Guyana Chronicle 3-8-2019

FRIDAY 8th March, 2019

President meets GECOM today No.105570

– on readiness to hold Regional and General 08 Elections PAGE

Hundreds of mothers on the East Coast Demerara on Thursday participated in an engagement with Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry at the Beterverwagting-Quamina Primary School to address issues related to the National Grade Six Assessment scheduled for next month (Adrian Narine photo)

03 AG maintains GECOM ‘Come together, Guyana find solutions’ 15 takes lead in responsible for 03 …UK High Commissioner eco-tourism holding elections urges political leaders PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

AG maintains GECOM responsible for holding elections

MAINTAINING that it is the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that is constitutionally required to hold elections and not government, Attorney General Basil Williams said that Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) could not have been interpreted in isolation of the other provisions of the Constitution.

In his written submissions in the case The Attorney General v The Speaker, The Opposition and Representative of the APNU, in which he is challenging the January 31 High Court decision, Williams told the Court of Appeal that Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire erred and was misconceived in law when she failed to have regard to other provisions of the Constitution that impact the holding of elections.

In making his case, Williams pointed out that Article 106(6) and (7) set out the procedure for the resignation of the Cabinet and the government. According to sub-article (6), the resignation follows the defeat of the government by the successful passage of a no-confidence motion. On the other hand, sub-article (7) provides that the govern-

ment, though defeated, shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months or such longer period as the National Assembly, by resolution supported by at least two-thirds of the elected members of the National Assembly agrees.

“A literal and strict interpretation of sub-article (7) and more specifically the use of the word ‘hold’ would place the duty of holding an election on the government.

Holding an election is in essence exercising control over the elections process from a pronouncement of a date until the announcement of a result. The word ‘hold’ means inter alia ‘possession’, ‘conduct’, ‘run’, ‘preside over’ and ‘control,’” he reasoned while referencing to the new Oxford Thesaurus of English.

Williams said, this however, could not have been the intention of Parliament as the government is not the constitutionally appointed body mandated to ‘hold’, ‘conduct’, ‘run’ or ‘preside’

over any elections in Guyana. “This construction is counter to the rationale for having a constitutional body responsible for the holding of elections as this body is to be free from political interference,” he said. The Attorney General said in the past the Elections Commission was not an independent body insulated from government’s involvement, explaining that government, through the President or minister of home affairs, had conduct over the affairs of GECOM. Further, the Elections Commission was not in charge of registration.

“In Notice-Constitutional Appointments (Saturday 18th January 1986), the President was charged with the responsibility with effect from 1985-12-28 of the Registration and Elections office.

This changed in 1990 where

by Notice-Constitutional Appointments dated 21st July 1990, the minister of home affairs was charged with the responsibility of the Registration and Elections Office.

Another example is found in Election Laws (Amendment) Act 1990, Act No 25 of 1990, section 4 which transferred the functions specified in section 4(2) conferred on the minister by the Representation of the People’s Act and the National Registration Act to the Elections Commission,” he pointed out.

Today, Article 226(1) and (7) guarantee GECOM’s independence. According to Article 226(1), in the exercise of its functions, GECOM shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority.

“Therefore, it is submitted that sub-article (7) should be read alongside the other relevant provisions of the Constitution, namely Articles 161 (1), 161A, 161B and 162 and construed in a manner that expresses the true intent of the Parliament. These provisions deal with the establishment and functioning of the Elections Commission of Guyana (GECOM),” Williams further detailed.

In maintaining that the Chief Justice erred in law when she failed to have regard to other provisions of the Constitution, the Attorney General further alluded to the case-- Attorney General of Grenada v. The Grenada Bar Association.

“The Elections Commission is a constitutional body responsible for the holding of elections, implementation of elections procedure and generally ensures the efficient functioning of the Secretariat of the Commission. It is a mandated constitutional body and the Constitution provides for its independence and autonomy. In other words, the independence of this body is guaranteed by the Constitution,” he emphasized.

In defense of his arguments, he alluded to several cases including S.R. Balasubramaniyan v State of Tamil Nadu (2006); Thomas v. AG (1981) 32 WIR 375; and Cooper v. Director of Personnel Administration [2006] UKPC 37.

Attorney General, Basil Williams The Attorney General is also maintaining that the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) did not secure an absolute majority in the National Assembly to have successfully passed the no-confidence motion.

The Chief Justice upheld the decision of the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland that 33 was the required majority, but the Attorney General is insisting that 34 or more votes would have constituted an absolute majority.

Guyana takes lead in eco-tourism

GUYANA has been named the #1 “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world, leading ecotourism destinations like Sierra Gorda, Mexico and Tmatboey in Cambodia.

The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany.

The second annual “Best of Top 100” Awards is a selection of the finest top 100 destinations selected by a panel of experts who reviewed sustainability success stories submitted by destinations worldwide.

The newly created “Best of Ecotourism” category was added in 2019 and put Guyana up against very well known and experienced ecotourism destinations like Sierra Gorda in Mexico, Tmatboey in Cambodia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

Director of the Guyana

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Brian Mullis (fourth from right) along with other awardees at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany Tourism Authority (GTA) Brian T. Mullis accepted the award on behalf of Guyana.

“Guyana has expended considerable effort in recent years not only to develop new and innovative eco-friendly tourism products as a part of the national Green State Development Strategy, but also

to incorporate sustainable tourism best practice into all aspects of its strategy, planning and programming while educating the world about its deep commitment to maximising the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism,” Mullis told the travel trade fair.

Guyana is positioned

as the next must-see destination for travellers. With daily non-stop flights already available from New York, Miami and Toronto and direct routes available from Europe through sister Caribbean countries, being the only English-speaking country in South America, travellers can experience the vibrant indigenous cul-

ture, rich history, and hospitable and friendly people in the language both parties know best.

Guyana has also recently become the first country to adopt the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s International Adventure Travel Guide Qualification and Performance Standards.

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President of the Green Destinations Foundation said “The Top 100 Awards Jury was impressed by the dossier prepared by the Guyana Tourism Authority for the Top100-nomination and by the success stories submitted of Surama and Rewa. Both these eco-lodges have ambitious and admirable goals and successes, are community-owned and led, and aimed at preserving Guyana’s ecosystems and indigenous traditions.

The Jury also liked that Guyana has a policy of a ‘Green, Inclusive and prosperous Guyana’ that provides a good quality of life for all its citizens based on a sound education and social protection, low-carbon resilient development, green and decent jobs, economic opportunities, individual equality, justice, and political empowerment.” (mnialive.com, GTA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Women have come a long way – Minister Broomes

On this occasion of International Women’s Day 2019, the time is ripe for us to reflect on the progress women have made and look towards eliminating

barriers to equality, Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes said.

Themed #BalanceforBetter, Broomes said

in a short message to mark the occasion that “there is a clear call to action to ensure there is gender balance not just in Guyana, but globally.”

She said the challenges women face in Guyana are many, par-

ticularly in the mining sector to which “I am familiar.” However, Minister Broomes said despite these challenges, it is important for all Guyanese to reflect on the achievements of our womenfolk.

“We have come a long way and much more is

to be achieved. We must eliminate discrimination and reduce the gaps which exist between men and women.

I salute all women particularly those in the mining sector.”

Happy International Women’s Day

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes

GPSU salutes all women

TODAY March 8th, 2019, the world is celebrating International Women’s Day. This is a day set aside to honour the contributions of women around the world.

On behalf of the Executive Council and general membership of the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) I have the

privilege to pay tribute to our nations’ women and women worldwide for their invaluable contributions to every aspect of society at great personal sacrifice.

In so doing GPSU endorses the theme for this year - #BalanceForBetter with optimism - however recognises that while this goal is a necessity, urgent action must

be taken to eradicate all manmade and unwarranted obstacles that often obstruct their progress, their enlightenment, their development, their happiness and the fulfilment of their dreams which they definitely deserve.

Striving towards these achievements must attract and have the fullest support of the men folk which should be done most willingly with much zest, zeal and pride. It is therefore necessary to call on the males again to treat their colleagues who are women with respect and assist them in their personal development and aspirations.

On one hand there are many reasons for celebration when one notes women’s contributions to trade unionism, uniting people across cultures, linguistic, ethnic and economic boundaries, and the struggle for respect, equality, justice and peace. Women play a significant role in cultivating and enlightening young fresh minds which have led to natural partnership worldwide where they number greatly among those who by their

hard work continue to mainly mould the family and replenish society with valued human resources, and (significantly) do so selflessly.

While recognising that women’s rights have improved worldwide and significant progress continues overtime, much more work must be done to be able to achieve global equality of opportunities for all women and eradication and zero tolerance for all forms of hindrance to the elevation of women and girls. No one should condone any compromise to women’s rights. Education for all women requires urgent attention to accelerate their access to available facilities that would contribute to rapid enhancement of their circumstances and attainment of goals being strived for.

The GPSU commits itself to take the necessary steps to continue to contribute to the achievement of the desired and noble goals of women.

Once again I salute our women at home and worldwide and extend best wishes for success on this occasion.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

New timetable, curriculum for primary schools

THE Ministry of Education will be rolling out a new timetable and curriculum as a pilot programme in 115 primary schools across the country.

These new items will be rolled out ahead of the upcoming National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examinations set for April 17 and 18.

The announcement was made by an education officer during an outreach programme at the BV Quamina Primary School on Thursday.

Education Minister, Ni-

colette Henry, told parents and teachers at the meeting that quality education delivery is an important part of reforming and improving the curriculum.

According to the minister, the curriculum has not been reviewed since the 1970s and it is important to do so now.

Although the systems will soon be in place, the minister said a collaborative approach with parents and teachers is needed to ensure the process is a success.

“Parents are important and we need a collaborative

relationship... we are doing quite a lot in the ministry but we cannot do it alone.

We have to work with parents so that is why we came to engage with you and hear from you,” Minister Henry said.

She believes that parents have the ideas to build and strengthen what the ministry has already been doing.

The parents were evidently satisfied with the notion of working together.

“I believe that a dialogue and conversation would help us to address concerns at this time,” said Minister

Potable water for Capoey residents

RESIDENTS of the Indigenous settlement of Capoey, Region Two, are breathing a sigh of relief because their community now has access to clean and potable water.

The dry weather has taken a toll on several savannahs and canals leading to their community.

The long dry spell has resulted in a decrease in the water level in the main canal, causing some unease among residents. The worried residents had aired their concerns with the Region Two administration.

Many of them related to Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran that they are struggling to acquire freshwater for domestic purposes.

Upon hearing the residents’ plight, the regional administration promptly intervened, providing fresh, potable and clean water to the residents.

Jaikaran, who provided the community with three black tanks, was praised by residents and toshao alike for the good gesture.

Henry.

The minister also highlighted the opportunities and pathways which are available for students to progress.

Opportunities are available particularly for students who are writing the NGSA examinations. The ministry has been working on many projects to ensure that students matriculate at those exams.

One of the newest projects of the ministry is the psychosocial programme which will look to ensure that social issues do not hamper the student’s academic performance.

“Many issues require intervention of specialists... children sometimes come to school with social issues which affect their ability to perform in school,” said Minister Henry.

In order to address this, the ministry will be looking to provide counselling in schools across the country.

Students spend most of their time in school, so if parents are able to create a positive environment at home, the positive energy will be taken to school.

“Not withstanding our initiatives, I do believe that

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you can help us to strengthen what we are working on,” said Minister Henry.

The minister also stressed the need for children to have a balanced life, meaning, aside from academic work, they must also engage in extra-curricular activities.

This aside, the ministry will be teaching robotics in primary schools.

Students will be able to acquire scientific and technical thinking through this new programme which will be introduced at the Grade Four level.

Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran handing over the tanks to residents of the community

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday March 8, 2019

OIL REVENUES – A DEVELOPMENTAL TOOL SINCE the large oil reserves were discovered in Guyana, there has been much advice, both from home and abroad, concerning how the oil revenues should be used.

Everyone seems to be in agreement that they should not be used in a splurge of wild consumption, but should be deposited in a fund to be used for such things as budgetary support, servicing our debts and easing other burdens on the nation's finances and in economic development.

Over the years, Guyana's economic growth and development had been gravely hampered by the dearth of available capital. Whatever funds were received from national revenues and from loans and grants were never enough to make any real dent in the developmental process. One of the leaders of the business community and of the private sector, the managing director and Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Distillers Ltd, Mr Komal Samaroo, had long been urging the very rational utilization of oil revenues. Last year, for example, in his memorable address to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr Samaroo gave

some very sane and practical advice to the business community and the nation. Mr Samaroo removed the mystique which tends to surround oil by pointing out that oil was a commodity like sugar or rice or bauxite and subject to the vagaries of international trade and prices, resulting in revenues sometimes sinking to low levels. Several oil producers, especially the smaller ones, who had become unduly dependent on oil revenues, felt the shock when international prices fell.

Another important fact he pointed out was that oil was a finite resource and not constantly renewable like agriculture and that at some time it will be depleted.

More than one country has had this experience. Another reality that Mr Samaroo drew the nation's attention to was the fact that having large oil revenues or reserves does not necessarily ensure a country's prosperity at all times. Nigeria, for example, should have been a more prosperous country than it is, or Venezuela or Iraq which once used to be among the rich nations due to their oil wealth, have for various reasons been reduced to a state of poverty.

For its oil wealth to be a blessing rather than a curse, Guyana has to

strive for social and political unity, has to eliminate crime, especially corruption at all levels and to be able to secure its borders so that its gold and diamonds and endangered animals are not smuggled out of the country and above all, making it impossible to smuggle in narcotic drugs.

From the days of Sir Walter Raleigh to the present, Guyana had always been recognised to be a country of great potential, but such potential was unrealisable because there was never developmental capital available. Now, for the first time in Guyana’s history, the country would be able to realise its dreams.

Once the oil revenues begin to be spent on national development, a country would be created where the quality of life, the standard of living and the level of happiness of the Guyanese people would rival those of the most developed countries, and in any case, would be far greater than if the oil wealth was squandered in euphoric pleasures for a few years.

In his address, Mr Samaroo hinted at the transformation which oil revenues could accomplish.

The details of such transformation would have to be worked out by

economists, sociologists, engineers, security experts, and other professionals and intellectuals and some effort must begin to mobilise a core of such personnel. The infrastructure of the country is in dire need of development. This would include upgrading the present road system and building new roads, for example, roads connecting the Interior to the Coast and improving water and air transport. Even schemes like building a railway between the Rupununi and the Essequibo coast to accommodate cargo from Northeast Brazil for shipping could be within reach of accomplishment.

Such a scheme would imply the creation of a new port in Essequibo.

The Education System could be revolutionised as Singapore did when it was preparing for its economic pre-eminence. Or the super Indian technical schools created by Pandit Nehru which is largely responsible for India's eminence in IT technology. The University of Guyana could be adequately funded to grow into an international university with international staff. It would then be the dynamo of research in various fields relevant to Guyana's development.

The telecommunications indus-

Rusal is no peach Dear Editor, READING all the news in the daily media regarding RUSAL and its employees has caused me to write this letter to set some of the misinformation straight, since the media refuses to do a proper job of reporting the facts rather than report what the naysayers are saying.

Let’s go back in history with regard to the bauxite industry. During the PPP administration, ALCOA, which is an American company which invested in the industry at Aroaima & Kwakwani and left due to the same attitude that is presently being exhibited by Mr. Lewis. It was Mr. Benn who begged the Americans to stay to keep the bauxite industry alive.

After the Americans left, Mr.

Lewis was nowhere to be seen to assist the employees in any way. The government at the time could not have sustained the industry, so an investor was needed.

RUSAL, which is the third largest aluminum company in the world, came on board in 2006. This brought some relief to the bauxite community and its environs.

Each employee was required to sign an employment contract. One of the conditions was that the penalty for “downing tools” was immediate dismissal, as is consistent with our labour laws. Anywhere you work; your employment contract is a binding agreement, and must be adhered to by both parties.

One can argue about the benefits, conditions etc, regarding employer and em-

ployees. This happens all the time at work places throughout the world. Regarding RUSAL: It is 61 employees being dismissed; and not 90, as is reported in the media.

The company offers so much to employees; and as the representative stated, a monthly salary of approximately US$1200, along with a premium for night work, subsidised cooking gas, meals, accommodation, a monthly performance bonus, ranging from 12-20%, tax free overtime, transportation for workers and schoolchildren.

The community also benefits from stipends for teachers, access to medical care, electricity, water, telephone and Christmas parties for staff and children. The company also pays Royalty to the government and all that is required by law.

try which had long had the reputation of being in a state of expensive backwardness, would be brought into the modern world and bigger and more able companies would be attracted to the Guyana market.

The replacement of fossil power by cleaner hydro, solar and wind power could now be achieved with adequate financing and in a short number of years, Guyana's power supply would be completely green and renewable.

Other aspirations which Guyanese had dreamed of for years would now be realisable. The Industrial sector would become more competitive, since it would enjoy cheaper power and the number of industries would grow with an attendant export trade.

Agriculture would become modernised and become competitive and even the Sugar Industry may be revived and revitalised. We endorse Mr Samaroo's vision of the use of oil revenues as a developmental tool and are also confident that government will deploy such revenues to the best interest of the Guyanese people since the government's approach has always been holistic.

––but so is Lincoln Lewis

With regards to working conditions, these employees are the ones who create the conditions by removing the parts from the lavatories and air conditioners etc., and take them to their homes, and damage the things that are given to them to make them comfortable.

When Minister Broomes visited the mine site a few years ago, those employees ensured they went to the dump site where all the damaged chairs and exposed wires were, took photographs of these items to display their work environment. A question that comes to mind is: Are these employees really interested in the wellbeing of themselves and their families? The employment strength of the company is approximately 540. 61 represents 11% that were

sent home, leaving 81% on the job who can be affected along with employees from Oldendorff Carriers, Rohde Nelson and suppliers in and around New Amsterdam and Georgetown.

The government needs to treat this situation professionally, and stop allowing Mr. Lewis to make decisions for the current administration. Did Mr. Lewis indicate he is requesting 2% of an employee’s salary as union dues, which is very disgusting and shows GREED? That probably is the cause of the problem, because the deduction is not being made.

A couple of years ago, Mr. Lewis and RUSAL representatives, along with the Labour representative, met at the Labour Department.

This Department sat and allowed Mr. Lewis to point his

hands in the face of the RUSSIANS, calling them white slave masters, which was unprofessional. They cannot be blamed for requesting he be excluded from future meetings. He needs to be civil and show decorum when addressing such an important matter.

In making reference to the Finance Minister’s speech while addressing the employees at the NIS, he said, “You know what you sign up for when you take the job, and therefore if it doesn’t meet you, find another job.”

IT IS HOPED THAT ALL THOSE WHO ARE CALLING FOR THE COMPANY TO GO CAN PROVIDE FOR THE OVER 500EMPLOYEES AND THE COMMUNITY. Regards Ex-employee

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday March 8, 2019

OP-ED

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Gender equality still elusive en. We must press forward toward greater progress.

I invite you to join us on March 10 to celebrate our collective achievements. We are organizing a concert featuring Canadian Guyanese

High Commissioner Chatterjee and the female staff the Mission

By Lilian Chatterjee High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana Do we still need to devote an entire day to women?

Haven’t we already achieved enough? Women don’t just vote – we are heads of government; we don’t just participate in the workforce – we are titans of industry. We are leading political movements and “having it all”. Globally, we’ve never had so many opportunities available to us.

And yet, gender equality is still elusive. Despite all our strides as a global community, we are still woefully lagging behind on equal pay, equal representation in decision making seats, and equal responsibility in the home.

Women suffer disproportionately from intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, and discriminatory labour practices. The majority of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. Women and girls make up 60% of the global chronically hungry population. 75% of the world’s illiterate adults are women. And when unpaid work is counted alongside paid work, women, on average, work four more years than men during their lifetimes. At the same time, women are still more likely than men to live in poverty.

International Women's Day (IWD) is an opportunity to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past and present all around the world. It is also an opportunity to look to future achievements and hold ourselves and our communities accountable to pressing for even greater progress.

Feminist Foreign Policy

I want to address the taboo “F” word - feminism. Too many people equate feminism with advocating for female superiority. Gender equality means just that - equality.

Equality of rights, equality of access, equal pay for work of equal value.

I am proud that my Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, says he is a feminist. When media questioned why he insisted that 50% of his Cabinet be comprised of women, he replied, “Because it is 2015”.

Last week, Canadian Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, unveiled Canada’s first gender conscious budget, entitled "Equality + Growth, A Strong Middle Class.” It has undergone the most thorough gender based analysis yet to be seen in a public budget in Canada because Minister Morneau understands that gender equality is not just about fairness; it’s our best chance at a prosperous future.

This is a future we envision for everyone. Last year, our Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau, launched our Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP). FIAP is a first for Canada, placing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of our development efforts – in Canada as well as globally. FIAP focuses on six interlinked areas: gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, human dignity, peace and security, inclusive governance, environment and climate action, and growth that works for everyone. It is rooted in the conviction that the best way to reduce poverty and build a

more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous world is to empower women and girls. #PressforProgress The IWD theme for 2018 is #PressforProgress in honour of the growing global movement of advocacy and activism for gender equality. This isn’t just for the benefit of women.

Studies have shown that the full and equal participation of women and girls in all aspects of social, economic and political life, the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls, and women’s economic empowerment are all critical to peaceful, democratic, and economically prosperous societies.

This is why I commend the efforts of the Government of Guyana, local civil society organisations and other key enablers in pushing for the protection and advancement of gender equality in Guyana. I fully agree with His Excellency, President David Granger that we can, we must and we will achieve gender equality.

Every time the First Lady’s Office organizes a vocational workshop for young teenage mothers, Guyana takes another step towards greater equality.

When Guyana launched the Sexual Offences Court, Guyanese took a landmark stance against violence against women. The Ministry of Social Protection’s entrepreneurship and micro-financing schemes are a boon to women’s economic empowerment, increasing their access to and control over their own livelihood.

Although it will not happen overnight, we must continue to push for better standards, better policies, greater recognition and greater respect for wom-

artist, Faith Amour, and an exhibition of some of us here in Guyana pushing for gender equality, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. Join us on March 10,

2018 at 15:00 hrs – 18:00 hrs to #PressforProgress in the Promenade Gardens to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

President meets GECOM today –– on readiness to hold Regional and General Elections

PRESIDENT David Granger will meet with the chairman and commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) this morning to consult on GECOM’s state of readiness for the conduct of General and Regional Elections.

The meeting is scheduled for 11:00hrs at the Ministry of the Presidency and comes two days after the President met with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo.

In a letter addressed to GECOM’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, writing on behalf of the President, invited Justice Patterson and the commissioners to the meeting.

“I write on behalf of His Excellency, the President, on the issue of the readiness of GECOM for the conduct of General and Regional Elections,” the missive said, while reminding that President Granger, in his February 25, 2019 letter to Justice Patterson, invited him to

consultations on GECOM’s readiness for the conduct of General and Regional Elections in 2019.

The GECOM commissioners are Vincent Alexan-

Chairman of GECOM Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson der, Charles Corbin, Desmond Trotman, Robeson Benn, Sase Gunraj and Bibi Shadick. All of them are like-

ly to attend the meeting with the Chairman Justice (ret’d) Patterson.

Moments after exiting the meeting with the opposition leader, President Granger said while he will meet with GECOM, in the interest of the nation, neither he nor his government can interfere with the operations of the commission.

The President maintained that GECOM is an autonomous agency and has explained that the Constitution of Guyana does not empower the President, Executive or anyone to interfere, intervene or intrude in the work of the commission.

“Of course, based on what will take place in the courts and the National Assembly, we are moving towards elections, but GECOM is in charge of elections not the executive. I cannot decide when elections will be held; GECOM has to advise,” the Head of State said.

The leader of the opposition, despite pushing for early elections, has refused

to be part of the meeting, though he was invited by the President. “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.

On Thursday, during his weekly press conference the opposition leader maintained his position.

CONSTITUTIONALLY DUE NEXT YEAR Constitutionally, elections were due next year but following the passage of a no- confidence motion against the government in December 2018, 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.

During his first meeting with the leader of the opposition in January after the vote of no-confidence against his government, the Presi-

President David Granger dent 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 threemonth timeframe as stipulated by the Constitution. In fact, 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 houseto-house registration. That process is estimated to take approximately nine months.

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.

He said that once March 21 passes without an extension to the timeline by two-third majority vote by the National Assembly, he will be calling for sanctions to be imposed against the country by the international community.

According to him, People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) will be writing the CARICOM Secretariat on the current political situation.

Quick action by residents, firefighters save burning house MADAI Sharma, 76, of Spring Garden Village, Region Two, is counting her blessings after residents and firefighters from the Anna Regina Fire Station saved her home from destruction.

The fire occurred around 20:45hrs on Sunday night.

The elderly woman was spending time with relatives in Georgetown at the time of the fire.

The house is reportedly shared with one Kujeshwar called “Naresh”, who resides

The house that was saved due to quick action by residents and firefighters in the bottom flat of the apartment. The fire reportedly started in Naresh’s apartment while he was cooking on a kerosene stove. Reports

The bottom flat of the pensioner’s home after the fire

indicated that Naresh had left his apartment to do an errand, leaving the stove on.

The smoke was noticed by neighbours and the woman’s son, Gowkarran Sharma.

They immediately raised an alarm. Residents quickly formed a bucket brigade and managed to control the blaze.

Firefighters arrived from the Anna Regina Fire Station shortly after and put out the blaze, which destroyed the interior of the bottom flat of the building.

Officers at the fire station have launched an investigation into the blaze.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Striking RUSAL workers in for long haul

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE more than 200 RUSAL workers on strike are in for the long haul, General Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), Lincoln Lewis, who paid them a visit at the Aroaima site on Thursday, said.

He related that the workers have organised themselves in three large groups and each group is broken down into two smaller groups.

The workers are operating a day/night shift system and have established a roster, so as to allow some to visit their families.

Some of the workers control the activities in Maple Town, while some control the activities at the Water Front, where the river is barricaded.

Lewis said he visited the team today, after they requested first-hand information on what came out of the meeting he held with Minister of Social protection, Amna Ally, on Wednesday.

The workers applauded the government for standing up for them, noting that it is the first time in 10 years since they have been going through their plight with RUSAL, that any government would have stood up for them.

“They made it very clear that their greatest disappointment will come if the government retreats… they continue to urge the union to push for arbitration,” Lewis related.

The workers, he said, seem12 upbeat, though not earning at present because of the stance the government has taken for them. Lewis said this fight is more than one of industrial relations. “It is question of the sovereignty of this country… in all my years, I have never seen a company say to the government, that it is not going to the table, this is the first time I am seeing this… it speaks to how contemptuous these persons are, this company

is, to Guyanese,” Lewis stressed.

While the company specifically requested that Lewis alone recuses himself from meeting with them, Lewis said he will never do it, even if it would be that the issue would be resolved.

Him doing so, he said, would set the stage for them to determine who will represent the labour department, the political party and even be the President of Guyana.

WORRIED “I am so worried about them, that they don’t respect our laws; they don’t respect our leaders and they don’t respect the citizens, they want to determine for you what must happen,” he said.

The workers related that the photograph of President David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo were taken down from the office in Aroaima because of the position that the government took with regards to the issue at hand. Lewis will be returning to Aroaima on Friday with other union representatives to stay with the workers to show his support.

“What I am doing here, I am carrying on the works of Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow, Burnham and Jagan, they would have been doing the same thing,” he said.

Even as RUSAL issued letters to some terminated workers, requesting that they return to work, the workers noted that they will not be returning under the same circumstances that caused them to strike in the first place.

GOING TO THE END Speaking to one very vocal worker on Tuesday, he said the workers are prepared to go above and beyond with RUSAL until they decide to do one thing, and that is meet with the entire union.

He said that all other demands are secondary to the union’s engagement.

“The priority is acknowl-

edging the union, everything else will fall into place, salary, conditions, increase, and everything will fall into place.”

He said that Lincoln Lewis would have played a pivotal role in fighting for the workers and must be a part of the negotiations. “He is the leader, they are the foreigners, they cannot come here and call the shots,” he

said.

When asked if the workers fear RUSAL completely closing operations, putting hundreds on the breadline, one worker said that, “that would be a glorious day for Guyana” and the Russians came here with a communist mentality.

“If they leave here, it will be a glorious day for us. We were surviving

before they came and we will continue to survive after they leave. The Russians need what we have, which is one of the richest bauxite in the world and for them to get what we have, they have to employ us to get it, they are badly in need of us, more than we are in need of them,” the worker affirmed.

That is the main reason they are prepared to

go to end of the battle, until they agree to their terms, which is to recognise the union.

He said the sacrifices being made by the workers are a demonstration of solidarity as they are not only fighting for themselves, but for other workers who may be employed by expatriate companies in the future.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Cybersecurity response team fully operational – says Minister Hughes, accuses Rohee of causing mischief

THE National Cybersecurity Incident Response Team (NCIRT) is fully operational, Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes said, as she set the record straight on Thursday, in a direct response to a letter written by People’s Progressive Party and former Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.

In a letter published in the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News late February, Rohee contended that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government had disbanded the National Cybersecurity Incident Response

Team (NCIRT) but this is far from the truth, according to Minister Hughes.

Minister Hughes said the move by Rohee is a hypocritical attempt to mislead the nation and, more disingenuously, to scare and dissuade citizens from using the government’s online services.

“I wish to inform the general public that NCIRT continues to execute its mandate under the Cybersecurity Division of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA). This includes issuing cybersecurity advisories and responding to cybersecurity incidents within the public sector. NCIRT can be contacted on Tel.: (592)-

231-6860, email: info@cirt. gy and through its website (https://cirt.gy),” the telecommunications minister stated in a letter to the editor.

In his letter, the former home affairs minister alleged that the former staffers of NCIRT were “left jobless,” but Minister Hughes explained that the “small, but highly qualified team of computer experts, engineers and programmers,” comprised one head, one engineer, and one technician.

“The head abandoned NCIRT by tendering her resignation with immediate effect when informed of its merger with the NDMA, while the technician resigned from NCIRT a mere

two months after the merger was effected. The engineer remains on staff at the NDMA,” she explained.

In putting the team’s operation into perspective, Minister Hughes said in recognition of the critical role of Information CommunicationTechnologies (ICTs) in the development of Guyana, President David Granger, in January 2016, established the Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

LEAPFROG “This administration understood that a concerted approach was needed to leapfrog Guyana into the digital

age after 23 years of wastage and mismanagement in the ICT sector.

The latter is most notably evidenced in the failed over US$5million Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex (DWDM) Project which involved the laying of fibre-optic cables from Lethem to Georgetown and the US$ 32million eGovernment network which remained un-utilised and rapidly deteriorating for two years,” Minister Hughes said.

While the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplex (DWDM) Project could not have been salvaged, the eGovernment network was recovered when the APNU+AFC Government took office in 2015.

The Ministry of Public Telecommunications is responsible for Internet governance, digital skills, digital promotion, digital entrepreneurship, e-government, posts and telecommunications and ensuring cyber security.

She explained that one of its first tasks was the harmonisation and rationalisation of government’s ICT investments and operations.

As such, a number of ICT initiatives undertaken by the previous administration were brought under the umbrella of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) and included NCIRT, One Laptop Per Family (rebranded One Laptop per Teacher) and the eGovernment project unit.

The telecommunications minister said the merger with the NDMA was a deliberate decision on government’s part to advance its eGovernment agenda.

NDMA, created by an Act of Parliament in 1983, is mandated, inter alia, to see to the “establishment and maintenance of reliable communication linkages in the public sector in order to achieve optimal utilisation and deployment of computer resources”.

CLEAN-UP “In order to help cleanup the mess caused by the previous administration’s mismanagement, my ministry recruited over 100 professionals, including more than 70 ICT engineers and technicians and expended considerable effort and resources to salvage and operationalise the eGovernment network, establish over 170 community ICT Hubs with free Internet access; provide Internet access to over 300 educational institutions (primary, secondary and tertiary); provide secure network connectivity and Internet access to over 120 government agencies and establish the public sector’s first IT leadership Technical Working Group (TWG),” Minister Hughes detailed.

Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes She said given the Telecommunications Ministry’s expansive online presence, an increased number of threats to the ICT infrastructure is anticipated, and as such, several steps to mitigate and adequately respond to these threats have been taken.

In the area of cybersecurity governance, a cybersecurity technical working group was established in March 2017, aimed at creating and promoting government-relevant cybersecurity standards, policies, guidelines and best practices to the ministries, agencies, and any other relevant governmental bodies.

The working group comprises representatives from 12 public sector agencies.

Additionally, the ministry has implemented a Cybersecurity Situational Awareness Programme, an improved Government ICT Ecosystem Hygiene and a Network and Cybersecurity Operations Centre, while building capacity through investment in Cybersecurity Automation and Integration Tools and Services.

It was explained that the development of the government cybersecurity incident reporting system provides resilient and secure mechanisms that enable government ministries and agencies to report cybersecurity incidents.

With this measure, government can now adequately assess and monitor Guyana’s cyber-threat landscape so that its available resources can be directed to effectively address cybersecurity issues, Minister Hughes assured.

“With respect to the attack on (Guyana Power and Light) GPL’s servers, I will say that in this connected world it is not a case of if one will be attacked, but rather when.

In this scenario what matters is the preparedness for and response to such attacks,” Minister Hughes stated.

It was pointed out that a similar attack was made on GWI’s infrastructure in January 2017. The investigations carried out indicated that the perpetrators in the GWI incident may have been assisted by staffers of GWI’s IT department, some of whom have close connections with high ranking members of the opposition.

In this era of politically-motivated cyber-attacks, nothing can be ruled out,” Minister Hughes maintained.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Nominations open for Inaugural 25 Influential Women Leaders Awards

A NEWLY-ESTABLISHED distinction, in honour of women who have made an impact in their companies and communities, has been created to honour women trailblazers in Guyana’s public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Recipients of the inaugural award, designed to recognise 25 influential women leaders, will be announced on Thursday, May 16, at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana.

The distinction is the first of its kind in Guyana to focus on women from a variety of sectors, rather than in a single industry, making the award a unique and important milestone in the recognition of women as leaders.

Applicants will range from CEOs to small business entrepreneurs to non-profit social advocates who are moving their companies and communities forward.

The award, which is administered by The Nico Consulting, Inc. (TNC) and Cerulean Incorporated, was created to shine a spotlight on the accomplishments of Guyanese women who have achieved success in a wide range of fields.

Women have been doing amazing things for a very long time right here in Guyana, said Michelle Nicholas, Founder and CEO of The Nico Consulting, Inc. “These women are working hard to get ahead. In many cases, they are trying to balance a career while at the same time giving back to their community. By honouring them as Influential Women Leaders (IWL), the award aims to transform how women leaders are viewed in Guyana by recognising their value, achievements, and

contributions,” she said.?

Award administrators seek applicants with a proven track record, high integrity, and commitment to their community.

Women from any field or background can apply and the recipients will be chosen for their professional accomplishments and contributions to their community and beyond.

Honorees will have the unique opportunity to connect with other women leaders on a national and international level, gather for quarterly lunch-and-learn events, as well as participate in leadership programs annually.

Lyndell Danzie-Black, Managing Director of Cerulean Incorporated, pointed to the leadership role of women in the lives of others as being especially worthy of recognition.

“The contribution of women to local and regional leadership occurs daily, right before our eyes. We recognise our leaders, youth and children in their various accomplishments; the reality is that the backbone for these achievements is almost always a woman. I anticipate a night of celebration, highlighting the achievement of women leaders in Guyana,” Danzie-Black said.

The nomination period is open to all women from various sectors, including corporate, non-profit and government. Entries and nominations will come from across the county, so the honours will be a definitive nationwide guide to the top professionals in every sector. Winners are judged by an independent panel and announced at the prestigious award ceremony. Nominations can be submitted via Http://bit.do/IWL. 2

The organisers of the event are urging corporate Guyana to purchase group tickets for their female employees so that they could be part of this celebration of women.

For more information about nomina-

tion eligibility, process and event sponsorship, visit www.facebook.com/25Influentialwomenleadersaward/ or call 592-226-4650 or 800-230-4695, or email 25influentialwomen@gmail.com.

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Canada supports Guyana in border case

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon on Thursday met with Michael Grant, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Americas in the Ministry of Global Affairs of Canada at the Ministry of the Presidency.

During the meeting, the two discussed matters of mutual interest including the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy; the migration of Venezuelans and its effect on neighbouring countries; Canada and Guyana’s bilateral relationship and the assistance given to Guyana in a number of areas, including support to manage the influx of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Venezuelan migrants.

Canada has donated CAD$46,000 to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) to support Guyana’s efforts in accommodating the Venezuelan migrants. Minister Harmon thanked the Government of Canada for the contribution, even as he noted that the Government of Guyana wishes to take a holistic approach to address the issue and would therefore welcome any kind of support in this endeavour.

“Our intention is to provide a better facility to these migrants and that means we must provide a place where they can live

From left: Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee; and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Americas in the Canadian Ministry of Global Affairs, Michael Grant and work. We would therefore welcome any additional support that can be given in this area,” he said.

Minister Harmon also welcomed Grant to Guyana, while noting that the two nations have shared a strong and fertile relationship for over 50 years.

“We value and cherish the relationship we have shared with Canada over the years and as you know, outside of the United States, the majority of Guyanese are settled in Canada.

We also have strong collaboration in several areas and as such Guyana can only look forward to strengthening this relationship,” he said.

Grant expressed his appreciation to the minister for his remarks. He also said that he recently took up office here and as such, he is endeavouring to familiarise himself with all

of the areas that fall within his remit.

“We value very much the relationship between the two countries as well as the Guyanese community. While it is a shared population, it is so central for Canada as well.

We are very excited about the relationship between the two countries and as you rightly said, we have collaborated extensively over the years,” he noted.

Additionally, Grant also took the opportunity to express his country’s support and solidarity with Guyana on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. He noted that Canada has made its position clear on this matter and this stance has not changed.

The assistant deputy minister was accompanied to the meeting by Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Minister of State Joseph Harmon shares a light moment with Michael Grant, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Americas in the Canadian Ministry of Global Affairs, during their meeting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

‘Come together, find solutions’ … UK High Commissioner urges political leaders

By Paul Mc Adam THE main political parties’ leaders need to come together to agree on what the way forward is for Guyana, so says United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn.

In an exclusive interview, High Commissioner Quinn was asked about his views following the second meeting between President

David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, to discuss the Constitution’s role, given the present situation, and GECOM’s readiness to hold General and Regional Elections.

Quinn noted, “The constitution is the supreme law of Guyana, no question about that. It is not my job to try and interpret that Constitution and there is a legal process ongoing.” He added that presently, the three

month deadline envisioned by the Constitution has not been stayed, but “maybe stayed by the Appeal Court but we don’t know.”

“The clock is still ticking on that three month process so all the political leaders need to get together and figure out how to resolve that particular issue and how to resolve the fact that the clock is still ticking. We have to abide by the Constitution and come to an agreement,

and an arrangement, which meets those Constitutional provisions,” HC Quinn noted.

The UK official stated that he has witnessed a lot of things, in a lot of different places, around the world and that nothing surprises him but it is essential that both sides come together for the good of the country.

President David Granger reiterated he could not call an election date unless Guyana Elections Commission is ready. The Head of State is expected to meet the sev-

en-member body next week, reminding that, “GECOM is in charge of elections, not the Executive. I cannot decide when elections will be held,” following the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency.

The President further reminded, “The President or the executive or any other body cannot intervene, cannot intrude, cannot interfere in the work of GECOM and so we have to allow GECOM to do its work,” he said. He made it clear that, “GECOM is an autonomous, GECOM is an

independent agency and there is no part of the Constitution which gives the President or the Executive in general authority to interference, intervene or intrude in the work of the election commission.”

President Granger intends to ask GECOM how much money as well as time it needs to prepare for the conduct of general and regional elections.

He is also prepared to meet the opposition leader as soon as possible to resolve the political imbroglio.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

NAREI trains staffers in plant protection, risk management

THE Caribbean Agricultural Health and Food Safety Agency (CAHFSA) for the past three days has provided training in plant protection and risk management to staffers at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

The training comes against the background of efforts by Guyana to place heavy focus on increasing exports and minimising imports.

The three-day training is aimed at helping NAREI to create a well-organised and coordinated plant health system for the Region, which will aid in increasing regional and extra-regional trade and preventing phytosanitary vulnerability due to the risk

of introducing pests and diseases.

Juliet Goldsmith, a plant health specialist with CAHFSA, facilitated the training session which was described as very educational by those in attendance.

Goldsmith told the gathering that Guyana, as a sovereign country, has a right to put measures in place to protect itself from health risk.

“You have a right but those rights also come with certain obligations. You don’t do it just to protect your farmers or local economy. It is about understanding that you are a part of a global community and you are not favouring anyone or a member of the community over anyone and that is what the

Juliet Goldsmith, a plant health specialist with CAHFSA (third from left at the back) with the team from NAREI risk assessment process is about,” the plant health specialist said.

Market access, she said, is another side of the coin when dealing with risk assessment.

“This is where you have to make sure the information you are providing to your trading partner is good enough for them to do a fair assessment of the risk from Guyana.

“When you are importing you are concerned with protecting yourself but you also have that obligation when you are exporting to make sure you are not exporting the same sort of risk to the other countries. You have to make sure you are not exporting pest, disease or unsafe food that will affect their population,” Goldsmith said.

Meanwhile, NAREI’s Deputy Chief Ex-

ecutive Officer and the head of the National Plant Protection Organisation, Brian Sears, said that plant risk is important to Guyana and it is vital to develop the capacity to deal with pest and disease.

“It is important that we develop the capacity within the institute within Guyana and in general to be able to provide the documentation and information necessary for us to gain access to the international market, because if we are encouraging farmers to expand on cultivation, then we have to assist them in finding market for the increased production and we do not want to make mistakes when we submit this information.

We want to get it right from the beginning.”

The workshop started on Tuesday and ended on Thursday.

GNBA warns errant broadcasters THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) on Thursday issued a stern warning against errant broadcasters, reminding that they can be fined and jailed.

It pointed out that the Broadcasting Act of 2011, Section 43 (C) provides that any person who carries on a broadcasting service at the licensed location after the licence granted to him has been suspended, cancelled or expired, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $1M and imprisonment for one year.

Additionally, all machinery and equipment used, or which can be used for broadcasting and owned by/or in the possession of

the person concerned is liable to be forfeited.

“GNBA takes this opportunity to urge all broadcasters to honour their obligations to the authority in order to be recognised as a responsible and compliant broadcaster and to avoid sanctions under the Act,” the broadcasting authority urged.

The broadcast authority disclosed too that it will soon be publishing a list of compliant broadcasters. Persons not indicated on that list would not have received licences for 2019; and consequently should not be broadcasting, the GNBA said.

Last October, the GNBA had indicated that broadcasters’ indebtedness to GNBA had exceeded $50M.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Broomes donates farming supplies to West Watooka farmers

FARMERS residing in West Watooka, Linden are hopeful that some of the main challenges that they face will be alleviated following the donation of a quantity of farming supplies to them by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, on Wednesday.

Broomes presented to the farmers who are members of the West Watooka Farming Group, several seeds, fertiliser, and farming tools.

The minister was also able

fruits, and because of the water situation, he has to spend about $40,000 monthly for the provision of water to tend to his crops.

Minister Broomes contacted Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Van-West Charles, who said that he will have the issue sorted out earliest, so that water can be made available to the farmers. He will contact his Linden officers to look into the issue as early as Friday to see what is needed

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes presenting farmers in West Watooka with farming tools to solve some of the concerns raised by the farmers on site.

The issue of availability of water to the second half of the community, which has about 100 farmers residing along with their families, was paramount. Chairman of the farming group, Arthur Johnson, related that while water is available in the community, the mains stop at the first koker, which is a great distance from where farms and homes are located at the back half of the community.

Farmers are forced to fetch water to tend to their crops and for domestic purposes as well. This has significantly dampened their spirits to farm and has affected the quality and quantity of their produce. West Watooka is known as the farming hub of Linden. The farmers are so desperate for greater access to water that Johnson said that as long as the pipelines are available, they are willing to provide self-help labour to have the soil dug and the pipes laid.

One farmer, Ivan Sancho, related that he has two acres of land in West Watooka which he used to plant cash crops, ground provision and

to have the project executed.

Broomes also promised to ensure the matter is dealt with expeditiously.

Residents also raised concerns about the absence of street lights and an Internet hub in the community, which will be of great benefit to the students residing there.

At present, through self-help efforts, the residents started the construction of a building, which they said can be used as an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hub. Minister Broomes promised to make representation with Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, to have an ICT hub established in the community, as well as Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, for the provision of street lights.

Minister Broomes also visited Victory Valley where she took a look at the remains of the community centre that was destroyed by fire last week. She encouraged the residents to think of better things to come that will replace what they have lost. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, on Sunday, also visited the ruins of the centre

and committed to have it rebuilt by the government.

The residents will submit a plan for a new building next Monday.

While all suspicion is pointing towards arson, the residents are awaiting an official report from the Linden Fire Division.

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Minister Broomes inspecting the remains of the Victory Valley community centre with residents

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Family Centre to be completed by the end of March

THE Ministry of Social Protection’s Children and Family Centre at Plum Park Sophia is expected to be completed by the end of March.

This was announced

by Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, after she visited the location on Thursday.

Minister Ally said that the cost of the centre amounted to $220M, and should have been completed a while ago. However, there were major challenges, including the weather conditions, but

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally (centre); Director of Child Protection, Ann Greene (second from left), and another official, speaking with contractors at the new centre in Sophia

with the current pace of the ongoing works, the facility is expected to be finished before April.

“I am here to have a firsthand look as to where we are with the project.

This means quite a lot to us because it’s a facility for children, and I am pleased with where we are so far. I think the contractors have done their best and we are proud of the work we have here. It’s just a matter of waiting for its completion,” Ally said.

the family together, while we fix whatever vulnerability, they will be housed here at the centre until they can go on their own,” Greene explained.

She also said that family coaching sessions will be held at the centre, so that the parents will be given the opportunity to transition to independence.

“When we put a family here, it is not to stay forever, so we have to transition them to independent living.

That’s where the fami-

The eight family apartments at the new children and family center in Sophia Giving more insight on the new facility, Director of Child Protection, Ann Greene told the media that the centre will no longer be called a “drop-in centre.”

“We are still looking to find a suitable name for it, but it will no longer be referred to as a “drop-in centre”, for now it’s the Ministry of Social Protection, Children and Family Centre,” she said.

Greene explained that the new facility will make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families, because it caters for more than just providing housing for children from broken homes.

In fact, the centre will provide temporary housing assistance, including daily meals for families, to prevent their children from being taken away from them.

“We will also be preventing unnecessary separation of children. We have a holding centre apartment for families and children, eight family apartments and four apartments for children. Separation of children from their parents will only occur if it is really necessary. If not, if it is a case where we could hold

ly coaching sessions and transition coaching come in. We are helping you to transition to your own independent living and self-sufficiency,” Greene said.

The requirements for families to be eligible for the housing are still being worked out by the ministry, and the regulations to guide the process as well.

The ministry has never had a centre that housed families before, she said, “So this will really make a big impact to avoid the separation of children from their families.”

Almost three years ago, the former “Drop-in Centre” on Hadfield Street was ravaged by fire, and what was left of the former was renovated and converted to a storage bond.

Minister Ally had explained that after two children lost their lives in the fire in July 2016, the building was deemed unsafe to house vulnerable children as it lacked the required facilities and space.

The children who perished in the fire were sixyear-old Joshua George and his two-year-old brother, Antonio.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

PANCAP hosts knowledge management fair –– focus on improving access to HIV prevention, treatment, cure and support

THE Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) will host a Knowledge Management Share Fair in Port-ofSpain, Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on March 14, 2019.

Participants will include over 80 National AIDS Programme (NAP) managers and implementing partners such as civil society organisations that work with people living with HIV and key population groups (including youth).

The share fair is an initiative of the PANCAP Knowledge for Health project, which aims to enhance knowledge generation, sharing, and learning among HIV programme implementers and civil society around the implementation of Treat All and the 90-90-90 Targets.

The share fair will expand on the capacity building initiatives implemented by the Project. These include the Knowledge Synthesis and Best Practices Workshop (2016), South-to-South Learning Exchanges to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica (2017-2018), Treat All Message Design Workshop (2017), “Collaborating and Learning towards Treat All”

Share Fair (2018), PANCAP webinars, and other ongoing regional knowledge management efforts around 90-90-90 and Treat All. It will provide a space for NAP managers and Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representatives to showcase best practices from implementation experiences, discuss critical challenges, and provide recommendations for increasing access to services for men, including men who have sex with men and other key populations in achieving 90-90-90.

Access to services by men will be a key issue during the share fair as the UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2018 shows that gay men and other men who have sex with men accounted for nearly a quarter of new infections in 2017. The report also highlighted that efforts to reach men and boys, and particularly gay men and other men who have sex with men, are constrained by health services insufficiently tailored to their needs and limited community-based services.

To build capacity in the area of improving access to health by men, the share fair will include a Knowl-

Friday, March, 08, 2019 –– 05:00 hrs to 06:30 hrs

edge Café, which will highlight successful men’s health programmes. According to PANCAP Knowledge Coordinator, Dr Shanti Singh-Anthony, the intention is to highlight innovations from country programmes that have achieved positive results in relation to increasing access to prevention, treatment, care and support services by men and boys.

Implementers of programmes who are challenged to reach men can use the innovative practices to increase men’s access to quality health services.

“Previous share fairs were successful in forging stronger partnerships and collaboration between NAP managers and CSOs and sharing of best practices,” stated Dr Singh-Anthony.

He added: “We intend to build on these successes.

We cannot afford to leave our men and young boys behind at this critical stage of the HIV response. The share fair will provide an ideal opportunity for the two groups to utilise the lessons learned from the Region to enhance services for men.

The overarching objective is to increase the number

of men and boys who are accessing HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services.”

Participants will also share implementation experiences in relation to the provision of Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), innovations for reaching and testing key populations, and strategies for sustaining the HIV response.

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Trial for 2010 Chateau Margot murder to commence soon

JUSTICE Navindra Singh is expected to commence the High Court trial into the murder of Chateau Margot businessman, Dennis Ramah, who was shot and killed during an armed robbery in 2010.

On remand for the indictment is 35-year-old Victor Bobb, formally of “B” Field, Pattensen, East Coast Demerara.

Come March 11, 2019, a 12-member jury will be empanelled and a date will be set for commencement of the trial.

The charge against Bobb alleged that, on November 16, 2010, at Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara, in the East Magisterial District, Bobb

Victor Bobb murdered 64-year-old Ramah.

According to reports, on November 16, 2010, about 09:30 hours, a group of men entered the business premises of the L & D Supermarket at Second Street, Chateau

Margot, which was owned

by Ramah.

The men reportedly ordered the employees of the supermarket to lie on the ground.

It is alleged that Bobb and another were armed. One of them had a gun while the other had a knife.

Ramah raised an alarm and armed himself with a cutlass.

He managed to wound one of the perpetrators but was shot twice to his chest.

The bandits subsequently ran out of the house.

The wounded businessman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) but later succumbed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

‘I Am Us’ this weekend at NCC THE unity stage play “I Am Us”, presented by the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC), will open this weekend at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

The commission, in a release, said it is hopeful that Members of Parliament and other political leaders will attend.

“Tickets for the one-ofa-kind play were exhausted a few days after release due to an unexpected overwhelming response. A holdover performance is being considered, as well

as taking the play to the other regions of Guyana in the future.

“The ERC will also be declaring the venue a ‘Safe Space,’ symbolic of promoting continued tolerance and good relations among Guyanese, despite issues which may be considered contentious, being brought into the open and examined during the play.

Remarks made and situations presented during the play are intended to allow Guyanese to ponder their sense of purpose for a united Guyana,” the re-

lease said.

“I Am Us”, which has a mixed cast of almost 40, inclusive of actors, dancers and musicians, represents the hurdles faced by two neighbouring families composed of the two major ethnic groups. Members of both families display qualities of trust and togetherness in everyday life but suspicions and mistrust surface during an upcoming election.

The play also has its share of typical Guyanese humour which the local audience would welcome.

Trial of murder accused, Kevin Garraway, to commence soon THE High Court trial into the murder of Orrett West, who was stabbed and killed in 2016, during a fight at the Plaisance Line Top, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is expected to commence soon The matter is expected to be presided over by Justice Navindra Singh and a date is yet to be set.

Kevin Garraway, 23, formally of Calendar Street, Albouystown is on remand for the capital offence.

The indictment alleged that, on June 3, 2016, at Plaisance Railway Embankment, ECD, he murdered 28-yearold Orrett West of Guyhoc Park.

According to reports, on the day in question, at about 00:30hrs, Garraway had a misunderstanding with West’s girlfriend.

It is alleged that the girlfriend had walked up to the accused and asked “if he wanted a problem.”

A confrontation ensued, and West reportedly pushed Garraway, which resulted in the two men scuffling.

Garraway then stabbed West, about the body, with a knife, and West was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem performed on West revealed that he died of shock and haemorrhage due to stab wounds to his neck.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Father of 12 sentenced to 44 years in prison for rape

By Clestine Juan

MADAM Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on Thursday, March 07, 2019, sentenced a father of 12 to 44 years in jail.

The ruling was handed down on Errol DeSouza, when he appeared in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court.

Two weeks ago, DeSouza was found guilty of the charges by a 12-member jury and was remanded to prison, pending a probation report.

According to the indictment, DeSouza sexually penetrated the girl child between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, in the county of Essequibo; the child was then only 10 years old.

The accused repeated the act on May 3, 2014, when the victim was 11 years old.

DeSouza was represented

by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, while the state’s case was presented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave, Sarah Martin, and Seeta Bishundial.

Yesterday, (Thursday, March 7, 2019), the probation report was read in court by the probation officer, Anand Sharma, who told the court that De Souza was the father of 12 and was engaged in farming and logging in Moruca, Region One. Additionally, DeSouza denied having sexual encounters with the victim, who, at the time of the incident, was in primary school.

Sharma, in his report, told the court that, when he contacted the victim via telephone, she claimed to have forgiven DeSouza and wished for him to return home to care for his children.

The victim’s impact statement was read in court by Counsellor and Court Support Officer, Celeste Mullin.

The victim, in her statement, said that she was saddened by what DeSouza had done to her since it caused her to stop trusting persons around her.

JAILED: Errol DeSouza Attorney Mohabir, during his plea of mitigation, explained that his client did not commit a violent act since he was of good character.

The attorney also begged the judge to consider that his client was the sole breadwinner for his 12 children.

Madam Justice Barlow, before passing sentence onto DeSouza noted that he betrayed the victim’s trust and broke the bond that they shared.

Barlow further stressed that based upon the victim’s impact statement, she (the victim) was unhappy and withdrawn.

The judge noted that what DeSouza had done was more than violence, having raped the victim on two occasions.

“Enough is enough,” Justice Barlow said as she explained that there were many similar cases and children needed to be protected.

DeSouza was sentenced to serve 20 years’ imprisonment for the first charge and 24 years for the second since the rape went unreported and he committed the crime again. Barlow ordered that the sentence run consecutively since DeSouza committed the crime at different periods.

The defendant was ordered to undergo counselling and also be exposed to rehabilitative programmes of sexual offenders while serving his sentence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Mark Batson relishing experience from the ‘Land of Wood and Water’ ...collaboration with Christopher Martin coming soon

By Gabriella Chapman

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fter his nearly two weeks stint in Jamaica, Mark Batson is back home and ready for new opportunities.

The Guyanese reggae artiste said he had the time of his life in ‘Jamrock’, having been able to meet and perform with some of the leading Jamaican reggae singers.

Batson was initially invited to perform at the Dennis Brown Tribute Concert at Waterfront Jamaica, but his impressive performance sparked other gigs in the Land of Wood and Water.

Just Tuesday night, he performed at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) Awards, alongside D’Burn. The two artistes performed a medley of Buju Banton’s song, as the Award show this year, paid homage to the formerly incarcerated reggae icon.

Batson told ‘The Buzz’ that the performance at the awards was well received and many Jamaican artistes present there, including the young sensation ‘Koffee’,

were all fascinated.

This exposure opened many more opportunities for the 34-year-old who almost give up on his singing career a few years ago.

Mark Batson (Center) with Jamaican promoter Urvil Hall (left) and Syl Gordon (right)

“From this trip, I now have bookings for shows in Europe, and we are in the process of getting record deals with people in Jamaica.

So I am expected to return to Jamaica sometime soon…

The whole experience was magnificent. The people showed 100 percent love, and I sold Guyana well,” Batson told ‘The Buzz’.

He also disclosed that a collaboration with Christopher Martin is in the pipeline, along with shows in Canada. Upon his return home, he also received confirmation that he will be the reggae artiste to represent Guyana at Carifesta this year.

In fact, Batson is on his way to Mahdia with the Ministry of Social Cohesion, to perform at the last of the Ministry’s mash activities.

Batson also said that these opportunities will continue to be used to promote

Mark Batson posing with fans in Jamaica, at the JaRIA awards

his album “Music without Borders”.

Batson, a member of the Heatwave Band in Guyana, expressed great appreciation to quite a number of persons who made this phenomenal experience, a reality.

He said that Urvil Hall, a promoter in Jamaica, provided him with the opportunity to sing on stage the first night he was in Jamaica. It was from that night, the other opportunities kicked in, and Hall scheduled several interviews in the country for Batson to promote his music.

Batson also thanked the Ministry of Cohesion who

sponsored his airfare to travel to the country, along with his management team, Vizion Sounds, and Harry Parker Promotions.

“This album is ‘Music without Borders’, was a collaborative effort between my now management Vizion Sounds, and Vijay Deolall from Paradigm audio lab. It is from this masterpiece, that I was able to have these new songs to perform, specifically ‘Second Chance’ and ‘Gimme some space’ that I released as singles. And I’m currently working on some new material to put out,” he said.

Prem Leela 2 captivates Essequibo audience

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HE Kandhiya Dance Troupe on the Essequibo Coast, last Saturday mesmerised its audience with their energetic performances at the recent Prem Leela 2 show held in the Auditorium of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School.

Patrons were definitely amazed at the local performances and drama put together by dance teacher Ravindra Deowattie.

The night of drama and dances- Piya Moore, surely transformed the auditorium of ARMS into a Bollywood arena as different actors TURN TO PAGE 28

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Prince Saleem and Princess Swaragini performing during the show at the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS).

Dancers from the dance troupe performing during the show.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

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Bartica promises...

Regatta at its exciting best

The Regatta has been affording the Guyanese community over 45 years of exciting aqua sporting

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LL those planning to visit Bartica for the highly-anticipated regatta in April, would be well advised to book early! Preferably now! As rooms are limited and going fast.

That’s according to Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall.

“Visitors are advised to make their bookings now since rooms are limited. Apartments are also available for group rentals,” he told the Buzz on Thursday.

As head of the event’s organising committee, Mayor Marshall said they’re in full preparation mode, as the objective is to make this year’s edition the best ever.

The renowned Bartica Regatta has been affording the Guyanese public more than 45 years of exciting aqua sporting, with the draw this year being a return of such traditional sports events as basketball, volleyball, football, cricket and power-boat racing.

This year’s calendar of events will also see the staging of a Gymkhana, and the Regatta Comedy Show, complemented by the much- anticipated dirt bike racing and the ‘Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant’.

“This annual family event promises to provide an unforgettable experience for its patrons,” Marshall said, adding that venue preparations are moving apace, while the newly-renovated Bartica Community Centre and Golden Beach Boulevard are expected to hum with excitement for both young and old.

Bartica Regatta souvenirs are slated to go on sale shortly, while the Town Council will, in a few weeks, commission its souvenir shop at the Golden Beach Boulevard. This facility, though an economic project for the municipality, is expected

Visitors are advised to make their bookings now since rooms are limited

to provide much- needed services to local and international tourists.

This year’s regatta is going to be nothing short of fantastic, with organisers promising an event that will be “immaculately planned and organised.”

Secretary for the ‘Regatta Committee’, Cianna Persaud has already started putting together proposals, getting plans ready, and ensuring that the sponsorship list is in place. With more emphasis being placed on the entertainment aspect of the event, international reggae artiste Glen Washington is billed to perform at this year’s regatta.

It has been confirmed that this year’s winner of the Miss Regatta pageant will receive $500,000 in cash, with the second place winner receiving $300,000, and third place receiving $100,000. The cash prizes are separate from any other prizes that would be given out, depending on how much more funds are received through sponsorships.

“This year’s regatta is going to be immaculately planned and organised, and patrons will be fully informed about what’s going on,”Persaud said.“We would not have an event where patrons will not be wowed when they walk through the door, because you’re going to see branding and ads; you’re going to see us showcase a clean, green and pristine town of Bartica with a face that is going to pop,” she told The Buzz recently.

The Bartica Regatta pageant is rumoured to be the oldest functioning beauty pageant in Guyana. “We’re talking and dating back to the 50s or even 40s, and we hope to keep it alive,” Pageant Trainer Sonjie Marslowe told this publication.

MEANWHILE, THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE ITEMS ON THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS: ∆ Top model Segment: Third Avenue Boardwalk, 13:00 – 20:00hrs (April 7) ∆ Carnival and Sashing Ceremony; Green Park, West Indian Housing Scheme, 16:00 hrs. (April 13) ∆ Gymkhana Exhibition, Bartica Community Centre Ground, 14:00 – 17:00hrs (April 14) ∆ Comedy Show, Bartica Community Centre Ground, 20:00 – 23:30 hrs. (April 14) ∆ Intelligence Segment and TTS Channel 5 19:00hrs, Platform Presentation (April 17) ∆ Football Finals, Bartica Community Centre Ground, 20:00hrs (April 18) ∆ Gospel Fest; Green Park, West Indian Housing Scheme, 18:00 hrs. (April 19) ∆ Regatta Dirt Bike Racing, Mongrippa Hill Ground, 10:00 hrs. (April 20) ∆ Pageant Night, Bartica Community Centre Ground, 19:00 – 23:00 hrs. (April 20) ∆ Ragatta Road Jam; Madison Square, First Avenue, 22:00 hrs. (April 20) ∆ River Swim; Golden Beach, Third Avenue, 06:00 hrs.

(April 21) ∆ Regatta Racing and Beach Party, Golden Beach Circuit, 09:00 hrs. (April 21) ∆ Regatta Racing and Beach Party, Golden Beach Circuit, 09:00 hrs. (April 22) Regatta Washdown, Bartica Community Centre Ground, 19:00 hrs. (April 22)

‘Father Wally’ here for the long haul

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… in the promotion of local music and the development of artistes

ICKNAMED, ‘Uncle Wally’ and `Father Wally’, this son of the soil, Walter Fraser, is the man behind the scene, who promotes local artistes and their music, through his recording studio, Vizion Sounds Recording Studio.

Having left this country many moons ago for London and Jamaica, Fraser wanted to do more for the locals, so he returned to his homeland and first established a recording studio in Robb Street. Later, he moved to Anira Street, Queenstown.

He along with manager, Gail Vieira, successfully manages the day-to-day operations of Vizion Sounds Recording Studio, which has been in existence for the past 20 years at the Queenstown location. The first studio was established in Robb Street in 2004.

Vizion Sounds Recording Studio has five full-time employees, but there are also parttime staffers such as the engineers, graphic/media people.

Fraser said, “What we do here is from beginning to end.

At the studio, you can get your music recorded, there is the mix master and we also do distribution, publishing, promotion, artiste management and act as a booking agent, as well.”

He added that he has been in Guyana since 1990, working in his studio but still visits Jamaica and London, where he grew up.

He, however, stated that Guyana is his home.

“I used to go from England to Jamaica, worked with a lot of

The well-known, owner of Vizion Sounds Recording Studio, Walter Fraser, in his studio.

people there and even wanted to live abroad, but a good friend of mine, Trevor Douglas, called “Leggo” inspired me to return home to contribute to Guyanese music. Then I started to bring people like Sizzla, Luciano etc. to Guyana,” Fraser said.

He stated that he used to take people to Jamaica to record their songs, after which he decided to establish his own recording studio.

Fraser said, now he is settled in his own studio where he is every day, it has become a part of his daily life and he is doing some work with some people in Texas, USA, where he has recorded an album of some hip hop songs.

He is also looking at establishing deals with distributors in America, like VP Records and others, in an effort to market our local artistes and their music.

Giving a background of his journey in the music scene, Fraser said, he started out from a young age, with his company

originally opened in London before he came back home.

The aged, music icon told `The Buzz Magazine’ that he used to put on shows here, with some big names in music like Gregory Isaacs, Dennis Brown, and some more, then took on First Born with Russell Lancaster and the others.

Fraser related that `Alabama’, `Shelly G’, `Big Red’, `Lil Red’, `Heatwave Band’, Mark Batson and many others, have had their songs recorded at the studio.

Speaking about his experience working with artistes, Fraser explained that “success doesn’t come overnight and in the music business there is many ‘ups and downs’.”

“In Guyana we have the problem of getting the youths to understand that the music business is not what it seems, it has its good and rough times and they drop out and come back in even after you put in a lot into an artiste,” he added.

Fraser talked about many success stories as it relates to several local artistes, such as, Mark Batson, `First Born’, `Alabama’ and `Natural Black’, adding, that some have even made it to the international music scene.

Then there are some one-hit wonders, noting that nevertheless they are still working with those artistes to develop them, and promote their music both locally and overseas.

Fraser stated that they work in collaboration with Drew Thoven and with the Heatwave Band on board, recording at the studio … they have a lot going on.

He pointed out, also, that they have the music charts programme where people vote online as it relates to local music, they do a Hits and Jams radio programme on Sunday Night which is called the Vizion Hour where only Guyanese music is played on the airwaves between 21:00hrs and 22:00hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Lindeners wowed by Children’s Mashramani Parade

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By Vanessa Braithwaite

T was nothing short of a kaleidoscope of colours donned by primary and nursery students, residing in the mining town of Linden, who wended their way to the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground, on Friday with their flamboyant costumes and floats.

Lindeners flocked the streets of Mackenzie to catch a glimpse of the young girls and lads who guided by their teachers and parents, revelled their way by the sound of the boom box, to MSC, where the final display and judging took place.

The road march commenced around 09:00 hrs at the head of Republic Avenue and ended at MSC. Participating schools at this year’s parade were Pine Street Nursery, South Amelia’s Ward Nursery, Burnham Drive Nursery, Watooka Nursery, Middle Street Nursery, Amelia’s Ward Primary, and One Mile Primary amongst others.

The well put together dance choreographies, colourful and mesmerising floats, sleek, eccentric and picturesque costumes, coupled with the intricate dancing to the feverish soca music, gave spectators more than satisfaction than they deserved.

Pine Street Nursery Enchanted Forest and the Middle Street Nursery and other children in costumes

Digicel ‘Triple Treat’ set for March 31

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HE Anna Regina Community Centre Ground will come alive again on March 31 as the finals for the 4th edition of the “Digicel Triple Treat” will conclude in Region Two. The “Digicel Triple Treat” was recently launched with the unveiling of the names of several cricket teams that will be part of the event this year. The “Triple Treat” includes a 10/10 softball cricket and duck curry competition followed by a “Bacchanal” or after party.

The preliminary round of the competition has commenced already, however, the finals is set of March 31 in Region Two. The cricket will commence at 14:00 hours followed by a grand stage show around 20:00 hours.

Reigning Banks Chutney Monarch Steven Ramphal will make his appearance again in the Pomeroon Supenaam Region and is expected to perform his songs he entered both the soca and the chutney competitions.

He will share the stage with Trinidad artist sassy Sally Sagram. The winners of the cricket competition will walk away with $350,000 while second place winner will uplift $200,000 and third place will receive $100,000.

The fourth-place winners will collect $75,000. The man-of the match, the batsman with the highest run rate and the blower with the most wickets will collect $30,000 each.

Those entering the Duck curry competition will be allowed to marinate the meat at home. The stoves will be provided at the ground, as well as the mixture of the spices.

The winner of the duck curry competition will take home $200,000, $150,000 for second, $100,000 for third and $75,000 for fourth place. The team with the best presentation will take home $40,000.

The event is sponsored by Banks DIH, GUY Gas and Beharry Indi Curry Powder.

Reigning Banks Chutney Monarch Steven Ramphal

Good weather also allowed for a smooth flow of the proceedings. The competition was extremely tough, giving the judges the time of their lives to announce winners of the various categories, therefore all of the schools can give themselves a tap on the back for their presentation of satisfying costumes.

Most were in recognition with this year’s Mashramani theme, “Celebrating 49, with Victory in Mind; Restoring Eldorado” From the nursery category, Pine Street Nursery emerged winners with their Enchanting Forest Collection of animals such as parrots, bears, frogs and tigers; who were nestled between the beautiful vegetation, mimicking Guyana’s Pristine Greenery.

Their little faces donning the costumes wowed the crown as their made animal sounds, revelling their way to the MSC ground. The Burnham Drive Nursery however tipped them as winners in the Best BannerNursery Category.

The Amelia’s Ward Primary’s Mermadaleons in Action copped first place for the best banner position and the Best contingent position for the Primary category. Other outstanding schools were Burnham Drive Nursery and One Mile Primary.

Prem Leela 2...

FROM PAGE 24

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took the stage. Forty pieces of dancers were performed by dancers from the dance troupe. Dances were done on popular Bollywood hits such as “Allahu Akbar “ “Ghoomar, “Mohinjo daro” “Main Tera boyfriend”, “walla re walla” “Paniyon sa. Dilbar” and “ Laila o Laila”.

According to script writer of the play and owner of the Dance Troupe, Ravindra Deowattie the show was a success and thanked all his fans and supporters. He said that tickets were sold out and he was happy with the feedback he received from the Essequibo Population.

The play consisted of 41 scenes and 20 dances including Classical, folk and Bollywood. Dancers were attired with the latest designed costumes and appropriate Props were on displayed as the Play unveiled before a packed audience.

Prem Leela 2 was based on a Hindu and Muslim village Mohinjo Daro that was having a religious conflict. After years of Fighting Prince Saleem and Princess Swaragini took up the challenge to bring peace within the villages.

They wanted to see Muslims and Hindus live in harmony and peace. During the struggle the Prince and Princess met where they fell in love and fought to be together despite the village conflict and religious background. They were also married in the end and ruled the three kingdoms where the people became united.

Another performance from the show.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

Hold-over in the works --for KFC Link Show 34

Scenes from KFC Link Show 34

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IVEN the resounding success of last weekend’s hosting, a held-over show is expected for KFC Link Show 34, which concluded last Monday night at the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

Director of the satirical review, Ron Robinson said that the show’s team is currently in discussion with its sponsor, KFC in the hope of seeing the hold-over happening on March 23 and 24. He extended his gratitude to the sponsors, who he said have already responded favourably to the idea, and once all goes well, it is expected that the show will go through.

“The response was fantastic, and I’ve been asked if there is a held-over, I’ve been told by a number of persons that they would go back to the show, because it’s worth it. So yes a [held over] is in the works, the 23 and 24 March those are dates that we’re hoping to have it so people can standby for that. We’ve already had discussions with KFC,” Robinson said.

Returning after a three-year hiatus, the KFC Link Show 34, which ran from March 1 – 4, lived up to the expectation of many of its fans as, punch line after punch line had the audience in fits of laughter, and the jokes just kept on coming.

Of course, the current political atmosphere, and No-Confidence Motion fiasco took centrestage, and included poking fun at local attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes and his take on what constitutes a parliamentary majority. However, also the butt of a few punchlines was Minister of Education Nicolette Henry.

The Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling on cross-dressing also inspired one of the skits, and of course, it’s never really

27

Nailah Blackman to headline Women’s Empowerment Concert

With the 21-year-old Trinidadian artiste, Nailah Blackman headlining, Guyana will be treated to a grand concert and expo this Sunday at the Everest Cricket Club, as Ministry of Social Protection commemorates International Women’s Day. The Ministry will be collaborating with the High Commission of Canada and the Equality Matter Organisation, to host the event under the theme ‘Balance for Better’.

According to the Ministry of Social Protection, the event is expected to create an empowerment zone and concert to educate, uplift and celebrate women in Guyana.

Though organised for women, the expo is tailored to cater for the entire family, with an afternoon filled with lots of fun activities. African drumming, Indian dancing, steel pan, Zumba, yoga, painting, and bouncy castle for the children, are but a few of the day-time activities.

The patrons will later be treated to a night of music with Blackman as the main attraction. Guyana’s Aretha Fraser, Poonam Singh and Calvin Burnett, will also be gracing the stage to make their contribution to the empowering of women.

This event is opened to everyone and is absolutely free.

Link Show without taking a few jabs at GPL. A few other social issues such as infidelity were also featured in a few of the skits.

Notwithstanding a cast of several newcomers to the show, Robinson said the actors truly delivered, and he rated this year’s showing as one of the better presentations of the show.

Robinson shared that where the writing was concerned, the abundance of current issues made the putting together of this year’s show simply effortless, in that the jokes practically wrote themselves.

“I think that this year we had a ‘Link’ that was a cut above some of the Links of years ago. The material that was provided by the situation in Guyana was terrific, and lent itself to satire of the highest order. So, thanks to a lot of the things that have been happening in Guyana, the satire was there for the asking, and we took advantage of it. We had so much material that it helped the show to a great extent,” Robinson explained.

The cast, too, received much due credit from Robinson for making the entire show come together so well.

“They are a group of young actors who have a good way to go, because they showed quite a lot of dedication, and I was very pleased with their output. Young as they are, they have started well,” Robinson said.

Producer of the show, Gem Nascimento shared that she, too, was very pleased with the overall production of this year’s show, giving much praise to the inclusion of Creole ‘Rock’ musician, Gavin Mendonca, who made his debut performance at the show.

Phagwah’s here!

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NUMBER of popular and well-loved local and international artistes will come together for a massive ‘Phagwah’ celebration at the Guyana National Stadium on March 21.

Each year, thousands would gather for the event, which, this time around, will commence at 14:00hrs.

Inspire Inc. is managing the event, and has promised to deliver a massive cultural and Hindu extravaganza, which will feature dances, musical skits and performances from renowned artistes, all of whom will be giving their services for free.

Inspire Inc’s Yog Mahadeo describes the efforts by the arTURN TO PAGE 28

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Thousands turn up each year at the ‘National Stadium’ for the Phagwah celebrations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

$1M in cash, prizes for Mackeson ‘King of Di Crowd’ DJ competition winner - Auditions set for April 27; finals on June 29

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HO wants to be the Mackeson ‘King of Di Crowd’? Ansa McAl and Mackeson is offering $1M in cash and prizes to the DJ that comes out on top in their latest promotion which is billed to start on April 27 with a one-day audition.

The Mackeson ‘King of Di Crowd’ DJ competition, according to Brand representative Keon Persaud, is a concept developed to give DJs a platform to command the crowd and patrons with their talent and love for music.

At the auditions, set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall Tarmac (on April 27), DJs will be screened, and the shortlisted few will then be placed at various bars across the country to perform their skills and hope to ‘move di crowd’.

On June 29, a grand finale will take place, where, along with host, the locally-renowned ‘DJ Akelo’ will try to ‘wow’ the crowd for a chance to win the coveted $1M, and one-year bragging rights.

DJ Akelo (second from left) and Mackeson Brand Representative Keon Persaud, along with the ‘Mackeson ladies’ at the launch of the ‘King of Di Crowd’ DJ Competition.

FROM PAGE 27 ← Phagwah’s ...

tistes as “a true display of cultural care in a festival like Phagwah.”

This year, renowned Guyanese artiste Terry Gajraj will perform, along with other guest performances from the USA that include Randy Ramdhin and Marissa. Local performers include top stars like Stephen Ramphal and AW Lyrical Williams and the Ishara Dance Group. And, Travellers Sound System will be providing its excellent service, while Shakti Strings will be leading the charge with its music.

“Over the years, the event has grown to a phenomenal proportion and its goodwill has spread across the world. It is the only family-oriented, alcohol-free event of its size in the Caribbean. Its uniqueness is its representation of the festival in the diverse population of Guyana,” Mahadeo told the Buzz.

Caribbean Airlines is named as the official Airlines of Phagwah Festival 2019, while other sponsors include the Ministry of Social Cohesion, INDI spices, Star Party Rentals, Big Pops Trucks and Spares, Pooran Brothers Disposal Services, and the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

“Phagwah is known as the festival of colours in which a blend of all of the colours of nature comes together in celebration. It exemplifies and celebrates the Guyanese motto of one people, one nation, with one destiny.

Attendance is free.

This year, Terry Gajraj will perform, along with other local and international artistes.

‘The Buzz’ personality of the week...

IT’S time for the weekend again, people, and it’s time to keep you in the loop with what’s ‘buzzing’ in and around Guyana.

Beginning today and running until Sunday, it’s going to be three days of passion at “Cineffx: The Caribbean’s Premier Photo and Film Expo”, being held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Feel the thrill of dance, music, and jazz; see the display of more than 50 models in the launching of Couture Fashion House and designs from 10 of your favourite local fashion designers. Expo starts at 10:00hrs today and 09:hrs all other days.

On a $1000 budget? Tower Suites $1000 Poolside Happy Hour continues from 17:30 to 19:30hrs, with $1000 specials. Enjoy a Burger and Beer, any margarita, or beer specials for only $1000 at the Tower Poolside.

The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Latin Night”. Get two Desperados Tequila Beers for $1000

Tomorrow

District Ultra Lounge presents Saturday Night Fever. Music by DJ Ryan and DJ Country Boy. Buy four shots of tequila; get one free. Ladies free before 21:00hrs.

Father Moey in collaboration with RDC#4 brings to you the Buxton/Foulis Wet and Dutty J’ouvert Morning and Wet Fete. Entertainment by Jumo Primo, Super Ray One Man Band, Worldwide Seen Up, Selector Face, DJ Akeelo, DJ Energy and Determine Family. No bottles or weapons allowed.

It’s time to show off your talent. Aracari Resort presents Karaoke and Dance this and every Saturday. Enjoy karaoke, dance and dinner, featuring Reyaz Rafeek and Group Aura Sky Lounge presents Seductive Saturdays! Doors open at 20:00hrs!

Sunday

High Commission of Canada presents, “Balance for Better” at the Everest Cricket Ground, in celebration of International Women’s Day. Live performances by Nailah Blackman, Aretha Fraser and Guyana’s own Poonam Singh and Calvin Burnett. Entertainment includes African Drummers, Indian Dancers, Street Pan, Zumba, Yoga and painting. Admission: FREE Father Moey, in collaboration with RDC#4 brings to you the 15th annual Buxton/Foulis Road Tramp and After Party from Melanie Market Square to Buxton Ground. Entertainment by Super Ray, Stitchie Vibes Machine, Murphy Invasion and Super Cat One Man Band plus Determine, Natural Aroma and Disco Baby. No bottles or weapons allowed.

The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Dinner with 70s ad 80s music.

Sundays were meant for 70s & 80s!

Party Sundays continues at Club Privilege. Everybody free before 22:00hrs. Drink specials all night. Free Bacardi shots on entry. Music by fusion DJs, Stereo Sonic DJs, Boom DJs and other DJs passing through.

‘Be a leader, and not a follower’ M

--Parrish Cadogan, designer

EET 24-year-old Parrish Cadogan from the mining town of Linden.

The former national athlete and record holder in high, long and triple jumps, developed a passion for designing since he realised his creative talent at a young age.

Growing up, Parrish wasn’t sure what he wanted to become, but always knew that he wanted to own his own business.

“I tried operating, mechanic; even a little construction, but none of those were for me,” he said. “Then I realised what I really loved doing was designing.

“Growing up watching my dad drawing and doing airbrushing, I inherited the same talents, but I never thought it would have made me who I am today. I always liked creating my own style on things. Since in my school days. I used to airbrush my boots and bag and everything else that I could have, but I just never thought I would have made it into a career,” the young man told ‘The Buzz’.

Now he has his own clothing brand, ‘Swag Styles Company’. Even though he does his designs the old fashioned way, the young man said that he learned to master the modern art and technical aspects of turning his creativity into

reality.

Parrish aspires to be one of the most talked about designers nationwide, and eventually internationally. He said that the satisfaction of seeing someone wearing something he created is priceless. So he intends to have numerous branches of his company all over the country, so that everyone can have access to his creations.

The Lindener would like to urge other young people

to set goals for themselves , and take risks, telling The Buzz, “First, figure out what you love doing, then figure out how you can make money doing it. And just be yourself. Always seek to be a leader and not a follower.

Do not be afraid to fail, because you can’t succeed without failure. Everything takes time; it wouldn’t happen overnight. And most importantly, believe in yourself and trust in God.”

Parrish with pieces that he designed with an airbrush

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

GFF launches ‘Roar to Gold Cup’ campaign ‘What else does he have to do?’

– Players want Solskjaer for Man United job

By Rawle Toney

(REUTERS) - Manchester United’s players are convinced caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right man to be appointed permanent manager after he led the club to the Champions League quarter-finals with a memorable victory at Paris St Germain.

The Norwegian helped United pull off one of the greatest comebacks in the competition’s history as his side sealed a dramatic 3-1 win in Paris to go through on away goals despite losing the first leg 2-0.

“I think it has been decided. I think he’s going to get it, he should be (the next manager),” United striker Romelu Lukaku, who has scored six times in the last three games, told reporters.

“We won at Tottenham away, Chelsea away, then Arsenal in the FA Cup, now this game today. What else does he have to do?

“He wants to stay; the players want him to stay. We’re doing really well. We’re playing like Manchester United should play.”

Former club captain Gary

Neville had earlier said United’s form under Solskjaer meant the Norwegian should get the permanent job this month.

his staff have done, long may that continue,” Shaw said.

“I don’t think I need to say much after all these results, it looks certain (Solskjaer will

Manchester United interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling celebrate after the match. (Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley)

Defender Luke Shaw also pointed to United’s perfect away record under Solskjaer.

“We’ve had a couple of blips but that’s nine away matches (won in a row) now, they’re not easy games. It shows what sort of job Ole and

get the job). We all love Ole and we love the job he’s done so far.”

United next travel to Arsenal, who are one point behind Solskjaer’s side, in the battle for a Premier League top-four spot.

Packed weekend for City cricketers ACTION in the various cricket tournaments, being run under the auspices of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA), will continue over the weekend, with the hallmark being the Gise/ Star Party Rentals/ Trophy Stall first division two-day tournament.

Four games are scheduled for this weekend DCC host GDF; UG come up against GYO at Camp Ayanganna; Transport play GNIC at Malteenoes and Police host Everest at Eve Leary. Play starts at 11:00hrs both days.

Meanwhile, three games are to be played in the Noble House Seafoods second division two-day tournament. Transport will oppose UG at GNIC; MYO play UG at GNIC and GCC host Malteenoes at Bourda. Play starts at 11:00hrs both days.

Further, ECO Champs will play QC at GYO in tomorrow’s lone fixture in the Noble House Seafoods Under-19 Generation Next (100-Overs) cricket competition. Play starts at 09:30hrs.

Real Madrid president Perez threatened to sack Ramos - reports MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos had a fierce argument with club president Florentino Perez in the team’s dressing-room after Tuesday’s 4-1 home defeat by Ajax Amsterdam, which knocked them out of the Champions League, Spanish media reported yesterday.

Newspapers AS, Marca, El Pais and ABC reported the apparent faceoff on their websites, saying Perez threatened to sack Ramos in front of the whole squad.

The reports added that the defender responded by saying he would be glad to leave Madrid, where he

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has played since 2005, providing he was paid the remainder of his contract.

Real Madrid and Ramos’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

According to AS, Perez told the squad he thought their display in the last-16 second-leg defeat, their joint-heaviest home loss in European competition, was “shameful”, prompting an angry reaction from Ramos who missed the game due to suspension.

Perez said he would sack the defender, who, according to AS, replied by saying “Pay me and I

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will leave, I have given everything and broken my back for this badge, this club and for you”.

The 5-3 aggregate loss to Ajax handed Real their earliest elimination from the Champions League since 2010 and ended their three-year domination of Europe’s elite competition.

It also meant they have practically nothing left to play for with three months remaining of the season, capping a humiliating week in which they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Barcelona and beaten by Barca in the league, falling 12 points behind their arch-rivals in the title race.

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“GUYANA will qualify for the Gold Cup. We at GFF are doing everything, we’re giving everything to ensure that this happens, but, we want your support,” said Wayne Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) when the sport’s local governing body rolled out their ‘Roar to Gold Cup’ campaign yesterday at the Pegasus Hotel.

The Golden Jaguars, the country’s senior Men’s National team, are set to ‘roar’ against Belize on March 23 at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, where a win will see Guyana, playing at the CONCACAF showpiece, which runs from June 15 to July 7.

While Lady Jags, the women’s senior national team, featured at the tournament in 2010 when it was held in Cancun, Mexico, the men’s side have never graced the Confederation’s biggest tournament. They only came close in 2007 when they were one goal shy of qualification.

Despite their stringent preparation so far, Forde believes that the crowd will be the 12th man and the determining factor on March 23, at Leonora.

The GFF head urged fans to reach out to their various ticket outlets - Guinness Bar (D’Urban Street), Andrew’s Supermarket (Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt), West Indian Sports Complex (Robb Street) and grab

their Golden Jaguars replicas (being sold for $5 000) as well as to be at the National Track and Field Centre.

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

The opportunity presented was perfect for GFF. The task was artless – finish in the top ten of the 34-team Nations League qualification tournament and Guyana were in the Gold Cup. Johnson, a former Jamaican International was named head coach and his task was a simple one – to get Guyana to the Gold Cup. Though the team had beaten Turks and Caicos 8-0 after a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Barbados, a 1-2 away loss to French Guiana placed Guyana in a position where it was mathematically improbable for them to reach the CONCACAF showpiece, since only the teams finishing in the top 10 will advance.

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

Then CONCACAF stated

22 wickets fall ... to further undermine the tourists, and by the first break they were reduced to 94-7.

Khan helped himself to eight boundaries on both sides of the break but Permaul continued the Jaguars’ dominance by removing Daniel St Clair while Shepherd claimed the final two wickets, for his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

The visitors then made early progress with the ball in order to avoid further humiliation, with the home team suffering yet another top-order batting collapse, and were 22-3 at one stage. Openers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Chandrapaul Hemraj, along with captain Leon Johnson remained a shaky edifice for the Jaguars.

The left-handed Hemraj (4) was the first to go, caught behind off Phillips. St Clair then removed Chanderpaul (8) off a return catch before he bowled Johnson without scoring.

Barnwell hit three well-timed boundaries but, upon resumption after play was interrupted due to floodlight failure to two of the towers, he was trapped leg before to St Clair for 20.

Smith was brought into the attack and straight away removed Vishaul Singh (17), Reifer (0) and Rutherford (11), to a senseless shot.

Bramble and Shepherd added 40 for the eight wicket before both went in quick succession to left-arm spinner Pierre, and Phillips respectively, while Khan brought an end to the innings.

Play resumes today at 14:00hrs.

that their Disciplinary Committee decided to sanction Barbados Football Association (BFA), by declaring as a forfeit the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifying match played against Guyana, on September 6, 2018.

CONCACAF noted that after due examination of the evidence, the Committee determined that BFA infringed the applicable articles of the Tournament Regulations and the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes, in relation to the eligibility of players to play for representative teams by fielding ineligible players Hope and Krystian Pearce.

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

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

Belize, Guyana’s next opponents, are in 13th position with six points (two wins and a loss) and can crash the party if coach Johnson decides to replicate his November 20 decision to not play the best line-up available as he did against French Guiana.

FROM BACK PAGE

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SCOREBOARD

T&T Red Force 1st innings J Solozano c Barnwell b Shepherd 6 J Da Silva c Singh b Reifer 0 T Webster c Bramble b Rutherford 30 D Ramdin c Bramble b Shepherd 1 J Mohammed c Lewis b Shepherd 0 K Pierre c Bramble b Barnwell 5 I Khan c Singh b Shepherd 37 O Smith b Rutherford 19 D St Clair lbw b Permaul 7 B Charles not out 4 A Phillips c Bramble b Shepherd 0 Extras: (b-4, lb-2, nb-5) 11 Total: (all out; 32.1 overs) 120 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-11, 3-14, 4-14, 5-42, 6-54, 7-78, 8-108, 9-116, 10-120 Bowling: Shepherd 9.1-4-24-5, Reifer 7-1-20-1, Barnwell 6-126-1, Rutherford 7-0-31-2, Permaul 3-0-13-1 Guyana Jaguars 1st innings T Chanderpaul c & b St Clair 8 C Hemraj c Ramdin b Phillips 4 V Singh lbw b Smith 17 L Johnson b St Clair 0 C Barnwell lbw b St Clair 20 A Bramble b Phillips 62 R Reifer c Da Silva b Smith 0 S Rutherford c Ramdin b Smith 11 R Shepherd lbw b Pierre 18 R Lewis not out 10 V Permaul lbw b Khan 5 Extras: (b-1, lb-5, nb-4) 10 Total: (all out; 41.1 overs) 165 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-14, 3-22, 4-42, 5-87, 6-87, 7-103, 8-143, 9-159, 10-165 Bowling: Phillip 14-1-63-2, St Clair 8-4-29-3, Smith 6-1-37-3, Pierre 12-5-27-1, Khan 1.1-0-3-1 T&T Red Force 2nd innings J Solozano c Bramble b Shepherd 0 J Da Silva not out 10 T Webster lbw b Rutherford 7 Total: (for two wickets; 7.4 overs) 17 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-17 Bowling: Shepherd 4-1-10-1, Reifer 3-2-4-0, Rutherford 0.4-0-3-1

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

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Mike’s Pharmacy on board with WCC for U-19 tournament MIKE’S Pharmacy has thrown its support behind Wakenaam Cricket Committee (WCC) for the staging of an Under-19 40-over tournament on the Essequibo River Island.

The entity on Wednesday presented a quantity of cricket balls and jerseys to the WCC at their Lot 1 Blygezight, Bel Air location.

Speaking at the handing-over, Chief Executive Officer of Mike’s Pharmacy, Lakeram ‘Mike’ Singh, said he is happy to be associated with the development of the sport on the island and is looking forward to a successful tournament.

He stated that this competition will provide the youths with an opportunity to develop their skills and will also keep them meaningfully occupied. Singh said that it is important to give the younger players such opportunity since it is at the age group level where they are spotted and nurtured.

Secretary of the WCC, Nazeer Mohamed, expressed gratitude to Singh for his input adding that the players are excited about the venture. He said that the island has a number of talented cricketers and it is tournaments of this nature that give them an opportunity

Umpire and coach Zaheer Mohamed (left) receives the donation on behalf of WCC from Jason Bacchus of Mike’s Pharmacy.

to hone their skills, singling out Keemo Paul and Ricardo Adams who both started their careers at that level.

He informed that the competition will feature four

teams; Good Success, Sans Souci/Jaguars, Zeelandia/ Maria’s Pleasure, G Square Cavaliers and Noitgedacht Sports Club. The teams will face each other once, before

RHTY&SC makes donation to UCCA

Hilbert Foster hands over donation to UCCA president Dennis De Andrade.

THE Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTY&SC) recently donated a number of scorebooks to the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association (UCCA) as part of the club’s massive Cricket Developmental Programme.

According to Secretary/ CEO of the club, Hilbert Foster, the donation was made possible through the Odyssey Transportation Service Inc., which donated 60 scorebooks valued over $200 000 to the club.

Foster further mentioned that the scorebooks will be donated to clubs across Berbice. General Manager of Odyssey Transportation Service Inc., Troy Khan, stated that his company was pleased to be associated with the club.

Foster expressed gratitude to the business entity for its continued confidence in the club and reassured them that the scorebooks will be used for the intended purpose.

Foster disclosed that in 2019 clubs will also receive more cricket balls and white T-shirts while several of the county’s leading junior cricketers will receive their personal cricket kits.

Great efforts will also be made to obtain pitch covers for at least three grounds.

Foster is also working overtime to raise funds to construct an outdoor practice facility.

the top two battle in the final.

Teams; G Square Cavaliers; Romario Stephen, Sachin Dindyal, Marlon Dindiyal, Kumeshwar Persaud, Dequan Clarke, Toshall Surujpaul, Wayne Goocol, Tekeshwar Nankoo, Anesh Singh, Timothy Persaud, Sachin Chulai, Venesh Narine and Deodat Persaud.

Good Success/Jaguars/ Sans Souci combined; Mahesh Ramnarine, Mohandass Surujpaul, Beesham Moses, Bhumeshwar Ramkissoon, Devindra Hansraj, Gladwin Henry, David Chalitar, Rahul Dinban, Quasie Whyte, Wendel Osborne, Nkosie Dazzell, Ejaz Mohamed, Shahid Mohamed, Rohan Ramotar and Arshaad Mohamed.

Noitgedacht SC; Lorex Stewart, Cleyon Retimiah, Fitzroy Retimiah, Emanuel Poliah, Terrence Softleigh, Michael Retimiah, Oquel Stephen, Andrew Binda, Chitram Rai and Steffon Madramootoo.

Z e e l a n d i a / M a r i a ’s Pleasure: Kevin Hemraj, Direndra Sitaram, Joshua Willams, Romesh Persaud, Kumeshwar Persaud, Ryan Atkinson, Mohendra Jadookool, Anesh Persaud, Ramveer Ramnarine, Ricky Persaud and Munesh Ramdeo.

BCA extends invitation to Skerritt, Shallow

NOTWITHSTANDING its decision to support incumbents Dave Cameron and Emmanuel Nanthan in the upcoming CWI elections on March 24, Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) has extended an invitation to challengers Ricky Skerritt and Dr Kishore Shallow to their monthly board meeting next Tuesday.

The invitation comes amidst backlash levelled at BCA as well as Guyana and Leeward Islands cricket boards for not giving Skerritt and Shallow the opportunity to outline their plans for Windies cricket, should they win the elections on March 24.

Ricky Skerritt

BCA president Conde Riley, speaking on The Sportsmax Zone this week, said the board had met and voted unanimously to support Cameron and Nanthan, based on what the pair have managed to accomplish during their leadership since 2013.

However, Skerritt revealed on Wednesday that BCA had invited them to its next monthly meeting on Tuesday and that they were considering the invitation.

Riley confirmed to Sportsmax.TV that BCA’s secretary had indeed sent the invitation to Skerritt and Shallow. However, it is unlikely to change its position on the candidate they will choose to back for the elections coming up in less than three weeks.

FIFA Council member banned over resale of World Cup tickets ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - A member of the decision-making FIFA Council has been banned for three months and fined 20 000 Swiss francs (£15 152.6) for breaching rules on the resale of World Cup tickets, the global soccer body said yesterday.

FIFA said that Lee Harmon, president of the Cook Islands Football Association (CIFA), had “mutually agreed” the sanction with its ethics committee in a plea bargain, following an investigation which began in July, shortly

after the World Cup in Russia.

FIFA said the investigation concerned the resale of tickets for the tournament but did not give further details. It did not immediately reply to a request for additional information.

Harmon, who could not immediately be reached for comment, has been CIFA president since 1997 and a FIFA Council member since 2016.

His biography on the FIFA Council website says he has been a match commissioner and referee assessor at various FIFA tournaments

and international matches.

FIFA has been trying to root out corruption and unethical conduct after several dozen soccer officials were indicted in the United States in 2015, plunging the global soccer body into the worst crisis in its history.

One of the measures was to replace the old executive committee with the larger FIFA Council, which has 37 members.

CIFA is among the smallest of FIFA’s 211 member associations and has been a member since 1994.

Bonner misses out on second first-class century KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Nkrumah Bonner agonisingly missed out on his second first class hundred in his first match of the season as he led a Jamaica Scorpions fightback against Barbados Pride on the opening day of their final round contest in the Regional Four-Day Championship here Thursday.

The 30-year-old seemed set for three figures but perished on 97 as the hosts ended the day on 218 for seven after being sent in at Sabina Park.

Captain Paul Palmer struck his second half-century of an otherwise dismal campaign but no other bats-

man reached double figures.

Jamaican fast bowler Marquino Mindley had earlier wrecked the Scorpions with a devastating spell in a return to his home town, to leave them in dire straits on 27 for five.

Handed the new ball, the 24-year-old picked up three for 36, including the in-form pair of Brandon King (0) and Jermaine Blackwood (5) cheaply.

However, Bonner came to his side’s rescue, inspiring a 169-run, sixth wicket stand with Palmer which rescued Jamaica from total collapse.

The right-handed Bonner

stroked 13 fours off 202 balls in just over 4-¾ hours at the crease while Palmer lasted 204 deliveries in just shy of five hours and counted six fours and a six.

Bonner, whose only first class hundred came against Bangladesh A in a fourday “Test” eight years ago, seemed all but certain to notch his maiden regional first class hundred when he was trapped lbw by parttime medium pacer Jonathan Carter – three balls before play was abandoned due to bad light.

Palmer had earlier fallen to a catch at slip by Carter, driving at off-spinner Roston Chase.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

GMR&SC postpones Drag Race meet by one week

Cycling double-header set for this weekend

Drag racing fans will have to wait one more week for action as the GMR&SC postponed its first meet for another week due to several issues. (GTRidez photo)

THE Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) has postponed its first Drag Race event by one week, from March 17 to March 24.

According to official reports, the club has opted to postpone the event for a second time due to several reasons.

Club president Rameez Mohamed was quoted, “We (GMR&SC) have some issues at the club trying to sort out.”

He continued that the impending work on the launch pad area is also one of the reasons that caused the postponement, adding, “Today (Yesterday) I’ll get to meet with the contractor concerning the launch pad road. He will be free to do (it) next week (which is the initial) drag

week).”

In announcing the new date as March 24, he added, “We have a big crowd-puller car that’s coming that will change this entire event.”

Another reason listed is that “Suriname have drags on March 17 and they want to come here and race,” adding that the shift in date will allow that.

In closing, he stated, “GMR&SC thanks each and every one for supporting events always.”

For the postponement, he says the club will also try to help those who have already scheduled mechanics to be flown in (prior to the event) to tune their machines.

Campbelle to lead Guyana in CWI 50-overs, T/20 Blaze Female tournaments SHEMAINE Campbelle will lead the Guyana senior female cricket team at the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Female Regional Tournament which will be hosted this year in Guyana.

Six teams will be competing for the coveted 2019 titles in 50-Overs and T/20 Blaze formats respectively.

The tournament will commence on March 17 and will showcase host nation Guyana, Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Fans can look forward to viewing matches at the Guyana National Stadium, Everest Cricket Club g ro u n d , G e o r g e t o w n Cricket Club ground and Enmore Community Centre ground.

The Guyana senior female cricketers were re-

Shemaine Campbelle will lead the Guyana female cricket team in the CWI 50-overs and T/20 Blaze tournaments on home soil.

cently engaged in an Inter-County tournament in which their performances were under the microscope for selection.

The squad will head into encampment from Monday (March 11).

The Guyana squad is as follows: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Akaze Thompson (Vice Captain), Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, Lashuna Toussaint, Shebika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Frazer, Mandy Mangru, Kaysia Schultz, Melanie Henry, Lafona Gilgeous, and Afruica Gentle. This team will be led by manager Carol Nurse and coach Bharrat Mangru.

Standbys: Shemika Edward, Heema Singh, Subrina Munroe, Marian Samaroo, Lisa Charles, and Dian Prahalad.

A new champion will be crowned in the Diamond Mineral Water 11-race cycling meet tomorrow as last year’s winner, Hamzah Eastman, is currently overseas.

THE inner circuit of the National Park and Berbice roadways will be abuzz with action this weekend with a cycling double-header.

First, National Park will host the 14th annual Diamond Mineral Water meet tomorrow when a new champion will be crowned in the feature 35-lap event as last year’s winner Hamzah Eastman is racing on the USA circuit.

Meanwhile, the second stage of the 22nd annual Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race is set for Berbice on Sunday.

The Diamond Mineral Water meet is being organised

by National cycling coach Hassan Mohamed and will pedal off at 09:00hrs tomorrow.

In last year’s edition, Eastman snatched the title in a time of one hour 16 minutes 39 seconds to win the 35-lap feature Schoolboys and Invitational race.

Meanwhile, Junior Niles (Vets U-50), Kennard Lovell (Vets O-50), Adelie Hodge (Juveniles), Jonathan Ramsuchit (BMX 12-14), Jahiem Henry (BMX 9-12) and Jared Barrington (BMX 6-9) were the other category winners.

On Sunday, the riders will head to the Ancient County of Berbice where they will duke it out in the 53-mile second stage of the 22nd Cheddi Jagan Memorial road race.

The Georgetown-based cyclists will assemble in front of Freedom House, Robb Street at 05:00hrs for transportation to the starting-line at Freedom House in New Amsterdam.

The cyclists will head to Number 55 Village and return to finish at Port Mourant.

Alonzo Ambrose is the reigning champion in the senior category, stopping the clock in a time of two hours 11 minutes five seconds, while Junior Niles is the leader of the Veterans Under-50 division. Briton John is the current junior champion with Shanika Teixeira the female champion.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, March 8, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Chris Gayle-162 (Grenada) Jus Butler-150 (Grenada)

(1) ed (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: Which WI player took most wickets in the just-concludWI/ENG ODI series?

Which ENG bowler took most wickets?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 8, 2019

35

Execution is key as Windies search for T20 series-levelling win today BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Assistant coach Vasbert Drakes has underscored the importance of execution as West Indies go in search of a series-levelling win in the pivotal second Twenty20 International of the three-match series here today.

The hosts lacked in almost every department in Tuesday’s opener which they lost by four wickets, falling short of a competitive total after batting first, and then dropping as many as four catches in a loose fielding and bowling effort.

Speaking ahead of the contest at Warner Park, Drakes said the Windies’ knowledge of the small ground would be a crucial in their match strategy.

We have to execute our game plan very well,” the former West Indies all-rounder told reporters.

“Obviously a lot of the guys would have played at this ground, certainly

during CPL so the guys are pretty familiar with the conditions – with the wind factor and the short boundaries – so certainly our game plan and our strategy will be targeted towards that.

“We pretty much have a good idea of what we’re looking to do in these conditions and come tomorrow, the objective is to execute.”

West Indies are unbeaten in six outings at the venue, having won five and having the other match abandoned due to rain.

England, meanwhile, have never played an international match at the ground but Drakes said in the shortest format, such factors were minor considerations.

“It certainly does help that we would have played in these conditions more often than the opposition but on the given day, we’re playing a T20 game and it’s all based on the execution of the

game plan,” he pointed out.

“So come tomorrow, with the guys continuing to be focused and up for the challenge, it should be an exciting game.”

West Indies managed only 160 in the first match at the Darren Sammy National Stadium in St Lucia, with Nicholas Pooran top-scoring with 58.

The only other batsman to shine was Darren Bravo who chipped in with 28, adding 64 for the fourth wicket with Pooran after the Windies lost three early wickets.

West Indies fielders then put down Jonny Bairstow twice as the opener rode his luck to lead England’s run chase with 68.

Drakes said the Caribbean side were aware that improvements were necessary.

“I just thought we were probably 20 runs short but having said that, we created a lot of opportunities on the bowling front but we never

Ambris hits 92 but Hurricanes fightback to close at 132 for four NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – Sunil Ambris missed out on his eighth first class hundred but ensured his name remained in the Test selection frame, on the opening day of Windward Islands Volcanoes’ final round match against Leeward Islands Hurricanes here Thursday.

disappointing 200.

Ambris shone, however, carving out a typically polished 92 in an innings lasting 105 balls and including 13 fours and a six.

Teenaged opener Kimani Melius got 29 and wicketkeeper Dennis Smith, 27, but the remainder of the batting group failed to find

Sunil Ambris Sent in at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Volcanoes never quite found their footing, lost wickets at key intervals and were eventually dismissed for a

their touch.

In fact, Volcanoes were slumping on 77 for five before Ambris and Smith propped up the innings in a 64-run, sixth wicket stand.

Once they were separated, however, the last five wickets tumbled for 59 runs.

Fast bowler Sheno Berridge led the attack with four for 34 while Test seamer Alzarri Joseph supported with three for 36.

In reply, Hurricanes were forced to claw their way out of trouble before they could reach the safety of the close on 132 for four – 68 runs adrift of first innings lead.

They were sinking fast at 78 for four before Devon Thomas carved out a handsome unbeaten 63 – his fifth consecutive half-century – to keep the innings afloat.

He stroked six fours and a six in his 98-ball knock, putting on 45 for the second wicket with Keacy Carty (17) and a further 54 in an unbroken fifth wicket stand with Terrance Warde who was unbeaten on 14.

really took our opportunities in the field,” he noted. “ O n re f l e c t i o n , w e know we are capable of playing better cricket than that.”

That match bowls off at 16.00hrs.

Assistant Winies coach Vasbert Drakes.

Officials, sponsors and players at the GFF’s launch of its ‘Roar to Gold Cup’ campaign at the Guyana Pegasus.

GFF launches ‘Roar to Gold Cup’ campaign … Golden Jaguars set to rumble with Belize March 23, at Leonora Page 32

22 wickets fall on remarkable day at Providence

By Rajiv Bisnauth TWENTY-TWO wickets fell on an extraordinary opening day, leaving the day/night Cricket West Indies Regional four-day encounter between the Guyana Jaguars and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force intriguingly poised at Providence.

The seam attack from both sides took the honours on day one with the Red Force, after deciding to bat first, being bundled out for 120, before the Jaguars then tumbled for 165 in reply, to eke out a 45-run first innings lead to keep their noses in front.

Led by Romario Shepherd’s sensational figures of 5-24, the four-time defending champions took the early advantage after the tourists were all out in 32.1 overs, and barring Anthony Bramble (62), the hosts remaining batsmen were equally profligate at the crease and were bundled out inside 42 overs.

The Jaguars batting slump fell apart in the face of probing spells from Daniel St Clair (3-29), Odean Smith (3-37), Anderson Phillips (2-63) and a wicket apiece for spinners Khary Pierre and Imran Khan.

Batting a second time, the tourists lost Jeremy Solozano off the innings first ball from Shepherd and Tion Webster, leg before wicket to Sherfane Rutherford to reach stumps at 17-2.

Earlier, fellow seamers Rutherford (2-31), Raymond Reifer (120), Christopher Barnwell (1-26), and left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul (1-13) complemented Shepherd’s first innings figures.

Khan, Webster and Smith contributed 37, 30 and 19 respectively, but none of their team-mates joined them on double figures as the visitors were forced to battle hard against the Jaguars seam attack on a hot and humid afternoon.

The 24-year-old Shepherd used his height and the new ball to confuse the Trinidadian batsmen. The out-swinger was the tall fast

bowler’s stock delivery as he broke the backbone of the Red Force’s batting with an opening spell of 3-15.

The visitors’ top-order batsmen failed to resist against the Jaguars pace bowlers, and were reduced to 14-4 at one stage.

However, the one-sided day was quickly set in motion by Reifer, who started the demolition process when he had Joshua Da Silva taken at third slip without scoring in the day’s second over before the strongly-built Shepherd ripped apart the top order with the wickets of Solozano (6), Denesh Ramdin (1) and Jason Mohammed without scoring.

At that point, Webster added 28 runs with Pierre, but under-rated medium pacers Rutherford and his Demerara Cricket Club teammate, Barnwell, stepped to the fore and delivered three wickets

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Romario Shepherd claimed his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

Wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble followed his three dismissals with the gloves for a top score of 62.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2019