Guyana Chronicle International Edition 27 July 2018 E-Paper

4 BILLION

NO.004

WEEK ENDING JULY 27, 2018

Barrels of Oil Equivalent

at Stabroek Block EXXON CONFIRMS

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President Granger, Opposition Leader Jagdeo meet on Public Service Commission, Police Service Commissions

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

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BACK TO THE TABLE …President to lead talks with opposition …after President Jimmy Carter intervention

By Lisa Hamilton

meeting,” Jagdeo said.

PRESIDENT David Granger has agreed to lead talks between the government and the opposition following intervention by former United States (US) President Jimmy Carter, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo made the comments on Thursday on the corridors of the Parliament Building shortly after he met with President Granger at State House. At the time the President, along with Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, was meeting with Jagdeo and other PPP Executives to discuss the appointment of Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

Jagdeo told the media that he received a call from President Carter last week after the former President got word that the PPP had refused the offer to engage in amiable talks with Government. “The impression I got from President Carter is that in his conversation with the President the President stated that he was inclined to have talks with us but we in the PPP we not so inclined because we don’t like Nagamootoo. And, so, I pointed out the President Carter that it was not Nagamootoo that was the issue, it was our concern that…he would not be able to commit the APNU or the PNC to anything at the

NO NAGAMOOTOO However, despite saying this now in a statement issued back in 2015, the PPP had this to say regarding Nagamootoo: “Knowing the dim view the PPP holds of Moses Nagamootoo, the APNU+AFC by insisting that he is their ‘best man’ who will head its team must know that that initiative will go nowhere. Thus, by pushing Nagamootoo centre stage, it is now pellucidly clear that the coalition’s objective is not to have any talks at all, but to put the PPP/C on the defensive and to project the party as refusing to engage in talks with the Government.”

The Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is a former PPP executive, has maintained that he had no axe to grind with the PPP and is ready to enter talks on national unity.

Prime Minister, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo greets High Commissioner to India, His Excellency Dr. David Goldwin Pollard

PRESIDENT WILL LEAD According to Jagdeo, at their engagement on Thursday the President opted that if the PPP has an issue with the Prime Minister, he (the President) would lead the discussions which are to be focused on the pertinent issues of crime, oil and gas and the environment.

Although the compromise was made, the Opposition Leader told the media that he would have to discuss with the

PPP Executives whether the body wishes to deliberate with the Government on the above mentioned issues.

“He said “if you have a problem with Nagamootoo…I myself would lead the talks”. So I undertook to have a discussion with the party so we will decide whether we will engage with this and whether we want to add issues to the agenda,” he told the media, later adding: “There is a view out there that the Government wants us to discuss these three issues because these are the most vulnerable ones, the ones we are most critical on and that engaging us on discussions they will reduce the level of criticism.”

Jagdeo also said that there was also the misunderstanding

by President Carter that the Government had offered to deliberate on the matters of Governance and Constitutional Reform and the PPP had rejected the offer.

For decades, the former US President has been involved in the assistance of smooth political processes in Guyana facilitating the country’s first internationally certified free and fair election in 1992. He last visited Guyana in 2015 where he co-led the Carter Center’s 100th election observation mission of the May 11 General and Regional elections.

Over the years, there have been calls for the major political parties, the PPP and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) to put their differences Turn to page 5 ►

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Understanding Energy...

How is oil actually produced?

– and where is Guyana in the development process?

IN THE discussions Guyanese are hearing about their burgeoning oil industry, from local content and royalties to capacity building, many people remain unclear about one critical question: How exactly is oil production going to happen?

We know oil production happens in 2020. But what happens from now until then? Or after that? How exactly does a reservoir of crude oil in the rock under almost two kilometers of water become gasoline in a tank, and where is Guyana in that process?

In December 2016, after years of seismic analysis, exploration, and geological testing, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary, applied for a production licence for the Liza Phase 1 project. The company had just discovered

295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs 5,433 meters below the sea floor, and more than 193 kilometers off the coast of Guyana.

After permission and approval by the Environmental Protection Agency and Ministry of Natural Resources, EEPGL contracted Noble Corp. to provide a specialised drill ship, the Bob Douglas, that can drill the 17 interconnected wells that are part of Liza Phase 1 over the next three years.

This drilling at Liza 1 is currently ongoing.

Once drilled, the Phase 1 wells will feed into four largely automated drill centres some 1500-1900 meters underwater. The system will include eight wells for producing oil, as well as six wells to inject water, and three to reinject natural gas as a way to keep the pressure up in

the sandstone oil reservoirs deep underground, and keep the oil flowing.

EEPGL and its contractors are also installing the SURF (Surface, Umbilical, Risers, and Flowlines) system, and preparing the site.

SURF installation involves building a complex system of pipes, containment assemblies, and automated systems on the sea floor that will connect and support the wells.

Basically, it’s the below-surface part of the drilling operation, and involves dozens of contracting companies and substantial logistics operations onshore.

After the wells are drilled and the SURF system is set up, then comes the FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading) vessel, an enormous ship anchored to the sea floor and attached to the SURF systems that will take in the oil, process it, store it and offload it to tanker ships that can bring it to refineries and consumers.

FPSOs are some of the largest and most technically complex ships ever built. Many are larger than aircraft carriers, and come equipped with helipads and room for hundreds of crewmembers, as well as sophisticated fire safety and leak detection systems.

Th development process will involve dozens of other ships, such as support vessels and towboats, as well as helicopters, divers, sophisticated robots, warehouses, storage yards, and support facilities onshore and offshore.

By 2020, if all goes according to plan, the first FPSO on site will be capable of producing 120,000 barrels of oil every day, and will offload its oil to a tanker ship every 8-10 days with the help of around 80 full-time crewmembers.

The expected Liza Phase 2 will involve a second FPSO with an even higher production capacity; 190,000-220,000 barrels per day, according to ExxonMobil. This part of the project will include 35-40 wells, and will firmly cement Guyana’s place as a world-class oil producer.

Now that Liza Phase 2 planning is underway, the EPA has been conducting consultations throughout the country, where ExxonMobil and government representatives answer questions about the upcoming project and address the concerns of residents. Completed on Friday, this process is an important part of the EPA’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Phase 2.

The hearings fielded questions from residents on issues like emergency response for oil spills, and impacts on water quality.

These sessions allowed officials from the government and ExxonMobil to explain the process in detail, and gave communities a chance to provide feedback and gain an understanding of how Guyana’s new-found oil wealth will impact their lives.

These are exactly the kinds of discussions that will, hopefully, help the people of Guyana get the most out of an unprecedented opportunity for our country.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

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STALK AND TALK FORMER American President, Jimmy Carter, is best remembered by Guyanese for his critical role in the return of electoral democracy, for which a grateful nation bestowed upon him the Order of Excellence. At 92, he is, once again, taking initiatives to strengthen the fabric of Guyana’s democracy by encouraging dialogue between the Government and the parliamentary Opposition.

President Carter must have sensed that all was not well in Guyana since there has been acute polarization between Government and the Opposition; the latter under apparent siege over prosecution of former state officials for alleged corrupt practices, and rising fears that the bigger fishes could be caught in the reinforced dragnet of the justice system.

In anticipation that its leadership could be decimated by sleaze-related prosecution, the Opposition has embarked on a campaign to stalk the government, raising such spurious charges about “ethnic cleansing” and suppression of basic civil rights. In the face of mounting optimism over an impending economic boom, the Opposition has been chanting a mantra about an imminent collapse of the economy and the financial system. To compound the devil’s concoction of gloom-and-doom, the Opposition has contemplated a change in the traditional forms of struggle, which could raise the spectre of violence in a country that sits uncomfortably on an ethnically divided social base.

BI-PARTISAN COOPERATION The Carter Centre which has been trying to kick-start constitutional reform could have sensed that no tangible outcomes would be possible if there is no bi-partisan cooperation and a buy-in for the process from the Opposition, since fundamental changes would require the support of a two-thirds majority of elected Members of Parliament.

Though the situation is not as bad as the Opposition wants it to be, or even close to its dismal depiction, the intervention of President Carter is important, since it could smooth over any conflicts before the proverbial first shot is fired.

Guyana surely needs a fresh wave of political renewal that only visionary leadership could provide. Guyana cannot be stuck forever in the debilitating pastime of opposition for opposition’s sake and the outpourings of an overdose of pessimism and negativity. This is why the Opposition has to come to the table to trash out real issues that could help to place us on the solid road towards national unity.

NATIONAL UNITY For me, national unity remains the sweetest two words on the lips of every patriot. I remember being asked in 2009 by Guyanese journalists, Enrico Woolford and Gordon Mosley, about my take on the legacy of Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan. I told them that if we have a mandate from the Jagans, it would be “to unify this country, to bring not only stability, but to bring peace”.

In my autobiographical book, Fragments from Memory, I recounted that aspect of the interview when I qualified ‘unity’ as a state of national democracy, and added: “That is a multi-racial, a multi-party and a multi-class State. In other words, you must have inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness at the governance level, the fullest bi-

partisan cooperation between the major political parties, because that is how we will bring about unity between the major races” If there is anything that is known about my political life, it is my unflinching advocacy and struggles for national unity. Whilst, at different stages of those struggles, I had fought for broad-based unity, I consistently canvassed formal talks between the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the People’s National Congress (PNC).

PILLARS OF NATIONAL UNITY I have also played a role in the work of two major pillars of national unity – the short-lived Patriotic Coalition for Democracy (PCD) and the six-party A Partnership of National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition and government. The greatest gain in contemporary Guyanese political history was the election in 2015 of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government which, for me, was partial fulfillment of what Cheddi Jagan had wished when he advocated a “return to 1953 when there was racial and working class unity”.

The records would show that even when I had major disagreements with what I had described as the “Stalinist Gang”, I would stoutly and consistently insist that the goals of national unity should be captured in the party’s political programme.

In 1997, during post-elections civil disturbances, I told party leaders that while the presidency of Janet Jagan was non-negotiable, everything else should be up for talks between the PPP and the PNC. I had not ruled out the possibility of an inclusive government. But after calm returned to the streets, the anti-talks gangs dumped my speech which was reproduced in a booklet titled “Towards a Political solution – The Way Forward”. The failure to hold inter-party dialogue resulted in two years being sliced from the presidency of Janet Jagan.

OLIVE BRANCH When I became Prime Minister in 2015, I immediately extended an ‘Olive Branch’ to the Opposition for bipartisan talks and cooperation. The potential Opposition talkers instead became my perennial stalkers. I have been called all manner of names and reduced to all types of creepy animals by former Presidents Ramotar and Jagdeo. The PPP leaders have branded me as their nemesis, the arch-enemy who has engineered their downfall and possible political destruction.

Worse, the attacks are racist as they see me as a “neema-

Back to the... aside and have political dialogue on social and economic matters as of high importance.

Collaboration by the major political forces, it has been opined, can foster confidence, trust as well as good, cordial relations at the national level, thereby obtaining solutions to matters of national importance.

The APNU+AFC coalition government has from its very formation stressed inclusionary governance. In fact, President Granger has repeatedly said that his administration is committed to inclusionary democracy and is prepared to consider executive power-sharing

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with the PPP/C. Back in September 2015, the President noted that at that year’s General and Regional Elections, the coalition secured 51 per cent of the votes cast by the electorate and as such, it would not be prudent for his Government to exclude the PPP/C base. “We have at all times aimed at having inclusionary democracy and inclusionary Government, so that the 49 per cent don’t feel locked out.”

The head-of-state stressed that national unity is part of the philosophy of the coalition and noted that there must be some form of sharing, national unity and inclusionary governance.

karam”, a Hindi pejorative term that literally means “traitor”, for selling out to an African-dominated coalition.

But this is the brutal nature of politics, to which I have grown accustomed. I can also relate to the feelings of low esteem by Jagdeo to sit at the same table with me as I had lived in a period of pain when, after he had left the PPP, Ranji Chandisingh was named to lead the PNC delegation for unity talks with the PPP. That was for the “No Talks” clique the unkindest cut of all.

Notwithstanding the personal vendetta, I have maintained that political engagement is good for Guyana, and I have had one-on-one sincere discussions with several persons in the PPP’s leadership. I had told them that as we draw closer to becoming a major oil and gas economy, bipartisan cooperation is strategically important to ensure that no section of the population is alienated from equitable access to proceeds from our petroleum resources. I told them that for a major political party to stay away from bi-partisan engagement would be tantamount to betrayal of its constituents.

When I saw the Opposition Leader sauntering gleefully into Parliament Chambers Thursday last, I thought that he had some good words to share with me after his meeting with President Granger. Instead, he swiped his neck with his right index finger, motioning that someone had cut my throat. Two of his cohorts, basking in radiant smiles, mumbled to me, “we threw you under de bus”!

PHYRRIC VICTORY I was to find out later that the Opposition leader had disclosed at the meeting that he would not attend talks if the Prime Minister remained head of the government side.

Reminiscent of his infamous “cuss-down politics” he told the media that he couldn’t negotiate binding agreements with me, as I was a “lightweight”.

President Granger volunteered to lead the government’s delegation to these talks. Jagdeo walked away with a pyrrhic victory, that he had sidelined me.

But talks are not about me. They are cardinal to finding a lasting political solution for Guyana. So I turned my face away from Jagdeo’s infantile tantrums. I let his insults pass.

Instead, I welcomed the decision by President Granger to lead the Government team. That, for me, was a politically correct move from which Jagdeo would be unable to wriggle out.

For me, I remain undaunted. Old people say that the elephant keeps on walking in spite of the yapping of poodles at its heel!

DYSFUNCTIONAL However, last year July during an interview with this newspaper the President had said that there has been a consistent lack of cooperation by the Opposition to have dialogue with the government on matters of national importance outside of constitutional requirements. The President had described the non-cooperation by the Opposition as “dysfunctional,”, while insisting that his administration is not opposed to talks with the Opposition on non-constitutional matters, but noted that “It is good to speak with people who are prepared to speak with you and we have had some difficulties.”

He noted that the resistance by the Opposition does not exist only at the level of central

Government, but also regionally. “I have been to some meetings and the regional chairman won’t come to meet me, the Ministry of Communities has had seminars and the persons who have been elected on the PPP ticket don’t show up; municipal and regional levels.”

President Granger assured that notwithstanding the challenges faced with regard to political dialogue between the coalition Government and the Opposition, he has no issue consulting with the PPP outside of constitutional matters. “So we have had a lack of cooperation from the Opposition in many areas. I would consult them yes, in matters of GECOM and things I am required to consult him on, and outside of the Constitution, but they have been very uncooperative.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Deepening of democracy IT is now official. Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has announced that Local Government Elections (LGE) would be held on November 12, 2018. The last elections were held in March 2016; therefore, when the electorate goes to the polls in 2016, it would be doing so for the second in two years, something it had done once in 23 years prior to 2016.

Minister Bulkan in announcing the date, said the holding of LGE constitutes ‘irrefutable’ evidence of the commitment and sincerity of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) intention to ensure that democratic governance obtains.

He said: “There is not merely respect, but reverence for provisions in the constitution.

More importantly, our commitment to rebuilding the damaged and broken system of local government we inherited is something we will resolutely pursue.

“Any functioning democracy deserves frequent elections at every level. Our inability to honour this practice in the past was a serious democratic blunder which thankfully

has been corrected.”

We now have new local government legislation which, among other things, seeks to correct the imbalance in the relationship between the central government and the local authorities. This has been a sore point in the past. It is worth noting here that the previous governing party and the present ones have had fundamental differences on what that relationship should be. The PPP preferred one in which the central government, through the subject minister, maintained what is in effect an absolute veto over local governments, particularly on financial matters. The parties in the current governing coalition have opted for a more democratic relationship, whereby the power of the minister in this regard is greatly reduced.

Former President Donald Ramotar had, during the last Parliament, stubbornly refused to sign into law that aspect of the legislation that sought to operationalise the latter relationship. He had claimed that it was unconstitutional. That was one of several actions that eventually forced the then combined opposition to table the no-confidence

motion against his government, which eventually led to fresh elections and the downfall of the PPP government.

It is worth noting that that the Local Government Bill, which was in effect vetoed

by President Ramotar, was one of the first pieces of legislation passed by the new Parliament and assented to by President David Granger.

With the announcement of the date, the electorate should be properly mobilised to participate in the upcoming elections. We have editorialised in the past that this is not an easy task. People all over the world do not generally vote at local elections at the same rate as they do in general elections and 2016 proved this point. There is a feeling that not much is at stake in such elections.

We argue differently. Local governments are the ones that are closest to the people, and therefore lend themselves to greater day-to-day scrutiny by the communities.

These governments often determine what services are distributed in the communities, and how these are allocated. In other words, part of the government function of distrib-

uting common resources is devolved to the local councils.

Most importantly, local governments should be the nursery for new leadership. Often, leaders arrive in Parliament or in Cabinet without any experience in local government.

For all of the above reasons, people should be urged to vote heavily at the LGE in November. The mobilisation should start now, and it should include a popular education initiative aimed at sensitising the public to the importance of the elections.

Such education should be done preferably by GECOM and other NGOs, but the political parties should also help in this regard.

The governing coalition, on the other hand, faces some challenges. Will the APNU and the AFC contest separately or as a coalition? Will they be able to mobilise their constituencies to vote with the same enthusiasm as they did at the general election?

Governing parties are always judged on their record in government, and that record is always subject to distortion by the opposition.

The next four months will be defining ones.

NY Times article shows deficit of understanding and sensitivity towards Guyana Dear Editor, WE note with disappointment the article in the New York Times by Clifford Krauss titled, “The $20 Billion Question.” We do not wish to address the laughably simplistic and selective description of our country as a land where children go to school in canoes, the lack of historical context and the author’s deficit of understanding and sensitivity towards Guyana; nor his blanket claim that “the civil service is corrupt,” which is an insult to the majority of hardworking and honest public servants.

We refer instead to his assertion that “foreign bank developers have told the government that legislation to create a Sovereign Wealth Fund...lacks sufficient regulatory controls to avert corruption” and that “The legislation is in limbo.”

This is not the case.

The Ministry of Finance and the government are fully aware of the dangers surrounding resource-rich countries.

We have extensively researched the issues of the presource curse -- where unrealistic expectations ahead of oil production result in demands for higher wages and government spending -- and the other two pitfalls -- the resource curse and Dutch Disease.

That is why in crafting the National Resource Fund Act (NRFA), we have asked for advice from several

international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

The proposed legislation specifically addresses two main issues: the stability of the economy to absorb increased government spending and economic activity; and the balance between spending on critical development projects and the long-term goal of saving for future generations. This is laid out in a Green Paper which will be presented to the National Assembly.

The NRFA, which will be laid in Parliament before the end of the year as indicated in Budget 2018, is the culmination of many lessons learnt around the world by resource-rich countries over the past 100 years. Crucially, it directly addresses the transparent handling of, and accounting for, the oil-related funds from depositing in the NRF to their spending which can only be done via the Annual Budget approved by the National Assembly.

The fund itself is to be managed by the Bank of Guyana and overseen by a committee that encompasses several independent interest groups, including a representative nominated by the leader of the opposition. Quarterly reports on its activities will be presented to Parliament.

We are confident that the NRFA will fully address these legitimate concerns.

The overriding impression of the article is that the government and the country are hapless, and unable

to deal with the new oil sector. We acknowledge there are serious human skills deficits, but the government is proceeding carefully and methodically towards first-oil.

The National Resource Fund will be in place before 2020.

Despite the article’s narrative of a “Poor man wins the lottery; disaster ensues,” it also draws attention to some of Guyana’s most pressing challenges and raises the question of how we as Guyanese see ourselves and our country. It also calls to mind two quotes by the Nigerian novelist and short story writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; “Show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again and that is what they become” and “The single story creates stereotype and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete, they make one story become the only story.”

It is time that as Guyanese we reject the single story being told about us, no matter who tells that story. We must look towards the future with hope in our heritage, in the legacies of our ancestors and in the path that is being crafted for us now. I urge Mr Krauss to take a closer look at our country, its proud and resourceful people and our resilience in the face of the odds.

Sincerely, Wanita Huburn PRO Ministry of Finance

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

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Use funds seized from criminals to fund fight against crime Dear Editor, MEMBERS of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) are doing wonderful work by apprehending drug dealers and smugglers at Guyana’s official ports of exit and entry, especially airports. I compliment them for doing great service to our country and I urge them to pay the same attention to other well-known hot spots for smuggling, such as stellings and landings along rivers and creeks.

I believe the huge amounts of cash and valuables seized from drug dealers and smugglers should be used to find new ways to reach the heart of criminal operations. I strongly suggest that a significant portion of seized assets should be used as reward money or to pay informers and engage private investigators to help in CANU crackdowns with extremely secure confidentiality.

Every citizen knows the names of the ‘Big-Bosses' linked to drug dealing and smuggling, inside and outside Guyana.

Find ways to recruit undercover agents or informers; pay them well and ensure they are not identified. Residents in every area know who are the drug users, dealers and smugglers living among them. Follow the users to the dealers; follow the dealers to the smugglers and so on until you get to the Big Bosses.

Furthermore, when persons are convicted, the authorities can consider using them as informers to track the bigger dealers and suppliers in exchange for reduced sentences or forgiveness provided that the information provided is useful and leads to further arrests.

It hurts me terribly to see the negative impact the drug trade has on crime and the way it destroys the lives of my people, their families and communities. Many youths start with excessive use of marijuana then get addicted to cocaine.

When they become addicts they will steal, hurt and even kill over and over again to get drugs. Some have even murdered

their own parents and burned down family homes. Drug dealers also do anything to secure their business and profits and do whatever it takes to protect themselves and their interests.

The criminals who do these things get exposed sooner or later. Even the ‘big bosses’ eventually lose their honour, dignity, respect and even their lives just for piles of dirty money.

Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar was once the biggest drug boss in the world, but he was shot down like an animal and died in disgrace as a sick scoundrel. After his death, his family wanted to go into exile and no country wanted them.

Escobar was called "The King of Cocaine" and some foolish Guyanese used to admire him. He had billions of US dollars and he used to run Columbia through bribery and murder. Such criminals lose their humanity by hurting others severely and this curses them and they end up dying in prison or being killed cruelly. Escobar ended up running and hiding, but he was cornered and shot dead without mercy.

The illegal drug trade is one of the greatest evils ever inflicted upon humanity. It destroys persons caught up in it, the societies that get overrun by it and it infects the core of civilization. Drugs do horrendous damage to the body and soul. Users are not only killing themselves with drugs, they are also are murderers or potential murderers because they will do anything to satisfy their craving.

I respect the work of CANU for bringing constant pain to those trying to get rich quick through smuggling and drugs. I want CANU to continue to go after these criminals relentlessly and continue to bring great grief upon those who want to enjoy a big life by poisoning people and destroying society for generations.

Alcohol is a legal drug that I think should be illegal.

For their own profits, big companies encourage excessive consumption of alcohol despite clear evidence that alcohol abuse is causing enormous destruction. Lives have been lost, serious injuries have been suffered and countless families have been destroyed as a result of crimes committed by

persons under the influence of alcohol.

Punishment for serious crimes is too mild in Guyana.

When major drug dealers are convicted, too many of them get off with a slap on the wrist. I think 20 years imprisonment should be the minimum penalty for serious drug offences, and fines should be triple the value of the drugs involved with long jail sentences to be applied immediately if the fines are not paid.

I believe the property and assets of persons convicted of serious drug crimes should be confiscated immediately upon their conviction. And the authorities should scrutinize their estate and, if it can be proved that they transferred any financial or property assets obtained through crime to their relatives, friends, associates or companies, these should be confiscated also.

Large-scale smuggling and drug dealing have expanded and diversified into a number of fake businesses around the country. These criminals have become very vicious because their money gives them the power to penetrate the highest levels of law enforcement agencies, the legal system, political parties, civic organisations and even government.

Criminals get enormously wealthy from crime and they use it to form companies and corporations to make it easier for them to do crime on an even bigger scale and pass it off as legitimate business while laundering money at the same time. This is what drives the constant smuggling of items in the country, including drugs, while foreign currency goes out of the country.

I support CANU every step of the way as they fight against these vagabonds. Use funds seized from criminals to fund CANU’s fight against crime. When the big criminals are caught, jail them for life because their criminal activities have given so many others life sentences of pain and misery.

Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr.

Abusive relationships scar children for life Dear Editor, VERY often victims of gender-based abuse say that they choose not to walk away because of the children. The fact is that staying in an abusive relationship because of the children will cause the children to be scarred for life, as growing up in such a home is one of the most terrifying and traumatic experiences a child can go through.

Children in abusive relationships may blame themselves for the abuse, thinking if they had not done or said a particular thing, the abuse would not have occurred. They may also become angry at their siblings or their mothers for triggering the abuse and may display increased aggression towards peers or mothers.

Such children may feel rage, embarrass-

ment, and humiliation. They generally feel isolated and vulnerable and can easily engage in self-harm or even become suicidal. They are starved for attention, affection and approval as they become physically, emotionally and psychologically abandoned. Thus, they can also be continually angry and act out, or they can become depressed and withdraw, too frightened and embarrassed to speak out and easy to be bullied. Also, they can be anxious to please and thus become easy to manipulate and be taken advantage of.

Since children have a natural tendency to identify with strength, they may ally themselves with the abuser and lose respect for their seemingly helpless mother. In fact, there is a definite correlation between violence and child abuse. Growing up in a violent home can set patterns for children – patterns that can cause them to commit violence

and abuse, thereby continuing that cycle. In effect, witnessing domestic violence is the single best predictor of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality.

Additionally, females can also come to accept abuse, thinking that it is normal, as they grew up seeing it happen continually, with the victim staying rather than leaving.

And so they will not only tolerate intimate-partner abuse as they get older, but may actually think such abuse is normal.

Children in abusive relationships may experience developmental delays in speech, motor or cognitive skills. They are also more apt to use poor judgment, have health problems, social and emotional issues, higher risks of alcohol/drug abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder. They are also more apt to become school dropouts, pregnant teens and gun users. They grow up to suffer from low

self-esteem, stay in dead end jobs or worse… not being able to keep a job.

According to a 2002 US Department of Justice Special report, children who grow up in homes where violence is present are: ► Six times more likely to take their lives ► 24 times more likely to be sexually assaulted ► 67 times more likely to engage in delinquent behavior as adolescents ► 100 times more likely to be abusers themselves ► 500 times more likely to be abused or neglected In effect children should be the most critical reason NOT TO STAY in an abusive relationship.

Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

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LGE set for NOVEMBER

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

(Delano Williams photo)

– Bulkan says date was intentionally set to not clash with 2019 budget presentation

By Navendra Seoraj MINISTER of Communities, Ronald Bulkan on Wednesday announced that Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held on November 12.

“I have sent an order which is expected to be gazetted; when the elections are held in November it will mark the first time in our post-independent history that successive LGE is held as legally due,” said the minister in an invited comment on the sideline of the National Toshao Council (NTC) conference at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Thursday.

The holding of LGE constitutes ‘irrefutable’ evidence of the commitment and sincerity of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC)’s intention to ensure that democratic governance obtains. He said: “There is not merely respect, but reverence for provisions in the constitution. More importantly our commitment to rebuilding the damaged and broken system of local government we inherited is something we will resolutely pursue.”

The National Assembly recently passed a bill which harmonises the period for elections for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities. It was stipulated that the LGE would be held between November 1 and December 7. Minister Bulkan said the early part of November was chosen because Government did not want the elections to clash with the reading of the 2019 National Budget which is anticipated to be before the end of November.

In the 2018 National Budget, an allocation to facilitate the holding of the elections was made to the tune of $2.9B, which Bulkan described as a “huge investment”.

This he said represents an unequivocal commitment and determination by this administration to ensure that there is democratic governance. The elections this year will see eight new NDCs being formed as well as a new town. Reports are that Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro/ Siparuni) is earmarked to become a town.

At the March 16, 2016 LGE, approximately 507,633 persons were registered to vote for representatives of three political parties, 17 voluntary groups and 63 individual candidates in a mixed system of Proportional Representation and First Past the Post.

In June this year at the launching of a public awareness campaign on the lawns of Parliament Buildings , Bulkan noted that that the government views local government organs as a critical partner in national development, and that integral to the approach is a better resourced and organised local government system; one that is effective in the discharge of its functions.

The distraught wife of Mr. Anthony, Alicia Anthony, was inconsolable

Minister Bulkan had said that the awareness campaign is aimed at bringing more information to the populace to ensure more participation in the LGE later this year. He had expressed hope that participation will be greater than the 43 per cent which obtained at the last LGE in March 2016.

LGE, regardless of any challenges, will not be postponed Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), retired judge James Patterson had said in a report from the Guyana Chronicle. “It looks as if but I cannot guarantee that we are going to be undisturbed, unless there are troublemakers,” said Patterson in an invited comment. He believes that his staff understands the seriousness of the task ahead and intends to take it very seriously.

GECOM has not encountered any challenges so far pertaining to the LGE, but there was a discovery of a fake Identification Card (ID) which stirred some concerns for the elections body, he said.

Man feared drowned while hunting for crabs AN outing to look for crabs on the foreshore of West Coast Berbice turned tragic for a young couple on Tuesday when the 49-year-old male slipped into the Atlantic Ocean just off the MMA/ADA sluice at Trafalgar and disappeared beneath the waves.

Reports are that around 09:00hrs, Heron Ewart Anthony of # 29 Village, West Coast Berbice, had along with his wife Alicia just finished looking for crabs when he approached the sluice at Trafalgar and ventured to the edge to wash mud off his feet. A tearful wife Alicia said that as he bent over to wash his feet he slipped into the ocean. He then tried to regain the spot from where he had slipped, but the sluice was open and he was pushed away by the powerful current.

She shouted to him asking if he would be okay and while swimming, he pointed in a direction where he would regain the beach.

At the time there was no one else nearby to render assistance. She said that she then ran towards the building where the sluice attendants were staying to inform them that he had fallen overboard. On returning, instead of seeing him climbing to the shore in the

direction where she had seen him point, she saw only the empty ocean and no trace of her husband.

Many villagers went into the ocean where Anthony had disappeared and they were subsequently aided by a vessel from the Guyana Defence Force, but up to late Tuesday afternoon there was still no trace of the man. Relatives said too that they have been promised additional help by the Guyana Defence Force coastguard to try to locate Anthony today.

Anthony worked as a mechanic with the RUSAL operations at Aroima, Berbice River.

He and Alicia had been married for less than a year and he did not have any children.

Police investigations into the tragic incident are ongoing.

Meanwhile, some residents expressed the view that the MMA/ADA which owns the sluice, should prevent people from going there for purposes other than work.

“Just near where Mr Anthony slipped in is a very, very deep spot just two or three feet from the shore and people should be discouraged from even being anywhere near that sluice, especially when it is draining,” a resident said.

14Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 18, 20189

Elections This thing have used FOR YOUR consequences to bother me

‘DUH is nah (not) positive outcome; in other IN my(that) graduate years at the University of Guyana, my me business’ is a famous cases, it could be negative. father introduced me to a book,titled ‘The March of Folly,’ phrase in our everyNumerous issues work, associwrittenused

by Barbara Tuchman.

In this excellent Ms. Tuchman uses examples history where there was of the day conversations.

When in ated with the arrogance pursuit policy contrary self-interest. in Guyana in we makeofthis remark, it togovernment Showing howzero thoseinwho the possessed power engaged in means we have past have disappeared, behaviour was detrimental to theirofinterest due toof the terest in anthat issue. because the decision sheer ego, pomposity and chutzpah. The writer also noted It is sad when this the masses at the last electhe small and simple adjustment they could have made to phrase is applied tionsofto avoid their downfall.while This author herdemonstrate magnus opus,their ‘The describing our attitude to power at the ballot box.

Guns of August’, documented the Trojans’ decision to move public advocacy.

Thetheir pos-city, theFurther, ominous the Greek horse into failure ofsome the Renaissance ture of ‘Duh is nah me things with life-and-death Popes to address the issues that would lead to the Protestant Reformation the early 16th implications century, England’s folly under business’ is in what led to are no longer the rule of King George in relation to the colonies, what is arguably the worst around dueAmerican to the results of the United States mishandling of the War and other time for governance in the lastVietnam polls. The simple small casemodern studies. history, pleasure of government Guyana’s Prior to reading this book, I did not give much thought experienced between 1999- critics and reporters drivto the idea of the trappings of command and its inability to 2015.

Governance reached ing with their windows change course in the face of certain defeat due to silly deciitssion-making. nadir duringFurnished this period down or citizens subjecting with the knowledge gained from this when the holders ofable power their leaders to complete masterpiece, I was to rationalise how some humans can declared with unrivalled ridicule on social transform into obstinate dummies when they enjoymedia, tutelage over others. ‘we have the no longer come with fatal pomposity, ethnic numbers’. On May repercussions, because of 11th, 2015, Guyanese our last monumental exerdemonstrated that elections cise of our collective franhave serious implications. chise. It is only those who In this case, there was a were in the trenches during

this period ous a forBuildingofondestructive what I just noted aremechanisms, the following is examples and vindictive government mal process by which you to illustrate the point of this article. The teacher, the parent, would appreciate the danmake a decision.

When the leader of a tribe, the politician, those in authority in any form susceptible to the arrogance rule. Let look gers of are going to the Cheddi you cut of through the us razzle at theInternational exhibit of anAirport autocratic teacher, whoofwould not dare Jagan and dazzle campaigning from her students. observesfanthat toentertain fulfil anadvice overseas obligaandThe allstudent the shining theas book placed at the top of the blackboard and hit tion an anti-government fares, it is a may wisefall choice the teacher and cause some physical damage. activist and having to face to make which can affect The student attempts to offer some guidance to Miss, the possibility from what your by children butdreaded she high and mightily scoffs at this attempt a junior ofbeneath having drugs planted will carry in their lunch her and says: ‘Don’t you dare try to correct me, I am intheyour luggage. kits toThe whether master her, you These are the student’. child your tries counto plead simple fears are more try gets a badtoreputation her innocence andno takes a last gasp of breath say, ‘Miss, I wasto trying help you avoid getting hitinternational by the book.’ The poor due thetowise choice in the arena. childby fails in her attempts is placed in detention.

Subsemade Guyanese.

Theseand This practice of democraquently, a heavycannot breeze causes thehas book to topple andsince hit the consequences be cy been in place teacher. She turnsespecialto class while in pain and underestimated, thewincing 17th century.

It isshouts, the ‘Why couldn’t somebody stop this from happening’? Shiverly in light of the fact that results of the May 11th ing in fear, the students remain tight-lipped, paralyzed by fear. mostThis of the persons 2015 elections that is the mysterywho of domination in any form andhave in any were custodians of the bad erased the shame of Guycircumstance, it does something to the minds of some humans state between 1999-2015, ana having a reputation of that they themselves cannot explain.

This thing used to bother have gone nowhere, they being a drug-filled banana me, until I read the ‘March of Folly’ and Tuchman explained that ‘…the ofthe power republic causes failure to think’. are the onescommand waiting in with little law and electoral wings to once order. It is due to our last again reign down terror on vote-casting that we have the population. seen an unprecedented Added to this, an elec- crackdown on the drug tion, besides its conspicu- empire in Guyana and the concomitant positive effects that come along with dealing condignly with this scourge. The average Guyanese party-goer can now remark: ‘Is a long

ATTENTION !

By Ronald Austin Jr.

time How me ain’t is the argument that once politi-an aboutsee thepeople baker shop owner who was shooting parties’. cians are out touch with employeeup andinjoined with the workers toof overthrow the proprietor of the his former placeissues of work, owner This is due to fact that thatbecause impact the lives was a dictatorial bully. He convinced the dissatisfied Guyanese made a decision of young all people.

On the leave this placeother of hellish joinvalhim toemployees elect an to incorruptible hand,work thereand is the at his new baker shop..

Within weeks of leading a rebellion President who stands for id contestation that if polandand mass exodus leadership, thistoonce fightrefuse address law order andagainst cannotbaditicians er against injustice who saw the downfall of his former be enticed by the overtures your issues, it is you who poor decision-making, engages the same into inadvocacy ofboss the due drugtoempire.

Again, must delve behaviour when he is endowed with power. This phenomyour safety when you go and address those issues. enon is indeed troubling, even more so to those who don’t out to have a good time It is a crime against your have the luxury of reading what learned minds have to say can fellow citizens to allow on be thistraced topic.right Howback couldtopeople witness and fight against electoral decision-making. the rise of the destructive the misuse of power and when they accede to the throne, Be that it may, globstate an I.D repeat theassame action that led to by thenot fallhaving of persons who alonce voter is they at itsnowCard to get up sat apathy on throne hold?orIfrefusing you encounter this highest The ofonFolly’ national to enigma,percentage. go see the ‘March andelections this thingday might youth remain the most vote. Not getting involved no longer bother you. passive global voter block; is too detrimental.

It is a good time to this is a universal trend. In July 2010, 75% of eligible remind ourselves of the voters between ages 18-30 wise words of William chose not to participate in Lyon Mckenzie King, the US midterm elections. ‘Where [there] is little or The question is: who is to no public opinion, there be blamed for low voter is likely to be bad govturnout by youths global- ernment, which sooner or ly? Politicians or young later becomes autocratic people? On one hand, there government.’

GUYANA

AN ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU!

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Cybercrime Bill passed

– as gov’t excises contentious sedition clause THE contentious Cybercrime Bill was late Friday night passed in the National Assembly with amendments to two clauses that had allegedly infringed on press freedom and freedom of expressions.

But despite those amendments, the Bill, which carries rigid penalties for acts of child pornography, child luring, cyber-bullying and identity theft among other offences committed in cyberspace, was heavily criticised in part by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which had also tabled an amendment for the entire Clause 18 (Sections 1-4) to be deleted with respect to the offences of sedition. That proposed amendment was not allowed.

Ahead of the debates, Clause 18 had come in for major criticism, as it was deemed in certain quarters as an assault on press freedom in that it was felt that it criminalised anyone who uses a computer to bring, or attempt to bring into hatred or contempt, disaffection towards the government.

But on Friday as he stood to defend the Bill that he tabled, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams told the House that in response to the criticisms, the Bill was referred back to Cabinet for their consideration. It was at that level, he said, that a decision was made to delete Sub-section (1)(a) which was the main cause of concern.

He pointed out that in addition to the deletion of Sub-section (1)(a), other changes changes were made.

Said he: “Clause 18 has since been revised by the Drafting Division in collaboration with a free speech and media attorney from ISLP. The changes made to this clause and other clauses of the Bill demonstrate that this government is receptive to criticism, and committed to the democratic process.”

The now ammended Clause 18 provides

for offences against the State.

“Some of these offences,” Minister Williams explained, referencing parts (b) and (c), “are where a person intentionally publishes, transmits or circulates by use of a computer system, statement or words either spoken or written text, video, image, sign, visible representation that-encourages, incites, induces, aids, abets, counsels any person to commit, participate in the commission of, or to conspire with another person to commit any criminal offence against the President or any member of the government.”

Like Clause 18, Clause 9 was also a subject of contention, with the Opposition and civil society contending that it was intended to muzzle whistleblowers by targetting them.

The original Clause 9 made the unauthorised receiving, giving or obtaining of access to electronic data an offence.

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION Minister Williams said that the government, taking into consideration the concerns raised by the media watchdog group, “Reporters Without Borders” that this clause could be used to penalise journalists and media for publishing reports based on information from a confidential source, amended it.

“The amendment has resulted in the removal of the provision that may pose an obstacle to the freedom of the press; that is, the criminal aspect of receiving the electronic data. The type of conduct being criminalised has now been revised and is more specific.

The types of electronic data to which this clause refers to have also been defined to include commercially sensitive data, a trade secret or data which relates to national security,” the Legal Affairs Minister explained.

Former Attorney-General Anil Nandlall,

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

who now sits on the opposite side of the House, said that in this age of technology, no one could seriously dispute the importance of Cybercrime Legislation, and as such the Bill was a timely intervention.

He, however, alleged that in amending it, the concerns raised by organisations such as the Guyana Press Association (GPA), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the PPP, and even ordinary citizens were not taken into full consideration.

In addition to Clauses 9 and 18, Nandlall expressed concern over Clause 17. “There is a serious problem with Clause 17 as well,” he told the House. While acknowledging and accepting that the Opposition Members of Parliament were absent from many of the meetings held by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee, said that they will take responsible for the “contentious” Clauses being incorporated into the bill.

“What we would not accept responsibility for is the inclusion of Clause 18 in the bill, and we will not take responsibility,” he emphasised. He complained that even if the Opposition Members were present, they lacked the voting powers to make amendments especially without the support of Government Members.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira also expressed serious concerns over Clauses 9 and 18 though they were amended.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in defense of the Bill, told the House that the government, through the legislation, is by no means prohibiting the use of the Internet or the flow of information but rather what is being addressed is the use of the Internet and technological devices for criminal purposes.

“We are way behind the movement in the world to protect our civilisation from those who are bent on perpetrating criminal intent via computer, not legitimate lawful purposes, criminal purposes,” he said.

In wrapping up the debates, Minister Williams reminded the House that Mark Benschop and Philip Bynoe were initially charged with sedition, and that after Bynoe was freed, the PPP government then moved to charge Benschop with treason. The latter was eventually pardoned after serving five years in solitary confinement.

He said contrary to the Opposition’s claims, the nation’s youths will be protected, and that the Bill was consulted upon widely.

Punishments under the Bill range from multiple-year jail sentences, to fines of up to $20M for those found guilty.

Stanleytown residents dance AFTER almost a quarter of a century without street lights along the main thoroughfare, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam residents celebrated on the streets, after more than 30 electric lamps were switched on in that area on Thursday night.

While the lights will provide a safer environment for residents, it will also help in minimising accidents and vending of narcotics in the area.

Retired Town Clerk Angela Collins said the lights went out in the 1990s and she is happy to see them in action again.

Initially, the town council had the responsibility for electricity along the main and cross streets in the Berbice Township, but had encountered several challenges, resulting in the unavailability of street

lightings.

While she is grateful as a citizen of Stanleytown for the lights, she is pleading for additional lighting for the several cross streets, where criminal-minded persons have retreated.

Former trade unionist Norman Semple applauded the current APNU+AFC administration for advancing development in the New Amsterdam Township.

“New Amsterdam, which is the capital of Berbice, unfortunately falls within Region Six, (East Berbice /Corentyne), and is managed by the People’s Progressive Party, but no work was done here. I spoke repeatedly to the current Chairman, but New Amsterdam’s neglect was due to politics. “…Twenty-three years of PPP, be-

cause they were dissatisfied that New Amsterdam never voted for them, even though they had controlled the region, nothing was done, except at one time the parapet was cleared, and, because the stuff was never removed, the area became a dumping ground.

“It is this Government which has cleaned up this place, desilted the Republic Canal [reservoir] and is maintaining it.

The Strand Road along Stanleytown was impassable for decades; that was rehabilitated and the Main Street and Republic Road were resurfaced in such a short period since the new government took over,” Semple said.

He said he is satisfied with the amount of developmental works done over the past three years.

– street lights return to their community after two decades

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

B 4

11

BOE

AT

STABROEK

BLOCK ‘Exxon’ confirms

The oil rig, the Stena Carron at work offshore Guyana

JUST as it anticipated, ExxonMobil said Monday that now that all the figures have come in, it looks like the Stabroek Block is likely to yield more than 4 billion barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) after all.

The US oil giant has also advanced its evaluation to support a third phase of development and consideration of two additional phases.

As is only to be expected, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman is ecstatic. “Confidence and investor interest in Guyana will continue to grow as a result of this most recent and exciting announcement by ExxonMobil,” he said, adding: “The good news continues to flow for the people of Guyana and for future generations. Citizens can be assured that the management of the oil-and- gas industry is in prudent and capable hands, who will take the time and solicit the expertise needed in ensuring that all aspects of this industry is managed in the best interest of the people of Guyana.”

The increase from an estimated 3.2B BOE follows completion of testing at the Liza-5 appraisal well; a discovery at Ranger; incorporation of the eighth discovery, Longtail, into the Turbot area evaluation; and completion of the Pacora discovery evaluation.

“Outstanding resource quality across these opportunities combined with industry-leading project execution capabilities will provide great value to resource owners,

partners and our shareholders,” Exxon Senior Vice-President Neil Chapman was quoted as saying.

“Continued success in Guyana, and progress in other upstream growth projects in the U.S. Permian Basin, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and Brazil are giving us additional confidence in achieving our long-term earnings growth plans that we outlined in March,” he added.

Guyana’s first development, Liza Phase 1, Chapman said, will use a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel to produce 120,000 barrels of oil per day (BPD), starting by early 2020. The Liza Phase 2, on the other hand, which is targetted for sanctioning by the end of this year, will use an FPSO vessel designed to produce up to 220,000 BPD, and is expected to be producing by mid-2022.

Word is that the Liza-5 well successfully tested the northern portion of the Liza field and, along with the giant Payara field, will support a third phase of development in Guyana.

The Payara development will target sanctioning in 2019, and use an FPSO vessel designed to produce approximately 180,000 BPD as early as 2023.

Meanwhile, the Longtail well has established the Turbot-Longtail area as a potential development hub for the recovery of more than 500 million BOE. Additional prospects to be drilled in this area could increase this estimate.

The collective discoveries on

the Stabroek Block to date have established the potential for up to five FPSOs producing over 750,000 BPD by 2025.

There is potential, too, for additional production from significant undrilled targets, and plans for rapid exploration and appraisal drilling, including at the Ranger discovery.

SHARED INTEREST The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is the operator, and has a 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international energy company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. It holds an industry-leading inventory of resources; is one of the largest refiners and marketers of petroleum products; and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.

The Guyana Government is reportedly excited about the announcement from ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Guyana and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum, of the increase in the estimate for the Stabroek Block from 3.2B a few days ago to over 4B BOE. ExxonMobil has made eight discoveries in Guyana’s waters to

date, namely: Liza, Payara, Liza Deep, Snoek, Turbot, Ranger, Pacora and Longtail.

Production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2020 with an estimated 120,000 BPD, with an estimated increase to 220,000 BPD by 2022.

As Minister Trotman observed, “We understand the anxieties and concerns of persons both Minister of Natural Resources in wanting to see the Raphael Trotman revenues to be deRiver which must be pursued as rived allocated now, and the judicious management of matters of urgent national priorities,” Minister Trotman said. the oil wealth.

The oil revenues will allow the “We are confident that this government will not take any government to fulfill the dreams of action to either fritter away or the Guyanese people and to ensure mismanage these revenues; they that the quality of life for every belong to the people of Guyana, citizen improves over the coming and it is the people who must ben- years.

Guyana has recently attractefit first and foremost.”

The Department of Energy, ed prominent international mewhich is imminently being estab- dia attention which fell short of lished, will continue the work for fair and balanced reportage, but the efficient development of the the government is confident that resources on the firm foundation after decades of under-development and despite the challenges that has already been laid down.

“We have major infrastructural, that lie ahead, the indomitable economic and social transforma- spirit of the Guyanese people will tion projects and programmes rise to the occasion and prevail, which are being developed in con- as Guyana is poised at the ensultation with the people of Guy- trance of a new dimension of naana. We have initiatives such as the tional and human development, paving of the Linden-Lethem trail the likes of which the country has and the bridging of the Essequibo never before experienced.

#SNAPSHOTS

12

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

President David Granger met with Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo at State House to discuss the appointment of the Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission.

INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS PROGRESSING The infrastructural development in Providence and Peter’s Hall communities on the East Bank of Demerara undertaken by Central Planning and Housing Authority (CH&PA) are progressing smoothly.

AFRICA STREET THEATRE | The African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) is this year hosting the “Africa Street Theatre” event on Main Street Avenue as part of its pre-emancipation activities.

Coming under the theme ‘25 Years of Activism, Community Service and Servant Leadership’

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, today, received a courtesy call from West Indies Cricketer Christopher Gayle at his office at the Ministry of the Presidency.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed West Indies cricket, how the game can be improved and how it can influence the lives of both the young and the old.

22nd INT’L AIDS CONFERENCE | First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger shared a moment with Ms. Kim Simplis- Barrow, the wife of the Prime Minister of Belize and Ms. Daniela Ligiero, Chief Executive Officer of ‘Together for Girls’ at the 22nd International AIDS Conference, which is being held in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

ABRUPT END FOR ARCHIE

THE appeal filed by Chief Justice Ivor Archie challenging an investigation launched against him by the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) into allegations of misconduct came to an abrupt end at the Privy Council in London, England, yesterday.

BARBADOS RANKS 112TH ON GLOBAL SLAVERY INDEX

An estimated 1,000 people in Barbados are said to be living in modern day slavery, even as the country prepares to celebrate Emancipation Day next Wednesday.

In the 2018 Global Slavery Index, which examined 167 countries, the island was ranked at 112th, with an estimated 2.75 people per 1,000 out of a population of 275,000 living in modern slavery, and 41.90 per 100 people said to be “vulnerable to modern slavery”.

MORE FRAUD CHARGES LAID AGAINST ATTORNEY JENNIFER MESSADO

ALLEGED INDIAN FRAUDSTER CIP CITIZEN

1.5 TONS OF COCAINE SEIZED OFF MARTINIQUE

75 YEAR-OLD GRANNY CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER

New fraud-related charges have been laid against embattled attorney-at-law Jennifer Messado.

Messado was charged yesterday by investigators from the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) with forgery and obtaining money under false pretense.

French Customs officials seized 1.5 tons of cocaine off Martinique on the night of July 19, 2018, local news reports say.

The value of the cocaine was estimated at 60 million Euros, according to Martinique 1 Ere.

The Citizenship by Investment Unit (CIU) has confirmed that an Indian billionaire businessman, Mehul Choksi, wanted for an alleged billion-dollar fraud in India, was granted an Antiguan and Barbudan citizenship in November 2017.

Several reports surfaced online on Monday, stating that the diamantaire was in Antigua, prompting this media house to reach out to the CIU on Tuesday morning.

A seventy-five-year-old woman with no fixed place of aboard but frequents the market area in the City of St George has been slapped with a criminal charge of attempted murder, after a stabbing incident in the market square area on Tuesday, June 20th.

13

Department of Public Information

14

RECAP July 12th - 18th

@dpiguyana

NTC not a political party - President

IMF commends Guyana on restrained borrowing The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has described Guyana’s “prudence and restraint towards borrowing in anticipation of future oil revenue” as “commendable”. In a July 13th report, the fund stated that this restraint comes even as the country’s “medium-term prospects are very favourable. Oil production is expected to commence in 2020, and additional oil discoveries have significantly improved the medium- and long-term outlook. Economic growth is projected to be 3.4 percent in 2018, driven by continued strength in the construction and rice sectors, and a recovery in gold mining.” 

President David Granger called on the National Toshaos Council to encourage the establishment of Village Improvement Plans to promote access to the available public services. The President, who was at the time speaking at the opening of the 12th NTC Conference, explained, reminded that the National Toshao Council is not a political party, rather an arm of the state which serves the interest of the people in the Hinterland.

The Head of State said the conference provides the ideal opportunity for Indigenous Leaders to develop long-term plans that will enable these communities to adapt to modern changes. This, the president said, is especially important given the geographic challenges that the hinterland poses to the delivery of these services. 

Shulinab’s Nicholas Fredericks - new NTC Chairman Toshao Nicholas Fredericks of Shulinab, South Central, Region Nine is the new Chairman of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) following elections at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Toshao Paul Pierre, of Kwebanna, Region One was elected Vice Chairman, Toshao Russian Dorrick of Yupukuri, Region Nine, was elected Secretary, Toshao Marbel Thomas, Campbelltown, Region Eight was elected Treasure, and Toshao Loretta Fiedtkou of Muritaro, Region Ten, was elected as Secretary/ Assistant Treasurer. This year’s election marks history, as there were major changes in the composition of the body; for the first time ever, five women were elected to sit on the council; and of the 20 Toshaos nominated, only three would have served on the previous council during the period 2015-2018. 

Early childhood centres foster entrepreneurs - Min. Jordan

ExxonMobil’s Snr. Vice-President calls on President

43% increase in rice export

Rice export in the first half of the year has gone up by 43 percent earning the country $23.2Billion. This was revealed by the General Manager Nizam Hassan of the Guyana Rice Development Board in a recent interview with the Department of Public Information noted the sharp increase of rice export when compared to last year. “When we look at the figures compared to the first half of 2017, we saw first that the total volume that has been exported is 290,000 tonnes which is 43 percent more than the 203,000 tonnes than was exported during the first half of 2017,” Hassan said. The increase has so far earned the country GYD $23.2Billion (US $111Million) this year against the value of the export for the first half of 2017 which was GYD $16.1Billion (US $77Million). 

‘Girl Power’ confab for Linden adolescents The commissioning of Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) in Ann’s Grove and Ithaca reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating the growth of entrepreneurs. Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan commissioned the centres in Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara and Ithaca, Region Five. The minister said, having a safe, educational space for children provides parents with an opportunity to become their own bosses. The centres will provide educational services to ninety children; infants to school-aged children up to five years. It also creates employment for 16 young people in the area. 

Berbice Bridge was faulty – Min. Jordan Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan reacted with some bemusement to the recent move by the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) to raise their tolls. In a Department of Public Information exclusive, the minister explained that the models, taken by the previous administration, to construct the bridge, was “faulty” and “did more harm than good for the society”. He also recalled that when the Coalition Government took office, an initial approach was made to the BBCI’s Board/ Committee to lower tolls, but this was rebuffed.

The minister said, “they took the stance that the bridge was a private company and government should take their hands off, so I don’t know what is the big rush for the government to get involved now? I don’t know why the stance has suddenly changed?” The government, the minister stated, is always willing to listen and “we will give them our feedback. They made a suggestion. It came to Cabinet and Cabinet rejected it. So, it is up to them if they want to put up more (financial) models. We had put some models to them too!”. 

INFOHUB RECAP - July 12 - July 18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

President David Granger received a courtesy call from Senior Vice President of Exxon Mobil Corporation, Neil Chapman, who was in Guyana to familiarise himself with the operations, having recently taken over responsibilities for the global upstream oil and gas operations at the Corporation’s headquarters. During a meeting held at State House, the two sides discussed matters related to the status of exploratory and development work as well as the relationship between the Government and the company. President Granger said that at the end of the process, Guyanese must be able to view the development of a petroleum industry as one that is beneficial to the national interest as he noted that the Government will be working with ExxonMobil to develop a longterm relationship. Chapman in an invited comment said that the meeting was productive, and he looks forward to building on the relationship, which was established three years ago. 

Govt to address influx of Venezuelans The Heads of several government agencies will be meeting over a period of time to strategically address the influx of Venezuelans arriving in the country via the hinterland borders.

Representatives from the Ministries of Public Health, Social Protection, Communities, Citizenship, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and Civil Defense Commission (CDC) who constitute a newly formed board, met for the first time. The objective is to prepare a coordinated effort to give structure to the government’s response to the situation. Leading the meetings will be Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix. 

More than 100 girls from several communities across the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice Region were part of a ‘Girl Power” conference. This event was held at the Egbert Benjamin Exhibition and Conference Centre in Mackenzie, Linden.

‘For the Children Sake’ Foundation, a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) in Linden collaborated with Ministry of Public Health’s Adolescent Health Department to host the conference.

The feature address was delivered the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, who first broke the ice with a lighthearted and motivating game that saw the girls defining each letter of the word G.I.R.L.S. Minister Lawrence expressed the view that this exercise was the first step in fulfilling the theme under which the event was hosted which is, ‘Empower, Encourage, Inspire’. 

INFOHUB RECAP - July 12 - July 18

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Three Guyanese to pursue Masters in Mexico Three Guyanese students have been awarded full scholarships to pursue Masters of Science Degrees in Geosciences and Natural Resources Management through a collaboration between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Embassy of Mexico. The students, Paul Bassoo, Ramish Baichoo and Jainel Bowen will travel to Mexico later this month to begin the 18-month programme. On Wednesday July 11, 2018, the students along with Ambassador of Mexico to Guyana, His Excellency Ivan Roberto Sierra paid a courtesy visit to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman who presented them with their official acceptance letters to the Instituto Politecnico Nacional (IPN) where they will be pursuing their studies. 

‘Free and fair elections must be a quality of GECOM’ – Chairman

Govt recommits to the Linden/Lethem road project

Guyana and Brazil discussed the advancement of the Linden/Lethem road project during a visit

by Brazil’s Minister of External Relation, Aloysio Nunes Ferreira. Minister Ferreira’s delegation met with President David Granger before engaging Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, and Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

Minister Patterson explained the meeting reaffirmed timelines in the Linden/Lethem road project. Guyana is set to award the consultation for evaluation of the first phase of the project. The government has secured funding from the United Kingdom Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF). 

Oil & Gas, Public Infrastructure attract Brazilian investors Chairman of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM,) (Retd.) Justice James Patterson said ‘free and fair’ elections are one of the qualities that must permeate the Election Commission and those who function in it. The Justice Patterson was addressing the launch of GECOM’s Training of Trainers Programme, at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), Turkeyen.

As preparations get underway for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) this November, the two-day exercise session aimed towards helping participants develop an understanding of the organisational structure that will facilitate the efficient conduct of LGE. 

Liza Phase One development on track The Noble Bob Douglas drillship has completed the first phase drilling of seven wells ExxonMobil’s new Public and Government Affairs Director, Deedra Moe, told the Department of Public Information. “They are going back in and doing the second phase, so they are on track to do that.” First oil from Liza phase one is expected in 2020. ExxonMobil is also participating with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultations for Liza Phase two development. The US oil-giant has also submitted its development plan for Liza phase two to the government and it is expected to begin in 2023 pending the approval of permits and the company’s FID. Meanwhile, Moe said the company is “finishing up” work at the Longtail field, its most recent discovery. An evaluation of the find is expected soon. 

Gains in reducing infant mortality rates

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence assured the National Assembly that every neonatal death is investigated, and efforts are continuously being made to reduce the amount countrywide.

“For every neonatal report a report is prepared and reviewed by the child mortality committee and if the report shows any discrepancies further investigation is done,” the Minister explained.

Additionally, Minister Lawrence said there was no increase in neonatal deaths for the period June 2017 to June 2018. A Ministry of Public Health release stated that during the period June 2017 to June 2018, there were 6409 live births and 119 neonatal deaths at GPHC. This is a significantly lower number from the decade-high figure of 295 deaths in 2014. The release further stated that the total number of deaths in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has decreased significantly by an enormous 55.1% from 2015 to 2016 and continues to decrease. 

Department of Public Information

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President awards NGSA students with laptops

Inspired by his passion to educate the nation’s children, members of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s National Congress, honoured President David Granger on the occasion of his 73rd birth anniversary, by making a generous donation to three students who were successful at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). The three students are, 11-year old Kenneth Edwards from Riversview Village, who topped the Cuyuni-Mazaruni Region with 505 marks, 12-year old Angelina Balgobin from Bath Settlement who gained 492 marks and 11year old Natalia Squires who obtained 515 marks; securing a place at Queen’s College. Each student was presented with a laptop computer, a printer, a voltage regulator and a $25,000 gift certificate which is redeemable at Austin’s Book Store. 

Kwakwani water recedes four inches

ICT roadshow exceeds expectations A team of Brazilian investors met with Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and expressed interest in long-term investments in the Oil and Gas, Public Infrastructure and Business Sectors.

During the meeting, Minister Harmon committed to further discussions with the team of investors and expressed Government’s commitment to collaborating particularly in the Public Infrastructure sector, as part of its preparatory efforts for the emerging Oil and Gas Sector. The team, which comprised Alexandre Saverin, Yucatan Reis, Luis Panelli, John Forman and Jose Mario de Castilho, was updated on recent developments in the sector, including the significant amounts of oil discovered offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil’s operations and President David Granger’s decision to create the Department of Energy. 

@dpiguyana

Secretary-General of the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Bernadette Lewis said the inaugural Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Roadshow hosted in Guyana, exceeded expectations. Speaking on the sidelines of the ICT Youth Fair at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Lewis noted that the event achieved its objective of raising awareness on the transformative power of ICTs. “It has been a tremendous time and we are very pleased with the outcome,” she noted. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes too expressed satisfaction with the participation at the roadshow, especially at the e-agriculture forums.

Most participants, she noted, left the workshops with a renewed sense on how to refocus the traditional agriculture sector into new avenues of earning revenue and expanding family agricultural ventures. 

Residents and officials of the heavily inundated areas in Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Berbice, Region 10, have reported that the water level receded four inches. For the past week, it was to its highest at nine feet. Residents are optimistic that the waters will continue receding. A multi-agency team led by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC)’s (ag) Director General, Lt. Col. Kester Craig visited the community after a report was made on the flooding situation. Initial assessments were made of the areas affected; Waterfront, Lamp Island, Aroaima and Ginger Island. These communities are located in proximity to the Upper Berbice River that borders Kwakwani. Approximately 300 households have been affected by the flooding. 

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Hard work and commitment

17 Miss Guyana United Nations, Zena Bland

Zena Bland is determined to inspire young people through her work VIBRANT, down to earth and self-motivated, Zena Bland has an infectious and loving spirit, which touches everyone she comes in contact with, in a real meaningful way. She was born in the United Kingdom to Guyanese parents. Her family moved back to Guyana from the United Kingdom when she was three years old. They lived at Melanie, East Coast Demerara, Guyana.

At the tender age of 10, her father, who was a headmaster and athlete, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and her family returned to the United Kingdom, in order for her father to receive medical treatment. Later, they once again relocated to Guyana where she attended President’s College.

While there, Zena was highly involved in athletics and dance; she represented both her school and Guyana at the regional athletics competition in Barbados.

At 14 years of age, during school examinations, Zena’s father sadly succumbed to his illness. Though emotionally devastated, showing the kind of determination and resoluteness that has defined her character, Zena successfully took all of her examinations.

Now, what Zena has achieved is beyond exceptional for a young woman who endured deep emotional loss. She is a proud graduate of La Retraite Roman Catholic Girls’ School in London, having obtained nine GCSEs. Coupled with her academic achievements, she was recognised as a ‘Gifted Student’ and received numerous certificates of distinctions and merits. She was also La Retraite’s first student to have represented their borough at the London School Games. Continuing her education at La Retraite Roman Catholic Sixth Form, she graduated with three A-LEVEL subjects. Having demonstrated her leadership skills through academic, extra-curricular, volunteer activities, Zena was also made a Youth Leader at Vinspired, a youth organisation attached to the institution.

Zena then studied Journalism and Creative Writing at Middlesex University, London. She said every day she aspires to be a better version of herself and to be the woman that her late father would be proud of and a positive role model to young people.

Using pageantry as her platform to make her contributions to young people, Zena competed in her first UK pageant, Miss Guyana UK 2012.

She was adjudged Miss Guyana UK 2012, First Runner-Up. This new beauty queen took the opportunity to return to Guyana, for the first time since 2006, to raise awareness

about Prostate Cancer.

In 2014, Zena copped the Miss Guyana UK 2015 title. As Miss Guyana UK 2015, through motivational speeches, she raised awareness on the importance of education; volunteered in fundraising and opened the Ruimveldt’s Children’s Aid Centre in Georgetown, Guyana. She went on to compete in the Miss Universe Guyana 2016 pageant and won the Third Runner Up place. She then received the International Achiever Award ‘Young Role Model of the Year’ shortly thereafter on July 8th 2017.

Zena is now the Ambassador of Carib Kids International; a Guyanese based charity that supports parentless children, financially, nutritionally and educationally. She has been volunteering at Carib Kid’s International for the past year.

Due to Zena’s commitment and input to that charity, she received the appointment, Miss Guyana United Nations 2018.

She will be representing our beautiful land of Guyana on July 28, 2018, in Jamaica.

This gifted queen’s passion involves imparting knowledge that will be beneficial to a person’s future, welfare and state of mind. She stated that it makes her feel as though her purpose on earth is being fulfilled.

Her message to young people is “believe in yourself, your journey and your mission.

Think and act positively, for what you give out into the universe, will return to you.”

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Get behind the

oil-and-gas sector …Nigel Hughes calls for better management of resources Attorney Nigel Hughes

GUYANA must do more to effectively manage its resources with the coming of oil, Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes said, warning that the country should not repeat the mistakes of the past.

Hughes, who sits as a Director on the Board of Directors of the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA), addressed Amerindian Leaders at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Tuesday on the budding oil-and-gas industry.

Hughes said that Guyanese at all strata of society must become oil smart by either positioning themselves to operate effectively within the oil-and-gas industry or become educated on the developments in the upcoming sector. Only an educated population, he said, would be able successfully guide the decision-making process. “We have to build capacity by making sure that we train the geologists, we train the economists, we train the oil experts,” he told the Indigenous leaders.

In acknowledging that training of Guyanese in various disciplines relative to the oil-and-as sector would take time, Hughes underscored the importance of having the government hire independent experts to give critical support in the meantime so as to ensure that the country gets its fair share when oil production starts in March 2020. He noted while there was a Presidential Adviser on the Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal, his contract has ended.

According to him it was poor negotiating and lack of proper advice that led to Guyana agreeing to receive 2 per cent royalty and 50 per cent of profits when it renegotiated the Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) in 2006 with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited – a subsidiary of U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil.

He noted that when the agreement was originally negotiated and signed in 1999, the then government agreed to a one per cent royalty. “At that time we didn’t know how much oil we had, we never found oil, and that is what they negotiated to attract development,” he justified.

Hughes argued, however, that when the PSA was renegotiated in 2016, the current government had sufficient information that could have resulted in the country receiving a better deal.

“In 2016 after they had found oil in 2015, after they knew we had 1.4 billion barrels, those of you who could remember, you would remember the big announcement was they renegotiated a production sharing agreement with 100% increase. That sounds impressive, you get 100% increase, you are very impressed but if you are moving from one to two it is a real waste of time…The reality was, when we renegotiated that as a country with Exxon we were fully aware of the fact that we have more than 1.4 billion barrels of oil in the ground, and all our negotiators could get was 2%,” Hughes said.

The A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has maintained that Guyana in addition to the 2 per cent royalty will receive 50 per cent of the profits as an equal partner. Additionally, Guyanese are expected to benefit from “preferential treatment” in the provision of goods, materials and sub-contractual arrangements with ExxonMobil’s petroleum operations here, in keeping with Article 18 of the Agreement. Even ahead of 2020, Guyanese at the individual and corporate levels have been conducting business with ExxonMobil and its subsidiary.

BUILD CAPACITY That aside, Hughes doubted the country’s current ability to manage the massive amount of oil revenues it will receive when it starts pumping for oil, and as such further reiterated the need to build capacity.

He said history would show that after 52 years of becoming an independent nation, Guyana has not been able to manage its resources to the benefit of its people, noting that no single person or organisation should be blamed but Guyanese as a collective. “If you ask yourself after 50 years, Guyana with all the gold it has, with all the raw metals it has, with all the bauxite and now with all the oil it has, why are we not ahead of the rest of the Caribbean, rather than competing with Haiti in terms of economic figures to be at the bottom…at the end of the day it is us, we have failed to deliver and we have

M&CC hosting $19M City Week …but still ‘very short’ in paying bills

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) is gearing up to host City Week from August 19 in celebration of the 175th anniversary of Georgetown, and is working with a $19M budget to fund all of the activities planned.

Town Clerk Royston King was keen to inform the City Council on Monday that “not a single cent” would be spent from the city treasury. Instead, the activities will be funded solely from donations and sponsorships.

Already, a significant amount of money has been received from ‘friends’ of the council and asked if the council was really in a position to host this initiative while having other pressing financial issues to deal with, King said it is time that a celebration of this sort be held.

During the statutory meeting, Councillor Bishram Kuppen had asked for an update on the status of outstanding payments to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the workers’ credit unions.

King responded that the council is still “very short” with regard to such remittances and he went on to list other entities for which the council still owes money. Among them, he

mentioned Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) and the smaller contractors who worked for the council on credit, while the major garbage contractors had pulled their services.

The council is also doing all it can, King continued, to keep ‘bread’ on the table for its workers and is continuing to struggle each month just to meet the salaries bill.

To persons who feel the sponsorships and donations coming in can be diverted to cover other pressing needs, King told reporters: “You can always divert funds to more pressing issues. There will always be issues that are very pressing, but there are times when you have to stop and reflect where you are, where you came from and how you hope to move on.”

“We have been receiving good support so far from our business partners. We have received a substantial amount of money coming so far in the form of sponsorship from our friends in the private sector,” he added, concerning the hosting of City Week.

Meanwhile, King said City Week is to celebrate 175 years of the elevation of Georgetown from being a town to a city.

failed to manage the resources,” he said.

GOV'T LAYING THE STRUCTURE The APNU+AFC Government is presently putting the necessary administrative and legislative frameworks in place to ensure the effective and efficient management of the oil-andgas industry. President David Granger has assured that by the end of August the Department of Energy would be established.

A 10-point plan has been crafted to ensure the Department of Energy, which will fall under the Ministry of the Presidency, is effectively positioned to manage the potentially massive and transformative emergent petroleum sector.

The plan is aimed at ensuring that matters such as organisational structure, legislation and capacity-building measures are effectively addressed as Guyana works toward developing a world-class oil-and-gas industry.

The President said his government is open to recruiting technical experts locally, regionally and internationally through a highly competitive and transparent process to attract the most qualified and experienced professionals available.

Presently, the government is working assiduously to put legislative and regulatory frameworks in place, such as the crafting of the Petroleum Bill and a Sovereign Wealth Fund, to safeguard the oil-and-gas industry. Ahead of first-oil in 2020, the Work Bank in June approved a US$35M Development Policy Credit to strengthen Guyana’s financial sector and fiscal-management capabilities. In excess of 3.7 billion oil-equivalent barrels have been discovered in eight reservoirs: Liza, Payara, Liza Deep, Snoek, Turbot, Ranger, Pacora and most recently Longtail-1, and the World Bank wants to ensure that the country is well equipped to transform its oil wealth into human capital.

Presently, nearly one in four people in Guyana live in poverty, however, experts estimate that GDP will surge when commercial production of newly discovered oil and gas begins. In response, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has embarked on a series of reforms to diversify the economy and turn oil windfalls into human development and sustainable growth in the long term.

He said many of the events, such as the mayor’s dinner and cocktail are ticket events which are expected to bring in money to the council. City Hall’s restoration fund will be launched at the mayor’s dinner.

For the cultural extravaganza, he said the Ministry of Culture has indicated its willingness to participate. Municipal games are planned along with a ‘Seniors’ Treat’ and health fair. Mayor Patricia Chase-Green said she takes King’s word that no council money will be used because the council cannot afford it.

The objectives of City Week include fostering a closer relationship among employees through sports, cultural, and other forms of social entertainment; to provide an opportunity for the business community to showcase locally produced products; for the council to form alliances with other critical stakeholders; and to improve the council’s corporate image.

The council said it is hoping to brand City Week activities and promote it as a tourist attraction. Queen Victoria by letter patent, declared the colony a Bishop’s see on August 21, 1843. William Piercy was appointed bishop. This made the Parish Church of St. George’s a Cathedral and Georgetown thereby became a city.

At the time of independence on May 26, 1966, Georgetown ceased to be a British colony. Georgetown was 6.5 square kilometres.

On April 29, 1970, the boundaries of the city were extended, thus enlarging the city to 40 square kilometres.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

EXXONMOBIL DISTANCES

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itself from NY Times article

– Guyanese lash out at article’s misrepresentation of their country THERE is a great local uproar over a New York Times (NYT) article that is being seen as derogatory towards Guyana, and oil giant, ExxonMobil has distanced itself from the article.

The article titled “The $20 Billion Question for Guyana” and written by NYT national energy business correspondent, Clifford Krauss sought to present the prospects of Guyana in the wake of a developing oil industry.

Though the article presents a comprehensive overview of the developing industry in Guyana, it also presents an exaggerated, negative narrative of the developing country.

The article opens with the strap line: “This largely underdeveloped

country on South America’s northern Atlantic coast is the unlikely setting for the world’s next big oil boom. But is it ready to handle the riches?”

And the very first paragraph reads: “Guyana is a vast, watery wilderness with only three paved highways. There are a few dirt roads between villages that sit on stilts along rivers snaking through the rainforest. Children in remote areas go to school in dugout canoes, and play naked in the muggy heat.”

The capital city and commercial hub, Georgetown, like other towns on the coast have been referred to as a “musty clapboard town which seems to be forgotten by time.”

Addressing concerns about the

article, ExxonMobil issued a statement on its Facebook page, saying: “The New York Times (NYT) is an independent media entity based in the United States. ExxonMobil did not pay for the reporter to travel to Guyana for this article.”

Instead, the company clarified, “ExxonMobil’s only involvement was our agreement to be interviewed and, at the request of the reporter, we offered to facilitate a tour of our contracted assets.”

Against the backdrop of the narrative peddled by the author, ExxonMobil affirmed, “Guyana is a beautiful place, with beautiful people. We are happy to have the opportunity to operate and live in the communities of Guyana.”

The author on his twitter, in

response to Exxon’s statement, said: “The New York Times pays the expenses of its reporters. And my piece was in no way derogatory toward the people of Guyana.

Beautiful people, beautiful country.

Problems, of course. And many, many Guyanese viewed my piece for what it was: critical but balanced journalism.”

Meanwhile Guyanese have taken to social media raising their concerns. Ronald Austin Jr. tweeted the author directly, saying, “I can say as a Graduate from the University of Guyana, I have not migrated and I [am] not infected with any disease. Just to make that clear.”

This was in response to another section of Krauss’ article which

states: “A vast majority of college-educated youths emigrate to the United States or Canada, while those who stay behind experience high rates of HIV infection, crime and suicide.”

An overseas-based Guyanese Oneka LaBennett, tweeted the NYT: “Misrepresenting #Guyana as a place “forgotten by time” where children “play naked in the muggy heat” denies its complexity.

Dangerous distortions like this inform the perilous trajectory of my homeland’s oil boom. Do better @ nytimes.”

Krauss also responded to tweets from locals and defended his work. He also said, “...It is a troubling picture for sure, but sugar coating never helps.”

GTA launches revamped website – to appeal to growing international clientele

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched its newly revamped South American Undiscovered website, aimed at promoting Guyana as a rich natural and cultural heritage tourist destination.

The launch took place on Thursday at the Cara Lodge, and saw in attendance Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism Dominic Gaskin and several heads from the tourism sector.

The website’s structure is divided into five main sections: key details and information about Guyana; destinations throughout the coast and interior; unique experiences; trip- planning; and a blog.

It boasts several visually impactful photos of Guy-

ana, featuring the country’s peoples, food, religions, festivals, monuments, popular entertainment spots, waterfalls and other nature destinations.

The new site also offers quick access to essential tourism information such as details for booking hotels, lodges, and tours in Guyana, as well as an interactive map and links to Destination Guyana’s social media pages.

“The core purpose of the new national tourism website is to appeal to [the] growing international leisure market seeking out authentic nature, culture, and adventure experiences,” Director Brian Mullis said.

“The site is also designed to appeal to domestic and diaspora travellers, who want to learn about new and existing travel options,” he added.

Minister Gaskin commended the GTA team and urged that the website content be regularly fact-checked to ensure that the correct information is publicised.

The site was developed within 90 days, and is now in its first phase, with the GTA already working on creating new features, including an enhanced map, industry, media portions of the website and more.

It can be accessed at the link: https://www.guyana-tourism.com/

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

$412M PUMP STATION commissioned at Enmore

…gravity drainage via sluices, kokers reduced considerably

The $412M pump station that was commissioned at Hope/Enmore, ECD (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Rabindra Rooplall THOUSANDS of residents on the low-lying areas on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will benefit from a new $412M pump station that was commissioned Friday at Hope/Enmore, ECD. Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder in his feature address said the new pumping station will assist the flood-prone and vulnerable population from the negative effects of climate change on its economy, human livelihoods and ecosystems.

Adding that 75 percent of the main economic activities are concentrated on the low-lying coastal zone situated some six feet below sea level. Minister Holder said climate change is anticipated to have potentially disastrous impacts on the economic viability of the agricultural sector. “Climate change is likely to cause extensive and chronic flooding; the inundation of valuable agricultural land; and loss of crops caused by increased frequency of heavy rain and drought conditions. This change in agricultural production may have a negative impact on Guyana economically,” he explained.

He said since assuming office, the government has been faced with extensive flooding in 2015 and 2017, and drought conditions caused by the el Niño effect in 2016, as such it is also important to note that, due to rising sea levels, gravity drainage period via sluices and kokers has been reduced considerably.

Further, Minister Holder said the agriculture sector is undoubtedly one of the most important sectors in Guyana and continues to contribute over 16 per cent to the economy.

“It is a sector that is crucial in terms of reducing unemployment, poverty alleviation and for bolstering economic development. Significantly, sustainable food security is a goal that the sector aims to achieve by improving

the quality and quantity of the crops, livestock and fisheries sub-sectors,” he underscored.

He explained that flood risk management is a critical area of focus for the government, and in particular the Ministry of Agriculture, as Guyana is highly vulnerable to flooding, particularly in the coastal areas which are below sea level. He said the Agriculture Ministry through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has been concentrating on water management as a critical area of focus since the major portion of the country’s agriculture is practiced in the low lying areas of regions of 2,3,4,5 and 6.

Minister Holder explained that this project, ‘Flood Risk Management,’ stemmed from the World Bank’s ‘Conservancy Adaptation Project’ (CAP) which conducted engineering studies that allowed government to prioritize investments in critical areas.

Highlighting that the project also identified the most vulnerable area of the East Demerara Water Conservancy’s (EDWC) if overflow, or a dam-breach, was to occur, Minister Holder said the Flood Risk Management Project addressed upgrading critical sections of the EDWC which will allow for more ‘robust’ dam construction, as it controls dam quality, process quality, engineering knowledge, and infrastructural suitability.

He said that the NDIA is currently reconstructing a section of the North Eastern Dam from Hope to Flagstaff. The construction of three drainage pump stations and the purchase of Earth moving equipment (excavators, pontoons with mud basins and soil compactor) to upgrade and maintain the dam is also ongoing.

Once these works are completed, Minister Holder noted that the NDIA will take over operations and continue the construction and maintenance in accordance with its mandate.

“Since assuming office in 2015, this gov-

ernment has made determined efforts to grapple with the deficiencies in the drainage and irrigation systems throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. We have reorganised the NDIA to manage water in a more deliberate and structured manner, looking at the unique needs of each region and allocating the resources Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder to implement the relevant plans,” the agriculture Minister said. which are used throughout the country particHe said another major project was the ularly on the coastal plane to reduce flooding. procurement of a new submersible dredge Flatts explained that in the NDIA as more pump valued at GY$320M, to aid with the au- pump stations are completed and more sluicthority’s drainage operations. This dredge will es are built along the coastland waters will maintain our outfall channels in a more time be drained more rapidly preventing serious efficient manner. Maintenance is essential flooding. Adding that previously there was for the sustainability of the D&I system. For a mobile pump at the current spot, the NDIA the first half of 2018, NDIA completed 2,853 official said a fixed pump was needed at the km of works in relation to the construction, location to ensure proper drainage of the area. rehabilitation and maintenance of canals, World Bank representative Pierre Nadji drains and fair weather dams. said the conservancy represents the size of In conclusion, the Agriculture Minister Washington DC and Guyana maybe known noted that under an Indian Line of Credit Fa- as a small country but some works are on a cility, government has secured 12 pumps – 9 world dimension. fixed and 3 mobile pumps. This will benefit He explained that flooding is an everyover 35,000 acres of rice cultivation, cash day threat and pumping stations can have a crops and cattle, in Hampton Court, Devon- positive effect on the lives of citizens across shire Castle, Den Amstel, Hope, Nootenzuil, the country. “I have been here four years in Mora Point , Rose Hall and 3 mobile drainage the current capacity of supervising Guyana’s pumps for Georgetown. programme and I have noted a very solid “The NDIA currently directly oversees the acceleration of achievements in the past two operation of 60 drainage pumps in Guyana. years, and for that I really commend the govThe additional 12 pumps under the Indian ernment,” Nadji said.

Line of Credit will see an increase of 20 per He said Guyana is expected to have rapid cent of available pumps and a 17 per cent development with the oil sector but if the increase in pumping capacity,” Holder said. flood risks cannot be controlled many things CEO of NDIA Fredrick Flatts said the sta- will not materialize. tion has two pumps with the ability to deliver Ministry of Finance Secretary Dr. over 1200 gallons per second.

Hector Butts said the Finance Ministry is He said the pump station is expected committed to identify funding which would to last for decades and will make a signifi- serve to bring about economic good and cant difference in drainage while there are sustainable development through the issue 65 fixed and mobile pumps in the NDIA of flood management.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

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Gov’t working to strengthen

immigration policy

…dismisses Haitians voting claims THE Guyana Government on Wednesday said it was fully committed to the building of democratic principles and sees an effective immigration policy as an integral aspect of good governance, even as it rebuffed claims of Haitians being allowed here for voting purposes.

“Let me use this opportunity to once again reiterate that this government is fully committed to the building of our democratic principles, that we see immigration policy as an integral aspect of good governance, that unlike the previous administration we will not use this route to enhance our capability to secure votes, since we are certain that the electorate is intelligent enough to see the changes we have instituted since being granted the opportunity to serve the people of Guyana,” Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix said in a statement in response to an article in the Kaieteur News titled, “Felix dodges another parliamentary meeting to explain unaccounted Haitians, Cubans.”

Describing the article as “wholly fallacious and unsubstantiated,” Minister Felix said it suggests that as Minister of Citizenship, he has been attempting to avoid investigation into what appears to be unaccounted numbers of migrants in the country.

“First, let me establish for the record that there is an established procedure and protocol for Parliamentary Sectoral Committee attendance and the headline of the article is in direct contravention to the fourth paragraph that clearly indicates that the committee has been provided with dates for said meeting from which one has been selected. As a government minister, while I would never undervalue the importance of such meetings, I must also underscore that my day-to-day duties must of necessity take precedence,” Felix said.

He said his concern in this matter is not so much the presentation of the facts, clearly reliant on statistical evidence, but on the tone that is being promulgated by a writer “who at no time took the opportunity to speak with me as to what may have been the reasons for the numbers and with no attempt on their part to make any other suggestion, than that the department and by extension the government is using this method

to secure votes.”

According to the minister, responsible journalism is critical “if we are to build our fledgling democracy and the media through its exercise of free speech hold the power to create both good and bad outcomes, dependent on their being lax with the truth. This government had evidenced its commitment to press freedom and we will not stand by and see this freedom used irresponsibly by those with hidden agendas.”

POROUS BORDERS Felix added that all Guyanese are aware of the size of the country, “the porous nature of our borders, the paucity of our human-resource capacity to man these borders, and the ingenuity of those who would contravene our immigration laws.

My job as Minister of Citizenship is to search constantly for solutions to these issues within the ambit of my department’s mandate and the limitations already mentioned.”

Late last month, Felix had rejected said insinuations that the present administration is allowing thousands of Haitians and Cubans to remain in Guyana and gain citizenship, so that they can vote at the upcoming 2020 General and Regional Elections. Speaking with reporters during a break at a sitting of the National Assembly, Felix declared that such a suggestion is “utter and complete nonsense.”

He explained that figures provided recently by his office to the parliamentary committee on foreign relations have given a factual breakdown on the number of persons who arrived here as opposed to those who left legally. He said that it is just unfortunate that the remainder cannot be accounted for.

According to data provided by the Ministry of Citizenship to the bipartisan parliamentary foreign relations committee, there are no departure records to show for some 7,255 of the 44,747 Cubans who arrived here in 2017. Also, of the 22,520 persons who came between January and April this year, some 6,170 have not departed through recognised ports of exit; neither have some 17,615 of the lot who came between 2013 to April 2018.

In the case of Haitians, the records show an increasing

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix

number of them arriving here, but not departing through established ports of entry and exit. Of the 3,515 who came in 2017, only 291 left, according to departure records. As for this year, between January and April, just 85 of the 1,238 who came officially left these shores. As a result of this, there are some 4,377 Haitians unaccounted for between 2017 and 2018.

Notwithstanding this, Minister Felix was quick to point out that it can be presumed that those who are unaccounted for through immigration records might have exited Guyana via “leakages”, in its porous borders to the south and east by way of Brazil and Suriname, respectively. Felix sought to remind that for years, efforts have been made to clamp down on the eastern border, but without success. “People can enter and leave from any backyard in the Corentyne,” the minister said, while noting that law- enforcement officials are only able to operate on land, given jurisdictional issues related to the Corentyne River. “In order not to aggravate the situation, we operate on land,” Felix said, adding:“For me to tell you that I can’t account for how the foreigners leave Guyana is partly true and partly untrue, because those two openings exist.”

He said that had those 4,377 Haitians who are unaccounted for through official means been in Guyana, they would have been easily identifiable, given their sheer numbers and the fact that they speak French. The minister, who was once a commissioner of police, expressed much disappointment with the utterances made by chair of the foreign relations committee, Gail Teixeira. Noting that Teixeira, who previously served as a home affairs minister, is aware of the challenges that exist vis-à-vis the country’s porous borders, Minister Felix said: “For Ms. Teixeira to be writing the way she did is extremely surprising. To me, she is crying wolf in a crowded cinema, and the only thing that would do is cause injury to those who want to escape the law.”

Anna Catherina gets $36M Childhood Development Centre

Finance Minister Winston Jordan (second left) and Region Three Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikaran (first right) and other officials inspecting some of the equipment at the centre during a tour of the facility (Adrian Narine photo)

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan has noted the involvement of teenagers in horrendous crimes and believes if structured early childhood development centres could stop this problem, then more should be established throughout Guyana.

“You have teenagers who are involved in vicious crimes; crime is not due to the lack of early childhood education but it appears as though a structural and sustainable approach to the development of children might have been lost along the way,” said Jordan.

He was at the time speaking at the commissioning of an Early Childhood Development Centre at Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Saturday.

The construction of the facility and a training progamme for youths were funded by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) and the Government. The total cost of the joint project was $36 million.

Aside from being established for persons to leave their children while they go to work, the centre was created to provide comprehensive learning spaces for children from infancy to five years old.

Minister Jordan said the aim of the facility is to provide early childhood development services to persons in Anna Catherina and surrounding communities. It is also geared at providing unemployed youths with the chance to be trained and subsequently em-

ployed as early childhood caregivers and educators.

“We are trying to make sure that children are exposed to early education to feed their minds so that they would grow up to be excellent daughters and sons of the soil; to contribute meaningfully to Guyana,” said the minister.

He added that gone are the days when the extended family, community and even the close family would be part of the child’s learning process.

While it is an anecdotal belief that the lack of interaction between the family and youths could be a factor that influences them to turn to crime, the minister believes that if early childhood centres could remedy that problem then more of those facilities will be built around the country.

The facility at Anna Catherina is the fifth of its kind to be established so far.

As mentioned earlier, another component of the project was an early childhood training programme for youths.

Project Manager of BNTF, Dikedemma Utoh said 64 unemployed youths were trained-- two males and 62 females.

Eight of the trainees were from Anna Catherina and those trainees were employed to work at the newly established centre.

BNTF has applied to the Public Service Ministry for scholarships for three of the trainees to attend the University of Guyana.

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

Seated (L-R): Dr Renee West, Honourable Dr. Karen Cummings and Dr. Rob Glaubius.

Standing (L-R): Ms. Karen Yaw, Ms. Maria Niles, Dr. Martin Odiit, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Dr. Morris Edwards, Dr. Nadia Liu and Dr. Rhonda Moore

UNAIDS, MoPH in US$1.14B plan to assist HIV-affected persons THE Public Health Ministry and UNAIDS (Guyana) Office this week agreed to a three-year HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan to help to improve the life expectancy of those affected by the virus.

Under the terms of the HIVision2020 covenant, 90 per cent of Guyanese living with AIDS must be diagnosed by 2020; a similar number must be receiving their anti-retroviral treatment. The two sides also estimate also that under the pact there must be 90 percent of the people in treatment with “fully suppressed viral load” by 2020.

The United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) estimate that the ‘90-90-90’ compact will cost the country some US$5.58M

(G$1.14B) to meet the global target. “The costing process involved in-country verification of Guyana’s epidemiological data including review of national key population sizes, the treatment cascade, unit costs and planned coverage of HIV services as defined in the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan,” a statement from the UNAIDS local office said.

The statement said to close the gap between available and needed resources, Guyana will have to pursue the triple strategy of combining domestic resource mobilisation, improving efficiency in the delivery of services, and extending interim access to international resources from development

partners.

Key Ministry of Public Health technical staffers and other government ministries will be coursed “on the application of the Resource Needs Model for costing of HIV and AIDS programmes” the statement explained. It is said that, with this training the local capacity will be built to provide evidence-based planning and decision-making by policy makers.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings lauded the timeliness of the costing exercise just ahead of the on-going national budget process.

Cummings said Guyana is committed to the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets, the im-

portance of elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission (eMTCT) of HIV and Syphilis which has also been included in the costing.

Present at the ceremony were the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud; Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), Dr. Morris Edwards; Director, Disease Control, Dr. Nadia Liu; Director of Planning, Ms. Karen Yaw; Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr. Rhonda Moore; Coordinator of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Secretariat, Ms. Maria Niles and the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Martin Odiit.

Local private sector invited to Havana fair TRADE relations between Guyana and Cuba are on a new high as local businesses are being asked to sign up for the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) set for October 29 to November 2nd at the ExpoCuba fairground, Havana.

According to President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce, Halim Khan, the event is the largest annual multi-sector trade fair in Cuba.

The 35th edition of FIHAV took place on October 30-November 3rd, 2017, in an area of over 20, 000 square metres distributed in 25 separate pavilions in the ExpoCuba fairground.

Khan said Cuban buyers rarely issue call for bids, terms of reference or purchase

orders. They select a small group of companies, often on an informal basis, whom they approach individually. Cuban buyers use FIHAV as part of their pre-selection process.

He said established companies in Cuba know the importance of maintaining visibility and regular contact with their network of customers.

“Participating at FIHAV re-affirms loyalty and continued interest in the Cuban market, thereby strengthening existing contacts and establishing new ones,” the chamber president said.

He continued: “Cuba is a country with immense market potential, but competition is rising quickly. The absence of

American competition from many sectors is not expected to last much longer and other countries from South America, Europe, and Asia are aggressively pursuing unique market opportunities. Participation to [sic] FIHAV allows organisations to get their foot in the door and start developing key relationships with Cuban buyers.”

Adding that for five days exhibitors, businessmen and specialists of all sectors of the Cuban economy will converge at the fair's headquarters, Khan said this creates a favourable climate for the development of business meetings,and rounds of business seminars and conferences, among other activities.

President of the Region Three chamber, Halim Khan

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending July 27, 2018

23

West Indies lose!

FROM PAGE 24

pacer Jason Holder, as the pitch offered early assistance to the Windies pacers.

However, rain then delayed the game by 28 minutes but, once play resumed, the tourists recovered through the second-wicket stand from their two most experienced batsmen.

The pair consolidated nicely through the right blend of caution and aggression to bring the innings back on track on what looked like a flat batting pitch.

Tamim launched the innings with three boundaries in four deliveries off Andre Russell in the ninth over, while Shakib help himself with two stylish boundaries off Alzarri Joseph.

The pair then survived three dropped chances between them in the space of 3.4 overs: Tamim was put down by Ashley Nurse at cover on 17, and then again on 20 by Chris Gayle at first slip. Three balls later, Shakib was put down on 15, also by Gayle.

Benefitting from these lapses, the two batsmen steadily consolidated Bangladesh's position. When Tamim hammered Nurse over long-on, it was the first six in the innings, after which both batsmen reached their fifties. Tamim and Shakib reached their respective half-centuries off 87 and 68 deliveries respectively.

Half way through the innings, Bangladesh were 98-1 but thereafter, West Indies bowling was lackluster and dull to say the least.

Holder failed to illustrate a more aggressive tactic and with a combination of poor fielding, the Bangladeshi batsmen were allowed to blossom while Shakib survived two other chances; one off Gayle and the other off Hetmyer at short fine-leg, when he was on 84.

The home side went in with both their spinners, Devendra Bishoo and Ashley Nurse, given the dryness of the pitch, leaving out Kieran Powell and Keemo Paul, but it was not until the 45th over that Bishoo broke the partnership when he had Shakib top-edging a sweep to deep midwicket.

Bangladesh Celebrate one of their wickets In their 48 run drubbing of the West Indies yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Tamim then reached the three-digit number in 146 balls, the slowest century by a Bangladesh batsman in ODIs. Sabbir Rahman went soon after, stumped off Bishoo. Having arrived in the 47th over, Mushfiqur pinged three fours and two sweet sixes.

Picking on Mushfiqur's cue, Tamim, too, shifted gears, biffing three fours and two sixes after reaching his century.

The pair's 54-run stand came off just 20 balls.

In reply, the Caribbean side found themselves in early trouble when they lost their top three batsmen, including Chris Gayle to slump to 81-3 inside the 22nd over.

Evin Lewis (17) was caught at mid-on off Mashrafe Mortaza, while Shai Hope was lbw to Rubel Hossain.

Gayle, the veteran, made a measured 60-ball 40, which included a four and two sixes before he was run out.

The Jamaican’s dismissal brought Hetmyer and Jason Mohammed together, but Mohammed went cheaply, stumped

off spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for ten.

Holder joined Hetmyer who looked increasingly confident, reaching his fifty off 70 balls with a flurry of boundaries.

The middle overs were choked away by the spinners and timely blows by their skipper Mashrafe meant Windies were blown of the chase even before they hit the 40-over mark.

The Windies were pegged back, losing the wickets of Hetmyer and Rovman Powell in consecutive balls off Mustafizur Rahman. The left-handed Hetmyer chipped to cover, while the right-handed Powell nicked behind without scoring.

Thereafter, the Windies imploded despite the last pair of Bishoo and Alzarri Joseph throwing their bats around and got personal highest scores to keep the players on the field for the entire set of 50 overs.

The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday-- a day/ night affair-- starting from 14:30hrs.

Sabbir Rahman is stumped off the bowling of Devendra Bishoo (Adrian Narine photos)

IPAY ODI Series…

WEST INDIES

LOSE!

■ Tamim ton sets up big win for Bangladesh ■ Tourists take 1-0 series lead

By Rajiv Bisnauth OPENER Tamim Iqbal struck a brilliant century to set up a crushing 48-run win for Bangladesh in the first ODI against West Indies yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium.

The left-hander chalked up his tenth ODI hundred and shared the second-highest partnership in Bangladesh ODI history -- 207 – with Shakib Al Hasan to give Bangladesh a competitive total of 279-4; a total they defended easily after the West Indies batting performance lacked fight, resistance, purpose and spine.

West Indies were never up to the task and virtually surrendered.

They were eventually restricted to 231-9 with Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer top-scoring with 52 for the unpredictable home side.

It was a complete bowling effort from the tourists with Mashrafe Mortaza picking up 4-37, to be the most successful bowler.

Earlier, Shakib perished three short of a hundred from 121 balls, but the 29-year-old Tamim finished unbeaten on 130 off 160 balls. However, it was a boundary-laden 11-ball burst from Mushfiqur Rahim (30), which eventually gave the innings some impetus, as Bangladesh plundered 43 runs in the last two overs.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza chose to bat but they lost opener Anamul Haque, who was picked ahead of Liton Das as Tamim's opening partner, in the second over to medium

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23 ► Musfiqur Rahim had to depart after being caught by Devendra Bishoo off the bowling of Andre Russell.

Local boy Shimron Hetymer raises his bat on reaching an attacking 50 against Bangladesh at The Guyana National Stadium Providence, East Bank Demerara