Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-20-2019

20th January, 2019

Outrage over Ali

No.105523

–PPP supporters hammer alleged handpicking of Ali as presidential candidate

–– Nandlall disappointed; Dr Anthony, Dr Persaud and Teixeira withdrew from race

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PPP presidential candidate Irfaan Ali

Preserve your 10 languages PAGE

–PM tells indigenous community

Residents of the indigenous village of Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine, perform a beautiful dance at the launch of International Year of Indigenous Languages on Saturday (Alva Solomon photo)

Changing 23 Gov’t functioning commercial as per normal, culture in GT says Harmon 25 PAGE

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President 24 Granger meets Cuban counterpart PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

GECOM flags dated photos of chairman

PUBLIC Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Yolanda Ward said the photos circulating on Facebook are not a true representation of the current state of the Chairman Justice (ret’d) James Patterson.

The photos, which were posted on Facebook

by People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C) Member of Parliament Nigel Dharamlall, show the chairman ‘up and about’ in a village on the East Coast of Demerara (E.C.D), but Ward told the Guyana

Chronicle that the photos are old.

Noting that Justice (ret’d) Patterson is adhering to his doctor’s orders, Ward said he leaves home only to visit the doctor’s office when necessary. He is expected to resume duty on Tuesday.

Justice (ret’d) Patterson was expected to return to work on January 8; however, his medical leave was extended following a visit to his doctor on January 7, 2019.

Upon his return, he is expected to reconvene a statutory meeting after

being absent since early December through illness. A meeting with the Government’s Chief Whip Amna Ally and Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira is expected on GECOM’s state of readiness for the holding of General and Regional Elections on his

GECOM Chairman Justice (ret’d) James Patterson resumption.

While the chairman has been recovering well, he was advised by his doctor to have some additional rest to ensure that he fully recovers to effectively resume duty, Ward had said in a recent statement.

PPP banks on Ali 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

–– handpicks fraud-accused as presidential candidate in dubious ‘election’

SCANDAL-tarred former housing minister Irfaan Ali was on Saturday handpicked by Bharrat Jagdeo to be the PPP’s presidential candidate in a process that the party described as an election, but condemned as a farce by some of its own supporters.

In a statement, the party said its Central Committee elected Ali via secret ballot for the next national and regional elections. Five candidates had expressed their intention to contest the post. Those were Anil Nandlall, Dr Frank Anthony, Dr Vindhya Persaud, Irfaan Ali and Gail Teixeira.

Immediately prior to the election, Dr. Frank Anthony, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Gail Teixeira withdrew from the contest, leaving Nandlall and Ali as the two contestants.

Ali received 24 votes and Nandlall received 11 from the 35-member Central Committee, making Ali the presidential candidate.

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, said after the vote that the four other contenders congratulated Ali and pledged support to work towards a PPP/C victory.

Jagdeo explained that the 38-year-old Ali has been a member of the PPP for over 20 years and a part of the leadership for 15 years during which he held the position of finance secretary for several years.

Jagdeo noted that Ali served in the Cabinet for seven years, holding the portfolios of Minister of Housing and Water and Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.

The general secretary noted that despite a most rigorous and competitive campaign, the party remains united and stands firmly behind the presidential candidate and pledges to work fervently to deliver victory at the polls.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira said Ali brings youth and a lot of experience with a good track record as a former government minister.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall said Ali was

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

chosen as the presidential candidate after a systematic approach the party used through a voting process.

Expressing his disappointment at not being chosen as the presidential candidate, Nandlall said he thought that he would have won, but he is pledging his commitment towards working to the party’s victory.

Meanwhile, Dr. Vindhya Persaud said she withdrew because of many factors which she does not want to get into. Dr Persaud said the party now has to meet the voters and continue the campaign to win back the government.

“This process has just occurred and whatever decisions are made will be made at the leadership of the party,” she said, adding that “The party has clearly spoken, and democracy must prevail at the end of the day.”

Presidential candidate Ali said he sees himself as part of a broader team that will advance an agenda, which has as its primary focus the people of the country.

comrades, Ali said he is committed to fully implementing the developmental programmes of the party.

“It relates to delivering greater prosperity and progress for all our people, regardless of race, religion or gender, as well as to ensure the advancement of our nation. I am glad that the campaign is over. I hope that the rumour-mongering, which was clearly intended to spread division in our ranks and to disparage me and the other candidates, will now stop,” Ali said.

Over the last 20 years, Ali said that he served the party at the regional and national levels.

“My work with the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) since 1992 has given me a unique perspective of the challenges facing our youths and the opportunities that exist to enable them to actively participate in the governance of our country and being part of the solution,” he said.

He continued: “My party’s decision to select me, as a young person, is testimony to our commitment to not only talk the talk about youth leaders, but actively facilitate this.

READY FOR ACTION Adding that he has the assurance of his

Dr. Vindhya Persaud

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

I have been elected to the leadership of the party for almost 15 years and served in various capacities, including as finance secretary.”

Ali explained that his grounding in the PPP has imbued him with a deep sense of commitment to the struggles of all people, especially the vulnerable, and inspired a personal commitment to the people of Guyana.

“My experience in government has allowed me the opportunity to design and develop strat-

egies and policies consistent with the PPP’s manifesto, to overcome hurdles in key sectors,” he noted.

He said with the experience he acquired both in government and as the finance sector spokesperson for the parliamentary opposition, this has positioned him to tackle some of the most severe challenges facing people in Guyana.

These, he said, include “the increasing levels of joblessness, increasing debt, deteriorating investor confidence, poor per-

Irfaan Ali formance of the economy, poor implementation of the PSIP, incompetence in government, the diminishing of welfare programmes that benefited vulnerable groups, ill-informed decisions and taxation policies that have affected key sectors.”

The presidential candidate said he looks forward with great anticipation, and with the support of his comrades, to confront the many challenges that lie ahead to ensure that the PPP returns to government.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Trump offers ‘compromise’ to end government shutdown (BBC) US President Donald Trump has set out new plans on his Mexican wall project to try to end a partial government shutdown lasting more than four weeks.

One of his “compromises” was on so-called Dreamers who entered the US illegally when young. He still wants $5.7bn (£4.5bn) to fund the wall.

Democrats have refused to fund it and ahead of the speech had already rejected the expected concessions.

The shutdown, the longest

in history, has affected 800,000 federal workers.

Speaking from the White House, Mr Trump offered two compromises to break what he called the “logjam” over the shutdown.

The first concerns about 700,000 Dreamers, who entered the United States with their parents illegally.

The Dreamers are currently protected from deportation under a programme that allows them to work but not get citizenship. Mr Trump has been trying to rescind the

Mr Trump said he wanted to break the “logjam” of the shutdown

programme.

Mr Trump said he would extend protection for Dreamers for another three years, allowing them access to work permits.

He also said he would extend for three years the visas for Temporary Protection Status holders. More than 300,000 people from countries affected by war or disasters are allowed to live and work in the US under TPS, another system Mr Trump has opposed.

But even before he made his speech, Democrats had

rejected these policies.

A statement by Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi read: “Unfortunately, initial reports make clear that his proposal is a compilation of several previously rejected initiatives, each of which is unacceptable and in total, do not represent a good faith effort to restore certainty to people’s lives.”

'About 170 migrants dead' in Mediterranean shipwrecks

(BBC) About 170 people are feared to have died in two separate Mediterranean shipwrecks, the UN-

HCR says.

The second ship, a dinghy, left Libya on Saturday, according to the Internation-

al Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Spokesman Flavio Di Giacomo said three survivors told them 120 people were on board when it departed Garabulli in Libya.

An Italian airforce plane dropped two rafts to the boat on Friday after seeing it sinking in rough waters, Navy Rear Admr Fabio Agostini told broadcaster RaiNews24.

Three people suffering severe hypothermia were

pulled from the waters by a helicopter, and are being treated on the island of Lampedusa, he said.

The Italian navy reports a ship sank off the coast of Libya with 117 people on board, while Moroccan and Spanish authorities have tried to find a lost boat in the western Mediterranean.

The UN human rights agency could not independently verify the death tolls.

More than 2,200 people lost their lives trying to cross the Mediterranean in 2018.

"We cannot turn a blind eye to the high numbers of people dying on Europe's doorstep," UN refugee high commissioner Filippo Grandi said in a press release.

"No effort should be spared, or prevented, from saving lives in distress at sea."

The first boat reportedly disappeared with 53 people on board in the Alborán Sea at the western end of the Mediterranean.

One survivor is being treated in Morocco after spending 24 hours stranded at sea.

A search for the vessel over several days has so far been unsuccessful.

The IOM says 4,216 migrants have crossed to Europe by sea in the first 16 days of 2019 - more than double the number arriving in the same period last year.

Several European nations - including Italy - have resisted accepting migrants in recent years.

Italy's populist deputy PM Matteo Salvini wrote on Facebook after the sinking that "as long as European ports remain open... unfortunately the smugglers will continue to do business and kill."

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Outrage over Ali

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

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––PPP supporters hammer alleged handpicking of Ali as presidential candidate

GRASSROOT supporters of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are outraged over the election of Irfaan Ali as the party’s presidential candidate. They are now calling on the ex-government minister to step down, contending that his ‘baggage’ will ‘sink’ the party’s chances of winning the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Moments after it was confirmed that Ali was elected PPP presidential candidate over former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, supporters expressed profound disappointment as they flooded the Internet to register their concerns.

On popular social media platform, Naresh Singh, a known supporter of the PPP, said he no longer has faith in Guyanese politics.

“Can you imagine Irfaan Ali being PPP presidential candidate??? Like damn!!!

Seriously!!!” Those were the immediate thoughts of Singh as he made a bold call for Ali to step down in an effort to increase PPP’s chances of winning the elections.

In response to the Facebook post made by Singh, Jaipaul Persaud said: “Do you see what I see? This is the end of the PPP/C. I am in a state of shock. I never voted in Guyana but I feel

sorry for the PPP/C supporters.”

Celrose Caravaio, a relative of the former Minister of Local Government under the PPP regime Norman Whittaker, questioned why Ali was elected over former Culture and Sport Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony and other candidates who have cleaner slates.

A BOMB “So many of us PPP/C supporters were feeling a sense of optimism at an early election, even none supporters who were willing to support us. But now you drop this Bomb! Irfaan Ali??? Seriously??? The bad outweighs the good when it comes to this individual and to use your supporters desperation for a change from the government by making Irfaan their alternative choice is just sick to me!” she wrote.

Caravaio is demanding that the central committee of the PPP tells its supporters why Ali was elected over the other four candidates, mainly Dr. Anthony.

“I am thoroughly disappointed in this decision by the PPP/C and I am sure I’m not the only one,” she said while calling on the party’s executive to listen to the cries of the people.

Another supporter Henry Singh said “It’s sacri-

legious to have Irfaan Ali in any form of leadership position,” as he described the presidential candidate as “unqualified, immoral and venal”.

It is Singh’s belief that Ali should have withdrawn from the inception because of the baggage he carries, and gave Nandlall a chance.

“Irfaan will be the delight of the coalition. PPP is risking too many defections and the abstaining with Irfaan.

But (Bharrat) Jagdeo’s importance, ubiquity and relevance depend on Irfaan. The two have a catamaitish attachment,” Singh contended.

NANDLALL IS BETTER Like Singh, Simone Lochan said it was Nandlall who should have been elected to contest the elections on the PPP’s behalf. “Anil Nandlall would have been the better choice, he’s actually qualified and when he became a MP, he came as a successful lawyer. He didn’t have any get rich quick plans like this larger unit did when he was minister of housing. Wrong move PPP, I had such high hopes now they are all dashed…,” Lochan wrote in a Facebook post.

Another supporter contended that grassroot PPP supporters will not vote for Ali because he had insulted

many Guyanese when he was minister of housing.

For Alexei Ramotar, son of former President Donald Ramotar, Ali’s selection was just a stupid move.

On his Facebook page, he wrote “the PPP really stchupidy” in other words, ‘the PPP really stupid.”

Ali, who served as a former Minister of Housing, Water and Tourism under the PPP/C administration, was elected by the majority of the 35-member committee by way of secret ballot.

ACCUSATIONS His election comes at a time when he is being accused of academic fraud.

It is alleged that he used a fake transcript to pursue a master’s degree programme at an Indian university. But this is just the tip of the iceberg – Ali has been accused of defrauding the State of

some $174M for his role in the notorious Pradoville land-sale scandal. The case is before the court.

The ex-minister was slapped with 19 counts of fraud last November and the charges laid were indictable. The charges read that between 2010 and 2015, Ali conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government of Guyana when he acted recklessly in presenting the value of 19 plots of State land situated at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara, and sold the said lands at a grossly undervalued price without first obtaining a valuation to determine their true value.

Initially, Ali vied for the post along Nandlall, Dr Anthony, Dr Vindhya Persaud, and Gail Teixeira but just before the elections, Dr. Anthony, Dr. Persaud and

Teixeira withdrew from the contest leaving Nandlall and Ali as the two contestants.

Ali received 24 votes and Nandlall received 11 votes. The 38-year-old Ali has been a member of the PPP for over 20 years and a part of the leadership for 15 years, where he held the position of finance secretary for several years. He served in the Cabinet for seven years. While he may have served the PPP with ‘distinction,’ supporters have long questioned his leadership skills due to his mismanagement of the housing sector.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Hinterland development equals national development

THE establishment of the towns of Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma, and Mahdia in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (region #7), Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (region # 9), Barima-Waini (region # 1), and Potaro-Siparuni (region # 8) respectively, after only three years of being given the privilege of serving Guyanese, is one of the coalition administration’s most important achievements and one of Guyana’s boldest steps towards the admirable goal of full democratic governance.

That tangible and progressive step towards decentralised government is one of the APNU+AFC government’s most significant actions aimed at equalising the standards of living countrywide through hinterland development.

Unfortunately, the more than two decades of a flawed policy of political patronage under the heavy fist of consecutive PPP administrations had dangerously divided Guyana into two zones.

President David Granger has referred to this division as the “east-west divide.”

That political, social, and economic divide, His Excellency explained, separates the living conditions of residents of lands west of Fort Island on the Essequibo River from those of Guyanese to the east.

That divide has hindered national development and community advancement through the inhibition of social cohesion. The coalition has declared its commitment to a reversal of the PPP’s ideology of division and backed up that commitment with actions such as the creation of the Ministry of Social Cohesion.

76 per cent of Guyana’s landmass is hinterland, as such, said President Granger, national development depends on hinterland development. The neglect of the hinterland by the PPP government has resulted in the stagnant and backward country that the coalition inherited. Government has repeatedly declared its intention to reverse this inequitable state of affairs and promote countrywide progress by pursuing a sustainable hinterland development strategy. And the actions of

government give credence to that commitment.

It is evident that economic growth is heavily dependent on the sustainable use of our hinterland resources.

Mineral and forest resources account for the major part of Guyana’s export earnings. It is clear that government is implementing policies and administrative arrangements to maximise earnings from mining activities in a sustainable manner. Regarding surface resources, the president has said that adding value to Guyana’s forestry products will create new jobs; he has committed government to move in this direction of sustainable growth which must necessarily include environmentally sound best-practices. Guyana’s signing of the Paris Agreement on the morning of January 12, 2015, is evidence of government’s actions towards making that commitment a reality.

No less important than overall national growth is the improvement of the standard of living of the 113,000 Guyanese who inhabit Guyana’s interior; in fact, the two are inextricably linked. For too

long Guyana’s hinterland residents have endured a substandard existence. The majority of those Guyanese are the Akawaio, Arawak, Arecuna, Carib, Makushi, Patamona, Wai-Wai, Wapichana and Warau – Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples.

Government has declared a commitment to ensuring that all Guyanese enjoy a decent standard of living, including hinterland residents. The president said, “Your government undertakes to empower Guyana’s first peoples to be able to sustainably provide for themselves while ending the dependency syndrome that had characterized life in the past.”

President Granger elaborated by noting that, “Technical and agricultural institutes will be established in each hinterland region, so as to endow hinterland youth with the skills needed for them to prosper. Currently, although there may be some good jobs available, they are given to persons brought from the coast because local residents lack the skills necessary to fill them. Instead, most [hinterland-based Guyanese] must

take low-paying menial jobs.

The administration is putting an end to this disparity. Our hinterland-based brothers and sisters must have the same opportunity to succeed in life as coastal dwellers.”

The president emphasised that he views development as human development, in other words, improvement in the standard of living of citizens across Guyana. His Excellency said, “The government recognises the need for permanent institutions, jobs, farm-to-market roads, well equipped and staffed schools, airstrips, safe communities, food security, decent infrastructure and efficient services. The establishment of the new towns is one of the first steps in the administration’s quest to equalise standards of living across Guyana’s regions.”

As the administrative centres of the various regions, it makes sense to elevate the status of the areas to towns as the government has done in four regions to date. The administration has declared that it will now invest in improving infrastructure and service-delivery

to those communities and regions. Bartica, for example, needs a better stelling and proper waste disposal; Lethem requires improved water and electricity services; Mabaruma’s market must be improved and all-weather roads must be constructed, as is being done in Mahdia. The administration has said that it will address those and other issues which have already been identified.

The task of creating better lives for all Guyanese and equalising living standards for all citizens will not be an easy one, and government must not be daunted by the magnitude of the undertaking, instead, the administration must be applauded for remaining resolute to the commitment to improving lives. After all, government is here to serve all the people, and although Guyanese certainly know that all goals cannot be achieved overnight, government deserves to be saluted for making such bold advances and steadfastly standing by the determination to make life better for all Guyanese.

A breath of fresh air at City Hall Dear Editor, AS I sat in the hallowed chambers of the ruinous City Hall building recently and witnessed the new mayor of our capital city being inaugurated and watched him take the march past, I felt a sense of deep pleasure and satisfaction as a result of the achievements and

qualities of this humble, young and energetic man taking up this leading and key position in Georgetown.

His declaration that he will be striving to restore integrity to the council as well as ensuring accountability and transparency at City Hall is indeed quite noble and would warm the hearts and

meet the expectations of every single citizen of Georgetown. Indeed, it is a breath of fresh air and I would plead with all citizens to give to him 100% of their support.

However, one has to hope that this gentleman is not being a little naive, starry-eyed and out of touch with the realities of City Hall, because if anyone believes that

in one year that they can move the most disreputable, discreditable, scandalous, unscrupulous and crooked organization in the country to one of integrity, to one that practises accountability and transparency, then one would be living in La La Land. Realizing such dreams is going to be a monumental task.

The new mayor needs

to understand that he has to begin with his very own colleagues in the political directorate. There he has the remnants of the ‘Fantastic Four’ who were and still are the proponents of the scandalous parking meter initiative, which must never see the light of day in Georgetown again. He will be well advised to pack up those

‘Green Monsters’ which are still planted around the city as stark reminders of some of the darkest days in our city and ship them back from whence they came.

These remnants of the ‘Fantastic Four’ who have returned to the new Council as they TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Can the Auditor General say what is the status of the audit of the GTU Dear Editor, PLEASE allow me some space in your newspaper to register my frustration and disappointment at the behaviour of the Audit Office of Guyana and the Auditor General, Mr Deodat Sharma. It was sometime early in August last year that a teacher had written to the AG requesting an audit of the Guyana Teachers Union.

Editor, the teacher’s request was premised on the fact that the GTU has not been audited, reportedly since 1989, that is 30 years or three decades ago. Mr Sharma subsequently confirmed that he had received such a request. Editor, it is very baffling that an agency that is mandated to undertake such exercises is displaying such contempt to such a serious matter. There has not been a single line or a word coming from the AG explaining what is the status of that request to date.

I think the AG owes this nation an explanation as to why the office that he heads is dragging its feet with regards to the auditing of the GTU. One wonders if he is too busy attending functions,

like the one Charandass Persaud had in the USA recently, hence his inability to complete important works.

Editor, this is the magnitude of what is confronting this nation with respect to the GTU. Since the union has not been audited since 1989 and its annual union dues are somewhere in the region of $42M, it therefore means that over $1.2B was collected by the GTU from teachers during that period and no one knows, except the GTU, what those monies were used for.

Editor, this is not a personal attack on the GTU, in fact, I laud the pressure the union exerted when it was negotiating with the Ministry of Education for the most recent teachers’ multi-year agreement. It is due diligence that I want to see as a citizen not even a corner shop will operate for such a long time without auditing what is going on with their business.

Editor, when the request was made to the AG, the GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte and the ever outspoken General Secretary, Ms. Coretta Mc Donald, said that they will welcome such an audit by the AG’s office. So

A breath of...

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seem to have nowhere else to go, regrettably have once again been given key positions in a very significant committee of the Council, and continue to have their close relatives working with the Council and act of gross nepotism or functioning as contractors in solid waste disposal, weeding and cleaning drains and canals at exorbitant rates without being subjected to tender board procedures.

The new mayor needs to understand that leaving the city’s purse strings in the hands of those ‘old

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heads’ that pillaged the city for the last quarter of a century and leaving financial decisions such as awarding of contracts, purchasing of goods, equipment and materials to his compatriots who have ripped, robbed and raped the council over the years, will put his goals of restoring integrity to the Council and ensuring accountability and transparency into being a mere pipe dream or building castles in the air.

Regards Anu Bihari

these officials are more or less inviting the AoG to audit the GTU’s books. It is clear that there are no impediments that can stymie this audit, so the Audit Office of Guyana should conduct this audit soon.

Editor, I want to make it pellucid that I will also be sending a copy of this letter to the AG’s office and, hopefully, some answers will be provided. I am prepared to continue to dwell on this matter until and unless some action is taken and answers provided to the teachers and this nation by Mr Deodat Sharma.

Regards Elizabeth Williams

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AISHALTON MADE HISTORY

KAIMEN! Halekuba!

Miari Mang! Pararubo!

Bowkaya! Waku Pena! and Kirwane! These are different salutations in some of our Guyanese indigenous languages, which mean “Hi” and “Hello.”

Yesterday, I had fun in Aishalton in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo learning to pronounce melodious words from the languages of the Wapichan, Lokono/ Arawak, Machushi, Warrau, Carib, Patamona, Wai Wai and Akawaio first nations of Guyana.

The occasion was the Launch of the Guyana observance of 2019 as the United Nations’ Year of Indigenous Languages. It was also the inauguration of local programming at Radio Aishalton.

Among those attending the historic events were Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, Sydney Allicock; Minister Valerie

Garrido-Lowe; University of Guyana Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ivelaw Griffith; Toshaos from nine Amerindian villages, and high-level representatives from the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.

WAPICHAN WELCOME Upon our arrival, we were given a “Wapichan Welcome.” We were greeted by Michael Thomas, the youngest-ever Toshao of Aishalton, and other village leaders. Children waved Guyana flags and sang the National Anthem in Wapichan. Various representatives welcomed the large gathering with greetings in the nine Indigenous languages (10, if you include Creolese). We were entertained with a cultural fiesta under the freshly thatched roof of an open tent.

Yesterday was indeed a very special day in Aishalton, and indeed all around Guyana for two reasons:-

Firstly, this entire programme was carried LIVE on Radio Aishalton and from that station to the Voice of Guyana (VOG) at NCN Headquarters in Georgetown, then to all around Guyana, and in many parts of the world. It is the very first time that this has happened in Aishalton, a remote, hinterland village of Indigenous peoples.

REGIONAL RADIO STATIONS Over the past two years, the Office of the Prime Minister commissioned radio stations in Lethem, Mabaruma, Bartica, Madhia, Orealla and Aishalton. In all these locations, in the past two years, we have established some of the most modern radio stations in the Caribbean.

We trained a corps of local broadcasters, some fluent in Indigenous languages, to go on air at these regional radio stations. Our APNU+AFC

coalition government wanted our hinterland or interior regions to know what’s happening in Georgetown and on the rest of the coast. It is our President, His Excellency David Granger, who insisted that we must integrate the hinterland with the coast. We are 10 regions, but we are One Guyana!

Yesterday, I recounted my first encounter with the Rupununi during 1969, when I had started a news bulletin titled “Interior Special”, to highlight conditions in Amerindian villages. And when I became Minister of Information in 1992, I immediately directed the production of a monthly magazine, “Hinterland Highlights.” This magazine has been resuscitated under the coalition government, and remains a colourful and popular monthly publication.

The idea has been, and still remains, that our Indigenous peoples have a right to know. This is the goal of our government. An informed population is an educated population. We insist that our Indigenous peoples must NOT be left out, or left behind in the information, education and technological revolution! This is why, for the first time, several hinterland communities have internet access, and now radio broadcast services. Ahead, we plan to provide satellite transmission of television programmes, other than those on the Learning Channel, to every part of Guyana.

This has been an exciting journey, starting with fixing the studio at Radio Paiwomak, and encouraging local programmes in the Machushi language for audiences in Annai and Iwokrama, and surrounding areas.

FOOD FOR THE MIND Besides Radio Paiwomak, the regional radio stations have been a huge hit among

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

hinterland communities and, quite deservedly so, the coalition gets credit for its vision and innovation.

But during recent debates in the National Assembly, the opposition leader mocked these facilities, saying “the people can’t eat radio stations.” That was sheer wickedness, but when his PPP backbenchers chorused “so true; so true”, I recited in my mind a verse from the Bible: “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” Or, say!

Our radio stations provide food for the minds, for the intellects of our hinterland residents. They nourish them with information, education and entertainment, and feed their appetites for relaxation and leisure with diverse cultural programmes. Our radio stations bring to indigenous communities healthy music and songs, and other cultural treats in indigenous languages. It was the English writer William Shakespeare, who said, “if music be the food of love, play on!” Our regional stations will play on!

CREOLESE LANGUAGE It is true but sad that not many people outside Indigenous communities know any thing about the languages that our native peoples speak.

Besides English, we accept as a Guyanese language creolese or patois.

People know us by the way we speak. A Guyanese stands out anywhere when you hear the words, “what happen deh?” Once I was travelling in a train in Toronto and as the train stopped, I heard a female voice from a distance saying, “walk good, gal!” I didn’t see the person who said that, but I knew it had to be a Guyanese! And, we also get that feeling that it’s a Guyanese thing, when we hear songs from Dave Martins.

So, I hope that soon when we hear the words “kaimen” and “halekuba”, we would know that it’s our Guyanese Indigenous peoples speaking!

Yesterday, I told the Aishalton gathering that we must count our languages among our blessings. Our languages hold extraordinary value for our unique civilisation and our heritage. I say to our indigenous peoples: hold on to what you have.

Preserve it. Promote it. Your government will help you to do so.

For those who say that your languages are dead, share this story with them.

When I first started to learn Latin in 1963, my teacher told the class a story of how someone had said that Latin was a “dead language.” His reply was: “Yes, I know. But my mother is dead also, but I still love her.”

GREATEST WEALTH Guyana is blessed with an abundance of physical beauty and material wealth in our forests, savannahs, rivers, open plains, mountains and waterfalls; even under the Guyanese earth, on land and in the sea. Like our oil and gas resources, all these will be explored for the benefit of all Guyanese now, and in years to come.

But our greatest beauty and wealth, by far, reside in the people of Guyana through our heritage, history and cultural diversity, which make us uniquely Guyanese. Our Indigenous peoples of Guyana are a truly precious and important aspect of this wonderful fabric called “Guyanese.”

And our Indigenous languages are slowly being recognised as a unique cultural resource that we need to both explore and promote.

January 20, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Understanding Energy

Exploring the Santiago Principles GUYANA is on the verge of generating transformational national wealth from energy production.

When oil production starts in early 2020, Guyana will begin to receive around US$300 million in new government revenue each year from Liza Phase 1. After development cost recovery is complete – by around 2025 – our government will be receiving over US$1 billion in revenue each year for decades to come. It is imperative that we manage this new wealth for the benefit of all citizens and this is where the Santiago Principles become instructive for our government and all interested stakeholders.

By this point, most Guyanese will be familiar with the concept of sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), which are financial tools used to save and invest a country’s wealth for the

long term. They are widely regarded by international organizations as a crucial and responsible step for a country like Guyana that is about to receive substantial revenue from natural resources.

Without careful planning to invest revenues sustainably, resource revenues can be wasted or spent too quickly, destabilizing the economy and the currency with little development to show for it and fewer long-term benefits.

The much-talked-about Santiago Principles are a set of generally accepted principles and practices (commonly shortened to GAPP) that lay out basic guidelines for countries to follow when saving resource revenues for the long term. These principles were created by more than two dozen countries that have SWFs to provide a roadmap to show newly resource-rich countries how

this can be done responsibly and effectively. As we approach first revenue from oil and consider the Natural Resources Fund, it’s worth listening to this advice.

These principles were first set out in 2008 by a working group established by the International Monetary Fund that included representatives from 26 countries with existing SWFs. These included a variety of nations at different stages of development-- from Australia and Norway to Chile, Botswana, and Libya.

They follow a set of guiding objectives that all funds should have clear aims, a strong governance structure in place, and a watchful eye for financial and economic risks.

The 24 specific principles set out the most important parts of a responsible, transparent, and sustainable fund. Below are a few of the

most critical: * Where the SWF’s activities have significant direct domestic macroeconomic implications, those activities should be closely coordinated with the domestic fiscal and monetary authorities, so as to ensure consistency with the overall macroeconomic policies. * There should be clear and publicly disclosed policies, rules, procedures, or arrangements in relation to the SWF’s general approach to funding, withdrawal, and spending operations. * The governance framework for the SWF should be sound and establish a clear and effective division of roles and responsibilities in order to facilitate accountability and operational independence in the management of the SWF to pursue its objectives. * The accountability framework for the SWF’s

operations should be clearly defined in the relevant legislation, charter, other constitutive documents, or management agreement. * The SWF’s investment policy should be clear and consistent with its defined objectives, risk tolerance, and investment strategy, as set by the owner or the governing body(ies) and be based on sound portfolio management principles.

Other important principles cover things like complying with regulations, regular audits, and risk management, among other issues.

The principles and sub-principals leave room for each country to adapt the principles for its own unique situation. The objectives for the SWF of a developed wealthy country like Norway shouldn’t necessarily be the same as Guyana’s.

A less developed country might want to prioritize more near-term spending on things like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, instead of saving all revenues for the long-term. The Santiago Principles leave decisions like that open to each nation, instead focusing on the bedrocks of good governance and good financial management like accountability, transparency, and careful planning.

The kind of wealth that Guyana can expect from oil revenues could be transformative, and good management is essential to ensuring that the benefits are spread evenly and that future generations can share in the wealth.

The Santiago Principles are not the end of the story, but they are a strong starting point for establishing responsible wealth management in Guyana.

In conclusion, I will readily agree that the possibility exists where from time to time, there is the manifestation of flickers of the goodness from human beings in the context of political power, Barack Obama’s election is exhibit A in this regard.

However, I will posit that the extenuating circumstances that allowed such a welcome development do not exist in societies such as Guyana.

Further, the writer’s posture is fraught with full recog-

nition that there are inestimable variables, depending on varying circumstances, that can negate this positon; but what I have mentioned occurs far more frequently.

This writer is not advocating the Lijphart consociational approach to ethnic-conflict regulation, his is too stringent.

I will expound on my suggestion for the best constitutional design to address the aforementioned concern in subsequent writings.

Tribal political decision-making must be regulated TRIBAL decision-making involves the blind following of policies, parties and personalities based on clan affiliations.

This unthinking following of a group is usually done to the detriment of the general good of the country. This is especially demonstrated in the context of voting, where the blind loyalists will exercise their franchise against a government because that authority does not reflect their stock. Leaving this to the whims and fancies of humans can be likened to leaving a child at home all alone and expecting responsible behaviour. It must be corralled and shackled with stringent constitutional arrangements, coupled with constitutional education.

Without hesitation, this documentation hereby in-

vokes the words of Thomas Jefferson who astutely observed, ‘In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.’ The Founding Fathers of the United States of America proceeded from the assumption that the heart of men could not be trusted in times of political decision-making and they advocated eternal monitoring by systems and rules. This approach produced what is arguably the best constitution in the world. Some have argued that this is a very negative view of human nature.

I disagree with this position and wholesomely concur with their approach. Depending on the goodwill of men in the context of political power and the battle for resources

can be likened to depending on a poisonous snake not to use his venom to defend itself in the face of an attack.

This concern is intensified when examining countries such as Guyana, with crystallised ethnic loyalties and scarce resources. The battle for opportunities and dominance becomes a cauldron in such circumstances.

The wild tribal beast is not easily tamed. How does one explain the political survival and relevance of men who are accused of being complicit in murder, pillage and the wanton abuse of power?

In homogeneous societies where people tend to vote and make political decisions based on issues, rather than kin, such men would be banished from public life. This seldom occurs in heterogeneous societies where leaders

have a guarantee of support through group loyalties.

This primal instinct drives the mindset which says ‘he might be a bad leader but he is one of us.’ I am afraid, this sums up a dangerous approach that is pregnant with inestimable destructive implications for any nation and must be tempered by constitutional protection.

It is not the mere existence of different groups that can condemn a country to this possibility, it is the conduct of political parties and their exploitation of identity politics. You cannot leave such a precarious circumstance to the goodwill of politicians; they will invariably seek advantage in whatever forms it exists. Kenya’s 2007-2018 post-election violence revealed the consequences of playing with identity politics.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Preserve your languages –– Aishalton residents urged at launch of International Year of Indigenous Languages

By Alva Solomon RESIDENTS of Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi were told to ensure the preservation of indigenous languages as government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) officials

visited the community to launch International Year of Indigenous languages.

The event , which was held on Saturday under the theme ‘Indigenous languages are important to sustainable development, peace-building and reconciliation’, saw a large turnout of residents who heard

for the first time on local radio, descendants of the nine indigenous tribes speak in their own language at a forum.

The forum was organised by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the University of Guyana.

The activity was a spectacle which left many in

awe, including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of President; Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Junior Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; and UNESCO’s representative Patrice La Fleur among others.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing presidential duties, as he addressed the gathering on Saturday The prime minister, who gave the feature address, described the occasion as historic, while noting that the launch of the event was held at a time when the authorities are trying to introduce indigenous languages into the education system.

After listening to the nine indigenous representatives speak in their own languages, those being the Arawak, Carib, Warrau, Patamona, Wapishana, Macushi, Arecuna, Wai Wai and the Akawaio descendants, the prime minister noted that the languages are “in good hands.”

Nagamootoo said many persons are unaware of the languages spoken globally and during his address, told the gathering that one of the plans of the authorities is to have the country’s indigenous languages being aired on the radio.

To this end, he continuously cited the importance of Radio Aishalton which was launched in 2018 and several other radio stations which the government launched countrywide since assuming office in May 2015.

FOOD FOR THE MIND He said that radio pro-

vides “food for the minds, nourished with entertainment and feed our appetites even when we relax and enjoy pleasure.”

The prime minister also noted that radio in the hinterland provides an opportunity for indigenous peoples to connect and he cited the preservation of languages spoken in indigenous communities as one way of bringing the people together.

“We have to appreciate and love our languages, “ Nagamootoo said, as he urged residents and those listening via Radio Aishalton and the National Communications Network, to learn and spread them.

“Hold onto your languages,” the prime minister urged.

“It is said that an informed population is an educated population,” he added as he insisted that Guyana’s indigenous peoples must not be left behind.

Minister Allicock told the gathering that Saturday’s event was one of the most important ones for the indigenous peoples, as he noted that government is in full support of the preservation of indigenous languages.

“We would like to see See page 11

Preserve your ...

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

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From page 10

that these rich cultures are preserved,” he said as he underscored that the citizenry comes first.

Allicock said 2019 has a special purpose, one in which the launch of the recognition of the indigenous language is put to the fore.

“Languages play an extremely crucial role in everyday life,” he noted.

He said the languages continue to disappear globally at an extremely alarming rate and he noted that Guyana cannot afford to lose its languages.

Allicock said Saturday was a prime example of language preservation in which the nine representatives spoke in their

traditions, philosophies, writing systems and literatures, and to designate and retain their own names for communities, places and persons.

Le Fleur, like previous speakers, urged residents and listeners to ensure that indigenous youths know their languages.

Alim Hussain of the Faculty of Education, Department of Languages at UG, said the fact that three officials of the department, including him, were at the event is a sign that the university is interested in the indigenous languages.

He said revival of the language by the Ministry of Education, in which the Wapichan language

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets a family on his arrival at Aishalton on Saturday respective indigenous languages. He said it is a method to strengthen the country’s development as a whole.

ACTION UNESCO’s representative Patrice Le Fleur told the gathering that the UN permanent forum on indigenous issues drew attention to the threats and loss of languages and acted to have them re-invented at universities and public centres.

She spoke on Article 13 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples which states that Indigenous peoples have the right to revitalise, use, develop and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral

is being taught in schools in the Rupununi as a pilot programme, is an important step and one that is necessary. He said after listening to the speakers who spoke their respective indigenous languages, he is proud of the fluency with which they spoke and the value they placed on their language.

He said the university is prepared to work with the indigenous population do research and assist them to preserve their respective languages.

“This is a very important part in building our nationhood,” he added.

He expressed hope that awareness balloons nationally.

Last year, the United Nations designated 2019 as The Year of Indige-

nous Languages. The UN has explained that having recognised their vulnerability, the agency has proclaimed 2019 the International Year of Indigenous Languages, “to draw attention to the critical loss of indigenous languages and the urgent need to preserve, revitalise, and promote indigenous languages.”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo greets indigenous leaders and speakers of the different indigenous languages on his arrival at Aishalton on Saturday

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

CH&PA $500,000 home improvement subsidy a hit at Stabroek Square

SCORES of Guyanese turned out to the Ministry of Housing’s outreach at the Stabroek Market area on Friday as many expressed great interest in the $500,000 subsidy being offered to low-income home owners to complete or undertake works to their homes.

The offer is one of two initiatives which the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) placed on offer to persons living in Georgetown, up the East Coast of Demerara, with a cut-off mark at La Bonne Intention and from the city south along the East Bank of Demerara to Diamond.

The offer is also available to persons living along the West Bank of Demerara up to the village of Wales.

The outreach was part of the CH&PA’s Adequate Housing and Accessibility programme and Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Valerie Patterson, was on hand to give

a listening ear to persons making queries.

On Friday, many persons who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle expressed optimism that they will finally be able to build and complete their homes under a $500,000 initiative. “This would come in good for me, I already sign-up and

Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Valerie Patterson yearwood interacts with members of the public during the outreach at Stabroek Square on Friday morning all I need now is to wait on the call from housing,” a single-mother of two who resides at Diamond told this publication. Other persons noted that the initiative will enable them to undertake additional works to their homes.

The cost covers repairs to roofs, walls, floors, bathrooms and toilets, house expansions, electrical works, plumbing and sanitation, and importantly, modifications for persons with disabilities.

A CH&PA official (backing camera) chats with members of the public during the outreach at Stabroek Square on Friday morning A housing official told the Guyana Chronicle that for an individual to be eligible for the offer, he/she must be the owner of the land and must be living on said land for which he/she is applying for the subsidy. In addition, the gross income of the homeowner must be $70,000 or less.

The second initiative, which was highlighted at the outreach, is the CH&PA’s Core Home Support

Project. Under this project a house measuring 20 feet in length by 20 feet in width was highlighted as being on offer for only $100,000.

The home improvement initiative has been set at 2000 subsidies while 250 home owners are expected to benefit from the core home initiative.

The application period, which started on November 1, 2018, runs until February 1, 2019.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

GBTI gives back to customers

THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) gave back to its customers recently through its Christmas Celebrate in Style promotion and a familiarisation meeting with its Brand Ambassadors.

The winners of the Christmas Celebrate in Style promotion were awarded last week.

“I am overwhelmed with joy,” said first place winner Olinka Adams, who won herself a trip to Trinidad and Tobago, compliments of the bank and LIAT. According to her, she has been using GBTI for some time now and had applied for

cember 2018. To be eligible, customers were required to apply for a loan of $250,000 or more during the period.

In addition to that promotion, the bank also created much excitement this past week as it took its Brand Ambassadors cricketing star Shimron Hetmyer and National hockey and tennis champ, Sarah Klautky, on a familiarisation meet and greet at its Georgetown and Berbice branches.

At the Regent and Water Streets branches, customers, fans and staff were excited to meet the young stars and engaged them briefly, offering words of encouragement and

GBTI Brand Ambassador,West Indies batting sensation Shimron Hetmyer, meets with customers a loan in December. This was what led her to win the prize.

Ms Patricia Ann Mitchell, the second place winner, won a trip for two to the Aruwai Resort. She too was elated.

“I did not expect to win anything; I took a loan to do some things … and so was very surprised,” she said.

She will be taking her husband with her to enjoy the all-inclusive overnight trip for two at the local tourism destination in the Mazaruni River.

Krystle Lee and Ariane Chung, two sisters, were excited with their third place prize, especially being new customers of GBTI. They share a joint account, saw the promotion and applied for a loan.

“The weekend at the Marriot sounds good,” they said and added that this would make a good start to their New Year and a good start to a long and loyal customer relationship with the bank.

The Celebrate in Style Christmas promotion was intended to provide rewards for customers who took loans between October and De-

used the opportunity to also have autographs and photos taken.

For both Hetmyer and Klautky, it was the first time taking time off to meet and interact with fans and as such, they both expressed their gratitude to GBTI for believing in them and throwing their support behind them.

“It’s good because young people don’t always have the support from (large companies) and parents can’t always afford to finance their children sports goals,” Hetmyer said. He also commented that the interactions have been “fantastic”.

Klautky shared similar sentiments, observing that field hockey and tennis are not very popular sports locally but she intends to popularize them.

“GBTI is proud to have these two young sports personalities represent its brand and looks forward to working with them to change lives and provide opportunities in Guyana. Sports and culture help define us as Guyanese and we see Guyanese for who we are.

It is only fitting, therefore,

that we support what fosters love and unity and what makes us Guyanese.

Customers and fans in Berbice were also given the opportunity to meet and interact with the star Guyanese cricketer before he joins the West Indies squad for the upcoming England tour in the Caribbean.

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Winners of the GBTI Christmas Celebrate in Style Promotion receive their prizes

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Linden fire victims get help

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Minister Valerie Adams-Yearwood (centre) making the presentation to Oscar Anthony (immediate left) and Miss Roslyn Gordon (second left) of the zinc sheets and cement. Adams in flanked by several PNCR executive members in Linden and LMTC councillors

By Vanessa Braithwaite TWO government ministers on Saturday visited Linden and made donations of building materials to two fire victims who lost their homes November last year.

Making the presentation on behalf of herself and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, was Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Valarie Adams-Yearwood.

She was accompanied by several members of the PNCR Linden Executive Body and councillors of the Linden Mayor and Town Council. Presented to the families were 38 zinc sheets and one bale of cement which will go towards rebuilding efforts.

Adams-Yearwood noted that the donation is a representation of the government’s promise of a good life to Guyanese, but more particularly its understanding of the plight of the fire victims.

“The government that promised you the good life, the APNU+AFC Government, I want to say to you that we understand your struggle, we understand your loss and we are helping you to regain your life, to put your houses back together and I know that several other citizens of Linden and around Guyana who would come on board to join us to give you back your home,” Adams-Yearwood said.

Receiving the materials was patriarch Oscar Anthony, who lost his home at Lot 120 Silver Town, Wismar in November. Several persons were rendered homeless after that blaze. Anthony shared the two-storey home with his reputed wife Brenda Temple and seven other relatives. The lower-flat was rented out to a tenant who had three children.

In the other case, Matriarch Roslyn Gordon was presented with zinc sheets and cement by the minister. In fact, this is the second donation that Gordon has received. The first was done by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell and Wainwright Bethune and Regional Executive Officer Orrin Gordon. Over 700 blocks, a load of sand, food and clothing and zinc sheets were donated.

Minister Adams-Yearwood noted that while the materials would not give them an entire house, it is still a significant help.

“I trust that these building materials will go a far way in building back your life, I know that this can’t rebuild your house, but of course it will take you a far way,” she said.

Both Anthony and Gordon expressed immense gratitude to the Government of Guyana for not turning a blind eye to their plight.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

CDB aims to direct more focus on youth

CHIEF Officer of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Social Sector Division, Diedre Carrington, has highlighted that the bank will be developing its first Youth Policy and Operational Strategy, as part of efforts to direct more focus to youth in the Region.

“We are in the process of developing the Youth Policy and Operational Strategy- known to us as YPOS,” Carrington told the Guyana Chronicle.

“As a precursor to this strategy, we will be channelling greater investments into our youth innovation and empowerment programming and importantly, building on the outcomes of the Caribbean forum on population, youth and development [held in 2018],” Carrington said at a recent Caribbean Youth forum held in Guyana.

According to her, youth mainstreaming and crime prevention will feature prominently in this policy that is expected to be presented to the CDB’s Board of Directors before the end of 2019.

There are three stages to the development of this policy: fact-finding, in-country work and actually developing the strategy.

“In fact-finding, we are doing a lot of desk research and discussing with our borrowing member countries and our partner agencies the types of programmes and projects implemented in the countries,” she explained. “The idea is to do an assessment of what has been done and to learn lessons, because it does not make sense to move forward without knowing what we have done in the past and learn lessons from those.”

For the second phases, four countries have been identified as pilot countries; these are: St. Kitts and Nevis, the British Virgin Islands, Belize and Suriname.

In these countries, Carrington explained that more data will be collected and intersections of young people will be

the bank’s developmental effort throughout the Region.

Additionally, she also indicated that all of the CDB’s borrowing countries are very keen on this

Chief Officer of the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Social Sector Division, Diedre Carrington consulted alongside government and partner agencies.

“We are bringing together-- in a regional consultation-- our youth leaders and actors and the idea is to validate the data that we would have collected and then present them with a draft of the policy and get their feedback and guidance,” the CDB’s Chief Officer said.

Further, she contended: “The approach that we are taking is a very youth-centred one,” and noted that efforts have been made to reach out to young people through social media and at events such as the youth summit.

Through groundwork already engaged in, she disclosed that young people have been calling for more interventions in education, employment and peace-building.

Specifically on peace-building, the chief officer said that crime and violence must be tackled throughout the Caribbean to promote a better living environment.

“We see crime and violence as being anti-development; if we don’t deal with that issue it means that we are continuing to spend resources on dealing with a problem than trying to prevent it,” Carrington said.

“We have always focused on youth development, but it has not been in that central way,” she said. But now, with the policy, it is expected that youth development will play a central role in

policy and are looking forward to the final product.

“We have tried to take a role that is preventative.

In building our school system we are looking at

how we can build and promote peace, how can we promote better dialogue [and] better negotiating without violence, working with Parent Teacher Associations… we recognise

that we need interventions at various levels,” she related.

This policy will now seek to guide interventions at these various levels.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Curriculum reform spurs success in Region 10

By Vanessa Braithwaite

NURSERY Field Officer of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Fayann Tappin-Benn has reported that the Ministry of Education National Curriculum Reform has been a source of positive change at the nursery level in the region.

Tappin-Benn noted that it is her duty to visit nursery schools across the region and has observed during her visits, not only the improvement in how pupils are reacting to the new content, but delivery of the content

ue to work assiduously to ensure that your children benefit from this,” she said.

Parents also promised to work along with the teachers to ensure that their children are indeed the main beneficiaries.

The National Curriculum Reform was executed under the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project (GESIP) with the aim of re-engineering success in education at all levels of learning. The objective of the programme is to improve Guyanese students’ achievements in basic education, to create

Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) Nursery Field Officer Fayann Tappin- Benn speaks to parents at the Pine Street Nursery School on the successes of the National Curriculum Reform Project in the region as well.

She was at the time speaking at a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting at the Pine Street Nursery School in Linden.

There, parents were updated on what the programme is all about, how their children are benefiting and how they can get involved; the process, she said, requires inputs from not only the teachers, but from parents as well.

Tappin-Benn reported significant improvements not only at nursery schools in Linden, but in outlying areas also.

She also thanked the teachers of the Pine Street Nursery School for a job well done in delivering the reformed curriculum at the highest standard expected.

Benn said she will continue to work assiduously in ensuring that the reformed delivery is implemented at all nursery schools across the region.

“It is my duty to ensure that the project is being delivered and I will contin-

a balanced 21st century Guyanese curriculum and to strengthen the Guyanese teaching and learning process. This is being done through implementing a phased revision of the curriculum beginning with mathematics, promoting student-centred approaches to teaching and learning by improved methods, materials and assessments; paying close attention to cross-cutting issues of gender, special education needs and social and cultural inclusion, are also part of this approach. “Curriculum reform has become one of the highest priorities in the government’s sector development programme,” Tappin-Benn said.

The process, through consultation, includes existing curricula to see what is still beneficial and supplementing that with new curricula, aligned with international best practices. GESIP funding is pegged at some US$6.03 million and is funded by the World Bank.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Voluntarism on the rise in Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THERE has been a noticeable increase in youths coming forward to serve their communities, all in the spirit of voluntarism in the mining town of Linden.

In 2018, several youth groups were formed and those that were already established increased their visibility with members volunteering in community development projects. This was evident on the recent observance of International Volunteer Day, which saw scores of youths representing several youth groups, participating in a clean-up campaign for a clean–‘green’ Linden.

The move was commended by several regional officials and residents who were impressed by the many youths who continue to get involved in community work in order to keep them meaningfully occupied.

This can have a positive ripple effect in the community, resulting in a decrease in crimes and reduction in issues such as teenage pregnancy, alcoholism and smoking.

Founder of non-governmental organisation, For the Children Sake Foundation, Vernon Todd, said International Volunteer Day is viewed as a unique chance for volunteers and organisations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), Peace Corps Volunteers, government authorities and the private sector. Being proud of the overwhelming support received by the youths of Linden, Todd said it will not only benefit the community, but also those youths who have offered their time and resources to community development. “The humane impulse to assist and empower others, that motivates volunteers, rebounds back to them in the form of an enriched life. Volunteers offer life skills while expanding their own know-how; they empower communities while earning a sense of personal fulfilment at having made a difference in our world,” he affirmed As a pioneer of voluntarism in Linden, Todd said it feels great to know that he has impacted the lives of many youths. He continues to play a role in voluntarism. “What I do contributes to peace and development by advocating for the recognition of volunteers and working with partners to integrate voluntarism into development programming.”

While community development is good, he also paid tribute to the Peace Corps volunteers and their counterparts, who are helping to address the outbreak of different diseases through prevention, awareness-raising and treatment activities. “Their assistance is particularly important as we battle misconceptions about these diseases and strive to show compassion for all those who are affected and infected as we continue to build a resilient community.”

He is urging more youths to pick up the spirit of voluntarism and commend those who have already given selfless service to others in an effort to change the present conditions for better in the future.

“No matter what your nationality and background is, all you need is your heart. Always remember the four Cs: Care, Compassion, Cohesion and Community. Work together to build a caring, compassionate, cohesive community. That is what volunteer service is all about,” Todd said.

Some of the youth groups with a growing number of volunteers in Linden are For the Children Sake Foundation, Linden Youth Leaders, Linden Youth Network, Young and Thoughtful Youth Network, Healthy Living Youth Group and Linden’s Humanity Hub.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

119 Million spent in Region 10 on HEYS programme

YOUTHS in Region 10 who participated in the last year of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme have earned some 119 million dollars.

This was the disclosure made by Coastal Monitor, Neill Persaud while addressing students from Cohorts One and Two during a one-day training session.

The programme, which is being funded through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, targets youths between 16 to 35 years old, while providing them with required skills and knowledge to start their own businesses.

Addressing participants at the Coomacka Community Centre, Persaud revealed that the programme has

… additional millions to be pumped in

Front Row - REO Gordon, Coastal Monitor Persaud, Region Seven Monitor, Lemmel Thomas and Region Eight Monitor, Kurt Perreira pose with the participants from Cohorts One and Two

been very successful since its implementation in Region 10 in 2017. He pointed out that the programme commenced in August 2017 and concluded in July 2018 for Region 10. He said that 10 villages participated in the programme, noting that 190 persons were enrolled in the programme.

He noted that through the programme, participants received a grant along with a stipend for one year.

Each participant received a 50,000.00 grant to start their business along with a 30,000.00 monthly stipend for one year.

The coastal monitor revealed that 182 youths received grants in Region 10 with 169 of those youths completing the programme.

Further, he noted that a total of 138 businesses were established with a dropout rate representing 11 per cent. “This demonstrated that while 11 per cent of persons dropped out, 89 percent of those persons successfully completed.

That indicates that it was a very successful programme which indicates that our youths are indeed serious about developing themselves,” he said.

He noted that studies have found that it takes three years for businesses to develop, thus the Government of Guyana remains committed and dedicated in ensuring that youths from the programme receive the required training and support to ensure that their businesses can become very successful. “Through these training programmes, it allows us to give you some more encouragement, knowledge and information so as to become better business persons so as to help with the development of the community and the nation at large,” he said.

He went on to note that there were 20 facilitators throughout the programme in Region 10, adding that the response by villages and persons were very good.

“Several villages mobilised the youths while a number of persons came to us enquiring how they could get involved in the programme, as it was one of the most sought after programmes in the country. There continues to be a great demand for the continuation of the HEYS programme and this speaks to the effectiveness of the programme,” Persaud said. He pointed out that employment was created while economic development also took place, noting that Region 10 saw some 119 million being disbursed to the participants.

The coastal monitor said that a comparison was done with international organisations which revealed that only 35 per cent of

businesses that received grants remains after a year, noting that a review of Region 10’s figures revealed that it is over 50 per cent.

Persaud urged the youths to remain inspired and motivated, reminding them that they need to remain focused on their dreams and vision so that they can be better business persons returning to their communities. He noted that a number of female participants have been employing their spouses, noting that this is further boosting the economy. He added that a number of grandmothers and grandfathers are also being employed, as participants aggressively seek to develop their businesses. He noted further that as a result of HEYS, it’s reaching out to a number of communities that once had a number of unemployed persons.

In reviewing the success of the programme in Region 10, Persaud said that the councillors in the region have lent and continues to lend valuable support and assistance to participants, thus resulting in its success.

He revealed that recently, parliament approved an additional 50,000.00 to persons who are part of cohorts one and two as he stressed that the president’s vision is to further empower youths so as to become self-sustainable.

He assured participants that assistance would be given to them with bottling, packaging, labelling and most importantly marketing their products.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO), Orrin Gordon stressed that development continues in Region 10, disclosing that his region had funded some 33 projects totalling some 54 million. This was done last year and executed within the riverine communities within Region 10. “Thirty-three projects were executed totalling 54 million, so other than the HEYS programme, there are added developments taking place within the region.

Many persons have this concept that Linden is Region 10 but we must understand that Linden is just 55 square miles, while Region 10 is 6555 square miles, so we can see that Region 10 is much bigger than Linden,” he declared.

Gordon congratulated the team for its part in executing the HEYS programme, while urging the participants to continue their diligence and dedication to the programme, reminding them that the knowledge, skills and support gained from the programme will boost their entrepreneurial skills.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Patron considering legal action against Princess Hotel

A CUSTOMER who was allegedly robbed while utilising the swimming pool facilities at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel at Providence last Sunday, is not pleased with how the hotel has responded to the incident.

Taalib Persaud claims that himself, family members and friends were robbed of over $300,000 in cash along with electronics including an iPhone 10XMax, an iPhone 8Plus, and wallets containing drivers’ licences, credit cards, and debit cards, when they visited the pool.

Since then, he says his pleas to the hotel to release vital security footage to aid

the police in apprehending the perpetrators are being disregarded. “I have an American friend with me who came to spend some time in Guyana but now he’s going home with none of his personal belongings.

This is shameful on behalf of Princess Hotel,” Persaud asserted.

“I don’t know what to do right now, the only thing I’m thinking is to get a lawyer, because we paid to use that pool, we paid for food, we paid for every service offered there. You’re supposedly supposed to be protected. They searching you, checking you and when you go inside you’re still unsafe.”

Persaud said that when the issue occurred on Sunday, a man who identified himself as the hotel’s head of security continually reassured that he was working to acquire the video footage. However up to Thursday they were still unable to receive it.

“We spoke to him and we said we really need the surveillance footage so we can track down the persons, because we’re already tracking the phones. He said his guys are working on getting the footage, and keep calm relax everything is going to be fine. That’s all he’s telling me. I said sir I can’t keep calm my phone is leaving the hotel. All he’s

… over alleged poolside robbery

The Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel at Providence saying is he’s working on it, up to now he’s working on it,” Persaud stated.

When contacted on Thursday, the hotel’s front desk receptionist informed that the security head of department was in a meeting. According to Persaud, himself and four other persons arrived at the hotel at around 3:00pm on Sunday and paid to use the swimming pool, leaving their belongings on a nearby table before venturing into the pool.

When they returned approximately an hour later, it was realised that certain items were missing. An alarm was immediately raised and using GPS technology, the locations of two of the missing phones were identified. Persaud said while he tried to track down the phones using their locations, his parents made a report at the Providence Police Station and the police were brought to the site where one of the missing phones was transmitting at its location.

However, Persaud noted that the police said they could not go into the premises unless they got the footage of the video showing who were the person or persons who committed the robbery.

Persaud and his party then returned to Princess Hotel, and the head of security then informed them that the hotel would only release the footage to the police.

After returning to the Providence Police Station, Persaud was further informed that they first needed to obtain authorisation from the Brickdam Police Station. Persaud said it was not until Wednesday that he was again contacted by the police, who said that

the hotel was still refusing to hand over the footage.

Calls made to the Providence Police Station on Thursday for an update on the situation went unanswered. “He [the police officer] said he went to Princess and they didn’t give him anything. He tell us that we got to come in and give a next statement, [on Wednesday]. We have to follow up this thing. We’re not dropping this thing.

We’re going to go probably [today] because I have a business to run and when I leave there’s no one to look after my business, so when I get time I will have to go back to the station to give the other statements,” Persaud said.

Noting that the alleged incident is a serious one, president of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, noted that the association will be doing its best to look into the issue. The Ramada Hotel is a member of THAG. Persaud now hopes that his story will serve to warn others to be more careful when they visit the hotel’s pool. This incident comes just weeks after the hotel was ordered to pay some $7.5 million when it lost its case against Marcia Duke, mother of Shaquille Edwards—the teen boy who died by drowning in the pool of the hotel four years ago.

Duke contended that the hotel negligently failed to provide a lifeguard on duty and failed to place visible warning signs to the public of the dangers of using the pool which was at the premises of the defendant, thereby negligently causing the death of Edwards by drowning.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

A changing commercial culture – businesses must adapt to stay profitable

–– “¡ZAPATOS! … ¡ZAPATOS MAS!” (Shoes! More Shoes!)

By Vishani Ragobeer FOR someone with basic knowledge of Spanish, the words above would be easily recognised. However, in a general way, conversation between local sales girls and Cubans in a typical store would pass by like a blur.

On Saturdays, ‘Lucky Star’, the large grey store on Wellington Street, is filled with persons from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean country, Cuba. The store -- which is your average local wholesale apparel store -- is owned and managed by Chinese nationals.

Guyanese sales girls and a few male porters are also employees.

On the front of the building, there is a sign inviting females desirous of working as sales girls, to apply within. The female Chinese manager (no name given) told the Guyana Chronicle that, to be eligible for employment, one needs to know “a little Spanish.”

The average customer would be amazed at the manner in which the sales girls and the Cubans communicate in Spanish. The ability of the sales girls to revert to English Language to meet the needs of local customers would also fascinate an on-looker.

It is reasonable to assume that the general communication would require more than ‘a little spanish’. “[The Cubans] are creating income on a whole; that’s the bottomline,” local economist Dr. Thomas Singh told the Guyana Chronicle. “The Cubans come here with purchasing power and they create income.”

Dr. Singh explained that within the country -- along the commercial hub of Regent Street particularly -- many Cubans can be seen shopping. He added that, to attract these customers who are in Guyana with “purchasing power”, businesses would need to make necessary adaptations.

“Definitely, [Spanish-speaking] is an effect. The salesgirls are now bilingual,” Singh said. He explained further that such was, perhaps, to create a ‘safety valve’ for the Cuban customers; it allows them to feel more comfortable doing business.

Commenting on the more visible mechanisms of transformation adopted by businesses, Singh also related: “I was surprised walking into a store called Little Havana [Havana is the capital city of Cuba] but it was just another Chinese store.”

Ciudad de Cuba (Cuba City/ City of Cuba) is another Chinese-owned apparel store, located on Regent Street. Previously, the store’s name was in Chinese but, as part of the measures taken to attract Cubans, the name was changed about one year ago.

The owner declined to speak with this newspaper, but granted permission for a sales girl to speak on his behalf. The sales girl was not Guyanese. She was a Venezuelan who was proficient in English The salesgirl, Delis (only name given) had only been working at the store for about three weeks, but affirmed that much more Cubans purchased from the store than from few of the surrounding stores. She also highlighted that she was the one who would engage the Cubans when they visited the store.

Economist Singh, in an invited comment, said “I think Regent Street is becoming a more cosmopolitan place than it used to be,” He added that the great influx of Cubans was most recent.

There were also Venezuelans, Brazilians, and Indian and Chinese nationals,

most of whom have largely integrated themselves into the commercial sphere BUSINESS “The purchasing power of the Cubans has a multiplier effect,” Dr. Singh said.

In economics, the multiplier effect-- in simple terms-- is an increase in spending which produces an increase in the national income and consumption greater than the initial amount spent.

“I don’t know to what extent the purchasing/spending power is distributed to the local, Guyanese-run businesses versus the Chinese stores on Regent street,” Singh noted, but explained: “But if it is the Chinese store, it might not be that they are doing or offering anything different.. It might just be that the Cubans are coming here because the Chinese stores are offering low-priced, decent quality on quite a variety of things.”

Even if that is the case -- where Chinese-owned businesses are able to garner more of the Cubans’ business -- that still benefits the local economy through the multiplier effect, according to the economist.

“The Chinese are employing sales girls and porters where the money still goes,” he said.

If the store owners have an increase in sales, they may be able to employ more persons who have individual spending power and would spend in different ways, to create income for other persons.

“It might be small on an individual basis, but aggregated, the spending effect aggregated across individuals and on the cross rounds of spending, it has both the multiplier effect of spending in successive rounds,” the economist said.

Take for example, a salesgirl is hired.

She travels by minibus to and from workthat allows money to be channelled there.

If she does some construction in her home, she hires a mason and money is channelled there as well.

Within the accommodation sector however, it is evident that locally owned businesses have been able to capitalise. A number of buildings that were once rented as store or office spaces have been converted to living spaces. These buildings are owned

by Guyanese.

On Robb Street, one woman (who declined to give her name) explained that she had converted the office space into rooms to rent to Cubans. Instead of charging a fixed sum per room, she had been charging per occupant. It costs about $50- $70 US to rent a room for one night, but, cognisant that this price may be too steep for the visitors, the woman instead charges about $25- $40 US per person and fits up to four Cubans in a room.

However, she explained that it was becoming increasingly competitive in the accommodation sector and, as such, it was compulsory for her to ‘up her ante.’ “Now, we have to offer transportation services for the Cubans and ensure we have food for them to purchase as well,” the woman said.

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, (GTA) Brian Mullis, recently told the Guyana Chronicle that it was estimated that the typical visitor from Cuba stayed four to six days and spent US$2,000 to US$3,000 per visit on purchases, lodging, food and other necessities.

Aggregated, the money spent by the Cubans alone totals about US$85M, which contributes to Guyana’s Gross Domestic

Product (GDP), according to Mullis.

However, there are other variables to consider. The spending behaviour of a Chinese business owner might be different from that of a local business owner, according to the economist.

Singh said, “…the distributive effect depends on where the spending is occurring.”

He suggested that a comprehensive study could provide more insight and would allow for a greater understanding on how income is really generated for locals.

In the absence of that study, there are other factors to look at that can ascertain the negative implications of the adapted business culture.

The Bank of Guyana, in recent times, highlighted that some commercial businesses were transacting business in US currency and such practice could cause Guyana to lose foreign exchange entering the official market.

For three consecutive Saturdays, this newspaper covertly observed business transactions done at one local wholesale store between Cubans and the store’s cashiers. It was noticed that the Cubans bought items in large quantities, and paid for them, mainly, with U.S currency. In fact, the store, under surveillance, even displayed the prices for items in both local and US currencies. Such was indeed a contravention.

“The Bank of Guyana notes with concern that some businesses are accepting foreign currency for the purpose of settling payments for transactions, instead of Guyana dollars.... The bank wishes to advise that pursuant to section (20) of the Bank of Guyana Act, 1998, all monetary obligations or transactions in Guyana shall be settled in Guyana dollars,” a notice from the bank read.

Furthermore, the notice highlighted that only banks and licensed cambios were authorised to conduct buying and selling of foreign currency and that the Bank of Guyana Act 1998 and the Dealers in Foreign Currency (Licensing) Act 1989, provide penalties for violations which include fines and imprisonment.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Governor of the Bank of Guyana Dr. Gobind Ganga, said that such practices, as observed between the Cubans and the store owner, made it difficult to trace the foreign currency spent in the country.

Dr Singh however said, “This [buying and selling in foreign currency] is perhaps done to ensure that perhaps the spending power the Cubans bring is not lost to the middle person- which is the foreign exchange dealer.” He also cited security concerns, and said that perhaps the local businesses are just trying to make the foreigners more comfortable when conducting business.

President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Deodat Indar, had also related to this newspaper that while he could not speak to those businesses breaking the law, making the conduct of commerce difficult, by enforcing the regulations, would be counter-productive.

The GCCI president further opined that there must be no hindrance to commerce here, as businesses, in the hospitality sector, interact, on a daily basis, with foreigners and would receive money in foreign currency.

One Cuban women, Margarita Gomez, was shopping along Regent Street during the Christmas season. She was here for just

one week, and was purchasing clothing, in large quantities, to take back to her country.

She stated. that she preferred to shop at the Chinese stores, because she was able to get better prices for the items she purchased. She added that “At the Guyanese stores, I would have to bargain with them for good prices.”

This preference by the Cubans fuels a sense of xenophobia among the local business owners.

XENOPHOBIA The proprietor of the Payless, Get More Shopping Centre on Regent Street, Mr. Harry, has attempted to capitalise on the purchasing power of the Cubans, but has experienced some challenges to this.

He related that he had hired two sales girls who were fluent in Spanish, as part of his efforts to facilitate business but that has not helped much.

“They not buying, they just not buying,” he complained. “They used to come before and buy all kinds of things, mostly clothing and footwear, but now they don’t come as often as they used to before. They does buy from the Chinese stores now.”

Other local business persons, like Mr. Harry, are making attempts to adapt, so that they too can capitalise on the influx of Cubans.

“NO ERES CUBANO. NO ES POSIBLE.” This Cuban woman in about her mid30s, declined to speak- other than to say: “You are not Cuban. It is not possible.”

Her reasons were apparent; apart from the evident language barrier, the Cubans have received some amount of hostility from locals.

“The Chinese are offering products and services at prices that the average person can really use,” Dr. Singh said. He further explained that the Chinese had not only been able to offer good prices, but they also offered a “package of goods and services” that really appeal to the Cubans.

This “package” is perhaps something that is not yet fully mastered by many local businesses, and, their inability to adapt in this manner could be a factor that affects business.

Dr Singh further added that “I would hope that, looking ahead, that the xenophobia doesn’t get worse; instead, we look at this opportunity provided by the foreigners in Guyana to become a more open, cosmopolitan society.

For example, we can offer restaurant services with a greater variety; we can begin to learn about the cultures of other countries; I would hope that in schools we begin to- deliberating- have our students learn about other people,” AGUA! (WATER!) The midday sun ‘was beating down’ and Charlene (not real name) shouted one of the few spanish words she knew- agua- in a feeble attempt to persuade the Cubans passing to purchase a cold beverage from her small stand, at the corner of Robb and Wellington streets.

“If I tell you… If you not spanish, they not buying from you, you know,” she explained a bit frustrated. “And they don’t like spend- they prefer to walk the whole town with them big big bags than to tek a taxi.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

President Granger meets Cuban counterpart PRESIDENT David Granger, who is receiving treatment in Cuba for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma following diagnosis last year, met with his Cuban counterpart Diaz-Canel on Friday.

According to a release, President Granger was accompanied to the meeting by Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed while President Diaz-Canel was accompanied by Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

In the course of the informal exchange of views, President Granger again repeated his gratitude to the Cuban Government for the medical treatment which he is currently receiving at CIMEQ. He told President Diaz-Canel that he was extremely pleased with the professionalism and expertise of the medical team that is monitoring his progress and praised the high level of medical treatment that CIMEQ provides.

President Diaz-Canel explained that Cuba has a special relationship with Guyana and that Cuba was ensuring that President Granger’s medical treatment is undertaken with dignity, respect

President David Granger met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on Friday.

President Granger was accompanied by Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba Halim Majeed while the Cuban President was accompanied by his Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of the Presidency) and responsibility that only a fraternal country could offer.

The two presidents took the opportunity to review the international and regional political situation, particularly US-Cuba relations, which both Presidents concurred that the opening undertaken by President Barack Obama was short lived.

President Diaz-Canel pointed out that the economic and financial blockade against Cuba was tightening but that Cuba was making every effort to pursue its economic and social objectives in the interest of the Cuban people.

President Granger and President Diaz-Canel agreed that Caricom-Cuba cooperation is vital to the development of the Caribbean Region and that both sides must continue the search for ways and means aimed at deepening collaboration on all fronts.

President Granger also updated President Diaz-Canel on the present political situation in Guyana and clarified the circumstances that could very well lead to the holding of new National and Regional Elections this year. Notwithstanding the present internal situation, President Granger reassured President Diaz-Canel of Guyana’s unconditional support for Cuba’s development at all material times.

Before the meeting concluded, two of CIMEQ’s top oncologists briefed President Diaz-Canel on President’s Granger’s medical status - describing the President’s progress as satisfactory and in conformity with their expectations.

President Granger will depart Havana for Georgetown later today.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Gov’t continues to function as per norm – Harmon THE government will continue to function in its normal capacity, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said as he shut down calls by the opposition to have the David Granger administration reduced to a ‘caretaker’ government.

“There is no provision in our constitution that limits the exercise of the power of the government to anything and in that regard the government will function in its normal capacity as a government and all of the attendant panoply of executive power will be exercised,” the minister of state told reporters on Friday.

Since the no-confidence motion against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) was declared passed in the National Assembly, the opposition has been calling for the government to function as a caretaker administration.

But on Friday, Minister Harmon renewed government’s position that it will remain in office until elections are held in accordance with the constitution.

“There is a government and the government is functioning lawfully and legally,” Minister Harmon said.

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

On the basis that there have been deliberate efforts to misinform the populace, the minister of state expressed the need for constitutional education.

“I believe that constitutional education is so vital to Guyana. Constitutional education that each and every article of our constitution the Guyanese people must be aware of,” he posited.

During the high-level bilateral meeting with the government and the opposition, President David Granger made it clear that his government will govern the country without any limitations to its authority. The meeting was held on January 9, 2019.

According to a joint statement issued one day after the meeting, the President stated that there is no provision in the constitution which imposes limitations on the government to perform its lawful functions.

The opposition leader, following the meeting, said that it was important for the government to remain in office. “The President made it clear that you cannot have a country without a government and we agreed with this 100%, and I made it clear that our job is not to stymie the functioning of the government.”

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

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

But this was not agreed by the government, with the President underscoring the importance of the effective functioning of the legislative and executive arms of the government.

“Neither of these two important institutions, the legislative branch and the executive branch, could be allowed to fail. Public services have to be delivered; public order has to be maintained and therefore the two sides, reached broad agreement on how these two institutions, the legislative branch and the executive branch, would continue to function,” the President said in a televised recording moments after the meeting.

Zooming in on Article 106 (7) of the constitution, the President indicated that the government and the opposition, by agreement in the National Assembly, can extend the time beyond the 90 days contemplated

by Article 106 (7) of the constitution. The opposition has since indicated it is willing to extend the timeline, if needs be.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Kuru Kuru College looking to partner with GSA to boost capacity IN Keeping with Guyana’s thrust to become the bread-basket of the Caribbean, the administration of the Kuru Kuru Cooperative College (KKCC) made Agricultural Science a compulsory subject for students entering the college.

The potential for development in agriculture goes beyond the average cultivation and harvesting. In recognition of this, the college intends on forming a partnership with the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) to enhance the knowledge of students who attend the college and even enhance the technical capabilities of teachers.

Officials of the college met with some of the administrators of GSA for a second time on Friday, to discuss the possibilities of establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Principal of the college, Hansen Elliot, said the process was initiated last year but it is hoped that the programme will start by March.

The MoU seeks to formalise an institutional arrangement in a planned, structured and sustainable manner.

Through the collaboration with GSA, the students of KKCC would be able to utilise the resources at the GSA to adequately prepare for CSEC Agricultural Science School-Based Assessment (SBA) and examinations, said the college in a proposal to the GSA. The college is challenged to adequately provide the required facilities, equipment and other things to conduct the practical aspect of the subject. For example, when fewer students were registered for the CSEC Agricultural Science course, KKCC used the facilities at the D’Urban Backlands Practical Instruction Centre.

In 2018, KKCC approached GSA for support to provide practical experiences to students, with specific focus on meeting the requirements for completion of the SBA. In that way, the college said students would be in a position to utilise their knowledge and skills to establish their own income-generating projects for their families in a sustainable manner.

The college aims to provide opportunities for interaction and exchange of knowledge and experiences between and among agriculture tutors from GSA and the Agricultural Science teacher of the KKCC In addition, students would be provided with the necessary tools to become successful entrepreneurs through membership of cooperative societies or can be able to identify income-generating projects that they can undertake, either individually or in groups, on completion of schooling.

This was an area which was emphasised by Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Kuru Kuru Co-operative College, Ed Caesar, during the meeting on Friday.

“Most of the students who go there are first and second chance students, so we want to make them feel like they could achieve anything,” said Caesar.

He added that the students also want to explore the opportunities which GSA has to offer.

In response, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GSA, Brian Greenidge, contended that it was likely See page 27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Alves returns as GPHC chairperson KESSAUNDRA Alves, who has a Certificate in Legal Education and a Masters Degree in Law, specialising in Health Law, Ethics and Policy, will return as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Her reappointment is a result of Cabinet’s approval of a new Board of Directors for the country’s primary healthcare facility. Addressing media operatives during his post-Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency on Friday, January 18, 2019, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said other members of the new board include Dr. Holly Alexander, Dickson Hooper, Collete Adams, Sonya Roopnauth, Cleopatra Barkoye and Dawn Gardener. Their appointments are for a period of two years.

Dr. Alexander was also appointed Chairperson of the Board of the National Commission for Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases.

That board will comprise the chairperson and representatives of a number of ministries and agencies.

Kuru Kuru College looking to partner ...

From page 26 that the students of KKCC, after exposure at GSA, will be more aware of the direction in which they want to go.

Greenidge informed the meeting that persons travel from Barbados and other Caribbean countries to study at the GSA. Students of the college will soon join those at GSA as part of the proposal includes allowing the students of KKCC to visit GSA to conduct field trips in order to reinforce the classroom teaching.

KKCC proposed six operational components which included providing academic learning opportunities for students of KKCC to successfully undertake the CSEC examination; strengthening teacher competence; providing sufficient knowledge and skills in the management of cooperative institutions and the relevant support benefits; community mobilisation through the provision of capacity building tools and instruments; for KKCC to offer learning opportunities to enhance administrative and technical staff of GSA; and for GSA to support, provide and or mobilise technical assistance to KKCC with regards to the infrastructural development and start-up activities towards the implementation of the fruit and vegetable processing project at Manchester, Berbice.

The GSA was conceived to satisfy a need for a National Agricultural Training Institution in Guyana, while the mandate of the college includes the provision of different types of training for persons involved in the co-operative sector of the country’s economy.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Cessna Caravans cleared to fly

The Cessna Caravan soon after its left landing gear collapsed under pressure while the aircraft was being loaded (Guyanese pilot/Dominic Mendes photo) ONE day after they were grounded for inspection, Airworthiness Inspectors from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) gave the go-ahead for Cessna Caravans, which operate from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demearara, to fly.

The GCAA said in a release on Friday that the inspectors have completed their investigation and inspections, declaring all the aircraft as safe for use. Following the submission of their findings, the Director General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, has lifted the suspension which was instituted earlier in the week, effectively giving the operators the green light to continue using this type of aircraft as part of their fleet, the GCAA said.

On Wednesday January 16, the left main landing gear of aircraft C208B belonging to Air Services Limited, collapsed while being loaded at the Ogle airport. It was being prepared for a flight to Imbaimadai in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni Region at the time.

The director general issued the suspension of all flights using the Caravans until the inspections were completed. The suspension was given in the interest of safety of the flying public.

The GCAA said Field promised that more in-depth inspection of these aircraft will be conducted at a later date.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Den Amstel, Fellowship to benefit from $230M pump station THE farming communities of Den Amstel and Fellowship are in excitement mainly because their constant flooding issues will soon be alleviated.

The Government of Guyana has awarded a $230M contract to JR Ranch Inc. J/V GSK Excavation Services Joint Venture to construct a pump station at Den Amstel.

At a meeting held on Thursday, January 17, 2019 in the boardroom of the Hague/Blankenburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Senior Engineer from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lall Piterahdaue, briefed Regional Executive Officer (REO), Jennifer Ferreira-Dougall and NDC Chairman Kenton Hillman on the project and its details. The meeting also included representatives from Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services, Department of Sea Defence – Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) and the contractor.

“The works to be done include earthworks, structural works, pump station superstructure, installation of pump and ancillary works, construction of SSP revetment, construction of RC pipe culvert, landscaping and roadworks, placement of fuel tanks and delivery system, auxiliary work, rehabilitation of sluice, electrical works to pump station and provisional works,” remarked Lall Piterahdaue.

At the request of the REO, the contractor has agreed to employ young able-bodied skilled, semiskilled and unskilled workers from the community to create employment for the 12-month duration of the project.

Funded under the Indian Line of Credit facilities, the 100 cubic feet per second (cu.sec) pump was sourced from India through public tendering at a cost of $1.6M (US$208,000). Apollo International Limited is responsible for the delivery of the pump.

NDC Chairman, Kenton Hillman, representing the farming community, noted that the project was long overdue and welcomed it primarily because the communities have suffered for years from flooding.

“This is a welcomed project and I am certain that the entire NDC will give its blessings. Farmers have suffered for years and finally, we see improvement. Loss of crop, loss of livestock, and damage to property among many other issues were faced by not only farmers, but also residents due to flooding.

Even happier am I to know that persons from the community will be employed by the contractor,” said Kenton Hillman. Assurance was also given to the regional officials that persons from the community will be trained to work at the complex upon its completion and the NDIA will continue to provide the resources to ensure that the complex serves its purpose as all other pump stations have been doing.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE January 20, 2019

Prolonged dry spell threatens crops in Region 5 THE prolonged period of dry weather is threatening to hurt rice crops in Mahaica and Mahaicony areas in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Emergency actions are to be taken to provide irrigation supplies to rice under cultivation in these areas, officials of the Mahaica-Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) said on Thursday.

A source close to the rice industry in the two areas said that at the moment, about 1000 acres of cultivation is under a growing threat of taking a direct hit if emergency measures are not expedited.

Mr. Brentnol Maynard, Superintendent of Works of the MMA/ADA, confirmed yesterday that the water level in the Perth/Biaboo main canal which supplies irrigation to the two cultivation blocks which are between the Mahaicony and Mahaica creeks, had dropped to a critically low level due to the ongoing, prolonged dry weather.

He said that having visited the areas, his take was that the situation for the rice crop there was moving into a state of uncertainty and could get dire if irrigation could not be sourced and provided over the next two to three weeks. Fields which will take a direct hit are those some distance north of the backlands, since farmers deeper inland are likely to intercept and utilise the limited amounts in the Perth Biaboo canal before the flow can reach the frontlands.

Mr. Seeraj Bhagwandass, NDIA Engineer in Region Five, said that the authority had over the past week, shifted its focus from flood prevention to irrigation as a result of the change in weather conditions. The NDIA has been using excavators to clean up the network of canals which convey water from the Mahaica Creek to cultivation blocks between the Mahaica and The Mahaicony creeks.

Additionally, the NDIA was on Thursday last closely monitoring the salt content of the water in the Mahaica creek which normally goes up as the freshwater flow towards the Atlantic Ocean slows up and salt water from the Atlantic Ocean is drawn inwards. Bhagwandass said that arrangements are being made to insert a mobile irrigation pump at Grass Hook on the Mahaica River which is further inland.

The NDIA will also, if necessary, look at the prospects of inserting a mobile pump at Kuliserabo on the Mahaica River, which is even further inland and where the water is unlikely to be tainted by salt water intrusion from the Atlantic. This pump, which will have a greater capacity, will insert fresh water into an existing channel and via this channel into the Perth Baiboo main canal.

Both Maynard and Bhagwandass confirmed that crops in the Abary/Berbice cultivation blocks are safe from the drought since these are served by the MMA/ ADA conservancy via gravity flow and there is no paucity of water in that reservoir. Maynard however called on the farmers in these areas to be very careful not to waste water because the current El Nino weather conditions may persist longer than anticipated. The Guyana Rice Development Board which is tasked with developing the rice industry, earlier this week disclosed that some 80,792 hectares or 199,556 acres of paddy have already been sown for the first crop in 2019.

General Manager of the GRDB Nezam Hassan disclosed that the projected yield is 5.9 tonnes per hectare, an improvement from 2018 which was 5.8 tonnes per hectare.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Hurricanes face uphill task ... unbeaten at the interval on 33.

The pair had come together with their side 138-6 during the final hour in the first session after spinners Cornwall and Damion Jacobs (2-90), had turned the match on its head by ripping their way through the Jaguars’ top- and middle-order.

It was clear that Jaguars’ batsmen played some careless shots and employed a strange strategy of playing back to the spinners. The rot started early as Christopher Barnwell (12) edged Jacobs behind at 103-3.

The 22-year-old Chanderpaul, who took his overnight 15 to 40, and Anthony Bramble (18), were then dismissed, lbw to Cornwall while Sherfane Rutherford (4) suffered a similar fate to Jacobs.

Chanderpaul’s innings spanned 175 balls in 161 minutes with five boundaries.

Both Paul and Shepherd played freely to wrest back the momentum for a short period, before 21-year-old Paul was removed by medium pacer Sheno Berridge.

However, there was no play for the entire second session due to the illness from the food poisoning allegation.

When play resumed

in the extended final session, at 14:20hrs, a few players from the visiting team were still recovering from upset stomach and diarrhea. This resulted in the team’s assistant coach Wilden Cornwall seen taking the field.

Cornwall then notched up his five-wicket haul when he had Shepherd taken at the wicket but not before the right-hander had struck five fours.

Pestano then entertained the small crowd with four sixes and a four before he too was removed

by Cornwall. Devendra Bishoo was bowled by Jeremiah Louis without scoring and Veerasammy Permaul was left unbeaten on 15.

In the run chase, Hurricanes lost skipper Kieran Powell (7) lbw to Paul but Hodge and Carty survived until the end.

Play resumes today at 09:00hrs.

SCOREBOARD GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings 196 LEEWARD ISLANDS HURRICANES 1sr innings 175 GUYANA JAGUARS 2nd innings (o/n 76-2) T. Chanderpaul lbw b Cornwall 40 T. Griffith lbw b Cornwall 37 L. Johnson b Cornwall 15 C. Barnwell c wkp. Peters b D Jacobs 12 K. Paul b Berridge 22 A. Bramble lbw b Cornwall 18 S. Rutherford lbw b D Jacobs 4 R. Shepherd c wkp. Peters b Cornwall 39 C. Pestano lbw b Cornwall 46 V. Permaul not out 15 D. Bishoo b Louis 0 Extras: (5-b, 8-lb, 8-nb) 21 Total: (all out, 98.3 overs) 269 Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-74, 3-103, 4-129, 5-136, 6-138, 7-195, 8-209, 9-268.

Bowling: Louis 17.3-3-49-1, Berridge 12-5-33-1, Cornwall 39-15-706, Warde 1-1-0-0, Peters 7-3-14-0, Jacobs 22-1-90-2 LEEWARD ISLANDS Hurricanes 2nd innings (Target 291) K. Powell lbw b Paul 7 M. Hodge not out 17 K. Carty not out 3 Extras: (nb-5) 5 Total: (for one wicket; 16 overs) 32 Fall of wicket: 1-16 Bowling: Pestano 3-1-5-0, Paul 4-1-18-1, Shepherd 4-2-4-0, Bishoo 4-2-2-0, Permaul 1-0-3-0.

GCC finish unbeaten in U-17 100-over competition … whip Everest in final clash

THE Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) humbled Everest Cricket Club yesterday in their final clash, to finish unbeaten in the GCA-organised Friends of Cricket 100-over competition.

Unofficially, the home team finished ahead of Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO), who had completed their quota of seven matches prior to the Christmas break with a lead, and Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) who were impressive in their last three matches this year. Eight teams competed in the competition.

After drawing with the Eco Champs developmental team last Saturday and virtually winning the tournament last Sunday against Malteenoes Sports Club by 123 runs, GCC team showed their dominance again at the Bourda ground by demolishing the visiting Everest team by 222 runs.

GCC won the toss and batted first. Century-maker last Saturday Mavendra Dindyal (6) was the first to go, but young skipper Zachary Jodah (30) and Rivaldo Phillips (32) added 58 for the second wicket, before Romel Datterdeen scored 69 (2x4) batting at number five.

Aryan Persaud added 22 as the home team

reached 256 from their 55 overs.

Ushardeva Balgobin, who did the damage in the middle order, led the bowling attack with 4-34 from 10 overs.

The visitors never settled in the middle and it showed from the first ball. It was, however, Datterdeen’s first over - the second over of the game that the wickets began to tumble.

The 15-year-old medium pacer got the wickets of both openers Balgobin (1) and Varun Mangla (1) to leave the score on 2-4. By the eighth over, the visitors were all but defeated as three additional wickets had fallen to leave Everest scrambling at 15 for five.

Datterdeen picked up two more wickets, before Jodah and Darius Andrews cleaned up the tail. Jodah clean-bowled both victims as they misjudged the line.

Prior to Jodah’s spell, Persaud looked solid with his spin bowling.

In total, the visitors scored a single boundary and were led by Y. Persaud who scored seven runs.

Datterdeen ended with 4-6 from five overs, while Jodah took 2-3 from three overs and right-arm medium pacer Yohance Angoy 2-9 from five overs.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Scorpions and Volcanoes locked in even contest ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – A four-wicket haul by Larry Edwards helped the Windward Islands Volcanoes secure a slim 13-run first-nnings lead, but a strong bowling effort by the Jamaica Scorpions ensured honours were shared at the end of the penultimate day of their Regional Four-Day match at the Grenada National Stadium here yesterday.

Edwards grabbed four wickets for 79 runs to help earn the Volcanoes an unlikely first-innings lead, but Dennis Bulli hit back by grabbing four wickets to help keep the game in the balance.

Chadwick Walton’s fifth first-class century had looked to be enough to help the Scorpions overtake the Vol-

canoes’ first-innings total of 285.

Surprisingly though, the Scorpions fell just short with Edwards accounting for the final four wickets to fall.

Walton had resumed on 113, but added just 12 runs to his overnight total before being adjudged leg-before-wicket to Kavem Hodge.

Kenroy Williams too became a victim of Hodge to be out for 21 as the Scorpions slipped to 231 for six.

Edwards then struck to remove Aldaine Thomas for six, Bulli for 15, Jerome Taylor for a two-ball duck and finally Derval Green for 24 to wrap up the innings.

After Derval Green and Jerome Taylor struck in quick succession to dismiss Taryck Gabriel and Tyrone

SCOREBOARD VOLCANOES 1st innings 285

VOLCANOES 2nd innings

SCORPIONS 1st innings (o/n 212 for four) C. Walton lbw b Hodge

125

O. Williams c wkp. DD Smith b Lewis B. King b Jordan

6 52

A. Fudadin c Theophile b

D.Smith stp. Thomas b Bulli 47 T. Gabriel lbw b Green

4

T. Theophile c Bulli b Taylor

9

K. Edwards lbw b Bulli

21

K. Hodge c King b Bulli

52 27

Jordan

8

A. Athanaze b Williams

P. Palmer Jr run-out

9

D. Smith c Taylor b Bulli

A. Thomas c Smith b Edward 6 K. Williams c Theophile b Hodge 21

6

R. Jordan lbw b Walton

16

D. Green b Edward

24

J. Thomas c & b Walton

0

D. Bulli c Smith b Edward

15

L. Edwards not out

5

J. Taylor c Theophile b Edward 0 J. Levy not out

0

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

6

S. Lewis not out

0

Extras: (b-2, lb-9)

11

Total: (all out, 111.5 overs) 272

Total: (9 wkts, 57 overs)

Fall of wickets: 1-29, 2-132,

Bowling: Taylor 7-0-32-1, Green

3-150, 4-180, 5-214, 6-231, 7-231,

8-1-30-1, Levy 5-1-11-0, Williams

8-265, 9-265.

17-1-50-1, Bulli 16-0-54-4, Walton

Bowling: Lewis 16-2-43-1, Thomas 7-0-28-0, Edward 38.5-11-794, Hodge 27-4-51-2, Theophile 7-0-30-0, Jordan 16-3-36-2.

South Africa Racing Tips Scottsville 08:25 hrs Farland 09:00 hrs Leanna 09:35 hrs Mardi Gras 10:10 hrs Dark Moon Rising 10:40 hrs Rocking Ruby 11:15 hrs Rani Irish Racing Tips Thurles 08:30 hrs The Holy One 09:35 hrs Like An Open Book 10:10 hrs Total Recall 10:40 hrs Camelia De Cotte 11:15 hrs Roaring Bul;l 11:50 hrs Ucello Conti

198

4-0-10-2.

Position: Volcanoes lead by 211 runs with one wicket in hand.

English Racing Tips Ayr 08:50 hrs 09:25 HRS Ask Ben 10:00 hrs Destrier 10:30 hrs Geronimo 11:05 hrs Fiddlers Bow 11:40 hrs Border Victor 12:10 hrs Chicago Lady Exeter 09:10 hrs Trans Express 09:45 hrs Haldon Hill 10:20 hrs Catchin Time 10:50 hrs Printing Dollars 11:25 hrs Yalltari 12:00 hrs Big Time Frank 12:30 hrs Hurricane Harvey

Theophile respectively, to reduce the Volcanoes to 37 for two, Bulli claimed two crucial scalps.

First, he had Devon Smith stumped for 47 then captain Kirk Edwards leg-before-wicket for 21.

It required a 58-run stand between Hodge and Alick Athanaze to rescue their side from trouble, with the two carrying the score up to 147 before Athanaze was bowled

by Kenroy Williams for a

well-played 27.

Bulli was back in the thick of things soon after, accounting for the wickets of Dennis Smith and Hodge, who scored 52 from 75 balls, laced with seven boundaries and one six.

It allowed the Scorpions to restrict Volcanoes to 198 for nine, an overall lead of 211 and a chance of victory heading into today’s final day.

Kavem Hodge scored a fighting half-century for the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

36

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Hafeez, Imam inspire Pakistan to five-wicket win in first ODI IN a game that had its fair share of momentum shifts, Imam-ul-Haq (86) and Mohammad Hafeez (71*) played vital hands to steer Pakistan past the finishing line by five wickets against South Africa in the first ODI in Port Elizabeth.

The visitors chased down the target of 267 in 49.1 overs.

At 185 for 2, with Imam and Hafeez still at the crease, Pakistan looked on course to post their first win against South Africa on the current tour.

At that stage, Imam skipped down the track and cracked one towards cover where Reeza Hendricks grabbed a sharp catch. The wicket of Imam gave South Africa a small window of opportunity to make a comeback.

Hafeez, though, continued to play with positive intent. He smacked Duanne Olivier for a six and then charged down the track to loft Imran Tahir for another six.

However, there was another twist in the tale when

Mohammad Hafeez unbeaten on 71 was calm and organised as he finished the chase expertly. (Getty Images)

Shoaib Malik, the veteran batsman, edged one onto the stumps off Andile Phehlukwayo while Sarfraz Ahmed was prised out lbw by Imran Tahir. The Pakistan captain took the review but to no avail.

Pakistan needed someone to take the responsibility and guide them past the final hurdle. It was Hafeez who played with a calm head on his shoulders and in company of Shadab Khan took the visitors home.

Hafeez's composure in the slog overs can be capsulised by how he paddled and lofted Olivier for a couple of fours in the 47th over.

Imam, the opener, also deserves a large share of the credit for Pakistan's victory.

He and Fakhar Zaman (25) gave Pakistan a breezy start.

The duo was helped by Kagiso Rabada and Olivier's curious tactics of banging it short on what was a slow track. Once Fakhar was dismissed, Imam found an able ally in Babar Azam (49).

The pair pinched singles and twos and also cracked the occasional boundary to keep the required rate below six.

In the 28th over, against the run of play, Reeza Hendricks accounted for Azam's wicket. However, by then, the pair had set the platform for Pakistan's victory.

Earlier, Rassie van der Dussen (93) and Hashim Amla (108*) stitched a massive stand of 155 for the second wicket as the duo propelled South Africa to a fighting total. After electing to bat, South Africa made a rather cautious start. It was Hendricks, who tried to up the ante with flicks and the occasional drive.

In the 10th over, Amla joined in the act by expertly bisecting the gaps to punch and steer it to the boundary boards.

In search of wickets, Pakistan even took a desperate review for an lbw against Amla in the 18th over only for replays to confirm that the ball pitched outside the line of leg stump. However, in the same over, Shadab Khan prised out Hendricks by tempting him to play the slog sweep only for the opener to eke out a top edge to the square leg fielder.

At that juncture, van der Dussen, on his ODI debut, joined forces with Amla to string together a substantial

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA innings Hashim Amla not out 108 Reeza Hendricks c Hasan Ali b Shadab Khan 45 Rassie van der Dussen c Shoaib Malik b Hasan Ali 93 David Miller not out 16 Extras: (lb-3, w-1) 4 Total: (two wkts, 50.0 overs) 266 Fall of wickets: 1-82, 2-237.

Bowling: Faheem Ashraf 10-0-64- 0, Usman Shinwari 8-0-49-0, Imad Wasim 7-0-37-0 (w-1), Mohammad Hafeez 3-0-22-0, Hasan Ali 10-2-42-1, Shadab Khan 10-041-1, Fakhar Zaman 2-0-8-0.

PAKISTAN innings Imam ul-Haq c Reeza Hendricks b Duanne Olivier 86 Fakhar Zaman c Dwaine Pretorius b Duanne Olivier 25 Babar Azam b Reeza Hendricks 49 Mohammad Hafeez not out 71 Shoaib Malik b Andile Phehlukwayo 12 Sarfaraz Ahmed lbw Imran Tahir 1 Shadab Khan not out 18 Extras: (lb-1, w-40 5 Total: (five wkts, 49.1 overs) 267 Fall of Wickets: 1-45 Zaman, 2-139 Azam, 3-185 ul-Haq, 4-218 Malik, 5-223 Ahmed.

Bowling: Kagiso Rabada 9.1-1-51-0, Duanne Olivier 10- 0-73-2 (w-2), Dwaine Pretorius 10-0-42-0, Andile Phehlukwayo 7-0-43-1 (w-2), Imran Tahir 10-0-44-1, Reeza Hendricks 3-0-13-1.

partnership. The pair had to deal in a diet of singles and twos.

It was only in the slog overs that van der Dussen decided to press the accelerator pedal by tonking Usman Khan for a four and a six.

Unfortunately, he couldn't reach the coveted three-figure mark on his ODI debut as he was dislodged by Hasan Ali in the 47th over.

Amla, however, was able to reach the milestone in the 48th over with a six off Mohammad Hafeez. Pakistan were very disciplined in familiar climes. Shadab gave away just 41 runs in his quota of 10 overs while Hasan found reverse swing with the old ball. As a result, South Africa could collect just 76 runs off the final 10.

The home side struggled to adapt to the prevailing conditions. South Africa were also around 20 runs short of a good total. For the visitors, Port Elizabeth continued to be a happy hunting ground as they posted their fourth ODI win against South Africa at the ground.

Brief scores: South Africa 266/2 in 50 overs (Hashim Amla 108*, Rassie van der Dussen 93; Shadab Khan 1-41) lost to Pakistan 267/5 in 49.1 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 86, Mohammad Hafeez 71*; Duanne Olivier 2-73) by five wickets. (Cricbuzz.com)

37

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Serena consoles Ukrainian teen after sailing into last 16

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Serena Williams powered into the fourth round of the Australian Open yesterday with a 6-2, 6-1 demolition of Dayana Yastremska then consoled the Ukrainian teenager after leaving her in tears.

The 37-year-old Williams, chasing a record-extending eighth Melbourne title in the professional era, barely broke sweat on a sunny afternoon at Rod Laver Arena as she racked up 20 winners and beat the 57th-ranked 18-year-old in a breezy 67 minutes.

“As she was walking towards the net, I could tell she was quite upset,” Williams told reporters. “I kind of liked that. It shows she wasn’t just there to play a good match, she was there to win. She wanted to win. That really broke my heart.

“I think she’s a good talent. It’s good to see that attitude.”

Yastremska rolled her right ankle midway the match and took a medical time-out to have her foot bandaged when trailing 4-1 in the second set.

It stalled defeat only briefly, however, as Williams broke her a third time in the set and claimed the match when the Ukrainian sprayed a cross-court forehand wide.

Chasing her 24th Grand Slam title, Williams has con-

ceded only nine games at the tournament and not dropped a set but may finally have a test when she plays the fourth round.

She will face the winner of older sister Venus and top seed Simona Halep for a place in the quarter-finals.

She mentioned Venus was one of the players that left her crying after defeat.

“I remember one time in particular against Venus at Wimbledon, as I was walking to the net, I started bawling,” she said. “I couldn’t help it. Young girls, young women, just want to go out there and do their best and want to win.”

Since returning to the tour after maternity leave, Williams has yet to win a Grand Slam as a mother after two near-misses in the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Seeded 16th in Melbourne, she felt torn about who she might like to play next but said a match against top seed Halep would test her true level.

“Yeah, and I honestly would love to face the world number one,” she added.

“At the same time I would love for Venus to win.

I think either way, regardless, I’ll be ready for either opponent.

“Yeah, it will be great.

I haven’t played the world number one since I’ve been back, I don’t think. So, yeah, it will be good.”

Ramnarine lawsuit had ... the TTCB constitution are flawed in that they promote an unfair election process and give incumbent officers and persons nominated by them an advantage over other persons who are contesting the elections.

However, the court ruled in favour of the TTCB on December 17, 2018. Bassarath said that with both matters out the way, the board can focus on getting TT back to the top of regional cricket.

“In speaking to people across the Caribbean, they had indicated that Trinidad and Tobago had the best

From page 39

structure for the development of the game. We will continue in that vein. However, within recent times the resources were not available,” he said.

“With the court matter now behind us we are hoping that people will want to come on board.

Corporations in Trinidad and Tobago and even government, Ministry of Sport, and Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago will come on board and try to pump in resources so that we can continue the moves prior to 2016.” (Sportsmax)

Serena Williams of the U.S. interacts with Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska after winning the match. (REUTERS/Edgar Su)

38

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

GFF hosts CONCACAFfacilitated Marketing Workshop THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is currently hosting a two-day marketing workshop which began yesterday, the workshop is aimed at building capacity of its members to understand marketing, sports marketing, branding and brand management towards sustainable corporate partnerships.

The event is being held at the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) building, Liliendaal, and is being facilitated by Vijay Setlur, CONCACAF’s Professional Football Development Instructor and Marketing Instructor at Schulich School of Business

CONCACAF facilitator Vijay Setlur during GFF’s Marketing Workshop.

– York University.

In opening remarks on the first day of the programme,

president Wayne Forde urged the participants to maximise the opportunity as the foot-

ball fraternity seeks to build its brand.

“The football brand has

Aunkaar Persaud - a cricket umpire in the making

By Elroy Stephney EVEN at the tender age of 18, talented and ambitious Aunkaar Persaud is confident of becoming a professional cricket umpire.

Persaud, who attended the Anna Regina Secondary School and graduated in 2017, already wrote the Preliminary Umpires Examination last year and obtained a 90% pass mark.

The quiet-spoken Persaud told Chronicle Sport that his focus was always to follow cricket wherever it leads him. While acknowledging that his ambition was to become a cricketer; a position he quickly reversed to begin studying the laws of the game.

He posited that taking

such a path wasn’t quite difficult since he already had a fair knowledge of playing at the school level.

“I had a slight setback though when I became ill and had to undergo surgery.

I was bed-ridden for a while and thought that my dreams were going to fall apart. Nevertheless I recovered, thanks to prayers and the support of my family.”

The slimly built teenager, who resides in Richmond on the Essequibo Coast, disclosed that his passion for the game and the encouragement that he has received from his parents, as well as from national umpire Shannon Crawford and coach Forbes Daniels, has driven him to explore the exciting opportunities that exist in the field

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday January 20, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALLBourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Michael Clarke-329* (Sydney, 2011/2012) (2) VVS Laxman-281 (Kolkata, 2001) Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the recent South Africa/Pakistan Test series?

(2) Who was voted ‘Player of the Series’?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Aunkaar Persaud displays the examination paper after gaining a 90% pass grade.

of umpiring.

“I know my ability and the rewards that are on offer being a professional umpire.

Ultimately it will take hard work, sacrifice and commitment as well as mental and physical training to achieve my goals, but I’m prepared for the long road,” he summarised his intentions.

Not many individuals in Essequibo are desirous of pursuing the profession, yet Persaud is not daunted by the lack of interest. In fact, he sees it as an ideal launching pad since he declared, “I want to be the best that Essequibo has produced in this field.”

The first senior national umpire to emerge from the county was Dasroy Balgobin

while other notable representatives include Zabier Zakier, Wazeer Dhanraj, Muneshwar Rup, Zaheer Mohamed, Delvin Austin and Anwar Baksh who have officiated on the intercounty circuit at various levels with distinction.

Persaud also plans on continuing his studies since he would like to qualify himself as a veterinarian. He acquired six subjects CXC and has vowed to further enhance his academic credentials.

“I would like to merge my academic upbringing with umpiring since not every day you umpire, so I would have my job to supplement my livelihood.” he contended.

The sky is the limit for this affable and firm individual whose work ethic is impeccable. ‘I am continuing to keep abreast with the constant changes with regard to the cricketing laws and conditions since it is vital to earn the respect of the players.” he boasted.

His favourite international umpire is Pakistani Aleem Dar who he contends has been a pillar of strength in the middle despite the demanding pressures of the job. While Persaud remains upbeat about his future in the sport, he hopes that the standard of Essequibo’s cricket will also rise with an increase of qualified umpires including himself.

had its ups and downs in Guyana and it was with this consciousness that we’ve taken the decision to not just help ourselves at the Federation but members to pay attention to the brand that you are responsible for and how it fits into the overall synergy of developing the game and professionalising the sport in Guyana.”

Setlur, who has also conducted similar marketing workshops in three CONCACAF nations - Dominican Republic, Suriname and Puerto Rico - said he was happy to contribute to the sport as “it’s great to be able to grow football in the CON-

CACAF region.”

The workshop is being attended by representatives from elite clubs, Association Members and Regional Member Associations (RMA.) Among the areas being addressed in the two-day event are; Introduction to Marketing and Sport Marketing, Developing a Marketing Plan, Sports Consumers and Consumer Engagement, Sports Brand Management, Sport Sponsorship Marketing and Social Media and Sport Marketing, Sport Marketing and Popular Culture.

Over $2M up for grabs at KMTC Phagwah horse race meet LOCAL race horses will battle for over $2M in prize money when Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club holds its Phagwah Race Meet in March at the Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice.

Six races are carded for the day, March 24. Over $550 000 are up for grabs in the main event, which is the GI and Lower over seven furlongs. The winner is set to collect $300 000 with second-place finisher $150 000, third-place $75 000 and fourth-place $38 000. Entry fee for that event is $36 000.

The J&K will also run over seven furlongs with the winner collecting $180 000, second place $90 000, third $45 000 and fourth place $23 000. Owners are asked to pay $22 000 to enter.

The second bigger purse is the Three YearOld Guyana bred over six furlongs. The winner will collect $240,000 with second place receiving $120,000, third $60,000 and fourth $30,000. Entry fee is $28,000.

The race meet will gallop off with the L-Non Earner over five furlongs.

The winner of that race will receive $100,000,

with second place collecting $50,000, third $25,000 and fourth $13,000. Horse owners are asked to pay $12,000 to enter that race.

The other two races will be over five furlongs.

The L-Open will have a top prize of $140,000, second place of $70,000, third for $35,000 and fourth of $18,000.

Owners will have to pay $16,000 to enter that event, while the L-Non winners will run for a top prize of $120,000. Second place will collect $60,000, third $30,000 and fourth place $15,000 with a $13,000 entrance fee.

According to information from the club, entries for the event will close on March 17. Interested horse owners can contact Club Secretary Niketa Ross (662-4668) or Assistant Secretary Isaac Dallo (325-3274, 689-0629) for further details.

Horses can also be entered via Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316), Justice Kennard (623-7609, 2254818), Fazal Habibulla (657-7010), Dennis Deroop (640-6396) or Campton Sancho (6911174).

39

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, January 20, 2019

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’

Defending champs Show Stoppers off to winning start in West Demerara Zone AS the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ kicked off on Friday night at Pouderoyen tarmac in the West Demerara Zone, eight matches were played while defending champions, Show Stoppers, got off to a winning start.

Coming up against ‘UpLike-7’, Showstopper won comfortably with a 3-0 score line with Dexroy Adams netting in the 11th minute while Marvin Josiah struck a ‘Guinness Goal’ (worth 2) in the 19th minute.

In other results Up-Top Bosses defeated Boom Bang 3-0 with goals from Amoniki Buntin who struck his first in the second minute and a ‘Guinness Goal’ in the 19th minute.

Genna took on Brother United and regulation time saw the score line deadlocked at 1-1, hence the game went

to penalties, where Brothers United prevailed to win 1-0.

Andrew Murray netted for Brothers United in the 12th minute while Bryan Prince was Genna’s goalscorer in the 13th minute.

Jetty and Phoenix Ballers also were in a stalemate at 1-1 after regulation time. However, Jetty took the victory from the penalty spot 2-1.

Continuing the trend of the night Bagotstown Warriors took on Young Ballers and either side failed to net a goal so the decision had to be settled via penalties which Bagotstown held their nerve to win 2-0.

A formidable side from last year’s tournament, Ballers Empire, needled Agricola through the boot of Jamal Hamilton.

Another exciting outfit, ESPN, put four goals past a hapless Dream Team who

Action on Friday night in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara Zone

could not find the back of the net. Dennis Edwards in the fourth minute, an own goal and Tefon Daly (Guinness Goal) in the 18th minute were the scorers for ESPN. The West Side Ballers also needled Rising Stars to

Pride romp to victory over Red Force inside three days TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – Barbados Pride expectedly cruised to an easy victory over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, defeating them by seven wickets in their fifth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championships at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium here yesterday.

Having started the day in full control of the match by restricting the Red Force to 62 for six at the end of the second day’s play, Pride skittled out the home side for just 103, with medium pacer Shamar Springer claiming three of the four wickets to fall.

Needing just 58 runs for victory after securing a 45-run first-innings lead, the visitors then romped to an easy win, finishing on 58 for three in 17 overs.

With fast bowler Marquino Mindley having done the damage the previous evening by taking four quick wickets, Springer followed in his footsteps.

Red Force’s duo of Imran Khan and Odean Smith frustrated the opposition during a 52-run seventh-wicket partnership to give their side a slim chance of posting a defendable total.

They came together with their side tottering on 46 for six and carried the score to 98 without much alarm as they mixed stout defence with occasional aggression.

But once Kevin Stoute who ended the match with eight wickets had breached Khan’s defence, to have him clean-bowled, for 25, the rest of the tail folded quickly.

Without another run added, Springer dismissed Smith for the top score of 28 and followed that up with the wickets of Khary Pierre for a duck and Anderson Philip, who was bowled, for two.

Springer ended with figures of 4 for 24, Mindley took four for 47 and Stoute snagged the other two wickets.

Defending a total of 57 was always going to be tough for the Red Force, but Philip came out firing on all cylinders, claiming the cheap wickets of Shayne Moseley for three and Aaron Jones for seven to leave Pride 16 for two.

Captain Jonathan Carter, however, came to his side’s rescue with an unbeaten 25 to help see his team to a predictable victory.

get their campaign underway. Morgan Denny was the lone goalscorer in the fourth minute.

Action continues next Friday (January 25) on the West Bank of Demerara at the Pouderoyen tarmac.

Ramnarine lawsuit had negative effect in TT cricket - Azim Bassarath AZIM Bassarath, who on Wednesday, won a fourth term as president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), claims that the court matter brought by rival and former Windies leg-spinner Dinanath Ramnarine two years ago stifled the development of cricket in the twin-island republic.

Bassarath, who won 31 of the 47 votes, said that now that the court matter and the elections are behind them, the board can get back to matters of cricket.

Prior to 2016 TT were doing well regionally, he said. In that year when the lawsuit caused the elections to be postponed, the country had won seven of nine tournaments hosted by Cricket West Indies.(CWI) “After 2016 when the matter was brought to court, it affected our cricket on and off the field and we think that had a big part to play in the poor performance of our

senior national team in 2017 and 2018,” Bassarath said while speaking on the Sportsmax Zone on Thursday.

The elections were initially set for October 22, 2016, but were delayed for two years because of a lawsuit brought against the board

by Ramnarine, former Windies opener Daren Ganga, Anil Kamal, Camal Basdeo, Samuel Badree and Clint Pamphile.

They argued that the provisions of TURN TO PAGE

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Hurricanes players hit by illness

SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st innings 170 PRIDE 1st innings 215 RED FORCE 1st innings (o/n 62 for six) K. Hope c Walcott b Springer 6 J. Solozano c Carter b Mindley 5 A. Jangoo c Carter b Mindley 4 J. Mohammed c Alleyne b Mindley 10 D. Ramdin c Walcott b Stoute 9 Y. Cariah lbw b Mindley 6 I. Khan b Stoute 25 O. Smith c Carter b Springer 28 K. Pierre c Mindley b Springer 0 D. St Clair not out 3 A. Philip b Springer 2 Extras: (nb-3) 3 Total: (all out, 48.4 overs) 103 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-10, 3-21, 4-33, 5-41, 6-46, 7-98, 8-98, 9-99.

Bowling: Mindley 18-6-47-4, Harding 8-5-10-0, Stoute 10-4-22-2, Springer 12.4-2-24-4.

BARBADOS 2nd innings S. Moseley c Ramdin b Philip 3 A. Alleyne c Ramdin b Pierre 22 A. Jones lbw b Philip 7 J. Carter not out 25 N. Kirton not out 0 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (3 wkts, 17.1 overs) 58 Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-16, 3-54.

Bowling: Philip 7-2-21-2, St Clair 4-1-8-0, Smith 4-0-16-0, Pierre 2-18-1, 0.1-0-4-0.

Former Windies leg-spinner and WIPA president Dinanath Ramnarine

Jaison Peters is being treated by medical personnel at the stadium. (Rajiv Bisnauth photo)

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE visiting Leeward Islands Hurricanes cricket team was hit with what was suspected to be a case of food poisoning, yesterday, leaving the management team and players in much discomfort.

The team is currently competing in the fifth round West Indies Four-day championship against the four-time

defending champions, Guyana Jaguars at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The extraordinary circumstances have forced at least eight players from the visiting side to seek medical attention, resulting in no play for the entire second session.

In fact, one player had to be rushed to the East Bank Demerara Regional Hospital, commonly known as the

Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was treated while the other players were treated by medical personnel at the stadium.

Such was the scenario yesterday resulting in the team management expressing concerns, saying players have been complaining of feeling unwell since Thursday.

Meanwhile, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has claimed there was no evidence of food poisoning to any player.

The GCB, in a Facebook post, outlined: “The GCB is pleased to advise that the game has now restarted.

There was absolutely no evidence of food poisoning to any player.

“A few players were treated and about two of them claimed that they were not well enough to take the field. The GCB has pulled out all stops to ensure the health and wellbeing of all the players were well taken care of.”

Hurricanes face uphill task on final day despite Cornwall’s 6-70

By Rajiv Bisnauth ON the penultimate day of the fifth round West Indies Four-day championship encounter between the visiting Leeward Islands Hurricanes and the four-time defending champions, Guyana Jaguars, burly off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall claimed his second ten-wicket haul to leave the match delicately poised.

Chasing a competitive target of 291 runs, Hurricanes were 32-1 at stumps on the third day at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence still 259 runs away from their target Montcin Hodge and Keacy Carty were batting on 17 and 3 respectively, and will resume today, facing an uphill task to avoid defeat.

Earlier, the 25-yearold Cornwall proved the bright spot for the visitors,

claiming 6-70, his 15th five-wicket haul at this level, and a match-haul of 10-140, as the Jaguars were bowled out for 269 midway the final session.

A few of the home team batsmen got starts but failed to convert them into anything substantial. Clinton Pestano top-scored with 46 while Tagenarine Chanderpaul (40), Romario Shepherd (39), and Keemo Paul (22), were the other principal scorers yesterday.

Starting the day on 76-2 in their second innings, the Jaguars lost five wickets in the extended first session of play.

However, the Jaguars’ lunchtime score of 195-7 came in a rearguard 57-run seventh-wicket stand between Paul, who was bowled on the stroke of lunch and Shepherd, who remained TURN TO PAGE

Rahkeem Cornwall claimed his second ten-wicket haul.

Clinton Pestano top-scored for the Guyana Jaguars

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GCC finish unbeaten in U-17 100-over competition … whip Everest in final clash SEE STORY ON PAGE 34

Romel Datterdeen picked up four wickets after he scored a half-century for the winners.

GCC team dominated GCA U-17 competition, by winning six games and drawing the other.

Hurricanes players hit by illness Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 2019