Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-21-2019

MONDAY 21st January, 2019

Gov’t rolling out Budget 2019 03 No.105524

PAGE

–– 36 multi-million-dollar contracts awarded

Citizen Bank rakes in $602M profit 13 PAGE

Technician killed in hit-and-run accident 02 PAGE

Aishalton youths laud gov't support 02 PAGE

Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, M&CC councillors and other workers assist with a clean-up exercise around Parliament Building on Sunday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Aishalton youths laud government support

YOUTHS at the Deep South Rupununi village of Aishalton, believe that the APNU+AFC government has performed well and they lauded the administration for its support to the community since assuming office in 2015.

Youth advocate John Adams, who was famously struck to the face by a presidential guard of former President Donald Ramotar in 2015, told the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday that the administration has paid much attention to the social and economic well-being of residents since coming to power.

He said that the rehabilitation of the police station at the village; the provision of Internet service to the Aishalton Secondary School, as well as assistance through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, are only a few of the initiatives benefitting residents there.

He said that the Internet service provided to the secondary school benefits over 200 students and other persons use the Internet for work-related matters. These include hospital staff, who utilise the service for communication purposes.

While he thanked the government for paying much-needed attention to the village, Adams said a few things are needed and these include support for sport activities. He said an upgrade of the Aishalton playground, including adding floodlights,

can greatly impact youth development in the area.

He said too that electricity is also needed. During the previous government’s term in office, a generator was installed at the village and it worked for two weeks. It was left sitting for years. Adams said that the government could work towards providing a new generator for the community.

Sunita Ernest, who is also a sports enthusiast, told the Guyana Chronicle that the government has paid much more attention to the village compared to what occurred under the past administration.

Ernest said through the HEYS programme, she and four other women started a small business in the form of a snackette.

The group, called the Aishalton Self Reliance Youth Group, said the project in still ongoing.

“We started and we will never stop trying,” she said, adding that “The money that the government gave us, we put the snackette into operation.”

Ernest said the group plans to start a craft workshop at the snackette and they are saving monies to launch this venture. “I think we have many youths with ideas here,” Ernest said.

The residents noted that the drilling of a well at the village is also another venture which brings benefit to the village since it

Aishalton youths John Adams, Sunita Ernest and village councillor Ramsarran Joseph would enable the villagers to access water during the dry season. Last year, eight wells were drilled in the Deep South Rupununi, including at Aishalton.

The project is a joint venture between the Engineering Corps of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Sixth

Construction Battalion of the Brazilian Armed Forces with support from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Hydrometeorological office and the Ministries of Communities and Public Infrastructure.

Auto body technician killed More pipes arrive for Liza in hit-and-run accident Phase One oil production A 21-year-old auto body technician, Brian Basdeo, was killed, while his friend was injured during a hit-and –run accident on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Saturday night.

According to Basdeo’s cousin, the auto body technician was allegedly called to take a friend’s car from the highway to his home where his workshop is.

In order to get the vehicle down to Georgetown, he had to tow it with his vehicle but, the vehicle which was being towed had to be guided by the friend.

“I hear when them de coming down the vehicle had some problems so

Dead: Brian Basdeo they come out to inspect the problem,” said Basdeo’s cousin.

The technician was reportedly stooping to inspect the problem and his friend was beside him

when a speeding car hit them both.

“When we reach on the scene about one hour later we hear the man knock them and drive away… when we reach deh my cousin body still went on the ground,” said the relative.

Both men were reportedly rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where Basdeo was pronounced dead on arrival and his friend was diagnosed with a broken leg.

The friend was reportedly treated and sent home.

Basdeo’s relative said they were called into the station for questioning as an investigation into the accident continues.

EXXONMobil-Guyana’s prime contractor for subsea installation services, Saipem, offloaded its second shipment of 2,684 pipes for the Liza Phase One project just last week.

These pipes will be laid on the seafloor at the Liza Phase One Development offshore Guyana and are mostly used to move oil and gas.

According to a release from ExxonMobil, the shipment arrived in Georgetown on January 14, 2019 and is the second of multiple

shipments, adding to the 1,519 pieces of pipe received in December, 2018.

“The delivery consists of oil production flow-lines and gas and water reinjection pipes,” the release said, adding: “The pipes will be stored in Georgetown before being taken offshore in the second quarter of 2019, to be installed by the Saipem FDS2 pipe-laying vessel.”

The maritime vessel is a specialised floating facility for submerged pipelinelaying.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Gov’t rolling out Budget 2019 – 36 multi-million-dollar contracts awarded

By Svetlana Marshall

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon said the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has initiated the implementation of the programmes and projects outlined in Budget 2019.

The $300.7B budget, which was passed in the National Assembly last November, represents a 12.6 per cent increase compared to the 2018 budget.

The opposition – People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), has been calling on the government to freeze all projects in light of the vote of no-confidence against the government but Harmon, on Friday, said the Constitution is clear. Article 106 (7) of the Constitution says “notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold elections in 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.”

The minister of State is calling on all public servants to carry out their functions in accordance with established rules and principles. “There are some statements that are going around that are seeking to advise public servants not to do this and not to do that, it is an error if you are to accept that kind of advice.

The government’s programme continues and it is in the interest of all that the programme is implemented,” Minister Harmon said.

He said Cabinet, at its sub-committee on Tuesday, January 15, noted the award of 36 multi-million-dollar contracts by the procurement entities and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

A contract to the tune of $356.8M was awarded to Chung’s Global Enterprise for the construction of the Public Health Ministry’s Head office (Phase one). P.D. Contracting was awarded $219.013M for the construction of a

‘drop-in centre’ at Block ‘C’ Sophia.

That project will be executed under the Ministry of Social Protection, while under the Public Infrastructure Ministry, a visitors’ gallery and security hut will be erected at the Indian Immigration Monument, Palmyra, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) by Kascon Engineering Service.

In New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne, living quarters will be erected within the compound of the Guyana Revenue Authority by Chaz Engineering and Consultancy at a cost of $22.845M, while a storage bond for the authority will be erected at Corriverton, Berbice by Andre Vincente Construction Service. That contract was awarded to the tune of o$124.833M. Andre Vincente Construction Service will also construct the living quarters at Linden, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice to the tune of $23.1M. Under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, a number of urban roads will be constructed. Approximately $41.1M was awarded to R and B Investment

Incorporated for the construction of an urban road at Middle Street, Henrietta in the Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), while Guyana-America Construction Incorporated was awarded $19.1M for the construction of a road at Nursery School Street.

Over in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a $53.6M contract was awarded to A and A Engineering Services for the rehabilitation of an Access Road at Trafalgar, Region Five; 48.2M for the construction of the main access road to the sea dam and side dam in Number 22 Village and $48.2M for the rehabilitation of Last Street, Liverpool, Region Six. That project will be executed by XL Engineering.

Puran Brothers Disposal Incorporated was awarded a $56.520M contract for the construction of a new exit road from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Terminal Building, Timehri.

Additionally, K and P Project Management See page 9

Regional chairman announces big plans for Linden

REGIONAL Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), Renis Morian, has announced that residents within the region can expect great plans for 2019.

According to a press statement from the regional administration, he made this disclosure after a meeting with Chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Morian pointed out that in the meeting they were able to decide on a number of initiatives, projects and programmes which he said will help in boosting the agricultural sector significantly.

He revealed that the region which was able to achieve its first established agricultural co-op society, Madena Co-op Society Limited which has been operating on 500,000 plus acres has held discussions with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority to assist with some drainage-related issues.

He said that officials of the NDIA have agreed to pay a visit in the new week, while they will explore opportunities and avenues with a view to lending support to the co-op society.

“We have a project doc-

ument that we are about to complete, which will be sent to the minister of agriculture for some support in this area, and we are working to complete this document, so that we can get going,” Morian said.

The regional chairman noted that, taking into account that the co-op society has already begun working.

He disclosed that they are now seeking to have some 300 lime trees, 300 grafted orange trees and 300 soursop trees planted permanently in the first quarter of the year.

He said that this will be along with the regular cash crop plants that they will be planting. This, he noted, would be planted on the 500,000 acres of farmland that they have already secured.

He said that to further boost the knowledge and skills of those working along with the co-op society, a feed-and-exploration visit has already been planned with a view of examining and/or modelling their farms after what they have seen, so as to enhance the continued development of agriculture.

The regional chairman noted that they made their first visit to Madella to examine and review what other farmers there are doing. This, he stressed, will see the making of a recent visit with the primary aim of looking at the drainage structure; however, this was affected owing to rain and as such, they will undertake to revisit this so as to examine the drainage there. He went on to point out that at Milly’s Hide Out, because of the agricultural works there, they have begun working on expansion of the road.

“We are using our own equipment, plus with the support from residents we are able to widen the road as we seek to create a farm-tomarket road there,” he said.

He added, “One of our primary plans in pushing agriculture in schools is to establish shade houses as we seek to have shade houses at the various secondary schools in the region. Some of these schools are Multilateral, New Silver City Secondary, Linden Foundation and Wisburg.

The regional chairman

pointed out that his administration is looking at a regional model experimental farm, noting that it would be executed within one of the school’s compounds, but will be managed by the region.

“It’s an experimental project, so shortly we will be going out and looking at several schools, their security among other things so as to decide which school this project would be best suited for in terms of land availability,” he said.

He however noted that the project will also have some amount of involvement and participation by students, stressing that agriculture will continue to play a major role in the development of Guyana, declaring that the region has the funds for such an initiative.

“My focus this year however is to concentrate on investment in agriculture. I must say that they are several investors who are waiting and are awaiting because they have several issues; so we are hoping to build up a better relationship with Lands and Surveys so that these things can be processed

more quickly… we also want to have a better working relationship with the National Drainage and Irrigation [Authority] because as you know they play a very integral part in terms of drainage and now they are tasked with doing drainage all over the country which is good for us.”

He added: “We plan a visit to the minister of agriculture before now and month-end as we want to outline to him what we have planned and therefore we are seeking his support. I must add that we went to Ebini and we are extremely impressed by what the Ministry of Agriculture is doing in Ebini, so the fact that I took my councillors there is a view for us not in terms of scale, but in terms of focus to replicate what is happening there.”

He noted further that the region has commenced plans for the its food and agricultural exhibition known as RACE. He pointed out that this year’s event is slated for September and said that they are hoping to do a number of smaller things.

“This year would be our second time holding RACE and we are hoping that as we move towards September, that we can do several smaller things in preparation” he

Regional Chairman of Region 10, Renis Morian said.

He noted that they are seeking to have some other traditional foods, about which several young people are unaware at several of the food fairs that the region will be hosting.

“They were some young people who came here and when I asked them about quinches, they don’t know about congotay; they didn’t know about a lot of food that forms part of our culture, so we are hoping that in these agricultural exhibitions we can introduce this and not just have the food, but have the method in how it is made,” he said Morian declared that this is geared towards educating them, while allowing them to see what used to be done as the region’s administration seeks to encourage them to do some of these things.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Trump says no amnesty for ‘Dreamers,’ signals support in broader deal WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his proposed immigration deal to end a 30-day partial government shutdown would not lead to amnesty for “Dreamers,” but appeared to signal support for amnesty as part of a broader immigration

agreement.

In a morning Twitter storm, Trump also said he would not seek the removal of millions of illegal immigrants living in the United States, while bashing House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her fellow Democrats for turning down an offer he made on Satur-

day, including for Dreamers, the undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children.

“No, Amnesty is not a part of my offer. It is a threeyear extension of DACA. Amnesty will be used only on a much bigger deal, whether on immigration or something else,” Trump said on Twitter.

“Likewise there will be

no big push to remove the 11,000,000 plus people who are here illegally-but be careful Nancy!”

The “Dreamers” are protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme.

DACA was put in place under former President Barack Obama. The Trump administration said in September 2017 it would rescind DACA but it remains in effect under court order.

Trump did not make clear what he was referring to regarding the 11 million people mentioned in his U.S. President Donald Trump

Monday, January 21, 2019

Saturday 19, January, 2019

06 17 22 23 24 27 21

B

tweet. About 12 million people are living in the United States illegally, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimates.

In a Saturday speech from the White House, Trump offered three years of protections for Dreamers and for holders of temporary protected status (TPS), another class of immigrants from designated countries affected by armed conflict, natural disaster, or other strife.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell welcomed the plan as a “bold solution”, while a spokesman said McConnell would seek Senate passage of the proposal this week.

The legislation will include bills to fund government departments that have been closed during the shutdown, as well as some disaster aid and the president’s immigration proposal, a McConnell aide said.

05:00hrs. - 06:30hrs.

01, 02, 08, 15, 26

4, 0, 2

7, 8, 7

But Trump’s amnesty tweet caught some Republicans off guard.

Trump appeared to be responding to conservative critics who accused him of proposing amnesty and reneging on a campaign promise, which could alienate his right-wing base.

About one-quarter of the U.S. government shut down on Dec. 22 over Trump’s demand for $5.7 billion to fund a wall along the border with Mexico, which Democrats have refused to consider.

Some 800,000 federal workers have been ordered to stay home or work without pay during the shutdown.

The promise of a border wall was a mainstay of Trump’s 2016 presidential election campaign.

As a candidate, he said Mexico would pay for the barrier, but the Mexican government has refused.

The shutdown has caused widespread disruptions.

01, 08, 10, 11, 17 18, January, 2019

01 03 10 15 17

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Thousands of Colombians march against violence after deadly car bomb B O G O TA ( R e u t e r s ) White flags and balloons filled streets nationwide as thousands of Colombians marched on Sunda, to express outrage at violence after a car bomb blamed by the government on ELN rebels killed 20 police cadets and injured dozens.

President Ivan Duque and other political leaders hugged police officials on route to Bogota’s main Bolivar Square, as tearful protesters chanted “no more terrorism” and handed flowers to security personnel.

In last Thursday’s attack, the deadliest in 16 years, a gray Nissan Patrol SUV carrying about 80 kilograms (176 lbs) of high explosive pentolite, broke through checkpoints onto the grounds of the General Santander

School in the capital before it detonated, also damaging hundreds of apartments nearby.

Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group has been blamed for the attack, prompting Duque to request Havana capture and extradite 10 rebel commanders in Cuba for peace talks.

The driver of the car, ELN explosives expert Jose Aldemar Rojas, was also killed in the blast, authorities said.

On Sunday, police officers lined the streets emotionally overwhelmed by the flood of support for their fallen comrades, cadets between 18 and 23 years old.

“It fills my heart to see so many marching and supporting us,” said a tearful Javier Sosa, dressed in olive green

People take part in a rally against violence, following a car bomb explosion, in Bogota, Colombia (REUTERS/ Luisa Gonzalez)

uniform.

Nuns holding white daisies and handkerchiefs marched alongside police singing “a united Colombia will never be defeated.”

The bombing has heightened fears that a new wave of attacks had been launched in the Andean nation as a

reaction to the right-wing president’s stance.

Duque, who took office in August, pledged during his election campaign to toughen the fight against the group and drug-trafficking crime gangs that kill and kidnap civilians.

“This is a symbol of pa-

triotism, public spirit and union,” Duque told Reuters as he marched.

“Today we’re here as ordinary citizens to reject terrorism and violence. We’re honouring the memory of those heroes, of those boys who were vilely murdered.”

The ELN, formed by radical Catholic priests in 1964, has not claimed responsibility or issued a public statement, but Duque’s demand to arrest its peace negotiators makes it almost impossible for talks to restart.

Cuba has sidestepped Duque’s request and said it will abide by the rules set out before talks began.

The negotiation protocols provide security guarantees for guerrilla leaders to return to Colombia and protection from military attacks for an

agreed period.

Composed of some 2,000 fighters and considered a terrorist organisation by the United States and European Union, the ELN began peace talks with the government of former President Juan Manuel Santos in early 2017, but they were suspended by Duque until the group frees its hostages and stops attacks.

The latest incident was the deadliest car bomb attack since the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) attacked Bogota’s upmarket El Nogal social club in 2003, killing 36.

Car bombs were frequently used during decades of civil war but the worst of the violence, which killed some 260,000, ended in 2016 when peace was signed with FARC.

Venezuelan refugees want respect, dignity NEWSDAY - Venezuelan refugees in Trinidad are calling on the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to help them get the basic fundamental rights afforded to them.

At a news conference recently at the Mt. Lambert home of activist Yesenia Gonzalez, a tearful Anyela Espinosa recalled the horror and anguish she has endured after seeking asylum in Trinidad – from being kidnapped, to being held at detention centres and prison, and not being able to contact her family.

Espinosa said she entered Trinidad legally on November 4, but was deported the very next day.

She then decided to come illegally by boat, but the people who were waiting for her and other refugees betrayed them. The group was kidnapped and abused and there were even efforts to traffick them. The group was released and went to the police for help but were arrested instead. Since then they have been in and out of jail or in detention centres.

Espinosa and another refugee Carolina Gomez have been on the run since Thursday. She said all they wanted was to be treated like people with respect and dignity.

Anderson Nino has been here for three years under UNHCR and has a refugee certificate.

“People who are claiming refugee status have a right to feel free and have fundamental human rights,” he said. “Some people were locked up because they were considered immigrants. We are asking for opportunity. We are really disappointed because they are making us pay for everything when we have nothing. We are allowed to be in the country as refugees or as asylum seekers, and that is what we came here for. We are human beings and we have our rights also.”

Gonzalez called for all the detention centres to be closed and refugees to be either sent back to their country or sent to another country where they would be granted asylum. She said the detention centres were a violation of human rights. “After they are sent to the maximum security prison they are sentenced for three years, six months, three months, it is inconsistent. After they served their sentences they are sent to the detention centre where they are kept for months.

The condition is so horrible inside there, they have no way to contact their families, they sleep on the

soiled floor, some of them are diabetic with no medication.”

“They are not criminals, they are coming here because they are looking for refugee protection under the law. They are being harassed by the police who tell them their refugee cards are worthless. They accuse the women of being prostitutes, taking their jewellery. They wear the same clothes for days without bathing,” she said.

Yusmil Larez has been here since 2016 and was given a refugee certificate in 2017. She fled Venezuela as a political refugee fearing persecution by government, hoping things would be better, but she said it only got worse.

“The legislation has us living in limbo where we don’t know where to go, we don’t know what our future holds. I have three children and I don’t know what the future holds for them. My daughter goes to school but is not registered with the Education Ministry.

“What is life going to be like for her? That is it for her? She will have the same fate I have? All we want as refugees is just to have a life like you, like everybody else and we are calling on the UNHCR to please help us to get out of here.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Turn over new leaf MINISTER of Communities, The Hon Ronald Bulkan, addressed the first statutory meeting of the newly elected Georgetown City Council in a timely, hard-hitting and instructive presentation.

The minister pointed out that his government had further strengthened local government democracy with the recently concluded Local Government Elections. His government had emphatically promoted the autonomy of local government institutions since it gave ordinary folk a greater involvement in governing. He however reminded his listeners that “this policy of autonomy must be within the framework that promotes good governance.”

In urging the City Council to turn over a new leaf or, as he so picturesquely put it, “the Council must hit the

reset button,” he went on to give the council a prescription which could guide their activities over the next three years of the council’s life.

In the first place, he reminded his audience that the new council seriously consider adopting President Granger’s advice of establishing “A National Capital Planning Commission.” The President gave the council that advice three years ago, but that they had never acted on it. Analogously, we of this publication had over the years urged City Hall to resuscitate the “Friends of Georgetown Committee,” which had helped the councils of the past with guidance, advice and even healthy criticism. The “Friends of Georgetown” of the past consisted of a collection of talented men and women who were willing to serve voluntarily.

Mr Bulkan went on to point out that it was not only the mayor who was responsible for the successful functioning of the council, but every councilor also.

“The transformation”, he remarked, “will only be possible if each of you commit yourself to ensuring the proper management of the city...All eyes are not only on the mayor, but on the council, as to how it would tackle the age-old problems that continue to beset the city.”

He emphatically urged the M&CC to reconnect with citizens, businesses and other stakeholders. He particularly underlined the cultivation of close relations with the business community and felt that the tripartite committee which promoted dialogue between the council and the private sector be resuscitated. He enjoined that the council “should seek to en-

sure an investment-friendly climate by taking steps to reduce unnecessary delays in the issuance of building permits.” At the recently concluded commission of inquiry, it came out that more than one businessman had suffered serious financial losses of millions of dollars because of delays in granting building permission.

The minister touched on the well-known refrain from City Hall that they do not have enough money to fully execute their municipal duties. He told them that money has to be used constructively, always seeking the best value for money. In this way, the money available could have an adequacy. In his own words, “Undertaking the Herculean tasks will necessitate the crafting of a well structured and reasoned plan that will prioritise and synchronise activities of the

Council, thereby assisting with the efficient usage of already limited resources.”

He stressed the absolute necessity of planning which must be done shrewdly and inclusively. Activities are not to be done in an ad hoc manner as has often been the case, but must be related to a larger plan and larger goal. He touched on the problem of corruption and transparency which was part of the criticism long levelled at City Hall. In the minister’s words, “The work of the entire council was brought into disrepute in the absence of checks and balances. Strict monitoring will ensure value for money, accountability and transparency. Citizens must not only hear of an achievement, but more importantly be satisfied as to the value of the expenditure.” In this regard, his ministry’s audit department

would ensure that the municipality’s accounts are audited yearly.

He reminded the council that they must continue to confront the challenges such as illegal vending and its proliferation, drainage, security, solid waste management, squatting on municipal reserves and zoning, among others. The minister was trying to infuse a new spirit of achievement and service into the council and to have them avoid the heavy lethargy which had affected past councils. He presented an agenda which was achievable during the life of the present council, but which needed hard work and persistent efforts.

It is our hope and wish that this City Council would break free of the recent pattern and blossom into a creatively run and respected institution.

Ali equals Jagdeo third term Dear Editor, A REPORTER recently asked for my views on the PPP’s choice of Mr. Irfaan Ali as its presidential candidate for the upcoming elections. The news outfit subsequently carried a very small part of my response. I would like to share the totality of my response with the wider public. First, I am not surprised that Mr. Ali won by such a wide margin. He was clearly the choice of the PPP’s maximum leader and the leader’s preference on such matters holds sway with many in the party’s leadership.

Second, Ali’s selection indicates very clearly that should the PPP win the election, it will continue the Jagdeo agenda that was interrupted when the party lost power in 2015. I am less concerned about Jagdeo’s presence in a potential PPP government and more concerned about the Jagdeo agenda of ethnic dominance and the criminalised state.

In effect, I see an Ali presidency as a Jagdeo third term. This I think should be cause for concern for all those who would like to see a Guyana that is ethnically inclusive and a state that is untied from the bad influences of the past. Neither Mr. Jagdeo, the PPP or Mr. Ali has repudiated the Jagdeo agenda or has put forward a new agenda.

Third, given his close ties to the Jagdeo agenda, Ali is in effect the best candidate for that section of the PPP’s base that supports that agenda. He is more likely to galvanise that section more than the candidates he defeated. Fourth, whatever his negatives—and there are two that have been in the news—I don’t think those would negatively affect his candidacy among the PPP’s wider base. Those voters to my mind have already made up their minds about their choice between the PNC-led coalition and the PPP. Fifth, would his negatives make him an easier candidate to defeat? Certainly, he

would be easier to beat in the African-Guyanese community. But would those negatives turn off independent Indian-Guyanese voters? In other words, would the coalition be able to exploit his negatives among independents? Such a strategy could be risky for the coalition, since the PPP would be sure to retaliate by highlighting the negatives of top coalition leaders. Whether the coalition could withstand that kind of scrutiny is left to be seen. The PPP, for example, is sure to exploit to the fullest Minister Lawrence’s unfortunate statements on party clientelism.

In any case, I don’t think many hardcore supporters would pay much attention to whether Ali’s degrees are in order or whether he was charged with overseeing the misappropriation of government funds. In fact, I am very sure the PPP would be going after coalition ministers for misappropriation of government funds-- whether it’s true or not. So, if I were the coalition, I would be highlighting more, Ali’s fidelity to the

Jagdeo agenda in my pitch to independent Indian-Guyanese voters, largely because it was that agenda that drove them to the AFC and the coalition in 2011 and 2015. Of course, the coalition, particularly the AFC and other independent supporters, would have to make the case to those Indian-Guyanese that their concerns and interests would be better represented by a second coalition government.

Sixth, is Ali’s relative youth an asset? I am not so sure. As I indicated above, if he is tied to the old agenda then his youthfulness matters very little, if any. As we saw in the case of Mr. Jagdeo who was much younger when he took charge, there is no magic in being a youth—it does not necessarily translate into progressive leadership. Despite his Cabinet and parliamentary experience, Mr. Ali has not articulated an agenda and a vision beyond the Jagdeo agenda.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Charrandass sold his soul and conscience Dear Editor,

PLEASE allow me a space in your newspapers letter column to share my views on what has happened and said by the former AFC MP Charrandass as of December 21, 2018 to date pertaining to his “YES” vote towards the opposition’s no- confidence motion against the government.

Over the past days a lot has been said by the government, opposition, the public and legal minds and moreover the former MP, who is being considered as a “Betrayal” to the AFC and the majority Guyanese at large that is being represented or voted for the coalition government.

Why I said that the MP sold his character (soul) and conscience in my caption?

It’s very evident that he did, although he said that he had voted with his conscience and not by party line.

If we are to look back from the time this man joined the AFC to his last speech in the National Assembly during the Budget 2018 debate, he degraded and belittled, or should I say bared his soul against the injustice that the PPP did to the Guyanese people.

Let’s take for example his last speech in Parliament where he defended the government’s 2019 budget proposals. This very MP told the nation and world that was watching and listening, that in 2019 Region Six will benefit positively and tremendously in transformational changes and developmental works that never took place under the PPP. He went on and identified better roads, drainage and irrigation.

He went on further and praised the Hon. David Patterson for lighting up the #19

Highway on the Corentyne in Berbice, which was never done under the 23 years of the PPP. He went on and praised the said minister and this government for reducing the Berbice River Bridge toll, he explained in details that the PPP was to be blamed for this heavy-duty toll that faces Berbicians.

Further, the former MP Charrandass went on to tell the nation in that very speech, that it was the PPP who have to be blamed for the closure of the Rose Hall Sugar Estate. He said that the government paid the workers their severance which was more money that they had worked for during their working years in the industry.

He went on further to say that we (APNU+AFC Government) were giving money to a business that does not bring back any returns. The former MP said in that very breath, that it is not the APNU+AFC government that crippled the industry, but that was done a long time ago by the PPP. So it’s very hard to believe that this very MP said that he has voted against this government because of sugar workers. This very MP said that for almost three and a half years he had to do what the government wanted to him to do, by the way, I doubt it.

But he also said he is a successful lawyer, which I won’t dispute, but the questions are: did this successful lawyer have someone writing his speeches that he used to debate in the National Assembly? Or, if yes, who does and why he didn’t object went he vets it before he read it in the Parliament?

It is my firm belief that this very MP is losing his ability to think and remem-

ber what’s correct and right for Guyana. Because it is this very MP who used to go on television week after week in Berbice and cuss down the PPP for making Guyana a corrupt nation, for the state of the sugar and rice industries, for the state of infrastructure and making this country poor that people have to suffer.

Didn’t he have a conscience when he was talking as to what had happened under the PPP that this government had to correct? In fact, he will praise the work of the government, especially the decision to downsize the sugar industry. Only recently at a function on the Corentyne, this very MP praised the work of the government.

He said that because of what this government has done to the sugar workers made him vote the way he did. We all know that’s a lie. If he cared so much for the sugar workers, why didn’t he resign from the beginning of downsizing of the industry, or ask the PPP to bring this no-confidence motion then. But I think he was waiting to ensure the benefits from the parliamentary pension and the other benefits available.

This very MP took supporters of the APNU+AFC government from his area the very day of the no-confidence debate to show their support for the APNU+AFC Government.

But yet recently he told Kaieteur News via an interview or letter that he hasn’t done anything to develop Region Six. This statement may be true, because as an MP you have the mandate to represent the people of your region by going around and listening to their concerns and try as hard as possible to address the issues affecting

Ali equals Jagdeo ...

From page 6

Seventh, it is interesting to note that the PPP-- contrary to popular wisdom-has chosen a Muslim as its standard bearer. This can be read as a positive development for the party, in that it is reflective of a noble step towards inclusion. However, it could also be read as a submerging of religious contradictions in favour of the ethno-political imperatives.

Finally, it would be interesting to

know who voted against Ali. One is tempted to think it is the old-guard, although Anil Nandlall is not a member of that faction. My sense is that the old guard would have favoured Frank Anthony, but in the end, I think he was not seen as grounded in the Jagdeo agenda.

Hence, his inability to garner a majority.

Regards, David Hinds

them.

This MP does not do that, in fact, after his day’s work he would call over a few friends and play dominoes until he was ready to take his rest. On weekends, he would hardly be in the region; and if he was, then he won’t move around, so people hardly got to see him.

The only time you would get to see and talk to him is when a top government official or a minister is visiting the region; he will show up and then disappear.

So, how can you do things in that fashion and wanted to develop a region when you have no interest at all in the people that put you there to represent them?

This was raised many times with the leadership and the MP always maked an excuse and begged to be forgiven.

And the legendary Bob Marley says, “Some will eat and drink with you and su-su pan you.” I find those lyrics well suited for the latter part of my caption above.

Editor, I used the lyrics of uncle Bob Marley to say that this very MP who sat, ate, laughed and dined with the people of this government, the president, the prime minister, government officials, ministers and their families, etc, could have done what Jim Jones had done because everyone trusted him; but his betrayal is what will make many think as to how many could have died innocently.

So, Mr Charrandass Persaud, when you said you voted with your conscience, it was all lies and fake because the looks on your face in Parliament and words in your interview with the

media after you betrayed the very people you sat with that trusted you were totally different.

Oh, and I almost forget to mention that the evidence was clear that you had the PPP watching over your back after you decided with them to sell out.

This government will rise again, because the development that took place in the three short years saw Guyana climbing positively on the world map.

I wish you all the best, especially if you have more plans to betray some other set of people.

Regards, Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Regional Councillor Mahaica-Berbice, Region Five

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

We need the love of God in Guyana Dear Editor, LOVE Is unselfish. First Corinthians 12:4-8 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.”

The word ‘Love’, I believe, is the greatest of all words in the English Language. Great writers, poets, singers, film makers, philosophers based their philosophies around this simple and precious word ‘love’. When this fascinating word is traced to its root from the Greek concept, it gives us the true meaning of the word ‘love’ from four Greek words: Eros, Philia, Storge and Agape.

Eros has to do with sexual love between a man and woman; Philia means close friendship or brotherly love in Greek; Storge is family love, the bond among mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers; but the greatest love is what most experts called the ‘agape love’ or the God kind of love; selfless, sacri-

ficial, unconditional love, of all human beings.

This is the God kind of love Jesus spoke about in St. John’s Gospel Chapter 15:12 which are as follows: ‘‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

This is the type of love Gandhi, Mandela and King demonstrated to their enemies in the world. Gandhi wrote: “An eye for an eye gives the world a blind eye.”

If we can follow this profound philosophy of love, we can live in a better world devoid of hate, greed and malice. What we need in Guyana is the God kind of love in our hearts that can keep the prison doors closed, that will give us lasting peace even in our parliament and our own homes.

The ultimate source of all encouragement is the fact that God is love, and He loves us and has a perfect plan for us. We live in a world full of hate, greed and human selfishness; we search for love in the person we love, but discover sooner or later we still long for a deeper and inner love that only God can give to us but no human.

We search for love and joy in money, sexual pleasure,

drugs, rum and false friends; but we sooner or later discover it’s all a mortal form of illusion. We even try psychology and all types of psychiatric treatment but found it’s of no use to us but gives us a mental break down.

We search for love in fulfilling our academic dreams by hard studies and discover that our education created more envy, strife and hatred in our lives from our evilminded contemporaries. We earn money have the most beautiful husbands and wives and soon discover our wives and husbands are unfaithful to us and they have become our mortal enemies when our beauty, fame, popularity and money have come to an end.

Then we suffer in fear, rejection, and humiliation and even ended up committing suicide or mental suicide until we die slowly. Our endless perpetual search for love in this material world like Alexander the great can never be found in material things that will fade away like our dreams in the pristine beauty of the serene night.

The illustrious King Solomon, the wisest and richest of all Kings if anyone was going to find purpose in “life under the sun” it would be

Solomon. He had all the wealth, power, sex, wisdom and achievements he could possibly pursue. And he went after them with relentless passion. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines yet he found life to be meaningless with all his worldly possessions and wrote the following: Ecclesiastes 1King James Version (KJV) 1 T h e w o r d s o f t h e preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

Though King Solomon possessed a great abundance of wealth, wisdom, knowledge and divine power to rule over his people, he referred to his possessions as ‘vanity’, meaning useless in Hebrew, the state or quality of being valueless, futile, or unreal, something that is worthless or useless. He penned great spiritual wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes; he wrote it as a preacher and a poet who realised that all his material possessions will fade away but his soul shall never die and he longs for a place with his Creator when he is gone from this world. Just like Jesus said: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36 Our souls according to the Greek in the Bible has to

do with our minds, will and emotions so Jesus is telling us here not to lose our minds and hearts by gaining material things in this life that will take the place of God. The great Apostle Paul admonishes us when he wrote: ‘For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’(I Timothy 6:10) What words come to mind when you think of this phrase: The love of money is the root of all evil. Greed?

Corruption? Vanity? What about when I simply say the word money? Nothing is wrong to have wealth and money; what is definitely wrong is when we make our money become our God. TRUE LOVE AND PEACE IS FOUND ONLY IN CHRIST The Bible indicates that love is from God. In fact, the Bible says “God is love.”

Love is one of the primary characteristics of God. Likewise, God has endowed us with the capacity for love, since we are created in His image. This capacity for love is one of the ways in which we are “created in the image of God.”2 The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) uses two different words to describe and define

love. The most commonly used Greek word translated “love” in the New Testament is “agape.” This love is represented by God’s love for us.

It is a non-partial, sacrificial love, probably best exemplified by God’s provision for our rebellion: For God so loved (agape) the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The gift of God’s son as a provision for sin was given to all humans, regardless of who we are. God’s love is unconditional. If we love God we will have love for our fellow humans upon this earth.

God’s love will obliterate crimes and every human war upon this earth and our nation if we allow God to change and transform us through his Son Jesus Christ.

Jesus defined the greatest love from a human perspective, as recorded in the gospel of John: Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) Jesus Himself fulfilled this greatest love by dying for us so that we could be forgiven of all our sins and have fellowship with God. We need God’s love in Guyana that will give us lasting peace.

Regards, Rev.Dr.Gideon Cecil

City councillors still owed money THE issue of outstanding monies owed to members of the previous Council was raised at the municipality’s first statutory meeting for 2019.

Councillor Heston Bostwick wanted to find out just when the councillors will be paid and noted that starting off the year in this manner is a recipe for disaster.

Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry requested that the city treasurer be the one to provide such information.

The Acting City Treasurer, John Douglas, however said he will have to find out and communicate such information to Chairman of the Finance Committee.

Councillor Patricia Chase-Green recommended that Douglas take some time out of the meeting to go and find out, so that he could have provided an answer before the meeting was over.

Chase-Green noted that the councillors are entitled to such payments and that

the response given by the senior officers was unacceptable.

Douglas offered that while the intention is to have everyone paid what is due to them, he had not been the city treasurer for the whole of 2018 and hence needed time to sort out the issue.

Chairman of the Finance Committee, Councillor Oscar Clarke, said priority will be given the issue when it reaches the committee.

The City Council has constantly been in a cash-strapped state, with the municipality often being unable to meet their obligations to garbage contractors, and even pay salaries to its workers.

Just a few months ago, workers took to the streets to protest the non-payment of salaries, and the practice by City Hall to deduct monies for NIS, GRA, and other taxes, but not paying the sums over to the respective agencies.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Gov’t rolling out ...

From page 3

Company won the contract for the construction of the Tabatinga Bridge approach in Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo (Lethem, Region Nine) to the tune

of $21.4M. A number of other multi-million-dollar contracts were awarded in the areas of public infrastructure and agriculture.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Connect to Correct

IT may sound odd, but some parents are really not connecting with their children in the right way and as a result, they may need to seek professional advice or attend parenting skills workshops (through the Childcare and Protection Agency). These parents do not realise that they lack the necessary skills to impact positively on their children; and the problem is compounded by the fact that they tend to blame the children, branding them as ‘own way’ or ‘unruly,’ when the fault usually stems from the parent’s method of parenting or ‘lack of’ and their outlook on the child in hand and the situation.

They tell children things like, ‘Shut yuh mouth, yuh playing a man: two men can’t live under one roof, I gan deal wid yuh case’, or ‘Get

out me eye sight, I aint want you here, if u playing you’s a woman, you better gah lang yuh way.’ Talking to a child in this way is unpleasant and irresponsible; even if the words are spoken out of anger, they are imbedded in the child’s mind and can still do damage: furthermore, they cannot be ‘unsaid’ or retracted. These parents have no way of knowing how much harm they are doing to the ‘adult’ within the child with their derogatory words and mannerisms.

‘Look boy, move yuh ugly self from here’, or ‘you carrying on like you don’t have owner, you soon get belly.’ ‘You’s a good for nothing…just like yuh father.’ These are just some mild examples of the things that are being said to children by their parents on a daily basis and all of them will affect the child negatively.

Very seldom will a child have enough self-esteem or resilience to tell him/her-self that the adult is wrong and that he/she can, and will do better and make something of his/her life.

Children rely on parents to tell them the right things at the appropriate times and to give them positive inputs; but how can a parent or guardian do these things for their child, if they themselves have never experienced the value of positive inputs from adults and/or they do not understand the ever-changing role they need to play as a parent?

Many parents tend to treat their children the way they were treated as a child: never taking the time to evaluate the bad traits that they may have inherited from their family and subsequently pass on to their children through their words and behaviour. This is how fami-

ly dysfunctions are handed down from generation to generation, and this is one of the reasons why we have parenting skills workshops.

In order to connect to a child, a parent needs to relate to the child. Parents sometimes have a preconceived idea of how a child must be, and how they are meant to behave and respond; but growing children are forming their own opinions and behaviours, they need guidance, not instructions.

To relate to a child a parent must be aware of the child’s stage of development and what the child is likely to be experiencing during that phase of growth. It’s not that a child is ‘playing a man’ or that a girl-child is ‘acting like a woman so she soon get belly.’ No, it’s just that young people are fast becoming young men and women and they are ‘testing the waters,’

ANUG welcoming to women, says Jonas

By Vishani Ragobeer GUYANA’S newest political party, A New and United Guyana (ANUG), has cleared the air on the topics of dual citizenship, campaign financing and women inclusion among its membership.

At the party’s launch on Friday, at Moray House in the city, Attorney Timothy Jonas, a member of the party’s steering committee explained the party’s position on the three issues.

The launch featured former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran; former PPP Minister, Dr Henry Jeffrey; Businessmen Kian Jabour and Beni Sankar; former PPP Linden Vice-Chairman Akanni Blair and Jonas.

According to Jonas, “all of these men are Guyanese and only Guyanese”, but he acknowledged that he (Jonas) has dual citizenship status by descent, while Jaboor holds dual citizenship having been born in Canada.

The issue of dual citizenship was brought under the microscope, after former AFC MP Charrandass Persaud voted in favour of the Opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion, in an

Member of ANUG Steering Committee, Attorney Timothy Jonas

attempt to bring down the incumbent government last December.

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

Prior to its official launch on Friday, ANUG had said that it will advocate for the abolition of the rule pro-

hibiting dual citizens from membership of the National Assembly, noting that it is an “anachronism”, which is not enforced by political parties.

“This is the forum to say that in so far as there is a grey area, no one sitting at this table will present themselves as eligible to go into Parliament. So, if there needs to be a decision by the court, that decision will be had before anyone sitting here, who may be avowed, sit in Parliament,” Jonas said at the launch.

He revealed his citizenship status, as well as that of Jaboor, in an attempt to promote transparency. The party member also affirmed that in promoting transparency and accountability, the party is exploring the possibility of publishing the donations received for campaign financing on its Facebook page, and show how the money has been spent.

According to him, many businesses have approached the party to provide funding on the condition of anonymity, for fear of victimisation.

The party has not actually received any external funds as yet, according to Jonas.

And at the launch, which featured an all-male head

table, it was evident that there was a lack in female representation.

Jonas deemed the women “smarter” than these men who have decided to take the plunge and potentially open themselves up to heavy scrutiny and victimisation.

Nevertheless, the attorney affirmed that women will join the ranks, and in fact, encouraged persons to join, should they see an underrepresented demographic.

The seventh and eighth objectives in the party’s Constitution read: “To legislate for a minimum number of women to be named on each list of candidates and to be elected to the National Assembly by each List of Candidates” and “To encourage decision-making bodies in administration and business to set minimum numbers of women to be appointed while avoiding discriminatory practices.”

Nevertheless, Jonas said: “The insane people you see sitting here have taken a risk and the reason you do not see ladies sitting there yet, is because they are among you, supporting but much more sensible than we are. I hope at some point that changes.”

so to speak.

They are simply seeking their identity and wondering if they have “made the grade” in terms of attraction, charm, fashion, popularity and trend etc. If a parent can begin to relate to this juncture in their child’s life and connect with the child accordingly, there would be no reason for harsh or cruel words, but plenty of room for words of guidance, understanding and advice. Parental support will be welcomed and heeded by the child, especially if there has always been good communication between the child and his/her parent(s) from the inception.

If not and if ‘talking to’ a child has only recently become a necessity for a parent or guardian, then it may take longer to get through, but it is never too late to start; even if the child appears to show no interest, don’t give

up. Showing respect is also important when dealing with children. Some parents feel they have a right to talk down to their children and insult them, and treat them in any manner they choose. But respect must be mutual and if it is not shown genuinely to a child, the parent should not be surprised if there comes a time when the child fails to show any respect to his/her parent(s).

If you need assistance or advice from a childcare and protection officer ring the Childcare and Protection Agency on 225 1117 or 227 4082 and If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you can ring the CPA hotline 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Committee to facilitate Sophia handing over A SEVEN-MEMBER committee has been established to assist with the handing over of the Sophia community to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

This move follows a request by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for a formal handing-over date.

But at the City Council’s statutory meeting on Monday, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Councillor Oscar Clarke accused the CH&PA of attempting to rush the matter, and cautioned that there are a number of implications that must be considered.

Clarke said the matter should first be considered internally before a date is fixed, and suggested that the sub-committee be formed.

The members are Councillors Akeem Peter, Clayton Hinds, Dion Younge, Param Persaud, Alfred Mentore, Eketa Edwards and Patricia Chase-Green. Councillor Peter was appointed chairman of the committee, with Councillor Edward as vice-chairman.

The CH&PA had indicated its desire to hand over Constituencies Five and Six

(Cummings Lodge to Sophia) to the M&CC before the end of 2018; but officers at the council had expressed concern over such an announcement due to the cash-strapped state of the City Council.

Former Mayor ChaseGreen had noted that there are many homes in those areas that do not pay taxes to the council. “But when they are handed over, it is now our responsibility to provide garbage collection, street lights, roads, water,” she said, adding: “Whatever it is that council has that core responsibility for, we will have to provide. How do we get more money for the expenses?”

Currently, the Sophia area is not benefitting from any of the services provided by the M&CC; hence, for years, basic amenities such as water and electricity could not be extended to residents of North Pattensen, North Sophia, and Block ‘R’ Extension, among other communities.

The CH&PA had ideally wanted to hand over the communities on December 17, 2017, but was unsuccessful in its attempt to do so.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

City Council working on facilities for relocated vendors THE new Georgetown City Council is working to have facilities such as lights, water and improved security in place for the former Stabroek Market Wharf vendors who were relocated to Russell Square, by midFebruary.

getting a slow turn out and a slow response from them, so we will have to work along with them because at the end of the day we’re asking them to construct their own stalls,” he assessed.

Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe told the

The cleared drains and parapet west of Parliament Building This was revealed on Sunday by City Engineer Colvern Venture, who was present at a clean-up exercise being conducted on drainage in the vicinity west of Parliament building.

However, Venture said that these works have been delayed due to the slothfulness of the vendors to move to the new location, which he gathers may be related to cost.

“We were expected to complete these works at the end of January but based on the response of the vendors coming from the wharf, we’re

media that the majority of the stalls are completed, with the council now addressing concerns raised regarding water facilities; security issues and lights.

“Currently we’re addressing the issue as it relates to the lights and we’re looking at putting water and security into Russell Square where the vendors are,” she said, adding: “We’re expecting that very soon those facilities will be in place. Some of the vendors are already out there, and that is why we’re working assiduously to ensure that

whatever is not there be put in place.”

In August 2018, the council had declared the area unfit for human habitation and later invited vendors to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which among other things, would see them constructing their own stalls in accordance with certain specifications.

Following these plans, a portion of the wharf was gutted by fire in November 2018, which further contributed to the deterioration of the facility.

Explaining further about the works being conducted, Venture said: “What we started off first with, is persons who basically deal with dry goods not the fresh fruits persons; those were given the first priority, thereafter, we looked at persons doing sewing and so forth, and as we continued the exercise of having a total removal of persons from the wharf facility we realised that we have to put water facilities in place; we have to put in a sanitary block for them to use and also lighting for security. So those are things we are currently working on and we’re hoping that by mid-February all of those things should be in place.”

Meanwhile, along with Mayor of Georgetown Pandit Ubraj Narine; councillor Trichria Richards and her colleagues and volunteers, were on a clean-up mission yesterday morning.

They managed to clean the entire drain which was severely clogged with garbage, along with the parapet area from overgrown weed.

“We’re trying to clean up the plastic bottles, the grass and the drainage. There are a lot of things to do but we cannot do all one time, it’s something that takes time and you can’t get it [done] overnight so we’ll do it phase by phase, the mayor said.

“I’m happy to be a part of this team so that we are able

Alleged serial rapist nabbed A GARBAGE collector, who allegedly preys on elderly women, is currently in police custody following a report of rape by the victim.

The middle-aged woman told the Guyana Chronicle, that following the death of a close relative, she would spend most of the time out of her home, but would return at night.

It was while she was returning home she saw an identifiable male, standing by his bicycle. As she was about to pass, he grabbed her from behind, before turning her around to face him. The perpetrator then reportedly placed one hand over her mouth while holding a cutlass in the other hand, and ordered her to undress while notifying her that he needed sex.

The woman fearful for her life complied with the request of the rapist.

If that was not enough, he attempted to drag her into an empty house lot filled with overgrown bushes, in the Smythfield, New Amsterdam surroundings, but in doing so nearby dogs began barking. As a result, the attacker fled, leaving the 56-year-old mother of two behind.

A report had since been lodged at the Central Police Station.

New Amsterdam Municipal Councillor Patricia Lynch, who is supporting the alleged victim, said there were several reports of a gerontophilia (a person who is sexually attracted to the elderly) in New Amsterdam, and she is happy that the culprit has been caught.

Reports indicate that other alleged victims are too ashamed to come forward to report what happened to them.

to do our best to bring back this beautiful city of ours.”

Yesterday, a similar group of persons conducted a cleanup exercise at Russell Square with the help of the M&CC Director for Solid Waste, Walter Narine.

They also tackled in the vicinity of the Blind Institute on Hadfield Street on the same day.

Speaking to the improvement of cleanliness in the city, the acting town clerk said: “We would have already raised it to a certain level, so

we’re now just propelling it to ensure we can maintain it.”

Meanwhile, the mayor affirmed: “We are not at the council for play or any games; we’re there for team-work and to get the work finished.”

He confirmed that the clean-up measure is an effort the council is hoping to extend to every constituency, but these and other improvements to the city such as the minibus parks must first be discussed at the level of the council.

“It is a decision not to be made by myself, but that

decision will come from the council; the full council,” Mayor Narine stressed.

Meanwhile, he noted that before the end of the month, he and his councillors are expected to pay a courtesy call to President David Granger.

“I have a saying that ‘team work is great and it’s not one hand that claps’.

Two hands clap, so I’m looking forward to meeting with His Excellency with my team, so we can be able to do things differently,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Citizen Bank rakes in $602M profit

CITIZEN Bank Guyana recorded $602.3 million in after-tax profit for 2018, according to the annual report of BANKS DIH Limited, which is a 51 per cent owned subsidiary of the company.

This report is based on the performance period ended September 30, 2018.

During the period under review, the bank’s profit before taxation was $1.009B, while its net interest income stood at $2.24B. Its earnings per share were recorded at $10.12, while the total assets base was $50.5B. Meanwhile, loan assets in 2018 decreased from $28.2B to $25.5B in 2018

and customer deposits were at $40.9B compared to $40.6B in 2017.

The bank’s audited financial statements for the year ended 30 September, 2018, show that it paid an interim dividend of $0.70 per share unit and a final dividend of 1.80 per share unit is now being recommended, aggregating to total of $2.50 per share unit or $148.7M. The directors which hold shares in the company as of the review period are Chairman/Managing-Director Clifford B. Reis with 125,000 in associated beneficial interest; Vice-Chairman Roy Cheong with 31,250 in the same category and Director Frances Parris with 6,250 in beneficial shares.

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Citizen Bank Guyana has recorded $602.3 million in after-tax profit for 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Youths drawn into oil and gas sector

REGISTRAR of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr Nigel Gravesande, has affirmed that young people are eager to get involved in the emerging oil and gas sector, with a large number of persons already applying for UG’s new petroleum engineering programme.

“As of ten minutes to eight [Saturday morning], after four days of opening of the new programme for the Associate’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering, we had 74 applications,” Gravesande told a large gathering of young people at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

According to him, this just shows that young people are interested in the field

and are willing to equip themselves to get involved.

The registrar however acknowledged that the country is not without its challenges, and one of these includes the lack of expertise in the new industry. In light of this, the University sought to introduce two new programmes from January 2019: an Associate’s Degree in Science (Petroleum Engineering) and a Master’s Degree in Science (Petroleum Engineering).

These courses will be offered in conjunction with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

Few young people raised concerns

Director of the Department of the Environment, Dr Mark Bynoe of foreigners dominating the oil and gas sector at the youth forum held on Saturday. They also questioned what specific measures are being put in place to ensure that locals, and young people, will be able to benefit from this sector.

“We hope that over time, because this is a process not an event, that we will develop local content and local capacity,” the registrar said. “We believe that every Guyanese has a stake in this and therefore corporate Guyana and civic society will have to complement efforts of the government and tertiary institutions themselves and ensuring that at the end of the day there are perfect results.”

Member of the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) council, Floyd Scott, also told the young people that it is not just about having experts alone, but the “intricacies” of the sector must be considered too. And these require money, partnership and stewardship to develop.

Gravesande however opined that the emerging oil and gas sector is just a “little tickle” in the transformation of the Guyanese economy.

“The transformation of the Guyanese society of and economy can only happen if we move to a stage of structural adjustment – that will bring discipline in our lives, that will speak and against all and every form of injustice; that will seek to condemn all forms of abuse; that will require us in our discipline to speak out against all and every form of corruption… to bring a society that is just and one that will bring blessings for every single person in society,” he said.

Adding to his sentiments was Director of the Department of the Environment, Dr. Mark Bynoe, who stressed that persons do not need to study petroleum engineering, or alike, to work in and benefit from the oil and gas industry. In fact, he contended that all jobs can be streamlined into the various sections of the sector.

“Training, skill building and certification are necessary,” he said however.

To augment the local capacity of youths for the sector, Bynoe noted that his department has been engaging with the Ministry of Education to promote greater learning and awareness.

“Where curriculum amendments will be required, we will start having that,” he said, while adding that the department has been engaging the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) as well, because this body is also responsible for curriculum development.

But the department is also engaging in more immediate efforts to equip young people in the sector. “[We want to start] mentorship/ apprenticeship programmes, where our young people can have attachments with the department as they begin to build-up their own expertise going forward,” Bynoe highlighted.

This is expected to begin shortly and will allow young people to understand the inner workings of the department, and by extension the sector, as they garner skills to become involved in the sector.

The other measure is an upcoming poster competition that will require young people to create a logo for the department.

Young people at the youth forum on oil and gas on Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

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AML body to target lawyers,JPs BUSINESSES and professionals in Guyana that are vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing will soon receive training and be regulated as part of the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) goals.

This was established at the first statutory meeting of the AML/CFT National Coordinating Committee for 2019, held on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

The meeting was chaired

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams.

Attending were representatives of the Bank of Guyana (BoG); the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU); the Guyana Gold Board; the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; the Guyana Securities Council; the Gaming Authority; Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; the Chief Cooperatives Development Officer/ Registrar of Friendly Societies and the Attorney General’s Chambers/ Ministry of Legal Affairs.

During the meeting, the representatives highlighted the need for increased emphasis to be placed in the supervision and regulation of Designated Non-financial Businesses and Professionals.

These include lawyers, notaries, commissioners of oaths to affidavits, auditors, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals, dealers in precious stones, other independent legal professionals and accountants.

“These professionals represent a high-risk group that is known to be vulnerable for money laundering and terrorist-financing purposes. It is therefore imperative that efforts be prioritised to ensure these sectors are regulated for AMLCF purposes,” a report from the committee stated.

As a result, the committee will soon arrange a training and sensitisation session for these professionals to discuss their obligations and responsibilities as mandated by the AML/CFT 2009 (Amended) Act. In July 2018, the National Assembly passed the AML/CFT Amendment Bill,

while another one of the country’s achievements thus far includes being removed from the European Union (EU) Money-Laundering Blacklist after addressing a number of deficiencies.

Another issue discussed at the meeting was the need for competent authorities--including supervisory authorities--to ensure they establish and maintain a database of activities conducted as a part of their AML/ CFT programme.

According to the committee, statistics of all activities should be made available at short notice as required by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 33.

Added to this, plans are being put in place for gaming houses and betting operations to be properly licensed and regulated.

The need for such was emphasised following reports of some entities operating without the requisite licence.

“Illegal gambling operations were also found to be popping up in different parts of the country. Supervisory authorities were encouraged to effectively execute their mandates as prescribed by the AML/CFT Act and ensure these anomalies are corrected,” the committee said.

Minister Williams, as chair, reminded representatives that in order for these measures to be effective, strict enforcement of the existing legislation must be carried out.

For some time now, the committee has been facilitating outreaches and sensitisation seminars across the country, as far as the South Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

In 2022, the country will undergo CFATF’s Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation, while the Third Round had focused on the legal and regulatory framework of the country regarding the AML/CFT regime.

The National Coordinating Committee assures: “The committee is working assiduously at enhancing and strengthening the country’s AML/ CFT regime and preparing Guyana for a successful Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation.”

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams (centre), chairs the first statutory meeting of the AML/CFT for 2019 in the presence of other representatives of the National Coordinating Committee

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 20197

Federer exits Australian Open (BBC) - DEFENDING champion Roger Federer is out of the Australian Open after Greek 14th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas earned the biggest win of his career to reach the quarter-finals.

The Swiss lost 6-7 (1113) 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 7-6 (7-5) on a dramatic night.

F e d e re r, a s i x - t i m e champion, failed to reach the last eight in Melbourne for only the second time in 16 years.

Tsitsipas, 20, saved all 12 of 37-year-old Federer’s break points on his way to a famous win.

“I’m the happiest man on earth right now, I can’t describe it,” he said.

“I beat my idol. My idol today became pretty much my rival.”

Federer lumped a forehand long to leave Tsitsipas serving for the match in the fourth-set tie-break, and the youngster forced him into a backhand error to win in three hours and 45 minutes.

Tsitsipas dropped his racquet in celebration and seemed to mouth “me?” at the crowd, expressing his shock further by covering his hand with mouth, before starting to cry as he walked over to celebrate with his team.

“That moment is definitely something that I will never, ever, ever forget,” he said.

“This match point is going to stay, I’m pretty much sure, forever, for the rest of

my life.”

He will play Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat Croatian sixth seed Marin Cilic in five sets, in the last eight.

And the Greek believes

Roger Federer of Switzerland exits the Rod Laver Arena after losing his fourth round match against Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece during day seven of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.

(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

he is on the verge of “something big” and could perhaps even win the tournament.

“That’s why I’m here, playing to win the trophy,” he said. “I want it really badly.”

Federer was aiming to win a record seventh men’s singles title at Melbourne Park, moving him clear of world number one Novak Djokovic and Australian legend Roy Emerson.

But the 20-time Grand Slam champion was undone by a player considered to be one of the best hopes to take over the mantle when Federer - along with Djokovic and Rafael Nadal - retires.

The pair were contesting their first ATP-level match, although did meet last month in a Hopman Cup tie which Federer edged in two tiebreaks, indicating their contest in Melbourne could be equally tight.

Tsitsipas’ fearless and energetic approach unsettled Federer, seemingly putting doubt in the former world number one’s mind on the key points.

Federer failed to convert any of 12 break points, with some errant forehands particularly letting him down.

Pacquiao retains WBA welterweight title (Reuters) - WBA welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao showed flashes of his past brilliance as he delivered a dominant performance to earn a unanimous decision victory over Adrien Broner in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The 40-year-old Filipino multiple world champion was quicker and more accurate as he controlled each round and cruised to the triumph to take his career record to 61-7-2.

American Broner, 29, fought gamely and stayed upright despite being hit with several heavy combinations but was ultimately outclassed.

Retired great Floyd Mayweather attended the fight, fuelling speculation of a rematch against Pacquiao, who the undefeated American beat in 2015.

Two judges scored the bout 116-112 in favour of Pacquiao, while the third had the Filipino Senator a 117-111 winner.

“I’m so happy,” said Pacquiao. “God gave me this blessing (of good health). At the age of 40

Manny Pacquiao (R) throws a right on Adrien Broner during the WBA welterweight championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 19, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

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Kerber, Stephens make shock exits from Aussie open

Angelique Kerber reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open last year

(BBC) - WIMBLEDON champion Angelique Kerber and fifth seed Sloane Stephens were both knocked out of the Australian Open in the fourth round.

American world number 35, Danielle Collins, thrashed second seed Kerber 6-0 6-2 in 56 minutes.

Collins, 25, will face Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the quarter-finals after the Russian beat 2017 US Open winner Stephens in a marathon match.

Pavlyuchenkova, the world number 44, won 6-7 (3-7) 6-3 6-3.

The first game of the deciding set was a 17-minute battle that went to deuce 10 times as Stephens fended off eight break points.

“I really appreciated that some of you guys stayed,” said Pavlyuchenkova after the match finished at 01:53 local time.

“I heard someone was yawning during the match though, so I’m sorry. I thought it was quite an exciting match, but anyway I’m happy I stayed awake.”

I can still give my best.”

About the only person in attendance who disagreed with the outcome was Broner (334-1), who protested the result emphatically in his post-fight interview.

“I beat him. Everyone out there knows I beat him,” Broner said. “I controlled the fight, he was missing and I hit him clean more times.”

It was difficult to take Broner’s claims seriously on a night when he was relegated to the role of defensive fighter.

Pacquiao appeared the younger and more spry of the two as he attacked his opponent’s midsection and ultimately landed 47 body shots to Broner’s three.

In the seventh round, Pacquiao pushed Broner back to the ropes and delivered an onslaught of punches that left Broner holding on for survival.

Pacquiao nearly knocked his opponent down again in the ninth when he delivered a clean left hook to Broner’s chin that knocked him back.

“I wanted to push more but my trainer said ‘do not be careless, wait for him and you

Collins, who is making her Australian Open debut at the age of 25, had lost in the first round of her five previous Grand Slam appearances.

“I may not have won a Grand Slam match before coming here but, I’ve got to tell you, I think it’s going to keep happening,” she said.

“I just go out fearless, and give it my all.”

World number two, Kerber, was among the favourites for the title and had dropped just 10 games in the previous three rounds.

“I was feeling good but you have sometimes days like this,” said the three-time Grand Slam champion. “I was trying but couldn’t find my rhythm.”

“I wasn’t able to play my tennis, my solid game.

I wasn’t moving good. My serve wasn’t as good as it has been in the last few days.”

Collins, who is relatively unknown on the WTA Tour after playing much of her tennis in the US collegiate system, was a resounding underdog but breezed through the opening set in 20 minutes.

The American hit 29 winners in the match and broke six times in total winning almost 70% of the overall points.

Kerber looked to begin a comeback at the start of the second but was immediately pegged back before Collins smashed a backhand to break the German’s serve again and take a 4-2 lead.

Collins needed just one match point to break again at the end and claim a ruthless victory. counter’,” Pacquiao said.

The final few rounds were anticlimactic as Broner played it safe and Pacquiao stayed in control.

At the final bell, Pacquiao dropped to his knees in his corner for a moment of contemplation.

Pacquiao is enjoying a career turnaround after uninspiring efforts that left many believing his career was nearing an end.

“I don’t believe my career is over,” Pacquiao said. “I proved it in my last fight against (Lucas Matthysse) and now proved it again. The Manny Pacquiao journey still continues.”

Mayweather, whose last outing was a farce of an exhibition bout against a Japanese kickboxer, refused the entreaties of a ringside TV reporter to indicate whether he would be willing to fight Pacquiao again.

The Filipino was less reticent.

“Tell him to come back to the ring and then we will fight,” Pacquiao said.

“I’m willing to fight if he’s willing to come back in boxing.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Singh’s massive century lifts DCC to win over UG Teenager Sachin Singh has scored two massive scores in the NBS 40-over tournament.

FOR the second time in the 2018-2019 New Building Society (NBS) 40-over second-division tournament Sachin Singh has exploded with the bat—and for the second time his score has surpassed the 150 mark.

At Queenstown yesterday, the Demerara Cricket Club teen belted the University of Guyana bowlers to all corners of the DCC ground while he also lifted them over the boundary ropes 11 times for a massive unbeaten score of 166.

The result—a comprehensive win for the defending champions, in a rain affected day of cricket.

Singh, who had struck 171 in the opener of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) tournament in the second week of October against the Diplomat Sports Club, was watchful for six balls before he began his onslaught.

The former West Indies U-16 skipper stroked 13 fours to go with his 11 maximums. For the first wicket, he and Garrick Persaud (17) added 85, while he and Alphius Bookie (44) combined for an unbeaten 176-run second-wicket partnership before rain came, which left the home team on 261-1 from 39 overs.

In reply, UG, who were tasked with scoring 193 from 28 overs, only reached 158-9 as DCC used their bowlers well.

Opening bowler Carlton Jacques picked up 3-32 from five overs, while leg-spinner Steven Sankar (3-47) cleaned up the tail.

Linden Austin led the attack for the visitors with 43 (5X4s), while Devon Paul (3X4s, 2X6s) played at few shots, batting at number nine, to finish with an unbeaten knock of 34.

Police pull off exciting win against GCC in 40 over cricket IT came down to 57 runs from six overs with five wickets in hand. Police versus the Georgetown Cricket Club at the Bourda ground.

The pendulum swung several times in the fad-

ing light as the rivals battled for control—the home side went hard with both Joshua Wade and skipper Devon Lord playing a few shots. The former fell as did several other batsmen trying to score fast runs, but Lord

looked determined to win the game, in the penultimate over he showed his hand with two boundaries and calculated singles.

The home team dressing room was riveted with excitement,

Mavendra Dindyal played the soft touches and the big shots in his innings.

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ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

as their skipper looked to stroke the first ball of the final over in the rain affected game. He just managed a single against the medium pace of part time bowler Kevon Boodie.

The home team now needed 12 runs from five balls with one wicket in hand—Stephon Wilson

went for a big hit, instead the ball peeled off his bat and Boodie darted off in its direction. A diving catch ended the game and the unbeaten run of GCC in the NBS Second-Division 40-Over tournament.

The home team had won the toss and inserted the Lawmen to take first strike. Boodie and Andrew Lyght Jr. batted themselves in and then put on 85 for the first wicket with the former scoring 53 (7X4s and 1X6) and Lyght re a c h i n g 4 4 ( 2 X 4 s , 1X6). Both batsmen lost their wicket to the left-arm spin of Lord.

Kemol Savory however continued the scoring for the visitor, the former national U19 cricketer hit two sixes in his unbeaten score of 47 before rain came in the 35th over and ended the visitors’ innings at 180-3.

The Duckworth Lewis calculation left the home team with 192 for victory from 40 overs, but reaching the target proved no easy task. The home team had to navigate past the aggressive opening spell from Raun Johnson and Eon Rodrigues.

Kevon Boodie (middle with ball) took a nice bowl and caught to leave the home team short in the clash.

The pair combined for the top four wickets, including that of former West Indies U19 all-rounder Ronaldo Alimohamed who went without score.

It took a feisty innings from West Indies U16 batsman Mavendra Dindyal and Deonarine Seegobin to rebuild the innings. The pair added 51 for the fifth wicket in eight overs with the teen hitting both opening quickies for sixes.

When the spinners

came on, Seegobin (22) began playing a few shots, but it was shortlived as he was bowled by off-spinner Jason Heyliger before the rain came and wickets began to tumble with GCC falling short of victory.

Dindyal led the home team with 47 runs, while Wade scored 17 and Lord (19*).

For the Lawmen Johnson, Rodrigues, Heyliger and Hemchan Persaud finished with two wickets each.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 20197

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Pybus shrugs off criticism of comeback

(ESPNCRICINFO) - THERE wasn’t much of a honeymoon period for Richard Pybus. No sooner had he been announced as West Indies’ interim head coach - even before he had been announced, really - the criticism started to flow. And if that was, in part, due to an allegation that due process had not been followed in making the appointment - an allegation rejected by CWI - it was also down to his history.

Whether Pybus likes it or not, he brings baggage to the role. Yes, his experience, both as a coach and in the region, is undeniable. But so is the fact that he was at the centre of the dispute that saw West Indies abandon their 2014 tour of India. As a result, several prominent figures in Caribbean cricket are sceptical about him and seem unafraid to vocalise those views. And, as Peter Moores found in his second stint as England coach, such baggage can drag a man down pretty quickly if results don’t go his way.

One of the more vocal critics of Pybus’ appointment has been former captain Darren Sammy. He responded to a CWI press release that referred to Pybus as “the architect of the West Indies trifecta of 2016 World Cup titles” - the men’s World T20, the women’s World T20 and the Under-19 World Cup - by saying the teams won “in spite” of him, not because of him. And, when Jimmy Adams, West Indies’ director of cricket, drew up a shortlist for the interim coaching position, Pybus was a noticeable absentee

from the list of 11 names.

All in all, it seems an oddly incendiary appointment, and a distraction West Indies could do without. But Pybus is having none of it. Talking to the media at the Kensington Oval on Sunday, he insisted the team was “focused, positive and motivated” and that there were no issues within the West Indies camp.

“Darren Sammy is entitled to his opinion,” he said. You’ll have to ask him about that. Criticism is part of the game, part of the tapestry and the drama around sport. We’ve just got to get on with the job really. I don’t really want to unpack the past.

“The team are very focused, positive and motivated.

You guys will write your stories, create a bit of an angle and drama but, from my side, I’m not really worried about that. The guys are focused on the series coming up. There are no issues.

“I don’t want to sound too ‘zen’ but I’m really focused on the first day coming up and making sure we’re ready for it.”

Pybus did suggest, however, that some of the structures he had put in place during his tenure as director of cricket - not least broadening the base of the professional game - were starting to pay dividends.

“I’ve done three years as director of cricket and what’s in the results bank is in the results bank,” he said. “We put programmes in place. It’s fantastic to see some of these guys come through the pro-

grammes. It’s the coaches who work with them, the support staff around them, it’s the system which supports to ensure we deliver on-field excellence.

“It’s very much a work in progress. Nobody involved in cricket in the Caribbean can say we’re where we want to be; the region has been playing catch-up. But we’re starting to have the depth to support the players properly.

“There’s two sides to it. The players in the past would have criticised delivery and support and there may be some truth in that. On the other side the board would be saying ‘we’re doing our best’ and there’d be some truth in that, too.

“I don’t know about trifectas. It’s the players on the park who deliver but I was satisfied at the time with how the programmes supported players.”

He also hinted that the character of West Indies cricket, with teams selected from across a wide region and several different counties, lent itself to a certain amount of debate, discussion and disagreement.

“It’s the Caribbean,” he said. “You’ve got 16 countries. It’s not like England, Australia or South Africa. With the internal politics there’s always discussion. It really is a unique part of the world. Unless you’ve spent a considerable amount of time in the region it’s difficult to understand quite how challenging it is. London to Birmingham is a couple of hours in the car; Antigua to Jamaica can be three days.”

Walton and King end Jamaica losing streak CMC – CHADWICK Walton and Brandon King notched half-centuries as Jamaica Scorpions finally broke their losing streak with a convincing six-wicket victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes on the final day of their fifth round encounter here Sunday.

Asked to chase 212 at the Grenada National Stadium, Scorpions produced a measured run chase to pull off a comfortable win in the end, with Walton top-scoring with 79 and Brandon King getting 56.

Barbadian all-rounder Kenroy Williams put on the finishing touches with an unbeaten 36, handing Scorpions their first win of the Regional Four-Day Championship in four outings.

Scorpions started the day well when they finished off the Volcanoes innings with no addition to the overnight total of 198.

With the first ball of the day, left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli removed Shermon Lewis without scoring and Scorpions then made a great start when Walton and Oraine Williams (18) put on 37 for the first wicket.

Left-arm spinner Larry Edward removed Williams

to break the stand and Assad Fudadin (10) followed soon afterwards, to leave the visitors on 53 for two.

Walton and King then joined forces to rescue the innings, posting their second 100-run stand of the contest with a third-wicket partnership of 102.

Walton, who struck 125

Brandon King … struck his second half-century of the match.

in the first innings, faced 135 balls in 2-¾ hours and counted six fours while King, who made 52 in the first innings, hit a four and a pair of sixes in an innings lasting 141 deliveries and 157 minutes.

However, part-time off-spinner Tyrone Theophile, who claimed four for 44, hauled the hosts back into the affair as Scorpions lost three wickets for 15 runs to tumble to 170 for five.

Walton played back to one from left-arm spinner Kavem Hodge which kept low and was lbw and captain Paul Palmer lasted half an hour for his six before whipping Theophile to mid-wicket where Alick Athanaze took a great catch.

Theophile then struck again when he had Jerome Taylor holing out to long on without scoring.

With the match in the balance, Williams strode to the wicket to win the match

for Scorpions, putting on a valuable 22 for the sixth wicket with King and a further 20 with Aldaine Thomas (three not out) in an unbroken seventh-wicket

partnership.

The 34-year-old Williams, in his second match of the season, struck six fours in a fluent 54-ball knock.

SCOREBOARD

VOLCANOES 1st Innings 285 SCORPIONS 1st Innings 272 VOLCANOES 2nd Innings (overnight 198 for nine) D Smith st 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 A Athanaze b Williams 27 +D Smith c Taylor b Bulli 6 R Jordan lbw b Walton 16 J Thomas c & b Walton 0 L Edward not out 5 S Lewis c Palmer b Bulli 0 Extras (b2, lb9) 11 TOTAL (all out, 57.1 overs) 198 Bowling: Taylor 7-0-32-1, Green 8-1-30-1, Levy 5-1-11-0, Williams 17-1-50-1, Bulli 16.1-0-54-5, Walton 4-0-10-2.

SCORPIONS 2nd Innings (target: 212 runs) C Walton lbw b Hodge 79 O Williams c Jordan b Edward 18 A Fudadin lbw b Theophile 10 B King c DS Smith b Theophile 56 *P Palmer Jr c Athanaze b Theophile 6 J Taylor c Hodge b Theophile 0 K Williams not out 36 +A Thomas not out 3 Extras (b1, lb3) 4 TOTAL (6 wkts, 74.4 overs) 212 Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-53, 3-155, 4-166, 5-170, 6-192.

Bowling: Thomas 5-0-19-0, Hodge 25.4-6-67-1, Edward 14-1-44-1, Jordan 4-0-23-0, Theophile 18-4-44-4, Athanaze 8-2-11-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 2019

Caesar returns as GAPLF president, Taharally vice-president

THE powerlifting community continues to show faith in Ed Caesar as he was returned to the presidency of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) at the federation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held yesterday at the National Racquet Centre in Woolford Avenue.

Meanwhile decorated female powerlifter Nadina Taharally was elected as vice-president with Colin Austin taking up the post of treasurer.

Andrea Smith was returned as the General Secretary while record-breaking powerlifter Runita White will continue as the Public Relations Officer (PRO)/Organising secretary. David Gomes, Martin Webster and Erwyn Smith are all committee members.

At the forum, the president, general secretary and treasurer of the outgoing executive presented their annual reports to federation members present.

The GAPLF’s 2019 Executive Committee is expected

DCC end U17 competition on high note

to kick-start its calendar year by hosting the first of four annual competitions - the “Novices and Juniors Powerlifting Championships on February 3. This event will be held at the St Stanislaus College auditorium commencing at 10:00hrs.

Pre-sold tickets for this event cost $1 000 or $1 500 at the gate.

THE 2019 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOMINATED ‘EN BLOC’ ARE AS FOLLOWS: Ed Caesar - President Nadina Taharally - Vice President Colin Austin - Treasurer Andrea Smith - General Secretary Runita White - PRO/Organising Secretary David Gomes - Committee Member Martin Webster - Committee Member Erwyn Smith - Committee Member.

Jaden Campbell (left) and Orlando Giddings led the home team’s attack.

THE Demerara Cricket Club registered their third win for the year to finish

Marian Academy cops Invitational Schools Basketball tournament

M A R I A N A c a d e m y ’s male basketball team captured a four-team Invitational Tournament on their home-court on Saturday when they beat St. Rose’s High School and President’s College en route to winning the title.

The tournament was organized by Davonna

Bess, a sixth form student at Marian, as part of her CAPE Physical Education Unit 2 Internal Assessment.

Bess revealed that students were required to conduct community- based research to determine the need for specific sport-related events, plan and im-

plement a relevant event as determined by the research.

She noted; “My results led to the planning and implementation of a basketball tournament. As the only student currently sitting this examination, the organising team consisted of volunteers”.

She explained that with the help of her teacher, Keith Smith, and a number of volunteers; “we were able to execute an event that portrayed good sportsmanship among players and admirable school spirit from spectators. The roles of acting Media Officer, Equipment Manager and First Aid Officer were commendable. Volunteers and Officials were vigilant, contributing to the smooth running of the event”.

In game one, Marian faced St. Rose’s High School and brushed them aside by 34-16 while Pres-

ident’s College trashed Chase Academy 57-13.

In the final, the Marian side fought a hard contest against President’s College but emerged victorious with a 39-32 score-line.

The overall MVP (Most Valuable Player) was Marian’s Josiah Daniels who had 22 points, one assist, 11 rebounds, and two steals.

The event was sponsored by ADA Enterprises, Rent-A-Tent and Trophy Stall. Funds were raised, donations accepted and tickets sold to cover other expenses.

The winning Marian Academy team with Davonna Bess.

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The MVP Josiah Daniels receives his trophy from Competition Director, Davonna Bess.

(Keon Ramjit photos)

their U17 campaign on a high note on the last day of the Friends of Cricket U17 100-over cricket competition on Saturday.

The eight-team event ended with the Queenstown team in the top three after three consecutive wins this year. GCC won the competition.

In their final clash at home against Rubis Bel Air, DCC batted first and scored 254 from 53 overs.

Orlando Giddings led the attack with seven fours and five sixes in a top score of 70 (62 balls).

Shivand Gosain picked up four wickets for Rubis.

Jaden Campbell also reached a half century.

The opener who was more watchful in the middle scored 52 runs (eight fours).

Also making their mark was Daniel Mootoo, who scored 38 runs (2X4s, 2X6s).

Rubis were led by Shivand Gosain. Gosain, who normally spins, was tasked with bowling medium pace for the first time at this level and he excelled. He picked up 4-53 from 7.1 overs.

Andrew Samaroo finished with 3-40 from 11 overs, while R. Samaroo picked up 2-51 from seven overs.

Rubis had a few good starts early, but Rudranauth Kissoon, who led the attack with 54, had little support as both Andrew Samaroo (18) and M. Sukhai (19) failed to build on their starts.

In the end, the overs expired and the visitors were left on 147-8.

G. Hudson and E. Wilson, who did the damage in the middle of the innings, finished with two wickets each for the winners.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 21, 20197

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Some of the participants with their certificates pose with facilitator, Noelle Smith (left front row).

Smith pleased at response to Titans ‘Mental Toughness’ Seminar SPORTS psychologist Noelle Smith says that she is pleased at the response of the participants of the first Titans Table Tennis Club (TTTC) ‘Mental Toughness’ seminar which wrapped up yesterday at the Red Cross building in Kingston.

It was the second session of the seminar which saw some 20 participants, males and females, ages ranging from eight to 18, engaging in mental exercises designed to help them cope with stressors, and build their mentality during and before games.

Smith pointed out that the mental aspect of sports is key to the development of any athlete in any discipline, especially at an early age.

“They have so much going on in their everyday lives,

school, the usual parents’ stress, lessons and sports; this (mental aspect) is something that is sorely missing in Guyana’s sports arena. I would recommend that seminars such as this one that we just completed are implemented on a regular basis, as often as possible.”

She also revealed: “they (children) were very enthusiastic, they responded well and I think we made progress. I got some insights into their mental state and capacity; we will definitely continue to work together.”

Meanwhile, Titans president and coach, Dwain Dick, told Chronicle Sport that he intends on having mental health seminars more regularly; “From what I’ve seen, this is something that is of tremendous value to these student-athletes, over the

Hodge special sinks Jaguars

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE Leeward Islands Hurricanes clinched a dramatic two-wicket victory on the final day of the fifth round in the West Indies Four-day championship encounter against the Guyana Jaguars at the National Stadium, Providence.

deed it came from a composed 127 from Montcin Hodge, a polished half-century from Keacy Carty and a fighting unbeaten 37 from Jaison Peters. They eventually ended on 296-8.

Yesterday’s result is the third time the Hurricanes have beaten the four-time defending champions in PCL

the man to have darkened Jaguars’ hopes and he was clearly the inspiration for the hardfought victory. Resolute in defence and untroubled by either the pitch or bowlers, Hodge en route to a superb knock, his fourth first-class hundred, ensured the game concluded in the Hurricanes’ favour.

It was a classy, fighting in-

The players greet each other at the conclusion of the match.

Something special was always going to be needed if the Hurricanes were to threaten the winning target of 291, and in-

history. The loss is the first for the Jaguars in five games this season.

The 31-year-old Hodge was

nings that saw Hodge shared two significant partnerships – 153 with Carty for the second wicket and then 59 runs for

the fifth wicket with Jaison Peters and by the time he was dismissed, the Hurricanes were nine runs short of the winning target. His innings spanned 320 balls in 417 minutes with 14 fours.

The odd drizzle and threatening rain clouds for most of the day were not the only two things to have increased the anxiety for the home side.

There were some ragged fielding, coupled by a less convincing bowling display and while Captain Leon Johnson was trying not to betray any nerves, the Jaguars’ frustrations were plain to see.

The touring side began the day in pursuit of 259 more runs for a win, with Jaguars searching for the nine wickets. However, Hodge and Carty gave the visiting side the ideal start, batting through the first session.

Resuming on 32-1, the right-handed duo frustrated the Jaguars’ attack with some solid batting, and build on their overnight score respectively with a combination of solid defence together with some attacking strokeplay.

Hodge was the first to reach his half-century off 96 balls with seven boundaries while Carty, the 21-year-old, took 138 balls for his, counting eight boundaries. He was, however, dropped on 58 by Johnson at short extra cover, and by lunch, the total was

two sessions. Ms. Smith has really engaged and interacted with the participants progressively and we (Titans) intend to have these seminars quarterly.”

He also extended an open invitation to athletes of other sports to participate in any future ‘Mental Toughness’ seminars; “We had athletes from badminton, hockey and of course table tennis. However, in the future we’d like to see more athletes from the other disciplines attend; I’m even thinking about having the coaches sit in with the athletes for a session.”

At the completion of the seminar, participants were presented with certificates. The seminar was organized by the Titans Table Tennis Club and supported by Beacon’s Café and Guyana Beverage Inc. 151 for one.

Inevitably though, it was fast bowler Keemo Paul (269) who got the breakthrough within the first hour of play after the interval when he had Carty caught behind to end an innings which spanned 193 balls, 226 minutes with nine boundaries.

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, who finished with figures of 4-43, then trapped Akeem Saunders leg before wicket for nine, but while the Jaguars’ restricted the scoring significantly during the session, the 31-year-old Hodge continued unruffled throughout to remain unbeaten on 94 in the company of Terrance Warde.

After the first break, Hodge moved to his second hundred this season from 285 balls to

keep his team edging towards the total.

Romario Shepherd (2-45) returned and removed Warde for 25 to a running catch from the substitute, Gudakesh Motie at point and then bowled Rakheem Cornwall (1) to change the complexion of the match somewhat.

But Hodge and Peters then combined to defy their hosts and with 51 runs needed in the final hour of play, the duo took the score to 282 before Permaul removed Hodge, Orlando Peters and Jeremiah Louis.

However, Peters had no trouble in achieving the target despite delaying tactics from the home team. The Jaguars will be in action again from January 31 when they play host Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

SCOREBOARD

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 2nd innings (Target 291) K Powell lbw b Paul 7 M Hodge c&b Permaul 127 K Carty c wk Bramble b Paul 67 A Saunders lbw b Permaul 9 T Warde c (sub) Motie b Shepherd 25 R Cornwall b Shepherd 1 J Peters not out 37 O Peters b Permaul 0 J Louis c Paul b Permaul 4 D Jacobs not out 0 Extras: (5-b, 3-lb, 5-w, 6-nb) 19 Total: (for eight wickets; 108.3 overs) 296 Fall of wicket: 1-16, 2-169, 3-180, 4-222, 5-223, 6-282, 7-286, 8-290 Bowling: Pestano 10-2-42-0, Paul 16-3-69-2, Shepherd 17-6-45-2, Bishoo 25.3-5-64-0, Permaul 34-13-43-4, Rutherford 4-0-13-0, Barnwell 2-0-12-0

Hodge

special sinks

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Jaguars Caesar returns as GAPLF 22 president, Taharally vice-president Page

Montcin Hodge acknowledges his teammates after scoring his fourth first-class hundred.

(Adrine Narine photo)

Pybus shrugs off criticism of comeback Page

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GAPLF president Ed Caesar

GAPLF vice-president Nadina Taharally

Richard Pybus takes charge of West Indies training Getty Images

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MONDAY, JANUARY 21, 2019