Guyana_Chconicle_Epaper_11_02_2019

SATURDAY 2nd November, 2019

' No.105809

‘WE’RE GOING AS ONE’

…President assures nation …says coalition greater than sum of its parties …whatever issues on Cummingsburg Accord will be resolved

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

$16M Pakaraima 10 Lapidary commissioned PAGE

--toshao sees opportunity for economic development

No political campaigning whatsoever on army bases –Chief-of-Staff warns ranks

PAGE

11

ExxonMobil increases 'value position' in Guyana --announces plans to drill additional wells 12 PAGE

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger being welcomed by Toshao of Monkey Mountain, Lincoln Singh in the presence of Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Sydney Allicock

Another charged for murder of Corentyne fishermen 22 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Residents affected by the flood receive food hampers RESIDENTS who live in the flood-affected areas along the coast of Mahaica-Berbice are happy that the water has started to clear their lands, since the spring tide has passed.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, yesterday handed out 200 food hampers to residents of the flood-affected areas along the coast.

Minister Yearwood said that, when she was on the coast on Thursday, she heard the issues from the residents and she understood that some persons lost crops while some lost poultry and so much more due to the flood. She added that some of the issues cannot be fully addressed immediately.

“I said that the ministry of Agriculture will be distributing some food hampers and I kept that promise, I have one team which started from Zealand and we will go right down to Dantzig, and every resident who was affected by the flood will receive a hamper,” Minister Yearwood said.

“We are confident that the expected spring tide in November we will not see what we are seeing in this season.

And with all that Mr. Flatts said it clearly shows that the government is concerned about your flooding issues,” Minister Yearwood added.

Some of the residents also

resident of high dam.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, was also on the coast of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) with his team distributing hampers to some of the residents of the flood-affected areas.

Guyana Chronicle re-

ported, Friday that it visited the area which was breached and observed that contractors were putting in boulders to hold off water coming onto the land. The contractors said using boulders to mitigate the amount of water coming onto the land was a temporary solution.

Minister Trotman speaking to one of the resident who was affected by the flood.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Frederick Flatts, said that, the function of the NDIA was to get the water off the land, and the plan is to build a secondary dam between Fairfield and Dantzig. The secondary dam will be very high above the land.

He added that it was a plan that existed but did not find favour with some senior functionaries. However, with effect from Monday, the NDIA would be having

12 excavators in the area to build the secondary dam. The flooding will be restricted between the dam and the sea defence so that flooding during every spring tide will come to an end.

“When we think about the upcoming rainy season most of us would realize if we get rainfall in this present situation we would be in a mess.

We will be digging a drain and using the material to build a dam. The dam will be on the seaward side………….”

Flatts said.

Residents came out to receive their hampers

raised their issues about the dams being blocked and the water not being able to run off freely, since all the water from other neighboring villages was being drained into one village (Fairfield).

“We were badly affected by the flood all of our rice land was under water, we couldn’t go anywhere the water was over my knee, all my ducks and chickens die out. I am so grateful and thankful to the Minister for what was done for us today because we needed it,” said, Annette a

Minister Yearwood (center) showing the residents what is in the bag

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

‘WE’RE GOING AS ONE’ …President assures nation …says coalition greater than sum of its parties …whatever issues on Cummingsburg Accord will be resolved

PRESIDENT David Granger has assured that the APNU+AFC coalition will contest next year’s elections as one, playing down claims of an impending split and raising hopes that whatever difficulties being experienced in the renegotiation of the Cummingsburg Accord will be resolved soon.

On Thursday President Granger and Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan during a high-level meeting, removed the stumbling blocks that had hindered negotiations between the two parties on the revision of the Cummingsburg Accord. Those negotiations, after reports of a ‘breakdown’ in talks, will continue within days as the two sides hammer out a revised accord to take them into the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

President Granger, who is also the Chairman of the APNU, met with Ramjattan at State House on Thursday.

APNU’s Lead Negotiator, Volda Lawrence and her counterpart, David Patterson were present during the high-level meeting.

Moments after exiting the meeting, both Lawrence and Patterson told reporters that the meeting was a success. “Progress has been made,” Patterson repeatedly said when questioned by the Guyana Chronicle on

whether the issues surrounding the naming of the Prime Ministerial Candidate was addressed.

During an interview on Kaieteur Radio, on Friday, President Granger said the six-party coalition will remain together for the upcoming polls. “The coalition is greater than the sum of its parties. It’s not just six parties, we have a political mechanism which has given the people of Guyana hope that we are getting away from one-party politics”, President told Kaieteur News Senior journalist Leonard Gildharie during the interview. He said whatever issues may pop up during the renegotiation of the Cummingsburg Accord will be overcome. He said “the coalition as a whole will address those issues…………… and I have given certain undertakings and we expect within another couple of days, our partners which have to examine those proposals will come to some conclusion”.

Asked whether APNU had contemplated going to the polls alone, the President said: “even if it was possible, it is not desirable”. He said “I believe in the big benab and I want to see parties bringing different constituencies into the coalition”.

It was last Thursday that AFC, during a press conference, reported that the lack of consensus on the

naming of the Prime Ministerial Candidate had stalled

or whether the APNU has agreed to have its coalition

President David Granger

negotiation on the revised Cummingsburg Accord.

Under the Cummingsburg Accord, which will expire in February 2020, the APNU nominates the Presidential Candidate and the AFC, the Prime Ministerial Candidate but as the accord goes under review, there is a push for the Prime Ministerial Candidate to be selected by the Presidential Candidate. But the AFC, at the time, maintained that, in keeping with the fundamental tenets of the accord, it must name the Prime Ministerial Candidate, and that was not up for negotiation. It had nominated its Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, for the position of Prime Ministerial Candidate.

It is unclear at this stage if the AFC has agreed to compromise on its position

partner nominate the Prime Ministerial Candidate as stated in the existing Cummingsburg Accord.

Patterson, though pressed for answers, would only say that “progress” was made during the meeting and that talks will continue. Lawrence said due to the difficulties experienced by the negotiating teams, the issues were referred to the parties’ leaders. “They have sent us back to do the task that they have given to us,” she told reporters while adding that the two sides have committed to new timeframes.

“We are looking to have a meeting within another day or two, we are working on that. As you know we are both ministers, we have a portfolio, so definitely we want to have a family meet-

ing,” Lawrence said.

Last week Chairman of the AFC, Raphael Trotman warned that the electorate could respond negatively to a divided coalition, and that it was important for the AFC and its coalition partner to find common ground as they renegotiate the 2015 Cummingsburg Accord ahead of the 2020 General and Regional Elections. “I don’t see a better alternative to the coalition, quite frankly. So I think compromise has to be found on both sides, and we will find a solution to this, and I am confident about that,” Trotman said.

He said the AFC saw “value” in the coalition in 2015, and today, the ethos and value remain the same.

The AFC Chairman said despite the disagreements between the two sides, he believes that the matter will be resolved in time. “I believe that in every engagement of this nature you will have moments of disagreement but I believe that ultimately both parties wish, as I said earlier, and desire a coalition. So the pause for me does give us an occasion to seriously reflect on where we were four or five years ago, and of course to look ahead as to where we want to go, bearing in mind the people’s expectation of us,” Trotman said.

He emphasised that in negotiation, there must be compromise. Referencing to

the 2018 Local Government Elections, Trotman said based on the results, it was clear that the people were dissatisfied that the APNU and the AFC had contested those elections independently. He warned that to enter the General and Regional Elections as independent parties could be detrimental to both sides. “We are likely to see a reaction that is not in our best interest if we are separate and apart,” he posited.

President Granger has long maintained that the focus of the negotiations, at this stage, should be on principles and policies. He said that all of the parties within the coalition agreed to a three-stage process of negotiation – establishing core principles, revising the Cummingsburg Accord and the establishment of a manifesto for the coming elections. Once these principles and policies are agreed upon, he said, the identification of personalities will fall into place. The Cummingsburg Accord brought the APNU+AFC together on February 14, 2015, paving the way for the defeat of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) which had been in power for 23 years.

Guyana experienced rapid change in 4½ years -- British high commissioner says, urges all to preserve beauty of the country AS Guyana celebrates Tourism Awareness Month, one is reminded of something British High Commissioner Greg Quinn said about the local sector and its huge potential for growth, and that with funding from the soon-tocome-on-stream oil-and-gas sector, this potential could become reality.

He made the observation at reference while delivering the feature address at a dinner and auction of the Tourism

and Hospitality Association (THAG) hosted at the Marriott Hotel back in August.

But, he cautioned, for the sector to develop as much as it should, it will require an in-depth and genuine partnership between the government and the industry. Noting that one cannot work and succeed without the other, he said that the benefit to both parties is huge.

Noting also that he has seen Guyana change beyond all measures in the four-and-

British High Commissioner Mr. Greg Quinn

a-half years he has been here, the British envoy said this

change of which he speaks will continue in the next 10-

to 20 years.

In this process, he said, everyone has a role to play, so that everyone benefits from the growth and development of Guyana, wherever they are in the country.

He also noted that while Guyana is recognised as a leader in the protection of eco-system and natural habitats, some residents need to change their attitude towards the environment.

“People have to learn not to litter this beautiful country

in the way that they litter this beautiful country. Everyone comes to see the beauty that is here, so we all must work to help to preserve that beauty,” the diplomat said.

Also in attendance at the dinner and auction were President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar and President of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Gerry Gouveia, among others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

US Democrat Warren sets out health plan funding US presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren has offered details on funding for her healthcare plan, which is expected to cost the federal government $20.5tn (£15.8tn) over 10 years.

She said the “Medicare for All” plan would not raise taxes “one penny” for ordinary Americans, but be largely paid for by businesses and the wealthy.

Ms Warren is a Democratic front-runner in the 2020 race to the White House.

She has faced criticism over lack of detail about her plan.

Ms Warren says her plan would not spend “any more money overall than we spend now”, but the share spent by the federal government would increase to $20.5tn.

It would mandate that employers pay the government the same amount that they currently contribute for private health

US presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren has offered details on funding for her healthcare plan (BBC photo)

insurance for their employee.

According to her campaign, the current US health system will cost $52tn over the next decade. Economists have estimated Medicare for All’s cost at between $13.5tn to $34tn in the same time frame.

“The $11tn in household insurance and out-of-pocket expenses projected under our current system goes right back

into the pockets of America’s working people,” her plan states.

“And we make up the difference with targeted spending cuts, new taxes on giant corporations and the richest one per cent of Americans and by cracking down on tax evasion and fraud. Not one penny in middle-class tax increases.”

“Healthcare in America is

world-class,” the Massachusetts senator wrote in her proposal.

“Medicare for All isn’t about changing any of that. It’s about fixing what is broken - how we pay for that care.”

First proposed by Ms Warren’s fellow liberal senator, Bernie Sanders, it is a measure to expand the federally run health programme for the elderly and disabled, Medicare, into a single-payer health system.

The federal government would become the sole insurance provider for all essential and preventative healthcare.

It is not a universal healthcare system where the government would own and operate hospitals - instead, the government would pay private providers an agreed-upon rate for their services.

Unlike Ms Warren, Mr Sanders has acknowledged the need for taxes on the middle

class without offering specifics.

Ms Warren is one of the leading contenders in the race to become the Democratic nominee in the presidential election a year from now.

In the last round of debates, rivals attacked her for lack of clarity on how she would fund Medicare for All. Even her progressive ally Mr Sanders said during the debate “it is appropriate to acknowledge that taxes will go up”.

Pete Buttigieg told Fox News on Thursday that all the candidates “have a responsibility to explain how our plans are going to be paid for”.

“My concern about the plan she’s putting forward is not just the multi-trillion-dollar hole but also the fact that most Americans would prefer not to be told that they have to abandon their

private plan.”

The criticisms from more moderate Democrats continued after Ms Warren’s announcement on Friday.

A campaign spokeswoman for fellow front-runner Joe Biden said: “The mathematical gymnastics in this plan are all geared towards hiding a simple truth from voters: it’s impossible to pay for Medicare for All without middle-class tax increases”.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi - a Democratic leader, though not a 2020 candidate - told Bloomberg TV that she was “not a big fan of Medicare for All”.

Later this month, the Democratic candidates who are able to meet polling and fundraising requirements will once again take the debate stage. (BBC)

Millions of masks distributed to students in ‘gas chamber’ Delhi Five million masks are being distributed at schools in India’s capital, Delhi, after pollution made the air so toxic officials were forced to declare a public health emergency.

A Supreme Court-mandated panel imposed several

restrictions in the city and two neighbouring states, as air quality deteriorated to “severe” levels.

Dangerous particulate levels in the air are about 20 times the WHO maximum.

The city’s schools have also been closed until at least

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been handing out masks to school students (BBC photo)

next Tuesday.

All construction has been halted for a week and fireworks have been banned. From Monday, the city will introduce a temporary scheme so that only cars with odd or even num-

bered licence plates can drive on given days, in a bid to cut traffic pollution.

Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the city had been turned into a “gas chamber”.

The masks are being handed out to students and their parents, and Mr Kejriwal has asked people to use them as much as possible.

The levels of tiny particulate matter (known as PM2.5)

that enter deep into the lungs are 533 micrograms per cubic metre in the city. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the PM2.5 levels should not be more than 25 micrograms per cubic metre on average in 24 hours.

As thick white smog blanketed the city, residents started tweeting pictures of their surroundings.

Photos of German leader Angela Merkel’s official visit showed the obscuring effect of the smog at the presidential palace - though both leaders ignored the declared public health emergency and declined to wear masks.

Some workers were being told to work from home to avoid the pollution.

One account director at market research firm Kantar, which employs several hundred people in the city, told Reuters staff had been told not to come in on Monday.

(BBC)

Wednesday October 30, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

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Huge wildfire advances across Brazil’s wetland A 50 kilometre-long (31 mile) wildfire is advancing across Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands.

The governor’s office in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul said the fire was “bigger than anything seen before” in the region.

At least 50,000 hectares of vegetation have already been destroyed.

The area, located in the southern part of the country, is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and a popular tourist destination.

The fire began on 25 Oc-

Over 8,000 fires have been recorded in the Pantanal (BBC photo)

tober and is said to be advancing rapidly due to the

combination of high temperatures and high winds.

At least 50,000 hectares of vegetation has already been destroyed (BBC photo)

The governor’s office said in a statement that the

situation was “critical”. It also warned that visibility in

the area is poor.

The governor has announced a 30-day moratorium on using fire for land clearance.

Firefighters are also using planes to tackle the fire from above. Over 8,000 fires have been recorded in the Pantanal until 30 October, up 462% on the same period last year.

Brazil has had a large number of forest fires this year. Official figures show more than 167,000 forest fires were recorded from January until 30 October this year. (BBC)

Greek-flagged ship suspected in Brazil oil spill Brazilian officials suspect a Greek-flagged tanker was the source of an oil spill that has stained about 2,500km (1,553 miles) of Brazil’s coastline.

Federal police in the city of Rio de Janeiro raided the offices of a Greek company linked to the vessel.

Officials believe the tanker was carrying heavy crude oil from Venezuela to South Africa in July.

Marine life and popular beaches in a number of

A big clean-up operation continues along Brazil’s north-eastern coast (BBC photo)

north-eastern Brazilian states have been affected by the

Popular beaches in north-eastern Brazilian states have been affected by the spill (BBC photo)

spill.

About 2,000 tonnes of thick sludge have been collected, but a huge clean-up effort is continuing.

Concerns are growing that the oil spill could reach the Abrolhos islands, an important marine sanctuary.

The spill was first detected on 2 September, and analysis later showed the oil found was of a type not produced in Brazil, officials say.

It was “very likely from Venezuela,” the Brazilian

environment ministry said.

Venezuela has denied any responsibility for the spill.

The Brazilian authorities have investigated a number of ships navigating the area at the time before focusing on the Greek-flagged tanker.

They describe the vessel as the “prime suspect”.

The company whose offices were raided on Friday has so far made no public comment on the issue.

(BBC)

Bolivia’s post-election clashes turn deadly as two are killed At least two people have been killed in Bolivia in clashes between supporters and opponents of President Evo Morales, the government says.

The two men died in the town of Montero in eastern Santa Cruz province.

Tension has been running high for the past 10 days following the disputed presidential election results.

The Organization of American States (OAS) will start an audit of the results on Thursday to decide if the polls should go into a second round.

The official results gave the incumbent, Evo Morales, a big enough lead over his nearest rival, Carlos Mesa, to win outright in the first round.

But many Bolivians say they are suspicious of the initial vote count, which was surprisingly interrupted for 24 hours on election night.

The final result gave Mr Morales just over the 10-percentage-point lead he needed to stave off a second round.

Mr Mesa said the result was fraudulent and election observers from the OAS also expressed their concerns.

The following 10 days

Foreign Minister Diego Pary added that the Bolivi-

Critics of the count filled a coffin with fake bills to suggest the result had been rigged (BBC photo)

were marred by mass protests, strikes, blockades and clashes between those backing Mr Morales and those behind Mr Mesa.

Interior Minister Carlos Romero said that two men had been killed in Montero and six injured. He said there would be an investigation into the deaths. Local media has reported that one of the two victims was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

‘COUP D’ÉTAT’ Mr Morales says that the protests amount to a “coup d’état”. Mr Mesa and his supporters argue that Mr Morales, who has governed Bolivia since January 2006, is trying to stay in power by rigging the election result.

On Wednesday, Mr Morales’ Mas party agreed to a binding audit of the results by the OAS. But Mr Mesa, who had previously backed the idea of an audit, said that he now rejected it, arguing that because it had been agreed “unilaterally” between the OAS and Mas, he did not trust it.

“The audit between the OAS and the Mas candidate was agreed without any consultation with the country,” he said in a video message posted on Twitter [in Spanish].He demanded that representatives from Bolivia’s civil society be represented.

The OAS said the audit would take between 10 to 12 days to complete and

an government had also invited observers from Mex-

ico, Paraguay and Spain to monitor it. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

Youth and leadership WITH approximately twothirds of its population being 40 years and under, Guyana has a wealth of human capital to tap into and propel the nation’s growth and development.

The continuous high levels of unemployment and under-employment hinder this progression, and therefore require deliberative thinking and actions. Harnessing our human capital for production and productivity requires having policies and programmes that can be accessed by all across the country.

Failure of previous governments to implement a National Development Policy that includes programmes for the youth adversely impacted the people and country’s development. Present programmes such as the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and a National Youth Policy are laudable, and deserve to be expanded through learning

and benefiting from the past; looking at the opportunities presented in the world today; thinking big, and acting outside the box. Guyana has vast forests; it should not only be seen as offering eco-tourism and economic opportunities for foreign businesses, but to be policed, peopled, and developed for the benefit of the people. The young can be tapped in to meet these goals.

The forest creates work opportunities for those who are willing and able to work.

The presence of a legitimate workforce protects our land from drug trafficking, destruction of the forest, and illegal entry. The threat to our borders can be managed by creating opportunities for the young to solidify our boundaries, such as effective border patrol.

In order for Guyana to be competitive and relevant in the 21st Century, we need to prepare our youth to get caught up, starting now; or

we can fall way behind in comparison to other countries. The best way of doing this is investing in our people, which means that we need to invest in the current and upcoming generations.

The youth remain our best and greatest resource. Their potential is limitless, because they are more informed and more educated, but need guidance and a sense of purpose. It is at this stage in human growth that people are very optimistic, progressive, and have limitless energy.

Also, with the inherent less emotional attachment to a specific means, job or career, they tend to take greater risks, and are also more entrepreneurially-minded.

There are, in the world, more millionaires and billionaires under 30 years old than ever in human history.

We are in the Technological Age, which allows the individual to flourish, unlike the industrial era, which allowed

for industries and companies to flourish. In the Information Age, we have an exponential increase of access to wealth and information; there are no boundaries, borders or time limits to making money. The young generation is brought up and built for this Age. Guyana has the resources and land space to be a rich country, which requires focus with the aim of living up to our potential of being the breadbasket of the Caribbean.

We have everything that we need, but what we need to do is invest in the raw talent that is being left idle or underutilised and exported to countries to aid the development of other lands.

People are never too young to learn. The more persons are deprived of mentorship and leadership opportunities, the more errors we will have, given that that generation will be ill-equipped to govern. If this generation of leaders does not allow the

next generation to develop in the ranks of leadership, our country will have a void of leadership in the next generation. The consequences borne from not being given opportunities to develop in the leadership rank will mean that, with the lack, the young will suffer in terms of preparation for what the future holds for them: When the time comes, persons would be incapable of performing.

Mentorship to take over leadership means preparation to lead, and this reduces the chances of leadership being placed in bad hands.

Encouragingly, President David Granger has been at the forefront, advocating for our young people. At the ‘One Youth: Regional Youth Caucus’ earlier this year, he called on Guyanese youth to take up the mantle to lead Guyana into a prosperous country, positing that Guyana’s destiny is in the hands of its young people. “The

State is lending a helping hand, but young people’s hands must seize the opportunities being provided. Young people must not be afraid to lead; they have an invaluable contribution to make to society, particularly within their neighbourhoods, villages and regions. They possess the exuberance, enthusiasm and energy to make a positive contribution to national development. I therefore urge you to empower yourselves to lead,” the President said.

Young people are vital to the nation’s progress and it is imperative that they be afforded every opportunity to participate in decision-making and in determining how their communities and the country should be administered.

Notwithstanding, our youth must be trained and empowered to assume leadership.

Why has Stabroek News chosen to ignore QC? Dear Editor, QUEEN’S College is currently celebrating its 175th Anniversary. Since its foundation in August 1844, Queen’s College has maintained its position as a school of excellence, by dominating the local academic scene.

The College, accepted as Guyana’s leading secondary school, has made and continues to make an invaluable contribution to Guyana and the international community.

In its 175 years of existence, Queen’s College has produced outstanding Guyanese in every field of endeavour: Academics, politics, culture, law, science and technology. Four of Guyana’s nine Presidents, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds and David Granger, were educated at Queen’s College.

Why then, has the Stabroek News chosen to ignore such a significant milestone of this remarkable institution?

It is concerning that, to date,

the Editors at the Stabroek News have made a decision not to report on any of the activities associated with the 175th Anniversary of Queen’s College.

Stabroek News is keen to refer to itself as an independent daily newspaper, but its failure to report on such a significant milestone of this educational institution, which continues to play a pivotal role in Guyana’s history, denies the public access to valuable information about the school’s accomplishments

and its immediate plans.

Queen’s College provides an elite standard of education to a significant number of public-school students. The Stabroek News’ decision not to publish information about the school’s anniversary denies a significant portion of the population access to valuable information. The media are vehicles through which citizens receive and transmit information. Independently-controlled and professionally constituted media are essential to the freedom of

expression.

Information is a public good; it is a non-rivalrous and non-excludable service.

Free access to information is an inalienable right of every Guyanese citizen. It is an indispensable condition of a democratic society. It therefore can be argued that by failing to report on the 175th anniversary activities of Queen’s College, Stabroek News is purposely denying the public access to information.

It should be noted that

on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, all media organisations, including the Stabroek News, were invited to cover the 175th General Assembly of Queen’s College. All other newspapers provided coverage of the school’s activity and published same.

Regards, Mark A. Archer

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

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Jeffrey tries to rationalise the PPPC’s repression Dear Editor,

I APPRECIATE that Dr. Henry Jeffrey found the time to respond to my letter published in both the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News (25/10/2019) respectively. It was a response to his ‘Future Notes’ column, captioned, ‘The WPA: The self-proclaimed apologist for the PNCR!’ (SN: 16.10.2019).

I am a believer in the value of public polemics as an effective way to promote political consciousness and develop the political culture in the country. It is rewarding that on some occasions, these exchanges lead to clarity, and throw up interesting political contradictions; very often unintentionally.

Jeffrey reminded me and the nation of his public position after the formation of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), when he wrote thus, in a letter in April 2019, “I stated that I will stand for no party or government posi-

tion because “for me ANUG is an idea that is bigger than ANUG itself…” I am doubtful that, given the general political culture in Guyana, Jeffrey’s position is helpful to the electoral fortunes of the ANUG. He is appealing to Guyanese to vote for the ANUG, and at the same time he is abandoning his responsibility to the electorate by not standing for office. For the sake of the ANUG, and more importantly, his noble agenda of shared governance, (which has my support) given its importance to the nation, will it be asking too much of Henry Jeffrey to rethink his position and stand for office.

By doing so, he would be demonstrating, “...a greater commitment to the idea of shared governance...” which he rebuked me for not having.

Jeffrey, as expected, reminded me that I have often said that the WPA is powerless in the coalition. And on that score, he is correct. But he is wrong to stretch my position to suit his purpose

to mean that I am saying that the PNCR “dominates” the coalition, or to use his recent contention, it has become the PNCR. He is also guilty of fabrication erroneously attributed to the WPA when he said, “…and what the WPA has repeatedly brought to our attention is that the PNCR is the overwhelmingly dominant partner in the coalition, and thus his objection lacks substance. “This matter of the PNCR, as the “overwhelmingly dominant partner in the coalition” is Jeffrey’s construct, not mine or the WPA. And without fear of contradiction, neither the WPA nor the AFC will agree with his statement. This is not to deny at times the PNCR acts in a manner that undermines itself and the coalition.

For me, WPA’s powerlessness in the coalition, which I had referred to in previous writings, has to be seen in the context of demands on the party to exercise power and leverage it didn’t have.

The 60/40 relationship be-

The time has finally come Dear Editor, WOW! This is indeed great news for Guyana, the announcement by Hess Corporation, one of the partners of Exxon Mobil with a 30 per cent share in the Stabroek block, that commercial oil production will begin in December 2019.

Editor, from the moment in that historic Month of May 2015, when Exxon an-

nounced its first discovery, which coincided with the ascension to office of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), I have always envisaged that great day when first oil will be poured.

It is now even closer than the initially projected time of the first quarter of 2020.

One can just imagine the bold newspaper headlines, both locally and internation-

ally, as the newest oil-producing kid on the hydrocarbon block, bristling with productive energy as the nation awaits its benefits for a better life for ALL. Again, who can fault such a joyous and momentous expectation? For, after all, as Guyanese, succeeding generations would have lived with the ever repeated saying that Guyana is a rich nation, endowed with so many natu-

GECOM has taken the right decision Dear Editor, I AM no lawyer but I do have an exceptional sense of reasoning. No one can remain on the Official List of Electors (OLE) indefinitely.

If that becomes the norm, then the OLE will grow to the billions for a country of less than a million. The law recognises this, hence the National Registration Act, which empowers GECOM to remove names from the OLE, once they have taken reasonable steps to identify the person(s).

Here we have 25,000 persons who have not been heard from or seen in 11 years.

They have not uplifted their ID cards since 2008. No one knows if they have voted legally since 2008. They cannot be located at their registered addresses. No family member is rushing into GECOM offices to confirm that they are dead or alive. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that they have not been in contact with their relatives for 11 years, or it could very well be that they are another phantom group.

The Madam Chairwoman, not giving up, is going to publish the names, likely in the printed and digital media to provide the missing 25,000 an additional 21 days to prove that they have pulses; that they are utilising their intercostal muscles in breathing and have a pounding heartbeat. Sase Gunraj, the PPP Commissioner is arguing that it is an unlawful imposition by GECOM on the 25000. Seriously! This is not unlawful. By law, an elector needs to be registered and to be identified. If the elector

tween the APNU and AFC and the fact that the Cabinet makes and executes decisions, with the WPA having one minister in the Cabinet describes our dilemma. I was pointing our detractors to where power resides in the coalition. If we break down the coalition to its individual parties and seek to ascertain power relations, the dominant parties are the PNCR/AFC and not the WPA. It is hard to understand how Jeffrey’s point that the “coalition is the PNCR” with the AFC having 40% would stand? Except, of course, in the arena of political propaganda. If that party (PNCR) was all-powerful in the coalition how then an AFC parliamentarian brought down the government?

In response to my contention that the APNU+AFC government’s record on governance is superior to the repressive governance of the PPPC regime of which he was a member, Jeffrey does not disagree. But he seeks

to rationalise the PPPC repression. He writes, “What I would say is that the present government is not confronted with the direct subversive political machinations the PPPC had to face and thus has no reason to be similarly suppressive.” It is interesting that he sees in countries like Guyana two options, “suppression or democratic shared governance….”

I am forced to ask was Jeffrey if this was his view when he decided to join the PPPC government? I am not “picking” but honestly trying to understand his politics.

In his effort to sanitize the PPPC’s repression Jeffrey sounds like a typical PPPC leader refusing to recognize that their governance practices in major ways have contributed to the subversion he alluded to.

Henry Jeffrey said, “But I cannot believe that he wishes to contest my assertion that the WPA has been electorally inconsequential and remains so today.” There are many

facets of electoral relevance for this discourse I will state two aspects: (a) receiving the votes and (b) the influences that contribute to that vote/ outcome. I am contending that the WPA‘s relevance since 2011 to the present is rooted in the latter. Yes, Mr. Jeffrey, I am contesting your assertion.

I am concluding this polemic, having made the point above for good reasons.

Readers would note that in my earlier letter, I asked Jeffrey to explain to the nation, given his views of the WPA electoral and political relevance, why he is wasting his time with the party? On this important question, he failed to offer an explanation. I ask once again, why?

ral resources, yet its people remained poor.

From time immemorial, we have been hearing about Guyana’s potential to become a developed country. Fast forward to 2015, that worn-out statement became a reality with the announcement. And now, four years later, it is about to happen. There is not a greater anticipated day than the one due in December.

But while Guyanese in general will be rejoicing, and rightly counting their chickens, for after all, they would have been grown in our back

yard, and begin laying the golden eggs, there will be stepped up attacks from the usual quarters of the political opposition, which fraudulent political actions against the government have all been because of OIL. For the PPP/C party, their actions, already found to be without merit, will border on the politically insane, as it will dredge up even more fake news and misinformation in its wicked quest to unlawfully justify removing a government that was duly elected,

and which, since time, has been impacting the nation with so many satisfactory and beneficially great socio-economic programmes, with even more to come as the nation’s president has outlined in his Decade for Development programme.

Sure enough, let the good times begin, but with a coalition government at the helm; for it is only this will guarantee all Guyanese a fair share of our patrimony.

has not used the required medium to be registered and identified over a prolonged period of time, then it is incumbent that GECOM takes step to identify them. That is exactly what GECOM is doing. Gunraj also argued that an ID Card is not needed to vote. That may be the case, Junior Lawyer, but that’s not the issue here. The issue is to identify yourself after not being seen nor heard from in eleven years. That process, coincidentally, involves your uplifting your ID Card. The fella in the permanent black suit and sunglasses is conflating the issues.

Some may be arguing that the Madam Chairwoman

is presuming that the 25,000 are legally declared dead in absentia. That argument is as strong as Jagdeo’s chances of winning Buxton in the next election. Don’t tell me that he is not the presidential candidate; he is surely acting like it. Anyway, legally declaring someone dead in absentia is a complex legal process involving the courts, banks, employers, social services ect. GECOM, in law, cannot do this. The fact that the Madam Chairwoman has not removed the 25,000 from the NRR is clear indication that she has not presumed that they are legally declared dead in absentia.

Many of the PPP actors,

always ready to take on proxy wars, rush out to say that he will take GECOM to court. Not sure what kind of legal arguments their lawyers will use, but with my layman understanding of the law, this case will be another misguided, vexatious and wasting of court time. If the defenders of the phantom dead win, I will build a house at the bottom of the sea, take my belongings, and never to be seen or heard from again.

Regards, Tacuma Ogunseye

Regards, Aditya Panday

Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

It is time for Guyanese to decide who can be trusted with our future Dear Editor, As the majority of Guyanese would know, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has now decayed into a meme-inspiring joke. In fact, if one were to try to follow the PPP’s twistings, turnings, and spinnings, one would get “high-turn.” The most recent, big turn and spin is the urging by the PPP’s General Secretary that Guyanese should get registered to vote; this comes

after that same PPP General Secretary told his supporters to boycott the registration process. The most laughable joke was actual video of that same General Secretary going to a GECOM office to be registered. Editor, one cannot make this stuff up. Also, unbelievably, the PPP is now objecting to the names of people who are either dead, migrated, or otherwise non-existent in Guyana from being removed from the Official List of Electors (OLE),

known as the voters’ list.

Editor, if I were a PPP supporter I would not only feel insulted, I would feel as abused as that same General Secretary’s “ex-wife” probably felt when she was reportedly unceremoniously evicted from the house by that same General Secretary.

Editor, clearly, the people at the top of the PPP have absolutely no respect, no regard, and no consideration for their own supporters. The PPP elite simply have no consideration for

ordinary Guyanese.

Editor, one needs to question; why would a party urge citizens not to register? Does that even make sense? Did the PPP consider the consequences? And now, in another surprise-turn, the PPP is claiming that removing the names of dead people from the voters’ list is illegal. As I have said, you just can’t make this stuff up.

Smart Guyanese, by this time, would know that the PPP appears to be in total disarray

and confusion. Can a confused party be trusted to run a country? How can any right-thinking Guyanese vote for a party that destroyed an entire industry – the sugar sector? How can any smart person seriously consider voting for a party that called for a boycott of voter-registration thereby disenfranchising thousands of young people? Why would any intelligent person want an untrustworthy person in the Office of the President?

Editor, it is saddening

that many Guyanese vote for candidates just because of racial considerations. I believe that it is time for us to grow up, become responsible, and cast our votes based on issues, facts, and proven records and accomplishments. It is time for Guyanese to decide who can be trusted with our futures.

Regards Mark DaCosta

Jeffrey tries to rationalise the PPPC’s repression

Dear Editor,

I APPRECIATE that Dr. Henry Jeffrey found the time to respond to my letter published in both the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News (25/10/2019) respectively. It was a response to his ‘Future Notes’ column, captioned, ‘The WPA: The self-proclaimed apologist for the PNCR!’ (SN: 16.10.2019).

I am a believer in the value of public polemics as an effective way to promote political consciousness and develop the political culture in the country.

It is rewarding that on some occasions, these exchanges lead to clarity, and throw up interesting political contradictions; very often unintentionally.

Jeffrey reminded me and the nation of his public position after the formation of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), when he wrote thus, in a letter in April 2019, “I stated that I will stand for no party or gov-

ernment position because “for me ANUG is an idea that is bigger than ANUG itself…” I am doubtful that, given the general political culture in Guyana, Jeffrey’s position is helpful to the electoral fortunes of the ANUG. He is appealing to Guyanese to vote for the ANUG, and at the same time he is abandoning his responsibility to the electorate by not standing for office. For the sake of the ANUG, and more importantly, his noble agenda of shared governance, (which has my support) given its importance to the nation, will it be asking too much of Henry Jeffrey to rethink his position and stand for office. By doing so, he would be demonstrating, “...a greater commitment to the idea of shared governance...” which he rebuked me for not having.

Jeffrey, as expected, reminded me that I have often said that the WPA is powerless in the coalition. And on that score, he is correct. But he is

wrong to stretch my position to suit his purpose to mean that I am saying that the PNCR “dominates” the coalition, or to use his recent contention, it has become the PNCR. He is also guilty of fabrication erroneously attributed to the WPA when he said, “…and what the WPA has repeatedly brought to our attention is that the PNCR is the overwhelmingly dominant partner in the coalition, and thus his objection lacks substance.

“This matter of the PNCR, as the “overwhelmingly dominant partner in the coalition” is Jeffrey’s construct, not mine or the WPA. And without fear of contradiction, neither the WPA nor the AFC will agree with his statement. This is not to deny at times the PNCR acts in a manner that undermines itself and the coalition.

For me, WPA’s powerlessness in the coalition, which I had referred to in previous writings, has to be seen in the context of demands on the party

to exercise power and leverage it didn’t have. The 60/40 relationship between the APNU and AFC and the fact that the Cabinet makes and executes decisions, with the WPA having one minister in the Cabinet describes our dilemma. I was pointing our detractors to where power resides in the coalition. If we break down the coalition to its individual parties and seek to ascertain power relations, the dominant parties are the PNCR/ AFC and not the WPA. It is hard to understand how Jeffrey’s point that the “coalition is the PNCR” with the AFC having 40% would stand?

Except, of course, in the arena of political propaganda. If that party (PNCR) was all-powerful in the coalition how then an AFC parliamentarian brought down the government?

In response to my contention that the APNU+AFC government’s record on governance is superior to the repressive governance of the PPPC regime

of which he was a member, Jeffrey does not disagree. But he seeks to rationalise the PPPC repression. He writes, “What I would say is that the present government is not confronted with the direct subversive political machinations the PPPC had to face and thus has no reason to be similarly suppressive.” It is interesting that he sees in countries like Guyana two options, “suppression or democratic shared governance….”

I am forced to ask was Jeffrey if this was his view when he decided to join the PPPC government? I am not “picking” but honestly trying to understand his politics. In his effort to sanitize the PPPC’s repression Jeffrey sounds like a typical PPPC leader refusing to recognize that their governance practices in major ways have contributed to the subversion he alluded to.

Henry Jeffrey said, “But I cannot believe that he wishes to contest my assertion that

the WPA has been electorally inconsequential and remains so today.” There are many facets of electoral relevance for this discourse I will state two aspects: (a) receiving the votes and (b) the influences that contribute to that vote/outcome.

I am contending that the WPA‘s relevance since 2011 to the present is rooted in the latter.

Yes, Mr. Jeffrey, I am contesting your assertion.

I am concluding this polemic, having made the point above for good reasons.

Readers would note that in my earlier letter, I asked Jeffrey to explain to the nation, given his views of the WPA electoral and political relevance, why he is wasting his time with the party? On this important question, he failed to offer an explanation.

I ask once again, why?

Regards, Tacuma Ogunseye

The time has finally come Dear Editor, WOW! This is indeed great news for Guyana, the announcement by Hess Corporation, one of the partners of Exxon Mobil with a 30 per cent share in the Stabroek block, that commercial oil production will begin in December 2019.

Editor, from the moment in that historic Month of May 2015, when Exxon announced its first discovery, which coincided with the ascension to office of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance for Change

(APNU+AFC), I have always envisaged that great day when first oil will be poured. It is now even closer than the initially projected time of the first quarter of 2020. One can just imagine the bold newspaper headlines, both locally and internationally, as the newest oil-producing kid on the hydrocarbon block, bristling with productive energy as the nation awaits its benefits for a better life for ALL. Again, who can fault such a joyous and momentous expectation? For, after all, as Guyanese, succeeding generations would have lived with the ever

repeated saying that Guyana is a rich nation, endowed with so many natural resources, yet its people remained poor. From time immemorial, we have been hearing about Guyana’s potential to become a developed country.

Fast forward to 2015, that worn-out statement became a reality with the announcement. And now, four years later, it is about to happen. There is not a greater anticipated day than the one due in December. But while Guyanese in general will be rejoicing, and rightly counting their chickens, for after all, they would have been grown in our

back yard, and begin laying the golden eggs, there will be stepped up attacks from the usual quarters of the political opposition, which fraudulent political actions against the government have all been because of OIL. For the PPP/C party, their actions, already found to be without merit, will border on the politically insane, as it will dredge up even more fake news and misinformation in its wicked quest to unlawfully justify removing a government that was duly elected, and which, since time, has been impacting the nation with so many

satisfactory and beneficially great socio-economic programmes, with even more to come as the nation’s president has outlined in his Decade for Development programme. Sure enough, let the good times begin, but with a coalition government at the helm; for it is only this will guarantee all Guyanese a fair share of our patrimony.

Regards, Aditya Panday

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

PPP wants bloated electoral list for dishonest election - PNCR THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is calling out the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on its push for the estimated 25,000 persons who have not uplifted their National Identification cards to still be included in the Official List of Electors (OLE), calling it another of the party’s plot to ensure illegal voters remain on the list for the March 2020 elections.

Chairing the party’s weekly press conference last Friday, PNC executive, Aubrey Norton, questioned the reasoning behind why the PPP is fighting so hard to ensure that persons who have not voted, or shown themselves to even exist since 2008, still have their names included on the OLE for the March 02, 2020 elections.

“The truth is the PPP wants a bloated electoral list that would give Guyanese a dishonest election, and which would give the people a government they cannot trust.

What you’re looking at is the PPP’s plot to ensure that the list is cleaned at minimum and that they maintain their phantoms so it [elections] can be rigged,” Norton asserted.

“They are desperate to keep tens of thousands of voters, who it cannot even be proven exist, on the electoral list. The question is ‘why?’.

They say it will disenfranchise people, but people who do not exist cannot be disenfranchised. The PPP is not bothered about disenfranchising people; it was the PPP who stood against

house to house registration in a move that would’ve disenfranchised thousands of Guyanese youths.”

Norton said if the PPP/C truly believed the persons who have not uplifted their ID cards are existing voters, then they should instead encourage those persons to complete the simple task of showing themselves.

“We know for a fact that many of them are non-existent. If these people exist, tell me what is wrong with them going and collect the ID card? But because they don’t exist the PPP is trying to come up with other arguments for why they shouldn’t come off,” Norton related.

“We have argued consistently that the PPP consistently padded the list and we went to the previous elections with very padded lists.

We see this as a mechanism to ensure the PPP can rig in their areas, so we will vigorously oppose it. The GECOM chairman has made it clear that it is within the confines of the law, and since it is a legal activity we support it and we believe it will go a far way in ensuring that when elections are held it is a true elections of the people’s will, rather than some concocted mechanism left by the PPP when the people of Guyana voted them out of office.”

It was last Tuesday the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) officially voted to have the names of approximately 25,000, who have not shown themselves

PNCR Executive, Aubrey Norton

to exist for over a decade now, to prove that they exist or be struck off the Official List of Electors (OLE). The decision was handed down

by GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh Leader of the Opposition, and Chairman of the PPP, Bharat Jagdeo, has since declared that his party is against the move, noting that since electors do not require an ID card to vote, the absence of uplifting the ID card is not related to a person’s right to vote, and therefore should have no standing in their removal from the OLE. GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, however, explains that the issue is not about persons not having uplifted their ID cards, but that since 2008 they have not shown that they existed. He says in that sense their lack of proving they exist is simply the basis for an objection to

their inclusion on the list.

“It’s like an objection.

So, the issue is not the ID card, the issue is that these persons, since 2008 and beyond 2008 have not, in any way, presented themselves to be present; to be known; to be alive; to be existing; to be resident. And, in calling them, writing to them gives us the opportunity to make a determination,” Alexander had said when the issue had first come to fore.

The persons are not being removed from the list without being given a chance to show themselves, however, or without proactive efforts being made to contact them.

The persons would be given 21 days to uplift their ID cards, their names will also be published in the newspapers, and notices will be sent to them via registered mail, to their listed addresses.

The removal of these persons should they fail to prove they exist, is among the GECOM’s measures to verify and sanitise the OLE, given that the Commission had to cut short a planned house to house registration exercise, which would have been the ultimate way of verifying electors on the list.

Notwithstanding their removal from the OLE, the person’s name would remain

on the National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB).

Justice Singh’s decision was in keeping with the decision of the Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire in a case challenging the house to house registration exercise, which had begun on July 20, and was scheduled to run until October 20, but ended on August 31 instead.

In her August 14, 2019 decision, the Chief Justice, in legitimatising the process of House-to-House Registration, said that given the urgent need for elections, the Elections Commission may have to consider other forms of verification.

In lieu of the truncated house to house registration, GECOM implemented a Claims and Objections period, to update the OLE. Norton reiterated his party’s position, that house to house registration would have been the only means of delivering a valid OLE. Norton further pointed out that even with the Claims and Objections, many illegal voters may still remain on the OLE at the March 02, 2020 elections.

“Claims and objections will not give you a true picture of the phantoms on the list because of the nature of

claims and objections. We have consistently argued that House to House registration is the best way to clean the list. Claims and objections is not the best, [but] we ended up with it. With claims and objections, you have to provide death certificates and a number of things which you wouldn’t get,” Norton explained.

“The PPP knew full well that if the claims and objections is used they will get a chance to maintain those phantom people. If, however it was house-tohouse which they are very worried about the people would have had to present themselves and therefore you would have had a much cleaner list. Now because of what happened with the courts we ended up with claims and objections which restricts the amount of people that will be removed. What the APNU/ AFC would have to do in the light of that is to ensure that we have rigorous scrutinizing of the elections so that the rest of the phantom on the voters list don’t get a chance to vote.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

$16M Pakaraima Lapidary commissioned --toshao sees opportunity for economic development

By Svetlana Marshall AMID a rich cultural programme, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)’s first lapidary was commissioned at Monkey Mountain on Friday by First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger. The $16M facility, which boasts state-of-the-art technology, will be used to transform semi-precious stones into fashionable pieces of jewellery inspired by the Indigenous culture. Targetting local and international markets, it is anticipated that the lapidary will enhance the economy of Monkey Mountain, much to the benefit of its people.

Among officials who witnessed the historic event along with hundreds of Monkey Mountain residents were: Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock; Minister of Finance Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes; Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs Valarie Garrido-Lowe; Guyana’s Consulate-General o Brazil Shirley Melville; and Toshao of Monkey Mountain Lincoln Singh.

Describing the project as an exciting economic venture in her feature address, the First Lady said the Pakaraima Lapidary facility marks the beginning of the Decade of Development.

“Your Government has declared 2020 to 2029 to be the decade of progress, and this Lapidary is an example of this progress,” Mrs Granger said, adding: “It is also testimony of a promise kept to the people of Monkey Mountain and the region at large,” while noting that the David Granger Administration has been working through several programmes to improve the quality of life of persons residing in the Hinterland.

Among programmes to which the First Lady referred are: The Hinterland Education Support Programme; the Hinterland Poverty Reduction Programme; the Hinterland Infrastructure Extension Programme; the Hinterland Energy Development Programme; the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service; the Hinterland Happy Household Projects; the Hinterland and Indigenous People’s Lands Commission; and the Hinterland Language, Cultural and Sports Commission.

First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger delivering the feature address

Some of the polished semi-precious stones on display at the lapidary

A PROMISE FULFILLED “Here in Monkey Mountain, in the beautiful, bountiful Potaro-Siparuni Region, the Pakaraima Mountains; the heart of Guyana,” she said, “in so many ways, the opening of this lapidary represents the convergence of fulfillment of several promises, because it combines poverty reduction, employment and youth service, happy household, cultural development and sustainable tourism development. Trained citizens of this community will be reaping the benefits of the many and various precious and semi-precious stones found in this region.”

Minister Allicock, in his remarks, said the lapidary is an example of his ministry’s wider role in terms of hinterland development.

“Our role, in part, includes preparing our Indigenous Peoples and hinterland residents, and making them fit for purpose; employable and even more valuable to nation building,” Minister Allicock said, while noting that through the project, the region’s youths will be equipped with the requisite skills and knowledge needed to sustain the operations of a lapidary. “It is our intention to ensure that the multiple jobs which will be realised from this project will redound to the improvement of the quality of life of every resident of these communities of the Region,” Minister Allicock said, adding: “The jobs which this project will offer

Inside the laboratory of the Monkey Mountain Lapidary

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock making his presentation at the commissioning

First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger, with the help of Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock and a Monkey Mountain Primary School pupil commissioned the Lapidary. In the photo also are Minister of Finance Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Telecommunications Catherine Hughes; and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valarie Garrido-Lowe

will complement the 2,500 small businesses which were created out of the successful implementation of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Services (HEYS) programme to date.”

STRONG INDICATION Like Mrs. Granger, Minister Allicock said the establishment of the lapidary is a strong indication of the Government’s commitment to human development, and more so the development of young people in the country.

With public Internet service expected soon, he anticipates that the youthful operators of the facility will be able to advance their craft.

The tractor and other items that were handed over to the people of Monkey Mountain

“We believe that the establishment of Internet connections to our remote villages such as these in the Potaro-Siparuni Region will provide much-needed support for research, technological

upgrades and marketing, and will allow for the further development of these projects by the people who benefit from and drive them,” he said, adding: “We are here today, therefore, to cele-

brate the efforts of our team, which, of course, includes government, the villages of this region, our technical resource persons and our partners in the area of trade and commerce among others.” Minister Allicock also used the opportunity to applaud Minister Garrido-Lowe and the Consul General for the instrumental roles they played in making the facility a reality.

Toshao Singh, in offering brief remarks, said, too, that the lapidary will also bring economic development to the village of Monkey Mountain.

He also used the platform to express his gratitude to the government for staying true to its commitment to the people of the village.

THE FACILITY The Pakaraima Lapidary was initially budgeted for in the 2018 General and Regional Budget. At the time, $10M was budgeted for the construction of the 30ft by 20ft modern concrete building, and the purchase of the most up-to-date lapidary equipment from Brazil. In 2019, the government provided an additional $6M for training, furnishing of the building and additional equipment.

Long before its commissioning, 10 youths from Monkey Mountain travelled to neighbouring Brazil, where they were trained to identify, cut, polish and shape semi-precious stones at the Brazil Institute of SENAI. The young men and women, who graduated with credit, have been tasked with operating the equipment in the laboratory.

Additionally, training was done in Monkey Mountain, targetting youths not only from that village but also from Kato, Tuseneng and Mikwak. The participants were taught to identify the various types of semi-precious stones, their history and formation, and how to mine for them in their villages.

Another training session was done in Kurukabaru.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the commissioning ceremony, the First Lady and the Ministers of Government handed over a multi-million-dollar tractor to the Toshao Singh.

An ATV, wheel chairs and medical supplies were also handed over for the village’s health sector in keeping with promises made to the people of Monkey Mountain.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

11

No political campaigning whatsoever on army bases – chief of staff warns ranks

CHIEF of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, has ordered there be no political campaigning or displaying of any partisan political symbols or political party paraphernalia on any army base or location in the ‘run up’ to General and Regional Elections.

West made the order in a message at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)’s 54th Anniversary, at a church service held in the auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna.

Elections in Guyana are scheduled for March, 2020.

“You are soldiers and while you are each entitled to vote for a party of your choice, you must remember that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) as an organisation stands apolitical. We have a constitutional role to play and in this regard, the necessary orders for ensuring national safety and security, will be issued at the appropriate time. May God richly bless each of you, the GDF and the nation. Happy 54th Anniversary to us all,” Brigadier said.

Joint Service Heads in a brief discussion during the GDF 54th Anniversary church service

A section of the gathering at the GDF 54th Anniversary church service held in the auditorium at Base Camp Ayanganna

The officers and ranks were urged to commit themselves to service which is rooted in honesty, integrity and loyalty.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff also noted that the refurbishment and construction of new drill halls across various regions of Guyana will complement the growth and development of the Guyana People’s Militia.

He also highlighted the fact that there have been a number of improvements to

accommodations for troops and pointed to the example of the One Infantry Battalion moving into its newly-constructed barracks.

With regard to asset acquisitions, he noted the recent expansion of the Air Corps fleet, which saw the acquisition of two Skyvans, while four more helicopters are to be acquired.

At the Coast Guard, he explained that an ongoing project will result in the unit’s improved capabilities

Alves not returning as Crime Chief- Top Cop COMMISSIONER of Police, Leslie James, on Friday, confirmed that Deputy Commissioner of Police Lyndon Alves will not be returning to the Guyana Police, but will head out into early retirement.

James who was grilled by members of the press in relation to the position of Alves made reference to the fact that Alves will soon be heading into retirement hence his administrative leave will lead him into his retirement.

It must be noted that the investigations into allegations against Alves had been completed and that the report was said to be with President David Granger and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan.

“Mr. Alves is on Administrative Leave and I can say to you that is likely to lead him straight into retirement,” James told the media on Friday afternoon.

The commissioner made

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lyndon Alves

the comments after delivering the feature address at passing out parade for three courses of the Felix Austin Police College which saw more than eighty ranks graduating to become new police officers. James was asked about the appointment of another Crime Chief now that Alves will not be returning to the Guyana Police Force.

“Well you know there is a current acting Crime Chief, very soon a decision will be made whether to confirm the current acting Crime Chief as Crime Chief or whether

to have another person put in place but that decision would be made very soon.”

Alves was suspended in June of this year following a series of reports which sought to link him to persons of a certain character and also which accused him of allowing a number of junior ranks to carry out certain kinds of operations outside of the force SOPs. Those reports were ignored for a prolonged period by the Guyana Police Force Administration until senior government functionaries got involved and a decision was made by the force to send Alves on leave to facilitate a probe in the public’s interest. Alves departure from the force will now leave an opening for one new Deputy Commissioner of Police as well as the need for the appointment of a substantive Crime Chief.

for monitoring and radar surveillance, while the unit is also scheduled to benefit from the acquisition of four ocean patrol vessels.

He spoke too, of the expanded training for officers and ranks, to facilitate operation and maintenance of all the technical equipment, noting that more than 100 troops were currently gaining education at external institutions.

Brigadier West remarked that it was befitting of the members of the force to give thanks for its foundation, historical experiences and accomplishments, as well as its continuance as the “Sta-

ble Band” of the Guyanese nation.

“In everything we must give thanks, and today I wish to begin by offering thanks to God for his grace and keeping power because, despite the challenges over the years, the Guyana Defence Force continues to remain the stable band in this nation,” he said.

Brigadier West also highlighted enhanced and continued bilateral arrangements with friendly militaries, one of which has resulted in improved transportation for GDF troops.

Also of importance, he said, are the efforts being made to enhance the welfare

of troops through the acquisition of land to enable the construction of houses.

To this end, Brigadier West indicated that as a result of negotiations with the relevant stakeholders, the GDF has secured an offer of 120 acres of land from the Lands and Surveys Commission and another 60 acres from the CH&PA that is geared toward facilitating housing development for GDF troops.

“As we look to the future, the GDF will continue to provide the professional development necessary for all officers and ranks, such that you all can become highly-skilled and very proficient at your tasks and assignments and are able to effectively complete any mission in which you must engage,” he said.

He added, “Additionally, we will continue to provide all officers and ranks with the social support needed. You must be empowered to improve your family lives. Strong families will make for a stronger GDF. I urge you therefore, to value the force’s investment in your development, be careful not to waste the opportunities which are being presented to you!”

Thirty-year-old man to spend 9 months in prison for chopping painter “THIS man pelt four lash in meh back with a cutlass.

I still want know if is snake he been beating. So I pick up my cutlass and chop him,” were the words of 32-year-old Marvin Britton, when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The unrepresented man pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which stated that, on October 17, at Grove, East Bank Demerara, he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Bill Norman.

Britton, in his explanation to the court said, “Number one, this matter didn’t even concern him. Is me and another boy had a problem and he want come in like a bad man that’s how he get chop.”

Britton further explained that, on the day in question, Norman armed himself with three bricks and attempted to pelt him about his body but missed. He added that they both then armed themselves with cutlasses, but he Brit-

Marvin Britton

ton) decided to turn around and leave the matter alone.

However, Norman felt differently and attacked him.

“He pelt me with three bricks and miss, after that we both picked up our cutlasses but like he didn’t able with me. When he realize I was too much for him, he start rushing to me like he playing cricket so I turn around.

When I turn around this man pelt four lash in meh back with a cutlass. I still want know if is a snake he been beating. So I pick up my cutlass and chop him,” Britton explained.

However, Police Pros-

ecutor Brian Sukhna stated that, on the day in question, Britton and another young man had a misunderstanding and Norman, who was painting a house, came down from the roof to query what was happening.

The victim and Britton got into an argument and Britton chopped him with a cutlass. The matter was then reported to the police, and, following an investigation, Britton was arrested and charged for the offence.

Magistrate McLennan, sentenced Britton to nine months in prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

ExxonMobil increases ‘value position’ in Guyana --announces plans to drill additional wells AS Exxon Mobil estimated its 2019 third quarter earnings at $3.2B on Friday, the corporation also noted that its value position in Guyana has increased and that it is considering its undrilled potential.

Racking up its 14th discovery in the Stabroek Block in September, the Tripletail-One discovery en-

countered approximately 33 meters of a high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

The corporation had indicated that, upon completion of operations at Tripletail, the Noble Tom Madden drillship will next drill the Uaru-One well, located approximately six miles east of the Liza field.

On Friday, Exxon also announced that two other wells are planned. These are the Hassa –One – also to be drilled by the Noble Tom Madden – and the Mako-One well to be drilled by the Noble Don Taylor. The explorations have been labelled as “near term” and fall with Exxon’s short-term drilling outlook.

“We are making excellent progress on our long-term growth strategy,” ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren W. Woods said during a presentation.

“Growth in the Permian continues to drive increased liquids production and we are ahead of schedule for first oil in Guyana. The value of our

ExxonMobil Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Darren W.

position in Guyana improved further this quarter with an additional discovery, our fourth this year.”

Just on Wednesday, HESS Corporation, a partner of ExxonMobil which holds a 30 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block, had announced that ‘first oil’ in the Liza-One development could be possible in December.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has stated that efforts will be made to speed up local preparations for the shipment of crude and has

been working for some time with the knowledge that ‘first oil’ was likely to be earlier than first quarter 2020.

“We had an inkling that the first oil could be in December and therefore we were working under that assumption and trying to ‘ramp up’ our activities,” he said.

It is expected the Liza Phase One project will generate over $7B in royalty and profit oil revenues for Guyana over the life of the project.

Bandits rob miner of gold chains, cash TWO armed bandits robbed a 24-year-old miner at Uitvlugt Bus Shed Street, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Thursday evening.

The victim was identified as Akeem Ford of Bagotville, WCD. Reports indicate that Ford left his home at about 21:30 hours and went to Uitvlugt to meet a friend to collect 15 pennyweight of raw Gold.

Upon arrival in Uitvlugt, Ford exited a minibus and was walking along the Uitvlugt Bus Shed Street to reach his friend when, from behind, he felt a hand on his neck pulling his two gold chains.

When Ford turned around, the two unidentified men began to rob him and a scuffle ensued.

The victim then heard a

loud explosion and he fell to the ground where the two bandits took his two chains from his neck and the cash he had in his possession.

One chain weighed over an ounce with a value of G$200,000, and the other weighed over two ounces with a value of G$290,000, along with $50,000 he had in his pocket.

The bandits made good their escape on foot and Ford was later rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital by public-spirited citizens where he was treated for a gunshot wound to the left-upper-chest region.

He was eventually transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further observation.

Burnt body of man found at Mahaicony POLICE have launched an investigation into the death of a man whose charred remains were discovered in a burnt car at Letter ‘T’ Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Up to press time, it was unclear who discovered the remains, but the Guyana Chronicle has been able to confirm that the vehicle with the remains were found off the public road and some distance along a muddy dam. Police have not identified the body as yet.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Massive celebration planned for Victoria’s 180th Anniversary A MASSIVE celebration that will include the feature address being delivered by his Excellency President David Granger, is planned for the 180th Anniversary of the purchase of Victoria Village, on November 9, at the Victoria Village Community Ground.

The celebration is part of Guyana’s wider celebration of National Day of Villages across the country. In Victoria, the celebration will be held under the theme “Magnifying our African ancestry, celebrating our cultural diversity”.

Victoria Village is considered the “mother of all villages” in Guyana, being the first village in Guyana. It was in November 1839 that 83 ex-slaves, who ‘pooled their money together’, bought Plantation Northbrook, which they renamed Victoria Village.

This year the government of Guyana has collaborated with the Victoria Youth Development Organisation (VYDO) to form a Victoria Village Day Committee to organize the day’s events, which will also include cultural performances from the Buxton Steel Orchestra, National Drama Company, and the National Dance School, among other groups. Aside from the evening cultural show, an exhibition will be held during the day.

“We will have some booths where we will have on showcase some produce from the village, crafts, and agro-processed stuff. In the evening when the programme starts we will have items from all across Guyana. It’s a collaborative effort to showcase Victoria, it’s of national importance so we try to include as much persons from around the country as possible,” explained Anthony Samuels, president of the VYDO A number of villages along the East Coast, as well as others across the country have been invited to be a part of the celebration. Aside from the exhibition and evening programme on November 9, the event will also have a component involving several sports activities “A number of youth organisations are participating in the sports activities that have been organized. On the morning of November 9, we will have a Cross Country marathon starting at Unity on the Far East and culminate at

Victoria. So we are bringing together all of the villages across the east coast to participate in the celebrations of the 180th anniversary of the Village,” said Genevieve Allen, Vice Chairman of the Committee.

Samuels shared that they will also be a number of cricket and football matches in promotion of the event, leading up to the celebration day. In 2014, the National Assembly passed a motion, brought by Granger – then leader of the Opposition – for November 7 to be declared the National Day of Villages to commemorate the Village Movement. In Guyana, the Village Movement was made by freed Africans who pooled their money to purchase plantations across Guyana and formed the very first villages in the country.

“The village movement is very important ingredient for the development of Guyana,” noted Attorney General, Basil Williams, who is also Chairman of the Committee.

“I would use this platform to urge citizens across Guyana to recapture that spirit of cooperation which existed among their forefathers. This event, National Day of Villages should be seen as a catalyst to reflect our unification, encouraging entrepreneurship and force for development within the communities, and country as a whole.”

Williams explained that this year’s hosting of the annual event is aimed at illustrating the progression of the village over the years since its origin. “This celebration is intended to be a massive celebration.

We all know the importance of the first village, so the programme of the night itself will reflect the acquisition of Victoria and its evolution to the present day. It’s going to be a very good programme in terms of the history being portrayed through drama, poetry, and dance, and the feature presentation by the President. This whole question of history of villages and developing Guyanese society is one of Granger’s favourite subjects. We have many villages across Guyana and Victoria identified as the village to be celebrated because it is the 180 anniversary so we see it basically as the evolution of villages in society,” Williams noted.

Attorney General, Basil Williams and other members of the committee responsible for the Victoria Village 180th Anniversary celebrations

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday November 2, 2019

Injured murder suspect remanded to prison ON Friday, November 1, 2019, a 22-year-old murder suspect was remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Lashawn Lewis of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that, on October 5, 2019, while in the company

of others at La Penitence, Georgetown, he discharged a firearm, with intent to murder Teon Alleyne also known as ‘spoil child’.

The young man was represented by Attorney-at-law Gordon Gilhuys, who, in an unsuccessful bail application stated that his client knew nothing about the allegations made against him.

Gilhuys added that his cli-

An injured Lashawn Lewis at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court

Farmer accused of several offences released on bail A 24-year-old farmer, was, on Friday, November 1, 2019, arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Delon Richardson of Durban Street, Lodge, ap-

peared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the allegations against him.

The first charge stated that, on October 28, 2019, at Friendship Squatting area,

he used abusive language towards Arlitha Ruffino.

The second charge stated that, on the same day and at the same location, he used threatening language towards Arlitha Ruffino.

ent was shot in the back by an unknown person and suffered injuries to the spinal area. He also stated that the bullet was still lodged in his client and his movements were limited, hence he requires proper health care.

However, Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, objected to bail being granted, based on the seriousness of the offence.

He added that Lewis was a prime suspect in a murder and an attempted murder which occurred on September 28, 2019, in Linden.

Last week, 23-year-old Renard Caesar, a suspected member of a ‘Mob Family’, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was also remanded to prison for the same offence.

According to statements

presented in court on the day in question, Alleyne was at the East La Penitence Market purchasing some vegetables when a black motorcar drove up next to him and stopped.

Caesar and two other men exited the car and started shooting in Alleyne’s direction.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Lewis to prison until November 4, 2019.

The final charge stated that, on the same day and at the same place he had 300 grams of cannabis, with intent to traffic.

According to statements presented by Police Prosecutor Brian Sukhna, on the day in question, the virtual complainant went to the police station to make a report that

the defendant cursed her and threatened to chop her, if she continued to use his yard as a passageway.

The police were then led to the home where the defendant was staying. However, upon their arrival, a black plastic bag with leaves, seeds and stems, suspected to be marijuana, was discovered.

The defendant was cautioned and admitted that the narcotics was his and someone gave it to him to sell.

Magistrate McLennan released the young farmer on $52,000 bail and transferred the matters to the Providence Magistrates’ Court for November 11 and November 22, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Parika man dies from shotgun injuries – autopsy

AN autopsy on the remains of Joseph Mahadeo, 46, called ‘Terry’ of Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), on Friday, revealed that he died as a result of a shotgun injury to the chest.

Mahadeo, a mechanic, was bizarrely killed on Wednesday night with a shotgun he stole from his employer at Goat Creek, Essequibo River.

Four persons are currently in police custody assisting police with their investigations.

Reports indicate that Mahadeo was employed as a mechanic at a mining company which is owned by a Parika businessman.

On Wednesday, Mahadeo, along with a driver with the company; a painter of Grove, East Bank De-

merara and tractor driver, Chandra Boodhoo, were travelling and about four miles away from their camp the tractor developed mechanical problems.

As a result, Chandra Boodhoo sent Mahadeo to the camp to collect a hose and some other items.

On arrival at the camp, it is alleged that Mahadeo made contact with the general manager, who is a licensed holder of one single barrel shotgun.

The general manager gave Mahadeo a key to access a safe where the hose was located and where he usually kept his firearm.

Mahadeo collected the hose and left the key on a nearby table. He then returned to Chandra Boodhoo with the hose, along with the shotgun which he took without the permission of the general manager.

The tractor was fixed and the trio continued their jour-

ney to the camp. The driver and painter were allegedly sitting on the left fender of the tractor while Mahadeo was sitting more to the front of the tractor on two pales with the gun between his legs and butt resting on the ground.

At approximately one mile from the camp, the driver claimed he suddenly heard a loud explosion and he saw Mahadeo leaned to his right.

He stopped the tractor and went over to Mahadeo and saw he was bleeding from an injury in the left chest.

The driver contacted the police and on arrival, Mahadeo was motionless at the front of the tractor.

Upon investigations, police discovered that Mahadeo had three live 12-gauge shotgun cartridges in his right side pants pocket and the shotgun was lying on the trail about 10 feet behind

Reducing cost of marine renewable energy in focus --when experts meet in Grenada EXPERTS in technology exploration and project development in the marine energy sector of the Caribbean will gather in Grande Anse, Grenada in November for a marine technology forum.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, in collaboration with a number of other organisations, will host the Caribbean Marine Energy Technology (CariMET) Forum at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort, on November 6-7. The Forum will be co-hosted by the Government of Grenada and the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE). Other partners are the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), and SIDS Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience Initiative (SIDS DOCK).

About 50 experts in marine energy, representatives of international agencies, researchers and thought-leaders will be among those who will attend CariMET to explore a range of subjects. Among the topics are the development and deployment of Ocean Thermal Energy, including Seawater Air-conditioning, and Kinetic

Marine Energy, including Offshore-Wind, Tidal and Wave. Experts will also brainstorm cost-reduction strategies for cutting-edge marine renewable energy technologies within the Region, one of the primary purposes of the forum.

The Forum seeks to: Build and transfer knowledge through the sharing of global, regional and national experiences on marine renewable energy, and realistic opportunities on offshore options for grid and off-grid energy service generation; develop a strategic research agenda to support continued improvement of the understanding of the potential impacts of marine renewable energy projects on the sustainable development landscape in CARICOM SIDS; and Develop a framework for businesses and communities of practice, as well as prospective developers and investors, to actively engage with governments to deepen the exploration of opportunities within the regional marine renewable energy sector.

The forum is being held as the Region seeks ways of harnessing its vast marine resources towards energy efficiency and building resilience, even as there is recognition that marine

renewable energy technologies are way behind their land-based counterparts.

Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell will deliver the main address titled, ‘Marine Energy at the Centre: The Pursuit of Blue Economic Development within Caribbean SIDS’.

Presentations will zero in on the technology outlook for Ocean Energy Thermal Conversion (OTEC) and Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC), as well as priority actions for Ocean Energy within CARICOM. Global case examples will be drawn from Japan and Hawaii.

The Forum includes interactive and working group sessions. In the interactive sessions, participants will focus on Caribbean experiences with project development, focusing on Martinique, the Cayman Islands, Montego Bay, Jamaica; and St. George’s, Grenada. Other interactive sessions will look at resource potential and project opportunities within CARICOM, as well as integrating marine energy into the Regional Strategy for Sustainable Energy.

The working group sessions will seek to identify Research and Innovation priorities for ocean energy in CARICOM.

the tractor with a 12-gauge shell in the chamber.

Mahadeo was taken to the Leonora Cottage

Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Oral Health Month kicks off in Bartica

ORAL Health Month was, on Friday, launched under the theme ‘Improving Oral Health through Prevention and Education’ with the Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with Colgate-Palmolive, kick-starting activities in Bartica.

The day began with hundreds of students accompanied by teachers and healthcare workers marching out from the Bartica Hospital, sporting bright smiles and colourful balloons as they chanted in support of good oral health practices.

Defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as “a state of being free from chronic mouth and facial pain, oral and throat cancer, oral infection and sores, periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and other diseases and disorders that limit an individual’s capacity in biting, chewing, smiling, speaking, and psychosocial wellbeing,” oral health is a topical issue throughout the world.

With the Oral Health March culminated at the community centre, the second part of the day’s activities began. Delivering

Manager of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, Paul Clarke (DPI photo)

Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford speaks at the launch (DPI photo)

A section of the students who participated in the Oral Health Month launch in Bartica (DPI photo)

the keynote address for the launching ceremony was Region Seven Chairman, Gordon Bradford, who com-

mended the Public Health Ministry for choosing Bartica as the place for the launch.

Bradford said the services are needed in Bartica and that he is pleased that children in the region will

benefit. While the Regional Chairman acknowledged the importance of the preceding awareness walk, a call was made for those present to take, “necessary action to correct this situation [poor dental health]”.

Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS) within the Public Health Ministry, Glendon Fogenay, emphasised the government’s commitment towards enhancing the oral health of the nation. According to the DPS, Budget 2019 is reflective of that pledge to Guyanese.

DPS Fogenay outlined the current budget had made possible, “the procurement of dental units, surgical high and low-speed hand pieces, ultra-sonic scalers,” among other equipment. It was noted that continuous maintenance of the dental equipment and its facilities, in addition to training of new dental personnel and an upgrade to training for staff, have all been some of the major takeaways from Budget 2019.

As such, with 2020 on the horizon, the DPS announced plans to purchase more dental equipment as the ministry aggressively

pushes towards improving dental care. For Region Seven, some of these pieces of machinery will include portable dental chairs, high and low-speed handpieces and ultrasonic scalers with tips.

It was the manager of the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, Paul Clarke, who further encouraged the students to care for their teeth and gums. While the manager underscored the severity of poor oral health that may be linked to diabetes, heart disease, and other long-term health issues, students were motivated to adopt positive oral health habits at their young age instead.

For 2020, the manager unveiled plans to utilise, “printable patient materials on a variety of topics such as oral health instrumental videos, developed specifically for children”.

Over the following three days, the Public Health Ministry and their sponsor, Colgate-Palmolive, will be present in the remote villages of Region Seven as they conduct dental screenings, examinations, fillings, cleaning and provide sound education on oral health. (DPI)

GPL promises consumers wonderful Christmas

THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) company is promising consumers that this Christmas they will experience a service that is second to none.

“We have over the years been working to ensure we provide our valued customers reliable services, and this year is no different,” GPL Public Relations Office, Shevion Sears told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday.

She made reference to the measures which were put in place over the last few months by the company, including the repairing of the submarine cable, as well as the capital works in Berbice

and Essequibo.

The latter saw the commissioning of two new power plants, which have effectively provided sufficient power generation capacity for the Demerara-Berbice interconnected system.

“So we foresee that our customers will have a wonderful Christmas, because we know during that period that everyone is excited and they are looking forward to have the lights, both business and residential properties alike.

And so we have more than the available capacity, and we guarantee reliable service to our customers,” Sears said.

Meanwhile, as it relates

to the planned and scheduled load shedding for Thursday and Friday across several communities, Sears said the company has managed to get things under control. In fact, it was able to prevent load shedding on Thursday.

According to Sears, the company managed to put several systems in place to prevent the occurrence.

She stressed that even at the peak period of 119MW on Friday, GPL was still able to provide uninterrupted power supply, and is likely to maintain this trend over the next few days.

The Guyana Chronicle was told that outages were

Boat Captain Missing A 53-year-old boat captain has been missing since Thursday, October 31, 2019, after he fell overboard from his vessel, which was last seen at the East Coast Demerara River mouth.

David Mohan called "Ice box" was last seen on Thursday around 11:00hours, when he reportedly fell from his boat into the river, during high tide

MISSING David Mohan called "Ice box"

According to reports reaching the Guyana Chronicle, Mohan was, at the time,

on his vessel with two crew members.

It is alleged that when he fell out of his boat, the crew members became worried after he did not surface.

Relatives launched a search party to find Mohan but they have since come up empty-handed.

The relatives are hoping that he was rescued and are praying for his safe return.

scheduled due to the late delivery of fuel from the regular overseas supplier, and it was projected in-house that

there would need to be load shedding in order to prevent a total shutdown.

GPL’s fuel delivery is

expected to arrive in the country today, and will begin offloading on Sunday, according to the company.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Tourism Awareness Month launched THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) on Thursday launched Tourism Awareness Month 2019 under the theme “Force for Good”, at a simple ceremony at the Cara Lodge on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

GTA Director Brian Mullis said Guyana has so much to offer, and we want to make it more accessible to residents, the Diaspora and international travellers.

Noting that there are many ways tourism can invite the public to experience tourism first-hand, Mullis said that through Tourism Awareness Month, residents and international travellers can be encouraged to explore more that Guyana has to offer, as a number of activities have been planned for the month-long event, with the aim of highlighting Guyana as a leading sustainable destination, through activities that will showcase the diversity through the products being offered and the people who deliver them.

TRADITIONAL AND NEW ACTIVITIES According to Mullis, activities will include a ‘Mystery Shopping’ spree and the launch of an ‘I Love Guyana video and Logo campaign’; new day tour in the community of Morakabai (the only Amerindian commu-

nity located in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice that is accessible to residents of George-

For the series and logo campaign, Mullis said the GTA will be creating different tee-

is required to maintain the position as one of the leading sustainable tourism destinations

GTA Director Brian Mullis, right, makes a point during the launch of Tourism Awareness Month 2019. With him are THAG President Mitra Ramkumar, and Director-General of the Department of Tourism Donald Sinclair (Photo by Carl Croker)

town; a seven-curry tour, which will entail participation in the making of curry and visits to factories that produce some of the ingredients for the making of the product and a variety of other activities.

He explained that ‘Mystery Shopping’ will entail the GTA hiring individuals to visit and experience ‘certain’ offers by businesses and gauge the effectiveness of the training programmes that were implemented in relation to improving customer service and other standards to meet international tourism export standards.

shirts with designs and quotes emblazoned on the shirts based on the pillars of tourism, including heritage, active exploration, birding, nature wildlife and safe travel, which is scientific, academic, volunteer and educational travel that makes Guyana so special.

He said that for this year alone, Guyana has been recognised as the world’s number one eco-tourism destination; the best in sustainable tourism; the best in destination stewardship, and a Top 10 sustainable destination in the world. However, continuous improvement

globally.

Among other events on calendar for the month, Mullis said, are an ago-tourism expo, the tourism sector fair that continues to grow in popularly yearly; school talks at different schools and the ever-popular Guyana Restaurant Week hosted by The Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Scavenger Hunt.

The events will conclude on December 10, 2019 with the hosting of the Tourism Awards ceremony.

TOURISM AWARENESS

COMMITTEES For Director General in the Department of Tourism Donald Sinclair, Tourism Awareness Month 2019 differs in a substantial way compared with what obtained during previous years in terms of the input and impact of each of the 10 administrative regions.

He said that tourism awareness committees have been established in all of the regions, so as to have them included in the activities, and that the proposals they submitted were interesting and innovative.

The GTA is in the process of launching new products, in collaboration with communities such as Chinapow, Karasabai and Warapoka.

For him, the regions are becoming more conscious of what they have, from a tourism standpoint, and what they need to do to raise the standards to make their regions more accessible to visitors. Initiatives to enhance the awareness of the diversity of the Guyana tourism product, and the increasing awareness of the Guianas are two ways in which TAM 2019 is special.

On this note, Sinclair mentioned that a meeting of the Guyana Tourism Committee involving Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana will be hosted in Guyana next week, and that Guyana has much more to offer than a single attraction and there is attraction in different areas.

TOURISM AND POLITICS President of the Tourism Hospitality Association of Guyana Mitra Ramkumar likened Guyana to being seen as the new oil- and-gas frontier, and tourism as a new frontier industry as well. But he opined that tourism is highly underestimated, and that he would like to see it being recognised as such and take Guyana to another level.

Reiterating remarks he made at a previous function about the THAG Board meeting with all political leaders who will be participating in the upcoming regional and general elections, Ramkumar said it is to seek out their position on incentivising the tourism industry to achieve the triple bottomline of People, Planet and Profits.

He said he wants to see tourism included on the Manifestos of the respective political parties, as he recalled a former United Nations Secretary-General who remarked that tourism is the third largest export industry in the world after chemicals and oil.

The THAG president disclosed that he and three others, representing Iwokrama, Evergreen Tours, and Trans Guyana Ltd Wilderness Explorers, Atta Lodge, and the Canopy Walkway will represent the Association at the World Travel Market to be held in London starting November 04, 2019.

FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIC SECTOR Noting that tourism is globally recognised not only as one of the fastest growing economic sectors, but that it is non- extractive in nature and for its contribution to the 17 sustainable development goals, the GTA director Mullis said that given this country’s long-standing sustainability agenda, it is no surprise that tourism is increasingly becoming a priority, value-added sector that requires an increase in investment.

Referring to data provided by the Bureau of Statistics, he said there is an estimated average expenditure of $222,000 per visitor, and that a perusal of the 2018 data shows it has contributed to 22, 000 jobs and approximately $62.6B to the Guyana economy, thus making tourism the second largest export sector in the country.

Noting that a well-managed tourism industry helps to preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment, Mullis cited a United Kingdom (UK) Guardian newspaper article that gained global recognition, which mentioned that every average European traveller coming to Guyana creates about 2.8 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Mullis however explained that in the community of Wailler, where the community protects the forest and has only 200 visitors yearly, a total of 700, 000 metric tonnes of CO2 is generated per annum. He said it is those visitors who are the reason that the community is helping to protect the forest, adding, there are lots of other examples that are similar in Guyana and which the GTA would emulate. Such tourism is referred to by as either eco-tourism or conservation travel because it actually has a net positive benefit to eco-system services.

Present at the launch and visiting here in Guyana for the first time is Ms. Diana Collingwood, Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture from the US Virgin Islands.

She will be attending the first-ever Agri-Tourism expo to be hosted by the GTA.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Seize opportunities in new, emerging sectors -- Minister Hughes urges students at career fair

STUDENTS are being encouraged to seize the opportunities that are in the new and emerging sectors in Guyana. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes made this call as she gave the charge to Grade Nine students attending St Rose’s High School Career Fair.

“You must be the future petroleum engineers, our apps developers, the developers of technology that will develop our oil and gas industry – the technology that will be required to transform our agriculture sector into an E-agricultural sector that young people would be interested in developing businesses in,” she told the students gathered.

Minister Hughes noted

nue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Police Force and the Government Technical Institute, among others, participated in the career fair. The GRA also donated a total of thirty computers to the school. (DPI)

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes

The students were also asked to consider volunteerism as a means of gaining experience in the various fields and urged to always adopt the correct attitude towards success.

Some exhibitors at the Career FairSome exhibitors at the Career Fair

that while the students may have aspirations to join existing professions, the times were changing, and new opportunities were emerging.

“In today’s world, the technology is changing so rapidly that the careers that will exist in the next two or three years don’t necessarily exist today,” she said, adding that for Guyana to continue advancing, it needs the talents of its young people.

“You are the chosen generation, a generation of proud capable Guyanese. We in Guyana have been bestowed, as a country, with even more natural resources than we knew we had, so we have been truly blessed; so Guyana has this awesome opportunity to truly transform itself into one of the finest countries in the world, but we cannot do this without you, each and every young Guyanese here and wherever you are.”

“Find what you love to do, never underestimate your ability to achieve your dreams through the strength of character, honesty, integrity, perseverance - those old fashion values which still work in today’s world,” Minister Hughes advised.

Representing the Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency was Dr. Astell Collins, a renowned youth leader who left the students with some sage advice.

“There are students who may not be academically inclined, but they are still necessary to the development of Guyana, so some of you might not do good in a particular subject or a particular class, it does not diminish who you are.”

The event was planned to help Grade Nine students connect with their future and plan ahead. Agencies such as the Guyana Reve-

Ranks at the Guyana Police Force booth at the exhibition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Salvation Army launches annual Kettle Appeal EACH year, from the end of November through December, The Salvation Army hosts its Christmas Kettle Appeal. Soon, Guyanese will be greeted with the familiar sight of the red donation bucket as the local division of the organisation launched its kettle drive at the Umana Yana on Friday.

The annual Christmas Appeal helps to meet the needs of those less fortunate through the provision of food, shelter, rehabilitation

and much more.

P r e s e n t a t F r i d a y ’s launch were Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge; Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine; ExxonMobil’s Country Manager Rod Henson; Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board Edward Boyer; Divisional Leaders Majors Matignol and Mireille Saint-Lot; captains and soldiers of the Salvation Army; school students and members of the public.

Henson, in his remarks, noted, “Whether it is provid-

ing disaster relief, shelters for the homeless, hampers, mattresses, operating hospitals, so many other services, the Salvation Army is making a real difference in the lives of so many.”

Major Matignol SaintLot said the goal this year is “to distribute 1,500 food hampers, host several parties with children, and share gifts with them. And from the second week of November until Christmas, we will visit many homes and institutions, where we will also share

At Friday’s kettle launch are, from left: Salvation Army Divisional Leader, Major Matignol Saint-Lot; Foreign Secretary Carl Greenidge; Captain Gerry Gouveia; Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine; ExxonMobil Country Manager, Rod Henson; Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board Edward Boyer; Major Mireille Saint-Lot; and one of the local captains of the Salvation Army

Christmas toys and gifts.”

Major Saint-Lot expressed appreciation for the continued generous support that allows the organisation to deliver services to those in need.

The Salvation Army currently provides food hampers and services to persons every week; they also offer services in schools, daycare, nursing homes, women home and many other organisations. Last year, the Salvation Army collected $9M. Next year, the Salvation Army will celebrate its 125th year of service. (DPI)

Smith Memorial Primary School pupils performing a vocal selection at the launch on Friday

Timbrellists in action (DPI photos) Timbrellists perform timbrel drill.

Embassy of Mexico celebrates ‘Day of the Dead’ THE Embassy of Mexico in Guyana, on Friday, November 01, 2019, celebrated the Day of the Dead, which is also called “Altar de Muertos”, which is a Mexican traditional celebration to honour the loved ones who have passed away.

The Mexican Embassy celebrated one of the coun-

try’s holidays, by honouring the late renowned Guyanese artist, Ron Savory, Guyanese singer John Randolph Massiah Critchlow-Brathwaite called ‘Johnny Braff.’

The Embassy also honored Mexican apologist, historian, and the world’s foremost authority on Náhuatl philology and philosophy,

Miguel León Portilla, José Rómulo Sosa Ortiz, known by his stage name ‘José José’, a Mexican singer, and Francisco Benjamín López Toledo, known as Francisco Toledo, who was a Mexican Zapotec painter, sculptor, and graphic artist.

Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Ivan Roberto Si-

Mexican Ambassador to Guyana Ivan Roberto Sierra Medel and women addressed as La Catrina (Photo by Delano Williams)

erra-Medel, explained that the festival was one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, as part of the religious syncretism in the colonial era, which is a combination of Native American and Spanish Christian traditions.

The Ambassador explained that the Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1 for children who died at an early age and on

November 2 for adults.

“The most traditional aspect of this celebration is the altar… Each item on the altar has a meaning such as water, food, flowers and photographs. On this day, in Mexico, altars are common in offices, houses and school” the Ambassador Sierra-Medel said.

He further explained that there are parades in several

cities in Mexico where the famous character of the Catrina is dominant.

The Catrina is one of the most important symbols of the Day of the Dead and it shows a satirical representation of the Mexicans who imitated the European class.

The Day of the Dead was proclaimed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2003.

The altar prepared by the Mexican Embassy for Day of the Dead (Photo by Delano Williams)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Security guard who discharged firearm granted bail A 30-year-old security guard attached to Hostel El Sol was, on Friday, November 1, 2019, arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

Anthony Grannum appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and denied the charge which

stated that, on October 27, 2019, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, he discharged a firearm, a 12-gauge shotgun.

According to the statements presented by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris, on the day in question, Grannum was on duty

at the El Sol hotel armed with a 12 gauge shot gun along with 15 cartridges.

He was seated on the third floor of the hotel with the firearm pointing downwards (to the floor), when he squeezed the trigger and a round was discharged to the ground, rico-

cheted and hit a female to her right eye and right knee.

The woman was taken to the hospital and Grannum was arrested.

Police Prosecutor Morris made no objection to bail being granted under the conditions that Grannum

lodges his passport at the court and reports every Monday to the Alberttown Police Station, until the completion of his trial.

Magistrate Daly released the man on $100,000 bail and adjourned the matter until November 29, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Accused murderer of fishermen remanded

Lennox Arleigh Grimmond called ‘Breeze’

A 38-year-old man was, on Friday, November 1, 2019, remanded to prison for the murders of the four fishermen, which recently occurred on the high seas, along the Corentyne River.

Lennox Arleigh Grimmond called ‘Breeze’ a fisherman of Cromarty Farm, Corentyne Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh at the Albion Magistrate’s and was remanded to prison until November 7,

Suresh Sundat called ‘Chu Chu Bai’ and Narine Dhanrajh called ‘Buckman’

2019. The matter was transferred to the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, between October 5, 2019 and October 13, 2019, Grimmond murdered Vishnu Seeram called ‘Kevin’, 20, of Lot 76 Miss Phoebe; Marvin Tamessar, 20, called ‘Buddy’ and Lamar Otto Petrie, 20, both of Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant and Kawal Kissoon called ‘Ajay’ of 223 Letter Kenny

Village, during the course of a piracy attack on the Corentyne River.

On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Suresh Sundat called “Chu Chu Bai” and Narine Dhanrajh called “Buckman”, both from Belvedere Village, East Berbice, Corentyne, were charged with the capital offence after they confessed participating in the attack.

Sundat, 22, and Dhanrajh, 30, told investigators

they were part of the fiveman crew which attacked the SARA 1 in a bid to loot its catch.

The other two members, O’Brian Fraser called “Shines” and Anonth Boodrage called “Andy” are wanted by the police for their role in the attack.

Fraser is from Eversham Village on the Corentyne while Boodrage is from Lot 97 Belvedere Village. Both men, according to police, are

21 years old.

According to sources close to the investigation, Sundat and Dhanrajh are claiming they remained on their vessel while Grimond, Fraser and Boodrage embarked on the SARA 1 and tried to loot the catch.

The four-man crew of Tamessar called “Buddy”, Petrie, Seeram called “Kevin” Kissoon, called “Ajay”, 36, recognised the men and put up a resistance.

The pirates beat, chopped and bound the men before throwing them overboard and escaping with their catch and boat engine.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Fraser and Boodrage is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 333-3876, 3335564, 333-2151 – 3, 3372411, 335-3014, 225-3650, 226-1928, 911 or the nearest police station.

Republic Bank closes acquisition of Bandits rob seven Caribbean Scotiabank operations taxi driver …blocked from Guyana takeover ON the heels of being blocked from taking over Scotiabank here, the Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) announced on Friday that it closed its acquisition of seven Scotiabank operations on October 31, 2019.

In a release, the bank said following receipt of approval from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten, and the execution of the Banking Business Vesting Orders in five of the Eastern Caribbean territories, RFHL formally acquired Scotia’s operations in Anguilla, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. The acquisition will add 350 team members to its staff complement, US$1.5B to the Group’s total asset size, and US$20M to its net profits. The total asset base of the Republic Group will grow to approximately US$14.5B with profits of approximately US$260M. Expressing his appreciation

to all those who contributed to the successful completion of the transaction, which was originally announced in November, 2018, Chairman of the RFHL Group, Ronald F. deC. Harford stated, “I would like to express my thanks to the many regulators and the governments of the seven countries for their expressions of confidence in the group. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the staff of both RFHL and Scotiabank who worked tirelessly to make today a reality. I assure all of the group’s stakeholders that their confidence and efforts are not misplaced and that the group is looking forward to creating tremendous value in all seven jurisdictions.”

RFHL has established a new subsidiary in St. Lucia, Republic Bank (EC) Ltd. which will serve as the Head Office for the Eastern Caribbean operations, excluding Grenada. Scotia’s Grenada operations have been merged with the group’s existing subsidiary in Grenada, Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited. A new subsidiary has also been established in St.

Maarten, Republic Bank (St. Maarten) N.V. to oversee the operations in that territory.

As indicated, when the transaction was first announced, there was no loss of jobs by staff in any country. President of the RFHL Group, Nigel Baptiste, welcomed all new team members saying, “The RFHL Group is built on our people, since we believe that is what differentiates us from any other financial institution. It was important to us that the people behind the success of Scotia’s operations in each country continued to be the main drivers of the success of our new operations in those countries. I am very pleased to welcome each of them to the Republic family and I look forward to their growth and ours, in the years and decades to come.”

Back in September the Bank of Guyana denied RBFH plans to take over the operations of Scotiabank in Guyana, Dr. Gobind Ganga had confirmed. Dr. Ganga, the Central Bank Governor, had told the Guyana Chronicle that both of the banks were informed

of the decision. He said that the denial of the application for takeover by RBFH was due largely to the high level of concentration of the banking system, noting that “it would lead to systemic issues” which would have affected the health of the financial system here. Dr. Ganga explained that the move would have led to lower cost efficiency, adding that it would have stymied competition in the sector here. He said Republic Bank would have had over 50 per cent assets and deposits in the local sector adding that it would have raised “major concerns” such as impact on competition. Both banks have done very well in Guyana, Dr. Ganga said. He said the Republic Bank has played “a very good role in Guyana and this is why they would have wanted to advance their footprint.”

However, he reiterated that the planned move would have had an adverse impact on the banking system. He said Scotiabank is free to sell their operations and with the evolving oil and gas industry here, it can take advantage of the opportunities which lay ahead.

TWO bandits, one armed with a handgun, robbed a taxi driver of his cash and valuables after he was requested to drive through a Cemetery in Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Thursday night.

Reports indicate that the 24-year-old taxi driver operated a silver coloured Toyota 212 motor car, PLL 4212 at a taxi base located next to Guyoil Gas Station in La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

According to reports, the taxi driver picked up a passenger who requested to be taken to Crane Village, WCD. On the way, another person was picked up and the driver was asked to proceed to Best Village where he was asked to turn into the cemetery road.

During the journey, the man in the rear seat pointed a gun to the taxi driver’s head and demanded all his valuables.

The taxi driver then stopped the car and handed over his cash. He then opened the door and sprinted away from the vehicle towards the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he made contact with a security officer.

The robbery was then reported to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station. A group of policemen later discovered the taxi driver’s vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Leonora Cottage Hospital.

Police are continuing their investigations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Regal All Stars, SVC and Wellman Masters signal early intentions

By Frederick Halley REGAL All Stars and SVC All Stars ended a perfect day in the Open category of the third edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup which bowled off at several venues across Georgetown yesterday in brilliant sunshine.

Playing at the Queen’s College ground, Thomas Lands, Regal All Stars firstly upstaged two-time defending champions Speedboat by 66 runs and then whipped United All Stars by a whopping 100 runs in the second fixture.

It was also a good day for the New York-based SVC who dented the hopes of Bartica and Cottonfield

Wild Oats at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown.

Led by a brilliant 110 from Sachin Singh and supporting knocks of 44 and 41 from Delroy Perreira and Fazal Rafeek respectively, Regal All Stars reached a formidable 224 for three in their allotted 20 overs.

United were routed for 124 in 15.5 overs. There were three wickets each for Perreira and Ravindra Ramnauth while Rafeek took two wickets without conceding a run.

In their first encounter versus Speedboat, Regal All Stars rattled up 170 for eight with Singh leading the way with 46. Speedboat were limited to 104

all out in 15.4 overs with Perreira and Ramnauth again among the wickets with three each.

SVC wins were recorded against Bartica and Cottonfield Wild Oats, both through excellent knocks from the experienced Richard Latiff who scored 73 against Bartica and 62 versus Cottonfield Wild Oats, Batting first against Bartica, SVC rattled up 187 for seven and skittled Bartica for 60 in 13 overs.

Latiff returned to claim four for 10 while Bobby Prahalad took three for 12. Chasing 152 for victor y versus Cottonfield Wild Oats, SVC achieved the target in 15.5 overs.

Meahwhile, the battle

for semi-final places in the Masters Over-45 category is interestingly poised after the completion of day onet.

Last year’s runners-up Wellman Masters have already signalled their intentions, playing unbeaten in their two matches, defeating defending champions and archrivals Regal Masters in the process after earlier disposing of HS Masters.

In their first encounter versus HS Masters, Wellman Masters reached 176 for eight in their allotted 20 overs with skipper Wayne Jones leading from the front with 34 (two fours, two sixes) while Greg DeFranca made 33 (three fours, two sixes).

M. Fung took three for 19.

HS Masters could only muster 123 for nine at the end of their allotted 20 overs with F. Ali (26) and A. Seenanan (29) being the principal scorers.

The second game saw Wellman Masters registering an intriguing five-wicket win over archrivals Regal Masters after sending their opponents packing for 130 in 16.3 overs and reaching the required target with three balls to spare. DeFranca had the impressive figures of five for 23 from four overs.

It took a superb unbeaten fifth-wicket stand of 59 between Nandram Samlall (44 not out) and Jones (15 not out) to ensure Well-

man secure the much-needed win after they were in some bother at 72 for five in the 10th over. DeFranca crowned a fine all-round performance, hitting 32.

Regal Masters started their defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Fishermen Masters by 56 runs. Led by a fine captain’s knock of 62 (five four, three sixes) from Mahendra Arjune and 45 from David Harper, Regal Masters rushed to 180 for eight in 20 overs and restricted Fishermen Masters to 124 for six. Jagdesh Persaud hit a top score of 57 (five fours, two sixes).

Mahendranauth “Bobby” Parasnauth grabbed three for 16.

Afghan skipper confident in Jamican women’s international footballer dies after stabbing white-ball game, wants patience in Test JAMAICA women’s international Tarania Clarke has died after a stabbing incident in the capital city Kingston.

Police said the 20-yearold midfielder was pro-

nounced dead in hospital.

Officers said the student died after a dispute over a mobile phone at about 8.50pm local time on Thursday. A woman has been arrested.

Clarke, who played for Waterhouse FC, scored on her international debut in September’s 12-1 win over Cuba in the Olympic qualifiers.

In a statement to BBC Sport, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts said: “The JFF is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of young Ms Clarke - someone who would have shown so much promise, not just as a player but as a person.

“I must use this opportunity to personally, and certainly on behalf of the JFF, extend my most profound condolences to the immediate family members and friends of Ms Clarke, her school family at Excelsior and, of course, her club Waterhouse.

“The JFF must give as much support as we can during this time of bereavement to her mother and close friends.” (BBC Sport)

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LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has called for patience and maturity from his side when they face West Indies in a one-off Test here at month-end, but says he is a lot less concerned about their ability to compete in the preceding white-ball series.

The minnows are brimming with confidence after scoring their first Test win last month – a 224-run thrashing of Bangladesh in Chittagong – and Khan believes they are now well placed to strongly challenge West Indies.

“They are a strong side, but we are well prepared and ready to challenge them,” Khan said here as Afghanistan put their finishing touches on preparation for the series.

“Recently, we had a good

domestic tournament back home and have infused new talent in the side. I am sure people in Lucknow would get to see good cricket over the next month.”

He added: “My boys were good against Bangladesh in the Test last time.

We are natural power-hitters, so smashing sixes in 50-over and T20 cricket isn’t a problem for us. Test cricket requires so much patience and I need my boys to mature in that format also.”

Afghanistan have already beaten West Indies three times in six One-Day Internationals but only once in four T20 Internationals.

However, in their last meeting during the recent ICC World Cup earlier this year, they went down to West Indies, as they fin-

ished last of 10 teams in the England showpiece.

Khan, who was recently appointed captain in all formats, said the team had since worked very hard to improve their weaknesses.

“We’ve been working hard on our shortcomings and making sincere efforts to eradicate them. We lacked the finishing ability in the World Cup but fought well against all teams and lost close matches. We should have won four, five matches there,” he contended.

“After the 2015 World Cup, we didn’t get a chance to play against teams like Australia, New Zealand, England, etc., so understanding them was difficult.

“We are hopeful we can come good at the next World Cup after having a good experience of playing against

No backing down ...

shoulders, and Collins agreed he would be key to the Marooners’ success on and off the field.

“He’s a very important piece of the puzzle. Last year, he was very instrumental in calming down the players, reinforcing situational awareness, not just on the field, but off the field, he was a leader,” Collins pointed out.

“The players had fun together. We always tried to do things as a team and he brought that calmness to the group. No one looked up to him to do everything, but everybody knew what they had to do, everybody played their role and did them to the best of their ability, which made life easier for the coaches.

“All the boxes were ticked and this what we are looking to

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big teams over the next four years.”

Afghanistan take on the Caribbean side next Wednesday in the first of three ODIs before clashing again in three T20 Internationals beginning November 14.

The first Test between the two sides is carded for December 27.

Khan, an incisive leg-spinner who will lead Afghanistan’s attack in the series, says the Windies tour will be excellent preparation for crucial upcoming assignments.

“Right now we are focused on the Asia Cup and this series provides a perfect opportunity to get ready for that,” he said.

“Playing against West Indies will help prepare well for the next T20 World Cup.” FROM PAGE 35

do again. Team bonding is very important in the short space of time we will be together. The quicker we bond, the better for the team.”

Marooners will contest Group A of the November 6 to December 1 tournament, alongside the likes of Barbados Pride, Jamaica Scorpions, hosts Leeward Islands Hurricanes and Canada at Warner Park and Conaree Sports Complex.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

New Zealand take third place with six-try win over Wales

By Greg Stutchbury

TOKYO (Reuters) - The All Blacks bid farewell to coach Steve Hansen and captain Kieran Read with a 40-17 victory over Wales at Tokyo Stadium on Friday, claiming the one World Cup prize that no team sets out to win — third place.

Wi n g e r B e n S m i t h grabbed a brace and Joe Moody, Beauden Barrett, Ryan Crotty and Richie Mo’unga also crossed as New Zealand rebounded from their semi-final loss to England and extended their 66-year winning streak over Wales to 31 tests.

Both teams came to play and Wales, also saying farewell to coach Warren Gatland, ran the ball at every opportunity to score tries through fullback Hallam Amos and Josh Adams — a Welsh record seventh of the tournament for the winger.

South Africa, who beat Wales in the other semi-final last weekend, face off against England in the final at Yokohama International Stadium today.

game and you’re out. That’s knockout footy. Really proud of the boys.”

While pundits and fans had questioned the relevance of a third-placed

winning streak against Wales that stretches back to 1953.

Read and fellow veterans Crotty, Smith and Sonny Bill Williams, who were all playing their final games for the

Richie Mo’unga scored New Zealand’s sixth try and the scrum-half kicked five conversions

“It was just important we came back and honoured the jersey and the fans and put that one last week behind us,” said Hansen.

“We’ve played good footy throughout, but one bad

BCB Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls tournament

Dukestown and No72 All Stars advance to Upper Corentyne finals

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) is forging ahead with plans to complete the five stage Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls cricket tournament.

The BCB has already hosted the finals of the West Berbice tournament while the finals of the New Amsterdam/ Canje leg is scheduled for tomorrow between Rose Hall Canje and Guymine.

Rose Hall Bakewell has already advanced to the finals of the Lower Corentyne leg and the other finalist would be known by this weekend.

On Sunday last Dukestown and No 72 All Stars advance to the finals of the Upper Corentyne tournament.

Overall, ninety teams started the Let’s Bet Sports 100 balls tournament which will conclude with the four sub-division champions clashing to determine the Berbice Champions.

At the No68 Turn ground, Dukestown defeated No 68 Turn team by eight wickets. Batting first, No68 were bowled out for 71 off the final ball of their allotted 100 balls.

Jason Hulosie and Wayne Jones top scored with 15 while Tootaram Persaud made 12. Bowling for Dukestown, Jermaine Reid, Clavern Beresford, Wayne Garnett and Boodram Sukhdeo each claimed two wickets for 17, 13, 15 and 4 runs respectively.

In reply, Dukestown raced to 73 for 2 off 8.5 overs with Errol Byass been unbeaten on 21 and Nolan Richards 13 were dismissed by H. Ramsaroop (1 for 10) and A. Deosharran (1 for 16).

No72 All Stars Sports Club playing at home, defeated No70 ‘A’ Spartan to join Dukestown in the Upper Corentyne finals. No70 Spartan reached 135 for 7 from their 100 balls with T. Ramoutar 53, M. Deochand 19, A. Persaud and T. Ragaham 14 reaching double figures.

Pradeep Gobind 2 for 30, T. Baichan 2 for 14 and A. Haimchand 2 for 31 were No 72 All Stars best bowlers.

Needing to score 136 from 100 balls to reach their third successive Upper Corentyne finals, No72 All Stars raced to 137 for 4 in 15.2 overs. S. Singh top scored with 54 and received support from P. Chatterpaul 34 and G. Chatterpaul 17. Omesh Khemraj took 2 for 25 in a losing cause for No70 Spartan.

The Upper Corentyne finals will be played on Sunday 10th of November at the No72 Cut and Load ground.

playoff, both sides said the game was an opportunity to bury the demons of their semi-final losses.

It was also still a test between traditional rivals, with the All Blacks boasting a

All Blacks, were superb as New Zealand built a 35-10 lead early in the second half.

The All Blacks threatened from the outset and scored a fifth-minute try from prop Moody, an example of how

they can play when their ball handling and running into space clicks.

Fullback Barrett extended the lead to 14-0 less than eight minutes later when he took an inside pass from scrumhalf Aaron Smith before Wales had their best period of the match.

Gatland’s side abandoned the dour game they had played against South Africa last week and were prepared to spread the ball wide, with fullback Hallam Amos ghosting on to a long pass after 15 phases to give Wales their first try.

“Our boys never gave up and tried to play some good rugby but probably a game too far for us,” said Gatland.

“I’ve loved my time in Wales but that era’s over now and I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”

Rhys Patchell added a penalty to reduce the gap to 14-10 before Ben

Smith crossed twice, first by fending off Adams and then racing away outside the defenders after a long pass from his scrumhalf, to give the All Blacks a 28-10 halftime lead.

Crotty crossed after another Williams offload two minutes into the second half while Smith added what he thought was a third try, before referee Wayne Barnes called it back for a knock-on earlier in the buildup.

Wales then built back into the game and Adams burrowed over after another sustained and controlled period of play to eclipse Shane Williams’s six-try haul at the 2007 tournament.

“We tried to play a bit but the score probably didn’t reflect that,” said Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones. “I think most of the squad earned their first caps under (Gatland), his legacy is a lot bigger than one game.”

BCB/RHTYSC/Naeem Nasir Memorial Cricket Tournament

J.C Chandisingh Secondary School beat CCHS to lift title THE Area ‘H’ Ground was filled to capacity on Wednesday last with school children as the Berbice Cricket Board/ Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club hosted the 6th edition of the Bakewell sponsored Naeem Nasir Memorial Cricket Tournament.

ing performers in the first round were Guyana junior players, Tameshwar Mohabir, Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall and Abdool Ramsammy.

In the lone semi-finals, Port Mourant were bundled out by JCCSS for a disappointing 26 with the impres-

RHTYSC vice- president Mark Papannah hands over the trophy and prize to JCCSS captain, Jonathan Rampersaud

Six schools participated in the tournament- Berbice High School, Berbice Educational Institute, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, J.C Chandisingh Secondary (JCCSS) and Port Mourant Secondary. The tournament was sponsored by Bakewell in memory of its founder and late Chief Executive Officer, Naeem Nasir.

In the opening round of Matches- Port Mourant Secondary defeated Berbice Educational Institute by nine runs, J.C Chandisingh Secondary cruised past Berbice High School by 19 runs while Corentyne Comprehensive defeated Lower Corentyne by 18 runs.

Among the outstand-

sive Lucas Arthur taking four wickets for two runs, Christopher Deroop 2 for 5 and Pavendra Ganesh 2 for 2.

Jonathan Rampersaud then blasted a quick 20 not out to lead his team to the finals. Corentyne Comprehensive who drew a bye into the finals, won the toss and invited JCCSS to take first strike.

They lost Jonathan Rampersaud and Lucas Arthur early to Darren Brijjader but national junior cricketer Jeremy Sandia battled well to guide them to 70 for 7 from their allotted ten overs.

Sandia ended on 20 not out and received support from Surendra Ramcharitar 12. Kumar Deopersaud took

3 for 7 and Darren Brijadder2 for 16. In reply, needing to score 71 from 60 balls, Corentyne Comprehensive was well set to surpassethe target before Mahendra Gopilall ran himself out for 27.

Needing to score nine runs in the final over, CCHS were only allowed to score three

decided to use schools as part of an effort to develop talent for the future.

Foster as he always does at youth finals, urged the two teams to always say no to drugs, crime, alcohol, suicide, and tobacco. The veteran cricket administrator spoke widely on the importance of

The top three schools pose with their prizes

runs by leg- spinner Surendra Ramcharitar, to the delight of the large group of JCCSS supporters.

Hemendra Gurdyal supported Gopilall with seventeen runs but JCCSS bowled tightly to restrict the scoring rate. Ramcharitar ended with 2 for 4 while Lucas Arthur took 2 for 5 from two overs.

At the presentation ceremony, BCB president and RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the two finalists for entertaining the large crowd with a high-quality match, that was a fitting tribute to the late Bakewell founder.

The tournament for the first five years was played with second division teams but the organisers this year,

education and the need to work hard to achieve success.

He reminded the audience that the late Bakewell founder Naseem Nasir was a strong believer in the power of sports to keep youths away from the fast lane.

Bakewell since its opening has supported youth and sports development and is known for its sponsorship of cricket, football and long tennis.

JCCSS received the winning trophy and a 32inch Television set while CCHS carried home the runner up trophy and a music/PA set. Third place PMSS collected a five-gallon water pitcher while Surendra Ramcharitar copped the Man of the Finals award.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Warner steers Australia to T20 Netherlands beat Ireland by 21 runs in Dubai series sweep of Sri Lanka

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, (Reuters) David Warner capped a brilliant return to form on home soil with a third successive half-century to fire Australia to a seven-wicket victory and a 3-0 series sweep of Sri Lanka in Melbourne on Friday.

Having had a miserable Ashes in England, the hard-hitting lefthander continued his spring-time renaissance with an unbeaten 57 as Australia cruised past Sri Lanka’s modest total of 142 for six in 17.4 overs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground(MCG).

It was Warner’s third unbeaten knock of the one-sided series, having scored 100 in the opener in Adelaide and 60 at the Gabba on Wednesday.

Warner whipped Nuwan Pradeep off his pads for four to bring up the winning runs, a fitting finish to his first international series at home since serving a 12-month ban for ball-tampering.

“On a personal front, it’s good to come out here and churn some runs out,” Warner said after receiving both the player-of-the-match and player-of-the-series awards.

“It’s good to get out in the middle and hit some out of the middle. Hopefully I can keep continuing this

form over summer.”

Warner finished the series with 217 runs at a stratospheric average of 147.00 and now heads into the next three-match

match to attend a family wedding, Australia’s pacemen were again dominant.

Starc and fellow quicks Pat Cummins and Kane

presentation, raising speculation of an injury.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella went to the presentation in his place

Aussies celebrate their T20 sweep of Sri Lanka (Getty)

T20 tournament against Pakistan in ominous form.

Confined to paltry totals of 99 and 117 in the opening two matches, Sri Lanka’s batsmen had a slightly better showing in Melbourne, with Kusal Perera managing 57 off 45 balls.

But with spearhead Mitchell Starc back in the home side after missing the Gabba

Richardson grabbed two wickets apiece and bowled tight lines throughout to keep the Sri Lankan batsmen subdued.

Sri Lanka finished the series with only six wickets from the three matches.

Sri Lanka’s fast-bowling captain Lasith Malinga failed to turn up to the post-match

and played down his absence.

“I think so, I think he must be in the dressing room,” Dickwella said when asked whether Malinga was alright.

“From the game one we didn’t perform to our best, so we end up like this ....

Definitely we learned a lot in this series.”

Vince stars in seven-wicket England T20 win JAMES Vince ensured England began their winter tour of New Zealand on a high with a seven-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 in Christchurch.

Vince struck a fine 59 off 38 balls as England reached a target of 154 with nine balls to spare in Chris Silverwood’s first game as head coach.

Ross Taylor made 44 in New Zealand’s 153-5, with Chris Jordan taking 2-28 and debutant Pat Brown 1-30.

The second game of the five-match series is in Wellington tomorrow.

England, who have rested several first-choice players, made the most of winning the toss, with New Zealand unable to find any fluency with the bat.

Although New Zealand left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner impressed with 3-23, England were always in control of what proved to be a simple run chase.

Vince has been a source of frustration throughout his international career, often criticised for making attractive starts but not converting them into match-winning

scores.

With key players such as Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler missing the T20 series, Vince is among those given a chance to impress before next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

straight six in the 15th over.

However, with 32 needed for victory he tamely chipped a full toss from Santner to Martin Guptill in the deep to end a 54-run partnership with captain Eoin Morgan.

James Vince made his first T20 half-century in England’s victory over New Zealand.

He arrived with England 37-1, after an out-of-sorts Dawid Malan was caught at third man, and looked sharp, driving crisply and offering support to a set Jonny Bairstow.

Vince reached his maiden T20 international half-century from 33 balls and looked as though he would lead England home as he hit strike bowler Tim Southee for a towering

Vince’s dismissal may have briefly raised New Zealand’s hopes but Morgan went on the attack before finishing the match with six over mid-wicket.

Batting was tricky on a slow pitch, but New Zealand were left to rue their sluggish start at the Hagley Oval.

They could muster only seven runs from the opening three overs, with brothers

Sam and Tom Curran taking the pace off the ball.

G u p t i l l ’s u n c o m f o r t able stay was ended when he dragged Tom Curran on, while a mixed Colin Munro innings saw him hit two sixes before being easily caught at mid-wicket.

The hosts stuttered along.

The odd boundary was followed by scrambled singles, and it was not until the 14th over, when Taylor and Daryl Mitchell came together, that there was any urgency in the batting.

Mitchell drove the bowlers straight while Taylor was more leg side, with the two sharing a 56-run partnership until Taylor was well caught by Bairstow in the final over.

The England bowlers simply got to grips with the pitch quicker than the New Zealand batsmen. Brown impressed on debut, using his variations well in the final overs, while Jordan was accurate.

It was a pleasing start for former bowling coach Silverwood, who took over from Trevor Bayliss in October.

(BBC Sport)

IRELAND fell short of their 159-run target as the Netherlands advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup qualifying tournament in Dubai.

Ryan ten Doeschate smashed 43 not out off 25 balls to anchor the latter half of the Dutch innings.

Paul Sterling and Kevin O’Brien shared a half-century stand before O’Brien fell to Roelof van der Merwe.

George Dockrell’s spirited 25 not out came too late to spark an Irish revival The result does not affect either side’s World Cup aspirations, with both having already qualified for next year’s tournament in Australia.

Boyd Rankin was the pick of Ireland’s bowling attack against the Dutch, conceding just 17 runs and taking one wicket in his four overs.

Ten Doeschate arrived at the crease in the 12th over with his side on 71-3, accelerating their score to a reasonable total.

The Irish response was flat after O’Brien’s wicket brought an end to a promising opening partnership, with Gareth Delany and Dockrell the only other batsmen that managed to reach double figures.

The Dutch will face Namibia or Papua New Guinea in the final of the Dubai tournament, with Ireland facing the loser in the third place play-off today. (BBC Sport)

Women’s 10-over feature to form part of PM Softball Cup

WHEN the third edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup concludes tomorrow, two women teams will form part of the day’s exciting programme at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, Georgetown, Factory Price and Wonderwoman XI will battle for supremacy in a 10-over affair with the winners guaranteed $50 000 and the runners-up $25 000. Both teams will also be the recipients of trophies.

The teams will come from: Factory Price: Heema Singh (captain), June Ogle, Janelle Nero, Anisa Persaud, Kavita Yadram, Roxanne DeMonick, Alicea Allen, Akaze Thompson, Nicola Leacock, Tamika Wilson, Cindy Chuna, Sarah Amin, Sherika Edwards.

Wonderwoman: Latoya Smith (captain), Amanda Bobsemple, Zola Telford, Haseena Mohamed, Keri Christian, Monique Benn, Tenesha Trotman, Susan Devanand, Reneka Isaacs, Natasha Daniels, Shemel McDonald, Cherryann Fraser, Joan Vansertima, Dawn Headley.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, November 02, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Courtney Walsh-227 wickets (205 matches) (2) Rashid Khan-131 wickets (68 matches) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) What is the highest individual score made by a WI player in an ODI game to date?

(2) What is the highest individual score made by an Afghan player in an ODI game to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

Benjamin was confident of Invincible Talons FC’s overall victory at District Games CAPTAIN of the victorious Sebai Invincible Talons FC, Marva Benjamin, said that she was confident of an overall victory at the first-ever Matarkai Floodlight Female Football District Games, which concluded early on Sunday morning last at the Fitzburg Ground in Port Kaituma, Region One. “As a captain, I’m always confident of my team.

Coming to this tournament, I believed in my team. I was smelling victory ever since.

Never mind the critics, we (Invincible Talons) will continue to be champions.”

In the two-night competition, organised and promoted by the Port Kaituma Football Foundation (PKFF) in collaboration with National Sports Commission (NSC), the Sebai team played flawlessly.

They got the better of Port Kaituma United FC by a 3-0 margin on Friday evening through goals from Feona Benjamin, Euclin Ashby and Subrina Benjamin.

In the other clash on the

opening night, Oronoque FC whipped Matthew’s Ridge by a 6-0 margin to book a place in the final, which started late on Saturday night.

had made in 3-0 in favour of Talons.

Neither team scored in the second period.

Champions Talons FC

FC, collected $50,000 and two trophies, compliments of GBTI and Jones.

The Talons FC skipper added that her team

Wins for Better Hope, Golden Grove and Enterprise THE East Coast Cricket Board / Elizabeth Styles competition saw a number of teams recording wins last past Sunday as action bowled off across venues on the Coast.

Better Hope vs Mon Repos Sports Club B At Better Hope Community Ground, Better Hope Raptors (BHR) won the toss and elected to bat with Ricknauth Rooplall hitting 35 while Reaaz Mohamed scored 32.

Sebai Invincible Talons FC played flawlessly to an overall victory last weekend

In that clash, the Sebai team dominated. Feona Benjamin, who was later named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition, scored after Marva had found the back of the net. Before the half time whistle, Ashby

pocketed $100,000, along with trophies compliments of GBTI and NSC Director of Sports Christopher Jones, while Feona Benjamin received a pair of football boots donated by Sheliza Boutique.

As runners up, Oronoque

would continue to grow, since many youngsters from Sebai (which is an Indigenous settlement Matarkai Sub District, some 25 miles away from Port Kaituma) love sports and constantly aim to improve their game.

Emotional All Blacks coach Steve Hansen bows out with win

AN emotional Steven Hansen said it was a “privilege” to lead New Zealand after they beat Wales 40-17 in his final game to claim third place at the World Cup. Hansen, who led the All Blacks to victory at the 2015 World Cup, said it was important to “honour the jersey” after the semi-final loss to England.

“It was a tough game for both sides so congratulations to Wales too,” he said.

East Coast Cricket Board / Elizabeth Styles Competition

“We have played good footy all the way through, but you have one bad day and you’re out. That’s knockout footy.”

Hansen ends a 15-year association with the All Blacks, having joined the set-up as assistant to predecessor Graham Henry in 2004.

The 60-year-old took over from Henry in December 2011, just weeks after the All Blacks won the World

Cup on home soil, and has since achieved an 87% win ratio.

He has also won six Rugby Championship titles and four Coach of the Year awards, and the departing coach paid tribute to his players and the supporters as he left his post.

“It was important to honour the fans and put that one last week behind us,” he said.

“I’m really proud of the boys.”

Steve Hansen celebrated with his wife after the match

‘IMMENSELY PROUD’ On a poignant day for the All Blacks, the three-time world champions also said goodbye to stalwart and captain Kieran Read.

The powerful number eight, who has won 127 caps as well as two world titles, said it was “awesome to pull on the jersey” in his final game.

“I’m immensely proud to see a crowd like this,” the 34-year-old said. “The guys appreciate what it means to be an All Black, I love it.

“This jersey means a lot, it’s been part of my life for a long time. You try and leave it in a better place than you found it - that was my aim and hopefully I’ve done it.”

Read still intends to play professional rugby and will join Japanese club Toyota Verblitz on a oneyear deal after the tournament.

He added: “Japan have been great hosts and we thank you for your support.” (BBC Sport)

Hamenauth Dindyal made a half-century for Enterprise

BHR were bowled out for 210 by Mon Repos Sports Club’s ‘B’ Brian Jagmohan who grabbed 4-30 and Vikash Jaikarran 2-39.

In reply MRB were kept to 166 all out in the 34th over despite Ravindra Samaroo hitting three fours and two sixes in his 42 as BHR eventually won by 44 runs.

At Buxton Community Centre Golden Grove Cricket Club B vs Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club Golden Grove Cricket Club ‘B’ (GGB) won the toss and batted first in their 30 overs reduced match. GGB in the 27th over were bowled out for 14 with Cleon McEwan stroking 49 with four fours and three sixes while Solomon Persaud hammered

a quick-fire 33 with five maximums.

Bowling for Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket Club ‘B’ (BCCB), Ryan McKay bagged 6-18. BCCB who could only survive 22 overs were bowled out for 107.

Ganesh Surajpaul was the on batsman who put up a fight scoring 56 decorated with seven fours and three sixes.

Bowling for GGB was led by Richard Woolford 4-21, Randy Lindore 3-23 and Orin Gardner 3-33. GGB won by 38 runs.

Enterprise `Busta’ Cricket Club A vs Golden Grove Cricket Club B Playing at home, Enterprise ‘Busta” Sports Club (A) (ESCA) won the toss and batted first made 219 for 3 in 30 overs as the overs were reduced. Hamenauth Dindyal smashed 56 with 10 fours, Vivian Albert 64 with six boundaries and Pradesh Balkishun 40 including 3 X 4. In reply ESCA made light work of GGA, bowling them out for 88 in the 19th overs with Lawrence Pellew 33 being the lone noisemaker.

Bowling for ESCA, Pradesh Balkishun bagged 3-8 as ESCA won by 131 runs.

Meanwhile, the competition continues tomorrow.

Better-Hope Raptors will clash with Better Hope Cricket Club (B) at Better-Hope Community Centre, Umpire will be Imran Khan.

At Buxton Community Centre Ground, Buxton ‘Carl Hooper’ Cricket Club (A) verses Mon Repos Cricket Club (A) – Umpire Omadat Samaroo will be officiating.

At Enterprise Community Centre Ground, Enterprise ‘Busta’ Cricket Club (B) will host Lowland Cricket Club – Umpire will be Gavin D’Aguiar.

Singh’s 88 helps ...

A new batting order for Guyana saw West Indies opener Chandrapaul Hemraj resuming his role at the top by stroking a confident 39 with three fours and a six as he found some form upon his return from injury.

In-form all-rounder Chris Barnwell, who slammed the top-score in the last game, was again the top-scorer with 41 from 47 deliveries, muscling three big sixes.

Wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble hit 34 while

FROM PAGE 35

franchise player Ramaal Lewis resisted with 39, which proved a bit futile as Nedd and company scythed through the batting order to help their side rebound and square the two-match series.

In all, the pair of matches were testers for the Jags who fielded a different unit from the first game, as to afford players the opportunities to get themselves in gear for the Super50 Cup which bowls off on November 7 in Trinidad & Tobago. (Clifton Ross)

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, November 2, 2019

CWI appoints new Interim team management for Women’s Team

Trophy Stall on board 5th annual Kares Fitness Expo

...Walsh, Griffith named Assistant coaches ST. JOHN’S, Antigua Cricket West Indies (CWI) announces the appointment of a new interim Team Management unit for the West Indies Women’s Team for the upcoming series against India Women. The new management team will be led by interim Head Coach, Gus Logie and interim Team Manager, Evril Betty Lewis.

West Indies legend, Courtney Walsh, joins the team as an Assistant Coach. Walsh, West Indies all-time leading Test wicket taker brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the coaching staff. He was most recently the bowling coach for the Bangladesh Men’s cricket team and has also served as a West Indies selector.

Also joining the management team is former Guyanese fast –medium bowler Rayon Griffith, who most recently acted as an assistant coach of the West Indies Senior Men’s team at the ICC World Cup 2019 and the for international home series against India. Griffith was also assistant coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Interim Head Coach, Gus Logie is embracing the opportunity in his new position and is delighted to have his former teammate Walsh on his coaching staff along with Griffith, saying “ We’ve had some of the best minds and coaches in the region working with the

players. Courtney and Rayon have been working really hard with the ladies at training and we are hoping to see the results on the field.”

Logie also welcomed the new interim manager Evril Betty Lewis, praising the positivi ty and enc o u r agement she has brought to the team since her re -

onto the field of play.”

Courtney Walsh is happy to be working w i t h G u s and the W e s t Indies Women’s team, most of whom he knows quite well a l ready.

Assistant coaches Courtney Walsh (left) and Rayon Griffith

and I was part of a couple of their training camps, so they know me and they’ve seen me around. They know I want the best for them and they appreciate that, so for me it’s a plus coming back into the fold of the women’s team now.”

CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams is pleased with the composition of the team’s technical support unit, “I am confident that our entire support staff, under Gus’ leadership and direction, is capable of driving our women’s cricket forward whilst we begin the search for a permanent Head Coach. Gus has been involved with the program for the past two years and both Rayon and Courtney bring with them a strong working knowledge of what it takes to be successful at the elite level.”

cent appointment.

On her appointment as interim manager, Betty Lewis (as she’s commonly known), draws on her management background and passion and love of West Indies cricket in carrying out her duties. Lewis stated, “As a former career tourism official and Manager of the Barbados Senior Women’s Cricket Team, I am comfortable operating in the critical role as the interim manager of the West Indies Women’s Team. I intend to bring a high level of trust, effective communication and instill a greater sense of purpose, hinged on discipline and professionalism, that the players can transfer

THE WEST INDIES WOMEN TEAM MANAGEMENT UNIT Gus Logie - Interim Head Coach Evril Betty Lewis - Interim Team Manager Courtney Walsh - Assistant Coach Rayon Griffith - Assistant Coach Matthew Parchment Physiotherapist Shayne Cooper - Strength and Conditioning Coach Gary Belle – Team Analyst Amanda Johnson - Sports Psychologist Naasira Mohammed – Team Media Officer.

“My function is to focus a lot more on the bowlers and the cricket in general to get the ladies together. I’m just happy to be able to work with Gus - we haven’t had a chance to be on the same team since we were players and we just want the women to play the type of cricket we know they can play.”

Walsh added, “The ladies have been very warm and receptive and listened to what I’ve got to say. They are not afraid of trying and implementing what I’ve been telling them. I think one of the advantages I have, is that I was involved in women’s cricket before as a selector

No backing down from CCC Marooners despite weakened squad BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Title-holders Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) Marooners will be missing the bulk of their championship-winning squad but have no intention of simply rolling over, when they launch the defence of their Regional Super50 crown next week.

“Fans can expect a team that will play positively and fearlessly, as it looks to defend its title,” said new head coach, Pedro Collins.

“We are the defending champions and we expect everyone to come very hard at us. We have got to be ready for the fight. We have been preparing well.

“There are a lot of changes to the squad from last year – we are missing around nine players from the last set-up – but this means another group of players get an opportunity to showcase their talent, so we are looking forward to a good, exciting tournament.”

Crucially, former West Indies Twenty20 captain Carlos

Brathwaite will lead the side again this year, after missing out on the series against Afghanistan in India also starting next week.

The big-hitting all-rounder, who also bowls steady medium pace, was one of the leading players last year, averaging 53 with

the bat and grabbing 13 wickets.

However, he will have just three players from last year’s unit, with Kyle Corbin, Jonathan Drakes and Ojay Shields the only ones returning.

Collins, who has taken over from Floyd Reifer now in charge

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has returned to lead the Marooners.

of West Indies Emerging Players, concedes there will be pressure in trying to live up to expectations, especially with the plethora of new players.

“There is a lot of pressure.

We are missing the nucleus of last year’s team and it will be tough on the young players, but they appear willing to take on the challenge,” said the former Windies left-arm seamer.

“We have a few practice games and mocked up some game scenarios, and they seem to be hitting the targets. It will be a bit of pressure, but we will work to reassure them that it’s just another game, though it may be tougher than what they may be accustomed to playing.

“This is the ‘big time’ now and they will need to step up. We do not expect miracles, but we want them to be positive and be ready for the challenge.”

As such, much of the responsibility will rest on Brathwaite’s

TURN TO PAGE 31

Event Organiser, Ms. Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves [at left] receives sponsorship from Trophy Stall’s Managing Director, Ramesh Sunich.

EVERY year for the past four years, Trophy Stall has generously sponsored the Guyana Fitness Games, Fitness Expo, and this year is no different.

As Trophy Stall has come on board as a sponsor for the 5th annual Kares Fitness Expo, set to take place this weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the Kares Fitness Expo promises two days of action-packed fitness fun.

The event kicks off today at 17:30hrs with a 30-minute Cancer Awareness Glow Walk that starts at the Genesis Fitness Gym on Durban Street, and ends at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The night continues at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the Soca Zumba Glow Party, led by none

other than the Zumba queen herself, Noshavyah King.

Sunday is known as competition day.

The day starts at 14.00hrs with the exciting Scaled Fitness Challenge and the Teams’ Fitness Challenge. Athletes copping first to fifth place will receive large cash prizes compliments of Kares CrossFit. Then onto the crowd favourite – Strongman competition – at 17.30hrs where you will see athletes from Guyana and Suriname go up against each other for a chance at the Strongman title.

The ‘strongman’ athletes will also be walking away with large cash prizes compliments of Kares CrossFit. Every athlete will walk away a winner. Thanks to Trophy Stall and Kares CrossFit.

Singh’s 88 helps Rest X1 stun Jags in final practice game

H A L F - c e n t u r i e s f ro m Vishaul “Cheesy” Singh and Ronaldo Alimohamed steered the Rest XI to 98run win over the Guyana Jaguars in yesterday’s final practice game played at the Enmore Community

Vishaul Singh led the Rest XI to a commanding win over the Jaguars

Ground.

Taking first strike, the Rest XI bounced back from their loss in the first game to stun the National side; who fielded a new-look side yesterday but will be doing some serious reflecting prior to

their departure in a few days.

Singh, who led the Rest team, stroked a classy 88 decorated with seven fours while a lower-order assault from all-rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed, who clobbered seven fours and two big sixes in his 39-ball 58; were the match-winners with the bat as their side racked up an imposing 288-9 in 50 overs.

Jaguars Franchise player Ramaal Lewis who bagged 2-36 and left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer 2-60; were the main wicket-takers for Leon Johnson’s unit.

The Jags, who batted like champs in the first match were totally the opposite, succumbing heavily to the talents of Windies youth spinner Ashmead Nedd who starred with 4-65 along with seamers Alimohamed (2-27) and Keon Joseph (2-34), who helped keep the national unit to 190-10 in 42.1 overs.

TURN TO PAGE 34

PMT20 Softball Cup

Regal All Stars, SVC and Wellman Masters signal early intentions Page

31

Sachin Singh hit a brilliant 110 for Regal All Stars

Greg DeFranca had the impressive figures of five for 23 and crowned a fine all-round performance by hitting 32.

Jamican women’s international footballer dies after stabbing Page

31

Tarania Clarke played for Jamaica against Nottingham Forest Women in October 2018

Assistant coaches Courtney Walsh

Afghan skipper confident in white-ball game, wants patience in Test Page

31

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan

CWI appoints new Interim team management for 35 Women’s Team Page

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Rayon Griffith

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019