Guyana Chronicle 3-20-2019

WEDNESDAY 20th March, 2019

GECOM proposes November for polls

No.105582

PAGES

03&14

… chairman writes President indicating readiness for elections in November … after house-to-house registration

…citizens urge politicians to allow commission to do its work

RUSAL, union closer to 13 agreement PAGE

… reinstatement of workers main sticking point

March 21 will not interrupt normalcy PAGE

– attorney 02

This young cultural group was eager to play Holi on Sunday during the Ministry of the Presidency's annual Phagwah celebrations at the Baridi Benab at State House (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

24 Guyanese technicians join Exxon team 11 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

March 21 will not interrupt normalcy –– contends Attorney Maxwell Edwards

By Svetlana Marshall

DISMANTLING the notion that the Government becomes illegal after Thursday March 21, Attorney-at-Law, Maxwell Edwards, said there is no express wording in the Constitution which provides that the Government will be “illegal” nor has the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire indicated that it will be.

Edwards, a former magistrate, at the time was responding to contentions by Attorney-at-Law Ralph Ramkarran S.C. that the Government becomes illegal if there is no election or extension to the three-month deadline by March 21, 2019, as required, following a No-Confidence Motion.

In maintaining that the Government remains legitimate, Edwards said, “Even the most ardent and gullible supporter of the Opposition must ask Mr Ramkarran this question: if the APNU+AFC government will be ‘illegal’, who will be the legal government?”

He said politicians like Ramkarran would use the word “illegal” to inflame the current situation but the real question is whether the Government will be constitutional or unconstitutional, noting that the issue brings into sharp focus the intricacies of the Constitution. For him, the Government remains constitutional on the basis that it has been guaranteed a five-year-term in office. He believes that the Article 106 (6) and Article (106) (7) contradict Article 70 (3) of the Constitution.

“First and foremost, the 7th Parliament which purported to introduce No- Confidence motion regime into the Constitution in 2000, some 20 years after the Constitution had come into force on 6th October, 1980, could not, and is not permitted by the Constitution, to use a less valuable or significant

provision or article of the Constitution to interfere with rights and duties created by the framers or makers of the Constitution by, and in, provisions or articles that are much more valuable.

“Nor could the 7th Parliament by such less valuable article foist on a President, duties or limitations different from those provided by the more, or most, valuable articles,” Edwards argued in a letter to the editor.

Edwards, who is among attorneys representing the Government in the No-Confidence Motion cases, submitted that a referendum would be needed to reduce the powers, and not the 65 Members of the National Assembly.

“The 7th Parliament could not, by votes alone in the National Assembly, (even all 65) and the President’s assent, and without also a referendum, purport to subvert, impair, dilute or water down the rights or powers conferred or invested in the Presidency under Articles 89 and 99,” he said while emphasising that the No-Confidence Motion is not a referendum.

THINGS REMAIN Contrary to the contentions of Ramkarran and the Opposition, come Friday, President David Granger will remain President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Edwards said. “No amount of sterile, inflammatory, politically expedient argumentation about ‘illegal’ can change that,” he made clear.

Brynmor T.I Pollard, S.C., O.R also reminded Ramkarran of the powers vested in the President. Pollard, in a letter to the editor in the Stabroek News, sought to jog the memory of the former Speaker, now pol-

itician. In that letter, Pollard took Ramkarran to 2001 when he presented former President Janet Jagan in the elections petition case heard, and decided upon by Justice Claudette Singh.

Justice Singh had vitiated the 1997 elections but made it clear that she did not have the power to ask the President to step down.

“Mr. Ramkarran as faced with a submission by opposing Counsel that as the then Bharrat Jagdeo Government had acceded to office by an unlawful election, it was ipso facto unlawful, and therefore ought to demit office.

“Mr Ramkarran had argued in the Court a submission that Her Honour had no authority to order the Government to demit office,” Pollard said.

He said from the end result of the case and orders that came with it, Pollard submitted that Ramkarran must have found favour with Justice Singh since she concluded that she had no authority to ask the then President to demit office.

Eusi Kwayana, a well-established Guy-

anese politician, also made reference to the Justice Singh’s decisions back in 2001.

Kwayana said it is the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that is constitutionally mandated to hold elections, and only GECOM could determine its state of readiness.

Given the current circumstance, GECOM, he suggested, should turn to the court for an extension on the basis that it is unable to hold elections.

“I wish to argue, therefore, that if there is a disability on the part of the Elections Commission to comply with constitutionally-valid requirements, the Commission itself, as a legal person, should approach the appropriate court in its own name with a result for a declaration,” he proposed. According to Kwayana, though his recommendation may or may not be flawed, it is in an attempt to avoid the country from returning to a past of painful experiences. GECOM on Tuesday disclosed that it would be in a position to hold credible elections by November, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

GECOM proposes November for polls … after house-to-house registration

By Lisa Hamilton

CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson has informed President David Granger that General and Regional elections can be held by late November 2019, following the completion of house-to-house registration.

Patterson, by way of a letter dated March 19, 2019, also informed the Head of State that the exercise requires approximately G$3.5B to be facilitated through appropriation to the Commission.

The announcement comes as the President had asked the Commission, on two occasions, to present its plans, programmes and financial needs for the hosting of credible General and Regional elections, in the shortest possible time.

The information was needed to guide the President’s determination of an election date which is feasible for the Commission to meet.

In the letter to the President, Patterson stated: “…I would proffer that the Commission would be in a position to conduct General and Regional Elections no earlier than late November 2019 with an Official List of Electors having a qualifying date of 31 October 2019.”

He came to the conclusion, having observed the months of discussions by the Commission and after reviewing the submissions of GECOM Secretariat, regarding its capabilities and financial requirements.

However, coming out of Tuesday’s statutory meeting, as Commissioners updated the media on the ‘unfolding’, it was noted that the day marked the fifth time that the Opposition-appointed Commissioners had walked out of the meetings, but, this time, during the Chairman’s introduction.

Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn did so consecutively on February 28, March 5, March12, March 14 and March 19, 2019.

Subsequent to the meeting, the Opposition-appointed Commissioners called an “urgent” meeting at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, where they casted doubt that the letter was authored by the Chairman Their description of the correspondence as “illegal” runs similar to the February

2019 claims – now in silence mode - of Jagdeo, where he alleged the letters written to Patterson by the President were fraudulently altered.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon was caused to make a national address refuting the claims which he termed as malicious, deceitful and bewildering.

In the Chairman’s correspondence to the President on March 19, 2019, he stated that he had received and reviewed the Secretariat’s February 4 submissions which indicated “what was possible and what was impossible to achieve”. He noted that,

by February 5, 2019, the Commission was “intimately aware” that it was impossible to conduct elections within the three-month time frame or by April 30, 2019 when the current electors list expires.

Discussion on these matters led the Commission to its formal decisions on February 17, 2019 that elections cannot be held in 90 days; that the commission does not have

missioners from our official meetings. This has occurred at every session convened since 28th February, 2019, including the Commission’s last meeting on 14th March, 2019,” the Chairman explained in a three-page letter.

Considering the intentional recurrences, Patterson stated that he considered himself “obliged to officially update [the President] accordingly and provide some appropriate information which may be taken into consideration”.

Prior to coming to the conclusion, he had also engaged the GECOM Secretariat to determine the most feasible course of action.

He noted that the funds allocated for house-to-house registration, which will enhance the Commission’s ability to deliver credible elections, cannot be diverted to other activities and appropriation will instead be needed.

“I am also advised by the Chief Elections Officer that, given all current consider-

electoral lists each year, it would be “logistically impossible” to produce a list with an April 30, 2019 qualifying date available from May 1, 2019.

He stated that according to the Secretariat’s submissions, the next possible electoral list is available only with a qualifying date of October 31, 2019 to be used beginning November 1, 2019.

Meanwhile, the Secretariat had also proposed that elections be held after the completion of the compilation of a new National Register of Registrants (NRR) through the conduct of houseto-house registration.

Patterson told the Head of State: “Based on suggestions emanating from the Commission and in my direct engagement with the Secretariat, I have been assured by the Commissioner of National Registration/Chief Election Officer that with a significant increase in the allocated resources for that exercise and an adjustment in the

Seated from left are GECOM Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn who assembled at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo (Samuel Maughn photo) funding for elections and that house-to-house registration, as budgeted for 2019, will commence immediately.

The decisions were later communicated by Patterson to the President by way of letter on February 21, 2019.

“Unfortunately, since that time and notwithstanding the clarity of the issues, the lucid contributions to the debates by all our Commissioners and the evident majority views which were easily discernable, pivotal formal decisions which should have flowed therefrom proved elusive.

The process has been continuously frustrated by the withdrawal of some Com-

ations, an amount of three and a half billion Guyana dollars is required,” Patterson indicated.

He added: “Kindly note that significant, critical path activities associated with elections cannot commence prior to the availability of these funds to the Commission. In the circumstances, no election date should be contemplated less than five months after these funds are placed at the disposal of and under the control of GECOM.” The GECOM Chair also told the President that while the Commission has agreed that it would produce two

management arrangements for some procurement activities, the execution of the programme could be restructured to be completed at least two months earlier, in 2019.”

The Chairman also stated that house-to-house registration would ensure the “credibility and timeliness” for new elections as called for by the President.

He urged the President to support the requirements presented by providing the required additional resources and appropriate guidance to agencies and authorities whose cooperation will be necessary.

At the press conference at

the office of the Leader of the Opposition, Commissioner Shadick stated “this is not the Chairman’s language. I don’t know who wrote this but this is not the Chairman” even as she acknowledged that his true signature was attached to the document.

The Commissioners also rejected the letter on the basis that they were not consulted on its writing.

However, Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman relayed that the Opposition-appointed Commissioners continue to willingly leave meetings as pertinent matters are being discussed.

On Tuesday, they did so at record-breaking time since the discussions, on the basis of Patterson’s letter to the President, and the indication that the meeting’s agenda would be a continuation of the previous one they abandoned.

“The last four successive meetings, when we were at the point of making a decision there was a walk out. So if you come today and there’s another walk out, what it means, if you follow that logic, is that it is to ensure that we don’t make a decision which is walking us into the crisis that is being talked about,” Corbin said.

The Opposition-nominated Commissioners also claimed that although the Chairman would have indicated a time period and funding needed, a plan is afoot to “delay elections” preventing it from being held in 2019.

Nonetheless, while the President has stated that

GECOM Commissioner Charles Corbin (Samuel Maughn photo)

he will not interfere or intrude in the work of the Commission as mandated by the Constitution, he also made clear his intention to have credible elections at the shortest possible time.

“I cannot influence, interfere with or instruct the Commission in its work. I am guided by its advice as to its readiness to conduct elections before I make a proclamation on the date of those elections,” he has stated.

President Granger maintained: “The Commission is independent. It is not for anybody to give the Commission instructions as to when elections are to be held.

Once the Commission says it is ready, I will announce a date and I hope that date is as early as possible.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

‘Unity in diversity’

GUYANESE have been urged to be united as they gather to celebrate the festival of colours, Phagwah, on Thursday.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Hindu Core Group sought to spread the message of togetherness during a Phagwah programme at Umana Yana on Tuesday.

Messages of cohesion

were portrayed through songs and exhilarating dance performances which were put on during the programme.

At the ceremony, Chairman of the Hindu Core Group, Yog Mahadeo said Phagwah should be celebrated in unity.

“There can only be unity in diversity,” said Mahadeo, adding that every year Guyanese from all walks of life

-Hindu community calls for Phagwah to be celebrated cohesively

gather to celebrate the festival.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, also stressed the need for togetherness and love during this period of celebration.

He called on Guyanese to celebrate the holiday as one people, since it has become a tradition of Guyanese to celebrate holidays despite their

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton greets a guest at the Phagwah celebration

religious beliefs.

Representatives of the core group also used the opportunity to urge persons to do some introspection before they move forward.

Phagwah or Holi, is a Hindu spring festival origi-

nating from the Indian subcontinent, celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, but has also spread to other areas of Asia and parts of the Western world through the diaspora from the Indian subcontinent. It is also known

as the “festival of colours” or the “festival of love”.

The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive, and repair broken relationships. It is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. It lasts for a night and a day, starting on the evening of the Purnima (Full Moon day) falling in the Vikram Samvat Hindu Calendar month of Phalgun, which falls somewhere between the end of February and the middle of March in the Gregorian calendar.

The first evening is known as Holika Dahan (burning of holika) or Chhoti Holi and the following day as Holi, Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi, or Phagwah.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

Second U.S. jury finds Bayer’s Roundup caused cancer

(Reuters) - A U.S. jury on Tuesday found Bayer AG’s glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer caused cancer, a blow to the company eight months after another jury issued a $289 million verdict over similar claims in a different case.

Tuesday’s unanimous jury decision in San Francisco federal court, which came after five days of deliberation, was not a finding of Bayer’s liability for the cancer of plaintiff Edwin Hardeman. Liability and damages will be decided by the same jury in a second trial phase beginning on Wednesday.

Bayer, which denies allegations that glyphosate or Roundup cause cancer, in a statement on Tuesday said it was disappointed with the jury’s initial decision.

Bayer acquired Monsanto, the longtime maker of Roundup, for $63 billion last year. “We are confident the evidence in phase two will show that Monsanto’s

conduct has been appropriate and the company should not be liable for Mr. Hardeman’s cancer,” the company said.

Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used weed killer. Monsanto’s Roundup was the first glyphosate-based weed killer but is no longer patent-protected and many other versions are now available.

Bayer does not provide sales figures for the product. Advertisement The case was only the second of some 11,200 Roundup lawsuits to go to trial in the United States.

Another California man was awarded $289 million in August after a state court jury found Roundup caused his cancer, sending Bayer shares plunging at the time.

That award was later reduced to $78 million and is on appeal.

Bayer had claimed that jury was overly influenced by plaintiffs’ lawyers allegations of corporate misconduct and did not focus on the

science. U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria called such evidence “a distraction” from the scientific question of whether glyphosate causes cancer. He split the Hardeman case into two phases: one to decide causation, the other to determine Bayer’s potential liability and damages. Under Chhabria’s order, the second phase would only take place if the jury found Roundup to be a substantial factor in causing Hardeman’s non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The jury found that it was on Tuesday.

NOT AN ABERRATION Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond, said Tuesday’s decision showed that the August jury verdict was not

an aberration and that the Hardeman case could be an indication of what may happen in future similar cases.

Some legal experts had said Chhabria’s decision was beneficial to Bayer, which says decades of studies and regulatory evaluations have shown the weed killer to be safe for human use.

“We will only really know whether it works for Bayer to isolate scientific issues once we see more trials,” said Adam Zimmerman, a law professor focusing on mass torts at Los Angeles-based Loyola Law School.

Chhabria has scheduled another bellwether trial for May and a third trial is likely to take place this year.

All three bellwether cases

will be split into causation and liability phases. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the European Chemicals Agency and other regulators have found that glyphosate is not likely carcinogenic to humans. But the World Health Organization’s cancer arm in 2015 reached a different conclusion, classifying glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” In the trial’s second phase, Hardeman’s lawyers will be allowed to present evidence allegedly showing the company’s efforts to improperly influence scientists, regulators and the public about the safety of Roundup.

Hardeman’s lawyers, Aimee Wagstaff and Jennifer Moore, said they

look forward to presenting that evidence to the jury to hold Monsanto accountable. “Now we can focus on the evidence that Monsanto has not taken a responsible, objective approach to the safety of Roundup,” they said in a statement. Chhabria is overseeing more than 760 Roundup cases for which Hardeman’s was a so-called bellwether trial intended to help determine the range of damages and define settlement options for the others. Another Roundup trial is scheduled to begin in California state court in Oakland on March 28, involving a couple who claim Roundup caused their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

Banning single-use plastic containers GOVERNMENT has again underscored its dedication to the enlightened, progressive, and most welcomed initiative to gradually phase out the use of single-use plastic containers by the year 2021.

That policy position, which has been repeated time and again, even before the coalition took office,was most recently emphasised

by Minister of State Joseph Harmon,under whose portfolio the Department of Environment falls. The Minister was at the time addressing the World Wildlife Day Youth Forum, hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

According to the minister, “The work has already begun on sensitising our population to the fact that 2021 is the date we have identified for a ban on sin-

gle-use plastic.” Explaining the need to ban such items, Minister Harmon said, “As much as 40 per cent of oceans are tremendously affected by pollution, with an estimated eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans annually.”

He noted too, “This [forum] provides a good opportunity to raise awareness about the vast diversity of marine life globally; its crucial importance to human development and the importance of prudent management of marine resources for future generations.”

Government’s commitment to this noble undertaking should be applauded. Guyana has declared the intention to drive advancement forward along an environmentally-sustain-

able, or ‘green’ trajectory of development. And the single-use and wanton disposal of non-biodegradable pollutants such as plastic bags is inconsistent with a ‘green’ development philosophy. The single-use containers to which Minister Harmon alluded include items such as non-returnable plastic bottles in which drinks are sold. However, locally, the greatest, most harmful offender may be the single-use “black bags” that most supermarkets and shops use to deliver goods to customers. Those bags are made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic. They do not biodegrade, although they may break down. Such chemical breakdown releases its constituent components, including toxic chemical contaminants into

the air, land, and water.

With the total ban on single-use plastic containers in 2021, Guyana will catch-up to several countries which have already implemented similar initiatives, as well as setting an example for territories which have yet to take action in this regard.

The harmful environmental effects of such material have long been recognised, unfortunately, though, economic considerations, including the low cost of manufacturing such items, had stymied many efforts to improve the status quo.

By the beginning of the 21st Century, it became clear that any economic benefits of using such materials were outweighed by the high environmental costs.

Plastic bags cause many environmental issues, the most

common of which is the quantity of waste produced.

Many plastic bags end up on streets or in streams, polluting major water sources. Even when disposed of properly, they take many years to decompose and break down, generating large amounts of garbage over long periods of time.

Improperly discarded bags have polluted waterways, clogged sewers and been found in oceans, affecting the habitat of marine creatures. Two primary kinds of direct damage to wildlife are entanglement and ingestion.

Marine animals can become entangled and drown. In many cases, plastic bags are ingested by animals that cannot distinguish them from food. As a result, the bags may clog their intestines, which results in death by

starvation.

In 2002, Bangladesh became the first country to ban the use of the lightweight plastic bags. Since then, many other countries have taken action; as of February 1, 55 countries have such a ban in place.

Having already taken action in support of the environment by banning the use of styrofoam containers in 2016, and applying tariffs to plastic bottles, government is obviously committed to following through on its objectives and implementing its goals.

Given the phased nature of the transitions, it is clearly intended that there be minimal disruption as Guyana moves forward towards a cleaner, sustainable, and environmentally healthy future.

This thing called civil society Dear Editor SO, this grouping called Civil Society has finally declared its position? One wonders why it took so long to crawl out from its woodwork. Not that it has been undergoing any known, gradual metamorphosis that should have delayed its re-emergence, thus signalling a transformation from what it has mostly been from its so called existence during the over two decades of Peoples Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C) governance, and during which it was a sham collective of mostly party supporters, as it still is: Yes, people, and those seeking to catch the political eye. Of course, there were a few genuine members willing to make a genuine contribution to finding solutions to national problems; but they were/ still are, mostly political sycophants, bounded, bought and compromised by political patronage.

This is a curious association which, if one recalls very

clearly, would be summoned to the then Office of the President during periods of social tension. They were an amusing trek of supposedly cross-social representatives who journeyed to the executive complex on foot, bicycles, and cars to be appraised of whatever situation that had caused them to be invited. As to what were the exchanges? The general public would have been left to assume as to whatever “advice’’, and renewed pledges of support they gave to the then Executive.

However, one thing is certain about this grouping of citizens then – they were shamefully silent on the criminal abuses of the then government, inclusive of its patent policy of marginalisation in all of its discriminatory shades.

And since they were residents here at that shameful period of our country’s history, they cannot deny awareness, or knowledge as to the seminal impact that such racist practice was having on a section of the Guyanese nation, and that it had been the cause of much bitterness and discontent, and

division. And yet, they were silent.

One would have observed this group, either migrating to the deep farther most galaxies, or to the deepest sections of the earth since 2015, when Jagdeo resorted to his usual dangerous incitement of racism, and all forms of political nastiness, in what has ever become a clear, orchestrated attempt to remove a duly elected government from office.

And, as expected, dumb silence from these so-called representative consciences of society.

Therefore, to have recently emerged, though not surprisingly, to accuse President Granger of abdicating his constitutional responsibility to GECOM with regard an election date, is once again ample proof of its obnoxious hypocrisy, as it continues its unmistakable partisan agenda in the name of the PPP/C; no doubt deliberate in its dishonest assistance in creating a constitutional crisis.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

Dear Editor,

A few useful rules to live by

I RECENTLY attended a surprise dinner for a close colleague who attained the status of what I fondly refer to as Senior Citizen First Class (NIS pension at 60 is 2nd class).

During the speeches, it suddenly dawned on me that in a few months, God Permit, I will be like him.

Upon reflection, I have been blessed by the Almighty in countless ways. This Bartica and West Berbice boy has been privileged to enjoy almost five decades of public service

within the cooperative, private and public sectors of my beautiful country. And since I’m not about to start writing my memoirs as suggested by some, I will instead share a few rules that help me dance between the raindrops: 1: Before you conclude that the decision of a superior is illogical, remember he may have factored in information you are unaware of.

2: Though desirable, set your sights on meritocracy; who you know is equally important.

3: When you prevail, don’t gloat! Subtly

proffer a face-saving gesture.

4: Be ever mindful of the power of ‘the mighty fluff’ (adult Guyanese parlance); clannishness of squaddies, Alumni, sects, membership of social organisations. The Lodge takes the cake!

5: Without being wholly intrusive, know who is family to who, and who may be sleeping with whom.

6: Strike a delicate balance between applying the mantra “why speak to the angels when you could whisper to God” alongside that of the influence of the informal organisation

within the formal.

7: In adjudicating a conflict, remember the complainant may make a stronger case, and may also be the better liar.

8: (Borrowed from Gen. Powell): When someone hands you a dirty stick, don’t complain; sharpen it and turn it into a useful tool.

I am currently saddling up to ride into the sunset with peace of mind and a content heart.

Regards Derrick Cummings

The Baha’i festival of Naw Ruz

Dear Editor,

THE Baha’i community in Guyana, and the world over, would celebrate and observe the festival of Naw Ruz! Naw-Rúz is the first day of the Bahá’í calendar year, and one of nine holy days for adherents of the Bahá’í Faith.

It occurs on the vernal equinox, on or near March 21.

The Baha’i New Year, or Naw-Ruz, which means “new day” in Persian, is celebrated by Baha’is around the world each year on the

date of the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

Naw-Ruz marks the end of the 19-day month of fasting, and it’s a joyous time of celebration. It’s also one of the Baha’i Holy Days on which work is to be suspended.

Naw-Ruz is also celebrated by Zoroastrians, and often in parts of countries where branches of Shiite Islam can be found – though there’s a difference between the Baha’i Holy Day of Naw-Ruz and the the Persian holiday of Naw-Ruz, the theme of celebrating a new day re-

mains the same. The Jewish festival of Purim is also said to have been adopted from the Persian New Year, and Naw-Ruz is celebrated a lot like the Christian Easter, with many symbols indicating spring and renewal.

The most joyful time for a Naw-Ruz celebration is at sunset on the last day of the Fast. It seems almost directed

by Baha’u’llah(1817-92) that it should be this way: From Baha’i holy writings it is also stated that...

From time immemorial, this day has been conse-

crated, for in this there is a symbol. At this moment the sun appears at the meridian and the day and night are equal. Until today, the north pole has been in darkness.

This sacred day when the sun illumines equally the whole earth is called the equinox and the equinox is the symbol of the divine messenger.

The sun of truth rises on the horizon of divine mercy and sends forth its rays on all…

Among the ancient Persians this day was looked upon as the holy day of the year – a day when hospitals

and charitable institutions were founded, collections for the poor were made and every effort put forth that it might not be allowed to pass without leaving some divine trace and throughout Persia one sees these historical traces…To Baha’is, Naw-Ruz is not just a calendar event.

Rather it is an opportunity to reinvigorate the powers of the spirit and to re-examine matters of the heart and conscience. It begins with the idea that the renewal in the world of nature is in fact a symbol of spiritual renew-

al, and an occasion for the individual to explore how to contribute to the material and spiritual welfare of others In Guyana there are several thousand of Guyanese from all ethnic backgrounds who with their families are Baha’is and would be observing Naw RuZ as their religious Holy day!

Wishing a happy and joyous Naw-Ruz to all Guyanese!

Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

Paddy bug infestation is not a problem to be solved, but prevented Dear Editor IN 2008/2009, I undertook a project to work with GRDB’s Extension Division to improve rice fertilisation in Guyana.

This field project was sponsored by Fertilizer Corporation of America, and was one component of the GRDB’s Six-Point Program of improved practices.

The programme was a tremendous success, and the recent increases in rice production are clearly due to improvements in field practices, including fertilisation, that were introduced to farmers. This success was due to the hard work of many people,

including Mr. Kuldip Ragnauth, Dr. Ed Pulver, Mr. Dave Christopherson and Mr. Beaufort Adams.

However, the true heroes of this exercise were the outstanding GRDB Extension Officers and the hardworking, progressive rice farmers. Success was also due to the scientific approach that was used. Since 2012, BLT Enterprises provided farmers with over one thousand soil analyses, and I produced customised fertilizer recommendations for every individual sample at no cost for my professional time.

However, it appears that the industry is beginning to move backwards. The scien-

tific practice of selecting fertilisers based on soil analysis has been abandoned, and the industry has reverted to the old system of “one size fits all”. Fertilisers are being imported without any scientific basis, and farmers now use whatever is available; not what they need. This is exactly the approach that caused the low production of the recent past.

The recent increase in paddy bug infestation also suggests that farmers have abandoned the improved practices and reverted to traditional approaches. Paddy bug is not a problem to be solved; it is something that has to be prevented. Dr. Pulver demonstrat-

This thing called...

Such a statement, deceptively putrid, since some of its components quickly disassociate themselves with such treachery, begs the question as to

whether whatever collective they are, are not ashamed to be part of a dangerous attempt to distort the constitution, as far as the constitutional responsibility

for national elections is the remit of GECOM. They have continued to give the concept of civil society a bad name.

But this is the Guyana context of this

ed clearly that the indiscriminate use of pesticides kills the predators that destroy paddy bug eggs, resulting in increased infestation.

The common suggestion to use more and stronger pesticides is not the answer.

It is clear that Guyana has to reintroduce the Six-Point Programme, including the proper selection of fertilisers, based on soil testing as is done in every high-yielding region in the world. Without it, the industry’s long-term future looks bleak.

Regards Dr. Terrence Fullerton Soil Scientist FROM PAGE 6 thing called civil society - a grouping that represents no other segment of society, except its vested interests, and the PPP/C. Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

Social workers honoured on World Social Work Day IN commemoration of World Social Work Day, the Ministry of Social Protection hosted a luncheon at the Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, to honour social workers for the tremendous roles they play in society.

The programme was designed to show appreciation and to publicly recognise the

profession and the driving forces that aid in the proper execution of their daily tasks.

The audience was made up of social workers from across the length and breadth of Guyana, and several distinguished guests from agencies such as the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Prison Service, Women Across Dif-

ferences, Child Link, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), just to name a few.

Permanent Secretary of the said ministry, Lorene Baird, MS, told the gathering that World Social Work Day is a key day in the year of

Deputy Director of Social Services, Abike Benjamin-Samuels

social workers worldwide.

“In this regard we celebrate the achievements of the profession and take the theme message into communities,

This, she said, is a major contribution to fostering a better society, a better country, and by extension, a better world. Baird urged the workers to renew their commitment to the notion of social justice and take pride in social work at all levels of service.

“In keeping with the theme, let us be cognisant of the numerous aspects of human relationships that social work encompasses, namely, empowering individuals and families, managing agencies and organisations, building communities and crafting policy and legislation. I implore you to be proud to be a social worker on the frontlines of the fight for social justice and to continue to forge positive relationships and outcomes,” she opined.

Further stressing the im-

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, Lorene Baird

contributes in no small way to the profession, and they must be appreciated for their services, today is all about Social Workers!”

The programme saw oth-

A section of the gathering at the Ministry of Social Protection luncheon in commemoration of World Social Work Day.

workplaces and governments to raise awareness of social work contributions and need for further action,” she said.

Giving a brief history on the day, Baird said that “World Social Work Day was launched by The International Federation of Social Workers in 1983, and is celebrated every third Tuesday in March. This year’s theme is, ‘Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships’ and aims to focus on the social relationships between people’s essential relationships with each other, their environment and their future.”

She stressed that social work is a multi-faceted practice profession which aims to improve people’s lives by helping with social and interpersonal difficulties, promoting human rights and well-being.

portance of the role of social workers, Deputy Director of Social Services, Abike Benjamin-Samuels, said that the profession is growing world-wide, and it is clearly contributing to positive individual and societal changes.

“Our social workers take on some of the most serious and complex issues facing society – poverty, mental illness, racism, child welfare, domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking in persons, among many other issues. It is a very difficult and very demanding profession, which requires a high degree of understanding, consideration, patience, compassion and no less important, deep financial resources,” she said.

She further lamented that “Today, it’s not about the doctors, lawyers, teachers, sociologists,[and] accountants, though their work

er presentations; Presentation of Social Work Education in Guyana done by Undergraduate Coordinator, University of Guyana, Shonnel Smith-Enoe; and Presentation on the Professionalisation of Social Work in Guyana, by retired Chief Probation Officer, Sylvia Conway.

After the formal ceremony, the Director of Social Services, Whentworth Tanner, announced the launch of the ‘Guyana Social Work Practice Standard, which he handed over to three social work agencies.

Tanner said that they are working towards creating a Social Workers Act, and pushing for the licensing of social workers in Guyana.

The people were treated to dances, spoken-word presentations, testimonies, tokens of appreciation, and a hearty meal.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

AG calls out Nandlall for circulating fake voucher

THE Chambers of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Legal Affairs have debunked the circulation of a counterfeit payment voucher purportedly for a quantum paid to Grenada Queen’s Counsel, Dr. Raphael Alexis.

Describing it as a “malicious” act, the Legal Affairs Ministry explained the image was shared on the Facebook account of Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall and is now widely circulated on various social media platforms.

According to the image, the Attorney General’s Chambers paid Dr. Alexis $78M to make legal representation on behalf of the Government in the Court of Appeal for the appeals resulting directly from the passage of the No Confidence Motion but this, the Ministry of Legal Affairs said, is wholly inaccurate.

“The Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs, frontally deny and reject out of hand such a payment was ever made,” the Ministry said in a statement on

Tuesday. It added: “By no stretch of imagination, this document resembles or even comes close to the Payment Vouchers utilised by Government agencies.”

On the fake voucher being circulated, a number of discrepancies have been detected. The Legal Affairs Ministry pointed out that it does not use a “ref #” as displayed on the counterfeit document.

“The amount quoted by the document is substantially inaccurate and misleading. As stated before, the document is not authentic since there is a standard payment voucher utilised by Government agencies. The cheque number is not related to any payment for Dr. Alexis,” it further pointed out.

The Legal Affairs Ministry said persons who are acquainted with the Government’s Payment System can easily detect the irregularities and inconsistencies with this document. It said that, over the years, the Government, irrespective, of which political party is governing, has developed a standardised system of payment which is effec-

tive countrywide. This transaction with Dr. Alexis is no different and the system cannot be unilaterally abrogated, the Legal Affairs Minister stated.

“It is imperative to note that the two officers named that are attached to the AGC/MOLA appearing on the document cannot carry out such a transaction. Mrs. Tamika Barkoye, cannot approve such payment. Also, Ms. Simone Allen does not make payments of any sort,” it further explained.

The Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs view the circulation of the image of a fake payment voucher as another blatant attack on professionals of the public service under their watch and by extension Government.

“The circulation of this voucher along with initial speculation associated with Dr. Alexis being retained by the AGC/MOLA is calculated to be entirely mischievous and is highly unacceptable,” the Legal Affairs Ministry said.

It said under the former administration, the Attorney General’s Chamber expended hefty sums of

Region 3 ‘agri expo’ set for April 27 THE Region Three administration will be hosting its second Regional Agricultural and Commercial Expo on April 27 at the Hydronie Community Centre Ground on the West Coast Demerara.

The exhibition will he held under the theme, “Sustaining Region Three in a Green Economy”, and is expected to feature several booths showcasing products, crops and livestock produced by farmers in the region.

Commercial businesses of the region will also showcase their services.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall, who made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, expressed her excitement at spearheading the region in staging this year’s event, following a successful inaugural display last year.

As was done last year, the Region Three administration will be collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI)

in the region, and the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute(NAREI) has again been invited to participate in the event, as well as government ministries and other stakeholders.

The event will again create a wide market for farmers, especially those who do not get regular markets for their produce, Ferreira-Dougall noted. She recalled that among the success stories from last year’s event was NAREI being able to sell all of its chickens.

The hosting of agricultural fairs by each of the country’s ten administrative regions is a mandate handed down by President David Granger, and, so far, similar events have been held in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The entrance fee for adults is $300, while children will be asked to pay $200.

monies to retain lawyers from within the Caribbean region to bolster their legal teams. “Examples include the Elections Petition Case of 2015, the lawyer being Abe Dabdoub of Jamaica and

Seenauth Jairam SC of Trinidad and Tobago in the Budget- Cuts case to name a few,” the Minister pointed out.

The image has been removed from Nandlall’s Facebook page.

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PPP executive, Mohabir Anil Nandlall

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

Conservation without money is a conversation – Iwokrama director

By Wendella Davidson

CONSERVATION without money is just a conversation, says Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Director of Resource Management and Training, Dr Raquel Thomas.

The Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development is an autonomous body which is required to generate funds for sustainability.

According to Dr Thomas, Iwokrama’s financial situation “is always a challenge,” and the Centre always looks at ways to raise money.

Over the past five to six years, the Centre has been receiving financial help from the government, but accord-

ing to Dr Thomas, a lot of work is done through special projects, since the Centre explores new avenues to generate money.

She said focus is placed on tourism development as well as forestry, in keeping with guidelines of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC).

Recognising also the vision to share lessons learnt and its role in education, other projects through which funds are generated are the holding of training programmes; the hosting of researchers, groups, schools and universities and the promotion of tours which are sold at a discounted rate during the low season.

However, the condition of the roadway, which is an economical way by which

Students with the rangers (ICC photo)

to reach the Centre, poses a great challenge during the rainy season, Thomas pointed out.

She related that the Centre has a strategic partnership with the Commonwealth, as the offer of the Iwokrama Forest was made in 1989 by then President Desmond Hoyte as a place to develop

research models in sustainable use of forests, where the concept of conservation is linked to managing the resources through wise use.

Along with many other partnerships, there is also an important one in relation to the 20 Amerindian communities that are linked to the Iwokrama forest, one of

which (Fairview) is located within the protected area.

In addition to concretising relations with these communities through the North Rupununi District Development Board (NRDDB), Iwokrama has a collaborative management agreement and a MoU which give the respective villages responsibility and a say on how the Centre manages its one million-acre of forest.

Dr Thomas also pointed out that before 2002, the village of Fairview did not have legal land ownership.

However, Fairview, since 2006, was granted legal title to 22,000 hectares within the Iwokrama rainforest area, and the village opted to remain and be recognised as a part of the protected area.

RESEARCH Since 2017, Iwokrama has partnered with ExxonMobil to execute several projects, and this year, the company will be aiding the Centre in fresh areas of research.

The Centre has also linked with Repsol, an energy company with headquarters in Madrid, Spain, that conducts upstream and downstream activities worldwide, to compile biodiversity booklets and other activities.

It has completed mammal and bird guides, and is currently in the process of completing one on flora.

Dr Thomas said the idea is to compile a series of other booklets with information on other fauna, for example fishes and reptiles.

In the area of science, two very important projects are due to come onstream shortly, one with the theme encompassing biodiversity conservation and the other dealing with hydrology and climate. The Centre will also be collaborating with the University of Guyana to have some of its PhD students on board.

Meanwhile, it will continue to host schools, univer-

sities and other outreaches, both local and international, and seek to obtain international certification for its tourism business.

With the management of two of the most sought-after tourism lodges in the country: The Iwokrama River Lodge and the Atta Lodge, Iwokrama continues to test models of business with the intention of sharing this knowledge through lessons learnt. The Atta Lodge, which is at the site of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, is managed by a business consortium which includes the Iwokrama International Centre and other private sector operators, including Surama Ecolodge, Wilderness Explorers and Rock View Lodge.

ADHERING TO GUIDELINES Regarding the forestry operation, Dr Thomas noted that Iwokrama continues to adhere to all guidelines of the Guyana Forestry Commission, as well as the international forestry guidelines, as it relates to the forest allocated for forestry business. Utilising harvesting practices that follow low-impact logging, considered low- volume impact, some 16 species were harvested as at the end of 2018.

The products are exported to the UK, the Netherlands and the Caribbean.

The Centre has entered into a partnership with local private sector company, Farfan & Mendes and its partner McVantage Guyana, to undertake its timber business.

Iwokrama’s work is being undertaken by a significant number of employees that are from the region, under a commitment which Iwokrama has with the NRDDB, to give the first priority for jobs to residents from the region, once they have the requisite qualifications.

Additionally, key to Iwokrama’s successful management of the programme site is the recognition that traditional knowledge must be respected and twinned with science for best results.

As Iwokrama celebrates 30 years since the offer of the Iwokrama Forest to the international community for research and development, the commitment of this novel programme to showcasing how forests can be wisely used and yet left in an intact state for generations to come, is really a gift from Guyana to the world.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Twenty-four Guyanese technicians join ExxonMobil Guyana Team

TWENTY-FOUR Guyanese operations and maintenance technicians have now joined the ExxonMobil Guyana team, the U.S oil giant said in a release.

It said upon the completion of their training, the technicians will be assigned to the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

It noted that the group of new employees, which includes two females, will receive one week of orientation in Georgetown before departing for 18 months of training at Cape Brenton University, Canada. “A significant portion of that time will be spent on advanced skills training in four areas – operations, electrical, instrumentation and mechanical – as well as specific training for oil and gas production operations,” ExxonMobil explained.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s development model for operations and maintenance employees is designed for trainees to advance from Technician I to III over time, it further explained, noting that the intent is to enhance their capacity to such a level

that they are able to replace an experienced international worker.

The technicians join the more than one thousand Guyanese already working on Liza Phase One project activities, ExxonMobil boosted. In early 2020, recruitment of the next set of 50 technicians will commence.

The Liza Destiny is due in Guyana at the end of the third quarter of 2019, ahead of first oil in 2020.

The Stabroek Block comprises 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited operates and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

To date, 12 discoveries have been made in the Stabroek Block by ExxonMobil and its partners.

The gross recoverable resource now stands at approximately 5.5 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

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The Twenty-four Guyanese operations and maintenance technicians have now joined ExxonMobil Guyana team and representatives of the company

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

RUSAL, union closer to agreement … reinstatement of workers main sticking point

THE Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers of Union (GB&GWU) are nearing an agreement regarding the reinstatement of 91 dismissed workers.

RUSAL executive Vladimir Permyakov The progress comes following a meeting between RUSAL executive, Vladimir Permyakov; BCGI Personnel Manager, Mikhail Krupenin; General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers of Union (GB&GWU), Lincoln Lewis; a group of BCGI workers and Attorney-at-law, Andrew Pollard.

They met on Tuesday at the Hughes, Fields & Stoby law firm on Hadfield Street, Georgetown towards the effort of eventually signing a binding Terms of Resumption (ToR) document.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle following the engagement, Lewis said that both sides put forward proposals and, while it was agreed in principle that the workers will be reinstated, the conditions for such are

still being discussed. “We want to see reinstatement rather than re-employment.

A lot of people are caught with the issue of ‘reemploy’.

‘Re-employ’ means new contracts; ‘reinstatement’ means we’ll continue with the old contract; your seniorities and your salaries will remain,” Lewis said.

Meanwhile, the issue of the check-off system for union dues was discussed as Lewis explained: “The company needs to come back to us on that question. They’ve proposed that the check-off for union dues commence immediately after returning to normalcy. After that we’ll have the removal of the barricades.” The dismissed workers had taken strike action on February 15, 2019 to protest a one per cent increase in salaries for 2019 and less than favourable working conditions.

They joined forces and blocked the Berbice River in the vicinity of the Kwakwani waterfront, in an effort to stymie the movement of barges and water vessels transporting shipment of bauxite.

Tying ropes with drums and other items together, they created a barrier across the river. However, the move is now affecting the operations of the logging industry.

Coming out of Tuesday’s meeting, the parties also agreed that following the resumption of normal activities, matters regarding working conditions will be raised and dealt with. “All indications give us the signal that they [RUSAL] are prepared to sit and work [with us],” Lewis said.

Meanwhile, Permyakov said: “It very explicit but constructive…we are going forward not backward.”

Only on March 12, 2019

commenced, however it has also extended to beyond the bauxite mining sector and is now affecting the logging

General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers of Union (GB&GWU) Lincoln Lewis RUSAL agreed to engage in bilateral discussions with the GB&GWU, a step down from its initial refusal to meet with the union if Lewis was present. Today [Wednesday], the union will be meeting with workers and management in Aroaima where they will relay the matters discussed and gather information on any rising concerns.

When it comes to the signing of the ToR, Lewis indicated that the Labour Department will be involved.

The recent fallout between the parties has caused a nationwide stir as RUSAL has been operating in Guyana for many years as a major employer of Guyanese.

In a release on Tuesday, the Ministry of Natural Resources commended the parties involved on the progress made. “The ministry reiterates its support for the workers and urges that the matter be speedily concluded to the mutual benefit of all parties. The resolution is particularly for the workers who have been left at a disadvantage since the dispute

Carter Center to meet with GECOM REPRESENTATIVES of the Carter Center are expected to meet with the Guyana Elections Commission again today to gather information relating to the holding of new General and Regional Elections.

GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, told the media of the meeting on Tuesday even as he noted that at least one opposition-nominated Commissioner, Bibi Shadick, has indicated that she will not attend the meeting.

Through the Carter Center, former United States (US) President, Jimmy Carter, had led the first mission to Guyana with the aim of encouraging sustainable development and developing democratic institutions. This is the second time that the Carter Center will be approaching the

commission since the fallout that ensued over the no-confidence motion.

The second visit comes as opposition-nominated Commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn have staged several walked-outs at statutory meetings in the middle of critical decisions and motions.

Commissioner Vincent Alexander told media operatives on Tuesday “Commissioner Shadick has indicated that because of no prior consultation with her [regarding the date of the meeting], she will not be available for that meeting.”

It is unclear whether the other opposition-nominated commissioners will also opt out of today’s meeting. The engagement is expected to take place at the commission at 14:30hrs.

industry. There is disruption to the logging industry in the area with regard to transportation of logs out of the area

by river.

The ministry urges that the matter be resolved post haste,” the release stated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

‘Allow GECOM to do its work’

–citizens

GUYANESE are calling on the political players to desist from interfering with the work of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), noting that the country should await the decision of the court before rushing into elections.

Based on the advice of its secretariat, the Elections Commission has advised President David Granger that it will be fully prepared to hold elections by November, 2019 – but this position has not augur well with the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). In light of the no-confidence motion against the government, the opposition leader is demanding that elections be held by April 30, 2019 ‘by the hook or by the crook.’

The matter, with respect to

the validity of the no-confidence motion, is also engaging the attention of the Court of Appeal.

On Tuesday, the Guyana Chronicle turned to ‘the men and women in the street’ for their thoughts on the current political situation.

Sitting in his usual spot in the Stabroek Market was 51-year-old Mohammed Hussain, who said that based on the Constitution, the December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion should not have been passed in the National Assembly. According to him, that’s a slippage on the part of the government.

Nonetheless, Hussain said given the uncertainty which surrounds the validity of the no-confidence motion, the country should wait on the decision of the Appellate Court before moving ahead with elections.

“They should wait on the court. They should defi-

nitely wait on the court for a way forward, there is no need to rush,” he told this newspaper. According to him, constitutionally, the government’s five-yearterm ends in 2020, and it is guaranteed that right under the Constitution. He said to wait, would avert any conflict, pointing out that the PPP/C only represents a minority in House, and the views of the majority should not be disregarded. With the impending oil economy, Hussain said the political leaders should work together in the interest of the country.

Weighing in on the issue, Michael Small said GECOM should be given the opportunity to conduct its work without any interference from politicians.

“GECOM is the constitutional body responsible for elections, and so the President cannot simply act

Lindener Samuel Wright without getting a word from GECOM. He can’t. He can’t force a date on GECOM, he can’t,” Small told this newspaper while standing in the Stabroek Market.

With GECOM indicating that it needs approximately eight months to prepare for elections, Small proposed that the court, pending its decision, should grant an extension to the deadline outlined in the Constitution following the passage of a no-confidence motion. The motion has triggered the need for early elections but GECOM has long indicated that the three month timeframe outlined in Article 106 (6) and Article 106 (7) of the Constitution could not have been reached.

“The court should grant an extension, if the opposition doesn’t want to support an extension in the Parliament, then the court should grant it because the three months is every short.

GECOM cannot mobilise its resources within three months for a General Elections. Although the Constitution said an election should be held within three months, that’s a difficult task,” Small submitted.

Small reasoned that any attempt to rush the elections could result in eligible Guyanese being disenfranchised. “I think the opposition knows that it is difficult to hold an election within 90 days but I think he (Bharrat Jagdeo) is being a little unfair,” Small opined, while urging the opposition leader to remember that he too had called for the independence of GECOM to be respected under his presidency.

In Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), 18-year-old Trevor Broomes endorsed GECOM’s position to conduct house-tohouse registration before elections are held. With GECOM unable to hold elections before April 30,

Eighty-year-old Neville Bradford from Mabaruma

Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford

2019 when the Official List of Electors expires, houseto-house registration becomes necessary to generate a new list of eligible voters.

Eighty-year-old Neville Bradford, who also hails from Mabaruma, said at this juncture, house-to-house registration is a must, and the opposition must come to that understanding. “Jagdeo wants an early election but you cannot get early elections without house-to-house registration; that has to be completed before you get elections,” he posited.

Bradford took note of the fact that the opposition leader is pushing for elections to be held using the current List of Elections, but according to him, “that can’t wuk.” He contended that the current list is bloated and omits eligible voters who turned 18 after November, 2018 when the list was compiled.

Bradford noted that while GECOM has $3B to conduct the nationwide registration, it would also require additional finances to facilitate the elections.

“They have money for house-to-house, but they don’t have to run off the elections, so I am thinking early next year around February, March would be a good time,” he opined.

While he proposed that elections be held until 2020, the elderly man said the decision and timeframe given by GECOM must be respected.

In Linden, Member of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford, said generating a credible list is important.

“A genuine election needs a genuine list. All Guyanese would be proud of an election with a list that allows for the participation of maximum quality of our youths and excluding the names of the dead. Haste should not be ahead of having credible elections,” Rutherford said.

According to him, November is a “reasonable” time.

His colleague, MP Jermaine Figueira underscored the importance of respecting GECOM as a constitutional body. “GECOM is a constitutionally independent agency and its independence should be respected to conduct the affairs pertaining to registration, elections, etc, without interference,” Figueira posited.

The Region 10 representative in the House, endorsed GECOM’s decision to conduct house-to-house registration. “I strongly believe the list is not a true reflection of our population and a lot of our young people are not on the present concoction of the list. If the commission believes otherwise their position, their independence should be respected with the reasons they may posit,” he said.

Samuel Wright, a Lindener as well, expressed a different view. He told this newspaper that GECOM should not have waited until the eleventh hour before attempting to make preparations for elections. According to Wright, GECOM has lost some credibility as he laid the blame at the feet of the commission.

“For me, GECOM should understand, they should start putting things in order. So for them to wait for to President tell them start moving is not right on the part of GECOM,” Wright opined.

Wright said while GECOM cannot be forced to hold election by April 30 as proposed by the opposition leader, he is concerned about the consequences.

The Lindener noted too that while the government is in its right to challenge the vote of no-confidence, the clock has not stopped ticking, as such, the motion remains valid until a determination by the Appellate Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Urban communities benefitting from agriculture programme

RESIDENTS of West Ruimveldt are currently benefitting from an Urban Agriculture Project being facilitated

by Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) and other communities will soon be engaged.

Executive Director of YCG, Dmitri Nicholson, told the Guyana Chronicle that the Urban Agriculture programme has been underway since 2016. However, this year, the non-governmental organisation received funding from oil company ExxonMobil, which he said, enabled them to expand.

“We have been doing this for several years, but this is the first year that we are receiving financial assistance. The assistance aided in managing the space better, and we were able to acquire the resources needed to produce; the funding covers all the resources. In addition to that, we were

The Life skills and Livelihood Coordinator, Dwayne Gangoo, said that the programme being facilitated in the West Ruimveldt community is an ongoing one, and currently has 10 persons benefitting from it.

He explained that due to the training being so hands-on, the participants catch on quite quickly. Thus far, Gangoo said they have planted pak choi, cabbage, pepper and they are looking to put in some passion fruit, because they want to cover all the basics.

“It is not in-depth agriculture. Just the basic skills they need to farm to provide for themselves and their families, are what we are teaching them. It is subsistence farming, and subsistence farming is the way forward,” Gangoo said.

He said that the team from YCG went around in the community and conducted

Two of the beneficiaries taking care of their crops able to expand to other communities and increase the number of things we are able to do,” Nicholson said.

He explained that YCG has three main areas of focus: Health, Education and Life Skills and Livelihoods. The Urban Agriculture Programme he said, is one of the Life skills and Livelihood projects, which aims to provide persons from urban communities with the skillsets to produce food for themselves, and in the long run, the experience and knowledge gained can be used to venture into agricultural production as a means of generating incomes.

Nicholson said that he believes Guyana has a lot of potential to alleviate poverty, if we strengthen people’s understanding and skills to really improve their own livelihoods. This project, he said, is contributing to that.

“It will ensure that people have the skills to not go hungry. And so if we have an economic boom and there is a food shortage, families can teach their children to be self-sustained, rather than having to rely on alternative sources to provide for them,” Nicholson posited.

house-to- house visits, to engage persons in the programme. It is their belief, that each household should be practising subsistence farming.

Gangoo also said that in a month’s time, they will be venturing into aquaculture and vermicomposting. The project is demand driven, he said, so they will be adding things as they go on in the programme, to give all the knowledge and experience they can give as it relates to agriculture.

“The intention is to expand the access to agriculture knowledge, so that persons can reap for their own consumption,” he said.

Travis Ferreira, one of the persons who has been benefitting from the project in West Ruimveldt, told the Guyana Chronicle that the programme has personally helped him to develop time-management skills.

He explained that he is a law student and he has a full-time job, so the additional commitment taught him to manage his time properly.

However, in relation to the agricul-

tural experience gained, Ferreira said that the knowledge is priceless, and with the techniques being taught, they all can branch off to their own personal farming facilities.

He said that he can see it having a viral effect in the community and they all can share their knowledge with each other, so everyone in their community can benefit. Ferriera also said that he hopes that a corporate sponsor would be

willing to come on board, after seeing how beneficial it is in a community and assist in expanding it across the country.

Another beneficiary of the programme, Oneil Moses, said that he has learnt a lot, and now he is able to grow his own food.

The project is currently in West Ruimveldt, but will be heading to North-East La Penitence, Tiger Bay and Lodge Housing Scheme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Security officers trained in strategic communications

SOME 34 officers completed an in-depth training in strategic communications facilitated by the Military Information Support Team (MIST) of Trinidad and Tobago in collaboration with the US Embassy on Monday.

Thirty officers were from the Guyana Police Force, two from the Guyana Defence Force and two from the City Constabulary.

The one-week course held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre, mainly focused on planning, target audience analysis, strate-

gic campaign development, product development and design, among others.

During the training, graduants were given both practical and theoretical exercises with the aim of testing their knowledge. They were also evaluated after each session.

Addressing the simple but significant graduation ceremony, Assistant Commissioner of Training, Clifton Hicken, thanked the facilitators for their work and encouraged the participants to make full use of what they have learnt.

“As community relations

Seated at centre: Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan and Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken flanked by facilitators and ranks who benefitted from the training course officers, public relations officers and correspondents, you are the face of the force and when you go out to meet with the public, it is expected that you do so professionally and with this training, it is expected that you better yourselves as it relates to communicating with the public,” Hicken said.

Detachment Commander MIST, Captain Patrick Cunningham, noted that he was pleased with the engagement of the participants during the training.

The objectives of the training were to work alongside the GPF and GDF to develop and strengthen targeted capabilities; to strengthen US-Guyana Joint Security Forces interoperability; to improve the ability of influence operations to counter threats; and boost GPF/GDF recruitment within Guyana.

Meanwhile, Public Relations and Press Officer,

Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, in welcoming the participants and invitees, said the course is very historic since it is the first time a large batch of personnel, which includes representatives from the GDF and the City Constabulary, have been so fortunate to receive such an extensive training in communications.

The curtain was brought down with the presentation of certificates, followed by the appreciation of outstanding students who were all presented with commemorative coins.

The facilitators of the training were Captain Patrick Cunningham; Sergeant First Class, Juan C. Llanes; Sergeant, First Class Jason J. Hazley; Sergeant Spencer Sexton and Specialist Jeremiah T. Rice, all of the Military Information Support Operations, Trinidad and Tobago.

An inspirational personality for all FELICIA Adams certainly is an inspiration to many young people across Guyana.

A reveller in this year’s ‘Mash’ Band for the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of the Presidency, Felicia has inspired many young people to overcome adversity and strive for excellence.

Felicia was born in Parika on the East Bank of Essequibo and received her education at Parika Primary School and Vreed -en- Hoop Secondary. She got involved in the Mashramani Float Parade because she was so inspired by her mother Odelle Trim and her agent Kenny Hercules.

Felicia said that the reason she got into the “Mash” revelrybecause she was young, and was often teased because she is tall and did not have much confidence in herself from a tender age.

However, Felicia related, the fact that she could come out on the road and mash for the ministry and the minister was a confidence booster for her.

Having found confidence, Felicia expressed gratitude to her friends, her mother and her agent for putting her on the road for “Mash” Day. Despite the fact that her mother is a single parent and life has been tough for her, she is proud of her achievement in life. Felicia’s inspiration comes mainly from her mother, Odelle Trim, who she says always puts a smile on her face, irrespective of the daily difficulties she (Felicia) faces.

Felicia is a big fan of August Alsina, who himself has been through a lot of issues, trials and difficulties.

Her biggest inspiration however, has come from her mother; and this, she says, has empowered her to overcome all struggles and adversity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Cops sensitised on use of breathalysers, speed guns

RANKS of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were recently trained by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on the verification and use of breathalysers and speed guns.

These measuring instruments are used by the GPF to ascertain the alcohol levels of persons driving under the influence and the speed at which they drive.

The training also focused on educating ranks on the use of the International System of Units, which is the legal system of measurement during the exercise of their duties.

During the training, head of the Legal Metrology Department, Jermaine Softley, provided an overview of the activities of GNBS and focused on the importance of ensuring verified measuring instruments are used by traffic ranks.

Softley stated that when instruments are verified and users are trained and certified, the public becomes more confident in the results.

He further stated that the GNBS, as the national measurement institute in Guyana, is building capacity to verify breathalysers and speed guns used by the force.

He concluded that collaboration between the GNBS and the GPF to train traffic ranks is a necessary step towards ensuring reliable measurements are made when administering the law.

Meanwhile, a detailed training on the use of speed guns was provided by GNBS Senior Inspector, Alwin Etwah.

The officers were educated on the functionalities of the two broad types of speed guns used today – the radars and lidars.

The features of these speed guns and the frequency of internal and external calibrations were also highlighted.

In addition, GNBS Senior Inspector, Keemo Fyffe, also did a presentation on the use and calibration of breathalysers.

Breathalysers were introduced by the GPF to measure blood alcohol content from breath samples as many drivers continue to drink and drive.

Fyffe reminded ranks that it is important that they have a thorough understanding of how to conduct breathalyser tests.

He also emphasised that the GPF must have breathalysers used in law enforcement calibrated at least once per month.

Ranks were trained on the use of the International System of Units and were encouraged to use grams and kilogrammes in their reports of drug cases, and centimetres and metres when taking measurements at accidents or crime scenes.

For the next few months, the GNBS will continue to offer training to ranks of the Guyana Police Force to build their competency to obtain measurements, which can withstand scrutiny in the Court of Law. Every participant will receive a certificate upon completion of the training.

Ranks who benefited from the verification and use of the breathalysers and speed guns

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Soon-to-retire City Hall worker

GEORGETOWN Mayor Ubraj Narine has voiced his disapproval of a decision by the City Council to allow the chief health visitor to attend the University of Guyana (UG) on a full time basis, even though she is soon heading into retirement.

“I disagree for the record,” Narine told the City Council at its most recent statutory meeting at City

on full-time scholarship Hall when the matter came up again for discussion.

Human Resource Manager, Paulette Braithwaite, explained that Nurse Beris Springer goes to UG every day and visits the council when the university is in recess.

Braithwaite further mentioned that Springer is studying full-time and it has been difficult to find persons to fill her post in the past. She said the City Council is also expected to benefit from Springer’s training as she would be expected to train

others.

Councillor Denroy Tudor offered that even though the City Council is cashstrapped, this should not be used as an excuse to shortchange employees.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen said he has never been

in support of this initiative as Nurse Springer is soon heading into retirement.

“Why couldn’t we get someone else? I’m hoping that the council will rescind its decision, instead of giving such a major concession to someone who’s going into retirement. This is not a young person,” Kuppen said.

Springer’s course is to last four years, and she started it approximately one year ago. In the meantime, she is being paid by the City Council.

Chairman of the Human Resource Management Committee, Oscar Clarke, said Springer’s retirement is this October. He said Springer is working in a scarce field and that council received no applications over the years when it tried to get someone for the job.

“You don’t find trained persons applying for jobs like these. It’s a win-win situation for the council,” Clarke said.

Councillor Ivelaw Henry said the planning system at

Mayor Ubraj Narine the City Council is extremely poor, and that this precedent should not be set for others.

He also was opposed to sending someone with that age on a full scholarship to the university, and said he would have preferred if someone younger was afforded the opportunity.

There is no guarantee, he reasoned, that someone of such age will return to work with the municipality.

Springer, however, has reportedly signed a contract to work with the City Council for five years after graduating.

Bread vendor died of strangulation – autopsy AN autopsy performed on the remains of 63-year-old Clairmonte Telesford has revealed that he died as a result of strangulation and blunt trauma to head.

The autopsy was performed by Dr. Nehaul Singh at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary on Monday, after which the body was handed over to relatives for burial Police are hunting for three bandits who allegedly killed the 63-year-old Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara bread vendor during a home invasion early Sunday morning.

Telesford, called “Bread man” of 101 Republic Drive, Beterverwagting, ECD, was killed while his reputed wife, Shondell Emmanuel, was tied up by the perpetrators during the ordeal.

According to reports, the couple operated a shop in front of their Beterverwagting home and at about 01:30hrs, while they were unpacking bread in their bottom-flat apartment, three masked men pounced on them.

Dead: Clairmont Telesford One of the men was armed with a firearm and the couple was tied up by the three bandits and ordered to hand over their valuables or be killed.

Emmanuel took two of the bandits inside of her home while the armed perpetrator stayed with her reputed husband. The woman handed over jewellery and cash but was still assaulted.

The men, during their escape, took Telesford into the yard where he was later found motionless with injuries to the head by Emmanuel, after she managed to free herself.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

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Rachael Sookhoo wins annual Young Pioneers Spelling Bee

The winners of the Spelling Bee

YOUNG Rachael Sookhoo came out on top of the Young Pioneers’ annual Spelling Bee competition.

“This year, we took our competition to children within various communities. The two competing teams were children from the Church of God of Prophecy Better Hope and the Church of God of Prophecy Vryheid’s Lust,” said Founder of Young Pioneers, Shivanie Rampersaud, in an invited comment.

The competition saw various knock-out rounds comprising an average of 15 words per round. Despite having a champion, all of the competitors did exceptionally well she said.

Among the winners were Carlos Johnson and Tiffany Johnson, who brought second and third place respectively.

Young Pioneers, founded by Rampersaud, is a charitable organisation that focuses

on youth development and community work.

The organisation, founded in 2013, aims to expose youth to capacity building opportunities, while reminding them of their duties towards society through engaging in charitable projects.

It has conducted numerous online awareness campaigns in areas of suicide prevention, body shaming, importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, gender equality; hosted food, clothing and book distributions, training sessions and workshops; visits to elderly homes and orphanages; fundraisers for patients in need of medical care and surgeries, among others.

The group has branches on the West Bank and West Coast Demerara, East Coast Demerara-Georgetown and Berbice, with approximately 22 members.

Devin Sears elected as Chairman of Region 10 AFC Over the weekend, the Alliance For Change (AFC) Region 10 Chapter, hosted its annual executive elections for its Regional Management Committee, Women For Change and Youth for Change arms.

Emerging as Chairman is former municipal councillor, Devin Sears, while Region 10 Prime Minister representative, Vladimir Glasgow was elected as Vice-Chairman.

For the Women for Change arm, Michelle Daniels was elected as Chairwoman while Abiola Archer was elected as Chairwoman for the Region 10 Youth For Change arm.

Other members of the Regional Management Committee are Secretary, Mark Goring; Treasurer, Roger Kingston and Assistant Secretary/Treasurer, Michelle Daniels.

According to a release, the newly-elected Alliance For Change Regional Management Committee remains committed to making full representation on behalf of and in the interest of the residents of Region 10; one that fosters socio-economic and youth development, investments, capacity building and maintaining good governance to name a few.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

MovieTowne now open for business -complex 80% complete, should be fully ready in a month, says owner

MOVIETOWNE Guyana has officially opened its doors to the public, lifting the veil to give Guyanese and others an experience like never before.

Like any new facility, the new complex was flocked by hundreds of Guyanese who mostly visited the Mall to “catch a movie”.

“We had a formal opening on Thursday, and we have the holiday coming up this Thursday, so we figured it is a chance to get the public involved,” said MovieTowne proprietor, Derek Chin, in an

invited comment.

Although there were some minor glitches, he said it was time to get things up and moving. Chin said the facility should be fully completed in about three weeks, when all the stores will officially open their doors. “Popular restaurant, Kosmos, opens tomorrow [today], while Bistro, Hard Rock Café and the others will open one by one, and come on stream in about a month,” he said.

The facility (theatre and mall) opens for business from midday, and will remain

open until 22:00hrs, while the restaurants will be able to set their own opening and closing hours.

Asked what he expects from the Guyanese market, Chin said Caribbean Cinemas gave them an idea, but MovieTowne is creating a different experience, which Guyanese who visit Trinidad and Tobago would be familiar with. He said the night life, live shows and other attractions will surely draw the crowd.

In the coming months, this massive cineplex is expected to take Guyana by storm,

Patrons getting ready to enjoy a movie at the newly-opened theatre (Delano Williams photo)

satisfying every craving for

clean, classy, family-oriented entertainment. Since its 2002 establishment in Trinidad and Tobago, MovieTowne has become a well-loved phenomenon, with thousands of dedicated patrons.

In addition to captivating the senses of entertainment-loving Guyanese, the Cineplex is also predicted to be a massive boost to Guyana’s economy. Initially pegged at US$30M, the overall cost of the state-ofthe-art facility is now close to a whopping US$45M.

According to Chin, a series of expansions were added to the project’s original designs.

This ultra-modern complex is ideally positioned on 10 acres of prime land, with a 200,000-plus square foot building standing fascinatingly along the East Coast Demerara corridor.

MovieTowne Guyana is outfitted with eight stateof-the-art screens, and equipped with the technology needed for patrons to lose themselves in the magic of every film.

Fire flattens Buxton house

The house was completely destroyed by a fire of unknown origin (Delano Williams photo)

A QUIET Tuesday afternoon ended tragically for the Adams’ family of Buxton after a fire of unknown origin destroyed their home.

The house, which was known as the “childhood home” to the occupants, went up in flames around 15:00hrs. One of the occupants, Deniece Adams, said it happened quickly and she was unable to save anything.

Adams said she was in a shop she operates in front of the yard when she started to smell smoke. “Nobody went in the house so by time I run out the shop and upstairs I see the fire blazing,” Adams related. Adams said she could not do much since the

fire had already spread across the top flat of the house.

Although the Guyana Fire Service responded promptly, they were unable to save anything. Adams said the house was not the only thing which was destroyed, noting that the fire destroyed years of happy memories and millions of dollars’ worth in items. The house was occupied by Adams and her family, along with her mother. “I don’t know what to do now, everything we worked hard for just gone so I don’t know what to do, “she lamented.

Adams said the family will have to contemplate their next move but would welcome any assistance from the public.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

China’s key political meetings secure pivotal underpinning for all-round well-off society B EIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- As the “two sessions,” a key event in China’s political calendar, came to an end last Friday, the country has created decisive underpinning for navigating through complexities toward its goal to build a moderately prosperous society (Xiaokang) in all respects.

The second sessions of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) were convened in a crucial year for China as it has set 2020 as the target year to achieve Xiaokang, with extreme poverty eradicated.

At the closing meeting of the NPC session on Friday, nearly 3,000 legislators approved a resolution on the government work report, which set new targets for sustained economic and social development in 2019.

They adopted China’s first unified foreign investment law as well as an array of other resolutions to deepen reform and opening up.

FRESH SIGNAL FOR OPENING WIDER As a highlight of the two sessions, the new foreign investment law sends a positive signal of China’s resolve to pursue high-level opening up by creating a level playing field where all investors home and abroad can participate and compete.

It is “a fundamental law in lifting China toward a new stage of high-level opening up in the new era,” said top legislator Li Zhanshu Friday.

Reflecting new ideas, approaches, and measures in reform and opening up, the unified law, to take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, will replace the three existing laws on Chinese-foreign equity

joint ventures, wholly foreign-owned enterprises and Chinese-foreign contractual joint ventures.

It stipulates that the state shall manage foreign investment according to the system of pre-establishment national treatment plus a negative list.

With unified provisions for the entry, promotion, protection, and management of foreign investment, it serves as a fundamental law for foreign investment in China, expected to create a more stable, transparent and predictable investment environment.

Over the past decades, China has made substantial achievements in attracting foreign capital. By the end of 2018, about 960,000 foreign-invested enterprises had been set up in the country, with the accumulated foreign direct investment exceeding 2.1 trillion U.S. dollars.

FINAL PUSH FOR XIAOKANG Amid lingering downward pressure and external complexities imbued with graver risks and challenges, China put forward key development targets for 2019 during the sessions, which Premier Li Keqiang called “ambitious but realistic” when delivering the government work report.

It set its GDP growth target at a range of 6-6.5 percent, consumer inflation target at around 3 percent, the surveyed urban unemployment rate at around 5 percent, and the registered urban jobless rate within 4.5 percent.

It aims to create over 11 million new urban jobs, reduce its rural poor population by over 10 million, and cut its sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 3 percent.

These targets “represent the country’s aim of promoting

high-quality development, are in keeping with the current realities of China’s development, and are aligned with the goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects,” according to the government work report.

There are less than two years left for China to meet its goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2020, a key indicator of Xiaokang.

“There should be no retreat until a complete victory is won,” said President Xi Jinping at a panel discussion during the two sessions, urging perseverance in the fight against poverty.

In a legislation plan unveiled during the sessions, the top legislature promised to support China’s high-quality development with high-quality legislation by moving forward with formulating and revising urgently needed laws for deepening market-based reforms and expanding high-standard opening up.

The plan includes deliberation on the Civil Code, formulation of laws on the promotion of basic medical and health care, real estate tax, and export control, as well as revision of the Securities Law in 2019.

“Although China’s GDP growth rate has declined, the quality of growth has significantly improved,” said Lin Yifu, head of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University.

“As long as China follows the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, promotes high-quality economic development, and continues to pursue supply-side structural reform as its main task, its road to high-quality economic development will become wider and wider,” the economist said.

‘China, EU should deepen China promotes digital education comprehensive strategic ties’ in poor regions B

C

HINA’S Ministry of Education has unveiled measures to train teachers and improve infrastructure for digital education in impoverished areas.

The ministry will hold digital education training programs for the management staff and headmasters of primary and middle schools in poverty-stricken areas, according to a directive issued by the general office of the ministry earlier this week.

It will organize donations of digital teaching equipment and sharing of high-quality digital education resources and services, the document said.

Around 1 million tailored mobile phones, which carry particular apps for learning Mandarin, will be distributed to impoverished areas.

The Open University of China, a new type of university supported by modern information technologies, will assist building 40 “cloud classrooms” for poverty-stricken areas, it said.

Digital courses will be provided for primary and middle schools in the regions and local faculty will receive technical guidance to improve the efficiency of using these resources.

RUSSELS - China and the European Union (EU) should continue to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership and enhance strategic communication and dialogue, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here on Monday.

We have noticed that China-EU relations are becoming more stable, mutually beneficial and strategic, and the two sides share more common interests Wang made the remark when meeting with foreign ministers from the 28 EU member states. Wang said the meeting was the first of its kind since China and the EU established diplomatic ties 44 years ago and was a sign of increased mutual trust between the two sides, and would send a clear signal China and the EU would strengthen their strategic cooperation.

Wang pointed out that Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to three European countries fully demonstrates the importance China attaches to Europe.

“We have noticed that China-EU relations are becoming more stable, mutually beneficial and strategic, and the two sides share more common interests, a bigger common ground and more common goals,” he said.

Although both sides have differences on some specific issues, cooperation has always been the focus of the China-EU relationship. In face of the complicated international situation, China and the EU should continue to strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership, enhance strategic communication and dialogue, properly handle differences, demonstrate solidarity and mutual trust, and promote mutual benefit and win-win results. This is a shared responsibility for both sides, Wang said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attends a press conference on China’s foreign policy and

relations on the sidelines of the second session of the 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2019. (WANG PENG / XINHUA) Wang emphasized China’s firm support to the European integration process, the EU’s unity and growth, and Europe’s more important role in international affairs. These “three supports” are based on China’s strategic grasp and longterm thinking of the evolution of the international situation.

They are not an expedient measure, not targeted at any third party, nor will they affected by any momentary incidents that happen during the China-EU exchanges.

“We hope to see a multi-polar world, democratic international relations and more beneficial, inclusive and win-win globalization,” Wang added. During the dialogue, Wang briefed the European foreign ministers on the latest developments regarding the joint construction of the Belt and Road, the 16+1 cooperation format between China and Central and Eastern European Countries, China’s development prospects and human rights protection, as well as the Venezuelan and Afghan issues.

The foreign ministers spoke enthusiastically and the two sides interacted actively, which enhanced mutual understanding. The EU member states’ foreign ministers praised the dialogue for being constructive and effective and affirmed the ten-point consensus between China and the EU. Highlighting the importance of the EU-China comprehensive strategic partnership and the close attention they paid to China’s rapid development and reform process, the foreign ministers expressed their willingness to work with China to cement strategic coordination and jointly cope with global challenges, so as to maintain multilateralism and promote world stability and development.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

GBTI CEO, directors acquitted –– prosecution failed to present satisfactory evidence to court

TWO years after they were charged for failing to comply with a production order, directors of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) were acquitted by Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan on Monday (March 19, 2019) at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The officials were charged on October 23,

2017, for failing to comply with a production order issued by Chief Justice (ag) Ms. Roxane George-Wiltshire. The order to produce certain documents within seven days was made on August 29, 2017; the documents were needed in relation to the Special Organised Crime Unit’s (SOCU) investigation into an alleged US $500M fraud at the Guyana

Rice Development Board (GRDB).

With detailed reference to the anti-money laundering laws, once a court order is made, the delivery of information requested from a financial institution is mandatory. The monies in this case are not private funds, but belong to a state agency, the GRDB. The defendants, Robin

Stoby S.C, who was chairman of the GBTI board, along with Directors Suresh Beharry, Richard Isava, Carlton James, Basil Mahadeo, Edward Beharry, Kathryn Eytle-McLean and Chief Executive Officer Shaleeza Shaw, had all pleaded not guilty to the charge back in 2017.

According to the facts of the case, the GBTI was

GBTI officials as they exited the court on Monday granted an extension of three failed to prove that the weeks to present its docu- time to produce the documents. Upon failure to so ments had expired, as well do, GBTI was, at the time, as evidence to support the accused of withholding all fact that both tenured and relevant documents pertain- non-tenured documents ing to the case. were submitted.

After several hearings As such, no further opwere held during the peri- portunities were given to od October, 2017 to Jan- the prosecution to present uary, 2019, the magistrate its case and the magistrate came to a definitive ruling. asserted that the court She stated that the prose- could not speculate about cution, headed by SOCU the elements of the offence, Prosecutor Patrice Henry, as they could not be proved.

Man freed of raping 3-year-old

By Clestine Juan CONWAY Gray was, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, freed of a rape charge by the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court, after a jury returned a not-guilty verdict.

Gray was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with a three-yearold girl on June 9, 2015.

Gray was represented by attorney Maxwell McKay, while the state’s case was presented by Prosecutors Seeta Bishundial, Lisa Cave and Sarah Martin.

The verdict was not FREED: Conway unanimous: 10 jurors found Gray Gray not guilty, while two found him guilty.

Madam Justice Barlow told Gray to consider it a second chance and that he must use the opportunity to avoid finding himself in similar situations and before the court.

The judge also advised the prosecutors to continue providing support and counselling to the victim, who is now six years old and understands what had transpired.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday March 20, 2019

205 persons screened for glaucoma

Head of GPHC’s Ophthalmology Department, Dr. Shailendra Sugrim (left) with other officials during the presentation of the posters

OVER 200 patients benefited from free screening for Glaucoma during World Glaucoma Week which was observed last week.

According to Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Ophthalmology Department, Glaucoma screening sessions were conducted from March 11 to March 15 from 12:00hrs to 14:00hrs at the eye clinic.

The staff ophthalmologists on a daily basis screened approximately 40 patients per day culminating in a total of 205 patients seen during last week.

According to the hospital, 11 patients were Glaucoma suspects and were recommended for further evaluation.

One patient was confirmed to be suffering from Glaucoma. The hospital staff, including clerks, nurses, optometrists, physicians and ophthalmologists, undertook routine Glaucoma investigations such as vision testing, eye pressure testing (tonometry) and examination of the eye nerve (funduscopy).

In collaboration with Medi Pharm Inc., the Department of Ophthalmology designed a Glaucoma poster to spread awareness about Glaucoma to the general public.

Distribution of the posters have commenced and they will be distributed countrywide and they will encourage patients to have their eyes screened for Glaucoma. Medi Pharma is a local Pharmaceutical Distribution Company with interest in health education and public awareness.

The GPHC said Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of Glaucoma here. Over the past years,

patients at the hospital have been exposed to the two common methods of treating glaucoma which are medications (eye-drops), laser procedures and glaucoma surgery. “This World Glaucoma Week campaign was chosen because of the fact that many people suffer with Glaucoma and they still do not know it! It’s called “invisible” Glaucoma because the disease acts silently by causing damage to the optic nerve (the eye nerve which allows us to see the world) without the patient having any notable symptoms,” said the hospital in a press release.

“Bit by bit over the years this damage continues, unknown to the patient, until almost the entire nerve is destroyed. This nerve damage called glaucomatous optic neuropathy is permanent and cannot be reversed. Hence, at that time when the patient begins to start experiencing visual symptoms, they would already have had significant nerve damage. Thus, the need for early screening of the disease,” the release added.

Once Glaucoma is diagnosed early, treatment can prevent blindness. At the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Department of Ophthalmology offers service for diagnosing and treating Glaucoma. The hospital offers daily eye clinics on weekdays where patients can be given eye examinations for the detection of Glaucoma. Patients need to be referred to the hospital before they can obtain an appointment for any service. These referrals can be obtained from their general physicians.

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Taylor’s 118 blows Guyana Women away

By Rajiv Bisnauth LEADING from the front, Stafanie Taylor slammed a blistering hundred to help Jamaica to a comfortable six-wicket win over Guyana in round two of the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup yesterday at the Everest Cricket Club, ground.

Taylor’s ferocious 118ball 119, ensured the visitors overhauled the 242-run challenge from the Guyanese, with 20 balls to spare. Her knock was studded with 16 fours and a six.

The win is the second for the tourists while the Guya-

nese remained winless from their two outings so far.

Scores in the match: Guyana 242 all out in 49.5 overs; Jamaica 244-6 in 46.4 overs.

Electing to bat, Guyanese captain Shemaine Campbelle played, inarguably, one of the finest innings in the history of Regional Women’s cricket, to lead the hosts to the impressive total.

The all-rounder smashed her way to a magical 111 off 118 balls, leaving the visitors’ bowlers in a daze, after the hosts were 57-4, at one stage.

The innings could well be termed as one of the best ever played at this level, taking into consideration how the innings unfolded.

The Guyanese lost both

openers Sheneta Grimmond (3), and Mandy Mangru (11), along with Lashuna Toussaint (0), and Akaze Thompson (2), to leave the hosts in a spot of trouble.

However, Campbelle, who hails from the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, remained firm at the other end, to add 48 runs for the fifth-wicket with Shebika Gajnabi (20). The home team then lost Gajnabi, Melanie Henry (0), and Cherry Ann Frazer (1), at 114-7.

But an eighth-wicket stand of 98 runs, thereafter between Campbelle and Tremayne Smartt gave the home team the perfect finish.

Smartt made an attractive 58 off 64 balls, inclusive of six boundaries. Taylor (3-44)

was the best bowler on show for the tourists.

The run-chase then started poorly for the visitors, losing Natasha McLean, bowled

by Erva Giddings without scoring, but Taylor then partnered in two match-winning stands.

First she shared 119 runs for the second wicket with Rashada Williams, who made 47 before she was run-out.

The 27-year-old Taylor then accumulated 81 for the third-wicket with Chedean Nation (30). In the partnerships, both Williams and Nation were happy to take the backseat as Taylor, who had got her eyes in, hit the bowlers all over the ground.

Barring Giddings (3-39), the rest of the Guyanese

bowlers had no answers, as Taylor kept piercing the gaps. The home team’s shoulders dropped as the visitors breached the 200-run mark.

Giddings, coming back for her second spell then removed both Nation and Taylor, but by then the victory target was well within reach for the visitors.

Jodian Morgan and Chinelle Henry were unbeaten on 19 and 23 respectively. They ensured there were no further hiccups as they garnered the remaining runs with six wickets intact.

Guyana’s next game is against the Leeward Islands tomorrow at Enmore while Jamaica clash with defending champions Barbados at GCC ground.

Golden Jaguars head coach ready to create history

By Rawle Toney

WITH just three days to go before Guyana’s senior Men’s National football team – Golden Jaguars – ‘roar’ against Belize, head coach Michael Johnson believes that based on the extensive preparation, his team is more than ready to create ‘football history’ at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

A win for Guyana will send them to CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time, while a victory for Belize will see the Central American island return to the tournament for the first time since 2013.

While ‘Lady Jags’ – the country’s senior women’s team – in 2010 became the first team under the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) banner to play at the CONCACAF showpiece (in Cancun, Mexico), the men’s side had never done so, only coming close (one goal to be exact) in 2007.

Fast forward to present-day and with a revamped Gold Cup qualification process, thanks to CONCACAF’s president Victor Montagliani, who introduced the Nation’s League, Guyana are now 90+ minutes away from booking their tickets for the June 15July 7 tournament.

“Everybody is in a good place conditioning-wise, now

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everybody is focussing on the psychological aspect of the game because we all know the magnitude (of the game) so we’re going to discuss it and see where we go from there and just allow the players to focus on getting us to the Gold Cup,” an excited Johnson told reporters at the conclusion of the team’s first training session last Monday.

Johnson named three debutants – Jordan Greenidge, Anthony Jeffrey and forward Keanu Marsh-Brown – in his 23-man squad, while adding some familiar players in a team he said is more than capable of bringing success to the country’s men’s programme.

The former Jamaican International who turned out for the ‘Reggae Boyz’ in the Gold Cup during his illustrious playing career said that this could possibly be the bestassembled National team in recent times, based on the quality of the players.

“We left no stones unturned this time and I’m happy with the way we went about preparing the team, especially with the extensive work we did with the locally based players,” Johnson revealed.

Johnson said that there’s very little room for error and as such, the players selected, who are all seasoned pro-

fessionals in their respective careers, are ready to go. However, the challenge is getting them to play together and gel perfectly before taking the pitch on Saturday.

In 2017 CONCACAF, Montagliani introduced the Nation’s League, which is a new national team competition platform they had designed to maximise the quality, quantity and frequency of competitive matches for all Member Associations within the confederation.

The opportunity presented was perfect for GFF. The task was artless. They finished in the top ten of the 34-team Nations League qualification tournament and Guyana were in the Gold Cup. Though the team had beaten Turks and Caicos 8-0 after a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Barbados, a 1-2 away loss to French Guiana placed Guyana in a position where it was mathematically improbable for them to reach the confederation’s marquee event since only the teams finishing in the top 10 will advance.

Luckily for Guyana, it was later revealed that the Carlisle United and former Bury FC forward Hallam Hope, who had scored both goals against Guyana, did not have the proper clearance from FIFA and the English FA

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to represent Barbados.

In accordance with Articles 55 and 31 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the BFA lost the match against Guyana by a score of 3-0.

That result pushed the Guyanese men to 8th position behind Curacao (1), Haiti (2), Cuba (3), Canada (4), Jamaica (5) and Martinique (6) who rounded off the top six teams in the tournament, having picked up full points from their three matches. Bermuda (7th) St Kitts and Nevis (9th) and the Dominican Republic are the other teams in the top ten.

Belize, Guyana’s next opponents, are in 13th position with six points (two wins and a loss).

GOLDEN JAGUARS SQUAD: Goalkeepers – Alex Murray, Sese Norville and Akel Clarke. Defenders – Sam Cox, Elliot Bonds, Terence Vancooten, Reiss Greenidge, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, Walter Moore and Kevin Layne. Midfielders – Neil Danns, Clive Nobrega, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Anthony Jeffrey, Kadell Daniel, Warren Creavalle and Trayon Bobb. Forwards – Sheldon Holder, Gregory Richardson, Pernel Schultz, Marcel Barrington, Emery Welshman and Keanu MarshBrown.

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36

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Linden’s synthetic track moving apace, says MP Jermaine Figueira

By Joe Chapman REGION 10’s (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) Member of Parliament Jer-

maine Figueira has stated in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport: “I am most definitely satisfied with how things are going with

regard to Linden’s international 400m synthetic track, which is being constructed at the Bayrcok Community Centre ground in Wismar.”

Under construction! Linden’s synthetic track at Bayrock

Exactly two years ago, it was Figueira who on March 13, 2017 went public, before the official announcement had been made, that the Bayrock Community Centre had been chosen as the site for the 400m synthetic track, following a second consultation. There were back-and-forth discussions in the town as to whether it should be laid at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground or the Wismar site on the west bank of Linden.

Looking at the work which is currently underway Figueira opined, “I think the contractor who actually won the contract for it I think it is moving at a good pace and I am happy with the developments I have seen this far.”

The reported contract for the $179M track was awarded to Builders Hardware and General Supplies and this phase of the work includes groundwork - laying of the necessary drainage pipes, curb wall for the track and asphalting and concreting work.

Noting that Linden has come a long way with regard its showing particularly in athletics the Member of Parliament said: “This is a promise that the government would have made to the people of Linden, Region Ten, that was denied by the previous administration, even though the evidence pointed to the fact that Region Ten is the hub for athletics prowess in Guyana.”

Figueira made the point: “We have the medals and the timings and the ath-

letes to prove that those are indeed the facts and the evidence is there to substantiate that claim. So we are very much pleased that this work has started and the people of Region Ten would benefit from this pristine and world-class facility when it is completed. And we are very confident that such a facility will aid Guyana in presenting Olympic world-class athletes.”

Speaking passionately about what Linden has shown by its performances over the years; and being the most decorated district at the annual National Schools Athletics, Swimming and Cycling Championships ever in history Figueira stressed, “I am also satisfied that there is local content being a feature of the development of this track where Linden workers are being employed. In the future they can say that they had contributed towards the existence of such a track in this community.”

The active and youthful MP cautioned: “But I strongly believe, however, that more of our people should be employed. I know that the synthetic track is in its embryonic stage and it requires a unique type of skill-set, but more of our people need to be employed.

“I have spoken to the contractor about it but he said this is a very technical part of the process and as soon as this is completed more Lindeners will be employed and I am extremely happy about that.”

37

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Guyana Beach football team go into action at South American Games in Argentina

By Joe Chapman

THE Guyana Men’s Beach Football team left these shores on Monday afternoon for Argentina where they will compete from today in the South American Beach Games Beach Football tournament. Among their opponents are hosts Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and Paraguay.

Looking back from whence they came, Hamid said that the Guyana Beach Football Association was inspired by Mr Rollin Tappin, its past president, who had a passion to see beach football develop.

The coach noted that “in 2015 we started putting a beach football team together to select some players and we went to Trinidad and played in that tournament. The first year we brought fourth. Then the next year in 2016 we went back and brought third”.

With these encouraging signs Hamid recalled “after then we said that we will keep at it and we felt that it is likely that Guyana can do well in this sport, as it was

a smaller version of football.”

The national team trained daily at the beach soccer field at Bayrock over the past three weeks, Hamid reported.

He continued: “Then in 2016 our intentions were to go to a World Cup qualifier but we were unable to do so. But we ended up going to the World Cup qualifier

in 2017 in The Bahamas where Guyana did fairly well. But before going there, we had travelled to Barbados where we brought third.”

Looking back, Hamid said:

Guyana’s Men’s Beach Football team being given tips by coach Abdulla Hamid (second left) at the Bayrock field.

“So in the whole process of the game’s development, the players were learning more, and were exposed further to the international level and getting a chance to go to the South America Beach Games is pretty good because we are seeing teams like Colombia, Brazil, Chile , Paraguay and Honduras. Those are the big teams, the power-playing nations in beach football.

“It is a plus for us getting to see these countries play and maybe try to mimic some of what they do, bringing it back and enhancing the game here. It is a challenge for us, but we hope that this can be a success and we can see the game advance as it should.”

Looking at the previous makeup of the players from previous teams Hamid informed: “We don’t have much change to the 2017 team, even though we lost one of the players from that squad - a good defensive player who passed away last year.

“So we included one striker in Shane Haynes, a young player who got the best goal in the 2017 World

Cup qualifier. His brother, who is an attacking forward, is now being included in the squad.

“We are young; one of youngest three teams going into this tournament, and it is a matter of how we adjust and apply ourselves in dealing with the conditions to go forward.

Reflecting on what occurred when Guyana played in the World Cup Qualifiers in The Bahamas a proud coach Hamid reminded that “we had to beat a team by seven goals and we fell short by one goal, scoring six goals. If we had won that game we would have made it to the final eight in 2017.”

The National Beach Football team is coached by Abdulla Hamid and managed by Dwallon Farrell.

The full team is Kenard Simon, Cordel Johnson, Jamal Haynes, Jermaine Grandison, Michael Wilson, Deshawn Joseph, Shane Haynes, Jashawn Moore, Trevor Archibald and Ethan Sparman.

The competition runs from March 20 to March 25 according to coach Abdulla Hamid.

Matthews’ all-round brilliance hands Barbados victory against Windward Islands

By Michelangelo Jacobus

DEFENDING champions Barbados made it two wins out of two games with Hayley Matthews once again turning in an impressive performance with bat and ball. Trinidad and Tobago also continued their winning ways as the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 tournament continued yesterday.

maximum. She was supported

by Kycia Knight who made 81 (106 deliveries, (8x4) before being bowled by Pearl Etienne.

However, Deandra Dottin and Kyshona Knight destroyed the hapless Windward attack to carry their side to a mammoth total.

Dottin was especially harsh in her top score of 94 not out from 50 deliveries which included 15 bound-

Trinidad & Tobago opener Felicia Walters plays through the leg-side during her unbeaten knock of 32 which secured victory over Leeward Islands. (Adrian Narine Photo)

At Guyana National Stadium, Windward Islands won the toss and sent in Barbados to bat, a decision which backfired, as the Bajan batters unleashed a dominant performance to rack up 334-3 before bowling out Windward for 93 to win by 241 runs.

Opening the batting Matthews plundered 91 (113 deliveries) before she was caught and bowled by Qiana Joseph, Matthews’ knock included 13 boundaries and a

aries and two maximums while King held her end to finish unbeaten on 23 from 19 deliveries (2x4).

In response, Windward Islands’ resistance was futile with the Bajan bowlers all putting in valuable contributions; Shamilia Connell was the pick of the bowlers ending with figures of 3-36 (10 overs) with Matthews chipping in with 2-19 (6 overs) while Shanika Bruce and Shakera Selman also took two

wickets each.

Afy Fletcher was the top scorer for the Windward Islands with 24, before retiring hurt. The next best contribution came from Akeira Peters who made 19.

Meanwhile, playing at Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground, T&T faced the Leeward Islands. The latter won the toss and took first strike but could manage only a paltry 76 with the T&T bowlers needing just 25.1 overs to skittle them out.

Most of the wickets were shared between Leandra Ramdeen and Karishma Ramharack, the former snaring four wickets for just 12 runs off 6.1 overs while Ramharack offered valuable support with figures of 3-23 (7 overs) with Aneesa Mohamed claiming two scalps at 15 runs off five overs.

The only batter to reach double figures was Shebani Bhaskar who managed 26 before she was run-out. The next best score came from Saneldo Willet with nine runs.

Needing just 77 for victory, T&T’s chase was buoyed by opener Felicia Walters who was unbeaten on 32.

However T&T lost four wickets in a mini-collapse with first-game hero Reniece Boyce holding her wicket to see her side home, T&T won by four wickets as they ended with 79-4 off 17 overs.

The Windward Islands bowlers shared a wicket apiece with Jenisen Richards being the most economical (1-11-4 overs).

… Bowlers propel T&T to victory over Leeward Islands

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Guyana’s female hockey team to compete in Canada Indoor A NATIONAL indoor selection team is scheduled to travel today to Toronto, Canada to compete in the upcoming Field Hockey Canada Invitational Indoor Hockey Tri-Nation series, scheduled for March 22 to 24.

Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) was initially hoping to enter male and female teams, as there is nothing else on the indoor hockey calendar internationally, to prepare teams before the next Indoor Pan American Cup (IPAC) being held in March 2020 in Pennsylvania.

There were some difficulties in managing to achieve both, especially on the male side, and so the men will be unable to attend.

The ladies have been preparing since early January at the National Gymnasium under the guidance of head coach Philip Fernandes.

Eight of the twelve players remain from the 2017 national team who competed in the IPAC held for the first time in Guyana in 2017.

Those players are goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, Marisha Fernandes, Trisha Woodroffe, Marzana Fiedtkou, Nicole Eastman, Gabriella Xavier, Minsodia Culpepper and Latacia Cheong.

The GHB, in using this event as a preparation for 2020 and beyond, has opted to give the opportunity to new, young players who show the potential to be good representatives of the country for the future.

As a result, it has named its youngest-ever squad which features two reserves, three

than Guyana and he expressed great appreciation for the invitation from Field Hockey Canada and their willingness to include Guyana in the series.

While Fernandes is cautiously optimistic of his team’s chances, he thinks that it is exactly what the local ladies need at this very moment.

He indicated that the young players need to be exposed to this level of tough competition where they can see, experience and appreciate indoor hockey, its toughness and the level of physical and skilful play required to be at the top.

Fernandes’ only regret during preparation was that players were unable to train on the tiled floor at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, as the multi-sport facility would not have been available for these months.

He, however, was appreciative for the use of the gym-

nasium, which, although has a different and slower matt surface, allowed the team to get through its training.

Matches will all be played at the University of Toronto’s Athletics Centre and will begin on Friday, March 22.

THE FULL GUYANA SQUAD READS: ○ Abosaide Cadogan ○ Alysa Xavier ○ Gabriella Xavier ○ Marisha Fernandes ○ Trisha Woodroffe ○ Sarah Klautky ○ Latacia Cheung ○ Nicole Eastman ○ Minsodia Culpepper ○ Tekeisha Deleon ○ Marzana Fiedtkou ○ Makeda Harding ○ Reserves: Charlia Webb and Madison Fernandes ● Coach: Philip Fernandes ● Manager: Tiffany Solomon

Cameron says regional PMs can initiate CWI restructuring KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron said Caribbean prime ministers had the power to restructure the regional governing body if they so desired, but it was not solely his responsibility to undertake reform of the organisation.

Speaking on SportsMax here, Cameron argued that any governance restructuring needed to be initiated by the territorial boards which comprised CWI, and pointed out that the regional prime ministers pushing for reform could “instruct” the domestic associations accordingly.

“The prime ministers believe that the structure needs to change – the structure is not Dave Cameron’s structure, the structure is West Indies cricket’s structure,” the often controversial CWI chief said ahead of this weekend’s elections here.

“For the structure to change, all the territorial boards would have to say ‘this is what we want’ and these prime ministers are

prime ministers of these countries. All they need to do is instruct their boards to change the structure accordingly. Why is that Dave Cameron’s problem?”

Cameron has come under pressure from CARICOM in recent years to enact recommended CWI reforms, so as to ensure greater transparency and accountability in the organisation.

Three prime ministers – Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Keith Mitchell of Grenada and Trinidad and Tobago’s Dr Keith Rowley – have been especially vocal in their criticisms of Cameron and the organisation.

Mitchell, in his previous role as chairman of CARICOM’s subcommittee on cricket, has repeatedly questioned Cameron’s leadership and only last month said he did not think the Jamaican’s “attitude and mindset will take West Indies cricket forward”.

Gonsalves, meanwhile, has in the past slammed Cameron’s management

By Kiyoshi Takenaka, Jack Tarrant

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) chief Tsunekazu Takeda, who is under investigation for suspected corruption, said yesterday he will step down when his term ends in June and resign from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

French prosecutors have questioned Takeda in Paris and had placed him under formal investigation in December for suspected corruption in Tokyo’s successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Games.

The women’s team in training

14-year-olds, two 15-yearolds and others in their early twenties.

Coach Fernandes has lamented the loss of Aliyah Gordon due to injury, as he considers her to be one of those special players around whom the future of women’s hockey can be built.

Fernandes, however, is very excited by the several teenagers in the line-up as he feels that they are among the most talented players we have seen in recent years in the women’s programme.

The team will face Canada’s national team, a President’s XI as well as the national team of Kazakhstan, who represented Asia in the last Indoor World Cup in Berlin.

Fernandes indicated that the two countries, Canada and Kazakhstan, boast far superior reputations in indoor hockey

Japan Olympics chief Takeda to quit as corruption probe continues

style as “extremely poor” and ahead of the 2015 CWI elections, urged territorial boards to tell the incumbent to “take a break and come back at a later date, perhaps with more mature, renewed skills of leadership”.

Rowley, too, has been critical of the CWI leadership, saying West Indies cricket had been “hijacked by a small clique of people”.

Cameron, who has been defending his record in the run-up to the elections, said contrary to popular belief, he enjoyed a very good relationship with CARICOM prime ministers and it was only “two or three” with whom he did not see eye to eye.

“It is not CARICOM – and we keep saying CARICOM. There are two or three prime ministers who have a view,” he contended.

“There are a number of other prime ministers who have a contrary view and if you know prime ministers, they are not going to come out publicly and fight against each other and Prime Minis-

ter Gonsalves and Mitchell are elder statesmen within the CARICOM setup.”

He continued: “But we have excellent relationships with Prime Minister (Allen) Chastanet of St Lucia, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica; Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister (Gaston Browne) has written me a note publicly supporting what we are doing. “(We have) relationships with the Prime Minister of Barbados (Mia Mottley) … as a matter of fact I have a personal relationship with Gonsalves and Prime Minister Mitchell as well. So again, we have no personal issues.”

Cameron is being challenged in Sunday’s CWI elections by former St Kitts and Nevis cabinet minister, Ricky Skerritt, while vice-president Emmanuel Nanthan is up against Dr Kishore Shallow.

Cameron and Nanthan are bidding for a fourth successive term after being first elected in 2013 when they toppled former St Lucian diplomat Julian Hunte.

Tsunekazu Takeda announced his resignation to the media yesterday.

Takeda, who was president of the 2020 bid committee, said during a JOC board of directors meeting in Tokyo he would step down and not seek re-election.

At a news conference later yesterday, Takeda said: “I don’t believe I’ve done anything illegal.”

When asked why he had not resigned with immediate effect, Takeda said: “It pains me to have created such a fuss, but I believe it is my responsibility to serve out the rest of my term.”

The IOC said it respected Takeda’s decision.

“Our respect of this decision is even greater because he took this step to protect the Olympic Movement while the presumption of innocence, on which the IOC insists, continues to prevail,” it added in a statement.

Takeda had been head of the JOC since 2001 and his resignation leaves a cloud hanging over both the national committee and the organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

“I feel very bad that I’m causing a disturbance to the

public like this, ahead of next year’s Games in Tokyo,” said Takeda.

“I thought about the JOC’s future and I have come to a conclusion that it is most appropriate to pass the JOC onto younger leaders that will bear the next generation, letting them create Japan’s new era through the Tokyo Olympics.”

“We are aware of JOC president Takeda’s announcement today that he will step down from his position in June. We understand that president Takeda made his own decision,” Tokyo 2020 said in an email to Reuters.

“Details have not been made clear yet, so we would like to refrain from making further comments.”

Takeda serves on Tokyo 2020’s Executive Committee but it remains unclear whether he would also be standing down from this role.

FRENCH INVESTIGATION French investigators have led a years-long probe into corruption in athletics and in early 2016 extended their inquiry into the bidding and voting processes for the hosting of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Multi-million dollar payments made by the Tokyo bid committee to a Singapore consulting company are under examination and Takeda is suspected of paying bribes to secure the winning bid.

Takeda has denied any wrongdoing, saying that there was nothing improper with the contracts made between the committee and the consultancy and that they were for legitimate work.

“I’d like to put my efforts into proving my innocence,” added Takeda, who will officially step down when his presidency ends on June 27.

Japanese media have reported that former Olympic judo champion Yasuhiro Yamashita and Japan Football Association president Kozo Tashima, both JOC Executive Board members, could be in line to take over.

The IOC’s ethics commission has opened a file on Takeda, who chairs the body’s marketing commission. Takeda has been a member of the IOC since 2012.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday, March 20, 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) (1)

(2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: Which two teams are slated to contest the first game in IPL 2019?

How many matches are scheduled to be played in IPL 2019?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, March 20, 2019

PPDI ‘powers’ 61st Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships POWER Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) provided great impetus to Guyana’s hosting of the 61st Caribbean Senior Caribbean Table Tennis championships and Pan American Games qualification events, scheduled for March 2431 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, when they presented a cheque for an undisclosed sum to the association’s treasurer Deirdre Edghill.

The simple but significant presentation was made

by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Administration and Human Resources’ Gary Hall at the company’s Water Street location and, according to Chief Executive Officer of PPDI Dr Arron Fraser, the entity sees its contribution as its corporate mandate.

The company has noted the sport’s tradition of success at the regional and international levels, in addition to its gradual improvement and attempts at implementing key proj-

PPDI’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Administration) and Human Resources Gary Hall presents a cheque for an undisclosed sum to GTTA’s treasurer Deirdre Edghill.

ects to place the sport in a more sustainable competitive standing, domestically and internationally, and was therefore happy to support.

Dr Fraser indicated that based on his knowledge of the sport he believes that the hosting of these games - while advertising, promoting and developing Guyana’s tourism can significantly elevate, propel and position the prospects and profile of Guyana, as a table tennis nation – will provide the platform and environment for our players to showcase their talents and our citizens as well as students to witness high class table tennis.

Guyana will host the 61st Senior Caribbean Table Tennis Championships, designated by the International Table Tennis Federation and Latin American Table Tennis Union as the qualification events for 2019 Pan Am Cup scheduled for October 2019 in Puerto Rico and 2019 Pan American

Games scheduled for July-August 2019 in Lima Peru.

The qualification for the Pan Am Cup, which is the qualifier for World Team Championships 2020, will see one male and four female teams from the Caribbean region qualify, while the Pan Am Games qualification for Caribbean teams will see one male and one female team from the region qualify for the Pan American Games.

This is the first time Guyana is tasked with hosting a Pan American Games qualification event and will see teams from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Jamaica Barbados St Vincent, St Kitts, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Dominican Republic, St Lucia, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Suriname, French Guiana, and Haiti who have already confirmed their participation.

As a result over 180 of the region’s best table tennis athletes and officials will come to Guyana to par-

DPPI’s CEO Dr Arron Fraser

ticipate in this prestigious event.

These events kick-start the 2020 Olympic qualification pathway where we believe our men’s team will be very competitive and the women’s team truly have great prospects at qualifying, with Dominican Republic being our main competitors.

Guyana has had a rich tradition of regional table tennis success at the Caribbean championships, where in the 2018 edition held in Jamaica the country’s women and male teams secured several medals.

Trenace Lowe and Christopher Franklin secured bronze in the singles, and the men and women secured silver in the team events. Chelsea Edghill and Shemar Britton won gold in the Under-21 female and male categories, among other successes.

KFC, Ansa McAl ‘roar’ with Golden Jaguars ANSA McAl and KFC are the latest corporate entities to roar with the Golden Jaguars and Guyana Football Federation (GFF) ahead of Guyana’s March 23 CONCACAF Nations League qualifier clash against Belize at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

Ansa McAl has acquired the ‘Beer rights’ for the match and will have bars at the match venue. KFC has purchased 200 tickets, which will afford patrons an opportunity to sup-

port the Golden Jaguars’ Gold Cup quest.

Following the presentation done at the company’s East Coast headquarters, Errol Nelson, Business Unit Head of Ansa McAl’s Non-Alcoholic Beverage Division, acknowledged the fruitful relationship with GFF and urged fans to support the match.

According to Nelson, “ANSA McAl has had a long and fruitful relationship with the GFF over the years. We are pleased to be once again on

Errol Nelson, Business Unit Head of Ansa McAl’s Non-Alcoholic Beverage Division presents his company’s contribution to GFF’s Technical Director Ian Greenwood.

board with GFF to ensure the successful hosting of CONCACAF Nations League games in Guyana.

“I would like to wish our Golden Jaguars success in their encounter with Belize on the March 23. Additionally, I want to urge all the supporters and fans of football to come out and support the game, the ANSA McAl bars and help us to make the event a grand success.”

In response, GFF’s Technical Director thanked the company for the partnership and emphasised the importance of corporate support for the match, adding that “GFF expresses gratitude to the Ansa McAl Group for its timely partnership. A match of this magnitude requires all hands on board and Ansa McAl must be acknowledged for recognising this and being

an enduring partner.”

KFC Guyana too has come on board to ensure that schoolaged children have an opportunity to view the match against Belize.

Following a presentation at the agency’s Vlissengen Road outlet, Marketing Assistant, Carina Westford, expressed her company’s support for the Golden Jaguars, stating that “KFC Guyana fully supports

KFC’s Training Manager Charissa Rampersaud presents match tickets to Golden Jaguars’ Samuel Cox in the presence of some of his teammates.

the GFF and its phenomenal match coming up – our own Golden Jaguars vs Belize.

“We encourage all to come and support our home team because they are amazing. The public can get their tickets at our Regent Street and Mandela Avenue branches. We believe in the importance of sports and its relationship to the development of youth.

“It is a great alternative to activities which are not beneficial to the development of youth, such as crime; so we fully support sports and, in this instance, football in our country.”

Tickets for the match are being sold at $1500 at the following locations: Andrew’s Supermarket - Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, The Guinness Bar – D’Urban Street, GT; West Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurant, below Space Gym, Croal Street, GT; Pegasus Hotel Guyana; KFC Outlets - Regent Street & Mandela Avenue; Dad’s Fish Shop, Den Amstel; Patsy Food Court And Bar, Soesdyke/Linden Junction; The Fashion Box, Vendors Arcade, Bartica and at Giftland Mall.

Fan jerseys are also available at the GFF Secretariat, Guyana Pegasus and Giftland Mall at a cost of $5 000.

Match-time is 18:30hrs.

Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup

Taylor’s 118 blows Guyana Women away Page

35

… Shemaine Campbelle’s 111 off 11 balls in vain

Leading from the front, Stafanie Taylor after reaching her hundred. (Adrian Narine photos)

Guyanese captain Shemaine Campbelle acknowledges her teammates after reaching her century.

No stones left unturned!

Page

35

Golden Jaguars head coach ready to create history

Head coach Michael Johnson (first from right) observes his team’s practice session.

Skerritt ticket gets Lloyd, Roberts backing for CWI leadership BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies presidential candidate Ricky Skerritt and running mate, Dr Kishore Shallow, yesterday received major endorsements from legends Clive Lloyd and Sir Andy Roberts, in another major boost to their chances of toppling the Dave Cameron ticket at Sunday’s elections in Jamaica.

This follows last Sunday’s endorsement of the pair by another cricketing great, Sir Vivian Richards, the highly regarded legendary former captain and master batsman.

Charging that West Indies cricket had undergone “decimation” during the Cameron administration, Lloyd contended that West Indies cricket was in need of a “new direction” and that Skerritt possessed all the qualities to take the game in the Caribbean forward.

“With Mr Skerritt’s experience, my personal knowledge of him and his commitment and dedication to West Indies Cricket

over the years, I fully endorse his candidacy and firmly believe that with the support of his board, his vision for taking West Indies Cricket forward will bear fruit,” said Lloyd, also a former West Indies team manager.

“The late former president and West Indies opening batsman, Alan Rae, whom I admired greatly was a formidable president who worked tirelessly using his own funds to keep West Indies Cricket at the top of World Cricket.

“West Indies Cricket was his first priority. He was a very well respected West Indian/Jamaican whom I had the greatest honour and pleasure to work with. His commitment and dedication to West Indies cricket was unquestionable and I believe that Mr Skerritt will emulate those qualities.”

A two-time World Cup-winning skipper and former chairman of selectors, Lloyd pointed to Skerritt’s Cricket First Plan,

which he said was “built on inclusiveness, integrity, and development”.

In addition, Skerritt and Shallow have proposed term limits on the office of the president, a move which Lloyd also threw his support behind.

serves two terms,” he said.

“By having a rotation policy it inspires other individuals who are suitably qualified to prepare themselves over a period of time and a chance to aspire to attain such high office also the opportunity to project fresh ideas.

Clive Lloyd

Andy Roberts

“We need a fixed term period of office for the presidency of three or four years. In America it does not matter how effective or successful you are, you can only

“West Indies Cricket needs a new direction. We have seen the decimation of West Indies Cricket over a long period of time especially under this admin-

istration much to the humiliation of the Caribbean Diaspora.”

The outspoken Sir Andy, meanwhile, said Skerritt and Shallow had convinced him they would be unifying figures, and would bring the change so badly required to halt the decline in West Indies cricket.

“Over the last 25 years, West Indies cricket has been steadily declining. In the last (five to 10) years the administration has declined rapidly – so much confusions with players, past and present and West Indian-born coaches,” said Sir Andy, a part of Lloyd’s fearsome pace battery of the 1970s and 80s.

“We need a change at the top, so that is why I’m endorsing Ricky Skerritt and Kishore Shallow as president and vice-president of our cricket.

“They have assured me that they will work with all relevant stakeholders in the region to make sure they get the best out

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of the region, so that our cricket can move forward and back to a position of respectability. At the moment it is not there.”

The latest endorsements add to the groundswell of support for Skerritt and Shallow, who have already gotten the thumbs-up from St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

However, the pair will need to secure at least seven of the 12 votes up for grabs from the six territorial boards, in order to prevent Cameron and vice-president, Emmanuel Nanthan, from securing a fourth straight term.

Already, Barbados, Guyana and Windward Islands have signalled their support for the incumbents, while Trinidad and Tobago and Leeward Islands have backed the challengers.

The Jamaica Cricket Association has said they will hear from both parties before making a decision on who to support.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2019