent in the Stabroek Block.

Minutes after signing the MoU with his Trinidadian counterpart at State House on Wednesday, President Granger said the concerns raised were completely unjustified, stating that there is nothing in

the ‘agreement’ which seeks to harm the interests of either state.

“There is no sell-out. There were some unjustified fears that Guyana is giving away the family jewels, but that is not true. It is simply a means of collaborating. Trinidad is bringing years of experience not only in production but in marketing, in gas, in oil spills, in dealing with multinational corporations and the MoU is a means of benefiting from Trinidad and Tobago’s expertise and experience. So that fear of giving away is completely unjustified,” he said.

The Guyanese head of state, while noting that Guyana and Trinidad have collaborated on several fronts over the years, said the private sector should be proud and pleased with the step the two CARICOM member states have taken.

Though stating that it is not his intention to reprimand anyone, Prime Minister Rowley expressed disappointment that there was a fear of Trinidadian “takeover” with the signing of the MoU for cooperation in the

energy sector.

“We are working towards ensuring that we as a people, not just the people of Trinidad

-- President Granger assures Guyanese after signing MoU with T&T

pation of a good neighbour working with those who are in need of our presence, maybe of our finance or our… skills.

President Granger and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley, fielding questions from reporters during a press conference held immediately after signing the MoU at State House on Wednesday

and Tobago but the people of the CARICOM – Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago – do better for all ourselves,” Dr. Rowley said, while assuring that there will be no “takeover” of Guyana’s fortune by Trinidad.

“It is simply the partici-

And as long as Guyana remains a friendly neighbour to us, and we remain a friendly neighbour to Guyana. It is my expectation that any and all investment in Trinidad and Tobago from Guyana or vice versa [would] be something that would be

welcomed and would be encouraged and that participation in our economy would be good for all of us,” he added.

To make his case that the twin-island republic has always had the interest of Guyana at heart, Dr. Rowley said the record would show that Trinidad and Tobago had written off Guyana’s debt.

“We in Trinidad and Tobago are proud to have the record show that as a small developing country, not being a member of the Paris Club, when Guyana sought relief at the Paris Club… we in Trinidad and Tobago wrote off billions of Trinidad and Tobago dollars of Guyana’s debt… That write-off was done against the background of Trinidad and Tobago being encouraged [and] we did so against international pressures,” he stated.

The MoU sets the foundation for cooperation in the energy sector. As such, it creates a space for the provision of technical assistance in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources; in

addition to the exchange information on public policies in the areas of regulation, administration and sovereign management of hydrocarbon resources and technology transfer. Under the MoU, which is not a legally binding agreement, Guyanese would be able to benefit from capacity-building in the oil and gas sector.

Trinidad and Tobago is one of the oldest hydrocarbon producers in the world, having commenced commercial oil production in 1908. For the past seven decades, the Trinidad and Tobago energy sector has contributed significantly to the country’s GDP, government revenues and foreign exchange earnings.

In 2012, the energy sector accounted for 43.7 per cent of GDP and 74.1 per cent of export earnings, and contributed 37.0 per cent to government revenue. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) monitors, controls and regulates the country’s energy and mineral sectors.

Hinterland education project hailed a success

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HE Ministry of Education’s US$1.7M Guyana Early Childhood Project (GECEP) targeting 8,000 children in hinterland and remote riverine areas has been deemed a success with significant improvements in learning.

On Wednesday at the Umana Yana, the project’s closing ceremony was held with a large attendance of teachers and students from the targeted regions and other stakeholders involved.

The project, conducted in collaboration with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the World Bank, was aimed at strengthening the literacy and numeracy outcomes of children at the nursery level and Grade One Primary.

The three-year project saw the involvement of students, some 592 teachers, 200 caregivers, as well as parents in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine. It included three components of which one was capacity-building for nursery and Grade One teachers, whereby 41 Early Childhood Education (ECE) trainers and 526 in-service ECE practitioners were developed.

The second component saw 750 ECE resource kits with 31 multi-purpose teaching and learning resources along with a Teachers’ Manual being distributed to all participating schools in the relevant areas. The final component was geared at primary caregiver education and saw the launching of an international award-winning mass media campaign titled READ, PLAY, LOVE. It saw the involvement of a hands-on parental coaching programme as well as parenting seminars. Following these active components, GECEP Project Coordinator Quenita Walrond was able to report that literacy among hinterland children has improved from 36.63 per cent to139.78 per cent.

Meanwhile, numeracy has jumped to 133.67 from an original percentage of 37.53, both between the periods of September 2016 to June 2018.

The project itself in an objective is based on the Education Ministry’s five-year Nursery Education Action Plan (NEAP), which is aligned with the GPE’s Education Strategic Plan 20122015.

Delivering feature remarks at the event’s closing, Education Minister Nicolette Henry said that education is one of the most powerful factors for all-round development.

and the government has pledged its commitment to achieving even greater success. “As a sector, the Ministry of Education stands committed to sustaining the gains received through the

Some of the arts and craft classroom decorations made by the teachers (Adrian Narine photo)

She added that the project was launched with the intention of focusing on the country’s youngest students to narrow the gaps of education delivery and increase education outcomes amount far-out children.

“The Government of Guyana recognises the importance of achieving inclusive and quality education for all and understands that education is one of the most powerful and programmed vehicles for sustainable development,” she said.

Moreover, she explained that the socio-economic benefits of early childhood education can result in cleaner environments, higher household incomes, increased life satisfaction and a decrease in violent crimes.

Henry added that the sooner this quality education is provided, the more rewarding it can be

Guyana Early Childhood Project, as we craft our sector plans for 2019 and beyond,” she said.

At the ceremony, poems and songs came from children from the various regions, while several beautifully crafted classroom decorations and learning materials were put on display by the teachers. First Lady Sandra Granger also presented tokens of appreciation to ECE Master Trainers and Project Monitors, while the most improved teachers and students were also awarded.

Some of the many children from Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine participated in the closing ceremony one way or the other (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Security and the Chinese business community

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AST week, we reported on a meeting between China’s top diplomat here and the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, to discuss recent robberies of businesses owned by people of Chinese descent and measures to be taken to boost confidence in the general business community. The minister was accompanied by Commissioner of Police, Leslie James.

Chinese businesses in the past were rarely ever robbed and this unusual occurrence has led the news media to give prominence to it. Actually, from the end of the 19th century until today, there has been a steady stream of Chinese business immigrants to Guyana. Over the last century, such immigrants were mostly engaged in the restaurant or cookshop, grocery and laundry businesses until, with the spread of washing machines, the laundry business became unprofitable. Chinese cook-shops and groceries continued to grow in numbers and sizes, prospered, and became very much a part of the Guyanese landscape.

Such Chinese immigrants were welcomed and accepted by the Guyanese population and there were many inter-marriages. Whenever these Chinese businesspersons had accumulated enough assets and money, they either returned home or emigrated to North America. Those who chose to remain became part of the Guyanese population. Chinese immigrants were never regarded as strangers, as in so many other countries, but were accepted as belonging to Guyana as anyone else. It is therefore preposterous to think that anyone dislikes or profiles persons of Chinese ancestry. Guyana, as a multi-cultural, multi-racial country, which has been peopled by immigrants, has never had any kind of anti-immigrant

profiling. We do not believe anyone in the Chinese business community feels that he/she is being targeted or profiled by any Guyanese.

We of course do not condone or tolerate anyone being robbed in Guyana and have worked with the law-enforcing bodies to eradicate such criminality. We feel, however, that the reason we now hear about Chinese businesses being robbed, is that unlike in the recent past, when there were comparatively fewer Chinese businesses, today, there are hundreds spread all over the country. This results in more of such businesses being open to attacks by opportunistic criminals.

When His Excellency Ambassador Cui Jianchun, China’s Ambassador, recently met the commissioner of police and the Minister of Public Security to discuss the issue of robberies of businesses owned by persons of Chinese descent, they were at one and the ambassador’s visit was welcome. Relations between Guyana and China were very close from the time relations were first established in 1972. At that time, the Cold War was raging and Cuba was the only country in the hemisphere that had established relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Any other country attempting to have relations with China was regarded as unacceptable by the USA and Guyana drew the ire of our great northern neighbour by so doing and giving China an entre` into South America; the PRC has never forgotten Guyana’s principled stance.

From those days, relations between China and Guyana have always been close and almost familial. Ambassador Cui’s discussion with the commissioner and minister was done in the greatest friendliness and good faith and the

Guyanese side will do its best to address the ambassador’s concerns and ensure the security of Chinese businesses.

The ministry immediately issued a news release in which it accepted Ambassador Cui’s complaint of the criminal burglaries, but cleared the air pointing out that Chinese businesses were not being targeted, since this was ascertained from interrogation of suspects who had been arrested for such robberies and also, the crime statistics do not support such an assumption. Once the Chinese community realises this truth, they would feel much more secure and be able to conduct their business with confidence which is, after all, what the government, the ministry and the Guyanese community as a whole wish.

Nevertheless, the government’s side assured the ambassador that additional police presence would be deployed and permanently stationed in the business areas and heightened surveillance would be taken to deter criminal activities. Actually, before the ambassador’s visit, several suspects who had robbed Chinese businesses were taken into custody. The commissioner of police and the minister would soon be meeting the Chinese business community and would then be able to answer their questions and address their concerns. It is expected, too, that the commissioner and his crime specialist would be able to advise how they could improve their own security such as by the use of cameras at strategic points and how to be able to identify suspicious persons. We are quite certain that the Chinese business community would feel more comfortable and secure and would be able to conduct their business with confidence.

Revival of Indigenous culture needed I

What is Royston King’s sin?

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor,

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N evolution is occurring in Indigenous culture that is more than ever being assimilated into mainstream culture, as we know it.

Why is this happening and what factors are responsible?

Throughout Guyana, what is being manifested in every hinterland indigenous community is not true Indigenous culture. Please, this writer does not refer to what’s being exhibited

during Indigenous Heritage month of September each year, but what is the prevailing general tendencies towards true Indigenous culture, even in the various communities referred to.

For example, one is not surprised to learn that as we celebrate our heritage, the heritage of Guyana’s First Peoples, the theme, in part, is about taking pride in who we are, our identity.

The theme cannot be more apposite.

The semblance of other cultures taking precedence over an original culture in

communities such as villages, towns, and so on, large or small, may be indicative of a culture in trouble; and only we the Indigenous Peoples of this country can facilitate a true revival of our own.

There can be so many interventions by well-wishers, such as governments, NGOS, etc., but there has to be an ingredient in us: pride.

The existence of First Peoples all over the world persists, but not without their own efforts. First and foremost is their recognition that no matter what course

public opinion may take, ours is to be proud of who we are, our own identity as the First Peoples.

External influences; no matter where we are geographically located, no matter how educated we have become, must never be allowed to negatively influence our standing or tendency regarding our true culture; our identity; our language, our pride Long live the First Peoples of Guyana!!!

Regards Joseph Atkinson

N the Monday, September 17, 2018, Stabroek News there is a front page caption: “inquiry ordered into City Hall – Town Clerk to be sent on leave” The caption is repeated at page 3 and a very lengthy article followed, which ends on page 9. This is, of course, a matter of public interest, and the public has a right to be informed.

But reading the Stabroek News article, the view is irresistible that this was no fair reporting for public information alone. In my considered opinion, this was opening statements by a prosecuting press as in a media trial with an insidious motive – crucify, prejudice and prejudge Mr. Royston King, the town clerk.

A report of this type can easily

engender prejudice and hostility in the minds of potential persons who by public notice in the press have been invited to make submissions to the “Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown Commission of Inquiry” (CoI). The LGC should condemn this mischievous type of prejudicial press publicity (pre-CoI); this media/ lynching. This CoI appears to be in flagrant breach of Schedule 8 of the Municipal And District Councils Act, Chapter 28:01 and has been foisted on the council, an elected body.

Editor, this media crucifixion of the town clerk on the basis of the evidence of witnesses “Mark Roopan” and “MODI Sankar” reminds us (with biblical disposition and dispensation) of the Christ

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

What is Royston ... story. It is told in the Book of St. Matthew (KJV) Chapter 27, versus 12:27. I extract a few of those biblical writings; “and when he was accused of the Chief Priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him “Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee.” And he answered him to never a word. Pilate said unto them whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas or Jesus which is called Christ?

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him saying Have thou nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

Pilate saith unto them, what I shall do then with Jesus which is called Christ. They all say unto him, let him be crucified.

And the governor said, why, what evil hath he done? But

they cried out the more, saying let him be crucified.” I am no Pontius Pilate, Royston King is no Christ, but I ask the “ Mark Roopan”, and Modi Sankar of this capital city: what evil has Royston King done? Did the Stabroek Market wharf only begin to deteriorate and reach its present state of deterioration and collapse only after Mr. King became Town Clerk in 2015? I ask the same question in respect of City Hall. Is the council’s finance deficiencies attributable to Mr. King’s tenure as town clerk in three years? Is Royston King responsible for the dysfunctionalities of all the previous town clerks that preceded him (most infamously Carol Sooba)? Has Mr. King built or acquired any Pradoville-type mansion or unjustly enriched himself or family with City Council’s revenues in his three years as town clerk?

And what is the complaint

of the business community?

Being asked to pay their fair share of the expenses for the repair and maintenance of the council’s roads necessitated by their excessive use with their heavy-tonnage, 18-wheelers and such like? It is an international local government best practice for councils to charge user fees.

Is he solely responsible for the non-payment/non-remittance to “GRA, NIS, GPL, GTT and the credit unions” (extracted from the Stabroek News article)? Has not the council with the perennial revenue deficit to make a hard choice between making those statutory payments (and others) and the humanity of paying workers’ salaries, so that they can put food in their children’s mouths; send them to school and pay the garbage contractors for their garbage-collection services, thereby averting an

epidemic in the city.

Our memories are not so short that we cannot remember what perennial garbage no-collection crisis existed in this capital city prior to Mr. King becoming town clerk in 2015. And do they not know that councils in both developing and developed countries worldwide have programmes of housing for its workers?

Must an APNU+AFC majority council persist in the social development serility of past governments and ignore the housing plight of its workers?

And what about all those efforts at beautifying the city that Mr. King has initiated and seen to conclusion (colloquially speaking seemingly mashing some toes in the process of those transformative achievements)? Again, I ask: what evil has he done? Is he the target of the CoI, hence his being sent of administrative leave,

to facilitate the process? What is the reasonable insinuation?

So, let us pause and reflect on this: in this city we are a people who thrive on sensationalism, who have a special insatiable penchant for character assassination and ill-speaking. So, newspaper report (with its facility for elaborate reporting, which obviously television and radio do not have) that the town clerk has been sent on leave has a prime news element.

Among the citizenry some are curious, some concerned; some of course get pleasure.

The CoI notice in the press does not indicate any terms of reference (TOR). Why is the ToR secreted in e-mail?

So, spare a thought for the hapless town clerk who, it seems, is now visited with the sins of all the previous town clerks and councils, over the past 25 years; and the collateral embarrassment for himself and

Cont’d from page 6 his family. That cannot be right.

But there is one reassuring and comforting fact: perhaps by Divine intervention, the Local Government Commission has chosen as the CoI head a person of conscience, much learning, and even-handedness, former chancellor Cecil Kennard.

I end with this: Royston King’s sin (and “He that is without sin among you let him first cast a stone at her” St. John 8:07) is that he is a visionary with a vision of a Rolls Royce city as our capital; impatient in this relentless pursuit, with outdated administrative methodologies where they appear unworkable and inconvenient; frustrated in his endeavours by those with a donkey cart mindset.

Regards Maxwell .E. Edwards

Individual bank interpretation of AML verification requirements causing confusion Dear Editor,

T

HERE seems to be a discrepancy in the Bank of Guyana (BoG) Supervision Guidelines relevant to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) verification requirements, which is creating some confusion among banks and friction with customers.

I believe it is a very simple matter that the Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) seem to have overlooked or is taking too long to comprehensively address, resolve and seek to have our BoG guidelines amended and updated accordingly.

On September 19, 2018, I had an intense discussion with a senior manager of one of the commercial banks operating in Georgetown regarding the cited discrepancy. The bank is one under which my banking career blossomed for over 15 years. I have maintained cordial customer relations with that bank and most of my former peers even after I amended careers a few years ago.

That bank is the only international brand that kept operating here in Guyana, while others sailed off during Guyana’s economic crunch in the 1980s.

The discrepancy to which I refer is under Supervision Guideline No. 13, part 4.2.4, Specific Identification and Verification Procedures, (a) (l) (page 31 for ease of reference).

Part 4.2.4 (a) Natural Persons (individual Customers) reads as follows: “A financial institution

should obtain relevant information on the identity of its customers and seek to verify some of the information on a risk basis, through the use of reliable, independent source documents, data or information to prove to its satisfaction that the individual is who that individual claims to be.”

The requirement under paragraph (a), item (l) requires “taxpayers identification number”. The sentence is stated as ‘taxpayers identification number (TIN) certificate. Now that notation is creating havoc.

I, like many others even within the banking sector, believe a “virgule” (/) was inadvertently omitted and overlooked between taxpayers identification number and (TIN) certificate, since there are other authenticating documents that bear GRA TIN numbers.

There is chaos regarding its intent and interpretation.

A particular bank is strictly demanding an original TIN certificate. No other GRA- issued original documents with TIN number are being accepted. No Guyana driver’s licence, which is numbered with the TIN is being accepted, although the driver’s licence with special security features is issued by GRA. No original Certificate of Compliance bearing the TIN number as issued by GRA is being accepted. No original Individual Income Tax assessment document bearing the TIN number and issued by the GRA is being accepted.

All of the above are authentic GRA-issued doc-

uments bearing TIN numbers, which I submit should be acceptable forms of TIN verification, because it is the TIN number which is the focus and proof that the named customer is associated with that TIN. I found the rejection of the newly issued Guyana driver’s licence for verification of TIN number particularly absurd by one particular bank, while it is being accepted by others where I have already complied with AML verification.

So had I been travelling from Annai or Karasabai to do my verification, my efforts to comply with the BoG AML guidelines would have been denied if my huge paper-based TIN certificate had blown away along the dusty trail and down a deep ravine, or otherwise lost, although I have my newly issued and security-laced Guyana driver’s licence with GRA TIN number. The bank would instruct me to get a new TIN certificate. A replacement TIN certificate costs GYD$5,000, which for the average citizen is still a hard blow, right in the solar plexus.

I trust that the directors of the BoG, GAD and Commissioner-General of the GRA will revisit and cause amendments to be made to that particular section of the AML verification requisites and/ or GRA policy, so as to create a more compliant-friendly environment for bank customers in this country.

Regards Orette Cutting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

T&T removing honey importation restrictions – assures Minister Clarence Rambharat

By Lisa Hamilton TRINIDAD and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat has confirmed that plans are in the works for the island to remove restrictions on importation of honey from Grenada, Guyana and possibly other Caribbean countries.

Rambharat spoke to the media on the matter on Wednesday at State House where he accompanied T&T Prime Minister Keith Rowley for the renewing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guyana on energy.

The non-conformity of Trinidad and Tobago’s legislation governing the importation of honey has been a long-standing issue raised even at the 36th meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in 2013.

The twin island republic had initially restricted the importation of honey from Grenada and other Caribbean countries due to concerns about being affected by the American Foul Brood (AFB) disease.

The contagious disease of honey bees, for which there is no cure, is caused by a spore-forming bacteria which has the potential to kill entire

colonies of honey bees, even infecting beekeeping equipment in the process.

Trinidad and Tobago’s honey, bees and bee products are guided by the island’s age-old Food and Drug Act of 1960 and Beekeeping and Bee products Act of 1935.

Both of these, however, are not in keeping with the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) as highlighted by COTED and has led to the total prohibition of honey from other countries to the island.

In 2012, a portion of Grenada’s honey was confiscated, while a U.S.$3,000 fine was imposed on Guyanese company Laparkan in 2015 for coming within one mile of the island’s shores.

COTED has since stipulated that Trinidad and Tobago’s legislation be amended to provide for the trade in honey from its fellow member states, but by that body’s 42nd meeting, these conditions had not changed.

CONCERNS WILL BE ADDRESSED Providing an update to the media, Rambharat said that plans are in train to address the concerns raised by both countries.

“We have a complaint report to COTED from Grenada. We’ve agreed on a particular approach with Grenada, so right now we’re in process

of doing the Risk Survey Analysis in Grenada. We’ll do the same in Trinidad. We have CAHFSA (Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency) engaged in doing that and we will move things along,” he stated.

Further questioned, he added that similar Risk Analysis Surveys could also be conducted in Guyana.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rowley also stated: “We did discuss it this morning and the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of Foreign Affairs have agreed that we will look at it and… [with hope that we are] satisfied that there are no phytosanitary risks we should not ignore. We will look [at] it with at an eye to furthering the business of Guyana without risking the bio diversity of Trinidad and Tobago but, that being said, we would be guided by the technical outcome.”

He added that the last event where the matter was raised at CARICOM, it was agreed that the CARICOM protocol should prevail and Rowley stated that Trinidad and Tobago would the said protocol.

Guyana’s apiculture industry is currently producing 11,300 gallons of honey annually, and by-products such as beeswax, pollen and royal jelly also contribute to the

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Clarence Rambharat (second left) shares the company of Minister of State Joseph Harmon (first left); Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder (second right) and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Sector Cooperation on Wednesday at State House (Adrian Narine photo)

country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, Rambharat further defended the twin island republic’s caution when it comes to the importation of honey, stating: “I’m not afraid to say that we’re very defensive on honey, because we have a very strong sector and a good record in management… honey is a particularly sensitive area. One of the reasons why we’ve been very slow in allowing honey from outside of Trinidad is

because so far Trinidad has been able to maintain its honey disease-free.”

Rambharat also upheld the country’s sanctioning of shipping company Laparkan, but added that considerations are being made towards adjusting current regulations.

“The law is specific in terms of in transit and honey landing in Trinidad and remaining in Trinidad. We’ve committed to have another look at the law to see if we could create that environment

in which we could allow in transit once it doesn’t stain the country and it’s something we have to look at. [We will also look at] the risk of it being transshipped as opposed to staying in Trinidad,” the T&T Minister said.

At the same function, Guyana’s Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said while the process is taking quite some time, “I’m satisfied with what Prime Minister Holness said that COTED will handle that.”

Route 42 bus operators unhappy with new park T&T stands with Guyana WITH the recent relocation of the Route 42 minibus park, operators who ply that route are not at all happy with this new arrangement, and feel that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has done them an injustice.

The bus park has been relocated to High Street between Hadfield and Leopold Streets, so as to accommodate those vendors who were plying their trade at the dilapidated Stabroek Market Wharf.

Some people, however, feel it’s not the wisest of decisions, given that the area is unsafe for conducting business of any kind, as it’s a breeding ground for criminal activities.

An area long known to be a haven for pickpockets and petty thieves, they say these misfits are now finding easy prey among hapless commuters and drivers.

When the Guyana Chronicle paid a visit to the area on Tuesday, one bus driver

The new Route 42 minibus park (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

on border...

From page 2

was heard saying: “We don’t want here! It can’t work; it’s uncomfortable, and everyone doing their own thing!”

Another said that as far as he is concerned, they are being forced to compete with container trucks for space, and that neither party wants to make room for each other.

He says that not only will the situation give rise to corruption, but it can pose a danger as well, as owing to the congestion, there’s nowhere for pedestrians to walk comfortably, which can in turn lead to accidents.

other party may call upon the Court to decide in favour of its claim.”

“Guyana is fully committed to the rule of law in international relations, including the peaceful resolution of disputes in conformity with international law.

It trusts that the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations, will resolve the controversy with Venezuela in accordance with the law in a manner that is fair and equitable.

It hopes that, in due course, Venezuela will reconsider its position and decide to appear in Court and defend its case. The Court’s rules allow for that,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said in a statement.

Guyana said that if Venezuela persists in its refusal to participate in the matter, the rules provide for the Court to proceed, after a full hearing of the case, to a final judgment that is legally binding

on both the participating and non-participating parties.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that Guyana fully respects the decision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to choose the International Court of Justice as the means of settlement of the controversy and is confident that the Court is fully empowered to decide the case,” the Foreign Ministry added.

Guyana had filed an application with the ICJ on March 29, 2018, requesting the Court to confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. Guyana is contending that the 1899 Award was “a full, perfect, and final settlement” of all questions relating to determining the boundary line between the colony of British Guiana and Venezuela.

One business owner told the Guyana Chronicle, the development has had a negative effect on his business, since bus touts and conductors often encroach upon the spot he has reserved for customers to park.

Even some street merchants who vend along the roadway complain of having suffered significant loss as well, since the buses are parked right in front of their stalls.

One passenger said, “It is very frustrating, especially after a long day’s work, the

distance you got to walk to catch the bus. And it’s very scary in the nights, too! You always got to be on the lookout for these thirsty thieves!

“This is nonsense and inconsiderate!”

She also made the point that the M&CC should have first consulted the relevant stakeholders before making such a decision. It was very inconsiderate of them, as every citizen has the right to know what is going on, especially when their safety and security are at stake. (Tamara Tucker)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Guyana has a genuine friend in T&T – Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

By Lisa Hamilton TRINIDAD and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has shared advice with Guyana on how the country can best negotiate oil contracts with multinationals, even as he acknowledged that some contracts are influenced by time, place and circumstances.

“We respect the sanctity of contracts while not accepting that contracts are written in stone. Contracts are engagements really between at least two parties or more and when we make contracts and if there is goodwill between the participants and if the intention is for both participants to benefit from the nature of the contract, we see the opportunity and the possibility of contracts being revisited, so as to maintain that balance of the elements of the contract and that is the basis on which we have approached the multinationals and we do so out of respect and we do so out of competence,” Prime Minister Rowley told reporters on Wednesday.

He was, at the time, vis-

iting State House for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy collaboration with Guyana.

Many critics of the oil contract signed between Guyana and ExxonMobil have complained bitterly and have questioned the benefits to be derived from the industry under the current construct.

The contract was first realised when Guyana in 1999, under governance of the late President Janet Jagan, originally negotiated and agreed upon a one per cent royalty.

When Guyana finally struck oil in 2015, the option to renegotiate the Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) rose to the forefront of public interest.

In 2016, the APNU+AFC coalition entered into renegotiations with the oil company, resulting in a two per cent royalty, which will give Guyana $7B in annual revenues in addition to a 50 per cent share of profits.

However, many have still expressed their discontent with the new deal and Prime Minister Rowley in

his comments on the matter spoke to how his country has been, and continues to form agreements at the negotiation table.

“Sometimes in negotiations you have to point out shortcomings on the part of that of others and we have no fear in raising voice on shortcomings on the part of others and they might point out shortcomings on your part. But we have no fear in raising our dissatisfaction with the performance of certain contracts,” he said.

The T&T leader added that his country has raised its own concerns in this regard, with the relevant parties and they are now at the negotiating table, having received the acknowledgement that their contract can be revised.

NOT EASY However, he did take note that contracts are not always easily renegotiated as one would think as several aspects often come into consideration.

“I wouldn’t want to be the one to criticise what kinds of contracts you may have entered into, because con-

T&T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

tracts tend to reflect time and place and circumstances. But all I would say to Guyana is to understand where you’re at in the time and place and understand that you have a friend in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said.

He added: “I do know that given the fact that Trinidad and Tobago has been in this business for so long, and that we are engaged in very much of what you will be engaged in, whatever our experience has been, whether good, bad or indifferent, it would do Guyana well to know what that experience is, even if not taken as advice.”

However, the question was posed to the prime min-

ister that his country is moving to close its oil refinery, Petrotrin, due to its current lack of financial value, and on that basis, why should Guyana heed the country’s advice on oil?

In a straightforward response, Dr Rowley remarked: “Let me make it very clear to anyone who is listening. Trinidad and Tobago is in no ‘state’. Trinidad and Tobago is a country that has done well for itself and we have done so largely on the back of the hydrocarbon business.”

VERY EXPERIENCED He added that Trinidad and Tobago, although a small country on the market, is one of the oldest oil producers in the world with an accumulated 100 years of experience in the petroleum sector.

“The vision was to produce oil for the market and we became, over time, one of the major producers of refined products in the British Empire. Upon becoming a nation, we ended up owning the assets and some of the infrastructure. It did very well for us as the international market place allowed us to prosper,” he said.

Dr Rowley then added

that it is the same hydrocarbon sector which allowed Trinidad and Tobago’s citizens to benefit from allround improved sectors in the country and which is not now failing, but rather evolving to better than ever.

“If today, we’re having to treat with a piece of equipment, not the oil industry, the refining equipment in the industry, if today we have financial concerns about that and we take rectification, that puts us in no ‘state’, that puts us in a better condition to continue to prosper in the hydrocarbon sector… I would draw your attention to our current activities off our East Coast where we have at least four [drill ships] drilling in the deep waters and getting success and we’ve moved our interest in the hydrocarbon sector from oil onshore to oil onshore [sic] to gas offshore and to gas in the deep waters.

So, we are now as engaged as ever or more so, in the hydrocarbon sector as we were 100 years ago.”

The prime minister and his team arrived in Guyana on Wednesday for a twoday trip, in which other areas for bilateral cooperation are expected to be up for discussion.

Once quality good T&T willing to buy Guyana rice

By Lisa Hamilton THE Governments of Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) are mulling partnerships in agriculture which could include the areas of rice, water- resource management, cultivation and agricultural technology.

Even as T&T Prime Minister Keith Rowley met with President David Granger at State House on Wednesday for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in energy, several other issues were discussed.

“There are other areas of interest and we extended our conversations to deal with agriculture, to deal with sport and youth, to deal with security, to deal with cooperation in other fields and we expect that as a result of this engagement today, relations between our two republics will become stronger,” President Granger said in his opening remarks.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Clarence Rambarat, disclosed to the media many of the collaborative possibilities dis-

cussed. Rambarat said that with the island being prone to flashfloods, several areas can benefit from the knowledge of its Caribbean neighbour regarding engineering strategies to reduce or prevent such.

Just days ago, T&T’s Guardian newspaper reported floods which rose in several parts of the island following hours of heavy rains, while widespread riverine flooding is a common yearly occurrence. “We discussed other things like Guyana’s expertise in water-resource management and the infrastructure you’ve developed over a long time. In Trinidad we have issues with flooding. Every time we have excessive rainfall our farmers are badly affected, our country is badly affected. We think that that’s an area that your engineering expertise can be put to use,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, talks are also being had for land to be used in Guyana to cultivate animal feed, although Rambarat stated that there are some challenges in this regard.

“We’ve discussed the issue of possibly using land to encourage Trinidad investors

to use land, for the cultivation of products that would go into animal feed like soy [and] corn. That is something that has been discussed a long time but, of course, we’re challenged by the fact that the people who consume the most amount of feed in Trinidad and in Guyana have long- term supply contracts out of the United States, prices [have been] fixed, its reliable, they’ve been doing it for a long time and we would have to see how competitive we would be in doing that,” he said.

Guyana’s rice could once again take preference in the twin-island state, should certain criteria be met, Rambarat noted. “The complaint from our farmers [is that] we have a very small industry and one of the complaints [that] have been consistent is quality seed and different varieties, so that has been an area that we need to work on [with regard to rice] going to Trinidad.”

Other matters discussed include modern food-safety legislation; the possibility of live animals being put on the market in Trinidad and collaboration in agricultural

technology.

Addressing the latter, the Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister said: “Both Guyana and Trinidad believe that we can fuse a lot of technology in agriculture, particularly as it related to climate-smart agriculture and protected farming and those areas.”

Trinidad Prime Minister Keith Rowley said that following the signing of the MoU and other discussions

had, it is his hope that the two countries can move full speed ahead on implementing areas of collaboration.

“I’ve brought from Trinidad the Minister of Energy; the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs; the Minister of Planning and Development; the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and these counterparts and your counterparts in here and in Trinidad, we have had some

very recent discussions and we look forward to moving away from talking about what should be done or what we should be doing and actually moving to the doing phase,” he said, adding: “It is my expectation that in the coming months and years ahead, without further ‘talking’ together on issues, that our people can see more action in the areas of cooperation and development.”

Man charged with murder of GWI employee Twenty-year-old Matthew Parks was on Wednesday charged and remanded to prison for the alleged murder of a Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) employee.

Parks appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the capital offence at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Particulars of the charge alleged that Parks on September 13, 2018 at D’Urban and Chapel streets, Lodge, allegedly murdered 23-yearold Roger Alleyne.

Parks was remanded to prison until October 10, 2018. Relatives of the deceased who were seated in the court room cried out when the matter was called. Alleyne’s sister, who was also present in court, asked Parks while he was leaving the prisoner’s dock, “Why you killed my brother.” Parks walked away as the woman stood crying.

According to the police, investigations revealed that Parks who lives at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, was on duty at a Mini Mart located at D’Urban and Chapel streets, Lodge, when Alleyne went to the mart to make a purchase.

Police said the two men had an exchange of words due to a misunderstanding and Alleyne subsequently left.

Around 17:00hrs that day, as Parks exited his work place, he was confronted by Alleyne who was reportedly armed with a piece of wood and a knife. According to the police, a scuffle ensued and both men sustained injuries. They were escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Alleyne underwent emergency surgery for two suspected stab wounds. He later succumbed to his injuries.

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Tension in Batavia GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

– as men with heavy-duty equipment invade village

By Alva Solomon ON Saturday morning, several men with heavy-duty equipment invaded the titled lands of the small village of Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) leaving the villagers on edge.

Batavia Toshao Oren Williams told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday morning that the village was preparing to host its annual indigenous heritage celebrations when he received information that a miner had moved onto the land located on the mapped landmass which the village occupies.

Williams, who travelled to the city to meet with government officials on the issue on Wednesday, noted that the village received its land title in 2014. The following year, its boundaries were demarcated. “What we have is a map of the village but we didn’t know that there are two blocks within our land which the man is claiming belongs to him,” Williams said.

He said on Saturday after he received information on what was taking place on the village lands, he immediately contacted the Deputy Toshao

Murphy Gomez and according to him, his deputy made contact with the miner who lives at Bartica.

“He went to the man’s home but his son deals with his business and they agreed that they will sort out the situation the following week, since it was weekend,” he said. Williams said residents were surprised that less than an hour after the miner agreed to discuss the matter with the council, his workmen moved farther into the land and chopped pieces of pipes while destroying dredges which belong to villagers.

DETECTION OF GOLD The village leader explained that the residents never explored mining and only this year, residents were able to determine that there were signs of gold on the village lands. He said that he was told that several villagers worked on a parcel of land on the periphery of the village boundary close to the area in question.

Williams said he was told that, that parcel of land which lies outside the village boundary belongs to the miner. He said the villagers then crossed back into their own territory and found signs

A dredge, the property of a villager, which the men dismantled and dumped in a pit after invading the village lands on Saturday Several workmen who have been clearing a section of the village lands at Batavia on behalf of a miner

of gold three months ago.

Reports are that the Bartica-based miner received word of the gold find and moved onto the land.

Several calls by this publication to a number provided for the miner proved futile, while the persons who answered a landline number provided for the miner said that the number did not belong to him.

A source at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) noted that the area appears to be in dispute, since the mining maps indicate that the miner

has a claim within Batavia’s village lands.

NOT INTO POLITICS Williams travelled to the city since Tuesday and met with an official of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. “People telling me I’m fighting a losing battle, because this miner is well connected and is a “big one,” but I’m not into politics and I hope the matter is sorted [out],” he said.

He was directed to an official at the GGMC, but Williams and other Village Council members believe

that the mining body is unhelpful. “We went there and they did not seem helpful, all the person did was direct us to someone at the mapping division,” the village captain noted. Contact was also made with persons at the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission on the issue.

During the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) this year, Batavia received its certificate of title, but the recent development has left the village undecided about the rights to its own lands.

The Village Council is calling on the authorities to investigate the situation, since they noted that the villagers do not wish to get

into a physical confrontation with the miner’s employees, including a general manager at the site, whom they noted directed his men to bulldoze several trees, while dredges and pipes which belong to the villagers were dumped into a ravine.

There have been several instances of miners confronting village councils in the hinterland over who owns the rights to lands there. The villages of Isseneru in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region and Micobie in the Potaro-Siparuni region as well as several others in the South Rupununi are among several which have been battling mining issues.

Magistrate overrules no-case submission by Marcus Bisram alleged accomplices A NO-CASE submission was on Wednesday overruled by Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the #51 Magistrate’s Court, who called upon the five men to lead their defence in the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt.

Facing the PI for allegedly murdering Narinedatt between October 31 and November 1, 2016, at Number 70 Village, Berbice, are: Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob.

Overseas-based Guyanese Marcus Bisram, 28, was charged in absentia also for the murder of Narinedatt.

He is currently in the United States before a New York judge facing extradition pro-

ceedings.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Artiga overruled a no-case submission made by defence attorneys, Bernard DaSilva, Sanjeev Datadin and Siand Dhurjon. The matter has been adjourned until September 28 for defence.

Police had initially labelled the case as a ‘hit and run’ accident, but Narinedatt’s relatives had always been adamant that ‘the accident’ was staged by persons known to them.

Reports alleged that after beating the man, the men placed the lifeless body into the trunk of a car and dumped it on the public road.

They then drove over the body to make it appear as an accident.

It is alleged also that the murder stemmed from a sex-

Faiyaz Narinedatt

ual advance made by the host of the party towards Nariendatt. This publication understands from a source that Narinedatt was urinating when the U.S.-based businessman approached him and tried to touch his private parts. Narinedatt became upset and accosted the businessman by slapping him

Overseas-based Guyanese Marcus Bisram

twice. The businessman then reportedly ordered one of his bodyguards to “get rid of him,” and that he (businessman) “will deal with it.”

Meanwhile, Bisram’s mother and sister are currently on trial before a senior magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for

Three of the five murder accused: Radesh Motie, Harri Paul Parsram and Niran Yacoob

attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Shinella Indarally, 45, and Mary Anne Lionel, 25, both of Lot 171 Section ‘B’ Number 71 Village, Corentyne, were charged for deliberately attempting

to obstruct the course of justice. It was reported that they offered a police corporal $4 million to release the five men who were detained for the murder of Narinedatt, and to cease efforts to apprehend Bisram.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

LEN unveils five-year strategic development plan THE Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) on Wednesday launched a five-year Strategic Development Plan, which will serve as a guide for further expansion and diversification of the Region 10 lending agency.

At a simple launching ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of LEN Tanniza Gasper, noted that the entity’s clientele has increased by 50% and the aim is to push this even further. LEN is also aiming to acquire financial self- sufficiency rather than being totally dependable on subventions from central government. “LEN is looking to have national penetration where it will be able to reach to that point of excellence where we will be able to pioneer technology, food security, develop industry standards in the various areas and to be that leader where [we] will be able to replicate ourselves in other communities,” Gasper noted.

The agency is looking to set up branches in other regions to provide expertise that is available in the various diversification sectors in Region 10, such as food security, distribution, incubation and business acceleration. “

A section of the audience at the launch of LEN’s Strategic Development Plan

LEN will be taking the lead and develop the industry standards and develop that kind of information, that is where they can provide leadership to the rest of the country and give advice and the brand will be known around the region.”

This Gasper said will encourage investors to come to Linden, as well to set up shop so as to benefit from LEN’s expertise in the various sectors. LEN initially started off with providing low- interest loans, but now the entity is providing services in agriculture, construction, tourism and manufacturing. The strategic development plan will be supported by five pillars: access, development, transformation, commitment and excellence. LEN’s strategic development coach Princess Alexander explained that the

Consumer Affairs Commission launches website THE Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) launched its website during a simple ceremony at Herdmanston Lodge, Georgetown, on Wednesday.

Citizens can now register their complaints on the website at https://ccac.gov.gy/.

CCAC Chairman, Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith, said the commission’s duty is to advocate and ensure a balance of rights, fairness and equality between consumers and businesses.

Adding that the condition is necessary to ensure efficiently functioning markets in the economy, Burch-Smith said the CCAC was established to administer and enforce the Competition and Fair Trading Act 2006 (CFTA) and the Consumer Affairs Act (2011).

As such, he urged consumers to take advantage of their inherent rights given them through the Competition and Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs Acts.

He noted that this encourages consumers to seek redress with the commission, should they feel disenfranchised by the purchase of a good or service.

Communications Officer of the Commission, Allison Parker, said consumers must be aware of their basic buying

rights, while understanding that in Guyana there is a law that gives patrons the right to refund, return and a right to warranty.

Consumers are being reminded that among some of their rights are: the right to a refund and the right to return goods under specific conditions. It is the responsibility of consumers to always demand proof of purchase, inclusive of a receipt and contracts where necessary.

The commission can be reached on telephone numbers 219-4410-3, or by visiting the office at the National Exhibition Site, Sophia. The commission is separated into two main facets, the adjudicative and the investigative.

The adjudicative comprises the Board of Commissioners, while the investigative consists of two primary units, the Competition Policy Unit and the Consumer Affairs Unit, inclusive of support staff. The foremost goal is to ensure the effective, efficient and objective administering of the CFTA and the CAA. The work of the Consumer Affairs Unit is complemented by the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Business, which focuses primarily on consumer education.

first pillar, access, means that vulnerable communities can have access to funding. Development means that LEN is seeking entrepreneurial development, while transforma-

tion means that domino effect from the creation of businesses. LEN will be committed to business development and transparent financial practices, while excellence means

that LEN will be doing big things through inclusion with other stakeholders.

Implementation of several aspects of the plan has already commenced and has already seen the Financial Secretary in the Ministry of Finance, Hector Butts, commend LEN for initiating the Strategic Development Plan, positing that it is captioned in a broad way and is most impressed by the mission and direction it is taking.

He urged residents to remember that strategic plans change with time and the

political, social and economic climate. On Wednesday, LEN also unveiled its mission statement which will give clients and residents as a whole, an idea of what the company is about.

The mission states: To provide critical financial, business, physical, advisory and other relevant services for the overall development of Linden and Region 10. LEN will also commence a more aggressive sensitisation campaign to get residents involved in this massive growth and transformation process.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Top cop to receive Disciplined Services Star

COMMISSIONER of Police Leslie James will be conferred with the Disciplined Services Star (DSS)

by Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana President David Granger, for sus-

tained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force.

Commissioner James held the post of Commander of ‘C’ Division from July 25, 2018, up until his recent ap-

pointment. Between the period 2014-2015, James held the posts of officer-in-charge of the Project Office, Eve Leary; head of the Criminal Investigations Department; and head of the Special

Branch.

James on his appointment as police commissioner recently said he had always wanted to become the top cop.

“This moment is a mo-

Commissioner of Police Leslie James

ment I’ve always waited for and now being appointed commissioner of police, [I will function] without favour, affection, malice or ill-will,” he committed.

James added that he is fully aware of his mandate,

which includes ensuring that all the laws of Guyana are maintained and that public peace is kept in a “professional and unbiased manner.”

“I will execute the office of commissioner of police and ensure that persons in the diaspora and overseas to be assured of their respective security,” James had assured on his appointment.

James holds a host of qualifications including a law degree and a diploma in public management from the University of Guyana (UG). He is also currently enrolled in the Commonwealth Master’s in Public Administration programme at the University of Guyana.

The breast is the best … workshop dispels fears, myths about breastfeeding

Nurse Maria Francois (standing), delivering a talk to staff members at the Breastfeeding Workshop held at the GPHC Maternity Unit (Samuel Maughn photo)

SOME 20 female staff members of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Wednesday participated in a workshop, geared at dispelling the fears and myths surrounding breastfeeding.

The participants who were mainly nurses were informed of the importance of skin to skin contact and the international marketing code the hospital has signed onto which bars it from accepting any implement that supports alternative feeding.

The sessions were conducted by GPHC Breastfeeding Coordinator Jennifer Peterkin, Staff Nurse/Midwife Maria Francois and Midwife Kathleen Bristol.

“The reason for the breastfeeding workshop is to educate staff on the importance of breastfeeding, the

steps for successful breastfeeding, benefits of breastfeeding, and why we initiate breastfeeding at an early stage,” explained Francois.

Prior to the workshop, National Breastfeeding Week, which runs from September 16 – 21, kicked off with a health walk last Sunday. On Monday, there was a visit to the Campbellville Health Centre where talks on breastfeeding were delivered.

On Tuesday, there was the distribution of hampers to post-natal mothers by the GPHC Food Policy Division.

A nutritional talk is expected to be delivered to mothers today at the GPHC Ante-Natal Clinic.

A breastfeeding celebration will be held in Soesdyke on Friday where several health centres are expected to be visited.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

U.S.$20M loan signed for GPL upgrade GUYANA on Wednesday signed a US$20M loan agreement with the Islamic Development Bank in Kuwait to help in a major upgrade of the Guyana Power and Light Inc. Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said he was pleased to sign the loan agreement on behalf of the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Jordan said the ceremony marked the celebration of the first loan to be granted by the bank to Guyana and in the process cementing “our growing relationship and the proactive use of the indicative resource envelope for Guyana.” He said the United Nations 2030 Agenda espouses aspirations for human dignity, noting that undoubtedly, the objective is “to leave no one behind.” “This laudable objective is in keeping with principles of the Islamic Development Bank. It is also

Finance Minister Winston Jordan exchanges documents following the signing of the loan agreement. Also in picture are Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Guyana’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Shamir Ally

the cornerstone of my government’s approach to development. This is perhaps, why we have been able to establish such a close working relationship, in such a short period,” Jordan told the assembled guests.

He said the US$20million loan will support Guyana’s Power Utility Upgrade Programme, which is a component of the Guyana Power and Light development and expansion programme for 2014 to

2021. The plan incorporates necessary reforms and upgrades to reduce losses and improve the quality and reliability of electricity supply and will, at the same time, help to transform Guyana’s infrastructural landscape, boost our manufacturing sector and improve the quality of life of our citizens.

Jordan said the loan could not have come at a more opportune time, especially since Guyana is on the cusp of an historic transformation with the recent discovery of over four billion barrels of oil.

Jordan related that the In-

ternational Monetary Fund (IMF) has deemed Guyana’s medium-term economic prospects as “very favourable” and predicts that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 29.1 percent in 2020 -- our first year of production.

At the same time, he said the IMF has commended Guyana on its “prudence and restraint towards borrowing in anticipation of future oil revenues.” As such, “our public debt stood at a highly sustainable 52.2 percent of GDP at the end of 2017.” He said Guyana looks forward to working

with the IsDB on projects in several sectors, including agriculture. Guyana is a major producer of rice in South America, exporting some US$200 million worth in 2017. “In this regard, I wish to express gratitude to the bank for the Reverse-Linkage Project, which will assist in updating Guyana’s expertise and technology in rice production, as well as introduce innovative rice varieties in Guyana. We are also thankful for the Grant for the Modernisation and Upgrade of The Palms geriatric facility. This support will result in better care for the elderly.”

Over the next few days, Jordan said he and his team which includes Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, will be involved in activities that will bring a greater and deeper appreciation for the principles and practices of Islamic banking. “We are looking forward to this new knowledge, as we strive to deepen and widen our engagement.

We are a little country, but our focus is strong, and our potential is enormous. Rest assured of our unwavering commitment to being reliable development partners in our pursuit to realising the development of our country.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Families of fallen officers receive assistance THE Guyana Police Force in collaboration with the Fallen Heroes Foundation (FHF) has given financial assistance to the families of ranks who died in the line of duty, in keeping with its mandate to support the families of fallen heroes.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Williams, who distributed the cheques, stated that the administration of the force was very pleased with the performance of the FHF initiative and praised the work of members of the Foundation.

“What we hope to see as we proceed is that the children who benefit will continue to have their eyes on the prize and that the parents continue to ensure that they [the children], understand what it is to be of good character, essen-

tial qualities of any good citizen.”

The deputy commissioner, who previously served as the force’s training officer, expressed strongly the need for children to be brought up in families where love abounds.

He further asserted that the good impact of any organisation depends strongly on the characters and qualities of the people of that organisation. In that respect, he urged the mothers to continue to strive to raise their children in a respectable manner, despite the fact that their fathers have departed.

Fallen Heroes Foundation President Dr Raphael Massiah, noted that the organisation has grown significantly over the years and stressed the need for continued support for the families of those ranks who had died

Rape accused organs sent for toxicology tests SEVERAL body organs of Stonie Henry, 47, of Lot 539 Mocha Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD), will have to be sent for a toxicology analysis since a post-mortem done on Wednesday could not determine the cause of his death.

Henry was arrested on Monday and was scheduled to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to answer a charge of rape, but was later found dead at the East Ruimveldt police outpost.

The man was being held at the lock-ups after he was accused of raping a 16-yearold student of Mocha Housing Scheme, EBD. The incident was said to have occurred on May 24, 2017.

The police said Henry had complained of feeling unwell and was seen vomiting around 06:15 hrs. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he died around 08:00 hrs while receiving treatment.

The police then interviewed several prisoners who were in the lock-ups with Henry at the time he was seen vomiting. The prisoners claimed that upon questioning him as to what was wrong , his response was, “Carbon tablet, I want dead.”

Having said that, he continued to vomit and the prisoners then alerted the police ranks on duty. Henry was rushed to the hospital, the crime unit was summoned and a small plastic pack suspected to have contained the poisonous substance was found in the lock-ups. It was photographed and bagged as evidence to be analysed.

Statements were taken from the prisoners and Henry’s reputed wife was interviewed. She stated that the deceased, with whom she had shared a relationship for the past nine years, suffered from depression, anxiety and was a patient of Dr Bhiro Harry of the Psychiatric Department at the GPHC.

Deputy Commissioner Paul Williams (seated centre) flanked by FHF representatives and beneficiaries

Police Force Traffic Department training programme on Defensive Driving for drivers of the GRA

in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, in its continuing efforts to build partnership with all stakeholders, the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department

held a much-needed training programme on Defensive Driving for drivers of the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The session, which lasted for almost four

hours, was done via a PowerPoint presentation at the Guyana Revenue Authority Training Centre, which is located inside the building that

housed the Guyana Post Office Corporation. Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles and Inspector Raun Clarke were the presenters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

APNU to rerun primaries in Constituency Five in Linden THE A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) has decided to have a rerun of its Local Government Election (LGE) primaries for Constituency Five in Linden, where Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell had won.

At a news conference held on Wednesday, Campaign Manager Valerie Yearwood, said that the party has taken a decision to have another go at the primaries in that constituency today, at the New Silvercity Secondary School, citing logistical errors at last Saturday’s voting.

Arindell and Mrs Andrea Dover-Roberts were the only two candidates competing.

Yearwood said: “A mistake was made in the logistics of ensuring that all of the supporters of the candidates who were entitled to vote in this process by our organising team. We apologise for this occurrence and have committed to having it corrected and to provide this opportunity for all to exercise

their franchise in this process.” Polls will be closed at 19:00hrs.

Chronicling what occurred at the polls in Constituency Five was resident of West Watooka Robert Wallace, in a letter to the editor. While commending the initiative of the primaries, he however, did not deem it successful. Wallace said an entire list of supporters for Mayor Arindell’s contender Roberts, went missing since the day before the elections.

The list, he claimed, turned up in another constituency and instead of waiting for the list to be returned, Arindell’s supporters were allowed to vote. “It was chaos, there was no smooth running off, it was a smooth slight of a people seeking to elect someone they can confidently support in the elections.” He also called for an investigation of the Constituency Four and Seven primaries. Campaign Manager Yearwood however told the media that only in Constituen-

APNU Linden Campaign Manager Valerie Yearwood (right) addressing the media along with PNCR Region 10 Chairman Deron Adams and Secretary Denise Belgrave

cy Five there were issues and everything went smoothly in the other constituencies.

This repeat will be done one day before nomination day for all parties, individuals and independent groups. Patterson said that the party is not ashamed to say that it made a mistake and the exercise highlights the democratic process of the APNU, in ensuring that residents elect a candidate of their choice. “The APNU

Campaign Committee would like to inform all residents that as a responsible and democratic party, our aim at all times is to keep the voter’s perspective in mind, even as we are committed to ensuring that the vision of His Excellency David Arthur Granger to consolidate and strengthen our people from the community level is realised.”

At last weekend’s primaries, over 700 voters came

out in the eight constituencies to elect a candidate of their choice at the November 12 LGEs. The winners for the other constituencies are: Lawrence Simon, Stephen Massiah, Leroy James, Wayneright Bethune, Learna Calvan, Fern McKoy and Gary King. Among the new faces are: Simon, Massiah, Calvan and King.

Before the voting commenced over the weekend,

candidates were required to debate in front of the electorate their plans for developing their constituencies and how they intend to implement those plans, as well as share their manifestos. Besides, the candidates were required to build their support base by having 30 persons physically sign a document as an expression of support. The candidates also had to submit their background and past community work, which showed how passionate they are about community development.

Yearwood said that the process gave the voter population within the communities the opportunity to select who they want to represent their constituencies at the upcoming LGEs. She noted that proportional representation candidates will be selected by the party and maintained that she was happy with the voter turnout, especially on the Wismar shore.

Caribbean Airlines honours top customers CARIBBEAN Airlines last week recognised several of its corporate partners and long-standing top frequent flyers at a customer appreciation reception held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston,Georgetown.

The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Guyana Telephone &Telegraph Company (GTT) and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) were honoured for their contributions to trade and investment in Guyana, as well as their existing and continuing support of Caribbean Airlines (CAL).

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Caribbean Airlines, Garvin Medera, stated: “In the world of business, and especially in the world of airlines, loyalty is greatly valued. It takes hard work to achieve it, and even harder work to keep it.

At Caribbean Airlines we do not take loyalty for granted and nothing lifts our hearts more than support from our customers.”

As such, he said Caribbean Airlines has distributed 300 complimentary cards to

stakeholders in the business community. Abdool Hamid is considered one of the top flyers, being the only person to travel over 80,000 miles for this year and who has also flown over one million miles since Caribbean Airlines started; he was therefore placed in the executive gold category and was awarded with lifetime Club membership. Thirteen gold members were also rewarded for travelling over 40,000 miles each.

The CEO also stated that the airline has extended its philanthropic arm to the Ministry of Public Health, by creating the Caribbean Children Miles Bank for use by families of sick children who require medical treatment abroad. He also announced the airline’s partnership with the Kind Soles project of which First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger is a patron. The airline will provide air freight to transport shoes into Guyana for distribution to many people who reside in the interior.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge who

At (centre) is the Executive Gold Awardee Mr Abdool Hamid, along with other top awardees of GBTI, DDL, GT&T and CEO of Caribbean Airlines Garvin Medera

attended the event stated that the airline’s service has been a crucial part of the infrastructure of Guyana. He added that CAL has also provided a lifeline of sorts to the Region and aids it in one of its most important economic sectors-- tourism. Greenidge said that the airlines has provided and continues to provide critical services in moving people and goods across the Caribbean community and other parts of the world.

Special invitees, front row, Nicolette Henry, Minister of Education; Carl Greenidge, Minister of foreign Affairs and Chairman of the board of directors of Caribbean Airlines Mr Michael Quamina

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

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Nations University to introduce 12 new Master’s programmes

Nations University and University of Bedfordshire representatives: From left are Jon Silverman, University of Bedfordshir, Professor of Media and Criminal Justice; Isabella Murphy, University of Bedfordshire Psychology Course Leader; and Directors of Nations University, Pam O’Toole and Brian O’Toole. (Samuel Maughn photo)

NATIONS University is working towards introducing 12 new programmes from February 2019, in a partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, UK. Nations is currently in the process of getting all the necessary measures in place as they await approval from the National Accreditation Council (NAC) in Guyana.

“These are almost all Master’s programmes in public health, finance, law, education, journalism, psychology, a whole variety. The only thing left is the approval from the NAC here in Guyana, but we’ve dealt with them before so it’s a process we have to go through but that’s the last stage and then we hope to offer all of these programmes from February.

I’m 99 per cent confident that we will get approval in the next couple of weeks,” explained Director of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole.

Nations University already has an ongoing partnership with the University of Bedfordshire where Bedfordshire’s Master’s in Business Administration, Education and Law programmes are already being offered.

The University of Bedfordshire is one of a number of UK universities Nations University has partnerships with -- the others being the University of London and Cambridge University.

Six representatives from the University of Bedfordshire, from the Journalism and Psychology Departments were in Guyana on Tuesday to check out the readiness of Nations to offer these new programmes.

“They’ve sent six persons here because we’re introducing these 12 new programmes. They are here now to make sure that everything is kosher and that we have the capacity, that kind of stuff. They have to look at the CVs (of potential lecturers) and see if they are of the calibre to teach a Master’s programme but they’re very happy,” O’Toole related.

Bedfordshire’s Professor of Media and Criminal Justice Jon Silverman said the team is pleased with what the members have seen in Guyana.

“Having spent the day at Nations, we’re very impressed by what we’ve seen and talking to Brian we think it’s going to be a very fruitful partnership. The University of Bedfordshire has a number of partnerships around the world and it’s very exciting to establish this partnership with Nations University, because, as far as I’m aware, it’s the first we’ll have in South America,” Silverman noted.

Isabella McMurray, Bedfordshire’s Course Leader of Psychology reiterated the university’s pleasure to work with Nations.

The programmes are expected to cost US$7000, which, Dr O’Toole said will be all-inclusive given that it will cover the provision of materials as well as exam fees for the course.

Lecturers for the programmes will be provided by Nations University which has already identified a number of persons.

“We’ve identified a number but we’re still looking for others because there may be people that we haven’t thought of asking, but the calibre of people that we have so far is very good. So applications will be up and running just as soon as NAC says ‘yes’, that would be to the next six to eight weeks,” Dr O’ Toole said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – A tropical wave dumped persistent rain across the island, ravishing the second OneDay International between West Indies and South Africa Women and forcing a no-result in the contest here yesterday.

Sent in, following a delayed start and with the match reduced to 38 overs per side, South Africa piled up a tricky total of 177 for eight, with captain Dane van Niekerk top-scoring with 52.

Chloe Tryon chipped in with a busy 37, Lizelle Lee got 22 while Sune Luus scored 20, as the tourists recovered from a shaky start to get up to the competitive total.

Seamer Deandra Dottin was the best West Indies bowler with three for 29, to

claim Player-of-the-Match honours.

However, rain returned during the innings interval, forcing match officials to abandon the game at 15:45hrs before Windies Women could start their reply.

The result left Saturday’s final match as a crucial one for both sides.

While the Windies will be hoping to win in order to draw the series, the Proteas will be looking for victory to earn an elusive series win in the Caribbean.

Morning rain delayed the start by two hours and then returned after 10 overs, ensuring the re-start did not occur until well after midday.

South Africa made the most of the time available, however. Opener Laura Wolvaardt perished cheap-

ly for seven in the seventh over, with Lee and Luus following quickly afterwards, to leave the visitors on 53 for three in the 14th over.

But van Niekerk came to her side’s rescue, posting 32 for the fourth wicket with Mignon du Preez (19) and a further 67 for the fifth wicket with Tryon. van Niekerk faced 67 deliveries and struck three fours and a six while Tryon counted two fours in a 43ball innings.

When van Niekerk perished via the run-out route in the 34th over, South Africa’s momentum slowed as they lost four wickets for 23 runs in the last 28 deliveries.

West Indies lost Sunday’s opener by 40 runs to fall behind 1-0 in the series.

St Cuthbert’s Mission down ... in a draw.

In the penalty shootout supporters backed their respective teams passionately, as if they were playing a world cup match.

St Cuthbert’s Lorenzo Clenkiam once again took the first penalty and, like in the match against Swan, he messed what many felt should have been a certain goal. Like St Cuthbert’s, Laluni’s Shevin Patterson missed their first penalty as well.

St Cuthbert’s Duran Adrian sent them up one-nil when he converted the second try for his team. Laluni’s Elroy Adams made a mess of his penalty much to the disappointment of their fans as he

shot the ball over the crossbar.

Carl Henry increased St Cuthbert’s score two-nil after easily converting his penalty Laluni’s captain Enoch Aaron was in a no-nonsense mood and was determined to cut the lead imposed on his team and easily did this when he converted the first penalty for Laluni - the score 2-1, in favour of St Cuthbert’s Mission.

Raji Dundas was determined for St Cuthbert’s Mission to advance further and increased the score - 3-1. Junior Persaud, who had scored the first goal for his team in regulation time, showed the spectators why he is considered a danger man for Laluni.

He booted his penalty easily

Continued from back page

into the back of the net with the score now score 3-2 in favour of St Cuthbert’s Mission.

An anxious crowd watched patiently as St Cuthbert’s Mission’s marksman Zack Pereira who had created some challenges for Swan in their first match took the penalty and safely tucked it into the net - the score 4-2.

With Pereira’s goal Laluni’s fate was sealed and St Cuthbert’s Mission were declared the winners.

St Cuthbert’s Mission will now play Swan to determine which of the two teams will move on as the representatives for Region Four in this weekend’s Heritage Games in Georgetown.

from back page Essequibo Franchise make ...Continued man Kevlon Anderson and left-arm spinner Kelvin Umroa (10) were the only Lower Corentyne batsmen to register double-figure.

Anderson batted with commonsense to stroke a mature 54 runs.

Essequibo, sensing victory at the innings break, started their reply and by the 4th over they lost opener Mark Williams, caught behind off Kassim Khan for 2, with the score on 16.

Opener Kevon Boodie (27) and last game’s centurion Kemol Savory propelled their team closer to the total made

by Lower Corentyne before Kassim Khan had Savory caught for 20.

Ricardo Adams (31) was enough to take his team to victory in the 36th over,

finishing on 114-7 in the process defeating Lower Corentyne by 3 wickets.

Bowling for Lower Corentyne, Umroa had figures of 3-19 from 9 overs, supported by Veerasammy Permaul and Kassim Khan with 2 wickets apiece.

Ricardo Adams for his 31 runs and 4-26 earned himself man-of-the-match honours and was presented with a trophy by match referee Moses Ramnarine.

Over at the Port Mourant ground, West Berbice won the coin toss and inserted Upper Corentyne to take first strike - a move which paid off effectively as the Upper Corentyne batsmen found it hard to score. Three of them failed to get off the mark.

They were eventually

bowled out for a paltry 51 in 24 overs with Andy Mohan (10 off 23 balls) and Shawn Pereira (10 off 26) the only batsmen to achieve double figures.

Bowling for West Berbice, Gudakesh Motie was the main destroyer with 4-18 from 8 overs while Javed Karim, Kevin Sinclair and Kevon Jawahir had two wickets each.

In their turn at the crease, West Berbice wasted no time in overhauling the total as they reached victory in the 11th over ending on 52-3 with Guyana Under-19 player Javed Karim 27 (3x4) not out leading the charge. They won by seven wickets.

Gudakesh Motie was awarded man-of-the-match.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

BCB/Magic Moments T/20 Tournament

YWCC lift New Amsterdam/Canje Zone title YOUNG Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) dusted off months of inactivity to defeat arch rivals Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club by 22 runs to be crowned champions of the Magic Moments T/20 cricket tournament for clubs in the New Amsterdam/Canje Zone.

YWCC took full advantage of being asked to bat first.

They rattled up 143-6 off their allotted overs.

Kassim Khan top-scored with an unbeaten 62, which included six huge sixes. He received support from Alex Algoo 16, S. Phillips 22 and Trevlon Stanislaus 20.

Pacer M. Campbelle took 3-38 for Rose Hall Canje, while Mark Sampson, Suresh Dhanai and C. Hope each took a wicket for 17, 24 and 24 respectively.

In the run chase, Rose Hall Canje Cricket Club could manage only 121-9 off their allotted 20 overs. Veteran Balram Samaroo top-scored with 34, but was unable to find the boundaries on a regular basis while the aggressive Sasenarine Sukhu supported

The victorious Young Warriors cricket team pose with officials of the BCB and Sueria Manufacturing.

with 21. T. Sooknanand struck a quick-fire 22.

Khan returned with the ball to complete a man-ofthe-final performance with 3-18. Fellow left-arm spinner, Trevlon Stanislaus supported with 4-19 from his four overs.

Earlier in the day, Police Cricket Club defeated Betsy Ground by 23 runs to claim the third place prize but Betsy Ground protested on the grounds that a player in the Police team did not wear the proper attire. The Competitions

BCB/Magic Moments 20/20 - Lower Corentyne Zone … RHT Bakewell, Fyrish CC through to final

ROSE Hall Town (RHT) Bakewell and Fyrish Cricket Club will face each other in the Lower Corentyne Zone final of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-organised Magic Moments T/20 competition.

RHT Bakewell defeated arch rivals Courtland by 130 runs while Fyrish created a major upset by getting past neighbours Chesney by five wickets at the Fyrish ground.

In the first semi-final at the Area ‘H’ Ground, RHT Bakewell elected to take first strike after winning the toss.

They were off to a flying start from Kevin Sinclair and Junior Sinclair as they added 63 runs in just six overs before the latter was run-out for 20.

Sinclair then partnered with Surendra Kissoonlall to add 122 for the second wicket to take the score to 191 before Kissoonlall was run-out for a well-composed 49, which included two boundaries and four huge sixes.

Sinclair went on to score a majestic 125, inclusive of six huge sixes and eleven boundaries as the home team amassed 234-6 from their

allotted overs. Kevlon Anderson clipped in with 25.

Timothy McDonald (2-27) and Troy Mathieson (3-34) were the main wicket-takers for Courtland.

Chesney Cricket Club by five wickets.

Batting first, Chesney Cricket Club made 174 in 20 overs. M. Subjraj topscored with 38. He received support from S. Kanabeni 34 and Avinash Deonarine 27.

Ashnarine Srikissoon took 3-23 and Imran Ally 2-36.

Kevin Sinclair

In reply, the visitors were rattled by the pace of Sylus Tyndall who clean-bowled all of his victims to claim 5-18. Only John Percival offered any resistance with 23, as Courtland Cricket Club were bowled out for 104 in 19.3 overs. Off-spinner Jonathan Rampersaud claimed 2-18.

At the Fyrish ground, the home team played as a unit to defeat favourites

Sylus Tyndall

In reply, Y. Gordiyal made 59 while Ashnarine Srikissoon smashed an unbeaten 60 as they achieved victory in 18.5 overs. Yogindra Chinapen supported with 20. Avinash Deonarine and Imran Khan took a wicket each for the visitors.

Committee of the BCB would meet shortly to discuss the protest.

The winners and runners-up collected trophies, cash prizes while YWCC advanced to the overall Magic Moments T/20 Berbice final.

Kassim Khan collects his winning prize from Y. Persaud of Sueria Manufacturing.

Meanwhile, president of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, at the presentation ceremony hailed the achievement of YWCC and urged them to use the title as a stepping stone to greater

success.

He expressed gratitude to Mr Frank Sanichara of Sueria Manufacturing for his investment in Berbice cricket.

England include Stokes, Hales and uncapped seamer Stone in ODI squad Uncapped seamer Olly Stone

ENGLAND have included uncapped seamer Olly Stone in their squad for the ODIs with Sri Lanka, while Ben Stokes and Alex Hales will also be part of the touring party despite their upcoming hearings.

Warwickshire’s Stone, 24, will provide captain Eoin Morgan with a pace option as Liam Plunkett, who is in the 16-man squad, will miss the first three matches due to his wedding, while all-rounder

David Willey is absent because of a back injury.

On Tuesday, the England and Wales Cricket Board charged Stokes and Hales for bringing the game into disrepute for their roles in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub last September.

The two men will face an Independent Cricket Discipline Commission panel at hearings in December, but that has not prevented them

from being named in the squad for the five ODIs in October.

England play one Twenty20 match against Sri Lanka later that month before a three-Test series in November, when Stokes will again likely feature.

The ODI squad also includes Sam Curran, who impressed in the Test series win over India but has made just one ODI appearance for England, and his brother Tom Curran, as well as Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson, whose only 50-over appearance for his country came two years ago.

The first ODI between England and Sri Lanka takes place in Dambulla on October 10.

England ODI squad: Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. (Omnisport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Dant Masters, Warriors battle for OMSCC Champions Trophy

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada Buoyed by their nail-biting last-ball victory over defending champions Our Own in last Sunday’s Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) semi-final, played at St Bede’s ground here, debutants Dant Masters are brimming with confidence entering Sunday’s final against Warriors Cricket Club.

Seemingly down in the doldrums and needing 20 runs in the final over, two former Guyana youth players in skipper Troy Gobin and Zaheer Haniff pulled off a stunning victory, with the latter clobbering the final delivery over long-on off Mohan Singh for a mighty six.

Dant Masters’ victory also ensured that new champions will be crowned this year with Warriors, formerly East Coast Hustlers, set to make their third consecutive final appearance after being losing finalists in 2016 and 2017.

After dominating the tournament for several years and bowing out to the eventual

winners Guyana Sports Club in 2016, Our Own rebounded to cart off the Champions Trophy in dramatic fashion at the same venue last year, defeating Hustlers with one ball to spare.

In 2016, Hustlers once again had to settle for the runner-up spot after going down to Guyana Sports Club in the final.

The manager/player responsible for Dant Masters establishment, O’Neil, is supremely confident his players are capable of winning Sunday’s final and according to him, he’s proud of the achievements in just their first season.

Troy Gobin Rovendra Mandolall

Dant Masters formation has seen the “defection” of several key players from Our Own and these include captain Troy Gobin, Zaheer Haniff, Ian Baldeo, Orin O’Neil and Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkarran while Aftab Shamsudeen represented Hustlers previously.

O’Neil pointed out that the players are peaking at the right time after some sub-par performances during the regular season mainly due to some players’ unavailability.

O’Neil stated that when he assembled the team he told his players: “It’s going to be championship or bust.” A brilliant wicket-keeper in his own rights, his contribution

behind the stumps has been limited due to a broken finger sustained early in the season.

While admitting that Warriors are a very strong unit, with several star players, which should make the final challenging, O’Neil believes the experience and depth of his team will be the difference, come Sunday.

Warriors’ batting will be led by the rampant Rovendra Mandolall, whose performances of late have been simply phenomenal. In last Sunday’s semi-final versus Royals, the former Guyana Under-19 player blasted an undefeated 77 to lead his team to victory.

That innings followed another brilliant 83 not out for Car Tec against GTA Storm in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) regular season semi-final played earlier in the day.

Warriors will also include the likes of skipper Rakesh Dyal, Eyaz Mohamed and Eon Katchay.

The Division 2 final will see Ramblers clashing with Reliance Lions in what also promises to be an interesting battle for championship honours.

Lewis replaces injured Alzarri Joseph for India Test tour ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Fitness concerns have forced Alzarri Joseph out of the upcoming Test tour of India, with the little known West Indies A seamer Shermon Lewis named as his replacement.

In a rather cryptic release yesterday, Cricket West Indies (CWI) said Joseph had undergone two fitness assessments over the last week, resulting in the medical panel recommending that the 21-year-old be “allowed to continue his rehabilitation to full fitness for international competitions”.

Joseph only returned to competitive cricket 2-½ months ago during Bangladesh’s tour of the Caribbean, following a six-month layoff with a stress fracture of the back.

He played two ODIs with little success and also turned out four times for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots during the just concluded Caribbean Premier League. His last appearance was on September

4 against Barbados Tridents in Basseterre.

The CWI statement said the Antiguan Joseph will now “continue his rehabilitation programme under the monitoring of medical officials at the High-Performance Centre at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.”

fast-tracked into the senior squad, making his Test and one-day debut that same year.

Joseph has taken 15 wickets in six Tests and 24 from 16 ODIs. His replacement Lewis may consider himself quite fortunate, after only making

Windward Islands Volcanoes fast bowler Sherman Lewis

Joseph shot to prominence at the 2016 Youth World Cup in Bangladesh as part of the Windies squad who lifted the Caribbean’s first-ever title.

He was subsequently

his debut last year for Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The right-armer took just seven wickets in four matches during the 201617 season before grabbing 30 wickets at an average

of 21 last season. He subsequently toured England with West Indies A, topping the visitors’ bowling charts with 10 wickets in the two four-day ‘Tests’.

All told, Lewis has taken 49 wickets at 26 apiece.

Twenty-two year-old Leeward Islands Hurricanes fast bowler, Jeremiah Louis, boasts a superior record, however, taking 40 wickets last season to bump his career tally up to 73 at an average of 26.

Only Guyana’s Keemo Paul, already a part of the Test squad, took more wickets as a fast bowler with 42 scalps.

Lewis joins a pace attack headed by Shannon Gabriel and including captain Jason Holder, Kemar Roach and Paul.

According to CWI, some members of the Test squad have travelled to Dubai to begin preparation for the series which runs from October 4 to 16, starting in Rajkot.

Durham skittled for 61 and 66 on the same day DURHAM recorded their lowest County Championship total as they made just 61 and 66 in two innings yesterday to lose to Leicestershire at Grace Road.

Paul Collingwood

Replying to Leicestershire’s 321 on the second day of the Division Two fixture, Durham were dismissed in 28 overs for

just 61, six runs fewer than their previous lowest score in first-class cricket.

Leicestershire enforced the follow-on and quickly wrapped up a victory by an innings and 194 runs, dismissing Durham for 66 inside 25 overs second time around.

Mohammad Abbas finished with stunning match-figures of 10-52 having taken a five-for in each innings.

This was the penultimate match of Paul Collingwood’s career before retirement and the 42-year-old Durham captain was removed for a golden duck in the first innings before contributing five in his second appearance at the crease. (Yahoo Sport)

Jamaica Scorpions name Gayle, Powell, Taylor in 14-man Super50 squad CHRIS Gayle and Rovman Powell have been named in a Jamaica Scorpion 14-match squad to contest the Regional Super50 tournament set to begin next month.

Rovman Powell

However, neither player will be with the Scorpions for the duration of the tournament.

Powell will join the Windies squad for their ODI tour of India that begins on October 21, while Gayle will leave to compete in the Afghanistan T20 League set to start October 5. When they depart John Campbell and Derval Green will replace Gayle and Powell, respectively.

The remainder of the Scorpions squad captained

by Nikita Miller includes Jermaine Blackwood, Andre McCarthy, Brandon King, Fabian Allen, Nkrumah Bonner, Paul Palmer Jr, Christopher Lamont, Jerome Taylor, Oshane Thomas, Chadwick Walton, and Gordon Bryan.

King and Allen enter the competition in good form, having played well for their respective teams in the just-concluded Hero CPL while Taylor has been in great form with the ball in the Vitality T20 League in the United Kingdom while representing Sussex.

The Jamaica Scorpions, who play their opening match against the Combined Campuses and Colleges on Thursday, October 4, are drawn in Group B alongside the Barbados Pride, the Leeward Islands Hurricanes, the CCC and the USA. The semi-finals are set for October 25 when the winners of Group A will play the runners-up in Group B while the winners of B will play the runners-up of Group A on October 26.

The final is set for October 28. (Sports Max)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

No regrets for fist-raising Olympic champion sprinter 50 years on

By Emma Thomasson HERZOGENAURACH, Germany (Reuters) - Tommie Smith, the former U.S. sprinter who won Olympic gold 50 years ago, is glad his decision to raise a black-gloved fist on the podium has inspired others, even if it cost him his running career, as he sees a groundswell of support for equality.

“I knew it would have an impact but I didn’t know how far it would go,” the 74-year-old Smith told Reuters in an interview ahead of the 50th anniversary of the protest on October 16, 1968.

The image of Smith and fellow African-American athlete John Carlos - gold and bronze medallists in the 200-metre sprint in Mexico City - bowing their heads and thrusting right and left gloved fists respectively into the air became an enduring symbol of the turbulent 1960s and the fight for racial equality.

“It was a calling for me to do it .... A lot of people had died for the sake of equality. That was my chance. I had a platform.”

The protest has attracted renewed interest since quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a wave of African-American players in the National Football League refusing to stand for the national anthem to protest against racial injustice, in August 2016.

Smith, who met Kaepernick last year, said he believes that there is much broader support for non-violent protest nowadays than in 1968, pointing to the success of the Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements.

“Things are getting bigger and better and, if one doesn’t watch out, control (of protests) will be very, very difficult,” he said.

The fist-raising at the 200-metre victory ceremony in 1968 was widely interpreted as a black power salute, but the athletes later

described it as a “human rights salute.”

HEAVY PRICE FOR PROTEST

After the protest, Smith and Carlos were suspended from the U.S. Olympic team and sent home, where they received death threats and hate mail.

had not been banned.

Smith spoke to Reuters at the headquarters of German sports brand Puma, which has sponsored him since 1966 and is featuring the athlete in its campaign for the 50th anniversary of its Suede shoe that Smith carried to the podium in 1968.

U.S. rival Nike has drawn

Tommie Smith, the U.S. sprinter who raised a ‘black power’ fist after winning the 1968 Summer Olympics - Men’s 200 metres and never competed again, poses at the Puma Headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, September 18, 2018.

(REUTERS/Emma Thomasson)

Carlos’s wife committed suicide, Smith’s first marriage collapsed and both men struggled for years to make a living.

“I’ve been paying for it ever since. I have not missed a payment. I see it every day,” Smith said, adding he would have liked to try competing in hurdles if he

massive attention this month for a new advertising campaign featuring Kaepernick, drawing criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kaepernick and other NFL players sparked national debate with their protests aimed at addressing police brutality against

minorities, racial injustice, and reforming the criminal justice system. Trump has denounced players for kneeling during the anthem at games, questioning their patriotism.

“TAKE THE GOOD WITH THE BAD”

Smith, who met Barack Obama, the first black U.S. president, - in 2016, avoided commenting on current U.S. politics, beyond saying: “You have to take the good with the bad.”

Smith set 11 world records including the 200- and 400-metre marks and was just 24 when his career was cut short. He said he had the “gift of speed” just like Jamaican multi-Olympic gold sprinter Usain Bolt, who, like Smith, towers well over 6 feet.

Nevertheless, Smith says he has few regrets, adding that he was just as proud of married life and teaching track and sociology as of the rest.

“Without sacrifice, there can be no forward movement. You have to give up something before you can receive something and usually that something is much better,” he said.

“I was also a school teacher who did something on the academic side. That’s pride to me.”

A towering figure, who is still in good shape, Smith said he works out at the gym twice a day, but has cut back on running in the last decade.

One of a sharecropping family of 12 children who grew up in Texas, Smith said his humble upbringing taught him to appreciate life. “I learned how to work and be happy with what I was doing.

I still love chicken and rice. I’m a simple person.”

Both Smith and Carlos, 73, a champion and record-setting sprinter in other major track events, are now in the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame.

India thrash rivals Pakistan by eight wickets

INDIA thumped Pakistan by eight wickets - and with 21 overs to spare - to top Group A at the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Pakistan, who will join their opponents in the Super Four stage, were out for 162, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kedar Jadhav taking three wickets each.

Rohit Sharma, India’s

captain in place of the rested Virat Kohli, struck 52 off 39 balls in reply and Shikhar Dhawan hit 46 before both openers fell.

Ambati Rayudu and Dinesh Karthik both made 31 not out to take India to 164-2.

It is India’s biggest margin of victory over Pakistan in terms of balls remaining in

one-day internationals.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat but were reduced to 3-2 as seamer Kumar (3-15) removed openers

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday September 20, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 4 times Oshane Thomas-18 wickets

Today’s Quiz: (1) (1) Who captured most wickets for the Tridents in Hero CPL 2018?

(2) Who bagged most wickets for the Stars in Hero CPL 2018?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

India captain Rohit Sharma

Imam ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman in successive overs.

Babar Azam (47) and Shoaib Malik (43) put on a stand of 82 before left-arm leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav bowled Babar and Malik was run-out by Rayudu.

Man City suffer surprise home loss to Lyon in Champions League

Wickets continued to fall at regular intervals with off-spinning all-rounder Jadhav claiming 3-23 and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah taking 2-23, leaving India a target that they eased to, once Rohit and Dhawan had hit 86 for the first wicket.

During Pakistan’s innings, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was carried off on a stretcher after suffering an “acute lower back injury” while bowling, according to a team statement.

India, whose victory followed a nervy 26-run win over Hong Kong on Tuesday, will face Pakistan again in the Super Four stage on Sunday in Dubai.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan have already guaranteed qualification from Group B, with Sri Lanka eliminated, but play each other on today to determine the group winner. (BBC Sport)

Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in action with Lyon’s Jason Denayer. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City looked far from potential Champions League winners as they fell to a surprise 2-1 loss at home to Olympique Lyonnais yesterday with a flat performance leaving them with plenty of work to do to progress from Group F. The Premier League champions, favourites with some bookmakers to win Europe’s top club competition, this season, were well below their best throughout and now face a serious challenge to progress from a group which also features Germany’s Hoffenheim and Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk.

City manager Pep Guardiola, serving a suspension, was forced to watch the game from the stands as his assistant Mikel Arteta took charge and it was a frustrating night for the pair, whose side have now lost four games in a row in the Champions League.

In contrast to a flat-looking City, Bruno Genesio’s Lyon delivered a tactically superb display, defending in numbers to nullify City’s normally dangerous forward line and then counter-attacking at pace.

City fans do not seem fired up by European competition and there were empty seats in the Etihad Stadium, which lacked any real atmosphere. City’s performance on the field, however, hardly helped to raise the volume.

The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute through Maxwel Cornet, who drove home after Fabian Delph made a hash of clearing a Nabil Fekir cross from the left.

City’s Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down but that was one of the few moments in which he really threatened in the box.

Ilkay Gundogan had an effort disallowed after Italian referee Daniele Orsato ruled that Raheem Sterling was offside but City’s frustrations in attack were not their only problems.

Fekir, who was strongly linked with a move to City’s Premier League rivals Liverpool in the close season, then made it 2-0 to the French side in the 43rd minute, bursting clear and beating Ederson with a low drive after Fernandinho had given up possession in midfield.

SMART FINISH It could even have been 3-0 when Memphis Depay hit the post on the hour after a magnificent through ball from Tanguy Ndombele.

After that let-off, City earned themselves a lifeline through Bernardo Silva, who produced a smart finish after a superb jinking run from substitute Leroy Sane.

City’s attempts to get an equaliser, however, were foiled by a combination of a well-drilled Lyon defence, which kept chances to a minimum, goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, who produced a fine save to deny substitute Sergio Aguero and some poor decision-making from City’s forwards.

City sorely missed their injured Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and without his dominant presence in midfield they struggled to change the tempo of the game and were far too one-paced.

The defeat was a fourth straight Champions League disappointment for City, who lost both legs of last season’s quarter-final against Liverpool and the second leg of their last-16 clash against Basel.

“Really disappointing. To concede two goals like we did is very frustrating,” said City defender John Stones. “We came in at halftime a bit deflated. We picked ourselves up and played a better second half but it was frustrating.”

Lyon looked far better than a team in seventh place in France’s Ligue 1, after two wins from five games, and their coach was delighted.

“It’s a great achievement and a deserved one. We were very, very good in the first half defensively and we also created chances,” said Genesio.

“We had an opportunity to make it 3-0 that I think would have completely killed the game off. We suffered a bit towards the end as their changes meant they had more pace on the pitch and they upped their rhythm, but we stayed solid and worked for each other.”

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, September 20, 2018

Griffith ton in vain, as Georgetown beat East Bank by two wickets

… East Coast/West Demerara game abandoned EAST Bank failed to reward an attacking hundred from Trevon Griffith, and were beaten by Georgetown by two wickets in round four of the GCB/CGI Jaguars One-Day League at the Everest ground yesterday.

The left-handed opener was almost flawless, gathering 111 from 110 balls, inclusive of four fours and seven sixes, and was the backbone in his side’s total of 201 all out in 45.2 overs.

Asked to bat first, Griffith, the former West Indies Under-19 player shared in two crucial stands, where he was the dominant force in both partnerships.

He first put on 82 with fellow opener Romaine Maniram, who was caught at the wicket off Christopher Barnwell (2-45), for eight. He then shared 72 for the second-wicket with Vishual Singh before his dismissal triggered a batting collapse, where the East Bank side lost their last eight wickets for 47 runs.

Spinners Ramaal Lewis (2-21), and Ashmead Nedd (1-33), were the other two successful bowlers for the city team.

In reply, and for the second game, skipper Leon Johnson played his part in ensuring his side came out victorious.

The former West Indies batsman made an unbeaten 83, as the defending champions reached 202-8 in 43 overs.

Robin Bacchus assisted with 26, Raymond Perez 29 and Christopher Barnwell 37.

Meanwhile, the match between East Coast Demerara and West Demerara was abandoned because of wet outfield without a ball being bowled at Lusignan. Even the toss didn’t take place because of the conditions.

While there were many damp patches across the outfield which was finally deemed unfit for play, the irresolute efforts of the ground staff also contributed significantly to yesterday’s outcome of the game.

Javid Persaud and Chaitnarine Persaud, the two on-field umpires, along with match referee Arleigh Rutherford conducted four inspections before the match was called off.

The tournament continues on Monday with Lower Corentyne versus East Coast at Enmore, East Bank take on West Berbice at Bush Lot, Georgetown face West Demerara at Everest ground while Upper Corentyne battle Essequibo at Port Mourant from 09:00hrs. (Rajiv Bisnauth)

Leon Johnson made an unbeaten 83.

Limacol Football

Buxton railroad Riddim Squad, Santos beat Beacon THERE were wins for Buxton Stars and Santos FC when the Limacol football tournament continued on Tuesday evening at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

In the first game of the night, it was easy pickings for Buxton who overcame Riddim Squad 2-0. Their goals came from Cuesy Parris (43rd) and Kenroy Green (60th).

The second game of the night seemed to be an almost carbon copy with Dellon David (40th) and Ronaldo Dover (63rd) scoring on either side of the whistle.

Deon Alfred, however, changed the script with a goal for Beacon in the 79th minute, the final whistle sounding with the scoreline 2-1.

Matches continue today with another double-header from 18:00hrs. Mahaica Determinators play Pele FC and GFC take on Riddim Squad from 20:00hrs.

Meanwhile, after the latest round of matches, Police lead the Group A having played three games, winning two and drawing one for a total of six points. Mahaica Determinators are second, having won their only game in the tournament so far.

Northern Rangers have the advantage for the third spot over Pele after two games thanks to a -1 goal difference as against -5. Both sides have played two games, losing one and drawing the other.

In the Group B, GFC have the lead with four points from two games after one win and one draw, while Riddim Squad have the second spot by virtue of a better goal difference (1 to -1) over third-placed Buxton Stars.

Both teams have three points after winning one game and losing one. Camptown FC are at the bottom of the group with one point after a draw and a loss.

In Group C, Santos lead the charge with 7 points from three games (2 wins, 1 draw) with Pouderoyen second after the same number of games (two wins, a loss). Beacon FC have three points from their three games (1 win, 2 losses) while Grove Hi-Tech have one point and are in the cellar.

CPL was a learning curve, says Shepherd

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is not just another T20 tournament. Soon after it was launched some six years ago, a few called it a tournament meant to entertain spectators, while others saw it as a money-spinner for the owners of the respective franchises.

But, today, this tournament has turned out to be a launching pad for many youngsters.

Call it entertainment or a money-spinner, this tournament is a learning curve for everyone. And the depth of this statement can be gauged if one takes

a look at the three-game performances of 23-yearold Romario Shepherd.

Shepherd was impres-

sive on debut, claiming 3-29 against the Trinbago Knight Riders. He was also instrumental

in the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ win in the first playoff match, where they became the first

Romario Shepherd (right) was impressive on debut.

(CPL/Getty Images)

team this year to reach the final.

They, however, finished as runners-up for the fourth time in CPL history.

However, the Berbician told Chronicle Sport yesterday that he had soaked up as much knowledge as he could during the sixth edition of the tournament. “ I t re a l l y w a s a n amazing experience,” he said. “ Wo r k i n g w i t h t h e coaches, guys like Sohail Tanvir, Imran Tahir and even Luke Ronchi was great. I learnt so much from them and other players. Tanvir taught me some stuff on the slower ball and what type of field you set

for certain type of batsmen, among other ideas. “(I learnt) further things like game awareness, field setting, and game plan among other things,” Shepherd said.

He added, “Rubbing shoulders with some top-cricketers was just one of those awesome experiences you can learn a lot from.”

In fact, the CPL has wiped away stage fright from many youngsters because they are already used to playing to massive crowds rooting for their team. Also, with the many legends in the dugouts encouraging them, this was a fairy-tale experience for any youngster.

ge 23

See Pa

Seamer Deandra Dottin celebrates one of her three wickets during a Player-of-the-Match performance yesterday.

(Photo courtesy CWI Media)

m e s i h c n a r F o b i u Esseq

2 t i e k a

o w ni t

St Cuthbert’s Mission down Laluni 4-2 on penalty kicks to set up final with Swan

… West Berbice record easy win over Upper Corentyne

Ricardo Adams, man-of-the-match is presented with his trophy by match referee Moses Ramnarine.

Gudakesh Motie receives his man-of-the-match award from match referee Zahir Moakan.

By Colin Bynoe (Jr) EXCITING match-ups in the 2018 GCB/CGI Jaguars 50-over Franchise League continued yesterday with 4th round matches at the

Albion and Port Mourant grounds in Corentyne, Berbice and on a day where left-arm spin ruled the roost at both venues.

At Albion, brothers Ricardo and Anthony Adams,

continued their wicket-taking ways in restricting Lower Corentyne Franchise to a lowly total of 110 all out in 29 overs.

The Adams brothers combined to take 7 of the 10

wickets to fall, with Ricardo claiming 4 for 26 from 8 overs and Anthony supporting well with 3 for 24 off 8 overs.

Guyana Under-19 bats-

Turn to page 23

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St Cuthbert’s Mission Zack Pereira who played a pivotal role in his side’s victory over Laluni.

AS action continued in the 2018 Region Four Heritage football competition playoffs, a determined and composed St Cuthbert’s Mission team defeated Laluni on penalty kicks, thus setting up an eagerly-anticipated final with Swan.

St Cuthbert’s Mission were forced to play Laluni in the three-way competition after receiving a 4-2 defeat to Swan in their first match. Embarrassed by the humiliating defeat which was witnessed by a fair-size home crowd, a much more composed St Cuthbert’s Mission returned to play Laluni after being humbled by a much younger team but, despite spoiling several scoring chances, defeated them 4 goals to 2.

Laluni came out bursting with confidence after defeating St Cuthbert’s. Both teams fought for ball possession.

However, while St Cuthbert’s were determined for a win, it

was Laluni who demonstrated better playing skills in the first 30 minutes of the game, thus being rewarded by a clever goal that came off the boot of Junior Persaud in the 23rd minute.

This goal sent the Laluni supporters into frenzy and evidently saw the fans of St Cuthbert’s Mission looking dejected. However, in the second half an inspired St Cuthbert’s team made a few changes which resulted in a much-needed equaliser in the 51st minute, thanks to Paul Henry.

Henry’s goal lit up the entire St Cuthbert’s ground as spectators and fans began spurring on their respective teams. Laluni fought valiantly for an additional goal while the home team tried desperately to increase their score. However, after some near chances by both teams the match ended

Turn to page 23 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2018