Issuu

SATURDAY 9th March, 2019

No.105571

Misadministration of drugs blamed for deaths of children

––GPHC report says

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Ex-cop on Gov't to construct nine counts offices for new 09 of fraud 09 Pomeroon NDCs PAGE

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‘Govt will not interfere’ PAGE

… President restates GECOM must advise

03 him that it is ready

The Guyana National Newspapers Limited on Friday celebrated its female staff in observance of International Women’s Day held under the theme ''#Balanceforbetter.'' Delano Williams photo)

Back to drawing board

…President urges GECOM to work out shortest possible PAGE time for elections 02

Back to drawing board

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

… President urges GECOM to work out shortest possible time for elections … says there needs to be a fresh search for agreement By Lisa Hamilton

PRESIDENT David Granger has tasked the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) with determining the shortest possible time in which credible General and Regional elections can be held, after which an election date will be determined. The decision came following a high-level meeting on Friday between President Granger; GECOM Chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson and Commissioners at the Ministry of the Presidency. All Commissioners were present, and included government-nominated commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman, and People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated commissioners Sase Gunraj, Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn. Subsequently, in a message to the nation, President Granger described the meeting as an “enlightening and useful engagement” through which he sought guidance

Commissioner Sase Gunraj (centre) speaking to the media along with his colleagues Bibi Shadick and Robeson Benn (Delano Williams photo) from the Elections Commission on their needs to conduct credible elections in the shortest possible time. “It appeared to the government’s side that there are some differences. We did not feel that the differences are irreconcilable, but there needs to be a fresh search for agreement between the competing opinions in the

Commission,” the President said. BLOATED LIST He stated that, expectedly, much attention was focused on the voters’ list, which expires on April 30, 2019, and the new list which is expected to come from fresh house-to-house registration as catered for in the 2019 Budget.

The President said that at the meeting, it was made clear that the current voters’ list is bloated and, while election is a normal part of democracy, it is not the government’s intention to see any eligible citizen be disenfranchised. Both government and opposition-appointed Commissioners have long acknowledged that the current

voters’ list is not the most credible, but disagree on the means by which it should be cleansed. Opposition Commissioners are pushing for a Claims and Objection period, which would suit their desire for an election date before the current list expires on April 30, 2019. However, the other Commissioners are in favour of house-to-house registration, believing that it is the only option which will not only cleanse the list but ensure those now eligible to vote are included. “We did not receive the sort of guidance that we need to enable me, as President, to make a proclamation to announce a date, but we have kept the door open, and we have asked the Guyana Elections Commission to go back to the drawing board to examine how quickly, and how easily they can arrive at a consensual position; merge the various approaches; ensure that the preparations for elections, which have already started, continue, and that we could have an agreement as quickly as possible,” the President said.

He added that while it is unfortunate that a date has not yet been named, he is confident that should GECOM reconcile the various viewpoints, Guyanese can look for a date very soon. GECOM MUST PROVIDE GUIDANCE Meanwhile, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon reiterated that, ultimately, it is the decision of GECOM, through which the executive will be guided. On Wednesday, coming out of a high-level meeting with the President, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo had contended that the President had remarked that GECOM is an independent body, and accused government-nominated Commissioners of stymieing the efforts towards elections, stating that the ball is completely in the president’s court to call an election date. JAGDEO’S DIFFERING VIEWS However, his comments See page 5

‘Govt will not interfere’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

… President restates GECOM must advise him that it is ready

PRESIDENT David Granger has emphasised that Government will not interfere or intrude in the work of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The President’s remarks followed a meeting with GECOM’s Chair, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson and Commissioners, along with Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Mr. Keith Lowenfield and Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) Ms. Roxanne Myers, at the Ministry of the Presidency. On Wednesday, President Granger invited the Commission to a meeting to discuss issues related to the hosting of General and Regional Elections this year. The President met with Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and a team from the Opposition on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. “Let me make one thing clear. The Government is in no way interfering or intruding in the constitutional role and duty of the Commission. It is for the Commission to advise me that it is ready and I will then proclaim a date. Naturally, I will like to proclaim a date that is sanctioned by the National Assembly and the Constitution, but we have not intruded in the work of the Commission and we are prepared to support the Commission in what it has been doing. It is not for me to overrule the Commission,” President Granger said in a statement following the

President David Granger and his delegation meeting with Chairman of GECOM, Justice James Patterson and his commissioners (MoTP photo) meeting. He maintained that the Commission is independent. It is not for anybody to give the Commission instructions as to when elections are to be held. Once the Commission says it is ready, I will announce a date and I hope that date is as early as possible,” he added. Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana states that “Elections shall be independently supervised by the Election [s] Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 162.” Article 161 A (1) says the Elections Commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the Sec-

retariat of the Commission, which shall comprise the officers and employees of the Commission, and for the appointment of all the staff to the offices thereof inclusive of all temporary staff, recruited for the purposes of boundary demarcation, registration or persons and elections and shall have the power to remove and exercise disciplinary control over such staff.” Article 161 (B) makes the role of the political parties and their nominees in the conduct of elections by the Elections Commission clear. It says that “the role of political parties and their

nominees in the conduct of elections by the Elections Commission shall be limited to their participation in determining policy, monitoring the electoral process and the conduct of the election, but does not include active management of the electoral process. Moreover, Article 162 (1) of the Constitution speaks to the Commission having functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are conferred upon it by or under the Constitution, or subject to any Act of Parliament, and to the provisions of the Constitu-

tion, the Commission “shall exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and the administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly and shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid.” It is in this vein that the Head of State who was accompanied by Minister of

State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, said the suggestion that the “ball being in the President’s court” is not a credible position to take. “I have to be advised by the Commission and we had two hours of, I would say grueling discussions and I am very confident that when the Commission goes back to High Street and goes back to the drawing board, they will be able to give the Guyanese people or give the President the type of guidance that I need to make a decision,” President Granger said while emphasizing that he is satisfied that the will exists on both sides, the Government side and the Commission’s side, to decide when elections will be held in Guyana. At Friday’s meeting, President Granger was accompanied by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of Social Protection and Chief Whip, Ms. Amna Ally; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, SC., Vice President and Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock. Justice Patterson was also accompanied by Commissioners, Mr. Vincent Alexander, Mr. Robert Corbin, Mr. Desmond Trotman, Ms. Bibi Shadick, Mr. Sase Gunraj and Mr. Robeson Benn. (Ministry of the Presidency)

‘Many now-a-days can hardly walk in Cheddi’s big shoes –GAWU THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), in paying tribute to its former Honorary President, Dr Cheddi Jagan, says history will record that he always stood on the side of the workers and the downtrodden during his lifetime. GAWU’s statement is in tribute of the late former President of Guyana, on his 22nd death anniversary. “Indeed, Cde Cheddi’s name has become synonymous with Guyana and its many proud accomplishments. From his entry into politics in the 1940s at an age when many

persons now-a-days are hardly ready to walk in such big shoes. Cheddi’s commitment to the people, especially the working-people, remained undiminished, up until he left us 22 years ago,” GAWU said, adding that Dr Jagan’s notable accomplishments as a consummate politician are well-known, and his stature as a statesman is not only renowned, but is testimony to the giant of a man he was. “For the GAWU, the Union said, “sometimes those outstanding features of him overshadow the remarkable achievements he scored in the Trade Union movement. His trade union activism saw him, in the early years, close to

the Sawmill and Forest Workers Union, and to workers’ struggles in the sugar industry. “As we pay tribute to Dr Jagan, the GAWU cannot fail to take stock of the current-day workers struggles in Guyana. Given our country’s rich and cherished history of workers activism, and the notable distinction of the establishment of the first Trade Union in the British Colonial Empire 100years ago, it is disheartening to recognise the situation of today. Of more recent, we have seen the spirited struggle of the bauxite workers to have their rights respected by a foreign-owned company. The disrespect of

workers’ rights cannot be condoned. It is widely recognised that those rights are now enshrined in law, and were won by the current and previous generations of workers.” According to GAWU, Dr Jagan, as is well known, had a long association with the struggles of the sugar workers; an association, it said, that brought them to new heights, and saw them realising several of their aspirations. “As we recall Cde Cheddi’s contribution in this regard, it said in closing, “we cannot ignore the now-a-days plight of our nation’s sugar workers.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

Chronicle honours its remarkable women FEMALE workers of the Guyana National News Paper Limited were charged by Board Director Beverly Alert, to continue striving for greater heights. Giving a pep talk to the female employees

–– Urged to aim for greater heights

as part of International Women’s Day, Alert noted that, “despite gains, women in today’s society are faced with a number

Saturday, February, 09, 2019 –– 05:30 hrs to 07:00 hrs

of challenges.” The veteran media operative reminded that women still manage to successfully overcome these obstacles and make something of themselves. She challenged the women to ascertain, “how they could position themselves in an evolving Guyana to make the best of their full

potential.” Alert emphasised that she too was aware of the sacrifices that many women had to make, in order to succeed in the media profession. She noted that for many, it was not a nine to five job as they often took their jobs home with them, “The efforts of the women of this entity, hold it together and make things happen. Those of you who write the stories and make things happen to the women at home, who prepare the lunches at home for the press-men to work in the evenings, into the wee hours of the mornings. All women must be applauded and their efforts commended!” According to the Acting General Manager, Donna Todd, this year’s campaign theme: #BalanceforBetter, demonstrates the effectiveness of women being able to commit to their “everyday duties of being a woman whilst performing creditably within their specified jobs.” She reminded that women have to work twice as hard to gain recognition and positions in the workforce. She urged women to continue their studies and make themselves marketable. The GNNL women were later presented with carnations, cakes and wine as part of their special day.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

From page 2

in 2019 contrast starkly with remarks he’d made while he was President in 2006, when his party faced a similar situation. “The law says that GECOM shall define the form of verification of the list, or may decide on verification, and will decide on what form it will take. Not the PPP; not the PNC; not any party. GECOM. That’s a constitutional body; Independent just like the courts,” Jagdeo had said back then. Maintaining the government’s stance from the inception, President Granger said the government does not intend to interfere with the constitutional role and duty of the Commission. “Naturally, I would like to proclaim a date that is sanctioned by the National Assembly and the Constitution, but we have not intruded in the work of the Commission, and we are prepared to support the Commission in what it has been doing,” the President said, adding: “It is not for me to overrule the Commission. The Commission is independent. It is not for anybody to give the Commission instructions as to when elections are to be held. Once the Commission says it is ready, I will announce a date, and I hope that date is as early as possible. So, the question of the ball being in the President’s court is not a credible position to take.” ENGINEERING CRISIS Commissioners Alexander, Trotman and Corbin are hoping that when the Commission meets again on Tuesday, Opposition Commissioners will not choose to walk out of the meeting as they had done twice recently.

“If we continue to have people leave the meeting, what, in fact, they’re doing is engineering what they’ve called a ‘crisis’,” Alexander said. “They’re stymieing the work of the body, and that can only engineer a crisis.” On the other hand, Commissioners Gunraj, Benn and Shadick are displeased that their 50-day timeframe proposal for new elections did not receive the expected attention, and that the “song about houseto-house registration is continually being sung,” which they believe will push elections into next year. “I’m of the firm opinion that if everything is conducted, and conducted in a proper manner, house-to-house registration cannot yield a proper outcome in the time contemplated, or suggested by the [GECOM] Secretariat,” Gunraj said. However, Commissioner Alexander assured him that he and his colleagues continue to push for new elections in 2019. “I have always advocated that for elections to be credible, it must have house-to-house. I’ve also urged the Secretariat to see how they can contract that exercise, so that we have elections in the year 2019,” Alexander said. He added that the shortest possible time in which GECOM can conduct credible elections will be a technical determination, but he senses that house-to-house registration can conclude around November 2019, while preparations for elections can be done simultaneously. The Commissioners say that they are prepared to return to the drawing board to facilitate progress towards new elections, even if the matter must once again come to a vote.

(From left to right) Commissioners Desmond Trotman, Charles Corbin and Vincent Alexander leaving the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Much room for progress

NOTHER International Women’s Day has been observed and celebrated around the world. There would have been symposia and rallies, where the more outspoken and radical voices, apart from continuing to draw attention to the still unfair and hazardous state of tens of millions of the world’s women in a male-dominated world, would have continued their demands for greater attention to alleviating same. National leaders and other groups, both government and non-governmental, would have pledged their continuous support to this seminal battle against gender discrimination that has become a global cause. In Guyana, there were no national rallies as in those other countries, but Guyanese women were honoured through a series of events as the country observed International Women’s Day. There would have been the usual statements, lauding and celebrating the achievements and status of Guyanese women over the decades. These very well-known personalities, some deceased, many retired after yeoman service to a variety of socio-economic political causes; and others, particularly of the present succeeding generation, do deserve their effusive compliments for their more than outstanding service to society. They have done their forbears proud. Of course, there would have also been the usual social side of the special occasion: Dinners and cocktails. From all these various instances of celebratory acknowledgement, in whatever form, and wherever held, there is undoubted recognition that so much more needs to be done for the women of this world. Efforts to promote gender equality have come a long way in gaining attention and catalysing change, but there is still a long way to go. Women are now a part of the workforce, but the #MeToo campaign showed that the workplace can be a breeding ground for inequality and violence against women. The movement for gender equality, the state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender, has indeed come a long way with its global message being heard in every corner, in every region of the world. No one can claim ignorance, for the social media has become its most efficient and powerful conveyor. Also, much has been achieved, in many of the world’s nations, with women continuing to rise to very prominent positions of State and

corporate bodies. The answer to change exists in the societal structures, of traditional prejudices, that are of human construct and influenced and are resistant to change, despite the realisation that women are just as competent and capable as their menfolk, and should be recognised as such. This untenable situation is not helped when, in former colonial societies especially, there exists in many quarters, a shocking attitude of unconcern, non-empathy. Since we reside in a society where social attitudes are easily discerned, It is not difficult to observe at times the look of disdain from those women who are better placed, towards the less fortunate; or opinions/views on the latter category of women regarding, for example, the issue of pregnancy and being abandoned by the male concerned, whether husband/companion; or the instance of domestic violence that has become a national scourge in the lives of many of the nation’s women. We should hasten to add that even reports of rape sometimes elicit rather surprising comments from some women. Why the indifference, one may ask? Is it because of a different social upbringing that ensured success, and therefore a better quality of circumstance, which would have greatly militated against such brutal experiences? There would always be differences in birth stations. It is a reality of life, which determines individual outcomes for all of us, especially women. And we should know that society often places the woman in an unfair category, where she is mostly criticised when she suffers misfortune/travail. Since domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment; and gender inequality in terms of employment opportunities and equal pay are common denominators among the general women population, wherever they may reside; and further, since these dark human attributes are in existence, irrespective of ethnicity or class, then there ought to be a realisation that all are involved. No woman, regardless of social standing can claim indifference or immunity from such injustices. There is need for common cause, between both categories of women in all societies where the aforementioned continue to be the greatest threat to gender equality and parity.

Let’s strive to strike that balance, guys I

Dear Editor

NTERNATIONAL Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a focal point in the movement for women’s rights the world over! After the Socialist Party of America organised a Women’s Day on February 28, 1909, in New York, the 1910 International Socialist Woman’s Conference suggested a Women’s Day be held annually. After women gained suffrage in Soviet Russia in 1917, March 8 became a national holiday there. The day was then predominantly celebrated by the socialist movement and communist countries until it was adopted in 1975 by the United Nations. Today, International Women’s Day is a public holiday in some countries, but largely ignored elsewhere. In some places, it is a day of protest; in others, it is a day that celebrates womanhood. The day is not without controversy, with some arguing that some women have adopted it for misandric purposes. The earliest Women’s Day observance, called “National Woman’s Day”, was held on February 28, 1909 in New York, organised by the Socialist Party of America at the suggestion of Theresa Malkiel. Though there have been claims that the day was commemorating a protest by women garment workers in New York on March 8, 1857, some researchers have described this as a myth. In August 1910, an International Socialist Women’s Conference was organised to precede the general meeting of the Socialist Second International in Copenhagen, Denmark. Inspired, in part, by the American socialists, German Socialist Luise Zietz proposed the establishment of an annual Women’s Day, and was seconded by fellow socialist and later communist leader Clara Zetkin, supported by Käte Duncker. Although no date was specified at that conference, women delegates from 17 countries agreed with the idea as a strategy to promote equal rights, including suffrage for women. The following

year, on March 19, 1911, International Women’s Day was marked for the first time by over a million people in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. In the Austro-Hungarian Empire alone, there were 300 demonstrations. In Vienna, women paraded on the Ringstrasse, and carried banners honouring the martyrs of the Paris Commune. Women demanded that they be given the right to vote and to hold public office. They also protested against employment sex discrimination. In 1913, Russian women observed their first International Women’s Day on the last Saturday in February . In 1914, International Women’s Day was held on March 8 in Germany, possibly because that day was a Sunday, and now it is always held on March 8 in all countries. The 1914 observance of the Day in Germany was dedicated to women’s right to vote, which German women did not win until 1918. In London, there was a march from Bow to Trafalgar Square in support of women’s suffrage on March 8, 1914. Sylvia Pankhurst was arrested in front of Charing Cross station on her way to speak in Trafalgar Square. On March 8, 1917, on the Gregorian calendar, in the capital of the Russian Empire, Petrograd, women textile workers began a demonstration, covering the whole city. This marked the beginning of the February Revolution, which alongside the October Revolution made up the Russian Revolution.Women in Saint Petersburg went on strike that day for “Bread and Peace” – demanding the end of World War I, an end to Russian food shortages, and the end of czarism. Leon Trotsky wrote, “23 February (8th March) was International Woman’s Day and meetings and actions were foreseen. But we did not imagine that this ‘Women’s Day’ would inaugurate the revolution. Revolutionary actions were foreseen but without date. But in the morning, despite the orders to the contrary, textile workers left their work in several factories and sent delegates to ask for support of

There cannot be the well-known position of indifference because “It’s not happening to me”. For even the men, who have been the biggest perpetrators of the traditional male chauvinist behaviour are beginning to finally wake up to the folly of their Stone Age view of women, with too few becoming vocal anti-domestic violence advocates, and representative voices for gender equality. UN Women’s work on engaging men and boys for gender equality is anchored in the belief that achieving gender equality is about transforming unequal power relations between men and women. This involves challenging notions of masculinity and traditional perceptions of manhood. It requires men to question power dynamics in their actions or their words at the personal, interpersonal and societal level, and to take responsibility for change. Men need to be engaged as gender advocates, speaking out as active agents and stakeholders who can transform social norms, behaviours and gender stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and inequality. From a set of four studies, Subra Tangirala, associate professor of management and organisation at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business has revealed that men often refrain from participating in, or speaking up about gender parity initiatives because they experience lowered levels of psychological standing than women; that is, they feel that it is not their place to engage with those initiatives. This explanation held even when other possible explanations, such as possible prejudicial attitude or sexism on the part of men, were taken into account. In many parts of the world, there is still much room for progress in realising women’s access to basic human rights such as education, safe and secure employment, and to own property, among others. These aspects require supportive policies by governments, but work is needed to ensure that gender-sensitive policies are implemented and effective at enabling positive change in women’s lived realities. The battle against all forms of discrimination against women can be given greater impetus, achieving greater results with all concerned joining hands and raising voices together. This is a movement for justice that must have the unqualified concern and support of every woman, every man - all citizens, every society.

--as Guyana joins in celebrating International Women’s Day the strike…which led to mass strike... all went out into the streets.” Seven days later, the Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II abdicated and the provisional government granted women the right to vote. Following the October Revolution, the Bolshevik Alexandra Kollontai and Vladimir Lenin made it an official holiday in the Soviet Union, but it was a working day until 1965. On May 8, 1965 by the decree of the USSR Presidium of the Supreme Soviet International Women’s Day was declared a non-working day in the USSR “in commemoration of the outstanding merits of Soviet women in communistic construction, in the defense of their Fatherland during the Great Patriotic War, in their heroism and selflessness at the front and in the rear, and also marking the great contribution of women to strengthening friendship between peoples, and the struggle for peace. But still, Women’s Day must be celebrated, as are other holidays.” From its official adoption in Soviet Russia following the Revolution in 1917, the holiday was predominantly celebrated in communist countries and by the communist movement worldwide. It was celebrated by the communists in China from 1922. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949 the State Council proclaimed on December 23 that March 8 would be made an official holiday with women in China given a half-day off. The United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day in the International Women’s Year, 1975. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women’s rights and world peace. In Guyana we trust that all men would continue to give and to share due respect to all women here! The theme for this year is: Balance Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

No truth to the HPV rumour Dear Editor,

LEASE permit me space in your letters column to highlight some misinformation being spread on social media about the HPV vaccine. Essentially, rumours are being circulated that the HPV vaccine is closed to expiration, hence the rush by the Government to have it administered to children when they do not need it. I do not know how true this is but I do believe that persons who are spreading this misinformation on social media should do the responsible thing and ensure that they have facts and not operate based on hearsay. As a result of this misinformation, many persons on social media are stating that their kids will not be having such a vaccine. A lady who was informed that the vaccine will soon be administered to students at my alma mater, Queens College, flatly said not to her daughter. Many may not have heard of the British doctor, Dr. Andrew Wakefield. He fabricated data that the MMR vaccine causes autism. As a result, many parents have stopped their children from having the vaccines. We now live with the consequences. A worldwide increase in the deadly measles virus infections. Dr. Wakefield was rightfully struck off the medical register for his reckless action. There is irrefutable evidence that the HPV virus is associated with cervical, anal and throat cancer. Cervical cancer is the most prevalent

of the three. Cervical cancer is the third most common gynaecologic cancer diagnosis and cause of death among gynaecologic cancers in the United States. There are around 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year; that’s nearly nint every day (2013-2015).There are around 870 cervical cancer deaths in the UK every year, that’s more than two every day (2014-2016). Unfortunately, in countries that do not have access to cervical cancer screening and prevention programmes, cervical cancer remains the second most common type of cancer (17.8 per 100,000 women) and cause of cancer deaths (9.8 per 100,000) among all types of cancer in women. The PAP smear was championed to reduced the incidence of the potentially deadly cervical cancer. It has been effective, but not as effective as doctors may wish. The fact is that many women were not having their regular PAP smear, hence the medical fraternity had to develop novel ways of addressing cervical cancer. Education played a critical role in increasing the uptake in PAP smear. In about 2006, the HPV vaccine was approved to reduce the development of HPV infection and transmission. The aim was to administer the vaccine before the patient becomes sexually active. This may vary for different countries and cultures, hence it is important that Government be aware of this. The fact is that various modelling studies that were undertaken have outlined the

potential benefits of the HPV vaccination, which appears to be cost-effective for the recommended age range. One study suggests that vaccination of the entire United States population of 12-yearold girls would annually prevent more than 200,000 HPV infections, 100,000 abnormal cervical cytology examinations, and 3300 cases of cervical cancer, if cervical cancer screening continues as currently recommended. In settings where there has been a high uptake of vaccine among females, there is also evidence of herd immunity among males of similar age, reflected by a reduction in genital warts. So when is the optimum age to administer HPV? No randomised controlled trials (RCT) have been undertaken to determine this. RCT is the gold-standard in the medical fraternity. In accordance with the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices (ACIP) in the United States, it is recommended that routine HPV vaccination be administered to all eligible females and males. The ACIP-recommended age ranges for vaccination are as follows: Female: HPV vaccine is recommended at 11 to 12 years. It can be administered starting at nine years of age, and catch-up vaccination is recommended for females aged 13 to 26 years who have not been previously vaccinated, or who have not completed the vaccine series. Males: HPV vaccine is recommended at 11 to 12 years. It can be administered, starting at nine years of age,

and catch-up vaccination is recommended for males aged 13 to 21 years who have not been previously vaccinated, or who have not completed the vaccine series. Among males 22 to 26 years old, catch-up HPV vaccination is recommended, if they are men who have sex with men or immunocompromised (including HIV-infected males). Otherwise, “permissive use” of HPV vaccination is recommended for this age range. Permissive use means that the vaccine is recommended but not considered to be of sufficient priority to include on routine vaccination schedules. The Department of Health in the UK recommends that the first dose of the HPV vaccine is routinely offered to girls aged 12 and 13. The second dose is normally offered 6 to 12 months after the first. Girls can have the HPV vaccination on the National Health Service up to their 18th birthday. Girls who start the HPV vaccination after the age of 15 will need 3 doses as they don’t respond as well to 2 doses as younger girls

do. For boys the first dose of the HPV vaccine will be offered routinely to boys aged 12 and 13 in the same way that it is currently offered to girls. Men who have sex with men (MSM) do not benefit in the same way from the girls’ programme so may be left unprotected from HPV. From April 2018, MSM up to and including the age of 45 became eligible for free HPV vaccination on the NHS when they visit sexual health clinics and HIV clinics in England. What is obvious is that the schedule is different for America and the UK which may be because of different demographics. Also it is only a little under a year ago that the UK started administering the HPV vaccines to boys. The argument being articulated on social media, by persons who are non-medical, is that booster HPV vaccines are being administered to students at Lochaber Primary when it should be administered in secondary. It is their argument that the vaccination

programme was brought forward since the HPV vaccine in Guyana is closed to being expired. I do not know the facts and would not speculate but I do believe that it is dangerous to spread such misinformation on social media without concrete evidence since the consequences can be deadly. As I outlined earlier, the HPV vaccine schedule is different for America and the UK. The vaccination schedule was not determined by the gold standard RCT. It may very well be that the government has a good reason for the schedule being used in Guyana. I would humbly ask that the Health Ministry address this urgently before the misinformation on social medial becomes fact. Regards Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

Misadministration of drugs blamed for deaths of children –– GPHC report says By Vishani Ragobeer

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday said that the deaths of three children at the institution recently were caused by the misadministration of a drug given as part of the chemotherapy treatment. Seven-year-old Curwayne Edwards succumbed on January 14; Roshani Seegobin, three, died on January 18 and Sharezer Mendonca, six, passed away on January 24. The trio succumbed after re-

ceiving treatment for leukemia, a form of cancer. After the first two deaths, the GPHC confirmed that an investigation had been launched. On Friday, Chairman of the Board of Directors for GPHC, Dr. Kesaundra Alves shared with members of the media the findings of the completed investigation, submitted by the Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey on January 28. “These patients were treated by the same team of medical doctors and were

all administered the drugs vincristine and methotrexate [drugs given as part of the chemotherapy treatment],” Dr. Alves said. “That report concluded that human deficiencies and systemic challenges contributed to the demise of the three infants.” “When I say human deficiencies, I simply mean that when you’re going to treat a patient there are protocols that you need to follow, there are roadmaps that you need to follow when you are going to administer any form of medical attention to a patient and what happened [was] that these roadmaps and protocols were not

Chairman of the Board of Directors for GPHC, Dr. Kesaundra Alves [third left]; Deputy CMO, Dr. Karen Gordon- Campbell [second left]; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis [third right]; Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Fawcett Jeffrey [second right] alongside other staff of the GPHC followed exactly as they should be and that’s the reason why we ended up with the complication,” Dr. Jeffrey, who was present at the engagement, explained. As shared by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, earlier, the Ministry of Public Health would conduct its own independent investigation. According to Alves, the final report for this investigation was submitted to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Shamdeo Persaud, on February 28. “That final report concluded that the GPHC protocols for the delivery of chemotherapy to infants were not adhered to and recommended a number of measures to strengthen the system and prevent a recurrence,” Alves said. The ministry’s investigation was led by Deputy CMO, Dr. Karen Gordon-Campbell, who indicated that the report done by the ministry yielded similar findings to the one done by the GPHC, i.e., that the misadministration of the drugs coupled with the lack of supervision were to be blamed for the deaths. “It wasn’t a question of the dosage; the administration – in terms of where it was administered – was done incorrectly,” the deputy CMO said. In fact, she disclosed: “One drug [Vincristine] was administered intrathecally [injected to the spine] when it should have been administered intravenously [or injected into the veins].” Additionally, it was discovered that the medication was also administered incorrectly, without the supervision of a senior doctor. “The scenario that we were able to put together was lack of staffing and the few persons who were available were stretching themselves between clinic, accident and emergency, ward rounds

and the administration of the chemotherapy, led to the administration of the chemotherapy being done without the senior person being present at all times,” Dr. Gordon- Campbell explained. Alves explained that during the investigation, the medical practitioners directly involved in the incident were relieved of their duties, and then on January 29, were sent on administrative leave. These practitioners remain on administrative leave, since according to Alves, that is the extent to which the GPHC can act now. The reports will now be presented to the hospital’s board, which will then have to determine the way forward. “The GPHC will shortly commence the process of initiating action following the findings of the two reports.” She noted however that further disciplinary action, i.e. revoking the practitioners’ licences, would have to be taken by the Guyana Medical council. And in fact, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Brigadier (ret’d) George Lewis, indicated that the council has already requested the report of the investigation. BETTER SYSTEMS The shortage of staff that contributed to the death of the children is a challenge which Lewis has acknowledged. Cognisant of the staffing deficiencies, Lewis shared that the hospital opened up application for paediatricians to join the staff and subsequently two persons were hired. Besides, he shared that GPHC is working in conjunction with the MoPH to ensure that the hospital’s facilities and resources are bolstered. Towards that

end, an evaluation is currently being done by the local PAHO office to help identify additional deficiencies in the hospital’s human capacity. “The review [from PAHO] is not for the paediatric oncology department, but it’s for oncology in general and hopefully at the end of the process we will be better equipped, better prepared and be able to provide better healthcare,” Lewis said. COMPENSATION When questioned about compensation for the families who lost their loved ones, Lewis also indicated that presently “all options are on the table” but that is also something that the hospital’s board would need to discuss. So far however, the hospital has not been met with any legal action brought by the families of the deceased. However, the family of young Mendonca has requested, through their lawyers, to have the medical reports for the girl. Lewis indicated that the lawyer was advised that those medical reports would only be provided when the investigation was concluded and said that the hospital spoke with this family and committed to sharing the reports. He also indicated that the hospital has formally informed the families of the findings of the investigation. “The MoPH, the board of directors, administration and staff of the GPHC deeply regret and formally apologise for this incident which resulted in [the] passing of young Curwayne, Roshnie and Shareezer,” Alves said. “The GPHC commits to continuously striving to improve our ability to deliver quality healthcare.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

Gov’t to construct offices for new Pomeroon NDCs

MINISTER of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, on Friday announced that three new buildings will be constructed for the recently formed Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in the Pomeroon Supenaam Region. Minister Bulkan, along with a team from the Region Two Administration, visited the Pomeroon area where the sites have been

identified for the construction of the new NDC buildings. The NDC offices will be located at Nile Cozier, Kitty/Providence and Moruca/Phoenix. These NDCs were established for the recently concluded Local Government Elections. Mr Narad Persaud was elected as Chairman of the Nile/ Coizer NDC, while Dexter Cameron was elected as

Chairman of Kitty/Providence NDC and Mr Sheldon English for the Moruca/ Phoenix NDC. Speaking to the newly-elected chairmen and councillors, Minister Bulkan spoke on the importance of the local democratic councils and the roles of elected members. He also spoke on the promise of regular local government elections and the laws gov-

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan poses with newly-elected chairman and councillors of the NDCs in the Pomeroon areas

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and some of the children and residents of the Pomeroon areas

erning the local governance. During his address, he acknowledged that the local government system has a lot of flaws; however, he said that those elected officers need to deliver the services to the communities by way of reaching out. “You all need to do more, go out into the communities, devote your time, give the people your atten-

tion, they are the ones that have confidence in you,” Minister Bulkan said. He said it is the responsibility of those elected to ensure that their communities are represented in all sectors. He therefore urged the councillors and chairmen to engage the people and to represent their interest. Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikaran, pledged the regional

administration’s support to newly-elected NDC officers. He said that the administration will provide supervision for the construction of the new NDC buildings, staffing and training of the officials. During the minister’s visit, he also interacted with residents from the Pomeroon areas where many concerns were raised.

Ex-cop on nine counts of fraud

A former police sergeant of the Guyana’s Police Force was, yesterday (Friday, March 8, 2019) arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lennan, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on nine counts of fraud. He was not required to plead to the indictable charges. The charges alleged that Tamesh Dhanraj, 35, of Lot 371 Hampton Court, Essequibo, with intent to de-fraud the Guyana Police Force by means of falsely pretending to conduct official duties for the force, took over $300,000 between the period September 15, 2017 to May 4, 2018 knowing same to be false. Dhanraj was, at the time, the Finance Officer at the Anna Regina Police Station. According to Police Prosecutor, Neville Jeffers, around August 2018, Dhanraj was allegedly in charge of the finance office when an audit was conducted. This

led to the uncovering of the alleged fraud. Dhanraj was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Latchmie Rahamat who made an application for a reasonable bail. She noted that, prior to her client being arrested, he cooperated with the police to undergo investigations and denied the allegations made against him. The prosecutor objected to bail being granted on the grounds that, during the investigation, the accused had left Guyana without informing the relevant authorities. The defendant was, at the time, still an employee of the Guyana Police Force. On January, 26 of this year he was dismissed. The prosecutor further noted that, based on information received, when Dhanraj returned to Guyana he was arrested. Dhanraj was granted bail in the sum of $25,000 on each charge. The matter was ad-

journed to March 13, 2019 at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court.

The Anna Regina Police Station

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

MoPI in campaign to tackle reckless use of roads by machine operators

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be sensitising owners and operators of heavy-duty machinery about the damage they sometimes cause to public roads, and the dangers posed to life and limb when they leave their equipment

the matter. The meeting was as a result of several failed attempts over the years to curb the situation involving operators with heavy-duty machinery. Among representatives of the MoPI at the meeting were Messrs Patrick Thompson, Chief Transport Planning Officer;

During the meeting between MoPI representatives and members of the GPF unattended on the roadways. In a release on Friday, the ministry said that a delegation met with Police Commissioner Leslie James and Traffic Officer, Senior Superintendent Linden Isles last Tuesday to discuss a plan of action to address

Kester Hinds, Traffic/Safety/Maintenance Manager; Andrew Weekes, Public Communications Officer; and Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, Coordinator of the National Taskforce Commission. On the advice of Commissioner James

that while the Force can arrest and prosecute those who fail to adhere to Chapter 51:01 of the Road Act of the Laws of Guyana, careful consideration should be taken in addressing the matter, a public relations campaign will be in effect from March 8 to September 9, 2019 to educate farmers and owners of heavy-duty machinery about the lethal dangers of leaving their equipment on the roadways during the day and nights. The campaign will make use of both the print and electronic media in the dissemination of Public Service Announcements (PSAs). Sensitisation meetings will also be conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Farmers Association of Guyana, and the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA), while Town Hall-type meetings will be held in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five(Mahaica-Berbice)and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). “Permission has been granted by Com-

missioner James for MoPI to meet with commanders of the divisions within the aforementioned regions to educate them about the dangers to life and limb and the need for their support to discourage farmers and owners of heavy-duty machinery from damaging public roads,” the release said. It was also decided that importers of heavy-duty machinery must provide their clients with toolkits so as to allow them to attach safety mechanisms such as tyres to the wheels of their machines to prevent them from damging the roads. The ministry said that by the end of the campaign, those operators found culpable will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law according to Chapter 51:01 of the Road Act law. “This timeline will not overlook farmers and owners of heavy-duty machinery who are found blatantly destroying public roads with their heavy-duty equipment between the periods,” the MoPI said in its release.

Courts Optical launches ‘Brighter View’ Campaign ––246 free spectacles to be distributed

Officials of Courts sharing a moment with the students who received glasses (Adrian Narine photo) COURTS Optical Guyana has launched another corporate initiative, the Courts Optical Brighter View Programme. Courts Optical, which is only four years old, has made a commitment to transform eye care in Guyana and also help those in need in our communities. Courts Optical currently offers free comprehensive eye examinations and has also partnered with Courts for a corporate initiative which allows two optometry students at the University of Guyana to win scholarships each year. Courts said it is with the desire to provide an even greater social impact that the Brighter View Programme was established. Through this programme, Courts

Optical will be doing free eye testing at several schools and orphanages across Guyana in order to donate 246 free pairs of spectacles to the students or teachers who may be in need. Courts Optical will be working with the schools to identify the individuals who are most in need and consent forms will be sent to the parents of the students for approval for eye testing and prescribing of the new glasses. This is only the beginning of a campaign which they hope will be very successful and will be able to grow in the future. Students of St Roses High School and St. Mary’s Secondary School were the first to receive glasses from courts.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

APA to change name to ‘Association of Padawong Amuk’

THE Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has voted to change its name. It elected a new executive council and adopted several resolutions for the improvement of the lives of indigenous peoples. The decisions were taken at the conclusion of the body’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) which took place from March 4-6, 2019 at Camp Kayuka, on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. The AGM also saw the presentation of annual reports, including financial statements from May 2016 to February 2019. According to a release, the new elected members of the Executive are: President: Benson Thomas of Kamarang, Region 7; Vice-President: Sherry Ann Balkaran of Paramakatoi, Region 8; Secretary: Earl Thomas of Wakapoa, Region 2; Treasurer: Eugenia Rahaman of Kwebanna, Region 1; Assistant Secretary-Treasurer: Junisha Johnny of St. Ignatius, Region 9; Youth Representative: Sherwayne Crammer of Kamarang, Region 7 and Women Representative: Melrose Henry of Capoey, Region 2. Meanwhile, some of the resolutions adopted will see the APA continuing to advocate for the respect and protection of indigenous rights and for a resolution to long standing land issues affecting, in

particular, the Patamona people and the Kaieteur National Park issues. The APA also agreed that it would continue to urge the government to adhere to the principles of “free, prior and informed consent” in all policies and programmes which may affect indigenous communities. The body wants to see, too, that a specific timeframe is set for the revision of the Amerindian Act which is currently on-going. That the government puts in place an independent mechanism to ensure indigenous peoples, especially those in Barima Waini, are protected from the consequences of oil and gas extractive activities was also an adopted resolution. Meanwhile, the APA agreed to change its organisation’s name to the “Association of Padawong Amuk” which means “the owners of the land”. According to the release, the name change can only take effect when such changes are registered with the relevant authority and, for now, the present ‘APA’ reference can still be used. “The name change has been an item at the top of the APA agenda for quite some time now, and we are delighted that it was finally passed by this Assembly,” the release said. The AGM was attended by some 130 members and observers who travelled from Regions 1, 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9.

Commonwealth Day to be celebrated around the globe CELEBRATIONS and events will be held across the world on Monday March 11 to mark Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth Secretariat said in a release. The day will feature everything from street parties to church services, from democracy debates to fashion shows, as 2.4 billion people in 53 Commonwealth countries celebrate the history and values that bind them together. This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the modern Commonwealth. In the 1949 London Declaration, leaders agreed that Commonwealth countries are “free and equal members of the Commonwealth of Nations, freely co-operating in the pursuit of peace, liberty and progress”. This year’s event is centred on the theme: ‘A Connected Commonwealth’, highlighting how friendship, goodwill and collaboration among the Commonwealth’s culturally diverse members can be harnessed to tackle some of the planet’s biggest challenges, such as protecting natural resources and the environment. Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth, has released a message to mark the occasion in which she says Commonwealth citizens can “look to the future with greater confidence and optimism as a result of the links that we share.” She goes on to say: “With enduring commitment through times of great change, successive generations have demonstrated that whilst the goodwill for

which the Commonwealth is renowned may be intangible, its impact is very real.” The Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, will join Secretary-General Patricia Scotland at Westminster Abbey for a multi-faith service to celebrate the day. It will include performances by the Grammy-winning British group, Clean Bandit and tenor, Alfie Boe. Endurance swimmer and ocean advocate, Lewis Pugh will also speak at the London event. The service will be broadcast live on BBC radio and television. In her message the secretary-general said the “dynamism and inclusiveness” of Commonwealth countries adds to the “rich and continuing narrative of Commonwealth connection”. She highlighted the Commonwealth Blue Charter, through which member countries work together to safeguard the ocean, as a great example of successful collaboration. Commonwealth Day has been celebrated across the Commonwealth every year since the 1970s. In recent years, there has been a shift away from celebrating a single day towards celebrating a full week, with Commonwealth Day at its focus and first day. The aim is to celebrate the unity, diversity and links of the modern Commonwealth and to foster greater understanding of the Commonwealth’s achievements and role. On Wednesday, 13 March, the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work will be awarded to young people from each of the Commonwealth’s Regions.

The new Core Executive of the APA from left are: Junisha Johnson, Benson Thomas, Eugenia Rahaman, Earl Thomas and Sherry Ann Balkaran.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

Immigration order for Haitians in keeping with Guyana’s obligations under CSME

MINISTER of Citizenship, Winston Felix, has condemned outright, the misinformation being peddled in the public domain, particularly on social media, labelling the Immigration Order for Haitians as an “election-rigging” mechanism. He said these allegations are “wicked and unfounded and are intended to mislead, as well as create the inaccurate impression that Haitians are being treated differently from other foreign nationals coming to Guyana”. The minister reminded that this Immigration

Order is in keeping with a unanimous decision that was taken by CARICOM Heads of Government at their 39th Summit in Jamaica in July 2018, to allow Haitians an automatic six-month stay in all CARICOM Member States. “This arrangement is not confined to Guyana, it is being implemented by all signatories to the CSME [Caribbean Single Market and Economy] …Haitians are members of the Caribbean Community and we have to treat them as such,” he said. Responding directly to claims that this

order is being used by the government to “pad the voters’ list”, Minister Felix explained that Haitians arriving in Guyana are not granted any form of citizenship; instead, they have to qualify by their residency status. As such, the impression that the government is handing out citizenship to Haitians upon arrival so that they can be registered as voters is false and without merit. “This is a deliberate attempt to spread misinformation about a legitimate agreement being executed by the Government of Guyana as a member

of CARICOM… Guyana is an open country, we have immigration laws and our immigration laws are used to deal with all persons arriving from different nations,” the minister affirmed. Moreover, towards the end of 2018, neighbouring Suriname made the necessary adjustments to its immigration protocols regarding Haitians, so they no longer have to travel through Guyana get to Suriname, French Guiana and other jurisdictions. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

Robotics in primary schools close to reality

–– as senior officials benefit from demonstration THE Ministry of Education (MoE) has begun engaging possible partners to execute its initiative of introducing robotics in primary schools across Guyana, set for rollout later this year. According to a release from the ministry, one US company and potential supplier, A+ Technology and Security, met with senior officials of the Ministry of Education on March 6. The President of the company, David Antar, facilitated a demonstration on the use of robotics in the smart classroom of the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD). The MoE’s release stated that this demonstration was witnessed by Minister of Education, Dr Nicolette Henry; Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson; Permanent Secretary, Adele Clarke and other senior officials. During this demonstration, the officials were introduced to drone blocks and different aspects of robotics. “Antar commended the MoE for the direction in which Guyana’s education system is going and opined that with the introduction of robotics, the education sector can only get better while modernising and producing critical thinkers,” the release noted. Furthermore, it was related that while proffering his professional opinion on the introduction of robotics in schools, Antar highlighted that he has seen just how this technology has transformed the lives of children living in difficult neighbourhoods in the United States of America. He reportedly said that the introduction of robotics in the primary schools will serve as a stimulant for children at a young

President of A+Technology and Security, David Antar age, since this technology gets them excited and involved, and the introduction of robotics will give children hands-on experience in putting the robots together and programming them to execute different functions. This, he said, functions to capture their attention in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. The man also shared that the introduction of this technology to the education system will widen the human resources pool of the country, and asserted that it will have a positive developmental impact for Guyana in the context of the country’s emerging oil and gas sector. “Notwithstanding the foregoing, Antar said the most important aspect of this exercise is to ensure that there are adequate training and professional development for teachers to be able to properly teach this new area,” the release noted further. It also highlighted: “The IT specialist was adamant that although this is a new frontier for Guyana, grasping a good understanding of the technology will not be difficult and

Guyana can be a model for other countries in the Region.” He explained that the MoE will have to train teachers from across the country who will then serve as “Turn Key” trainers of other teachers to teach robotics. “When robotics is introduced in primary schools later this year, it will make Guyana the only country in the Caribbean to do so,” the MoE said.

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry and other senior education officials at the robotics demonstration at NCERD

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Women honoured for their ste I

N observance of International Women’s Day, the Ministry of Social Protection on Friday awarded several women for their sterling contributions to society. The event was held at the National Cultural Centre and was attend by government ministers; First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger; Acting Chancellor of Judiciary, Yonette Cummings and several other dignitaries. The evening was one of celebration and the promotion of gender balance. In her remarks to the attendees, Mrs Granger spoke about the fundamental rights and freedom

The Jewan Ka Nitra dancers performing a cultural piece

of an individual as enshrined in the Constitution. “Every person in Guyana is entitled to the basic right of a happy, creative and productive life, free from hunger, ignorance and want. The right includes the fundamental right of freedom of an individual,” the Constitution says. In keeping with the 2019 theme ‘Balance For Better’, and referring to the above mentioned excerpt from the Constitution, the First Lady said that “we must demand gender parity, and achieve gender equality to empower all women and girls. We must see the active implementation of legislations on issues that affect their lives, and we must recognise that focus have been made in several areas.” The First Lady said there needs to be more women in fields such as engineering and agriculture. She said equal avenues of training must be made available for both men and women, especially in non-traditional sectors. “It is in this regard that our education sector ought to be in the forefront of the kind of reform that recognises the skills required for employment in the twenty-first century … It is imperative that our girl children be encouraged from the earliest age, to become actively involved in STEM and robotics and be on the cutting edge of information and communication technology,” the First Lady said. Similarly, Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally said, “Government has

encouraged and continues to invest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education as an important and critical pillar of development, especially in the light of Guyana’s ‘green’ state development strategy”. Minister Ally opined that there is need for a collective approach to advance gender parity in Guyana. “Today I call upon all, to let us synergise our efforts and work together, because despite elaboration and extensive work undertaken by both government and civil society organisations in terms of legislation, institutional frameworks, lobbying by feminists, and massive investments to raise awareness on women’s human rights, there are still huge deficits in the actual enjoyment of women’s social, economic and political rights,” she said. The Ministry of Social Protection, she said, continues to play a vital role in facilitating the economic empowerment of women through the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SLED) and The Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute. United Nations (UN) Resident Representative, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, said internationally, recent studies show that while the gender balance is fairly equal at the lower levels of employment, as women climb the ladder disparity exists. “Women’s representation declines higher up the ladder, their chances of rising to leadership positions

A section of the audience enjoying the cultural presentations

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

erling contributions to society are only 28 per cent and the gender pay gap stands at 23 per cent globally,” Ms. Tanaka said. She added however, that while women representation in parliament averages 23.7 per cent globally, it’s 32 per cent in Guyana. Meanwhile, eleven wom-

en from the Disciplined Services and social sector ministries were presented with awards which were distributed in the “Young Woman of Influence” and “Trail Blazing Woman of Influence” categories. The recipients of the “Young Woman of Influence

Award” are Ms. Jewel Sullivan, Deputy Superintendent (Guyana Police Force); Ms. Towana Wilson, Senior Statistician and IT Consultant (Guyana Prison Service); Ms. Melissa David, Section Leader (Guyana Fire Service); Ms. Michelle Smith,

The Disciplined Services awardees

Secretary (Ministry of Public Health) and Ms. Tanisha Williams-Corbin, Coordinator, Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit (Ministry of Social Protection). While the recipients of the “Trail Blazing Woman

of Influence Award” are Ms. Maxine Graham, DSM, Deputy Commissioner; Ms. Olivia Cox, Superintendent of Prisons, Ms. Jacqueline Green, Deputy Chief Fire Officer; Ms. Ruschelle Williams, Senior Personnel

Officer (Ministry of Public Health); Ms. Samantha Williams, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Nursery) and Ms. Karen Vansluytman- Corbin, Assistant Chief Labour Officer (Ag). (Ministry of Social Protection)

(Centre) First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally with the awardees and other officials

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

Darwin Initiative Project researchers lauded at special reception ––Traditional Knowledge Action Plan to be created By Paul Mc Adam

THE efforts of Country Coordinator Deirdre Jafferally, Senior Community Researcher Rebecca Xavier, Environmental Protection Agency’s Policy and Technical Coordinator

Sean Mendonca, researchers Bernice Robertson, Brace Albert, Lakeram Haynes and Interns Ena George and Betsy Alvin were lauded, on the evening of March 6, by British High Commissioner Greg Quinn.

The high commissioner, host of a cocktail reception at his Bel Air Gardens residence, said the event which followed the launch of this, the latest Darwin Initiative 18 months ago, was a welcome of sorts for the dedicated researchers.

High Commissioner Quinn explained that projects addresses threats to biodiversity such as over exploitation; invasive species; habitat degradation and loss; climate change mitigation and adaptation; and pollution. He quoted Golfer Country Coordinator Deirdre Jafferally presenting a copy of “33 Amerindian Tales from the North Rupununi Savannah” to UK High Commissioner Greg Quinn at a reception for the researchers of the latest Darwin Initiative Project. Jack Nicklaus’s reference in protected areas such as to the environment, “I think the Kanuku, Iwokrama and our job is to try and take the Masakanari areas according environment, take what the to Deputy Commissioner Good Lord has given us and Odacy Davis. She also emexpand upon it or enhance it, phasised the importance of without destroying it.” The the TKNAP and its role in British high commissioner shaping sustainable conserwas later presented with a vation efforts. copy of “33 Amerindian Delivering closing reTales from the North Ru- marks on behalf of Minister pununi Savannah” - a soon- of Indigenous Peoples’ Afto-be-published book, edited fairs, Sydney Allicock, was by Geraud de Ville Goyet. North Rupununi District DeCountry Coordinator velopment Board (NRDDB) Jafferally, via a PowerPoint executive Michael Williams. presentation, explained that He welcomed the efforts of the project was aimed at “In- the research team to pretegrating traditional knowl- serve the Indigenous Peoedge into national policy”. ples’ traditions and practices She noted that researchers and expressed the hope that were engaged in 65 com- his community, the North munities across the five Rupununi Wetlands, could protected areas and trained also be declared a protected Indigenous residents on the area prior to him, ‘closing use of computer tablets, to his eyes’. interview community elders The Darwin Initiative and leaders about traditional funds projects that help and cultural practices. These, countries rich in biodiversity Jafferally said, are being but with limited financial recompiled and shared with sources, to commit to objecother stakeholders includ- tives under one or more bioing “coastlander” officials. diversity conventions. These “They will form the bedrock include The Convention of of national policies, to shape Biological Diversity, The Guyana’s conservation mea- Convention on International sures.” She was assisted by Trade in Endangered Species Xavier and Mendonca, and of Wild Flora and Fauna, The further explained that the Nagoya Protocol on Access information gathered, along and Benefit Sharing and the with widespread consulta- International Treaty of Plant tions in hinterland commu- Genetic Resources for Food nities, will be used to create and Agriculture. a Traditional Knowledge The initiative, launched Action Plan (TKNAP). by the UK Government in The current project, fund- 1992 at the Rio Summit, is ed at a cost of $114,669,000 funded by the UK Departmillion dollars, began in July ment for the Environment, 2017 and ends in March 2020 Food and Rural Affairs, the and, according to Jafferally, Department for International more funding would be wel- Development and the Forcomed due to the evolving eign and Commonwealth expenses which often occur. Office. The Darwin Initiative Since the Darwin Iniresearchers have also been tiative’s launch, 1,123 working closely with the projects were completed Protected Areas Commission in 159 countries at a cost of as part of the agency’s man- $42.1B. Guyana has benedate to protect, manage and fited from eight projects at expand bio-diversity systems a cost of $385M thus far.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, March 9, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Chelsea astonished after request denied (BBC) - CHELSEA say they are “astonished” after their request to freeze a transfer ban while they appeal was denied. The Blues have been banned from registering new players until January 2020 for breaking rules over the signing of foreign Under-18 players. The Premier League club deny any wrongdoing and have appealed against the decision. But FIFA says it has denied measures which would see the transfer ban frozen during the appeal process. Chelsea were charged after FIFA said it found breaches in 29 cases of 92 investigated, including that of striker Bertrand Traore, now at Lyon. The Blues have also been fined £460 000, while the Football Association has been fined £390 000. In previous cases, involving Spanish clubs, FIFA has relaxed the measures so transfer bans were not enforced during the appeal

process. “Chelsea Football Club is astonished by the FIFA appeal committee’s decision not to suspend its sanction pending completion of the appeal

has been imposed by FIFA, a decision has also been made to suspend the sanction until the appeal process has been completed. “In this case, Chelsea

The ban, which covers two transfer windows, does not prevent the release of players and will not apply to the club’s women’s and futsal teams.

Bertrand Traore scored four goals in 16 first-team appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.

process”, read a statement. “So far as the club is aware, in all previous cases where a registration ban

considers that it is being treated inconsistently in comparison with other European clubs.”

WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND? It was first reported in Sep-

tember 2017 that Chelsea were being investigated. Based on documents from Football Leaks, French website Mediapart claimed in November 2018 that 19 Chelsea signings had been looked at during a three-year investigation and that 14 of those signings were of players under the age of 18. Burkina Faso international Traore signed his first professional contract at Chelsea in 2013, at the age of 18, but was not registered until January 2014. That deal, it is alleged by Mediapart, was for four and a half years, despite the limit for Under-18s being three years. In addition, it is claimed Chelsea paid for Traore to attend the £20 000-a-year Whitgift School in Surrey. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid both received bans for breaching rules over the signing of minors in early 2016, and fellow Spanish club Barcelona were given a 14-month ban after breaking rules for signing internation-

al Under-18s in 2014. However, a Barcelona appeal saw their punishment pushed back a year, allowing the club to sign Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Jeremy Mathieu, Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen. WHAT ARE FIFA’S RULES? FIFA bans the transfer of Under-18s to different countries unless they meet strict criteria. It brought in the rules to help protect children from exploitation and trafficking. Under-18s can only be transferred abroad if: The player’s parents move to the country in which the new club is located for non-footballing reasons. Both clubs are in the European Union or European Economic Area and the player is aged between 16 and 18. Even then, the buying club must meet more criteria relating to education, training, living conditions and support. They live within 100km of the club.

← Windies bundled ... Kean brace powers ger end for a second run out cheaply too with Eoin the fleet-footed Bill- Morgan holding the catch Juventus past Udinese with ings as Fabian Allen threw despite colliding heavily FROM PAGE 30

(BBC) - TEENAGER Moise Kean scored twice as a weakened Juventus beat Udinese to go 19 points clear at the top of Serie A. Cristiano Ronaldo was an unused substitute with Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Atletico Madrid, who won the last-16 first leg 2-0, in mind. Kean slid home to turn home Alex Sandro’s cross and toe-poked home a second after a good run into the box. He then won a penalty, which Emre Can scored, with Blaise Matuidi heading in before a Kevin Lasagna consolation. It was a seventh Serie A goal for 19-year-old Kean,

who has won one Italy cap. He scored on his only other league start for Juve, back in 2017, and had a loan spell with Verona last season. This was the first time Ronaldo has been rested for a Juventus game all season. Juventus, who have won all seven Serie A titles since moving to the Allianz Stadium in 2011, are 19 points clear of second-placed Napoli, who visit Sassuolo tomorrow. Udinese handed a debut to England Under-20 midfielder Ben Wilmot, a January loan signing from Watford - although he was replaced at halftime.

Moise Kean has scored in each of his two Serie A starts for Juventus - previously netting against Bologna on May 27, 2017.

the ball in to wicketkeeper Shai Hope, the rescue mission fell to Billings and he chose to accept it willingly. Billings racked up 17 runs off one Sheldon Cottrell over, including a six to bring up his 50. Carlos Brathwaite had been economical through his first three overs, claiming 1 for 11, but he conceded 22 off his last over, including three fours to Billings and a six to David Willey. The pair put on a 68-run stand for the sixth wicket, before Billings was dismissed on the last ball of the innings, but not before he had scored 22 off the over, bowled by McCoy. Billings was dropped by Shimron Hetmyer on the third ball of the over then he picked up six, thanks to a fumble by Brathwaite who was trying to palm the ball back into play. Billings punished the next one for four before attempting another big hit and edging to the keeper. By then, he had led England to a respectable total, especially given their early position. Willey, who had questioned the noise around Jofra Archer’s World Cup prospects in the lead-up to the match, continued to press his own claims for a berth when he snared the wicket of Chris Gayle for just 5, caught simply by Root at mid-on. Willey had West Indies’ other opener, Hope,

with Tom Curran as he took the ball. Then Jordan went on the rampage, bowling some superb lines and excellent pace. He claimed the wickets of Darren Bravo, one of only two West Indies batsmen to reach double figures, and Jason Holder with consecutive balls. He then dismissed Nicholas Pooran, caught behind off a ball with a little extra bounce, and, four balls later, Allen, who was beaten for pace and bounce, guided the ball to Root at slip. The damage done, Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett chipped in with two wickets apiece, the latter removing Hetmyer when Willey juggled a catch at square leg. West Indies had won the toss and sent England in on a pitch that was expected to improve as the match went on. Unfortunately for them, they were not in long enough for that to play out, as England sealed their largest T20I victory inside 12 overs. Having already opted to give McCoy his debut and rest Oshane Thomas, West Indies were forced to make a late change when Ashley Nurse injured his finger in catching practice before the match. Devendra Bishoo replaced him in the side and Nurse was due to have scans to determine the extent of the damage.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Khawaja, bowlers steer Aussies to win

(REUTERS) - USMAN Khawaja hit his maiden ODI hundred as Australia clinched the third one-day international against India by 32 runs in Ranchi yesterday to stay afloat in the five-match series. Australia skipper Aaron Finch also returned to form with a breezy 93, to help power them to a command-

ing 313-5 in their do-or-die contest before Indian run-machine Virat Kohli added one more century to his burgeoning collection in reply. India, who won the first two matches, lost three early wickets but Kohli smashed a magnificent 123 to briefly rekindle local hopes before the hosts were bowled out for 281 in 48.2 overs.

Earlier, Finch walked out hoping to end a dip in form having gone without a fifty in his last nine ODI innings after counterpart Kohli won the toss and elected to field. Finch clobbered Kedar Jadhav for a six and followed it with a boundary to bring up his fifty and celebrated by sending the next delivery from the part-time spinner

over the ropes for the second of his three sixes. The century, however, did not materialise and Kuldeep Yadav (3-64) trapped him leg-before.

met off and looking upwards in a muted celebration. Mohammed Shami eventually dismissed Khawaja, whose 104 will boost his claims for a place in Austra-

Usman Khawaja celebrates his maiden ODI century. (Getty Images)

Khawaja, spilled at backward point by Shikhar Dhawan early in his innings, could not be denied his maiden ODI century. Having raised 193 with Finch, Khawaja took a single off Ravindra Jadeja to bring up his century, taking his hel-

lia’s World Cup squad. A promoted Glenn Maxwell smashed three sixes in his busy 47 before Australia, cruising at 244 for two in 40 overs, suffered a mini-collapse even though the 300mark was never in doubt. Pat Cummins and Jhye

Richardson rocked India’s chase early, reducing them to 27-3 in the seventh over, leaving Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni with a mountain to climb. Dhoni departed for 26 in what many feel could be the 37-year-old’s last knock in his home city but Kohli never looked in trouble. The only blemish in Kohli’s knock was when Alex Carey dropped him with the batsman two short of his second successive century and 41st in ODIs. Zampa pegged back Kohli’s leg stump to cut short a stellar knock and India’s lower order failed to get them over the line. India will carry a 2-1 lead into tomorrow’s fourth match in Mohali. Kohli and his team mates wore army camouflage-style caps in solidarity with Indian paramilitary police killed in a militant attack by a Pakistan-based group in an unusually strong display of patriotic fervour in sport.

U.S. women’s team ...

FROM PAGE 29

women’s football worldwide. The players are also seeking class-action status that would allow any women who played for the team since February 2015 to join the case.

In 2017, the U.S. women’s national hockey team threatened to boycott that year’s world championship but returned to the ice after settling a dispute with USA

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pensation and working conditions but that more work needs to be done. “This lawsuit is an effort by the plaintiffs to address those serious issues through the exer-

The USA team pose in jerseys honouring inspirational women, from back row, left: Rose Levelle, (J. K. Rowling) Tobin Heath (Doris Burke), Abby Dahlkemper (Jennifer Lawrence), Alex Morgan (Abby Wambach), Kelley O’Hara (HOA - Heather O’Reilly), Megan Rapinoe (Audre Lorde), Adrianna French (Briana Scurry), Julie Ertz (Carrie Underwood), Mallory Pugh (Beyonce), Tierna Davidson (Sally Ride) and Crystal Dunn (Serena Williams) before the She Believes Cup match between The United States and England at Nissan Stadium on March 2, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. (Photo by Action Foto Sport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“We feel a responsibility not only to stand up for what we know we deserve as athletes, but also for what we know is right – on behalf of our teammates, future teammates, fellow women athletes, and women all around the world,” said Rapinoe.

Hockey over wages and better benefits in line with their male counterparts. The U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA) said in a statement it made progress during contract negotiations with U.S. Soccer in 2017 regarding com-

cise of their individual rights,” the union said in a statement. “For its part, the USWNTPA will continue to seek improvements in pay and working conditions through the labour-management and collective bargaining processes.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

UEFA justifies PSG penalty decision in VAR explanation penalty in the 117th minute for a holding offence by Alessandro Florenzi on Fernando. UEFA said the referee confirmed to the VAR that he had not seen the incident and asked for images to be prepared to allow him to conduct an on-field review, which resulted in his award of the spot kick.

Paris Saint-Germain’s French defender Presnel Kimpembe (C) makes a hand fault, leading the referee to show after videoassist the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match against Manchester United at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Wednesday. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - PRESNEL K i m p e m b e ’s h a n d b a l l which led to Manchester United’s extraordinary 3-1 victory over Paris St Germain in the Champions League was referred to video technology, as it was “a serious missed incident”, UEFA said yesterday. The competition organisers released a statement on their website detailing the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) after the system played a decisive role during the week’s last-16 second-leg games. The most debated de-

cision saw PSG defender Kimpembe penalised for deflecting a shot from United’s Diogo Dalot with his arm. That prompted a review which led to Marcus Rashford scoring a penalty in stoppage time to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks in the competition’s history. “The VAR, after checking various different angles available to him, recommended to the referee an on-field review following the penalty area incident,” UEFA said in a statement. “Following the on-field

review, the referee confirmed that the distance that the ball travelled was not short and the impact could therefore not be unexpected. “The defender’s arm was not close to the body, which made the defender’s body bigger, thus resulting in the ball being stopped from travelling in the direction of the goal. The referee, therefore, awarded a penalty kick.” Porto also benefited from two decisions that were subject to VAR reviews in their 3-1 win over AS Roma after extra time. Porto were awarded a

U.S. women’s team sue Federation (REUTERS) - THE U.S. women’s national soccer team sued U.S. Soccer Federation yesterday, with allegations of gender discrimination just three months before they open their World Cup title defence in France. All 28 members of the United States squad were named as plaintiffs in federal court in Los Angeles on International Women’s Day and included complaints about wages and nearly every other aspect of their working conditions. The players, a group that also includes stars Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, said they have been consistently paid less money than their male counterparts even though their performance has been superior to the men’s team. “Each of us is extremely proud to wear the United States jersey, and we also take seriously the responsibility that comes with that,” U.S. co-captain Morgan said in a statement. “We believe that fighting for gender equality in sports is a part of that responsibility. As

players, we deserved to be paid equally for our work, regardless of our gender.” According to the lawsuit, filed three years after several players made a similar complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. soccer has “utterly failed to promote gender equality.” The U.S. Soccer Federation did not immediately respond when asked to comment on the lawsuit. The players said that U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro previously admitted the women’s team should be valued as much as the men’s squad but the federation “has paid only lip service to gender equality”. The lawsuit outlines years of institutionalised gender discrimination, claiming travel conditions, medical personnel, promotion of games and training are less favourable for female players compared to their male counterparts. ‘IT’S A SHAME’ The U.S. women’s team have enjoyed unparalleled success in international soccer, including

three World Cup titles, four Olympic gold medals and numerous other triumphs in international competitions. When the women’s team clinched their most recent World Cup title in 2015, it was the most watched soccer game in American TV history with an audience of approximately 23 million viewers. “In light of our team’s unparalleled success on the field, it’s a shame that we still are fighting for treatment that reflects our achievements and contributions to the sport,” said U.S. co-captain Lloyd. “We have made progress in narrowing the gender pay gap. However, progress does not mean that we will stop working to realise our legal rights and make equality a reality for our sport.” Last October FIFA said it will double the prize money for this year’s World Cup in France to $30 million, which global footballers’ union FIFpro said was not enough to redress the inequality between men’s and TURN TO PAGE 28

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Roma then had an appeal in the opposite area turned down when Patrik Schick was felled by Moussa Marega which UEFA said had been witnessed by the referee and deemed not to be a foul. “A VAR check was conducted, and the various images were studied carefully by the VAR, who did not find any clear evidence,” UEFA

said. Dasun Tadic’s strike in Ajax Amsterdam’s 4-1 win over Real Madrid was also reviewed by VAR as the ball looked to have gone out of play in the build-up. UEFA, however, said there was no conclusive evidence that the whole ball had crossed the line when the video was studied.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Milo Schools Football Tournament 2019

Matches continue this weekend

Ramdhani named top ‘Singles Player’ at CCAA National Championships

Milo schools football action returns this weekend.

ACTION-packed days of football in the Milo Schools Football tournament 2019 will continue today and tomorrow at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue. In the first of the triple-header today, Annandale Secondary will play South Ruimveldt Secondary in the opening game at noon, with Canje Secondary taking on St Joseph High in game two an hour and forty-five minutes later. Lodge Secondary School will also be in action on the day

as they play President’s College from 15:30hrs. Tomorrow, the day opens with Bishops’ High facing Queen’s College from noon and St Stanislaus College opposing North Riumveldt Secondary at 13:45hrs. The final match of the day will pit Marian Academy against St Mary’s Secondary. The tournament is sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health under its ‘Stop Gender-Based Violence’ campaign.

GCB mourns the passing of former vice-president

THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has extended its condolences to the family, relatives and friends of former vice-president, Mr Roy Baijnauth, who passed away earlier this week after a brief period of illness. Baijnauth was a very popular figure in the political and cricketing circles and had a distinct love and passion for the game of cricket in Berbice and by extension Guyana and the West Indies. Roy was well respected in his community and known by all of Berbice as a very outstanding and active individual in community affairs in Corriverton, Upper Corentyne, Berbice. During his distinguished lifetime, his dedication, loyalty and commitment helped to elevate him to serve as Mayor of Corriverton for fourteen years. He is credited with improving the lives of all the residents

in his community and was easily elected as mayor. Baijnauth represented his county during the 1950s and was also elevated to serve as president on the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) from 2000 until 2003. Roy also served as a vice-president of the GCB. His leadership qualities were evident from an early age when he captained the Skeldon first division cricket team. His passion for the game knew no boundaries and he was still actively involved in the game by sponsoring competitions in the Upper Corentyne area. He greatly assisted in the development of youngsters who had more than a passing interest in the game and they were kept gainfully occupied. The GCB is eternally grateful for his invaluable contributions to the game of cricket and its administration over the years. May his soul rest in peace!

A new low! Windies bundled out for 45

(ESPNCRICINFO) - SAM Billings rescued England before Chris Jordan’s four-wicket haul demolished West Indies for a paltry 45, handing the tourists a 137-run victory in the second T20I and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Man-of-the-Match Billings’ career-best knock of 87 off 47 balls and a return to

T20I form for Joe Root, who made 55 off 40, resurrected England’s innings from a dire 32 for 4 after 5.2 overs. T h e n J o r d a n ’s re markable 4 for 6 off two overs meant West Indies were never in the contest and they fell for the second-lowest T20I total, behind Netherlands’ 39 against Sri Lanka at the World T20 in 2014. It was

the lowest total by a Full Member nation, worse than the 60 posted by New Zealand against Sri Lanka at the same tournament and West Indies’ 60 against Pakistan in Karachi last year. With the top order tumbling around him, Root produced a composed innings, sharing an 82-run partnership with Billings to reach 55

off 40 deliveries. It was the first time Root had reached double figures in four T20I innings and his 10th knock since he last reached fifty, in the 2016 World T20 final won by West Indies in Kolkata. When Root was runout, scrambling to the danTURN TO PAGE 27

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Narayan Ramdhani in action over the past week.

GUYANA’S premier national badminton player Narayan Ramdhani has been named top singles player over the last week. Ramdhani represented Kings University Eagles badminton team at the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) at the 2019 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Badminton Championships in Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in Nova Scotia, Canada. The Championship saw the top colleges and universities’ badminton players in Canada battle for national supremacy. Ramdhani’s performances were enough to cop the ‘top singles player’ accolade at the Championships. The group play-offs comprised the six top badminton singles players, who competed against each other, with the top four advancing to the semi-final and medal rounds. Ramdhani thrashed Jonah Wilson of Holland 21-8, 21-6. Ramdhani overcame Ramnish Kumar of Humber 16-21, 21-16, 21-11. Ramdhani lost to Nicholas Pittman: 13-21, 21-12, 14-21 Ramdhani got the better of Jaryd Morrissey of Mount Allision 21-16, 17-21, 21-13.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, March 9, 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: Oshane Thomas-9 wickets Adil Rashid-9 wickets

(1) (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: How many times the WI and ENG have now contested ODIs against each other in the WI? How many the WI have won?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, March 9, 2019

Let’s Bet Sports partners with GABA for Divisions 1 and 2 KO tournaments

THE Guyana Lottery Company, under their ‘Let’s Bet Sports’ brand, has partnered with Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) to host its Division 1 and 2 knockout tournaments, scheduled to bounce off February 15 at the Burnham Basketball Court. Let’s Bet Sports, brainchild of the Guyana Lottery Company and which was recently launched, sees venturing out into the world of sports as compulsory in today’s world. More interestingly, it gives fans who love the thrill of betting and sports a chance to place bets in different sporting disciplines. Let’s Bet Sports Brand Ambassador Rawle Toney, and Assistant Brand Manager Joel Lee were present at the launch along with GABA president Adrian Hooper. Each sponsor’s rep expressed his company’s pleasure to be on board with GABA, the most active of sub-associations in the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF). Lee also said the company believes in supporting local development and is looking forward to other sporting ventures.

Hooper, who was quite appreciative of the partnership, looks at the tournament as not only whipping players into game mode but also spotting new talents. Next Friday, March 15, Sonics and UG Trojans will contest the opener then Kobras take on Eagles in the second match of the night as they seek a spot in the final four, to battle Pacesetters and Plaisance Guardians, respectively. The following night, March 16, the final four will battle for a spot in the finale, which is billed for Sunday, March 17. For the 2nd division, it will be a 5-team single elimination with Sonics and Vikings thrashing it out for a stake in the final four which already has Guardians, Pacesetters and Eagles already in the semi-final stage. Their leg of the tournament starts on March 19 alongside the 1st division and will run for seven days. However, the most senior division will see eight teams compete for top honours, but must get the Sonics/UG clash out of the way to see who will make the final eight. On game nights, matches start at 18:30hrs and 20:30hrs.

GCC clubs continue dominance in GHB Hockey Leagues … Packed weekend ahead

THE GCC hockey clubs maintained their winning ways during the week, as first the GBTI GCC girls thrashed their sister team, GCC Spartans 9-0, while Bounty GCC men dispatched GCC Vintage 5-0. Action in the Guyana Hockey Board’s (GHB) outdoor male and female first division leagues continued at the GCC venue on Monday evening with GBTI GCC ladies recording their latest triumph while Bounty GCC men notched up their win on Wednesday night. A packed weekend of

action is anticipated with three matches today and three more tomorrow. All six matches will be in the Farfan and Mendes Men’s First Division, as Pepsi Hikers take on Saints at Saints’ ground on Carifesta Avenue while Super Nova face Old Fort and Pepsi Hikers clash with GCC Vintage at the same venue. Action continues tomorrow at the same venue with Old Fort lining up against Pepsi Hikers, Super Nova play Bounty GCC and Saints clash with GCC Vintage.

Jaguars 69-2 chasing 162 for victory By Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA Jaguars closed day two of their final round Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-day encounter against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Providence last evening on 69-2, chasing 162 for an outright win. The Jaguars, four-time defending champions, will start today, the penultimate day, needing another 93 runs with opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul on 22 and captain Leon Johnson on 37 with eight boundaries. When the hosts’ chase began, they lost Chandrapaul Hemraj and Vishaul Singh, but any further hope the visitors had of making the Jaguars further uncomfortable was dashed by the two lefthanders.

However, prior to the run chase, a late order fightback had given the visitors a reasonable total to defend but, generally, their most accomplished batsmen failed for a second time in two days as they were eventually bowled out for 206. Number nine batsman Daniel St Clair top-scored with an unbeaten 31 while Khary Pierre (30), Jason Mohammed (27), Joshua Da Silva (25), Denesh Ramdin (23), Odean Smith (21) and Anderson Phillips (21), contributed to a total aided by some poor fielding from Jaguars, who dropped five catches. Following his 5-24 performance in the first innings, pacer Romario Shepherd took 3-52, and was the main destructive force again in the Red Force’s second innings. Left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer and left-arm spinner

Veerasammy Permaul had figures of 2-43 and 2-49 while medium pacers Sherfane Rutherford and Christopher Barnwell chipped in with a wicket each. Resuming the day with a 28-run deficit, overnight batsman Da Silva was joined by captain Ramdin, and the right-handed pair frustrated the home side for almost an hour into the day’s play. The hosts might have expected to make short work of the opposition right from the start but the pair, especially Ramdin, the former West Indies captain, dug in and mixed gritty defence with powerful drives on both sides of the wicket. However, a double bowling change resulted in the duo’s dismissal. Ramdin was the first to go, bowled by Reifer from a ball that nipped back

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul makes a successful leg-before-wicket appeal to remove Joshua Da Silva. (Adrian Narine photo)

in slightly for a brisk 23 while Da Silva was trapped leg-before to Permaul for a fighting 25, to ease some of Jaguars’ tension, at 71-4. At that point Mohammed was accompanied by Pierre but it soon became 97-5 when the right-handed Mohammed, after facing 82 balls, played a loose drive off Barnwell and was taken at second slip by Singh. A mix-up between Imran Khan and Pierre saw Khan run-out for four, but Smith and Pierre then added 32 for the seventh-wicket, a partnership which saw Smith hoist Permaul for three sixes, and Pierre dropped by Leon Johnson at first slip off Shepherd. However, both batsmen went in quick succession with Smith top-edging a short ball from Shepherd and Rutherford completing the catch on the fine-leg boundary. Pierre was taken at the wicket off Reifer. Bryan Charles went cheaply, leg-before to Shepherd but the last-wicket stand of 34 runs between St Clair and Anderson saw another frustrating period for Jaguars until Permaul removed Anderson. The visitors’ opening bowlers then bowled in the right areas to trouble Jaguars’ top order. Hemraj went without scoring, bowled off an inside edge by Phillips before St Clair orchestrated the demise of Vishaul Singh, caught off a leading edge for five. Play resumes at 14:00hrs today.

Romario Shepherd follows up his 5-24 performance in the first innings, with 3-52.

SCOREBOARD

T&T RED FORCE 2nd innings (o/n 17-2) J. Solozano c Bramble b Shepherd 0 J. Da Silva lbw b Permaul 25 T. Webster lbw b Rutherford 7 D. Ramdin b Reifer 23 J. Mohammed c Singh b Barnwell 27 K. Pierre c Bramble b Reifer 30 I. Khan run-out (Chanderpaul) 4 O. Smith c Rutherford b Shepherd 21 D. St Clair not out 31 B. Charles lbw b Shepherd 8 A. Phillips lbw b Permaul 21 Extras: (b-5, lb-1, nb-3) 9 Total: (all out, 75.2 overs) 206 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-17, 3-43, 4-71, 5-97, 6-108, 7-140, 8-156, 9-172. Bowling: Shepherd 17-1-52-3, Reifer 16-5-43-2, Rutherford 8-120-1, Barnwell 13-3-19-1, Permaul 14.2-2-49-2, Lewis 7-2-17-0. GUYANA JAGUARS 2nd innings T. Chanderpaul not out 22 C. Hemraj b Anderson 0 V. Singh c Pierre b St Clair 5 L. Johnson not out 37 Extras: (b-1, lb-1, nb-3) 5 Total: (for two wickets, 20 overs) 69 Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-12. Bowling: Phillips 6-1-15-1, St Clair 5-1-21-1, Smith 4-1-13-0, Charles 4-2-13-0, Khan 1-0-5-0.

Jason Holder walks off after making a golden duck. (AFP)

A new low!

Windies bundled out for 45 Page

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Let’s Bet Sports partners with GABA for Divisions 1 and 2 KO tournaments See Page

Jaguars 69-2 chasing 162 for victory

Leon Johnson remains unbeaten on 37. From left, Let’s Bet Sports brand ambassador Rawle Toney, GABA president Adrian Hooper and assistant brand manager Joel Lee at the launch of the GABA/Let’s Bet Sports Divisions 1 & 2 knockout tournaments.

Ramdhani named top ‘Singles Player’ at CCAA National Championships→ Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 2019