Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-05-2019

SATURDAY 5th January, 2019

‘Invalid Vote’ No.105508

… Fixed-date application filed challenging Charrandass’ vote

Former MP Charrandass Persaud

… lawyer cites breach of constitution with dual citizenship

… urges stay in enforcement of resolution declared by clerk

By Svetlana Marshall A NEW Amsterdam farmer, through his attorney Rex McKay, S.C, has filed an ‘Urgent Fixed-Date Application’ in the High Court challenging the validity of the vote cast by Charrandass Persaud in the National Assembly on the basis that he breached the constitution by having dual citizenship.

The application was filed on Friday in the High Court around 14:30hrs, one day after Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland announced that he will not revisit his December 21, 2018 ruling that a vote of no- confidence against the government was carried by a one-seat majority vote.

Persaud, a government Member of Parliament at the time, had crossed the floor to give the opposition an edge over the government – a situation which resulted in a controversy on what constitutes an absolute majority and the validity of Persaud’s membership in the House. For the Speaker, it was for the court to provide “full, final and complete settlement” of the issues.

On Friday, Compton Herbert

Reid, the applicant, of 267 Errol’s Ville, Vryman’s Erven, New Amsterdam, Berbice, turned to the court and asked that it issue seven declarations and two orders, setting aside the order of the Speaker that the no-confidence motion, Resolution No. 101 was passed, and staying the enforcement of Resolution No. 101 declared by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

A conservatory order preserving the status quo and that the government remains in office until the hearing and determination of the reliefs, was also sought. Dr. Barton Scotland; former Member of Parliament, Charrandass Persaud; and the Attorney General Basil Williams are the named respondents in the matter.

McKay, on behalf of his client, is asking the High Court to issue a declaration that the second respondent Charrandass Persaud, was not qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly by virtue of his own act and acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience and adherence to a foreign power in contravention of Article 155 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 155 (1) (a) of the Con-

stitution states: “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 acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.”

Persaud on April 2, 2015, had signed and swore to a “Statutory Declaration of a Candidate Named in a Candidate List,” “Form 3”, consenting to his inclusion on the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) List of Candidates for the geographic constituency of Region No. 6. As part of that declaration, the See page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

PM Nagamootoo explains Speaker’s announcement

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Friday sought to clarify some issues surrounding the decision of Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland who recommended that the contentions surrounding the December 21, 2018 vote be taken

to court for a full and complete settlement.

The prime minister appeared on the National Communications Network (NCN) programme, titled Context, where he explained what transpired during the 112th Sitting of the National Assembly. The prime

minister said the Speaker of the National Assembly related that having “consulted authorities and listened to legal opinions, both solicited and unsolicited, the information is telling him that there is some doubt as to whether the motion was passed properly, that is, the mo-

tion of no-confidence.”

The prime minister further explained that while the Speaker of the National Assembly has the power to “revisit, review and rescind the motion,” he would rather it be put before the court for various reasons.

“In other words, the

Speaker is saying, that there are some serious legal constitutional matters to be resolved,” the prime minister said. He added, “Our contention as the government is that we had accepted the ruling of the Speaker until the Speaker either rescind his ruling, withdraw it, set it

aside or alter.”

Prime Minister Nagamootoo cited Article 106 (7) of the Constitution and stated that government will remain in office and carry out its functions as per normal until a ruling by the courts is made.

(DPI)

PSC meets with newly promoted officers THE Police Service Commission (PSC) recently met with the newly promoted officers and inspectors of the Guyana Police Force at the Officers’ Training Centre, Camp Road and Young Street, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Chairman of the PSC, Retired Assistant Commissioner Mr. Paul Slowe, elaborated on the process employed in the selection of those promoted. Mr. Slowe highlighted how the personal file of each of those ranks recommended had to be thoroughly perused, in order to select the best.

The commission’s chair further emphasised the need

for ranks to pass the appropriate qualifying examinations as well as possessing a “clean slate.”

Slowe, a former assistant commissioner of police who is revered for his discipline and dedication in stamping out corruption, noted that the processes of selection onwards will not be one which can be infiltrated by acts of bribery or any such act which in any way would suggest corruption. He further mentioned Standing Order #22 which guides the promotion process.

Standing Order #22, Paragraph 2 states “Preference of promotion will always be given to those who have the necessary

personality, who possess the necessary qualities of leadership and who have manifested integrity, superior intelligence, zeal, loyalty and energy in the discharge of their duties.”

In his first official address for 2019, Commissioner of Police Mr. Leslie James extended congratulatory greetings to the newly promoted.

Accompanied by his deputies, Mr. James highlighted the transformation process the force has begun since the installation of the new administration with respect to implementation of recommendations by the UK Consultants. Ms. Vesta

Chairman of the PSC Assistant Commissioner (ret’d) Paul Slowe Adams, Ms. Claire Jarvis and Mr. Clinton Conway, members of the Commission, also shared brief remarks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Minister visits schools ahead of Monday re-opening

MINISTER of Education Nicolette Henry on Friday visited a few secondary schools across Georgetown to assess their readiness for Monday’s re-opening of public schools across the country.

Starting at the St Joseph High the tour included stops at the Richard Ishmael Secondary, Brickdam Secondary and ended at North Ruimveldt Multilateral Secondary.

Visiting schools prior to re-opening is something regularly done by the minister.

“I am always concerned with value for money… you’re spending money to have schools ready, and I want to see that that really translates into an environment that is conducive to learning. So we come out here you see some things you’re really satisfied with in other areas were not quite satisfied,” Henry noted.

At the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, Henry spoke to the head teacher

who gave details about some of the problems being faced by the school. The head teacher thanked the minister for coming, noting that the visit was a welcomed surprise.

Henry noted that while most schools are already all set, some are still getting there; but there is no need for worry, since all will be in place by Monday.

“I was satisfied that people took the time and the pride to do the work that they do very well.

In some of the schools that we visited I was expecting that they would have been farther along in terms of preparation from [sic] Monday. But it’s not a red flag issue because they’ll make it for Monday anyways; but I just thought that they would have been farther along, but nothing major. Generally we are pleased that people take their jobs seriously,” she noted.

‘Invalid ...

From page 1

former MP swore that he was aware of the provisions of Article 53 and 155 of the Constitution with respect to the qualifications and disqualifications for election as a Member of the National Assembly.

However, based on exhibits supplied to the court and seen by the Guyana Chronicle, Persaud is a citizen of Canada. Under the Canadian Citizenship Act, RSC 1985 c.

C-29 and its Regulations an applicant for citizenship of Canada is obliged under Section 24 – of the said Act, to swear an Oath of Citizenship that is stated in the Regulations of the Act, which includes swearing an oath of allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen of Canada.

“The second respondent Charrandass Persaud is an Attorney-at-Law, a member of the Alliance For Change (AFC) political party and at all material times purported to be a duly elected member of the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana by virtue of being extracted from the APNU + AFC Geographic Constituency List for Region No Six, East Berbice, for the 2015 National and Regional Elections, while knowingly being in allegiance, obedience and adherence as a citizen to a foreign power, to wit, Canada,” the prominent McKay explained in the court documents.

As such, the High Court has been asked to declare that Persaud is a citizen of Canada and a holder of a valid Canadian passport No. AC773625 issued by the Government of Canada on October 25, 2017.

That passport will expire on October 25, 2022. According to the documents filed by McKay, it was a replacement of the previous passport No.JX818124, which was issued on January 29, 2013 and expired on January 29, 2018.

UNQUALIFIED As such, Reid, through his attorney, is arguing that Persaud was not qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly at the General Elections held on May 11, 2015, and was not qualified to vote as a Member of the National Assem-

Minister Nicolette Henry, left, listens to concerns being expressed by head teacher of the Richard Ishmael Secondary School (Delano Williams photo) the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.

In addition to referring to Article 155 (1), McKay in providing supporting arguments, contended that Persaud conspired with known and unknown persons, and voted in favour of the no-confidence motion.

McKay also provided a string of documented evidence including an Affidavit of Compton Herbert Reid; Affidavit of

Ewart Wray, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer; Statutory Declaration of Charrandass Persaud; Nomination form of Charrandass Persaud; Letter from Clerk of the National Assembly dated December 24, 2018; Certificate on Resolution No. 101 signed by the Clerk of the National Assembly and an Affidavit of Selwyn Pieters, Barrister and Notary Public, Province of Ontario, Canada.

Prominent Guyanese Attorney Rex McKay, S.C bly on December 21, 2018.

He is therefore asking the court to declare that the vote cast by Persaud in favour of the vote of no-confidence was null, void and of no legal effect. In the final request for a declaration, McKay asked that the court declares that “by reason of the unlawful ‘Yes’ vote cast by the second respondent, the no- confidence vote was not passed.”

Maintaining that the vote cast by Persaud was null and void, McKay put to the court that “there were only 32 valid votes of “YES” in favour of the motion of no-confidence and thirty-two (32) against,” and as such, it did not amount to a majority of all the elected members of the House as provided for in Article (106) (6) of the Constitution.

“In the premises the motion of no-confidence is null, void and of no legal effect to defeat the government on a vote of confidence in accordance with Article 106 (6) of the Constitution,” McKay argued. He pointed out that Article 106 (6) of the Constitution provides that the Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all

The front cover of the court documents filed in the High Court on Friday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

Trump ready for US shutdown to last ‘for years’ (BBC) US President Donald Trump has said he is prepared for a partial shutdown of the US government - now entering its third week - to last years.

After meeting top Democrats, he also said he could declare a national emergency to bypass Congress and build a US-Mexico border wall.

Mr Trump insisted he would not sign any bill without wall funding, which Democrats adamantly oppose.

Around 800,000 federal workers have been without pay since 22 December.

The Republican president initially gave a positive account of Friday’s meeting at the White House, describing it as “very productive”.

But then he acknowledged in response to a journalist’s question that he had threatened to keep federal agencies closed for years if necessary.

“I did say that, absolutely I said that,” said Mr Trump in the executive mansion’s Rose Garden. “I don’t think it will but I am prepared.”

“I’m very proud of doing what I’m doing,” the president added. “I don’t call it a shutdown, I call it doing what you

have to do for the benefit and safety of our country.”

When asked whether he had considered using emergency presidential powers to bypass congressional approval of funding, Mr Trump said he had.

“I may do it. We can call a national emergency and build it very quickly. That’s another way of doing it.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Friday’s meeting had been “contentious”.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters: “We told the president we needed the government open.

He resisted.

“In fact he said he’d keep the government closed for a very long period of time.

Months or even years.” so held a meeting earlier this week over the shutdown.

why he doesn’t go ahead and do that. Why put federal workers through the pain of forgoing pay and hamstring key government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, if he could bypass Democratic objections with the snap of his presidential fingers?

The answer is because the solution isn’t that simple.

There are provisions of US law that allow the president to direct military construction projects during war or national emergency, but that money would have to come from Defence Department funds allocated by Congress for other purposes. Such a move may prompt Congress, including Republicans, to push back.

Then there’s the inevitable legal challenge from Democrats to such an exercise of presidential authority.

Any presidential order to build a wall would be met by an equally imposing wall of court filings blocking its construction.

The president’s latest suggestions are best viewed as simply another attempt to gain the upper hand in negotiations with Democrats. Mr Trump says it’s not a threat - and he’s probably right. It’s

CAN TRUMP DECLARE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY? D o n a l d Tr u m p s a y s he can declare a “national emergency” and build his promised wall along the border without congressional approval. If that’s the case, the question becomes

a bluff.

What’s the background?

Democrats, who now hold the majority in the House, passed spending bills on Thursday to reopen the government, including $1.3bn (£1bn) of border security funds until 8 February.

But the legislation cannot take effect unless it passes the Republican-controlled Senate, where leader Mitch McConnell said his party would not back any measure without the president’s support.

The Kentucky senator called the Democratic budget “a time-wasting act of political posturing”.

In Friday’s news conference, Mr Trump also told reporters he might consider asking his cabinet to decline a $10,000 raise that is due to take effect because a pay freeze has expired as an inadvertent result of the shutdown.

The fiscal fiasco began when Congress and Mr Trump failed to reach an agreement over a budget bill in December.

The Republicans had passed an initial funding bill including $5bn (£4bn) for the wall, when they still

had a majority in the House, but they could not get the necessary 60 votes in the 100-seat Senate.

Two vulnerable Republican senators up for re-election in 2020 - Cory Gardner of Colorado and Susan Collins of Maine - have broken ranks to back approving the budget and ending the shutdown.

The White House is again floating the idea of a deal for ‘Dreamers’ - immigrants who illegally entered the US as children.

Democrats want to ensure that these individuals are shielded from deportation, but have insisted that they will not support a deal over wall funding.

Vice-President Mike Pence told Fox News the deal was being “talked about”, but that Mr Trump said no deal was possible “without a wall”.

What does the partial shutdown mean? * About 25% of the US federal government has no funding * Nine departments have been affected, including Homeland Security, Justice, Housing, Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, and the Treasury * Native American tribes who receive substantial federal funding are struggling * National Parks have become hazardous without staff

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

Not us and the UNC, says PEP (Trinidad Newsday) WHILE an alleged bogus list of a purported United National Congress (UNC) dream-team to contest any snap election had included the name of activist Philip Edward Alexander, he firmly distanced himself and his party the Progressive Empowerment Party (PEP) from the controversy.

While the list was decried by both the UNC and Vaughn Ramdeen – the activist in whose name it was sent, Newsday spoke with Alexander who was listed to contest Diego Martin West despite not being a UNC member, in a sea of UNC “nominees.” He was asked if the list was a publicity stunt by his party but he stoutly denied this.

“This is the first time I’m hearing about this. I want to distance myself completely from that. I want to tell the UNC to stop putting us in their bacchanal. We are not joining the UNC.” Alexander said the PEP is launching its south Trinidad office on January 19, and will have similar ones in north and east Trinidad. “PEP is a real political party, with real policies. We are not a pick-up side and are not looking to join-up with anyone.

4.6 earthquake felt across parts of TT (Trinidad Newsday) TT recorded its first earthquake for the year – or at least, the first one strong enough to be felt – today. The quake happened at about 10:30 am, just off the north coast and 40 kilometres from Port of Spain, according to information provided by the UWI Seismic Centre in St Augustine. Earthquakes at this magnitude are classified as “light” and are sometimes felt but cause minor damage.

The quake was felt in Port of Spain and St Augustine, among other places.

UWI Seismic Centre director Dr Richard Robertson said it is not uncommon for earthquakes to occur in this area. He said predicting earthquakes is not an exact science and today’s earthquake cannot be seen as a precursor to a major event. But, he reiterated, people need to be vigilant about the threats posed by earthquakes.

Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM)

head, Capt Neville Wint said the agency was aware of the quake, although were no reports of injuries or structural damage.

Wint said the ODPM is liaising with local government corporations, which are doing initial assessments..

Last October, UWI seismologist Dr Joan Latchman said the seven earthquakes that TT experienced in one week were not a sign that “the big one” is imminent, but also warned that people

“need to recognise that the earthquake hazard is real.” Last August, the county was shaken by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that caused structural damage across the country.

TT’s capital city, Port of Spain. (Photo by Jeff K Mayers)

Outbreak - Ministry Urges Caution As Dengue Cases Spike, Fatalities Confirmed Police continue search for kidnap victim

(Jamaica Gleaner) The Ministry of Health has pumped an additional $250 million into its response efforts as the island is now experiencing an outbreak of dengue fever.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton made the announcement yesterday during a press conference at his ministry’s offices in New Kingston.

Tufton said that for December, there were 123 reported dengue cases. This number includes suspected, presumed, and confirmed cases. The number also exceeds the outbreak threshold of 96 cases.

He noted, too, that seven deaths have been reported since the start of the season, two of which have been confirmed as dengue related.

“I want to urge us all to play our part even as we coordinate at the level of the ministry and the country.

If you feel the headaches and other symptoms, it’s important that you see your physician. Self-medicating has to be guided,” he said.

“We say to Jamaicans, to the extent that you are unsure, seek medical advice before you self-medicate. I think it’s important to recognise that we can, and will, overcome the problems that

we face. It is not new to us.

The Aedes aegypti (mosquito) is a part of us, and these challenges will always occur,” he continued.

He said that a number of measures have been ramped up in order to effectively deal with the outbreak.

Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie, chief medical officer, said that Kingston and St Andrew currently have the highest number of reported cases. Other parishes that have been adversely affected include St Catherine, Westmoreland, and St Ann. “We have had an enhanced surveillance going

on, especially since we have been in the dengue season, and this means that we have daily updating of our numbers. So the cases come in and they are assessed to see if they meet the case definition,” she said.

“So as of this morning (Thursday), based on the updating of cases up to last night, we can say that we have passed the level.”

(Trinidad Newsday) Members of the Anti-kidnapping Unit and Central Division police and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) searched several areas and homes in Central Trinidad for several hours today with the hope of finding kidnap victim Sheldon Sukhdeo.

Investigators went to a house where they believe kidnappers were holding Sukhdeo but found nothing suspicious.

They searched Longdenville, Chaguanas, Felicity and Couva.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

A United People

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S WE begin the new year and prepare to celebrate our 53rd Independence Anniversary, it is a good time to reflect on our condition as a diverse society. As uncomfortable as it is to discuss ethnicity and race, our ethnic diversity compels us to keep that discourse open.

Our ethnic diversity is a function of our evolution as a society from the first encounters between the Europeans and the Amerindians. The Africans would later be brought against their will to bear the burdens of the most anti-human system in the history of humanity --- slavery. The dynamics of that slave system would continue to have an overpowering effect on the shaping of our collective identity.

By the time our East Indian, Chinese and Portuguese ‘brethren and sistren’ arrived in the mid-19th century, the nation had begun to take shape. Emancipation brought freedom from plantation slavery, but it also marked the beginning of a new form of servitude, called colonialism.

It is into this state of affairs that the indentured labourers were brought. Their experiences were, in many respects, not much different from what slaves experienced in their social relations on the plantations.

In fact, colonialism continued the dehumanisation of

enslavement without the formal architecture of slavery.

During colonial rule, our various ethnic groups were forced to seek and find common ground in their quest to combat the consequences of being subjects. This movement for unity, however, was not a seamless exercise. It was constantly interrupted by the direct and indirect divide-and-rule interventions of the colonisers. But in the end, it was the inter-ethnic solidarity of our various groups that brought us to self-rule in the 1950s.

But before we could attain independence, the movement split again; this time with disastrous consequences.

It is to our credit, however, that 53 years into our independence, we are still together as a single nation. This represents a victory for the unity impulse, first forged during the anti-colonial struggle. It has not been an easy road, for the forces of division are constantly at work.

The biggest obstacle to a more comprehensive unity has been our party politics, which has not been able to accommodate the dictates of the politically united system.

From 1961 to the present, we have articulated the need for a government of national unity, but have not been able to effectively translate that to anything concrete. Yet, we must continue to work towards that reality in both word

and deed.

The coming to power of a coalition has understandably raised hopes that we are closer to such a government. The merging of six political entities in the coalition presents a model to the nation. In a real sense, the working people of the country would want a system of governance that guarantees security for all groups. They understand the relationship between polarisation and poverty; that our economic development as a nation is tied to our united purpose.

It is for this reason that we must continue to work towards reforming our constitution and forge stronger cooperation among all our peoples. We are lucky to have a President who is prepared to walk the walk on this matter. We obviously need constitutional change in order to enshrine the unity principle in our rules and laws. But those would mean little if our people do not demonstrate without a doubt that they are on board.

The ball is in the court of our leaders, and they must step up to the plate and put their partisan prejudices aside in the interest of the nation. But we, the people, must pressure our leaders to bow to the inevitable and release our nation into the community of diverse countries that dare to confront their internal divisions.

The admission by Charrandas of being mentally unstable does not sit well with me Dear Editor,

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ERMIT me some space in your letters column to expound on one dimension regarding the recent no-confidence vote in the National Assembly.

Persons serve in various positions and capacities during their lifetime. Some of these vocations require individuals to recite and commit to an oath of office. This oath can be found in Guyana’s Constitution and it says: “I… do solemnly declare that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the People of Guyana, that I will faithfully execute the office of…without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and that in the execution of the functions of that office I will honour, uphold and preserve the constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.”

There are a few words contained in this oath that should never be taken for granted. Some of these words are, “faithfully execute”, “without fear or favour” and “affection or ill-will.”

Editor, I say this to add context to the remainder of my letter. My missive concerns the recent no-confidence motion vote which took place on Friday, December 21st, 2018. As we all know, former government Member of Parliament Mr. Charandass Persaud on Friday, December 21, 2018, voted against the APNU+AFC Government in favour of a no-confidence motion that was filed by the opposition People’s Progressive Party.

In his Christmas Day message posted on his Facebook Page, Mr. Persaud said that at the time of voting in favour of

the no-confidence motion against the APNU+AFC government, he was “very unstable mentally.”

Mr. Persaud’s own words in his video were, “my position as it was then, as a member of parliament, it wasn’t a shaky one.

It was one where I was myself very unstable mentally. I took so much from the government that it almost drove me crazy.”

Considering the oath of office again, how can we expect our parliamentarians to ‘faithfully execute’ their office if they become undetectably mentally unstable?

Guyana has always had a lacklustre approach to mental health and I believe this case adds to the need for investment in the area of psychology and psychiatry.

The admittance by Mr. Persaud of being mentally unstable at the time of voting does not sit well with me. It forces me to think that maybe parliamentarians should be subjected to psychological evaluations at intervals to ensure that we have sane people serving in the highest offices of this land.

We cannot afford to have crazy people walking corridors of parliament, sitting in the National Assembly, making laws and approving spending without being settled and focused on their jobs and having high regard for the important roles they play in developing this country.

Further, editor, the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in Section 155 (1) (b) states that: (1) No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (b) is a person certified to be insane or otherwise adjudged to be of unsound mind under any law in force in

Guyana.

Editor, the same way a person would be disqualified from being elected as a member of the National Assembly for having an unsound mind, it should follow that if an elected member is later found to be of unsound mind, he or she should be removed as a member of the National Assembly.

I do not believe that Members of Parliament that are mentally unstable should be allowed to vote on important matters such as legislation, budgets and no-confidence motions; the latter which represents the highest level of voting in the National Assembly as it carries the highest stakes.

Mr. Persaud’s own words in his video were, “My position as it was then, as a Member of Parliament, it wasn’t a shaky one. It was one where I was myself very unstable mentally. I took so much from the government that it almost drove me crazy.”

It is clear that Mr. Persaud was not mentally sound to make such a decision to vote against a government, thereby causing it to fall and forcing Guyana into early elections.

My question now to Guyana is this, In Mr. Charandass’ video, he admitted to being mentally unstable at the time of his vote and that he was close to the state of ‘crazy’ or there already. How then, can the nation accept his vote as legitimate?

Regards Leon Persaud

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

Church urged to pray for nation Dear Editor

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IVEN the political dilemma in which Guyana finds itself, what role do we as Christians play under these circumstances? Should we just sit by hoping for the best?

First of all, how do we assess this situation? Our first reaction tends to be this is politics and we are practised in taking the seemingly “safe” posture that the church and politics are not supposed to mix. And this is right to a point. The stark reality, however, is that we live in the natural world.

Political decisions affect all of us whether we vote or not; whether we show any interest in politics or not. Oftentimes we hear the term/ slogan: “This world is not our home; we are mere pilgrims passing through.” This more often than not throws us into a paralytic posture; we adopt an attitude of not only physical, but more importantly spiritual passivity. But is this really the attitude that God wants us to adopt? I do admit that we should not be actively seeking after political office for the very obvious reasons as are so glaringly revealed in the current political fiasco. From the inception, at creation, God bequeathed unto us this earth and apart from instructing us to go forth and multiply, He also instructed us in Genesis 1:28 “…have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” We in our limited and limiting capacities often subjugate this to only the physical things of this world. Hence, our responses are often relegated to the mere physical.

We are spiritual beings as well as physical …or we ought to be! And, as Christians, we ought to understand that though we exist in the natural or physical realm, what happens in the spiritual realm manifests in the physical and God has given us access to that spiritual realm. That is why we pray and intercede etc. Matthew 18:18 reminds us “… Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” That is why Christ died for us and His blood was shed on Calvary for this very reason that we, through Him, might be able to “occupy” His territories till He comes again.

As Christians, we should be able to recognise that what is playing out in the political arena is one example of the manifest mandate of Satan. First of all, if we are spiritual enough we should be able to understand that Satan is real and active and his exploits affect us Christians and non-Christians alike. This is all part of the Great Controversy.

Ephesians 6:12 explains clearly: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but

against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The principle being that even though Satan and all his evil angels exist in the spiritual realm (like God and His heavenly hosts and the Holy Spirit), he does have influence on us earthlings. Satan is constantly trying to negatively affect the quality of our existence on earth to prove that God’s love and care for us are not true. So he uses men whose hearts are not surrendered to God to do evil deeds – “rulers of darkness of this world” and manifests himself through “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Our parliament is a “high place” in this land. The quest for power is the basis of the initial confrontation between Satan and God. Heaven is a “high place’ in the spiritual realm. Satan tried that in heaven, and continues to try that on earth? His quest is to wrest power at any cost and in any way and uses earthlings to carry out his vicious plans.

Since his failed attempts in heaven, Satan has been doing just that on earth and has been described variously in the Bible as “the great deceiver,” “the father of all lies” and as sinister and “subtle.” Thinking about the recent events in parliament, these terms now must, in our mind, assume immense relevance and applicability. The Bible further tells us that the devil roams the earth like a roaring lion “seeking whom he may devour.” Also, he is out to “steal, kill and destroy”!

It is quite apposite then as Christians that we stop to examine what role we are expected to play in this stark and threatening political crisis. Are Christians and the church mandated to do anything? Can we just sit idly by and do nothing?

Should we, if we so desire, just retire to our private spaces and privately seek to intervene through private prayer? Perhaps we can! But how effective would these isolated efforts be? This is a national matter that needs a greater degree of intervention. Perhaps, we can seek to be like Abraham who sought to intercede for Sodom but alas, there were not as many as 10 righteous persons in the land. The rest is history. We may yet argue that with all the Christian churches in Guyana there ought to be more than 10 righteous persons that would warrant the land being saved from destruction. There has got to be!!! But God might just expect more from us because we have been exposed to more of His ways and words. To whom much has been given much more is expected! What is evident though is there has to be some kind of intervention.

If we ask not, we receive not!!!

Is that Biblical? Very much so!

James 4:2-3 alludes to that concept. Also, James makes it clear that when we ask we must ask in the correct way, with the correct motive in mind. More importantly though, God himself

assures us that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. Aren’t peace and harmony and freedom from fear critical needs?

Often, we limit our asking of God to mere personal needs.

We rarely extend our thoughts to touch and include the whole nation in any wilful, corporate way. Being our brothers’ keepers embraces this concept. Thus there is legitimate reason why as Christians, even though we do not join a march or be part of a picket line, we are still obligated to intercede for the well-being of our brothers and sisters, inter alia, our nation.

That obligation is ours individually and collectively.

In fact, we often tend to limit the potency of critical intercession for matters such as this with a very lame, laidback attitude: “Let’s leave it to God; He will work things out according to His will!” We want peace, and tranquillity; we want justice, yet we ask not but merely hope than some miracle will happen and the bad guys will disappear and all will be well. Or even more disappointingly, we frustratingly express the wish that Jesus should come right now and take His world. This, of course, is futile, because even though I know Christ is returning and even though I know God has never reneged on His promises, I know and you know than none of us know when that time will be. Signs abound, but we just can’t wish Christ’s return into reality as an immediate solution to our national situation.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God wants us to enjoy peace and not evil... not the kind that has unleashed its ugly head in the affairs of the country! If you do not ask for it, you are not going to get it. God wants a people who are proactive. That is what faith with works translates into – spiritual proactivity!

As Christians, we have to consciously embrace the fact that “…greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world!” (1 John 4:4) We say it often but we do not really appreciate the power to which that statement alludes. The next chapter of 1 John, Chapter 5, verse 4 and 5 give even more food for thought. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” The verse that follows tells us we have to believe Jesus is the son of God and he is able to overcome the world. The fact is, God can do for us “exceedingly abundantly, much more than we can think or imagine…” if we go to Him believing. “The effectual and fervent prayer of the righteous avails much!” (James 5:16) 2 Chronicles 7:14 encapsulates the corporate responsibilities of God’s people to preserve the integrity of their nation. It starts with us (Christians). “If

my people, which are called by my name (that is us Christians) shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

This is as good a time as any for all of us, in this beautiful country, who are called

by Christ’s name to seriously acknowledge that we cannot continue to underestimate God; we cannot continue to doubt His ability to turn this political situation around for the better.

If that be the case then it would be better we give up the name.

If we doubt and adopt the fatalist attitude that these are just signs of the times and we can do nothing about it, then it is better we stop pretending that we are soldiers of the Lord who are prepared to fight. Now is the time for us to fight. Now is the time for us to stand up and be counted. We have within us the power to activate the warring hosts of heaven to fight this battle for us. If we do not ask, then the Lord will not grant us this favour, because we do not believe that the enemy can be vanquished and we do not demonstrate that we believe that

we serve a God whose forces are greater in number than Satan’s army. If we slunk away into inactivity, then it means that we have allowed Satan to have dominion over us and have actively declared that Jesus’ death on Calvary was a waste of time and of little merit. The blood that was shed was of no consequence. It is tantamount to calling God a liar! If we sit back and do nothing then our condition would be no better than the people of Sodom… there were not as much as 10 righteous men in all the land! I know we are not in Sodom and we will rise up to the task.

This then is a call to arms!!!! We have to take up our spiritual arms and be prepared for spiritual warfare in order to vanquish the enemy.

The battle might be prolonged but it must be sustained and must be intense. This kind, because of its highly spiritual nature, can only be overcome by extended periods of prayer and fasting. Strongholds of vice, corruption, deception, murder, suicide etc. have already been established but must be toppled. We have to make concerted and concentrated corporate call to heav-

en for our Father to release fire from above to destroy the evil altars erected in this land and from which those vile and vicious evil forces are emanating. The attack is on evil forces that have been given the right to wreak havoc in our land and not on any individual. Spiritual problems must be dealt with spiritually.

Luke 10:19 says, “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Let us rally our forces and be assured that as in the case of the battle of Elisha against the Syrian army that our spiritual eyes may be opened like that of Elisha’s servant and that we too will be able to discern that the Lord’s armies are much more than those of the enemy and are ready and waiting to rout the evil out of our land (2 King 6: 15 – 18).

Let’s marshal every member of every church in the land to action, in Jesus name!

Regards Wilfred A. Daniels Concerned Christian and patriot

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Indigenous Affairs Minister calls for policing groups

… following violent death of village leader IN the aftermath of the brutal murder of a village leader on New Year’s Day, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock has issued a call for proactive policing groups to be established in communities to assist in addressing domestic violence issues.

Allicock made the comment following the death of Toshao Solomon Lewis of Kurutuku Village in the Middle Mazaruni, allegedly at the hands of his son-in-law.

As he commented on the incident, the minister said the situation “has been a worry for a very long time and while the Toshaos are rural constables, where they have the powers of arrest, they will still be insecurities as we have witnessed in this case, the overpowering of wrongdoers of the authority of the Village Council.”

He said that the villages and communities should focus and take early steps to address the situation in order to avoid any unfortunate eventualities.

As regards the need for proactive Community Policing Groups, he said, “We will have to find a way of encouraging Village Councils to establish policing groups which will deal with such matters at that level and which can also bring such cases to the relevant authorities.”

Minister within the Ministry Valerie Garrido-Lowe, who has direct responsibility for social and welfare issues, said the ministry has taken steps to address such issues by employing and training welfare officers, as well as providing training for members of the respective village councils.

“Minister Allicock and I after viewing the situation, decided that welfare officers should be employed and trained in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, so that

they can help in these situations. We employed seven in 2018 and two more will be employed in 2019. They received training for one month on all these issues, where they would be able to give counsel, give advice to teenagers, women and men in a professional way,” the minister assured.

Minister Garrido-Lowe shared a similar concern as Allicock where villagers remain quiet regarding such issues.

“That is why welfare officers were employed from within the villages and received the appropriate training, so that they can speak with their people and in turn listen to them, so it is something that we hope will yield positive results,” Minister Lowe said.

She said while much was accomplished as a result of the training, much more will be done since the ministry is aware that such issues must be addressed frontally.

Additionally, Minister Garrido-Lowe says she will visit the village in the coming weeks to meet with the women folk to ensure they are empowered “not only financially or economically, but also educate them in regards to their rights.”

She said the ministry has a tall order regarding its mandate, one which it will complete.

Both ministers have expressed regret for this unfortunate incident and they have given an assurance that the ministry will provide every assistance possible to relatives during this difficult time.

The passing of Toshao Lewis has put a dent on the village’s governance structure and Minister Garrido-Lowe said as soon as the village council meets, systems will be put in place to elect a new leader.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

City Hall grants rate exemptions to religious bodies, NGOs THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is advising religious and non-governmental organisations that they should apply for exemption of rates.

In a release, the council however made it clear that private schools will not be exempted from the payment of rates. “The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is authorised to grant exemption of rates to such organisations as prescribed by Section 211 of the Municipal and District Councils Act 28:01; no rates shall be levied in respect of the following properties: property used solely for the purpose of public religious worship; property used exclusively for the purpose of education;and property used for burial grounds, cemetery or crematorium.”

Also, the council is urging property owners who have outstanding arrears prior to 2018 to take advantage of City Hall’s payment plan to facilitate late payments.

The council stated that during the month November 2018, the council published several lists of some delinquent ratepayers from several areas including Wortmanville, Kingston, Bourda and Lacytown. Of the names published, 55% of the ratepayers responded.

The council is preparing to initiate legal proceedings against those who failed to respond to the notices.

Understanding the three types of parliamentary majorities

By Imran Khan NOW that the Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland has made his pronouncement and some of the fervent passion and emotion may have subsided it may be useful for us to understand that there are three types of votes in the National Assembly.

1. TWO THIRD MAJORITY. This is required for changes to the constitution etc. It requires two thirds of all elected members to vote in favour of.

2. SIMPLE MAJORITY. This is for ordinary matters and requires a majority of all members “present and voting”. So, for example, not all members attend every sitting of the National Assembly and in some instances, of the 65 members, 50 or 40 or some other number would attend.

3. ABSOLUTE MAJORITY. This is for special matters, such as the vote on December 21 when the Constitution SPECIFICALLY REQUIRES a ma-

jority of ALL ELECTED MEMBERS. It is important to note that a SIMPLE MAJORITY (33) is NOT the same as an ABSOLUTE MAJORITY. A SIMPLE MAJORITY requires only a majority of members who are present and voting. It does not require all elected members to be present and voting. For an ABSOLUTE MAJORITY there has to be a MAJORITY of ALL ELECTED MEMBERS. There are those, who for political and other purposes wish to mislead the public into believing that there is only one type of majority voting in the National Assembly when it is not so.

There are 3 types: (i) Two Thirds Majority (ii) Simple Majority and (iii) Absolute Majority.

As the Speaker noted in his address this afternoon, Article 168 (1) clearly states as follows: “Save as OTHERWISE PROVIDED by this Constitution, all questions

proposed for decision in the National Assembly shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting.”

This clearly speaks to a simple majority.

Article 106 (6), which speaks to what is requires in a confidence motion is different and clearly requires as follows: “a majority of ALL ELECTED MEMBERS of the National Assembly. Article 106 (6) states, in full: “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 168 could not be clearer - it says, specifically, “save as otherwise provided” which is exactly what article 106 (6) requires, it specifies what is otherwise provided - an ABSOLUTE MAJORITY of ALL ELECTED MEMBERS, NOT simple majority of all members present and voting.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Ministry of Business promotes minibus ‘Code of Conduct’

NOTWITHSTANDING minibuses being granted a raise in fare since August 2018, many commuters are still experiencing an uncomfortable environment of loud music and overloading when using this public transportation.

A promised “Code of Conduct” is being hailed as a move towards addressing the discomfort of commuters, although there are already existing laws against the bad practices that minibus operators engage in. These laws are often flouted by operators.

The playing of any music on public transportation, including minibus and hire

are not doing their work.

There are things that hold them [minibus operators] accountable, and if the police have to enforce those things and they do not, they will be held culpable. I think a lot of police will get themselves in trouble. There are good policemen but there are a lot of corrupt policemen. And there’s another set [of traffic officers] that are afraid of the minibus people, I don’t know why,” Andrews noted.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Traffic Chief Linden Isles, on Friday, proved futile.

Senior Officer of the Consumer Affairs Department, Kushanna Archer,

have you done as a consumer to ensure that you enjoy your consumer rights?”

Phoenix Shamecca, however, does not believe that the consumers are empowered enough to take on the minibus operators, even if the law is on their side.

“I have definitely done my part in speaking up. I have been the object of verbal abuse because I have objected to loud music and overload. I went to make a report at the Brickdam Station to no avail. I applaud this Code of Conduct, I hope to see this truly enforced; using public transportation is not a nice experience,” the mini bus user commented.

An overloaded minibus at the Stabroek Market bus park on Friday (Delano Williams photo) cars, has been against the law since 2008, with the passage of a Bill which inserted Section 174B in the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act. However, it is almost impossible to identify a minibus operator who does not cause passengers to be uncomfortable because of the music played.

Following the granting of an across-the-board fare increase for minibuses, the Ministry of Business and the United Minibus Union which had lobbied for the raise of fares, had agreed to work on the “Code of Conduct”.

But just how much difference the Code of Conduct will make when the already, existing laws are generally disregarded by the bus operators, remains to be seen.

Eon Andrews, President of the United Minibus Union, believes the issue has much to do with the enforcement of laws and policies.

According to him, such enforcement is sadly lacking.

Though not negating the personal responsibility of the bus operators to adhere to the laws and policies, Andrews says that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has to step up their game in enforcing the existing and future laws.

“It means that the police

went a step further and said the consumers have their role to play. Archer noted that if passengers encounter errant drivers and conductors it is their duty to disembark the vehicle and report the incident.

To ensure the Code of Conduct hits its mark, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and National Road Safety Council (NRSC) were consulted.

“The Code of Conduct is currently being examined by the Guyana Police Force and the National Road Safety Council. After the examination/consultation is completed the compilation will be published. The consultations are currently ongoing. We are in Phase Two of those consultations,” Archer noted, on Friday.

“If you, as a consumer, recognise that they are flouting the law, it is your right as a consumer to stop and come out of that bus, but if you as a consumer accept the lawlessness then there is little that could be done. Our job is to educate consumers, not force anyone to do anything. As a consumer what have you done to stop it?

Have you stopped the bus?

Have you reported that driver to the police station? What

Like Andrews, Phoenix Shamecca believes the police need to do more.

“I think consumers are afraid to speak up because of the verbal onslaught they receive from the operators and fellow occupants, who are there for the joy ride.

The other issue is that a lot of the mini buses that are operated in that manner are owned by policemen. Law enforcement can do much more to improve the comfort of travellers in minibuses, the ball is in their court to enforce the existing laws to reduce the lawlessness by minibus operators.”

The Ministry of Business on Friday, January 4, 2019 released a video advertisement on its Facebook page, and noted that the Code will soon be published on the website. Many applauded the initiative, others, however, were still somewhat skeptical, as measures made in the past to seek compliance from minibus operators were never sustained.

“I hope the penalties are severe for the ones who break the law because I know of cases where the conductor and driver cursed the passengers when they objected to the loud music and overloading. I recommend

that they should not only be charged but the incidence should be carried in the media,” commented user, Tony Persaud.

Aside from loud music and overloading, there continues to be complaints of speeding, touting, as well as some minibuses operating without mandatory conductors, also minibus operators of some routes taking fare changes into their own hands.

In addition, some operators are infamous for creat-

ing their own fare structures as they see fit, depending on the hour of day and demand for transportation. Fares are doubled at peak hours, while overcrowding becomes the norm and objecting consumers are ordered ‘to comply or get out.’

When it becomes effective, the Code of Conduct will be expected to cause most of the ills to be corrected. The Code recommends mandatory training for the operators, and colour coding for buses. Andrews believes

that the training will help to identify some people who perhaps should not be operating minibuses.

Andrews further commented, “We have to try to see if we could get the training going because what we’ve seen is that there are many conductors who ought not to be conductors, and there are many drivers who need some training or retraining.

Providing a service in the area of transportation is serious business.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Capital Gains Tax Bill to address housing deficit – Finance Minister

THE Capital Gains Tax Amendment Bill is expected to fix an anomaly in the housing market and ease the burden on Guyanese in purchasing a house, according to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan.

Jordan, who was Thursday evening addressing the National Assembly said that the Bill contains three clauses. “It recognises that there is a housing deficit in Guyana and that we need to encourage housing of all kinds and every effort and every relief that can be given within the constraints of our fiscal space and fiscal deficit should be given so that people can own that much-coveted asset called a home,” Jordan said.

The finance minister said that persons will be exempted from the payment of Capital Gains Tax if they reinvest

the proceeds, from a house they sold, in a house with a similar cost or more than the value, within 60 days of the fiscal year. “If you bought a house for three million and is now selling it for four million, you will be liable for Capital Gains on the one million at 20 per cent.

However, if you immediately invest that $4M in a house that cost $4M and above in value, you will be exempted from the payment of Capital Gains Tax.” The minister said that it is important, as it will allow for more sales and ease of sale, adding that there is a need for such incentives that will allow persons to grow.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the third clause of the bill which deals with removal of the 25 years limitation on buildings. He said that the measure will see the

government losing $200M in revenue which will trickle down to the ordinary man.

“We do not see it as losing, we see it as giving back to the workers, to individuals, to professionals and to all those other persons who long to own a home; and it will find its way back into the economy,” the minister emphasised.

REMIGRANT SCHEME Meanwhile, the finance minister said that the re-migrant scheme has now been tightened with the amendment of the Customs Bill. He highlighted that the amendment proposes a tax credit of $5M to be given to re-migrants.

He said this allows the re-migrant to bring as many vehicles as possible, but once it exceeds the credit amount, they will have to pay the difference in duties.

“You do not have to worry anymore about the vehicles being in your pos-

session for six months; you can come to Guyana and you can buy your vehicle within six months of arriving in Guyana. This allows us to get around all the chicanery of trying to show that you had it in your possession for six months,” the minister explained.

The scheme, he said, has not worked well, especially as it relates to the question of who exactly is a re-migrant and if those individuals have complied with the criteria of re-migrants. Minister Jordan added that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has its limitations and find it hard to ensure that every re-migrant is complying with the laws.

In addition, the finance minister underscored that many re-migrants use the scheme to bring home vehicles and televisions among other things to be sold, with those individuals spending less than two weeks in the country. However, the bill seeks only to deal with vehicles.

Upon investigating, the minister said it was found that some persons failed to fulfil many of the criteria to be regarded as re-migrants.

“What we are proposing now is not to end the re-migrant scheme. It is to tighten it and at the same time to free the GRA of the burden of having to chase around people to find out whether they are still in the country and to show that they have not disposed of the property for which they have been given duty concessions, so, at this initial stage, the intent is to go after the cars.”

Students will also benefit from the amendment, Minister Jordan pointed out. He noted that they too can qualify as re-migrants if they can show that they had attended continuously, for at least three years, an educational institution abroad. Such persons will be given all rights and can have access to all rights including purchasing of vehicles when they return

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan home. The minister said that despite the amendment to the bill, the scheme will continue as it is the government’s aim to attract persons from abroad, especially as oil-andgas production nears.

Another amendment to the bill will see the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) paying citizens all income tax refunds owed.

The monies due, however, will not come from budgeted sums, but from current revenue collected. The minister noted that “hopefully this will clear up a backlog of refunds where people keep asking GRA for their monies and they cannot get it.”

House passes Natural Resource Fund Bill … Jordan says Public Oversight Committee to ensure strict management of natural resources

WITH minor amendments government passed the Natural Resource Fund

(NRF) Bill 2018 in the National Assembly on Thursday evening.

Even as the government focuses on the development of its new natural resource,

oil, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan says measures will also be put in place to protect the non-oil sector.

Minister Jordan outlined strict measures in the proposed establishment of the “Public Accountability Oversight Committee” to ensure proper spending and management of resources derived from oil and gas.

“So important is this committee it is comprised of [sic] 22 members of very important people in society. There will be representatives from community-based organisations; women’s organisations; youths; a member of the Bar Association; a member of the Consumers Association; a member of the extractive industries; a member the Guyana Press Association; a member from the trade unions; a nominee from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG); a nominee of the Private Sector Commission; and a nominee each from the 10 administrative Regional Democratic Councils and a nominee from the University of Guyana,” the minister noted.

Minister Jordan also clarified that there will be no member from the govern-

ment or opposition on the committee, while no one will be taking up permanent membership. He explained that the oversight committee will ensure that funds are managed in accordance with best practices.

Last year when the minister introduced the Green Paper to the National Assembly, he had indicated that the document was being issued by the government to present preliminary proposals to stimulate discussion.

It also detailed specific issues and pointed out possible courses of action in terms of policy and legislation. He said that the 22 members from different sections of society will ensure that there is no mismanagement of the national patrimony.

The passage follows presentation of government’s ‘Green’ paper titled “Managing Future Petroleum Revenues and Establishment of Fiscal Rule and a Sovereign Wealth Fund” to the National Assembly in August last year.

The Bill meets 21 of the 24 Santiago Principles, the generally accepted principles and practices of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF), Minister Jordan noted. The NRF Bill is one of several legis-

lations and policies the government is putting in place to govern the oil-and-gas sector. Guyana is projected to produce first-oil in the first quarter of 2020, after making nine successful oil discoveries since 2015.

“Petroleum revenues will form part of our national patrimony,” Minister Jordan said.

He stressed the importance of putting systems in place to ensure the sector is managed with transparency and accountability. In the interest of good governance, Minister Jordan said stabilisation, savings and domestic development are the key objectives of the fund and the fiscal- rule options outlined in the ‘Green’ paper, the minister said, are designed to achieve these objectives.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the future of fossil fuels, the minister emphasised the need for savings to begin from the first day of production.

He noted that to achieve this function, revenues will be invested in diversified portfolios comprising financial assets external to domestic with long-investment horizons and higher expected returns.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Gov’t to expand eye care services … several vision centres to be opened

THIS year, the Ministry of Health will be rolling out several vision centres across the country, thus providing Guyanese easier access to eye care even as works continue to improve health care at the regional levels.

In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud said that the Ministry of Public Health will also be reviewing the challenges of 2018, with a view to addressing possible solutions.

Regarding eye care, studies have shown that annual eye examinations can identify both eye and general health conditions such as: glaucoma, high blood pressure, risk of stroke and heart disease.

“We’re hoping to roll out the vision centres at most sites so that we can provide persons with good vision care, in addition to screening persons who are at high risk in relation to ailments such as diabetes and hypertension. Spectacles will be provided where necessary,” Dr. Persaud said.

The Vision Centre concept was previously called the Low Vision Unit and operated under the Eye Care Guyana project, but the Ministry has now revamped the programme.

“The Ministry has taken that programme over.

We’ve recently gotten permission to employ the staff, and then to relocate them to some of the critical areas. Because you know a resident of Lethem may have difficulty coming down to Georgetown to get spectacles,” he explained.

Many eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy, often show no symptoms until the vision has become severely threatened, while conditions like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) show few early symptoms but in the end causes blurred vision, dark patches in your eyesight and more.

Such matters considered, the ministry’s ex-

Now that the ministry has addressed staffing in most of its departments at the GPHC, the CMO said that this year the ministry is hoping to move a number of medical practitioners into regional hospitals where shortages have existed for years.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud pansion of services, apart from targeting those at high risk will seek out school children, youths and the elderly.

Apart from this, the ministry is working along with the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) to improve regional health services. This, it is hoped, will ultimately alleviate the high demand experienced at the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation (GPHC).

“We’re working with PAHO to revise our packaged essential health services. We want to really strengthen the regional delivery health care system and take the ministry from being the direct agency responsible for delivering.

We want the regions to take up more of the responsibility in delivering the day-to-day services,” Dr. Persaud explained.

Looking back at 2018, the CMO said that one of the main challenges the ministry experienced was inefficient medical personnel, especially in some far-reaching areas where certain services are rendered unavailable.

“We really would like to thank both the Cuban and the Chinese medical brigade that assist the Government. Without their help we could not have delivered high quality care throughout Guyana. We hope that we can keep that arrangement in place but also bear our own capacity,” Dr. Persaud said.

“We’ve already assigned some of them to work at the West Demerara Hospital and at some of the other facilities from as early as this month,” he confirmed.

Other challenges of 2018, included the drug procurement and distribution system which Dr. Persaud said experienced late delivery of items in the pipeline, among other

shortcomings. “We’re trying to see how best we can improve on that process because the Procurement Unit now is in full operation and we hope that we can get the procurement process started early now that we have an approved budget for 2019, and we can go out to tender and we can have all the essential medical supplies and pharmaceu-

tical agents to deliver the quality care we’d like to give,” he said.

This year will also see the expansion of dental services to additional district hospitals and health centres.

The budget will allow the ministry to focus largely on infrastructure programmes, thus ensuring the rehabilitation of several health facilities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Citizens slow on cashing in on home subsidies

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) says that applications have only been

trickling in for the 250 core homes and home improvement subsidies programme made available to

low-income families.

The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme was launched

in 2018 as a housing infrastructure solution targeting 2,500 citizens in low- income communities.

It is being made possible by the government through a US$30M loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and applications for such were declared open November 1, 2018, until February 1, 2019.

The programme will run for five years, targeting communities in Georgetown; the West Bank of Demerara; villages of Recht Door Zee, La Parfaite-Harmonie, Westminster; and Lust-en-Rust and Onderneeming.

It will also be implemented in South Georgetown up to Diamond/Grove and to the East Coast of Demerara up to the village of La Bonne Intention.

By the end of January, CH&PA was hoping to receive some 1,000 applications based on the number of forms handed out. “I think it is going fairly okay even though we have set a target on the amount of applications that we would have liked to see returned to us and we have not received that amount. We have distributed about 1,000 applications,” CH&PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lelon Saul said.

However, across the two programmes, only 550 forms have been received to date. The forms were handed out at various offices across regions, including the Mayor and City Council, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) on the East Bank of Demerara, the Region Four and Region Three Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and NDCs within those locales.

Addressing the reason for the lower-than-expected application rate, Saul said: “There might be several factors why. Perhaps within the targeted areas there is not that vast amount of persons who are qualified for such, that might be a factor, I’m not sure. If that is the case we may very well have to extend the boundaries, but I am not certain as yet.

We’ll have to do a proper assessment to determine.”

To qualify for a core home, the applicant must demonstrate that he/she is living in a low-standard building which does not meet habitable requirements, or which structural condition justifies replacement.

Other selection procedures include persons coexisting with two or more nuclear families; living in an at-risk area prone to

CH&PA Chief Executive Officer Lelon Saul floods or other conditions and other specific situations stipulated by the CH&PA. The applicant must also possess the necessary documents, while the CH&PA will provide material and labour to construct the unit.

Beneficiaries must contribute G$100,000 as equity-share contribution and the CH&PA will provide the building plan for which beneficiaries must obtain approval at the relevant authority and pay associated cost for such.

Its design is expandable and includes a sanitary block (septic tank, toilet and shower); kitchenette; living room; standard bedroom spaces; basic doors, windows, electrical wiring and water connections; a multi-purpose sink; concrete outer walls; concrete floor slab and wooden porch rail and stairs.

Meanwhile, for home improvement, the selection procedure is the same as for core homes with the addition that the selected plots must be free from any illegal encumbrances or owner limitation and occupied by the owner.

The CH&PA will provide materials to the beneficiary up to the value of G$500,000, while the beneficiary must provide all labour to implement the improvement works and other criteria. They will be focused on basic improvement including repairs to roofs, walls, floors, expansion to address overcrowding, sanitation improvements, rainwater harvest, improvements to water units and other modifications for persons with disabilities.

Saul told the newspaper that while the deadline has not yet arrived, CH&PA will do its part to ensure that all is in place for eligible Guyanese to benefit.

Saul said: “We hope to step up the sensitisation programme to inform people of what we’re doing and see if we can get the 1000 forms back.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Berbice River students urged to qualify Man placed on themselves to serve their communities bond for allegedly

YOUNG people residing in villages in the Upper Berbice River (Region 10) are being urged by the Regional Education Officer (REDO) Rabindra Singh to educate themselves, thus making themselves qualified for job postings in their communities.

Singh related that the department is experiencing difficulty filling teaching vacancies at several schools located in the various villages along the Berbice River.

While teachers in Linden and on the coast may be hesitant to go into the river, the department also has to spend millions of dollars to ensure that they are properly accommodated.

To avoid these challenges, the REDO, is calling on the very residents to take up those vacancies. “We have to encourage our children, those who are coming from there,to take up their education seriously, so that those

who are coming from there, can take up the jobs that are in their own village; that is how we will solve the issue, we have to have the people down in the Berbice River qualifying themselves, or else we will always be in this position,” he posited at Thursday’s RDC statutory meeting. Singh believes that this is the best way the state can get value for its money and educating the very residents is the best long-term investment. “We will not get value for our money, we will continue to spend money on human resources like that, it can’t happen.

We have to ensure that we talk to our children, we talk to the parents who are living there to take their education seriously, so that they can have the few jobs there and then you can have long-term profit, so to speak,” he said.

While Regional Chairman Renis Morian believes this is a long-term solu-

tion, he is looking to having those vacancies filled within weeks, so that the pupils will not continue to suffer.

He proposed that temporary teachers be hired on a contractual basis. In addition to limited teachers in the Berbice River, there is currently no district education officer manning the affairs of Sub District Two (Kwakwani and the Berbice River).

Singh related to the councillors that the substantive officer has since taken leave, upon his appointment to Region 10 and the department is now following due process to have a resident officer stationed at kwakwani.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon related that some teachers in the Berbice River are not being paid in a timely manner. Some of the teachers have not received their letters of appointment and are working, in some

cases, months, without being paid. “We need to have these things sorted out, because we will frustrate them and they will go away,” he posited.

One senior education officer noted that the department is working assiduously with the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to have those teachers appointed and is calling on the TSC to be more proactive in this regard, while citing instances of tardiness with its employees. “It is not the fault of the department that teachers are not being paid, we are trying our utmost,” she said.

Councillor from the Reservation of Hururu, Elymawell Barkoye, also related that the Neighbourhood Democratic Council there has been paying volunteer teachers at the school since there are no permanent teachers posted.

J’overt party robber on five counts of robbery with violence AN East La Penitence Squatting Area construction worker was on Friday charged for a series of robberies committed on patrons at a J’ouvert party, which was held at D’Urban Park.

Colin Cooper, 36, made his appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly and was slapped with five counts of robbery with violence. He was released on $100,000 bail.

The charges alleged that, on January 1, 2019, at D’Urban Park, Georgetown, he robbed Shane Hackett of $10,000; Isaiah Moore of

personal violence was used in the execution of the robberies on the victims.

According to reports, Cooper was apprehended by public- spirited persons at the party and handed over

Colin Cooper a $4,000 bag along with $4,000 cash; Ronaldo Dhanraj of one gold ring and chain valued $54,000; Nikko Devenish of $5,000 and Shevon Clarke of two gold chains worth $78,000.

The charges stated that

Sex worker on bail on theft charge CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday released a 19-year-old sex worker on $10,000 bail, after pleading not guilty to a simple larceny charge.

It is alleged that Godfrey Cox of Princess Street, Charlestown on December 29, 2018 at High Street, stole from the person of Malram Parsaram, a gold chain with pendant valued $80,000.

Police Prosecutor Inspector Gordon Mansfield noted that the chain was recovered in the possession of Cox when a search was conducted by the police, but no pendant was found.

Cox, with no objection raised by the prosecutor, was granted his pre-trial liberty and the matter was transferred to City Magistrate Leron Daly, to be called on January 11, 2019.

to the police after one of the victims managed to raise an alarm for help during the robbery.

The matter was adjourned until February 8, 2019.

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circulating sex tape CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Friday, January 04, 2019 imposed a 12- month bond ‘to be of good behaviour’ on a 26-year-old construction worker who was accused of circulating his friend’s sex tape on WhatsApp messenger.

Hadaar London of Christiansburg Wismar, Linden, made his appearance before the Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, and was charged for circulating an obscene video by way of WhatsApp messenger, on November 18, 2018, at Queenstown.

London was also charged for stealing the victim’s gold chain valued Hadaar London $180,000 and for assaulting her on the same day. He had pleaded not guilty to the three charges when the victim told the court that she would be dropping the matter against London.

The court heard that London and the woman were friends.

In the end, the Chief Magistrate told London that he should not be distributing such videos on the internet since it is considered cybercrime.

He was placed on a 12- month bond to keep the peace or, in default, be imprisoned for one month.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Move to renewable energy more economical – science adviser IT is more economical for Guyana and other Caribbean countries to move towards using renewable energy sources, according to Deputy Director and Science Adviser at the Caribbean

Trotz affirmed: “For us in the Caribbean and Guyana, moving to [renewable energy] is critical.”

The adviser explained that the Caribbean is referred to as one of the most energy- intensive

Deputy Director and Science Adviser at the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, Dr. Ulric Trotz Community Climate Change Centre, Dr. Ulric Trotz.

Speaking at a discussion forum at the National Library on Friday, Dr.

regions of the world. Energy intensity is a measure of the energy inefficiency within an economy. Since it is calculated as units of energy per unit of Gross

Domestic Product (GDP), high-energy intensities indicate a high price or cost of converting energy into GDP. This is what is evident in the Caribbean and according to the adviser, it causes the Region to be less competitive in the manufacturing sector due to the cost to produce and use energy.

As such, he noted that it would make “good economic sense” for the nations to move to “renewables,” since this ensures greater energy efficiency.

“We need to change the architecture of our energy sector,” he said.

In addition to this being a sound economic decision, he said that such a move would also put the Region on the ‘moral high ground’ internationally.

Guyana had previously aimed to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2025. After reviewing the processes that would be needed however, Head of the Office of Climate Change, (OCC) Janelle Christian highlighted that

Land from Eccles to Diamond to be re-developed

IN an effort to develop cohesive and sustainable communities, government has embarked on a programme which would result in the re-development of land from Eccles to Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to a notice from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), government is focused on developing cohesive and sustainable communities but, in order to achieve this, government must be guided by a properly prepared, comprehensive plan.

The plan will take into account the existing land- use scenarios, while focusing on transforming communities into inclusive and sustainable areas that are well- planned and outfitted with proper physical infrastructure, utilities, services and amenities.

“It is the intent that this development plan be a statutory framework for guiding development/re-development of lands within the Eccles to Diamond area,” said a representative of the authority.

As such, the CH&PA has invited

firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the services.

Furthermore, according to Trevor Benn, Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, government will soon make available some 6000 acres of residential and commercial lands in the Demerara-Mahaica region, The total land allocation will represent some 51 per cent of Georgetown’s landmass and will be used for modern development for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural purposes.

Benn revealed that the project comes under the commission’s Land Policy, Planning and Projects Division.

Benn went on to explain that these would be unlike the schemes now observed in the capital city and elsewhere, as they would take on modern designs, catering for the needs of both residents and businesses.

this would require more time.

As such, Dr. Trotz also indicated that there are several things citizens can do to mitigate the effects of climate change as the nation transitions to renewable energy.

“There is a need for us taking responsibility for our own actions,” he said.

This includes simple action such as carefully us-

ing energy in our homes; turning off the lights, not wasting water and having much more respect for some of these things often taken for granted, he noted.

These actions also include a conscious and concerted effort to reduce what he termed as a “terrible” situation of pollution in the country.

“You need to be

aware that we are living in a scenario that the climate is going to be an important factor in our lives and we need to build more resilience across communities,” he stressed.

“Climate change is here… it is something that we have to live with and it is something that we can deal with,” Dr. Trotz posited.

A section of the attendees at the climate change discussion

Destination Guyana gets more international media attention GUYANA is increasingly being recognised as a top-performing tourism destination as it has been featured in several notable international articles as one of the world’s most unique and worthwhile destinations.

The country’s most recent accolade sees it being featured in the National Geographic Traveller’s ‘The Cool List 2019,’ in which Guyana is placed at number 10 on the all-encompassing global list.

“New flights are opening up this undiscovered gem…Guyana’s main prize is Kaieteur Falls. The largest single-drop waterfall in the world is a beauty, cutting its way through the jungle as the Potaro River falls 741ft before continuing towards the Atlantic,” the article said.

Guyana was also showcased on the BBC Travel’s ‘Five destinations you should know more about’ and, at the onset of the new year, in The Sunday Times Newspaper (UK) in an article titled ‘The Guianas’.

Earlier in December, the country’s famous St. George’s Cathedral was highlighted in popular online magazine, the Atlas Obscura.

“St. George’s Cathedral isn’t all that lofty as churches go, but at 143-feet-tall and made entirely from wood—apart from its foundations—it ranks amongst the tall-

est wooden churches in the world,” they wrote.

Added to this, the Evening Standard (UK) late last year, featured Guyana in an article titled ‘25 of the world’s most magical jungle adventures.’

In a press release on Friday, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) said that such positive publicity is proof that the destination’s lure of raw, authentic adventure; stunning scenery and rich culture is a unique gem in the world.

Furthermore, the GTA stated that all the media recognition of Destination Guyana is generating an increase in market demand.

Guyana was recorded by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) as the top performing destination in the first half of 2018 with the highest tourism growth coming in at 18.3 per cent, followed by Belize, the Cayman Islands, Grenada and The Bahamas.

Meanwhile, the GTA reminds that tourism in Guyana has been growing since 2009, with visitor arrivals to Guyana for the period January to November, 2018, increasing by 16.88 per cent over 2017.

Based on current performance and growing market awareness and demand, the tourism body said that Guyana is well positioned to attract 500,000 visitors by 2025.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

New psychologists to boost local health sector

A CADRE of young persons graduated on Thursday from the American University of Peace Studies as psychologists and are expected to boost the local health sector.

At the Seventh convocation of the university, held at the Herdmanston Lodge, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud noted that the graduates have poised themselves to benefit from jobs within the health sector as the ministry is zeroing in on mental health.

“We know the challenges in Guyana regarding suicides, drug addictions and many, many other mental health issues,” Dr. Persaud said.

Furthermore, he clarified that mental health issues are not unique to persons sometimes labelled as ‘mad people’, but said instead: “They are part of all of our lives and at various stages we experience those stresses which would sometimes tip us over the edge.”

Cognisant of this, the CMO highlighted: “We are working on a few additional areas; we are looking at establishing a drug-treatment

court that will address some of the addiction issues that we have; and I know that there will be lots of vacancies that will be available there.”

Alicia Jerome-Reece noted that her ministry strongly believes that in the not-toodistant future, there will be a decline of mental health

to fail.

But even as she encouraged them, she reminded them that as professionals, they each have a responsibility to society; and according to her, each graduate must strive “to inch the world closer to social justice.”

Instructor at the university, Nadine McIntosh, also addressed the graduates as she gave the chief executive officer’s (CEO) remarks on behalf of Dr. Ethan Simon.

“We hope that you have been challenged, tested and above all, emboldened to apply what you have learnt at the university to society,” she said.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

Ministerial Adviser to the Minister of Social Protection, Alicia Jerome-Reece The ministry also embarked on a programme of suicide prevention, zeroing in on community mental health and here too, Persaud said lies opportunities for the graduates to be gainfully employed.

Ministerial adviser to the Minister of Social Protection,

issues because of the work persons like the graduates will set out to do.

Reece advised, “In life there are no permanent victories, no permanent defeats, but a life of permanent opportunities.” She also encouraged them to take chances, and not to be afraid

Some of the graduates

Land Sales Committee to guide sugar estates divestment OVER the past few months, the Government has been working to set up a special Lands Sale Committee to guide the divestment process of the four sugar estates to ensure the best possible outcome.

The sale of these lands became necessary after the government’s move to downsize the sugar industry to make the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) more efficient.

Speaking on the progress thus far in a recent interview, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the aim is to have the land sales have more than a financial meaning.

“Because a person with couple billion dollars could buy out our lands -- [there is need] to

establish what is called a Land Sales Committee to oversee the sales and to make it a legal entity,” he said.

Once this is finalised, it could involve the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and perhaps GuySuCo. “It is important because the first payment on the bond is due in May and the idea was that the payment would be made from sales: land and one of the estates. So time is ticking where this is concerned,” he stated.

It is expected that the proceeds from the sales will be used to repay the $30B five-year-termed bond secured to recapitalise GuySuCo.

In October 2018, it was announced that 14 potential bidders who hail from Trinidad, Canada and Guyana were interested in the lands.

In a meeting with the SPU and the privatisation team managed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the potential bidders had discussed issues regarding the duration of the leases, work permits and the evaluation criteria.

“There is tremendous interest in the lands, especially in the areas of Wales and so on.

You can understand why Wales now has become important because of the oil, people need waterfront property, people need housing and the bridge that could be built,” the minister said.

TUSSLE Meanwhile, regarding the tussle between NICIL’s SPU and GuySuCo over a number of matters, Jordan said the two parties should find a civil way forward.

The most recent disagreement between the two entities resulted in GuySuCo blocking the launch of a new sports bar constructed in its La Bonne Intention (LBI) head office compound.

The minister explained that the shares of GuySuCo were all vested in NICIL, a government corporation, which makes NICIL the owner of GuySuCo on behalf of the government.

“Part of the reason for vesting the shares there is because we had to find a mechanism of how to

raise financing. GuySuCo on its own could not go out and raise financing,” he said.

“So, this had to be done by NICIL which owns all the government’s corporations and it is those assets that are being used to raise the bond,” the minister said.

He added that the bond is not a simple case as it has several conditions written into it as to how GuySuCo can use the funds which is where he believes much of contention resides.

This is compounded with the fact that the estates owned by government had no delineation as to which assets are owned by the estates.

Speaking to the LBI matter, Jordan said: “NICL argues that ac-

cording to the transport and according to the vesting order, LBI is part of their property.

GuySuCo on the other hand says ‘no, this was excluded’. But, for me, these are childish arguments. This is not a private sector versus a public sector, these are two public sector entities and for the good of both you could easily come together and say ‘we’re going to use it, both of us’,” Jordan said.

“When personalities clash like two elephants only the grass can suffer,” he said.

The finance minister also said that when the President returns, he may very well make yet another attempt the “cool the temperature” of the situation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, January 5, 2019

Teachers get training in family life, health matters

THE regional administration of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has trained several teachers ahead of the reopening of school on Monday.

According to a press statement from the region, the training was done to enhance the skills of several teachers who are tasked with delivering the Health and Family Life Educators (HFLEs) programme. The recently held one-day training targeted 57 teachers from all of the secondary schools within the region.

The facilitators of the training addressed a number of issues and sought to better inform teachers on how to effectively handle issues. Head of the HFLE programme within the Ministry of Education Colleen King-Cameron spearheaded the one-day training, which was also facilitated

by Esther Utoh of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

The training was held

under the theme, “Strengthening HFLE for youth empowerment.” The region believes that such training is important in enhancing teachers’ knowledge and skills by recognising that there continues to be an

lenges and difficulties with which the teaching staff and students are confronted at schools.

King-Cameron pointed out that the objectives were to provide participants with an overview of the nature

to learn with other teachers, while being able to learn useful strategies and tips for teaching these lessons.

She further said that the session was geared towards assisting the participants in developing competence in

Participants during the group discussion at the one-day HFLE training increase in social ills facing schoolchildren.

According to the facilitators, the training would reduce some of the chal-

and goals of HFLE; and to provide the opportunity for them to practise teaching the common curriculum lessons with other teachers and

equipping students with the necessary skills to make decisions and to deal with life dilemmas using common sense.

King- Cameron said the HFLE has had a strong and deep tradition in Guyana and the diaspora that built on the culture of the Region.

“This training is very important, as it seeks to enhance and further develop the skills and knowledge of the HFLE educators within Region Four, thus reducing several of the social ills that they are confronted with in the schools, while at the same time educating the students on dealing with several of their challenges.

“We are holding similar training like these throughout the regions and I am very pleased with the responses from the educators, as it shows that they have a keen interest in enhancing this programme and today was no different as the excitement and eagerness of the educators in Region Four truly demonstrates that this region will address HFLE issues aggressively and diligently and that is an

excellent step,” King-Cameron said.

Meanwhile, facilitator Utoh pointed out that the training is vital, as it helps to inculcate life skills in health training within the curriculum. She said HFLE is a life skill programme for youth, which she said helps to focus on knowledge and skill development for the whole persons.

She added that this is what they hope to achieve within the region in further strengthening the HFLE educators.

“This training is critically important and we are very happy that the responses and knowledge being exhibited by the educators demonstrate that they have a sound idea of what they are expected to do and what should be done in further advancing the programme, while addressing various challenges and difficulties that they may be confronted with,” Utoh stressed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

du Plessis leads South Africa to advantage on day two (REUTERS) - SOUTH Africa captain Faf du Plessis led from the front with a hard-earned century to give the hosts a commanding 205-run advantage at the end of the second day du Plessis failed to score in either innings in the first Test in Pretoria last week, but made 103 in a 226-ball knock as South Africa piled up 382 for six in reply to Pakistan’s 177 all out on the opening day.

Pakistan will be up against it today when South Africa resume with Quinton de Kock not out on 55 and Vernon Philander on six as

they look to press home their advantage. du Plessis had to toil for his ninth Test century on an uneven pitch, hitting some superb shots through extra cover but also surviving being dropped on 96 to an easy catch down leg that Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed spilt.

this wicket is massive. Our bowlers will be raring to go and looking to exploit it.”

South Africa were on 123-2 overnight but Hashim Amla (24) and Theunis de Bruyn (13) departed in the morning session before Bavuma, having scored three, was reprieved by the third umpire after appearing

Faf du Plessis leans into a drive, v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Cape Town, 2nd day yesterday. (Associated Press) He was eventually out to be caught in the slips. to a faint tickle off teenager It was decided that the Shaheen Shah, who finished catch had been taken off the day with the best Paki- the turf. stan figures of 3-112.

He also survived an lbw Temba Bavuma, who decision with the review saw two reviews go his way, going his way to the exasmade 75 and it was his 156- peration of Pakistan. run fifth- wicket partnership Bavuma was eventually with the skipper that en- caught by Sarfraz off Shaabled South Africa to take heen, who then also bagged the game away from their du Plessis but only after anopponents after losing two other review, which this time wickets early in the day. went Pakistan’s way.

“It was a challenging de Kock hit fours off wicket but we tried to be his first two deliveries and as positive out there as we never looked back as he could be,” Bavuma said. raced to his half-century “Any kind of lead on off 59 balls.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings Imam ul-Haq lbw Vernon Philander

8 Fakhar Zaman c Temba Bavuma b Dale Steyn

1 Shan Masood c Quinton de Kock b Kagiso Rabada 44 Azhar Ali c Hashim Amla b Duanne Olivier 2 Asad Shafiq c Dean Elgar b Kagiso Rabada 20 Babar Azam c Faf du Plessis b Duanne Olivier

2 Sarfraz Ahmed c Quinton de Kock b Duanne Olivier 56 Mohammad Amir not out 22 Yasir Shah c Faf du Plessis b Duanne Olivie 5 Mohammad Abbas c Quinton de Kock b Dale Steyn 0 Shaheen Afridi c Quinton de Kock b Dale Steyn

3 Extras: (b-8, lb-2, nb-1, w-3)

14 Total: (all out, 51.1 overs) 177 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-13, 3-19, 4-51, 5-54, 6-114, 7-156, 8-162, 9-163.

Bowling: Dale Steyn 15.1-4-48-3 (w-1), Vernon Philander 11-3-36-1, Kagiso Rabada 10-2-35-2 (nb-1), Duanne Olivier 15-3-48-4 (w-2).

SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Aiden Markram b Shan Masood

78 Dean Elgar c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir

20 Hashim Amla b Mohammad Abbas

24 Theunis de Bruyn c Babar Azam b Shaheen Afridi

13 Faf du Plessis c Sarfraz Ahmed b Shaheen Afridi 103 Temba Bavuma c Sarfraz Ahmed b Shaheen Afridi 75 Quinton de Kock not out

55 Vernon Philander not out

6 Extras: (b-5, lb-1, nb-2)

8 Total: (six wkts, 116.0 overs) 382 Fall of wickets: 1-56, 2-123, 3-126, 4-149, 5-305, 6-356.

Bowling: Mohammad Amir 29-9-69-1 (nb-2), Mohammad Abbas 31-8-81-1, Shaheen Afridi 26-3-112-3, Yasir Shah 21-1-79-0, Shan Masood 5-1-19-1, Asad Shafiq 4-0-16-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

Pant, Pujara make Aussies toil on day two

(REUTERS) - CHETESHWAR Pujara ground out a masterful 193 and Rishabh Pant smashed a magnificent unbeaten 159 as Australia’s hopes of winning the match and saving the series were washed away by a torrent of Indian runs on day two of the fourth Test yesterday.

Virat Kohli declared on 622 for seven an hour before the close of play when Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed for 81 and Usman Khawaja (5) and Marcus Harris (19) ushered Australia to stumps on 24 without loss.

Pujara came up seven runs short of his fourth

double-century but there can be little doubt that his nine-hour, 373-ball knock will almost certainly deliver India’s first Test series victory in Australia.

After a beautifully-crafted innings, Pujara went with a whimper rather than a bang before tea, scooping the ball back down the wicket to be caught and bowled by wily off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

The 30-year-old’s centuries in Adelaide and Melbourne went a long way to giving India a 2-1 series lead and there was relief as well as admiration in the standing ovation he received from the crowd

when he finally headed back to the Members Stand.

Once he had departed, Pant and Jadeja initially maintained his circumspection before throwing off the shackles and hammering home India’s advantage with a partnership of 204.

Pant had a bit of a scare six runs short of his second Test century when he was close to being run-out but made his ground safely and reached the milestone off 137 balls with his eighth four the first Indian wicketkeeper to do so in Australia.

Jadeja was soon twirling his bat in his trademark

celebration of a half-century, his 10th in Tests, and for a while it looked like Pant would overhaul Pujara with a maiden double-century.

disciplined, extremely tough to get out,” said Australia captain Tim Paine.

“That sort of set the scene for Rishabh Pant to come in and show his skill.

little reward in the Sydney heat and the wicket that finally precipitated the declaration came again from Lyon (4-178).

Jadeja stepped down

Rishabh Pant congratulates Cheteshwar Pujara after the latter’s 193, v Australia, 4th Test, Sydney, 2nd day, yesterday. (Getty Images)

“You’ve got to give India credit, I thought Pujara again was superb, he did what he always seems to do; he wore us down and was extremely

I thought they drove it into us pretty well.”

Australia’s much-vaunted pace attack became exhausted after two days’ toiling for

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings Mayank Agarwal c Mitchell Starc b Nathan Lyon

77 Lokesh Rahul c Shaun Marsh b Josh Hazlewood

9 Cheteshwar Pujara c & b Nathan Lyon 193 Virat Kohli c Tim Paine b Josh Hazlewood 23 Ajinkya Rahane c Tim Paine b Mitchell Starc 18 Hanuma Vihari c Marnus Labuschagne b Nathan Lyon 42 Rishabh Pant not out 159 Ravindra Jadeja b Nathan Lyon

81 Extras: (b-2, lb-13, w-5)

20 Total: (seven wkts, 167.2 overs) 622 Bowling: Mitchell Starc 26-0-123-1, Josh Hazlewood 35-11-105-2, Pat Cummins 28-5-101-0 (w-1), Nathan Lyon 57.2-8-178- 4, Marnus Labuschagne 16-0-76-0, Travis Head 4-0-20-0, Usman Khawaja 1-0-4-0.

AUSTRALIA 1st innings Marcus Harris not out

19 Usman Khawaja not out

5 Extras: 0 Total: (10.0 overs)

24 Bowling: Mohammed Shami 3-0-9-0, Jasprit Bumrah 3-0-12-0, Ravindra Jadeja 2-1-1-0, Kuldeep Yadav 2-1-2-0.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday, January 05, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Wasim Akram-122 wickets in 77 ODIs (Sharjah Cricket Stadium) (2) Curtly Ambrose-24 wickets in 21 ODIs (Queen’s Park

Oval, Trinidad) (1) (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: What was the result of the recent NZ/SL Test series?

Who was declared Man of the Series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

the wicket to try and dominate the spinner but was deceived by the flight of the ball and was bowled to end a 114-ball innings comprising seven fours and a six.

The hosts had started the day with hopes of making major inroads into India’s batting order but were largely frustrated, even if Lyon removed Hanuma Vihari for 42 to break the 101-partnership with Pujara.

Pujara’s almost chanceless innings - he was dropped in the slips on 192 - featured 22 fours and took his tally over the series to 521 runs at an average of 74.42.

Pant, whose innings consisted of 15 boundaries and one six, blotted his copy book in the final hour by dropping Khawaja behind the wickets but nothing was going to mar his day.

“Every hundred I score is special as I’m just starting my career,” Pant added.

“Everyone in the team has given me the freedom to express myself so every time I bat, I just enjoy myself.

That’s the thing I love to do. “(Australia) were playing their level best but we did well so that’s why we got the score we did.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

Major concern over Pybus appointment (CMC) – THERE is major concern that “significant high cost” could result from the appointment of Englishman Richard Pybus as interim head coach of the West Indies men’s team.

In arguing his case against the appointment, Leeward Islands Cricket Board (LICB) president, Enoch Lewis, said the associated costs were “unplanned and unbudgeted”, and were likely to impact adversely on the already frail Cricket West Indies finances. “… A significant high cost to CWI is likely to arise out of the decision to handpick and appoint Mr Pybus as interim head coach given the likely hiring of new coaches and conversely the termination of the existing coaching staff, (most of whom are under contract until September 2019).”

Lewis wrote in a letter to CWI, a copy of which was obtained by CMC Sports.

“And because this cost is unplanned and unbudgeted and happening at a time when CWI is experiencing serious cash flow challenges as reflected by the existing significant cash deficit, which has negatively impacted the company capacity to meet normal day-to-day expenses.”

According to the candid letter last month, Lewis revealed that CWI president had “hand-picked” Pybus for the top coaching role after making an independent determination that negotiations with the previously board-approved choice of South African Nic Pothas, had broken down.

Pothas had been offered nearly half of what the most recent head coach, Stuart

Law, had been given for the role, and had argued for similar levels of compensation to his Australian counterpart.

cluded a deal with Pybus – for higher compensation than had been offered to Pothas.

Cricket West Indies director and LICB president, Enoch Lewis

Lewis, a CWI director, said Cameron “without pre-authorisation and input from the Board” subsequently negotiated and con-

The CWI director described the president’s actions as “unfortunate, unacceptable and unethical” and said he raised his concerns

at the recent quarterly board meeting in Trinidad.

As such, Lewis called for Pybus’s appointment to be rescinded and negotiations with Pothas to resume, so the head coach selection process could be guided by “integrity, fairness, due process, and established policies.”

“The LICB therefore hereby demands the following: that the recent decision to hand-pick Richard Pybus as interim head coach be rescinded (and) that the process to identify a head coach be started immediately based on established and transparent procedures i.e. the job being advertised, persons interviewed leading to a final candidate being chosen,” Lewis wrote.

“That good faith negotiations take place with Mr

Pothas and a reasonable offer be made to him, e.g. the same (compensation) that is being offered to the outside person rather than the (initial compensation) being offered …

“That as initially decided by the Board, Mr Pothas should be engaged until the end of September 2019, or until such time as a new head coach is properly recruited.”

Pybus has been appointed just weeks before West Indies face England in a full home series which includes three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 Internationals.

The controversial former CWI director of cricket will also oversee the Caribbean side’s ICC World Cup campaign in England, in a stint expected to run until September.

Hemraj’s maiden first-class ton puts him in Test debate AS top-order batsmen around the region are queuing up for a maroon cap in the upcoming home series against England, Guyanese batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj will definitely be on the horizon.

The left-handed peeled off a magnificent 144, his maiden first-class ton against Barbados Pride at Kensington Oval yesterday, the opening day in round three of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Four-day championship.

Asked to bat first, Jaguars closed the day on 3195, and Hemraj’s innings is likely to boost his chances of a maiden Test call-up.

Anthony Bramble and Raymon Reifer were unbeaten on 51 and 53 respectively when play ended.

It is a top-of-the-table clash, and with a Pride attack comprising West Indies regulars Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Ashley Nurse, Miguel Cummins, Jomel Warrican and Roston Chase, Hemraj, the 25-year-old, was mostly untroubled through more than four hours of batting.

All told, Hemraj struck 20 fours and four sixes in an innings spanning 172

balls.

Renowned for his level of comfort against fast bowling, Hemraj did not offer a single, definitive chance on a strip that gave some assistance to the quicker bowlers and also took some spin, as he overtook his previous first-class best (90), to put the four-time defending champions in total control at the end of day one.

While Hemraj’s opening partner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul laboured to a 150-ball 37 runs, Hemraj was able to blossom.

The duo shared an unbroken 83-run stand during the first session which was dominated by Hemraj and then added a further 51 runs before left-arm spinner Warrican claimed the wicket of

Chanderpaul.

Hemraj reached three figures inside the final hour of the tea break, off just 123 deliveries and had looked completely untroubled until then. The Jaguars lost skipper Leon Johnson (14), caught-and-bowled off Holder, and at tea Jaguars were 199-2.

However, the Jaguars lost Hemraj, bowled by Nurse soon after the break; Christopher Barnwell was run-out for five and Vishaul Singh was bowled by Nurse for nine but Bramble and Reifer shared an unbroken stand of 105.

Bramble has so far hit 10 fours and a six while Reifer has struck nine fours.

SCOREBOARD

JAGUARS 1st Innings T. Chanderpaul c Holder b Warrican 37 C. Hemraj b Nurse 144 L. Johnson c & b Holder 14 Vishaul Singh lbw b Nurse 9 C. Barnwell run-out 5 R. Reifer not out 53 A. Bramble not out 51 Extras: (lb-1, nb-5) 6 Total: (5 wkts, 90 overs) 319 Fall of wickets: 1-134, 2-199, 3-201, 4-212, 5-214.

Bowling: Roach 14-4-41-0, Cummins 15-4-63-0, Nurse 27-9-77-2, Holder 12-4-32-1, Warrican 17-5-78-1, Chase 4-0-23-0, Brathwaite 1-0-4-0.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

Foster secures Hetmyer gives another sponsorship back to

Berbice cricket

Hilbert Foster

THE proactive approach by president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, towards the development of cricket in the Ancient County continues to attract the business community countrywide.

Foster recently secured sponsorship from Spreadys Bakery and Snackette for a second division 100 balls tournament for clubs in the Lower Corentyne area.

It is understood that Rose Hall Town Bakewell and Albion cricket teams will not be a part of the tournament while the other teams will only be allowed one first division player for the entire tournament.

Debarred players will not be allowed to play. This is a fulfilment of a commitment made to the Chesney Club by the BCB president during the recent AGM. Clubs expected to participate are: Courtland, Fyrish Road, Chesney, Topoo, Kilcoy, Jai Hind, Belvedere United, Tamarind Root, Port Mourant, Tain Block 4, Whim, Ramnarine Memorial and Kildonan.

Shimron Hetmyer

BATTING superstar Shimron Hetmyer has decided to contribute towards the development of cricket in Berbice after agreeing to sponsor a transitional tournament for teams in the Ancient County.

President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, today met with the West Indies batsman, who immediately signalled his willingness to be a part of the developmental works of the Bernice Crocket Board (BCB).

The tournament will allow teams to play four first division

players, who were not debarred from the tournament.

The BCB would like to express gratitude to Hetmyer for investing in Berbice cricket and giving back to the county.

Clubs interested in playing in the tournament can contact Foster on 337-4562, Angela Haniff on 333-2375 or Robby Saywack on 660-0049. Under-19s shall not be considered first division players.

First division players shall be those who played more than three T20, 40 overs and 50 overs first division matches in 2018.

All-stars claim Carlosh Sports Bar dominoes title THE sport of dominoes has continued to attract a large audience especially on the island of Wakenaam and last Tuesday Carlosh Sports Bar dominoes competition was no different.

After a day of competitive competition among the top dominoes players, Allstars came out victorious.

They chalked up 84 games ahead of Underdog who took the runner-up spot with 78 games while Alex XI finished third on 70. Skipper Khemraj Surujpaul marked 17 games for All-stars and also shared two loves, while Tom Singh made 16, Vijay Persaud 12 and Nazeer Mohamed 11.

Underdog were led by James Ramnarine and Krishundat Hansraj with 16 each, while Khalid Zaman contributed 14. Alex Chung scored 16, Mohamed Zafrull 15 and Amit Ramnarine 14

Members of the victorious All-stars team

for Alex XI. Surujpaul was named the MVP while All-stars and Underdog received trophies.

Speaking at the presen-

tation ceremony, Surujpaul congratulated his players and thanked the sponsor Amit Ramnarine. He added that he is looking forward to continued support and informed

that his team will embark on trips to Bartica, West Demerara and Georgetown in the near future.

Surujpaul also called on other businesses to support

Khemraj Surujpaul (left) accepts his MVP prize.

sport on the island and made reference to Keemo Paul whose achievement in cricket so far is as a result of his dedication and discipline. He said that with the input of the

business community, sport on the island will continue to develop.

Meanwhile, the Trophy Stall tournament will be contested next weekend.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, January 5, 2019

A ‘Paige’ from the Mendonca book

By Stephan Sookram WITH the days swiftly counting down to the historic Caribbean Junior Karting Academy Trophy (CJKAT), seven Guyanese competitors are set to do battle with Jamaicans and Barbadians And in a lead-up to the event, Chronicle Sport has sought to introduce them, starting with Paige Mendonca.

Paige, the daughter of motorcycle rider and fitness guru Carlos Mendonca, and Tammy Quail had an early liking to the sport of racing.

Her mother recounted, “She manages to balance it well, mostly because she knows that if she doesn’t (balance it well) then she can’t go and drive or ride because she also has a motorcycle.”

“It’s something that she likes, she got that from Carlos as well and

they enjoy it very much.

I’ve never stopped him and I wouldn’t stop her from it. It’s their passion and what she likes and all I can do is support her.”

Her constant message to Paige is one of confidence

and self-belief, adding that she is more than overjoyed that her daughter competes in physical activity rather than video games.

Paige, who competes at the local level in the 60cc Kids cup, spoke of

the support that her parents provide her, starting with her mother.

“If I say I can do something she’s going to be like ‘don’t say you can’t, you can do it’ and then she’d have this long talk with

Paige Mendonca (15) in action. (GTRidez photo)

Pybus announced ... «

from back pg.

possesses a good working knowledge of both players and coaches as the team prepares for important home series against England and India with the 2019 World Cup to be played between those series.”

One of Lewis’s concerns about Pybus was the fact he has not coached an international side over the past five years.

Pybus, who was suddenly appointed high-performance director last February just over a year after leaving the post of director of cricket, said he was keen to get started on his latest assignment.

“I am really looking forward to working with Jason (Holder) and the Test and ODI teams, as well as Carlos (Brathwaite) and the T20I team, as we continue to build Windies cricket,” he said.

“We’ve got a great home series against England coming up. England are a high-quality side who will be an excellent test of the team in our home conditions. We then have an ODI Triangular Series against Ireland and Bangladesh in Dublin.

“Ireland will be looking to make a statement after missing out on CWC qualification and Bangladesh have beaten us home and away in our recent ODI series.

“The CWC is on the region’s mind and we will be looking to use the England Series and Ireland Triangular to build into that.”

Pybus’s last major coaching position was with Bangladesh in 2012 before quitting after just five months. He was subsequently overlooked for a couple other international head coach vacancies.

West Indies welcome England for a full series of three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 International beginning January 23.

me. It’s very important to me (to have my parents support). ” Explaining her introduction to the sport, Paige said, “It was my dad who got me in the sport when he bought a kart for me; it was a Christmas gift. I saw other people doing it (karting) so I wanted to try it and it’s worked out great.”

She noted that her dad continues to form an integral part of her racing career as he continues to show her new lines and better strategies in dealing with the competition.

“I just feel happy; I’m really happy when I drive,” she said, when she explained to Chronicle Sport what the feeling of karting gives her.

“Oh, my God! I was so excited and nervous. It was so much in one,” she added, beaming as she recounted her most treasured moment in the sport.

Turning her attention to the upcoming CJKAT event, she said, “Training has been good; I can’t tell you (what I have been doing), “My best memory of karting was when I first jumped into a 125cc.

After pausing for a thought, she opined, “I don’t expect to do great because I’m not really that good yet but the next time we go (round two), I will definitely be better.”

“I’m not sure actually what to expect, I’ve seen a few videos of different kids racing in Barbados.

They look really good and professionals at what they are doing but I don’t know what to expect; I hope it’s good.”

She also thanked her team, Pure Racing, as well as the fans and spectators who continually show up to support her karting as well as the youngsters.

Hodge leads Hurricanes to command after day one CMC – OPENER Montcin Hodge hit his third first class century and anchored a string of partnerships, as Leeward Islands Hurricanes rallied to take honours on Friday’s opening day of their third round fixture against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

The right-hander was unbeaten on 112 at the close at the Brian Lara Stadium as the visitors recovered from the cheap loss of skipper and Test opener Kieran Powell, to reach 291 for six.

Not for the first time, immensely talented all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall signalled the West Indies selectors with a fluent 65 while Akeem Saunders chipped in with 41 and Devon Thomas, 27.

Windies new-ball speedster Shannon Gabriel had a decent warm-up for the first Test against England later this month with three for 42 while leg-spinner Imran Khan supported with two for 99.

Powell, also hoping to impress selectors, was sent back in the morning’s eighth over for six when he was bowled by seamer Daniel St Clair

with the score on 17.

However, Hodge then added exactly 44 for the second wicket with Keacy Carty (25), one of several partnerships which kept the Red Force attack at bay.

The right-hander also put on exactly 50 for the third wicket with Thomas before adding a further 57 for the fourth wicket with Saunders who faced just 67 balls and lashed five fours and a six.

Saunders and wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton (0) fell in successive deliveries to Gabriel to leave Hurricanes tottering slightly on 168 for five but Hodge stood firm, anchoring a crucial record 101-run, sixth wicket stand with Cornwall.

Overall, Hodge faced 276 deliveries and counted 14 fours and one six while Cornwall’s knock was a typically breezy one, requiring only 84 balls and comprising 10 fours and a six.

The breakthrough came inside the last half-hour of play when Gabriel had Cornwall superbly caught

by Amir Jangoo jumping high at second slip.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes opener Montcin Hodge.

SCOREBOARD

HURRICANES 1st Innings M Hodge not out 112 *K Powell b St Clair 6 K Carty c & b Imran Khan 25 D Thomas c Hope b Imran Khan 11 A Saunders c Mohammed b Gabriel 41 +J Hamilton lbw b Gabriel 0 R Cornwall c Jangoo b Gabriel 65 T Warde not out 5 Extras (b10, lb15, w1) 26 TOTAL (6 wkts, 90 overs) 291 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-61, 3-111, 4-168, 5-168, 6-269.

To bat: A Joseph, J Louis, S Berridge.

Bowling: Gabriel 16-7-42-3, St Clair 16-3-50-1, Charles 16-154-0, Imran Khan 35-7-99-2, Cariah 7-1-21-0.

RED FORCE – *D Ramdin, Imran Khan, Y Cariah, K Hope, J Solozano, A Jangoo, J Mohammed, +J Da Silva, S Gabriel, D St Clair, B Charles.

Pybus announced as WI head coach (CMC) – CRICKET West Indies (CWI) has belatedly announced the appointment of Richard Pybus as interim head coach of the senior team, amidst a firestorm of criticism from one of its directors over the manner in which the Englishman was chosen.

A week after news of the appointment was leaked, CWI said in a statement yesterday that Pybus would take up the top role “with immediate effect”, a snub to Leeward Islands Cricket Board president Enoch Lewis, who had called for the appointment to be rescinded in the interest of transparency, fairness and due process.

“He will lead the technical team for the upcoming visit of England, the Triangular Series in Ireland, the 2019 Cricket World Cup (CWC) and the visit of India in July and August,” the CWI statement said.

Lewis has slammed the appointment, claiming Pybus Englishman Richard Pybus announced was “hand-picked” by CWI president Dave Cameron. as interim West Indies coach.

Former fielding coach Nic Pothas had been the overwhelming choice of the board but according to Lewis, Cameron terminated discussions with the South African after making an independent determination that negotiations were at a “stalemate”.

Pothas had argued for the same level of compensation afforded previous coach Stuart Law, instead of nearly half Page the amount he had been offered.

27 According to Lewis, Cameron subsequently negotiated and concluded a deal with Pybus even though he had not been

A ‘Paige’ from the Mendonca book

authorised to do so.

“The negotiations conducted with Mr Pybus by president Cameron was without pre-authorisation and input from the Board,” Lewis contended in a strongly-worded letter to CWI last month.

“None of the DoC (Director of Cricket), the Cricket Committee or the Technical Cricket Committee was consulted on the initiative to engage or negotiate with Mr Pybus.”

Cameron’s decision, Lewis said, had sparked “heated debate and proved a very divisive issue amongst the directors.”

In yesterday’s statement, CWI said recruitment for a permanent head coach would be conducted shortly, with the hope of appointing Pybus’s successor by September.

“The CWI Board of Directors have already approved a succession planning programme for regional coaches and will simultaneously be conducting a regional search in order to appoint a long-term head coach for the Windies Men’s team from September 2019 onwards,” CWI noted.

In his letter, Lewis said director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, had recommended Pothas for the position from a list comprising Roddy Estwick, Floyd Reifer, Gus Logie, Desmond Haynes, Toby Radford, Andre Coley, Esuan Crandon, Stuart Williams, Rayon Griffith and Robert Samuels.

According to Lewis, Pybus had expressed no previous interest in the role.

Adams, who replaced Pybus as director of cricket two years ago, said the new Windies head coach came armed with a “good working knowledge of both players and coaches.”

“Richard comes into the role with previous international experience having worked with both Pakistan and Bangladesh,” said the former Windies Test captain.

“Due to his current and previous involvement in CWI, he TURN TO PG. 27

»

Hemraj’s maiden first-class ton puts him in Test debate Page

25

Chandrapaul Hemraj peels off a magnificent 144, his maiden first-class ton against Barbados Pride.

Paige Mendonca is one of the seven Guyanese who will be a part of CJKAT 2019.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 2018