Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-03-2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

THURSDAY

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3rd JANUARY, 2019

No.105506

Gov’t on to alleged plot

by PPP to disrupt sitting

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Suspect in GDF officer murder 17 surrenders

‘Clean up the House’

Retired Judge of the CCJ, Duke Pollard

….Justice Pollard urges ousting of MPs with dual citizenship

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Gov't Work continues -Min Jordan says

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SEE STORY ON PAGE 09

Greenidge meets top US official PAGE

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…discusses Venezuela Navy’s recent interception of Exxon vessel Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl B. Greenidge greets Senior Director of the United States National Security Council's Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mauricio Claver-Carone

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

‘Brazil is an important ally’ …Min Greenidge says Guyana remains upbeat about relations with Brazil

FOREIGN Minister Carl Greenidge on Tuesday attended the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia.

In a statement following the inauguration ceremony, the Foreign Affairs Minister said his attendance at the investiture consolidated existing relations.

“Brazil is an important ally, especially at a time when there is so much instability in the world,” he said while pointing to the fact that Brazil is Guyana’s largest immediate neighbour.

Notwithstanding a change of government, Minister Greenidge remains optimistic about Guyana/Brazil relations. “I wouldn’t expect there to be a shift as regards Guyana because our relations have not been unstable.

We have strong common interests bilaterally and regionally,” he explained.

On the sideline of the inauguration ceremony, the Foreign Affairs Minister also met with his Bra-

Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and the newly elected President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia.

zilian counterpart, Ernesto Araujo, who previously held the post of Director of the Department US, Canada and Inter-American Matters.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the Guyana/Venezuela controversy and other areas of mutual interest.

Further, Minister Greenidge used the opportunity to meet with Ambassadors of Caribbean states there and briefed them on developing issues including the controversy with Venezuela and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

He also held similar dis-

Foreign Affairs Minister Greenidge meets with his Brazilian counterpart, Ernesto Araujo.

cussions with Senior Director of the United States National Security Council's Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mauricio Claver-Carones.

On the issue of Guyana/ Brazil relations, Guyana’s Ambassador, George Talbot, underscored the nature of existing relations with Brazil which have

spanned decades. “We recently celebrated 50 years of fruitful relations across different administrations on both sides. I expect that to continue and be further strengthened even as a new Government assumes office in Brasilia,” he noted Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations

on August 26, 1968. Cooperation covers a broad range of areas including trade, health, agriculture, transport and security matters.

One of the most tangible joint projects is the construction of the Linden to Lethem road, the design for which will soon go out to tender.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Greenidge meets top US official

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…discusses Venezuelan Navy’s recent interception of Exxon vessel

MINISTER of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge on Wednesday met with Senior director of the United States National Security Council's Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mauricio Claver-Carone in Brasília.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony for the new president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro. The discussions centred on the Guyana/Venezuela controversy, particularly the Venezuelan Navy’s recent interception of an Exxon contracted vessel conducting seismic surveys in Guyana’s territory on December 22, 2018. The US State Department issued a statement following the incident saying, “Guyana has the sovereign right to explore and exploit resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.” They further urged Venezuela to respect international law and the rights of its neighbours.

Guyana has already condemned the interception of the research vessel, Ramform Tethys, in its exclusive economic zone as illegal, aggressive and hostile. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, had said Venezuela’s action violates Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and once again demonstrated a real threat to Guyana’s economic

development.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be bringing this latest act of illegality and blatant disrespect for Guyana’s sovereignty by Venezuela to the attention of the United Nations. It is also in the process of informing the several governments of the seventy crew members of the threat to their safety. The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will also receive formal communication from the Government of Guyana on this matter,” the statement said.

The vessel, flagged by the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, was contracted to conduct seismic work by ExxonMobil and had a total of seventy crew members on board, including the captain. It was intercepted in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana at a position of N 09 deg 17.19 min / W 058 deg 16.20 min at an approximate distance of 140 Km from the nearest point to the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela, the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Meanwhile, the Ramform Tethys, which was conducting seismic surveys offshore Guyana on behalf of Exxon-

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Carl B. Greenidge; Ambassador of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency George Talbot and Second Secretary of the Embassy of Guyana to Brazil, Mr. William Harris, engage in a meeting with Senior Director of the United States National Security Council's Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mauricio Claver-Carone

Mobil, is heading out of the area, the Norwegian company, Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) has confirmed.

“We are operating in Guyana under the authority of the Guyana government and has all necessary permits to perform this survey. The vessel has now stopped seismic acquisition and is now heading east,” a company official

at PGS had told the Guyana Chronicle via email.

Early last December, the American oil giant announced that it had made a 10th oil discovery offshore Guyana. Exxon said the resource estimate, up from the previous estimate of more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels, is a result of further evaluation of previous

discoveries and includes a new discovery at the Pluma-1 well. “The discovery of a resource base of more than five billion oil-equivalent barrels in less than four years is a testament of our technical expertise and rigorous evaluation and pursuit of high-potential, high-risk opportunities in this frontier area,” said Neil Chapman, ExxonMobil

senior vice- president. “We will continue to apply what we’ve learned to identify additional exploration prospects and potential future discoveries that will deliver significant value to Guyanese people, our partners and shareholders.”

The Pluma-1 well encountered approximately 121 feet (37 metres) of high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoir. Pluma-1 reached a depth of 16,447 feet (5,013 metres) in 3,340 feet (1,018 metres) of water. The Noble Tom Madden drillship began drilling on November 1. The well is located approximately 17 miles (27 kilometres) south of the Turbot-1 well. The Noble Tom Madden will next drill the Tilapia-1 prospect located 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of the Longtail-1 well. “Together with the government and people of Guyana, we are continuing to grow the value of the Stabroek Block for Guyana, our partners and ExxonMobil with successful exploration investments,” said Steve Greenlee, President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company.

Fire destroys house at Richmond H/Scheme A COUPLE from Richmond Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, has lost

their home after a fire gutted it Tuesday evening.

The couple was not

home when the fire of unknown origin started around 19:30 hours.

Neighbours related that they saw the house on fire and immediately called the

Anna Regina Fire Service.

Residents in the meantime formed a bucket brigade

and were successful in saving a nearby building which houses a business.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Donald Trump shrugs off Mitt Romney’s attack on his record (BBC) Donald Trump has shrugged off a stinging personal attack on his presidency from senior fellow Republican Mitt Romney.

Mr Romney, who stood and lost for the Republicans against Barack Obama in 2012, suggested in an article that Mr Trump was not fit to be president.

Mr Trump had not “risen to the mantle”, he wrote in the Washington Post.

At a White House cabinet meeting, the president said he hoped the incoming Utah Senator would be a team player.

Mr Trump said he was “surprised” Mr Romney criticised him so quickly, adding that “if he fought really hard against President Obama like he does against me, he would have won the election”.

Earlier, the winner of the

2016 presidential election hit back by tweeting, “I won big and he didn’t.”

Mr Trump drew a comparison with Jeff Flake, an outgoing Republican senator who also attacked him last year.

But the president sounded conciliatory, calling for Mr Romney to be a “team player”.

The timing of the article, just two days before Mr Romney is sworn in as senator for Utah, has prompted some to speculate he is positioning himself as a challenger to Mr Trump for the Republican presidential nomination.

crackdown on “China’s unfair trade practices” - polices which he said “mainstream Republicans” had promoted for years.

But he went on to say: “With the nation so divided, resentful and angry, presidential leadership in qualities of character is indispensable. And it is in this province where the incumbent’s shortfall has been most glaring.”

Mr Romney said he would support the president in policies he thought were in the best interests of Utah or the US but speak out against actions “that are divisive, racist, sexist, anti-immigrant, dishonest or destructive to democratic institutions”.

“The appointment of senior persons of lesser experience, the abandonment of allies who fight beside us, and the president’s thoughtless claim that America has long been a ‘sucker’ in world affairs all defined his presidency down,” he wrote.

“Trump’s words and actions have caused dismay around the world.”

The world “needs American leadership”, he argued, and

WHAT DID THE OPINION PIECE SAY?

In the article, Mr Romney praised many of Mr Trump’s policies, such as his tax reforms and appointment of conservative judges, and his

“the alternative... offered by China and Russia is autocratic, corrupt and brutal”.

A FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF REPUBLICANISM?

The on-again, off-again feud between Mitt Romney and Donald Trump is back on, although the president - for the moment - is shying away from open warfare.

That’s a bit of a surprise, given then-candidate Trump unloaded with both barrels in 2016, when Mr Romney called him a fraud and a phony who should be opposed at every turn by Republican primary voters.

Perhaps the president realises he needs all the support he can get in the Senate, where another outspoken Republican, Jeff Flake, recently turned disapproving rhetoric into actions that stymied administration priorities.

Mr Trump would much prefer the new senator from Utah to follow the lead of other Republicans, who have paired the occasional criticism with lockstep support for the White House’s agenda.

That may not be Mr Romney’s game, however. Whether he is positioning himself to pick up the pieces after a possible Trump tumble or, perhaps, simply serve as a check on what he sees as the president’s more dangerous impulses, the timing of this op-ed suggests this is an opening shot.

The two men in many ways represent the past and the present of Republicanism. Now they could be about to fight for the party’s future.

HOW HAVE OTHER REPUBLICANS REACTED?

Ronna McDaniel, chairwoman of the Republic National Committee and a niece of Mr Romney, described her uncle’s article as “disappointing and unproductive”.

Mr Trump’s manager for the 2020 presidential campaign went so far as to accuse Mr Romney of jealousy.

Former White House press secretary Ari Fleischer said he was also “disappointed” in Mr Romney.

Meanwhile, the New York Times, the liberal daily regularly attacked by Mr Trump,

commented that much of the essay “sounded like the makings of a primary challenge against Mr. Trump from Mr. Romney”.

What kind of relationship do the two men have?

A complicated one. During the 2016 campaign, Mr Romney said Mr Trump had neither “the temperament nor the judgement to be president” while Mr Trump called Mr Romney a “choke artist” and called his bid for the presidency in 2012 “the worst ever”.

The same year though, the pair met for dinner amid reports Mr Trump was mulling appointing Mr Romney as his secretary of state.

Mr Romney has also taken issue with Mr Trump labelling the press the “enemy of the people” as well as his response to a violent far-right rally in Charlottesville.

When the US Congress reconvenes on Thursday, Mr Trump faces a new challenge on the domestic front - in November’s mid-terms the Republicans strengthened their hold of the Senate but lost the House of Representatives.

Thursday, January 03, 2019 03:30 hrs - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Castro denounces US ‘confrontation’ as Cuba marks revolution (BBC) Former Cuban President Raul Castro has accused the US of returning to its policy of confrontation.

Mr Castro, who is still head of Cuba’s ruling Communist Party, was speaking on the 60th anniversary of the revolution led by his brother, Fidel.

He urged Cubans to prepare for all scenarios to defend their independence and said the revolution “had not aged”.

The Castro brothers, first Fidel and then Raul, ruled the country between 1959 and 2018.

Raul Castro handed over the Cuban presidency to Miguel Diaz-Canel early last

T&T:

year.

Relations between Cuba and the US thawed under the Obama administration but President Donald Trump has taken a harder line.

In 2017, Mr Trump reimposed certain travel and trade

restrictions eased by the previous US government.

“Once again, the US government seems to be on the road to confronting Cuba and presenting our peaceful and inclusive country as a threat to the region,” Mr Castro,

Raul Castro was speaking in front of the tomb of his brother, Fidel

Police ban importation of crossbows

(Trinidad Newsday) AS the seemingly never-ending battle with crime continues, and police continue to snatch illegal weapons out of the hands of criminals, one weapon has gone unfettered, until today. That weapon is the crossbow.

During the weekly press briefing at the Police Administration Building on Edward Street, Port of Spain, Sgt David Swanson, second division officer in charge of the Firearms Section announced that the importation of crossbows would be restricted with immediate effect.

said. “The CoP has seen it fit to put regulation to it so there is more control to who has access to these weapons.”

Swanson warned that a crossbow can fire from a “vast distance” and is a silent killer.

“You wouldn’t even know where it comes from,” he said.

Newsday understands the range of a high-powered crossbow – one which could fire at a rate of 300 feet per second – can travel a distance between 50 and 60 yards. The weapon which was invented in ancient China is still used

“This is a pre-emptive measure, because we didn’t want something to happen and someone asks why there was no regulation to the crossbows.”

Swanson announced that with immediate effect, the importation and sale of air rifles will only be executed by firearm dealers. All existing import permits which belong to private citizens are with immediate effect considered null and void.

Dealers are now required to keep proper records of sale of any air rifle or crossbow and bring the sale to the at-

Swanson said the office of the Commissioner of Police will be liaising with the office of the Comptroller of the Customs and Excise Division to stymie the importation of the weapon.

“It was an unfettered industry where people were bringing in air rifles and crossbows and other similar items for sport,” Swanson

today for sport hunting.

While Swanson said there have been no reported murders, homicides, woundings or assaults involving crossbows, the restrictions are being made as a pre-emptive measure.

“If the criminals knew the effectiveness – and thank God they didn’t – then things may have been worse.

tention of the Commissioner of Police.

Air rifle clubs must be registered by the Commissioner, have a certified range officer present when practising and adhere to the safety rules set by the police.

People found with air rifles, but not the relevant permission will have their rifles seized.

dressed in his military uniform, said in a ceremony held near Fidel’s tomb.

“Once again, they want to make Cuba guilty of all the evils of the region.”

Mr Castro accused “the far right” in Florida - where many Cuban exiles live - of having “confiscated US policy towards Cuba”.

“I reiterate our willingness to coexist in a civilised way despite our differences, in a relationship of peace, respect and mutual benefit with the United States.”

Mr Castro said new generations of Cubans had “assumed the mission of constructing socialism”, adding

that “the revolution hasn’t aged”.

But BBC Central America correspondent Will Grant says Mr Diaz-Canel faces a huge battle in satisfying the demands of today’s young Cubans.

A referendum on a new draft constitution will be held in February but many are growing impatient for greater social freedoms and increased economic opportunities, our correspondent says.

Government supporters insist the new constitution will reflect a changing Cuba but critics say it will simply concentrate power in the Communist Party’s hands.

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T&T: Second murder for the year in Couva

(Trinidad Newsday) THE second murder for the new year was recorded on Tuesday in Union Village, Couva, when a fish vendor was shot by a man wearing camouflage clothing.

Samuel Sookdeo, 31, was with friends at around 10.30 pm when a masked man walked up to the group and started shooting.

Sookdeo was shot to his head and chest and died on the spot.

Another man identified as Patrick Samuel was shot to his back. Brandon Siew also suffered injuries to his lower abdomen after a bullet grazed him. Siew and Patrick were taken to the Couva health facility where they were attended to and discharged.

A still shaken Siew told Newsday they were all sitting on the tray of a van, inside the yard of his home, talking and laughing when they saw the man holding a gun run into the yard.

“By the time we saw this man who looked like a soldier with a mask and this gun in his hand, it was too late for us to run. He began to shoot.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Government’s fight against child abuse

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HE coalition administration continues to take decisive action against abuse of our most vulnerable citizens -- our children. Such action is the result of President Granger’s stated philosophy. Alluding to the fact that most instances of abuse occur in the home, the President has said, “Homes must be sanctuaries of happiness.” He said that, in that way, children would look forward to being at home.

President Granger said too, that in addition to happiness, children must get a sense of security in their homes. Since children are the future of our country, President Granger’s position is correct.

The President expressed those views during Child Protection Week 2015, mere months after assuming office. On that occasion the president added, “I would like to encourage all of Guyana to be mindful of our special obligation towards the protection of our children.” Since that time, government has initiated a number of interventions aimed at preventing child abuse and addressing its consequences.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines child abuse or child maltreatment as “all forms of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or negligent treatment or commercial or other exploitation, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.”

Experts recognise four types of child abuse: psychological/ emotional abuse is the use of words, such as “stupid,” or actions to emotionally hurt a child. Physical abuse is generally

beating, but can be more severe, such as burning or starving a child. Neglect includes leaving a child unattended, or otherwise failing to meet the child’s needs. And sexual abuse is any sexual act or inappropriate conversation involving a child. Alluding to all forms of abuse, President Granger said, “An abused child will carry the scars of that abuse for a lifetime.” As such, the administration evidently continues to take concrete steps to stop child abuse.

Guyana’s child-abuse problem is a major one. According to statistics from the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), 4,179 cases of child abuse were recorded between the period January and December 2017. The problem was most intense in Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region 10) with 22.1 children per 1,000 being abused, followed by Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) with 20.6 children per 1,000. The highest-ranking form of abuse was that of neglect, amounting to 2,176 reports. But according to CPA Director Ms. Ann Greene, neglect as the leading cause of abuse is not a situation that is unique to Guyana. “Neglect is a serious form of abuse and the younger the child, the more devastating it can be to that child’s growth and development,” Greene said.

Other forms of abuse recorded by the CPA during the last year included sexual abuse (841 cases), physical abuse (834 cases), verbal abuse (257 cases), witnessed abuse (39 cases) and abandonment (32 cases).

The CPA reported further that mothers were responsible for 43 per cent of the reported cases, fathers accounted for 25 per cent of the abuse and step-parents six per cent.

Ms. Greene noted that even though the numbers recorded for last year are high, they do not present the true picture of child abuse in Guyana, since it is often a hidden crime. For this reason, she explained, many cases go unreported. The director lamented, “Look at where the hurt is for children, in the home…the place where they should be safe, and it is perpetrated by the people who should care about them the most.”

The CPA, which operates under the Ministry of Social Protectio, is being given close attention by government so as to allow the agency to carry out its mandate. Government has said that the agency will be given the resources to empower it to properly protect abused children.

According to the CPA, persons can now report child abuse through social media. An awareness campaign on Linden television appears to be bearing fruit. Moreover, there are ads on almost all of the TV stations across the regions. There are also child sexual abuse awareness ads in two indigenous languages to be aired on the radio stations that cover the hinterland regions.

Currently, the CPA reports too, that it is forging partnerships with faith-based organisations, community groups, and other local and international bodies to stop child abuse. As government works to stop child abuse, Guyanese should bear in mind that child abuse is not a domestic issue, it is a national one. Citizens should bear in mind too, that if one were to beat up an adult one would go to jail; so, why should anyone be allowed to do just that to an innocent child?

Ramkarran should be demoted to the rank of a spectator Dear Editor,

I

MUST state from the outset that I’m not a lawyer.

I have absolutely no legal training. I am just a lowly doctor. Having said that, I do believe I have a great analytical mind and the gift for making the complex simple. It is these gifts that I will use to try to decipher the constitution pertaining to the no-confidence motion of 21st December, 2018.

Let’s look at the Guyana constitution articles 106(6), 106 (7), 61 and 70 (2). Article 106 (6): The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence. Article 106 (7): Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.

Article (61) provides for an election to be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation. Article (70) (2) provides that the President may at any time by proclamation dissolve Parliament.

These articles are not mutually exclusive, rather, they should be viewed as a legal continuum of each other. Let’s now review what error-prone (November 26th column), Mr. Ralph Ramkarran wrote in his column of 30th December, 2018. “Article 106(6) automatically triggers the resignation of the Cabinet, which is defined by the constitution as comprising the President, prime minister, vice-presidents and ministers, upon the passage of a no-confidence vote.

The resignation is stayed only to manage elections. By not resigning, the President and Cabinet are violating the constitution.”

I must be missing something, but where in any of the aforementioned articles has it been explicitly stated that the cabinet must resign automatically or immediately. I do believe that if the framers of the constitution wished for the Government to automatically resign, they might have said something to the effect, “The Cabinet including the President shall resign forthwith, if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Noticed I have added the word “forthwith.” The only timeline I’ve seen for resignation is in article 106(7) which I will quote verbatim.

“And shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” The Government, that is, shall resign after the President takes the oath of office after the election.Also, the said article states, “Notwithstanding

its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months.” No mention of resignation forthwith. Where has Mr. Ramkarran gotten that drivel from? I would be grateful if he can share that with the public. Look what, I can excuse Mr. Jagdeo spewing such garbage, since reading and being analytical is beyond him, but Mr. Ramkarran, I expected better of you.

Again, I will repeat. I’m no lawyer, but I have a great analytical mind. Let me try to explain why the framers of the constitution never wrote “resign forthwith.”

The Oxford dictionary defines resign as, “Voluntarily leave a job or office.” I love analogies. They help to simplify concepts. Let’s look at this analogy. Mr.X is the CEO for Apple Incorporated(AI). Let’s say Mr.X resigns forthwith with no immediate successor. What do you think would be the result? AI would be in serious crisis without a head. In other words, for the continued smooth running of AI, there must be an immediate successor. Got that?

Let’s look at the Government. Let’s assume they follow Mr. Ramkarran’s suggestion and once again I will quote verbatim. “Article 106(6) automatically triggers the resignation of the Cabinet, which is defined by the constitution as comprising the President, prime minister, vice-presidents and ministers, upon the passage of a no-confidence vote.

The resignation is stayed only to manage elections. By

» Turn to pg. 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Ramkarran should be ... not resigning, the President and Cabinet are violating the constitution.” That simply means to resign forthwith with the passage of the no-confidence motion. What would be the consequence of doing that? We would effectively have a country without a government. Why? Because they would be effectively giving up office and the constitution has not provided for an interim or caretaker government. Also, the fact that the constitution has not provided for a caretaker or interim government, having such would be in my non legally trained mind, unconstitutional. This further supports the argument why the government should not resign and leave the country in a state of anarchy. Again, I would show deference to the alert legal minds.

In any event, that argument of resigning forthwith is moot, since the constitution clearly states that the government resigns after the President takes the oath after elections. Also, the constitution states, ”Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months.” My interpretation is that there is no legal basis for the government to resign before elections. Of course, I stand to be corrected by those legally trained.

Last week, I wrote a letter arguing that Mr. Ramkarran should be demoted to the rank of a spectator in this debate and should leave the debate to those with alert legal minds.

Clearly, that’s not my gift, but having argued a strong case in my letter of 31st December, I think I have earned the right to at least one more say, after which I would allow the alert legal minds to debate this issue, with the CCJ being the final arbitrator. Anyway, when I humbly suggested that Mr. Ramkarran be demoted to the rank of spectator, I was alluding to his column of November 26, where he confidently and authoritatively said the opposition needed 34 votes to make the no-confidence motion carry. After a month and due to political expediency, he changed his position and said they actually needed 33. His excuse is that he misspoke.

Misspeaking on such a critical issue --- the greatest constitutional crisis facing post-independence Guyana. My concern and many peoples’ concerns are, “How do we know he is not misspeaking now?” If we were to believe him, he got it completely wrong. A massive blunder that should disqualify him from any further part in this debate. A mere spectator, I humbly suggested.

Stabroek News refused to publish my letter despite the fact that I sent it on three successive days. I assume it is because I, as a “newbie” and not legally trained, was challenging their legal scholar by simply reading the constitution and using deductive reasoning to argue my case and reasonably outlining that since Mr. Ramkarran got it terribly wrong on such a critical issue, hence his credibility on this matter is irreparably damaged. Moreso, if he is allowed to offer further legal opinion on this issue, the question will always be, “Is he getting it wrong again”? In effect, a no-confidence in Mr. Ramkarran’s no-confidence argument.

Anyway, I do recognise that Stabroek News publishing my letter is a privilege and not a right. Kaieteur News stopped publishing my letters a while now since I upset their gods.

The Stabroek News may follow suit. How did I offend the gods of Kaieteur News? I politely put them in their places, where they belong; in the back seats. Yes, I know it. Coming from a family of beggars and thieves I should show deference to the aristocrats in Guyana’s hierarchical society. I will conform to that when hell freezes over.

Finally, Kamal Ramkarran, the President of the Guyana Bar Association and I were friends on Facebook. Apparently, he was not happy with what I wrote about his father and he unfriended me. I respect his decision to choose his friends, but expressed my surprise on Facebook. This is what his father Mr. Ramkarran wrote to me on Facebook.

“Daddy Ramkarran passed on to Baby Ramkarran what you said. His response: “Mark Devonish is a lunatic. I did not unfriend him.” I agree, but for other reasons!!!”

Mr. Ramkarran, you are a trained lawyer. You are a senior counsel. You are old enough to be my father.

Please provide a counter argument. Just explain to the public why I am wrong to suggest you be demoted to the rank of a spectator. You are better at legal arguments than I, by virtue of your legal training. Defend your opinions and stop giving up on them or name-calling as

» From pg. 6

soon as you are placed in a difficult position. You were once Speaker of the House. Stop your desperate attempt at being Speaker of the PPP. I humbly rest my case.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Blood in the water Dear Sir,

I

WAS not surprised to learn of a new political party formed. What did surprise me was the omission of Christopher Ram, the renowned oracle of all things Guyana. Of course, when there is blood in the water the sharks will converge. Two retreads and two rookies are the new leaders of this group. I was just wondering who was leading who. The group’s name is “A NEW and UNITED GUYANA,” quite unique, since Guyanese were never united and will never be. For me however, I think we need a new political party like we need another thumb. This new group has already made a number of pronouncements as to what they will and will not do. In their opening move though, they did not hesitate to play the race card; according to them, they have reached out to “the Liberal Justice Party,” the new, independent Amerindian political party that will come on stream in the new year. Why that party? Guess!

These four people who have volunteered to save this

country from its doom, reminds me of Aldous Huxley the novelist who spoke of the Elite Syndrome. The people who created the Elite theory; the people who think that its time that they reclaim their position at the top of the pyramid, leaving the plebs at the bottom. They have what is necessary. (a) They have (big) connections, (b) They have money, (c) Some education (not necessarily political) and (d) All the time in the world.

Now playing their part in this charade as it unfolds is the Stabroek News. They found it imperative to embrace the quartet and shower them with positive ink-- a page and a half. Anyone or any entity but the coalition, the hallmark of the Stabroek News. Now these two retreads who were members of the PPP and never did anything to write home about during their tenures are quite verbal in their new quest. To follow that up, the Stabroek News has christened the rookies with the sobriquet of “politicians.” These people who don’t know the address of the National Assembly are now hailed as politicians.

Was Sean Hinds part of Charrandas security detail?

Dear Editor,

S

EAN Hinds is a citizen of national notoriety; well known as being part of death squads with the high point being his arrest, charge, and being placed before the courts for the murder of Shafeek Bacchus.

It will be recalled that during his interview on the popular HGPTV Nightly News, he admitted to not only being part of such outfits that have been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese, but also of his links to the PPP/C. Not surprisingly, his name has once again surfaced, if one is to understand National Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan’s statements on the NCN Programme, CONTEXT. It would seem that he had been part of Charandas Persaud’s security detail. In fact, it could be recalled that the minister had offered what amounted to safe passage to this national Judas who, like the biblical personage who betrayed the Christ, perpetrated a similar treachery on his party, the Alliance For Change, and by extension the entire coalition government on which benches he sat in the National Assembly as Member of Parliament.

Editor, make no mistake: Hinds being part of Persaud’s

entourage was not an accident. He had to have been there at the behest of his handlers, as he had been at City Hall.

As one-time bodyguard to former Town Clerk Carol Sooba, much to the discomfort of the general City Hall staffing.

Only this time being to protect the nation’s biggest ISCARIOT. Absolutely, this is what the PPP/C had stood for, and still does – retaining such very disreputable characters as hired guns in their retinue. This country has experienced enough of such destructive types, whose only mission was to be the hired guns for what could have only been described as state- sponsored murders. The narco kingpin Roger Khan is another, who has been known to have undisputed links to the PPP/C, that fits into this dark category.

No! No! No! Guyana and its citizens do not intend to countenance such a barbaric period recurring in its national life, ever again. But this is the culture of the PPP/C. If this is what the opposition party represents, then it is symptomatic of the deep moral malaise in which it has found itself since after assuming office in 1992. But it is one against which the entire nation must speak out, because it has a moral duty to do so.

And lest we forget, it must be borne in mind that the national psyche has been brutally distorted as a result of the experiences which had been experienced in those frightening early years of the current Millennium.

Since 2015, efforts are being made to remove such a nightmare from the collective memory of the nation.

It is then our duty, as citizens, to join in this effort of mental renewal.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Back in 2007 during the infamous reign of the PPP, when dead bodies were left lying around, there was a call for a Government of National Unity by all the groups. Christian, Muslim and Hindus, and lay people. Even the ERC convened by the PPP thought it was a noble idea. What came out of such a call? What did the older retread, a 50-year member of the PPP, hanging on to relevancy by his finger nails had to say about that? He now pontificates on things that he never did when he was masquerading as a politician. The other retread,on the other hand, would not know a good political idea, not unless it jumps up and bites him in the you know where.

Indoctrinated by the PPP ad infinitum, these charlatans are now trying to cajole us about their new group of elites, who have the formula to bring us back from the brink, and of course unite us.

Regards Milton Bruce

The National Assembly in my view is now functus officio Dear Editor,

I

HAVE witnessed the controversy over the issue of majority votes in the National Assembly of Guyana.

The National Assembly is the highest court in the land with its own procedures and systems. The Speaker is likened onto a superior judge of the land, the Clerk of the National Assembly to the Registrar of the Court. The proceedings of the no-confidence motion has been debated and voted upon. The Speaker, the superior judge, declared the motion carried on behalf of the opposition and declared that the government has fallen; this was confirmed by the prime minister, the Leader of Government Business in the House.

The Clerk of Parliament being the Registrar confirmed the declaration of the Speaker, the superior judge and accordingly the Clerk (Registrar) of the National Assembly sent out the certified Order of the National Assembly to the various relevant sources, in this case, the opposition leader, the prime minister and other relevant entities.

The National Assembly in my view is now functus officio and cannot revisit the Order made as it is now stopped from so doing. No court of law can knock on the door and enter the National Assembly to regulate its functions and proceedings; and therefore the Order of the Speaker as confirmed by the Clerk cannot be altered. It appears that only with the support of the opposition can the proceedings be revisited.

Regards J.T. Kissoon, Attorney-at-Law

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

‘Clean up the House’

9

….Justice Pollard urges ousting of MPs with dual citizenship

By Svetlana Marshall RETIRED judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Duke Pollard, is calling for a “clean up” of the National Assembly of Members of Parliament sitting there with dual citizenship.

Barton Scotland is expected to pronounce on the validity of the vote of no-confidence in response to a request from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government for review. The Speaker, on December 21,

Weighing in on the issue, Professor Pollard said in resolving the issues facing the Parliament, one’s legitimacy to sit in the National Assembly must also be addressed, but not in isolation. It is alleged that 26 sitting members of the National Assembly have dual

or state.”

The Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, in outlining government’s case that the motion is null, void and of no effect, has argued that the defector, Charrandas Persaud, was in violation of

Retired Judge of the CCJ, Duke Pollard

Public Buildings, the House of the Parliament and the National Assembly

Professor Pollard, who is an expert jurist in international law, made the comment during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday as he weighed in on the debate following the results of the No-Confidence Motion against the government.

Today, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr.

2018, had declared that the motion was carried after 33 members of parliament voted in favour of the motion and 32 against, but the government has since argued that 34 constitute a majority and not 33.

LEGITIMACY TO SIT IN HOUSE

citizenship, which represents a breach of the Constitution.

Article 155 of the Constitution states: “(1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power

Article 155 when he voted on the motion. Williams said evidence shows that Persaud held a passport and possessed the rights and obligations as a citizen of Canada which is a foreign power from nomination day of the last General and Regional Elections in 2015, including and up to the time

of voting upon the motion of no-confidence.

Like the Attorney General, Professor Pollard also referenced Article 155. According to him, there should be a thorough sweep of the National Assembly to rid the Parliament of all MPs with dual citizenship. “Clean up the place man, clean up the place man. All who have dual citizenship are not entitled to sit in the National Assembly, and the Constitution is very clear on this,” Professor Pollard said.

At a press conference on Monday, the Attorney General declined to address the issue of other MPs having dual citizenship, emphasizing that issue at hand lies with Persaud. “It (Article 155) should impact, but in

particular, only Charrandas’ issue is before the court,” the AG posited.

But Professor Pollard said the issue should not be dealt with in isolation. “Once you have dual citizenship, you have no rights being in the National Assembly, and if what is alleged is true, that the Opposition has 14 members and the government 12 with dual citizenship, get them out of there. Clean up the place and let us begin from scratch,” the retired CCJ judge said.

He said the High Court should be approached for a declaration to address who is eligible to sit in the National Assembly. “If you have a dual citizenship, you are not entitled, get them out!”

Professor Pollard emphasised that the Constitution must be respected by all. “This is not any kind of partisan approach; it is an approach by anyone who is committed to transparency and good governance. Get them out! Get them out! government and Opposition, all of them, clean up the place!” he urged.

The National Assembly has a total of 65 seats and with 26 MPs reportedly having dual citizenship; it would appear that only 39 members are constitutionally seated.

Gov’t on to PPP plot to disrupt sitting THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has put plans in place to stop any attempt by the opposition to disrupt the sitting of the National Assembly today.

In a statement on Wednesday, the government said it has credible evidence that the opposition intends to disrupt the sitting of the National Assembly at which the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, is expected to address the consequences of the December 21 no-confidence vote.

On Sunday, the government submitted to the Speaker a legal brief on the interpretation of the relevant constitutional provisions for passage of a confidence motion. It is arguing that 34 of the 65 members is the required majority, not 33. Re-

affirming that it will continue to respect and uphold the constitution, the government however made it clear that it will resist a legislative coup, procured by bribery or other unlawful means.

It insists that the Speaker ought to be allowed to pronounce on the constitutional threshold for a confidence vote, without pressure or threats of any kind.

Turning its attention to citizens, the coalition government offered reassurance that it will continue to implement the programmes and projects in accordance with the approved 2019 National Budget.

“At today’s Cabinet meeting, the minister of finance announced that a circular will be addressed to senior state functionaries on executing all projects and deliver the services for

which the allocations have been made,” the government disclosed. It was noted that since the public debate on the confidence motion, the government has spared no efforts at maintaining peace and good order, in spite of the reckless provocations by the opposition to stoke ethnic conflicts and political disorder.

Meanwhile, the government noted the on-going investigation by the police into what appears to be a massive illegal US$1,000,000 deal involving the defector Charrandas Persaud and wellknown gold dealers. Reports strongly indicate that the defector was bribed and had conspired with others to effect the unlawful overthrow of the duly elected APNU+AFC Government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

More bilateral partners briefed on gov’t plans

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets Chinese Ambassador Cui Jianchun

THE government has met with and briefed representatives of CARICOM and other bilateral partners on its plans following the no-confidence vote of December 21 last.

The meeting took place on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Government’s delegation comprised Prime Minister

Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge. According to Minister Greenidge, the foreign dignitaries were briefed on government’s position following the December 21 vote; they were assured of government’s efforts to maintain stability, even as it prepares to attend a sitting of the National Assembly.

“They had a few questions. Implications of the vote as we see it and what actions the government is proposing to take. We also indicated that there is to be, as agreed, of course, a sitting of the House tomorrow afternoon and that is to look at what the Speaker has to say about the consequences of the vote, which

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin La Rocque

was an undertaking he gave at the last sitting and also to look at other matters on the order paper, which spans a range of things.”

Meanwhile, Minister Greenidge says the government is prepared to approach the courts for an interpretation, if the Speaker of the House rules contrary to its expectations. “My under-

standing is that government can send the matter or ask the court to look at any issue it likes as soon as it is ready; and I think they are ready right now to explore the options that are available.

Similarly, of course, the opposition can do the same,” Minister Greenidge said.

Government’s delegation met with Secre-

tary-General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque; Ambassadors Alexander Kurmaz of Russia, Cui Jianchun of China, and Narciso Reinaldo Armador Socorro of Cuba; High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam of India; and Ronaldo Veira, Charge de Affairs of the Brazilian Embassy. (DPI)

Father of four killed in New Year’s Day accident

A FATHER of four of Grant 1802 Crabwood Creek, East-Berbice,

Corentyne,(Region Six), lost his life after the car he was driving, HB 1876

crashed into a parked tractor which was parked on the eastern parapet of the

Number 67 Public Road on Tuesday.

According to reports, at approximately 03:15hrs, Jaggernauth Ramcharran, 49, was transporting a passenger, Akesh Kookchamala, 22, to his home at Number 65 Village when he swerved to avoid stray animals on the roadway; comsequently, he crashed into the parked tractor. He was reportedly proceeding at a fast rate of speed.

Both men were assisted and taken to the Skeldon Hospital where Ramcharran succumbed to his injuries shortly after. Kookchamala was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where his condition is listed as stable.

Meanwhile, at the taxi driver’s home, the family was inconsolable as they be-

Jaggernauth Ramcharran

gan preparations for a wake.

“When I saw my husband …everything was broken for him, everything was bleeding. It was like a pipe was leaking…everything damaged for him,” that was all the wife could muster

the courage to relate as she fought back tears.

The Prime Minister’s Regional Representative for Region Six, Gobin Harbhajan, is calling on the Ministry of Communities, the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to collaborate in dealing with and enforcing tougher penalties in order for owners of machinery not in use to remove same from the roadways. He noted that Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have an important role to play in terms of serving notices to the owners and to work closely with the police to remove old machines from parapets.

He stressed that the issue has been there for years and it is time to act before more lives are lost.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Citizens hoping for a united Guyana –– say country needs peace this year

By Gabriella Chapman DURING the past two weeks or more, the country has been in ‘no confidence’ mode since the motion was passed in Parliament, in favour of the Opposition.

All over the press and social media, the talks are whether or not the motion was valid, given a plethora of legal perspectives on the matter.

Several citizens who spoke with Guyana Chronicle related that regardless of the outcome of the motion, they are hoping for a peaceful and united Guyana

WAKE UP CALL Jade Mitchell, a teenager, said she sees the no-confidence motion as a wakeup call for the government.

“If the old government comes back into power, I just hope that they are true

many care.

“It is characteristic of me to be a pessimist, so I

really look on the bright side of things [sic]and I am optimistic that things will materialise in a favourable way. At this point, I can’t be too overly concerned about

about business as usual. You know Guyanese people, we are stirred up at the moment, but after, things just fall into place really quickly,” Griffith said Barbara Schultz, a vendor on Camp Street, believes that Guyanese need to come together and pray for a better Guyana.

PRAYERS NEEDED “I think our present government is doing a good job and I think this nation needs prayers. Believers, we need to come together, stop criticising our government and let us come together and pray so that we can see nothing but a united nation in 2019,” she said.

Popular Guyanese gospel artiste, Samuel Medas, was concerned about what will

Barbara Schultz

what is going to be. It’s just going to cause undue anxiety and stress and I can’t deal with that. I think things will

Samuel Medas

troversy between the government and the Opposition is vastly affecting the people of the country, because not

with themselves and actually do things for the young people because they have done nothing for us as far as I have seen. They just have a lot of promises and then you’re not seeing anything.

I think the no-confidence motion was a way for them to wake up and realise that things aren’t going the way they think; they needed to realise that the people aren’t happy. They think we are

Jade Mitchell

Marvin Drakes

in 2019.

One young woman, who preferred her identity be concealed, said she does not see the reason for the fuss over the motion because, at the end of the day, the power to rule is a power given by the people.

“Guyanese fail to realise that they have a lot of power and supremacy. According to Article 6 in the Constitution, supremacy is within the people. So regardless of whether they think this is a bad decision or not, whoever the people would like to run the country, shall show in those votes. So I don’t see why everybody is being so overdramatic over the whole issue of no-confidence motion,” the young lady said.

Arita Griffith, a teacher at President’s College, said she does not believe the con-

right, I know that a lot of issues that he raised were valid issues and they need to be addressed by the government.”

work out most favourably.

The atmosphere right now, if we are to take anything from that, people are just going

happen if there is an election this year.

“I particularly am concerned because when the election time comes around, it brings out the worse in people. I think this New Year is a good year for Guyana because it’s pivotal to catapult us to have some kind of economic power in the region and we don’t need this kind of nonsense right now. But I hope that the people who are into the politics and the campaigning be responsible this time around with how they influence the people, and not to incite more racial tension than there already is,” Medas said.

However, he said that “whether or not we think Charandass was wrong or

Arita Griffith

happy, but we are not,” Jade said.

Marvin Drakes, who works in the capacity of empowering youths, said the current government only had three plus years to do what they are doing and thinks that they should be given a fair chance.

“Compared to the previous incumbent, we have seen some amount of significant changes. There were some blunders along the way but, all in all, Guyana will be Guyana and Guyana is moving forward.

Elections in three months, whether it comes or not, I just hope that young people will vote their conscience and not the idea of what your conscience is, as would have been expressed on the 21st of December.

Young people should vote what they see and let’s all work for a better Guyana,” he opined.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Government's work continues ..Min Jordan says

DESPITE the opposition’s call for the government to resign, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan says that, logically, the country can at no time be left without a government and the unfolding of the no-confidence motion cannot hinder the country’s progress.

Furthermore, Jordan believes that what happened on December 21, 2018, and whatever is to come after can only serve as an opportunity for the current government to better showcase why it remains the country’s best option.

Even as the Speaker of the National Assembly is expected to comment on the contentious no-confidence motion in the House today, the Finance Minister said normal operations and management of the country continues unhindered. “I think the important thing is that Parliament is still in session, it has not been dissolved.

There is a government and there will be a government until such time as the government has been voted out of office and there is a budget for the fiscal year of 2019,” he said.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Although the Opposition has been calling for the immediate resignation of the government, Jordan highlighted the risks in such an act. “We can’t hold the

economy back for certain events to unfold. There’s an economy to run and by the doctrine of necessity, a government has to be in place to run the country and we have not been voted out of office, it’s only then that the government can demit office.

Until there are new elections and a new president has been sworn in, the government of the day remains the government of the day,” he asserted.

He then went on to explain that a number of systems would be left unattended and perhaps in chaos should the Opposition’s clamour for resignation be entertained.

“The government of the day has to do things that are

consistent with government, whether its law and order, the economy, collecting taxes, paying wages [or overseeing] projects that are in place,” he said.

“As the Minister of Finance, I have to make certain that the country is running.

We have international obligations and we’re a part of an international community.

They’re not waiting on us to decide what we have to do, so we have to proceed until otherwise told.”

Furthermore, he said that his take on the decision of one of the coalition’s former member to vote in favour of the opposition only leans on the bright side, as more will now come to know of

the government’s accomplishments and plans for the country.

“Out of every challenge and every problem comes an opportunity and what we would have seen there, either way it ends, is an opportunity for us to sell our programmes. So many people have admitted that we have not been good as a government in selling all the positive things that we have done,” Jordan said.

“The positive out of what happened is a ‘wake-up call’ and an opportunity to do better.”

Lone LHC New Year baby showered with gifts

THE first baby to be born at the Linden Hospital

Complex (LHC) in 2019 was showered with gifts

from the Linden business community.

A bouncing baby girl, Quinn Jones, was born at 10:50 hrs on Wednesday.

Her parents, Ronetta and Quincy Jones, received hampers for their little angel from Rubigee’s Pharmacy, ‘Babies R Us’ and Republic Bank Linden Branch. The entities have been annually donating hampers to Linden’s first New Year’s baby.

While Quinn was the New Year’s baby for LHC, on Christmas day, three healthy, beautiful, bouncing bundles of joy were also delivered at the hospital: a baby boy, who was born to Angelica John from Bamia, Linden Soesdyke Highway. He was born at 00: 35 hrs. Then at 16:30 hrs, a bouncing baby girl was welcomed by her mother, Elester George of Kuru Kuru, also located on the Linden Soesdyke Highway. At 17:53 hrs, another

Baby Quinn Jones being cuddled by Matron of the LHC, Annette Jones, while her mother Ronetta Jones receives the hamper from a Republic Bank employee

baby girl, born to Jeneila Scott, also made her way into the world on that sacred day.

The babies, who are all full-term, have since been released from the hospital.

The nurses, doctors and

midwives of the LHC are looking forward to providing continued midwifery, antenatal and postnatal services to their patients in 2019

Ex-GuyOil guard to stand trial for murder of girlfriend THIRTY-FOUR -YEAROLD former Guyoil security guard Jermaine Bristol was on Wednesday committed by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of his girlfriend, 24-year-old Shenece Lawrence.

Bristol is charged with the capital offence which alleged that on August 22, 2018, at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, he murdered Lawrence.

On Wednesday the Preliminary Inquiry concluded before the chief magistrate, who ruled that there was sufficient evidence against

Bristol for him to stand trial at the High Court.

According to reports, on the day in question, the couple were involved in a heated argument after the woman threatened to leave the relationship. It is alleged that Bristol became annoyed, picked up a knife and stabbed Lawrence several times to the neck.

Bristol then surrendered to the police shortly after and led them back to the murder scene, where, according to reports, the knife was still sticking out of the victim’s neck.

The couple was previously living together at the

home of the victim’s mother in Broad Street, but moved to the current location as of last June.

Lawrence, reportedly, had left the apartment and moved back in with her mother, but subsequently returned to go to church with the suspect.

Family members of the couple confirmed that the relationship was a tumultuous one; nonetheless, the couple apparently had plans to marry last December. According to the victim’s mother, Lawrence had plans to leave the relationship and this might have provoked Bristol.

TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Bartica battles financial woes

–– but new council determined to continue progress EVEN though the Town Council of Bartica is experiencing financial woes, Mayor Gifford Marshall is determined to push ahead and keep the small town on the road of progress.

On a recent visit, Guyana Chronicle was made aware of a few hurdles that are taking a toll on the township.

Mayor Marshall said by mid-December, junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes and a team from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) visited Bartica, inspected the sandpit and closed it down.

The sandpit is a source of revenue to the municipality and its closure will bring a strain on the town, the mayor said.

Town Clerk Phebe Wallerson said the GGMC cited the town for two breaches. One, she said, the sandpit needs to be 200 meters or more away from the main access road in keeping with GGMC’s regulations.

However, she said, since its existence more than 30 years ago, the location of the pit has always been less than 200 meters from the main access road. She is surprised that it is now an issue for the GGMC. In addition to the location, the GGMC said the operation is too close to a residential home. Last week, Minister Broomes posted on her facebook page a picture of the house near the sandpit. The caption read: “Safety comes before money; any kind of mining like this is endangering life. All authorities must bring these practices to a halt.” Minister Broomes reiterated that the government will not condone hazardous mining areas.

But Wallerson explained that the residents near the sandpit are squatters and the council has made several attempts to remove them.

The council intends to take this matter seriously with the hope that the GGMC will reverse its decision.

LAW SUIT Along with the closure of the sandpit, the town also inherited a $9 million lawsuit from a former vendor in the municipality. This lawsuit resulted in a cease order being placed on the Council’s bank account.

Summarising the plight to Guyana Chronicle, Wallerson said the lawsuit was filed since 2013 but was inherited in 2015 by the Town Council. The previous Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) had removed an illegal stall from second avenue Bartica that was owned by an Essequibian, Ganesh Deonarine. Deonar-

ine had since then claimed $9 million in damages.

In July last year, the town clerk explained that the man withdrew the matter without prejudice but then filed it again in September. This resulted in the cease order.

“The council has no access to their accounts, which means the work of the council is at a halt. We can’t really do much because we have no money,” she said.

She noted that the council is currently receiving assistance from the Ministry of Communities to pay contractors, but funds remain a challenge.

The council has applied to the Court of Appeal to hear and rule on the matter but has not received a date for the hearing.

Mayor Marshall said amid the challenges, the council remains strong and

resilient and will continue to progress.

VENDORS’ DEBT The mayor also highlighted that over the past two and a half years, the accumulated debt of vendors in the municipality is in excess of $1.7 million. This also is a contributing factor to the financial crisis.

The council is currently conducting consultations

Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall

with these vendors to settle

13

their outstanding debts.

“I see these blows a test of strength of our leadership over the town of Bartica and I’m confident that this will pass and we will overcome.

Bartica will progress despite the odds and we will continue to carry out our pledges to the development of Green Bartica,” Marshall said.

Last week, Marshall was sworn in as mayor

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who was performing the duties of President.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Praise and pomp ring in the new year

On December 31, Guyanese came out in their numbers to ring in the new year at various churches and then at the Stabroek Market Square for the traditional fireworks display put on by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

It started at 17:00 hours at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, on Church Street. Families came dressed in their best outfits for the

final church service of 2018.

As they sang songs of praise, persons counted down the minutes to the new year and what it had in store.

In fact, just before the service ended after 20:00hrs, persons gathered at the altar as the pastor led them in prayer for happiness and prosperity in the new year.

Meanwhile at the Brickdam Cathedral, hundreds of

Guyanese- of all walks of lifegathered to praise the Lord as well. Throughout the night persons entered and left, but they were each united by their mutual desire to spend the last hours of the year in prayer and reflection.

A stone’s throw away from the cathedral, persons lined the Stabroek Market Square for the premier national event-the new year fireworks. At the

Part of the spectacular fireworks display at the Stabroek Market Square

stroke of midnight, members of the GDF took their cue and began the grand display. With only the clock tower of the Stabroek Market being lit up, it was left up to the fireworks to illuminate the square, and that is exactly what was done-for 10 minutes or so at least.

As those fireworks captured the attention of many, citizens themselves added to the pomp of the night with their own fireworks and firecrackers. At some point or the other, stray firecrackers attempted to break up the crowds gathered at the square but luckily there was a heavy police presence to regulate the event. Of course, when all of this was done, persons either retired to their homes with their families or went to the multiple parties around town.

Hundreds of persons gathered at the Brickdam Cathedral

Persons praying together at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church FROM PAGE

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Ex-GuyOil guard to ...

“I guess it was because she was threatening to leave; from what she was telling me, is that she was planning to come back home and even further, to give up the relationship.”

In 2017, the former special constable Bristol was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment on a charge of conspiracy to traffic cocaine that was intercepted in rum bottles at the John F Kennedy Airport in New York.

Bristol, who at the time was

employed at the Special Constabulary, was found guilty of conspiring with persons unknown on November 17, 2014, at the CJIA, to traffic in narcotics through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri (CJIA).

The sentencing was handed down by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman. A month after Bristol’s attorney then appealed the magistrate’s decision at the High Court and Bristol was released on bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Minister Broomes reaches out to Better Hope residents

By Lisa Hamilton OVER 100 children from the community of South Better Hope, Area ‘J’, East Coast Demerara (ECD) received presents and clothing for the New Year, compliments of Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes and the Broomes Foundation.

The minister and her team visited the community on Wednesday morning and scores of parents also received food hampers and other goodies.

Broomes told reporters that the exercise is in keeping with the foundation’s goal, which is to serve Guyanese in need.

“I believe in giving back, I believe in the good life, I

her thoughts and she has a heart; she knows people are alive and well at the

back here and she came to visit us,” Blackman said.

Vendor: Ulita Moore

community’ and I said ‘okay, I have no problem’. I gave her my word. I know she was surprised when I called her because I took her number.

She thought probably that

aliens,” Moore said.

While she noted that the community still faces some amount of challenges with its Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), she is happy

Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes hands over a hamper to a resident (Samuel Maughn photo)

Scores of children from South Better Hope, Area ‘J’ received presents and clothing from Minister Broomes on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo)

believe in bringing smiles to parents, children, the elderly, youth and so this morning is just a little part of its continuation,” the junior minister said.

She added: “We always find time to give back. It is something that I have taught my children to do.”

Broomes told Guyana Chronicle that she decided to visit the community after she came into contact with one of its residents whom she met during a walkabout at Stabroek Market in the last quarter of 2018.

“She [the resident] said ‘I’m living in the community minister and I want you to reach out to my people in the

I took the number and had forgotten about her but that’s not who I am, my word is my name. So, I was happy that I was able to deliver to the people,” Minister Broomes said.

Guyana Chronicle then met with the woman in reference-- a vendor by the name of Ulita Moore who operates a stall near the Public Buildings.

“The previous administration, everything they did, they did it in area ‘G’, area ‘H’ and the rest of the central and north area but nobody comes to the people at the back here because they think that we are supporters of the government and so we are

to see attention now being shown to her community.

“It’s a good step because she would be our first minister to come here. So that’s a good step in the right direction and we’re not expecting her alone because we have promises from the other ministers to be here,” she stated.

Another community member, Roxanna Blackman, in receiving her hamper related that former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy in 2005 said he never knew people live aback Better Hope.

“We are a neglected area, nobody comes to visit us so we are happy this morning that Minister [Broomes] had us in

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Minister Lawrence commissions water ambulance in Bartica REGION Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) on Monday received a ‘River Ambulance’ to aid in transporting patients who need tertiary medical attention.

The boat was commissioned on the said day by Minister of Public Health (MoPH) Volda Lawrence.

At the small commissioning ceremony held at the Bartica Stelling, Minister Lawrence reminded the people that the objective of the MoPH is to ensure that their regional hospital has all the equipment, all of the specialised staff and all of the supporting staff that will be able to provide medical services at all levels, for all the people of Bartica and the adjoining communities.

She noted that while this is a tremendous step for the people and health sector of Region Seven, it will not only benefit that region, but the ‘river ambulance’ will also be used in Regions Three, 10, and Two. The minister also said

that though this ‘river ambulance’ is of utmost importance to health care delivery, she trusts that it will be used on a very minimal scale.

Regional Health Officer for the region, Dr. Edward Sagala, thanked the MoPH for their support, mentioning improvements that have been made to the Bartica Hospital.

He said that over the last few years, the Health Department of Region Seven has grown tremendously with a number of additional specialties and services being offered there.

“The river ambulance was a vision of ours for a very long time and to have this boat in operation from Bartica to Parika, transferring patients, will greatly boost the level of Health Care delivery in our region… In the past, we would sometimes have great difficulties in attaining a boat at short notice, while patients’ lives are at risk,” Sagala said.

In his brief remarks, Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall said that he sees

Minister Volda Lawrence and Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford cutting the ribbon at the commissioning ceremony of the new ‘river ambulance.’ Also in photo are Mayor Gifford Marshall (extreme left); Director of Regional Health Services Dr. Kay Shako (second left) and Regional Health Officer Dr Edward Sagala (extreme right) (Aubrey Odle photo)

this as another positive step the town has taken towards its development. He noted that over the past three years he has seen a significant increase in spending on health services for the township of Bartica.

“This we believe is a step in the right direction. I must applaud the Government of Guyana for their continuity in investing in our health sector, since this is a very important part of our livelihood… I must also applaud their efforts as they continue to work towards bringing the good life to the people of Bartica,” the mayor said.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Director of Regional Health Services, Dr Kay Shako; newly appointed Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Seven, Kerwin Warde; Deputy REO Holbert Knights and other regional officials.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Man who allegedly killed GDF officer surrenders to police THE man who allegedly fatally stabbed Guyana Defence Force Lieutenant Mark Bagot on Monday has surrendered to the police at the Whim Police Station, Corentyne, Berbice.

The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Kamal Matthews, called “Son”, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder. He surrendered on Wednesday morning in the company of his parents and lawyer Chandra Sohan.

In a statement, the GDF had said that Bagot was stabbed around 01:20hrs on Monday during an altercation with a male individual at a shop in Philippi Village, Corentyne, Berbice. He was initially rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital, where he succumbed to his injury. Bagot reportedly was

Deceased GDF officer Mark Bagot

sharing a drink with a friend at Chunku’s Grocery and Beer Garden in his hometown, when the incident occurred.

According to the proprietor Daneshwar Gabbar, around 21:00hrs, Bagot and a friend identified as “Sherman” were hanging out when

“Son”, a friend of Sherman, joined them and he was asked to purchase three bottles of Guinness stout. Gabbar added that Bagot left to go by a neighbour for a few minutes and upon his return, ordered another three bottles of Guinness, for which he indicated he would pay. “Son say he ain’t want, that he gonna pay for his own drink, so that’s when they started to argue and it got bad, cause like “Son” tell he something he didn’t like…After words start exchanging them start fuh scramble, but Sherman went between and told “Son” to back off, that the man is an army officer and he should have some respect; but them continue to argue and Sherman tried to hold down soldier boy.”

Continuing, he said that Bagot eventually managed to break free from Sherman

and approached “Son,” who by that time was brandishing a knife, and each time they clashed Sherman pushed them away. “After Sherman keep backing them away, soldier boy walk out the shop and then pick up a stool to come back in the shop, then when he walking in he start to sway, then I see blood and he too then realise he get stab.”

Bagot, who lives a few

houses away from the beer garden, was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital and was later transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed several hours later to his injury. The assailant fled the scene immediately after realising that Bagot was injured. Bagot had enrolled at the University of Guyana but got a scholarship to

attend the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and graduated with a diploma.

He subsequently joined the GDF Cadet course which he successfully completed. The young GDF officer leaves to mourn his sister and parents and an entire community whose residents described him as a role model for youths.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Three arrested, released for Bush Lot double murder

POLICE have rounded up several persons for questioning for the murder of two brothers of Bush Lot, Corentyne, who were killed by bandits on New Year’s Eve. Divisional Commander Paul Langevine stated that the three persons were subsequently released, as sleuths continue their investigation into the brutal slaying of the men. He noted, also, while there is no major breakthrough at the moment, the police are following several leads with the hope of crack-

Premcharan Samaroo

Harricharan Samaroo

ing the case soon.

The attack occurred between 20:00- 21:00 hrs. The dead men have been identified as Premchand Samaroo called ‘Tully,” a labourer and a father of two and Harichand Samaroo, an older brother who was initially hospitalised at the Port Mourant Hospital. Relatives said the killers are men from the area.

Premchand Samaroo was at his mother’s home, having just returned from an outing with his two children in Rose Hall earlier The house where the incident occurred

in the day and preparing to share a drink with his brother and a family friend, when four masked men, armed with guns, stormed the home, firing shots indiscriminately and demanding cash. According to the men’s mother, Iris Samaroo, 67, they were sitting under the house and eating when they heard what appeared to be firecrackers coming from the back of the yard. “Tully” then went to investigate and came face to face with the bandits and he was shot.

“He did sit down and eat food in the kitchen when we hear something like bomb coming from the backyard, so Tully went to see what happen and tell me to go bring the torchlight and he walk go. Me hear he holler run and hide and then one gunshot” the distraught woman related.

Her older son, Harichand Samaroo, also went to investigate and was badly beaten by the bandits. He suffered injuries about his body. The

men then demanded cash and proceeded to broadside Munilall Roberts Kumar, 72, who only came into the country the day prior.

The bandits were given a bag containing USD $350 and $20,000 GYD along with some jewellery but they said that that was not enough and proceeded to beat the males about their bodies before leaving. When this newspaper arrived on the scene, the police had just arrived and were conducting their investigations. The body of Premchand was still lying face down next to the house with blood oozing from his mouth; some of his teeth were scattered on the ground.

Kumar told investigators he saw three men, two of whom had guns-- one long and one short. He described the men as “skinny” and they appeared to be between the ages of 16 and 25. He was beaten with a machete and asked to hand over the US currency.

Kurutuku Village leader beheaded NEW Year’s celebrations at the village of Kurutuku in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni region turned tragic after Toshao Solomon Lewis was brutally murdered.

Reports are that around 04:00hrs on Tuesday morning, Lewis went to intervene in a domestic violence issue involving his daughter and her partner when the tragedy occurred.

In the process of settling the matter, he was attacked by his son-in-law who severed his head as well as the hand of his

brother-in-law.

According to the police, information revealed that the suspect was beating his wife which caused Lewis to intervene. The suspect became annoyed and armed himself with a cutlass and fatally chopped Lewis.

He then turned his attention to his brother-inlaw and injured him after which he fled the area in a boat.

Police are investigating the incident.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday January 3, 2019

Suspect held for Pomona killing ly held the knife to Betancourt’s neck, cut it, then stabbed him to the left side of his chest, causing

Dead: Kevin Betancourt

A LABOURER of Good Hope village in Region Two remains in custody for the stabbing to death of Kevin Betancourt, of Vilvoorden Public Road, Essequibo Coast.

Alex Matthias was arrested by police shortly after he fled the murder scene and has been identified as the prime suspect. The horrific ordeal occurred on December 31 around 21:30hrs at Pomona Housing Scheme.

The suspect Alex Matthias

The suspect was reportedly caught red-handed with a knife. Information reaching the Guyana Chronicle revealed that the suspect went to his aunt Cenda Matthias and uncle Desmond Smith some two weeks ago to spend some time.

According to the suspect’s aunt, she had left her nephew alone at home while she went out to view masqueraders performing.

Upon returning home around 20:00hrs, she met her nephew along with two other men imbibing under the house; she added that she left and went upstairs. The suspect’s uncle however was downstairs in the hammock and said that his nephew was highly intoxicated. He related that the deceased Kevin Betancourt came into the yard and was asking for someone by the name of "Carol," when the suspect told him that it was the wrong address.

The suspect then started to chuck Betancourt out the yard and a fight ensued. It is alleged that the suspect at the time had a black-handle knife in his right-side pants pocket when he pulled it out on the deceased. He reported-

him to fall to the ground.

Betancourt was picked up in an unconscious state and was rushed to the Sud-

die Public Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The police have since launched an investigation.

An autopsy conducted on the remains on Wednesday revealed that Betancourt died from a stab wound

to his heart. The autopsy was conducted by Dr. Nehaul Singh at the Suddie mortuary.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Den Amstel upset Buxton United 2-0 to lift GFF/STAG ‘Super 16’ title, $2M ON New Year’s night, it was a case of the ‘West being the best’ as West Demerara-based team, Den Amstel triumphed over home side Buxton United at the Buxton Community ground on the East Coast of Demerara.

Being at home, Buxton United went into the final as favourites but suffered defeat at the hands of Den Amstel who proved to be dogged opposition with staunch defending.

The first half of the game saw a battle of the midfields and some lastditch defending. However, the scoreline remained untroubled as both sides failed to find the net by the halftime whistle.

After play resumed, Den Amstel’s Jamal Harvey silenced the Buxton supporters with a well-taken goal in the 47th minute.

Following Harvey’s strike, the Buxton side pressed on, looking for the equaliser but just could not breach Den Amstel’s defence. To add insult to injury, in the closing stages of the match, Buxton’s Jamar Harrigon found the back of his own net in the 85th minute to seal the deal for Den Amstel.

Earlier in the third-place playoff, Fruta Conquerors rediscovered their ‘mojo’ to brush aside Western Tigers 2-0.

As in the final, the first

half was goalless but the game exploded into life in the second half when youngster Nicholas McArthur opened proceedings for the Conquerors in the 61st minute before Raphael Edwards doubled the lead in the 75th minute to truly bury the game.

For their victory in the final, Den Amstel walked away with the $2M winners’ purse, a trophy and equipment while Buxton settled for $1M, a trophy and equipment.

Third-place finishers Fruta Conquerors grabbed the consolation prize of $500 000, a trophy and equipment while Western Tigers receive a trophy and equipment.

Eagles soar to maiden UDFA/GT Beer Title with 2-1 win over Net Rockers

CHRISTIANBURG’S Eagles United are the new Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Sixth GT Beer Champions, following their cagey 2-1 win over Net Rockers in the final on Tuesday night.

The Eagles earned $1.2M and bragging rights for one year after their victory in front of a packed crowd on New Year’s night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden.

Fierce rivals throughout 2018, with both clubs triumphing at various meets, this time around the Eagles took the glory.

Led by defender Benny Neblett and mid-field general, Clive DeNobrega, the Eagles were an inspired unit. On the way to the final, the Eagles ousted the defending champions Botofago out in the semifinals.

In the final, regulation time failed to produce a winner and it was ex-

tra time that settled the eventual result. As has been the case in recent times for the Eagles, Colwyn Drakes (eventually named Most Valuable Player) once again delivered.

The Eagles found themselves a man short after Sheldon Holder was given marching orders in the 80th minute by referee Gladstone Johnson for dissent. However, in the 82nd minute a second yellow card sent Net Rockers’ Hussain Cumberbatch off the field as the game continued to be a tactical engagement with both teams resorting somewhat to physical play at times.

However, in extra time, Drakes stole the ball from a Net Rockers defender and struck a ripping left-footed shot into the back of the net in the 103rd minute to make it 1-0 in front of a roaring crowd.

Then as the clock winded down, the roving Deon Charter sent Eagles 2-0 up with his 116th minute strike. This time Drakes was the creator as he laid the ball on a platter for Deon Charter with a through ball to score, as football fans ran on to the field in celebration.

Tw o m i n u t e s l a t e r

Net Rockers fought back gamely and scored a consolation goal from a free kick when Deshawn Joseph‘s shot nestled in the back of the net to make it 2-1, but it was too little too late.

At the final whistle, it was wild celebrations by the Christianburg side’s vociferous supporters. It was the Eagles first yearend title since winning the 2nd edition of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament in 1991/92 when they defeated Milerock.

Earlier in the third place playoff game, Winners Connection recorded a 3-2 win over former champions Botofago. The scorers for the Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection side were Shaquille France in the 4th minute, Stanford Bovell in the 65th minute while Shane Haynes (47th minute) and his brother Jamal (54th minute) netted for Botofago.

After fulltime the sides were in a stalemate at 2-2.

Extra time decided the victors as Winners Connection claimed the 106th minute goal off the boot of Cedric Hunte.

The official presentation of the prizes and trophies will be done at a date to be announced by the organisers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Cycling’s lethargy continued in 2018

Is 2019 the year of change for cycling in Guyana?

By Michelangelo Jacobus BASKETBALL legend Michael Jordan once said; “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it”.

It seems that as the years keep rolling by, so too does the cycling fraternity and more specifically the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), without trying how to hurdle the many obstacles and challenges that block its path of evolving and developing the many young talented cyclists who are in Guyana.

A selected few cyclists over the past year have represented the Golden Arrowhead at international events. Those opportunities were presented through specific club affiliations. Most of those cyclists who travelled overseas failed to complete races and even when races were completed, they were nowhere close to the top.

There was a great sense of dissatisfaction and bias throughout the year, with some cyclists who, more often than not, are the hardest working and highest performing ones, but were selected and even when selected, were expected to pay their own travelling expenses.

A Federation is supposed to look after its own, have policies and plans in place for the development, funding and coaching of the athletes. The general thrust of any good federation will see the development of the sport and advancement of the athletes being the foremost objectives - objectives that are inclusive of ALL and not a selected few.

However, with General Elections on the horizon in just two months, this can change, once those like-minded individuals in the various clubs and key stakeholders come together and unife for the greater good of the sport.

Cycling is one of the longest running sport disciplines in Guyana with some amount of success, but in recent times it feels

as though the GCF is just another white elephant slowly going through the motions.

Cycling and the young talents are in dire need of a vibrant, objective and inclusive federation.

On a brighter note, cycling still has the legendary cycling coach Hassan Mohamed who kept up his tireless work in organising cycling meets on an almost weekly basis. Without him, the cyclists would be dire straits.

Mohamed not only provides an avenue for cyclists to compete but he also carries on his yearly ‘Teach Them Young’ cycling programme in collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC). This programme has groomed 95 percent of the cyclists whp have represented Guyana including current Secretary General of the Guyana Olympic Association, Hector Edwards, who was part of the inaugural run of the programme in 1976.

As the years rolled by, gems such as Marcus and Noel Fiedtkou, Byron and Burtram James, Godfrey Pollydore, Dwayne Gibbs, Linden Dowridge, Robin Persaud, Eric Sankar, Tyrone Hamilton, Troy Humphrey, Alex and Reginald Mendez, Junior Niles, Geron Williams, Warren McKay, Raynauth Jeffrey, Michael Anthony, Hamzah Eastman, Raphael Leung and Jamual John have all emerged.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, vice-president of the Carlton Wheelers Club and co-founder of the Guyana Cycling News (GCN), Malcolm Sonaram gave his input on the future of cycling.

He revealed; “I’m looking forward to the upcoming elections at the GCF where we (clubs) can bury the proverbial hatchet and make cycling a formidable sport in our country once again.”

I’m sure that all key stakeholders, cyclists, fans and enthusiasts are keenly awaiting 2019 to see change, and not just change, but a change for the better and the only way to do this is to align our respective visions for the development and future of the sport.

‘2018 was tough but we persevered - GABBF president Coel Marks

THE Guyana Body Building Federation head honcho, Coel Marks has said that 2018 was a challenging year but the Federation persevered amid a few hurdles.

Marks told Chronicle Sport “2018 surely was a tougher year for the federation. Nevertheless, we were able to successfully host our novice competition, fully funded from the proceeds from previous shows and one sponsor. In addition, we hosted the National Seniors which proved challenging due to limitation of sponsors”.

However, it was no ‘bed of roses’ as the Federation was unable to run off its intermediate championships. On this issue, Marks noted; “Due to financial constraints, we were unable to host intermediates, in addition to some outreach initiatives that required financial resources we were unable to meet. We also had some administrative discrepancies where we didn’t meet some deadlines, of which as President I accept accountability for”.

On the brighter side of things, Marks pointed out; “However, what continues to be our proudest moment is our ability to continue financially supporting our athletes on all overseas performances for the year. Guyana was also able to secure a pro card in athlete, Mr Bruce Whatley, in addition to hardware from him and Mr Emmerson Campbell on the international stage”.

He also pointed towards the training of officials; “Furthermore, we were able to host a judges seminar, hosted by the vice president of CAC judges committee, Mr. Errol Williams. What this did was to boost our judges capacity and also certify new judges; an action that will benefit all

stakeholders in the sport” Looking ahead to 2019, Marks revealed; “Going forward, we want to continue to have our athletes feel supported and foster better ties so we can facilitate them better”.

A longstanding sore point in Guyana-- the lack of a national sports policy-Marks underscored the importance of the policy.

Guyana Bodybuilding Federation President, Coel Marks

“In terms of what I’d like to see is the establishment of a sports policy that has a component that truly incentivizes corporate Guyana to get on-board behind sport, making it easier for administrators to bargain and bridge the gap with corporate Guyana. With such a policy in place, business persons supporting sports get some certified tangible returns for them lending support”.

The GBBF will kick things off in 2019 with their General Elections which will be held in early February and Marks highlighted; “We are encouraging persons to attend and toss their hats in the ring and become apart of the process”.

FIFA should expand 2022 World Cup to 48 teams if possible - Infantino DUBAI (Reuters) - FIFA should, if possible, increase the size of the football World Cup in Qatar in 2022 to 48 from 32 teams, the global governing body’s president Gianni Infantino said.

Last month, Infantino said a majority of national football federations were in favour of expanding the tournament and a decision was expected ahead of the qualifying draw in March.

Infantino, speaking at a sports conference yesterday, also said FIFA was seeing whether it would be possible for some of Qatar’s Gulf neighbours to host some of the matches.

He said last month that it would be “difficult” to stage an expanded tournament in Qatar alone.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt launched a diplomatic and trade boycott of Qatar in June 2017 that has complicated the prospect of sharing the tournament.

The countries accuse Qatar of supporting terrorism, which it denies.

FIFA voted in 2017 to increase the size of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams starting from 2026 but, since then, Infantino has been mulling the possibility of bringing the change forward to 2022.

“If you think it’s a good thing to have 48 teams in the

World Cup, why not try four years before, that’s why we are analysing whether it’s possible to have 48 teams already in 2022,” Infantino said yesterday.

“The World Cup will take place in Qatar with 32 teams. Obviously, if we can increase it to 48 teams and make the world happy we should try it.”

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Qatar said it would not take a final decision on the tournament expansion until it has seen details of a feasibility study from FIFA. The study is expected to discuss aspects of scheduling, the number of required venues, training sites, and how many games per day would be played under an expanded format.

Qatar, a tiny but wealthy Arab nation, has moved ahead with an ambitious plan to scale up infrastructure ahead of the 2022 tournament that includes $6-8M billion on eight stadiums and sporting facilities.

“If we can accommodate some of the neighbouring countries in the Gulf region which are very close by, to host a few games in the World Cup this could be very beneficial for the region and the entire world,” Infantino added.

“There are tensions in this particular region and it’s up to their respective leaders to deal with that but maybe it’s easier to talk about a joint football project than more complicated things.

“If it can help all the people in the Gulf and all the countries in the world to develop football and bring a positive message to the world about football, then you should give it a try.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

2018 - A year of records for powerlifters

By Michelangelo Jacobus A SPORT often overlooked and underappreciated, powerlifting in Guyana is at an all-time high. 2018 was a year of records and the emergence of new talents, citing the exploits of newcomers such as Runita White and the more seasoned campaigners like Nadine Taharally and Carlos Petterson.

Meanwhile Webster also pointed out; “Locally we had an influx of new athletes to the sport, we saw an increase in new talents. One of the most outstanding newcomers would definitely be Runita White.

She’s the first woman to squat 400 lb unassisted and the first female to break the overall female deadlift record. We also had Noel Cummings, a 70-year-old Masters 4 Category

in 2019.

“The federation started getting more credentials for officials. Andrea Smith is in the process of securing her credentials, while we have some persons inclusive of Franklin Brisport-Luke, who will be up for referee positions. Our aim is to have more officials certified in 2019.”

full team of masters that we can send to Masters World (Championships), inclusive of Joseph Stoll, Nadine Taharally, Franklin Brisport-Luke and Jackie Toney”.

“In addition, Petterson has qualified for World’s Equipped and Unequipped, we also have Costa Rica APF Championships, Uruguay’s FESUPO/ NAPF and of course, the Commonwealth later in the year”.

Pele Alumni: “We are going to be reaching out to kids, to help educate them about sports and healthy lifestyles.”

In addition there will be collaborations with youth group PYARG to do special projects. More information about these projects will be disseminated as the year moves on.

With 2018 firmly behind us, stakeholders, athletes

Martin Webster

Runita White was one of the most outstanding newcomers to powerlifting in 2018.

Both locally and internationally the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) has reaped the fruits of its hard work and integral organisational skills.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, Championship Secretary, Martin Webster, noted that the past year “was a successful one internationally and nationally, with what we have done as a team; we have seen athletes break records internationally en route to copping gold medals”.

athlete.

Once again we saw Carlos Petterson display his dominance both locally and internationally along with one of our most seasoned and successful female athletes, Nadine Taharally, who was dominant locally and internationally”.

In terms of elevating officials, Webster revealed that the GAPLF had initiated the process of certifying more persons in 2018. This, he noted, is something that will continue

As always, the support of corporate sponsorship in sport is key to success and Webster underscored the importance of this; “We thank our perennial sponsors, Fitness Express, Buddy’s Gym, Dayna’s Embroidery, Trophy Stall and newcomers Pele Alumni.”

The GAPLF will kick-start 2019 with their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 19 at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue from 09:00hrs.

Looking ahead in terms of international competitions, Webster noted; “We have a

Carlos Petterson has qualified for the World’s Equipped and Unequipped Championships in 2019.

Webster also confirmed that the “GAPLF is fully on board with local WADA regulations.

We started testing athletes last year in accordance with GOA and IPF rules. Athletes have to submit their whereabouts forms in order to conform to the doping tests. This is an integral part which will help those athletes heading out to international events.”.

In terms of outreaches and partnerships, Webster spoke about their partnership with the

and enthusiasts can look forward to a brighter 2019, as GAPLF continues to evolve and achieve unparalleled success.

INTERNATIONAL ACCOLADES NAPF CHAMPIONSHIPS:

Carlos Petterson-Griffith (Men’s Raw Open 93kg gold and Men’s Equipped Open 93kg gold), Nadina Taharally (Masters Raw I 72kg gold,

Raw Open 72kg bronze) and Franklyn Brisport-Luke (Equipped Masters I, 66kg bronze and Equipped Open 66kg bronze) National Records Junica Pluck Open Equipped 63kg Class squat, bench, deadlift and total Runita White junior classic 84+kg class squat, bench, deadlift and total Lisa Oudit Open classic 84kg class deadlift and total Natoya Robinson Open classic 84+kg class bench, deadlift Runita White Open classic 84kg class squat. First woman to squat 402 lb without the aid of equipment Ramzam Mohamed Junior Equipped 120kg class squat, deadlift, total Bjorn Williams Open classic 105kg class bench and total Frank Tucker Master 3,2 and 1 equipped 105kg class deadlift Joseph Stoll Master 2 classic 105kg class d e a d l i f t Carlos Petterson Open Equipped 93kg class squat and total Vi j a i R a h i m O p e n Equipped 74kg class bench and deadlift Noel Cummings Master 4 and 3 classic 66kg class squat Franklyn Brisport-Luke master 2 and 1 classic 66kg class squat Noel Cummings Master 4, 3, 2 and 1 classic 66kg class deadlift.

RHTYSC completes another successful year Chelsea sign Borussia Dortmund THE Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club (RHTYSC) has yet again completed another successful year as the club continues to make a positive difference in the Ancient County.

The club, apart from totally dominating cricket in the county on the field, also completed 718 activities under a wide range of sub-headings that included sports, education, charity, cricket development, community development, anti-crime, anti-alcohol, anti-suicide, Christmas Outreach, religious, Dare to Dream, social, medical, coaching and anti-tobacco.

On the cricket field, RHTYSC won the following major cricket tournaments: Ramnaresh Sarwan Under-17, New York Business Group Under-19, Patron’s Cup first division, SKYY Vodka 20/20 first division, Pepsi first division 50-Overs, Busta Champion of Champions 40-Overs, Brian Ramphal Double-wicket first division, Naeem Nasir Memorial, Rhonda Lewis Memorial 20/20, Raffik Construction 100 Balls, Nand Persaud Females, Magic Moments 20/20, Roy Fredericks Memorial Cup. The team were also the

runners-up of the Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15, Elizabeth Styles Under-21, Da Silva Under-13.

Simon Naidu

Sixteen of the club’s members went on to play regional cricket in 2018 and they were Jonathan Rampersaud, Mahendra Gopilall, Jeremy Sandia, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Kevin Sinclair, Clinton Pestano, Assad Fudadin, Shabiki Gajnabi, Rushanna Lynch, Sheneeta Grimmond, Uma Matadin, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Melanie Henry and Plaffiana Millington.

Several others like Matthew Pottaya, Keith Simp-

son, Marian Samaroo, Dian Prahalad, Sherica Campbelle, Chanderpaul Govindan, Kimmone Thomas and Kassie Munroe all played for Berbice at the Inter-county level.

Off the field, the club hosted Guyana’s largest cricket academy with over a hundred youths and a $3M Award Ceremony for its members.

The RHTYSC also single-handedly raised over $10M in cash and kind for the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), used $2M of its own funds to assist its secretary to fulfil his duties as president of the BCB and donated over $3M worth of cricket gear, cricket balls, stumps, scorebooks in a joint effort with the Berbice board.

Over 20 promising young cricketers benefited from cricket bats from the Club’s Patron Fund while RHTYSC members also carried home close to $1M worth of gear as part of the club’s comprehensive cricket programme to clubs, Churches, schools and NGOs also received $1M worth of trophies, medals and special prizes.

The club also co-hosted the Patron’s Cup, GBTI Inter-Secondary School, Busta Champion of Champions

and Naeem Nasir memorial cricket tournaments with the BCB. Other major programmes/ activities done in 2018 included Republic Bank Educational Camp, Monthly Pensioners Project, Scotiabank Mash Parade, Scotiabank Tribute to outstanding teachers, Grade Six Top Ten award, tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, tribute to retired teachers, Medical Clinics, Annual Youth Review Magazine, Say No to Drugs Posters, DTV-8 Mother-of-the-Year, Walter Nero Memorial Father’s Day Programme, Say No to Crime Stickers, $1M School bags project, Ansa McAl Award of Excellence, Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports Awards, Dolphin Awards, Feeding of the Poor, Debating Competition, Spelling Bee and Educational Scholarship.

Meanwhile, assistant secretary/CEO of the RHTYSC, Simon Naidu, described 2018 as the best ever.

Naidu disclosed that RHTYSC has no major new plans for 2019 but would continue to focus on making positive difference in the lives of others and continuing its dominance on the cricket field.

forward Pulisic for £58M

CHELSEA have signed Borussia Dortmund forward Christian Pulisic for 64 million euros (£58M), but will loan him back to the German club until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old United States international who was linked with Liverpool and Arsenal joined Dortmund as a youth player in 2015.

Christian Pulisic Pulisic has scored nine goals in 23 games for the U.S. “It’s a privilege to have signed for such a legendary club,” he said.

It is the highest transfer fee for an American player, beating the 20 million euros Wolfsburg paid for John Brooks in 2017.

Dortmund director Michael Zorc said: “It was always Christian’s dream to play in the Premier League.

“That certainly has to do with his American background, and as a result we were unable to extend his contract.

“Against this background, we have decided to accept an extremely lucrative bid by Chelsea, given the low contract maturity.”

Pulisic’s contract at Dortmund was due to expire in June 2020.

In an emotional statement on Twitter, Pulisic said he will leave Dortmund with a “heavy heart”.

“It feels like only yesterday that I arrived in Dortmund as a raw, excited, very nervous but exceptionally proud 16-year-old from a small American town called Hershey,” he said.

“I would not be here without the club and their belief in giving young players a chance. Many memorable moments stand out to have experienced all of them before my 20th birthday, still feels at times like a dream.

“For the next six months, it’s all BVB. Please do not doubt my passion, determination and my 110% commitment to the team right until the last ball is kicked this season.”

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Solskjaer matches Busby as reborn Man United march on

By Ian Chadband

LONDON (Reuters) - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dream start as Manchester United’s interim boss continued at St James’ Park on Wednesday as a 2-0 victory at Newcastle United saw him emulate an achievement set by the club’s most legendary figure.

Matt Busby was the only other United manager to win his first four games in charge, way back in 1946, but the Norwegian, who has breathed fresh life into the team since Jose Mourinho’s sacking, demonstrated his fresh-faced Midas touch again.

His second-half introduction of Romelu Lukaku saw the Belgian score within 38 seconds and when Marcus Rashford slotted home the second, it meant United have now scored 14 goals and earned maximum points from their four matches under Solskjaer.

“You’d be happy with four wins from four — and finally we kept a clean sheet too,” said a delighted Solskjaer.

“We were slow in the first half but we controlled the game well, we concentrated and overall it was a very professional performance.”

While sixth-placed United were celebrating the start of what promises to be a happier new year, Chelsea, trying to pursue the top three sides, suffered a frustrating start, being held to a goalless draw at home by Southampton.

Chelsea had hoped to cap a big day after earlier an-

nouncing the signing of Christian Pulisic, who will join them next season from Borussia Dortmund for 64 million euros ($73.2 million), making him the most expensive U.S. player of all-time.

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their second goal REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Instead, the Blues were held by Ralph Hasenhuettl’s stubborn Saints and could only move on 44 points in fourth place, three behind Manchester City, four behind Tottenham Hotspur and now 10 behind leaders Liverpool.Unbeaten

Schumacher ‘in the very best of hands’, says family

..seven-times Formula One world champion celebrates 50th birthday today Michael Schumacher

LONDON (Reuters) - The family of stricken seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher have assured fans the Ferrari great is being well cared for as they prepare to celebrate his 50th birthday today.

Schumacher, who retired from racing in 2012, has not been seen in public since he suffered severe head injuries in a skiing accident five years ago. The German is being cared for at home in Swit-

zerland.

“You can be sure that he is in the very best of hands and that we are doing everything humanly possible to help him,” the family said in a statement that made a rare comment about his condition.

“Please understand if we are following Michael’s wishes and keeping such a sensitive subject as health, as it has always been, in privacy,” it added.

The family said an of-

ficial Michael Schumacher app will be released today to enable fans to review all his career successes.

The Keep Fighting Foundation has also created a virtual museum.

“The app is another milestone in our effort to do justice to him and you, his fans, by celebrating his accomplishments,” the family said.

“Michael can be proud of what he has achieved, and so are we... we want to remember and celebrate his victories, his records and his jubilation.”

Schumacher won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before five in a row with Ferrari between 2000-2004.

He remains the sport’s most successful driver, with a record 91 grand prix wins.

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton, now a five-times world champion with 73 wins, has already claimed several of the German’s records and could ultimately match his title tally if he continues his current rate of success.

Liverpool will face champions Man City in what has all the feel of a pivotal top-of-the-table clash on Thursday.

At the other end of the table, there was more misery for bottom club Huddersfield Town, who after taking the lead at home to Burnley through Steve Mounie’s first goal since April tumbled to a 2-1 defeat with 10 men.

It meant an all-time club record of eight straight defeats as Christopher Schindler got sent off just before halftime and Burnley, who equalised through Chris Wood, came from behind to win with a second-half Ashley Barnes goal.

The loss left the Terriers eight points from safety on 10 points — four adrift of 19th-placed Fulham — while Burnley burst out the bottom three into 16th on 18 points as Southampton’s heroics at Stamford Bridge could not stop them plummeting to 18th on 16 points.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ hopes of soaring as high as seventh plummeted at Molineux on an off-night as Crystal Palace won 2-0 with two late goals from Jordan Ayew — his first for the club — and Luka Milivojevic.

On a night full of flat New Year performances, it was all rather different at the aptly-named Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth drew 3-3 with Watford, with all six goals coming in the first half, including five in the space of 13 mad minutes.

West Ham United had Marko Arnautovic’s three-minute double in the second half to thank for them coming from 2-0 down at the London Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion to secure a 2-2 draw.

Former top Bermuda cricketer Blakeney dies after cancer battle

HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Glenn Blakeney, a hard-hitting former Bermuda batsman known as the ‘Master Blaster’, has died after complications from a prolonged struggle with cancer.

nated on the cricket field for so long accepted that he was in for another battle, the Royal Gazette newspaper said.

His father described his son’s demeanour as “brave” over the past few years.

Blakeney came to promi-

Late Bermuda cricketer Glenn Blakeney

His father, also Glenn, a former Progressive Labour Party cabinet minister, said his son, who would have turned 46 on January 22, died surrounded by close family members at a Long Island, New York hospital.

Kidney cancer was diagnosed in March 2013 and the young man who had domi-

nence as a flashy young lefthander with Hamilton Parish Workman’s Club in the late 1980s.

He made his Bermuda debut in 1993, but his ICC Trophy Tournament debut did not come until the 1997 tournament in Malaysia, after which he was a regular.

He played two One-Day Race 7 Royal Holiday Race 8 C’Era Una Volta

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Internationals in 2009 during the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in Potchefstroom for the 2011 showpiece, along with a single first class match in the ICC Intercontinental Cup against United States in 2004.

In 20 innings in Cup Match, Bermuda’s leading annual domestic fixture, between 1991 and 2012, he scored 621 runs with an average of 34.50 and a high score of 104.

Amid a flurry of runs both here and overseas, Blakeney enjoyed a prosperous 1995 summer in England with club side Benwell Hill in the Northumberland County League, in the north of England, where fellow Bermudians Clay Smith, Dean Minors and Greg Foggo also had stints.

But it is on home soil where Blakeney is best remembered as the only modern-day cricketer to three times amass scores in excess of 200 - 245 for St David’s against Willow Cuts in August 2001, 303 not out for St David’s against Bailey’s Bay in August 2002, and an Eastern Counties-record 218 for Bailey’s Bay against Flatts in August 2011.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

World Cup, Test Championship promise an exciting year ahead

By Kritika Naidu

THE 2019 CRICKET WORLD CUP UNDOUBTEDLY, the mega event in the UK will be the highlight of the 2019 cricketing calendar. Cut down to ten teams, the World Cup 2019 promises to be a short, but sweet affair. Windies and Afghanistan had to battle it out in the Qualifiers to seal their spots in the 10team line-up.

to the title in 2011, is touted to call it a day post the tournament.

Among others are veterans Dale Steyn, Lasith Malinga, Mashrafe Mortaza, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, Shoaib Malik and Marlon Samuels.

BANNED DUO RETURN TO THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT Australia will be boosted by the return of David Warner

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

While legends are picking out their favourites, the ECB looks at hosting the event as an opportunity to develop the game in the country given that it will be played in 11 venues across 10 cities. With 700 000 tickets on sale, and most of them sold out, the ECB has reportedly received 2.9 million applications for the same.

The World Cup will be played between May 30 and July 14, where although defending champions, Australia, will be aiming a record sixth title, hosts England go in as favourites.

The World Cup will also draw curtains on some illustrious ODI careers. MS Dhoni, for one, who led India

and Steven Smith after the pair served their one-year bans for ball-tampering.

The incident that took place in Cape Town in March derailed Australian cricket to monumental degrees, with the national team losing the support and faith of the general public. The loss of the pair along with Cameron Bancroft who copped a nine-month ban - hurt Australia’s top order, which has failed to get going in their absence.

Although their transition into the international arena will be one full of different challenges, their ability with the bat, and going by the form that they have had across global T20 leagues and club cricket, will boost Australia’s top order.

They will certainly not be welcomed back with open arms by the public, especially overseas, but if they can strengthen Australia’s batting and influence fortunes of a team that has arguably seen its lowest phase through the year, the path to redemption might be a shorter one.

GENERAL ELECTIONS, WORLD CUP TO INFLUENCE IPL 2019 The 2019 general elections in India will have a directly proportional impact on the twelfth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Based on the dates of the elections, the BCCI will have to make a decision of hosting the tournament in India, or having it outside the country.

It could also be the case of hosting a few games in India, before moving to the UAE at a later stage.

With a mandatory 15-day gap between the end of the IPL and India’s next international assignment, as per the Lodha reforms, the IPL will be held from March 29 to May 19. With the World Cup set to begin later in May, some of the teams may be tempted to rest their mainstay players to avoid the possibility of injuries and fatigue.

WORLD CUP FIRST, THEN THE ASHES England will hope to regain the Ashes on home turf after having conceded the urn in 2017 4-0 to Australia. In what will be a highly anticipated summer for England, with the World Cup and a historic four-day Test against Ireland, the Ashes, that begins on August 1, will cap off an electric season for them, with ticket allocation for the Tests to be made available

the first cycle, at least. But the biggest reason for joy is that Ireland and Afghanistan have been included in the FTP for the first time.

Afghanistan will play 11 Tests from now to 2023, while Ireland will play 12, although both aren’t part of the inaugural Test Championship. The tournament will begin with India taking on Windies.

BUILDING TOWARDS 2020 The main focus around women’s cricket in 2019 will be sprucing up resources for the World T20 in 2020. After having had the WWT20, as a standalone tournament for the first time in November, the women will engage in battle once again just 15 months after. While no global tournament in women’s cricket is scheduled for the year, the teams will be building up for the one next year.

With 700 000 tickets on sale, and most of them sold out, the ECB has reportedly received 2.9 million applications for the same. (Getty)

by a public ballot citing high demand.

What would add to the anticipation will also be the possibility of watching Warner and Smith - arch-rivals England, the local crowds, or the Barmy Army won’t pass off a chance to be on to the pair.

It could also be veteran pacer James Anderson’s swansong. In all probability, he will call it a day post the five-Test series, capping off a stellar career, that he will end as the most successful Test bowler.

THE TEST CHAMPIONSHIP The league competition for Test cricket will finally make its way into being. It is a tour-

nament that will be contested by the top nine teams over two-year cycles, in 27 series, the first of which begins in July 2019 when the league phase kicks off. It was an idea that came into conception in order to add further context and significance to bilateral series.

Points being awarded for individual matches, as opposed to series, will make every game significant. Yet, the details are still blurry as to how it’ll be possible given the difference in the number of Tests played in respective series’. Home and away Tests will be treated on even keel, which can be a disadvantage for teams who will play overseas in majority.

The biggest killjoy, though, as one may anticipate, is that India will still not play Pakistan in a bilateral series. Not in

ASSOCIATES’ 50-OVER STRUCTURAL OVERHAUL The World Cricket League had to finally make way for a new CWC League system for the Associates after having been in play for a decade, which will commence after the 2019 World Cup. The new structure in conjunction with the boards of the Associate will ensure that the 19 Associates will not just be engaged in as much international cricket as possible, but also easy on the pockets.

Seven of the top-eight Associates will engage in trilateral series’, with the winner standing a chance of either replacing, or joining, the Netherlands in the CWC Super League, that currently comprises them and the 12 Full Members. (Cricbuzz)

Ramakant Achrekar, childhood coach of Sachin Tendulkar, passes away LEGENDARY coach, Ramakant Achrekar, passed away on Wednesday (January 2), aged 87. Achrekar, born in 1932, was a massive

figure in Mumbai’s local cricket circuit with several of his wards going on to represent the country.

While Sachin Tendulkar

was his most famous protégé, a few others like Chandrakant Pandit, Sanjay Bangar, Pravin

Amre and Ramesh Powar have gone on to achieve success as coaches at higher

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ANSWERS TO TUESDAY’S QUIZ: Mutiah Muralitharan-166 wickets in 24 Tests (Shinalese Sports Club, Colombo) Curtly Ambrose-66 wickets in 12 Tests (Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad) Today’s Quiz: Who has scored most ODI runs at a single venue to

(1) date?

(2) Who has scored most ODI runs at a single Caribbean venue to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

Ramakant Achrekar (left), who played only a solitary first-class game, rose to prominence in the 1980s when several of his students made names in Mumbai’s local cricket. (Getty)

levels.

Achrekar, who has played only a solitary first-class game, rose to prominence in the 1980s when several of his students made names in Mumbai’s local cricket.

Apart from Tendulkar, he has coached around a dozen international cricketers, including the likes of Vinod Kambli and Ajit Agarkar who went on to play more than 100 matches for India.

Achrekar was conferred with the Dronacharya Award in 2010, becoming only the third from the field of cricket to be bestowed the honour. 20 years later, in 2010, he was awarded the Padma Shri - the fourth highest civilian honour in India.

“Cricket in heaven will

be enriched with the presence of Achrekar Sir,” Tendulkar said in a statement.

“Like many of his students, I learnt my ABCD of cricket under Sir’s guidance. His contribution to my life cannot be captured in words.

He built the foundation that I stand on.

“Last month, I met Sir along with some of his students and spent some time together. We shared a laugh as we remembered the old times. Achrekar Sir taught us the virtues of playing straight and living straight.

Thank you for making us a part of your life and enriching us with your coaching manual. Well played Sir and may you coach more wherever you are.”(Cricbuzz.com)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 3, 2019

Holder headlines strong Pride squad for Jaguars fixture BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Fit-again West Indies Test captain, Jason Holder, is one of seven current West Indies players named in a full-strength 13-man squad for the high-profile third round clash in the Regional FourDay Championship against four-time reigning champions, Guyana Jaguars, starting tomorrow.

The 27-year-old Holder is joined by opener Kraigg Brathwaite, batsman Roston Chase, wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, off-spinner Ashley Nurse, seamer Kemar Roach and left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

Of the squad, only opener Shayne Moseley, batsman Aaron Jones and Keon Harding lack international experience as fast bowler Miguel Cummins played the last of his 13 Tests last July, while left-hander Jonathan Carter has already played 28 one-dayers and captain Shamarh Brooks has extensive experience leading West Indies A. However, there is no Shai Hope, the stylish right-hander who shone brightest for West Indies in the limited overs series against Bangladesh last month.

The inclusion of the international players should make for an intriguing contest between two teams with a strong perennial rivalry.

Holder missed the tour of Bangladesh through injury and Nurse also returns after a muscle injury put him out of the latter part of the limited overs tour of India and the

Federer, Serena click ‘greatest selfie of all-time’ after dream clash West Indies captain Jason Holder

entire Bangladesh series.

Dowrich was part of the recent Test series while Chase and Roach featured in both Tests and one-dayers. Brathwaite and Warrican were members of the Test squad but returned in time to play the second round match against Jamaica Scorpions last month.

Pride will hope to get a bounce from the presence of the Windies players, especially following two rather lack-lustre performances.

They went down to Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the opening round by 34 runs and then pulled off a dramatic 41-win over Scorpions inside three days, even though producing yet another poor showing overall.

Pride lie second in the four-day standings on 22.6, behind Jaguars who have 37 following wins in their first two matches.

SQUAD – Shamarh Brooks (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Keon Harding, Jason Holder, Aaron Jones, Shayne Moseley, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.

Windies gain automatic qualification for T20 World Cup

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – Reigning champions West Indies have qualified automatically for next year’s Twenty World Cup in Australia.

coach Phil Simmons, also qualified directly by virtue of their eighth place in the rankings.

Former champions and three-time finalists Sri Lanka,

27

stage.

West Indies won the T20 World Cup for the second time back in 2016 when they beat England in a dramatic final in Kolkata.

pointment of missing out on a direct route to the ICC 50-overs World Cup in England next May. They were forced to go through a 10-team qualifier in Zimbabwe last March in order to book their place at an event they have won twice.

Top-ranked Pakistan, India, England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are the other automatic qualifiers for next year’s T20 World Cup from October 18 to November 15.

Roger Federer and Serena Williams click ‘greatest selfie of all-time’ after dream clash. (The National)

(REUTERS) - It took 43 Grand Slam triumphs and over two decades to set up the on-court meeting but when the moment finally arrived, Roger Federer and Serena Williams gave the capacity crowd at Perth a night to remember.

Federer’s Switzerland beat Serena’s U.S. 4-2, 4-3(3) in the mixed doubles decider at the Hopman Cup on Tuesday.

The duo hailed each other in the post-match interview before the tennis titans captured the iconic moment in what Hopman Cup on Twitter described as the ‘greatest selfie of all-time’.

Federer also posted the picture on social media, with the caption, “Oh what a night!”

“He’s the greatest of all-time, to be honest.” 23-time Grand Slam winner Williams said. “It was so fun to do this at the pinnacle of our careers.

“Both on and off the court, he has such charisma; he’s such a wonderful player. Maybe I could get some tips from him later on.”

Federer and Williams have won a combined 171 career titles and have spent over 600 weeks at world number one.

“It was great fun,” Federer added of the match. “You see how determined and focused she is, and I love that about her.”

Defending champions Switzerland take on Greece in their final round-robin match today while the U.S. face Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter.

Reigning T20 World champions, West indies.

The Caribbean side booked their spot by virtue of their current seventh place in the ICC T20 rankings at year end, with the top eight teams including hosts Australia, all securing their places at the showpiece.

Minnows Afghanistan, coached by Trinidadian and former West Indies head

ranked ninth and Bangladesh, 10th, will have to go through the group stage of the tournament with six other qualifiers in order to make the Super 12s.

Six teams from the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier later this year will join Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the group stage, with four qualifying to the Super 12

Since then, their form has been erratic, however. In 2017, they won six of 11 matches and last year, managed a mere two wins in 13 outings, while losing to Pakistan and India in 3-0 clean sweeps.

For the Windies, the news of their direct qualification will be welcomed, especially after the disap-

GFF President Wayne Forde, Attorney General Basil Williams and Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Health, along with other officials at the GFF/STAG Super 16 final on New Year’s Night.

Page

22

Den Amstel upset Buxton United 2-0 to lift GFF/STAG ‘Super 16’ title, $2M

Members of the Den Amstel team look on as their captain collects the trophy from GFF president Wayne Forde (right).

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams kicked off the ball before the GFF/STAG Super 16 final got underway on New Year’s night.

Eagles soar to maiden UDFA/GT Beer Title with 2-1 win over 22 Net Rockers Page

GT Beer football championship winners Eagles United celebrate

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 2019