Guyana Chronicle E-paper 01-22-2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

TUESDAY 22ND JANUARY, 2019

No.105525

‘No window -dressing’

…Hinds, Lewis warn Afro-Guyanese about PPP ‘face-changing’ mission …say Jagdeo must apologise for atrocities, seek genuine political 03 solution

Solid backing for Granger

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…WPA hailed him as ‘upright, incorruptible’ …PNCR declared him ‘fit and proppa’ for second term “He’s a very upright person, very principled. No one can point a finger at him in relation to personal corruption; he’s really a model citizen, and we’ll be in support,” affirmed

Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who says he sees no reason that his party would be swayed from President Granger as the candidate.

“I have heard nothing other than that and I am certain that there’s no plan in the party to switch from President Granger.

I’ve had the advantage of knowing President Granger probably longer than anyone else in the party, since we were in school in the same house, and I feel confident that he will lead APNU+AFC Coalition to victory, when it comes to that.”

Flashback! President David Granger during the 2015 elections campaign

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Solid backing for Granger …WPA hailed him as ‘upright, incorruptible’ …PNCR declared him ‘fit and proppa’ for second term

By Tamica Garnett THE APNU+AFC coalition has signaled their full confidence in seeing incumbent President David Granger continuing and have all endorsed him as the presidential candidate heading into the next elections, which are constitutionally due next year.

“He’s a very upright person, very principled. No one can point a finger at him in relation to personal corruption; he’s really a model citizen, and we’ll be in support,” affirmed Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who says he sees no reason that his party would be swayed from President Granger as the candidate.

“I have heard nothing other than that and I am certain that there’s no plan in the party to switch from President Granger. I’ve had the advantage of knowing President Granger probably longer than anyone else in the party, since we were in school in the same house, and I feel confident that he will lead APNU+AFC Coalition to victory, when it comes to that.”

The WPA is one of several parties constituting the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition section of the government other parties include the

People’s National Congress (PNC), National Front Alliance (NFA), Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JFAP). APNU was formed in 2011, the party joined forces with the Alliance For Change (AFC) in 2015 to contest elections that year.

Some members of the AFC have already indicated their support for the President, while the party is expected to make an official pronouncement following a collective decision when that party hosts its first National Executive Conference for the year this Saturday, January 26.

COMPETENT TO LEAD Meanwhile, General Secretary of President Granger own party, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Amna Ally said despite orchestrated rumours and untruths whether they are on his health or competence: “I, on behalf of the PNCR would like to indicate that he is ‘fit and proppa’ for a second term and the PNCR endorses his candidature.”

Ally said the party looks forward to be under his guidance for a second term and urged Guyanese to vote for vision, development, cordiality, selfless work and enjoy the good life. Additionally, Ally said President Granger was elected unopposed at his

President saddened

at passing of Ben Ter Welle

HIS Excellency President David Granger, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, is saddened at the passing of former Honorary Consul for Germany and Austria in Guyana, Mr. Berend Ter Welle, C.C.H. He died on Sunday, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency said.

According to the release, in addition to serving as Honorary Consul, Mr. Ter Welle was also, at one time, the President of the Guyana Heritage Society.

President Granger expresses sympathy to his wife, Mrs. Nirmala Ramroop Ter Welle, children and other relatives.

President David Granger

party Biennial Congress last August and that the party is fully aware of his competence, his principles and his vision for Guyana. “We are also cognisant of his discipline and in no way can be deemed as a corrupt leader.

He possesses the necessary qualities that are required to be a country’s leader. He has constantly been active in cleaning up the 23 years of mess which the PPP put our country in,” Ally added.

She said Granger has been tried for the past three and half years and also proven his competence to lead Guyana for a second term.

Executive member of the

NFA, Keith Scott, Minister of Labour, noted that his party earlier this month took their decision to back Granger for the presidency. “We look forward to the opportunity to reaffirm our support for him. We did have our executive meeting earlier in the year, coming out in support of that,” Scott noted. “The people of this country trust President Granger, he has the right discipline. He has been very democratic in his dealings since he has acceded to power, and that is the kind of person that we need to bring healing in this society.”

Notwithstanding the fact that the president is currently

undergoing his fourth of five cycles of chemotherapy for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Republic of Cuba, he is said to be in good condition to contest the presidency, should early elections be called. “We are very confident that he is going to recover from his illness and give us that support,’ noted Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, leader of the Guyana Action Party (GAP). “He knows this country, he knows the needs of the people, he knows the residents, and their passion for being able to live a good life. That is the driving force behind the GAP supporting him as leader. I think he’s a fair man.”

The questions of presidential candidates for varying parties has been accelerated into discussion since the December 21 debating of the no-confidence motion which secured 33 votes for to 32 votes against in parliament after AFC member Charrandass Persaud defected and voted with the opposition.

The validity of the passing of the motion is currently before the courts, with the contention that the vote needed an absolute majority which amounts to 34 votes.

The motion signaled the possibility of elections being held earlier than the expected 2020 schedule.

The People’s Progres-

sive Party (PPP) last Saturday named scandal-tarred former housing minister, Irfaan Ali as their presidential candidate, evoking much disappointment and outrage among many of their supporters. Ali faces question over his academic qualifications and has 19 charges against him before the courts for defrauding the State of some $174M for his role in the notorious Pradoville land-sale scandal. “Our base is so energised right now,” said AFC General Secretary, Marlon Williams. “The fact that people perceive this crossing of the floor [of Persaud] as a Guyana for sale approach. What that has done is galvanise our base to the extent where we’ve been bombarded with calls from people eager and very enthused to go to elections.”

For Scott the NFA has been quietly doing its part in the background for some time now. “Our party has been moving among the people quietly. The papers tend to report mostly on the two big parties and any other party is not accorded the courtesy, but we have been on the ground. In fact I’m even scheduled to go out Wednesday evening and meet people at other areas.

You don’t see that in the papers,” Scott remarked.

Jagan's granddaughter condemns power-hungry manipulation in PPP …Dr Anthony says was tough call to pull out of race AS the fallout continues over the selection of Irfaan Ali as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate, one of the granddaughters of that party’s founder, the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, has railed against what she described as the power-hungry manipulation going on at Freedom House.

In a Facebook post Mrs Vrinda S Jagan said: “I’ll keep it 100% real, whether you like

it or not, I am utterly shocked, disappointed and heartbroken by the choices of the current PPP. If Mr. Ali is the best y’all got, and y’all are going to be so blatantly obvious then good luck.”

The young Jagan said “I personally had no preference but I never even considered that the PPP would have “chosen Ali.” She said for those that keep asking “me to go home and join in, I can only speak

for myself; Cheddi and Janet Jagan had only five grandchildren, and in my opinion there is no place for me in a Jagdeo run PPP. I personally could not be involved in the blatant power-hungry manipulation.

I believe that the PPP should allow their supporters to choose who they want to represent them, why permit these people to continue controlling,” she said. She however noted that she has never given up on the

PPP “in my heart and in my bones, I just want and yearn for better for their supporters, for the young people, and for Guyana. Every time I go home, I stop in at Freedom House. I see his face covering the walls and my heart sinks because our people deserve better.”

Meanwhile, Dr Frank Anthony, who was one of the challengers for the position but pulled out TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

‘No window-dressing’

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…Hinds, Lewis warn Afro-Guyanese about PPP ‘face-changing’ mission …say Jagdeo must apologise for atrocities, seek genuine political solution

EXECUTIVE Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) Dr. David Hinds and Trade Unionist Lincoln Lewis, are warning Afro-Guyanese against the PPP’s ‘face-changing’ mission, saying that Bharrat Jagdeo must first apologise for the atrocities he allegedly meted out to that segment of society and, that his party should pursue a more lasting solution with the representatives of the black community.

Jagdeo, who is Opposition Leader and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), was president for some 12 years here. During his tenure, some 400 Afro Guyanese were killed by an alleged state-sponsored death squad and a number of black communities marginalized, which Lewis, himself, had referred to as “economic genocide.” Additionally, during a court hearing in 2011, the former Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, had said that no Afro-Guyanese was qualified to be an ambassador, save and except Elizabeth Harper, who later became that party’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2015 elections. Harper had held the position of Ambassador to CARICOM and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Jagdeo, in recent times has sought to deny these charges, and even boasted that the black community prospered more under the PPP than any other government. In an interview on Saturday, just after his party elected Irfaan Ali as its Presidential Candidate, Jagdeo told reporters that one of his tasks moving forward will be to change the face of the PPP. “I have a job as General Secretary of the

party. Here we have selected a Presidential Candidate. My job as General Secretary of the party is many folds. It is to grow the party, and I have said how we will do that is that I have set myself the task of greater inclusion in the party, changing the face of the party, more afro-Guyanese in our party at every level, because we are strongly represented by Indo-Guyanese and Amerindians, and that’s one of my tasks as General Secretary”, Jagdeo said.

MIXED FEELINGS However, Dr. Hinds a black activist and community leader said that he has mixed feelings about Mr. Jagdeo’s intention, to include more African Guyanese in the PPP. Dr Hinds said on the one hand, one must welcome any serious move by one of our major parties to reach across the ethnic divide. “There is always a place for such initiative if they are guided by sincerity, and a real concern for improved race relations.

Any party is free to campaign in any community and to make a pitch for votes. And, in that regard the PPP should not be prevented from making its case to African Guyanese,” Dr Hinds said.

However, he noted that he was afraid that given Jagdeo’s track record in this regard: “I am very skeptical.” According to Hinds, in the past the PPP’s outreach to African Guyanese has amounted to “ethnic window dressing”, something that has not contributed to national unity. He said that in Jagdeo’s case, his regime’s policies which were grounded in ethnic domination have left lasting scars on the African-Guyanese collective psyche. “It was not just the biasness towards the PPP’s traditional base that

was cause for concern, but it was the way, in which the state in conjunction with the so called “phantom” forces, were systematically used to directly and indirectly crush the soul and the spirit of African-Guyanese,” Dr. Hinds told the Guyana Chronicle in an interview.

cision. While I knew that I had the support of some of my fellow central committee members, I felt I did not have a clear majority of votes to a win. I decided that it was appropriate to withdraw and gave my support to Anil Nandlall. I want to assure you that in the circumstances, it was the right decision to make.”

Dr Anthony thanked those who supported and motivated him over the years to continue to work

were present at a meeting when Edghill made the statement. In fact, former member

WPA Executive, Dr. David Hinds Trade Unionist, Lincoln Lewis PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo

CRIMINALISATION OF BUXTON Asked to list some examples of these allegations, he mentioned the use of the police at Linden during the crisis brought about by the PPP’s attempt to remove an economic subsidy. This, Dr Hinds said, “is still very fresh in our minds.” Additionally, “We remember the government’s response to the Buxton scenario that did not just punish the politico-criminal gangs, but criminalised and assaulted an entire community and beyond. We remember how the PPP used the State and other institutions to embed fun and frolic in the African-Guyanese community, rather than introduce serious policies aimed at economic and cultural empowerment. We remember the PPP ignoring the wishes of the African-Guyanese cultural leadership and unilaterally making decisions on sensitive cultural issues like the 1823 Monument,” Dr. Hinds said.

Jagan's granddaughter condemns ... on the day of the election, said he did so because of lack of enough support.

“The 19th of January was a significant day for the PPP. It was the day that our 2019 presidential candidate was decided. I wish to extend congratulations to comrade Irfaan Alli. As many of you know, I had signalled my interest in becoming a candidate. I subsequently decided to withdraw my candidacy, and many have asked me why I made this crucial de-

He reminded the Afro-Guyanese that the PPP has never apologised for those infractions and sought to compensate them. “I am on record of calling on the coalition to

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in the best interest of the party and people of our country. He said the decision to exit the race was not an easy one, but as leaders, we are often called upon to make tough and selfless decisions. In this instance, I did it with the belief that it was in the best interest of the party and country.

“I want to thank comrades for the opportunity to be considered, and I remain a humble servant of the people of Guyana.”

apologise to African-Guyanese for not following through on campaign promises. I hold the PPP to the same standard.

Until that party acknowledges its past misdeeds and put on the table real policies, aimed at dealing with the ethnic imbalance in the economy, I would not take its outreach to African Guyanese seriously,” Dr. Hinds declared.

STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS Hinds said there are serious structural problems in the African-Guyanese community that are unique to that community, some of which are historical, and some which were directly and indirectly caused by the policies of the Jagdeo regime. “Let Mr. Jagdeo tell us how he intends to deal specifically with those unique problems that are grounded in the ethnic imbalance that he exacerbated. He must tell African-Guyanese how he intends to close the gap in key areas of the economy.

He must say, categorically, where he and the PPP stand on Executive Power Sharing with the representatives of African-Guyanese. He must vow not to use the State again to physically and economically assault African-Guyanese youth. He must vow not to use the State again to bribe African-Guyanese to become PPP enforcers. He must vow not to use the State again to turn African-Guyanese youth into chronic party animals,” Dr. Hinds clearly expressed.

Only recently, PPP Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill is alleged to have defined Lindeners as 'black and hard-headed.' The alleged racial comments were revealed by two, PPP Linden members who recently resigned from the party. Both said that they

Kevon Lorrimor said that Edghill has been using racial and derogatory remarks to describe Lindeners since 2015.

He alleged that one time it got so bad that he and the bishop had an exchange of expletives, since he was in defense of Lindeners. Another former PPP member Akanni Blair said, that the leader of the PPP and executives are aware of Edghill's disrespectful and arrogant attitude, but complaints from comrades of same, fall on deaf ears. Edghill had denied the accusation, saying there is absolutely no truth to them. Speaking directly to African-Guyanese who Dr. Hinds said may be tempted to join the PPP-ticket at the top, “I wish to remind that that approach has never yielded any rewards for the African-Guyanese community.

Those recruits end up representing themselves and eventually becoming diehard PPP members.” Hinds said that in ethnic societies like Guyana, the tactic of one group choosing leaders for the opposite group has never worked. “The PPP would be better advised to seek a political solution with the representatives of African-Guyanese than to try to embrace the failed approaches of the past,” he concluded.

STRONG REJECTION Meanwhile, Lewis in an invited comment, also strongly rejected what he described as the “cosmetic use of race in the quest to acquire or retain political power.” According to Lewis, racial inclusion and equality must go hand in hand, and the achievement of these is not cosmetic. “Such can only be attainable by respecting laws, putting policies and programmes in place to make meaningful those laws.

The Guyana Constitution speaks to racial inclusion and equality, yet they remain elu-

sive,” Lewis stated.

He pointed out that Samuel Hinds served as Prime Minister and President for the 23-years of the PPP/C administration, noting that when Cheddi Jagan picked him, he was said to be the bridge between the PPP (a predominantly Indian party) and the Africans, to ensure this community’s development. “For that 23 years, the development Sam brought was for himself.

Odinga Lumumba was Empowerment Adviser for Youth and African Affairs in the PPP-government, but during that period he empowered only himself. The same can be said for other African leaders in the party, be they members or from the Civic component,” Lewis emphasised.

ECONOMIC GENOCIDE Lewis said he is on record stating the Bharrat Jagdeo administration was engaged in economic genocide in the African community. “This claim was informed by the targeted discriminatory and unequal treatment Afro-Guyanese experienced during his tenure,” Lewis explained. He said that Dr. Luncheon, another Afro-Guyanese served at several influential positions in the PPP government, but it was he who informed the court that the Jagdeo Government never hired any African to head any of the Overseas Missions because none was found to be so qualified.

“Going by evidence of the past, Jagdeo must do much more than make another entreaty, by making clear how increasing African presence in the party will translate to Africans being treated and respected as equal and participating members of this society, that their rights and freedoms will be respected, that Africans will be allowed equitable access, opportunity and benefit to the nation’s resources.” Lewis asked, where is the policy prescription to make this happen and what programmes will be implemented to give it meaning?

“These issues have to be addressed and the PPP must be called to make them public.

In the meantime, it’s folly for Afro-Guyanese to rely on assumption that any increased presence, be it in the leadership or rank-and-file membership, of those who look like them, will automatically translate to the empowerment of the community.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Theresa May tries to solve Irish border riddle, refuses to rule out no-deal Brexit LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Monday that she would try to break the deadlock over her Brexit deal by seeking further concessions from the European Union on a backup plan to avoid a hard border in Ireland.

Wi t h j u s t o v e r t w o months until the United Kingdom is due to leave the European Union on March 29, there is no agreement in London on how and even whether it should leave the

world’s biggest trading bloc.

After her Brexit divorce deal was rejected by 432 lawmakers last Tuesday, May has been searching for a way to get a deal through parliament.

May said she could not take a no-deal Brexit off the table as there was not yet an alternative, and the EU would not be unlikely to extend Article 50 without a plan to secure parliament’s approval. “So when people say ‘Rule out no-deal’, the consequences of what they Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May leaves church, near High Wycombe, Britain, January 20, 2019. REUTERS/ Hannah McKay

are actually saying are that, if we in parliament can’t approve a deal, we should revoke Article 50. I believe

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

this would go against the referendum result,” May said.

She said another refer-

endum would strengthen the hand of those seeking to break up the United Kingdom and could damage social cohesion by undermining faith in democracy. May vowed to be “more flexible” with lawmakers in trying to agree changes to the Northern Irish backstop, an insurance policy to ensure there will be no return to border checks between the British province and Ireland.

“I will then take the conclusions of those discussions back to the EU,” May said.

“My focus continues to be on what is needed to secure the support of this House in favor of a Brexit deal with the EU.” The EU, which has an economy more than six times the size of the United Kingdom, says it wants an orderly exit, but senior offi-

cials have expressed frustration and sorrow at London’s deepening crisis over Brexit.

German Europe Minister Michael Roth said on Monday that even William Shakespeare would not have been able to think up a Brexit tragedy of such drama. Amid fears that the world’s fifth largest economy could drop out of the EU without a deal, some lawmakers are planning to wrest control of Britain’s exit from the government. The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said the bloc was ready to work on the political declaration on future EU-UK ties that accompanies the binding Brexit withdrawal deal, but that the withdrawal deal already agreed was the best one possible.

05:00hrs. - 06:30hrs.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Venezuela ‘foils national guard Earthquake rebellion’ against Maduro rattles several Caribbean countries

M e m b e r s o f Ve n e z u e la’s National Guard have been arrested after they allegedly revolted against the government of President Nicolás Maduro, the defence ministry said in a statement.

Videos posted on social media showed the officers calling for the removal from office of President Maduro.

The men reportedly seized weapons from a National Guard command post in the Cotiza area of the capital, Caracas. Footage also shows residents and security forces clashing in the area.

Members of the Bolivarian National Guard trough tear gas against protesters near the Cotiza Bolivarian National Guard headquarter in Caracas, Venezuela on January 21, 2018.Image copyright AFP The incident comes a year after a rebel police helicopter pilot, Óscar Pérez, threw grenades at government buildings before being killed in a shoot-out with the security forces. The ministry of defence said a “small group” of National Guard members had stolen weapons from a security post in the Petare neighbourhood of Ca-

Anti-government protests erupted in the neighbourhood where the alleged rebellion took place

racas and taken four officers hostage before making their way to Cotiza in the early hours of Monday. A video sent to opposition Twitter account @soldadoDfranela shows a man in uniform saying he is acting “on behalf of the Venezuelan people” and encouraging Venezuelans to take to the streets in protest at the government.

According to the defence ministry statement, they encountered “strong resistance” from officers loyal to the government in the National Guard command post in Cotiza.

It is not clear whether they were overpowered or handed themselves in to the authorities. The statement

goes on to say that the weapons they seized have been retrieved and that the men are being questioned. It says the officers were driven by “the dark interests of the extreme right” without giving further details. The Venezuelan government routinely blames shadowy righwing forces for any dissent in the country.

Footage shared on opposition websites shows residents of the neighbourhood taking to the streets in protest at the government in the wake of the overnight incident.

The residents complain about a lack of water and shout “we want Nicolás to go” as the security forces try to disperse them with tear gas. Some erect barricades

and set them alight. Venezuelans have been suffering from power and water cuts as well as severe shortages of food and medicines for years. According to United Nations figures, three million have left the country in recent years.

A wave of mass anti-government protests swept through the country in April and May 2017 but after the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators and a number of deadly clashes, the protests dwindled away with many saying they were too afraid to take to the streets. But in the past weeks, the new leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, has called on those critical of the government to resume their protests once again and has called for anti-government marches to be held on Wednesday.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jan 21, CMC – An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 rattled several Caribbean islands on Monday, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.

T h e Tr i n i d a d - b a s e d Seismic Research centre (SRC) of the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI), which has been warning the region to be prepared for a major quake, said the tremor occurred at 10.42 am (local time) and was felt in Guadeloupe, Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.

SRC said that the quake

had a depth of 10 kilometers (km) and was located Latitude: 15.83N; Longitude: 61.65W. It was recorded 48 km south-southwest of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, 65 km north west of the Dominican capital, Roseau, and 143 km south St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

Caribbean countries have in recent months been experiencing tremors almost on a daily basis and the SRC has warned that the region is long overdue a major quake. An earthquake in Haiti in 2010 with a magnitude of 7.0 killed more than 200,000 people.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Voters must examine each candidate’s record WITH general and regional elections on the horizon, and having now been presented with the candidates who want to lead Guyana, citizens can now decide which candidate and party may best represent their interests.

And, make no mistake that is the important question. Every Guyanese will recognise that it makes no difference if the president shares the same religion, or skin colour; what matters is who will make one’s life better.

In other words, a clever person will look beyond the surface of a candidate or political party; an intelligent voter will examine each candidate’s record, and every party’s policies and agendas, and make the choice based on who is most likely to have the greatest positive impact on that voter’s quality of life.

A concrete “record” of policies may not exist for the newly-formed parties, as such, Guyanese may have to listen to their statements and decide, based on what weight is given to those statements, whether or not they

are to be believed or trusted.

Based on that, a voter may then choose to accept or reject the party and candidate.

The two main contenders on the other hand have tangible histories and, in the case of the APNU+AFC, a more solidly articulated philosophy. That fact makes the task of choosing one of those parties significantly easier.

While each voter will make up his or her own mind, it makes sense too, to pay some attention to the opinions of experts and analysts on all sides.After all, when one is sick, one relies on the opinion of an expert doctor, and when one needs legal advice one goes to a lawyer, so, when it is time to make a political decision, a smart person will take time to consider the opinions of political experts.

A smart individual never rushes to judgment.

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has declared its presidential candidate to be Irfaan Ali. Mr. Ali has a record of work for his party as well as a public history in a position of power. The PPP

also has a significant and easily assessed record, having recently been in control of executive government from 1992 to 2015 – a period of 23 years.

An intelligent voter will examine the PPP’s record; he or she will ask: did the quality of my life get better under the 23 years of PPP rule? Did the PPP do anything to improve my community? What was the state of my neighbourhood under the PPP? Did I feel safe from criminals; was there corruption; were my tax dollars used efficiently; what were the priorities of PPP officials; did I feel included in the decision-making process; was development of my region a priority of the PPP; and, was I happy with the performance of the PPP in those 23 years?

A smart voter will consider Mr. Irfaan Ali’s background within the context of the PPP’s performance, particularly his record as a government minister. Was he concerned with the welfare of all Guyanese; what were his priorities; did he appear corrupt; were

there questions about his honesty; can he think for himself, or is someone else pulling his strings?

Astute Guyanese will also ask themselves the same questions about the APNU+AFC coalition and its presidential candidate Brigadier David Granger.

It is known of Granger’s academic history of graduation from the University of Guyana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees; his accomplishments at the University of the West Indies, where he received his post-graduate Diploma in International Relations; and David Granger’s achievements at the University of Maryland, where he was a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow have never been questioned.

The Brigadier’s training at the Urban Policy Development Workshop at the University of California; his attainments at the Defense Planning and Resource Management Course at the National Defense University, Washington DC; and at the Counter-Terrorism Educators’ Workshop at the Joint

Special Operations, University in Florida have not ever been doubted.

The fact that Granger is an independent and visionary thinker, prolific author, and proven leader is known without question. His practical vision of a self-sustaining ‘green’ economy based on the philosophical foundation of the inclusion of all Guyanese in decision-making is an admirable ideal. The fact that, as president, David Granger has placed the country on that self-sufficient course is undeniable. And, Guyanese should take those realities into consideration when deciding who should serve as their leader.

Guyana’s history of division has not worked in the interest of the country. The divisive rhetoric of some politicians has not helped our personal development. Is it not time that we try a new approach; one of inclusionary democracy-a concept which has been espoused by President Granger time and again and which is also expressly stated in our Constitution.

Part of the legacy of state criminalisation Dear Editor, IT HAS been contended many times and proven in every section of the media, inclusive of even those that are now opportunistically on the PPP/C’s band wagon singing lustily with their new-found voice, that its former administration presided over a detailed criminal state that undermined every facet of the society’s proper functioning, during which every conceivable social immorality became a standard for the daily being of the state.

These have not just been empty stories or rhetoric unsupported by any evidence of fact.

The many volumes of audit probes and findings, which have been supported by police investigations, revealed a monster column of greedy former state officials, friends, and cronies that sat at the feast of high voltage theft, and carved up of the nation’s resources in every conceivable form.

Editor, it is well known who were the sole

beneficiaries of this state pillage and other forms of self-enrichment that included the underselling of state lands, as in Pradoville 2; selling of state lands at ridiculously low prices to favoured princelings, as in Jagdeo’s best friend Dr. Bobby Ramroop being able to own the former Sanata Textile complex and Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation (GPC), and the same best friend having the hog of the drug procurement system. Surely, Juan Edghill cannot claim ignorance of these grave illegalities, hence its unjust transactions.

So, Juan Edghill – is he still “Bishop”? in his continuing attempts, via his most recent Freedom Radio appearance, at maligning the government–levelling accusation of “bullyism, nepotism, and cronyism” as being the legacy of the coalition government - is reminded that he had been part of the collective, decision-making of an executive process that not only fashioned the criminal state. He has been an active party to its processes that wreaked havoc, but which also deliberately

created a one-tier category of material advancement and enrichment for only friends, family and cronies. This resulted in the concentration of criminal wealth in the hands of one segment of the nation.

As an example of many family members being awarded contracts for business with a state entity, reference is made on the audit findings of the GUYOIL, and its former managing director. This was a prime example of undisguised nepotism.

And, to also seek to transpose the wellknown PPP/C brand of political “bullyism”, and cuss down politics to the doorstep of the coalition, is to indicate an escapist mentality of Edghill, attempting again to obfuscate an abysmal culture as far as public behaviour of his party is concerned. It is this undemocratic practice, that does not allow for the rights of expression and dissent, that drove three former prominent members from its ranks; and continue to severely restrict the direction of the party to the dictates of a one-man rule.

Even its effort to nominate a presidential candidate was subjugated by what is clearly a process of bullyism. If Edghill has any personal decency, he would challenge such an affront to the right of choice. He ought to be reminded that he has been a subscriber to the ideology of Stalinism.

No such system exists within the coalition, which, as is publicly proven, is open and democratic in its practice of members being entitled to personal views, without being personally vilified.This is another figment of Edghill’s imagination.

This is the legacy which Edghill had helped to create - one of unbridled venalities that would have enriched so many.

By his association with, and part of, the criminal state over lordship – he is part of the criminal cabal and legacy of the PPP/C. It hangs high in Robb Street.

Regards, Dillon Goring

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

President Granger remains the coalition’s best hope Dear Editor, I AM not a member of any political party in Guyana.

Despite my dual citizenship I have an unswerving commitment to the development of Guyana and countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which I have, demonstrated and continue to tangibly demonstrate in my work and other activities.

I have no say in whom any political party should choose as its presidential candidate, but my loyalty to Guyana renders me ineluctably constrained to publicly express my hope and to favour candidates that, in my view, would serve Guyana’s best interests particularly at this juncture in the nation’s history.

I had publicly expressed my preference for Dr. Persaud for the candidacy of the PPP. My next choice would have been Frank Anthony but that was not to be. These two would have, in my view, offered Guyana the best hope, whether in Opposition or in Government, for constructive engagement with APNU for the development of, and a secure future for Guyana.

On APNU’s side, particularly having seen some public pronouncements that suggest that supposedly key elements of the coalition are unclear as to whether President Granger should be the coalition’s candidate, I think it would be foolhardy of the coalition not to return Granger as its candidate provided he indicates that he is up to the task. Many

feel that with his current illness he is in the “departure lounge”. It can be argued that we are all in the “departure lounge” since once one is alive, death is a certainty.

Granger’s leadership of government since taking office has been anything but strong and decisive.

His approach seems to have been one that gives “space” to his ministers and senior government functionaries, to act responsibly and to make decisions in the best interest of the country. To this end, many have failed him. But he remains the coalition’s best hope, notwithstanding its mistakes and its lack of consistent and sustained engagement with the population.

His prime ministerial “running mate” has to be someone with the temper-

ament, experience, international exposure and maturity to succeed him and to manage the affairs of the State with dignity, integrity, professionalism and loyalty to Guyana. Carl Greenidge is the best bet in my view, dual citizenship or no dual citizenship.

Leading a coalition is like pushing a wheelbarrow from the front. It can’t be easy. Yet the coalition has been able to chalk up some meaningful achievements in its three years, overshadowed by its mistakes which seem to stem from the lack of proper communication, coordination and control.

The coalition needs to have designed immediately an economic development plan which can draw from previously published documents, such as the national

development strategy etc.

In this connection, I am recommending that President Granger immediately puts in place a Council of Economic Advisers drawn from various sectors including labour, the private sector, the youth movement, the education sector etc.

Members of this council should be handpicked and not necessarily be representatives of any organisation or movement.

The likes of Dr. Persaud and Shyam Nokta should be part of this council in their individual capacities and not as representatives of the PPP. Other names that come to mind are Clifford Reis, Komal Samaroo, Raj Nanpersaud, Dr. Vincent Adams and “Shorty” Cummings. These are people

I know personally. But I am sure that there are countless others that can make up a 25-member council that should have monthly meetings with the President alone and, with Cabinet members when the President so feels it is necessary to include one or more of its members.

Job creation especially for our young people, strategies for the alleviation of poverty to include provision for every Guyanese to have a decent place of abode, and an education system geared to provide the requisite skills for our future development should be the short to medium term focus of such a council.

Regards, Wesley Kirton

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Workers in city clean-up wore no protective gear Dear Editor, NEWS that the newly-elected Georgetown Mayor Pandit Ubraj Narine, over the weekend, led city councillors in a clean-up operation in the city is welcomed. Let me take the opportunity to note his presence at this leadership level at a relatively young age and wish him well.

As a trade unionist, though the clean-up effort is much appreciated, it would be remiss of me not to speak to what has become a pattern

conducting work of such nature without the necessary protective gears. The picture of persons conducting this exercise gives rise to concern not only because they are government officials and primarily tasked with upholding the laws, but it could also send a message to City Council and other workers, who do this type of job, that safety and health are not priority in the execution of the task.

A n a t i o n ’s m o s t v i tal resource is its workers (people). Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health laws and standards,

which are established with the primary aim to protect one’s life and health, cannot be over-emphasised. The absence of protective gear, such as enclosed shoes/boots run the risk of greater exposure to injuries that can lead to diseases, if not treated or captured early, death.

Think of a nail stick which can lead to tetanus. Also, if that person is diabetic that stick could carry dire consequence(s).

In the conducting of this exercise, based on the picture, there was the absence of respirators, gloves and

goggles. Respirators are needed to minimise the inhaling of gas and fumes that come from the waste, and the process from gathering to disposal expose handlers to direct and greater risk.

Gloves help to avoid injuries to hands and prevention of possible fungus infection.

Goggles serve as protection for the eyes from objects which, should they hit, could carry consequences.

A few weeks ago, there was a post on social media of the Council’s Solid Waste Director Walter Narine, another relatively young leader,

and his team involved in a tree planting exercise. This effort aids the environment, beautification of the city, and sustainable development, and is applauded. Aside from the noted positives, the concern exists that the exercise was being executed with persons not wearing the necessary protective gears.

An injured worker is not only a setback to him or herself, place of work and team, and the economy, but also the family who relies on that income for sustenance and development. These inconvenienc-

es cannot be afforded. In the circumstances where tasks of the stated nature pose unique threats to life, health and body parts, to take the default action of always wearing protective gears ensure risks are minimised, and one’s safety and health guaranteed.

Another factor that cannot be overlooked is that with leadership comes greater expectation for compliance with laws and established standards.

Regards, Lincoln Lewis

A treacherous assault on democracy: not in the national interest Dear Editor, A SIMPLE, common sense understanding of the reason(s) for a vote of no-confidence to be tabled in any parliament against an incumbent government, is that it should be debated when there is a political-social–economic crisis in a jurisdiction. It is agreed that the extant conditions have to be of such that would give rise to the kind of administrative paralysis, that signals that state organs are no longer able to deliver vital services to citizens, and where there is no specific sense of direction in terms of solving the problems that would have given rise to the ensuing conditions. In other words, there has to be a combined environment that threatens stability.

For citizens, this signals uncertainty; and it is the kind of almost uncertain milieu that would invite such a political attack from a political opposition. No such situation existed in Guyana, for such a reckless and devious act that had been hatched in the dark corridors of the political opposition and its affiliates with vested interest.

It is now very clear that the motion of no-confidence tabled against the coalition A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), is perhaps the final and central piece of a political plot cum treachery by the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), that began almost immediately

after its defeat at the May 2015 National and Regional elections.

Almost from the inception of this new dispensation, the Bharat Jagdeo–led opposition never accepted its relegation to the benches of being political opposition. Its vehement, dishonest criticisms of the government over the collapse of the sugar industry, despite its naked culpability in its collapse, and the government having to rescue this failed industry; its constant parliamentary attacks against the person of the Prime Minister; its shocking disrespect of the President when he addressed a session of Parliament; and calling on its stronghold regions not to work with the government, are just a sample of the orchestrated campaign, designed and carried out against the current administration.

To have supported sections of the business and commerce sector to hoard foreign currency when there was no reason; and to accuse the government of being the ‘’most corrupt in the history of CARICOM”, presents an opposition that through its campaign of nasty social media racism, fake news and arrant lies, had been prepared to journey to any length of perfidy to foment a social state of national strife and destabilisation, in preparation for its dishonest and dubious plot of a no-confidence vote.

And, there are other dark deceptions, machinations, and subterfuge, all aimed at undermining a government

that had been duly elected by a democratic vote.

These have been carried out in an orchestration that included other vested interest types such, as sections of the private media that gave place of refuge to former, discredited opposition politicians and high state officials who have been using its sanctuary not only to sanitise themselves politically, but also write scurrilous lies about the government; the private sector, some of whose members are no longer able to be tax dodgers, and be beneficiaries of the proceeds of the criminal state which existed under their former benefactor, the PPP/C. While these unpatriotic and anti-national elements continued to perpetrate their collective high mischief against the coalition government and the country, the coalition, have since 2015, been undertaking programmes of national socio-economic renewal, for the restoration of a battered country that it had inherited, and in which large segments of its demography had been criminally marginalised and discriminated against; removing the chilling murderous memory of death squads and extra judicial killings from the national psyche; and combatting institutionalised corruption that involved so many former PPP/C state officials, and the general fear and apprehension that had become the new understanding of a nation that by 2015 had completely lost its moral direction.

It has since restored Guyana’s international image, that had been branded as a “Mafia state” by an official from the United States Department of State, as well as becoming known as a significant drug transshipment point; through instituting many steps to ensure the upholding of the Rule of Law, inclusive of the rights of citizens, and the ending of extra judicial killings; the gradual reformation of the security sector for delivery of effective professional services to the nation; a judiciary now able to be truly independent; increasing minimum wage by over 50 per cent since 2015, from $39,570 to $60,000; the further increases of wages and salaries for 2018 as outlined in Budget 2019, and guaranteed for 2019, and 2020; the 55 per cent increases in old age pension since 2015 and tax exemptions for persons with disabilities.

Add to these seminal improvements since 2015, are billions spent in social infrastructure, such as street lighting, and roads for African communities that were totally ignored by the PPP/c government. Even Indo communities have been benefitting from these restoration and improvement to environment projects.

Other initiatives have been communities throughout Guyana accessing water for the first time; the over 100 internet hubs established across Guyana, inclusive of the hinterland, with virtually all schools now having free internet services; reduced

house lot costs, and a revamped housing initiative that all Guyanese can afford.

The indigenous communities are now being empowered to become self-sufficient; the depoliticisation of the National Toshao Council which now allows toshaos and their respective communities to determine their socio-economic development; and the commissioning of community radio stations.

Hinterland and Amerindian development are taking on a new vista, with Indigenous communities now being empowered to become self-sufficient through socio-economic projects. There has also been the commissioning of community radio stations in different hinterland locations; the creation of four new towns that forms the vanguard for the creation of capital towns; the decentralisation of public services such as those for the registration of birth certificates, passports, and receipt of the documents in their specific locales; and the successful training of Amerindian youths under the aegis of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme.

Above all, there has been the restoration of local democracy at the grass roots level, in accordance with the constitutional mandate of Local Government Elections (LGEs) that have now been held within its stipulated time frame. It was a constitutional exercise that had been totally ignored during the 23-years of PPP/C power.

This represents but a fraction of the innumerable achievements of the coalition government since 2018, and which would have brought much improvement to the socio-economic lives of Guyanese, inclusive of PPP/C and their communities. This surely did not and cannot constitute a socio-economic crisis to have occasioned the tabling of a no- confidence motion against the current coalition administration.

This was no government which did not have the confidence of the people as those who lust for power, because of the imminent flow of oil, egregiously claimed. Instead, it was a carefully, contrived plot of the utmost treachery that sought to fulfill the personal ambition, lascivious greed and lust for power, spearheaded by a few, influenced primarily by the quantum of race and oil.

In fact, to bandy, as some have been deceptively doing, that the results represented an advancement of the democratic process, is to degrade and insult the true meaning of this axis of liberal tenets, and a disservice as to its dynamics. It is also a willful and self– deceptively, ascribed understanding of the processes of a no-confidence motion. This has been plainly, a treacherous assault on democracy for wholly personal ambitious ends, and not in the national interest.

Regards, Mark DaCosta

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

More witnesses for stand today in MMZ murder/robbery trial AS the Meten-Meer-Zorg, We s t C o a s t D e m e r a r a murder/robbery trial continued in the Demerara High Court on Monday, 21 January 2019, following a voir dire (a trial within a trial) several witnesses took the stand.

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

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

The State is being represented by Tuanna Hardy in association with Teriq Mohammed and Abigail Gibbs, while attorneys Nigel Hughes and Ashley Henry are representing the Number One accused, Allan Dorsett.

Attorney Adrian Thompson is representing the

Number Two, Three, and Seven accused, Delwayne Croft, Esan Lawrence and Casindra Singh-Dorsett respectively, meanwhile the Number Four, Five and Six accused-Jermaine Williams, Andrew Chandler and Samuel Bacchus.are being represented by attorney-at-law George Thomas.

In presenting the facts, State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy told the court that it wasn’t the usual murder since it happened in the furtherance of a robbery. She added, that all the accused present in court were a part of the plan to rob the family home of Zulfiker Namdar, on September 10, 2018.

Namdar was shot and killed.

Detective Sergeant Krishnadat Singh in his testimony told the court, that on September 10, 2013, at the Leonora Police Station, he put the allegation to the Number One accused, Alan Dorsett, who then opted to make a statement.

Dorsett, however, elected Singh to record his statement after being told of his rights. The statement was admitted as evidence in the trial.

Under cross examination by defence counsel, Nigel

Hughes for the Number One accused Alan Dorsett, the witness, when questioned, admitted that he knew one Nick Skeete for about two years prior to the robbery/murder. He added that Skeete was first arrested as a suspect in the matter but was in protective custody and was said to be the star witness in the case.

Meanwhile, under cross-examination by defence counsel George Thomas, for the Number Four, Five, and Six accused, Singh said he was not present at the Leonora Police Station when Andrew Chandler, the Number Five accused, was being grilled by a group of ranks and was electrocuted.

Singh, the police witness, when asked if Skeete’s hands were swabbed for gun powder residue and his house searched, responded in the negative.

Also taking the stand was Assistant Superintendent of Police, (ASP) Leyland Burnett, who, in 2013, was one of the lead investigators of the case. He told the court that he contacted the Number One accused, Alan Dorsett, on September 16, 2013, and informed him that it was alleged that he, in

Andrew Chandler

Samuel Bacchus

the company of others, while armed with dangerous weapons (firearms) robbed and murdered Zulfikar Namdar.

Burnett said Alan told him “I gon tell you the whole truth wah happen” and, after he (Alan) was informed of his rights, he indicated that he wanted to give a statement. The statement was recorded by Burnett and given to Dorsett to read and affix his signature. Singh witnessed what transpired between Burnett and Dorsett.

Burnett told the court that the Number One accused was not under duress nor, was he threatened or promised anything and he gave his statement freely.

An application was then made by the State for the Burnett to be shown the caution statement which he identified by several means, including his own hand-writing.

Burnett, reading from the caution statement said “I (Alan Dorsett), went by my cousin’s house before the MMZ robbery/murder, and he said he get a man wah does do wuk, and will tell me when the money come by the masjid. Next day, me went by the wash bay and was told that there was a big robbery in the street, and meh turn meh car around and neva pick up anyone.”

Burnett testified that, on September 17, 2013 a party of cops went to the home of the Number Five accused, Chandler, and put the allegation of murder/robbery to him. Chandler, however, remained silent and was arrested and taken to the Leonora Police Station for questioning.

Burnett told the court that on September 19, 2013 he held a confrontation with the Number One accused

Esan Lawrence

Dorsett and Nick Skeete.

Skeete said that, on the day in question, the group, except for Dorsett and Croft, were armed with guns and he was told that they were going to rob the shop across the road.

He later heard that Namdar was shot and killed.

Skeete admitted that, prior to the incident, the group members had discussed the intended robbery with him.

In response, Burnett said Dorsett replied saying “Meh nah know nun about that.”

Burnett testified too, that he also held a confrontation with Chris Jagdeo and Dorsett.

Also taking the stand was Detective Sergeant Rodwell Sarrabo. The matter continues before Justice Navindra Singh at 09:00hrs on today, Tuesday, January 22, 2019, with more witnesses expected to take the stand.

Is the confidence vote provision constitutional?

Dear Editor,

1. Article 156.3 of the Guyana Constitution states that: “A member of the National Assembly elected on a list shall cease to be a member of the Assembly if: (a) He or she declares in writing to the Speaker or to the Representative of the list from which his or her name was extracted that he or she will not support the list from which his or her name was extracted; (b) He or she declares in writing to the Speaker or to the Representative of the list from which his or her name was extracted, his or her support for another list.”

2. Prior to the Constitution Amendment Act of 2007, Article 156.3, an original provision of the constitu-

tion, stated that “A member of the National Assembly elected on a list shall be disqualified from being a member of the Assembly, if he or she in the prescribed manner, declares that he or she will not support the list from which his or her name was extracted or, declares that he or she abstain from supporting that list or, declares his or her support for another list.”

3. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Article 106 (7) states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall

hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than 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.”

4. The extant provisions of Article 106 (6) and (7) were not in the original constitution as written by its framers. It was a subsequent addition. If Article 156.3 (a) and (b) are to be interpreted strictly as intended by the framers, then, crossing the floor or acting against an MPs own list or in favour of another list, is prohibited and compels expulsion in that instance.

5. If this argument is

true, it follows then that a no-confidence motion, as contemplated by Article 106 (6) can only be successful under the circumstance of a minority government.

Consequently, it appears that the amendment which enacted Article 106 (6) and (7) may not have been well thought out, conflicts or is incompatible with 156.3 (a) and (b) and therefore cannot, in reality, be effectuated or is unenforceable. Hence, isn’t Article 106 (6) and (7), because of its incongruity with Article 156.3, or its unenforceability, bad law and consequently is null and unconstitutional?

6. Moreover, is a minority government constitutional? The constitution does not appear to contemplate a minority government. It

provides for specific functions and responsibilities in the National Assembly to be expressly executed by a minister or the leader of government business. However, in the instance of a minority government these constitutionally mandated functions of a cabinet minister or leader of government business cannot be exercised, or can be voted down and/or superseded by the majority parliamentary opposition.

7. This repeatedly occurred during the Donald Ramotar administration - a signal from its inception that its downfall was inevitable. The majority opposition even stripped and altered the budget approved by Ramotar’s cabinet. There’s no authority in the constitution for such actions by the op-

position. It is an untenable obstruction of governance.

Such acts were therefore either unconstitutional or extra-constitutional. Either is illegal nevertheless. Consequently, doesn’t it naturally follow that a minority government under the extant Guyana constitution is unconstitutional?

This is food for thought which makes constitutional reform an exigency. Isn’t this what our geniuses at the Guyana Bar Association should be doing rather than entangling the association in partisan politics?

Regards, Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

CJ dismisses Nandlall’s application, criminal trial to go ahead THE acting Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, on Monday afternoon dismissed the Fixed Date Application that was filed by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, challenging the validity of the charge he faces on the theft of the law books.

However, this ruling caused some controversy as Nandlall and his lawyer Devindra Kissoon, pointed out that the ruling should have been on the issue of jurisdiction, rather than the substantive matter.

Speaking to the media upon exiting the courtroom, Nandalall said, “the judge had asked us to persuade her on whether or not she has jurisdiction, and that’s all we set out to do. And, we did persuade her, and that was the only question we were asked to address. But the Learned Judge decided the entire case, which was not our expectation, which was not what we had argued…

Our intention was to prove the issue of jurisdiction, after which we would have invited her to call up the evidence and then we would have addressed her on the evidence.”

In November of last year,

a prima facie case was made out against Nandalall in relation to the alleged larceny of over $2 million worth of law books from the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

Nandlall and his counsel subsequently made an application for no case submission, on grounds that the prosecution did not sufficiently prove the legal threshold to establish the commission of the crime in the court of law.

He explained, that the books he is being accused of stealing were acquired during his term in office as attorney general and minister of legal affairs, and before his appointment, he requested the books as a condition of his service.

The presiding Magistrate Fabayo Azore, however, overruled Nandalall’s no case submission, which led him to file a fixed date application at the High Court.

In his applications, Nandlall argued that the magistrate erred in law when she overruled his submission; that the offence of “Larceny by a Bailee contrary to Section 165 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01”, is not known to the Laws of Guyana.

Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandalall

He outlined in the document that the decision made by the magistrate is contrary to, and in violation of Articles 40, 144(4) and 149(d) of the Constitution of Guyana, unlawful, illegal, without and in excess of jurisdiction, erroneous in law, unreasonable, null, and void and of no effect.

And, he was therefore asking for a declaration that the charge is an offence unknown to the law, rendering it unlawful, illegal, null, void and of no effect, and as such, the magistrate has no jurisdiction to hear or continue to hear and determine it; an Order or Writ of Certiorari quashing the charge; a dec-

laration that the magistrate committed an error of law in ruling that the prosecution established a case against him; a declaration that the magistrate committed an error of law by overruling the applicant’s no-case submission in respect of the offence and three Orders or Writs of Certiorari quashing the decisions made.

However, Special Organised Crime Unit’s (SOCU’s) lawyer, Leslyn Noble filed an affidavit in defence on behalf of Superintendent Trevor Reid, who is the second named respondent on Nandlall’s application, for which she raised several issues.

She raised that, the Judicial Review Act does not permit the applicant to file this application because judicial review is, a review of an administrative action and not a judicial action.

The magistrate, Noble said, would have acted in her judicial capacity, and as such, the High Court should not entertain his application.

Noble also argued that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain the application, on the ground that it stems from a trial that is ongoing in the Magistrate’s Court, and in addition to that, the trial is at an interlocutory stage.

Another contention was that the applicant did not produce any evidence or facts, that prove any breach of his constitutional rights as made out in his application.

Addressing all these contentions on Monday, citing several cases, Chief Justice George-Wiltshire first ruled that the High Court has supervisory jurisdiction to intervene in a matter that is ongoing in the Magistrate’s Court.

She further went on to say that jurisdiction, however, should only be exercised in limited and extreme circumstances. In these cir-

cumstances, the CJ pointed out that the applicant did not establish what constitutional breach he will be exposed to.

Wi t h r e g a r d s t o t h e charge of Larceny by Bailee, the CJ highlighted that even though Larceny by Bailee is an offence that is unknown in the UK, it is a proper charge under Section 165 of the Criminal Law Offences Act of Guyana.

Hence, the charges are not bad in law, thus there is no need for the records in the proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court to be produced in the High Court, because Nandlall did not establish that he is experiencing a breach of his constitution and fundamental rights. It was then the ruling was passed dismissing the application. This means that the magistrate can proceed with the criminal trial.

The former AG said that he will be heading to the Appellate Court, to appeal the decision of the chief justice, maintaining that he did not have a chance to address the substantive matter since he was directed to address the issue of jurisdiction that was raised by the respondents.

Pricewaterhouse submits report on sugar estates A REPORT and recommendation, based on the three bids made on the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) estates, pending privatisation, was handed over to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited’s (NICIL) Steering Committee on Monday.

The documents were compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the consultant firm hired by NICL’s Special Purpose Unit (SPU) to oversee the privatisation of the Rose Hall; Enmore and Skeldon estates.

In recent years, the government moved to downsize the sugar industry to make GuySuCo more efficient.

Some estates and factories were amalgamated and others were divested.

In keeping with the plan, in 2018, PwC announced that five bids for privatisation of the estates were received but they later narrowed this figure down to three, based on the bidders which met the information memorandum criteria.

Having been handed over, the information will be assessed by the Steering

Committee. It will then be passed on to the government for Cabinet to make its final pronouncement.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday afternoon, PwC Managing Director (Deals), Wilfred Baghaloo, said that the documents were to be sent in by the end of the working day.

Giving the general details of what the report contained, he said: “[It entails] what our recommendations are in regards to those businesses; it will address the challenges that we’ve had in the privati-

sation process; it will address the opportunities as we see it and it will make recommendations on the way forward.”

Baghaloo opted not to speak on the three companies which withstood the PwC’s scrutiny over the past few weeks or the two which didn’t make the cut.

“The two companies were informed and they had not objected and they were informed that they were not in compliance with the information memorandum. But I prefer not to say who the two companies are that will

be addressed by the Steering Committee,” he said.

However he did say that the work of the firm thus far had been “a very intricate process” which was being conducted meticulously.

In the report, the three bidders were ranked according to standard criteria of certain general areas.

Those included the company’s business plan; development plan; corporate governance principle; ability to finance the project; ability to finance the capital plans put together; the integration

of the development plan with the community and price among others.

Questioned whether the firm was confident in the ranking put forward, Baghaloo said: “A lot has been learnt during the process. It was a tight process nevertheless...I think our ranking can stand to scrutiny.”

Moving forward, the government has the option of accepting, rejecting or restarting the bidding process, should the options put forward be assessed as unsatisfactory.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

US$4.175M smart hospital project for April roll out

…stakeholders mount billboard to raise awareness THE PUBLIC Health Ministry in collaboration with the United Kingdom (UK) and the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), on Monday, unveiled a billboard for the Smart Healthcare Facilities’ Project.

The unveiling of the billboard at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre on the East Bank of Demerara (E.B.D), is intended to raise greater awareness on the US$4.175M project. Under this initiative, five health facilities – Mabaruma District Hospital, Leonora Cottage Hospital, Diamond Diagnostic Centre, Lethem Regional Hospital and the Paramakatoi Health Centre – will be upgraded to withstand natural disasters.

Currently the designs for the five facilities are being finalised, and it is expected that construction will commence in April 2019.

During a simple ceremony to mark the occasion, Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence explained that the retrofitting of the health facilities will enable them to respond to emergency situations caused by natural

From left, British High Commissioner Greg Quinn; Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence; PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr. Williams Adu-Krow; and the Regional Health Officer (Region Four) Dr. Quincy Jones, standing in front of the Smart Healthcare Facilities’ billboard.

disasters and climate. While building their resilience forms a critical part of the multi-million dollar project, the public health minister said the facilities, when completed, would become more accessible.

“It is one of free flow, one whereby the services can be provided in such a manner that there is no cumbersomeness in terms of the patients accessing the services, and the staff being able to provide those services,” Minister Lawrence told those present.

With the population of Diamond and the neighbouring communities rapidly expanding, the public health minister said the Diamond Diagnostic Centre is ideal for the project. “Persons living in the various communities next to this diagnostic centre will benefit greatly from it,” she posited, while alluding to the fact that the hospital is located on the East Bank Demerara (E.B.D) corridor which leads to the city, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and the hinterland.

“So we see the Diamond Diagnostic Centre as a pivotal element within the whole health spectrum, and this initiative will certainly provide care at a higher level for those persons who would want to use the services here,” the public health minister said.

With construction earmarked for April, the Public Health Ministry would be taking the necessary steps to boost human capacity, not only at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre but also at the other health facilities

identified under the project.

“Even as we work on our human resources in terms of having specialists here, we now have an emergency department, we want to ensure that we can be able to provide those specialists with the necessary tools, space and accommodation so that they would be able to provide the best service that they can,” the public health minister said.

She noted that the project would not have been possible without the support of the British High Commission and PAHO/WHO. The project is being funded by the UK. With such partnership, Minister Lawrence is optimistic that Guyana would be able to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With climate change being a pervasive threat, PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow said it is imperative that organisations implement purposive, appropriate and cogent interventions to exculpate the adverse effects of climate change. Smart Healthcare Facilities Project is one such initiative, he said.

Dr. Adu-Krow said the health facilities when completely retrofitted would not only be able to “stand the test of time”, but would

also become green facilities.

They will be operated utilising renewable resources. He said safer, plus greener facilities equal smart facilities.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, who was also present, said the UK is pleased to be a part of a process that would positively impact the lives of people in various parts of the country. “The fundamental goal for us is to ensure that no matter what happens, no matter where it happens or how it happens, that people will still have access to fundamental healthcare which is so important,” the diplomat said.

When completed, the facilities will have a sound roof and foundation, backup power, disaster management plans and disability access and water reserve.

Additionally, they will harvest rainwater, have alternative power (renewable energy), waste management, improved indoor air quality and reduce pollution.

The local project forms part of a larger regional initiative. In total, 50 health facilities in Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Belize, Guyana and Jamaica, will be retrofitted. The project will come to an end in 2020.

Guyana gets help to reduce maternal deaths …as PAHO donates lifesaving suites to manage haemorrhaging mothers

HOSPITALS in Guyana will soon be better equipped to manage patients who experience obstetric haemorrhaging, now that the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has donated 100 non-pneumatic anti-shock garments (NASGs) to the Public Health Ministry.

A non-pneumatic anti-shock garment is a low-technology lifesaving device used to treat hypovolemic shock. It is believed that when used in the case of an obstetric haemorrhage, it can help to reduce maternal deaths. An obstetrical haemorrhage is defined as heavy bleeding of a woman during or shortly after a pregnancy.

Monday, PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, handed over 100 of the lifesaving suits to Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence at the Ministry of Public Health.

Dr. Adu-Krow, during the simple handing-over ceremony, explained that the non-pneumatic anti-shock garments are used to stabilise patients as they are being transferred to another health facility. It is his hope that the garments would be distributed to hospitals where they are needed the most. He believes that the utilisation of the garments can help reduce maternal deaths in the country.

Minister Lawrence, while thanking PAHO for responding to the needs of the Ministry of Health, said the NASGs will help the ministry bring down the country’s maternal death rate.

The NASGs, she said, will be of significant benefit to hospitals operating in the country’s hinterland.

“I believe for the staff this is going to help them to breathe a sigh of relief, because whenever we lose

PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow handing over the non-pneumatic anti-shock garments to Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence in the presence of other health officials (Adrian Narine Photo)

a pregnant woman from the hinterland it does have an effect on the staff of the Ministry of Public Health and having another tool at

their disposal to use in postpartum issues is certainly going to help to boost their ego, boost their strength, boost their focus in terms

of being able to save lives,” Minister Lawrence said.

She said it is the intention of the Public Health Ministry to have one of the NASGs

form part of a medevac kit.

For 2019, the Public Health Ministry will be placing emphasis on maternal and child health with the aim of reducing the occurrence of maternal deaths.

According to statistics, the effectiveness of the garment has been proven. Studies carried out in Africa showed a 52 per cent decrease in mortality during the NASG phase.

One hundred and fifty healthcare workers within the ministry have already been trained to use the garments with technical support from PAHO/WHO. The “Zero Maternal Death from haemorrhage” training began in 2018. To date, nine workshops have been completed covering Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Six and Seven.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

‘Lack of support’ …Dr Vindhya backed Nandlall, but forced out of contest over insufficient support

CENTRAL Committee member, Dr Vindhya Persaud, said she backed Anil Nandlall at the PPP’s just-concluded presidential candidate contest and added that she withdrew her candidacy due to insufficient support by the 35-member committee.

Rank and file members of the PPP have voiced their disapproval of Irfaan Ali being chosen ahead of the likes of Nandlall, Gail Teixeira and Dr Frank Anthony. Ali’s election was catapulted by General Secretary of the party, Bharrat Jagdeo.

In a Facebook post, Dr Persaud, who is also a Member of Parliament, noted that she has been bombarded by questions about her withdrawal from the PPP presidential candidacy on the day of voting.

Both Teixeira and Dr Anthony had also withdrawn their support leaving Ali and Nandlall in the race. “I was encouraged by many, many persons to be part of the PPP presidential candidacy process. I participated fully in that process; presenting my vision for Guyana and being questioned intensively,” Dr Persaud said in her post. She added: “I withdrew on the

day of voting on account of insufficient support for me among the 35-member central committee and supported Anil Nandlall in the ensuing two-man race. Dr. Frank Anthony and Gail Teixeira had also withdrawn.”

“I wish to thank all those who sent messages, calls and expressions of encouragement to me before and after the process. I am touched and humbled by the outpouring of support. I remain committed to working for a better Guyana,” Dr Persaud said.

On Saturday Dr. Persaud had told reporters that she withdrew because of many factors which she did not want to get into. It is widely believed that Ali was handpicked by Jagdeo who later got the majority of the central committee to rubber-stamp his choice. In fact the Demerara Waves quoted Jagdeo at a meeting on Sunday saying that he toiled for the 38-year old man to lead their party into the next general elections.

“In this period I work to make Irfan Ali a more successful president, so what’s wrong with that? He is my friend and he is a member of the party, a longstanding and a valuable member

MP, Dr Vindhya Persaud

of the party. All my skills, every single bit of it will be at his disposal for Guyana and for the future of all of our people and I don’t have any apology to make for that, no apology whatsoever,” he said.

Ali beat Nandlall 2411. Nandlall, in offering brief comments, said he was disappointed that he lost.

“Naturally, I am disappointed. You don’t ever enter a contest thinking that you will not win. I thought that I would have won but the central committee of the party did not feel that way. They obviously voted in favour of Comrade Irfaan,” he said.

SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH On Saturday, supporters of the PPP took to Facebook to express outrage over the selection Ali and some had even called on him to step down, contending that his ‘baggage’ will ‘sink’ the party’s chances of winning the upcoming General and Regional Elections. On popular social media platform, Naresh Singh, a known supporter of the PPP, said he no longer has faith in Guyanese politics. “Can you imagine Irfaan Ali being PPP presidential candidate??? Like damn!!!

Seriously!!!” Those were the immediate thoughts of Singh as he made a bold call for Ali to step down in an effort to

Only new vehicles for police force in 2019

GOVERNMENT has taken a decision to purchase only brand new vehicles for the Guyana Police Force going forward, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has said.

The minister said that with the purchase of new vehicles, the force is likely to see a reduction in the money being expended on fixing reconditioned vehicles shortly after their arrival or after they are put to use by the force. Among the new vehicles expected for the force are SUVs’, Ramjattan pointed out. With a decision like this, the minister was asked about the issue of damage to the State property by the police men and women who drive these vehicles.

He said that the force will just have to ensure that they remind these ranks about the importance of caring the vehicles. On the policy of ranks paying for damage to vehicles which are entrusted to them, Ramjattan said that the policy has been working well but it has also been working against some police ranks. He made mention of the first police vehicle which was gifted to the force from the Chinese two years ago, which crashed in East Berbice.

According to the minister, after the process to have the rank initiated began, where the rank would have had to begin repaying the force for the damage to the vehicle, a relative of the cop showed up at his office with some small children, none above the age of ten.

The relative told the minister that for her rela-

tive to be working and repaying for the vehicle on his small salary and also caring for the family and footing bills, would be hard for them as she is a house wife and he is the only source of income for the family. With that, the minister explained that he had to exercise compassion and he further urged the commissioner at the time to see how best he can assist the rank in that regard so that his family does not have to suffer financially.

On the issue of police chase, which is also responsible for damage to force vehicles, Ramjattan reminded that the force has a policy in that regard and also pointed out that in the cases of hot pursuit, it all comes down to the judgement of the ranks who are engaged in the practice at that specific moment.

According to him, they have to make the deductions of if a hot pursuit is needed or if there are other ways that the ranks could make contact with the person or persons in the vehicle of interest.

The force does has a policy where only in cases where a person is wanted for the capital offence and is fleeing, that the police could engage in hot pursuit, especially if they are in a vehicle or on foot. In cases of traffic offence, the ranks are encouraged to make a note of the registration plate of the vehicle and use that to make contact with either the owner or the driver of the vehicle at the time.

increase PPP’s chances of winning the elections.

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

Celrose Caravaio, a relative of the former Minister of Local Government under the PPP regime, Norman Whittaker, questioned why Ali was elected over former Culture and Sport Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and other candidates who have cleaner slates. “So many of us PPP/C supporters were feeling a sense of optimism at an early election, even none supporters who were willing to support us. But now you drop this Bomb!

Irfaan Ali??? Seriously???

The bad outweighs the good when it comes to this individual and to use your supporters desperation for a change from the government by making Irfaan their alternative choice is just sick to me!” she wrote.

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

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

Another supporter, Henry Singh said “It’s sacrilegious to have Irfaan Ali in any form of leadership position,” as he described the presidential candidate as “unqualified, immoral and venal”.

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

“Irfaan will be the delight of the coalition. PPP is risking too many defections and the abstaining with Irfaan. But (Bharrat) Jagdeo’s importance, ubiquity and relevance depend on Irfaan. The two have a catamaitish attachment,” Singh contended. Like Singh, Simone Lochan said it was Nandlall who should have been elected to contest the elections on the PPP’s behalf. “Anil Nandlall would have been the better choice, he’s actually qualified and when he became a MP, he came as a successful lawyer. He didn’t have any get-rich-quick plans like this larger unit did when he was minister of housing.

Contract awarded for construction of $255M pump station at Mora Point, Mahaicony River THE construction of a new pump station at Mora Point on the right bank of the Mahaicony River is expected to begin by this month end.

The project by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture is to be done at a cost of $255M. The contractor will be Roopan Ramotar Investments, who will be expected to construct the pump station and install the two pumps during the course of 2019.

Once completed, the Mora Point pumps will deliver water from the Mahaicony River into irrigation channels for large rice-producing areas within the Mahaicony-Abary Rice Development Scheme (MARDS).

Some 2500 acres of rice culti-

vation and more will benefit from guaranteed irrigation, even during drought like conditions. An official from the NDIA said that the operations of the pump will make farmers feel secure about investing in their crops and make the area much more productive than it currently is. The new pump station at Mora Point will replace the old pump station and the two old pumps previously installed by colonial government over 100 years ago.

The century-old pumps, one of which was said to be still working, will be “spruced up” and kept at their current location as historical artifacts and their accommodation could become a drainage and irrigation (D&I) heritage site.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

PPDI gets ISO certification

…CEO hails achievement as significant milestone

By Michel Outridge POWER Producers and Distributors Incorporated (PPDI) on Friday night, at the Guyana Marriott, held a reception and awards ceremony to celebrate its recently achieved: International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 9001 certification.

The ISO 9000 family of quality management systems standards is designed to help organisations ensure that they meet the needs of customers and other stakeholders, while meeting statutory and regulatory requirements, related to a product or service.

PPDI gained certification through the Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB), which is an International Accreditation Service (IAS) accredited certification body for individuals, management systems and products on a wide range

Awardees of PPDI

isations.

Giving remarks on behalf of Streamline Management Guyana was Managing Director, Nadia Latchana.

She told the gathering at the Guyana Marriott that the certification leads the way for the enhancement of any busi-

certified was the way to go and did so through guidance from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) via scrutiny.

Also making brief remarks was Chairman of the Board of Directors of PPDI, Mark Bender, who told the

gathering that the company replaced Wartsila a few years ago, and some had serious reservations when the company was established here

Director of Streamline Management, David Pope as he presented PECB certificate to CEO of PPDI Dr. Aaron Fraser

PPDI CEO Dr Aaron Fraser with athletes, who are employees of PPDI

Bender stated that PPDI would maintain the highest standards and best practices since the organisation was the number one custodian for the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), adding that operations will soon be expanded to

PPDI CEO and Board of Directors

in Guyana. He noted that, so far, PPDI was a success as a result of its dedicated and committed staff and had been striving for excellence for the past two years, and they had gained such with the ISO 9001 certification.

ness performance and it saves cost and time in operating.

Latchana related that PPDI took the initiative to have the company certified which is a plus, since there was a desire for excellence and it is worthy of recognition, given the steps taken to become certified on an international level.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of PPDI, Dr Aaron Fraser, in addressing the invitees, said the ISO 9001 certification was a milestone for PPDI, since the organisation had achieved much in a short period of time. He said that the process was “important and critical” for the company.

Dr Fraser added that PPDI, after weighing the pros and cons, decided that getting

A section of the gathering at the Guyana Marriott on Friday night

of international standards. As a global provider of audit and certification services, as well as training and examination services, PECB offers its expertise in multiple fields, including quality management systems, information security, business continuity, service management, risk management, health, safety and environment.

Streamline Management is an authorised reseller and partner of PECB and has been operating in Trinidad since 2007, serving companies in various industries.

In 2008, the company was launched in Guyana with a local partner, and offers certification and training to local and international organ-

address the oil and gas sector.

Bender further added that certification was just another step towards the achievement of best practices, since the ISO 9001 was an internationally accepted certification standard and thus, there was indeed a cause for celebration for PPDI. At the event, several employees of PPDI, who are athletes, were awarded for their excellence in sports.

Those awarded were: – in the field of football, Daniel Wilson; in the field of table tennis, Joel Alleyne and in the field of hockey, Marzana Fiedtkou. Several others were presented certificates for the Grade 4 level qualification while, Martin Griffith, who guided employees through the training for ISO 9001 certification, was presented with a plaque for his efforts.

Also making remarks was Deputy CEO of PPDI, Gary Hall, and Director of Streamline Management, David Pope, who were also on hand to hand out certificates to employees of PPDI.

14

GPHC opens probe into death of cancer patients

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

…after alleged adverse reaction to medication TWO young cancer patients died while undergoing treatment for Leukemia, while another is critical after an alleged adverse reaction to the medication which was administered.

Sources from the George-

town Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) confirmed that three-year-old Roshnie Seegobin, and young Corwin Edwards, died because of the same medication which was administered to them.

According to the source,

Edwards died early last week while Seegobin died on Saturday. The other young patient, seven-yearold Sherezer Mendonca, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where she is in a critical condition.

The GPHC has since confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the incident. During the investigation, all medical persons who were directly involved will be interviewed and the medication which was ad-

Critical- Sherezer Mendonca

Roshnie Seegobin (Kaieteur News photos)

ministered will be assessed.

“Further usage of that medication has been discontinued while the investigation continues…we advise members of the public to resist the urge to speculate on what is a sensitive matter, and to await the findings of the investigation,” said the GPHC. The hospital confirmed that it will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Public Health, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other agencies, in an effort to improve the services they provide to their patients.

“We express our sincerest condolences to the parents, relatives and friends of the children who were

involved in this tragic situation, and wish to assure them that we will provide full answers upon completion of the investigation,” said the GPHC. According to the source, both patients who died were being treated at the hospital for several years. Edwards who hails from a hinterland area, was diagnosed with Leukemia three years ago, while little Seegobin was receiving treatment for about two years.

The source said the families were devastated because the children were responding well to the treatment.

Medical professionals refrained from speaking further on the matter and said they prefer to wait until the investigation is completed.

Venezuelans remanded for possession of grenades TWO Venezuelans, who are suspected to be members of the feared 'Sindicato' gang and who were busted on a boat with grenades in their possession, were on Monday, January 21, 2019, charged and placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Luis Gonsalves and Daniel Contreras, who are both 27 years old, were separately charged and placed before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus.

The charges alleged that both men had in their possession, a live grenade on January 17, 2019 at Mode Hill, Cuyuni River.

The duo, through the aid of an interpreter, pleaded guilty to the charge and told the court that a "big one" on the boat gave them the grenades and ordered them to put the objects in the crotch of their pants.

The men added that, if they failed to comply with the instruction, the "big one" threatened to hurt their fam-

ilies. The magistrate entered a not guilty plea on their behalf.

Police Prosecutor Corporal, Quinn Harris, told the court that on the day in question, ranks from the Joint Service were on patrol along the Cuyuni River when they saw a boat with several passengers.

The vessel was contacted and was searched. During a ‘pat down’, Gonsalves and Contreras were each found with a grenade stashed inside the crotch of their pants.

The prosecutor added that Gonsalves was the second-in-command of the 'Sindicato' gang and Contreras was a senior member of the group.

After listening to the prosecution's case, the magistrate remanded the duo to prison until March 18, 2019 and transferred the matter to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

CH&PA building more eco-friendly, low-cost houses THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), in collaboration with international developer, Eco Housing Inc., has begun construction of low-cost homes with the use of steel as alternative building material.

While this is not the first time the authority has utilised alternative materials to remedy the housing challenges of low-income earners, it is the first time this type of construction is being used for the housing

Engineer attached to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Projects Department, Anthony Ragnauth

Contractors at work (Adrian Narine photo)

The houses under construction at the Perseverance Housing Scheme

project.

The houses are being constructed at the Perseverance Housing Scheme.

Engineer attached to the CH&PA Projects Department, Anthony Ragnauth, said on Monday that several contractors had submitted proposals to the housing authority for eco-friendly

housing solutions.

Some of these, such as those which use interlocking blocks and prefabricated walls, are already being tested while the Eco Housing Inc.’s idea is now beginning. “CH&PA is promoting the use of alternative building construction materials with the main

aim of providing lower cost building units, as well as reducing construction time while having all of that in an environmentally friendly product; both during the construction and at the end of the construction,” Ragnauth explained.

He added: “The use of alternative building materi-

als is an initiative that is ongoing by the Central Housing and Planning Authority and while some have been used in the past successfully, some are relatively new.

So, we still monitor those and our evaluation is done based on our technical team and also the end users.”

Eco Housing Inc., which hails from the Malaysia, is constructing two and three-bedroom building units using metal frames and steel bars. “It starts from the foundation. Our conventional [material] is either concrete or wood but they are using steel columns out of the ground and then the entire building is framed on steel and then they’re using the mesh plastered with cement,” the engineer began.

“While we’re looking at low costs and reducing the

cost, that has to be achieved with consideration for low maintenance; strength requirements for either flat buildings or elevated buildings; also durability so that they can withstand our climatic conditions and also fire resistance.”

The approximate cost of the houses have not been finalised while how many will be built depends on the capacity of the developer and how much the CH&PA can accommodate at the given time.

Eco Housing Head, Chris Chin, told the media that similar houses have been constructed and used as a solution in countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Mongolia. Some of the benefits of the houses include its coolness; construction material is generally easy to acquire; its

construction requires a less intense labour force and it guarantees a faster construction period of about one month and a half.

Speaking to yet another benefit, Ragnauth said: “As we are here at CH&PA, more and more proposals keep coming in with different types of ecofriendly materials that are so new to Guyana.

That is why another benefit is that it gives our local workforce a better sense of how to use this material so that when the developer uses it now and we have to use it in the future at a different site, our local people can go and install it there without any issue.”

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Education Ministry crafting new five-year education sector plan THE Ministry of Education (MoE) in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), is hosting a one-week Policy Formulation Workshop to draft the Education Sector Plan for 2019-2023.

The sessions which began on Monday is being held at the Herdmanston Lodge and has drawn participants from across the education sector and the country.

According to a, Education Ministry press statement, Minister of Education Dr. Nicolette Henry in remarks at the opening said, the ministry is committed to increasing students’ achievements through an efficient education system. “Through this process of developing the new Education Sector Plan, the priority of the ministry is to ensure better alignment between policy formulation and implementation along the entire education value chain,” she said.

Additionally, Dr. Henry believes that meticulous planning within the timelines stipulated is essential to the transformation and improvement of the education sector. Further, the ed-

The gathering of education officials at the workshop

ucation minister noted that as the Education Sector Plan is formulated, it is important that officers set clear targets that will be achieved in terms of quality, equity and access, and the need to continuously monitor and adjust their plans in order to achieve the objectives.

Added to that, Dr. Henry said that her government is committed to transforming the country’s education

system over the next decade. “Our goal is to equip our students holistically to allow them to succeed in the 21st century, amidst the opportunities and challenges that this new era presents,” she noted.

The education minister opined that in order for our students to stand a chance to compete globally, Guyana’s education system must develop young Guyanese who

are knowledgeable, think critically, are creative, have leadership skills and are able to compete with the rest of the world. Another area that is on the minister’s radar and will be addressed in the new Education Sector Plan is, reducing the disparity in the performance between the different groups of students, in particular between coastal and hinterland students and those students who have spe-

cial education needs.

She said that in order to deliver on these fundamental transformations, a shift and enlargement of focus is required. Towards this end, technology enabled learning is an area that the MoE will be placing greater focus. “We need to examine as objectively as possible, what strategies have worked well and which strategies need to be changed or adjusted, as we move into

this new plan period,” said the minister.

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Mr Marcel Hutson in his address said, that the workshop is timely since it ensures that all stakeholders are working towards the same goals. The CEO believes that a successful education system provides quality education for all. Further, Mr Hutson said that all educators have a role to play, since in his view, the ‘part is greater than the whole’.

According to Hutson, a well thought out plan will hold officers accountable for their stewardship, and will ensure that they deliver so that the children can benefit and by extension the country.

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Representative, Ms Sylvie Fouet commended the leadership of the MoE for undertaking such an exercise. Ms Fouet said that the exercise is not a onestop approach but she sees it as a journey that will take Guyana places in the sphere of education.

Wakapao schoolchildren to travel free –– as gov’t hands over outboard engine to Toshao WAKAPAO, an indigenous community in Region Two, has received an outboard engine from Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran to assist with the transportation needs of schoolchildren and medical officials.

The community in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region is located some 35 miles from Charity and the only means of transport is by boat.

Toshao of the community, Howard Cornelius, in representing the 3000- plus residents, had met with Jaikaran and among his requests was the need for an outboard engine since the old one was out of order and unserviceable. Jaikaran, noting the urgency, presented a brand new 40 HP Yamaha outboard engine to the Toshao and his

team.

“Transportation must be made available to our people and it must be easily made available. This engine is given to the community, and it is my expectation that the community will care this important piece of equipment. I am advising Toshao Cornelius to transport all schoolchildren and the elderly free of cost. I will explore the option of providing some more assistance with fuel and rehabilitation to the boat,” remarked Jaikaran.

Cornelius noted: “I honestly didn’t expect this quick response but I am most thankful, and I will ensure that indeed our school children and elderly are transported free of cost. The engine will also ensure the medical team gets to visit the patients at their

home who cannot make it to the health post. I express gratitude on behalf of the entire community to the Government of Guyana.”

The residents of Wakapoa, will also soon benefit from an improved health facility with a solar system for a new refrigerator, electric lights and a freezer.

There will also be the construction of a timber bridge at Curemeru, Wakapoa, which will help students when crossing the heavy swamp lands to access their school. This project will be executed at the cost of $8M.

Regional Executive Officer (REO) Denis Jaikaran and a regional administration team [left], hands over the outboard engine

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

AG dismisses Ram’s contention on no-confidence motion THE Constitution should not be interpreted in a narrow and legalistic way, Attorney General Basil Williams said in his response to a case brought against him by political commentator, Christopher Ram, who wants the High Court to rule that the no-confidence motion was validly passed.

In his submissions to the High Court, Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran, on behalf of his client Christopher Ram, cited several principles of constitutional and statutory interpretation, including reference to Articles 1 and 9 of the Constitution.

Article I provides that “Guyana is an indivisible, secular, democratic, sovereign state in the course of transition from capitalism to socialism and shall be known as the Co-operative Republic of Guyana,” while Article 9 provides that “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under this Constitution.”

Ramkarran, in laying the basis of his argument, alluded

to the case of the Attorney General of Guyana v Richardson (2018) in which Justice Adrian Saunders stated that the sovereignty of the people of Guyana is exercised through their representatives and democratic organs established by the Constitution.

“When, therefore, the people exercised that sovereignty through their representatives, who voted in favour of the passage of the motion on 21 December 2018, because Guyana is a democratic state, the consequence of that vote was that elections must be held within three months, although elections were not then due,” Ramkarran said in his written submissions to the court.

But Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Edwards, who is representing the Attorney General, in his response said Articles 1 and 9 are not relevant to the interpretation and application of the vote required for the passing of the motion upon a vote of confidence as outlined in Article 106 (6). He argued that the Constitution should not

be interpreted in such narrow fashion.

“The Constitution of Guyana is a written Constitution as distinct from the unwritten constitutions and, as such, the language of the Constitution should not be construed in a narrow and legalistic way, but broadly and purposively, so as to give effect to the spirit of the provisions and to avoid what has been called ‘the austerity of tabulated legalism,” Edwards told the Court.

Ramkarran, in his written submissions, argued that Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) clearly state that the Cabinet, including the President, should resign and elections held within 90 days. But government, he said, has declined to give effect to the provisions.

But Edwards, in his rebuttal, said Ram has completely misconstrued the requirement of Article 106 (7) which clarifies that the resignation is contingent upon the dissolution of Parliament before the holding of General and Regional Elections. It was pointed out that Article 106

‘Peacemaker’ stabbed to death …after intervening in domestic altercation

A FATHER of four, whose name was given as Godfrey Phillips, was on Sunday night stabbed and subsequently died after he attempted to intervene and bring peace during a domestic altercation between a woman and her reputed husband, who lives next to Phillips at First Street, Last Field, Sophia.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Monday morning at the Turkeyen Police Station, Sabrina Phillips, the wife of the dead man, said that she was at home when she received the news that her husband was killed.

She said that her children informed her that he was at the time attempting to make peace when the incident took place. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the dead man was going to shower when he heard the commotion between the two and pleaded with the aggressor to “relax.” The man reportedly turned to him and immediately whipped out a knife and stabbed Phillips.

The suspect fled the scene on a bicycle while the victim was picked up and rushed to hospital where he died while receiving medical attention. While at the station on Monday providing the police with additional information, the family of the deceased received word of the presence of the man in the village and the

Deceased: Godfrey Phillips

police were informed. A party of police officers left in search of him and they managed to capture him.

Up to late yesterday afternoon, he was at the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters.

At the station, the wife of the deceased said that she was on her way to the hospital when the second message came to her that her husband died. An individual who saw the entire ordeal is said to be assisting the police with vital information as they prepare a file to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice on the way forward as it relates to charges. The police identified the suspect as a resident of Pike Street Kitty. The suspect is expected to be charged with the capital offence.

(7) states that the government shall resign “after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

“The First Named Respondent rejects the contention of a caretaker government as alleged by the Applicant in his Submissions.

It is submitted that the Resolution of Parliament upon which the Applicant relies was not validly passed by an absolute majority of all the elected members within the meaning of Article 106 (6) so as to constitute a valid defeat of the government upon a vote of confidence,” Edwards argued.

In Ram’s view, a majority as regards the Constitution (Article 106 (6) simply means one more vote that the votes of the opposing voters.

In the context of the entire Constitution, he, through his Attorney, is arguing that the phrase ‘the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly’ means a majority of the votes of the members present and voting. This, he posited, is also just one more vote than the votes of the opposing

Cop arrested following rape allegation

AN officer of the Guyana Police Force was on Monday taken into custody by his colleagues, after an allegation of rape was made against him by a 13-year-old female who is said to be part of his family.

Under the Sexual Offences Act, we are unable to disclose the names of the suspect and victim in the interest of the latter. However, based on information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the mother of the child left her in the care of the policeman and went out with some friends.

It is unclear how many times in the past the child was left in the care of the officer. However, what we were told is that on this occasion, during the absence of the child’s mother and the fact that the officer and the 13 year old were at home alone, he made sexual advances to her.

This publication could not say what form the sexual advances took, but based on our information, a report was lodged with the police and statements were taken regarding the matter. The accused policeman was then contacted and the allegation was put to him and he was subsequently arrested. Contacted on Monday afternoon, Director of Child Care Services, Ann Greene, told this publication that her agency was informed of the matter and it is under investigation.

At the 2018 staff conference of that agency, the department said that children are abused every hour.

voters. “In both instances, that number is 33 votes,” Ramkarran argued on behalf of his client.

But Edwards said the argument put by Ramkarran is “untenable,” contending that Ram fell into error by predicating his on the contention that Article 106 (6) required a simple majority.

“The Applicant did not address the question of an absolute majority or a majority of higher than a simple majority in light of the grave consequences and implications of a successful vote on a No-Confidence Motion,” Edwards argued.

He said it is Article 168 (1) which requires a majority of ‘members present and voting’ that speaks to a simple majority.

On the issue of dual citizenship, which is the subject of dispute in another constitutional matter regarding the validity of the December 21, 2018 Vote of No-Confidence, Edwards submitted that the vote cast by then Parliamentarian Charrandass Persaud is invalid on the basis that he is a dual citizen. The con-

stitution bars Members of Parliament from holding dual citizenship.

“It would be calamitous for our democracy if otherwise lawful proceedings of Parliament could be invalidated simply by having a malevolent actor worm his way into the Assembly and participate when he is not authorized to. It would be equally calamitous for our democracy if such a person were able to reap rewards of his malevolent action by sabotaging the will of those persons lawfully participating in Parliamentary proceedings,” Edwards said.

Oral submissions, in this case, will be heard on Wednesday in the High Court before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire.

Essequibo man dies suddenly while in police custody THE news was indeed shocking for the Singh’s family after they found out that a relative mysteriously died at the Anna Regina Enquiries Office.

Dead is 46-year-old Om Singh of Danielstown Village, Essequibo Coast. His 33-yearold wife is currently in police custody assisting with the investigation.

The now deceased Singh was taken into police custody on January 20 at around 23:25 hours. He was arrested for verbally abusing his wife. Information revealed that the couple was having a heated argument when a neighbour made a report.

Police then arrested Singh and during questioning, he allegedly collapsed. He was then taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. There were no marks of violence about his body his body. The deceased was identified by his sister Indra Praboonauth and brother Suresh Praboonauth. The brother, who is still in a state of shock, told the Guyana Chronicle that his brother’s death was sudden.

“I just didn’t expected [this], my brother [was] healthy, he was in high spirit, when we saw him he pee his

Deceased: Om Singh

pants, we are really clueless but we are baffled at his sudden death,” Praboonauth said.

Family members are eagerly awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination to determine the real cause of Singh’s death.

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Provost of oil-experienced Aberdeen to visit Guyana this March THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and university students in Guyana are expected to benefit from oil and gas [O&G] related opportunities through the visit of the Mayor/Provost of Aberdeen this March.

This was announced by British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn,

on Thursday in the presence of a United Kingdom (UK) oil and gas delegation of 13 companies on a visit to form relationships with local businesses.

Quinn told the media that the visit of the Aberdeen Provost, Barney Crockett, will not only benefit the local City Council with the sharing

of expertise, but can result in arrangements for educational opportunities.

The City of Aberdeen located in Scotland has long been boasted as the ‘oil capital of Europe’ and has racked up years of experience in the oil industry, dating back to the mid-20th century.

“We’ve made lots of mis-

Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett (Aberdeen Journals Ltd photo)

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Gregory Quinn (Adrian Narine photo)

Members of the UK Oil and Gas Delegation

steps; we know what works; we know what the problems are so there’s an experience that we can pass on and a skill set which we can pass on,” Quinn said.

He added: “What we are keen on is getting the Lord Mayor of Aberdeen to both

make links here with Georgetown on a city to city basis, but also to look at the educational opportunities that exist between universities which are based in Aberdeen and the universities here.”

The high commissioner says that the Aberdeen Provost is expected to visit for about four days and a programme to host him is in the process of being formulated.

It will include representatives from the City Council; Government Ministries and agencies; the private sector and the education sector.

Those in these groups will have the opportunity to learn from Aberdeen; of pitfalls to watch out for when the revenue begins flowing and of ways the two cities can forge future collaborations.

“It’s always best, rather than to have people like me tell the City Council how to do this; is that you bring over someone from a similar City Council who has lived it, breathed it, worked on it for 30 or 40 years and who can pass on his own experience as well as those of his colleagues there,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the UK O&G delegations which recently concluded their visit in the country included companies such as: the Energy Industries Council (EIC); Depart-

ment for International Trade; 80:20 Procurement; Airswift; Destec Engineering Ltd; EXHEAT; Fircroft; KOSO Kent Introl Limited; Petrofac; RST Global Solutions Holdings Ltd; SAS Environmental Services; Group SSE and ThinJack.

Prior to coming to Guyana the team visited Trinidad and Tobago where they similarly sought to establish new business relationships and understand the dynamics of O&G in the country.

“The whole point is to build the relationship and also to allow these companies to make links and joint ventures in relation to local companies, so that everybody can help prepare for the coming oil and gas boom that is here,” Quinn said.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Senior Vice-President, Nicholas Boyer, said that the chamber had met with the Energy Industries Council while in Aberdeen last year and, having sold Guyana as a country full of opportunities; together they pulled the UK trade mission.

A team of nine local companies along with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; TURN TO PAGE

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19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Anti-cigarette smuggling stamp in effect …GRA warns importers, retailers to comply with new regulation

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has notified importers, retailers and resellers of tobacco that the Excise Tax rate of $2,500 will be applied per thousand (1,000) sticks.

This took effect from January 1, 2019 in accordance with the Excise Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2018.

GRA warned that it is the responsibility of the importer, retailer or reseller to provide the staffers with stamps to

affix under the supervision of the customs officers.

In addition, the tax agency is reminding importers, businesses, and persons that purchasing any tobacco product for resale without the affixed excise stamps is contrary to law. The affixing of excise stamps on units of alcohol and tobacco products is an anti-smuggling measure, and is being carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, Chapter

Provost of oil-experienced ...

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the University of Guyana (UG) had taken the trip in November, 2018.

Summarising the potential benefits, he said: “As Guyanese we all should be very cognisant that as long as we work together in the national interest, what is coming for us is an opportunity that would have maybe escaped our forefathers but will be arriving at our generation and I think that we really need to focus on maximising the opportunity that comes out of that and leveraging it

to really build a Guyana that is amazing and an incredible leader within the Caribbean and Latin America.”

Boyer believes that Guyana has too many examples of what can go wrong if we miss the opportunity to get things right.

However, he reminded that for Guyana’s economy to become a leading one in Latin American and the Caribbean, it will take all forms of unification.

“I think Guyana can be a destination that is unbelievable, but what has to happen is that the policy makers;

82:01.

The high-security bar-coded stamps are designed to reduce the leakage of an estimated $2B in taxes that Guyana loses annually from smuggled hard liquor and cigarettes. According to GRA, failure to pay the relevant duties and taxes and neglecting to stamp the products, will incur penalties ranging from 300 per cent of the tax-value to five years’ incarceration.

FROM PAGE

18

the private sector and civil society and others as a whole have to really start to sit down and put their energies together because the solutions that are needed cannot be approached by any one piece of this puzzle.”

“Government alone doesn’t have all the solutions; private sector alone can’t push all the development and civil society alone can’t hold all of us accountable to a transparent industry. But when you put all the groupings together, imagine what can come out of it,” Boyer said.

Meanwhile, one study revealed that more than US$50M is lost in revenue for the governments in the Caribbean as a result of tobacco smuggling. According to the World Customs Organisation, estimates indicate that over 480 billion cigarettes a year are sold illegally in the global tobacco market – whether smuggled, counterfeited or sold in other ways without taxes being paid.

Cigarettes are among the most commonly traded products on the black market due to high profit margins, relative ease of production, movement and low detection rates and penalties. The World Customs Organisation Illicit Trade Report noted

that the illegal trade in tobacco products cheats governments out of around US$40 billion each year in taxes.

“Yet some governments are unaware of how bad the problem is and do not acknowledge its link to tax levels. Legitimate retailers – often small or family businesses – are also damaged as smugglers and criminals steal their trade, while rules for retailers to prevent sales to children are undermined by illegal sales away from the eyes of the authorities,” the report noted.

Another issue facing trade is that counterfeits can be almost impossible to tell apart from the genuine product. Another problem is ‘look-alike’ cigarettes, where the criminals mimic an original design with some minor changes.

“The rewards can be high. Just one shipping container full of trafficked cigarettes could earn a criminal gang more than US$1M,” the report underscored.

Governments and international organisations such as the World Customs Organisation, the World Trade Organisation, World Health Organisation and the European Union, are seeking to eliminate all forms of illicit tobacco trade.

“We see it as vitally important that governments establish workable tax regimes and economic policies that do not create conditions that encourage illicit trade, with strong border controls and effective laws to fight the black market,” the World Customs Organisation underscored.

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

Drakes, Crandon and Radford... is to offer leadership and sound advice and to share knowledge and create an environment of learning.

I want to see West Indies cricket grow and flourish.”

Crandon, a former first class cricketer, comes to the Windies setup after engineering his native Guyana Jaguars’ sweeping success in the first class tournament where they have won the last four titles convincingly.

The 37-year-old said he was hoping to contribute to the team’s success in a meaningful way.

Vasbert Drakes

Haynes, who in the past served as a batting consultant, had publicly stated his desire to returning to the Windies coaching setup and had received the backing of iconic former Windies skipper, Clive Lloyd.

Former Windies batsman Floyd Reifer, who oversaw the Caribbean side’s only series success on the recent Bangladesh tour when he took charge for the Twenty20 phase, has been also overlooked along with former Windies senior team bowling coach, Roddy Estwick.

Both Reifer and Estwick had been on the shortlist to replace Law, along with Crandon and Radford.

Drakes oversaw West

Indies Women’s capture of the 2016 T20 World Cup title in India but was sacked a year later as part of a management shakeup, following the team’s wretched outing at the 50-overs World Cup in England.

“It is an honour to be back working with West Indies cricket again,” said Drakes, who was not selected from the shortlist.

“As someone who played the game at the highest level, it has always been my wish to contribute to West Indies cricket and give back to the young players. We have a tremendous group of players here, full of ambition and hungry for success.

“Our role as coaches FROM BACK PAGE

Hercules optimistic...

“I have a lot of confidence in the guys and I believe that we can pull it off (qualify). If all is well, I would like to have a two-way player to mimic what Ray Victor can do and I also would like to see some more help for Shane Webster.

Anthony Moe has a preference of playing on the perimeter and he has had some success, but I wish we could utilise his height on the inside,” Hercules said.

Hercules also noted that much of his plans will depend heavily on the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) readiness to fund the team.

The GABF is set to host elections on Saturday, January 26 at the Roraima Duke Lodge, where affiliated associations will vote in a new president, since Nigel Hinds, despite the obvious success of the sport locally during his tenure, stated that he will not be seeking re-election.

Through the 2015 edition, the FIBA AmeriCup was also a qualifying tournament for the FIBA World Cup and the Summer Olympic Games.

Beginning in 2017, the championship, along with all other FIBA continental championships for men, is played once every four years, and the continental championships are no longer a part of the qualifying process for either the World Cup or Olympics.

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“I am passionate about the game of cricket and a true supporter of West Indies cricket, so ultimately I want to make a contribution to the game in the region and see the players perform at their best,” he said.

“I am a calm individual and I’m here to do what is

required to help the team succeed … that’s what I enjoy doing, coaching and helping others.”

Radford, meanwhile, returns to the Windies staff after missing the Bangladesh tour through illness.

He has a long term relationship with the side, and was

part of the staff when West Indies won their first ever T20 World Cup title back in 2012 under then head coach Ottis Gibson.

West Indies take on England in the first of three Tests starting on Wednesday at Kensington Oval.

24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Serena edges top seed Halep to reach last eight

By Sudipto Ganguly

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Serena Williams staved off a spectacular fightback from world number one Simona Halep to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday and remain on course for her first Grand Slam triumph since becoming a mother.

Williams’ thrilling 6-1 4-6 6-4 win was a major step towards the 37-year-old American great equalling Australian Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam wins as she set up a last-eight meeting with Czech seventh seed Karolina Pliskova.

The seven-time Austra-

lian Open champion was eight weeks pregnant when she won the last of her 23 Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park and only returned to tennis last year after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September, 2017.

She made two more Grand Slam finals last year only to lose the finals at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open but this triumph over the world’s leading player felt like another hugely significant step on the road to regaining her old dominance. Williams showed she has lost none of her brutal power and athleticism against French Open champion Halep, who has finished the last two years on top of the women’s rankings.

The Romanian broke Wil-

liams’ serve in the first game but that was the only one she managed for the rest of the opening set as the American bulldozed her way through the set in 20 minutes, serving it out with an ace.

Coming into the match with eight wins in her nine encounters against Halep, it looked as if Williams would breeze through the match after the opening set mauling she handed out. But the 27-year-old fought back by forcing to move Williams more and drew level at one set apiece after breaking her a second time.

“That’s why she’s number one. She literally lifted her game to a new level. I didn’t. I kind of stayed at the same level, and I should have

Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates after winning the match against Romania’s Simona Halep.

REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson

looked at my game, as well,” Williams told reporters.

“But it’s a part of this journey on my way back. It’s 10 months, so I can’t be too

upset at myself. I felt like I did have an opportunity to win that in straight sets, but then I’m playing the number one player in the world.”

The deciding set turned into a war of attrition as both players landed heavy groundstrokes and Williams had to save three break points for a crucial 3-3 hold.

Williams landed the decisive break in the next game before holding firm to seal the match in an hour and 47 minutes when Halep hit a forehand wide. “I will start with a joke. I felt like I had been hit by a train in the first set. Everything was too fast,” Halep said with a wide grin, leaving reporters to burst out laughing.

Filipino’s rejoice Pacquiao’s win over Broner “I didn’t get scared about

the first set, because I knew I have a better level.

“After the first set, I got fire inside myself, and I said that now I start the match. So it was much better. Game by game, I felt that my level is growing, and I had more confidence to go through it.”

For a place in the semi-finals, Williams will meet Pliskova, who thrashed twice Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza 6-3 6-1 earlier on Monday. “We have had good matches. She’s beaten me on an occasion or two or three,” Williams said of her next opponent. “She’s always someone that comes out and serves big and plays well.

“I’ve got to return a little bit better the next day that we play, but I will be ready. I’m ready. She’s ready. Let’s do it.”

Djokovic passes Medvedev test to reach quarter-finals

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic struck back for the old guard at the Australian Open early on Tuesday, soaking up the pressure from an impressive Daniil Medvedev before crushing the young Russian 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2 6-3 to reach his 10th quarter-final at Melbourne Park.

The night after Roger Federer was stunned

by Greek tyro Stefanos Tsitsipas, there was another sniff of an upset at Rod Laver Arena as 22-year-old Medvedev rocked the Serb with a furious assault of power hitting.

Yet the Russian wearied in the constant attrition during Monday’s fourth round match, and top seed Djokovic ended up cruising to victory soon after midnight, having passed easily his biggest test at what had been a sweat-free tournament.

The world number one did not emerge entirely unscathed, however, and was troubled by a back strain in the last set. “I didn’t feel so great in the last 20 minutes of the match, so we’ll see tomorrow how the body reacts,” he told reporters. “It was just a little bit of fatigue, a little bit of back, nothing major ...

But there are a couple of things that have surfaced.”

Djokovic will continue his bid for a hattrick of successive Grand Slam triumphs and a record seventh title at Melbourne Park against eighth seed Kei Nishikori, who squeezed past Pablo Carreno Busta in a five-set epic.

“Since I guess my next opponent is watching, I’m feeling fantastic, never felt better in my life,” 31-year-old Djokovic joked in his on-court interview with Jim Courier.

“I was hoping you were going to say the other guy won, but well done, Kei.” Federer’s exit on Sunday has been widely touted as a changing of the guard and Tsitsipas’s victory an inspiration for the Tour’s up-

starts. Fifteenth seed Medvedev was certainly up to continue the theme and it took a lunging backhand drop-shot from Djokovic to save a break point in the fifth game.

The rangy Russian fought back from a break down but double-faulted to give up a set point and Djokovic sealed it with a forehand winner down the line.

A red-faced Medvedev trudged to his seat to munch darkly on a banana but did not spend too long chewing on the setback. He bravely fought off five break points in the second game of the second set and broke back to 4-3 after a breathtaking rally, scrambling back and forth to retrieve drop-shots and lobs before passing the Serb.

It was Djokovic’s turn to fume, and he wound up to smash his racket into the court before stopping himself. There was no shaking the Russian, who edged an epic 42-shot rally and raced to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak.

The Serb was rattled, and he bungled a drop-shot to give Medvedev two set points before finding the net to square the high-quality contest.

Djokovic needed cheap points but there were none on offer, and he took a tumble at the net on serve at 2-1, drawing a gasp from the crowd. But after dusting himself off and saving three break points from 0-40 down, the Serb was revived. After taking Medvedev down in another marathon rally, Djokovic broke in the fifth game and the Russian suddenly appeared spent.

Nothing fires Djokovic like the smell of blood, and he went after Medvedev mercilessly, roaring through the set and breaking again to lead the final stanza 3-1.

Though dragging his feet between points, Medvedev snuck a break point at 3-2 but saw it disappear with a searing Djokovic forehand.

From there, the Serb kept him at arm’s length before closing out the match with a string of clean winners.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Windies look to lay another on England “WHENEVER we come here you get the feeling that West Indies really want to beat England. It’s something that’s been ingrained in them, especially in the past when England have suffered heavy defeats. You can see it in the players’ eyes when you play against them.”

After 42 matches against the West Indies in his 17 years as an international, James Anderson knows those looks. The look Holding gave Close. The look Lara saved for English bowlers. The look burned on Samuels’ face in 2016, Ark of the Covenant style, when he set about trying to fight everyone in three-lion stash after winning the World Twenty20.

All teams love getting one over on England, but for historical and societal reasons that put sport in its place, it matters more to the West Indies. It underpinned the excellence of the great teams of the eighties and even in an era when their red ball teams have been distinctly average, it offers that extra oomph behind what blows they have been able to land.

A five-wicket win at Bridgetown in 2015 snatched a draw and two years later, a chase of 322 at Headingley squared a series in remarkable fashion. Both were celebrated as major turning points. Stuart Law, newly departed from his head coach role at West Indies, revealed that whatever preparation he might have been involved with ahead of this upcoming series would have leant heavily on Leeds 2017.

The immediate and long-term aftermath of both those victories tells a familiar story. Neither were turning points for the collective even if they might have furthered a few individuals.

West Indies crumpled in a heap at Lord’s to hand England that 2017 series, one of 10 defeats suffered in 13 series since that draw in 2015. Their only two wins came against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

Nevertheless, whatever the state of the West Indies side, the phenomenon of digging deep to do over England is real, verging on “mother summoning super-

His team may be up and down but Jason Holder’s game is now as measured as his demeanour © Getty

human strength to lift up a car to save her child” levels.

And while home supporters will never tire of getting one over them, there is a discontent that they have to wait two years to get excited about the chance to bloody a nose. West Indies may be dons in the shortest form, but success in Test cricket still nourishes the souls of the Caribbean tragics.

The disparity between how things have gone across formats is understandable.

In an interview in the Daily Telegraph, chief executive of Cricket West Indies Jonny Grave spoke about the financial issues hampering the first class system across the islands.

Training facilities and pitches need to be of a certain standard to play and hone multi-day cricket but, as England found out during their warm-up matches in Barbados, what is on offer is sub-par. Those given the opportunity to play Test cricket have to learn on the job and given West Indies have only had 27 Tests since the start of 2016 (England, by contrast, have played 41) there is not much time to study.

Granted, it is no great measure - England have dollops of Test cricket every year yet haven’t been number one in the format since 2012 - but franchise tournaments offer so much more concentrated and high-quality environments that it is no surprise naturally talented

Caribbean cricketers continue to thrive in T20.

But with plans in place to enhance the domestic system and pathways, such as a regular ‘A’ team set-up - all money dependent, of course - sustainability may be on the way. In the immediate future, it will be down to some familiar names to halt England’s charge to the top of the rankings.

Shai Hope and Kraigg Brathwaite will look to reprise their roles from that Headingley epic. Hope, though, seems some way off his twin-hundred best with just one fifty from 17 innings in 2018 to give him a paltry year average of 20.

Brathwaite, averaging a marginally better 24, did at least record two hundreds.

Such inconsistency prompted a recall for Darren Bravo who brings with him 49 Tests, 3,400 runs and plenty of scores to settle.

Remember when he was the new Brian Lara? He certainly has the cover drive and attitude to authority BCL had, if nowhere near the repute.

But at 29, Bravo still has time to further mimic Lara in the latter part of his career and add a bit of fight to an ailing middle order.

The bowling is more or less as it was. Kemar Roach relies more on wits than wheels nowadays, but the chain gleams just shines as bright as he bounds in.

Shannon Gabriel, coming off his best year in Test

cess prolongs their stay and it is the next generation that will help carry Holder forward. And you know what... he might be in luck.

Having come to the fore in the Caribbean Premier League, Shimron Hetmyer and Oshane Thomas look like being the stars to bring some overdue inter-format love.

Hetmyer is a left-handed blitzer, the type who drops his back leg to the floor when he booms one over the sightscreen but has an appetite for immersing himself in the grind. A few months ago he fell seven short of a maiden Test century. That it would have been only his second first-class hundred tells you just how raw he is.

Thomas, meanwhile, is a lot rougher around the edges

In 10 Tests, Shimron Hetmyer has hit 22 sixes - double the number England’s record run-scorer Alastair Cook managed in his career

cricket (37 wickets) is carrying the flame of West Indies quick bowling, aided by the unpredictable bounce that now characterises Caribbean pitches.

He has adopted a more attacking length and, in turn, took eight for 62 against Sri Lanka last July. Only Michael Holding and Curtly Ambrose have managed better at home than Gabriel’s figures of 13 for 121 in that match.

As for Jason Holder, his team may be up and down but his game is now as measured as his demeanour. West Indies’ second youngest captain was not expected to last this long, but among turbulent periods the 27-year-old took his 33 wickets at 12 last

year and scored his runs at 37 when he was not dealing with board-level unrest and playing politics with the region’s 16 nations.

The last four years - indeed, the manner in which he ascended - has conditioned Holder to the fact there will always be white noise, unrest and conflict within West Indies cricket. What he has done, or perhaps what he has tried to do, is ensure his players think for themselves and act wisely on the field.

Even with little to cheer, a time after Holder as captain is not worth contemplating. They simply can’t do without him: few others would take the rigours of the role with such grace. But as with any other captain, suc-

which is actually quite exciting considering he is a fast bowler who is big in all the right places: heart, shoulders and backside. Long spells are beyond him and may never really be his thing, but should he get the nod, expect a fair few in his half.

Only once have England won a series in the West Indies since the 1960s. Though they may be on the straight and narrow with wins over India and Sri Lanka, this is exactly the sort of series that could see them undone.

Nevermind the beaches for history and motivation, the Caribbean can be an unforgiving place for an Englishman. (Cricbuzz)

26 26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

I don’t have control over the selectors or selection process, says Hemraj

By Rajiv Bisnauth

CHANDRAPAUL Hemraj’s exclusion from the West Indies first Test squad to face the visiting England team tomorrow in Barbados was arguably the biggest surprise and has raised debates on the selection criteria being used by the Cricket West Indies selection panel.

Chief selector, Courtney Browne and company announced a 13-man squad last week with eight Barbadians, a policy which has come under fire in recent years with many blaming the selection panel for their “unwilling-

ness” or “inability” to bring the right blend of players together for any one series.

However, the selectors’ insularity selection policy saw only one Guyanese, Shimron Hetmyer, making the cut.

However, for the 25-year-old Hemraj, his aim for the remainder of the firstclass season is for the bat to do the talking. Speaking with Chronicle Sport, Hemraj, who played six ODI’s, said he is not disappointed because he has no control over the selectors nor the selection process.

“I’m not disappointed because I don’t have control

Chandrapaul Hemraj

over the selectors or [the] selection process. My aim is to continue scoring runs and to be consistent as possible,”

Australia’s Patterson earns late call-up for Sri Lanka Tests (REUTERS) - Australia have called up Kurtis Patterson for their two-test series against Sri Lanka starting in Brisbane on Jan. 24 after the New South Wales batsman scored two centuries in a warm-up match against the tourists.

The uncapped Patterson scored unbeaten knocks of 157 and 102 for a Cricket Australia XI in Hobart last week.

“Kurtis has joined the squad in Brisbane today to commence our preparations for the first test starting on Thursday,” national selector

Kurtis Patterson scored back to back hundreds against Sri Lanka in the practice game © Getty

Trevor Hohns said.

“We have been asking batters around the country to

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday January 22, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) Lord's, London 1928 (2) England won by an innings & 58 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Where and when was the first WI/ENG Test played in the Caribbean?

(2) What was the result?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

score hundreds if they want to be considered for selection.

“Given Kurtis’s consistent performances for NSW and his two unbeaten centuries in last week’s tour match against our upcoming opponent, Sri Lanka, we believe he deserves to be added to the Test squad.”

Patterson has played 58 first-class matches, scoring 3,813 runs with six centuries and 26 half-centuries at an average of 41.

Australia squad: Tim Paine (captain), Jhye Richardson, Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Will Pucovski, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Kurtis Patterson.

Hemraj said.

He made a huge impact at the first-class level, the region’s premier tournament

where players’ performances are used to select the Windies team. Hemraj has piled up 777 runs from his last 11 games for the Guyana Jaguars, including his maiden first-class ton-- 144 against Barbados Pride earlier this year.

Hemraj’s non-selection is not the only anxiety; the snubbing of his Guyana Jaguars’ teammates Devendra Bishoo, Keemo Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble, and even Raymond Reifer, are also questionable.

Meanwhile, the disappointment has prompted the Guyana Cricket Board

(GCB) on Friday last to issue a statement, questioning the selection policy of Cricket West Indies (CWI), highlighting specifically the 13man squad selected for the first Test.

The West Indies have recalled batsman Darren Bravo, as well as adding uncapped pair John Campbell and Shamarh Brooks.

Bravo, 29, played the last of his 49 Tests in November 2016, and has been handed the chance to restart a once-promising career interrupted by disputes with the Cricket West Indies. Alzarri Joseph has also been recalled.

No. 73 Young Warriors defeat DCC under lights in U-15 clash THE No.73 Young Warriors team from Upper Corentyne, Berbice, defeated the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) under lights on Saturday evening in a 30-over U-15 clash.

Despite playing under lights for the first time in their careers, the visitors were able to register a nine-wicket win.

DCC won the toss and batted first, but they were undone by some quality off spin bowling. Raul Jabar led the attack with 3-15, while fellow spinners Kevin Persaud finished with 2-20 and Nicolas Tahal 1-25.

Jonathan Van Lange led the Queenstown team with the bat. He scored 22 runs, while Romeo Deonarine and Miam Khan supported with 18 and 16 runs respectively to push their side to 115-9 from their allotted Niraj Singh (left) and Vettorie Lathman both scored half-centuries for the No. 73 Young Warriors. overs.

The visitors were un- 21.3 overs. Singh struck was surprised that his stoppable in the middle as eight fours in his knock of team played that well uncaptain Vettorie Lathman 54, while Lathman finished der lights. He said that although his top order and Niraj Singh put on a with 52 (seven fours).

Coach of the side, La- chased down the score, the 103 unbeaten second-wicket partnership to lead their keram Latchman, told game was very competiteam to victory (118-1) in Chronicle Sport that he tive.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Sir Garry visits Windies camp ahead of England series BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – West Indies were treated to a surprise special guest at their training session on Saturday when legendary all-rounder and former skipper Sir Garry Sobers paid them a courtesy visit.

The 82-year-old icon, rated around the globe as the greatest cricketer the world has ever seen, was on hand at Kensington Oval as the Windies continued their preparations for the Wisden Trophy Test Series against England which bowls off here Wednesday.

He met the team as a group and also had one-on-one discussions with some of the players.

Left-hander Darren Bravo, who is making a comeback to the Test side following 27 months on the sidelines, said he was delighted to see Sir Garry.

“As a little boy growing up in Trinidad my father would always talk about Sir Garfield Sobers and the amazing things he did on the cricket field,” Bravo said.

“I would listen and it was obvious that from he way he spoke I knew he was a fantastic cricketer. Whenever I’m in Barbados I try to see him and speak to him. He was a great player and always has time to offer advice and knowledge.

“We’re here preparing for this Test Series and to have him take the time out to come and spend time with us is truly wonderful.

We really thank him and want him to know we appreciate what he’s done for us.”

Bravo’s counterpart, Shai Hope, one of the region’s best young players, said it was a honour to listen to words of wisdom from the country’s National Hero.

“Sir Garry is a awesome person and it always great to see him and have him around,” Hope said.

“He has tremendous presence and you can learn so much from just listening to him as he speaks and shares his knowledge of the game and especially how to go about your batting.

“Having him join us today is an inspiration. It’s the kind of thing that can give you a boost ahead of a game and a series. It’s always a honour to be in his presence. He has vast knowledge and experience and we are happy he took the come and speak with us.”

During his playing days, Sir Garry set several records and broke many barriers.

He represented the West Indies in 93 Tests, scored 8032 runs with a highest score of 365 not out against Pakistan in 1958 – his maiden

Legendary Sir Garry Sobers.

Test century.

At the time, it was the record for the highest Test score and stood for over three decades. He also took 235 wickets with his mixture of left-arm fast-medium bowling and left-arm spin.

Blue Thunder win Inter-Organisation Table Tennis Championship

BLUE Thunder played undefeated to cop the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Inter-Organisation Table Tennis Championship, which was held over the weekend at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The two-day competition, which served off the 2019 season, attracted nine teams from organisations, business entities and religious bodies.

The teams were placed in three groups and the top two emerged victorious.

In Group One, the Guyana Fire Service team of Warren Hackshaw and Quincy Rice defeated the Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) C team of C. Hector and H. Lewis 3-0 and the Chinese Embassy B team of Xilai Chen and Chunhui Li 3-1 to qualify at the top. The GIT emerged

The teams that competed in last weekend’s Championship.

second after they got past the Chinese Embassy B side 3-1.

In Group two, it was NP Electronic (Michael Vieira, Xenophon Goliah and Bruce Murray) who got past the Guyana Islamic Trust B team of Abdool Rahim,

Saad Baksh and Areeb Ali 3-0 and the Chinese Embassy A team of Jiansong Shen and Feng Wang 3-1. Second place went to the Islamic Trust B team, who battled past the Chinese Embassy A side 3-2.

Eventual champions, Blue Thunder (dealers in car radios and speakers) defeated the Guyana Islamic Trust A team of Jamal Aniswick and Levi Percival in Group three. Both teams got walkovers from Power Producer

Distributor Ink, which propelled them through to the next round.

In the semi-final, the Guyana Fire Service lost to the Guyana Islamic Trust A team 2-3, while Blue Thunder defeated

NP Electronic 3-2. In the championship clash, Blue Thunder made light work of the Guyana Islamic Trust 3-0. NP Electronic and the Guyana Fire Service finished jointly in third place.

Pacquiao challenges Mayweather to a rematch MANNY Pacquiao has challenged five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather to a rematch, calling for the American to come out of retirement.

Pacquiao, 40, lost to Mayweather in 2015 by unanimous points decision, but has since regained a version of the world title.

He previously said he “cannot retire with peace of mind” without a rematch.

“Get back to the ring and we will fight again if he wants,” Pacquiao said after he beat Adrian Broner on Saturday.

The Filipino great retained his WBA world welterweight title with a con-

vincing unanimous points win over the American in Las Vegas. “If he wants to come out of retirement, then announce it and challenge me. I’m a champion and I don’t pick any opponent,” Pacquiao said after the fight, which 41-year-old Mayweather attended.

“My message is I’m still

active and if he goes back to the ring and wants to challenge me, I’m a champion.

“I’m just waiting to see who will challenge me, who will challenge [for] my belt.”

The 2015 fight between the two multi-weight world champions was billed as the ‘Fight of the Century,’ but after a tame defeat, which

saw Mayweather add the WBO welterweight title to his WBC and WBA titles, Pacquiao said he had been suffering with a shoulder injury.

Tickets for the bout reached prices of as much as $350,000 (£232,000) and American fans were charged almost $100 (£66) to watch

on television, with millions more watching across the world.

Mayweather made a return to the sport on New Year’s Eve, taking just 140 seconds to beat Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa in an exhibition boxing bout worth a reported $9m.(BBC Sport).

Drakes, Crandon and Radford named as assistants to head coach Pybus …no place for Desmond Haynes BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Cricket West Indies have once again snubbed legendary opener Desmond Haynes, this time overlooking him for one of the three assistant coach spots for the men’s senior side.

The 62-year-old Barbadian was among an 11man pool put forward last September by director of cricket, Jimmy Adams, from which candidates would be drawn to replace the departing Austra-

lian Stuart Law. But CWI earlier this month controversially appointed Richard Pybus as interim head coach even though the Englishman was not part of the shortlist, and on Monday announced former West Indies fast bowler Vasbert Drakes, Esuan Crandon and another Englishman Toby Radford as the coaching support staff.

TURN TO PAGE 23

Head coach Richard Pybus (left) and Esuan Crandon at West Indies training (Getty Images)

Hercules optimistic of Guyana’s chances at FIBA AmeriCup qualifiers

FLASH BACK! The Guyanese players celebrate in Suriname after winning the CBC tournament for the first time.

By Rawle Toney JUNIOR Hercules, Head Coach of Guyana’s Senior Men’s National basketball team, is optimistic of the country’s chances in next month’s qualifiers in Colombia for the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup. Guyana will be the Caribbean’s representative at the tournament which, after the 2017 edition, will

be played every four years, following their historic performance at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship where they won, for the first time, the ‘John Yates Trophy’ and earned the right to be called ‘Caribbean Champs’.

Playing undefeated through the group stage, Guyana demolished Barbados 81 – 75 in the semi-finals, before going on to rout

Antigua and Barbuda 83 – 70 in a closely-contested finals, to lift the trophy for the first time in 37 years, thanks to an MVP-performance from their 18-year-old captain and point guard, Stanton Rose Jr. Guyana will play in ‘Pool B’ of the February 22 – 24 qualifiers in Bogota, Colombia, where they’re expected to face the home country (Colombia), Para-

guay and Bolivia.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport yesterday, Hercules said that he’s looking to the try-outs from February 8 – 10 and those shortlisted should be encamped from February 13 – 19, after which the final team will be selected.

Thanks to his exceptional performance at the CBC tournament, Rose was highly scouted and received

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several offers from colleges in the US, but the Kwakwani native accepted a scholarship from Jacksonville College to compete on the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) circuit.

Rose, along with USbased professional, Anthony Moe, was named in the CBC All-Star five and will be crucial to the team’s chances in Colombia. Hercules said he

has been monitoring their progress in their respective leagues, but admitted that some more ‘help’ will be welcomed.

The sport’s world governing body, FIBA, only allows one naturalized player to be on the roster of a national team, and Hercules noted that his rule is not kind to Guyana.

TURN TO PAGE 23 TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2019