Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-11-2019.pdf

FRIDAY 11th January, 2019

‘Profound disquiet’ No.105514

… Guyana cites Canadian HC for breach of Vienna Convention

… flays behaviour of diplomat in protest letter over PAGE Charrandass’ 02 airport exit

Canadian High Commission official, Richard Beliveau

‘Gov’t is legal’ 03 PAGE

… President says administration will govern without any limitations

Venezuelan robber killed at Cuyuni 13 PAGE

President David Granger reviews a Guard of Honour of the Guyana Police Force during the opening ceremony of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference held at State House on Thursday (Ministry of the Presidency photo). See story on centre page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

‘Profound disquiet’ … Guyana cites Canadian HC for breach of Vienna Convention

… flays behaviour of diplomat in protest letter over Charrandass’ airport exit

By Zena Henry THE Government of Guyana has expressed “profound disquiet” at what it believes is the violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular relations by the High Commission of Canada for the role it played in escorting defector Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud, out of the country after he voted with the opposition to bring down the David Granger Administration last December.

A letter dispatched to the Canadian High Commission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, parts of which were seen by this newspaper, has also expressed the government’s grave concern over the situation. On December 21 last, the former AFC MP had opted to vote with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) to oust the current government. Hours after, the former MP was on a plane to Canada. He was however escorted to the airport by an

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge official of the Canadian High Commission in the person of Richard Beliveau and PPP/C member Peter Ramsaroop.

The issue however, is that the men were able to access special protocol passes that allowed them access to restricted areas of the airport in their bid to ensure Persaud’s safe departure.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry contended in the letter however that “several acts

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lillian Chatterjee and omissions” by Beliveau were brought to their attention. The ministry said that it was in receipt of “credible” information that on the morning following the vote, Charrandass was escorted to the Eugene F. Correia Airport by the Canadian official and Ramsaroop, and “… under heavy security by known criminal elements in Guyana.” Guyana Chronicle was told that confessed Death

Canadian High Commission official, Richard Beliveau Squad hitman, Sean Hinds and PPP strongman Jason Abdulla were among those who provided security for Persaud.

Regarding the protocol pass at the airport, the foreign affairs office said that the Canadian official used his identification card, which the ministry issues, to secure the pass. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is unaware of any consular function which

Mr. Beliveau was performing on the date and time in question,” their correspondence said. The ministry also pointed out that it was unaware of any threat to Persaud that would have even required consular protection.

Quizzed on the matter on the sidelines of an event at the Critchlow Labour College on Thursday, Minister Greenidge told reporters that as regard the process of acquiring a pass, it is quite clear. The members of the diplomatic missions, if they have official business to do at the airport, they will be issued with diplomatic IDs but if they have specific official business at the airport, they have to get a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the minister stated.

In the letter, the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the Canadian High Commission is fully aware of protocols to be observed in a sovereign state and thus viewed the behaviour of the Canadian diplomat and by extension its office, as a “unilateral act” deliberately violating interna-

tional regulations.

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Lillian Chatterjee was summoned to a meeting by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge on Wednesday but when requested, offered no comment on the discussions that took place. Minister Greenidge, while confirming that High Commissioner Chatterjee was summoned to a meeting at his office, declined to provide details of the meeting.

Based on a report submitted by Nadira Persaud, who was the Airport Duty Officer (ADO) on the morning of December 22, 2018, Ramsaroop and Beliveau entered her office and requested protocol passes to access the tarmac. “At approximately 4:25[am], Mr. Richard Beliveau entered the ADO office and requested a protocol pass to see someone off. He lodged his Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID#100863 and was issued Protocol Pass #3. Mr. Peter See page 3

‘Gov’t is legal’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

… President says administration will govern without any limitations

THE A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government will govern the country without any limitations to its authority, President David Granger told the opposition during a high level bilateral meeting on Wednesday.

The opposition, since the controversial passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, has been attempting to strip the government of its powers and responsibilities. Initially, it called for government to resign with immediate effect, and when that did not work, it said the government should perform the duty of caretaker using Constitution as the basis of its argument.

However, Article 106(7) of the Constitution states: “notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and they shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

At the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday, the President did not mince words when he led a government delegation into a meeting with the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo and bigwigs from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). He made it clear that his “government is legal” and that “it must gov-

… chief whips to engage GECOM on poll-readiness

President David Granger and his team of ministers meeting with Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo and his team during the meeting on Wednesday (Ministry of the Presidency Photo) ern without any limitations on its authority.”

According to a joint statement issued by government and the opposition on Thursday, the President stated that there is no provision in the Constitution which imposes limitation on the government to perform its lawful functions. The APNU+AFC Government came to office in May, 2015.

After weeks of calling for government to resign given the outcome of the no-confidence motion, the opposition on Wednesday accepted that constitutionally the government is required to remain in office until the election of new President.

The opposition leader, hours after the meeting, told reporters that it was important for the government to remain in office. “The

President made it clear that you cannot have a country without a government and we agreed with this 100 per cent, and I made it clear that our job is not to stymie the functioning of the government.”

“So where public order is concerned and public services, etc, those have to continue,” Jagdeo said.

However, Jagdeo said while he is cognisant of the importance of having a government in place, the opposition, during the meeting, recommended that the National Assembly should only be convened to decide on matters related to the conduct of elections or any other matter mutually agreed upon.

“No new legislation, we made it clear, should be initiated in the National Assembly and that the gov-

‘Profound ...

From page 2

Ramsaroop, who was accompanying Mr. Beliveau also requested a pass, he lodged his national ID card and was issued Protocol Pass #2,” the ADO officer stated in her report dated December 28, 2018. The report was submitted to the airport’s Director of Security Harold Hopkinson.

While the Guyana Chronicle understands that there was a breach in security protocol, Ogle Airport Inc. (OAI) has said that no breach occurred. In a statement on Monday, OAI explained that Persaud arrived at the airport accompanied by Beliveau and Ramsaroop.

Persaud was a passenger on LIAT flight #LI 392 which departed the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at 6:17hrs on December 22, 2018 for Barbados.

Prior to Persaud’s departure, OAI explained that “Beliveau presented himself and his Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID Card to the airport duty officer and

requested a pass to accompany a passenger to the aircraft. Mr. Peter Ramsaroop also requested a pass saying he was part of Mr. Beliveau’s party.”

“The airport duty officer, in accordance with an established courtesy practice as is requested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended to diplomatic personnel, granted a protocol pass to both persons,” OAI explained.

This newspaper, however, understands that diplomats do not have the authority to request protocol passes for civilians.

However, Ramsaroop has denied that he told the airport duty officer that he was accompanying the Canadian diplomat when the request for the pass was made. Beliveau, when contacted by the Guyana Chronicle over the weekend, cleared himself of ever requesting a protocol pass for Ramsaroop. “As far as I know, I requested a pass just for myself,” he said. Asked whether he re-

ernment should function more in a routine capacity in the conduct of the affairs state for the period, the 90 days. But we do not want to have a country without a government, and that is not contemplated for by our constitution.”

But this was not agreed upon by the government with the President underscoring the importance of the effective functioning of the Legislative and Executive arms of the government.

“Neither of these two important institutions, the legislative branch and the executive branch could be allowed to fail. Public services have to be delivered; public order has to be maintained and therefore the two sides, reach broad agreements on how these two institutions, the legislative branch and

quested a protocol pass for Ramsaroop, the Canadian Diplomat said “no, not at all.”

He added: “I got my own pass based on status as a consul, and I got the pass myself.” Beliveau had denied creating the impression that Ramsaroop was with him, which caused him to receive a protocol pass. While OAI is maintaining that there was no breach in security protocol, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has ordered the Ogle Airport Inc. to suspend the issuance of protocol passes. GGAA conducted a security assessment at the airport after it was revealed that a civilian, in the person of Ramsaroop, was issued a protocol pass without the required clearance. The authority has since directed the airport to suspend the issuance of protocol passes until the system is further reviewed.

Ramsaroop on Wednesday confirmed that Persaud had asked him to provide security protection for him in exchange of the ‘yes’ vote. Ramsaroop is the adviser to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo.

the executive branch, would continue to function,” the President said in a televised recording moments after the meeting.

Zooming in on Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, the President indicated that the government and the opposition, by agreement in the National Assembly, can enlarge the time beyond the 90 days contemplated by Article 106 (7) of the Constitution. The opposition has since indicated it is willing to extend the timeline, if needs be.

Another matter that came up on the agenda was the legal recourse taken by the government to challenge the vote of no-confidence, which was declared passed by Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland. The op-

position requested that the legal challenges in the court be dropped but the President again made it clear that there is nothing unlawful by engaging the Court. He stated that it is lawful for the government to engage the Court to bring clarity to the provisions of Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution.

Pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Parliament remains functional, President Granger stated.

Both sides have committed to work towards the expeditious conclusion of the matters engaging the attention of the court.

President Granger was accompanied by Prime Minister, Mo ses Nagamootoo; Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Vice President and Minister of Public Security; Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally. Meanwhile, the opposition leader was accompanied by Gail Teixeira, Anil Nandlall, Frank Anthony, Juan Edghill, Irfaan Ali, Pauline Sukhai and Odinga Lumumba.

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Report writing

COMMUNITY Health Workers (CHWs) in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) have been unable to do effective reporting, but, in an effort to improve that area of work, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) started a three-day training exercise.

According to a press statement from the regional administration, some 40 CHWs, from various health centres in Region Ten, attended the meeting and training workshop which was held in the conference room of the LEN building. The exercise forms part of the health services programmes, which are geared at further

enhancing the educational and technical skills of the CHWs. Senior Health Visitor (ag) for Region Ten, Karen King, said the three-day meeting is usually held quarterly and was an Expanded Programme of Immunisation (EPI) review. She pointed out that it was a review for the third quarter and the entire year and added that it contributed to a better understanding of what was achieved and the challenges that were faced.

“For the three days we will be looking at several issues, among them being the vaccination coverage for the health centres and

health posts within Region Ten. We will also be doing a training workshop as we seek to improve the skills and knowledge of our Community Health Workers as they are our partners in addressing health care effectively within the region,” King said.

The workshop would also focus on improving the report-writing skills of CHWs. According to King, several of the health workers’ reports were not done properly, in terms of how they should be submitted. Emphasis would be placed on the format and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

--- An area of concern for Region 10 health workers the various health centres and health posts that were used to compile the regional report, which was then submitted to the Ministry of Public Health. Such reporting allows one to ascertain the performance and status of the relevant areas of the health

Several of the participants attending the three-day meeting

King added that the meeting was also geared at addressing a number of issues being faced by the health workers, noting that addressing them was important to ensure continued success within the region’s health sector.

style that should be used when reports were to be done.

King added that enhancing and further improving the skills of the CHWs in report writing and compilation were critical because it was the very reports submitted by

Friday, January 11, 2019 - 05:00 hrs

sector in the region.

“We are hoping to get the health workers to understand how to report, so part of the workshop will look at improving their skill in that area. We recognise that the CHWs need help in better preparing their report, and, through this workshop, we intend to lend the required support so as to eradicate that challenge. There is therefore an urgent need to better train the CHWs,” King noted.

Regional Executive Officer (REO), Orrin Gordon, stressed the need for the CHWs to continue enhancing

and improving their education. He reminded them that they played an important role within the health sector of Region Ten. He told the eager participants that they should remain cognisant of that fact.

“You have a responsibility to help in delivering health care within the region and it’s important that you do not lose sight of this focus as health care is your sector and you are expected to be the best that you can.

However, let me remind you that you must see the need and importance of improving your education. You must see the need and urgency of enhancing your professional outlook as when you see the need you will take the appropriate steps in taking yourself to another level,” he urged the CHWs. Gordon said that advancing one’s education does not necessarily mean physically attending an institution but rather further empowering oneself with knowledge and understanding.

“Reading and research are critically important in advancing one’s education and this is very important as everyone should read a lot so as to keep themselves abreast with what is happening within their own field. As such, you don’t all have to be going off to university at once but remember education is important to your development,” the REO declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Venezuela expanding spurious claims –– symposium organised by GTUC hears

By Svetlana Marshall VENEZUELA, in addition to its spurious claim to the Essequibo, is developing a maritime policy to include part of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), former Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashleigh Jackson said as he underscored the importance of having Guyanese at all strata of society educated on the Guyana/Venezuela Border Controversy.

Jackson, a distinguished statesman, joined Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh; and former Minister of Education, Labour and Regional Development, Jeffrey Thomas on Thursday to discuss “the continuous Venezuelan incursion into Guyana’s territory” at a symposium organised by the Guyana Trade Union’s Congress (GTUC).

In his discourse with trade unionists at the Critchlow Labour College, the Guyanese diplomat said with diplomacy being Guyana’s first line of defence, the country must remain vigilant, especially at a time

when Venezuela is expanding its claim to the country’s territory and maritime space.

“We have to be active day and night, continuously in the diplomatic field, selling the issue on Guyana’s behalf. There is no let up, there is no slackness, there could be no moment of weakness in that campaign,” he told scores of trade unionists seated in the conference room at the Critchlow Labour College.

Though Venezuela is experiencing a high level of instability as a result of an unprecedented economic and political crisis, Jackson said at the political level the Venezuelan Government and opposition are united in their quest for the territorial claim.

In 1899, the borders between Venezuela and then British Guiana were defined by an arbitral tribunal. In 1905, Venezuela helped mark the borders. Half a century later, the Venezuelans then claimed in 1962, the 1899 Award was null and void.

Its recent interception of two vessels which were performing seismic work within the Stabroek Block on behalf of Esso Explora-

tion & Production, Guyana Limited (Exxon Mobil) and its partners CNOOC of China and NEX of the USA, is an indication that the Spanish-speaking country is now moving to claim parts of Guyana Exclusive Economic Zone. Jackson, Minister Greenidge and Major General Singh have all rejected the claims that the vessels were in Venezuela’s territory.

Minister Greenidge explained that the seismic vessel, Ramform Tethys, was intercepted in the Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf of Guyana at an approximate distance of 140 kilometres from the nearest point to the provisional equidistant line with Venezuela and some 250 kilometres from Punta Playa, the westernmost point on the land border of Guyana.

NO ENTITLEMENT The foreign affairs minister, while stating that Venezuela is laying claim to an area that it has no entitlement, said Guyana, within the 200 miles EEZ, has a right to the sea and its resources. “We are entitled to exploit and we can give licenses to the exploitation

A section of the gathering at the symposium

of that area,” he said.

Minister Greenidge explained that where Venezuela claimed that the vessel was in its territory, was actually in the middle of the EEZ, cutting through the Stabroek Block.

“That Stabroek Block has in it Liza 1 and Liza. Liza 1 is 86km, a little over 90 miles from Suriname… not from the land but Suriname’s maritime territory,” he pointed out while labelling the claim by Venezuela as absurd.

Weighing in on the matter, Major General (ret’d) Singh said having claimed the Essequibo, Venezuela is now claiming all of the sea space extending seawards from its coast. He explained that instead of using a 10 degree line (the line marking the points of equidistance), Venezuela is using a 70 degree line, thereby attempting to appropriate Guyana’s maritime space including a portion of Suriname’s.

Singh, like Jackson and the foreign affairs minister agreed that it is important to educate the public, particu-

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Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge addressing the symposium larly the young generation on the facts of the matter at a time when disinformation is rampant. The retired Guyanese diplomat charged the GTUC and other unions present to assist in bringing further awareness.

“Whatever you learn about this issue, that you now become someone who can tell others in your home with your children, in your community, in your church, wherever you have activi-

ties… become a soldier, a vocal soldier, not a foot soldier for this issue of the territorial integrity of Guyana and promote the interest of Guyana,” he said. GTUC head Lincoln Lewis and Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) General Secretary Coretta McDonald were among trade unionists present at the forum.

The matter concerning the territorial controversy is now before the International Court of Justice.

$100,000 bail for cellphone thief PRINCIPAL Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Thursday released a 44-year-old vendor on $100,000 bail after he was charged with stealing a cellphone from the handbag of a midwife of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

Shawn Smith of Dennis Street, Kitty, confessed that on January 7, 2019, at New Market Street, Georgetown, he stole a Samsung Galaxy cellphone, valued $100,000, the property of Kathleen Bristol.

According to the facts presented in court, Bristol, a midwife attached to the GPHC, had, around 04:50 hours on the day in question, fallen asleep in the nurses’ room. When she awoke, she found her handbag in a nearby chair and not in the location where she had left it.

Police Prosecutor Adoni Innis explained that on opening her handbag, Bristol discovered that her cellphone was missing and she was informed that a man clad in a green and black jersey was seen in the room. That led to the ar-

rest of Smith by security personnel. The missing phone was found in Smith’s possession.

Smith told the magistrate that he took his pregnant girlfriend to the hospital and was on a bench in the waiting room when he saw the cellphone and picked it up.

“Fifteen minutes later, the people start inquiring about the phone and I declare the phone when they said that nobody cannot go outside till the phone find,” Smith told the court.

The unrepresented man begged the court for leniency. However, Prosecutor Innis told the court that Smith was previously convicted for robbery under arms and was imprisoned for one year.

Smith denied the prosecutor’s allegation and told the magistrate that he was never charged.

The magistrate fixed January 15, 2019, for the next hearing and advised the prosecutor to get more information on Smith’s criminal background. Smith was released on $100,000 bail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Government’s emphasis on mental health THE responsibilities of any government are diverse, and decisions taken by the government have real consequences for the lives of citizens.

The government of Guyana has identified the health of Guyanese as being pivotal to personal happiness, community well-being, and national development, and provision of healthcare services as a major part of its responsibilities.

An unhealthy person may not be able to work, this results in a home being deprived of financial income, a community being denied the services that the sick person would have otherwise provided, and the national economy being negatively affected. Add to that the cost of caring for an ill person, and one gets a clear picture of the social and economic impact of illness.

One important aspect of overall well-being is that of mental health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. The WHO goes even further by stating that, the positive dimension of mental health is stressed in WHO’s definition of health as contained in its constitution: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Experts have compiled a list of “feelings

or behaviours” that may be early warning signs of a mental health problem: * Eating or sleeping too much or too little * Pulling away from people and usual activities * Having low or no energy * Feeling numb or like nothing matters * Having unexplained aches and pains * Feeling helpless or hopeless * Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual * Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared * Yelling or fighting with family and friends * Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships * Having persistent thoughts and memories you can’t get out of your head * Hearing voices or believing things that are not true * Thinking of harming yourself or others * Inability to perform daily tasks like taking care of your kids or getting to work or school Unfortunately, the previous administration neglected this facet of healthcare to the point where Guyana citizens became known as some of the most mentally unhealthy persons in the world as evidenced by internationally recognised criteria and statistics.

The primary indicator of the mental health of a territory is the suicide rate because untreated mental disorders often culminate in that fatal outcome.

A 2014 report by the WHO showed Guyana as having the highest suicide rate in the world—44.2 suicides per 100,000 deaths; four times the global average. By comparison, neighbouring Suriname had a suicide rate of 27.8 suicides per 100,000, and Venezuela’s rate was 2.6 per 100,000.

In that year, Guyana was ranked first in suicides per capita worldwide. A 2003 report by the World Bank alluded to one possible cause. The report stated that the political process in Guyana is often fought with so much time and energy that “little [is] left to undertake the many policies necessary to facilitate growth and development.” A 2001 report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded that “poor governance” [in Guyana is] a major obstacle to the reduction of absolute poverty rates, which are among the highest in the region. And numerous experts have found that poverty is a major contributor to poor mental health (which may lead to suicide).

President David Granger, cognisant that many health outcomes are irreversible – including suicide in the case of mental illness – recognises the importance of prevention.

At the opening of the inaugural Health Expo at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in May 2018, His Excellency said, “Preventative care is central to universal public health coverage, to primary healthcare and the delivery of public health services. No public health system and no national health strategy would be complete or successful without emphasising the importance of preventative

care.” The President added that “prevention is central to Guyana’s national health strategy and among other things, one of the principal means of improving citizens’ physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

In the 2019 budget, government has allocated $35.9 billion to the health sector, which works out to be 11.9 per cent of the total national budget, and $2.6 billion more than last year’s allocation.

The government has repeatedly emphasised that it views mental health as a facet of human well-being that is equal in status and importance to physical health. As such, government continues to improve healthcare delivery in that area.

Most recently, it was announced that The National Psychiatric Hospital located at Fort Canje, Berbice, underwent numerous upgrades last year. The hospital also saw major developments which positively impacted the lives of patients. A nutritionist was employed, a modern switchboard was installed, several abandoned buildings in the compound were demolished, and there are plans to resuscitate the playfield located in the compound, and start a poultry farm as a form of therapy for the patients.

Evidently, government recognises that all Guyanese are equal, and all citizens are entitled to a good life. No person should be shunned, stigmatised, or ignored; instead, it is the responsibility of government to ensure that those who need assistance, including healthcare, receive such assistance.

Time for a national front government

Dear fellow compatriots,

BRIGADIER David Granger; Dr Bharat Jagdeo, Leader of the opposition; Raphael Trotman; Volda Lawrence, Chairman of the PNC; Dr. Roger Luncheon; Anil Nandlall; Amna Ally, General Secretary of the PNCR. Throughout mankind’s history, existing conditions offer to leaders and their people opportunities to take measures that can lead to goodness and grandeur. The alternative could lead to damnation and lack of advancement to things that they desire and are good for the people. I’ve been in the political hustings since 1952 and believe that this is an opportune time to comfort this generation and to bequeath to succeeding generations a country that is united and peaceful, where all our people can benefit from the bounty that beckons.

In the mid-fifties, our two national leaders (Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham) sought to create a new society as a result of the Waddington Constitution. They also sought to create a new Guyana man. This was during the height of the Cold War and a treacherous world did not believe that a country of less than a million

people deserved to go beyond the boundary of new colonialism. Therefore, we inherited two major political parties and a divided country.

The rest is history.

The two main political parties (PNC and PPP) tinkered with the noble objective of unity. We saw the civic component, the reform and now the second coalition in our modern political history. None of these has brought us nearer to the goal of our dream of One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

In order to vindicate the sacrifices and humiliation of our enslaved and indentured forbearers, let us be bold and sensible and give consideration to the following: 1) The immediate establishment of a National Front Government. Offer PNC 42% of the Cabinet, PPP 42% and, by discussion, the other credible groupings the other 16%. I suggest that the existing Presidency is retained and that the PPP have the Prime Minister’s slot with enhanced duties and responsibilities.

2) GECOM be given all the resources needed to immediately commence house to house registration and thereafter, upon completion, National Elections. It would be unacceptable

to go into an Election now, with a list over which concern has been expressed by the PPP member of the Elections Commission and others. However, more importantly, the use of the present list would exclude a large number of Guyanese who would have become 18 (eligible to vote) since 2015. These young people represent our future and should be major stakeholders in National Elections.

3) Once the house to house registration is complete, we go straight into National Elections, my view is that all the parties who enter these elections are separate entities and that the party with the highest extensive votes be given the Presidency and the next highest be given the Vice Presidency. We then constitute a National Front Government where the percentage gained is reflected in the cabinet and elsewhere. This will be a genuine coalition and allow us to overcome the disastrous and unworkable boogeyman of winner-take-all. Let us face the fact that previous political engineering did not work.

4) We must publicly announce and agree on a strict code of conduct for all functionaries in [the] Judiciary, the Executive and Admin-

istrative. This means we can no longer give a slap on the wrist to those who breach the code and are guilty of improprieties. We all have been guilty of this philosophy.

5) I suggest two bodies to help oversee and superintend this process. A youth council of five (5) persons identified from the various geographic areas of Guyana. Our various religious groups can help. These young persons should all be under forty (40) years of age and with no known political attachments, taking into account gender, profession and young people from the rank and file.

A council of elders should also be established with people who are seven -five (75) and older. It should also be based on merit and experience. This initiative will require the depth of our patriotism, courage and magnanimity, but I believe it is the best way forward. It best honours our two founding political fathers, who did not grab and were not greedy.

I urge serious consideration of the above.

Regards, HAMILTON GREEN

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Take nothing for granted

Dear Editor,

TODAY, I saw one of the most ridiculous comments on social media regarding the threat to Guyana’s sovereignty.

It was posted in response to an article carried by online communique of the CARIBBEANNEWSNOW. COM, captioned “Venezuela edges closer to armed conflict over resource-rich territory”.

The individual to whom I refer commented that it appears to be drawing attention from local conflicts to foreign affairs. Upon reading that comment, I became more aware about the damaged psyche of certain persons in this country. Why would a matter as important as the threat to a country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity not capture optimum attention? Why would the escalating threat from an aggressive foreign nation be construed as a distraction from a politically manipulative local event?

The unfolding development of the Venezuelan Navy’s incursion into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is no hoax. On January 8, 2019, Venezuela’s Vice President – Delcy Rodriguez – presented to Venezuelan media what she described as evidence that two ExxonMobil seismic research vessels contracted

by Guyana had allegedly trespassed into Venezuelan waters. Rodriguez went on to play recordings of what appeared to be radio communication between captains of the respective

Exxon Mobil vessels and the Venezuela Navy, culminating with the latter ordering the Exxon research vessels to leave the area in question. So, this issue is separate and a great hazard to our nationhood, whether we embrace the APNU, AFC, PPP or others. In a previous letter, I had suggested that Guyana seek external military support to assist in securing its territorial integrity at this critical juncture when the stakes and potential for its development are at an all-time high. Coincidentally, within the same week, the newly elected Brazilian President – Jair Bolsonaro - voiced similar sentiments, saying he is open to hosting a United States (US) military base to counter Russian influence in the region. While Bolsonaro may have different motives, Guyana has a real threat that can be deterred by a superior military presence.

Venezuela is cognisant of the socio-economic benefits that will be derived once Guyana’s production of oil advances unhindered, since projections indicate superior comparative per capita growth to theirs over time. Therefore, it is fair to say that Venezuela’s latest heightened aggression is deliberate. Unlike our inattentiveness and perhaps nonchalance, Venezuela pays keen attention to developments in Guyana. Venezuelans fleeing economic hardship in their native country continue to flow into Guyana.

Venezuela’s latest aggression came one day after

a controversial no-confidence motion against the sitting Guyana government in this country’s parliament.

Guyana’s sitting government is openly disliked by Caracas. The PPP would be much favoured by Maduro since that party’s leader once considered ceding parts of our Essequibo as a compromise. One would recall the Venezuelan reaction to Guyana in September 2015, shortly after the election of the incumbent government here. The Venezuelans amassed an extraordinary deployment of military personnel and equipment in border areas close to our Essequibo. Intuitively and prudently, the David Granger government went on an immediate diplomatic crusade internationally to whip up support for Guyana’s cause. Our subsequent move to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was a precise and effective move, pegging back the Venezuelan aggression temporarily. We must, however, be aware that some countries do not respect international laws and rulings. Therefore, preemptive measures against military aggression are often the best forms of communication.

This recent Venezuelan incursion is one which, I believe, helps to solidify Guyana’s appeal to the ICJ for our territorial controversy to be resolved in a timely and judicious manner. It is also basis for Guyana to seek the United Nation’s or our bilateral allies’ assistance in providing the necessary maritime support to help us

secure our borders since our own defence force lacks the technology and equipment to do so.

It is no secret that national sovereignty for some countries is mere formalities. Unfortunately, Guyana at this juncture is one of them. We simply do not have the capability to resist the military might of a real Venezuelan offensive. We also have persons in our political sphere who are dangerously flirtatious with the Venezuelans and even prepared to cede portions of our territory to them because of socialist sentiments.

Also, of great concern is Venezuela’s immediate alliance, military cooperation and partnership with Russia.

The Russians, who are seeking to expand their political and military influence globally, have demonstrated that they do not always respect international laws nor the sovereignty of countries.

Two examples that come to mind are Russian’s 1979

to 1989 invasion and war with Afghanistan, and their annexation of the Ukrainian Crimea region early in 2014.

Venezuela, with their recent decision to have Russia set up a military base on La Orchila - an island just off Caracas, may very well feel empowered to make bolder military moves, perhaps even seeking to annex our Essequibo region either prior or subsequent to any ruling by the ICJ, which is highly anticipated in Guyana’s favour. Venezuelan nationalism would be energized and used to bolster domestic support for the Maduro regime, which has been given a recent mandate to govern until 2025.

Guyana would do well to encourage its key allies-Brazil, the United States and the United Kingdom-- to similarly increase military cooperation and the establishment of a permanent presence here, as counter measures to discourage any further Venezuelan ambitions and solidify Guyana’s territorial security.

If this suggestion sounds farfetched, consider what was done in Djibouti. Djibouti is a small Franco-Arab country in

the horn of Africa with a population [of] a few thousand more than that of Guyana. Djibouti recently permitted the Chinese People’s Liberation Army to establish a military base in that country as part of their bilateral and military cooperation. Djibouti also has an ongoing territorial claim against it by Eritrea.

Eritrea had seized territory from Djibouti in 2008.

Djibouti temporarily relied on Qatari military presence in 2010 to help occupy and recover their territory. Djibouti’s hosting of foreign military bases earns it over US$2.5 Billion for lease payments from the establishment of those bases in that country.

After the unfortunate event on December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly, the Guyana government would do well to take nothing for granted or chance, but rather be pro-active and preemptive in embracing the need for improved defence capacity and territorial protection against a persistent and determined aggressor.

Regards Orette Cutting

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

A tribute to Sir Fenton Ramsahoye Dear Editor FENTON Harcourt William Ramsahoye passed away on or about the 27th December 2018 in Barbados at the age of 89. Being out of the jurisdiction at the time, one was not able to pay tribute to a man who was a giant on the Caribbean legal landscape and was held by the writer in awe and reverence over a period of 45 years.

The following words of tribute are now being proffered.

1. I always initiated our conversations, whether on the phone or face to face, by referring to him as “The Doctor, what surgery are you performing now?”.

Those words were uttered out of a sense of respect for my elders and seniors; I could never bring myself to call him to his face Fenton.

2. My first encounter with the “Doctor” was in 1974 in a courtroom in Guyana when I was a rookie Junior on the other side in

a case which he had come to lead. At that time, he was already a towering figure in the legal profession in the Caribbean, whose presence commanded attention and respect.

3. He earned many accolades over the course of a lengthy and distinguished professional career, including his knighthood. However, all of those pale in comparison with the fact that he was regarded as the leading Caribbean Practitioner for the Privy Council (PC) for a number of decades. He was held in high esteem at the PC. Without doing a “fact check” it would not be wholly inaccurate to state that he probably appeared in the PC in cases from the Caribbean more often than most practitioners taken together over the past 30 years. That was a jurisdiction which he revelled in. He always regarded himself in any major case initiated in the Caribbean as passing through the local courts on his way to the PC. Many times, he would say

he did not need fees in the Caribbean courts but would await the costs in the PC when he succeeded. He was justified in many instances.

He was disappointed when his native land of Guyana abolished the PC in 1972 since he knew that this was done not to complete the circle of independence (as many academics at the UWI law faculty in Barbados have taught), but for narrow political purposes.

4. It would be difficult to dispute that he was the father of Constitutional Law in the Commonwealth Caribbean and as well as the Conservatory Order as referred to by the PC in the case of Olive Casey Jaundoo v Attorney General of Guyana.

5. It would not be hyperbolic to suggest that his multiple appearances in the Privy Council, dating back to the early 1970s, did make a significant contribution to dispelling the myth held by a few educated English people that those of us from

this region could not communicate properly in the English language.

6. On a personal level, my wife Donna and myself hold very fond memories of the many occasions when we enjoyed being regaled with his many stories on the occasions when we took him to dinner or invited him home during his frequent visits to Trinidad, being between 1998 to 2010. He was one of the main speakers at my 50th Birthday celebration. We did not see

much of him within recent times since he spent more time in Barbados. The last time I encountered him was some 10 months ago during a walk on the boardwalk in Barbados at Hastings near to where he lived. I knew at that time that he was in the “departure lounge” (as we all are) but never appreciated that his flight would be called so soon.

7. The legacy of the “Doctor” in the Caribbean Legal profession is secured for eternity. Not only was he

the author of the text ‘The Development of Land Law in British Guiana’ (for his PhD thesis) but more importantly as a practitioner conceiving of and conducting diverse cases with success to the PC there is an enduring body of precedent which succeeding practitioners will continue to use as reference.

May his soul rest in peace.

Regards Claude H. Denbow S.C.

Members of the Diaspora are not agents of hate Dear Editor, WE request a few column inches of your newspaper to voice our collective concerns regarding comments made by a prominent son of the soil.

The “we” are Dr. Mark Devonish of the United Kingdom and Tyrone L. Talbot of the United States, both sons of Guyana residing and working in the diaspora. We draw the reader’s attention to the below comment: “However, let me remind the Guyanese agents of hate and division living amongst our diaspora that Guyanese living on Guyana’s sacred soil, stand united and in total solidarity against any attempt to divide us.” “If the persons who design and posted the message to target home-grown Guyanese business are offended because I referred to them as agents of division and hate. I am sorry if the CAP FITS” Editor, actually, this is a snippet from a post from Captain Gerry Gouveia’s Facebook page in support of Terrence Campbell who was apparently facing boycott of his businesses because of reported affiliation with ANUG. Let us make it clear to the reading audience; we are not champions of quashing any voice of citizens of our beloved Guyana-- home or abroad. We feel that both Mr. Gouveia and Mr. Terrence Campbell (in whose defence his post was made) are entitled to their respective political affiliation which is protected by Article 10 of the Constitution. Both men are also constitutionally protected and entitled to their right to their private business holdings which are protected by Articles 17 and 19 of the Constitution.

It is our observation that Mr. Gerry Gouveia is clearly not happy because of the proposed economic protest against a fellow member of the business fraternity. Both Gouveia and Campbell have every right to be concerned by such suggested protest. It will hurt them where it hurts. Mr. Editor, the question we ask is ‘What about the economic small folks with the money in their pockets, are they devoid of enjoyment of choice to spend their money where they see fit? We draw the reading audience’s attention to Article 40 of the Constitution. This article stipulates their right to individual freedoms. So if someone wants to organize citizens in a peaceful economic boycott, such protest is also protected by the Constitution and it is every citizen’s right and no one should trample upon it. They can exercise the right to support any business they see fit and also entertain any suggestions of boycott. The plutocracy does not own the rights to the minds of the citizens and while

collective actions of a section of the citizenry may bring discomfort, this is what we do in democracies the world over. We draw your attention to the protest in France just before the Christmas holidays over gas taxes and the Occupy Wall Street movement over the gluttony of the plutocracy of the United States.

Mr. Editor, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “an agent of hate?” Was Mahatma Gandhi an “agent of hate?” Was Nelson Mandela an “agent of hate?” Is Reverends Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton “agents of hate?”

Was Dr. Cheddi Jagan an “agent of hate” when he, through the Guyana Agriculture Workers Union, orchestrated strikes against the Guyana Sugar Corporation? Some of the mentioned names suffered greatly for their protest actions.

Mr. Editor, we both visited Guyana in 2017 and 2018 respectively. Both of us patronised businesses owned by both individuals to the tune of nearly one million Guyana dollars. Which included trips to Kaieteur Falls, flying to that destination of Roraima Airways; treats for our children at Bruster’s Ice Cream Parlour, Church’s Chicken, Quality’s and Mario’s Pizzas. We have encouraged our family and friends to support these businesses whenever they fly home. So to read one of these businessmen titled citizens as “agents of hate” and then claim “once a Guyanese always a Guyanese” stuck both of us as a betrayal of this inclusive message.

Mr. Gouveia is correct that no matter where we call home, the nation’s constitution recognizes us as citizens of Guyana until we draw our last breath.

Citizens reserve the right to patronize any business they see fit. Citizens also reserve the right to protest in any peaceful format they chose. What is not enshrined in our Constitution is that citizens own a fealty to the business plutocracy.

We are citizens of “sacred land of Guyana” who resides overseas with our hearts beating for our “Dear Land of Guyana.”

Calling for all to desist from their divisive rhetoric and preach words of encouragement.

Regards Tyrone Talbot, SPC United States Army (Retired) Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

ECD-EBD road link consultation ...

Residents raise concerns about disruption to housing, safety –– wants police outpost along road corridor

By Lisa Hamilton RESIDENTS in the Grove/ Diamond community on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) were given the opportunity to highlight their concerns on how the Ogle-Diamond Road link project can affect them.

They gathered at a Public

Head of Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe makes recommendations (Adrian Narine) Scoping meeting on Thursday at the New Diamond/ Grove Primary which was hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The US $104M East Bank-East Coast (Diamond/ Ogle) Road Linkage project is aimed at reducing congestion on the two main roadways by providing commuters with an alternative route.

However, to receive the go-ahead for construction, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had to first submit an application to the EPA for environmental authorisation in keeping with the law.

Meanwhile, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required before approval or rejection is given as the road development may have significant impacts on the environment. Prior to stating their concerns, the residents were given a synopsis of the project by Senior Highway Engineer of RITES Limited Rajendra Sothwal.

Getting into the discussion segment, one resident recommended that police stations and other safety measures be put in place along the approximately 15.5km stretch of road which he noted is mostly cane fields.

Others questioned whether, assessing Guyana’s plan for rapid future development and possible housing schemes along the new road, a six lane road would be much more feasible than the

four lane design. Regarding the number of lanes, Sothwal explained that parts of the road cater for such future expansions should the need arise.

EPA Director Khemraj Parsram added that the project caters for a buffer space so as not to encroach on housing. Another resident questioned whether the road project would stop the flow of the Lamaha Canal or affect its water quality which is presently utilised by residents, but Sothwal confirmed this concern has already been considered and will not occur.

Present at the meeting, too, was Head of Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe who also presented strong points for the EPA to consider. He questioned whether the EIA also seeks to establish a risk assessment; whether the EPA will delve into the indirect impacts of the project and suggested at that an economic assessment also be conducted.

“As we have seen in almost all the roads constructed in Guyana…all we hear is that traffic will be impacted and persons would be

pleased with the turnout from the community which they say has about some 20,000 residents.

Others were also disgruntled by the absence of representation from their Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) and recommended that the authorities expand their efforts regarding advertisement.

Head teacher of the Diamond/Grove Primary School Wendy Norville made the suggestion that the agency return at the end of the month when some 400 from the community are expected to attend a general Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting.

At the end of the meeting, Public Relations Officer regarding the social impact of the project, Nikosi Bruce, gave the media a wrap up on the event.

“The entire point of the scoping meeting is so that residents in the community are able to come out, know what the project is about and further voice what concerns they may have in terms of the environmental impact the project could have on their

Houses to be affected (Adrian Narine) affected but we have never actually seen a quantifiable set of statistics which actually feeds into how it impacts national development,” he said, regarding the latter.

Meanwhile, the issue of sand trucks and other construction equipment being likely to pass through community to get to the bypass road was raised by Bynoe and several others.

Those attending were also briefed that the Mocha Arcadia Development Plan will be affected in the road’s construction process along with one existing house in the same area; six houses at Railway Embankment Junction and 16 proposed house lots.

These and other issues considered; some of the residents present were dis-

livelihood,” he said.

Asked to comment on the residents’ concerns regarding the turnout, he said the EPA got to who they could and will learn from the meeting as he encouraged: “This is your country, this is your development. This is your chance to say ‘I like this project’ or ‘I don’t like this project and this is what I want to see’. We expect you to come out and voice your concerns…so we can give Guyanese what they deserve.”

The project design is expected to be completed

by April, 2019 after which a three-month period is averaged for the finalising of a contractor with the projects commencement expected thereafter.

Residents voice their concerns at the New Diamond /Grove Primary School on Thursday (Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

A 'matter of national security' –– says top cop on Charrandass’ investigation

COMMISSIONER of Police Leslie James has described an investigation into former AFC Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud who voted to remove the coalition government from power as a “matter of national security”.

The top cop said a press conference will be held when the investigations conclude.

Charrandass last December 21 voted in favour of the opposition- sponsored no-confidence motion which was declared passed.

Questioned on what makes the case a matter of national security, the top cop said: “Well, you look at the matter, it is a matter where a former Member of

Former AFC Parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud Parliament is reported to have

been involved in some matter allegedly and that is what we’re dealing with.”

He refused to disclose the nature of the investigation surrounding Charrandass, who has since sought refuge in Canada where he is a citizen.

Commissioner James said the police are yet to contact Charrandass and did not say who lodged a report against the former AFC member that would warrant the investigation.

“I cannot determine the credibility of the evidence but at this point, we’re gathering evidence,” James noted while declining to say whether the investigation surrounds bribery or gold smuggling

Narrow escape!

THIS route 41 minibus bearing number plate BWW 4714 flipped multiple times on Home Stretch Avenue, Georgetown on Thursday evening.

Reports are that four passengers received minor injuries and were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital while the driver fled the scene. The passenger who was seated in the front seat believes

the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Owner of the bus, Simone Trotman, told the Guyana Chronicle that she is unable to say who was driving the bus at the time of the accident, since her appointed driver would usually give other persons the bus to drive when he is tired.

Eyewitnesses say the driver appeared to be under the influence.

of which Charrandass is also being accused.

“A matter was reported to us of national security and importance. I would say that at this point in time, as I said, it’s a sensitive matter, please give due regard to that,” the police commissioner said.

Meanwhile, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee has refused to comment on the investigation into an alleged breach of protocol involving one of her officers.

“It is not the Canadian High Commission’s practice to comment on Consular cases involving Canadian citizens,” the Canadian envoy related to media operatives on the sidelines of the Guyana

Police Officers’ Conference at State House on Thursday.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has since launched an investigation into the alleged breach of security protocol at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on December 22, 2018, involving a mission security officer of the High Commission of Canada, Richard Beliveau.

Beliveau reportedly escorted former Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud to his LIAT flight #LI 392 when he fled Guyana one day after voting in favour of a no-confidence motion against his government in the National Assembly.

Reports are that there

Commissioner of Police Leslie James was a breach in protocol when a security pass was also issued to PPP supporter Peter Ramsaroop, to also accompany Persaud to the airport’s departure lounge.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Meeting with GECOM hinges on availability of chairman whenever we go to elections, GECOM has to be ready,” she stated. “We won’t have an election if GECOM is not ready.”

President David Granger at the joint government-opposition meeting had rejected Jagdeo’s request to withdraw the legal challenge to the

... Min. Ally dispatches letter THE meeting between the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the parliamentary chief whips to discuss the commission’s operational readiness for General and Regional Elections is still pending.

This is according to Minister of Social Protection and Government Chief Whip Amna Ally, who told the newspaper on Thursday that the meeting’s hosting depends on the availability GECOM Chairman Justice (Rtd) James Patterson.

Following the high-level bilateral meeting between the government and opposition on Wednesday, the two sides had agreed that Ally, along with Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, would lead the team which will meet to discuss the matter.

The government had allowed for mutual discussions to proceed on GECOM’s state of readiness even as two applications are present be-

fore the court regarding the legitimacy of the December 21, 2018 no-confidence vote.

However, Minister Ally says that she has written to Patterson about the engagement and such can only occur based on his availability.

“I have written to the chairman and I am awaiting a response from him. He has to be present but what I know is that I’ve written asking for a meeting with the commission so that we can both be apprised of the readiness of GECOM. So I’m awaiting a response from them,” she said.

The GECOM chair was recently granted an extension to his medical leave by his doctor after he fell in December and has since been reported as “recovering well”.

At his most recent press conference, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo claimed that the hosting of such a meeting on GECOM’s

Minister of Social Protection and Government Chief Whip Amna Ally operational status is proof that General and Regional elections would be held this year.

However, Ally said that there is no way the opposition can suggest a concrete timeline regarding elections as this depends on GECOM’s readiness and, furthermore, the validity of the no-confidence vote.

“What I know is that we are waiting on the courts to make the determinations and

Smallie, Catty trial commences

THE long-awaited trial for death row inmate Royden Williams called ‘Smallie’ and his co-accused Sherwin Nero known as ‘Catty’ began after a 12-member jury was empanelled before Justice James Bovell-Drakes on Thursday.

The duo have been behind bars for almost 12 years for the murder of businessman Kumar Singh, called “Mango Man”.

The trial has had several delays over their time spent behind bars, including the fact that ‘Smallie’ had once escaped prison.

However, the case was finally called on Thursday morning with heavy security traversing the corridors of the court.

The indictment reads that the two were

among four gunmen who in 2007, invaded Kumar Singh’s Cove and John, East Coast Demerara home during which Singh was shot and killed.

Defence Lawyer, Nigel Hughes is arguing that from the time the men were charged to the time the case came up in the High Court is more than an unreasonable breach of their fundamental constitutional right which is catered for in article 144 of Guyana’s Constitution.

The trial continued in voir dire as witnesses were called to the stand.

The State is being represented by attorneys Tamica Clarke and Tiffany Lyken.

no-confidence vote which the administration believes was tainted by an alleged corrupt deal.

As the two sides await word from Patterson, Ally reminds that certain specifics will be analysed when the meeting eventually convenes.

She said: “[We will

look at] where GECOM stands in terms of their preparedness; whether their list is in order; whether they can acquire the necessary elections material. They will be able to give us an update as to where they are with those things.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

$1M shopping spree for two Courts customers

COURTS Guyana started the new year by making customers happy with a $1,000,000 shopping spree which was given to two customers as a part of the company’s ‘Mabe Promotion’.

In the promotion, customers simply had to purchase any Mabe appliance from Courts during November and December to enter the competition. The two lucky winners were chosen under the watchful eyes of the external and internal auditors of the company.

The customers whose names were drawn were Jennifer Brown and Swammy Khargie. Both customers have won $1,000,000 each to shop for items of their choice at Courts. Brown shopped at the Courts Richmond store in Essequibo while Khargie shopped at the Main Street location.

The company was pleased to reward those customers for choosing Courts and looks forward to launching more exciting promotions that customers will love.

The winners of the Courts ‘Mabe Promotion’ promotion (Adrian Narine photo)

Cuban remanded for forgery PRINCIPAL Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Thursday remanded a 52-year-old Cuban for

allegedly forging a visa appointment letter and presenting it to a clerk at the Ministry of the Presidency,

Department of Citizenship.

Lazaro Alanzo pleaded not guilty to the charge when same was read to him with

the aid of a police interpreter.

The court heard that on December 17, 2018, at Georgetown, Alanzo, with intent to defraud, presented to Iyanna Harris, general clerk II at the Ministry of the Presidency-Department

Lazaro Alanzo of Citizenship, a visa appointment letter, dated January 11, 2019, in favour of himself, purporting to show that the document was issued to him by the Mexican Embassy, knowing same to be forged.

It was further alleged that, between September 29, 2018 and December 17, 2018, at Georgetown, Al-

anzo, with intent to defraud, forged the visa appointment confirmation document, dated January 11, 2019, in favour of himself.

Lastly, the court heard that Alanzo, between January 1, 2019 and January 8, 2019, at Georgetown, failed to comply with the conditions that permitted his staying in Guyana from September 29, 2018 to September 31, 2018.

“I’m not guilty, I was tricked” Alanzo told the court via the interpreter.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Adoni Innis, objected to Alanzo being released on bail on the grounds that he was a flight risk.

Alanzo was remanded to prison until the next hearing on January 14, 2019.

CARICOM congratulates Brazil’s new President SECRETARY-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has extended congratulations to the new President of Brazil, His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro, on his recent assumption to office.

In a congratulatory message on behalf of CARICOM, the secretary-general said “your election to your country’s highest office attests to the confidence of the Brazilian electorate in your leadership.”

“The people of Brazil have entrusted you with the critical task of leading the country on its continued path to sustained socio-economic development,” Ambassador LaRocque stated, noting that the Community “highly values the close and friendly relationship that it has forged with Brazil over the years.”

“Our bonds have been strengthened and facilitated by political engagements at the highest levels.

The Community looks forward to maintaining and strengthening the relationship and the goodwill and cooperation which characterise CARICOM–Brazil relations,” the message stated.

Ambassador LaRocque told the Brazilian President that the Caribbean Community extended its “best wishes” to him and his administration “for a successful term of office as you lead your people to new levels of development and prosperity.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

$15,000 bail for cocaine-in-underwear trafficker

MANDONA Fraser, 28, of Danielstown Village, Essequibo Coast was on Thursday slapped with a charge for the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

She made her first appearance before Essequibo Magistrate Esther Sam on Thursday at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court.

Her sister-in law, however, was not charged. It is alleged that on January, 7, 2019, between 16:40 and 17:22 hours, police conducted a search on her house and found “Amen” powder in her western bedroom.

Upon checking the bottle, it was observed that it contained a blue and white female underwear. The underwear was removed and several small wrapped silver foils containing a hard rock-like substance suspected to be cocaine, were found.

The 73 packets were weighed and amounted to 23 grams. The woman pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted $15,000 bail.

Venezuelan robber killed at Cuyuni A VENEZUELAN was on Wednesday night shot and killed when he and a gang attempted to rob a mining camp in Cuyuni, Region Seven, police confirmed.

Reports indicate that the gang attacked the camp and during the ordeal, a security guard opened fire, killing one of the perpetrators around 22:00hrs at Black Water, Cuyuni.

Reports indicate that the robbers fled the scene, leaving their weapons behind.

Police are investigating the incident.

$500,000 bail for dangerous driving MOHANDASS Meenkum called “Marvin”, 36, of Betsy Ground, East Canje was ordered to post $500,000 in bail by Magistrate Renita Singh after he was not required to plead to a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

On September 21, 2018, the defendant was behind the wheel of motor canter GWW 1831 when, while reversing onto the Betsy Ground Public Road, he struck fellow Canje resident Rajendranauth Haroldsingh, called “Jerry” 52, of Lot 28 Reliance, Abandon. At the time of the incident, the victim, a field superintendent attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation was on his motorcycle heading home.

Due to the impact of the collision, Haroldsingh was hurled upwards before landing on the southern carriageway. He was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

An autopsy indicated that he died as a result of shock and hemorrhage from multiple injuries.

Prosecutor, Police Inspector Althea Solomon informed the court that Meenkum had failed to adhere to the five ‘Cs’ governing road safety and this caused the accident.

Representing the defendant, Attorney Ramesh Rajkumar in an application for reasonable bail, argued that the offence is a bailable one. Further, his client was initially placed on $100,000 station bail even as he pleaded with the court to impose a similar amount.

However, Inspector Solomon objected and asked that a substantial amount be imposed. As a result, the defendant was granted pre-trial liberty in the sum of $500,000.

He is expected to return to the Reliance Magistrate’s Court on January 23.

13

Benjamin, Ramkellawan wanted by police

THE Guyana Police Force has issued wanted bulletins for two persons in relation to separate allegations.

Onika Benjamin, 32, whose last known address was Lot 126 Thomas Street, Kitty, Georgetown is wanted for reportedly making a false declaration in order to obtain a Guyanese passport.

The woman, who is also known as Unique Angelica Hope and Coretta Latoya Hope, reportedly attempted to commit the fraud on January 18, 2018.

Gregory Narendra Ramkellawan, 41, is also wanted by police for questioning as it pertains to unlawful trading

Wanted: Gregory Narendra Ramkellawan

Wanted: Onika Ann Benjamin

wildlife birds.

The man, whose last known address was at Lot 48 Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) attempted to commit the act at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on December 8 2018.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the abovementioned persons are asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 225-3650, 226-1929, 226-1389, 227-2128, 226-7065, 226-2603, 225-9271, 227-1611, 227-1149, 227-1270, 225-6940-9, 2292289, 229-3564, 229-2557, 2740409, 274-1221 or 911 or visit the nearest police station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Convicted rapist appeals sentence MOHAMMED Khan, 50, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after a mixed Berbice Assizes jury convicted him for raping a 13-year-old girl, has filed an appeal, citing that the sentence was unduly severe.

The appeal, which was filed by Attorney Mursulene Bacchus, who noted on the additional grounds, that

the summing up of the case was unbalanced in favour of the prosecution and the defence of the appellant, was not properly put to the jury.

The attorney also claimed that inadmissible evidence also prejudiced a fair trial.

Further, Bacchus state that the verdict was unreasonable and could have been supported by the evidence.

On December 20, last, Justice Priya Sewnarine Beharry handed down the life sentence while stipulating that the prisoner would be eligible for parole after he would have served 35 years.

After the sentence was handed down at the Berbice Assizes, Khan had told reporters, “An innocent man is being sent to jail. I cannot

do what they say I did as he referred to the condition of an erectile dysfunction.”

However, the judge in giving a breakdown of the sentence said, 10 years each for repeated offence, violations and psychological damage and five years each for breach of trust and lack of remorse. However, five years were deducted for the plea in mitigation.

State Prosecutor Mandel Moore had lead evidence which stated that on September 28, 2014, the victim, then aged 13, was riding pass the convict’s home when he called out to her, asking if she wants a pair of shoes.

After she responded in the negative, he enquired whether she needed to buy a movie disc which was in

his house. As she stood in his doorway, Khan pulled her by the hair into the house, closed the door, cut off her clothes with a knife and put the knife to her neck before sexually penetrating her.

The victim knew the convict three years prior to the incident as he sold DVDs in front of his home.

Female sexual predator remanded A FEMALE has been remanded to prison by Magistrate Renita Singh on two counts of sexual assault committed on a 13-year-old girl.

The perpetrator of Patrick Dam, Mount Sinai, Region Six was not required to plead to the charges following her appearance at the Albion Magistrate’s Court.

Particulars of the offence stated that on December 24 and 25 last, the defendant took the minor to a Lot 56 Stanleytown, New Amsterdam home where she sexually fondled the child’s lips, breasts and vagina.

A similar act was committed at the New Amsterdam Basketball Court on January 2 and 3.

Reports reveal that the mother of the victim became concerned over a drastic change in the child’s behaviour.

The change was observed just over three years ago, after the victim visited the home of her step mother at Fort Ordinance Housing Scheme, East Canje.

It was at that at the location, while the child was just 10 years old, the stepmother, a member of the Neighbourhood Policing group, would allow her sister, the defendant, to sexually violate the then pre-teen. The father of the victim was unaware of the violation.

However, in recent times, the defendant is alleged to have been very controlling of the minor, and as a result, the victim’s mother sought professional help which resulted in the child narrating a detailed episode of the sexual assault.

The matter was reported to the police and charges were subsequently laid.

Meanwhile, the defendant is expected to return to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on January 31.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Safety, security, public t

–– President outlines as top priorities at annual Police Officers’ C IT is widely accepted that the Guyana Police Force’s membership of about 4,600 ranks is inadequate since Guyana’s geographic peculiarities, particularly its rough hinterland terrain, place an additional strain on the Force’s resources.

This observation was made by President David Granger during his address on Thursday morning at the opening of the annual Police Officers’ Conference held for the first time at the Baridi Benab, State House.

The 180th anniversary will conclude Saturday and is being held under the theme “Security Sector Reform Implementation – Enhancing Capacity Through Training, Infrastructure and Human Resource Management”.

He told the gathering of senior officers and special

to go about their everyday business without fear. Such a State protects citizens and their property and ensures an enabling environment for leisure and lawful economic activities,” the President said.

He also noted that for the police force to maintain public security, it must enjoy public trust. The idea of public trust, he said, arises out of the relationship between the police and the public.

Further, President Granger made it clear that the days of concealing the security sector mistakes and misdeeds are over.

“The Force’s officers will be held accountable for the consequences of their actions and for the instructions that they issue to their subordinates,” he said.

The Command-

tasks effectively only if it is commanded by a corps of officers who are competent, committed and uncorrupted.

The Force’s most senior officers must be men and women of proven independence, integrity and intelligence. The Force must be able to enjoy the trust of the public,” the President said.

CORRECT PROBLEMS Nevertheless, the President issued a call on senior officers to visit, inspect, report and correct problems which arise in the various police divisions.

“Every barrack room, bicycle, boat, constable, horse, kitchen, station, stable and vehicle must be checked-daily, weekly, monthly and annually, by a supervising subordinate or gazetted of-

police force of or above the rank of Inspector, the power to exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and the power to remove such from office…”

The President said that given the current security situation in Guyana, this is an important mandate to fulfil.

“The commission’s support for the objectives of security sector reform can ensure that there will be, within the Force, a corps of senior officers committed to effective police administration, operations, investigation and intelligence-gathering, ensuring sound leadership to subordinate officers and constables; and evincing the virtues of intelligence and integrity and being capable of securing the public’s trust. The appointment of

President David Granger between the police and producing a more versatile the public and providing police officer. a means through which “Security sector reform, the public could have its therefore, must be accelergrievances against police ated to strengthen this vital

President David Granger (centre), flanked by Commissioner of Police, Leslie James (seated third from left) and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (seated fifth from left) with top police officers at the annual Police Officers’ Conference held at State House (Delano Williams photo) invitees that the safety of citizens and the security of the state and the stability of the economy are the government’s paramount concern.

“A safe, secure and stable country allows citizens

er-in-Chief continued: “The Force is not merely one for shine shoes and soft raiment.

It is not an organisation only for desk-bound clerks and land-lubbers…The Guyana Police Force can fulfill its

Commissioner of Police Leslie James

ficer to ensure that they are fit and proper for the role,” he said.

Turning his attention to the Police Service Commission and its role in rebuilding public trust, President Granger explained that if fairly applied, its powers of promotion can re-establish the principle of merit; discipline and dismissal can encourage probity and discourage misconduct. Moreover, the commission’s independent status can contribute to enhancing public trust in the Force, boosting the morale of officers and ensuring the efficacy of law enforcement.

Article 212 (1) of the Constitution vests the Police Service Commission, which the government reconvened on August 9, 2018, with the “…power to make appointments to any offices in the

the commission, therefore, is essential to police force efficiency and to state security,” the President said.

Like the Police Service Commission, he said the Police Complaints Authority, which was re-established on September 12, 2018, is equally important for the maintenance of law and order and public safety.

The authority, the President said, is an independent body vested with powers to receive “complaints of specified cases of misconduct by members of the Police Force” and “supervise investigation of certain serious crimes alleged to have been committed by members of the police force”.

The Head of State said too that, “the authority can engender public trust: by serving as a critical link

malpractice addressed in an impartial manner by an independent body; and by ensuring that the Force’s actions are in conformity with respect for human rights, including the right to life and liberty – rights which are guaranteed by the Constitution.”

REFORMS He also called on both the Police Service Commission and the Police Complaints Authority to ensure that the approved reforms, which the Guyana Police Force has embarked on, are effectively carried out.

The reforms, he said, are aimed at improving public trust and confidence, developing a stronger organisation, boosting the Force’s intelligence, response and investigative capabilities and

national institution in 2019.

Security sector reform will revise the Force’s institutional framework. A new leadership team has been installed within the Force.

Police divisions are being restructured to correspond to regional divisions; commanders for hinterland divisions will no longer endure the urban discomfort of Eve Leary but will live and work in more pleasant hinterland regions,” the President said.

Further, addressing the problems of chronic under-funding, lack of adequate planning and the low standards identified in the ‘Combe Report’, the President said there is need for the Force to reverse actions which promote the poor maintenance and the abuse of its moveable and immoveable assets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

trust

Conference “Pay greater attention to the selection and training of constables and cadets; enhance the welfare of constables and subordinate officers by improving the conditions under which some constables live and work to ensure promotions are based on hard work, honesty and merit,” the President told the gathering of senior officers.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Leslie James said the Force is at a very critical juncture of reformation and thus far, implementation has begun on three main pillars of the reform process. These are training, human resource management and infrastructure.

The commissioner informed the Head of State that since taking over

Attendees at the opening ceremony. In front row, from left: Justice Roxane George, Chief Justice (ag); Amna Ally, Minister of Social Protection; Michael Atherley, Head of National Anti-Narcotics Agency and Basil Williams, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs (Delano Williams photo) command of the Force, he, along with his four deputies, have met with officers in all police divisions, branches and units across the country.

COLLABORATIVE EFFORT

“We have been demonstrating leadership through a collective effort and at the end of the past year, the Guyana Police Force achieved an 11 per cent reduction in serious crimes,” Commissioner James said.

According to the Com-

missioner’s report, robbery under arms was reduced by 13.2 per cent while there was a six per cent reduction in road fatalities.

The top cop assured that the Force will remain resolute and focused on maintaining public security in

accordance with its mandate; noting that foremost to the Force is the application and execution of strategies to suppress crime and violence and to enhance systems to maintain law and order.

“And we have deliberately put in place and in-

scribed at all police stations the Latin maxim ‘Audi alteram partem’ which means listen to the other side; that is to be given as a reminder to our ranks in their engagement with our public,” Commissioner James said.

Williams, Anderson to know fate soon MAGISTRATE Rushell Liverpool is expected to make her ruling in the matter against two men who are on trial for trafficking cocaine, which was found ‘stashed’ in a gas cylinder at a house located at Parika, East Bank Essequibo.

The men, Damion Williams, 33, of Better Hope, East Coast Demer-

Damion Williams

ara and Vaughn Anderson, 30, of Boodhoo Housing Scheme, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, are on trial at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. The two men are on $300,000 bail each.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on December 24, 2017, at Boodhoo Housing Scheme, they had 65.027 kilograms of cocaine in their possession for

Vaughn Anderson

the purpose of trafficking.

Magistrate Liverpool told the court that she would make her ruling in the matter on January 31, 2019.

According to a police report, Anderson was nabbed by ranks of the Force’s Narcotics Branch on December 24, 2017, at Boodhoo Housing Scheme, between 14:00 and16:30hrs.

A search was first conducted inside the suspect’s house, but nothing was found. A search of the suspect’s car, however, uncovered an unusually heavy gas cylinder in the trunk.

In the suspect’s presence, the enforcement officials, commanded by a Gazetted Officer, cut open the cylinder and found the illicit substance.

Accused in $24M cocaine trafficking case to know fate month-end COME January 31, 2019, five men will know their fate in the $24M cocaine trafficking case, as Magistrate Rushell Liverpool, at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, is expected to make her ruling.

On trial are Khemraj Lall, 39, of Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); Marlon Lawrence, 36, of Felicity, East Coast Demerara (ECD), Rajendra Persaud, 47, of Liliendaal, ECD; Doodnauth Chattergoon, 36, of Zeelugt; and Cleve Thornhill.

The five men were jointly charged with trafficking 35 kilograms of cannabis and 13.8 kilograms of cocaine on June 6, 2018, at Parika. They all pleaded not guilty.

A total of eight witnesses are expected to be called by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford. The Magistrate on Thursday, January 10, 2019, set aside January 31, 2019, for her ruling.

According to reports, CANU ranks, on

June 6, 2018, at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, intercepted the five men with the cocaine and cannabis ‘stashed’ in false bottoms of two 15-gallon gas bottles.

CANU was able to make the bust after receiving information regarding a shipment of drugs arriving at Parika from Charity, in a speedboat.

Acting on the information received, CANU officers went to the Parika location where they intercepted motor vehicles PSS 8019 and PVV 7934. In one motor car were Lawrence and Persaud, while Thornhill and the other co-accused were in the other.

The vehicles were searched and two blue 15-gallon gas bottles were found with the bottoms cut and covered with brown paste.

A further examination of the containers revealed several packages, some containing cannabis and others containing what was later confirmed as cocaine.

From left, Doodnauth Chattergoon, Rajendra Persaud, Khemraj Lall, Marlon Lawrence and Cleve Thornhill

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The entreating artiste Jumo Primo.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Jumo is back …with ‘Tribute’ for Soca Monarch contest H

IGH energy local artiste, Jumo Primo, well known as “Rubber Waist” said after three years he will re-enter the Soca Monarch competition this year, which is billed for February.

Primo told this newspaper that he is out to compete this year because Soca Monarch is part of the Mashramani culture, having ‘sit-out’ in 2018 and the other two years to give the young artistes a chance to promote themselves.

He said he is back with a bang in 2019 although he never left the soca scene, and being one of the key players in the business, Primo said that he cannot help himself and the stage is his rightful place and entertaining is his ‘thing’.

His song titled “Tribute” is high energy, melodious and cultured for the event of Soca Monarch and the video for that song will be released next week.

Primo told the Guyana Chronicle that the production of the video “Tribute” is in the making presently, and being spear-headed by producer,Timon Fraser, and video producer, Tyre Clarke, both of 595 Productions Studio.

He related that also in the making are songs which will feature Guyanese

culture and African drumming, done by him to the tunes of soca. He will collaborate with Eze Rockliffe and Stitchie to do a re-mix of the song “Ding Dong Creckette” and some more videos will also be launched.

Primo told this newspaper that he doesn’t take any chances since he does not underestimate anybody, and when he gets up on stage it is his time to preform and let the people decide.

He disclosed that this year there are a lot of young artistes with talent who are taking to the stage, and urged all to come out and support the Soca Monarch competition to declare the winners.

“If you love soca music and culture you simply cannot disappear on people, instead you need to remain dedicated and committed to the music business which entails hard work and long hours,” he said.

Primo said that 592 Productions Studio will be opened to the public by February this year and persons signing up with get a package to record as well as do their video, since they have their in-house photography, video and editing team.

He further stated that this year they will be signing some fresh, new, young talent on board to make their names in the local music industry.

The 592 Productions Studio is located at Lot 180 Lodge Housing Scheme and is the brainchild of Primo.

The artiste will be also opening a business called 592 Nightclub/Grill at Lot 23 John and Norton Streets.

All songs and videos done by Primo are available on YouTube, Guyana Live, all the radio airwaves and television stations locally.

Mash preparation heats up

…evening of folk added to this year calendar of events

M

ASHRAMANI, one of Guyana’s most anticipated celebrations is on the calendar for next month. In preparations for the festivity, the Department of Culture is already taking steps to give Guyanese that “Mash” feeling before February 23, 2019.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain, said the department is ready to host the celebrations through planned activities countrywide. In order to facilitate this, close to $100M will be utilised for the 49th Republic Anniversary, the director noted.

A new feature of the observance will be the evening of folk, designed to ‘flair things up’. This event will have several activities including storytelling, folk dances, singing, and everything folk-related to the different ethnicities.

To spice things up, she said, there have already been some pop-up activities geared at creating the Mashramani environment. This is expected to intensify, as time draws near

to the big celebration on Saturday, February 23.

The first official activity, an All-Stars concert will be held in Region One on January 12, to kick off the celebrations. This will be followed by a steelband concert the following day in Region Five. Aside from the new features, the young and not so young folks can expect the good ‘ole’ Guyanese soca, calypso and chutney music from local artistes.

The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Celebrate Mash 2019; With Victory in Mind - Rediscovering El Dorado’.

Boatswain said that based on the theme, she is anticipating some creative costumes to wow the minds of Guyanese from the designers. “Mashramani is ours and it is our time to have fun and celebrate and to recognise our achievements as a republic,” Boatswain said, as she encourages all to support the upcoming events and to keep abreast with dates and times for the events.

The schedule of events can be found on the ‘Guyana Mashramani’ Facebook page.

Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Laws must understand culture to be justified

RAPE is not acceptable against any gender, nor is there any ridiculous arguments to justify it happening; though there is weird logic that I have heard from a person who I knew in the 70’s who was a serial rapist. He was shot by the police, after being in prison for as much as 15 rape charges. We called him ‘Sexy’ and he did not present a grotesque and fearsome visage, there is no stereotypical look for what a rapist, he or she looks like. The logic that sexy presented was that if he likes a young lady he consummates the relationship, because all the courtship [hustling] was too labour some, he actually believed this because after each act he would buy chocolates and a card and visit his victim, that is how he was arrested. Each time, definitely had our country evolved to enlightenment there would have been a institution for the criminal insane rather than have the police murder him to solve what was a complex matter, that our health system would have learnt about.

There was another Kitty resident that would not say anything to women he claimed to fall in love with, but would break and enter their home and rape that person; I was told that his last victim was a policewoman. These are bizarre mental developments that justify in each situation an offensive predator nature. But the epitome of rape that is stigmatised receives no sympathy, and has radical cultural stages to reverse that incident by far transcended by our era of legal and moral precepts. That category is the rape of male by male. I write from the Afro-Guyanese experience, I am unsure if this is the innate same across our peoples. If a young man is attempted to be

assaulted, or assaulted by what is termed a Bu-man, it goes like this “bway ah hear something happen to yuh de other night, yuh know wuh yuh got fuh do, fuh raise yuh head high, yuh got fuh kill yuh man, unless duh’s wuh yuh is.” This is preached in every grass root area with more explicit language as a dictate without recourse, a straight forward one option.

Back in the mid seventies, a said youngster [name withheld] came out of prison and hung out with other young men, some with jobs, some without, but all with ambitions beyond the James and Bar Street corner they met on and off in the afternoons. An older seasoned criminal came out of prison his name was ‘Bull’, he started to conduct a process called ‘layin-impression’, he was targeting the ‘said youngster’ implying through his actions that the ‘said youngster’ was his female [other terms used] in prison. Others of Bull’s seniority who were incarcerated with him confirmed that it was not so. It happened one afternoon that the ‘said youngster’ came at him with a cutlass and opened his face from the widow peak down, this fatal wound would have taken the enormous strength of an older and stronger male to inflict, this was no ordinary rage exhibited that afternoon at the shop we knew as Allison’s shop. The youth was arrested, two policemen argued in low tones why the youth shouldn’t be charged.

But he was, and served a sentence below eight years for the act. In 2018 I read the story of Christopher Stanley, a Tiger Bay resident who after smoking marijuana in 2015, exhibited strange behaviour and had stabbed and killed another resident. In court, he said that the person, another male that he killed, had tried to rape him. How could any judge

viewing such perplexed and disturbing evidence just sentence him to prison for 23 years [the sentence defied logic] without recommending visits to the counselling section of the GPH. Both Justice Sandi Kissoon and his (the accused) counsel, Max McKay, failed to understand the underlying elements of the defence that this young man presented.

What is accepted in one culture is abhorred in another, and because we have several cultural layers within groups and of separate groups, we need to expand our collective awareness to judge with a cultural insight of the diverse currents of understanding of that which pervades our social realms. A young woman who is raped is a victim, based on her innocence [meaning she was not in defiance of previous warnings about people, places and substances etc.] she will be condignly revenged by male relatives. For the male he has one chance, one path to redemption among his peers, to grievously wound or slay the predator that has violated all that he aesthetically is his claim to ‘manhood’. Rape, especially of children by adults, is unforgiveable; seduction of young teenage girls by older men is offensive and punishable. Age of consent relationships regardless of comparisons is nobody’s business.

Many young men tell stories as grown men of been seduced by one of mom’s friends, this is one category of rape guarded by its victims as a memorable adventure. But ask anyone in urban Georgetown of male on male rape and they will tell you that unbridled violence is expected or a life of disrespect.

This, our lawmakers must understand, the 2015 case mentioned was not the first.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Guyana joins India

ERC to launch unity play to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Divas tonight

T

HE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) will launch the first part of its 2019 Harmony Campaign this evening at the Grand Savannah Suite, Pegasus, Georgetown, from 18:00 hrs.

A national unity song performed by Guyanese artistes Mark Ferdinand and Tshanna Cort, five harmony-themed public service announcements, four posters, a harmony “passport”, designs for two billboards and the commission’s new website, will be presented, the commission said in a release.

In addition, a stage-play, “I AM US”, that speaks to unity and which examines some societal factors that impact on social cohesion, will be launched. The play, which will feature prominent Guyanese actors and actress-

es, will be staged on March 02 with the gala opening and continues on March 03, at the National Cultural Centre. Both performances will commence at 19:00 hrs and admission is free.

The commission firmly believes this campaign, which is in keeping with its constitutional mandate to promote harmony and good relations, is vital in helping to enhance the environment to foster unity among all Guyanese. It remains optimistic that Guyanese will find useful the materials which will be made available and will be conduits to aid distribution countrywide.

The commission has extended invitations to the Government, the Opposition, the Diplomatic Corps, civil society, the media and other national stakeholders.

T

HE High Commission of India in Guyana, last Thursday evening hosted its local celebration of the 2019 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, to honour overseas-based Indians who have made contributions towards the development of the country.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, which means Non-Resident Indian Day, is observed on January 9 annually. It is an event started in 2003 and provides a platform to discuss issues concerning the Indian Diaspora. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas also commemorates the return of Mahatma Gandhi, the country’s greatest Pravasi, to India from South Africa, to lead the independence struggle.

Addressing the gathering, at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, High Commissioner of India to Guyana, V. Mahalingam, thanked all

A dance group performs for attendees

High Commissioner of India to Guyana, V. Mahalingam

for their participation in the celebration at such a significant time for his Motherland, noting that the contributions made by Indo-Guyanese citizens have assisted in the country’s development.

He noted that the High Commission will continue to assist in strengthening and sustaining the cultures and traditions for those who

President of Viraat Sabha Guyana and Commissioner of Integrity Commission, Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud

are willing to know more about their background. Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud, President of Viraat Sabha Guyana and Commissioner of the Integrity Commission, said that history highlights agriculture as a link between India and then-British Guiana and one that continues to link

the countries among other aspects of development.

“Our ancestors’ sacrifices and perseverance continued to inspire and motivate the modern minds to pursue in a diligent way, character and nation-building. It is a fact that other ethnic groups contribute significantly to national development, the East Indians contributions are visible in every aspect of nation-building such as business, sport, technology to name a few,” Persaud explained.

He stressed that there is need to preserve many of the cultures and traditions passed on by their foreparents, as a way of teaching other young minds. This, he believes, can be achieved through the resuscitation of the East Indian language and culture so that young minds have an understanding of their Motherland.

Also, present were Ethnic Relations Commission, Commissioner and Founder of RK’s Guyana Security Service, Roshan Khan and Former First Lady, Varshnie Singh, among others.

Several persons were also awarded medals for the first round othe Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz, as well gifts to the winners of the essay writing competition. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

GGMC shuts down illegal mining camp JUNIOR Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, along with officials from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) met with the local authorities of the Municipality of Bartica to discuss the issue of illegal mining in the town.

The visit was spurred after GGMC received a complaint that a mining operation was functioning within the confines of Bartica and to their knowledge that should not have been. Acting Mines Manager at GGMC, Krishna Ramdass, told the media that after the complaint was received, an investigation was launched immediately and it was found that the operation and dredge belong to Bobby and Mohamed Rasul.

Upon confirmation of the above facts, the team along with Minister Broomes took a visit to the site on Wednesday.

Ramdass said from their investigations, the mining is illegal and the Rasuls will be charged. “The dredge was operating on a prospecting permit and the owner of that permit is recorded as Samantha Charles. After finding this

out, we were given both a seize work and removal order to issue to the operators. To run a mine on a prospecting permit is a breach of the mining act, so Rasul will have to be charged,” he said.

Minister Broomes also pointed out that she would have observed that the operation can cause disturbance in the creeks and waterways, since the operation was contaminating what appeared to be the start of the creeks that run through the town.

She also made mention that an engineer will be stationed in Bartica, monitoring areas to ensure that illegal mining does not continue there. Officers will also return unannounced, she said, to ensure all equipment from Rasul’s operation are removed.

Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford said that these mining issues would have been inherited since the expansion of the boundaries of the township. Persons were already equipped with licences before Bartica was expanded, so this has been causing issues within the mining community and the town.

However, to that regard, Minister Broomes assured

that it will be dealt with at the policy level.

“I will communicate with Minister Trotman and have it be something we do, to look at all the new towns and I will recommend that where we have prospecting license falling within boundaries of these new towns, that we seek not to move them into the conversion of mining because we will get problems there,” Broomes said.

She also encouraged that GGMC, Guyana Forestry Commission and Lands and Survey, work together with the local authorities to identify these such issues and work on them immediately before it spirals to the ministerial level.

“I would wish that these agencies and the local authorities have some synergy here. And once things are happening within the region, it must be brought to the attention of the local authorities rather than you having to read it in the newspaper. We must work on better communication, collaboration and information sharing to promote and encourage safe and legal mining operations,” Broomes opined.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes with Acting Mines Manager GGMC, Krishna Ramdass at the mining camp found on the outskirts of Bartica

IT’S time for the weekend again, people! And Mash is in the air, so there are a few Mash- themed events to help you get into the festive vibes. So don’t stay cooped up at home.

TODAY

On a $1000 budget? Tower Suites $1000 Poolside Happy Hour continues from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, with $1000 specials.

Enjoy a Burger and Beer, any margarita, or beer specials for only $1000 at the Tower Poolside The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Latin Night”. Get two Desperados Tequila Beers for $1000 National hip hop n poetry slam is back! Black Gold Entertainment presents their third Annual National hip hop n poetry slam at The Duke. Proudly sponsored by Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion Culture Youth & Sport over $300,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs. Each finalist gets $15,000 and $150,000 will go to winner Make it a party at the Aura Sky! Aura Sky Lounge presents Business Fridays starting from 5pm

TOMORROW

704 Sports Bar presents World Welterweight Championship Manny Pacquiao against Adrien Bonner on the big screen. See Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, end his two-year hiatus from the U.S. boxing ring when he returns to Las Vegas to defend his title against former four-division world champion Adrien Broner.

Aura Sky Lounge presents Seductive Saturdays! Doors open at 8pm!

SUNDAY

The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Dinner with 70s ad 80s music. Sundays were meant for 70’s & 80’s!

Illegal mining camp at 10 Miles Potaro Road, Region Seven

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 9, 2019 GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Advertise in Guyana Chronicle Classified Ads. For All Your Classified and Space Ads. Call 225-4475.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Bramble steals limelight with second century of the season … Chanderpaul unbeaten on marathon unbeaten 71

By Rajiv Bisnauth WICKETKEEPER/batsman Anthony Bramble led Guyana Jaguars’ spirited fightback with his third firstclass century and stole the limelight on day one of the fourth round Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional Fourday encounter between the title-holders and the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The 28-year-old Bramble sends a timely message to the regional selectors ahead of the West Indies/England Test series with an unruffled 168, his second consecutive hundred of the season.

Watched by a handful of spectators at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, the right-hander’s effort with the bat has been instrumental in taking Jaguars to 307-6 when bails were lifted.

Bramble stonewalled the Volcanoes’ bowling attack for little more than three hours, with a barrage of strokes that tilted the day’s play firmly in the hosts’ favour as the Berbician belted 17 boundaries and six sixes in an innings which spanned 153 balls.

While Bramble went for his strokes, Tagenarine Chanderpaul was quite content to play a supporting role, as the duo stitched 209 runs for the fourth-wicket, with Chanderpaul remaining unbeaten on 71. His innings came off 297 balls, 362 minutes with just four

boundaries.. Romario Shepherd is the other not-out batsman on five.

The Jaguars, who made four changes from their last game, won the toss and opted to bat, but the Volcanoes seam bowlers exploited the early conditions superbly, beating the bat on numerous occasions, resulting in their spurning a couple of key opportunities upfront.

Opener Trevon Griffith (14), hit a boundary each off pacers Josh Thomas and Shermon Lewis but edged an excellent delivery from Thomas to wicketkeeper Denis Smith while Leon Johnson did not fare much better after edging Lewis to Roland Cato at gully for five.

J o h n s o n ’s d i s m i s s a l prompted the arrival of Hetmyer, who was faced with the task of building, at 27-2, with fellow left-hander Chan-

derpaul, who was playing his usual endurance style.

The duo added an unbroken stand of 43 before lunch as Hetmyer settled into a nice rhythm, hitting three fours in his unbeaten 26.

Patience is Chanderpaul’s strength so it was not unusual for his first four to take 93 balls and by the interval he was unbeaten on 18 from 95 balls.

Resuming at 70-2, the 22-year-old Hetmyer showed batting indiscipline when he flashed the third ball of the session from Ray Jordan and was brilliantly caught

by Devon Smith at third slip.

However, Bramble, one of two Guyanese batsmen to have scored a century this season, joined Chanderpaul and began the rebuilding process without major alarm.

Bramble, the West Indies B team captain, was able to

SCOREBOARD

GUYANA Jaguars 1st innings T. Chanderpaul not out 71 T. Griffith c wkp. Denis Smith b Thomas 14 L. Johnson c Cato b Lewis 5 S. Hetmyer c Devon Smith b Jordan 26 A. Bramble c Devon Smith b Thomas 168 S. Rutherford c wkp. Denis Smith b Thomas 0 K. Paul run-out (Lewis) 3 R. Shepherd not out 5 Extras: (lb-2, nb-13) 15 Total: (six wickets, 90 overs) 307 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-27, 3-71, 4-280, 5-280, 6-290.

Bowling: Thomas 17-2-63-3, Lewis 16-4-57-1, Jordan 14-2-411, Edwards 25-7-59-0, Hodge 15-2-64-0, Athanaze 3-0-21-0.

gather runs at a decent pace – rotating the strike well and putting away the bad balls – as he dominated the stand as the session progressed.

Bramble reached his fifty, his tenth at this level off just 52 balls, finding the boundary on eight occasions and then taking another 32 balls to reach the milestone, hitting three additional fours and four sixes.

On the other hand, Chanderpaul occasionally came out his shell, hitting one additional boundary during that session. He had no problems in wearing down the tourists’ bowlers, as the pair continued untroubled until the interval, at 212-3.

On a track getting increasingly easier to bat on, Bramble continued his flamboyant

stroke-play, to reach the 150run mark off 131 balls. Soon after, Chanderpaul registered his fifth off 233 balls.

But the hosts lost a flurry of wickets thereafter, including Bramble and Sherfane Rutherford (0), in the space of three balls to Thomas while Keemo Paul was run-out for three.

Play resumes at 09:30hrs today.

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Federer to launch Australian Open defence against Istomin

By Ian Ransom

Denis Istomin

Roger Federer

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Double defending champion Roger Federer will start his bid for a hat-trick of Australian Open tennis titles next week against unseeded Uzbek Denis Istomin, who caused a huge upset when he defeated Novak Djokovic in the second round two years ago.

The draw for the first Grand Slam of the season was made yesterday and the top seeds could face some early tests of their title credentials when play gets underway on Monday.

The six-time Australian Open champion Federer, who beat Marin Cilic in last year’s final, could meet the Croat in the quarter-finals, should the Swiss come through a potentially tricky fourth round against Greek prospect Stefanos Tsitsipas.

T h e 3 7 - y e a r- o l d , seeded third, is bidding to extend his all-time leading men’s Grand Slam record to 21 titles and would capture a 100th ATP tournament win in the process.

“I always have tried to remind myself that this is a dream,” Federer said of his longevity at the draw ceremony held at Margaret Court Arena, where he discovered the world number 99 would be his opening opponent.

“I’m surprised that I’m still at this level, that I’m still in the top 10.”

M e n ’s t o p s e e d Djokovic, who was defending his title when he lost to Istomin, will first meet a qualifier in his bid for a record seventh Melbourne title and third Grand Slam crown in succession following wins at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Serb Djokovic could then play a rematch of his 2008 final triumph over Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round, with a possible quarter-final against Kei Nishikori to follow.

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Second seed Rafael Nadal, under an injury cloud after pulling out of the Brisbane International, will open against unseeded local James Duckworth.

Last year’s semi-finalist Kyle Edmund looms as a possible fourth round matchup for the Spaniard, who could then face big-serving Kevin Anderson in the quarter-finals.

The 2009 champion Nadal, who retired hurt in the quarter-finals against Cilic last year, could meet old rival Federer in the last four should his body hold up.

WOZNIACKI’S ‘HAPPY SLAM’ In the women’s tournament, Serena Williams’ bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and eighth at Melbourne Park will kick off against German world number 71 Tatjana Maria.

The American great, beaten by Naomi Osaka in the 2018 U.S. Open final after a fiery tirade against the chair umpire, faces a tough run to the quarter-finals, with top seed and last year’s finalist Simona Halep a possible fourth round encounter.

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nemesis Kaia Kanepi.

Unseeded Estonian Kanepi knocked Halep out of the first round at Flushing Meadows last year, making the Romanian the first top seed to lose at that tournament’s earliest stage.

Venus Williams, defeated by younger sister Serena in the 2017 Melbourne final, also looms as a possible third round opponent for Halep.

Fourth seed Osaka faces Poland’s Magda Linette first up and may need to battle past twice champion Victoria Azarenka in the third round.

Defending champion Wozniacki, who broke through for her maiden Grand Slam title with victory over Halep in last year’s final, is in line to face former winner Maria Sharapova in a mouth-watering third round showdown.

“I can’t believe it’s been a year already,” Dane Wozniacki said at the draw ceremony.

“To finally get that (title) here was so special, it’s the happy slam.”

Second seed and 2016 champion Angelique Kerber, bidding for a fourth Grand Slam title, will open against Slovenian Polona Hercog, with a possible quarter-final against 2017 U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens in the second week.

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27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

ICC announces amnesty to report corruption in Sri Lankan cricket (REUTERS) - Sri Lankan cricketers have been granted a 15-day amnesty to report previously undisclosed information relating to corruption in the sport, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced yesterday.

The amnesty will apply to all participants under both the ICC and Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) anti-corruption codes who have previously failed to report information relating to wrongdoing.

Players can be suspended for failing to pass on information about corruption but anything reported between January 16 and 31 will not attract a charge, the ICC said in a statement.

Failure to do so, however, could result in a ban from crick-

et for up to five years.

The move comes in the wake of a series of corruption cases involving former Sri Lanka in-

Former Sri Lanka captain and selector Sanath Jayasuriya was charged by the ICC in October.

ternationals and administrators.

“This is the first time the ICC has held an amnesty and it is in response to the very specific challenges we face in Sri Lanka,” the general manager of the ICC’s anti-corruption unit Alex Marshall said.

“Allowing retrospective reporting of alleged approaches to engage in corrupt conduct will assist in our ongoing and wide-ranging investigations, as well as enabling us to continue to develop a comprehensive picture of the situation there.”

Following a meeting in Dubai last month, Sri Lanka’s sports minister Harin Fernando said the ICC had ranked the country’s cricket administration “corrupt

five innings in last November’s most recent edition of the ICC tournament.

Cooper is the only experienced player missing as the squad comprises 14 of the 15 players who contested the recent T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Selectors have, however, called up 21-year-old Jamaican Rashada Williams for her first taste of international action, and convener Courtney Browne said there were high hopes for the player.

“Coming into the squad for the first time is young opening bat Rashada Williams who impressed the selectors with her solid technique and her ability against spin bowling,” Browne said.

“The panel believes with help from the coaching staff she can develop into a very good player that can add solidity.”

The squad will be involved in a two-week camp which got underway Wednesday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Captain Stafanie Taylor will not feature, however, due to her participation in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League in Australia.

West Indies are set to face Pakistan in three One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals next month, and Browne said selectors were looking for an improved showing in the shorter format especially.

“After a decent and competitive run at the ICC T20 World Cup 2018 Windies Women will be expected to build on that momentum going into the One-Dayers and T20 series against Pakistan,” he said.

“The team needs to improve its showing in ODI cricket, especially, and we want to see mark improvement in this format.

from top to bottom”.

Former captain and selector Sanath Jayasuriya was charged in October by the ICC for refusing to cooperate with ICC’s anti-corruption unit. He denied any wrongdoing.

Former Sri Lankan bowler Dilhara Lokuhettige was charged last year for violating the anti-corruption code relating to a 10-over league in the United Arab Emirates, while the country’s former paceman and bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa was provisionally suspended

by SLC over match-fixing accusations.

Neither Lokuhettige nor Zoysa has responded publicly to the charges against them.

Cooper dropped, Williams in training squad for Pakistan ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Britney Cooper has been excluded from a 20-member training squad named to begin preparations for the upcoming series against Pakistan.

Trinidadian Britney Cooper The 29-year-old batsman, one of the heroes of the 2016 Twenty20 World Cup triumph, has struggled badly recently and managed only 23 runs in

“The women have been involved in a number of strategic camps over the last year and we have seen improvements as reflected during the T20 World Cup particularly in the fielding.”

SQUAD – Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi, Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Natasha McLean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, Rashada Williams.

Test hopefuls get chance to impress Windies selectors ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – A plethora of Test hopefuls will have their chance to impress selectors when they line up in two two-day matches for Cricket West Indies (CWI) President’s XI against touring England starting next week.

Sunil Ambris

The first match runs from January 15 to 16 and the second from January 17 to 18, with both fixtures carded for 3W’s Oval, UWI Cave Hill Campus.

Batsman Sunil Ambris is the only player in the current Test squad included in the 12man unit being led by Jahmar Hamilton, and will be feeling the pressure of expectation after two underwhelming series.

He managed only 68 runs in two Tests against India last October and 73 runs in another two-Test rubber against Bangladesh a month later.

Ambris averages 15 from six Tests.

He is one of six players in the squad with Test experience, with the likes of batsmen Jer-

maine Blackwood and Vishaul Singh, all-rounder Raymon Reifer and fast bowlers Miguel Cummins and Alzarri Joseph all named.

Blackwood has not played a Test in 15 months but remains in the selection frame while Vishaul played the last of his three Tests nearly two years ago and has also remained on the lips of selectors with prolific scoring in the domestic first class competition last season.

All eyes will be on Alzarri Joseph who looked back to his old self in helping bowl Leeward Islands Hurricanes to an emphatic 245-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on Monday.

The 22-year-old has struggled for full fitness after recovering from a back injury last year, but has impressed with his pace and sharpness in three matches for Hurricanes that have yielded 15 wickets this season.

Hamilton, meanwhile, has toured with the Windies recently without breaking into the final XI and healthy scores against the England could put him in contention for a Test debut.

SQUAD – Jahmar Hamilton (captain), Sunil Ambris, Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Bryan Charles, Miguel Cummins, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Chemar Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Vishaul Singh, Devon Thomas.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Lack of red-ball cricket making selectors’ life tough - Trevor Hohns AUSTRALIA’S chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns has stressed that the scheduling of first-class cricket has played a role in Australia’s fortunes in the Test series against India. Cricket Australia, for this edition of the Big Bash League, had decided to prolong the 20over tournament.

The round six of Sheffield Shield ended on December 10 and the league is going on since and will only conclude on February 17. The Australian selectors have been under the pump for their choices that eventually led to Australia losing the first ever Test series to India at home in 71 years.

The selectors have been criticised for giving a long run to out-of-form Shaun Marsh and Aaron Finch and ignoring players like Joe Burns and Glenn Maxwell who have put up runs in the domestic first-class tournament. Hohns pointed out that

the scheduling wasn’t ideal.

“It’s probably not appropriate but the programme has been the programme for some time and we can’t do much about that at the moment,” he said. “The Big Bash is on and it’s a very, very good product for CA. It’s just unfortunate that there isn’t any red ball cricket. How we rectify that? That’s in the hands of CA. Australia now take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series at home and will hope to gain some positives before limited-overs cricket becomes the focus in the lead-up to the World Cup. Several changes have been made to the squad with Finch, Shaun Marsh and Mitchell Marsh making way for the likes of Burns, Will Pucovski and Matt Renshaw.

“Nobody has had the chance to play any red ball cricket. We can’t do anything about that and we are seriously using this game for those

purposes. It’s been quite a challenge ... and an unprecedented period I must say.

“You never admit that you get it wrong. Whether we got it right or wrong, that’s up to you people to judge us on. We always review what we do and ... maybe we could have done something a little bit better.

At the time when we chose the side we were convinced they were the best players to represent Australia at that time.”

The axed players, from the ODI squad for the series against India, too, have questioned the process of the selectors. While Ashton Agar said he wasn’t given a clear explanation, Nathan Coulter-Nile expressed disappointment after poor communication.

Hohns stressed he’s always available to give the players an explanation. “If there’s any further clarity required, we encourage

them to call me back or ask for another meeting so we can go through it again,” he said.

“We also encourage all the state coaches to encourage their players to give me a call if they want some feedback. Give the coach a call if they want some feedback.

“So there’s an open line of communication. It’s their careers, so if they’re unclear about anything we’d like to think they can get some clarity if they want and take some ownership of their careers.

“People are always told why they’ve been left out so there can be no misunderstanding whatsoever. Sometimes obviously players are disappointed. There’s no doubt about that. Sometimes they may understand or they may not.”

Hohns also clarified that the selection panel doesn’t owe Maxwell an apology.

The all-rounder had claimed he had let go of offers to play County cricket after being told he will be selected for the Australia A squad for the India tour. He wasn’t picked for the India tour and the subsequent Test tour against Pakistan.

Australia chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns

The limited-overs commitment meant Maxwell had very few opportunities to play first-class cricket to make a claim for the home series against India.

“I don’t think so. I’m not sure what the instruction was or who it came from but players are free to make up their own decisions on what they go and play,” Hohns revealed. “Glenn has chosen to go and play county cricket again this year and a lot of

that is one-day cricket leading up to the World Cup. “He has also chosen not to put his name in for the IPL so that’s all credit to him for doing that.

He is genuinely trying to improve himself and give himself the best possible opportunity to have some practice in England leading into the Ashes if he is chosen, leading into the World Cup. Full credit to him for that.”(Cricbuzz)

GCA competitions resume this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association’s Friends of Cricket Under-17 (100) overs and the New Building Society second division 40-over cricket competitions will resume this weekend at venues across the City.

Four games are scheduled for the Under-17 competition with DCC and GCC hosting Everest and ECO Champs respectively on Saturday. On Sunday GCC will host Malteenoes while DCC play hosts to ECO Champs. Matches commence 09:30hrs on each day.

Meanwhile, five games are billed for the second division fixture list. On Saturday Diplomats face UG at Everest; Malteenoes host DCC and Sophia oppose GDF at MYO. On Sunday, Everest host GNIC and Ace Warriors play Third Class at MYO. Matches start at 10:30hrs both days.

Further, MYO sit on top of the points table in the Georgetown Cricket Association’s Friends of Cricket Under-17 (100) overs tournament with 95 points, GCC (75), Transport (69), ECO Champs (69), Malteenoes (38), Bel Air RUBiS (38), and Everest (20).

In the NBS second division competition, MYO are on top on Zone A with 98 points, followed by GYO 74, Malteenoes 64, DCC 39, UG 28, Diplomats 21, Everest 12 and GNIC 18.

In Zone B, GCC sit on top with 76 followed by Transport 65, GDF 57, Ace Warriors 27, Police 20, Third Class 14 and Sophia on six points.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

England can win Cricket World Cup and regain Ashes in 2019 - Giles ENGLAND can regain the Ashes and capitalise on their “best opportunity” to win a World Cup in 2019, says new director of cricket Ashley Giles.

Giles, 45, succeeded Andrew Strauss in the role in December after the former England captain stepped down to support his late wife’s cancer battle.

He will oversee plans for the World Cup - beginning May 30 - before a Test series against Australia in August.

“I need to make sure there’s no interference to derail us,” said Giles.

The former England spinner told BBC Sport: “I believe we can win the World Cup and the Ashes. This year creates probably the best opportunity for a long time.

“I think with World Cups we found ourselves, in the past, suddenly running into a bit of a meltdown or change - that’s not the case this time around.”

‘STRAUSS’ LEGACY IS CLEAR’ England and Wales will host the World Cup, which is held by Australia following their 2015 win.

Giles praised the legacy of Strauss in improving England’s fortunes in the shortest

England new director of cricket, Ashley Giles

forms of the game; pointing to the country’s rank as number two in the world in Test cricket and number one in the one-day game as evidence of a balance being struck.

“I think the focus on white-ball cricket has been a real step change in what we do,” added Giles. “I was involved from a coaching perspective in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and white ball played second fiddle to Test cricket.

“Andrew addressed that balance and the results are pretty clear. I know it must have been incredibly difficult to give up the role on the eve of a World Cup he has worked so hard towards.”

ONE HEAD COACH OR TWO? Giles said his team were “devastated” for Strauss, who lost his wife Ruth to cancer in late December.

He says he hopes to sit in on selection for both the World Cup and Ashes before turning his attention to appointing a successor to head coach Trevor Bayliss, who will leave his role after overseeing both events this summer.

Giles was sacked as England’s limited-overs coach in 2014 after a period in which coaching duties were split, with Andy Flower in charge of the Test team.

A return to splitting duties for different formats of the game between two men is again an option, with Giles adamant “it can work”.

“My experiences with Andy don’t lead me away from doing split coaches,” he added.

“What we are seeing with players is once where we thought we may have red-ball and white-ball players, a lot play a few forms of the game now. There is a case to have the same guy managing them.

“With the workloads we have coming up, it is one of the options to have split coaches either at the top or underneath.

“There’s always a shelf life to this too. You’re not going to be in coaching or management for 10 years. A dressing room stops listening.”(BBC Sport)

Austrian racing car legend Niki Lauda back in hospital

Former Formula One champion Niki Lauda

ZURICH (Reuters) - Former Formula One champion Niki Lauda is in hospital in Vienna with the flu, five months after undergoing a lung transplant, Austrian media sites reported on Sunday.

Lauda, 69, an Austrian, was flown in early January from the Spanish island of Ibiza where he had been vacationing to a hospital in the Austrian capital, the publication Oesterreich reported on its website.

Oesterreich reported

that Lauda was in the intensive care station but should be released from the hospital later this week, without citing sources.

A spokesperson at the Vienna General Hospital could not immediately be reached for comment.

Lauda, who was badly burned in 1976 in a Formula One race and later became an airline entrepreneur, underwent a lung transplant in August and was recuperating from the complicated surgery.

Pacquiao takes jab at Mayweather over New Year’s Eve cakewalk Kremlin blames ‘logistics’

By Frank Pingue

(REUTERSs) - Manny Pacquiao has been fully focused on next weekend’s fight with Adrien Broner but yesterday the Filipino eight-division world champion still found time to take a subtle jab at Floyd Mayweather.

Pacquiao, who has been repeatedly asked about a possible rematch with Mayweather, pulled no punches when commenting on his former foe’s one-sided New Year’s Eve exhibition victory over a Japanese kickboxer that lasted two minutes.

“It’s my first time to see an exhibition where you knock your opponent out,” WBA welterweight champion Pacquiao, 40, told a conference call to promote his January 19 fight against American Broner.

“Supposedly an exhibition is just to entertain people, nothing serious, for three rounds.

But that’s what I understand about exhibitions.”

It was the second time in as many weeks that Pacquiao has taken a shot at Mayweather - who said he earned $9 million for fighting Tenshin Nasukawa - with the Filipino having also tweeted after the fight that his New Year’s resolution would be to “only fight experienced opponents who are my size or bigger.”

There has been speculation about a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch ever since the American scored a unanimous decision in their 2015 bout that was dubbed ‘The Fight of the Century’ but never lived up to its billing.

Some pundits have even suggested that Pacquiao’s WBA welterweight title defence against Broner is an ideal tune-up for such a rematch since the 29-year-old American has a defensive style that many experts feel is

similar to Mayweather.

“Let me clarify, Adrien Broner is not a tune-up fight.

He is a former champion. He is fast and he’s a good boxer,” said Pacquiao. “That’s why I don’t want to talk about my next fight until I finish this business against Adrien Broner.”

Mayweather, 41, retired in 2017 with a 50-0 record and said on Instagram in September that a rematch of the much-hyped 2015 fight with Pacquiao would take

place. The post included a video of the pair talking to each other at a Tokyo music festival.

Pacquiao may be eyeing a lucrative rematch with Mayweather but he refused to show his cards and said such talk would have to wait until after next week’s welterweight title defence.

“I have no problem fighting anybody as long as there is no problem with the negotiations,” said Pacquiao. “My plan is just one at a time.”

Floyd Mayweather (left) and Manny Pacquiao

for missed WADA deadline

MOSCOW, Russia (AFP) - The Kremlin yesterday said Moscow’s failure to meet the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) deadline last week to hand over data from its anti-doping laboratory could be explained by logistical problems.

The remarks by President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov came as a WADA team was scheduled to visit Russia to obtain test data from the drug-tainted Moscow lab.

WADA will consider next steps at a January 14-15 meeting of its compliance committee.

Peskov told journalists that the data had been ready to be passed to the experts when they last came to Moscow in December but they left empty-handed after Russia raised issues with the certification of WADA equipment under Russian law.

“There were certain working disagreements tied to the nature of the how and on what (data) carriers this is handed over. In essence, these were issues of logistics rather than substance,” Peskov said.

“As far as we know ... there is an understanding now with WADA representatives regarding how the work will be carried out in the future,” he added, without elaborating.

WADA confirmed the team arrived in Moscow and they were counting on starting their work yesterday, a spokesman said.

WADA said in a statement on January 7 that the issue of equipment during the last visit “has since been resolved by the Russian authorities”.

In September, WADA conditionally lifted a ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), after it was suspended for a state-sponsored doping operation.

This paved the way for Russian athletes to return to competition across all sports. But one of the conditions was data access by the end of 2018.

WADA’s leadership has been strongly criticised over its decision to lift Russia’s suspension before obtaining access to the Moscow lab information.

The IAAF, world governing body for athletics, said it would maintain Russia’s ban. Russian athletics teams were barred from the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2017 World Championships in London.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 11, 2019

Jamaica sourcing support for Tallawahs - Sports Minister

JAMAICA Sports Minister Olivia Grange has confirmed that she has been in discussions with the owners of the Jamaica Tallawahs with the aim of finding a way to keep the franchise in the country.

Tallawahs CEO. Jeff Miller. told Sportsmax.tv last week that it is likely that they will drop Jamaica at the end of the month in favour of another Caribbean island should the government fail to provide them with the necessary support that will enable the franchise to remain viable.

The annual operating budget of the Tallawahs is somewhere in the region of US$2.5M which covers players’ wages, hotel and airfare and per diem.

However, the Tallawahs barely get any corporate support from Jamaican businesses with Foska Oats being the only local sponsor. The government has only contributed US$35 000 over the past two seasons. As a result, the Tallawahs suffered massive losses of US$1.8M in 2018 and US$1.5 the year before.

“We just can’t continue in the way we have in the past. We have no support,” Miller told Sportsmax.tv.

“The government just doesn’t see the value of the

ST JOHN’S – Cricket West Indies, Caribbean Professional League organisers and the University of the West Indies Faculty of Sport are teaming up to host the first ever World University Twenty20 Tournament.

The three bodies have come together to be part of the tournament, which is the only one of its kind at the tertiary level.

It will be staged from January 10 to 20 at the Frank Worrell Cricket Ground at the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre at the St Augustine campus in Trinidad.

The annual operating budget of the Tallawahs is somewhere in the region of US$2.5M.

Tallawahs. I’ve been getting a lot of talk for the last two to three months about having discussions with the sports minister and the prime minister and they haven’t come to anything.”

Minister Grange confirmed that she has been in dialogue with the franchise owners but revealed that there are limits to what the government is able to do to support the franchise.

“Yes, as minister of sports I am in discussions with them and hope to find a way to give some support,” she said.

“There are challenges identifying funding in light

of financial constraints but we continue to work towards finding a solution.”

A recent report showed that for the two games the Tallawahs played at Sabina Park in Kingston in 2018, Jamaica benefitted to the tune of US$10.5M. The economic impact is a measure of the organiser’s spend, visitors spend and jobs created.

The Tallawahs create about 250 jobs each season and have 12 full-time employees. The two games they played in Jamaica last year generated 2400 hotel room nights.

Meanwhile, Miller said the government wants to keep the

Tallawahs in Jamaica but they will have to find a way to keep the franchise, who is being wooed by other Caribbean islands desperate to be the new home.

Miller said a partnership with the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and offering other concessions such as a discount on the US$35 000 they pay to Sabina Park Holdings for each match played at Sabina Park should be considered to ease the financial burden the owners face to keep the Tallawahs, two-time CPL champions, alive.

Bravo’s return marred by damp pitch as Red Force struggle to 135 for 7

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a , (CMC) – Darren Bravo made his long-awaited return to the West Indies Championship on Thursday, but a damp pitch that led to a lengthy delay ruined the occasion and helped Jamaica Scorpions grab the upper hand over Trinidad & Tobago Red Force.

Darren Bravo

Bravo made just 17, but the Scorpions exploited a damp Sabina Park pitch to leave the Red Force wobbling on 135 for seven when bad light stopped play on a truncated first day of their fourthround match with left-handed Yannic Cariah not out on 22 and Khary Pierre not out on 16.

The 29-year-old Bravo would have been relishing his return to the regional

World University Twenty20 Tournament in the works

scene for the first time in nearly three years, following an impasse with Cricket West Indies which also left him sidelined from the international stage for the last two years.

Instead, he and the rest of the Red Force batting were left to battle against a keen Scorpions attack on a pitch that appeared to be affected by rain in the Jamaica capital of Kingston the previous day.

Play started on-time and Red Force suffered the loss of Test batsman Kyle Hope caught at slip off Oshane Thomas for two in the first over of the match.

The dismissal of Jeremy Solozano however, caught at backward point off the same bowler in the fifth over, prompted a delay of around four hours, due to the pitch.

On resumption, Bravo and Jason Mohammed battled for close to an hour, sharing 34 for the third wicket in the best period of the day for visitors.

Bravo struck a couple of boundaries from 51 balls in close to 1 ½ hours at the crease before he was adjudged lbw to a delivery Rovman Powell that jagged back from outside the off-

stump.

After his dismissal, Red Force failed to find any stability and slumped to 94 for seven, as four wickets fell for 30 in the space of 54 deliveries.

Pierre came to the crease and with Cariah batted through 35 minutes before stumps were drawn to put on an unbroken 40 for the eighth wicket.

Powell ended the day with three wickets for 30 runs, Thomas took two for 21 and left-arm spinner Nikita Miller two for 41.

Bravo was one of two changes to the Red Force

line-up along with Jamaica-born, former West Indies Under-19 fast-medium bowler Odean Smith. They replaced leg-spinner Bryan Charles and West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel.

Scorpions made three changes with Oraine Williams, Andre McCarthy and Barbadian all-rounder Kenroy Williams replacing John Campbell, Jermaine Blackwood and the injured Fabian Allen.

Red Force are fifth in the six-team standings on 10.2 points – a mere 0.4 ahead of Scorpions.

SCOREBOARD

RED FORCE 1st Innings K Hope c K Williams b O Thomas 2 J Solozano c Fudadin b O Thomas 11 DM Bravo lbw b Powell 17 J Mohammed c Palmer b Miller 17 *+D Ramdin b Powell 6 Y Cariah not out 22 O Smith b Powell 18 I Khan b Miller 7 K Pierre not out 17 Extras (b1, lb10, w1, nb6) 18 TOTAL (7 wkts, 38 overs) 135 A Phillip, D StClair yet to bat Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-23, 3-57, 4-64, 5-64, 6-85, 7-94 Bowling: Thomas 8-2-21-2 (nb4); Leveridge 6-1-23-0 (nb1, w1); Powell 10-2-30-3 (nb1); Miller 11-1-41-2; K Williams 3-0-9-0 SCORPIONS: O Williams, C Walton, A Fudadin, A McCarthy, *P Palmer, R Powell, K Williams, +A Thomas, N Miller, O Thomas, R Leveridge

Dr Akshai Mansingh

“CWI is pleased to continue its long-standing partnership with the UWI, now through its Faculty of Sport, to advance the development of the game,” said CWI Chief Executive Officer, Johnny Grave.

“This collaboration provides a great opportunity for West Indies future talent to test themselves against university teams from around the World, gaining experience and building team relationships in a pressure environment. We hope that the players grab this chance and enjoy a great tournament.”

Two University teams from the Caribbean – expected to be UWI and Combined Campuses & Colleges – will gain exposure in an attempt to strengthen this tier of cricket within the region.

CWI’s board of directors approved the World University T20 at its last meeting on December 8 and 9 in Trinidad, as part of the long-term strategic plan to increase the quality and

quantity of cricket accessible and supported for the next generation of players.

CPL has also given their approval of the Tournament as part of the T20 sanctioning and staging agreement with the regional governing body.

Organisers indicate that the Tournament has been created to allow university student players to access critical tour experience and exposure in a competitive environment to bolster their preparation for the professional level of the sport.

It is designed to engage young, aspiring international and first-class players, as well as students of the game, and provide them with a once-in-alifetime opportunity for them to play against their peers on a global stage.

A brief from the organisers stated that the Tournament will showcase students and universities, in full view of their loved ones, the Media and spectators-at-large, on a launchpad to professional sporting excellence and the rigours associated with tournaments of this nature.

“The UWI Faculty of Sport is dedicated in expanding opportunities to young athletes, said UWI Dean of the Faculty of Sport, Dr Akshai Mansingh.

“Through this competition, University students will have the chance to compete with their peers from around the world. The interaction extends beyond the field as they can share experiences from the classroom to life in general.

“All have to cope with managing the demands of academics, sport and the realities of life, and how better to assist them, but through living and playing with similar students from around the world.”

A total of five teams from the United States, United Kingdom and the Caribbean have accepted the invitation to participate – and all players are bona fide university students.

After the tournament, five of the most outstanding players will be given an opportunity to train and play alongside teams in the CPL.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, January 11, 2019)

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

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Trent Boult-6/30 (Christchurch) Suranga Lakmal-5/54 (Christchurch)

(1)

(2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: How many dismissals NZ wicketkeeper B J Watling effected in the recent NZ/SL Test series?

How many dismissals SL wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella effected?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

P&P Insurance Brokers sponsors GSSF Steel Shoot

Windies players must pass Yo-Yo test to make World Cup squad WINDIES players who hope to gain selection for the regional team will have to meet a new fitness benchmark set

by Cricket West Indies (CWI).

CWI chief executive Johnny Grave

Andy Phang (right) collects sponsorship from P&P Insurance Brokers and Consultants Limited.

THE Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSFF) yesterday secured sponsorship from P&P Insurance Brokers & Consultants Limited for this weekend’s Steel Shoot challenge set for the Timehri Range.

The company yesterday handed over sponsorship to GSSF’s assistant secretary Andy Phang at their Lamaha Avenue office.

In prepared remarks, executive director of P&P Vikash Panday contended, “We have been doing this for quite a number of years. I know Vidushi, Ryan and we are happy to pledge our support to make this event a success and we hope that the event is carried out well.

“We have again dedicated our sponsorship and support to the tournament of the GSSF,” he added.

Meanwhile Phang, in receiving the cheque, contended that “the GSSF is always pleased to have P&P Insurance Brokers on board with this event.”

“They sponsored us in 2018 and years before that and we are more than grateful for their support in 2019. We hope to have a great event.”

He contended that corporate support, such as P&P gives, has ensured that the sport continues to function locally.

In a bid to match international standards, players will now be subjected to the Yo-Yo Endurance Test. The move follows the recommendation of the board’s sports medicine and science team.

The test consists of a commonly used endurance metric method developed in Denmark by football physiologist, Dr Jens Bangsbo. The test evaluates an individual’s

aerobic endurance fitness.

Cricket West Indies Ceo Johnny Grave, who explained that the implementation of the test was geared towards overall performance improvement, explained that it would have an immediate impact on player selection.

“Player fitness at elite international level is a key ingredient of successful teams. To maintain and improve fitness standards, the CWI Board has now set a benchmark standard that is tied to eligibility for selection, using the Yo-Yo Endurance Test, following the recommendation of our Sports Medicine & Science team,” said Grave.

“It has also mandated that this benchmark must be achieved for players to be eligible for selection to the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 England & Wales. The CWI Board has also agreed that any exceptions would be subject to its approval through its medical panel.” (Sportsmax)

Golden Jaguars vs Belize game should be played at Guyana National Stadium

Says Rawle Toney

GUYANA’S senior men’s National football team, more popularly known as the ‘Golden Jaguars’, are a win against Belize away from creating history by qualifying for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup; the confederation’s marquee tournament, which is played biennially among the top countries from qualification within the Caribbean, Central America and North America region.

On March 23, Guyana will face the Central American territory (Belize) in a game that GFF

is hoping to host at the Guyana National Stadium and not at Leonora, the usual stomping ground for the Golden Jaguars, a source close to the GFF told Chronicle Sport, The source explained that at present, the GFF is in talks with the Government of Guyana for the use of the facility and it is hoped that permission is given.

In fact, I believe that it should be given, due to the relevance and magnitude of the game. The National Stadium will allow for more persons to support the Michael Johnson-coached team, since many are of the opinion (myself included) that the Leonora Track and Field Facility is too far for ardent football fans to commute to support, the source conrinued.

Remember 11.11.11 when Guyana faced Trinidad and Tobago? Remember how thousands of fans filled the Guyana National Stadium to cheer the team on? Also, remember the outcome of the game?

For those with short-term memory, Guyana defeated the star-studded ‘Soca Warriors’ 2 – 1 (Ricky Shakes 11’, Leon Cort 81’) to progress to the penultimate round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers in CONCACAF for the first time. Sadly, this article will not mention the happenings of the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign.

GOLDEN JAGS AIMING TO ROAR LIKE THE LADY JAGS While the women’s side, ‘Lady Jags’ graced the Gold Cup in 2010, Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) flagship programme (senior men’s team) have never played at a major CONCACAF tournament, only coming close in 2007 when Guyana fell one goal shy of qualification.

Fast forward to 2017 when CONCACAF, under president Victor Montagliani introduced the Nation’s League, which is a new national team competition platform they had designed to

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

Luckily for Guyana, it was later revealed that the Carlisle United and former Bury FC forward Hallam Hope, who

had scored both goals against Guyana, did not have the proper clearance from FIFA and the English FA to represent Barbados.

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

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

In accordance with Articles 55 and 31 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the BFA lost the match against Guyana

by a score of 3-0.

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

Bermuda (7th) St Kitts and Nevis (9th) and the Dominican Republic are the other teams in the top ten.

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

The Guyana National Stadium is the perfect platform for the game to be played, and, with the way things are going and will be (by March 23), a little ‘social cohesion’ is badly needed and the Guyana vs Belize game at Providence should do the trick.

Bramble steals limelight with second century of the season Page

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‌ Chanderpaul unbeaten on marathon unbeaten 71

Anthony Bramble in all smiles after reaching his third first-class hundred.

Anthony Bramble on the attack. (Adrine Narine photo)

Tagenarine Chanderpaul acknowledges his teammates after reaching his fifty (Adrine Narine photo)

Golden Jaguars vs Belize game should be played at Guyana National Stadium Âť 31

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019