Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-16-2019

WEDNESDAY 16th January, 2019

Ruling by month-end No.105519

… Chief Justice sets strict timelines for hearing of confidence vote case PAGE

… oral 03 arguments for next week

Lawyers, journalists and members of the public congregate outside of the Chief Justice's Court before commencement of the hearing into a litany of cases stemming from the no-confidence motion (Adrian Narine photo)

Stakeholders tackle youth 18 violence PAGE

… Caricom SG says problem demands regional solution

Man being sought for execution of Surinamese 10 rice exporter PAGE

Cattle farmer 16 charged with murder of brothers PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

AG confident about challenge to confidence vote … says timelines set

by CJ reasonable

ATTORNEY General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams said the timeline outlined by the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire for hearing of the cases on the December 21 vote of no-confidence is reasonable.

On Tuesday, the chief justice (ag) laid out timelines for the Compton Reid application challenging the validity of the vote cast by Charrandass Persaud in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018. The same was done for the application filed by the attorney general challenging passage of the no-confidence motion against the government on the basis that the opposition did not secure a majority as required by the constitution.

For both cases, the chief justice (ag) set aside January 18, 2019 for submissions; January 21, 2019 for rebuttals.

The first case, which addresses the issue of dual citizenship, will be heard on January 24, 2019.The other matter will be heard on January 25, 2019. The chief justice also noted that on January 23, 2019, a hearing will be held on a petition filed by political commentator Christopher Ram, who wants the High Court to find that the no-confidence motion was validly passed.

Outside the court chambers at the conclusion of the case management session, the attorney general said based on the timeline, there would be no expiration of time as stated by

Article 106 (7).

Article 106 (7) states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than twothirds 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.”

In his application challenging the passage of the no-confidence motion against the government on the basis that the opposition did not secure a majority as required by the constitution, the attorney general had filed for a conservatory order preserving the status quo ante that the President and all ministers of the government remain in office until the hearing and determination of the questions has also been sought.

However, on Tuesday, the chief justice said that it was necessary to proceed with the conservatory order on the basis that the case in question would be completed by the end of January.

All written submissions and rebuttals are required by January 18 and 21, 2019 respectively, and the oral arguments will be heard on January 25, 2019.

Attorney General Basil Williams who is a part of the government could truncate that term by dissolving or proroguing; but there is no provision by the framers,” he told reporters.

Anil Nandlall, who is representing the interest of the leader of the opposition in all three cases, said he too is satisfied with the timeline given. “I am comfortable. I think all of us should be ready and should be ready before that. I was ready to begin my arguments today,” Nandlall told reporters.

Offering a brief comment after Tuesday’s hearing, Reid, who was present, said he is anxiously awaiting the ruling as he declined to speak extensively with reporters.

“We need to wait on the outcome,” he told reporters, while noting that he filed the application because he is “interested in the nation.”

Attorney Anil Nandlall With the timeline set, Minister Williams said he is ready and confident. “For me I have been working on it. It depends on the leader of the opposition; he said he is not filing anything in Christopher Ram’s matter because he supports it. I obviously support the application by Compton Reid [on dual citizenship], so I will develop my application in relation to the requisite majority which we contend was not obtained in breach of Article 106 (6), and so we will try to manage the timeline basically,” he explained.

Today the attorney general is expected to file an additional application, supplementing the one filed by Compton Reid.

This Application in Defence will address the contents of Article 70 of the constitution, more so the five-year-term. “All we are saying is that Article 70 is an entrenched position in the constitution. You require 2/3 majority to amend it and that article provides for a five-year term, and only the president

The New Amsterdam farmer Compton Reid who is challenging the validity of the no-confidence vote

Ruling by month-end

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

… chief justice sets strict timelines for hearing of confidence vote case

By Svetlana Marshall THE High Court will rule on all matters pertaining to the validity of the no-confidence motion against the government by the end of the month, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire announced on Tuesday as she outlined strict timelines for submissions in the three substantive cases brought before her.

In a courtroom filled with of some of the country’s leading attorneys, public officials and interested parties, the chief justice (ag) underscored the importance of expediting the process, stating that the nation awaits the final outcome. “We are going to push ahead and get these matters heard as quickly as possible.

I am cognisant that the nation is awaiting the outcome,” the chief justice said during the first day of the hearing on Tuesday.

She is hearing three critical constitutional matters that will determine if the nation will go to the polls before 2020. The first is a ‘Fixed Date Application’ in which a New Amsterdam farmer Compton Reid is challenging the validity of the vote by Charrandass Persaud in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018, supporting the motion. The second is another Fixed Date Application filed by Attorney General Basil Williams SC, in which he is challenging the speaker’s ruling that the motion was carried on the basis that the opposition did not secure a majority as required by the constitution; and the third was brought by political commentator Christopher Ram, who wants the High Court to rule that the no-confidence motion was validly passed.

… oral arguments for next week In all three cases, written submissions by the parties involved are required on or before Friday January 18, 2019 and rebuttals by Monday, January 21, 2019.

In the case, Christopher Ram vs The Attorney General, oral submissions will be made before the chief justice (ag) on Wednesday, January 23, 2019 from 14:00hrs; while in the case of Compton Reid vs The Speaker of the National Assembly, former MP Charrandass Persaud and The Attorney General, oral arguments will be heard on Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 09:30hrs.

The final case, the Attorney General vs The Speaker of the National Assembly and the opposition leader would be heard on Friday January 25, 2019 from 13:30hrs.

It is expected that within the six remaining days of January, 2019, the chief justice (ag) will hand down her ruling in all three matters.

DUAL CITIZENSHIP Ahead of laying out the timelines for the various cases, Justice George-Wiltshire heard initial statements and applications from legal counsel in each of the three cases.

In the case of Compton Reid vs The Speaker of the National Assembly, former MP Charrandass Persaud and The Attorney General, Attorney Neil Boston, S.C appeared on behalf of Reid, who was seated in the public gallery, in association with Rex McKay, S.C; Robert Corbin and Stanley Moore.

The first respondent in the matter, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, who

was also present, is being represented by Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan. The second-named respondent, recalled Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud was represented

by Attorneys-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin and Ganesh Hira, while the attorney general represented himself.

Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, through his lead attorney Anil Nandlall, applied and was granted permission to be party to the proceedings following a series of no-objections from the attorneys of the named applicant and respondents.

Before the chief justice (ag) granted her approval, Nandlall explained that Jagdeo being the leader of the opposition is likely to be affected by orders which may be made in the proceedings.

As such, it is important for his client to be represented in the proceedings. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, in his capacity as General Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was also added as a party to the matter. His application was filed

by Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde.

NOT QUALIFIED However, Saphier Husain-Subedar’s application to be a party to the matter as an ‘interested party’ was denied.

Hussein told the court that he had been treating with constitutional cases since 1997 but this was not enough to convince the court to add him as a party.

Reid, through his attorneys, is arguing that Persaud was not qualified for election as a member

of the National Assembly by virtue of his own act and acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience and adherence to a foreign power in contravention of Article 155 (1) (a) of the Constitution of Guyana, and as such, his vote was invalid. Charrandass Persaud, though Guyanese by birth, is a citizen of Canada. Article 155 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana prevents Members of Parliament from having dual citizenship. He has asked the court to issue seven declarations along with the orders, with respect to Persaud’s citizenship and the validity of the motion.

However, Persaud has filed an application asking the court to issue an order that it is without jurisdiction to grant the declarations sought by Reid. Persaud has asked the court to strike out the entire application.

Persaud, through his attorneys, is arguing that the Fixed Date Application is misconceived and without any legal merit. But when the matter came up on Tuesday, the chief justice (ag) questioned Persaud’s attorney on whether the application is proper. At the time, she was trying to ascertain from Datadin whether Counsel Anessa Chow who is also representing the applicant can swear to an affidavit. Datadin responded in the affirmative, but the chief justice stated that Rule 30.01 of the Civil Procedure Rules is clear. Weighing in on the matter, Boston SC cited Rule 30.01 (2) which states that “No Affidavit may be admitted into evidence if sworn or affirmed by the Attorney-at-Law of the party on whose behalf it is to be used or before any agent, partner, employee or associate of that

Attorney-at-Law.” However, the chief justice (ag), while acknowledging and striking out the affidavit, allowed the application on the basis that an issue of law has been raised with respect to the jurisdiction of the court.

CONSERVATORY ORDER Meanwhile, even before the timeline was outlined for the matter, Boston informed the court that he and his associates would not proceed with the conservatory order at this time.

Standing to the floor, the attorney general told the court that in addition to his defence, he would wish to file another application to address issues of law that were omitted in Reid’s application. Saying that it is complementary and substantive, the attorney general noted that Reid’s application did not address Article 70 of the constitution.

That article addresses the issue of the fiveyear term. He has up to today to file the application.

MAJORITY CASE Meanwhile, the Attorney General vs The Speaker of the National Assembly and the opposition leader, the attorney general is asking the court to determine whether the Speaker’s declaration that the no-confidence motion was carried by a majority in the National Assembly is unlawful, null and void on the basis that its contradicts Article 106 (6) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Article 106 (6) of the constitution states: “The Cabinet including the

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

On December 21, 2018, the Speaker had declared that the opposition- sponsored motion was passed after 33 Members of Parliament voted in its favour and 32 against; however, some legal luminaries have since argued that the 33 votes did not constitute an absolute majority as required by the constitution.

The attorney general was also seeking a conservatory order to preserve the status quo ante that the President and all ministers of the government remain in office until the hearing and determination of the questions have also been sought. But the chief justice made it clear that there was no need for the submissions on the conservatory order to be made on the basis that the case would be concluded within days.

The chief justice emphasised that it was important to expedite the process. The speaker, through his Attorney Khan, assured the court that he will abide with the ruling of the chief justice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Brexit bedlam: May’s EU withdrawal deal crushed by 230 votes in parliament LONDON (Reuters) - British lawmakers defeated Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin on Tuesday, triggering political chaos that could lead to a disorderly exit from the EU or even to a reversal of the 2016 decision to leave.

After parliament voted 432-202 against her deal, opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn promptly called a vote of no confidence in May’s government, to be held on Wednesday.

With the clock ticking down to March 29, the date set in law for Brexit, the United Kingdom is now ensnared in

the deepest political crisis in half a century as it grapples with how, or even whether, to exit the European project that it joined in 1973.

“It is clear that the House does not support this deal, but tonight’s vote tells us nothing about what it does support,” May told parliament, moments after the result was announced. “... nothing about how - or even if - it intends to honor the decision the British people took in a referendum parliament decided to hold.”

More than 100 of May’s own Conservative lawmakers both Brexiteers and supporters of EU membership - joined forces to vote down the deal,

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

leading to the worst parliamentary defeat for a government in recent British history.

The humiliating loss, the first British parliamentary defeat of a treaty since 1864, marks the collapse of her twoyear strategy of forging an amicable divorce with close ties to the EU after the March 29 exit.

STILL HOPING May’s spokesman told reporters that May’s deal could still form the basis of an agreement with the EU, but opponents disagreed.

“The withdrawal agreement is now dead,” David Jones, a Conservative pro-Brexit former minister, told Reuters. “The EU will see that it must now offer better terms to the UK. If it does not, we must leave to trade on WTO terms.”

If there was any consolation for May, it was that her internal adversaries appeared ready to fight off the attempt to topple her.

The small Northern Irish DUP party, which props up May’s minority government

and refused to back the deal, said it would still stand behind May in the no-confidence vote.

The pro-Brexit Conservatives who were the most vehement opponents of her deal also said they would support her.

The EU said the Brexit deal remained the best and only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said there would be no further renegotiation of the agreement and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said it would intensify preparations for a no-deal Brexit.

“The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening’s vote,” he said.

Donald Tusk, the chairman of EU leaders, suggested Britain should now consider reversing Brexit. “If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?” he tweeted.

Sterling rallied more than a cent against the dollar, on some expectations that the

- 12:30 hrs

Theresa May addresses parliament after the vote on her Brexit deal. Photograph: Reuters

scale of the defeat might force lawmakers to pursue other options. [GBP/] May said she would reach out to opposition parties to forge a way ahead. But across the British political spectrum, opponents of her deal said it was dead.

“After two years of failed negotiations, the House of Commons has delivered its verdict on her Brexit deal, and that verdict is absolutely decisive,” Corbyn said. “Her governing principle of delay and denial has reached the end of the line.”

AT A CROSSROADS Ever since Britain voted by 52-48 percent to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016, the political class has been debating how to leave the European project forged

by France and Germany after the devastation of World War Two. While the country is divided over EU membership, most agree that the world’s fifth largest economy is at a crossroads and that its choices over Brexit will shape the prosperity of future generations.

Before the vote, May had warned pro-Brexit lawmakers that if her plan was rejected, it was more likely that Britain would not leave the EU at all than that it would leave without a deal.

She has also warned fellow Conservatives not to let the opposition Labour Party seize control of Brexit.

Supporters of EU membership cast Brexit as a gigantic mistake that will undermine the West, smash Britain’s reputation as a stable destination for investment and slowly weaken London’s position as a global capital.

Many opponents of Brexit hope May’s defeat will ultimately lead to another referendum on EU membership, though Brexiteers say that thwarting the will of the 17.4 million who voted for Brexit could radicalize much of the electorate.

Brexit supporters cast leaving as a way to break free from a Union they see as overly bureaucratic and fast falling behind the leading economic powers of the 21st century, the United States and China.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

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$5M emergency upgrade for Rukumuta to Yurong Paru road

SOME 24 miles of road from Rukumuta to Yurong Paru, South Pakaraima, Region Nine, will be upgraded to the tune of $5M. This assurance was given

by Regional Executive Officer (REO), Cark Parker during a community meeting Friday last, when the residents requested urgent repairs to the trail. During the meeting at the community benab, Toshao Shevnarine Cyprian said that the state of the road poses difficulty for the residents to traverse by transportation and foot. Currently, it takes approximately four hours to get to the Sub-District, Karassabai and the costs of goods and services have increased significantly.

Toshao Cyprian explained that once the road is fixed, it will reduce the time to get to Karassabai by one hour, and costs of goods and services reduced to affordable levels. He said that once the finances are made available, the residents will be willing to engage in self-help so that the money can

A section of the road which will be upgraded leading into Yurong Paru

be circulated within the area.

Parker also suggested that a portion of the works be given to the residents of nearby village, Rukumuta. “…So, the monies can be shared between the two villages. You have to decide how you want it to be done. Get your tractor to carry boulders into all the big holes.

You can do twelve miles and the others can do the other 12

miles and can get the work done in a timely manner.”

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock reminded the Village Council of their duty to ensure these issues are brought to the attention of the ministry through their Community Development Officer (CDO) and District Development Officer (DDO). “These things should

have been included in this year’s budget. This road did not get like this today, the Toshao has to make recommendations through the CDO who can make a request on your behalf to the ministry, but you have a good start through the region, and this will bring some relief to you.”

Minister Allicock also urged the council to draft a

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock interacting with a resident of Yurong Paru

letter, send it to the ministry, which will then be forwarded it to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure which has responsibility for the road. In addition, the minister said that the government has a responsibility to ensure the people are comfortable and assured the residents that all efforts will be made to ensure that the road from Karassabai to Yurong

Paru is done.

This year, funds were allocated in the National Budget to rehabilitate roads and bridges in several communities including Warapoka–$1M; Kangaruma–$4M; Kwatamang–$1M to upgrade bridges; and for upgrade of trails, St. Deny’s/Tapakuma–$3M and Surama–$3M. (DPI)

Poverty rate remains stable in Region- ECLAC The overall poverty rate – measured by income – remained stable in 2017 in Latin America, following increases recorded in 2015 and 2016; however, the proportion of persons living in extreme poverty continued to rise, following the trend observed since 2015, according to the report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

In 2017, the number of people living in poverty reached 184 million (30.2% of the population), of whom 62 million live in extreme poverty (10.2% of the population, the highest percentage since 2008), according to the report, Social Panorama of Latin America 2018, presented this Tuesday by Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the United Nations regional organization, at a press conference held in Santiago, Chile.

According to the Commission’s projections, poverty in 2018 decreased to 29.6% of the population, or 182 million people (two million less than in 2017), while extreme poverty remained steady at 10.2%, i.e. 63 million people (one million more than in 2017). “Although the region did make significant progress between the past decade and midway through this one, there have been setbacks since 2015, particularly when it comes to extreme poverty,” warned Alicia Bárcena, calling for complementary public policies of social protection, labor inclusion and income redistribution in light of the challenges ahead.

In an analysis of the countries with the greatest reductions in poverty in the

2012-2017 period, in Chile, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic, the increase in income from wages in lower-income households was the source that contributed the most to that reduction, while in Costa Rica, Panama and Uruguay, the main factor was pensions and transfers received by lower-income households.

“This highlights the importance of providing the population living in poverty with more resources, combining stronger wages with the provision of public transfers and strengthened systems of social protection,” said ECLAC.

Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of ECLAC

Due to the update in 2015 of the methodology used by ECLAC to measure monetary poverty, and later revisions implemented by the organization, the figures included in this edition of the Social Panorama differ from those released in the last report published in December 2017 and previous ones. See explanatory document (in Spanish). The report also emphasizes a notable reduction in income inequality in the region since the beginning of 2000. The simple average of the Gini

Index (where 0 represents no inequity and 1 maximum inequality) for the 18 countries of Latin America fell from 0.543 in 2002 to 0.466 in 2017. However, the rate of reduction slowed in recent years: from 2002-2008, the average annual reduction on the index was 1.3%; for 2008-2014, 0.8%; and for 2014-2017, it was 0.3%. According to the organization, systems of social protection have played an important role in recent years in containing income distribution deterioration.

Despite the context of fiscal adjustments, social spending by central governments is the main component in total public spending (51.4% in 2016), says the Commission. Central government social welfare expenditure in 17 Latin American countries reached a simple average of 11.2% of GDP in 2016, a slight increase compared to 2015 and the highest level recorded since 2000. In per capita terms, average social spending for the countries of Latin America practically doubled between 20022016, reaching 894 dollars.

Nevertheless, this varies greatly among countries and great challenges still exist when it comes to financing social policies in order to meet the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially in countries with the highest levels of poverty and other shortcomings in terms of social development.

In order to advance toward greater levels of participation in the benefits of development and the exercise of rights, progress in terms of social inclusion and labor inclusion of the

population must go hand in hand, underscores ECLAC. On average, around 40% of the employed population of Latin America earns wages below the minimum established per country and that proportion is much higher among women (48.7%) and young people aged 15-24 (55.9%). The figure rises to 60.3% among young women. Universal policies must be implemented that respond to these differences in order to close the gaps in access that affect different groups of the population, and that also take into account both the old and new risk scenarios that will impact society as a whole, says ECLAC. In 2017, participation by women in the labor market continued to be less compared to men, at 50.2% and 74.4% respectively, while unemployment in women for that year was higher (10.4%) than for men (7.6%). More than half of working women (51.8%) are employed in low-productivity sectors, and of those, 82.2% are not affiliated with or drawing from a pension system.

The low participation by women in paid work is in contrast to their high participation in non-paid work within the home: in Latin America, 77% of non-paid work is done by women, according to data from surveys on use of time. “Without adequate public policies to address key issues, such as the promotion of women’s training and employment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), to avoid job insecurity and to promote co-responsibility in care

systems, women could not only lose out on the benefits of future jobs, but also run the risk of perpetuating existing gaps and the existing shortfalls of decent work.” concluded the document.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Teaching youth how to think, not what to think THAT Guyana will need innovative and visionary thinkers in order to be developed is obvious. After all, the world has moved into the ‘era of information and technology;’ the skills required for personal development and national progress are different from those needed during the industrial age, for example.

The fact that the APNU+AFC government is aware of that fact, and, more importantly, is acting on it, is equally obvious. On December 14, 2017, President David Granger charged the graduating class of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to focus their energies on serving and loving their country passionately.

He said, “[you must] provide education that would include curricula designed to reflect the cultural diversities of Guyana and the disciplines that are necessary to prepare students to deal with social issues and to meet the challenges of the modern technological age.”

As the rest of the world refocuses its developmental agendas to meet the new challenges which the informa-

tion and technology age will bring, Guyana too must do the same. More specifically, we must instill in the next generation – our future leaders, innovators, visionaries, and thinkers – the skills necessary to solve problems which they will encounter in the new era. In other words, we must teach them how to think, not what to think, and Guyana’s government is doing just that.

The issue of problem-solving in the new era of technology takes on greater significance when one considers that with the information age will come challenges that require logical and critical thinking skills. Traditionally, critical thinking has been defined as, “The process of actively and skillfully conceptualising, applying, analysing, synthesising, and evaluating information to reach an answer or conclusion.” In other words, “Disciplined thinking that is clear, rational, open-minded, and informed by evidence.”

The idea that the thinking process itself is a skill which can be learned and developed has long been recognised by philosophers and scientists.

The earliest written records of the idea date back to about 400 to 350 BCE, with the writings of Greek philosopher Plato and the teachings of Socrates.

Plato recorded that Socrates established that persons may have power and high positions and yet be deeply confused and irrational. He demonstrated the importance of asking deep questions that probe profoundly into thinking before we accept ideas as worthy of belief. With this in mind, government, in collaboration with local and overseas-based Guyanese has thrown its efforts behind one of the most visionary programmes ever conceived

by Guyanese: the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative.

The project, proposed and initiated in August 2016, by Guyanese including entrepreneur and technology expert Ms. Karen Abrams, her husband Mr. Leon Christian and their teenage children; social sciences, economics, and legal professional Mr. Colin Sawh, among other Guyanese, quickly attracted the full sup-

port of government. Having recognised that Guyanese are entirely capable of conceptualising innovative ideas, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger took the lead in helping to move the project forward.

Karen Abrams said, “After [my children] Ima and Asha expressed their interest in a technology camp in Guyana, I shared the idea with the First Lady Sandra Granger during her 2016 trip to Georgia, USA. She immediately loved the idea, and responded that we should contact her again as we got closer to the camp date. As we approached summer 2016, the First Lady reached out to ask for an update. I was amazed at her enthusiasm and willingness to help; her outreach sealed the deal.”

On the face of it, The STEM initiative encourages elementary and middle-school students to pursue computer science, particularly computer programming, by introducing them to code logic. This in itself is a valuable, proactive, and visionary addition to Guyana’s overall education agenda. But there is more; the programme, by teaching Guy-

ana’s next generation how to think logically and critically to solve problems in the science and technology field is simultaneously giving them the skills needed to be leaders and innovators in the new information and technology era.

Since its inception, the STEM programme continues to grow, expand, and diversify; there are now practical training programmes for physics, chemistry, integrated science and information technology among others. With a core focus on developing practical programming, robotics, and scientific skills, the programme is preparing our youth, in all Guyana’s regions, to lead Guyana into the new era by instilling critical thinking skills.

At the Robotics Camp, which was held at the West Demerara Secondary School in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region # 3) in August 2018, the First Lady explained that the purpose behind her robotics camp is to help the young people of Guyana transition seamlessly into the world of work in the age of technology through exposure to STEM. Mrs.

Granger said, “[Robotics] is the wave of the future. This is where your jobs will be…

The children of Guyana must be on the cusp of this new technology, because they have to share in the progress in this country… The only way they can do that, to a large extent, is through their knowledge of computer science and STEM technology.”

More recently on January 12, the sixth annual STEM conference was hosted by the Volunteer Youth Corps Inc. (VYC) in collaboration with ExxonMobil. The conference saw the participation of over 400 students from Guyana’s high schools.

With numerous companies, corporations, non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, individuals, and others now on board, the STEM initiative proves that Guyanese are perfectly capable of charting their own future if they have a government such as the APNU+AFC coalition that can recognise a good idea and make it grow into something that can transform our country’s future.

Footprints are unmistakably clear

Dear Editor,

CHARANDASS’s treachery against the democratically elected government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, for that is what it really is. We are witnessing the gradual exposure of not only the plateau of the dark deed, but also the solidified roles of principals, whose centrality is so clear that their shameful efforts to cover their tracks con-

tinue to be laid bare, by the very contradictions in each denial made.

It is evident that Peter Ramsaroop, adviser to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had full details of Charandass’s parliamentary intentions, so much so that he was the organiser for the fleeing from Guyana of this shameful Guyanese that had masqueraded as a representative of the people, under the guise of a Member of

Parliament (MP). His pivotal seating position, behind his charge in the National Assembly, and raising his fist in unmistakable glee, at the Judas’ “yes” vote, tells the entire story of his co-treachery.

Despite his waffle, disconcerted and disjointed attempts at explaining his innocence of Charandass’s perfidious deed, there were only more contradictions that ironically made clearer

Ramsaroop’s steps along the path of the Judas trail.

Editor, it stands to reason that Ramsaroop as Jagdeo’s adviser, did inform his boss or that Jagdeo had not been ignorant of the entire scenario, and I will explain why Judas Iscariot is assured of a place in Heaven!

Again, it is without any argument that Jagdeo, had been the mover of an act, disguised in the mould of parliamentary democracy,

but which had in fact been conceived in the greatest national act of political deception in Guyana.

The footprints of Ramsaroop as a co-conspirator becomes even clearer in his further presence, totally illegal, as that of the Canadian diplomat, at the Ogle Airport International in the furtherance of what is now being investigated as a “grave breach of national security.” He is now part,

a central part, of the cause of what is a diplomatic spat between Guyana and one of its traditional friends.

But this is the patently selfish and dangerous ends that the Ramsaroops et al will go to destroy their country. It is a particular point which I and many have underlined in the media.

Regards Earl Hamilton

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Harry Gill’s dangerous letter

Dear Editor

PPP Member of Parliament Harry Gill had a seditious letter published in the Guyana Times on December 31, 2018, titled “Government is now desperate and scared.”

Therein, he accused PNCR executive member Aubrey Norton of clutching at straws when he “accused former AFC Parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud of taking a bribe from Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP.” He then accused me of being an “APNU letter-writer” who started the lie about Charrandass being bribed.

Everyday Gill publishes rambling essays in the press to justify that his intellect qualifies him to be Bharrat Jagdeo’s letter boy. It is therefore ironic that a letter boy would attempt to denigrate my advocacy for democracy, human rights and equal justice under law.

Harry Gill must however note that my advocacy is pursued with intellectual fortitude, expository thinking and analytical depth; attributes from which he is unenviably divorced. Harry Gill is an alleged criminal who is currently being prosecuted in criminal court for assaulting a woman and other crimes. He has no moral turpitude and should be judicious with his personal attacks. He is a dingy man with a sordid character who is plagued with animal foot and mouth disease. Such a Jack the Ripper should therefore know his place.

Harry Gill posited in his letter that “If through some devious means government is able to pull off a judicial coup, this will not be accepted, and will set a dangerous precedent, one that may well lead to instability and civil unrest… “This time na like lang time.” His projection is inescapable. His party, which tried to overthrow the government, is telling the court that if that act is deemed unlawful by the court that will be a “judicial coup?” Contemptuous! Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo made the exact remark two weeks ago. It is a direct threat to the judiciary.

This PPP threat of widespread violence is seditious.

It violates the laws of Guyana, including the Cybercrimes Act, Section18. 01.

PPP sedition must not be tolerated. It was unacceptable to the PPP government and is unacceptable now. I hope Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan has seen this letter and has contingency plans to protect the public; similar to the measures he offered to Charrandass Persaud after his attempted overthrow of the minister’s own government. I also hope the honourable chancellor of the judiciary has given due regard to this threat.

The police commissioner should direct that Harry Gill and Bharrat Jagdeo be interviewed about this threat within the context of the ongoing national security investigation.

In light of the attempted overthrow of his government, I anticipate that His Excellency the President is taking this threat seriously and has engaged the National Security Committee and Defence Board regarding this PPP threat to national security. The Private Sector Commission and other civil society stakeholders, who pretend to be objective brokers, but tacitly support the PPP subversive agenda, must condemn this incitement of violence.

Harry Gill’s effrontery that the potentially criminal no-confidence vote was an expression of the “will of the people” is an assault on democracy that suggests he needs substance abuse treatment. The will of the people is unequivocal. They democratically elected the APNU+AFC coalition government in 2015 for a fiveyear term. Barring a contradictory ruling from the court, the government will serve out its full constitutional five-year term. And, contrary to the PPP’s thinking, the

APNU+AFC coalition has hundreds of thousands of supporters standing ready to safeguard their will as expressed in 2015, and to vote to return it to power if an election is called.

The no-confidence vote was unconstitutional. It is being challenged in court.

Until such time as the court rules, Article 106 (7) of the constitution states that notwithstanding the vote, the government shall remain in office until new elections and a President sworn in.

PPP claims that the coalition government is illegitimate is therefore misleading nonsense.

Notwithstanding the PPP’s unconvincing denials, prima facie evidence establishes that Charrandass Persaud was allegedly bribed for his vote. He allegedly attempted to use U.S.$1,000,000 (one million dollars) to purchase gold for exportation to Canada where he fled. Persaud also committed felony perjury and participated in an alleged conspiracy to overthrow the democratically elected government of Guyana. If Gill feels that Aubrey Norton and I made up the Charrandass bribery scandal, he should go expeditiously to the police and give a statement to that effect under oath and penalty of perjury.

Gill contended that the lawsuit challenging the validity of the December 21, 2018 no-confidence vote cannot help the government, because the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) has already issued a statement supporting the validity of the motion. This is crazy, “crackpot” nonsense. To borrow a phrase from Attorney Ryan Crawford, “Who is the “F-ing” (flipping) Bar Association?” I know Gill has foot and mouth disease, but did not realise that he

was also a benighted buffoon who does not understand that the GBA is not a court of law. The court is the arbiter of justice and interpreter of the laws of Guyana, not the GBA. Moreover, the Bar Council has been infiltrated by a nest of PPP puppets with a nefarious agenda. They have an incestuous, symbiotic relationship with the political opposition that is dangerous. I have consulted with a large number of lawyers in Guyana. They unanimously advised that no meeting of the association was called to discuss a consensus po-

sition on the instant matter.

Consequently, the purported statement from the Bar Association, to which Gill referred, appears to be the personal view of the association’s President and is therefore nugatory.

Harry Gill concluded his letter by stating, “I suspect some in government will want to use this opportunity to hustle as much as possible during the period leading up to new elections.” He’s definitely confused about the government. It was his party’s government ministers that proceeded on a rampage to

snatch up government assets when they were kicked out of office in 2015. Consequently, three former high-ranking PPP officials are currently before the courts charged with theft.

One is charged with allegedly stealing close to one billion dollars. Their avarice is embarrassing to the nation. This is why the irony that emanates from Harry Gill is pathological.

Maybe he should see a vet for a cure of his foot and mouth disease.

Regards Rickford Burke

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Irfaan Ali denies claims of academic misrepresentation Dear Editor I have noted a contrived, concerted campaign to discredit and misrepresent my academic credentials. I have never presented any inaccurate academic achievements.

I will not give credence to such organ-

ised slander to discredit my wide-ranging academic progress by responding to every single element of the mischievous information being peddled and which objective is to undermine my effort to serve as the PPP Presidential Candidate.

Certificates reflecting my diplomas and degrees are already in the public

domain for scrutiny. Further I am awaiting additional official transcripts from institutions I have completed studies which I will have no hesitation in making public too. I will not be deterred nor intimidated.

I have submitted my PhD dissertation for examination on the topic: “De-

sign and Development of an Integrated Land Management Model in Guyana” since September 2018. I am currently awaiting the result of the PhD dissertation evaluation.

Regards Mohamed Irfaan Ali

Democracy is for human good Dear Editor THE father of modern political science, Machiavelli’s proposition of ‘political science is progress towards human good’ has influenced many modern political leaders. Machiavelli’s call to human good

is the true sense of political organisation.

For Machiavelli, politics was for the good of the people. Progress is measured by how good people are. In other words, every political institution has partisan aspects, even though it is democracy. Humans have not

been able to find a best way forward to organise politically. Democracy is the best we have so far. The Latin word ‘Demokratia’, ‘Demos’ means people and ‘kratia’ means power or rule. It is people’s rule or rule by the people and for the people.

Democracy, in parallel with

Machiavelli, suggests that people are the priority. But unfortunately this is not the case in any democracy. For someone to win, someone has to lose. In which case, the latter will be hostile towards the former.

It is the responsibility of elected leaders in

any democracy to uphold the unity and good of the people. Although majority wins, it is crucial for the winner to care for the losers equally for two obvious reasons: firstly, every people have a right to be happy as the citizens of the country and secondly,

every people contribute towards the government.

In these above two reasons, there is no winner and loser, rather bother are equal.

It has to be power of the people.

Jerri Dias Georgetown

PPP, Charrandass and the TT connection Dear Editor,

THE recent historic “yes” vote in the National Assembly by AFC member and APNU+AFC MP Charrandass Persaud sent shock waves throughout the country with a tremendously negative effect on the government and its supporters.

Even before the dust was

settled, information began to emerge of the involvement of wealthy Trinidadian business interests in what was clearly a political conspiracy by Jagdeo, his party and their Trinidadian allies to bring down the elected coalition government.

The validity of the information of foreign interference in our domestic politics

and the accusation that MP Charrandass Persaud was bribed to vote in favour of the opposition will stand or fall at the conclusion of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) current investigation into the matter. This is not the first occasion that the PPP and Trinidad business interests have collaborated to pollute the political atmosphere in

Guyana. It will be recalled that the 1997 election results were tampered with by the involvement of the Depoo brothers, well known T&T IT experts, who, working in consort with the then GECOM IT Manager, was able to successfully manipulate the system to allow for a “resounding PPP victory” at those elections.

It is also widely known that the PPP has also established strong economic relations with powerful interests in Trinidad, which benefited that party when it was in office and is doing so even now when it is in the opposition Guyanese may recall that the first public manifestation of this collaboration emerged when the PPP/C instituted a discriminatory policy in relation to contracts for road construction in the country, post-1992 elections. Trinidadian contractors, some with unproven track records, were overnight, imported into and dominated the sector to the dismay of local contractors.

Lucrative contracts were secretly negotiated in Freedom House, headquarters of the PPP/C. It was argued in that party’s circles that this was necessary because of the deficiency in local capacity.

More importantly, the intention was to build up a core of contractors loyal to the PPP and in the process, develop a collaborative relationship with a set of persons who

would willingly engage in assisting to rape the resources of the country and sharing the spoils with the political rulers.

In pursuit of these objectives the PPP/C, when it believed the occasion required it, encouraged joint ventures between its local syndicates and Trinidadian business interests. This deepened the efforts at creating a new set of contractors and companies, mainly of Indian PPP supporters. Not surprisingly, it worsened ethnic relations in the country while at the same time sharpened the contradictions in the Indian community between the haves and have-nots.

Given the above narrative, it is not too difficult to understand why Trinidadian business interests allied to the PPP/C facilitated the financial aspect of Charrandass’s defection to the PPP and guaranteed his support of the PPP’s no-confidence motion in the National Assembly. It has been rumoured that the Trinidadian businessmen’s renewed interest in Guyana has to do with the decline in the Trinidad oil and gas industry and the pending rise of Guyana as a major oil producer. Having lost ground in their homeland, these business interests are prepared to do whatever they deem possible to ensure the PPP’s return to office, since it will be favourable to them. In

that scenario, an APNU+AFC government is for them an unacceptable alternative.

I wish to point out that in this discourse, we are not dealing with conventional CARICOM relations, but with political machinations, not dissimilar to the doings of the criminal underworld. To our own undoing, Guyanese are politically conditioned to unconditionally support the actions of their respective political parties. In the process, they usually fail to interrogate these actions even within the domestic theatre.

They reflectively assume that whatever their parties do is in their ethnic interest, often overlooking the hidden hands of external forces, whose interests very often hold sway over our own. It is in this context that the Indian supporters of the PPP/C instinctively see Charrandass’s crossing the floor and bringing down the APNU+AFC government as an action in their interest.

But time may prove the short-sightedness of this perception and demonstrate that what is good today, for Jagdeo, the PPP/C leadership, their Trinidadian allies and their business syndicates, may prove to be politically and economically counterproductive to the best interests of the Indian community.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

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GDF alarmed by Newsroom story on elections preparation THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has expressed alarm by a “Newsroom” report dated 15th Jan, 2019, titled, “Army preparing for elections in June,” which suggests that the force is in preparation for National Elections in June.

“The Guyana Defence Force wishes to advise the public that we have not authorised any such release or made any such pronouncements. The Guyana Defence Force is aware that we are not the authority for specifying the date and or time by which elections should be held.”

According to the GDF, any force will always have intelligent anticipation of tasks likely to be undertaken.

These tasks, once identified, are issued to the subordinates as “Warning Orders” alerting them to the nature of the probable tasks and should not be misconstrued to mean

GDF Chief of Staff Patrick West

anything else.

The Guyana Defence Force has always respected the rule of law and due process and, will continue to maintain a professional force which contributes to the development of the nation, the statement ended.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Newborn dies suddenly at LHC THE anticipation of welcoming their newborn into the world was turned into premature goodbyes for Marclene and Colin Allen, following the sudden death of their full-term baby boy at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) on Monday afternoon. While Marclene remains a patient at the LHC, they are seeking answers as to why their baby died mere hours after his heartbeat was recorded as normal.

In relating the ordeal to this newspaper, the distraught Colin Allen said that he believed that the hospital was not examining his wife

enough to ascertain how her labour was progressing. He alleged that after the first vaginal examination, which determined she was three centimetres dilated, no other examination was done. It was not until she was being prepared for a caesarean section that he was told that the baby was breeched. ‘She was good, she had no complications, none at all, they checked the heart rate and I could have heard it, so I don’t understand what went wrong,” he said.

“I am up there five, six times and nobody is coming to me, I need answers,” he said.

While the LHC has

launched an internal investigation into the matter, no definitive cause of death was found. Public Relations Officer (PRO) Toshanna Allicock, said that the hospital will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, but is refuting claims that the mother was not given adequate attention.

She said that Marclene came to the hospital on Sunday afternoon and was observed periodically. She was eight centimetres dilated at her last observation, but initial vaginal and physical examinations did not show that the baby was ‘breeched.’

She said that it showed up

on a previous ultrasound that the baby was in a ‘breech’ position, but there was still adequate time for the baby to turn.

She was immediately rushed to the theatre after realising that the baby was ‘breeched’ and it was during surgery that the foetal heart beat rate started to decrease. Doctors also realised that the fluids were filled with meconium. She said that efforts were made to explain the situation to Mr. Allen and while he was not receptive, the hospital will continue to try to do so. Investigations will also continue into the matter.

Man being sought for execution of Surinamese rice exporter AS police in Guyana probe the execution-style killing of Surinamese businessman, Nitinder Oemrawsingh, whose body was discovered at the Number 63 Beach with a gunshot wound to his

head on Monday afternoon, Divisional Commander Paul Langevine said no stone will be left unturned.

In an invited comment, the commander said his ranks will begin reviewing surveillance footage in and around the area leading towards the beach, looking for clues to aid the investigation. He further noted that they will be sharing intelligence with their Surinamese counterparts and vice versa.

Meanwhile, according to sources, the police are also currently seeking a person whom the mega-Surinamese businessman reportedly stayed with in Guyana at the same time, and checks are also being made at various hotels to ascertain whether the man would have been a guest at one of the entities.

Oemrawsingh, a businessman from Nickerie and who is the exporter of “Nivash Rice”, was recently wanted in connection with one of the largest drug busts in Suriname that netted some 2,344 kilos of cocaine on Tuesday last. According to information, the drugs were found in a shipment of rice

Nitinder Oemrawsingh

that was destined for France via Guadeloupe at Port Jules Sydney in the capital city. Several persons were detained, including Oemrawsingh’s brother. Nitinder was initially questioned and released and has reportedly been missing in Suriname since Friday.

His body bore a single gunshot wound to the forehead and was found face up

on the banks of the beach, by police who were on patrol at around 16:20 hrs. A cellphone believed to belong to the deceased was found next to his head and less than US$400 was found in one of his pockets. He was clad in a blue armless shirt, a pair of black American Eagle track pants and a pair of black Nike sneakers. Police have also confirmed that a spent shell casing was found on the scene. Investigators believe the man was taken to the beach which is less frequented on weekdays and executed.

An uncle of the now dead man travelled from the neighbouring country on Tuesday, and officially identified the body at the Skeldon Hospital mortuary. He reportedly told investigators that they had no idea that Nintinder was in Guyana, and were shocked to have learnt about his demise in such a gruesome manner.

A post-mortem is expected to be conducted soon, before the body can be handed over to the family and Surinamese authorities.

ARRESTS Meanwhile, as the Surinamese law enforcement officials continue their probe into the drug bust, four persons: two clearance officers, a truck driver and a customs officer, were arrested on Tuesday. The customs officer, identified as Dharmindersingh, had reportedly signed off and sealed the container in which the drugs were later found.

The Surinamese authorities are slated to destroy the drugs, which has an estimated street value of over USD$200 million or some G$42 billion dollars.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Witnesses take stand in 2013 WCD murder/robbery trial

Allan Dorsett

Delwayne Croft

Esan Lawrence

SIX men and a woman appeared before Justice Navindra Singh in the Demerara High Court on Tuesday for the start of the Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, robbery/murder trial.

According to the indictment, Allan Dorsett called “Baird”, “Fatman”, “Allen” or “Dada”, Delwayne Croft, Esan Lawrence called “Muscle”, Jermaine Williams called “Yankee”, Andrew Chandler called “Sonic” or “Sowie”, Samuel Bacchus called “Kirk” and Casindra Dorsett called “Cassandra Singh-Dorsett”, allegedly murdered Zulfiker Namdar called “Vickey” during the course or furtherance of a robbery on September 10, 2013 at MetenMeer-Zorg (MMZ), West Coast Demerara.

The State is expected to call 24 witnesses to take the stand.

The State is being represented by Tuanna Hardy in association with Teriq Mohammed and Abigail Gibbs.

In presenting the facts, state prosecutor Tuanna Hardy said that all the accused present in court were a part of a plan to rob the home of Zulfiker Namdar, who was shot and killed on September 10, 2013.

The state called its first witness, Mohamed Zaheer Khan, who testified that he witnessed the post mortem of the deceased and also was present for the burial.

The second witness, Goolzar Namdar, father of the deceased, stated that at their residence at Lot 76 MMZ West, they operated a grocery shop and pointed out the number four ac-

cused, Andrew Chandler, who grew up in the neighbourhood and lived four houses away.

Recalling the incident, the witness told the court that it was around 6pm when his wife, grandson, and driver were in the sitting room watching television and as he was about to prepare for his prayers, he saw a masked man in the house.

He related that the man was tall and had a kerchief tied to his face masking his identity.

Namdar added that he hid in one of the two bedrooms and continued listening until he heard more voices and realised that the robbers had left. He went to find his son, whom he discovered in the shop, laying in a pool of blood.

At the time, he stated that he was unable to see anything that was taking place outside but when he saw his son, he screamed and more neighbours came and they took him to the hospital.

The businessman said they would usually close the shop at 9pm and it was about 8pm when the robbers came to the house.

Namdar added that the place is well illuminated by lights and also from that of the utility pole outside his yard.

The deceased, he said, was a father of two.

In cross examination, defence attorney Ashley Henry asked Namdar whether he was able to recognise any of the men that night and he replied in the negative, since the man he saw was masked.

Third witness, Fazila Namdar, mother of the deceased, told the court that on the night in question, it was just quarter to nine when she was sitting watching television with her grandson and the driver when she heard noises outside and soon after some men appeared in the house.

Namdar said she was beaten in the head by a man and shortly after, she handed over a kit containing passports, money and jewellery.

She stated that the men, three of whom she saw in the house, were all masked and after they had left, she asked the neighbours for her son and saw him lying in a pool of blood in the shop.

The fourth witness, Steven Mohamed, who helped in the shop after school, was shot and injured and was placed to lie on the floor of the shop when gunmen invaded the place on the night in question.

He identified the number four accused as a neighbour, whom he knew and would often visit the shop to make purchases but had not visited the shop in the time leading up to the robbery.

When the robbers struck, Mohamed said he was packing drinks in the freezer and he heard an explosion. He testified that he then saw a man, who asked him for the “boss man” and he told him he did not know.

Mohamed testified that the ordeal lasted for about 15 minutes and he did not see much.

More witnesses are expected to take the stand as the matter continues in the Demerara High Court.

Jermaine Williams

Samuel Bacchus

Andrew Chandler

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Democratic process at work in Guyana-CARICOM SG

SECRETARY-GENERAL of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque says the democratic process is at work in Guyana and urged that the court be allowed to make its ruling in the no confidence vote case.

LaRocque, speaking to members of the media on the sidelines of a youth summit on Monday, was questioned on CARICOM’s position with respect to the confidence motion. “The democratic process is at work in Guyana and we have to allow

the democratic process to work,” LaRocque related. “We have been observing...we have been looking, we have been watching on, but the democratic process is at work.”

LaRocque spoke to members of the media mere hours before the High Court had the first hearing into the matter. “It is my understanding that the courts are beginning to hear arguments….The matter is before the courts and I think we should allow that discussion of that litigation to go through and see what is the outcome,” he said at

Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque speaking to members of the media the time.

However, he also posited: “I am sure the court in its wisdom…will rule appropriately. My concern is that it be done swiftly, that the matter is before the court and let the court act swiftly.”

A few hours after LaRocque’s comments, Guyana’s Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire heard two fixed-date applications which challenged passage of the motion. A petition was also filed that the motion was validly passed. The

chief justice committed to making a ruling in the matter by the end of January. The secretary-general recently met with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and was briefed on government’s plans following the no-confidence vote of December 21 last.

LaRocque also met with Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo and was briefed on the arguments being put forward by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in support of the vote.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Moruca Bridge takes shape … construction expected to be completed by end of first quarter

CONSTRUCTION of the multi-million dollar Moru-

ca Bridge in the North West District is moving

Works being undertaken at the bridge site, at Moruca, on Monday. (Sharon Atkinson photo)

Paul Scotland sentenced to 16 years for manslaughter and wounding A REMORSEFUL Paul Scotland, who pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter and to wounding with intent, was sentenced to 16 years in prison by Justice Navindra Singh, in the High Court on Tuesday.

The judge told Scotland that he took several things into consideration including his early plea, his guilty plea and time served.

Justice Singh told the court that for the second indictment; wounding with intent, he sentenced Scotland to eight years.

The judge told Scotland that “I know you lost your temper and acted badly in the situation but you will re-join society” and at the same time, wishing him good luck.

The accused told the court that he is sorry for what had happened, owing his behaviour to frustration which took the better of him when he arrived home, only to find the mother of his children with another man.

He however, asked the relatives of the deceased for forgiveness and begged the court for mercy in giving him a reasonable sentence so he can return home to his three children.

Scotland also apologised

Sentenced to 16 years: Paul Scotland to the brother of the deceased, Charles Elliot, who was present in the courtroom on Tuesday.

In his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Dexter Todd told the court that he is asking for a minimum sentence in light of time already served.

Todd added that when the incident took place, the accused was in his early 20s and he shared a warm relationship with the deceased for an extended period of time, during which three children were born.

Attorney Todd explained that even though the accused cannot replace the life lost, he wants to be there for his children and to See page 16

apace, and key aspects of the foundation have already been addressed.

Toshao of Santa Rosa, Whanitta Phillips, told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the project was on schedule. According to reports, the engineers on the ground have estimated that the contractor would complete the structure within the first quarter of this year.

Works on the bridge commenced mid-2018, after several small businesses which were erected at the site, over the years, were

relocated by the village council.

The contractor has already laid the concrete foundation for the two–lane bridge and, during the past few days, steel beams have been bolted down on the structure which connects the village of San Jose with the more populated Kumaka.

Cabinet awarded a $119M contract for the project to Ramzanalli Khan Construction.

The landmark structure which was constructed in the 1980s as a wooden pe-

destrian bridge, was upgraded later to facilitate vehicles.

Hinterland Engineer Jeffrey Walcott, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) last September, that a geotechnical investigation for the new bridge was undertaken and, the MPI later completed the final design. The issues of flooding and river traffic which usually affect the residents have been key considerations during the design process.

When completed, the concrete structure is expect-

ed to provide a safer space for vehicles and, more importantly, for children who traverse the area on their way to school.

Residents are already looking forward to the completion of the structure. “It would be nice if we could have a big opening for the bridge, and I hope our President can come for that,” a resident noted in excitement, as she spoke of the developmental outlook the bridge would add to the sub-region.

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Mattresses for needy students

SEVERAL students of the Victoria Primary School who faced economic challenges at home received donations of mattresses, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

The donation was made

by Comfort Sleep, in collaboration with Rawle’s Communication Agency.

The latter had also effect-

ed repairs to the school’s library.

At a simple handing over ceremony of the mattresses, Director of Comfort Sleep, Dennis Charran, told the school’s headmistress, Althea Russell, that he was pleased to be making the contribution. He stated that it would aid in the educational

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

development of the young pupils and urged the head teacher and parents of the pupils to continue to play an important role in each child’s life.

Charran said that there was no excuse for adults and appointed leaders to not play a meaningful role in ensuring that every child receives a Head teacher of Victoria Primary School, Althea Russell receives the donation from Managing Director of Comfort Sleep, Dennis Charran SEVERAL students of the Victoria Primary School who faced economic challenges at home received donations of mattresses, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.The donation was made by Comfort Sleep, in collaboration with Rawle’s Communication Agency.

The latter had also effected repairs to the school’s library.

At a simple handing over ceremony of the mattresses, Director of Comfort Sleep, Dennis Charran, told the school’s headmistress, Althea Russell, that he was pleased to be making the contribution.

He stated that it would aid in the educational development of the young pupils and urged the head teacher and parents of the pupils to continue to play an important role in each child’s life.

Charran said that there was no excuse for adults and appointed leaders to not play a meaningful role in ensuring that every child receives a sound education.

“Too many times persons use economics and hardships as [an] excuse for them not playing their role effectively in their children’s life and I would like to urge you that, irrespective of how difficult things are, your children can continue their education and even excel because they have a reason that motivates them to do well,” Charran said. “In years to come they can look back with satisfaction that they were able to escape the poverty and or hardships that they were faced with.”

The popular business-

man said that giving back, especially to children, was something he would never refuse to do as he believed that providing support to the nation’s children would boost the country’s educational development.

“This company will continue to support projects and programmes in effective ways as we firmly believe that it serves towards further [developing and] enhancing our society,” Charran promised.

The parents of the students were ecstatic with the donation, with several promising to care the mattresses.

One parent referred to the donation as a “God send” stating that; as a single mother, there are many difficulties that she is confronted with daily.

“It’s a long time I was asking myself as to when I would be able to purchase a proper mattress for these kids, but thank God I received one today and I can tell you that it will be the new bed for five of my children because I needed something like this,” she said emotionally.

Meanwhile, the headteacher expressed her appreciation stating that the mattresses will go a far way. She added that she was very thankful for the efforts of the company and other persons who played an important role in securing the donation.

One pupil gearing up to write the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) this year, thanked Charran saying: “We are really happy.

My brothers and I will certainly have a bed that we can sleep upon now.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Cops, Audit Office called in on King

… LGC grants him extension to reply to misconduct charges GEORGETOWN Mayor and City Council (MCC) Town Clerk Royston King appeared before the Local Government Commission (LGC) last Friday, requested, and was granted more time to respond to the charges of misconduct brought against him.

Additionally, the commission has also confirmed that it contacted the other officers against whom disciplinary action was also recommended in the City Hall Commission of Inquiry (CoI) report; those officers are said to have also requested more time.

A two-week extension was subsequently granted by the LGC. King is now expected to return before the LGC on January 25. King and another officer are expected to defend themselves against the charges.

“Mr. King appeared last Friday and he asked for

LGC Chairman, Mortimer Mingo some more time to respond to the charges, which we granted him. Some officers came and asked for more time and we granted them some more days in the interest of natural justice.

After doing the interview, we will take a decision then,” LGC Chairman Mortimer Mingo confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

In the meantime, the LGC is expected to look into other recommendations contained in the report, including the call for a forensic audit and criminal investigations. Mingo confirmed that the Audit Office and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have both

responses before any action is taken.”

The LGC had ordered the CoI into operations of the M&CC last year September, after having received numerous complaints against the municipality, several of which focused directly on the

Town Clerk, Royston King been written to. “We have already done that. They have acknowledged receipt and the [Audit Office] said that they will contact us shortly to work out the details of the audit,” Mingo informed the Chronicle.

The LGC on Monday also issued a press statement addressing the situation. “The Local Government Commission continues to pursue the clearest possible resolution of the several findings and recommendations that have emerged from the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the administration, operation and management of the financial affairs of the mayor and councillors of the City of Georgetown.

The CoI has submitted its report with several recommendations, and the Local Government Commission has deliberated on and taken decisions to ensure that these recommendations are dealt with, whilst ensuring that established good industrial relations principles are adhered to during the conduct of this proceeding,” the statement said.

“At the statutory meeting of the commission on December 20th, 2018, it was decided that in keeping with the rules of natural justice, letters be sent to several officers outlining the findings of the CoI against them, requesting that they respond in writing to these findings and attend meetings organised by the commission to address these responses, whilst being given an opportunity to be heard… the commission will meet with these officers and deliberate on the

actions of King. King was sent on administrative leave from September 21 to facilitate investigations.

The CoI held public hearings from September 24 to November 2, 2018, and a report was submitted on November 30. Justice (ret’d) Cecil Kennard pre-

sided as the chairman and sole commissioner of the CoI. The report contained some 31 recommendations, including the call for a forensic audit, criminal charges and disciplinary action against King, as well as against seven other offi-

cers of City Hall for various infractions ranging from dereliction of duty and incompetence to conspiracy.

It was advised that substantive City Treasurer Ron Mc Calmon proceed on retirement since he is unwell and has been on leave for a long period.

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Cattle farmer charged with murder of brothers

KEERAN Jeenarine called “Romeo” or “Romie” of Bush Lot Village East Berbice, Corentyne, was on Tuesday remanded to prison for the murder of the Samaroo brothers on December 31, 2018.

Jeenarine, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Charlyn Artiga, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court in Black

Bush Polder for the indictable charge of two counts of murder.

He managed to keep a straight face as the charge was read to him, which stated that on December 31st, he murdered Premcharrand Samaroo and Haricharran Samaroo during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Artiga called for the full disclosure of all statements and video recordings, which the police

are claiming, implicated her client. She is contending that there is footage which places her client at a supermarket at the time of the murder and witnesses who can testify to same.

She further called for the matter to be dealt with expeditiously, noting that her client was held beyond the 72 hour period and was making provisions to seek bail at the High Court when he was charged.

Police Prosecutor Orin Joseph, in response, stated that he is new to the case and only received the files in court on the said date and had not enough time to fully examine same. He continued that all indictable matters are referred to the chambers Director of Public Prosecutions for advice before charges are instituted which was the cause for the delay.

Jeenarine was remanded

Keeran Jeenarine at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court and will make his next appearance at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court on 22nd January 2019 before Magistrate, Alex Moore once again. Jeenarine, 18, a cattle farmer, had surrendered himself to police on Thursday last after a wanted bulletin for him and another suspect; Kelvin Shivgobin called “Kelly” of Belvedere, was issued.

Jeenarine reportedly confessed to investigators over the weekend as being the one who hatched the plan to rob an overseas-based Guyanese who was at the home of the Samaroos. He reportedly told the police the plan was never to kill, but only to rob and that the other wanted suspect was the one who is the alleged shooter/killer.

At around 20:15hrs on

the 31st December, 2018, the Samaroo brothers, Jeenarine and Munilall Roberts Kumar, an overseas-based cousin of the Samaroos, were gathered at their mother’s home having a drink to ring in the New Year, when Jeenarine left with another of the Samaroo brothers to purchase beers.

During the period the duo were out, it was reported that the family heard sounds like fireworks coming from the backyard.

Premchand called “Tully”, a labourer and a father of two, accompanied by his older sibling, Haricharran, went to investigate the sound. It was reported that “Tully” came face-to-face with the bandits and was shot at point blank range.

He died instantly. Harricharran was struck by pellets from the blast and was also brutalised. He later succumbed at the Port Mourant Hospital.

The bandits turned their attention to Kumar and dealt him several blows about the body, forcing him to hand over GYD$5000 and US$350.

The men then took 67-year-old Irene Samaroo, mother of the now deceased brothers, to the upper flat of the house where she was forced to hand over a bag containing GYD$70,000.

Paul Scotland sentenced to 16 years ...

From page 13

assist them in understanding what took place so they can move forward.

He stated that while on remand, the accused displayed good behaviour. As such, he asked the court to exercise mercy so the accused can be re-integrated into society.

In response, state prosecutor Abigail Gibbs asked the court for the sentence to reflect on the gravity of the offence committed.

The State presented two indictments against the accused, Paul Scotland, which states that on January 3, 2014, in the county of Demerara, he murdered Monica Adams and on the same day he wounded Charles Elliot.

She related that the accused entered the house through an opened door, ignoring the cousin and brother of the deceased. He dragged her by the hair and stabbed her in front of her brother, Charles Elliot.

Gibbs stated that Elliot intervened by hitting the accused with a shower rod, causing him to chase after him with the knife. Elliot was however stabbed in the chest once but escaped.

The victim, Monica Adams, was picked up and taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post mortem revealed that she died as a result of cerebral trauma to the head compounded by multiple wounds.

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Taxi driver released on bail A 40-year-old station street, Kitty taxi driver, was, on Tuesday, Jan-

Rishi Seepersaud uary 15, 2019, charged for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old female passenger in his motorcar.

19-year-old released on $40,000 bail NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Chris Pollard, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, found himself before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for robbery with violence.

Pollard, of Durban Street, Lodge, is alleged to have, on January 11, 2019, at Croal Street, Georgetown, robbed Ramiz Mohammed

Chris Pollard of $500 cash along with a $16,000 cellphone, with the use of personal violence.

The prosecutor Corporal Sanj Singh, told the court that Pollard was pointed out during an identification parade and was nabbed by public- spirited persons moments after committing the robbery.

Pollard was granted $40,000 bail by Magistrate Daly and was ordered to return to court on February 6, 2019.

In February 2018, Pollard was charged for stealing his father’s firearm.

However, the matter was later dismissed after the man refused to give evidence against his son and opted to give him a second chance.

Rishi Seepersaud appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court where the matter was heard in camera.

Particulars of the charge read that, on September 8, 2018, at McDoom, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in a sexual act with a child under the age of 16. He

pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $100,000 bail. The matter was adjourned until January 28, 2019.

According to reports,

the 11-year-old was a passenger in Seepersaud’s motorcar and was seated in the back seat. It is alleged that Seepersaud stopped the motorcar and touched

the child’s private parts. He then dropped her off at her destination.

The child confided in her mother and the matter was reported to the police.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2018

Stakeholders tackle youth violence …CARICOM SG says problem demands regional solution

By Vishani Ragobeer AMID rising levels of youth violence in the Caribbean, stakeholders are meeting here to strengthen their advocacy and efforts in curbing the scourge and, Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Irwin LaRocque says it is a regional problem that demands a regional solution.

The forum is the Caribbean Summit on Youth Violence Prevention being held at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

The main aim of the summit is to facilitate engagement on the Caribbean Youth Action and Advocacy Agenda on Violence Prevention (AAA) document, which seeks to provide guidelines on curbing youth violence in the region. It is expected that this

Co-chair of the Learning for Youth Networking & Change Sessions (LYNCS), Asha-Gaye Cowell

monwealth Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission, and the Learning for Youth

cent of prosecuted crimes were committed by youth 19 to 29 years old, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s 2012 Caribbean Human Development Report on Citizen Security.

In light of these findings, he reminded that the Caribbean Heads of Government approved the CARICOM Crime and Security Strategy in 2013, which incorporates the CARICOM Social Development and Crime Prevention Action Plan-and was used by LYNCS in drafting the AAA. The secretary-general highlighted that through this, several interventions were made since then through projects and programmes, geared at curbing crime and violence in the region. Here, there was also specific promotion and

Government ministers from a few Caribbean countries, including Guyana’s Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan (third from right)

document will thereafter be considered and actioned by Caribbean governments and policymakers.

On Tuesday, the opening day of the two-day summit, ministers and dignitaries from several Caribbean countries joined a host of stakeholders, including youth, to discuss the way forward on Youth Violence Prevention efforts and reinforce the call to action. The forum, which ends today, has attracted leaders from youth movements, governments, civil society, developmental organisations and academia, to design transformational youth-centered action to combat crime and violence and, address constraints that youth activists face in improving safety outcomes in their communities.

The summit was convened by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Government of Guyana, the CARICOM Secretariat, UNICEF, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Com-

Networking & Change Sessions (LYNCS).

Secretary General LaRocque in his remarks at the summit’s opening, stressed that in tackling youth violence in the Caribbean, young people must be treated as equal partners, since they are mostly affected. “Fora such as these provide an opportunity for our youth to be fully involved in providing solutions to problems that affect them”, the Secretary-General said.

“The engagement of youth at all levels of the decision-making process is critical for the successful outcome of interventions.”

Speaking broadly on crime and violence in the Caribbean, LaRocque related: “Crime and Security is an issue that is having an impact on all our Member States.

It is a regional problem that demands a regional solution.”

He explained further that the Caribbean has some of the highest figures of youth convicted of crime. In fact, 80 per

support for youth-led violence prevention initiatives.

“I am of the firm view, however, that notwithstanding the value of the projects and programmes that are put in place, the core of this battle must be fought in the home.

Families have a vital role to play in turning the tide of this struggle,” he posited. “The first intervention must be in the home. It is there that our youths are first socialised.”

LaRocque was questioned by the young people involved in crafting the event, on how CARICOM will work to curb youth violence. “This work is going to continue. I only wish I had more resources to be able to engage more with the youth in what we do. The only constraint I have is a resource constraint, not one of a will to do so,” LaRocque said, and affirmed that he will advocate alongside the youth.

Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton postulated that governments also have a great

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton (centre); CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque; and Chief of Party from the Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR), Debra Wahlberg

role to play in curbing youth violence.

“Our governments must be committed to the cultivation of an environment that will foster youth participation and inclusion in the development of policies, legislation, strategies and other interventions, aimed at addressing barriers and challenges to the realisation of a peaceful and secure nation,” Norton said.

These programmes must also provide an avenue for youths to work off aggression, relieve stress, pent up frustrations and anger, that they are too often plagued by and experienced while growing up, according to Norton.

“In this regard, the various programmes and services must be aimed at fostering peace and cohesion among our young people, and the nation as a whole, as well as bringing youth-oriented approaches to violence prevention on the front burner,” the minister noted. He highlighted that these pro-

Notwithstanding measures needed to be undertaken by the government, Norton contended that peace-building cannot be a measure undertaken by governments alone.

It is “everybody’s business” and it requires concerted efforts across all stakeholders.

DRAFT DOCUMENT Meanwhile, co-chair of the Learning for Youth Networking & Change Sessions (LYNCS) Asha-Gaye Cowell, shared that this body worked to create this document, which is now in the final draft stage.

“When we first started, we knew we wanted a document [to guide youth violence prevention efforts] but we did not know what we wanted,” she said, speaking exclusively to the Guyana Chronicle. The Jamaican youth explained that the creation of the document was, however, anchored in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s Social Development and Crime Prevention

youth, made by youth.”

Cowell highlighted, that throughout the prerequisite process of engagements to create this document, youth were involved in the discourse. “We are the ones that are affected, and we need to cut it down piece by piece, with peace, and this [document] will allow policymakers, youth and practitioners some guidance and direction on how we can counteract some of the issues we have been facing,” she underscored.

Through the summit, regional representatives will have the opportunity to share their thoughts on how the document can be improved.

Thereafter, it is hoped that it will receive the buy-in of the policymakers of various Caribbean countries.

Co-chair Kurba Marie Questelles also indicated that the forum and document in focus, is all part of multisectoral efforts to create a culture of peace. “As a

A section of the participants of the Caribbean Summit on Youth Violence Prevention

grammes could integrate sport and recreational activities, edutainment and cultural programmes, mentorship and counselling programmes, the creation of more youth-friendly spaces across the countries and practical and life skills training.

Action Plan.

“After we compiled everything we have from the various methods of consultations, back and forth- back and forth, we condensed those into the document which we have now,” Cowell said. “It is for policymakers and it is for

society, we usually focus on reactionary mechanisms instead of preventative ones,” Questelles said. According to her, the time is now for an enabling environment and for positive youth development and crime and violence prevention is needed.

19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

M&CC clears city yard of five metres of garbage THE Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) Solid Waste Management Department was able to clear some five metres of six-feethigh garbage on Tuesday from the yard of a woman who, it has been alleged, is mentally unstable.

Director of the Solid Waste Management Department Mr Walter Narine, informed the Guyana Chronicle that his department had been monitoring developments for some time. “We received this report about two years ago that there was a particular resident of unsound mind that was hauling garbage and storing it in her yard. We

about the situation.

King told the newspaper that his sister had been living at the location for over five years, but was recently transferred to the National Psychiatric Hospital in Berbice by a relative.

“She was always violent.

If you try to tell her stop carrying rubbish she would get a cutlass and try to chop you. She damaged me several times, so I don’t take any chances,” King said.

King was of the view that his 42-year-old sister, who previously worked as a security guard, became mentally ill due to superstitious tampering by a jealous lover

BEFORE and AFTER photographs of his department’s clean-up activities.

Narine pointed out that several persons had begun to contact him, via facebook, about locations where garbage was in abundance and appeared dangerous and unsightly.

“I’m very happy that we’re using social media to get information from residents because remember, at the council, we can’t see everything. So that’s why we opened up the door for them to give us information,” he stated. “Right now a resident saw [our most recent post] and indicated that in Middle

to nights when the fuel contracts and you use less,” he explained.

Narine added that “This is something I’m thinking about because we still have to talk to the residents; we still have to talk to the Ministry of Communities which is managing the landfill because we’ll have to get the landfill open at nights, so it’s something in the pipeline.”

Director Narine also told this newspaper that the council would soon be pushing for waste-separation measures to be adopted by Georgetown residents, whereby valuable items can be converted for monetary profit. He said that as he reminded that the city alone generates around 180 to 210 tonnes of garbage daily.

“It is something that we have to look at seriously to have waste separation at household levels, where each household will have a requisite amount of bins and they’ll put the right garbage into the bins and you can collect that and take it to the recycling centre,” he said, adding that the government is now planning to ban single-use plastic items such as plastic bags.

CHANGE THE CULTURE As the department continues its work, Narine said that he was happy to observe that some illegal dump sites cleared by M&CC, since in

Mayor and City Council (M&CC) Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine

upheld by the present council. In the meantime, he wants to see persons work to change their behaviours even as he noted that volunteers will soon be given the opportunity to come on board.

Narine said: “We’re open to anybody to come and help us, honestly. That’s why we’ve tried to start up some volunteer work and it will roll out more when the Mayor settles in. We need to bridge the divide; we want

Added to this, the department hopes that the same spirit can catch on in other out-of-town areas.

The department’s team also aimed to remove a tree which was cut down and abandoned on the parapet on David Street while dump sites in Blygezigth, on the East Coast, and Cane View Avenue in South Ruimveldt Gardens were next on the list.

“I would like to ask everybody to stop littering,”

The mound of garbage after a truckload had already been removed

would have made attempts to come and clear it, but she wasn’t allowing us. She was putting up some resistance and throwing debris at us,” Narine recounted. “But, as recently as yesterday, we learnt that she got help and they took her to get some help for her ailment and that is why this morning we moved in to clear the yard.”

Garbage of wide variety, but especially bottles and plastic bags, were heaped up against the western fence of the lot which accommodated a dilapidated flat house.

Narine said that while it was not the policy of M&CC to enter the premises of persons for garbage removal, the location was an “eyesore, an environmental risk and a fire risk” to residents close by.

Brother of the mentally ill woman, Linden King, who is also the caretaker of the land, was seen at the site assisting in the clean-up efforts and had even in the past interacted with the City Council

of her former fiancé.

Noting that huge rats and centipedes would frequent the area, King expressed satisfaction with the clean-up, stating: “I feel really happy and joyful because the neighbours used to fret.”

A neighbour closest to the home told the newspaper that he was aware that the former resident was mentally ill and he was pleased with the council’s work to remove the mountain of garbage.

SIGNIFICANT MILESTONES According to information received, the Solid Waste Management Department, during the last few weeks, cleared 28 illegal dumping sites across the city, including the ‘pile-up’ on Water Street.

The team of garbage contractors would usually address ‘clean-up’ activities when their work-load was light. Director Narine, would, from time to time, resort to Facebook to present

Road, La Penitence there’s a similar yard with a similar situation of an unsound guy who is hauling garbage and storing it.”

Narine has had many ideas which he had begun to share with the previous council. Ideas would be shared with the present management of Georgertown under Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine.

One of Director Narine’s ideas was the collection of garbage at night which he highlighted was done in other Caribbean countries such as St. Vincent and proved to be much more efficient.

“Collection at nights is easier [considering] environmental problems and congestion. If you know you’re going up the East Bank and you’re stuck in traffic with two or three garbage trucks, it’s really horrendous because of the smell and then, in terms of the vehicle, it would be easier because the sun will expand the fuel and you’ll use more as compared

Brother of the mentally ill woman, Linden King, tells of the challenges he faced with his sister

2014, had remained clean.

Narine acknowledged that the littering mentality of Guyanese remained a feat to contend with. He hoped that the laws regarding fines for littering which, were approved by the previous council, would be rolled out and

to incorporate the citizens of Georgetown with Council to share one vision and then we can take the city one way. If we can get that partnership, I think we have a very good way to go and we’ll have a clean city to look forward to.”

Narine said firmly, urging: “If you do have excess garbage call the municipality. I prefer that we come to your site and we move it rather than you throwing it out on the road. It is free of cost; call us and we’ll come and remove it.”

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Norton encourages maximum participation for Mash

AS Guyana welcomes the celebration of the 49th year of gaining republican status, under the theme ‘Celebrate Mash 49 with victory in mind; rediscovering Eldorado’, the Ministry of Social Cohesion reminded citizens of the importance of the commemoration and the plans for 2019.

At a press briefing on Monday morning, Mashramani Coordinator Andrew Tyndall said that the ministry has planned a total of 39 activities on the calendar of events, which will be carried out in a span of six weeks; from January 12th to March 9th.

With a budget exceeding 70 million, the ministry hopes for much participation from the people and the private sector. “For Mash 2019 we are looking to improve on what we would have done in 2018, and as you would know, we would have started rebranding the Mashramani festival and a major part of that was taking some of the national events, out

into the regions,” Tyndall said.

He highlighted the success thus far, as they have already kick-started with the list of events which includes an ‘all-stars’ concert in Mabaruma. According to Tyndall, the concert saw the attendance of 1500-2000 persons and that is being looked forward to at the other activities across the regions.

He shared that the ministry, this year, has added pop-up concerts to the list of activities as we go through the season.

“This is a new addition and a way of sensitising the general public of what is happening, but it also provides a platform for artistes to promote their music. We found over the years that, that has been a challenge for the artistes, so we feel we needed to do more to address that,” Tyndall said.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton spoke about the improvements made over the years and urged

From left: Director of Culture Tamika Boatswain; Minister of Social Cohesion Culture, youth and Sport, Dr George Norton; Mash Coordinator Andrew Tyndall and Public Relations Coordinator Michelle Braithwaite that persons embrace the true meaning of Mashramani. “This year we are striving for our celebration to be much more organised, much more structured, and to engage all the administrative regions in the national activities. It brought me such pleasure to see the people in Mabaruma this weekend, how involved they were at the show that was held and how they embraced our local celebration. It was so great that the people in Port Kaituma are asking when we are coming to their sub-region,” minister said.

In relation to Mashramani being a dying cultural activity, given the recent adoption of other cultures in Guyana, the minister said that the ministry cannot stop persons from adopting other countries’ concepts, but the onus is on the citizens to preserve and embrace what is ours. On that note, Tyndall pointed out that what is different with Mashramani and other similar activities, is that Mashramani is a celebration of our culture, whereas most of the other activities are party-driven.

“The onus is not just on the Ministry

of Cohesion to ensure that Mashramani remains relevant, the onus is on every Guyanese. It will be relevant as much as we want it to be. It’s our festival and even if we look out and adapt[sic] what is happening outside, we also have to realise that role in preserving what is ours, celebrate something that is uniquely Guyanese amidst all the things that are being introduced to society,” he posited.

When asked about the ministry’s method of ensuring modesty with costumes, Tyndall said that the judging sheet speaks to what the ministry would like to see, but at the same time they do not want to restrict creativity.

However, designers are asked to keep in mind that it is a family event and children will be out there so designs should be moderate.

“We have to also remember that the festival has to evolve. You can’t expect to see costumes in 2019 looking like costumes in 1970 when it first started; but it must evolve and take all the other things into consideration,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

LTI dorms to accommodate students residing in far-flung communities

STUDENTS who are technologically inclined and wish to pursue studies at the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) will now have a better chance of doing so, with the construction of a state-of-the-art housing complex, in proximity to the institution’s campus.

Construction of the complex, a multi-million dollar capital project under the Ministry of Education, commenced in September, 2018.

The contract was awarded to Compustruct Engineering.

The complex will consist of four dormitories, a study hall and an administrative building. The first phase of the project, which entailed much sand-filling because the site was previously a swamp, is nearing completion.

Principal of the LTI Shurla Brotherson noted at the recently- held LTI graduation, that she was optimistic of the avenues the dormitories would open for students residing in far- flung areas, such as Rockstone, Kwakwani, Ituni, Riversview and the riverain communities in the Upper Demerara and Berbice Rivers.

With the LTI being the premier institute of technical and vocational education and

training (TVET) in Region 10, it will not only benefit students in Linden, but the entire Upper Demerara, Upper Berbice Region. These students would after training, be able to return to their communities and engage in beneficial employment, utilising their newly acquired skills.

While students in Linden have hopes of being employed at Bosai Minerals Incorporated, which is located directly in the mining town, students residing in Kwakwani, Ituni and the Riverain communities of the Upper Berbice River can gain employment at the Russian Bauxite Company (RUSAL).

The Linden Technical Institute has been in existence for over 60 years, and has been providing technical and vocational education and training programmes such as: Diploma in Computer Science, Diploma in Administrative Principles and Practices, Ordinary Diploma in Commerce, Craft Certificate in Carpentry and Joinery, Craft Certificate in Electrical Installation, Craft Certificate in Radio Electronic Servicing, Technical Certificate in Mechanical Fitting, Craft Certificate in Metal Machining. LTI also offers part-time

Region 10 RDC upgraded 20 roads in Linden last year THE Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Regional Democratic Council (RDC) successfully upgraded 20 community access roads in 2018 and is ready to commence capital projects in 2019, with high optimism that the allocation for public infrastructure will be wisely utilised and in a timely manner.

Some of the roads that were completed include Amelia’s Ward Main Street, Speightland access road, River Side Drive and Toucan Drive amongst others. Regional Executive Officer (REO) Orrin Gordon noted that out of $460 M allocated in 2018 for capital works, $397 M was spent. In total, there were over 70 projects that were undertaken in 2018. The remaining monies were to be used for construction of the first phases of the Bamia Nursery and Primary Schools, as well as a state-of-the art RDC building. There were some unavoidable hiccups such as the slothful tendering process, as well as the identification of a suitable plot of land that did not see these two projects being rolled out in 2018. Gordon, however, is optimistic that they will be constructed in 2019. In this regard, the funds had to be pulled back and reallocated for other projects.

He however expressed concern that the national tendering process is slower than the regional tendering See page 24

courses in Effective Management Skills and Occupational Health and Safety.

In 2018, the institution commenced the delivery of Competency- Based Education and Training, which is the new model of the assessment process that is monitored by the Council for Technical Vocational, Education and Training (TVET).

A recent graduating class of the Linden Technical Institute

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Diamond Drug Bond 96% complete

PROJECT Manager of R. Bassoo and Sons construction company, Heidi Gillette, informed the newspaper, on Tuesday, January 15, 2019, that the expansion of the Supplies Chain Management Complex, often referred to as the Diamond Drug Bond, is 96 per cent complete and is expected to be handed over to the Ministry of Public Health by the

The expansion to the Diamond Bond end of January 2019.

“We’re fairly around 96 per cent completed.

All the walls, floors, the roof and air conditioning have been installed.

The only thing we have remaining is testing and making certain that the ACs and electricals are functioning but all the other works are finished.

We’re going to be testing to make certain that the required flow of air and coldness is being given out by the air conditioners,” she said, adding: “It will be handed over before the end of the month.”

In a previous interview with the Department of Public Information, (DPI) Gillette had stated that the extension boasts a strip foundation; reinforced concrete floors; hollow block walls; metal sheeting for cladding as well as a special finish to the floors to prevent dusting, as the pharmaceuticals were being stored.

During the construction phase, the project manager said that rela-

tions were well with those occupying the other section of the building.

“We’ve worked well with the people occupying the building. They have been very co-operative with us, that’s the reason we were able to complete it, because we had to share some space but they worked with us,” she said.

The expansion’s dimension is 123 feet x 40 feet and will allow for the storage of additional drugs and medical supplies by the ministry.

The need for such arose in 2016 when the controversial renting of other bonds – costing the ministry millions – was brought to the fore.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence had then promised, and kept her word, that the renting of those locations would cease.

Also under construction, and expected to be completed soon, is the $250M Kingston Bond which was last reported as 65 per cent complete in September, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Works moving apace on Rose Hall agro-processing centre As the building’s construction is being finalised, the NGO is awaiting additional agro-processing equipment from overseas.

The equipment is being supplied by Food For The Poor.

The construction of the building began in August, 2018 and its contractors are working towards a grand commissioning by March, 2019.

By Lisa Hamilton HUNDREDS of youths and farmers in East Berbice-Corentyne are set to benefit from agro-processing training this year, with the construction of a Japanese-funded agro-processing centre by the St. Francis Community Developers.

In 2018, the Non-Government Organisation (NGO), among two others, received grants totalling US$270,510 for major Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) though the Government of Japan.

President of St. Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster, told the Guyana Chronicle that the building, located at Chandisingh Avenue in Rose Hall Town, is now over 70 per cent complete with final works being addressed.

In explaining the need for such a centre, Foster said that agriculture in the region was given a boost when the NGO teamed up with Food For The Poor (FFTP); the Ministry of Social Protection, community groups and residents in 2018, to establish several greenhouses across the region.

Added to this, equipment such as tillers, water pumps and other farming tools were also distributed to several farming groups located as far as Orealla and DeVelt in the Berbice River.

“Agriculture in the region has been given a ‘shot in the arm’ and because of that, St. Francis sees it fit to add value to the produce that sometimes goes to waste or are sold very cheap,” Foster said. “The establishment is to ensure that we have value-added products and training can be offered so that farmers can be able to make their own products in the event of [a] surplus.”

St. Francis Community Developers is located in Rose Hall Town, Berbice, within a 10 acre complex that also houses a training hall, conference room, resource centre, guest house and dormitory.

The complex provides social services; welfare and relief; counselling; assistance to students, youths, women and persons with disabilities; skills trade teaching; legal aid service and more.

Considering the NGO’s reach, Foster added: “Because St. Francis was instrumental in establishing 12 pre and play schools across the region, we have the reality where over 600 play schoolers go to a safe environment on a daily basis. Because of

President of St. Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster that we have a steady target group that we can produce baby food, such as the grinded barley and other produce to make baby-friendly food.”

The organisation is not short of ideas as, in 2018, along with FFTP, it aided in the establishment of over 100 housing units for poor families, the members of which are expected to be targeted for agro-processing training.

“Those families that are living in the houses, some of them are unemployed, so we’ll be targeting them so that they can be able to receive a much-needed skill that they can utilise to supplement their family’s sources of income,” he said.

Foster told the newspaper that the challenge the NGO may face is not one regarding publicity, but rather how it will handle the number of persons who may show interest.

Regarding the trainers who will seek to meet this need, he assured: “Our people are trained; that was the basis we used to attract the funding from the Japanese and Food For the Poor, because we were able to prove to them that we are not just talking about agro-processing, this is something that we have been involved in over a long period of time.”

He added that the facility will be made available to any resident or business person interested in lending their expertise.

“One of the major problems that people have is not being able to have their produce marketed at the supermarkets and at established centres because they are not able to satisfy all the government requirements, mainly because they don’t know how. So, our building is not only going to be used for training but it will be used to help farmers and businessmen to see what are the necessary requirements and the minimum standards for a proper commercial facility,” he said.

The agro-processing building under construction

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

City vendors return to decrepit Stabroek Wharf … M&CC condemns action, warns of dangers THE Georgetown City Council has expressed disappointment that some vendors have returned to the Stabroek Market Wharf to ply their trade despite the fact that a ban has been imposed During the month of August 2018, the council

had declared the area unfit for human habitation. An inspection by the City Engineers Department suggested that the vendors should not be allowed to operate in this area.

The council held several consultations with the vendors and relocation to

Russell Square was collectively decided. According to a press release, it was in keeping with the vision of His Excellency, President David Granger, that every vendor should be properly accommodated. Further, a portion of the wharf was gutted by fire in November 2018 and this had contributed to further deterioration of the age-old facility. The council invited the vendors to sign a Memorandum

The dilapidated Stabroek Wharf of Understanding (MoU), which stated among other things: the stallholders will construct their own stalls, in accordance with the specifications approved by the council; the council will be responsible for providing orderliness, bins and security lights; the stallholders will be responsible for installing and paying for their own electrical lights in their stall: a grace period of six weeks will be given after the completion of each stall; all stalls are to be constructed within six weeks of signing of the agreement; the rental of spaces for each stall will be a monthly rent of $6,800

and the rights of the stallholders and the conditions of rental must be expressed in writing.

“The Council wants to reiterate that the Stabroek Market Wharf in its current state is a health hazard and poses serious threat to life and limb. The Council is warning citizens not to conduct business in this area and vendors should not occupy this area to do business.

Therefore, should an accident occur the Council cannot be held liable or culpable for the loss of life and limb,” the City Hall notice stated.

Region 10 RDC upgraded ...

from page 21

process which was mostly used for completion of the 20 roads. He revealed that consultancy bids for the nursery school have been completed, but bids for the primary school are under way.

Two roads, Stanley and Ball Field Road on the Wismar shore, have not been completed. He is hoping that in 2019, the regional tendering process will be utilised,

The Amelia’s Ward main street that was constructed in 2018 so that the $3.9 B budgetary allocation, will benefit residents of the region. “It is shown that when we do our regional tender, we get our work done,” he said. Some of the communities that will benefit from access roads in 2019 are Wisroc, Block 22, Kara Kara, Silver City and Christianburg. A total of $10.8 M will also be used to construct a bridge at Kara Kara. In 2019, there will also be upgrading of drainage systems, including structures at One Mile Extension Area and Silverballi.

In addition to the two schools at Bamia, the education sector in the region will also see the recreational areas constructed at Children’s Garden, Kwakwani Waterfront and Wiruni Nursery Schools to make them more child-friendly. Water systems at LICHAS and Watooka Day Primary schools and incinerators at Kwakwani and Amelia’s Ward student hostels will also be constructed.

A total of $348M out of the $3.9 B, has been allocated for infrastructural development.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Bravo set to rejoin Windies Test team after two years

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Darren Bravo’s 27-month exile from Test cricket finally ended yesterday, when he was named in a 13-man squad to face England in the opening Test of the three-Test series at Kensington Oval next week.

The left-hander is one of several changes to the squad which suffered an embarrassing

whitewash in Bangladesh last November, with Windies A batsman Shamarh Brooks and John Campbell called up for the first time, and fast bowler Alzarri Joseph returning following injury.

Batsmen Kieran Powell and Sunil Ambris, along with leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, have all been axed, while regular captain Jason Holder

returns to lead the squad after missing the tour of Bangladesh through injury.

The selection of the 29-yearold Bravo brings to an end a bitter saga which had dragged on ever since he was sent home in November, 2016 for an ill-advised rant aimed at Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron, and which led to an

acrimonious stand-off with the regional board.

And even though the board announced an end to the impasse in July, 2017 and indicated the Trinidadian was “available with immediate effect to play in all forms of cricket”, he did not appear in a single representative West Indies team until he was chosen last

October for the Twenty20 tour of India and the subsequent limited overs series in Bangladesh last month.

“With the return of Darren Bravo, who will add value to a batting department, we expect to see marked improvement,” chief selector Courtney Browne said.

However, Bravo enters the England series with only a single first class match under his belt since his last Test, after mainly plying his trade in the Twenty20 leagues across the globe.

Playing for his native Trinidad and Tobago Red Force last week against Jamaica Scorpions in Kingston, he had modest returns of 17 and 38.

Brooks, meanwhile, has gained the confidence of selectors after many years of promise but his selection comes at 30 and with him struggling so far in the first class championship, averaging a paltry 18 from six innings.

However, he excelled in the 2017-18 first class season, scoring 632 runs for Barbados Pride at an average of 48. The 25-year-old also topped the aggregates on the Windies A tour of England last summer, hitting an unbeaten hundred in the opening four-day Test against India A. Campbell, too, had a productive last season for Scorpions, gathering 603 runs at an average of 43, before also averaging 37 for Windies A in the two four-day Tests against the Indians.

This season, he opened with a half-century against Barbados but has managed only 40 runs in three innings since.

The 22-year-old Joseph, meanwhile, has also found his way back into the squad after playing his last Test 18 months ago but there seems to be lingering concern over his fitness, with 21-year-old speedster Oshane Thomas called up as cover.

He appeared to make a full recovery from a back injury when he was picked for a tour match against Bangladesh last June, and when he subsequently played two one-dayers the following month.

But after being selected for the two-Test tour of India last September, he was suddenly replaced by Sherman Lewis, with CWI saying only that he needed “to continue his rehabilitation to full fitness for international competitions”.

Joseph has, however, bowled superbly in three matches of the first class season, grabbing 15 wickets for Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

“Young, exciting, fast bowler Alzarri Joseph, who was sidelined by injury, returns to the squad and Shamarh Brooks has been elevated for his solid firstclass performances over the last three years,” Browne explained.

“John Campbell the incumbent ‘A’ team opener, who has played first class cricket for a number of years will open the batting after a good first-class season in 2018.”

Both Campbell and Joseph are turning out for the President’s XI in the first of two backto-back two-day tour matches against England at the 3W’s Oval, UWI Cave Hill which started yesterday.

There was disappointment, however, for left-handed opener Chandrapaul Hemraj who was overlooked despite his 623 runs last season and a scintillating 144 against Barbados in the third round of the first class championship two weeks ago.

The first Test bowls off January 23, with matches also carded for the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium in Antigua from January 31 to February 4, and at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground from February 9-13.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Shannon Gabriel Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Jomel Warrican.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

33

Kohli smashes 39th ODI ton as India level series

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Virat Kohli smashed his 39th one-day international century as India claimed a dramatic six-wicket victory over Australia at a sweltering Adelaide Oval yesterday to level up the three-match series at 1-1.

Skipper Kohli contributed 104 of his side’s runs as they successfully chased down their victory target of 299 for the loss of four wickets to send the series into a decider on Friday at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, clearly suffering in the heat, smashed a huge six to bring the scores level and reach his half-century before scoring the winning run with four balls to spare.

“Very pleased,” Kohli said afterwards. “It was a really tough day. M.S. in the end was tired as well. We need a good

day’s rest, a good day’s travel and then we’ll recuperate and get ready for the MCG.” Shaun Marsh had earlier scored a sparkling 131, his second century in three outings in the format, to drive the hosts to 298 for nine in their 50 overs in the heat of the afternoon when temperatures soared well above the 40 degree Celsius mark.

Kohli took over under the lights on what remained a muggy evening and took his century off 108 balls, pumping his first towards the dressing room after taking two runs to square leg to reach the milestone.

In all, he hit five fours and two sixes in his 112-ball innings but left disappointed after smacking a Jhye Richardson delivery straight to Glenn Maxwell on the deep midwicket boundary in the 44th over.

Dhoni (55 not out) had

played within himself as he kept Kohli company in a partnership of 82 but hit a six for his first boundary soon after his captain departed and added 57 with Dinesh Karthik (25 not out) to get the tourists over the line.

“I think we hung on really well,” said Australia captain Aaron Finch. “But when you come up against a side that’s in form like India ... you know you

Shaun Marsh was particularly strong off the back foot in his knock of 131.

(Getty Images)

Virat Kohli, however, got going with crisp flicks and led India’s chase with his 39th ODI century. ©

Aurora Knightriders defeat Mashabo Tigers to win Community Cup AURORA Knightriders registered a 60-run win over the Mashabo Tigers to claim the Community Cup. The two Essequibo teams battled at the Mashabo Cricket ground last Sunday in a Twenty20 cricket contest organised by the host team.

Led by Ravi Beharry with the bat and Reshad Ally with the ball, the visitors were able to wrest control of the game in front of a packed and colourful crowd, which included the village captain and other community leaders.

The Knightriders won the toss and batted first. Led by Beharry with 73, Dellon De Costa with an aggressive 44 (2x4, 5x6) and skipper Timur Gafoor with 38, the visitors were able to score 187-4 from their allotted overs.

The consistent Beharry and Gafoor put together a solid 90-run second-wicket partnership, while De Costa and G. Ramdhanie (18) chalked up a quick-fire 56.

Orlando Abrams claimed 2-38, while Melvern Adams

have to keep taking wickets and when the old pro Dhoni is there at the end it’s tough.”

Finch won the toss for the second successive match but that was as far as his luck went and he departed for six as he did on Saturday when the hosts won the series opener in Sydney by 34 runs.

The hosts have made a habit of making starts in recent matches and Usman Khawaja had put

and Trenton Daniels finished with a wicket each.

The home team got off to a positive start of 28, before Ally with his off-spin bowling removed both openers in the 5th over.

The Tigers did play a few

shots, but Ally claimed three more wickets and Beharry a pair, to restrict the Mashabo cricketers for 128 in 17.3 overs.

Eventual Man-of-theMatch Ally claimed 5-19, Beharry 2-32 and Gafoor 2-20.

Ravi Beharry (left) led the batting with 73 runs while Reshad Ally finished with a five-wicket haul.

21 runs on the board before being brilliantly run-out by a direct hit from Ravindra Jadeja at cover-point.

Marsh and Glenn Maxwell put on 94 runs off 66 balls for the sixth wicket to accelerate the scoring in a partnership that took the top order batsman to his seventh ODI century.

Maxwell blasted 48 off 37

balls before he holed out to Karthik at long off the bowling of seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished with figures of 4-45.

That triggered an Australia collapse with Marsh lasting only two more balls before becoming Kumar’s third victim and the home side able to add only three more runs at a cost of four wickets.

SCOREBOARD

AUSTRALIA 1st innings Alex Carey c Shikhar Dhawan b Mohammed Shami 18 Aaron Finch b Bhuvneshwar Kumar

6 Usman Khawaja run-out Ravindra Jadeja

21 Shaun Marsh c Ravindra Jadeja b Bhuvneshwar Kumar 31 Peter Handscomb stp. MS Dhoni b Ravindra Jadeja 20 Marcus Stoinis c MS Dhoni b Mohammed Shami 29 Glenn Maxwell c Dinesh Karthik b Bhuvneshwar Kumar 48 Jhye Richardson c Shikhar Dhawan b Mohammed Shami 2 Nathan Lyon not out

12 Peter Siddle c Virat Kohli b Bhuvneshwar Kumar

0 Jason Behrendorff not out

1 Extras: (lb-4, w-6)

10 Total: (50.0 overs)

298 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-26, 3-82, 4-134, 5-189 6-283, 7-283, 8-286, 9-286.

Bowling: Bhuvneshwar Kumar 10-0-45-4 (w-2), Mohammed Shami 10-0-58-3, Mohammed Siraj 10-0-76-0 (w-3), Kuldeep Yadav 10-0-66-0, Ravindra Jadeja 10-1-49-1 (w-1).

INDIA 1st innings Rohit Sharma c Peter Handscomb b Marcus Stoinis 43 Shikhar Dhawan c Usman Khawaja b Jason Behrendorff 32 Virat Kohli c Glenn Maxwell b Jhye Richardson

104 Ambati Rayudu c Marcus Stoinis b Glenn Maxwell 24 MS Dhoni not out 55 Dinesh Karthik not out

25 Extras: (lb-9, w-7)

16 Total: (four wkts, 49.2 overs)

299 Fall of wickets: 1-47, 2-101, 3-160, 4-242.

Bowling: Jason Behrendorff 8.2-1-52-1, Jhye Richardson 10-0-59-1 (w-2), Peter Siddle 8-0-58-0 (w-3), Nathan Lyon 100-59-0 (w-1), Marcus Stoinis 9-0-46-1, Glenn Maxwell 4-0-16-1.

Dominant Djokovic shines in Melbourne Park opener

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Top seed Novak Djokovic looked every inch the Australian Open favourite, as he kicked off his bid for a record seventh title at Melbourne Park with an emphatic 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 win over American qualifier Mitchell Krueger yesterday.

Soaking up the Rod Laver Arena limelight, the Serb moved superbly in his opener and hit 42 winners to wrap up the one-sided clash in little more than two hours.

Djokovic bowed out of the fourth round of last year’s tournament bothered by a painful elbow injury but successfully came back from surgery to win Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Now free from fitness problems, the 31-year-old Serb is savouring his return to a tournament he has virtually owned for the last decade.

“It feels great to be healthy and back on this court again,” the 14-time Grand Slam champion told reporters.

“Twelve months ago it was quite a different sensation on the court with the elbow injury. Twelve months forward, obviously things are quite different.

“Hopefully I can follow up on this victory tonight with a good performance.”

Despite the scoreline, the 230th-ranked Krueger hardly disgraced himself and broke Djokovic in the third game of the first set.

That was as good as it got for the American, as the Serb knuckled down to break right back and coasted to an easy victory.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during the match against Mitchell Krueger of the U.S. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson) Djokovic watched injured ‘Big Four’ rival Andy Murray bow out of the first round in a gallant fiveset defeat by Spanish 22nd seed Roberto Bautista Agut on Monday, and paid tribute to the three-times Grand Slam champion.

“After two sets, I think no one expected him to really come back, considering how he feels,” Djokovic said of Murray’s painful right hip.

“He showed once again his amazing champion spirit, why he’s such a fighter, why he’s so respected and appreciated around the tennis world, and sports world in general.”

Djokovic will next meet French wildcard Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the man he beat for the 2008 trophy and his first-ever Grand Slam title at the age of 20.

“It’s funny, I mean, 11 years after our first Grand Slam final here, it feels like a lot has happened for both of us,” added Djokovic.

“He also struggled with injuries lately. It’s good to see him playing well. It’s good to see him back.”

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Administrators, Selectors continue to destroy West Indies Cricket … One Guyanese in 13-man squad to face England in first Test

By Rajiv Bisnauth WEST Indies will face off with England in the first of three Tests from January 23 in Barbados with yet another strong Barbadian presence.

Chief selector Courtney Browne and company have announced a 13-man squad with seven Barbadians, a philosophy which has come under fire in recent years with many blaming the selection panel for their “unwillingness” or “inability” to bring the right blend of players together for any one series.

The team’s inconsistency and the inability to select the right combination of players will continue to come with a cost.

Two uncapped players: John Campbell the 26-yearold left-handed opening batsman, and Shamarh Brooks, the 30-year-old right-handed

saw only one Guyanese (Hetmyer) making the cut.

There is no place for Devendra Bishoo, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, or even wicket-keeper Anthony Bramble.

While Bishoo and Paul had limited success on their recent international outing, Bishoo remains the region’s best leg-spinner. Paul, on the other hand returned from his injury to claim a maiden 10-wicket haul last weekend during the regional 4-day game against Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The left-handed Hemraj as well as Bramble must feel somewhat unfortunate. The duo continue to make a huge impact at the first-class level, the region’s premier tournament where players’ performances are used to select the Windies team.

For the records, Hemraj

middle-order batsman, were named.

There are recalls for fast bowler Alzarri Joseph and left-hander Darren Bravo.

Fast bowler Oshane Thomas has been named as cover for Joseph, who is making a comeback from injury.

The remaining of the squad reads: Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Kemar Roach and Jomel Warrican.

A release from CWI yesterday, indicated that the selectors have named an exciting squad balancing players who have performed strongly in recent Tests with players who have been recalled or called up for the first time due to recent performances.

However, the selectors’ insularity selection policy

Chandrapaul Hemraj Keemo Paul

Anthony Bramble

piled up 777 runs from his last 11 games for the Guyana Jaguars, including his maiden first-class ton, 144 against Barbados Pride earlier in the year.

Bramble chalked up 613

Courtney Browne

Shimron Hetmyer

runs in the Four-day tournament at an average of 47.16, while striking a career-best 196 not out last first-class season. At present, he has already chalked up 327 runs from four games with two hundreds this

season.

Meanwhile, Chronicle Sport has decided to feature the batting and bowling averages from the recent Tests tour to India and Bangladesh.

West Indies batting averages vs Bangladesh

West Indies batting averages vs India Player

Mat

Inns

NO

Runs

HS

Ave

BF

SR

100

50

Player

Mat

Inns

NO

Runs

HS

Ave

BF

SR

100

50

RL Chase

2

4

0

185

106

46.25

314

58.91

1

1

SO Hetmyer

2

4

0

222

93

55.5

211

105.21

0

2

JO Holder

1

2

0

71

52

35.5

122

58.19

0

1

KMA Paul

1

2

0

62

47

31

64

96.87

0

0

SO Dowrich

2

4

1

108

63*

36

208

51.92

0

1

KOA Powell

2

4

0

106

83

26.5

138

76.81

0

1

JA Warrican

2

4

1

58

41

19.33

94

61.7

0

0

SD Hope

2

4

0

91

36

22.75

166

54.81

0

0

SW Ambris

2

4

0

73

43

18.25

163

44.78

0

0

D Bishoo

2

4

2

38

17*

19

86

44.18

0

0

KAJ Roach

2

4

1

41

37*

13.66

64

64.06

0

0

SO Dowrich

2

4

1

56

30

18.66

163

34.35

0

0

SH Lewis

1

2

0

20

20

10

48

41.66

0

0

SW Ambris

2

4

0

68

38

17

144

47.22

0

0

SD Hope

2

4

0

39

25

9.75

115

33.91

0

0

JA Warrican

1

2

1

15

8*

15

35

42.85

0

0

RL Chase

2

4

0

34

31

8.5

57

59.64

0

0

SO Hetmyer

2

4

0

50

17

12.5

102

49.01

0

0

KOA Powell

2

4

0

24

14

6

46

52.17

0

0

KC Brathwaite

2

4

0

26

14

6.5

110

23.63

0

0

ST Gabriel

1

2

1

6

6

6

11

54.54

0

0

SH Lewis

1

2

0

4

4

2

18

22.22

0

0

D Bishoo

2

4

0

22

12

5.5

77

28.57

0

0

ST Gabriel

2

4

0

6

4

1.5

19

31.57

0

0

KC Brathwaite

2

4

0

22

13

5.5

80

27.5

0

0

West Indies bowling averages vs India

West Indies bowling averages vs Bangladesh

Player

Mat

Inns

Overs

Mdns

Runs

Wkts

JO Holder

1

2

27

5

73

5

ST Gabriel

2

2

41.4

2

191

4

JA Warrican

1

2

35

7

101

2

D Bishoo

2

3

79.1

7

314

KMA Paul

1

1

15

1

61

Player

Mat

Inns

Overs

Mdns

Runs

Wkts

ST Gabriel

1

2

23

3

94

5

JA Warrican

2

3

75.4

13

196

8

4

D Bishoo

2

3

52

1

195

7

0

KAJ Roach

2

3

43

6

135

3

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday, January 16, 2019)

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Nathan Lyon-21 wickets Jasprit Bumrah-21 wickets

(1)

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Today’s Quiz: What was the highest individual score made by an Australian player in the recent AUST/IND Test series?

What was the highest individual score made by an Indian player in the recent IND/AUST Test series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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Patrick Forde Memorial ...

From back Page

at the age of 55.

Forde became the first Guyanese to fight for a world title and four months after his matchup with Sanchez for the WBC featherweight title on September 13th, 1980, he fought Eusebio Pedroza for the WBA version of the title on Valentine’s Day in 1981.

Unfortunately, Forde was unsuccessful in capturing a world title, but he opened the doors to numerous fighters from Guyana who became world champions, such as Andrew ‘Six Heads’ Lewis,

«

Vivian Harris and Wayne Braithwaite.

Throughout his time as a fighter, Forde had the opportunity to work under the tutelage of legendary trainers Cus D’Amato and Eddie Futch, and he was hoping to follow in their footsteps of developing world champions.

Forde ended his professional career in 1987 with a record of 174 (11 KO’s), while being able to attain the Guyana, Commonwealth, and WBC Fecarbox featherweight titles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Crandon leaves for WI duties, Shiv Chanderpaul appointed interim assistant coach

Esaun Crandon

By Rajiv Bisnauth GUYANA’S most successful first-class head coach Esaun Crandon will depart Guyana today to take up his appointment as assistant coach of the West Indies senior team.

Crandon’s immediate assignment will be the home Test series against England which is set to start next Wednesday, January 23 with the first at Kensington Oval.

England will play the West Indies in three Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is, in five of the region’s top tourist destinations with the tour starting in Barbados and ending in St. Kitts.

Speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport yesterday, the 37-year-old revealed that he has been rewarded for the hard work and sacrifices over the years.

“I’m very much appreciative of the opportunity to make a further step in my sporting career. The success of the years just didn’t happen like that or overnight’ it came with the support of other people, the players, the coaches, among others, including the

GCB who gave me the opportunity in 2012. So I am definitely looking forward to the opportunity,” Crandon said.

He added, “I will just go out there and try to impart as much as possible, try to act within my strength and bring to the table what I think could help in the development of the team”.

SOLID FOUNDATION Crandon who has been at the helm of the Guyana’s four consecutive first-class titles, further indicated that while he has left behind a solid cricketing foundation at the senior level.

“Whoever is coming in will need to coordinate well with the players and continue the work. We have made a solid foundation there … just for it to continue building, so it’s not only about winning championship every year but the goal is to produce players for the highest level,” the former Guyana fast bowler who took 90 wickets from 38 First-Class games outlined.

Currently Guyana Jaguars have solidified their position in the ongoing Cricket West

Shivnarine Chanderpaul

Rayon Griffith

Julian Moore

Indies’ Professional Cricket League (CWI) Regional Fourday championship.

The Jaguars have created a huge gap between them and the second-place team Leeward Islands Hurricanes, moving to 80.2 points, and stretching their lead to well over 30 points.

However, Crandon is of the view that continuity is the watch word for the Jaguars’ moving forward.

“I will advise the team just to continue the work that we have started over

the years. We have worked tremendously hard to get to where we at the moment.

Continuity is very important, keep it simple, continue to strive for excellence and create that environment where you have professionals who are willing to work hard,” he said.

Meanwhile, the second most prolific Test cricketer in Windies history, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, was appointed as interim assistant coach of the Guyana Jaguars team with immediate effect.

Chanderpaul, 43, is respected for having a shrewd cricketing mind and isn’t the type to ignite controversies.

He’s known to manage players exceedingly well, in other words, someone the board can do ‘business’ with.

During a Test career that spanned two decades (19942015), Chanderpaul played a record 164 Tests for the Windies, scoring 11 867 runs at an average of 51.37. During that time he scored 30 Test centuries and 66 fifties and was a stabilising force in the

GCC virtually clinch U-17 tournament after victory against Malteenoes AN emphatic victory over Malteenoes Sports Club (MSC) by Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) has placed them ahead of their opponents and has all but sealed the GCA-organised Friends of Cricket 100 overs Tournament.

After drawing their fifth game last Saturday against Eco Champs, the unbeaten side stormed back at home on Sunday to whip the visiting Malteenoes team by 123 runs.

At the Christmas break, Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) were sitting atop the table with 95 points from their seven allotted games, with practically only GCC (75 points from four matches before last weekend) having a chance of catching them - and they did just that after gathering more than 20 points in their two clashes.

GCC also have a game to spare which can increase their final points tally.

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In Sunday’s clash, it was an all-round performance from Saturday’s century-maker Mavendra Dindyal, which propelled the home team to their emphatic win.

Mavendra Dindyal

GCC won the toss and batted first with the West Indies U-16 batsman leading the charge. Dindyal scored 48 runs (5x4) and stabilised the innings after fellow opener Rahul Singh fell early.

The teen then added 57

runs for the fourth wicket with Romel Datterdin (46), before the latter and A. Persaud (29) put on a further 58-run partnership.

Both batsmen fell via run-out, which allowed the visitors to gain control and pick up the last six wickets for 23 runs to leave the score on 186 from 53.4 overs.

Ta t h e s h S h i v r a t t a n picked up 2-28 from 10 overs to lead the attack for the visitors, while five other bowlers finished with a wicket each to go with three run-outs.

Malteenoes never settled in the middle, only opening batsman Wayne McPherson (11) and J. Persaud (12) reached double figures as the home team’s bowlers did the damage to restrict the visitors to 63 from 31.2 overs.

It was Dindyal, who led the charge with 3-8 from four overs, while A. Persaud grabbed 2-4 from 2.2 overs.

Windies middle order.

He was also prolific in ODIs, amassing 8 778 runs at an average of 41.60 in 268 matches during which he scored 11 centuries and 59 half-centuries. Chanderpaul announced his retirement from international cricket in January 2016.

A release from the GCB indicated that Chanderpaul’s appointment comes at an opportune time in the development of Guyana’s cricket, where the use of knowledgeable and experienced coaches can lend effective support to the programme which has shown significant growth.

“Shiv’s appointment is aided by his on- and off-field experiences in the sport. He has been a very productive ambassador having played all levels of cricket and it is expected that he will transfer valuable knowledge to the Jaguars,” the release said.

Rayon Griffith will perform the duties as the Jaguars head coach. Further, as part of GCB’s coaching development programme, Julian Moore will now be joining the Academy with immediate effect as the Academy coach.

Charles grabs five as Root powers England CAVE HILL, Barbados, (CMC) – Off-spinner Bryan Charles claimed five wickets as CWI President’s XI pushed touring England on the opening day of the twoday tour match at 3W’s Oval here Tuesday.

overs.

Twenty-year-old speedster Chemar Holder ended with three for 67 while fellow seamer Alzarri Joseph, picked in the 13-man squad for the first Test, claimed a single wicket from 14 overs.

Off-spinner Bryan Charles grabbed five for 87.

The tourists were dismissed at the close for 317 with the 23-year-old Charles claiming five for 100 from 25

Captain Joe Root shone with a run-a-ball top score of 87 while all-rounder Ben Stokes struck 56 and Chris

Woakes, an unbeaten 39.

Opener Rory Burns made 35 while Moeen Ali got a start failed to build on his 21.

The home side made a strong start when they removed opener Keaton Jennings (10) and the dangerous Jonny Bairstow (4) cheaply.

Jennings was taken at short leg by Vishaul Singh off Joseph while left-arm seamer Raymon Reifer removed Bairstow to a catch at the wicket.

Root, however, stabilised the innings by anchoring two successive half-century stands. First, he put on 72 for the third wicket with Burns, who faced 70 balls and counted three fours before falling lbw to Holder.

Root then added a further 69 for the fourth wicket with Stokes, a stand which saw England dominate the second session to be 202 for four at tea.

The right-handed Root struck 12 fours and two sixes in nearly two hours at the crease before perishing to a catch at mid-wicket by Sunil Ambris off Charles.

Stokes, who belted seven fours and a six off 97 balls, posted 42 for the fifth with Moeen but was sixth out, holing out to mid-wicket off Charles.

...Brooks, Campbell called up for first time Page

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Bravo

set to rejoin Windies Test team after two years Patrick Forde Memorial boxing championship set for February 17

Windies Test batsman Darren Bravo

..Suriname, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago to compete

Thompson Sawhney named new opens season with gold ICC chief executive medal finish in the USA Alford McDonald

By Rawle Toney

India-born Manu Sawhney replaces David Richardson as ICC’s chief executive.

Brenessa Thompson BRENESSA Thompson, one of Guyana’s most talented young sprinters got off to a dream start in her 2019 season with gold and bronze medal finishes respectively at the Ted Nelson Invitational that was hosted at the Gilliam Indoor Track Stadium, Texas, by her college, Texas A&M. Hosted last Saturday, the meet attracted eight teams including Abilene Christian, Baylor, Stephen F. Austin, Texas, Texas State, UT Arlington, and UT-San Antonio.

In the 60m dash, Thompson had no competition as she set the track alight in 7.47 seconds to cop gold. Coming in on her heels was Baylor University’s sophomore Sydney Washington while Thompson’s teammate Amber Ivy was third.

In the 200m Thompson managed a third-place finish just behind her teammate Diamond Spaulding, who clocked 23.69 seconds, just one hundredth of a second faster than the Guyanese.

Meanwhile, Kennedy Flannel won the race comfortably in 23.46 seconds to cop gold.

(REUTERS) - Manu Sawhney, the former managing director of ESPN Star Sports, has been appointed as International Cricket Council’s (ICC) new chief executive, the sport’s governing body announced yesterday.

Sawhney will join the ICC next month before formally taking over the reins from David Richardson, whose contract expires at the end of the World Cup in July.

Indian-born Sawhney was the unanimous choice following a global recruitment process led by ICC chairman Shashank Manohar and the nominations committee.

“He brings 22 years of outstanding commercial experience to the ICC and will lead the delivery of our new global growth strategy for the game,” Manohar said in a statement.

“Our search produced a host of excellent candidates from around the world, but Manu stood out as the man to work with our Members and take cricket forward.

“He has proven success in a number of leadership roles in both sport and broadcasting. He is a strategic thinker and understands the cricket landscape and its complexities.”

Former Singapore Sports Hub chief executive Sawhney was with ESPN Star Sports for 17 years and during his tenure led the global broadcast partnership deal with the ICC that ran from 2007-15.

He is also a non-executive director and member of the audit committee at Premier League soccer club Manchester United.

THE second edition of the Patrick Forde Memorial Boxing Championship is set to take place on February 17 at the National Gymnasium, according to president of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Ninvalle pointed that once again, the GBA will be teaming up with Alford McDonald to host the event and this year, Trinidad and Tobago will be sending a contingent to compete, joining St Lucia and Suriname who will return for a second time.

“We expect to have all the pivotal divisions; middleweight, bantamweight, Junior Welterweight and light heavyweight, since those are the divisions we did well in the last time,” Ninvalle noted, as he pointed out the card will feature 15 fights and box-off time is 19:00hrs.

With Guyana set to participate at the July 26 – August 11 Pan Am Games in Lima, Peru, Ninvalle pointed out that Patrick Forde Memorial will be used as a means of

GPA president Steve Ninvalle preparation.

Meanwhile, the GBA boss also informed that plans are on stream to host a tournament to honour Guyana’s 1978 Commonwealth Games gold Medallist Winfield Braithwaite, adding that “we want to recognise what he has done for Guyana, but more so recognising his achievements as amateur fighter.”

Winfield Braithwaite won Guyana’s second gold medal at the Commonwealth Games when he defeated Scottish fighter James Douglas in the finals of the Men’s light welterweight division.

Phillip Edwards (1934), Aliann Pompey (2002) and Troy Doris (2018) are the other athletes who won gold for Guyana at the Commonwealth Games.

Forde, one of Guyana’s finest boxers, and who once went 15 rounds with Salvador Sanchez for the WBC featherweight championship of the world in 1980, died in 2011 in Brooklyn, New York TURN TO PG. 34

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Administrators, Selectors continue to destroy West Indies Cricket » 34

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2019