Guyana_Chronicle_11_05_2019

TUESDAY 5th November, 2019

No.105812

APNU floats 70:30 ratio for House seats … proposes President Granger lead list this time around … no agreement on allocation of ministries to AFC

PAGE

03

Over 5000 new registrations, 14 transfers … as GECOM wraps up claims and objections exercise

PAGE

02

Scores turned up at GECOM offices countrywide to ensure they are properly registered for next year’s general and regional elections

Several Sophia NAREI temporarily residences upgraded bans importation of ‘romaine’ lettuce with flush toilets –– due to E.coli outbreak in the US

PAGE

09

… as MoC rolls out sanitation project

PAGE

10

Bandits wounded in shootout with businessman … abandon robbery after 20-minute confrontation

PAGE

11

2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Over 5000 new registrations, 14 transfers … as GECOM wraps up claims and objections exercise

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) wrapped up its Claims exercise on Monday with over 26,000 transactions, even as scores of persons took advantage of the last day to set themselves in order. Information provided by

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward has shown that there were over 5,600 new registrations; over 14,000 transfers; over 2,600 changes or corrections; over 2,400 replacements; over 600 photo retakes and over 500 objections.

Ward said the exercise was the first step by GECOM to ensure the eligible persons are on the Official List of Electors (OLE) in order to be able to vote come March 2, 2020. At a Sheriff Street location, several persons were

Scores of persons capitalise on the last day to make their claims at a Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) office on Sheriff Street seen lined up outside the entrance of one of GECOM’s offices to conduct the various forms of Claims before the 19:00hrs deadline. The benefits of getting registered go beyond voting in the coming elections as, with the eventual issuance of new Identification (ID) Cards, persons will be able to obtain old age pension, secure a driver’s licence or a loan, apply for a passport, obtain police clearance, transact business at the bank or post office, collect National Insurance benefits and more. Citizens now have until November 11, 2019 to make objections about the removal of names on the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

Justice of the Peace Desmond Morian assists Georgetown residents outside the office with his services (Carl Croker photos)

Search intensifies for missing boat captain THE search for a 53-yearold boat captain has intensified, as it is now five days since he went missing while on a fishing trip in the vicinity of the Demerara River, behind the Pegasus Hotel. David Mohan called “Ice box” was last seen on Thursday, October 31, 2019, after he fell overboard from his vessel, into the river during high tide. According to reports

reaching the Guyana Chronicle, at the time Mohan was on his vessel with a crew member and his son on a fishing trip. It is alleged that Mohan had complained about feeling unwell because of his pressure. It is alleged that Mohan’s son tried to grab him before he fell, but failed. Mohan fell out of his boat and the crew members became worried after he did not surface. Relatives launched a

Missing David Mohan called “Ice box” search to find Mohan but they have come up empty-handed. The relatives are hoping that he was rescued and are praying for his safe return.

3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

APNU floats 70:30 ratio for House seats … proposes President Granger lead list this time around

… no agreement on allocation of ministries to AFC By Svetlana Marshall NEGOTIATIONS between the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) for the revision of the Cummingsburg Accord is expected to focus on the formula that would be used to guide the allocation of ministries and seats in the National Assembly. According to reliable sources, during the high-level meeting between President David Granger and the Leader of the Alliance for Change (AFC) last Thursday at State House, the two sides agreed that the AFC would nominate the Prime Ministerial Candidate, in accordance with the existing Cummingsburg Accord. This week, it is expected that the negotiating teams will hammer out a formula for the allocation of seats in the National Assembly, and at the level of the Regional Democratic Councils. Under the old Cummingsburg Accord, which brought the two political parties together as a coalition on February 14, 2015, the APNU was allocated 60 per cent of the seats won by the Government in the National Assembly, while the remaining 40percentwent to the AFC. “Both sides have shifted their starting ratio from 60:40, but no agreement,” the source said. It was the AFC that had proposed that the 60:40 ratio be maintained, but this was reportedly rejected by the APNU during the talks. After numerous rounds of negotiation, the 70:30 ratio is now on the table, but the sides have not yet agreed on a formula. “It’s based on the perceived and real

reduced electoral strength. I think it’s a reasonable argument. My sense is that the AFC acknowledges this, and would settle for a reduced portion of seats,” the source reasoned. Added to that, there is no agreement on allocation of certain ministries to AFC beforehand. APNU and AFC have not agreed on who will lead the list. These are among other issues that would be hammered out over the next couple of days. On Saturday last, AFC held its National Executive Committee (NEC), and endorsed a report and decisions taken by its coalition negotiating team led by its General Secretary David Patterson. Patterson said the NEC provided guidance to assist the negotiating team in finalising agreement on the remaining outstanding items. AFC is hoping to sign off on the revised Cummingsburg Accord by November 10, 2019. Ahead of the negotiation, the APNU and AFC had committed to upholding the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and to ensuring that no agreement or action collides with, or contradicts, the articles of the Constitution. In the existing accord, the parties agreed that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo would chair Cabinet, but later this proved problematic, as according to the Constitution, Cabinet must be chaired by the President, unless he is out of the jurisdiction, or unable to perform the function. The two sides had also agreed to a number of core principles, and committed to the establishment of a system of inclusionary democracy, and the advancement of the country’s Green State Development Strategy, Vision 2040. They also com-

mitted to seeking electoral majorities at the general and regional elections and local government elections, and agreed to select candidates for the aforementioned elections through participatory and transparent processes which guarantee that candidates enjoy the majority of their respective constituencies, and satisfy all legal criteria for election. While the allocation of seats in the National Assembly, Cabinet, Regional Democratic Councils, Municipal and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils would be based on an agreed formula, the two sides have agreed that the prerogative of the President to appoint members of Cabinet and ministers and to assign specific ministerial portfolios is explicitly embodied in the Constitution, and is inviolable. CORE PRINCIPLES Meanwhile, other aspects of the core principles include the cultivation of respectful relations, and that at all times the parties will act collectively in the best interest of the coalition. They also agreed to speak with one voice on issues of public policy; to support a common manifesto; and to issue joint media bulletins and releases on electoral matters. Additionally, the parties have agreed to abide by the principle of collective responsibility in respect of decisions emanating from Cabinet, and to holding common positions on Bills, Motions and Resolutions in the National Assembly. Each party also pledged to inform the other in advance of its inability, at any time,

APNU Leader, President David Granger

to support any measure in the National Assembly. Other areas covered in the core principles are that of the publishing of a joint manifesto comprising 12 broad fields: constitutional reform, good governance, economic growth and development, education improvement, energy sector, environmental protection, indigenous peoples, infrastructural development, international relations, social protection and social cohesion, security and human safety, women, gender equality and youth. The parties agreed to jointly finance their elections campaign, and also to campaign vigorously either on their own or collectively in each contested constituency.

Review of GGMC operations, structure underway ... consultancy team meets with Min. Trotman A TOTAL review of the operations and structure of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, (GGMC), is underway and should be completed by December 31, 2019. On Monday, Jamaica-based AZ Consultancy Firm, which was retained by the GGMC earlier in the year for the exercise, met at the GGMC’s Brickdam office, to provide Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, with an update and work plan. This is being done to ensure that the GGMC is prepared, and is in line with international standards, as Guyana heads into a new era of an oil and gas-based economy. “A general review of our operating procedures, our functions, our structure (is necessary) with the changing sector that we will be going into, I suppose the next decade with the commission (GGMC) has to do some change, we have to reorganise ourselves and we have to make sure that we become efficient with resources

that are available to us” stated GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison. Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Minister Trotman noted that the GGMC has come in for quite a bit of examination in recent times. The minister described the management and staff of the agency as hardworking. However, he noted that “there are always areas in which one could improve.” “Today, they are to give a preliminary report of where things are. I know this agency has come in for quite a bit of scrutiny. I believe that the management and staff of the GGMC are hardworking, wanting to do their best for the country, not pretending that they know everything and getting everything right, and so, we believe that this consultancy will help us to move forward,” Minister Trotman noted. The first official report should be compiled and presented by December 31, 2019. (DPI)

Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Raphael Trotman and Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison during the meeting with the Consultancy team that is here to review the operations and structure of the GGMC

4

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

US begins Paris climate pact exit WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration said on Monday it filed paperwork to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, the first formal step in a one-year process to exit the global pact to fight climate change. The move is part of a broader strategy by President Donald Trump to reduce red tape on American industry, but comes at a time scientists and many world governments urge rapid action to avoid the worst impacts of global warming. Once it exits, the United States - the top historic greenhouse gas emitter and leading oil and gas producer will become the only country outside the accord. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed the step in a Twitter post on Monday and pointed out that the United States had trimmed its emissions here in recent years even as it had grown its energy production. “The U.S. is proud of our record as a world leader in reducing all emissions, fostering resilience, growing our economy, and ensuring energy for our citizens,” he said. The State Department’s letter to United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres starts the clock on a process that will be complete one day

Saturday, NOV 2, 2019

1 4 10 17 22 25 23

D

after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. All the top Democratic presidential contenders seeking to unseat Trump have promised to re-engage in the Paris Agreement if they win. But the withdrawal could leave a lasting mark, said Andrew Light, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute and former adviser to the U.S. climate envoy under Democratic President Barack Obama. “While it serves the political needs of the Trump administration, we will lose a lot of traction with respect to U.S. influence globally,” he said. The Obama administration had signed the United States onto the 2015 pact, promising a 26-28% cut in U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 from 2005 levels. Trump campaigned on a promise to rescind that pledge, saying it would hurt the U.S. economy while leaving other big polluters like China to increase emissions. He was bound by U.N. rules to wait until Nov. 4, 2019, to file exit papers. Trump has already moved, however, to unwind a slew of Obama-era rules limiting emissions - including from the electricity industry, automobiles and the oil and gas drilling sector. A report this year by state attorneys general said

9

11

15

17 26

those rollbacks here could amount to a boost in U.S. carbon emissions of over 200 million tonnes a year by 2025. Teresa Ribera, Spain’s environment minister, said on Twitter that the formal withdrawal - although expected - dealt a blow to the Paris deal. Spain will host the next round of climate negotiations in place of Chile in early December. “I deeply regret this decision, which, no matter how it was announced, is no less worrying,” she wrote. STATE, LOCAL ACTION Environmental groups also slammed the move. “The next president will need to rejoin the accord immediately and commit to the rapid, wholesale clean-energy transformation the climate emergency demands,” said Jean Su, energy director with the Center for Biological Diversity. A report by the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said last year the world had little over a decade to rapidly reduce emissions from fossil fuels use to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees F). Beyond that warming threshold, the planet becomes more likely to see dramatic cascading effects of climate change, from sea-level rise to

1

1

3

6

more frequent intense storms, droughts, floods and heat waves, according to the report. In the absence of U.S. federal leadership on climate change, several Democratic states and municipal governments have sought to apply their own regulations curbing emissions and promoting renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Alden Meyer, director of policy at the Union of Concerned Scientists, said states, cities and businesses representing more than half of the U.S. gross domestic product and population remained committed to the Paris Agreement’s goals. “Unlike the president, these leaders understand that reducing emissions creates jobs and protects local communities, while it is inaction on climate that poses the real threat to prosperity,” he said. Until its formal exit, the United States will continue to participate in negotiations over technical aspects of the agreement, represented by career State Department officials. The United States and China, the world’s two largest carbon emitters, have recently been leading negotiations of the Paris “rule book” that outlines transparency and reporting rules.

7

2

Brazilian state creates task force to protect Amazon tribe from loggers BRASILIA (Reuters) - The government of the Brazilian state of Maranhao set up a police task force on Monday to protect the Guajajara tribe from illegal loggers that killed one of its warriors in a clash over deforestation on their Amazon reservation. Illegal loggers ambushed an indigenous group that was formed to protect the forest and shot dead one of its leaders and wounded another on Friday, the tribe said. It said a logger also died in the shootout. Paulo Paulino Guajajara, or Lobo (which means ‘wolf’ in Portuguese), was hunting inside the Arariboia reservation when loggers opened fire and shot him in the neck. Another Guajajara, Laercio, was wounded in the arm and back but managed to escape. Law enforcement on indigenous reservations is a federal responsibility, but the Guajajara “guardians of the forest” have taken on the task in the absence of federal protection and in the face of increased invasions by armed loggers since right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January. Maranhao Governor Flavio Dino decreed the creation of task force of policemen to protect the Guajajaras and train them in security practices to defend and patrol their reservation, though not firearm instruction. Dino said that given the absence of federal agencies protecting indigenous people in his state, the task force would cooperate in emergencies and in fighting illegal logging on reservation lands. “We take the defense of indigenous rights seriously and want to help. We do not condone ethnocide,” the governor tweeted. Federal Justice Minister Sergio Moro deplored the killing and vowed a thorough investigation in a Twitter post. Federal police were sent to determined the circumstances of the deaths. “Maranhao state understood how the urgency of the situation in view of the federal government’s failure to act, almost in connivance with the attackers by encouraging the invasion of reservations,” said national indigenous leader Sonia Guajajara. Guajajara, head of the pan-indigenous organization APIB, which represents many of Brazil’s 900,000 native people, spoke to Reuters from Europe where she is meeting authorities to explain growing threats to Brazil’s tribes and the forests they inhabit. The Guajajaras, one of Brazil’s largest indigenous groups with some 20,000 people, set up the Guardians of the Forest in 2012 to patrol a vast reservation. The area is so large that a small and endangered tribe, the Awá Guajá, lives deep in the forest without any contact with the outside world.

6

8

9

10 17

NOV 01, 2019

5

6

8 10 21

5

GUYGUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Wanted: Specialised centres for domestic violence victims

A CALL was made on Monday for the establishment of centres countrywide specifically catering to the rescue and needs of battered women, men and children coming out of abusive environments, and for such facilities to be accessible 24/7. Making the call was Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of the United Bridge Builders Mission (UBBM) Bonita Montaque during an interview on the Guyana Chronicle’s television programme, Vantage Point. She said that while there are several shelters in existence here, a specialised facility with well-trained staff and branches countrywide is needed to adequately meet the needs of persons escaping domestic violence and abuse. “I know that the Government of Guyana did open recently a family centre, andthat there are other family centres available and I think a few other shelters,” Montaque said. “However, that family

centre is not accommodating women of domestic violence at this point, based on my official information. As a result, I’m concerned about that… The United Bridge Builders Mission provides safe spaces, however, the magnitude of needs we cannot take off at this time, and so we need to have centres that can accommodate families with children. And that must be an honest discussion,” she added. Montaque said that unlike some shelters, the ones she’s proposing must be available at all times, as it is often in the dead of night or the wee hours of the morning that many find an opening to flee domestic violence and abuse. “Something I see in Guyana that really bothers me,” she said, “is that we work on a 9am-to 4pm, or 8am-to-4pm operation in most instances. So, during the course of the night, services are not readily available, and that’s the most troubling hours of the day… We’ve got to come up with strategies and security mea-

New coconut processing farm for Guyana THE newly-launched Amazonia Expert Services Ltd (AES) will soon be opening up some 700 acres of land for the growing and processing of coconuts therefore providing numerous job opportunities for Guyanese. AES Chairman Dr. Arlington Chesney told the media Monday, on the sidelines of a joint venture signing with Ghana-based Unicon Western Holdings Limited (UWHL), that the project is expected to start-up by early 2020. The company has obtained a 20year lease for land in Wales, on the West Bank Demerara, and is now seeking out a lease for a processing facility which would seek the coconuts being used for its water. Working in collaboration with a Dominican Republic group, AES also hopes to produce desiccated coconut for the country’s industry. “What we’re trying to do is to find innovative projects that will help the countries,” Dr. Chesney explained. “The coconuts aren’t going to be here for another two years, so we have to phase the cash growth requirements,” he said. AES also plans to develop a greenhouse facility which

would produce high-quality food to supply the off-shore oil operators and the country. A “spin-off relationship” with selected farmers will come from this project, whereby they will be employed to benefit from the initiative. The company will also be utilising other parts of the coconut to develop other useful byproducts for the gardening and lawn industry.

AES’ Dr. Arlington Chesney talking about plans for the proposed coconut processing farm on Monday “We already have some contracts, but that’s down the road,” Dr. Chesney said, adding: “If we do the desiccated coconuts, then that will come in a little faster.” At peak, he stated, some 45 workers will be employed.

CEO and Founder of the United Bridge Builders Mission Bonita Montaque sures to be in place to provide services, so that if a woman wants to run at one o’clock, she has that. If a man wants to run, he has that support; and

if a child wants to run, they have that support. We cannot be closing shop at 4 and 5 o’clock.” In 2018, the Guyana Police Force, between January 1 and March 31, dealt with 484 cases of domestic violence, which was a 100 per cent increase to what obtained during the corresponding period the previous year. Meanwhile reported incidents of domestic violence by an intimate or previous intimate partner rose from 74.8 per cent in 2011 to 89 per cent in 2017, with females accounting for over 80 per cent of the victims. But even with specialised centres and 24/7 service, Montaque believes that that’s nowhere near what she has in mind. For starters, she sees the need for such facilities to be equipped with well-trained staff who will not add to the

mental abuse possibly experienced by a victim. “It’s like sending a child from a battered environment into a next battered environment,” she explained. Montaque is also advocating for the provision of additional support for local government and non-government organisations which are often first-responders in fighting against the issues. She is calling for the putting aside of politics and other factors which may influence or hinder the development of such an initiative. The Government of Guyana has worked over the past years to strengthen legislative framework for childcare and protection; intensified efforts to eradicate domestic violence nationally through the Ministry of Social Protection. Just last month, President David Granger stated that protecting

persons from abuse and violence is job for citizens as a collective. “We’re going to turn the culture of violence. Some people do not understand that violence was embedded almost in our relations during the first decade of this century. People felt that the only way to resolve a dispute was by violent means — a gun or a knife. We have to move away from that and train our children better in church and in school, in the masjid and the mandir, and let them know that there are ways of resolving controversies without murder,” he said. Come November 25 to December 10, Guyana will join the rest of the world in the observance of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with hopes of bringing about positive institutional and behavioural change.

CDB gives US$350,000 in grant funding to cultural projects BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Nov. 4, CMC – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has approved US$350,000 for four projects that are geared at increasing cultural collaboration and improving the enabling environment for culture and the creative arts in the region. The funding came under the Enabling Environment grant stream of the Bank’s Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF). The Enabling Environment Grant finances interventions to support projects and programmes that focus on improving the business climate for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the cultural industries. One of our goals with CIIF is establish communities of practice. We know that for MSMEs, collaboration is a key driver for success as it creates ways to amplify the abilities and increase the resources available to everyone. So we’re pleased that many of our grant recipients are working on projects which will facilitate participation and impact beyond the boundaries of the countries where they are based,” said Lisa Harding, the CDB’s Coordinator of MSME Development . One such project is the animation initiative, A Model for Caribbean Collaboration: The Animation Industry, which is the result of a partnership between the Jamaica Promotion Corporation (JAMPRO), Animae Caribe and TT Film Co.

The US$100,000 grant will finance value chain mapping, identification of gaps and best practices and harmonisation of training across the Region. Five educational institutions – the University of Trinidad and Tobago, George Mason University, Barbados Community College, University of London and the Carnival Institute of Trinidad and Tobago – will be working together to deliver the Pan Fellowship Programme, another recipient of an Enabling Environment Grant. The programme will see a curriculum being developed for 12-month undergraduate and two-year certificate programmes that focus on cultural context as a key consideration in both performance and instruction of the steel pan. The programme received a grant of US$90,000. Another grant recipient is a multi-country carnival development initiative from Export Saint Lucia and is entitled ‘Branding and Commercialisation of Carnival in Saint Lucia, Dominica and Grenada’. The project includes an industry assessment and gap analysis, development of the intellectual property aspect of a policy framework and the development of a strategic and action plan inclusive of brand development toward the sustainability of the industry. The initiative received a grant of US$30,000. The fourth grant recipient is ‘Fahina: Re-branding the Creative Industry of Maya Women in Belize’, a

fashion industry project from the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management, Belize National Institute of Culture and History (NICH), Belize Tourism Industry Association. This project which received a grant of US$130,000 will provide a source of economic empowerment to Mayan women, innovating new designs, developing cul-

turally appropriate branding and creating digital platforms to access and integrate Mayan creative products into the global marketplace. CIIF was established in 2017 with an initial US$2.6 million in capitalisation from CDB. It is intended to be a multi-donor fund, which will support the development of the creative industries sector in the Caribbean.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Voting is your right; use it THE Guyana Elections Commission yesterday wrapped up one of the pivotal preliminary exercises before Elections Day: The Claims and Objections period. Despite the very many issues that arose during this exercise, GECOM persevered and was able to conduct this aspect of its pre-elections work relatively smoothly and without any major incident. Information released by GECOM on Monday stated that some 26,300 transactions were completed as of November 3, 2019. This include 5,636 new registrations; 14, 474 transfers; 2,639 Changes/ corrections; 2400 replacements; 651 photo retakes and 500 objections. During the exercise, GECOM operated out of 29 offices across the country, along with several other temporary offices. Now that this exercise is over, barring any extension, Guyanese can turn full focus on Election Day, a time when our nation comes together to elect a government and president who will represent us on the global stage for the next five years. We will elect a leader that will stand for our rights as citizens, students, employees and employers. We will elect a leader that will, hopefully, keep their promises. It is a big decision, and this election marks a pivotal point in our nation’s history. Currently, although there are many, there are two very distinct paths our country will choose from,

and it is more important than ever to cast a vote in this election. Voting is the opportunity to contribute to the political process, and the system was created to work best when everyone participates. Therefore, using your right to vote is not just an addition to the voter turnout statistics; your vote actually matters. We live in a democracy; a system of government in which the entire population participates. So, participate! The right to vote was fought for through blood, sweat and tears. It is a right that ought not to be taken for granted or ignored. It is a right that allows every eligible citizen the opportunity to vest privilege in a person and group he/she thinks can best represent and articulate his/her interest. It is a right that carries tremendous power, through which the voter can hire a representative, fire that representative, and exercise the responsibility of ensuring that that representative accounts for the management of citizens’ affairs and the nation’s resources. Voting, therefore, is a sacred duty and must be cherished. To cherish the vote is to turn out and vote, and thereafter remain vigilant in the political processes to ensure that promises made are kept, involvement in the management and decision-making on matters that impact the well-being of self and community is guaranteed and respected. To not vote is to deny oneself the opportunity to

influence the course of direction impacting one’s life and community. Man lives in a political association. By this it means decisions affecting one’s life have political implications, from the womb to the tomb. It’s a political decision that informs laws and policies with regard to the right to life and where death occurs; the right for one’s earthly remains to be disposed of consistent with specific standards. Where death has occurred under questionable circumstances, the deceased is entitled, through the Coroner’s Act, to an inquest. During one’s lifetime, political decisions will inform the making of laws, conceptualisation and execution of policies and programmes which will impact on quality of life, inclusive of whether there is respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. These include the right to freedom of association, freedom of speech, and sharing of ideas and information, healthcare, education, ownership of property, the right to a safe and secure environment, work (jobs/economic opportunities), and protection from discrimination. Political decisions inform quality and equitable infrastructural development and resource management, inclusive of the environment. Where government in our country is representational when a citizen exercises the right to vote by casting a ballot, it becomes a corresponding right to question

and propose ideas to elected officials since they are acting on your behalf. This is one of the basic elements in the thrust towards realising good governance. Good governance requires that citizens stay engaged throughout the process and elected officials responding to the desires of the community within the confines of the law. Recognising the presence of representative democracy, good governance necessitates servant-driven leadership, which entails constant and sustained response to the needs of citizens. When a voter gives up the right to vote, it is tantamount to relinquishing an important act in determining who ought to be the leaders in the community. More so, the refusal to discharge this sacred duty bears the consequences of having to live under conditions and in circumstances not befitting of your desire. A vote also places persons of choice in leadership positions to make and administer laws that can bring about economic opportunities, bring about equality, improve infrastructure, security and the environment, and manage your towns and neighbourhoods free of corruption. To vote is to have a voice and the right to demand thereafter that the voice be heard, and elected leaders act in accordance with the laws of the community and the desires of the people. Voting is a sacred duty, and all eligible voters are called upon to exercise it.

Jagdeo leaving no stone unturned –to disrupt elections processes Dear Editor, REFERENCE is being made to the November 4, 2019 Stabroek News’ (SN) article quoting Jagdeo as saying, “Parliamentary democracy ‘collateral damage’ in gov’t’s efforts to overturn no-confidence vote”. A violation of the Constitution of Guyana cannot be explained away as collateral damage, according to Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo. It is a deliberate and willful violation of the law, and disrespect for the nation’s highest decision-making forum. Mr. Jagdeo is wrong, and he must not be allowed to hoodwink Guyanese and the international community into believing that

his failure to uphold the Constitution and the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) can be explained away as collateral damage. Nobody sets out to do collateral damage; it is incidental. What Mr. Jagdeo had set out to do is violate the Constitution when he declared, in bombastic fashion, that he is not going back to parliament. This is open contempt and disregard for the highest-decision making forum of the land, and whereas he has demonstrated a willingness to hold others accountable to the law, he is demonstrating, when it comes to him and the PPP, that the law does not apply to them. This is another dualism in society where the PPP’s bad is good, and others good

is bad. True to form, they always seek to justify their wrong by spinning lies as facts. The media and others in society must hold them accountable. Article 106 of the Constitution still allows the government to function. There is no excuse for parliament not to reconvene. None whatsoever. Item 7 in the CCJ’s July 12 Judgement expressly states: “Article 106 of the Constitution invests in the President and the National Assembly (and implicitly in GECOM), responsibilities that impact on the precise timing of the elections which must be held.” Any failure on the part of the National Assembly to give effect to its responsibility means that the date for the election would not

be constitutionally declared, thereby creating conditions to challenge the results. Mr. Jagdeo is leaving no stone unturned to disrupt the elections processes, and should the results not favour his party, he will challenge same on the ground that it was not constitutionally determined, i.e. the two-third votes needed in the House to have the election held at “such longer period” outside of the “within three months” as per Article 106(7). There is no doubt he would have thought about this, and is leaving the door open to challenge the constitutionality of the elections, should the result not find favour with him. He is, in every nook and cranny, seeking ways and means to disrupt, even at times when there is nothing to disrupt. He is not playing by the rules, and cannot be trusted. It would be a detriment See page 7

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Toxic chemicals like parquait absolutely need to be banned Dear Editor, THE Caribbean Voice is thrilled that the Pesticides and Toxic Control Board (PTCB) is planning to discontinue the use of all pesticides and toxic chemicals in Guyana. It is the hope of The Caribbean Voice that politics will not get in the way of this plan. As has been pointed out by TCV and other stakeholders, toxic chemicals like parquait absolutely need to be banned. And while promoting reduced pesticide use and more organic farming, the Ministry of Agriculture should also be aware that there are a set of pesticides, known as ‘organic pesticides’, that are being used to replace the toxic poisons. These ‘organic pesticides’ occur naturally. For example, spinosad, comes from the soil bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinose; it can fatally scramble the nervous systems of insects. It’s also poisonous to mollusks. Synthetic compounds can also make it onto the list of safer pesticides, if they are relatively nontoxic combinations

that include minerals or natural elements, such as copper or sulfur. But some naturally-occurring substances such as nicotine and arsenic are off limits. While farmers are being weaned off toxic chemicals and assisted in engaging in organised agriculture, they can still have access to the ‘organic pesticides’. The use of these far less toxic chemicals would mean that suicides by ingestion of pesticides can be reduced significantly, since the chances of survival for those who ingest such pesticides would be much greater, especially if immediate action is taken. As TCV had previously pointed out, UWI toxicologist Dr. Verroll Simmons has emphasised that such measures do exist. Thus, the Ministry of Agriculture should offer training that would pass on, to farmers especially but others as well, these tips that can increase the chances of saving the life of anyone who ingests pesticides. Also, the ministry should expand its programme for safe usage and storage of pesticides across Guyana, and

Jagdeo leaving ... From page 6

to this nation if the willful violation of the Constitution is allowed to happen. We must hold the David Granger administration accountable that Mr. Jagdeo and fellow PPP Members of Parliament not be allowed to be in breach of the law. The concentrated focus on how the PPP can take the reins of power by any means possible, even if it means abrogating their constitutional responsibility and undermining the Constitution of the country, must not be countenanced. As recent as August, after the CCJ ruling, the Chief Justice (CJ), in her court, reportedly expressed that “we are supposedly in a period of an extension for the timeframe for holding elections, but that extension has not been agreed on” (KN August 3, 2019- ‘Elections date long gone- Chief Justice’). In said article, the CJ is quoted directly as saying, “We are still waiting on the National Assembly to meet.” SN, on October 7, reported Basil Williams wrote Anil Nandlall about returning to Parliament, and his response was the PPP will not be returning (See “No going back to Parliament - Nandlall says in reply to Williams”). President Granger noted as much in a later interview with SN. We the people must not allow the flagrant violation of the Rule of Law, for such carry dire consequences for the sovereignty of the nation and welfare of all its people. The Constitution and Laws of Guyana do not only apply to the government; it applies to the

opposition, and all of us. Government should take note of what the Opposition is saying; that they have the numbers for the quorum and is not sitting. This notwithstanding, where the Opposition is chair of critical parliamentary committees such as Natural Resources, Public Accounts and Constitutional Reform, they are not working yet shouting that government must do this and that, or is not doing this or that. The legislature is the place where the Government is held accountable to the people, and it must be allowed to work. Something is morally reprehensible about these MPs who, according to the Clerk of the National Assembly, have received their salaries and benefits each month. For months they have refused to work, yet they continue to stretch out their long hands to receive. Reference is often made to Karl Marx’s parasitical class. Mr. Jagdeo’s behaviour as Leader of the Opposition shows his willingness and predatory instincts to benefit, even from society’s downfall. That is parasitic. The National Assembly is out of recess, and must be convened to give meaning to the CCJ ruling, the constitutionality of the election date, and ensuring government functions. Regards, Lincoln Lewis

seek the partnership of sawmillers, timber merchants and construction companies to ensure that storage cupboards are available at affordable prices for farmers across the nation. Businesses and international agencies may also be willing to offset costs, or even donate the storage cupboards.

The World Health Organisation did collaborate with Sri Lanka in implementing a suicide prevention programme that included distribution of such storage receptacles. Sincerely, The Caribbean Voice

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Think about what’s between your two ears Dear Editor, DO you ever think about what’s going on in the three pounds of tissue inside your skull that sits on the top of your neck? The human brain is composed of 75 per cent water and 60 percent fat. Who knew that? The human brain has 86,000,000,000 (86 billion) neurons! Crikey! The brain is miraculous! The brain is so astounding that it gets its own annual Brain Awareness Week in March. Bravo to the brain Celebrate your cerebellum and cerebrum. Love your lobes. Nurture your neurons. The Global Council on Brain Health is a collaboration of scientists, health professionals, scholars and policy experts from

around the world that work in areas of brain health related to human cognition. Shazam! “The brain is the most complex of the human body. This three-pound organ is the seat of intelligence, interpreter of the senses, initiator of body movement, and controller of behaviour. Lying in its bony shell and washed by protective fluid, the brain is the source of all qualities that define our humanity. The brain is the crown jewel of the human body.” www. ninds.nih.gov. Are you getting brain strain from too much stress? We only get 168 hours per week to do everything we want and need to do. That’s it. So, stop trying to squeeze so many activities into your week. “We live our lives as if they were one big

emergency! We often rush around looking busy, trying to solve problems, but in reality, we are often compounding them,” wrote Richard Carlson, author of the book, ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’. Calm down your brain strain. Are you getting brain drain from too little sleep? Study after study shows that getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night is necessary for memory, learning, and focusing. So, stop guzzling caffeine and get your zzzs. Did you know that falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury overall, particularly in older adults and young children? Brain Check-Up Take an Online self-assessment (no cost) by the Cleveland Clinic at www. healthybrains.org. You will get your

personal Brain Health Index (BHI) Score, Individual Pillar Scores, Brain Health Guide, Memory Score, Dashboard, and Recommendation and Tips Designed For You. Your Brain Health Index is a measurement of lifestyle choices that contribute to your overall brain health. Results are based on your answers. Good news—I am not showing signs of dementia. FYI: Shopping is not considered a cardio exercise—unless you jog from store to store. How are your treating your magnificent brain? You only get one brain in this lifetime, so treat it with safety and respect. Regards, Melissa Martin, Ph.D

Maybe it’s the truth, as expressed by our slogans – that hurt GuySuCo Dear Editor, OUR Unions, the GAWU and the NAACIE, have seen a letter penned by GuySuCo which appeared in the November1, 2019 edition of the Kaieteur News. We saw too, some sections of the letter appearing in a report published in the November 2, 2019 edition of the Stabroek News. The GuySuCo begins its letter, charging that our Unions were engaged in insincere representations. While the Corporation failed to really qualify what

it meant, it appeared that the GuySuCo, rather than acknowledging our expressions, has apparently decided to treat them insincerely and possibly with contempt and derision. This is saddening, if true, and speaks to the esteem in which the Corporation holds its workers. It appears that the GuySuCo prefers us to meekly stand at the sidelines while the workers are disadvantaged and pushed into poverty. Just recently, the Corporation criticised the GAWU for supporting workers during a protest action at Blairmont Estate, though the workers stood on

most principled grounds. We hasten to add that the GuySuCo workforce is not confined to the field, factory and offices, but extends to the managerial cadre as well. As we told the Corporation officials at our truncated October 29 engagement, the expressions we shared were also being whispered in closed quarters by the managerial personnel. They, like their non-managerial colleagues, are hard-pressed at this time, as they, too, are being crushed by the heavy increased costs of living. Several managerial personnel told us that they were supportive of the recent petition of the sugar workers, which was addressed to President David Granger. Some even wished they could have appended their signatures, but were obviously reluctant to do so, given their position in the Corporation, and the real threats to their jobs. The GuySuCo says that our expressions could not have been displayed “… within the Corporation’s premises”. What the Corporation refrained from saying is that it ranted, sometimes in an intimidating manner, that the meeting was being held on private property, and our Unions were almost demanded that we should put away our expressions. Our Unions pointed out then, and strongly hold, that GuySuCo is State-owned and thus we were on the Guyanese people’s and not any private property. Moreover, as far as we know, our right to Freedom of Expression did not stop at the Corporation’s gate or doorway. Certainly, the rights and freedoms we enjoy, and which were won out of struggle, must apply at all times. The State-owned company contends that our expressions saw the engagement

“…being held under duress…” We hasten to wonder how this is so. Duress, we should remind the GuySuCo, regards a situation whereby there is compulsion, coercion, or pressure to do something. Our Unions cannot see how the displaying of slogans to the GuySuCo qualifies as duress. In fact, at no time, did anyone from the Unions utter a word. We were not disruptive or disrespectful as we displayed our slogans. We remained in our seats listening attentively to presentations. To charge our Unions, unwittingly, is misguided and clearly an impertinent reaction. The sugar company said that it “…was not given the opportunity to share essential information with the Unions and their delegations as it intended on the Corporation’s production, financials, marketing outlook, perspectives and plans towards growth and sustainability of the Industry”. While the Corporation says this, it, so far, has not released certain information that has been requested of it, though it received our request over a month ago. The data requested is not unusual, and has previously been shared with the Unions. We are at a loss to understand the seeming denial, and it appears that the information sought maybe eye-opening. Nevertheless, our Unions did not prevent or obstruct the Corporation from sharing the information it was intent on disclosing. Maybe it is the truth, as expressed by our slogans, that hurt the GuySuCo, a truth they could not withstand. Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary – GAWU

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

NAREI temporarily bans importation of ‘romaine’ lettuce –– due to E.coli outbreak in the US

THE National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has temporarily restricted the importation of “romaine lettuce” amidst an outbreak of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the United States of America (US). NAREI will not be issuing import permits, and will be recalling all permits which were issued within the past three months for ‘romaine’ lettuce. Romaine, or cos, lettuce is a variety of lettuce that grows in a tall head of sturdy dark green leaves with firm ribs down their centres. The Institute, in a press statement, said on Monday that the restriction will be removed when Guyana is notified by the US’ Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that there is no threat to the ‘romaine’ lettuce. E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the gut of warm-blooded organisms. Most strains of E. coli are not harmful, but are part of the healthful bacterial flora in the human gut. However, some types can cause illness in humans, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes vomiting. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), some strains of the bacteria, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe foodborne disease. It is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of contaminated foods, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products, raw milk, and contaminated raw vegetables and sprouts. According to a recent report in the Washington Post, a previously undisclosed E. coli outbreak linked to ‘romaine’ lettuce, sickened nearly two dozen people between July and

early September. The report stated that illnesses associated with the outbreak infected 23 people across 12 states from July 12 to September 8, according to the FDA. No patients died of their illnesses. Over the past few months, there have been efforts geared at protecting the local market by regulating the importation of agricultural commodities and regulated articles. NAREI had said that it will clamp down on persons who are importing agricultural commodities and regulated articles without a permit. “In the past, persons were importing without permits, and we have thought about it…We would have given persons time to comply with the law, but we have decided that it is time to clamp down,” said NAREI Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) Brian Sears in a past report. NAREI had issued a notice which advised the public that the importation of agricultural commodities and regulated articles, including fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants and plant parts, timber and timber products and so forth require an import permit as stipulated by the Plant Protection Act #9 Part III: Imports. “Failure to have the requisite permit prior to importation will result in legal actions being taken against defaulters, including the confiscation of imported commodities, as well as the imposition of penalties, fines and imprisonment for the offence as per the legislation,” said the Institute. Sears said the Institute had found that the importation of agricultural commodities was prevalent in border communities such as Lethem

and Berbice, where the smuggling of goods is pervasive.

The ‘romaine’ variety of lettuce which has been temporarily banned here

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Several Sophia residences upgraded with flush toilets … as MoC rolls out sanitation project By Tamica Garnett

SEVERAL pensioners are among beneficiaries of a sanitation project currently being carried out by the Ministry of Communities (MoC) Sanitation Management Unit, which sees a number of septic tanks and flush toilet facilities being built for some 30 residents within the community. “We’re more comfortable, more relaxed and the environment is healthier, so it’s very good. I had it in mind to get it but circumstances, so when it was advertised I made an application and I’m happy that I was successful,” 80-year-old Anthony Bancroft, who lives in Sophia with his wife and three children told the Guyana Chronicle. Bancroft’s household is among the 30 beneficiaries that benefited from the project. Bancroft has been living in Sophia some 10 years now. MoC Sanitation Management Unit Senior Engineer, Shafeek Ali, explains that the

project is an extension of an earlier project whereby the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) had constructed a number of the septic tank facilities and water treatment plants under the IDB funded “Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Improvement Program”. “It’s what we call “on site waste water treatment”. The ordinary person would refer to it as a septic tank. The GWI as part of their IDB funded project would have had to upgrade 1000 pit latrines to septic tanks, but they would’ve had 150 persons from Sophia that they could not have constructed for because of the availability of funds. So the Ministry, because we are prompting proper sanitation, decided to take up the mantle and construct for those persons that they could not have constructed for,” Ali explained. I feel happy Also among the recipients was 75-year-old Indroutie Looknauth, who could not contain her joy to finally be upgraded to a proper system.

“It is very good I feel happy about it because I’m a big woman I’m 75 years. I was so happy when I hear. It is wonderful that they do it, I am happy that they do it because I had pit latrine in the yard and when it full you got problem, you got to think about making a next one, but now this is permanent,” Looknauth conveyed. Having applied under the GWI programme and not getting through, Looknauth thought she would never have been able to get the facility, so she was grateful that the government decided to step in for those who did not get. Looknauth shared that over the years struggling financially had made it difficult for her to find the necessary funds to build the facility, notwithstanding her need for one. “I had financial problem, I was a single parent and I was working as a domestic worker. Is my son apply for me, he seh mommy leh we apply for it,” she shared. The cost per unit varies for differ-

One of the septic tank and toilet units under construction in Sophia

The septic tank and toilet unit built in Sophia ent households, however Ali crease in sanitation will help country, to bring them up to says altogether the units are us achieve our Sustainable par with the new standards an average cost of $600,000 Development Goal (SDG) that we have in place. One per unit. Six, which talks about access of the simple changes for ex“These septic systems to universal sanitation. So it ample they have removed the included the two chambers is that what we’re actually vent pipes on the septic tanks septic tank, filter box, a toilet looking at, at this time,” Ali because it encourages the and a hand washing sink, so said. breeding of mosquitos. Also it’s a complete system for The project is also part of the septic tanks are an anaerwhat we would term high the Unit’s push to bring about obic process, which means risk, low income individu- awareness of new septic tank it occurs in the absence of als, persons who could not building standards that have oxygen, so if you have a vent have constructed it on their been implemented by the pipe on the system you’re own. Currently we have five Guyana National Bureau of introducing oxygen into the contractors in Sophia and Standards (GNBS). system and the microorganthey’re constructing a total “Recently the GNBS ism cannot function how they of 15 septic tanks. After that would’ve updated the septic should.” first phase we will go into the tank code and it gives various Ali highlighted that the second one to look at another specifications like you need project also comes with a 15. Given our budget con- to have minimum two cham- number of criteria that ensure straints we will have to wait bers and a filter box. The pur- that the citizens from within until next year to continue pose of that would’ve been Sophia also benefit from with the rest,” he said. birthed out of a workshop employment in the exercise. Proper sanitation held in Antigua in 2017,” Ali “The contractors are local The MoC started work explains. individuals from right within in mid-October and it is ex“A lot of persons, the Sophia, spread across all five pected to be completed by the contractors, would’ve been fields from A – E and they end of November. The MoC building the septic tanks would be employing local decided to take on the project incorrectly. So, apart from personnel from Sophia also. as a part of the department’s these septic systems we’re So it’s not only improvwider programme on the pro- constructing in Sophia, the ing the sanitation situation motion of proper sanitation in ministry is also conducting in Sophia but also providall areas. waste water training and sol- ing some amount of em“It is hoped that at the id waste training in the local ployment for locals in the end of the project the in- democratic organs across the area,” Ali said.

Man sentenced and fined for possession of illegal gun and ammunition MAGISTRATE Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, on Monday November 4, 2019, sentenced a man to two years’ imprisonment and fined him $50,000 on gun and ammunition charges. Kevin Bruce called ‘Banky’ made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced for the two offences

he pleaded guilty to, with explanation. Particulars of the first charge stated that, on September 26, 2019, at East La Penitence Police Station, he had, in his possession, 10 live rounds of .32 ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence. The second charge stated that, on the same day and at

the same place he had a .32 Taurus Pistol when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus sentenced Bruce to two years in prison on each charge and ordered that the sentences run concurrently, and fined him $50,000. According to information, on the day in question, around

00:10 hours, Constable Benjamin and other ranks from the East La Penitence Police Station, having received a complaint about an unknown male being in a yard where he doesn’t live, went to the yard and saw Bruce exiting from the southern side, in the dark, with a bag on his back. When Bruce saw the police, he began to run and the police gave chase,

caught and arrested him. It was also reported that Constable Benjamin told Bruce he wanted to conduct a search and Bruce refused and pushed him. The police then put Bruce into the vehicle and drove to the East La Penitence Police Station. As they exited the vehicle, the police observed Bruce placing his hand in the area of his crotch.

Bruce pulled out a gun and pointed it in the direction of the police. The police ordered Bruce to drop the gun but he refused. The police became fearful and a firearm was discharged in Bruce’s direction. Bruce dropped the gun which was picked up by the police and Bruce was charged.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Bandits wounded in shootout with … abandon robbery after Corentyne businessman 20-minute confrontation By Nafeeza Yahyah A GROUP of bandits on the Corentyne, early Monday morning, abandoned a robbery in the home of a businessman after they came under heavy gunfire, with one of them being wounded by their intended victim in a 20-minute ordeal that ended when they beat a hasty retreat. At around 0:45 hours, businessman Gurdiyal Balram called ‘Old Dog’ of Lot 46, Number 59 village, said he was awakened to what sounded like a gunshot, followed by dogs barking then the sounds of walking on his shed. Less than a minute later, he heard another gunshot and the shattering of glass followed by another shot and loud banging. The banging sound Balram heard was that of a group of approximately six men hitting his concrete wall with a sledge hammer while shooting indiscriminately in his house as well as out in the streets. “I realised they were try-

ered weapons. He related that he returned fire and he heard one of the men crying out in pain and he saw them retreating. As the men retreated, they kept firing shots. Eventually, they left and were seen heading north towards the backlands in the street opposite the home. According to Balram, the men managed to scale his fence and onto a shed then shooting the glass encasement of the back veranda and shattering the lights before breaking an approximately three-foot opening in the concrete wall to gain entry into the building. During this time, some other men tried to gain entry via a bathroom window but found it grilled and started to shoot at it, hoping to get in. Around the opening in the concrete wall, there were blood stains. The businessman expressed disappointment in the Skeldon Police Station as he called them from the moment the men started to break the wall but got no response. So

One of the bullet holes that pierced the bedroom ing to break the wall so I waited in the hall behind a chair firing a couple of shots in the direction where they were hitting,” Balram related to the Guyana Chronicle. He continued that the men eventually managed to break a section of the wall and entered despite him shooting in their direction. As he exchanged gunfire with the bandits, they kept shouting that they will end his life if he did not stop shooting. “They saying we will kill you… if you nah stop shooting.... Because the lights were off, they could not see me or know where to go, so them shooting all the time like about 20 shots inside and then outside you hearing shots too,” the business related. The businessman continued that as he put up a resistance, two men entered the house through the opening and began to fire shots with what sounded like high-pow-

he called a friend who drove to the station to find only one rank present who explained that the telephone was not working. The approximately 20-minute ordeal ended when the police patrol with his friend showed up some 30 minutes later. The businessman posited that had the police responded since the initial call, they may have been able to catch the men on the scene. SECOND ATTACK Meanwhile, Balram related that Monday’s was the second attack on his family who are still reeling from the last attack some five years ago. During that incident, his son, then 15, was shot in the back and is still paralysed. He had, prior to that incident, sought an upgrade to his firearm licence to protect his family but was denied. He again applied in 2017

Businessman Gurdial Balram and, to date, is waiting. “If I had a shotgun I could have killed a couple of them. I am a licensed firearm holder for over 15 years now and don’t have any issues regarding same, so I am appealing to the authorities to please grant me the upgrade because I can protect my family better.” The businessman said despite his son being paralysed and living overseas, he is a patriotic Guyanese and chose to stay and invest in his country but is seeking help to ensure his family’s safety and is appealing to the authorities to kindly heed his plea. At the time of the incident, Balram, his wife, two daughters ages 5 and 24, along with an 11-year-old male relative were at home. The room belonging to the young adult, which is situated next to the bathroom, was riddled with several bullets piercing the wooden wall and being lodged in her room. She related that during the ordeal, the wall kept vibrating as she hid under the bed. Balram’s wife, Navita Mangal, said had it not been for her husband’s bravery, the outcome could have been different. She said during the ordeal, she held the two younger children in her arms and hid in the front room, trying her best to remain calm and assured them everything will be okay. “I’m still shaking on the inside right now, words cannot explain how I am feeling. This is the first time I ever felt these emotions and I don’t want to again. I had to be brave for the kids because they were crying and trembling but I was so scared, but thank God for my husband who lie on the floor behind the chair and fight them off. I don’t know what would have happened.” The police removed the CCTV footage from the home and took it to the station for analysis as the investigation continues. The bandits left empty handed following the shootout.

The home of the Berbice businessman that was attacked by armed bandits

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Ministry of Communities awaits recommendations from coconut waste study … as gov’t seeks permanent solution to issue of waste dumping

THE Ministry of Communities Sanitation Management Unit is still pursuing a permanent solution to the issue of coconut waste, both in the Pomeroon River and in the city, and is currently awaiting the recommendations coming out of a recent study conducted. The Issue of coconut husks in the Pomeroon River has been a longstanding problem and, earlier this year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was forced to impose a $1 million fine on Pomeroon Coconut Company Fat Boy Coconut Ventures, after over a year of trying to get the company to

stop the dumping. The company had reportedly dumped an estimated 15,000 coconut shells into the canals that flow into the Pomeroon River. The company, which is managed by Alphonso and Sons Enterprise, agreed to pay the fine. Coconut production is a big economic activity in the Pomeroon Region, however, the issue of the waste disposal continues to be a big problem. The EPA has said that the shells and husks were a major contributor to flooding in certain villages, and more so, it posed a hazard to the waterways, since residents

MoC Head of the Sanitation Management Unit, Gordon Gilkes

rely on the river for their livelihood. The company was expected to demonstrate to the EPA that it was capable of properly disposing of the waste in order to be given a requisite permit. Scores of boat operators, who ply the waterway daily, complained that the floating husk poses great danger to them and innocent lives can be lost in the event of any accident. The husk is also causing the river mouth to become more silted up, resulting in slower discharge of water from the Pomeroon River into the Atlantic Ocean. Head of the MoC Unit, Gordon Gilkes, explained that with solid waste management being one of the mandate of the Unit, the MoC had also undertaken to also see what solution can come of the situation “We brought in a consultant to do a study as to what we could do with the coconut waste. It’s for overall coconut waste, but it stemmed from the issue in the Pomeroon River where a lot of coconut waste is dumped,” Gilkes noted in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle. “Firstly, it is environmentally unacceptable and secondly, because the coconut

settles just below the surface of the water, it damages the boat engines. So we’ve initiated the study to see what opportunities there are for the recycling of this waste.” The consultant is scheduled to make a presentation to the Ministry to get their input before submitting a final report on the study. “Before the end of the year, we’ll get the final report and going forward now we would see if either the ministry move forward with the recommendations or discuss the recommendations with the coconut growers in the region. Because, of course, they’re making large profits they should be able to take care of their waste,” Gilkes noted. Gilkes floated the possibility of waste separation and the setting up of distinct facilities for the waste at Haags Bosch, the country’s only engineered landfill, to at least collect the coconut waste from Georgetown, even if not from the Pomeroon. “In Georgetown, we have a lot of coconut vendors, and coconut is a huge market waste, and not only markets but other location where people are selling it. We probably need to set up a facility at Haags Bosch for

coconut waste. Probably going forward we encourage the separation. There are a lot of options we could do to utilize that coconut waste, but let’s see what the reports says,” Gilkes notes. Aside from the MoC, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has been conducting research on the utilisation of the by-products of coconut husk for agricultural purposes. In June of this year, the Institute acquired a coconut shredder through the European Union-funded regional coconut development initiative. The objective of having the shredder is to highlight the economic and environmental value of coconut husk. According to a press statement from NAREI, coconut husks dumped in waterways, dumpsites and along parapets are actually raw materials with great economic and environmental values. Once processed, the husk could be transformed into coconut fiber/coir or cocopeat, which are used in different industries. The coconut shredder cost about US$6,000 and has the capacity to process 1,000 nuts per day.

Teen accused of robbery remanded AN 18-year-old Labourer was, on Monday November 4, 2019, remanded to prison by Magistrate sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, on a robbery charge. Shannon Joseph of Turkeyen Sophia appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the charge stated that, on October 12, 2019, at Oronoque and Charlotte Streets, while armed with a knife, he robbed Kennedy Singh of a Phone valued at $35,000 and $25,000

cash. Prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to bail being granted to Joseph based on the seriousness of the offence and the penalty attached. Harris also told the court that, on the day in question, Singh was at the location mentioned, when Joseph approached him on a bicycle and asked for direction to Church Street. Singh was, at the time, using his phone. Joseph pulled out a knife and placed it to Singh’s neck and relieved him of his phone and

cash and made good his escape. The matter was reported and Joseph was arrested weeks after. Joseph was seen at the same location seeking a job, when Singh saw him and called the police. When the police arrived, Singh pointed Joseph out as the person who robbed him. Joseph was arrested and charged. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Jackson to prison and adjourned the matter until November 18, 2019.

Festival City burglar jailed

MAGISTRATE sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, on Monday, sentenced a man to two and a half years’ imprisonment for burglary. Selwyn Jackman called ‘Dingo’ appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to the charge, when it was read to him. Particulars of the charge stated that, between October 28, 2019 and October 29, 2019, at Festival City, North Ruimveldt, he broke and entered the dwelling

house of Andrew Richardson and stole a quantity of amplifiers and car parts valued at $312,000. Police Prosecutor Garfield Edwards told the court that Jackman and Richardson were known to each other, and that Jackman would spend time at Richardson’s home. Edwards also told the court that, on October 28, 2019, Richardson secured his home and went to work. When he returned the following day, he discov-

ered that the articles were missing. Richardson viewed the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from his home and he saw Jackman entering his house and exiting with the articles. The matter was reported and Jackman was arrested and charged. Magistrate IsaacsMarcus, after listening to the prosecutor, sentenced Jackman to two and a half years’ imprisonment.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

New oil and gas support company launched

… to collaborate in areas of job placement, training

By Lisa Hamilton ONE of the newest Oil and Gas (O&G) support companies to enter Guyana’s petroleum industry is Unicon Guyana Inc. (UGI), made possible through a joint- venture agreement between local company, Amazonia Expert Services Limited and Ghanaian company, Unicon Western Holdings Limited (UWHL). The two, now UGI locally, will collaborate in the areas of training and

for lasting integration between Africa and the Caribbean. He also noted that the joint venture is fashioned in the context of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. “In three short months, these two entities, one from Ghana and the other from the Caribbean, have jointly positioned themselves into an outstanding entity that is poised to invest in Guyana’s new economy, and to bring much-needed services to the oil and gas industry, even as the

Guyanese are not left out. He said that come the first quarter of 2020, there will be “intensive and specialised training” to help local workers of the new company to climb to industry standards. Meanwhile, he pledged that UGI will pursue the increasing of its local-content efforts with the employment of Guyanese. Once locals are trained and certified by UWHL, with experience they are qualified to work anywhere in the world. Dr. Chesney

HOPE FOR YOUNG GUYANESE Delivering the feature address, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings said that the agreement finds favour with the Government, which wants to see the advancement of the business landscapes in Guyana for the creation of additional and better paying jobs. The minster said that she is proud that under the current administration, a new direction has been set for the country, which gives hope to young Guyanese. She stated that the Government looks forward to more countries like Ghana and companies like UGI choosing to invest in the country. “Businesses like UGI are an important part of our plans to create more jobs for Guyanese, and

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings delivering the feature address at the company’s launch on Monday (Carl Croker photos) anese people opportunities to earn more, and put more money in people’s pockets through higher value jobs,” she said. Also addressing the audience was Stena Caron Rig Manager

Ebbah assured that UWHL has over 11 years of experience in the sector, over which period it has developed “a reputation for excellence” as a credible partner.

UWHL Chief Operations Officer Mark Ebbah making his presentation at the Herdmanston Lodge on Monday

certification; job placement in the sector for Guyanese and CARICOM nationals; the provision of trained, skilled labour; the provision of services associated with the sector and more. The agreement was signed on Monday at UGI’s launching and cocktail reception hosted at the Herdmanston Lodge under the theme ‘Partnership for People Centered Petroleum Development’. In welcoming remarks, UGI Director Dr. Patrick Antoine said that it is the first such joint venture to be signed in the field between companies of the two countries. He stated that the Business to Business (B2B) relationship infuses much-needed “oxygen”

country positions itself to be a world leader in this regard,” Dr. Antoine said. MANY TO BENEFIT Representing Amazonia Expert Services Limited, its Chairman Dr. Arlington Chesney said that the intention is to link Guyana to Ghana and, by extension, to the rest of CARICOM. Through the joint venture, he summarised that the companies will be able to benefit in the areas of energy, education, agriculture, trade and tourism. Dr. Chesney said that while “people reengineering” for the emerging sector can be difficult, Amazonia Expert Services wants to ensure that

highlighted that UWHL has had only one accident in 11 years. “What was done in Ghana we want to be able to do it here, and with the same level of success… UGI is ready for business,” he said. He assured that UGI will respect the Laws of Guyana in its operations, and likewise expects its workers to adhere to the company’s policies. He also assured that UGI will not discriminate against workers in areas such as payment for the same job, providing that locals complete their training. The idea for Amazonia Expert Services Limited began some six months ago, and the company is currently made up of nationals of CARICOM.

UWHL’s John Bonney (second right) and Amazonia’s Dr. Arlington Chesney seal the deal with a handshake. Standing on either side are UWHL’s Mark Ebbah (left) and UGI’s Dr. Patrick Antoine to ensure increased local participation in our oil-and-gas sector at all levels of the value chain, including services and secondary industries. Only by ensuring that we build value chains and industries can we guarantee the Guy-

Chris Hutton who highlighted the importance of developing “excellent local partnerships”. He wished the two companies the best in their coming endeavours. UWHL Chief Operations Officer (COO) Mark

UWHL was established in 2005, and is a private holding and multi-faceted conglomerate with subsidiaries engaged in O&G labour supply, transport and logistics, engineering and hospitality among others.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Small Business Bureau grants two GITC trainees bursaries to boost their entrepreneurial career Shamane Headley the Research and Marketing Officer of The Small Business Bureau

THE Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), in collaboration with the Small Business Bureau, on Monday, awarded bursaries to two trainees of the GITC, who participated in a competition. The trainees Tariq Calmore and Jameel Jacobs received $100,000 each to establish their own businesses. Shamane Headley, the Research and Marketing Officer of the small business bureau, in her address at the programme, which was held at the GITC’s auditorium, stated that, one of the goals of the Bureau was to ensure that the ideas, of not only the country’s youths, but every Guyanese, were heard and

manifested. “The small business bureau is no ordinary agency; our mandate speaks to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, so this is not only for Georgetown or this is not only for school children; all persons who have small businesses or business ideas that they would like to bring to fruition, the small business bureau will help them make those dreams a reality,” Headley stated. She added that the bureau intends to work closely with young entrepreneurs to ensure that their small businesses have the necessary tools through finance, training and support services. “While fulfilling our mandate is key, we also recognize the importance of supporting small businesses at the education level and when I say that what I mean is, there are lots of children, there are lots of young adolescents who are about to leave school or are either in school that

Jameel Jacobs, one of the two recipients of the bursary

have business ideas but most times, the complaint is no one is there to support their ideas, no one is going to give them the necessary training or even the money to start those businesses,” she stated. Hence, the small business bureau is capitalizing on that opportunity, to ensure that our youth has access to financing, to start their businesses. The small business bureau collaborated with GITC in 2017 to implement an in-school entrepreneurial programme, which saw a

two-hour training session held in every class at the centre to educate the trainees. This year the bureau launched the initiative to have trainees participate in a competition to prepare business plans. Jameel Jacobs, one of the two recipients, who studies furniture making at GITC expressed immense gratitude towards the bureau for the support. Jacobs added that he was very confident in the business plan he prepared for the competition and expected to win.

Jacobs with one of his projects

Monkey Mountain residents upbeat about future …eye improved water system, hydropower project

WITH a population of approximately 900 people, the Village of Monkey Mountain, located in the North Pakaraimas (Region Eight), will be working to foster developments in the areas of infrastructure, health, energy, housing, water and education. Toshao of Monkey Mountain, Lincoln Singh, in an interview with Guyana Chronicle, said already Government has committed to build a nursery school in the village come 2020. Currently, the nursery department is housed in Monkey Mountain Primary School. With the village’s population on the increase, Singh said it important to have a wellequipped nursery school. The older children, he detailed, attend the Paramakatoi Secondary. In the health sector, the toshao said the village is currently benefitting from an expanded health centre. In the absence of a permanent doctor, the Ministry of Public Health has initiated the process of conducting monthly medical outreaches, thereby exposing residents to specialised medical services. Among the services offered during last week’s outreach were eye care, paediatrics, gynaecology, family planning, vaccination,

general medicine and dental services. The Toshao is hopeful, however, that in 2020, a doctor will be assigned, permanently, to the Monkey Mountain Health Centre along with a dentist. To facilitate these medical professionals,

Toshao of Monkey Mountain Lincoln Singh

Singh said it would be necessary to construct a doctor’s quarter and an office for the dentist. Important to the Village of Monkey Mountain is the issue of access to water. Singh told this newspaper that sections of the village have access to water through a ‘Gravity Fed Water System.’ “Water runs from the mountains down to the village; it is reliable because it is always flowing but not the entire village has easy access to water,” Toshao Singh

explained. The gravity-fed water system is used to pull the water from springs, streams, creeks and rivers upstream or uphill from the water source. It does not require electricity to operate.

According to Singh, the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) will be visiting the village in 2020 to assess the gravity-fed water system with the aim of boosting its capacity to allow for full coverage of the village. In the current cir-

Residents of Monkey Mountain accessing water from the gravity-fed water system

Inside of the $16M Monkey Mountain Lapidary

cumstances, where the supply of electricity is dependent on solar power, the Toshao said it would be wiser to upgrade the gravity-fed water system than to resort to a well. “If you are using the well, you will have to have current to pump water up but we can upgrade the water system – the gravity feed,” he explained. Meanwhile, to address the electricity deficiency within the village, Singh is hoping that in the not so distant future, Monkey Mountain would have access to a reliable supply of electricity using hydro-power as is being done in Kato, where a $450.2M Hydropower Plant is being installed. In the area of finance, Singh said Monkey Mountain will be using its newly built $16M Lapidary to expand its local economy. He said the village will be targeting local, regional and international markets for the sale of its jewellery made from semi-precious stones. The lapidary, which was commissioned last Friday, consists of state-of-the-art technology and would be used to transform semi-precious stones into fashionable pieces of jewellery inspired by the Indigenous culture. 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-todate 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. It is anticipated that the lapidary will also create employment for the people of Monkey Mountain.

15

GUYGUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Sections of Georgetown affected by flooding after heavy rainfall -M&CC claims indiscriminate garbage disposal helped compromise drainage system

THE Civil Defence Commission(CDC) is monitoring the situation in several communities in Georgetown which have been affected by flooding on Monday, November 04, 2019, after heavy rainfall. The CDC has also

Georgetown, in a statement, said that all of its sluices and pumps are fully functional. Further, the statement related that the koker doors are closed due to the high tide but will be opened between 11:00 hours -12:00 noon to facilitate the free flow

Albouystown, Alberttown, Riverview Ruimveldt and Lacytown since the city can only accommodate two inches of rainfall during normal high tide. Mayor Ubraj Narine is imploring city dwellers to be responsible when disposing

A flood advisory warning is being issued based on the following Hydrometeorological weather report from the Ministry of Agriculture.Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, persons can expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered light to mod-

elsewhere. Partly cloudy skies are expected over all other locations. These areas may also observe a few light showers, Between 0 mm and 10 mm rainfall. A l t e r n a t i v e l y, o n Wednesday persons can expect partly cloudy skies

rainfall is forecast. Citizens are advised that the above normal high tide advisory is NOT in effect. The next period of above normal high tides will begin on Saturday, November 9, 2019. The forecasted weather

Scenes from varying communities in Georgetown that were affected by the flood. (Adrian Narine photos) wrapped up a rapid assessment of several of the affected communities across Georgetown including the Ruimveldt area, Sophia, Kitty, Main Street and the environs of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The flooding, however, did not result in any major flooding of households, or any damages to property. The Mayor and Councillors of the City (M&CC) of

of water off the land. City Engineer Kenson Boston has assured that the pumps are functioning to optimum to allow water to drain off the land. The M&CC is urging persons to take the necessary precautions to ensure that they secure their properties and other personal belongings. Further, citizens are reminded that heavy rainfall may result in overtopping in low-lying areas including

of waste since the Council is still faced with a serious problem where waste finds its way into the drainage system. This, in fact, has helped to compromise the integrity of the drainage system and has contributed to overtopping in several communities. The Guyana Chronicle has observed several communities where the water level throughout the day has been receding.

erate showers over Regions One through Five, Seven, 10 and northern Region Six. Southern parts of Regions one through five and parts of Regions Seven and 10 may observe thundershowers during the afternoon and evening hours. Rainfall is expected to range between 25 mm (approximately 1 inch) and 50 mm (approximately 2 inches) over areas with thundershowers and between 10 mm and 20 mm

with morning showers over Regions Two through Five and northern Region Six. Generally, fair weather is likely for the rest of the day. Between 0 mm and 5 mm rainfall is expected. Region Nine and southern Region Six may observe generally fair weather. All other locations can observe mostly cloudy skies with light to moderate showers and afternoon thundershowers. Between 15 mm and 40 mm

conditions for this week may produce water accumulation or flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Residents in these locations are advised to take all necessary precautions. C i t i z e n s a re a s k e d to report observation of flooding to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), 24 Hours National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 623-1700, 6005700 or 226-1114.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Min. Sharma, City Mayor tour Houston, Agricola

MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma, on Friday last, met with concerned residents of Houston and Agricola, East Bank Demerara who were assured that their road and major bridge respectively will be examined by engineers shortly, with a view to having them fixed. Accompanying Minister Sharma on the visit was the Mayor of Georgetown, His Worship Ubraj Narine. Together, they listened

to the complaints highlighted by the residents in Back Street, Houston. The leaders were told that the street has been lined with potholes for years and has become almost impassable when it rains, posing major problems especially for students who would use the road to get to school. Minister Sharma explained to the residents that the rehabilitation of the road and the construction of concrete drains could cost about $80 million, considering its length.

The present condition of Flour Mill bridge

However, to allow for a faster solution, the minister explained that he will examine the possibility of a crush and run surface on the street for an immediate resolution. He added that an asphaltic concrete layer will be done if there are sufficient funds. Over at Agricola, Minister Sharma and the Mayor’s attention was brought to a tyre shop on the public road which had tires blocking off access to the walkways and large vehicles encumbering the public road. As a result of this action, Minister Sharma was told that children attending schools in the vicinity are forced to walk on the major public road since the pavement is usually encumbered by vehicles seeking the services of the tyre shop. Residents were advised by Minister Sharma to seek the intervention of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and City Hall as well as the Guyana Police Force. Further along, the Mayor and Minister visited Flour Mill Road where a pedestrian bridge, over a trench, was in a notably deplorable state. One resident complained to Minister Sharma that a child recently broke her hand after falling from the bridge

Minister Jaipaul Sharma and Georgetown Mayor, Ubraj Narine take a walk on Back Street Houston to hear the concerns of residents when a rotted board broke. The resident added that the condition of the bridge is especially dangerous since the trench is infested with snakes. Minister Sharma committed to sourcing the ma-

terials as early as possible to facilitate the bridge’s rehabilitation. The bridge has reportedly been in a bad state for over 20 years, according to one resident who recalled using the said bridge to get

to school. She explained that to date, schoolchildren from Sol Road and other nearby streets would cross the bridge to get to their various educational institutions.

A section of the street blocked off by materials owned by the proprietor of the tyre shop

Hundreds tap medical services at Rose Hall outreach

RESIDENTS of Rose Hall Town and surrounding communities benefited from a number of medical services in the area of Orthopedics, General medicine, obstetrics/gyneacology, ophthalmology and free medication as the Roots and Friends of Rose Hall Town-USA collaborated with the US Medical Mission to host a medical outreach in the town. Scores of residents flocked the St. Francis Community Developers Headquarters in Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant, to access the services. The outreach ran from 07:00hrs until 16:00 hrs; however, by 10:00hrs, close to 300 persons were

already seen. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, President of Roots and Friends of Rose Hall, Mr. Clement Mann, said his organisation is pleased to give back to the residents of the town. He noted it is their hope to ensure that the event continues in years to come. Mann explained that the organisation has been involved in charitable work for the past 24 years and their aim is to be involved in projects and activities that will benefit, improve and advance the lives of residents of the community in areas of education and health. “This year, we have provided approximately one million Guyana dollars

President of Roots and Friends of Rose Hall, Clement Manns

Some of the persons who attended the outreach

Residents accessing medical supplies at the outreach worth of medication for the medical outreach. It will go a long way in benefitting the residents.” Meanwhile, President of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Hilbert Foster, said his club is also pleased to partner with R&FORH and the US Medical Mission. “We are supporting this venture because we know people will have access

to high-quality medical care. It’s not like Guyana doesn’t have good medical care, it’s just people believe in the US doctors so they are out here in the hundreds accessing all that is being offered. The team has enough medical supplies to cater for over 600 persons. Added to that, they are also distributing free spectacles and conducting heart test,” Foster related.

Foster said this venture is one of the 700 programmes the club undertakes annually. He noted while the team had planned to assist about 300 persons, that number was surpassed early in the day. A number of residents who spoke with the Guyana Chronicle expressed gratitude to the organisers and the team of 22 medical professionals.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

CPA on warpath against sexual abuse –– in Reg. Ten, other outlying communities By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) branch of the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP) is taking a proactive, multi-agency approach in tackling social ills, particularly sexual abuse, affecting outlying communities in the region. A sensitisation campaign commenced last week in the Sub Region Two district,

outlying communities spoke out on the challenges they face in dealing with sexual abuse, and the need for a proactive approach to be taken, rather than to wait for a case to be reported. One of the most vocal of them all was Toshao of Rock Stone, Flagran Carter, who spoke on the prevalence of these cases in these communities and the importance of nipping it in the bud. In addition to MoSP,

The MoSP team interacting with Kwakwani Secondary School students and the communities of Kwakwani, Hururu the Guyana Police Force Region Ten Diviand Aroaima were targeted by the various sion, Sexual Offence Department, has also departments within the ministry, among embarked on community outreaches and them the Department of Child Protection; sensitisation exercises, as part of the stratEarly Childhood Development; the Labour egy employed in fighting this category of Department; and the Recruitment and crime, which has seen an upsurge of late. Manpower Department. In addition to sexual abuse sensiThe purpose of the campaign was to tisation efforts, the team also focused shed light on the importance of speaking on early childhood development by out on child sexual abuse, which is the visiting daycare centres in these comfirst hurdle of bringing the perpetrator to munities and saw officials of the Dejustice. At a community meeting in both partment of Labour also meeting with Hururu and Kwakwani, residents were workers to discuss the various issues sensitised on the importance of speaking out, and saw CPA officer Huette Moore highlighting that given the prevalence of sexual abuse in Kwakwani, the aim is to get people to talk. Not only were the adults in either communities sensitised on the subject, but the children as well, from nursery to secondary level. This was done by way of school visits, and saw them being encouraged to speak out and not be afraid to share their stories of abuse with trusted individuals. The conversation on the prevalence of child sexual abuse in these communities was heightened during Child Protection Week 2019, where CPA Officer Huette Moore advising Kwakwani residents stakeholders from these on the importance of speaking out

they might be faced with. Moore said that this will be a continuous effort, and that other communities will be visited in the near future. “We are hoping that this could be a continuous collaborative effort,” she said, “with the offices of the Ministry of Social Protection so that we can bring the information needed to the residents of Sub-Region Two, as well as we can better be able

to address the reported cases of abuse in the community.” In 2017, Region Ten had the highest incidents of abuse in the country. Moore, however, said that while the latest statistics for the region is still being tallied, there has been a decrease in the number of reported cases of abuse, and therefore Region Ten no longer so categorised.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

MMA/ADA records 15% increase in revenues from land rentals, D&I charges

THE Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA recorded a 15% increase in revenues from

land rental and drainage and irrigation charges from November 2018 to October 2019 as against the same period last year, General

Manager Aubrey Charles recently disclosed. During remarks at the recent Open Day in celebration of Agriculture Month 2019,

General Manager Aubrey Charles reporting on the performance of the MMA during the Open Day at Onverwagt Charles praised many farmers whom he said came forward and assisted the MMA/ ADA in the preparation and maintenance of access dams for both the first and second rice crops of 2019. He disclosed that revenue collected for the period November 2017 to October 2018 amounted to $233.7M and for the period November 2018 to October 2019, it totalled $267M which was 50% of the budgeted target He said: “I mention these figures because even though farmers don’t pay the MMA the charges required, many times you would see persons getting

on national television and criticizing the MMA about the poor state of the roads or clogged up trenches, so I have to say that if farmers were to pay $400M and they only pay $200M, we can only do 50% of the work.” He stressed that the MMA does not receive money from Central Government to do maintenance. He reiterated: “ Farmers are benefiting from a service and they must pay for that service.” He added the oft stated appeal to the delinquent farmers to honor their obligations, saying that the MMA would be flexible in

its approach to them clearing their indebtedness. On October 29th last, the MMA summoned over 50 rice farmers to face the Rice Assessment Committee presiding at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) for chronic non-payment of land rents and drainage and irrigation charges. The matters were adjourned to the 12th November 2019, on which date the Chairman of the Rice Assessment Committee will rule on submissions made by lawyer for the farmers, former Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall. (END)

CDB President calls for regional coordination in International Business Sector A PRIVATE sector-led, regionally-coordinated approach can help the Caribbean reap the full benefits of the international business and financial services (IBFS) sector, says President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Warren Smith. Speaking at Barbados’ International Business Week 2019 conference, Dr. Smith noted that the increasing attractiveness of the Region as an offshore centre had brought closer attention to the sector. “According a recent OECD report, since 2010, developing countries have accounted for a larger intake of foreign direct investments than their more established counterparts. But, the growing attractiveness of these economies to multinational corporations has come at a price, bringing them increased visibility and greater scrutiny,” he stated. He drew attention to the increase in regulation requirements with the passage of the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD)’s Common Reporting Standard, noting that compliance with the various rules “places a bureaucratic burden on governments and

institutions”. The CDB President stated that countries which failed to make changes to their regulatory frameworks faced the real threats of the loss of correspondent banking relationships and of ‘blacklisting’, pointing out that: “Since the recent threats of ‘blacklisting’ Barbados, many Caribbean countries are even more aware of the pressures that the international community can exert on the international business and financial services sector.” He strongly advised stakeholders to adopt a regional approach to protecting this valuable sector, and establish the Region as “a zone of excellence” for financial services, stating: “We should embrace a regional approach that supports regulatory convergence and the adoption of common principles among CARICOM countries.” He added that a threat to the reputation of one Caribbean country is a threat to all, emphasising: “In this business, what we trade on is our good name. The blacklisting of any one Caribbean country will have an immediate negative effect on the reputation of the entire Region.” Amidst these acknowledged challenges, the Bank’s head sounded an optimistic note, suggesting that digitalisation and other preva-

lent global trends promise significant benefits for the Caribbean’s IBFS sector. “Digital transformation is the new nexus for growth and development… Barbados must adopt the technology of tomorrow, today. We are already seeing the efforts in this light with the modernisation of public sector service delivery.” To this end, he recommended some key areas which could be enhanced by employing digital technology, including the domestic payment systems and data collection. The CDB Head also called for the private sector to be more involved in shaping the direction of the IBFS, advising that the private sector has a role to play in policy and strategy development: “There is untapped potential in the Caribbean for sustainable and inclusive growth through greater private sector involvement,” Dr. Smith said, adding: “The engagement of the various private sector actors is not limited to the provision of financing. Rather, the private sector brings to the table valuable knowledge and insights that can help shape better policies and build proactive strategies based on regional and international exposure and experience.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Traffic Chief clamps down on abuse of sirens –– orders that the practice cease immediately

POLICE abusing the use of sirens and forcing other drivers off the roadways must cease immediately, says Traffic Chief Superintendent Linden Isles, as Force drivers’ are required by law to adhere to speed limits and remain in their respective lane, even while performing escort duties. Isles made the observation on Saturday during a special seminar held for Force drivers’ drawn from the ten regional divisions, inclusive of Headquarters. “Misuse and abuse of police vehicles must stop,” the Traffic Chief warned in the wake of a call by President David Granger for a thorough assessment of the recent fatal

Superintendent Isles revealed that the Force is currently developing new and advanced driving programmes to enhance the skills of police ranks in areas of remedial, tactical and escort driving. He said that police drivers will operate as defensive drivers, and that drivers who are found to be inadequate will be reassigned. “I’ve received reports of ‘blue lights’ and we have patrols on the roads, and they don’t see ‘blue lights’,” he said, adding “That’s a violation! You don’t have to be a traffic rank or on duty to take action!” He warned that ranks found to be culpable will be charged for neglect of duty, as it is

Traffic Chief Superintendent Linden Isles addressing participants at Saturday’s special seminar accident at Friendship, East Bank Demerara between a police vehicle with a siren and a private car. Sirens, he said, must only be used in cases of emergency, and not for ordinary duties or simply traversing, as abuse may cause the public to become dismissive. Though speed has been declared the leading cause of road fatalities in the country, yet still the police are always speeding, which the Traffic Chief attributed to usual lateness. He reminded participants at the seminar that the standard requirement is to report 15 minutes before the actual time of duty, and that should they adhere to it, there would be no need for speed. He said that in some exceptional cases, it is better to arrive late than not at all. “Police are not above the law,” Superintendent Isles said. “Speed limits are erected throughout the country, and Force Drivers must set the example for the public to follow.” He said that though not all of the Force’s drivers may be errant, members of the Force are not viewed as individuals, and that therefore, they all have to work collectively to safeguard the image of the Force.

because many of them are themselves guilty of such breaches, hence their unwillingness to take action. He urged that they take back the power they have given to the public by complying with the law. “Rectify whatever breaches you have on your private vehicles, and if you need to use tint, it should be in keeping with the law,” he said, adding that by so doing, they will not be hesitant to enforce the law in the face of breaches. He also reminded ranks at the seminar of the importance of using Vehicle Logbooks to record their movements when using Force vehicles, and any defects they may have observed, so as to ensure that the vehicles with which they have been entrusted are adequately maintained. They were also informed of the Administration’s intention to create a Best Driver Award for Force Drivers, as the incentive will help motivate them to drive more responsibly. A similar seminar is to be held shortly with all drivers of emergency vehicles to inform them of the new posture going forward when operating such vehicles on the country’s roadways.

19

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Wednesday, November 5, 10:00hrs - 11:30hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

21

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

23

GUYGUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

GDF win 19th consecutive title at Terrence Alli Open Boxing Championships ….Crawford and Gibson adjudged best boxers

By Faizool Deo THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) won eight of the 11 finals on Sunday night, which handed them their 19th consecutive title when the action concluded in the Terrence Alli Open Boxing Championships at the National Gymnasium. For his continued dominance, GDF’s Terrence Poole (MS) was named best coach. Two of the victors on the final night, Forgotten Youth Foundation’s (FYF) Mark Crawford and the army’s Clairmont Gibson were adjudged the best boxers in the Juniors and Elite divisions respectively. Sixteen-year-old Crawford, who had won the Intermediate best boxer title, continues to impress in his young career; while Gibson, 35, showed resurgence over the three-days of competition en route to the National Lightweight title. FYF, who again showed grit and fight due to the hard work and dedication by their coaching staff led by Sebert Blake, finished second overall in the competition. The gym also had the trump card of the championships, Keevin ‘Lightning’ Allicock, who is arguably Guyana’s best amateur boxer. Fighting in the featherweight final, the youngster used little effort to dispose of Teusimar Peters in the opening round. Although the night belonged to the GDF team, Allicock was not the only individual to stand out. Police boxer Dennis Thomas, who returned from an over 18-month hiatus, showed superlative form in his bout.

His high IQ and superior boxing skills won him his fight with GDF’s defending Light Heavyweight champion, Markember ‘Violence’ Pierre. Pierre lived up to his name and did not allow his disadvantages in reach or boxing skills to short-change his attack. He barreled into the body of his Police opponent and unleashed a barrage of shots, most well defended by Thomas. At one time in the second round, the GDF boxer lost his footing, but Thomas was quick to indicate to the referee, who was behind them, that it was just a slip. The officer counteracted his opponent’s fury by targeting his body in the fight and he did so with precision, which resulted in a clear victory. Caribbean middleweight champion, Desmond Amsterdam also exhibited superior boxing skills, when he battled gym-mate Aluko Bess. In that bout, Amsterdam was just imposing. He delivered a shot to the head, which forced the referee to make an eight count. Before the end of round one, Bess had suffered his second eight count. Early in the second round, Amsterdam cornered his opponent and bombarded him with body shots before firing a decisive blow to his head, which ended the bout. Earlier, Crawford had defeated Alex Butcher from the Winston Pompey Warriors Boxing Gym in the Youth Junior Welterweight final. In the Elite division, Quacy Abrams got past FYF’s Richard Subratee in the Junior Flyweight division, while Julius Kesney defeated Asheer Al Azeem (FYF) in the Bantamweight Division and former Caribbean Lightweight Champion Lewis Colin showed his class against

Police’s Dewani Lampkin in the Lightweight (63 KG). Gibson, who also won a national lightweight title, had defeated fellow GDF teammate Delroy Fordyce in the 60KG class. Sisters Abiola and Alesha Jackman (both from the FYF gym) also battled in a female exhibition bout. The night climaxed with the heavyweight battles and both GDF boxers, Daren France (heavyweight) and Kevin Hunte (super heavyweight) showed their dominance with emphatic victories. Both boxers also finished the year as triple champions after having also won the Novice and Intermediate championships. France was able to gain revenge for his gym-mate Osbert Robertson, who was knocked out by Omar Sukhdeo in the semi-finals on Saturday night. In the bout, he caught the FYF boxer a few times, which resulted in a standing eight. Although wobbly, Sukhdeo opted to continue and he walked into a solid left hook from the 23-year-old France, which sent him crashing to the canvas. Hunte also had an easy win. He caught fellow gym-mate, Anthonio Williams several times early, which resulted in two standing eight counts. He then braced him in a corner and delivered ‘school-yard’ beat down, which forced the referee to stop the fight. According to president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle, the national team for next month’s Caribbean Championships in Trinidad would be selected in the coming days.

$1M up for grabs in Rio Indoor Year-end Extravaganza …Inaugural tournament kicks off November 14

THE Indoor format has become the most exciting element of the beautiful game called football and when the inaugural Rio Indoor Year-end Extravaganza kicks off on November 14, fans could expect this trend to continue. Unquestionably the biggest tournament of the year in terms of total prize monies on offer, the selection of teams were carefully scrutinized by the Organisers to guarantee a high-quality of play will be exhibited throughout the eight days of

competition. The winning team is set to receive $1million, while second, third and fourth place finishers will be rewarded with $400,000; $200,000 and $100,000 respectively, along with some beautiful trophies. Additionally, every night of the competition will see ten lucky fans win cash prizes; the amount will be announced before the first ball is kicked. The Organisers are aiming to make the tournament a memorable one for fans, while also rewarding teams and their supporters for the Christmas season. Twenty-four teams have been invited and they include Gold is Money, Bent Street, Back Circle, Sparta Boss, Leopold Street, LA Ballers, Future Stars, Avocado Ballers, Tiger Bay, Sophia, Albouystown A and B, Showstoppers, Alexander Village, Rio All Stars, Melanie, Buxton Diamond,

BV, Stabroek Ballers, New Market Street, Ol Skool Ballers, Island All Stars, Broad Street, and Silver Bullets. The other playing days are November 16, 21, 23, 28, 30; December 7 and the final on the 14th.

The organisers are asking teams confirmed to participate to be on time for a prompt start at 19:00hrs, while both members of the Guyana Police Force and private security have been retained to ensure that fans

in attendance feel secured. The teams will be divided into six groups of four, with the top two gaining automatic qualification, while the four best third-placed teams will join them in the round of sixteen when the

knockout phase commences. Giveaways and other incentives for the fans will be a feature on every night of play. More details will be released shortly along with the date for the launch of the tournament.

Mushfiqur sees light at end of the tunnel for Bangladesh By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI (Reuters) Bangladesh’s muted celebrations after humbling India in Sunday’s Twenty20 series opener did not quite reflect the sense of relief they were feeling but Mushfiqur Rahim says the side are smiling again after enduring a tumultuous few weeks. Bangladesh cricket was plunged into a state of turmoil last month when the players went on strike on the eve of their India tour. The strike was called off after the board accepted most of their demands, including a pay hike. A f re s h c r i s i s t h e n erupted when talismanic all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was banned for two years, with one year of that suspended, for having breached the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption code by not report-

ing approaches to engage in corrupt conduct. Despite missing Shakib and senior batsman Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh beat India by seven wickets in New Delhi to go 1-0 up in the threematch series. “The last two to three weeks has been the toughest situation that I have faced in my 15-year cricketing career,” Mushfiqur, Man of the Match after an unbeaten 60, told reporters. “Before leaving Bangladesh, I told the media there that the only way we can set things right would be if we can win a couple of matches in India, or play well enough to bring back smiles and calmness to the team and the nation. “That’s what we have done and hopefully we can continue this form.” Asked about the subdued celebrations, Mushfiqur said,

“We still have two more matches to go, we haven’t won the series yet. We’ll try to win at least one more and then you’d see a bigger celebration. “There are areas where we can do better, like bowling the last two overs. If we can address those areas, nothing is impossible,” said the chirpy stumper-batsman. Bangladesh went into

Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim

the match seeking their first Twenty20 win against their mighty neighbours in nine attempts and are now one win away from a series victory. Mushfiqur credited coach Russell Domingo for creating a healthy dressing room environment which he said would boost the growth of the young players. “The situation we faced in the last three weeks, to recover from that, ... giving the youngsters the freedom and confidence that whether you bleed runs or get out for a duck, you are still an important member of this team. “We’re trying to create a healthy culture. It took me 15 years to reach where I am now but with their potentials, these young players can be there in 8-10 years. They are very talented and grabbing their opportunities.”

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

VAR implemented better in Champions League than Premier League - Lampard (REUTERS) - The Premier League can learn from the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the Champions League and on-field referees must review incidents on pitchside monitors to remove all doubt, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard said on Monday. VAR has stirred up a debate since its introduction in the Premier League this season, with a number of decisions either being wrongly overturned or not at all much to the annoyance of managers, players and supporters. Unlike the Champions League, Premier League referees have so far refused to take a second look at decisions on pitchside monitors, preferring to let the officials at the VAR headquarters in London take the final call. “The use of the screen on the side of the pitch can help because we’ve seen...

American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Winning Withgonour Race 2 Aly’s All Out Race 3 A Lovely Rose Race 4 Kateri Empire Race 5 Frosty On The Cse Race 6 Laughing Manners Race 7 Wow Brown Race 8 Mr. Yabo South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Carribean Sunset 08:55 hrs Cyclonic Breeze 09:35 hrs Follow The Star 10:10 hrs Miraculously Ours 10:45 hrs Kilindini 11:25 hrs Photocopy Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 08:50 hrs Cerberus 09:20 hrs Honeysuckle 09:50 hrs Andy Dufresne 10:20 hrs Iknowwhereiamnow 10:50 hrs Dawson’s

in the Premier League decisions that firstly they’ve taken a long time to get to, which seems to bring in

decisions, I think the idea he can go and look again has to be a good one... the reading at the beginning was that it was

Cobham Training Centre, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Britain : Chelsea manager Frank Lampard during the press conference (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)

the fact there’s an element of doubt,” Lampard told reporters. “So for the clarity of the referee on the pitch who has to see things live and make quick

Cottage 11:20 hrs Steer Clear 11:50 hrs From Eden

going to be used sparingly. “And it hasn’t been used sparingly, It’s not been used at all. I do think that’s probably one thing we could look at.” Chelsea are top of Group

H at the halfway stage with two wins and they host second-placed Ajax Amsterdam on Tuesday knowing that another win would put one foot in the knockout stages. “I have to accept it’s expected of Chelsea to go through and that is no disrespect to any other teams,” Lampard said. “I said at the start that this group would be tight because all the teams could take points off each other. “But we must understand that even though we are at home now, the quality and the danger from Ajax is as much, if not more than the game we played away because they are such a good technical team.” Lampard confirmed midfielder N’Golo Kante was back in the squad after returning from a groin injury but centre back Antonio Rudiger was set to see a specialist for a pelvic injury later on Monday.

Kempton 12:40 hrs Pearl Jam 13;10 hrs First Receiver 13:40 hrs Prairie Moppins 14:10 hrs Last Date 14:40 hrs Mercenary Rose 15:10 hrs Reaction Time 15:40 hrs Vibrance 16:10 hrs Long Call

QUEENSTOWN S.C remained unbeaten in the Central Essequibo 40 overs Under- 17 round-robin tournament with another convincing victory over Richmond Youths on Saturday last at the Queenstown Community ground. Due to a late start, the match was reduced to 30 overs with Queenstown winning the toss and batting. A half-century opening stand between Uriah Stoll 34 (4x4, 2x6) and Romel Hubbard 22 (3x4) was the ideal plat form for the host as they capitalized to post a formidable total. The inform Dreshawn Phillips bullied his way to a consecutive half-century, blasting 51 (4x4, 5x6) in just 22 deliveries while Quincy Sampson was also in fine touch with an impressive 51 including 4x4 and 4x6 as Queenstown amassed 215 all-out in 28 overs. Controlled left-arm spin from Uvraj Ahiram earned him 4-28 from 6 overs while Shane Smith and Daniel Dass had 2 wickets apiece. It then took Queenstown only 14 overs to demolish their opponents as national under 17 selectee Azizi Christiani 5-12 from 6 overs of mesmerizing off-spin and medium fast bowler Romel Hubbard 4-18 from his 6 overs combining to rout Richmond Youths for 56. Only Mahindra Ramnarine with 18 (2x6) reached double figures. The competition will continue on Saturday with Reliance being host to Queenstown and Bacchus Bulls taking on Richmond Youths at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

Yapp blasts century to lead Cotton Field Strikers to victory

Nadal reclaims world number one tag from Djokovic

English Racing Tips Southwell 09:00 hrs Pretty Fantasy 09:30 hrs Goobinator 10:00 hrs First Excel 10:30 hrs Young Tiger 11:00 hrs Astrozone 11:30 hrs Millicent Fawcett 12:05 hrs Risk Mitigation Exeter 09:10 hrs Cat Tiger 09:40 hrs Harry Senior 10:10 hrs God’s Own 10:40 hrs Paddleyourowncanoe 11:10 hrs For God Measure 11:40 hrs Guardia Top 12:15 hrs Sandy Boy

Queenstown humble Richmond Youths in Under-17 tournament

Carlos Yapp

Rafael Nadal

(REUTERSs) - Rafa Nadal dethroned Serbia’s Novak Djokovic to reclaim the number one spot in the ATP rankings on Monday following the Spaniard’s semi-final run at the Paris Masters. Nadal withdrew minutes before his semi-final match against Canada’s Denis Shapovalov with an abdominal injury, with the 33-year-old deciding not to take any risks ahead of the Nov. 10-17 ATP Finals. Despite Djokovic winning the title in Paris, the semis run was enough for Nadal to become the second-oldest player to top the rankings after Swiss Roger Federer achieved the feat aged 36 in 2018. “I’m super happy with my season,” Nadal said. “It was a tough beginning but then I was able to find a way to be back playing at a very high level of tennis and be in the situation that I am today. “I’m very proud about the year that I am having.” Nadal won two Grand Slams this year — the French Open and the U.S. Open — to move within one of Federer’s record of 20 titles. But injuries have curtailed Nadal’s season and the ATP Finals will be his last chance to end the year as number one for the fifth time in his career.

CLEAN power hitting from the heavily built left- handed Carlos Yapp was the highlight of the third round of the Central and South Essequibo T20 League. Played at the Reliance ground on Sunday, Cotton Field had a run feast as Carlos Yapp entered at number 4 to unleash an array of thunderous shots. He blasted 10x6s and 5x4s to reach a brilliant unbeaten 101 which was his maiden T20 century. He was well supported by Rajiv Kissoon with an unbeaten 44 (3x4, 2x6) with the Strikers posting 200-3 in 15 overs. In reply Rakesh XI was struggling at 38-3 from 7 overs before the rains came and the match was determined in Cotton Field’s favour via the Duckworth Lewis’ method. At the same ground in the first fixture, Reliance Hustlers had the better of Reliance Sports Club with a 28-run triumph. After batting first, Reliance Hustlers reached 117-6 from their 15 overs with Mark Austin 25 (2x4s, 2x6s) and Trevis Simon 20 (1x4, 1x6) being the top-scorers. Off-spinner and former Essequibo senior inter-county all-rounder Elroy Stephney claimed 3-12 from 3 overs and Parmesh Persaud 2-23 from his 3 overs. On a turning track, Reliance S.C struggled and in the process were all-out for 89 in the final over as only Stephney 18 and Rakesh Doodnauth 14 reaching double digits. Off-spinner Abdul Nadir 3-11 from 3 overs and Trevis Simon 3-14 from his 3 overs also bowling off-spin proved destructive. The competition will continue on Sunday with matches slated for various venues along the Essequibo Coast.

25

GUYGUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Papua New Guinea ready to be cricket’s next fairytale story By Amlan Chakraborty

NEW DELHI (Reuters) Papua New Guinea believe they could be cricket’s next rags-to-riches story after securing a place among the sport’s elite in next year’s Twenty20 World Cup in Australia. After three near-misses in the last six years, the ‘Barramundis’ under Assad Vala punched their tickets to Australia where they will join 15 other teams in Twenty20 cricket’s biggest stage. “Definitely the greatest moment for every cricketer in the country,” Vala told Reuters from Dubai where they finished runners-up in the Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers. “We came so close on so many occasions. To get the job done this time, a lot of hard work has been put in behind the scenes to get where we are. “It will open more doors for cricket. More people will come and support cricket, the sponsors and all those stuff,” said the 32-year-old all-rounder. Cricket PNG chief executive Greg Campbell said the team had a few “quiet drinks” but proper celebration will be

once they return home. “I don’t think players will know the enormity of it until they go home,” the former Australia player told Reuters. “Once they land home, they will understand and take it all in. They might do a few more celebrations in the next few weeks.”

Cricket PNG chief executive Greg Campbell

As he predicted, Vala and his men returned to a hero’s welcome on Monday. PNG, should they make the Super 12 stage in Australia, will clash against the traditional powerhouses but

Campbell said that will not unnerve a bunch chasing bigger dreams. “The long-term goal is to make the 50-overs World Cup. We want to perform at this stage consistently and we want to be the next rising cricket associate powerhouse in the world. “The players know they got a lot of work to do. They are laying a legacy, a foundation for the young boys. It’s not a one-off, we want to play consistently on this stage.” SPIRITUAL HOME Cricket has come a long way in PNG since British missionaries introduced the game in the early 1900s. They secured ODI status in 2014 and draw most of their players from the coastal village of Hanuabada, considered the game’s spiritual home in the country. “You can’t put finger on it, but they just love it,” Campbell said of the “cricket-mad” village on the outskirts of Port Moresby. The massively popular Liklik cricket competition could be one of the reasons, he said. “The village closes down on weekends...with so many

kids playing on the street with houses on one side and the ocean on the other.” PNG has engaged nearly 250,000 school students and 48% of them are girls, Campbell said. Their women’s team were one match away from reaching the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia but lost to Bangladesh in the semi-finals of the qualifier. Cricket PNG has introduced contracts to their elite men, women and rookie players though cricketers are encouraged to find other means of livelihood. Campbell is grateful to the International Cricket Council for its help but wished there was more help from the governing body. “ICC are really good to the associate world, but I’m not the only associate CEO sitting here and saying we need more money,” he said. “We’re very lucky in PNG that we do quite a bit of money outside of ICC with our sponsors. “I think there’s a big gap between full members and associate world. I’m not having a go at the ICC about that but I think that gap could be closed a little bit.”

JAAA makes plans to fix men’s sprinting in Jamaica

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake

JAMAICA’s men did not enjoy their last outing at the IAAF World Championships of Athletics in Doha, Qatar but the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) is already looking into the fixes for the situation. Jamaica’s men weren’t just woeful individually, they were also bad as a unit. The team didn’t even manage to make the final of the 4x100 metres in Doha, an event for which the Jamai-

cans hold the World Record. “We are hoping to have a few relay camps where we will have all our relay teams competing,” said Donald Quarrie, who represented the JAAA as the team’s technical leader in Doha. In addition, the technical director is intent on getting the teams some live action. “Definitely the Penn Relays; we are also looking at the Mount Sac Relays and two or three meets in Eu-

rope,” said Quarrie. One of the things that the JFF official, former Olympic and World Championship medallist, pointed out was that the JAAA needed more help than they were getting from the private sector. “These are areas in which we will need added assistance and we can’t just rely on the Government and the JAAA spending everything they have for the athletes.” (Sportsmax)

Junior Indoor Hockey Championships ‘flicks off’ tomorrow THE sixth Annual Junior Indoor Hockey Championships are scheduled to run from Wednesday, November 6, to Sunday November 10 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. According to a release from the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB), more than one hundred children are expected

to participate in the five-day event in categories ranging from seven years old right up to twenty-one. Simco Engineering Inc. is the sponsor for the Mixed Under-10 division which always produces fun and a lot of laughs for kids and parents.

FLASH BACK! Under-10 players race for the ball in a recent junior hockey championship

The GCC Thunderbolts are the defending champions and will be challenged once again by last year’s runners-up, Saints, as well as the Underdogs, Panthers, YMCA Old Fort and Hikers. The Under-13 Mixed competition is split into two groups with defending champions, SHC Scalpels, and runners up, SHC Scorchers, both appearing in pool A. The GCC Eagles and Hikers round out the pool. Group B features the GCC Falcons along with the SHC Snipers and SHC Samurai. Farfan & Mendes Ltd are the sponsors of the boys and girls under-16 competitions. The girls division sees defending champions GBTI GCC Spartans take on SHC Supreme, SHC Sensations, YMCA Old Fort and the GCC Her-ricanes. The boys’ competition will see a battle among the GCC War Dogs, SHC shockwave, SHC Silencers,

YMCA Old Fort and defending champions, St Joseph’s Warriors. The senior Division is sponsored once again by Sunshine Snacks and features both girls and boys under 21 teams. YMCA Old Fort is the defending champions in the ladies division but will face tough opposition in the GBTI GCC Spartans and Saints. On the boy’s side, the GCC Pitbulls hope to retain their crown against Saints and YMCA Old Fort. Matches begin at 17.00hrs each weekday with the weekend matches beginning at 10.00hrs and 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday respectively. The Sunshine Snacks Under-21 competitions and the Farfan & Mendes Under-16 competitions will begin during the week and conclude on Sunday while the Simco Engineering Under-10 and the Sunshine Snacks Under-13 will run off on Saturday.

Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup Fixtures

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

India spinners stifle Windies in 53-run defeat

NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies were left facing a series decider in Wednesday’s final OneDay International after they muffed a tricky run chase to plunge to a 53-run loss in the second match at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground here Sunday. Chasing 191 under lights after Player-of-the-Match Punam Raut’s 77 had marshalled the visitors’ innings, West Indies were stifled by India’s spin attack and crumbled for 138 in the 48th over, to leave the threematch series level at 1-1. The hosts were making a fist of it at 78 for one at the half-way stage but declined swiftly, losing their last eight wickets for 60 runs, with opener Natasha McLean succumbing to injury in the 15th over and failing to return. Shemaine Campbelle provided the main source of resistance with a top score of 39 while captain Stafanie Taylor got 20, but West Indies never quite found the momentum required to chase down their target. India used their slow bowlers in the middle overs with telling effect as off-spin-

ner Deepti Sharma (2-25), leg-spinner Poonam Yadav (2-26) and left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2-27) all picked up two wickets to hurt the run chase. Raut had earlier set the tone for India, holding the innings together in knock requiring 128 deliveries and which included four fours.

Rodrigues without scoring to a lofted drive to mid off in the third over before seamer Shabika Gajnabi got Priya Punia (5) to edge a slash behind in the ninth over. However, Raut buckled down to post 66 for the second wicket with Raj before adding a further 93 for the third wicket with Kaur, before the innings

Shemaine Campbelle top-scored with 39

Harmanpreet Kaur struck a breezy 52-ball 46 while captain Mithali Raj chipped in with 40 to engineer a recovery after the visitors found themselves slumping at 17 for two in the ninth over. Fast bowler Aaliyah Alleyne (2-38) claimed Jemimah

stalled at the back end with both Raut and Kaur perishing in the space of seven deliveries with just two runs added. West Indies endured a nervy start when Stacy-Ann King (6) was dropped twice before she had reached five, before finally missing a good

length ball from seamer Shikha Pandey and losing her off stump in the fourth over. McLean (15) pulled up lame after completing a run, leaving Campbelle and Taylor to complete a second wicket stand eventually worth 68 and which put West Indies in command of the game. Campbelle faced 90 balls and counted two fours while Taylor struck two fours in her 31-ball innings before missing a sweep at Poonam Yadav at the end of the 25th over and falling lbw. Chedean Nation followed four overs later for six, slapping a short ball from Poonam Yadav to Deepti Sharma at cover and when left-hander Kyshona Knight edged a cut at Deepti Sharma and was caught at the wicket, West Indies were losing their way at 96 for four in the 31st over. Sheneta Grimmond was unfortunate to be adjudged stumped off Gayakwad in the 32nd over for a first-ball ‘duck’ but the key wicket was that of Campbelle’s, the right-hander scooping a long hop from the same bowler to Raut at cover point in the 34th over.

Thomas’s five-for lifts Zeeburg to seven-wicket win over top-of-the-table McGill A five-wicket haul from medium-pacer Bisram Thomas led the Zeeburg Sports Club to a seven-wicket win against McGill Super Star Sports Club when action in the latest West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA)-Beacon Café 50-over clash continued on Sunday at the Okoo Ground in Canal Number One. For the top-of-the-table McGill, it was their first loss in six clashes. McGill batted first and were routed for 151 in 40 overs. Sudesh Persaud, who made 44, led the attack. Former national U-19 captain Travis Persaud (21) and his former Guyana U-19 teammate, Kheshram Seyhodan (24) had starts, but neither managed to build on their innings. Thomas was the pick of the bowlers with 5-32. In reply, Zeeburg SC were able to cruise to 153-3 in 29.5 overs. Malcom Hubbard led the attack with an unbeaten 48, while Balbinder Shivpersaud added 35 runs. Nick Mustapaha (26) and Ushardeva Balgobin (18 not out) also contributed to the victory.

Meanwhile, two Sundays ago, McGill returned after a break in the competition to win their fifth consecutive clash, when they tackled All Youths B team. In that match at the same venue, All Youths B won the toss and batted, which

worked against them, since they were routed for 111 in 33 overs. Abid Haniff led the attack with 49. He was the only batsman to bat himself in as pace bowler, Diquan Murray, ripped through the top order with 4-19. Leg-spinner Ga-

nesh Puran supported with 3-12. McGill then raced to the 115-5 in 12.1 overs. Puran scored an unbeaten 21 to lead the attack. Tamesh Persaud took 4-43 from five overs for the All Youths side.

Windies suffer setback with shock warm-up defeat LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – West Indies were dealt a heavy blow in their buildup to Wednesday’s opening One-Day International when they slumped to a shock four-wicket defeat to an Afghanistan XI in a one-day warm-up match here Monday. In their first and only preparation game before the limited overs series, West Indies’ batsmen yet again failed to produce anything of real worth after collapsing to 156 all out in the 39 overs, and then watched as the hosts chased down the modest target with over 15 overs to spare at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium. Roston Chase was the foundation of the Windies’ effort with a top score of 41 while former captain Jason Holder chipped in with 31 and Evin Lewis, 24. Twenty-year-old seamer Naveen-ul-Haq (3-22) and 24-year-old left-arm spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf (3-34) claimed three wickets apiece while pacer Gulbadin Naib supported with two for 34. West Indies were in dire straits at 12 for three in the sixth over after Naveen knocked over Shimron Hetmyer and Brandon King both without scoring, and opener Shai Hope perished for one. The left-handed Lewis tried to repair the damage in a 24-run fourth wicket stand with Nicholas Pooran (20) but he was fourth out in the 11th over after striking four fours in a 35-ball knock, caught at the wicket off 21-year-old pacer Karim Janat. When Naib removed Pooran and captain Kieron Pollard (3) in successive overs, West Indies were tottering on 64 for six in the 18th over. Chase and Holder then came together to provide the first sign of resistance, adding 47 for the seventh wicket to get West Indies past three figures. Chase faced 52 balls and hit four fours while Holder belted a four and a six in a 43-ball stay at the crease. Naveen returned to break the stand when he bowled Chase in the 28th over and his dismissal signalled the end of all resistance as the last four wickets tumbled for 45 runs. Needing early wickets in defence of a small total, uncapped fast bowler Romario Shepherd (3-16) wreaked havoc at the top, removing both openers Hazratullah Zazai (1) and Javed Ahmadi (9) cheaply as the hosts limped to 12 for two in the fourth over. And once Ikram Alikhil followed for one in the seventh over, the Afghanistan XI were up against it at 23 for three. But they staged a daring recovery, Rahmat Shah hammering a top score of 47 off 76 balls with six fours in a 55-run fourth wicket stand with Najibullah Zadran whose 44-run 40 included seven fours. Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph accounted for Rahmat in the 21st over but even then, Zadran found an ally in Asghar Afghan, whose 33 not out off 35 balls helped him put on a crucial further 35 for the fifth wicket. Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr, in his first appearance in maroon colours, broke the stand when he bowled Zadran in the 27th over. However, any last ditch hopes of a Windies win were dashed as Asghar and Mohammed Nabi (18) added 34 for the sixth wicket to erase any doubt over the result.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday, November 05, 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) Roy Fredericks-105 (vs ENG, The Oval, 1973) (2) Mohammad Shahzad-110 (vs Netherlands, Amstelveen, 2009)

ZEEBURG SC MATCH WINNERS: (L-R) Malcom Hubbard, Nick Mustapha and Bisram Thomas

TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who is the first player to captain the WI in an ODI game? (2) Who is the first player to lead Afghanistan in an ODI game? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYGUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Regal sweeps major prizes at PM T20 Softball Cup

Legends MVP Mahendra Hardyial poses with the Hero motorcycle with Prime Minister (acting) Khemraj Ramjattan and a representative from Rose Ramdehol

By Frederick Halley

REGAL made a clean sweep of all the major prizes when the presentation for the third edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup took place at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, Georgetown on Sunday night following the completion of the tournament. After winning both the inaugural Legends Over-50 and Masters Over-45 with victories over New York President’s XI and Mike’s Wellman respective-

ly, Regal were already assured of $800,000; $500,000 from the former and another $300,000 from the latter. Runners-up New York President’s XI and Mike’s Wellman took home $100-000 each. All the teams were also recipients of trophies while the players of the winning sides got medals. In addition, all three Most Valuable Players (MVPs) were members of Regal: Skipper Mahendra Hardyal in the Legends category, Ramesh Deonarine (Masters) and Sachin

Singh (Open). Hardyal “rode” away with the Hero motorcycle, compliments of Rose Ramdehol, while Deonarine and Singh collected television sets, donated by Regal Stationery and Office Supplies. All the MVPs also received bats from Hafeez Ali, owner of Regal. The man-of-the-match for both the Legends and Masters categories went to Regal’s Veerapen Moonsammy and Deonarine respectively; their awards being $10,000 and a trophy each. The tournament, which saw three days of action-packed and entertaining cricket, however, suffered a setback with the organisers forced to abandon the Open final. Set to be played under floodlights for the first time, the lights proved inadequate with the umpires complaining that they weren’t able to see. Following a few stoppages, which started when the women’s feature game was in progress, the organisers made valiant efforts to ensure the Open game could be completed but, after it eventually started, some of the lights malfunctioned. At that stage, SVC Grill Masters, who were asked to take first strike, were 57 without loss in the seventh over. According to an official from the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), organisers of the tournament, the entity intends to examine the possibility of ensuring all matches are completed during daylight while still maintaining all three categories in the prestigious tournament.

At the presentation ceremony, both Prime Minister (acting) Khemraj Ramjattan and GSCL president, Ian John, apologised to the players and spectators for the hiccup. Ramjattan assured the organisers that government will continue its support for the tournament and commended them for the introduction of a women’s game. He described the tournament as being “wonderful” while congratulating the respective winners and participating teams. John also acknowledged that the tournament was a success while acknowledging the mishap with the lights. He lauded the participation of the 26 teams while extolling the winners for their sterling efforts.

Ramesh Deonarine receives the Masters MVP prizes from Prime Minister (acting) Khemraj Ramjattan

Open MVP Sachin Singh collects his prize (a TV) from Prime Minister (acting) Khemraj Ramjattan

#Malcolm MarshallDay: th

A tribute to Malcolm Marshall on the 20 anniversary of his death ON the 20th anniversary of his death, several of his contemporaries remembered Malcolm Marshall as one the finest cricketers of all time. Marshall passed away November 4, 1999 at age 41 after a battle with cancer.

Michael Holding (West Indies fast bowling great; noted cricket analyst) Apart from Malcolm Marshall being a great fast bowler, I remember when he first joined the West Indies squad, as part of World Series Cricket after he had toured India a few seasons earlier. He was a young, very enthusiastic and very quick bowl, that we knew was going to go a very long way. Eventually we got to know him very well and he was a fella who walked around with smile on his face, worked very hard at his game. One of the things a lot of people did not know about Malcolm was

the great amount of work he put in to become a great fast bowler, and contributed a huge amount to West Indies cricket. He’s gone too soon, but there’s nothing we can do about that. We can only rejoice that we had him in our presence and shared some great moment with him. Richie Richardson (West Indies captain and batting great; ICC Match Referee) The memories of the great artiste of fast bowling; the great tactician; the great conqueror still linger in my mind. He was my roommate, my friend, a great teacher. He was a strategic planner, a very hard worker and an indomitable fighter. Malcolm Marshall was the best and I thank him for the many great memories on the field when we stood proud and supreme flying the West Indies flag. You will never be forgotten. Ian Bishop (outstanding West Indies fast bowler; noted

cricket analyst) Malcolm meant everything to me at the start of my international career. I’ve always said once I got into West Indies team in 1988 on that tour of England, Malcolm, for no

apparent reason, took me under his wing and encouraged me to go training with himself and schooled me in my early day of playing at the highest level. I remember, when he was bowling in the state games

The late Malcolm Marshall

in Australia (on the 1988-89 Sir Frank Worrell Trophy tour) and he would be telling me what he was going to do and why he was doing it. I have always said he the greatest bowlers of the generation I played in, I can’t speak for the generations who went before. I am always very thankful for having such a wonderful cricket brain to lean on in my formative years. He was one of the best… EVER! Cardigan Connor (Hampshire fast bowler; Minister of Tourism in Anguilla) I had the distinct privilege of knowing the great Malcolm Marshall as a team-mate, coach, housemate for over 13 years but most importantly as a true friend. Having spent my 15-year career at Hampshire from 1984 to 1999, I was able to witness the allround special qualities of the cricketer on the field, the mentor in the dressing room and as the ambassador for Barbados, his

adopted county Hampshire and his adopted home Hampshire, which he proudly represented. Malcolm was and will remain and inspiration to me. Roland Butcher (Middlesex and England batsman; first Black cricketer to represent England) As we mark the 20th anniversary of the passing of the great Malcolm, I just want to remember him as one of the greatest fast bowlers the world has ever seen. He was an outstanding athlete with a rhythmic action and could generate tremendous pace from a very short run-up. He was also a truly wonderful person off the field; a very hard but fair opponent; and he always went out of his way to help everyone wherever possible – it was his nature. We are sad that he left us so soon, but we remember the life of an amazing cricketer and fantastic man. (Source: CWI Media)

The GDF reign continues with eight wins from 11 finals on the final night. (Faizool Deo photos)

GDF win 19th consecutive title at Terrence Alli Open Boxing Championships 23

Page Clairmont Gibson (left) and Mark Crawford were adjudged the best boxers in the three-day event

‌.Crawford and Gibson adjudged best boxers

$1M

up for grabs in Page Rio Indoor 23 Year-end Extravaganza Futsal action at the National Gymnasium (Delano Williams photo)

The late Malcolm Marshall

‌Inaugural tournament kicks off November 14

A tribute to Malcolm Marshall on the 20th anniversary of his death 27

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

Page

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019