Guyana Chronicle 3-7-2019

THURSDAY 7th March, 2019

DOOR STILL OPEN

No.105569

…Gov't, Opposition to meet again on election matters SEE STORIES ON PAGES 02, 03 & 13

…President to meet with GECOM

…insists will not interfere with commission’s work

…Jagdeo refuses to participate, opposes new registration President David Granger greeting Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 7, 2019

President to meet with GECOM

…Jagdeo refuses to participate, opposes new registration By Svetlana Marshall PRESIDENT David Granger is expected to hold a high-level meeting with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) within days to ascertain its needs for the holding of credible General and Regional Elections. Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo despite pushing for early elections has refused to be part of the meeting, though he was invited by the President. Constitutionally, elections were due next year, but following the passage of a no confidence motion against the government last year December early elections are likely. Government has since challenged the validity of the vote and the matter is currently before the Court of Appeal. Jagdeo had initially pushed for elections by March 21, but has now revised this to April 30, 2019. However, GECOM has indicated that it cannot facilitate credible elections within the timeframe given, saying that it lacks the technical capability and financial resources to do so. In a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, President Granger said in keeping with his letter dated February 25, 2019, he would initiate consultations with GECOM on its readiness for the conduct of General and Regional elections in 2019. According to the Minister of State Joseph Harmon, that meeting will be held within three to four days. “The President has instructed that GECOM be advised about an early meeting; I will follow that up today (Wednesday) to determine when best, but it’s going to have to be done within the next three to four days so that we can get from GECOM their readiness to deliver credible elections,” Minister Harmon said. An invitation was extended to the Opposition Leader but he declined. “The President said why not meet GECOM jointly and I

said to him ‘no, we have absolutely no interest in meeting GECOM jointly,’” Jagdeo told reporters shortly after the meeting. While President Granger has agreed to meet with the GECOM’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson and the agency’s six commissioners, he maintains that the Executive cannot dictate the operations of the elections commission as being suggested by the Opposition. “Let me make one thing clear, GECOM is an autonomous body, GECOM is an independent agency and there is no part of the Constitution which gives the President or the Executive in general, authority to interfere, intervene or intrude in the work of the elections commission.”

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon In his televised broadcast following the meeting, President Granger said, “So, this is a very respectful engagement and, as the Minister of State has pointed out, we will arrange this as quickly as possible so that the Guyanese people could be satisfied that we are moving towards elections.” During his first meeting with the Leader of the Opposition in January after the Vote of No-Confidence against his Government, the President had agreed to have the Parliamentary Chief Whips Amna Ally and Gail Teixeira consult with the elections commission on behalf of the Government

and the Opposition respectively. GECOM had informed the whips that elections could not be held within the three month timeframe as stipulated by the Constitution. In fact, the Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield had indicated that GECOM would have needed a minimum 148 days to put all necessary systems in place for the holding of General and Regional elections if preparations had commenced in early February, and the date for election was on or before April 30 when the Official List of Electors will expire but the Commission had not given the Secretariat the green light. However, with time far advanced, the 148 day timeline may no longer be applicable since it would now take the Commission past the April 30 expiration date of the Official List of Electors. At this stage, a new list is required through a process of House to House Registration. That process is estimated to take approximately nine months.

President David Granger “These are all the steps needed: the training; the procurement of the material; the printing of the ballot and nomination day and adequate time. All within 50 days can be done and then the party can say, further to this we are going to provide the money to enhance polling day or polling station security to ensure that only people who can vote, vote. They can do in that same 50 days a period of claims and objections so people can still go and get registered and refresh the list,” Jagdeo opined. He said House-to-House Registration is a no, no for the Opposition but with the time far advanced; this process would more than likely become a necessity for credible elections.

MOVING THE GOAL POST Despite the current facts surrounding the situation, the Opposition is maintaining that elections must be held sooner. Initially, Jagdeo had called for elections to be held by March 21, 2019 but he has since shifted the goal post, and is now demanding that elections be held by April 30, 2019 before the expiration of the Official List of Electors. “I have named a date, a period up to April 30th. I’m sticking to that. I said in 50 days it could be done. You need 32 days for nomination and the rest of the time to notify the party before nomination day and every activity could be done simultaneously,” Jagdeo insisted on Wednesday. The Chief Elections Officers had explained that of the 148 days, 105 would have been necessary for training of polling day staff but Jagdeo is of the opinion that the time can be fast-tracked to facilitate early elections.

CREDIBLE ELECTIONS Minister Harmon, like the President, has underscored the importance of facilitating credible elections. “I think this is important, the President spoke about… it is about delivering credible elections and not just any elections that will end up creating more confusion than they solve problems,” he said. President Granger was accompanied to the meeting by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, the Minister of State Joseph Harmon, the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally – Government’s Chief Whip in the House. The Opposition Leader was accompanied by the Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, and Juan Edghill.

Door still open

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

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…Gov't, Opposition to meet again on election matters …President insists will not interfere with GECOM’s work By Lisa Hamilton THE door remains open for negotiation as President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo are expected to meet again to continue deliberations on the holding of new General and Regional elections following a high-level meeting on Wednesday. In a televised broadcast following the engagement, the President, along with Minister of State Joseph Harmon, briefed the nation on the meeting’s proceedings which he described as fruitful. “I am happy to say that the engagement between the Government side and the Opposition side was very useful and very fruitful. Both sides are working towards the solution of the issues which now confront us and I think we had a very positive approach,” the President said. Others present and representing the Government were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs Sydney Allicock; Attorney General Basil Williams and Government Chief Whip Amna Ally. Representing the Opposition were the party’s presidential candidate Irfaan Ali; Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira and Members of Parliament (MPs) Anil Nandlall and Juan Edghill. In his subsequent message, the President stated that there are currently four matters of interest which include the importance of the National Assembly; the ongoing judicial process; the Executive process and the work of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). ELECTIONS DATE However, talks at the meeting focused largely on the role of GECOM as it is the only agency which can determine when elections can be held and the Opposition has hinged its support of an extension of the constitutional deadline on the setting of an election date. Jagdeo is in favour of a date before the period of

President David Granger and other members of the government engage Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition Members of Parliament

A small group encourages the cooperation between the country’s two main political leaders for the benefit of citizens outside the Ministry of the Presidency (Adrian Narine photos)

April 30, 2019 when the present voters’ list expires but the President indicated that he will need to consult with GECOM before making a decision. This consultation is expected to take place in as early as 3-4 days but will not include the presence of the Leader of the Opposition who refuses to engage the Commission. “We did not get past the first item which is a date for the elections. As you know, I suggested a date before the

30th of April before the list expires. The president indicated that he’s prepared to discuss a date but that GECOM will have to be ready,” Jagdeo told media operatives as he left the Ministry of the Presidency. “GECOM is a creature of the Constitution; GECOM cannot override the Constitution and therefore, unless we have a discussion on the date, I’m not prepared to move forward on any other issue on the agenda.” However, the President,

in his message to the nation, reminded that GECOM is an independent agency. This means that the body is constitutionally obliged to act with impartiality and fairness in the execution of its duties without the interference of political leaders to dictate its actions beyond its constitutional requirements. “The President or the Executive or anybody, cannot intervene, cannot intrude, cannot interfere with the work of GECOM so we have to allow GECOM to do its work.

In that regard, the Leader of the Opposition was insistent that a date be set and he is in all fairness, prepared to vary the date based on a vote by the National Assembly,” the President stated. Meanwhile, Jagdeo also told the media that he refused to accept reports which were to be presented by Attorney General Basil Williams and Government Chief Whip Amna Ally. He added that he would seek international sanctions against the Govern-

ment should the three-month deadline expire. “There is no agreement to extend the life of the government at this time. Unless the President sets an election date and that is a credible date for us,” Jagdeo insisted. In a letter to the President in February GECOM Chair retired Justice James Patterson had made it clear that the Commission cannot deliver credible elections within three months’ time and it would require appropriation from the National Assembly for such. The President responded on February 25, 2019 by urging the commission to commence preparations and noting the Government’s commitment to provide funding. He also acknowledged the time-related constraints preventing GECOM from holding elections within the constitutional timeframe and invited the Commission to engage in consultation on these matters. “I, on the 25th February, wrote the Chairman of GECOM indicating that I am prepared to enter consultations with him to ensure that credible elections are held in as short a time as possible and I would like to meet him again in fact, I would like to meet the entire Commission to determine what their needs are in terms of time and money,” President Granger said. Contrary to the narrative being peddled by the Opposition and its allies that the current political situation would result in a constitutional crisis, the President indicated that such is not the case. “There here is no crisis. There are issues which have to be resolved and most of those issues will depend on what I hear from GECOM when I consult them,” he said. Confident that the two political leaders can soon arrive at a solution, the President stated: “The door is open. The Leader of the Opposition has agreed to meet again. The people of Guyana could be assured that we are working to ensure that credible elections are held in as short a time as possible.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 7, 2019

Venezuela expels German ambassador for ‘meddling,’ arrests U.S. journalist CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela’s government expelled the German ambassador on Wednesday, while press advocacy groups said two journalists, one of them American, had been detained as socialist President Nicolas Maduro cracks down on a challenge to his rule. American journalist Cody Weddle speaks in Caracas, Venezuela, January 2019 in this picture grab obtained from a social media video. WPLG LOCAL 10/via REUTERS Ambassador Daniel Kriener was expelled two days after he and diplomats from other embassies welcomed home opposition leader Juan Guaido at the Caracas airport. The government declared Kriener persona non grata and gave him 48 hours to leave the country, accusing him of meddling in internal affairs, although it did not give specific details. “Venezuela considers it unacceptable that a foreign diplomat carries out in its territory a public role closer to that of a political leader aligned with the conspiratorial agenda of extremist sectors of the Venezuelan opposition,” the government said in a statement. Most Western countries, including Germany, recognize Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate head of state and back his plan to install a transition government ahead of free

elections. Guaido denounces Maduro as an usurper whose re-election last year resulted from a sham vote. Maduro says he is victim of an attempted coup. Advertisement German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said European support for Guaido was “unwavering.”

tion’s oil industry in late January, and last month attempted to ship humanitarian aid into Venezuela despite Maduro’s opposition, in the hopes it would prompt the military to flip its loyalty to Guaido. The bid was ultimately unsuccessful, and Maduro retains the support of the armed forces

American journalist Cody Weddle speaks in Caracas, Venezuela, January 2019 in this picture grab obtained from a social media video. WPLG LOCAL 10/via REUTERS

“This is an incomprehensible decision, which escalates the situation instead of easing tensions,” Maas said in a statement. Guaido had risked arrest on his return to Venezuela for flouting a court-imposed travel ban to visit other Latin American countries.

and control of state functions. The United States ratcheted up the pressure on Wednesday, with National Security Advisor John Bolton warning foreign banks that they could face sanctions if they participate in transactions benefiting Maduro. The United States will also revoke the visas of 77 people associated with Maduro, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said, adding to a list of 49 others whose visas were revoked last Friday. But Maduro has continued to defy the Trump administration. Venezuelan military counterintelligence agents detained American journalist Cody Weddle and his Ven-

JOURNALISTS DETAINED

To try to hasten Maduro’s exit, the United States placed sanctions on the OPEC na-

ezuelan colleague Carlos Camacho early on Wednesday, Venezuela’s National Press Workers Union said on Twitter, adding that the government has arrested 36 journalists this year. Weddle, who recently covered Guaido’s return to the country for Miami television station WPLG Local 10 News, was arrested at his home on charges of treachery, according to free speech group Espacio Publico. Agents took Weddle’s computer and equipment, the group said. A defiant Guaido returns home to Venezuela Venezuela’s Information Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The move, which came a week after Venezuela deported a team from U.S. television network Univision, drew condemnation from Organization of American States Secretary-General Luis Almagro and Florida Senator Rick Scott. “He must be released immediately and the U.S. will not stand for this kind of intimidation,” Scott, a Republican, wrote on Twitter. Kimberly Breier, the top U.S. diplomat for the Western Hemisphere, said on Twitter that the State Department was “aware of and deeply concerned with reports that another U.S. journalist has been detained in Venezuela,” without naming Weddle. WPLG reported on its website that its management’s attempts to reach Weddle “have proven unsuccessful” and that his last contact with station employees was on Tuesday afternoon.

Democrats bar Fox News from televising debates after reported Trump ties WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Democratic National Committee on Wednesday said it will not allow Fox News to host any of its candidates’ political debates through 2020, citing a report this week about the conservative channel’s ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. “Recent reporting in the New Yorker on the inappropriate relationship between President Trump, his administration and Fox News has led me to conclude that the network is not in a position to host a fair and neutral debate for our candidates,” DNC Chairman Tom Perez said in a statement provided to Reuters. Advertisement “Therefore, Fox News will not serve as a media partner for the 2020 Democratic primary debates,” Perez said in a statement, first reported earlier on Wednesday by the Washington Post. Representatives for Fox said they hoped the DNC would reconsider and let some of its journalists moderate a Democratic presidential debate. The DNC’s decision is a rerun of the 2016 primary election, when it turned down Fox’s multiple offers to host a debate, citing the network’s longstanding conservative bent and prominent criticism of Democratic policies. At that time a Democrat, Barack Obama, occupied the Oval Office. Trump, a Republican seeking re-election in 2020, has stoked polarization between the two U.S. political parties by appealing to his base on Twitter and television and policy speeches while simultaneously publicly attacking and feuding with prominent Democrats. The New Yorker earlier this week reported on “seamlessly” close ties between Trump and the television network founded by Rupert Murdoch, citing an expert on presidential studies who said Fox is the “closest we’ve come to having state t.v.” The article went on to describe the access and interviews that members of the White House have granted exclusively to the network. As the field of competition to become Democrats’ next presidential nominee grows ever more crowded, the party has decided to split its first primary debate over two weeknights this summer. Twelve people have already jumped into the race and the DNC has capped each debate night at 20 candidates. The party’s primary debates this year will mark a sharp reversal from its last round of contests, when less than half a dozen politicians appeared at a handful of debates that were televised on Saturday nights and other times with notoriously low television viewership.

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Influx of migrants big challenge to healthcare system−CMO By Svetlana Marshall CHIEF Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, said that, while the influx of migrants in Guyana poses a challenge to the Health Sector, healthcare services must be provided to all, regardless. Addressing some of the country’s senior medical personnel, during the opening of the Regional Health Officers’ Meeting at Cara Lodge, yesterday (Wednesday, March 6, 2019), Dr. Shamdeo said that it was sad to learn that migrants were recently turned away, during their attempt to access healthcare services.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

“I must appeal to you all that we really need to ensure that our visitors and our new migrants have access to our services. We should not be hearing reports as we did in the past week of persons being turned away from our facilities,” the CMO implored the Regional Health Officers. A child was among the persons who were turned away. Dr. Persaud said it was clear that some healthcare personnel, within the Public Health Sector, were not cognizant of the policy of the Government of Guyana, on the treatment of migrants. “Even if someone is visiting us, we should ensure that we provide such care,” he emphasized. With assistance from the Pan American Health

Organisation/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Public Health Ministry has been forging ahead with its Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) to reduce the spread of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. Dr. Persaud noted, that, in crisis situations or where there is an increase in migrants, as a result of a crisis, diseases such as measles and polio increase. On the sideline of the meeting, the CMO explained that it was the policy of the Ministry of Public Health to immunize migrants and visitors to prevent the spread of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. “For the persons coming with children, immunization will be offered to those children to ensure that they are not capable of transmitting, to the local population, or to others, any communicable diseases that can be prevented by vaccines. So the policy of the Ministry is actually to give them vaccine. We extended also to include adults who may not have been covered,” he explained In the Hinterland Regions, the CMO reported that there was an increase in vector-borne diseases. “Persons are not only acquiring vector-borne diseases including malaria but also coming in with strains that might even be resistant to some of the drugs that we are using,” Dr. Persaud reported. He told the Regional Health Officers that the arising challenges are not limited to the regions or communities lining the border with Venezuela. According to him, it was a national issue. “Please do not feel this is a problem for Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, which border the concerned areas, for persons are travelling all over Guyana. As a matter of fact there might be the largest number right here in Georgetown. So this is not

a border issue, this is a Guyana issue,” the CMO said. The CMO has instructed health facilities across the country to compile adequate data on the health needs of the migrants, so as to allow the Public Health Ministry to plan more effectively. “We have medication based on our estimates, we do a forecast and based on Guyanese, how many people we have calculated with diabetes, hypertension, we purchase that amount of medication, and I could tell you it is not enough. So imagine you are adding unto to that 10-15 per cent more,” he explained. It is estimated that more than 4,000 Venezuelan migrants are here in Guyana. The country has also seen an influx of visitors from Cuba. That aside, Dr. Persaud told the Regional Health Officers that the two-day meeting presented an opportunity for them to take stock of challenges and successes of 2018, as they moved into 2019. He reminded the audience that 2019 was the penultimate year for the implementation of Health Vision 2020 which was developed in 2013, revised in 2016 and had set the foundation for the expansion of health services across Guyana. Since 2013, he said the country had seen an expansion of critical health services to many remote villages. It was pointed out that, to date, 54 health facilities across Guyana, both public and private, had been licensed. “We are looking to have all of our facilities, at some point in time, adequately licensed meaning that they will meet all of the standards for operating health facility

within our jurisdiction,” the CMO told the health personnel. He said there had been an improvement in the ‘distribution’ of doctors across the country, particularly in far-flung communities. However, shortages of drugs and medical supplies remained an issue that the Public Health Ministry continued to address, though there were some improvement in the procurement system. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, said

Adu-Krow; Director of Regional Health Services, Dr. Kay Shako; Regional Health Services Indigenous Peoples’ Coordinator, Michael Gouveia and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Fawcett Jeffrey, who delivered remarks on behalf of Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence. The meeting was held under the theme ‘Collaboratively we build a resilient health care system that is acceptable, accessible, timely and appropriate to meet the needs of every person in Guyana.’

The Regional Health Officers during the opening ceremony of RHO Meeting at Cara Lodge (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

the forum created the platform on which the Regional Health Services Department could strategically plan for the enhanced delivery of public healthcare services. She urged the healthcare professionals to develop efficient and effective ways to

Thursday, March 7, 2019

provide their services, based on lessons learnt. “I am very confident that much effort will be spent addressing the future of public healthcare delivery within the region through the refinement of policies, the increased use of information and communication technologies and the judicious deployment of medical personnel throughout the regions,” Minister Cummings said. The opening ceremony was also attended by PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

Advancement of women

TOMORROW marks another observance of International Women’s Day under the theme: #BalanceforBetter While it is true that over the years women have made significant advancements, having for centuries being told it’s a man’s world, and refusing to accept it, there is still distance left to go. Travelling this distance means refusing to sit when told to do so, insisting that ‘no’ means no, your body is yours to be treated with respect by others, never underestimate your worth, or allow others to treat you in a lesser way. None will pretend that doing any of this is easy, nor it will

not be met with resistance by men and fellow women, but the determination to succeed against all odds must be the fuel that keeps the foot on the pedal. Around the world tomorrow, women would be engaging in different activities and pursuing different causes. And while in some societies they are still fighting for the right to vote, or to make their own healthcare choices, or inclusion in the political processes, including that of leadership, Guyanese women can say they have made some strides in these areas. But having made these strides wherever such denies equal participation with men, work

remains to be done. Our Constitution requires that at least one-third of women be on the List of Representatives. The truth is that while political parties have sought to honour this to satisfy the legal requirement of the List; it has not often been translated to representation in the National Assembly, Cabinet, and elsewhere. In societies such as Canada, under the Prime Minister-ship of Justin Trudeau, in his 30-member Cabinet, women comprise fifty per-cent; though 15 years behind that goal, Guyana is still capable of catching up. Sexual harassment and other forms of violence, be it in the workplace, home

or on the streets, is a social disease that women confront daily in their lives, irrespective of class, race, creed or society. In this regard, Guyanese women can join hands with those around the world to eliminate this scourge through education and legislation. Men who take advantage of women are not strong, and women must be given the necessary support, institutional and otherwise, not only to say no, but also to see those who violate them held to account. In the workplace, the issue of equal pay for equal work and equal opportunity for advancement still plague this gender. Women

must be free to pursue any educational or economic activity, free of being told that it’s a man’s field or denied opportunities because it is felt to be. Women’s issues crosscut many issues and impact the goal of equality in the society. Having a seat at the decision-making table, women who are generally seen in society as nurturer, will help to shape policies, programmes and laws to the benefit of the family and by extension the society. Where poor governance, corruption, poverty, hunger, illiteracy, crime, child labour and other social ills exist, they impact the family. The task often to address these challenges and

make ends meet is largely left up to women. In the environment, their role remains essential and it must not only be seen to do minimal task or engaging in subsistent activities, but in the conceptualisation and execution of a sustainable development plan. The protection of the environment and the sustainable regeneration of the planet need their input in every sphere of activity. In every facet of life, women need to be heard and must demand that they be heard and be respected.

PPP position on elections a political non-starter Dear Editor,

SINCE the passing of the no-confidence motion on December 21, 2018, our national politics has been driven by the reality that elections must be held. This will continue until such time as the national and regional elections are held. There is no consensus between government and opposition on the way forward. Hopefully, that situation will change with time. The opposition party, the PPP/C, after the no-confidence motion, has dug its heels in the sand with its demands that the government must resign and call elections in keeping with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution. On the other hand, the government has resorted to the courts, seeking legal clarity on the validity of the no-confidence motion. At the same time, it is insisting that Article 106 (7) expands the options and until the courts determine otherwise, it is given the right to govern until elections and a new President is sworn into office. In this dispute, the Constitution seems to support the contentions of both sides in their respective positions. President David Granger and his government

have stated that they will abide by the court's (CCJ) final decision on the validity and consequences of the no-conference motion. In spite of the hostile polemics at times from the opposition, their supporters and allies, there appears to be an unspoken resolve by the PPP/C’s leadership to manage the situation in the interest of their party and the nation – without backing down on their rhetoric and aggressive posturing. This judgement is based on a careful assessment of the PPP/C leader, Bharrat Jagdeo’s rhetoric - “ blowing hot and cold” as he feels necessary. Objectively, we have arrived at a point where real politic has kicked in, in so far as holding the elections on or before March 21. 2019. GECOM’s earlier declaration that it is in no position to conduct elections by the March deadline was indicative of this reality and was no surprise to anyone. Given the organisational, financial and constitutional requirements which include house-to-house registration, a process that is intended to purge the list of its bloatedness, while at the same time guaranteeing that no one will be disenfranchised, GECOM has since begun the process of election

readiness by announcing its intention to begin recruiting temporary staff to proceed with that aspect of things, relevant to putting itself in a position to conduct the much-sought after elections. Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is conscious of this fact but finds it politically inconvenient to concede its necessity; instead, he pretends otherwise; a tactic not without merit in the present political situation. However, each passing day the opposition leader and his party are facing the logic of real politic. Their insistence on elections on or before March 21 has become politically unrealistic. Put another way, the practicality of his party’s demand has become irrelevant. Mr Jagdeo and the PPP/C’s leadership must be mindful that objectively, the political situation has evolved since the passing of the no-confidence motion. It is in the interest of that party to respond sensibly to the changed circumstances. Failure to do so will be foolhardy, demonstrating political paralysis. Objectively, the PPP/C strategic goal should be adjusted from elections on or before March 21, 2019 to elections at the earliest possible date, in keeping with an

established GECOM timeline. Jagdeo's present position for elections before the expiry of the voter's list is politically a non-starter. By not adjusting its tactics and redefining their strategic objective within a realistic time frame that takes into consideration the present balance of forces in the equation, is nothing less than a disservice to the nation and the party. The present challenge facing Jagdeo and the PPP/C cannot be resolved by “gamesmanship”, that will not suffice given the hard political reality. For what it is worth, my contention is that the opposition party is fully prepared for early elections and believe they will be declared the winners when those elections are held. This may very well be an erroneous conviction on their part. Their game plan is that early elections have given them a distinct advantage over their main political opponents. The coalition’s reduced support at the local government elections that preceded the no-conference motion is a factor in the PPP/C’s conviction that they will win the elections. Therefore, early elections are in their best interest and they are aware that each passing day erodes that advantage and

tilts the scale in favour of the APNU+AFC coalition. This brings me to the opposition leader’s statement of refusing to have a meeting with President David Granger unless election date is on the agenda and his most recent statement listing a number of demands for meeting with the President. His advocacy on these matters, when taken together, are good political rhetoric for energising his party’s base; However, the question to ask is it sound politics, given that party’s strategic objective? Sometimes in politics, even “politically savvy ” when cornered or faced with a difficult situation has to bite the bullet and make compromises. Since Jagdeo is not a “shame face politician” I believe he would do what is necessary. I am not surprised that he has changed his position and will meet with the President. Only time will tell what will eventuate. Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

Jagdeo’s system of apartheid

Dear Editor

Fasten your seatbelts as I thread on delicate grounds. IN this letter to the esteemed editor and the readership, we will unearth the topic of race relations in Guyana under the PPP/C regime. We have all heard the age-old adage that “if we do not admit that a problem exists, we cannot resolve it”. I put it to the readership that race has been and continues to be an issue in our country and the philosophy of some individuals, but especially the likes of a few political characters and the organisations they are part of, has intentionally encouraged and fuel this issue to disgusting levels within our country. It is not difficult to accept this view that former Presidents, Bharat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar crafted and manifested a system of economic apartheid for every top position within our nation in favour of only our Indo-Guyanese brothers and sisters, even though Guyana is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-religious, plural and diverse society. The PPP/C consciously and unashamedly practised a type of apartheid and discrimination that was never practised anywhere in the post-colonial era of the English-speaking Caribbean. Apartheid is defined as a system of institutionalized,

racial-segregation that legally existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s. Apartheid was characterized by an authoritarian political culture based on white supremacy, which encouraged state repression of Black Africans, Mixed and Asian South Africans for the benefit of the nation's minority White population. Mr. Editor, with respect to the aforementioned held view, I will present evidence to you that reaffirm my articulated position that Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar systematically and deliberately implemented this system of "economic apartheid" after Dr. Jagan’s death. Jagdeo and his presidential candidate, Mr. Irfaan Ali, who is called and accused of many unethical and illegal acts by his party supporters, are seen on social media taking pictures and videos with some cheaply paid Afro-Guyanese actors, is nothing but a pathetic window-dressing exhibition of racial inclusion by the PPP/C. It's just despicable; no right-thinking Guyanese will be hoodwinked and bamboozled by this, as Jagdeo’s agenda was implemented in clear view and is forever etched in the memories of the Afro-Guyanese community whom he systematically discriminated against. Jagdeo’s agenda went against our constitution; our

motto, “One People, One nation, One Destiny” as he proceeded to systematically marginalised Afro-Guyanese and oversaw Indo- Guyanese domination of all spheres of life in Guyana which included his Cabinet, every state board and every High-Commission and Ambassadorial post. There was severe/gross under-development in Afro-Guyanese communities; for example, Sophia, Linden, Buxton and Albouystown. University of Guyana’s Tain campus was given more money per capita than [the] University of Guyana, Turkeyen. The townships which housed mainly Afro-Guyanese (Georgetown, Linden & New Amsterdam) received a lesser subvention per capita than the minor towns (Anna Regina, Rosehall and Corriverton). Was this all coincidence, considering the ethnic makeup of the greater and smaller townships? The undeniable evidence suggests otherwise. During Jagdeo’s twelveyear imperial rule, 468 Afro-Guyanese men were killed by an alleged state-sponsored death squad and phantom gang. These men who had no court hearings and in many cases were unarmed were labelled as criminals, along with their entire communities. Their "token" Afro-Guyanese mouthpiece, Roger Luncheon, in his exact words defending Jagdeo’s public

unwritten system of apartheid, when he was asked to explain why the PPP/C government only appointed IndoGuyanese Ambassadors and High Commissioners, he said “No Afro-Guyanese was qualified to be an ambassador…” wow! The perfect mouth-piece against his own community. Mr. Editor, in 2008, Gay McDougall, a United Nations independent expert on minorities, declared, based on her findings, that there existed the stigmatization of young Afro-Guyanese males and entire communities, which reported feelings of being excluded, discriminated against and victimized. She also said that “Ethnically-based divisions and politics have created two separate and conflicting narratives and perceptions of reality in Guyana.” On the part of Afro-Guyanese, McDougall said there is a widely-held belief that they are discriminated against by an Indian-dominated and supported government that puts Indian interests to the fore, particularly in resource allocation, government contracts and employment. McDougall also reported that ethnically divided political and administrative structures and failed political processes have created deep frustrations and distrust in the institution of government. She further highlighted a bit-

ter and destructive political environment that has infected the wider society and is failing the people of Guyana. Further, in 2003, Doudou Dienne, the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, found that every level of Guyanese society is permeated by a profound moral, emotional and political fatigue, arising out of the individual and collective impact of ethnic polarisation. In 2008, McDougall said she witnessed a continuing societal malaise that shows evidence of the same, having deepened and transformed in some instances into despair, anger and resistance. Even after these revelations by the United Nations representatives, Jagdeo’s subsequent actions reflected the PPP’s unchanging ideology of racism. He just didn't care what anyone had to say, his arrogance was unmatched. The location of the controversial Berbice Bridge was just another well-crafted device intended to cripple the commerce of non-PPP New Amsterdam. All of this, the David Granger administration has been tasked with for the past four years, to correct the effects of the unconscionable economic marginalization within the Afro-Guyanese community,

while at the same time not daring to neglect the other ethnic groups, including the group that was placed in an adventurous position of this dear and diverse land. I encourage Guyanese from all walks of life to come together for a national and truthful discourse on ethnic relations in Guyana, as Guyana is a multi-ethnic society, so that we can together plan the way forward that is transparent and beneficial to all Guyanese. The Coalition Government represents various ethnicities, religions and genders. It is a direct reflection of our multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. All Guyanese are and will continue to benefit under the David Granger coalition administration, instead of only coalition supporters as was previously the case under the PPP regime where only PPP supporters benefitted. Guyana under the David Granger-led Coalition Government is better equipped to continue serving this nation for the benefit of all Guyanese. We must never allow ourselves to forget that most evil, wicked and corrupt PPP administration. Forward ever, backward never. Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region Ten

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

Exxon increases estimate to 5.5 billion barrels

United States oil giant ExxonMobil has updated its gross recoverable resource estimate to 5.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent in the Stabroek Block in Guyana. The announcement came on Wednesday at the company’s 2019 Investor Day by way of webcast and was also included in its 2019 Investor Day report. “The success story that I highlighted last year has continued. We ended up with five new discoveries in the Stabroek Block in 2018. We’ve already had two new discoveries in 2019. We’re still to quantify those last two discoveries but last year I’d said we’d increase our resource to 3.2 billion oil equivalent barrels [and], as you can see from the numbers that are on the chart, we’ve closed to double that in just 12 months,” Senior Vice President at Exxon Mobil Corporation Neil Chapman said. The report noted that there were 5 new discoveries in 2019 and two in 2019 with the total number of discoveries to date in the south eastern part of the Stabroek Block at 12. Speaking on the current border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Chapman highlighted that none of

Senior Vice President at ExxonMobil Corporation Neil Chapman

stating, too, that there is a robust inventory of additional prospects in Guyana with significant upside potential. For the 2019-2020 periods, Chapman said ExxonMobil plans to drill approximately 10 additional exploration wells even as it has increased the number

of its FPSOs from 3 to 5. Other updates provided show that at Liza Phase 1, topside modules were installed; integration is ongoing; offshore installation will commence in the second quarter of 2019; Liza Destiny is expected in Guyana in the second quarter of 2019 and start up is expected in the early first quarter of 2020. Meanwhile, regarding Liza Phase 2, Final Investment Decision (FID) is planned for the first quarter of 2019 and it is on schedule for start-up in 2022. At Payara, early engineering is progressing; environmental permitting was initiated; FID is expected in the

Lent is similarly observed for 40 days and is supposed to mirror Jesus’ experiences in the desert. Father Carl, however, explained that symbolism of the desert, i.e. the trials and temptations, is reflected upon but that does not connote that the desert is “something negative”. “The desert represented the transition from struggling

to life and life with Christ,” he clarified. “The season of Lent is a period of self-denial,” the priest explained also. Just as Jesus resisted the temptations, trials and tribulations he faced during that time, so too are Christians encouraged to do the same. In fact, throughout this period of Lent, Catholics and

A chart of the Stabroek Block

the discoveries of ExxonMobil thus far are in the area under debate. “Looking at that block you can see where our discoveries are. They are all in the SouthEast corner of this block. It has been well noted in the public around the border dispute

with Venezuela [but] it’s a long, long way from where our discoveries are and where our activity is and there’s no dispute between the countries,” he said. The report listed Guyana and Brazil as amongst the most valuable plays in the industry

fourth quarter of 2019 while start-up is expected in 2023. Guyana’s outlook production for 2025 was increased from 500 to 750 while the report stated that among the five outstanding developments influencing ExxonMobil’s growing value of portfolio is Deepwater Guyana. Chapman commended the Government of Guyana for its partnership stating that there have been excellent relations thus far. “We’ve had really strong support and a great partnership with the Guyanese government,” he said. “President Granger implemented a new Ministry of Energy last year; Dr. Bynoe is heading that up. It’s a great partnership between the operators, ourselves and the government.” The company believes that considerable potential remains for Guyana and stated that the more it discovers, the more it is understands Guyana’s about the geology and believes that the prospects are even greater in the basin.

Lent: a time for peace, penance and unity By Vishani Ragobeer JUST before Wednesday midday, hundreds of persons entered into the largely unpainted edifice on Brickdam known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or simply, the Brickdam Cathedral. A regular onlooker would wonder why so many persons, including men and women, dressed for work and children in their school clothes would be entering the church at that time of the day. But as persons began leaving with a black ‘cross’ inscribed on their foreheads, the answer would become apparent; it was ‘Ash Wednesday’. Father Carl Philadelphia, the priest at the Cathedral, was donned in his ceremonial robe and was standing below the alter applying the crosses to the hundreds of persons queued in the cathedral. His ministers, positioned across the floor, assisted him. “The significance of Ash Wednesday, within the Catholic Church, is that this signals the beginning of Lent for us,” Father Carl told Guyana Chronicle.

other members of the Christian community engage in four major tenets: increasing prayer, penance, almsgiving and fasting. Usually, the worshippers would engage in fasts, or at least forgo certain foods such as meats, sweets or fast food. TURN TO PAGE

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One worshipper receiving the ‘cross’ on the forehead as part of the Ash Wednesday observance

On this day, during the traditional Catholic Mass, the priest (sometimes aided by other church ministers) applies moistened ashes of palm branches on the forehead of persons. It is applied in the shape of the cross and as it is applied, the receiver is told: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” According to Father Carl, the application of the ashes is a symbolic ritual. In fact, he shared that in the Old Testament, followers engaged in penance by rubbing dust and

ashes on their skin. Catholics and non-Catholics receive the ashes, recognising that within themselves, they are preparing to go into that Lenten observance and engage in penance. As documented in the Bible (the Christian book of sacred scriptures), Jesus Christ (the Son of God) was tried and tempted in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights while he was engaged in prayer and fasting. SYMBOLIC

Worshippers filled the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, on Ash Wednesday, as they ushered the holy observance of Lent

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

‘Women have truly advanced’

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…AG traces development of Guyanese women over the years

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Sunday emphasised the important role women play in today’s society and also paid specific attention to their rights and related laws enacted in Guyana. He was at the time addressing a forum at the President’s College, Golden Grove East Coast Demerara. The forum was chaired by Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings. At the forum Williams first emphasised the important role women play in Guyana and farther afield. “In Guyana, the role of women in society has changed significantly. Many years ago, women's contributions to society were limited. However, today we have women working in every industry in Guyana, women who are in leadership roles such as in government, the judiciary, medicine, business, STEM and law. Even at my own ministry, most of the senior positions have been filled by women. Women have truly advanced and are no longer condemned to performing traditional roles. For

The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, speaking at the East Coast Demerara Women’s Congress

example, over the years, more women have become actively involved in politics and they have been effectively causing social change,” he expressed. Highlighting that women overcame a series of stereotypes, the AG pointed to the State Paper on Equality for Women that was presented to the National Assembly in January 1976, by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham (LFS Burnham), who explained some of the reasons for discrimination against women.

“Women have been prevented from enjoying the full spectrum of their human rights because of cultural norms, which confined the role of women to that of child-bearer and family caretaker. However, we all know the truth and have witnessed this truth: that women are capable of so much more. This erroneous belief stifled the potential of women and inevitably robbed the world from benefiting much sooner from the strength, ideas and wisdom of women,” AG opined.

The year 1990, he said, was a significant year for women’s rights in Guyana, with the enactment of the Family and Dependent Persons Act, the Married Persons Property (Amendment) Act and the Equal Rights Act. The legislative reforms which led to the passing of these acts were led by a woman-- the Hon Justice Desiree Bernard, the only female High Court judge at the time, who was appointed by the government to head a committee to examine Articles 29 and 30 of

Lent: a time for peace ...

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They would also forgo activities deemed as sinful, such as consuming alcohol. The worshippers are also expected to provide assistance to those in need. “All of these things are done with a purpose and the purpose is so that we can become closer to God and become like Jesus, i.e., become people who are more considerate, loving, kind and compassionate to our brothers and sisters,” the priest explained. Furthermore, he explained that these tenets are considered to be sacred duties of Christians and when engaged in, would enable them to become better followers.

One young Catholic, Joshua Vansluytman shared: “For me, Ash Wednesday means for me to evaluate myself and start all over again and to cel-

INTROSPECTION Introspection is also important during this season, according to the respected religious leader. Through introspection, he said worshippers are encouraged to reflect on their lives to discover the ways in which they have not been living as per God’s commandments. “When we do that reflection, we can come and be repentful and do penance to be better Christians,” he said and posited, “It is good to repair.”

ebrate the risen Christ.” Lent also signifies ‘spring’ and Christians, particularly Catholics, view the springtime as a period where they are renewed and refreshed through the Lenten observances. Eventually, within the Cathedral, the lines get shorter and shorter until the hundreds of persons have all had the ‘cross’ plastered on their foreheads. It is here that the Catholic Mass takes shape. Catholicism is the main and earliest form of Christi-

anity and its mass is deemed as the central form of worship here. At the Brickdam Cathedral, the seats were filled as Father Carl led the gathering

Worshippers receiving their bread as part of the Holy Communion, within the Catholic Mass (Vishani Ragobeer photos)

in prayer. His words echoed throughout the halls of the Cathedral and soon enough, a resounding “Amen” was heard as the worshippers ended their prayers after him. But soon after the worship ends, the other segment of the sacred mass begins -- the Eucharist (also known as the Holy Communion). The queues are formed once more but, instead of applying the ashes to the forehead, the worshippers are given bread. The communion mirrors

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Jesus’ final supper, before his crucifixion, with his 12 disciples, and as explained by Father Carl, Jesus gave them bread with the words “This is my body,” and then wine with the words: “This is my blood.” “For us, it is receiving Jesus. It is in remembrance of him and what he did for us,” Father Carl said. In Christianity, it is accepted that Jesus died to pay for the sins of the world. In remembering that Jesus died for others, Father Carl stressed the importance of prayers for Guyana at this time. “Right now, within our country, we are going through some division, especially in our political arena, but we should remember that we serve a God and a God of unity, not division. We need to pray that we become closer to God, no matter our faith or so on, [and] to become good people who are good to each other. This is embodied in our [National] motto: One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” he said.

the 1980 constitution against existing laws and to see how they could be amended. The Desiree Bernard Committee recommended over 30 amendments to our laws. These reforms made Guyana the forerunner for legislative reform on equality for women in the Caribbean. Underlining these reforms, the AG told attendees that the effectiveness of any law depends on its implementation and enforceability. Therefore, the entire country he said, must do their part

to ensure that our laws are effective and their objectives are realised. “Guyana and indeed the world have achieved progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment. However, women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence. Almost every day one can open the papers or see on the news that a woman has died or incurred injury as a result domestic violence…” “…This continues to be a blight on our society and shows that though women have ascended to prominent positions in society, there are still mistreated. We must all recognise that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but it is necessary for the peace, well-being and sustainable development of Guyana. All Guyanese must be given the opportunity to contribute equally to the economic and social development of our country. The government will continue its efforts to transform Guyana to ensure that women are included at every level,” AG said emphatically.

Teen remanded for stealing phones, other valuables CHRIST Pollard, an 18-year-old of 46 D’urban Street, Georgetown, was yesterday remanded by Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for five counts of robbery under arms and robbery with violence. Pollard pleaded not guilty to all the charges. It was alleged that on February 19, 2019, at Croal Street, Georgetown, he robbed Natasha Nurse of one Samsung Galaxy 7 Edge cellphone. Particulars of the second charge state that on February 14, 2019, he robbed Barrat Danos of $500USD. It was also alleged that while armed with a knife at Croal Street, Georgetown,, he robbed Anneeza Kissoon of her Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge cellphone worth $120,000.

The third charge read that on March 4, 2019, he robbed Romania Deaivs of her LG cellular phone worth $US120.00 $1800 US Dollars, and a passport. The fourth charge alleged that he relieved Keshana Persaud of her Samsung S7 edge worth $75,000 at Croal Street,Georgetown. This is said to be the second time that Pollard appeared before the court for larceny. In 2018, he was remanded for stealing his father’s semi-automatic pistol, valued at $250,000. He was also accused of stealing 10 live rounds, also the property of his father. The magistrate upheld the prosecutor’s objection to bail and Pollard was remanded to prison and will return to court on March 27, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

Sub-divisional commander meets Moruca residents, regional officials

Assistant Superintendent Kevin London speaks with a businessman of the Kumaka Waterfront, Moruca community.

By Clestine Juan ASSISTANT Superintendent Kevin London, Officer-in-Charge of the No.3 Sub-Division (Moruca Sub-Region Barima-Waini), ‘F’ Division on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, held a ‘Walkabout’ at the Kumaka Waterfront, Moruca. London was accompanied by Corporal Mark Campbell and met with members of the regional administration,

Toshao, Wanita Philips; and residents and members of the business community. During the engagement, several issues were raised by residents, including requests for a female rank and an overall increase of police ranks at the Acquero Police Station. The residents and business owners were assured that the issues highlighted woould be addressed soonest.

‘E’ Division commander, other ranks interact with Linden residents

Commander of ‘E’ Division, Senior Superintendent Linden Lord, hands over a hamper to Ms. Cheryl Henry

By Clestine Juan POLICE commander of ‘E’ Division, Senior Superintendent Linden Lord, on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, led a “Walkabout” in the Block 22, Wismar, Linden community. Commander Lord was accompanied by other ranks and members of the Cops and Faith Community Network. Also present were: Community Relations Officer, Woman Assistant Superintendent P. Peters-Fernandes; Woman Inspector, V. Pinder-Whittaker; Town Clerk Ms. Obermuller and Pastor

Clarke. The ranks interacted with residents, who voiced several concerns and highlighted issues affecting them within the community; these were all addressed by the commander and his team. Commander Lord in an effort to show appreciation to members of the community for their support of the Guyana Police Force, distributed two grocery hampers to two senior citizens of the community, Ms. Cheryl Henry age 67 years and Ms. Silvia Giles, age 69 years, who were thankful for the kind gesture.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 7, 2019

‘RUSAL has been totally disrespectful’ -says Min. Ally; union to take legal actions

RUSSIAN-owned Bauxite Company, RUSAL has been “totally” disrespectful to the Government, said Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, one day after the company submitted proposals to normalise the situation created by the sacking of workers. Government was called in to quell the situation because the company and Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU) have been at odds for more than a week, after RUSAL declared that it has not been making profits in recent years and will be closing sections of its operations, while laying off 30 workers to add to the 61 it had previously fired. Over the past week Government has been meeting with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU) and RUSAL to discuss a way forward but, RUSAL continues to delinquent. “We had made four small demands of RUSAL and today none seem to be successful, as a matter of fact what has been happening is that RUSAL is making demands of us,” said Minister

Ally in an invited comment following a meeting between the union and the ministry on Wednesday. Minister Ally had lobbied for reinstatement of the fired workers; she made it clear that government’s main interest is to protect the rights of its citizens. Ally said instead of respecting workers and recognising the union, RUSAL has been making demands for the

river to be unblocked. The workers had blocked the river at Aroraima where the company’s bauxite-laden barges have to pass to go to the transshipment station for loading on ocean-going vessels. RUSAL has since been calling for the river to be unblocked but has refused to meet with the union, saying that there will no meeting unless GB&GWU’s General

Secretary, Lincoln Lewis is absent. “This is something we will not tolerate from RUSAL at all…I said in my first engagement with the company that they are very unreasonable and Government is not going to allow that,” said Minister Ally. In light of the continuous disrespect, she said Government will be considering a

step further and examining the pros and cons before making an announcement on how they will proceed. Lewis, however, in an invited comment hinted that there could be possible legal actions against RUSAL. “The minister has said that she intends to take the matter to a higher level not politically but higher, operating within the confines of the laws of this

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally (second from left) and Junior Minister of Social Protection, Keith Scott engaging union representatives, Lincoln Lewis and Coretta McDonald on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

land,” said the veteran trade unionist. In the interim, the union will stand by and observe as the minister examines all the options, he said, noting that the Government and the union will continue to work together. Lewis said the union will be recalibrating their strategy and rather than operating in Georgetown, the union will be moving to the site at Aroraima where they will be taking further action. “There was no collective agreement since 2009 and there are lots of matters pending so we need to sit at a table and iron out the issues after which we will move to the next step,” said President of the Guyana Trade Union Congress, Coretta McDonald.in a recent report. MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had also ordered the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to conduct a technical and legal assessment of all RUSAL operations and is hoping to have that report submitted to him at the earliest opportunity.

Four Guyanese jailed for US$71M cocaine shipment ST. CROIX — VI CONSORTIUM- United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced on Wednesday that Neville Jeffrey, 70, Mohamed Hoseain, 66, Richard La Cruz, 51, and Mark An-

thony Williams, 32, all of Guyana, were sentenced to 48 months, 36 months, 30 months and 27 months respectively for possession of cocaine on board a vessel, by District Court Judge Wilma A. Lewis on

DEA agents testing the drugs

March 5, 2019. Judge Lewis also sentenced each defendant to two years of supervised release, but ordered that they be deported upon release from incarceration. She further ordered them

to pay a special assessment of $100 each and did not impose a fine. Jeffrey, Hoseain, La Cruz and Williams pleaded guilty to cocaine possession charges in November and December of 2018. According to plea agreements filed with the court and statements at the sentencing hearing, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Napier, on February 16, 2017, intercepted a suspicious vessel in a joint operation with the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard approximately sev-

enty nautical miles north of Paramaribo, Suriname, in international waters. The vessel, later identified as the LADY MICHELLE, was located in a known drug trafficking route and registered with St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The U.S. Coast Guard boarded the vessel pursuant to a bilateral agreement between the United States and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. They discovered 185 bales containing numerous rectangular shaped packages of cocaine in the vessel’s

fish hold weighing 3,769 kilograms. The drugs had a street value in the U.S. Virgin Islands of approximately US$71 million. Jeffrey and Hoseain functioned as captains. La Cruz was identified as the engineer and Williams as the cook. The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alphonso Andrews, Jr.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

GWI to upgrade water systems in Region 9 …seven villages to benefit

OVER 1,000 persons in seven villages in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) will receive upgraded water systems in the near future as the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) has moved to provide permanent and innovative solutions. Since the latter part of January, 2019 to date GWI has visited some 33 communities in Region Nine and logged 12 wells. Under focus now is the Sand Creek Secondary School dormitory through which some 148 students will be relieved of fetching water as the GWI will examine alternative water provision. “One option is to channel water from a nearby creek as an interim measure, after a water quality test is completed,” a release to the media

stated. Four storage tanks will be provided along with some 1300 metres of pipelines running to the dorms. Meanwhile, the school’s distribution network will be redesigned to allow for an adequate water supply throughout the school compound. GWI will also be working to activate a new well drilled through a joint initiative with GWI and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In addition, Managing Director Dr. Richard Van West-Charles told the gathering that GWI intends to collaborate with the Regional Executive Officer to address plumbing issues at the sanitary blocks at the health center and the school. These solutions were derived during community

meetings with village leaders and residents on March 2 and 3, 2019. Over at the village of Shiriri, GWI will ensure that all solar panels and pumps are functional enabling 104 villagers to receive adequate water supply as opposed to relying on two hand pump wells, one of which has not functioned for four years. The community is also challenged when its hand dug wells become contaminated when it rains and when the creek they seek out as an alternative gets dry regularly. As such, the water company will also work to reactivate a defective well and will also correct the plumbing at the school’s sanitary block. In Rupunau, GWI intends to examine the possibility of accessing of a rig to go beyond the rocks to drill

Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) officials meet with residents of Shulinab

A water sample being taken for analysis as GWI Managing Director Dr. Richard Van West-Charles (center) watches on

a new well along with the undertaking of camera inspection; resistivity logging; pump test and installation of solar panels Meanwhile, for residents of Meriwau the GWI will examine the functionality of their current pump as well as other means of improving water access in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC). Some 800 residents of Shulinab like Shiriri also depend on hand pumps and hand dug wells which go dry during droughts or get contaminated during rainy seasons. As such, the GWI has assured residents that it will pump test an existing well to determine its production capacity and once found to be adequate, a distribution network will be installed to provide water security among households in the South Pole area and other parts of Shulinab. According to the release,

“Residents also noted that the health centre; hot meal programme; school and 15 households rely on water from one source which has proven to be inadequate. In this regard, GWI intends to work with the Ministries of Education [and] Indigenous Peoples Affairs and the Regional Democratic Council to address same.” The small community of Quiko will not be left out as GWI has plans to upgrade the existing pipe network extending distribution lines to households west of the village. The decision comes as community members are not currently benefitting from the existing water system. “The company will also explore the possibility of drilling a new well for water security purposes. To ensure maintenance of these systems, GWI will train two persons from the community who have been identified by the village council as service

men,” the GWI said. Over at Potarnau, some 613 persons will experience improved water service as GWI will add four additional storage tanks to the existing four that have proven to be insufficient. The communitys will also undergo a test pump for production capacity while training for service men will be conducted. These efforts will be added to plans to disinfect an existing well in the community, taking monthly samples for water quality analysis. Soon, citizens in the Deep South in eight communities will also receive additional attention as works are underway for the installation of distribution networks, water quality testing, community mapping, well development and more.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

‘Issues being dealt with in a purposeful way’

– PM Nagamootoo says President would be courting lawlessness to fix a date for polls “GUYANESE should be satisfied that their national leaders are sitting around the table and are discussing the more important issues that would affect all of our lives.” This was expressed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Wednesday, during a Facebook Live following the bilateral engagement between President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. The Prime Minister said the fact that a second “high-level” meeting took place in less than a month shows that all the issues on the table are being dealt with in a “purposeful way”. He explained that these matters stemmed from the December 21, 2018 vote in the National Assembly and GECOM’s readiness to host credible General and Regional Elections. As was published in various sections of the media, the leader of the opposition insisted that a moot point of Wednesday’s discussion be focused on a date for the hosting of General and Regional Elections; however, President Granger’s position of not interfering with the election’s commission’s process was made clear. GECOM was established under the constitution and has, as its power, the general control and supervision of elections. As such, it would be unconstitutional for the president to interfere or dic-

delegation that included Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

tate GECOM’s proceedings. “It would be inviting lawlessness if the president were to fix a date for elections,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo remarked. He emphasised that the government’s position to engage GECOM on its readiness to host credible elections was made clear to the opposition by the Head of State. Prime Minister Nagamootoo further highlighted that President Granger “has already set in train the mechanisms” to engage with the agency’s commissioners. The first bilateral engagement was held on January 9, 2019, where the government met with the opposition to discuss the way forward following the December 21 vote and what is stipulated according to the constitution. The Head of State led a

Traffic dep’t to step up nationwide campaign –– in view of recent accidents, fatalities

IN the light of recent road accidents and fatalities, the Traffic Department of the Guyana Police Force will be stepping up its country-wide campaign to remind drivers of their responsibilities in relation to the five Cs(Care, Caution, Con-

sideration, Common sense, and Courtesy). On Tuesday, March 05, 2019, ranks from the Leonora Traffic Department held a “speeding” exercise in the Leonora Station District and were able to make 14 cases.

Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC.; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman;

and Government Chief Whip and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally. The group led by the opposition leader comprised Opposition Chief Whip, Gail

Teixeira, and Members of Parliament, Anil Nandlall, Irfaan Ali, Bishop Juan Edghill, Dr. Frank Anthony, Pauline Sukhai and Odinga Lumumba. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 7, 2019

Gov’t, GTT sign pact to fast track liberalisation of telecoms sector

THE liberalisation of Guyana’s telecommunication market is now closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT). According to a joint release from the stakeholders, the recent signing, though

non-binding, is a major step towards liberalisation and will see the continuation of discussions on all outstanding issues with the aim of reaching a binding agreement. In July 2016, the government passed the Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill to liberalise the Telecoms sector by ending the

monopoly which GTT had enjoyed for over 25 years. However, liberalisation has been delayed for some time to cater for the ironing out of GTT’s approximately US $44 million in taxes owed to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and for other discussions. Liberalisation will ensure an open and compet-

itive telecommunication sector as more investors will be attracted. Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n Minister Cathy Hughes has also indicated on numerous occasions that this will not only mean an increase in the availability of internet access, but will see Guyanese receiving cheaper options, better quality and advanced

Telecommunication Minister Cathy Hughes

telecommunications services. At a past press briefing, she had revealed that over 20 companies, both local and overseas, have already expressed an interest in getting involved in the Telecommunication industry once liberalisation is completed.

delays, this government has brought the country one step closer to achieving a fully open telecommunication market. While more work needs to be done, the government is committed to continuing discussions and completing the process of liberalization for the citizens of Guyana,” said

Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s (GTT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd

Meanwhile, back in 2018, GTT had assured the government and the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) that it remains committed to the earliest conclusion of negotiations with government regarding liberalisation of the sector. G T T ’s c o m p e t i t o r, DIGICEL, has also expressed its excitement about the future after liberalisation with its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in 2016, stating that all parties stand to benefit. “After many years of

Minister Hughes. Meanwhile, GTT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd said: “I am very pleased we have reached this milestone. GTT fully supports an open and transparent telecommunications market in Guyana and the opportunities it will provide for Guyana’s citizens and our customers. We look forward to further discussions with the government to reach an agreement on the issues that remain outstanding.”

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Former GRDB accountant remanded on multiple fraud charges By Clestine Juan PETER Ramcharran, former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), was on Wednesday, March 06, 2019, remanded to prison for embezzling over $400M from the agricultural entity. Ramcharran, 39, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, was deported back to Guyana early Wednesday morning after authorities in Guyana had applied for him to be extradited from Canada. Ramcharran appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court to face the 39 fraud-related charges for which an arrest warrant for issued of him in 2017. Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Patrice Henry, made an application for the arrest warrant to be withdrawn and the charge to be read to Ramcharran. Henry also told the court that the charges will be laid indictably at this time. The former accountant was slapped with five charges of falsification of accounts, which read that between 2015-2011, at Lot 16-17 Cowan Street, Kingston, at the GRDB head office, while being a clerk or servant, he omitted to enter some $414 million in the GRDB ledger. Ramcharran, along with GRDB General Manager Jagnarine Singh and Singh’s deputy Madanlall Ramraj, was slapped with 17charges for falsifying documents. The charges alleged that Ramcharran, between 2011 and 2012 omitted to enter true entries of over $4.2 M into the company’s ledger, knowing that it was contrary to standard operating procedures. Ramcharran, as well as Singh and Ramraj, was also slapped with 17 charges pertaining to the theft of over $5M from the GRDB accounts. The charges alleged that Ramcharran fraudulently took $5.1M or converted the money to his own use and benefit, or any use and purpose, other than that of the GRDB. Ramcharran’s attorney, Sase Gunraj, during an application for bail told the

Former accountant of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Peter Ramcharran (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

court that his client resigned from the GRDB in 2016 and left to further his studies in accountancy at the Humber Collage, Canada. Gunraj started that during that time his client was made aware of the charges via the media online. “My client was never contacted by SOCU about the charges,” the attorney said, as he explained that Ramcharran read about the arrest warrant being issued for him from an online news agency. However, Ramcharran, while in Canada, had utilised legal options available to him since extradition proceedings were initiated against him in in 2017. The chief magistrate told the attorney that his client had ample time to come back to Guyana and face the charges; however, Ramcharran had to be extradited two years later after losing legal battles in Canada. Additionally, the chief magistrate explained that before the arrest warrant was granted on June 5, 2017, SOCU head, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sydney James, had given sworn evidence that he contacted Ramcharran via Facebook and WhatsApp. However, James said that Ramcharran told him that he feared his life would be in danger should he return to Guyana. Furthermore, the SOSU prosecutor explained that Ramcharran was aware of the charges, since he was contacted by the head of SOCU.

Henry opposed the granting of bail to Ramcharran on the grounds that he poses a flight risk and that investigations into offences of similar nature are pending against the accused. The chief magistrate therefore remanded Ramcharran until March 25, 2019. After court, defence attorney Gunraj told reporters that his client was not contacted by the SOCU head, who lied to the chief magistrate to secure an arrest warrant. The attorney explained that his client is being penalised for time taken up while fighting the extradition. In May 2017, six former members of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) were charged with five charges of falsification of accounts and are currently on trial before a city Magistrate. Those on trial are General-Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), Badrie Persaud; and Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine. They were released on $500,000 bail each, with reporting conditions. The accused all pleaded not guilty to this charge as well.

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CH&PA looks into concerns of Sophia residents By Vishani Ragobeer JUNIOR Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Yearwood, has promised to address a range of concerns raised by residents of Sophia during an outreach to the community on Wednesday. Among the concerns raised include road and drainage works, regularisation and the handing over of the scheme. In fact, the topic of regularisation was of great importance to the nearly 100 residents in attendance. “For some of you where you're squatting, if housing said you can be regularised, then you don't have to apply for a new housing lot,” the minister told the gathering. However, for those persons who were squatting on areas that could not be regularised, they would have to apply for house lots, the minister said.

Representative of the ministry, Richard James, highlighted that a survey was done years ago on a section of the land in Sophia and it

James indicated that there were a few problems. Rather than moving the persons, he said works have now commenced with the

promised to look into their applications. “We are only taking for people who want [land] at Mon Repos and Good Hope. Residents of Sophia giving their letters of acknowledgement to Minister Adams-Yearwood and her team

The gathering at the ‘C’ Field tarmac, Sophia on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photos)

was decided that instead of moving the residents, permission would be sought from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to convert the squatting area into regularised house lots. Approval was granted but

land surveyors to engage in “slight shifting” to remedy the issue over time. Nevertheless, for those who would have applied for new house lots, the minister personally took their letters of acknowledgement and

That’s what we are offering right now,” she said. Another issue was the ownership of lands and proof of this by virtue of possessing the relevant documents. Minister Adams-Yearwood bemoaned that persons have

been living on lands passed down from generations without proper documentation. According to her, it becomes difficult to help these persons, but urged them to acquire the relevant documents. "Get yourselves in order [and] position yourself for what is to come to you,” she said. Residents also highlighted that road and drainage works remain a problem in their community. Resident Mark Wallace told the minister that he has been living in Sophia for the past 10 years on a plot of land he called “an island”. He indicated that it is located beyond the ‘B’ Field dam in

Sophia, at a ballfield that was sub-divided by the previous administration for persons relocated from a reserve. CH&PA Community Development Department, Director Gladwin Charles, told Wallace that the projects department is aware of the issues of drainage in the mentioned area and these will be addressed. Engineers, he said, have already completed the estimates of works to be done. “As [the CH&PA] does the roads, we have to do the drains as well,” Charles assured the residents. These community meetings will continue until March 8 at various locations across the community.

Crime-fighting strategies bearing fruit –– under Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Guyana project THE Guyana Police Force has recorded successes in the new crime-fighting strategies which it has adopted through the `Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Guyana’project. The `project is funded by the US Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) and aims to strengthen the integrity and responsiveness of Guyana's justice system. It contributes towards this goal in two areas: by improving the investigation of crime scenes, case preparation, and trial advocacy, and ensuring media and public support for justice system reform; and by developing the capacity of the Guyanese criminal justice system to collect and analyse CCTV camera digital evidence recorded at a crime scene. To this end, a project success story titled “Eyes on Crime” has been produced with support from the US Government, which it is seeking to make public, a release from the GPF stated. The film, the release not-

ed, “captures some of the most impressive outcomes bringing together the criminal justice system and the public in the area of forensic video analysis”. Before the project, the GPF had collected video evidence but did not have the necessary technology or specialised training to analyse it; however, through JES forensic video analysis (FVA) equipment and training to the police, public prosecutors and magistrates were provided. At the same time, the project also created public service announcements to make sure that the public understands the value of forensic video and is willing to cooperate with the police, the release added. Listed among the successes as a result of the efforts, was the successful prosecution of an armed robbery in Linden. On the eve of New Year's Day 2017, Trevor Campbell, who was the victim in that incident, was enjoying a night out with his friends in the busy Mackenzie Market area. And, as Campbell was walking

past some clothing shops, three men armed with guns, approached and threatened him. In the process one of the robbers ripped off his gold chains and drove away, the release detailed. VIDEO FOOTAGE Bystanders who had witnessed the robbery observed that a CCTV camera from a store was overlooking the street, and along with Campbell, they engaged the owner for help to review the footage to ascertain whether the incident was captured. The release noted that not only did the video exist but it also captured the robbers' appearance in high detail. Also, the storeowner in realising they were in possession of a valid piece of evidence, decided to put the video online with hopes that someone would have recognised the suspects. The footage went viral, spreading quickly through social media and local media, the release stated. Meanwhile, GPF investigative sleuths retrieved the video which they sent to the FVA unit for processing.

“There, forensic video isolated close-up images of the suspects' faces and shared [them] with investigators to aid in identification,” and as the officers worked closely together on the investigation, one of them recognised the man in the video as Shawn Archibald,” the police said. The GPF in emphasising the need for cooperation from the public in getting a crime solved, stated: “If you’ve got some information, somebody got information; it will go far in helping the police solving a lot of crimes because instead of just the Police Force, you have the public assisting the police.” The results of the social media search, according to the GPF, supported the preliminary identification as social media users were also able to name the robber and this information was passed to the police. Armed with such details, the police were able to move quickly and carry out an arrest. But, arresting the suspect was only the beginning of the process, the release pointed out, adding that “the police had to prove beyond

a reasonable doubt that the person who was arrested was the same person who was captured on video committing the crime. That is where forensic video analysts put their technical skills to the test. They isolated images of the suspect's tattoos from the video and overlaid them for comparison with the photos of Shawn Archibald’s tattoos that the police made during the arrest,” the release further stated. COMPELLING EVIDENCE It was pointed out that as a result of compelling evidence by analyst Gary Jordan, who testified in the Linden Magistrate’s Court, as he presented his comparative analysis, resulted in Archibald's defence lawyer advising him to change his plea to guilty. In May 2018, Shawn Archibald was sentenced to four years in prison for the offence of armed robbery. However, as at July 2018, he was still on trial for other crimes that were uncovered as a result of investigations into the Linden robbery.

As part of the investigation, the GPF said, its detectives examined the car used by the robbers on the night of the crime and observed that the identification numbers of the said vehicle were altered to hide its identity. As such, the investigators successfully worked with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to identify the vehicle and locate the rightful owner of a car, “who was a victim of carjacking in November 2017”. This discovery linked the robbers to a wave of across Guyana in 2017- 2018. The GPF noted that investigations into the carjacking ring involves multiples suspects across Guyana and extends far beyond the single case of Shawn Archibald. “The outcomes of the carjacking investigation are yet to be seen, but one lesson for the future is clear: collaboration within the GPF and with the public is a critical component of successful cases,” the police said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

Multi Indicator Cluster Survey…

UNICEF gifts Stats Bureau US$150,000 in equipment, supplies By Clestine Juan THE Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday received some $150,000USD ($31M GYD) worth of equipment and supplies for execution of the latest round of the Multi Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) in Guyana. The handing over was done by the United Nations

Children's Fund (UNICEF) at the Bureau of Statistics Main Street office. Speaking at the handing over was UNICEF representative to Guyana and Suriname, Slyvie Fouet, who explained that the MICS is an, international exercise that is done every five years. Fouet explained that the survey programme supports

countries in the collection of internationally comparable data on a wide range of indicators on the situation of children and women. Survey tools are based on the models and standards developed by the global MICS project, designed to collect information on the situation of children and women in countries around the world. United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) representative to Guyana and Suriname, Slyvie Fouet (Photo by Samuel Maughn)

Acting Deputy Chief Statistician of the Bureau of Statistics, Ian Manifold

MICS surveys measure key indicators that allow countries to generate data for use in policies and programmes. This year, the survey will be linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other internationally agreed commitments. MICS data has been used for various types of indicators, including the internal evaluation of health and family life education, the assessment of budget expenditure, evaluation of nursery education; and

studies on violence against children etc. The UNICEF representative explained that the survey will be done at the household level and this year will be done with digital technology. “Real-time data collection and analysis will be done at the Bureau of Statistics, the same day when data is collected… it is paperless and will save time,” Fouet stressed. She further explained that Guyana is among the top three countries in the region to

embark on this type of survey, which is aimed at helping to grow and embrace the new age. The UNICEF representative explained that the equipment and supplies are worth $150,000 USD and 21 teams will be deployed to do the testing. Facilitators will be brought from Panama and New York to aid in the training of the teams. Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Chief Statistician of the Bureau of Statistics, Ian Manifold, explained that new technology will help to speed up the data-collection process. He also disclosed that the MICS team will have identification badges and the logo. The Guyana Bureau of Statistics (GBS) will be targeting 8,700 households for the sixth round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) this year. On August, 23, 2018, the government in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the sixth round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday March 7, 2019

Over 50 truants to return to school

––Region Two steps up campaign against truancy THE Region Two, Department of Education, School’s Welfare Unit has flagged over 50 truancy cases in the region as it steps up efforts to ensure all school-aged children attend and complete school. The campaigns were conducted at Supenaam-Good Hope, Wakapoa, Mashabo, Riverstown, Reliance and Charity squatting area. At Reliance, six truants

were nabbed and measures were put in place to ensure they attend school. According to Senior Welfare Officer, Haimraj Hamandeo, once a child is found on the streets or at home, the Department of Education in collaboration with his office will ensure all necessary resources are available to assist their parents. During the campaigns, he said, parents were also

encouraged to send their children to school and support was provided to them. Hamandeo observed many families were poor and cannot provide basic amenities for their children to attend school. He is therefore asking anyone who wishes to help these children to contact the region’s Department of Education.

Senior welfare officer speaking to a parent during one of the campaigns

Senior school welfare officers during their campaign

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Teachers spreading propaganda about HPV vaccine

–– Nurse-in-charge of Georgetown municipality TEACHERS from several Georgetown schools have been called out for discouraging students from taking the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) have launched an emergency HPV vaccine campaign from February 11March 13, where they have upped the age of the recipients of the vaccine to 16, and have included boys. This was done after several requests were made by

the public. However, nursein-charge of the Georgetown municipality, Marlyn Gordon, said the execution of the campaign is posing serious challenges, since teachers are not welcoming, and they have been turning students against taking the vaccine. This vaccine, Gordon explained, is very important, especially for females, since it protects them from cervical cancer. In males, she said, the HPV can put them at risks to other forms of cancer, so it is

imperative that they protect themselves at an early age by taking the vaccine. “From a school we visited yesterday, the amount of eligible children we had on our list was 103, and only 21of them received the vaccine. And the teachers play a great role in the response we are getting, because the students tell us all sorts of things that are said to them by their teachers. And for some other schools, we get a high response because the teachers assist us in encour-

aging the students to take the vaccine. So they play a great role in helping us to reach all the eligible students,” Gordon said. Without disclosing the name of the school, she said that the students reported to the team of nurses that the teachers at the school have been telling them that the vaccine will make them sterile, so they must not take it. Gordon also said that the negative publications about the vaccine, blaming illnesses

on the vaccine, may also be a contributing factor to the low rate. However, despite the challenges, they have been persistent with protecting the youths against forms of cancer prone to the virus. “The Georgetown municipality is onboard with this campaign because they have three health centres: the Dorothy Bailey; Festival City and Albouystown Health Centre, all of which are assisting in administering the vaccine. In the Georgetown area, we are responsible for 14 schools and we have been going out

on a daily basis to cover those schools,” Gordon said. Close to 150 students, between the ages of nine and 16, she said, have received the vaccine in the campaign thus far, and they are hoping the number increase a great deal before the end of the campaign. The MoPH is urging parents and teachers to cooperate in this critical process and to encourage their children to take the vaccine and be protected from cervical and other forms of cancers.

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Madrid set for huge changes after seismic defeat to Ajax

… Mourinho waiting in wings MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Revolution is in the air at Real Madrid after their Champions League empire was razed to the ground with an astounding 4-1 loss at home to Ajax Amsterdam, with a huge clear out of players expected as well as a change of manager. Coach Santiago Scolari may have a contract until 2021 but no-one expects him to remain beyond the close season after overseeing Tuesday’s catastrophic last-16 second leg defeat which ended the club’s 1 012-day reign as kings of Europe. It also effectively ended Madrid’s season, after successive defeats to Barcelona which sent them out of the Copa del Rey and put them 12 points adrift of Barca in the title race, five more than when Scolari succeeded Julen Lopetegui in October. Jose Mourinho, who won a La Liga title with 100 points but left a legacy of division in his three years at Madrid, is already being touted as the man best suited to lead the transformation of a squad that have won it all but turned stale. The Portuguese is out of work after being sacked by Manchester United in December and despite meeting another dire end to his penul-

timate job with Chelsea, Barca appear to be beating the drum for his return, urging president Florentino Perez to bring him back to the Santiago Bernabeu. “Only one positive conclusion can be extracted from the wreckage of a dark night: the best coach in the world, Jose Mourinho, has time to work,” said the newspaper.

team, who until Tuesday had a stranglehold on Europe’s biggest prize that is unprecedented in the modern era. “I don’t think we have completed our cycle, this squad is still very good,” he said. “Some will say that we need new players and others have left but this squad had the ability to fight for trophies.

Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt and team mates celebrate in front of their fans at the end of the match v Real Madrid, yesterday. (REUTERS/Susana Vera)

“Mourinho’s advantage is he is free and is waiting for the call. Bring him, Florentino bring him now.” COMPLICATED PROCESS

Overhauling a squad with many underperforming players already over the age of 30 or approaching it and on

Bacchus Bulls, Affiance Sports Club secure massive wins

REIGNING Central Essequibo T20 champions Bacchus Bulls continued their rampage with another thumping win against Rebels XI on Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance. A clinical bowling performance, which was combined with hostile pace and bounce, saw Rebels XI routed for a miserly 17 while enduring 13 overs of torment. Former national Under-19 player Parmesh Parsotam 4-5, Lallbachan 2-3 and Neiland Cadogan 2-6, all were unplayable. It took just two overs for the Bulls to reach the target, without loss. Over at the Number 1 ground, Affiance SC also secured a massive win against Ramkissoon’s XI. After winning the toss and batting, Affiance SC batted consistently in posting 183-6 from their 20 overs. Hemant Singh 39 (5x4) and Eshwar Singh 36 (2x4, 3x6) were the principal scorers. In reply, Ramkissoon’s XI wilted for 103 in 17 overs with off-spinner Devindra Narine claiming impressive figures of 6-9 from four overs. Only Sunil Persaud 25 and Romeo Holder 21 provided any resistance. The T20 round-robin league involving nine teams will continue on Sunday with Reliance SC vs Cotton Field Strikers and Ravens vs Ramkissoon XI. Both matches will be played at Reliance ground. At the Affiance Number 1 ground Rebels will compete against Affiance SC while at the Imam Bacchus ground Bacchus Bulls will oppose Queenstown SC. Reliance Hustlers drew the bye for the fourth round. Race 8 Mount Olympus American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Tiz Red Wine Race 2 Harryhee Race 3 Rompin Reid Race 4 Fortune Cookie Race 5 Salambo Race 6 Papa’s Little Girl Race 7 Faith Flys Again

inflated wages will be a more complicated process for Madrid. Gareth Bale, who hit the post against Ajax and ended the game hobbling with an ankle injury, looks to be at the end of his tether in Spain, while Isco and Marcelo also look certain to go after dropping out of the side in recent months.

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Real, meanwhile, need a new galvanising figure to restore their attacking power after failing to address the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and the 50 goals he would routinely score per season. Defender Nacho, however, said he did not feel this was the end of an era for his

This season has been a rollercoaster for us. “It was a very tough night but we have to stay strong. We have to keep our heads up, learn from our mistakes and not forget what we have achieved as what we have done will be remembered for a very long time.”

Quinton de Kock hits fluent 94 as SA thump Sri Lanka in second ODI PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa’s Quinton de Kock top-scored with a fluent 94 as they cruised to a 113-run victory over Sri Lanka and 2-0 lead in their five-match One-Day International series yesterday.

Quinton de Kock top – scored with a fluent 94. South Africa claimed an eight-wicket victory in the opening match on Sunday and were dominant again despite losing their last six wickets for 31 runs as they posted a below-par 251 all out. Their bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals though and dismissed Sri Lanka for 138 in 09:40 hrs Amzac Magic 10;10 hrs Peak To Peak 10:40 hrs One Of Us 11:15 hrs Miranda 11:45 hrs Lord Duveen 12:20 hrs Trevelyn’s Corn 12:55 hrs Fearsome Fred 13:30 hrs Beyond Redemption Carlisle 10:20 hrs Jury’s Out 11:35 hrs Along Came Theo

32.2 overs to claim an emphatic win. de Kock blazed away at the top of the order after South Africa were sent in to bat, racing to 94 from 70 balls before he top-edged a Thisara Perera delivery while attempting the six that would have taken him to his century. South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (57) kept up his good run of form, but the home side will be concerned about a late-order collapse that restricted their total when 300 had seemed a minimum at the midway point of the innings. Sri Lanka never looked in control of the chase and lost wickets at regular intervals, with Oshada Fernando (31) providing the top score in their meagre total. South Africa seamer Lungi Ngidi (2-14 in 5.2 overs) was the pick of the home attack, but fast bowler Kagiso Rabada (3-43), leg-spinner Imran Tahir (2-39) and newcomer Anrich Nortje (2-25) also impressed. South Africa can wrap up the series in the third ODI in Durban on Sunday.

11:55 hrs Christmas In Usa 12:30 hrs Molly Carew 13:05 hrs Djebel Rome 13:35 hrs Road To Reaches Chelmsford City 13:25 hrs Amor Fati 13:55 hrs Ballyquin 14:25 hrs Aircraft Carrier 14:55 hrs Clon Coulis 15:25 hrs Frisella 15:55 hrs Channel Packet 16:25 hrs Colony Queen

Berbice Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ opens tomorrow

EIGHT exciting matches are carded for tomorrow night when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ competition kicks off at the New Amsterdam Stelling tarmac. Defending champions Trafalgar will open their title defence against Rose Hall starting at 19:00hrs. Sixteen teams from East and West Berbice will battle for supremacy over three days of competition with the other playing days being Saturday and Sunday, to see who will be ‘Made of More’ in the regional sub-meet. The teams in Group A are Trafalgar, Rose Hall, Lichfield, Canje, Hopetown, Black Sharks, Bam Boys and NA Kings ‘B’ while Group ‘B’ will feature NA Kings, Fast Seven, Outsiders, Goalers, East Bank Gunners, Constab, Twenties and Top Form. Guinness Brand Executive Lee Baptiste disclosed that all systems are in place

for the competition which has become a popular event on the sports calendar in the Ancient County. “Berbicians and football-lovers alike can expect an entertaining three nights of action and we are urging fans to be early to witness some very exciting games,” he added. Baptiste added that this is the second sub-Meet for 2019, following the successful hosting of the West Demerara/ East Bank Zone last month at Pouderoyen tarmac in West Demerara. There Brothers United emerged champions and will advance to the national playoffs later this year. The winners of the Berbice Zone will also book a place in the playoffs. The tournament’s coordinator is former national goalkeeper Philip Carrington. The sponsor is Banks DIH Limited, through its Guinness Brand, and Colours Boutique of Robb Street, Georgetown.

Up-and-down Jaguars ... ding-dong battle is expected over the next four days. Both teams are coming off victories in their previous matches with Jaguars pulling off a seven-wicket win over Pride while Red Force whipped the Volcanoes by 190 runs. The defending champions, unlike the previous four tournaments, have been up and down throughout this season. Their top order batting for the latter part of the tournament was a huge letdown, an area head coach Rayon Griffith said, must improve during this game. “The top order batsmen haven’t brought anything much so far and it will be good if they can come into this game and lay the foundation for us. It’s a crucial game but it’s all about the players executing well and enjoying whatever they are doing. It is a must-win game but at the same time they (the players) must go out and enjoy the cricket,” Griffith said yesterday. While stressing that every encounter is different, Griffith, who is also the West Indies ‘A’ team coach, says his team is focussed on completing the season with a win. “It’s a new game … we just have to ensure we are consistent in the three departments (batting, bowling and fielding). This is a new game so it will be different … and we are ready for the challenge,” the coach emphasised. Meanwhile, Jaguars have named an unchanged squad

From back page

for the clash. On the other hand, Red Force captain Denesh Ramdin, admitted that the clash will be a tough one. Ramdin, the former West Indies captain, believes that while it will definitely be an uphill task for his side over the next four days, he anticipates a good game of cricket. Play starts at 14:00hrs in the day/night affair and admission to the venue is free. Further, Pride remain third on 96 points, Volcanoes are still fourth on 86 but are now only a fraction of a point ahead of Red Force 85.6, while Scorpions’ fifth defeat of the season left them bottom of the standings on 82.4 points. Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Chandrapaul Hemraj, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Christopher Barnwell, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Romario Shepherd, Ramall Lewis, Akshaya Persaud, Gudakesh Motie and Veerasammy Permaul. Trinidad and Tobago Red Force squad reads: Denesh Ramdin (captain), Jeremy Solozano, Joshua Da Silva, Lendl Simmons, Jason Mohammed, Yannic Cariah, Imran Khan, Bryan Charles, Khary Pierre, Daniel St Clair, Odean Smith, Anderson Phillip, Tion Webster, Mervyn Dillon (coach), David Furlonge (manager/ assistant coach), Jason Pilgrim (physio)

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Traffickers used Russia’s World Cup to enslave us, say Nigerian women By Maria Vasilyeva MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) - Blessing Obuson thought Russia’s soccer World Cup would be an opportunity to find a job and flew into Moscow from Nigeria last June on a fan ID. Instead, she found herself forced to work as a prostitute. Fan IDs allowed visa-free entry to World Cup supporters with match tickets, but did not confer the right to work. Despite that, Obuson, 19, said she had hoped to work as a shop assistant to provide for her 2-year-old daughter and younger siblings back in Nigeria’s Edo state. Instead, she said she was locked in a flat on the outskirts of Moscow and forced into sex work along with 11 other Nigerian women who were supervised by a madam, also from Nigeria. “I cried really hard. But what choice did I have?” Obuson told Reuters after being freed by anti-slavery activists. She said her madam had confiscated her passport and told her she’d only get it back once she’d worked off a fictional debt of $50 000

(£38 053). Obuson told her story to a rare English-speaking client who got anti-slavery activists involved.

Two Nigerians were later arrested and charged with human trafficking after striking a deal to sell Obuson for 2 million roubles (around $30

000) to a police officer posing as a client, according to her lawyer, statements from prosecutors and evidence presented at court hearings

Blessing Obuson from Nigeria, 19, rescued from human traffickers, attends an interview in the office of Civic Assistance Committee as she seeks help with applying for asylum in Moscow, Russia February 15, 2019. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)

Scotland, Netherlands and Ireland form new European T20 league (REUTERS) - The cricket boards of Scotland, Netherlands and Ireland have reached an agreement to form a new European Twenty20 league that will be held from August 30 to September 22 this year, the three boards said in a joint statement. The tournament has been developed in consultation with the International Cricket Council (ICC), with the name of the tournament and the venues to be announced in April. Six city-based franchise teams, two from each country, will play 30 group-stage matches followed by the semi-finals and a final. “The proposal put forward ... of a six-team European tournament featuring teams from Ireland and Netherlands provides an excellent basis for Scottish cricket to prosper,” Cricket Scotland Chief Executive Malcolm Cannon said. GS Holding Inc. and Woods Entertainment will deliver the tournament under an initial 10-year agreement, with the matches set to be broadcast in global markets. The rules state that each team must have at least nine domestic players and a maximum of seven overseas players in their squads. Six domestic players must be among the 11 on the field in each match. The boards also said the national teams’ coaches and support staff will be allowed to participate with the teams as long as it does not conflict with their national duties.

in the case attended by Reuters journalists. The case is still under investigation. VIOLENCE Obuson’s case is not isolated. Reuters met eight Nigerian women aged between 16 and 22 brought into Russia on fan IDs and forced into sex work. All said they had endured violence. “They don’t give you food for days, they slap you, they beat you, they spit in your face ... It’s like a cage,” said one 21-year-old woman, who declined to be named. In September, a Nigerian woman was killed by a man who refused to pay for sex, police said. The Nigerian embassy later identified her as 22-year-old Alifat Momoh who had come to Russia from Nigeria with a fan ID. Russian police say 1 863 Nigerians who entered the country with fan IDs had not left by January 1, the date when the IDs expired. Kenny Kehindo, who works with several Moscow NGOs to help sex trafficking victims, estimates that more than 2 000 Nigerian women were brought in on fan IDs.

Neither Russian police nor the Nigerian embassy in Moscow replied to requests for a comment. A Nigerian foreign ministry spokesman also did not respond to text messages and phone calls requesting a comment. “Many are still in slavery,” said Kehindo, who said he had helped around 40 women return to Nigeria. “Fan ID is a very good thing, but in the hands of the human traffickers it’s just an instrument,” he said, calling for more cooperation between the authorities and anti-trafficking NGOs during major sporting events, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup where a fan ID system is also being considered. Anti-slavery group Alternativa said its helpline had fielded calls from Nigerian women held in St Petersburg and other World Cup host cities. While a prosecution has been launched in Obuson’s case, police have been unable to act against suspected traffickers in other cases due to a lack of evidence. “A lot of girls are still out there,” said Obuson.

Kennard’s Memorial Phagwah horse race meet set for March 17 … G1 race purse increased

THE much-anticipated Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Phagwah Day Horse Race Meet is set for March 17 at the Club’s facility at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. In addition, the organisers have made changes to the G1 race. It is now for horses classified F3 and

Lower with a first prize of $340 000 and a trophy while second place will pocket $170 000 with third- and fourth-place finishers grabbing $85 000 and $42 000 respectively. The winner of the threeyear-old Guyana-bred horses will take home $250 000 and a trophy in the sev-

en-furlong race. The J&K Class will race over seven furlongs, and the winner will collect $200 000 and a trophy. Over five furlongs, the race classified for L Class Open animals will carry a winning purse of $180 000 while the winner of the L Class non-winners will claim

Spectators can expect not only a family fun day, but top horse racing action.

$150 000 and a trophy. This race will be over five furlongs. There is also a race for L Class non-earners, which is over five furlongs as well, and will see animals race for a top purse of $130 000 and a trophy. The champion jockey and runner-up jockeys, trainer and stables will all receive accolades, compliments of Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall and the organisers. All entries will close on Sunday morning, March 17, 2019. No late entry will be accepted. These races will be conducted under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, and interested owners/trainers and handlers can call the following persons for more information: Niketa Ross 662-4668, Justice Kennard 623-7609 or 225-4814, Ivan Dipnarine 331-0316, Fazal Habibulla 657-7010, Dennis Deroop 640-6396 and Compton Sancho 691-1174. Among the sponsors of the meet are beverage giant Ansa McAl, Demerara Distillers Limited, along with Muneshwers Limited, Republic Bank Guyana and Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 7, 2019

Injured Russell still optimistic about IPL, World Cup campaigns

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Twenty20 superstar Andre Russell believes he will return to fitness in time for the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) later this month, and is also eyeing a spot in the West Indies World Cup side despite his latest injury setback. The 30-year-old was ruled out of the T20 series against England which bowled off in St Lucia on Tuesday, after developing complications from a medical procedure on his knees which was performed in Dubai prior to his arrival in the Caribbean. Russell had also been called up for the two final One-Day Internationals against England but sat out both matches. “I just got back (to Jamaica) and I went to see the physiotherapist as soon as I could,” Russell told the Observer newspaper. “I got some treatment based on the stiffness (and) they tried to target that area and surrounding areas. I believe that in another week or so I’ll be good, but how I’m feeling now it’s very awkward to walk around. “I’ve had knee problems before – my knees weren’t in the best shape and stuff – but they were getting stronger, they were getting there.” Russell is a key member of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise which

Windies all-rounder Andre Russell

open their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the second day of the IPL on March 24. West Indies selectors are also banking on Russell’s fitness for the ICC World Cup which follows the IPL, and runs from May 30 to July 14. And the explosive all-rounder said he too was

hoping to find full fitness so he could also feature in the Caribbean side’s campaign. “I’m looking forward to that and that’s why I want to make sure I’m back to fitness as soon as possible,” he explained. “The way the guys are playing and how they are actually gelling together as a unit – it’s been a while I’ve

been in a West Indies team and got that feeling. “Win or lose the guys (rally) around one another and enjoy each other’s success. I just think that’s how we are going to compete and do well in the World Cup.” Russell also struggled with his fitness for the Windies last year, and was subsequently ruled out of the tours of India and Bangladesh. He played four matches for Multan Sultans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League last month before joining the Windies ODI squad, and said the latest injury twist had proved frustrating. “It was very frustrating knowing I was with the PSL playing cricket before, running in and bowling with pace. Everything was coming back together and I was excited to be back in the maroon representing the region,” he said. “I could see from the television what was happening from the Test series right into the first two ODIs (and) that gave me confidence and good vibes coming in. The team is definitely playing some good cricket, and I was eager to be back. “But these things (injuries) happen and I started to get the uncomfortable feeling in my knee again. It makes sense I just get some treatment and try to recover in a comfortable space.”

Josiah-Tanner wins three gold, two silver medals at US Masters Indoor Championships GUYANESE-born long-distance runner Euleen Josiah-Tanner dominated the 40-44-year-old age-category of the USA Track and Field (USATF) Masters Indoor Championships, which was held over the weekend at the JDL Fast Track in Winston, Salem, North Carolina. After defending her 3 000m title with a time of 11:08.43 on Friday and winning gold in the one-miler on Saturday afternoon (5:36.47), the Southern California Track Club (So Cal Track Club) athlete helped her team to two relay medals (gold and silver) and an individual silver in the 800m.

The 44-year-old who placed fourth last year in the 800m clocked 2:35.88 for a second place this year. She finished over 20 seconds ahead of the thirdplace finisher Oliver Smart from Trinidad and Tobago (2:55.00), but short of Central Park Track Club runner Amy Kvilhaug who clocked 2:29.93 for gold. In the 4x400m relay, Josiah-Tanner and her So Cal Track Club teammates romped to victory in a time of 5:21.62s, while in the 4x800m, she led her team to a silver medal in a time of 11:56.88; just behind Bella N. Motion A, but ahead of the Atlanta Track Club.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Thursday February 21, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Oshane Thomas-5/21 (St. Lucia) (2) Adil Rashid-5/85 (Grenada) (1) (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: What was the highest individual score by a WI batsman in the recent WI/ENG ODI series? What was the highest individual score by an ENG player in the series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Pooran hopes Gayle’s advice pays dividends

Nicholas Pooran top-scored with 58, in Tuesday’s T20 opener.

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – Rookie West Indies lefthander Nicholas Pooran hopes advice from veteran Chris Gayle can help take his fledgling career to a new level. The 23-year-old revealed he had a recent discussion with Gayle who shared valuable insights, and was now anxious to put those tips into action. “I spoke with him (because) I love asking questions,” said Pooran. “He’s a legend of the game and I just wanted to find out how he did it for so many years, how he was consistent making T20 runs, 50 overs runs and (in) Test cricket. “He shared some things with me that I will always remember and I will try to use them in my game and hopefully they work for me as well.” Pooran top-scored with 58 in Tuesday’s opening Twenty20 International as West Indies slipped to a four-wicket defeat to England here. He slammed three fours and four sixes in an entertaining 37-ball innings, which helped the Windies get up to 160 for eight batting first. Pooran has been in excellent form over the last year and pointed to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) as a key to his recent development. “CPL was a wonderful opportunity for me, getting to bat in different situations, getting to play against different players,” he said. “So, that experience of CPL and (facing) different players helped me a lot.” The half-century was Pooran’s second in his last five outings for the Windies which has seen him average 59. He said it was now important to maintain high standards. “It’s just for me to be consistent, whatever it takes. I have to be consistent in order to help my team win.”

Dharry to fight in Guyana after former Mexican world champ opts out

Euleen Josiah-Tanner mounted the podium in all five of her events at the just concluded USATF Masters Indoor Championships.

The Berbician, who is set to represent the US at the World Indoor Championships in Poland later this month, told the Guyana Chronicle that she is pleased with the results. “I am happy with my performance and I will keep working to be the best at what I do.”

ELTON Dharry will travel to Guyana late this month for his next bout after Saturday’s clash between himself and former Mexican world champion Jose Alfredo Rodrigues in Queens, New York was cancelled. Rodrigues, known as Torito, and the ace Guyanese boxer were all set for their battle, but the former champ pulled out due to reasons unknown. The two were expected to clash over eight rounds in a bantamweight fixture. Dharry, who is currently ranked 10th in the World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight division, has accumulated 20 wins dating back almost nine years. The US-based Guyanese fighter had been prepar-

Elton Dharry will hunt his 21st consecutive win at home later this month. (Social Media photo)

ing for his fight for several months and should be in top shape. “I’ll be fighting in Guyana at the end of the month,” the experienced fighter confirmed to Guyana Chronicle yesterday. Although he is unaware of his opponent, he said that the boxer would most likely be a foreigner. “I feel good, I’ve trained well and I’m confident that I’ll win.” Dharry, who has had a string of titles attached to his name, including the national bantamweight title, WBC Caribbean bantamweight belt, IBF Intercontinental title and the WBU Americas bantamweight belt, said that his main focus at this stage of his career is a world title.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 7, 2019

85 karatekas successful at recent IKD Grading

The successful karatekas at the grading which was conducted on Sunday.

LAST Sunday, Head of the International Karate Daigaku (IKD), 9th Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, assisted by Amir Khouri 7th Dan and Roger Peroune 4th Dan, facilitated karate grading examinations at the YMCA, Thomas Lands. Additionally, presentations for past successful Dan ranks were made by Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai. Later on, examinations resumed with the anxious and anticipated Dan levels (8 for Shodan, 1 for Nidan and 1 for Yondan). An excellent performance by 50-year-old Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD) instructor, Parmeshwar Persaud, earned him the status of Yondan. In the Dan promotions, Persaud was the only karateka to be promoted out of 4th Dan while Chad Profitt (YMCA) was the lone participant with a second Dan promotion. Meanwhile, the first Dan promotion was the largest category with Amara Geya Nandan (YMCA); Bohan Cao (YMCA); Joel Dazzell (YMCA); Budhdave Singh (YMCA); Angelo Harris (YMCA); Raphael Isaacs (Albion, Berbice) and Krisendat Phagoo

(Albion, Berbice) all being promoted. BELOW ARE THE RESULTS: > 9 to Yellow Belt: Yidiel Beaton, Shaoyu Li, Madison Narine, Aaradhya Samaroo, Kaleb Kassim, Suri Kassim, Suzanna Mohanlall, Emily Ceres, and Samarah Dhanraj . > 16 to Orange Belt: Amira Rupai; Jordon Hargobin; Kristen Sanasie; Theron Lake; Tyrese Gittens; Dylon Bess (Jr); Noorisha Harrinarine; Esteban Corro Gonzalez; Edien Dookie; Mia Bailey; Samuel Klass; Vijay Tiwari; Chris Hicks; Halen Jiang; Stephen Buchana and Donte Garraway. > 20 to Green Belt: Kyron Thomas, Romel Samuels, Jonathon Morgan, Sahira Ali, Giada Agdomar, Ajit Dehaan, Mia Singh, Nathaniel Higgins, Ethan Rosine, Nelicia Higgins, Saskia Dyasindoo, Jasmine Ramdas, Bethany Agdomar, Tyrone Niles, Saif Tulla, Keith Williams, Elijah Rosine, On Beaton, Isaiah Anderson, and Aishah Persaud. > 8 to Blue Belt: Joel Harry, Tyler Bess, Junxi Yang, Izaiah

Abrams, Tyshaun Bess, Joshua Rampersaud, Joshua Daniels, and Rahman Yakub. > 8 to Purple Belt: Matthew Salim, Adrian Bhawanidin, Isaiyah Proctor, Joshua Nimar, Anuvani Gunpat, Kristen Samaroo, Prince Dunn, and Christian Rampersaud. > 8 to Brown (3): Nicolai Adolph, Maressa Baksh, Mariam Baksh, Maheshwar Dyasindoo, Malini Jainarine, Yam Chan Chu, Nicholas Rampersaud, and Luke Seabra. > 9 to Brown (2): Obinna Utoh, Brandon Foo, Nathan Narine, Bhaskar Jaipersaud, Shinessa Boyce, Crystal Itwaru, Mariah Baksh, Akeem McPherson, and Anastassia Seabra. > 7 to Brown (1): Maria Baksh, Jared Rambissoon, Navindra Deonarine, Kevin Fraser, Andre Sookram, Christopher James, and Bradley Fenty. Additionally, Shuseki Shihan Woon-A-Tai will be hosting intensive instructors’ and judges’ training sessions at the Guyana Karate College (GKC) and ASK-G YMCA until he departs on Saturday, March 16, 2019.

Matthews to lead Barbados in Man United complete stunning comeback to shatter PSG Regional Women’s Championship By Julien Pretot

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies batting star Hayley Matthews will lead Barbados in the Regional Women’s Championship which bowls off in Guyana next week. The 20-year-old is the current Windies vice-captain, having been a fixture in the Caribbean side ever since her debut as a 16-year-old back in 2014. She takes over the helm of the national squad from fast bowler Shakera Selman who will serve as vice-captain. An opener and a penetrative off-spinner, Matthews has already played 39 One-Day Internationals and 38 Twenty20 Internationals. She missed the last tour of Pakistan and Dubai with an injury which she sustained while playing in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia. Matthews will lead a squad that includes fellow Windies players Selman, Deandra Dottin, Shamilia Connell and the twin Kycia and Kyshona Knight. Charlene Taitt and Danielle Small both have West Indies experience but neither has played at the highest level in nine years. The championship, divided into the Super50 and Twenty20 Blaze, runs from March 14 to April 4. SQUAD – Hayley Matthews (captain), Shakera Selman (vice-captain), Aaliyah A. Alleyne, Shanika Bruce, Shai Carrington, Shaunte Carrington, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Rashida Goring, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Sherika Lopez, Danielle Small, Charlene Taitt.

PARIS (Reuters) - Manchester United pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history as Marcus Rashford’s lastgasp VAR penalty sealed a 3-1 win at Paris St Germain on Wednesday and sent the English side into the quarter-finals on away goals. Never in 106 attempts in Europe’s premium club competition had a team progressed in a knockout tie after a 2-0 home defeat, but Rashford’s stop-

page-time penalty put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side through in the most dramatic fashion. The visitors, severely depleted by injuries, went ahead twice in the first half through Romelu Lukaku but Juan Bernat equalised for the French champions in between. PSG were set to advance to the last eight 3-2 on aggregate before referee Damir Skomina awarded United a penalty for a Presnel Kimpembe handball after a lengthy delay for the VAR review and Rashford lashed

McCoy added to T20 squad BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Left-arm seamer Obed McCoy has been called up for the remaining

Left-arm seamer Obed McCoy

two matches in the Twenty20 series against England. The 22-year-old has made two appearances for West Indies, both on the oneday tour of India last year but has never turned out in a T20 International. He has taken four wickets. McCoy featured in two first class matches for Windward Islands Volcanoes this season but with little success, managing a solitary wicket. West Indies lost the opening T20 by four wickets on Tuesday in St Lucia and will look to level the series when they take on England in the second match at Warner Park here on Friday.

home the spot-kick to level the tie at 3-3. PSG had only lost two of their last 50 European games at the Parc des Princes but will be stunned by the latest failure in the Champions League, where, despite investing untold money into their team, they have still yet to reach the semi-finals. “We always believed that’s the thing, we set out the plan and it wasn’t about the ball,” Solskjaer told reporters. “The plan was to get the first goal, be in the game with 10 minutes to go.” Solskjaer, who had half his regular starters missing the game through injury or suspension, had said his team needed to score the opening goal to make the comeback possible. It could not have started better for the visitors, who went ahead after Lukaku intercepted a weak back pass from Thilo Kehrer, rounded Gianluigi Buffon and slid the ball into the empty net. But PSG dominated possession and the equaliser seemed inevitable, arriving in the 12th minute when Bernat knocked in Kylian Mbappe’s cross at the far post to level the match. The hosts continued to control possession but United took the advantage again with their next chance. Buffon let a fierce Rashford

shot bounce off his chest into the path of Lukaku who poked home the rebound to continue his rich vein of scoring form. PSG, with injured Brazil striker Neymar watching from the stands, looked nervous throughout the second half and were unable to find a second goal but they seemed to have done enough to make the last eight until substitute Diogo Dalot fired in a speculative shot in stoppage-time. Barely anyone seemed to notice the handball, though Dalot claimed it but Skomina called for a review. TV pictures showed that the ball hit the back Kimpembe’s arm as he jumped and, after a lengthy wait, the referee awarded a penalty. Rashford, who had never taken a penalty in a competitive game for United, kept his nerve to smash it beyond Buffon. PSG desperately pushed for the goal that would have sent them through in a further four minutes of play as Edinson Cavani replaced Dani Alves, but United held firm and the home players sunk to the ground in disbelief at the final whistle as their fans celebrated an extraordinary victory. “It is very hard to lose, very hard to accept,” PSG coach Thomas Tuchel said. “If you lose a game like this it’s horrible and cruel because we did not deserve to go out after those 180 minutes.”

FLASHBACK! Action in last year’s Guinness of the Streets football competition in the Ancient County.

Berbice Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ opens tomorrow

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Up-and-down Jaguars face must-win challenge against T&T Red Force

… Denesh Ramdin expects tough battle

By Rajiv Bisnauth THREE humiliating defeats this season have complicated the equation for the Guyana Jaguars, who now go into their final match of the Regional Four-Day tournament at Guyana National Stadium, Providence today in a must-win situation. The Jaguars are the holders of the Headley/Weekes trophy, symbol of West Indies first-class supremacy for the past four consecutive years, but a loss for Leon Johnson’s men against the Trinidad and Rayon Griffith

‘Road to Gold Cup’ to be officially launched today

AS preparations intensify for Guyana’s final qualifier in the CONCACAF Nations League against Belize on March 23 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will today launch ‘The Road to Gold Cup’, an official countdown to the March 23 event. A release from GFF last evening said the launch is scheduled for today in the Essequibo Room, Guyana Pegasus at 13:00hrs and will feature remarks by GFF’s technical director Ian Greenwood, Golden Jaguars assistant coach Charles Pollard, Golden Jaguars forward Sheldon Holder, GFF’s social media officer Keeran Williams and president Wayne Forde.

Denesh Ramdin

Tobago Red Force in this final round, will only weaken their chances of a fifth straight title. Jaguars moved to 136 points, a shade over 25 points clear of their closest rival, Leeward Islands Hurricanes who sit on 110.8 points. The Hurricanes hold the edge somewhat with a game in hand. They welcome Windward Islands Volcanoes in this round but then take on Barbados Pride in their outstanding match starting March 14. However, despite the points-difference between Jaguars and Red Force, a

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ICC bans former Zimbabwe official Ikope for 10 years MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Former Zimbabwe Cricket director Enoch Ikope has been banned for 10 years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching three counts of ICC’s anti-corruption code, the governing body said yesterday. Ikope was provisionally suspended last year after being charged under ICC’s Article 2.4.6 and Article 2.4.7, which include offences such as refusing to cooperate, delaying and obstruction of an investigation into possible corruption by the Anti-Cor-

ruption Unit (ACU). He was the second official from the Harare Metropolitan Cricket Association to be penalised by the ICC after Rajan Nayer was banned from all cricket activities for 20 years for offering Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer $30 000 (£22 819) to fix a match. The ICC said Ikope was banned by the ICC anti-corruption tribunal for five years in respect of each breach. The first two of the five-year periods of ineligibility will run concurrently, with the penalty for the

third breach to run consecutively. “We welcome this decision and the substantial sanction imposed on Mr Ikope which reflects the gravity of the offences,” ICC general manager (ACU) Alex Marshall said in a statement. “Non-cooperation and obstruction of our investigations by participants to the Code are simply not acceptable and I hope this and other recent sanctions send out a clear message to anyone involved in the sport.”

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Enoch lkope was banned for 5 years in respect of each breach. (ICC) THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2019