Guyana chronicle e paper 01 26 2018

GAWU East Demerara branch backs Chand Page 16

No. 105166

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

‘Jagdeo-era killings’ …President repeats promise of full probe ...says gov't will ensure perpetrators are brought to justice Page 3

Major restructuring for GDF PM leads high-level …key units being revived for greater operational efficiency Page 2

delegation in sugar belt

Page 8

Bulkan rebukes mayor Page 11

…over Bel Air playground takeover

President David Granger takes the salute flanked by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

51% hike in profits for Citizens Bank

Page 23

Brazilian prison escapee nabbed in Lethem Page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Major restructuring for GDF …President says key units being revived for greater operational efficiency THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will undergo significant restructuring in the coming days, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces David Granger announced on Thursday, stating that the move will allow for maximum development within the force.

The President made the announcement during the opening ceremony of the two-day Annual Officers Conference being held at Base Camp Ayanganna under the theme “Effective transformation for Total National Defence.”

Changes will be made to the Engineering Corps, with greater emphasis being placed on public infrastructure; the Agriculture Corps, which will focus on food production for the force and victims of natural disasters; and the Signal Corps, which will be re-established as the main arm for the advance-

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo seated among senior Ministers of Government and officers of the Guyana Defence Force

ment of information and communications technologies and telecommunications within the force.

The Commander-in-Chief said that the GDF, in pursuance of its defence doctrine, is being strengthened as a well-organised, well-commanded, well-trained and well-equipped force with the core capabilities to keep the

Guyanese citizenry safe and secure. However, he noted that in order for it to fulfil its mission, it must be agile, flexible and fully-integrated. For this reason he said GDF is being reorganised for greater organisational and operational efficiency.

“Several Corps of the force are being re-formed and re-capitalised. The Ag-

riculture Corps will embark on agro-processing in order to produce foods, which can be preserved and packaged as compact rations for soldiers on long-range patrols and field operations and as emergency supplies to citizens affected by natural disasters such as floods. The Air Corps and Coast Guard will be upgraded to allow for

continuous surveillance over our airspace, maritime space and land-space and to support search-and-rescue services to persons in distress. The Engineer Corps will be restructured and re-equipped to enable it to reengage in the development of public infrastructure and assist in disaster relief efforts in other countries affected by natural

disasters. The Corps will expand the Force’s capability to generate electrical energy from renewable sources in all military bases and camps,” the President explained.

The President said that the re-establishment of the National Cadet Corps last week is also in keeping with the restructuring of the force.

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‘Jagdeo-era killings’ 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

PRESIDENT and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, David Granger has said that a full investigation into the deaths of hundreds of Guyanese, including that of former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh, during the period of ‘Troubles,’ will be launched.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo was President during the period of ‘Troubles’.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Annual GDF Officers’ Conference at Base Camp Ayanganna on Thursday, the President said that his administration will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Society has been scarred by violence, which left a linger-

…President repeats promise of full probe ...says gov't will ensure perpetrators are brought to justice

ing legacy of distrust with the potential of fresh disorder.

Monuments at Bartica, Buxton and Eve Leary have been erected to the victims of violence during the ‘Troubles’ between 2002 and 2009. We still have an obligation to investigate those ‘Troubles’ and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice,” he said.

During most of the decade referred to by the Head of State, Guyana witnessed its most intense and sustained wave of criminal violence since Independence. According to the President, there were 1,431 murders during

that period.

Speaking at the opening of the ‘Seminar on Tackling Domestic Abuse in Guyana’ on January 22, 2016, President Granger had said that the previous administration never bothered to account to the nation for the hundreds of lives that were lost through criminal violence. “It refused even to conduct inquests into the assassinations of its own Minister of Agriculture at La Bonne Intention; of the Head of the Police Force’s Target Special Squad on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway; of the Deputy Head of the Customs [Anti]-Narcotics Unit in

Buxton and of the attempted assassination of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in Kitty. It refused to conduct inquiries into the massacres in Agricola, Bagotstown-Eccles, Bartica, Bourda, Campbellville, Kitty, Lamaha Gardens, Lindo Creek, Lusignan and elsewhere. A generation of Guyanese – which was an unwilling witness to criminal violence – has now grown up. The agony, anger and alienation caused by violence against citizens, especially the innocent and the young still simmer. The crimes have not been explained.

The memories have not been

erased,” the President said.

President Granger, on January 18, 2018 at the handing over ceremony of the Report of the Security Sector Reform Project (SSRP), said that the ‘Troubles’ no doubt, was the consequence of a high-level condonation of or complicity with, the rise of drug cartels and the importation of illegal narcotics and weapons. These crimes, he said, brought an unprecedented wave of criminal violence into the country during the first decade of the century, with the consequence being a bloody battle to extend drug empires and to eliminate any-

one who resisted them.

While serving as Opposition Leader, President Granger had called for a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into those criminal activities, which resulted in the loss of lives. In 2013, he took a motion before the National Assembly and called on the then People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government to establish the COI to probe criminal violence from 2004 to 2010. He made specific mention of the former Agriculture Minister’s death, as well as the Lusignan, Lindo Creek and Bartica massacres. The motion put forward by President Granger at that time was deferred on a number of occasions.

162 complete technical training with BIT ONE hundred and sixty-two students successfully completed the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Skills Training Programme and graduated on Wednesday at a ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre.

The students received training in three areas: Music Production, Information Technology (IT) and Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Leadership training in collaboration with the National School of Music, the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and various government ministries.

Delivering the feature address at the ceremony, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, commended the graduates for completing the training which he said will put them in good stead in their future endeavours.

He acknowledged that Guyana as a country is still largely affected by unemployment, and as such, it would require national focus on common goals for the country to move forward.

“Evidence appears to suggest a widening deficit between the unemployment rate and the rate at which we can concoct solutions to reduce it. I must admit that it’s a complex problem, one that will require certain actions that will involve all stakeholders,” Jordan established.

These stakeholders, the minister said, are the youths,

One of the graduates receives a laptop computer presented by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

the government, the private sector and civil society, all which must work together in order to end unemployment in the country to which “there are no quick fixes.”

The minister went on to highlight that there is a growing need for skilled workers which are seemingly becoming more and more scarce as persons are led to believe that they need to obtain an “office job” in order to be accomplished.

The finance minister stated: “There is dignity in every kind of labour and that in many cases skilled persons can make much more than others in white collar jobs.”

Amid the graduates were several women who were

highlighted for their perseverance as single parents, who, at the same time, tackled the responsibilities of the training in order to better themselves. In encouraging these individuals, the minister said: “Do not let anyone

discourage you in any way… don’t let anyone drown you with their negativity... do not let anyone convince you that there is indignity in any small enterprise. Focus on the goal that you want and go for it. There is dignity in hard work, there is no dignity in shortcuts.”

To those sitting in wait of opportunity to come knocking, Jordan cautioned that it is not the government’s duty to provide all jobs but rather to provide the opportunities for its citizens to create their own jobs though entrepreneurial ventures. This he said has been ongoing in the last two and a half to three years as the government has facilitated and provided opportunities for citizens to become their own employers.

The finance minister said that as the government begins to restructure the economy, business incubators are being set up in several regions in order to enhance the training students have

received with practical experience.

In addition the government has provided $100 M into a Small Business Fund being managed by the Ministry of Business through which industrious individuals can receive small loans for start-up purposes. This, he encouraged the graduates to look in to, as well as the Ministry of Social Protection’s Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) $150M grant programme, meant for small businesses.

The goal for the graduates, Jordan advised, should not be merely to obtain a certificate but rather, “it must be a means to an end and means of your going ahead, a means of you contributing to this country called ours.”

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony was Chairman of BIT, Clinton Williams, who said that the board is convinced that the skills mastered by the

graduates would not only contribute to new entrepreneurial businesses but to the reduction of crime and poverty. In addition, attending the gathering was Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma; Chairman of the BNTF, Bernard Lord; National School of Music Administrator, Andrew Tyndall and Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton.

At the ceremony, several of the graduates from the three courses were awarded trophies for Most Perseverance, Most Improved and Best Graduating Student, while three of the graduates received new laptop computers.

The Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) is a grant programme funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and is currently in its Ninth Phase, having been initiated over 30 years ago and presently functioning in 10 Caribbean countries.

Graduates of the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Skills Training Programme, along with a number of facilitators at the graduation ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

GRA pushes for security features on licence plates THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is aggressively working along with stakeholders to ensure that security features are placed on licence plates in a bid to deter the increasing number of false number plates used here.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia told reporters that with what can be described as a rapid increase in the number of vehicles registered with the entity, there is need for closer investigation. GRA has a database of close to 280,000 vehicles for a population of over 700,000. “We have one of the highest ratio of vehicles to people in the world, so you would recognise in some point in time you would reach

a plateau, but by looking for the reasons we found that there were thousands of vehicles being imported from Suriname and Brazil and was not going back and were using old registration numbers.”

There are about 60 per cent of the vehicles registered last year as opposed to 2016 and according to Statia, there are reasons for this increase.

Statia disclosed that there are about 2000 vehicles in Guyana that originated from Suriname that are yet to return to that country. Aside from Suriname, Statia said a number of Brazilian vehicles are also here.

As it stands, GRA has been trying to ascertain why the registration for motor vehicles has reached a plateau. He said too that the

use of fake vehicle numbers and fake Diplomatic Corps numbers are also on the increase. In fact, the GRA is working with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to counter the illegal action. The Commissioner-General explained that efforts are being made to source a contractor to assist in this regard. “I am of the firm opinion that it should be done by the person as it is done in the US and other countries… to actually do our own vehicle number plating as is done overseas.”

Statia said this would aid in the minimizing of the fraud in relation to false number plates. “The other morning I see a DPL 5 101; nowhere in the US Embassy has 101 vehicles. Three weeks ago we found a false one in front

of the Chinese Embassy with a Chinese number plate. So we need to understand the society in which we live and the lengths that people go just to defeat the tax,” he said while stressing that it is easier to break the law than to abide by it.

Back in 2015, government had announced plans to have specially manufactured number plates be introduced here. The number plates were to be of different colours and would therefore prevent vehicle owners from buying a road service licence.

Government had said while it intends to move in the direction of enhancing security features on the number plates, it will consult with the many persons who make number plates for a living, so that they

too could be involved in the process.

However, Statia told reporters that efforts are on the way to ensure that the number plates with security features become a reality. “We are going to get that done this year,” he said, noting that discussions are ongoing on the matter.

“It was put on the back burner because we were trying to decide whether it should fall under the Ministry of Public Security or under GRA. I told them I don’t care who does it, once it is done.”

No decision has been made on who will take responsibility for the enhanced security feature and Statia noted that he reached out to Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud Thursday on the

matter.

“We need to restart it and get it going…we need to work together with the other agencies, especially the police where the vehicles are concerned.”

In 2015, government had granted approval for a proposal to establish a central system for the issuance of vehicle licence plates as there have been growing concerns by the security apparatus about the ways in which those number plates are made.

That aside, government had taken a decision to have its vehicles marked with special number plates.

Those plates bear CRG (Cooperative Republic of Guyana) thereby making government vehicles easily recognizable.

30 private schools charged for tax evasion THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has taken approximately 30 private school operators to court last year for failing to file the Pay as You Earn (PAYE) for their staff, as well as for not filing their Value Added Tax (VAT).

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Com-

missioner-General Godfrey Statia made it clear that his entity will not allow tax payers to continue evading the system. “In November of last year, I had to take every single educator, except about six persons, to court for non-filing of their returns and non-payment of their taxes that they would have actually collected on

behalf of GRA,” disclosed the GRA head.

He said his entity has discovered that the private schools (those culpable) have been deducting PAYE from the teachers’ salaries and don’t pay it over to the Authority.

While he was not in a position to divulge details on the court matters, the Commission-

er-General urged reporters to inspect the court’s records on the matter to get details.

Statia pointed to the “hue and cry” about paying VAT on private education last year, while noting that while the tax has now been removed from the tuition, school fees have not been reduced. “We are putting out a press release and I

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have said, parents are asked to ensure that they don’t pay VAT now,” said the GRA head. Last year, during the presentation of the 2018 National Budget, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced the removal of VAT on private education. The move by the administration to withdraw the tax followed much criticisms and protests since its announcement.

Jordan had argued that the tax was introduced as part of government’s initiative to widen the tax base. Services provided by private educational institutions were standard-rated, while educational supplies previously zero-rated were exempted from the payment of the VAT. VAT on private educational services was removed with effective January 1, 2018.

The removal of the tax was

welcome news for all private education providers, students and parents who have been demanding that government consider their circumstances. Meanwhile, in 2017, the Finance Minister had said that there were 86 private schools operating in Guyana and many of them make huge revenues. Fees range from between $144,000 and $300,000 annually, which do not include extra lessons, uniforms, books and coaching fees, among others. The top eight among these private schools rake in fees estimated at over $2 billion annually, Jordan had stated.

Notwithstanding, Statia said efforts will continue to ensure that all private education providers become tax compliant as government stands to lose about $342M as a result of the tax removal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Gov’t sets bar high for gold, forestry --pledges to do more about safety in the sectors

HIGH targets of production have been set for the gold and forestry sectors this year and the authorities will continue to address the issue of safety in light of a recent mining-related death.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman told the media on Thursday that the gold production target for this year has been set at 800,000 ounces.

He said that for 2017, production stood at 653,754 ounces, which was a shortfall from the 700,000 target. “It must be remembered that even with a lower-than-projected gold outturn, the result for 2017 was higher than that which was projected in 2016,” Trotman said.

In 2017, too, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) made the

sum of $241M in sales from 193,000 ounces of gold as compared with the $226M from 184,000 ounces it made in 2016. What this means, he said, is that even though declarations were lower for 2017, the country yet earned more foreign currency.

On that score, he commended all miners in the sector, and urged that they continue to do the right thing by declaring their gold to the Gold Board and licensed dealers.

He also hailed the efforts of Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms Simona Broomes with regard to the work she has been doing with the mining syndicates, and said that while there may be teething issues regarding land allocation, dialogue with the relevant

stakeholders has been the order of the day.

He said that in 2018, the mining sector will benefit from improved focus on safety, in light of a recent

accident which resulted in the loss of a life.

He announced, too, that with the consent of the Ministries of Finance and Public Infrastructure, the Guyana

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman addressing the media at yesterday’s press conference. At left is Junior Minister, Simona Broomes

Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will this year resume management of some hinterland roads.

According to Minister Broomes, there’s now a unit at the GGMC which addresses the issue of roads within the hinterland.

She said in 2018, the ministry will be looking at areas which are highly populated with mining concessions, and how roads can be improved there, all in the interest of increasing production.

In terms of performance, Minister Trotman said that though the figures are still being tallied, the forestry sector will have surpassed its target of 320,000 cubic meters in 2017. At the moment, he said, the figures stand at 345,000 cubic meters, and

according to the Guyana Forestry Commission, the final figure is expected to climb to 360,000 cubic meters, “which is very good.”

Noting that this year’s target has been fixed at 400,000 cubic meters, Minister Trotman said that with the redistribution last year of Barama’s concession, this “gives hope that other concessions given by government in 2018 would see greater yields.”

This year also, the government plans to implement a National Log Export Policy, a draft of which document has been completed and sent to Cabinet for approval.

In addition, a revised Forestry Policy Plan has been reviewed by the GFC board, and will be taken to Cabinet shortly.

GRA uncompromising on GTT tax debt …Statia says gov’t free to negotiate

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Thursday made it clear that it will be holding firm to taxation principles during its negotiation with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) and its parent company Atlantic Tele- Network (ATN) over the US$44M in taxes reportedly owed to the Authority.

The full liberalisation of Guyana’s telecommunications sector relies heavily on the negotiation between the sides and Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia made it clear that he will not allow politics to play a role.

In fact, he told reporters that if he senses a political debate, he will immediately withdraw from the negotiations. “Taxation must be dealt with in a principled way; it must be above board and everyone could recognise and be treated the same way.”

While he could not give a timeline for the conclusion of negotiations, Statia said GTT has submitted requested information to the Authority and he is in the process of perusing same.

He said too that he has requested additional information which the telephone company is yet to provide.

The dispute has been ongoing since 1991. “If you collect half of that 26 years ago, [you] would be in better stead than holding back those objections all along,” the GRA head stated. He reminded that the matter is in the courts and is likely to be deliberated upon in March.

“If engaging the courts, there is a process that needs to be followed. And that process means you first have to approach the court and

say we are in a negotiating mood…We have to respect the right of the tax payer, rights of the government and the court--notwithstanding all these negotiations.”

However, when asked whether the Authority is likely to consider giving up some of the US$44M owed to it to see the telecommunications liberalised, Statia said, “That is not a decision for me, I have said it before.

I am bound by the law, by tax principles. If the tax principles said that we did not raise the assessment in accordance with the law and tax principles, I am prepared to reduce the assessment or

amend it.”

When asked when would he be submitting his tabulated figure to government for a decision in this regard, Statia responded: “As long as I reach my figure as to what is due and payable to the revenue, that goes to the government whereby they could decide whether they are going to deduct it from any compensation or what is going to happen or these things,” the tax boss stated.

He emphasised that the buck does not stop with him, but noted that he intends to follow the law. “It is non-negotiable where taxes are concerned. Taxation

is based on principles, so any assessment that would be reduced or maintained would be based on those principles that could actually stand up in a court of law,” he concluded. The telephone company in its 2016 reports has said that should it be found culpable with respect to the US$44M GRA says it owes, then government would be obligated to repay the company so as to ensure that its returns on investments from 1991 to present is not under 15 per cent annually.

Meanwhile, earlier this week, Public Telecommu-

nications Minister, Catherine Hughes told reporters that the date for liberalisation, though previously set for mid-2017, has been a “moving target” due to tax negotiations between the GTT, ATN and the GRA. “I’m really happy to say that the negotiations to date have been conducted in an extremely cordial manner.

If you recognize that GTT and ATN have had a monopoly situation that’s lasted over 20 years, then you can understand that from the perspective of both parties, they want to make sure that they’re coming to the table

to get the best,” Hughes explained in regards to the delay.

Several international telecommunication companies have expressed interest in partnering with Guyana, even as efforts are made to fully liberalise the sector. Minister Hughes said her ministry has received approximately 20 proposals from both local and international companies, all eager to access information relative to the licence application process. The Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill was passed in July 2016.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

What does the PPP/C fear?

IN an editorial, January 15, 2018 and captioned “GuySuCo is the nation’s business”, we referred to “…pivotal moments in a nation’s history that define its moral character; sense of well-being, and sense of mission”.

It was further pointed out, “That these do not necessarily have to be instances that threaten the actual existence of the nation; but they can be described as challenges that will arise to test its better understanding of itself; its strengths as a people; and how well working together can find solutions to whatever that heightened moment will be”.

This was a call for rising to the highest ideals of the nation for a pooling of

its resources for a matter involving the national interest–resolving the issues in the unproductive sugar industry, especially on matters involving severance pay for 4000 of its workers.

The groundbreaking meeting between a government team, headed by President David Granger, Guyana Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) sugar unions and their delegations, followed this call.

It was a deliberation that showed what can be achieved when critical issues confront the nation – consensus on the way forward. Of course, there would have been those--the

spoilers--who had hoped for failure of the discussions, so as to continue their stratagem of seeking political mileage out of a tragedy for which they bear full responsibility.

It was heartening that both sides did conclude with an understanding on the way forward, specifically on the question of severance pay and other related issues relative to the future and the way forward for the sugar corporation, and of course– the workers.

But there are those who will continue their sordid attempts at doing everything possible, in their continuing selfish and anti-national efforts at stoking an environment of fear and ethnic insecurity for the affected sugar

workers. And this is despite the finalised agreement as to the payment of severance.

Therefore, GAWU leader’s report in the media of a smear campaign against him, as evidenced by a Guyana Times story, is an attempt to perpetuate the strategy of non-cooperation with the coalition, even on a matter that is of critical human proportions as the welfare of the sugar workers.

For all the political opposition statements as to representing the best interests of the sugar workers, this latest act presents yet incontrovertible evidence as to their well-known traditional, selfish use of the sugar workers, exposing all their pretence.

Where is the patriotism

that should have come from the political opposition party, to be absent from such important deliberations on a matter critical to the national interest? Does it need to be reminded that its very actions continue to betray the political support that it has continually received from the sugar industry?

It has to be an act of political vileness for elements within the political opposition to attempt to criticise the GAWU union leader for seeking to represent his union membership at talks with the govern-

ment. Notwithstanding his role in what has happened to GuySuCo, he has accepted his responsibilities, as union leader in very difficult circumstances, for an industrial tragedy for which he must bear partial responsibility. In doing so, he is seeking to represent his membership; arriving at a number of mutually accepted positions of benefit to his union’s members. What is wrong with cooperating with the government towards such a noble end? What does the PPP/C opposition fear?

Ministry of Natural Resources responds to KN article Dear Editor,

THE Ministry of Natural Resources notes the article appearing on page 9 of the January 23, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur News under the headline “Govt. pre-approves uncapped importation for ExxonMobil”.

The Ministry joins with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in restating its position that it is proud to have released the contract with ExxonMobil for public scrutiny. The now publicly available contract confirms that Guyana stands to benefit in the most significant agreement in the history of this country and that the proceeds will allow for the social, infrastructural and economic transformation of our beloved country.

Notably, contracts under previous administrations were shielded from the public under questionable circumstances. This was done with contempt for public accountability and transparency and without regard to citizens’ right to know.

This government has departed from that dark path and is committed to public accountability, as witnessed by our aggressive pursuit of EITI inclusion. What is regrettably apparent from the Kaieteur News article is the lack of industry specific knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of contract regimes in oil and gas.

Guyana’s agreement with ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC Nexen is a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) as noted by Kaieteur News, not dissimilar to such

agreements in other parts of the world and whose Production Sharing Agreements contain the same or similar incentives. The primary reason why, for example, China, Azerbaijan, Angola, Ghana and almost every country (a list will be provided) who utilize a PSA exempt Export and Import Duties on materials and equipment specific to upstream petroleum operations is that OWNERSHIP of such, the equipment and the installations built, become the property of the host government. While reading the provisions contained in Article 21, the Ministry of Natural Resources kindly requests that Kaieteur News acquaints itself and reporters with Article 20: Article 20 ? Rights to Assets and Insurance 20.1 Rights to Assets

(a) The Contractor shall have the right to use free of charge assets previously installed by the Contractor in relinquished areas which are required for its operations in the remaining portion of the Contract Area provided that in the event of re-licencing of the relinquished area, such licence shall exclude the aforesaid assets. (b) Subject to Article 20.1 (c) Upon expiry or termination of this Agreement in accordance with the provisions hereof, the Contractor shall upon notification by GGMC pursuant to Article 20.1 (d)1: Deliver to the Minister, free of charge, in good order and condition, (fair wear and tear excepted) all installations, works, pipelines, pumps, casings, tubings, engines and other equipment, machinery or assets of a fixed or permanent nature con-

structed, used or employed by the Contractor or the Operator in the Contract Area; (ii) Deliver to the Minister, free of charge, any fixed assets relating to Petroleum Operations outside the Contract Area and movable assets owned by the Contractor or Operator and used or employed in connection with Petroleum Operations and located in Guyana for which costs have been fully recovered in accordance with Annex C herein; where costs have not been fully recovered the provisions of Article 20.1(iii)shall apply; (iii) Sell to the Minister any other assets owned by the Contractor or Operator and used or employed by the Contractor or Operator in the Contract Area or elsewhere in Guyana in connection with Petroleum Operations at a price equiv-

alent to the unrecovered cost of the assets.

The Ministry of Natural Resources understands that this is a new sector for all of Guyana, but especially urges the media to be responsible in their reporting and where necessary and applicable, to provide relevant context.

The Ministry stands ready to assist in this regard and is examining ways in which it can partner with private sector entities to provide training and exposure to media as was the appeal of the newly-elected executive of the Guyana Press Association as articulated at the recent media brunch hosted by His Excellency President David Granger.

Regards Ministry of Natural Resources

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

They have no misgivings over destroying one of their own Dear Editor,

THE Guyana Times Tuesday, January 2, 2018, edition carried as its front page a lead article captioned, “Sugar Workers call for Komal Chand to resign”.

On reading of this development, my first response was to question the reliability of the story, and, more importantly, I tried to understand what are the political inferences which could be drawn from the article. When I considered that Guyana Times, the so called (“Beacon of truth”) is a newspaper firmly aligned with the PPPC, the close relationship between its owner and the Leader of the Opposition and General Secretary of the PPP, Bharat Jagdeo, and given that party’s longstanding control of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU}, I concluded that the article represented a deliberate/organised/ attack by elements at the highest level of the PPP to destroy Komal Chand.

The present hostility to Chand to all appearances, have to do with him taking off his political hat and in the process, demonstrating that as a Union leader, he was prepared to assume a more matured posture in the ongoing talks with the government on the issue of the payment of severance to sugar workers and related matters as the effort of right-sizing GuySuCo’s operations proceeds. At the initial discussions an agreement was arrived at whereby lower end, severed workers will receive their full severance pay by January 31, 2018, and the remaining workers[will get their] payment in two parts; 50% by January 31st 2018 and the remaining 50% in the latter part of the year. This

agreement between the union and government has not found favour with the political bosses in Freedom House, who, it is clear, don’t see the workers welfare as being paramount.

The primary objective of Jagdeo and the other leaders in the PPP is to use the sugar workers issue as a political football.

Given the relations between GAWU and the PPP, it is unlikely that Chand would have agreed to the engagement with the government without the support of the PPP/C leadership. Apparently, the PPP/C and Jagdeo, in agreeing to the engagement, did so with the expectation that the talks will not have resulted in any positive result. That miscalculation was based on their expectation that the government would have held steadfast to its earlier position. However, to the government’s credit, it moved away from its original position and made the kind of offer that no right thinking union leader, particularly one operating in the context of GAWU and the sugar workers situation, would not have embraced. As things now stand, the Union remains firm on its position that all severed workers should be paid in full, but at the same time it accepts the government offer to make full payments to lower end workers.

To any right thinking individual, Chand, who in agreeing to the government’s proposal must have taken into consideration the financial difficulties the government and GuySuCo are faced with, would be applauded for protecting the interests of the most vulnerable of the sugar workers, while signaling at the same time his commitment to continue the struggle on behalf of the other affected workers.

Chand’s success at the talks with government was not part of the Jagdeo/PPP’s game plan.

Their response was to encourage their political activists in the sugar communities to wage a party-directed campaign against Komal Chand.

The almost 2000 workers, who are to receive their full severance, must be perturbed over the attitude of GAWU’s bosses in the PPP/C. Convention demands that union leaders, all union leadership, regardless of their political loyalty, must, as a matter of duty and principle, put the interest of the workers above that of their party. This is what Komal Chand did when, in the interest of GAWU’s members, he agreed with the decision to bring needed and immediate relief to a specific section of the severed workers. It is very clear that Jagdeo and the other political bosses in the PPP would have preferred the talks to be deadlocked, thereby providing him with more political ammunition.

GAWU for most of its history has acted in line with party dictates on matters of the sugar industry and the nation. The first significant departure from this policy occured during jagdeo’s Presidency, when the union opposed the government treatment of sugar workers.

The government in an unprecedented manner, through the then Minister of Labour, Mr. Nanda Gopal, publicly threatened to derecognise the union as the bargaining agent for the sugar workers. That public rift between the PPP/C and GAWU took place with Komal Chand at the head of the union. Unlike the previous situation where the internal party struggle between the Jagdeo‘s faction (the young turks)

Ram at the age where he can no longer be conscripted Dear Editor,

WHILE we must certainly applaud Christopher Ram for his willingness to civically engage, I must admit that he is sometimes painfully naive. Stating recently that the new oil find at Ranger-1 is reason to weep, not rejoice, Mr Ram again reiterates the biggest fallacy of the national debate on oil. When will the red herring that Exxon Mobil was given 600 blocks unlawfully cease to cloud any serious discussion about oil?

Mr Ram asserts repeatedly that the laws of Guyana allow for a maximum of 60 blocks to be given to any oil producer, and that Exxon was given ten times the amount allowed for. This is true, but as has been repeatedly stated by both

sides of the national assembly, this was done for national security reasons, per the provisions of our laws. We can argue over whether this was the approach that should have been taken in general, but it is meaningless to debate the legality of Exxon’s allocation.

Even further, this continued fallacy undermines Guyana’s national security by continually pressuring our oil production partner. It is no way ambiguous that Exxon is involved to help the nation secure Essequibo from military Venezuelan intervention to steal the hard-earned birth right of the descendants of slaves, indentured laborers and Guyana’s first peoples. Both major parties agree this is why the block allocation takes the form it does and

is the sole reason every single Guyanese male has not been conscripted to our military.

Perhaps the reason Mr Ram is so comfortable undermining our national security strategy is because he has reached the age where he can no longer be conscripted. As Guyanese we need to acknowledge that there are real threats and real strategies to counter them in our national planning.

Perhaps Mr Ram needs to be reminded that while there are around 3000 Guyanese soldiers, there are over 100,000 active Venezuelan soldiers and 400,000 militiamen.

Regards MALCOLM MARSHALL

and the party’s “old guard” was at the centre of the dispute, the present situation seems to be somewhat different.

The article contains the following accusations against Mr. Chand that are designed to destroy his character and reputation as a fighter for sugar workers and workers in general, and a party loyalist. The accusations against Chand are many and read like a litany of woes. He is now being portrayed as a traitor, a failure to represent sugar workers, collecting millions in union dues, betrayal of workers, responsibility for the decline of the industry, lost of zeal and being unable to serve the interest of the workers anymore, incapable of leading the

union, the need for him to step aside in favour of a younger, more dynamic leader. Readers should not be surprised if those closeted in the leadership hierarchy of the PPP will decide that in order to drive the final nail in Chand’s coffin, they must accuse him publicly of sexual harassment. This style of accusation is taken from the script of the Stalinist era in the Soviet Union when the party decides to pull down a long standing leader, sending him into political oblivion. Of political significance is one of the front page leads in the Guyana Times in its Thursday January 25, 2018 edition, referencing comments by political commentator and economist Ramon Gaskin, captioned

“Fire Komal Chand” – former presidential advisor”.

It is still too early to predict how this plot against Komal Chand will play out and whether the veteran trade unionist and political leader will prevail. Already, cracks (Guyana Chronicle Jan, 25,2018 quoted PPP MP Indra Chandarpal supporting Chand) are showing up in what initially appeared to have been a united front to teach the GAWU ‘s strong man a lesson - they have no misgivings over destroying one of their own who has demonstrated throughout his life unquestionable loyalty.

Regards TACUMA OGUNSEYE

8

PM leads high-level delegation in sugar belt Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo will today lead a high-level delegation to the sugar belt in Berbice as government continues to help transition laid-off workers.

The Prime Minister during his visit will hold meetings in Skeldon and Canje and is expected to address issues such as: severance pay for sugar workers; job opportunities and the future of the industry. The meetings are billed for 10:am and 2PM respectively.

Also today another headed by Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan will meet with residents of Enmore. Ministers; Cathy Hughes, Simona Broomes and Winston Felix will join Ramjattan during this visit.

Government and the sugar unions last Friday agreed to work together to resolve the issues within the industry

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

and President David Granger urged all stakeholders to put aside all prejudices and partisan interests for the national good. President Granger and some senior members of his cabinet, including Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, met the President and members of the

GAWU and the NAACIE to discuss the future of the sugar industry. The meeting lasted approximately two hours and the stakeholders were able to find common ground.

In a statement the Ministry of the Presidency said the unions agreed to cooperate fully with government to find a solution that would benefit all stakeholders. In his address to representatives of the unions, President Granger said Friday’s meeting represented the start of talks between the sides, so that consensus can be reached soonest on the way forward. “This is a national matter. It is not a partisan one. It involves human beings, households and families. We are conscious of the foresighted nature and we cannot ignore the context of the issue that we face. We cannot continue something that is not competitive. We Turn to page 9 ►

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Gov’t to release all major contracts Chevron, Petrobras, Total signal agreed to date –interest in oil & gas GOVERNMENT is expected to release some additional agreements it would have signed with various entities before the end of this month.

And while on the subject of agreements, several oil firms, among them California-based Chevron; Brazil’s Petrobas; French oil and gas firm, Total; and Italy’s E&I have all signalled an interest in Guyana’s petroleum sector.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman told reports on Thursday during a press conference at the Ministry of Natural Resources on Brickdam that in relation to the agreements of which he spoke, letters have already been sent to the various entities.

And, based on the responses he’s received so far, there is every indication that there is no objection to the agreements being made public, some of which are expected to be released before the end

of January.

In late December 2017, the government and American oil giant, ExxonMobil released the production-sharing pact both parties have agreed to.

Minister Trotman said on Thursday that by so doing, the government has “broken from the past”, in that past administrations, going as far back as 1966, have never before gone public with their dealings.

Giving an update on the ongoing interest in this country’s petroleum sector, Minister Trotman told reporters that Chevon has “made a very good application” to the government, and has even indicated that it plans sending a team here as early as next week.

He said that the government may very well make a decision on the firm’s application before the end of the first quarter of 2018.

Responding to questions about Exxon’s presence here, Trotman said the

government is confident that it can partner and develop a long-term relationship with the firm.

He recalled being assured some time ago by Norway’s production directorate that Exxon is “a good company” with which to get into business, and that the government is constantly being advised with regards to its approach to the sector, be it advice for or against.

What he does know for sure, he said, is that the world is “excited” about Guyana, a case in point being a recent Bloomberg article saying “the Number One hot-spot for oil and gas exploration is a tiny South American country called Guyana.”

To cap it all, he said there is “something” about Guyana that the rest of the world is seeing “that a few people in Guyana with loud mouths and good writing skills are not.”

No ethnic group except Amerindians can lay claim to any region or county of this country Dear Editor, ON the eve of 2018, Ravi Dev attempted another roar. His features are referred to as "The Roar of Ravi Dev". This time he roared at Henry Jeffery's reiterated proposal of "grand coalition". This roar saw Dev denouncing "the studied refusal of African theorists to follow Lewis' suggestion and include 'Federalism' in their proposal for ending the ethnic security dilemmas'.

Over the years, I have expressed agreement with Ravi Dev's contention that majoritarian rule will not work for Guyana. In fact, Jeffery also expressed that view.

Indeed, our point of departure is Dev's insistence that the solution must include Federalism.

His articulation of the theoretical benefits of Federalism are flawless, but fails to address the reality of Guyana.

In the past, he has offered specific suggestions about the geographical construct of Federalism in Guyana.

On this occasion, he omits that articulation but contends that "In a society where the majority ethnic groups each constitute majorities in dif-

ferent areas of the country, political devolution offers the largest number of incentives toward addressing ethnic insecurities". Thus, by inference, he returns to his old idea of creating four states: Berbice, Demerara, South Essequibo and North Essequibo, or some such configuration based on ethnic dominance.

While I am an advocate of devolution, I maintain that his proposition of Federalism is highly flawed, Indo-centric and non-recognition of the contribution of other Guyanese to the development of Guyana; and their collective right to its patrimony. On another occasion, I will deal with the racist nature of his proposal.

Wherever Federalism has been adopted, its implementation has been associated with the inhabitants of a particular state sharing some homogeneity and collective sovereign right. In Guyana, our occupation and development of any and every part of the country has been shared with ethnic sequential presence and probable dominance , at particular junctures.

No one part of "Guyana" can historically be attributed to any one ethnic group,

except for the Amerindians, who are condemned to dominion in South Essequibo, in his construct. Having laid the foundation for the development of the entire coast of Guyana, Ravi Dev's construct seems to provide African Guyanese dominion over Demerara, by far the smallest county with the least diversified resource base, the largest population and the largest

number of Indo-Guyanese, in any part of the country.

On the other hand, he seeks to hand dominion to the Indo -Guyanese in Berbice and North Essequibo, including Regions 7 and probably part of 8, amounting to approximately half of the country being under the control of about 20 percent of its population, not to mention the percentage of its wealth.

No ethnic group in Guyana, except the Amerindians can lay claim to any region or county of this country.

Land rights and nationhood are the quintessential bases upon which Federal States have been established in every part of this world, albeit some evolved and others used devolution to correct the historical distortion and erosion of their sovereign rights.

There is therefore no basis or justification for Ravi Dev's roar. The sound is occasioned but it's direction

reeks of serious sensitivity disorder, like a doctor with the right diagnosis but the wrong treatment. He may well bring about unwarranted fatality.

Let’s find the right way to make Guyana Rise. Ravi Dev's chronic penchant for misadventure on this matter, essays the need for close and critical examination of his other editorial ventures.

Regards Vincent Alexander

Perpetual handouts just not acceptable Dear editor, A COLUMN entry from ‘In the Diaspora’, appearing on January 8th in Stabroek News, aims to shine a light on the retrenchment of sugar workers but is woefully short-sighted and quite inappropriate.

That an issue which is fundamentally tax-payer centred appears in a column entitled ‘In the Diaspora’ is already a poor start. Bailouts of the sugar industry, funded by the public purse, should be discussed domestically, as we are the ones paying taxes.

Guyanese should not

take such foreign commentaries lightly, as it is easy to criticize when you're coming from a perspective that doesn't face the consequences of that criticism. As at the end of 2017, 32 billion dollars had been provided GUYSUCO, from the time the current administration took office. That comes to over a billion dollars a month and a conservative estimate of the cost per tax payer puts it at 2400 dollars a month, every single month. Maybe that isn't a substantial amount "In the Diaspora" but Guyanese know that is good money, and to be giving such sums every single month with no

end in sight is just unacceptable.

Even further, the article lays the blame for closing estates squarely with the government when it is the former President, Bharrat Jagdeo who said that without a successful Skeldon factory, the sugar industry will fail. The Skeldon factory has just not performed and as a result look at what we have now to deal with. The authors of that column make it seem like there is some miracle around the corner for an industry that is producing at three times the world price. Admittedly, sugar was a feature of our economy for hundreds of years but there are few ex-

amples of goods that go for that long without some sort of huge change.

We should instead celebrate the proud history of sugar and do what we can to support sugar workers in this transitory period. Perpetual handouts will, however, just not be acceptable and do both taxpayers and sugar workers an injustice.

The authors seem to think sugar workers can't learn something new and advance their lives. I hope that those "In the Diaspora" have more confidence in local Guyanese than that.

Regards Name Provided

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Essequibians quiz Exxon about jobs, pollution …as EPA hosts public scoping meeting for Liza 2 development

By Indrawattie Natram THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wednesday evening conducted its first of two-public scoping meetings in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), informing major stakeholders about Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) Liza Phase 2 Development Project that is executed under ExxonMobil Guyana.

The process involved public participation, giving residents from the rural areas the opportunity to state some of the major issues and impacts which should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study. Speaking to stakeholders at the Cotton Field Secondary School, Senior Environmental Officer, Candacie Thompson, said it is the role of the EPA to guide citizens, ensuring that their concerns, suggestions and recommendations are captured in the Terms of Reference that will be developed shortly. She further added that the Terms of Reference will act as a guide towards the formation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Shedding some light on the project, she said the EPA received an application from EEPGL for Environmental Authorization to undertake Liza 2 Development facilities for Petroleum Production for an estimated 20 years in the Stabroek License Area, Offshore Guyana. She further stated that the proposed project will be implemented in multiple stages which include drilling of 35-40 wells, mobilization and installation of a floating production, storage and offloading facility, production operations and decommissioning.

As such, she said given

Country Manager of ExxonMobil, Rod Henson making his presentation

the nature of the project and in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, Cap 20:05, Laws of Guyana, an EIA is required for the project before any decision on whether or not an Environmental Permit would be granted. During lengthy discussion, residents from Region Two were particularly concerned about possible natural disasters as fallout from the project.

Region Two Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt, who was part of the meeting, said he was concerned about the agriculture and tourism sector and the negative impact the project could have on the sectors. Ramdatt said while it will be a good move for Guyana through the earning of revenues, keen attention need to be given to the way the waterways would be affected.

“While we are here making recommendations, we also need answers. Region Two is surrounded by water; agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities and as such the project has a direct impact on us. What will happen if there is any oil spill?”

He also queried where the hazardous waste would be dumped and called upon the EPA to take that into consideration. President of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce (ECC), Mr. Deleep Singh said that to his knowledge the

project is a secret one and as such called for more information to be made public.

He also asked the question what will the company do in an event the country suffers a natural disaster. He also called on the EPA to analyse the negative environmental impacts the project will have.

Singh also asked how Essequibo will benefit in terms of employment opportunities and procurement. Regional vice chairperson, Nandrainie Coonjah said that she was not satisfied with the answers that were provided by ExxonMobil on several issues that were raised. She said that it is Guyana’s natural resources that will be extracted, as such it is the people’s right to state what they feel will happen to the country. Coonjah said that most of the countries that found oil suffered from natural disaster.

Meanwhile, in responding to residents’ questions, country manager for Exxon-

Government will not win, the unions will not win and the workers will not win if the industry is crippled. We will all lose. Nobody is against the sugar industry. The government and the unions should engage until the issue is re-

and the living resources of the rivers and sea.

If the contractor fails to comply with the stipulated regulations, thereby resulting in pollution or damage to the environment, riverine or marine life or otherwise, “the contractor shall take all reasonable measures in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice to remedy the failure and the effects thereof and shall, where pollution occurs, treat or disperse it in an environmentally acceptable manner.” It should be noted however, that the contractor would not be deemed liable to remedy pollution or environmental damage that existed prior to the start of its petroleum operation. In the event of an emergency or accident arising from petroleum operations, the contractor is required to notify the minister immediately. “If the contractor does not act promptly pursuant to Article 28.4, so as to control or clean up any pollution within a reasonable period specified by the minister, the minister may, after giving the contractor reasonable notice in the circumstance, take actions which are necessary in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice and the reasonable costs and expenses of such actions shall be borne by the contractor,” the contract stated.

Stakeholders at the public meeting held at Charity

PM leads high-level... are bailing out the industry at $1B per month and that is simply not sustainable.”

President Granger added: “If workers have to go home then we all lose, as it will have an impact on the economic growth of the country.

Mobil, Rod Henson said that the project will be beneficial to Guyana and residents from throughout Guyana will benefit. He said ExxonMobil is currently conducting a study to provide gas to the Government which will reduce energy cost. Henson said that the study will see if it is safe and viable. Henson said it is estimated that production will be approximately 190,000 to 220,000 barrels of oil per day. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Department of Environment, and Ministry of The Presidency, members of the EPA and EAB boards of directors. A similar meeting was also held at Charity.

Under the contract between Guyana and ExxonMobil, a programme is to be established for financial support for environmental and social projects to be funded by the U.S. oil company and its partners. According to the 2016 revised Petro-

leum Agreement between the parties, the contractor shall “directly fund the amount of US$300,000 per calendar year with any funded but unspent portion of this amount to be carried over into the ensuing calendar years of the agreement.”

By virtue of this agreement, the subject minister and the contractor shall meet annually to agree on the projects that are to be funded in the given year, provided that adjustments in regard to amount and projects to be funded may be agreed during any particular year in question.

Additionally, the contract notes that the contractor is not obligated to fund any project which may in its opinion subject its members to liabilities in their respective affiliate countries of operation. On the environmental front, the contractor is obligated in accordance with the 1996 Environmental Protection Act, to obtain an environment authorisation as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The contractor is thereby prevented from initiating any exploration or development activity on areas that are outside of the contract area which the EPA may determine to be sensitive or protected. Additionally, the contractor is required to take necessary and adequate precautions in accordance with good international petroleum industry practice to guard against pollution and to protect the environment

From page 8

solved. Let us use this opportunity to show flexibility and ensure that livelihoods are saved,” the President was quoted as saying.

President of GAWU, Komal Chand, expressed much satisfaction with the

outcome of the meeting, and noted that the union is now committed to working with the administration to draft feasible solutions.

“We have listened and we are satisfied that you are concerned with the issues.

We are ready to work along with the government to explore the options and we

are going to give our best to see the situation out. You are right that there are no winners in this and we are willing… We are certainly pleased with this meeting.

This is the first meeting [for the year] we have been able to have with the government and we believe that the meeting took place in a

positive atmosphere and we recognise that the government itself pays attention and I think that it is a good beginning,” said Chand, a veteran trade unionist and politician. GAWU’s President said it is important that stakeholders are engaged and are seeking positive solutions.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Agricola murder trial...

Star witness puts ex-soldier at crime scene – says their eyes ‘made four’ on night of murder

SAMANTHA Sabatt, the British-based star witness in the January 31, 2014 Agricola murder trial on Thursday morning testified via Skype that the accused, Abiola Jacobs, was at the 16-17 Agricola Public Road crime scene on the night in question.

Testifying before Justice James Bovell-Drakes and a 12-member jury in the Georgetown High Court, Sabatt, who was a house guest of the deceased, said that on the night of January 31, 2014, she was awake and in her bedroom when she heard things being moved around the house, followed by heavy footsteps and the switching off of the lights.

She said she then heard muted voices, and on realising that something was not quite right, she remained quiet. And the next thing she

knew, there was this loud banging on her bedroom door and a male voice demanding, “Open the door!”

Sabatt said she did not open the bedroom door as instructed, but looked through the lattice instead, and there, standing just about six feet away, was the accused. And they just stared at each other, without saying a word for about five seconds.

The witness said that at that point, the accused walked off and the lights suddenly came back on. Then someone came to her bedroom window, and tried to prise it open to get into the room.

Sabatt said the moment she saw the shadowy figure, she knew that her life was in danger and that it was time to get out. And that’s when she decided to jump through a bedroom window and onto

the verandah below, sustaining in the process a broken cheek bone and wrist among other injuries.

At the time of the incident, the witness recalled, she and the deceased were the only ones at home. She said the only reason she was able to recognise the accused was because the street lights were streaming into the house, which gave a clear view.

Sabatt said that when she saw the accused at the house that night, she seemed very angry, and this terrified her.

She said she had only seen the accused about three times before, and that was when the young woman had gone to pay her ex-mother-inlaw a visit. And on all three or so occasions, their meeting was cordial.

The witness told the court that back in February 2014, when she gave the police a

Major restructuring...

He said that Cadet training centres will be built on a regional basis alongside Militia drill halls. “The Corps will inculcate the five standards of service embodied in the Force’s Manual of Values and Standards, especially “… responsibility; respect for the law; respect for others; correct conduct; and appropriate social behaviour.” Service in the corps will expose young Guyanese to the country’s distinctive landscapes and diverse cultures. The corps will develop their leadership skills and team work and prepare youths for citizenship,” he further explained.

HIGH COMMAND Additionally, the President said that the reinforcement of the force’s high command, which started with the restoration of the appointments of Adjutant General, Inspector General, Quartermaster General (QMG) and Commandant of the Guyana People’s Militia have allowed dedicated superior officers to pay undivided attention to personnel and soldiers’ morale, the improvement of soldiers’ living conditions, a high state of operational readiness and interoperability with fraternal Caribbean defence forces and the mobil-

isation and training of reserve personnel.

“The force is being brought up to its authorised strength to allow it to be deployed to any part of the country, in any weather or terrain and at short notice.

The ‘reserve force’ – the Guyana People’s Militia – is being re-built in every administrative region. The Militia is an essential arm of the Regional system. Each regional capital town will have its own unit, eventually, to enable to respond more promptly to render assistance to residents in the event of emergencies. The Force is the premier agency charged with responsibility to protect our homeland against the new security threats such as environmental degradation, flooding and drought. The Force is being readied to support the Government’s law-enforcement efforts to combat trafficking in illegal weapons and narcotics and transnational terrorism.

The Force will support, also, green initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint,’ he said.

PROTECTION OF PATRIMONY The Head of State said that the changes are in

Abiola Jacobs

statement; there was a confrontation between her and the accused.

She said that after she identified the accused as the person she saw at the Taylor’s house on the night of the murder, the accused said to

her: “Sweet-girl, you didn’t see anything.”

Sabatt described the deceased, Donna Taylor as a very friendly woman who treated her with respect. She also attested to being aware of the special relationship the deceased had with her son, Bertram Taylor, Jr. Meanwhile, under cross-examination, defence attorney, Adrian Thompson suggested to the witness that she fabricated lies to tell the court, since she did not see the accused at the house on the night in question.

He put it to her that she may have indeed seen a shadow, but there was no way of telling whether or not it was his client, and that she was not being truthful in her testimony. Sabatt then responded that she has no reason to lie.

She even admitted being involved once with Bertram

Jr., but said she’d never had a confrontation with the deceased.

At this point, the State closed its case, and the accused led her defence by opting to remain in the prisoner’s box where she gave a blow-by-blow account of what she did from the time she received a phone call and journeyed from her home to the Taylor’s, and up to when she was arrested.

Both the State and the defence made closing submissions on Thursday. The judge will make his summation on Monday, after which the matter will be handed over to the jury for deliberations, followed by a verdict.

The state is being led

by Mandel Moore in association with Lisa Cave, while the defence attorney is Adrian Thompson.

From page 2

keeping with the force’s responsibility for the protection of this country’s patrimony. Acknowledging that the force continues to face numerous challenges in safeguarding the national territory including airspace, borders, marine resources and rivers, he assured that Government is working to address those challenges.

“The vast areas, long distances and small aviation and maritime fleets available to our Air Corps and Coast Guard, respectively, limit our ability to effectively control our air and maritime zones.

The Essequibo River, our largest river, does not have a single bridge. The Rupununi, our largest region, does not have a single highway. Access to nearly seventy-five percent of our country, which is covered with forests is difficult, a situation compounded by inadequate infrastructure – such as aerodromes, bridges, highways and stellings.

Infrastructural development is a top national priority. “The Force’s technical corps must be strengthened to allow it to contribute effectively to national development and to execute its mandate of protecting

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, David Granger; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West standing at attention

the territory and preventing transnational crime. National defence is inseparable from national development. Public infrastructure enables public security by guaranteeing safety for our citizens and providing comfort for investors and visitors,” he explained.

BORDER CONTROVERSY Meanwhile, President Granger said that the Government, ever mindful of its duty to secure territorial integrity and sovereignty, has been engaged in various, vigorous diplomatic initiatives over the past 32 months. “These efforts have been all aimed at reaching a peaceful res-

olution to the territorial controversy which arose out of the contention by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela that the arbitral award of October 1899, by which Guyana’s borders were formally delimited under international law, was null. Guyana is still engaged in a renewed Good Offices process but we remain confident that the process will eventuate in a juridical settlement of this controversy – one that has stymied the development of our state since Independence,” he stated.

GDF has embarked on a programme of long-range patrols aimed at re-affirming the country’s territorial borders – from Punta Playa

to the Kutari and from Ankoko to Orealla.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Patrick West, in his presentation said that despite the challenges in 2017, the GDF remains resolute in its mandate. As the force begins its planning for 2018, the Chief-of-Staff said that the force will be moving to improve its capabilities and capacity for the continued security of Guyana’s borders and its citizens.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister of Finance, Mr. Winston Jordan were also present at the opening ceremony.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Bulkan rebukes mayor …over Bel Air playground takeover

MINISTER of Communities has rebuked Mayor Patricia Chase-Green over the City Council’s controversial takeover of a playground in Bel Air for residential purposes.

The High Court has since issued all of the councillors with a cease and desist order, threatening jail and a fine if they were to go ahead with plans to convert the property into a residential area. In a letter written to the Mayor, Bulkan said , “I refer to the matter which culminated in the ruling by Justice Gino Persaud on 2018-0108, regarding lands situated at Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Further, I bring to your attention a previous transaction which by virtue of its nature and the person(s) involved, is germane to the matter regarding the subject at caption (see attachment–parliamentary questions asked by the Hon. Mr. Carl Greenidge – which make mention of ‘criminal charges’ and ‘predatory behaviour’). I allude too to any matters of a similar nature or context. Regarding such, I convey to you the position of central government.”

Bulkan outlined that President David Granger, in his address to Mayors and Deputy Mayors on 201703-30, was pellucid in the expression of his expectation of local government organs;

“I expect that those organs would feel the need to be guided by those expressed expectations and moreover by the rule of law (Article 74 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana). You are doubtless aware that Article 9 states, “Sovereignty belongs to the people who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under this Constitution.”

According to Bulkan in the address President Granger said, “Local government organs of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana should embody three principal political characteristics. They should be representative, inclusive and effective.” Regarding representativeness, the President said, “Elected councillors are reminded that their authority is derived directly from the people.

Authority within councils should be exercised, therefore, in a democratic manner.” His Excellency said too, “I urge them to ensure that citizens have an input in decisions which are likely to affect their well-being.”

“I inform you further, that the undertaking by the Council to convert green spaces in residential areas into housing or other commercial ventures does not find favour with central government. Instead, it is the

desire and expectation of the administration that local democratic organs undertake to maintain and improve such areas for the benefit of all residents and citizens within the confines of their intended purpose,” Bulkan told the mayor.

He further informed Chase-Green, “that it is the view of central government that, in light of the foregoing, it is expected that any undertaking by any Council must have the support of the relevant Constituency Councillor. In fact, before an undertaking is placed on the agenda of a meeting of the Council, the relevant Constituency Councillor must so agree. In the absence of such agreement, it is expected that for a matter to be considered and discussed by Council no fewer than two –thirds of the number of councillors should consent to having the matter placed on the agenda.”

“I further apprise you that I am in favour of the exercise of a moratorium on the conversion or use of green spaces for any purpose apart from that for which such spaces are intended, and based on discussions at Cabinet, my colleagues share that view. I advise you of this fact for your consideration for implementation of such, within the municipality.”

In a swift reaction to the minister’s letter former Dep-

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan

uty Mayor and current, councillor, Sherod Duncan said: “This definitive rebuke of the Mayor and Town Clerk

by Central Government is yet another example why they must go or else continue to damage the image of the Coalition Government at Local Government.” Duncan said, “We cannot re-elect this Mayor in March 2018. Her Worship has done nothing to deserve the confidence of our vote, that most sacred of expressions of consent in those we desire to lead us. The Town Clerk bumbles from one degree of ineptitude to the next. His incompetence is taxing on the city. The people of Georgetown must be relieved of this combined burden. They must go.”

Resident of Bel Air Park and a founding partner of London House Chambers, Devindra Kissoon, had filed

Town Clerk Royston King

an application and the High Court has since restrained the councillors from “using, leasing, transferring, assigning, conveying, licensing, selling, encumbering, dealing or permitting the use of the property for the purpose of building residential homes or otherwise other than for community purposes.”

“We’re all going to jail if we do not desist,” Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran told the Chronicle on Wednesday in a reaction to the court order. Jaikarran however said he was assured by the mayor that there was nothing to worry about. Notwithstanding this, he said he will be seeking the advice of his lawyers. “I’m not going to jail for the Council or for the town clerk. While I’m committed to serving the citizens of Georgetown, I have to draw the line at the thought of imprisonment. I

Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green

like being the deputy mayor but I’m too old to do time for things I know nothing about,” Jaikarran said.

Last Monday, the mayor said nothing the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) did relating to the playground was ever shrouded in secrecy.

She reminded councillors that it was the Investment and Development Committee that had brought this matter to the Council. The Council, she recalled, subsequently granted its approval, subject to a greenlight from the Central Housing and Planning Authority, among other agencies.

Town Clerk Royston King similarly commented that the Council had agreed in principle that the Bel Air Park land be reviewed and repossessed.

GPA protests poor treatment of media workers at GDF confab APPROXIMATELY 20 media operatives stormed out of Base Camp Ayanganna owing to poor seating arrangements for coverage of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Annual Officers Conference on Thursday.

The Guyana Press Association (GPA), in a statement said that the GDF was disrespectful in its actions.

“The Guyana Press Association stands firmly with media workers who walked out of the Guyana Defence Force Headquarters this morning (Thursday) following what can be described as gross disrespect for those in the profession,” the press association said in a statement.

It noted that the media were initially invited to cover the opening ceremony of the GDF Annual

Media operatives walking out of Base Camp Ayanganna after being met with disrespect by the organisers of the conference

Officers Conference on January 23, 2018 with no start time given. In a subsequent email, the media were informed that they should be at Camp Ayanganna at 9:30hrs on Thursday morning.

“Upon arrival, the members of the media were told

to wait under a benab just outside the compound of the GDF, after which they were corralled into a room, where they were told to await further instructions.

This went well beyond the time the media was invited to cover the opening of the conference,” GPA detailed.

It added that after a few minutes, the media workers were led to the Officers’ Mess Hall where the opening ceremony was being held. On arrival, they were told to wait in the lounge area. At that point, it was clear that the event had already started as Chief

of Staff Brigadier Patrick West could be heard giving his address.

“A senior army officer subsequently led the media to the area where the event was being held and the media were told to stand beside dozens of officers who were all comfortably seated. It was at that point that a decision was taken to walk out.

“The Guyana Press Association would like to use this opportunity to remind the Guyana Defence Force of the importance of the media, not only as a group but as a major partner that also works to ensure the integrity and sovereignty of this country. The media does not work in a vacuum and its members should be treated with the respect it deserves,” GPA said.

The press association

said it is unfortunate that the GDF continues to engage the media in this manner even after repeated attempts to engage and work towards a better relationship. It also used the opportunity to place on record its letter of January 15, 2018 which extended an opportunity to the GDF for more frequent engagements. To date, the GDF has not acknowledged receipt of this correspondence.

GPA Vice President Zoisa Fraser, who was present at the time of the walk out, was told

by Colonel Michael Shahoud that highly sensitive information was being detailed during the conference and it was for that reason a decision was taken to have the media present only for President David Granger’s address.

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Greenidge leads delegation to India VICE-PRESIDENT and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, will lead a delegation, including Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to India for a meeting of the Guyana-India Joint Commission and for Inter-Ministerial Consultations scheduled for January 29 to February 3.

In a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit will provide an opportunity for the two States to further enhance relations through an exchange of political dialogue as well as for the fostering of economic and cultural cooperation. The Joint Commission facilitates talks between the two countries on all aspects of bilateral relations while the Inter-Ministerial Consultations allow for dialogue in areas of common interest at both the regional and global levels.

“Since the independence

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

of Guyana in 1966 and the immediate establishment of political and diplomatic relations with India, our mutual relationship has been strong. Our ongoing social and cultural cooperation is a reflection of this close link,” stated Minister Greenidge. “The visit is intended to set a policy framework for medium to

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

long term cooperation,” he added.

While in India, Minister Greenidge is expected to sign and ratify the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Solar Alliance, a platform through which sunrich countries collectively address common challenges

related to the use of solar energy. This will serve to advance Guyana’s efforts to establish a “Green Economy”, including through its renewable energy sector, as well as further solidify the bond between the two countries. Also slated for signature is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the cultural exchange programme between the two Governments.

Guyana and India have already collaborated on several development projects in areas such as infrastructure, energy, information and communications technology (ICT) and agriculture.

Additionally, in 2016, the two States signed an MOU, which allowed for the creation of a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology. Formal diplomatic relations between Guyana and India were established on May 26, 1966.

Caribbean Voice forges partnership with GTU, Child Care to address social ills THE Caribbean Voice (TCV) and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) recently outlined a collaborative programme to enable teachers to be better prepared to help their students deal with social and mental health issues.

According to General-Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald, “Our children who are the students and the pupils are even more important, because they’re the ones who are going to be our leaders of tomorrow.”

Ms. McDonald added: “In this partnership, we are not only going to build our teachers, in terms of assisting and helping them to develop new skills and dealing with the social ills we have, but we recognise that we are going to pass this knowledge onto the students, so that we will be able to teach our students how to operate with each other, how to resolve conflicts without fists fighting or using weapons”.

Moreover, the two entities in the near future will be signing an official partnership to further expand its collaboration. “We rec-

ognise that so many issues are affecting us…affecting teachers, affecting the schools, affecting us in our wider society and so we have decided to join on this bandwagon to build right attitudes, save lives, educate persons and together be able to build a society that we all so long for,” said McDonald.

The programme was launched on January 18 at Canje Secondary Schools where 120 teachers were engaged in a TCV Teachers’ Workshop that focused on issues such as suicide, emphatic communication, self-esteem, coping skills, stress, self –harm and abuse.

This collaboration also includes the Childcare and Protection Agency which was also part of the team presenting at the workshop. The next workshop is scheduled for Berbice High School on January 25.

In the upcoming months, workshops will be taken to teachers in all the regions across Guyana.

Also, this collaboration is soon expected to target students, pending clearance from the Ministry of Education. TCV’s Youth &

General-Secretary of the GTU, Coretta McDonald

Student Workshop also focuses on similar issues as the Teachers’ Workshop, but from a student perspective, in addition to other issues affecting students such as bullying and safe use of the Internet.

Additionally, TCV is also teaming up with GUYSUCO to hold workshops for retrenched sugar workers to help them deal with the mental health and psychological fallout of losing their jobs.

The first two workshops are scheduled for February 3 at the Rose Hall estate Commu-

nity Centre and February 17 at the Skeldon Estate Recreation Centre. Workshops are also expected to be delivered to retrenched workers at Wales and Enmore and follow-up is expected to be done.

TCV also repeated its call to decriminalise attempted suicide. The NGO also reiterated its call for the establishment of a registry of sex offenders.

Nazim Hussain, Guyana Coordinator of The Caribbean Voice, said “If we were to establish a Sex Offenders Registry, you would know who the people are who have in the past committed these atrocities.”

According to Hussain, much in the way the police keep mug shots and a list of names of suspects, the registry is one that will ensure that the names of sex offenders are kept in databases too.

Hussain added, “A registry is not meant to castigate these people and not allow them a role in society, because we strongly believe that people can change,” said Hussain. “The aim, is to help to reform the offenders with the hope that they can become law-abiding citizens.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

UG to celebrate 100th birth anniversary of late Dr. Cheddi Jagan THE University of Guyana (UG) has commenced planning to commemorate the birth centennial of the late President Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan in March this year.

According to a press statement from the university, the commemoration envisages a series of academic activities to honour the co-founder of Guyana’s premiere tertiary institution, which was established in 1963.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith recently convened the inaugural meeting of the twelve-member, broad-based planning committee tasked to recommend a comprehensive set of commemoration events.

The committee includes Griffith, who is the Chairman, Professor Paloma Mohamed, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civic Engagement; Professor Subramanian Gomalthinayagam, Director of the Berbice Campus; and Mr. Tota Mangar, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor and a respected historian.

Also part of the planning committee are: Ms Indra Chandarpal of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre; Ms Gwyneth George, University Librarian; Ms Emily King, Director of the National Library; Ms Paulette

Paul, UG’s Public Relations Officer; Dr Cheddi (Joey) Jagan, Jr; Dr Nigel Westmaas, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Hamilton College in New York; Mr Kadasi Ceres of UG’s Faculty of Social Sciences; and Assistant Registrar June Ann Garnett, who is Secretary to the Planning Committee.

Vice-Chancellor Griffith said: “This commemoration is intended to be consonant with what universities do: Facilitate discourse on significant personalities, policies, programmes, and events, analysing relevant aspects, some of which might be contentious.”

At the inaugural planning committee meeting, the Vice-Chancellor stressed that the commemoration will not be a partisan pursuit, nor will it facilitate such.

The Committee is expected to organise a series of exhibitions on the life and works of the late President; hold symposia at both campuses; and install a commemorative plaque at the Cheddi Jagan Lecture Theatre on the Turkeyen campus.

The opportunity will also be taken to raise funds to renovate the Lecture Theatre and to increase awareness about Dr. Jagan among the younger generation.

Brazilian prison escapee nabbed in Lethem POLICE ranks of the Mounted Branch stationed in Lethem, whilst on patrol on Wednesday, detained a Brazilian who recently escaped from prison.

According to the police, while in the Takutu River area, the ranks detained the man, who was acting in a suspicious manner on seeing them.

Shortly after, the detainee was positively identified as Roger Batalha Rodrigues who, in the company of ninety-nine (99) others, recently escaped from prison in neighbouring Brazil. The escapee was serving a sentence for vehicular theft at the time of the breakout. He has since been handed over to law enforcement officials in Brazil.

According to the police, since the establishment of the Mounted Branch in Lethem on December 04, 2015 in an

effort to combat crime in isolated areas, it can be said that the equine section of the Force has ensured that its presence is continuously felt. So far, a number of per sons have been arrested, charged and committed to prison for various offences including trafficking and possession of narcotics and possession of ammunition. The unit has in its pool of resources, a number of fit stallions that are always champing at the bit to stretch their legs on the wide open savannahs in running down those elements of society that have ran afoul of the law. The unit is headed

by Superintendent of Police, Michael Sutton who is supported by Corporal 18250 Fitzgerald Adolphus and several other ranks with years of experience in the Mounted Section of the Force.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

The goal is to weaken the workers’ cause …NAACIE says as PPP ratchets up attacks on Chand, GAWU

By Zena Henry THE National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) has come to the side of the embattled President of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union, saying that the recent attacks on the union and the leadership are designed to weaken the cause of the sugar workers.

NAACIE in a statement said after reading what can only be described as a mischievous and obviously misleading article titled “Sugar workers call for Komal Chand to resign,” which appeared in the Guyana Times of January 23, 2018…“our union which also attended the January 19, 2018 meeting with the Government finds it necessary to clear the air and set the record straight and point out that both NAACIE and GAWU did not agree with the Government to pay the workers their severance payments in instalments.”

According to NAACIE both unions insisted that the workers ought to receive their payments at once in keeping with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. For the two unions this is

sacrosanct and, therefore, it is disappointing that some persons have decided to engage in such mischief-making.

“We cannot help but wonder what their real motivations are,” NAACIE said. “Our union and the GAWU have shared fraternal relations which go back decades and, in recent times, have stood together to denounce and condemn the plans by GuySuCo and the Government to reduce the footprint of the sugar industry. We, like the GAWU, have argued that the decision is wrong and poorly thought out and will bring more bad than good.

We have endorsed GAWU’s plans advanced at the February 17, 2017 meeting with Government officials, recognising the several positive suggestions to retain and safeguard the sugar industry.

Similarly, we were equally impressed by the GAWU’s presentation which was ably presented by the Union’s President, Mr Komal Chand at the January 19, 2018 meeting. That presentation, we noted, advanced several critical considerations to protect and safeguard the well-being of the workers who have been affected by the callous sugar plans. That presentation as well was also endorsed by

our Union.”

The NAACIE said too that it recognised the importance of meeting and engaging with the Government, as the owner of the sugar industry. “We took into account that engagements with employer are part of any union’s normal activities and critical to representing effectively workers concerns and demands. Had we chosen not to meet with the Government then, in effect, we would have given up another arena for struggling on behalf of our members interests at this difficult time for them and their families. Bearing such important considerations in mind, engagement with the Government will be done in good faith and with the workers' interest and future as our motivation.”

NAACIE reiterated that it will continue to work in the best interest of its members. “We acknowledge and recognise the importance in these times of working with our sister Union in the sugar industry. We recognise too that various efforts will be afoot, coming from different quarters, to weaken and undermine our unity and militancy. Our unions have a sound understanding of our members’ views with respect

to their welfare matters and with our constant meetings with them we believe that they are fully supportive of the leadership given by union officers, including Mr. Komal Chand.”

According to NAACIE the public attack on Chand is unwarranted, unfair and can be seen as divisive with the intention of weakening the workers’ cause. “We are happy with the astuteness, courage and sacrifice in his representation of workers’ cause. It is no wonder that Mr. Chand is seen as one of the country’s foremost labour leader. Vigilance is our watchword as we continue our struggle for the workers’ rights and benefits.”

Additionally, GAWU said in a release that on Wednesday at a meeting of the East Demerara Estate GAWU Branch, apart from discussing the agenda items, branch members expressed their upset and dismay by the contents of the Guyana Times’ article. According to the union the branch unanimously approved a resolution disassociating itself from the sentiments that were reportedly expressed by four workers of East Demerara Estate and expressed its full support for the Union’s work

and actions in opposing the plans of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. minimising the industry.

GAWU Meanwhile, during an interview with this newspaper Chand said GAWU would be delighted to financially support laid-off sugar workers, but the union “just does not have the funds”. Apart from allegations of poor representation and more recently an alleged call by sugar workers for his resignation, the President and the union have been called out for collecting “millions of dollars” in union dues yet failing to be able to help workers. It is alleged that some $30M in union dues is collected every month

by GAWU to represent sugar workers.

GAWU itself has failed to declare the sums being collected from the Guyana Sugar Corporation on behalf of workers despite being asked. Instead, Chand told the Guyana Chronicle that all transactions conducted by GAWU could be found with the relevant agencies. He said the union is the only one fully compliant with the law. “We have our records audited by the Auditor General. Up to 2016, 2017… we have to send in our statements, we have to wait on the bank

statement and a copy of that is lodged with the registrar…our transparency and accountability being above board,” Chand insisted.

He explained that the agency has a right to receive union dues. “Everybody who is working has a right to collect his or her salary. And if one salary is 10 times those at the bottom, he has a right to receive it.” “We are saying that they are calling on us to disburse money to sugar workers, we are spending a lot of money to represent the cause.” To be from one corner of the sugar belt to another one, to have programmes on television, organise resistance action and to run the affairs of the union is a lot to do and it costs money, Chand related.

“GAWU and all unions put together on what they are collecting cannot disburse a weekly allowance (to sugar workers) in keeping with their earnings.” Chand nonetheless believes a smear campaign has begun against him by the alleged pro-PPP newspaper Guyana Times.

He does not believe that sugar workers called for his resignation, nor did they say he has lost his zeal, as was quoted in the newspaper report carried days ago.

Another article from Turn to page 14 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

M&CC to meet today with Mae’s, – on controversy over Subryanville residents Farnum Playground EVEN as the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) made a decision on Monday for Mae’s Schools to halt works on the Farnum

Playground in Subryanville, construction works continued on Thursday.

Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran had told the stat-

utory meeting on Monday that about a third of the land was being partitioned by the school.

Asked to comment on

The Farnum Ground being partitioned

the matter, Jaikarran told the Guyana Chronicle that when he enquired about it from Mayor Patricia Chase-Green on Wednesday, he was told that construction on the site had stopped.

Jaikarran said he asked because he was concerned that the matter was making the City Council look bad.

He, however, said that a meeting has been fixed for today between the owner of the school, the M&CC and residents of the community.

Last Monday, Town Clerk Royston King informed councillors that an agreement was signed with the owner of Mae’s Schools for that institution to upgrade and repair the Farnum Playground at their expense.

On hearing this, the council immediately ordered a cessation of work.

“I want to express thanks to Mayfield Rodrigues of Mae’s Schools, who has agreed to upgrade and repair the Farnum Ground at her own ex pense,” King said during announcements at the statutory meeting.

But Jaikarran got up to speak about a group of concerned residents of

Subryanville - where the school and ground are located - who approached him about the matter.

He said the group was told by the owner of Mae’s that she has permission to do construction work on the land, and that she was in possession of a lease.

When the residents asked to see the lease, Jaikarran said, the owner refused to show it and instead offered to provide a key to the ground if they so desire one.

King responded that the negative state of affairs at the ground was not conducive to the health and well-being of the nation’s children who use it. He said he approached the owner of the school and, being the civic-minded person that she is, she agreed to lend support to the playground.

The site, King observed, was being used by horses, donkeys and cows, and was in a state of disrepair. Despite this, the schoolchildren were using it.

Although there is a written agreement that Rodrigues will repair the ground, King said she has no exclusive rights to it.

“All she’s asking is that

her children be able to use it,” he said. He maintained that it was not a lease; only a written agreement.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen said councillors should be afforded the opportunity to see the agreement, because, in time, the owner of the school can very well apply for prescriptive rights.

“And why are they partitioning the land? That gives them special rights!”

Kuppen argued, adding that the matter should have come before the Legal Affairs Committee, so that the Council will not be taken advantage of in future.

Jaikarran conceded that the agreement should be shared with councillors, and that there should be no partitioning of the land. He also recommended that any construction on the land be halted until the matter is considered in detail.

Council agreed that a neighbourhood committee should be formed to deal with the matter, and that no more work should be done in the meantime. The Guyana Chronicle, however, observed on Wednesday that construction work was still going on in spite of the Council’s decision.

The goal is to... that newspaper quoted commentator Ramon Gaskin as calling for Chand’s resignation. Gaskin believes that Chand has not given proper leadership to the workers. He is incapable and should resign, Gaskin posited. He said GAWU under Chand’s leadership has spent more time writing to

newspapers and responding to letters than actually coming up with tangible ideas to help ease the suffering of sugar workers. It is believed that Chand’s opposition partners are not happy about him agreeing to work with the government over the payment of severances and the restricting of the

From page 13

ailing sugar industry. The Guyana Times article quoted Gaskin as saying, “They (GAWU) came out of a meeting with the President (David Granger) talking about being happy. Happy about what? The severance pay should be paid in full.

They betrayed the interest of the workers, absolutely.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE FridAY, JANUARY 26, 2018

GAWU East Demerara branch backs Chand THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) East Demerara Branch passed a resolution renewing its support for the union’s president, Komal Chand, amid calls by some ex-sugar workers for him to step down.

The branch met on Wednesday and the passed the resolution having taken into account an article in the Guyana Times which sought to besmirch the character of the trade unionist, GAWU said in a statement, while providing a full text of the resolution.

According to the resolution, East Demerara GAWU Branch is very disturbed by the content of the article which called for

the resignation of Chand.

“We recognized from the article that reportedly four (4) workers of East Demerara Estate expressed certain views about the Union, more particularly about the Union’s President, Cde Komal Chand. We of the East Demerara GAWU Branch hereby disassociate ourselves from the sentiments that were therein expressed,” the branch stated in its resolution.

According to the branch, workers are generally supportive of GAWU’s work and actions in standing-up and opposing plans to close and sellout sugar estates. “They have expressed their satisfaction that the Union has worked and is working in their in-

GAWU’s East Demerara Branch members meeting

terest at this difficult time for them and are supportive of the Union’s multiple approach,” the branch stated.

The East Demerara GAWU Branch has pledged to continue to support the union.

In a separate release issued days ago, GAWU said that the article was

misleading.

“The article posits that our Union agreed with the G o v e r n m e n t t o p a r t i a lly settle some 4,000-odd workers severance payments. This is completely and utterly fallacious.

When the matter was raised by the Government, both GAWU and NAACIE reit-

erated that severance payments should be settled in full to all workers at once as is set out in the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA),” GAWU stated.

The union said it had disagreed with Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s arguments that should the full payment be made it would fuel inflation and result in the depreciation of the Guyana Dollar. “We also pointed out to the Government’s delegation that the workers had an expectation to receive their payments and which expectations were fortified by the public comments of the Agriculture Minister, among others. Certainly, had we reached such an

agreement, both the GAWU and the Government would have undoubtedly made such announcement in our respective media statements,” GAWU said.

It said that the sugar workers who levelled such inaccurate remarks at our union and its leaders maybe unaware of the organisation’s modus operandi. “Certainly, had they been aware they would have known that GAWU has a position that the workers must be involved and are consulted,” the union said.

GAWU said it is proud of the struggle that it has waged and will continue to wage in defense of the workers’ rights and livelihood.

Honey offers budding apiarists golden opportunity – to start their own businesses THERE’S a new buzz in Guyana, which could help the government attain its development goals, and at the same time give entrepreneurship an unexpected fillip.

Known in agricultural circles for its sugar and rice, Guyana, with the help of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), is now gearing to add honey to the list of products, and in the process provide a sustainable pathway out of poverty for Guyanese.

Having just wrapped up five days of intensive training in apiculture, 25 budding beekeepers, some of them youths, some women, have charged into the new year, eager about their prospects of launching into business for the first time, and excited as well about the financial independence the industry can bring them.

“I’ve always wanted to pursue an avenue that can help to supplement my family income, but was constrained by the lack of jobs in the area, having children

to look after, and not having a skill I can utilise at home to earn,” said Sharon Butts, an unemployed, stay-at-home mother who participated in the workshop.

The course, she said, opened her eyes to the fact that she can use the land owned by her family to earn a living. Now Sharon has big plans for using her newfound skill, including establishing a small apiary.

“I will also work along with others who trained from my area to start a small beekeeping group and a honey house to be used for processing,” she said. “It is my dream to grow from a small apiary, to one my family and I can eventually develop and pass on for generations to come.”

But, why honey? Easy; Guyana’s apicultural industry is currently producing 11,300 gallons of the golden nectar annually, and by-products such as beeswax, pollen and royal jelly also contribute to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Demand is, however,

Participants learn during a training session how to safely remove honey from hives

greater than supply, which means that Guyana has had to import over 4,000 gallons of honey from markets such as Jamaica and the United States each year to make up for the shortfall.

But, imported honey is expensive, retailing at almost US$1.00 more per bottle than the locally-produced one.

The solution, officials found, was to train more beekeepers.

According to Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services’ (CTCS) Eusi Evelyn, “After eight years of growth, commodity prices

Sharon Butts, left, returns from the apiary with other workshop participants after a honey extraction exercise

collapsed for our major exports. But agriculture and natural resources remain significant sources of economic activity, and we are seeking alternative exports, honey being one, that not only grow GDP, but also adhere to our country’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy, which promotes the vision of producing economic development while addressing climate change.”

The project at reference aligns with CDB’s commitment to enhancing the managerial, technical and

operational capacity of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bank’s Borrowing Member Countries.

CTCS funded the workshop, which targeted vulnerable groups at risk for lower participation in available economic activities, including Amerindian communities, youth, women and people with disabilities.

“The technical assistance support CTCS provided is particularly worthwhile, given that beekeeping can be undertaken by the landless,

requires limited infrastructure, and is an attractive venture for unemployed people,” said Lisa Harding, MSME Coordinator, Technical Cooperation Division, CDB. “There is also great nutritional value in beehive products, and the potential for sustaining biodiversity, resulting in environmental stability, is far-reaching,” she said. “The training activities will also position some MSMEs to transition from small-scale operations to large volume production, and take advantage of export opportunities when they arise.”

CTCS facilitates the transfer of knowledge and skills within the private sector by linking people who have business and technical experience with businesses that need consulting advice and assistance. Some technical and marketing skills required for managing an apiary, and taught during the sessions included: fundamentals of starting an apiary, types of bee hives, conditions under which honey bee colonies thrive, harvesting techniques, and packaging and labeling techniques.

A young workshop participant samples fresh honey from a hive

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Rupununi Music and Arts Festival 2018 for Manari Ranch

By Telesha Ramnarine

A dynamic range of locally produced Guyanese artistes will complement those from overseas.

ORGANISERS of the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival, which will be held for the first time at Manari Ranch this year, are high in spirits and excited about creating a festival that will not only feature Guyanese culture and music but many others from around the world.

The festival weekend, fixed for February 16 to 18, has seen performers from Ukraine and the United Kingdom in the

past, and will possibly feature groups from Jamaica, Canada and Suriname this time around.

“The adrenalin flows; the excitement grows, as the volunteer team unfolds the plans; there is a real buzz but it’s equally tempered with the knowledge that in any new development, especially with the re-creation of a new festival site on the grasslands of the Amazon, there will be hiccups and unforeseen hurdles,” Festival Director Bob Ramdhanie has said.

The festival has been

Gavin Aaron Mendonca performing at a previous festival.

Art and craft display

relocated from the Rock View Lodge in Anai for a number of reasons, Gavin Mendonca, one of the organisers told The Buzz in an interview. “This is the first time we will be using Manari Ranch which is just about 20 minutes outside of Lethem. From Lethem, it is easy to get ground transportation to the ranch. So we expect a lot more patrons because it is so close to Lethem and the Brazilian border,” he said.

The festival is intended to bring people and cultures together. “It’s really about bringing people together, to cut out bad vibes and to encourage

positivity among each other.

We hope that over the years this will have a subliminal effect on the way people think; the way they approach life,” Mendonca expressed.

While Guyanese culture will be a big part of it - especially the indigenous culturehe explained that the organisers will also borrow architectural designs from Morocco, Latin America and other countries.

“This is so that we can really make it a world music site but still yet identifiable as a Guyanese site. People must know that they’re in Guyana but still experience cultures from around the world,” he said.

The ranch, which is being developed from scratch in terms of a stage and other facilities conducive to holding a successful festival, is intended to become a fully functioning entity all year round so that it will be possible for smaller events to be held like folk festivals, Brazilian festivals, indigenous events, rock festivals, cultural workshops, etc.

“The site could become a tourist attraction so that people journeying into the Rupununi can stop and spend a night or two,” Mendonca said.

Ramdhani added: “The Manari Ranch location will be the home for the festival in the foreseeable future and the idea is to create a festival village with some permanent structures that reflect the heart and soul of the Rupununi. It is

Turn to page 19

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

EXILED FROM GUYANA Our talented enter the mythic word of the Odyssey...

NOT only are Guyanese enthralled by the possibilities of the ‘Big Cities’ in contrast to nothing happening here, but these cities exist in countries that have their own rural provinces who also want to escape from the ‘Nuthin happening here’ chorus. Talent and creative skills can be like gold and treated like gold; discovered, polished, melted down and reconstituted and sold for the highest market price.

Outside of a self-awareness of self-value, the talented will be lured to the isles of the sirens on enchanting currents and be devoured, if the awareness does not bind them to the mask of self-awareness, as Ulysses did in Homer’s classic. I have dealt with artistes; managed two and advised others. I have always said that the smartest artistes in the CARICOM belt are the Jamaicans.

They are based mainly in Jamaica, and they tour, get paid and return to the Island and build their domains. They avoid the costs and jostling of residing overseas. This did not happen on their own, the Jamaican government played a tremendous part. This story cannot be told in this article.

The 1982 illustrated book by Stephen Davis and Peter Simon ‘Reggae International’ is

a must own and read for local musicians.

All practitioners of the ‘Arts’ in Guyana have to reinvent ourselves, beginning with a delusion of entitlement other than through the merits of creative works [this is a bit of advice that extends beyond the arts]. We have to know what we are competing against on the world market; look at ratios. Eddy Grant is a great example to emulate but also bear in mind what percentage Eddy represents, in comparison to impressive lost talents like Pamela Maynard, Troy C, Micky D, Family Teach, Tsar [Caesar] of GT Boom Band and a list of others, overseas and at home.

The lobby has to begin at home, and NOW! Local talents have suffered its most over the past 25/30 years.

In 2012, a US artiste visited Guyana and after he and entourage had left, some days later a Guyanese businessman in New York called me asking “What’s going on in that country? “Apparently, an American guitarist was approached by people attached to the local part of the act, enquiring if he was interested in taking cocaine back with him. My friend remarked, “Like Pandora’s box wide open in Guyana?” This is a

mythic term we use to define a state of chaos; in fact, it’s a little more. According to that ancient record, Pandora was not a woman, but a ‘thing’ created by oppressive pagan gods; a deception of extraor-

of vile curses, much like the deceptive wealth and social advancement of cocaine. It is a significant lesson, to be balanced against each situation before acting impulsively.

It was in New York,

lots of childhood memories were unleashed. I took a $10 bill and put it in the contribution hat. My American buddy fretted with me all the way to Brooklyn Bridge. It was just too much to give to a subway

dinary beauty that was unwittingly accepted by enthralled mankind, and it (she) opened the vase with her gift of afflictions which it (she) outpoured on mankind that spread across the human world. Thus, a beautiful deception and its gift

1997/1998- I can’t remember what station. I was catching a downtown train and when descending the steps I heard the voice of Sarah Vaughan. Lord, I knew that Sarah Vaughan had long passed but it was incredible. There they were,

group of musicians, but what the song did, the memories, the calm I felt was worth every cent.

Hone your talents, learn the business of the arts. I’ve long protested it not being taught at Burrowes. Read

Rupununi Music and ...

envisaged that the site will be completed by 2020, creating a unique, aesthetically pleasing space that will add to the attractions in the Rupununi.”

ACTIVITIES A group of scouts will have a presence, Ramdhani has informed, creating “interesting” opportunities for young and old alike. “For the early risers, it will be music and movement as the Brazilian team offers yoga, capoeira and Zumba to stimulate body and mind and during the day teams of creative artists will be offering a mixture of ‘hands-on’ interactive workshops to engage you – music, dance, arts & crafts, visual arts.”

Additionally, visitors to the festival will have opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the region through

pre-booked tours and even take the opportunity to do some shopping in Lethem.

weekend and those late romantics, who still wish to enjoy the beauty of the area, can sit

A performance from a previous festival.

“As the sun sets, the music begins with live music filling the space for over six hours every night throughout the

around the festival’s campfire and be at one with nature,” said Ramdhani.

Conversations are still

taking place with artistes from Canada and Jamaica but Ramdhani said what is

will be complemented by a dynamic range of locally produced Guyanese artistes with

Guyanese culture will be a big part of the festival; the indigenous culture especially

certain is that the festival will be welcoming a strong team of over 20 Brazilian and Venezuelan performers who

rock from Feed The Flames, insights from Jazz and Poetry on a Stool, folk from Chuckie and Gavin plus Charlie De

about the Toni Braxton bankruptcy case, open the door to some of the people artists will meet, understand contracts. I managed two artistes locally. They came to me and told me that a promoter wanted them for a gig. I called the promoter and told him that he had to sign a contract on their performance covering costs, filming outside of media, with half the advance paid up front and the other half on stage before they performed. He refused, I told them not to go. I suspected that they would go anyway; they did and came to me the next day to ask my intervention because they were not/ never paid. I told them that they were on their own. I worked for a now-deceased promoter who I always went backstage to at the Cultural Centre as soon as the show was over after he cleared with Madame Rogers. I got paid. The artistes remained in the euphoria of the public response to their talents and were busy basking in the interim glory. They waited and most never got paid.

The artist needs to know that to survive and prosper, like the gambler, they must know when to hold and when not to.

Continued from page 18

Freitas, dance from Nach Gana Academy of Dance, tassa drumming with Dubraj Tassa Troupe and more from Chowpow, Trevaun Selman, Ruqayyah and Jackie Jaxx.

Sponsors for the festival include the Guyana Government, NCN, the media, Guyana Tourism Authority, the Forestry Commission of Guyana, ASL, Banks DIH, Cara Lodge, Fly Jamaica, Giftland Mall, Rent-A-Tent, Republic Bank, Silverbait Design and TGA. The event will officially be launched on February 9 at Colgrain House, Camp Street and more information can be obtained by contacting the organisers.

(Denis D’Agrella: 613 0874; Gavin Mendonca: 629 4535; and Luke Johnson: 663 2949).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

‘Guyana is my home away from home’

Haitian singer building music career in the Land of Many Waters

By Michel Outridge SONDY Ceran is Haitian but he has made Guyana his home for the past two years when he came here to study. But at the same time, this student also found his passion for gospel music.

This 24-year-old does his own recording of his songs and videos and as a result of his stay here in Guyana, he has managed to utilise his skills to the best of his ability.

He is presently working on the completion of his album but so far, he has released only one song and has 11 more to finish.

Ceran is a Psychology student at the American University of Peace Studies in Guyana and also holds a part-time job.

“I didn’t choose to sing. I grew into it and I can say it was given to me because my mother is a voice trainer and my dad is a pastor,” he told

The Buzz.

Sondy Ceran’s real name is Elysee Livenson, born in

Gospel singer/songwriter Sondy Ceran.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1993.

He plays the drum, guitar, a songwriter; is an actor and also serves as a foreign language teacher.

Ceran is recording his new album “Take my hand” and just released a new song and video named “Whatever the road.”

The idea behind the song

is that all his life, he has experienced pain. He was bullied at school and had different kinds of problems. He recalls being beaten at school by bullies and called names.

Ceran related that he grew up in difficult circumstances and his parents gave whatever they could afford.

He added that he hardly socialises due to his circumstances.

At one point in his life, his mother took him out of school and for the next six years of his life, he was home-schooled. It was then he began singing.

But today, Sondy is focused on his music and his studies here and will continue in this stride.

LIFE HERE Ceran related that here, his friends have become family and describes Guyana as ‘a home away from home’

since the people here are so hospitable and friendly.

He has made many friends even some from the media and is looking to promote his gospel music through some friends such as Kester Deane and others.

He added that living in Guyana has afforded him the opportunity to spread his wings with his singing and he does it in his spare time but also spends a lot of time singing in church.

Sondy is a member of the Enterprise Baptist Church located at Enterprise, East Coast Demerara and he likes to sing in church and does so whenever he can.

His gospel music can be found on twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Striving to be on top

Tiffany Bonner and her budding singing dreams

By Tamara Tucker

WITHIN the next 10 years, former model and aspiring musical artist Tiffany Bonner sees herself as a force to reckon with in the local music industry.

In an interview with The

Buzz, the 19 year old singer explained that she grew up in a home with a father who is a Christian and a mother who is Hindu and it was while visiting the Mandir with her mom, that Tiffany started singing.

As she got older, the

Tiffany Bonner during a performance

young singer said that she began to take influence from Demi Lovato who Tiffany grew up watching on the Disney Channel. From listening to the celebrity sing, Tiffany believed that her own voice was of similar range with Lovato’s, and so she started practicing to her songs.

“When someone speaks of a role model it should be someone that they know who can influence them positively. Demi uses her fame to speak up about social issues such as bullying, feminism, mental illness and self-harm,” Tiffany said.

“She promotes self-love and confidence to her fans.

She’s constantly telling her fans that they can make it through whatever issues they face. She’s relatable although she is a celebrity; her fame has not stopped her from having her fair share of normal teenage experiences.

Even with her fame she has managed to keep a tight grip on her goofy, down to earth personality. I live by her words and, I quote, ‘love is louder than the pressure to be perfect.’ “ Tiffany later became more versed in her musical career by undergoing voice training when she was

younger. She stated that it is very important to care of your vocal chords. “Singing without warm-up can damage your chords over time, so it’s best to prevent that,” she said. Tiffany said that music is very important to her and she is ready to work assiduously to make things happen in her career. “ The local industry is limited but that doesn’t mean I won’t try as hard as I can’t to break through,” she said, adding that she hopes to see better arrangements made for musicians within the next year for Guyana because Guyana is her starting point and her foundation.

But yet she will aim to reach higher.

Tiffany said that the past several years have been a learning experience for her and she has been given opportunities and has also seen the good and the bad of working with people. She is part of the local group Unity Ambassadors and she said that being part of that group was the most exciting experience. But apart from being in the group, she has been working on her own craft and she tries her best to do covers with different genres so that she comes

Tiffany Bonner

out of her comfort zone a bit. Tiffany added that her boyfriend Kyle , who is also a musician ,has been her greatest help and push as regards her music career and she is so grateful to him because when she feels like giving up she just looks at him and her

faith is restored. Tiffany mostly hopes to make music that can have a positive influence on people’s lives.

And in the next six years she sees herself with three successful albums, a Degree in Communication and possibly married to the man of her dreams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

the o t n ing o m here o t c d S ’ n IT son a a e s g to val n i i t n i r c a c of ex t o l o get S is a ! p you u t tar t s s o d n bo a z on z u b your fun. g n i v ha

Today

SOS - Soca or Suffer party. Team MMR- Official Mash Launch Party is

going down on the ultra-district. It’s going to be fun! Ladies free until 21:00hrs, $2,000 after. Come out let’s fete. Music by DJ golden.

Island style café and juice bar present karaoke night.

It’s karaoke, right? You request it and they will do their best to perform it or you can just take the mic and do your own thing!

Stag Beer presents “Soca Bacchanal” starting from today at 123 Aubrey Barker south Ruimveldt. Music by super Ray and fusion sound.

For all the soca lovers you can head down to 33 Cummings St. Albert town for the party called “I LOVE SOCA” Free Guinness giveaway! Admission $1,000.

Tomorrow

The National Park is the place to be for the ARMAGEDDON CLASH this is going to be big and epic. You don’t want to miss this! Tickets $1,000.

January just got cooler. Send the blast out and link the crew, stock those coolers and get ready for a sensational Soca session with one of the best local celebrity DJ lineups. ‘’Pulse Cooler Fete’’ at the Everest ground admission $1,500.

Sunday

Enjoy two hours of Dakota (Endurance Race) at the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club. Starting at 13:00hrs.

After the seawall hang you can head down to the Blue Iguana Night Club, where entertainment is at its best!

The GTT Pulse Mash Band Experience 2018 continues with The Amazon Gems Family Fun Day. Get the kids up and let’s have some fun under the sun at the Everest Cricket Ground. We’re creating the ultimate day into night fete, with rides and interactive games for the entire family. Young or old we guarantee a memorable day with Dunk Castles, a huge Ferris Wheel and exciting rides and games. It’s gonna be a cool Sunday family day fete with live performances by Chutney stars Ravi B and Gregory from Karma Band and The HeatWave Band along with a star-studded Dj line up. Indulge in mouth-watering Guyanese Style Cuisines that represents our cultural diversity, check out local arts and crafts or get pampered at our Hair and Make-up Booth. Get your tickets now for $2,000 and get free access to our Buffet and GTT giveaways.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Licensed firearm, $2M 51% hike in profits for Citizens Bank in cash, jewellery stolen from Berbice family

…chairman says loan portfolio sound despite challenges

By Svetlana Marshall

A SEMI-AUTOMATIC shotgun was stolen from the home of a licensed firearm holder in Clifton Settlement, Corentyne Wednesday night when bandits broke into an elderly couple’s property.

Bhagwandin Mukhram, 63, and his wife were out celebrating with friends a few houses away when their home was broken into and ransacked. The bandits made off with $1.2 million in local and foreign currency and over $800,000 in jewellery.

The bandits gained entry into the house through a back door, turned on and left two pipes running, which resulted in flooding of the upper and lower flats of the home.

The former mechanic and his wife returned home around 11:30.p.m when they made the discovery and called the police. “I run upstairs and the first thing I looked for was my firearm...the safe was open and the firearm was gone, they tumble up everything in the house...they carry away

Bandits ransacked the home of the couple

some money and jewellery,” Mukhram explained.

Even though the family is thankful that this incident occurred while they were out, they are fearful that the men will harm innocent persons if the firearm is not recovered soon. “I am very worried about it because I know they will do big damage with it... some in this area are jumping houses and now they get that firearm they will do bigger crime because they want a firearm very long...we didn’t sleep last night and neighbors around are wondering what they (bandits) will do with

the gun.

Mukhram has been a licensed firearm holder for over 25 years and said his firearm is always properly secured. A young man from the area has been taken into custody with two pieces of equipment police suspect were used to commit the crime. Many residents are victims of break and enter and one person explained that this has been ongoing for months; they are hoping that police will crackdown on those responsible since they are known elements in the area.

IMF: Improvements in economic prospects for Caribbean, Latin America THE International Monetary Fund (IMF), says economic prospects for the region are generally improving and modest growth is expected in 2018 and 2019.

The IMF, in its Regional Economic Outlook Update for Latin America and the Caribbean, released on Thursday, said the positive outlook is supported by growth in the United States following the recent US tax reform. However, the international lending agency noted that some of the islands that were hit hard during the 2017 hurricane season face a protracted recovery.

One such country is Dominica. “In Dominica, gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to decline by 16 per cent in 2018, before rebounding in 2019 as reconstruction gathers pace.”

The IMF also noted that overall, recent trends in the world economy and financial markets are good news for the Caribbean and Latin America.

“Global growth and trade are on an upswing, and we expect the momentum to continue in 2018. Stronger commodity prices have also helped the region rebound.”

The report said consumption and exports were the main growth drivers last year and the recovery is broad based

across the region. “Encouragingly, investment is no longer a drag, and is expected to be an important factor behind the acceleration in output this year and next. Inflation came down significantly in 2017 in many countries, providing some scope for easing monetary policy.” The Washington based lending agency said that while Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean are benefitting from stronger growth in the United States, growth in South America is mainly driven by the end of recessions in Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador, as well as higher commodity prices.

It said that in the United States, reforms to US corporate and personal income taxes passed in December 2017 will likely raise private investment and private consumption over the short term The report also revealed that in Central America and the Dominican Republic, output growth remains robust, helped by stronger than anticipated remittances flows, improved financial conditions, and good harvests. However, it was also stated that some risks could hurt the region's recovery — including upcoming elections in some countries — an event that could create economic and policy uncertainties in the next year.

“Pressures for inward-looking policies in advanced economies — including through a retreat from cross-border integration —and factors such as global geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events could compound these uncertainties.”

The IMF said in looking beyond the near term, the region also faces serious medium-term challenges. “As we have been emphasising, despite the current economic acceleration, Latin America's output growth is returning to an underwhelming mean.

Subdued potential growth and downside medium-term risks call for further efforts to rebuild buffers and implement structural policies to address growth bottlenecks and improve resilience.”

The lending institution said countries that need to lower fiscal deficits should give attention to the fine balance between preserving inclusive growth and stabilising high public debt, which has been rising. “To better withstand future shocks, maintaining exchange rate flexibility, and further improving central bank communication and transparency would increase the resilience and effectiveness of monetary policy,” the IMF stated.

CITIZENS BANK recorded a 51.6 per cent increase in profit after tax, despite being faced with a number of challenges on the economic front, Chairman Clifford Reis stated in the bank’s 2017 annual report.

The bank held its Annual General Meeting Tuesday evening at the Georgetown Club. Reis said the financial institution recorded a profit after tax of $726.6M in 2017 when compared to $479.1M the previous year, representing an increase of $247.4M or 51.6 per cent. “During the year, cognizant of the ongoing challenges in our operating environment, which challenges included underperforming economic sectors, an increasing level of non-performing loans, slow projects implementation, high liquidity and a reduction in the availability of foreign currency, emphasis was placed by the bank on improved risk management and asset maintenance and cost control, the result of which was pivotal to the performance reported,” Reis explained.

At September 30, 2017, Citizens Bank net income stood at $2.9B compared to $2.6B the previous year – an increase of $0.3B or 11.5 per cent. Profit before taxation was $1.2B compared to $0.7B in 2016 – an increase of $0.5B or 71.4 per cent. “During the year, total revenue grew by $0.3B or 9.0 per cent to $3.6B or 9.0% to 43.6B while our balances for total assets, loans and deposits declined marginally,” the Chairman noted.

Reis said while Citizens Bank’s loan portfolio remains “sound,” it was impacted due to the financial challenges faced by citizens. “…the various challenges experienced by our customers because of the decline in business ac-

tivities during 2017 remain and continue to impact the performance of our overall portfolio,” he explained. At September 30, 2017, non-performing loans represented 13 per cent of the bank’s total loan portfolio compared to 15.5 per cent at September 30, 2016. It was noted that the consolidated banking sector ratio for non-performing loans was 13.2 per cent at September 30, 2017.

Reis said though the country’s economy and financial environment is expected to be characterized by many of the factors that existed in 2017, the bank remains hopeful that early implementation of the 2018 budgetary measures, and improved implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programmes (PSIP) will energize business activities, thus creating opportunities for growth.

“Our initiatives will therefore have to focus on utilizing those opportunities to ensure that we offer to our potential and existing clients unmatched products and customer service,” the Chairman said.

Additionally, he noted that continued emphasis will be placed on improving the bank’s assessment and management of risk, thereby ensuring that the best quality of financial assets are placed on the books, the management of expenses through operational efficiencies and customer relationships. Pointing out that Guyana’s economy is projected to grow by 3.8 per cent in 2018, Reis said Citizens Bank remains committed to the development of the banking sector and the economy, despite the anticipated challenges. “The bank is confident and firm in its belief that the successful implementation of our strategies for growth will enable us to achieve an improved performance for our

stakeholders,” the Chairman stated.

Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester, in his report, also took note of the $247.4M increase in profit after tax. Chester explained that earnings per share were $12.2 compared to $8.1 in 2016 while book value per share increased by 8.1 per cent to $138.1 as at September 30, 2017 from $127.7 the previous year.

Turning his attention to loans and advances, the Managing Director noted a marginal decrease. “Net loans and advances were $28.2B at September 30, 2017 compared to $29.2B for the prior year,” he explained. However, he pointed out that in 2017 growth was recorded in lending to manufacturing and construction sectors which grew by 23 per cent and 5.3 per cent.

“During 2017, the yield recorded from our loans and advances was 10.3 per cent, a marginal change from the 10.5 per cent obtained in 2016. Income from loans and advances represented 97.7 per cent of interest income in 2017, compared to 98.5 per cent in 2016,” he explained.

It was noted too that loans and advances accounted for 87.0 per cent of earning assets and 56.4 per cent of total assets compared to 95.7 per cent and 58.1 per cent respectively in 2016.

Zooming in on the bank’s human resources department, Chester said in 2017 employees were exposed to both in-house and externally held training in Customer Care, Internal Audit and Compliance, Anti-money Laundering activities, investments and credit management and supervisory skills to ensure that they are adequately equipped to provide a consistently high level of service to stakeholders.

400 on breadline in T&T MORE than 400 persons are facing an uncertain future today after the Caribbean Nitrogen Company (CNC) was forced to close its’ doors yesterday.

In a release, CNC CEO Jerome Dookie confirmed the closure of their ammonia plant at the Point Lisas Industrial Estate. He said the immediate shutdown was as a result of an action taken by the National Gas Company, “To cut off gas supply to the plant.”

He said, “We had no choice but to shut down the plant to ensure the well-being of our people and protect our investment.” “Unfortunately, this action by NGC will negatively affect the future of our 110 loyal workers.”

Dookie estimated the move could also affect as

many as 300 additional workers who were indirectly connected to the operations of the company. Dookie added, “The situation is highly regrettable given that CNC has been in a dialogue with the National Gas Company for almost a year.”

He explained, “CNC had even accepted multiple interim extensions of our gas supply until yesterday (Tues) at a detrimental cost to itself.” “These extensions were implemented to facilitate further discussions between CNC and NGC to agree on the terms of a long-term gas supply contract. The NGC has, however, been unresponsive to the many concessions CNC has made, and unrealistic as to the global forces affecting not only CNC’s exports but Trinidad’s exports

of ammonia, which must compete in the international marketplace.”

“The NGC is unfortunately making Trinidad the world’s marginal producer of ammonia with its uneconomical pricing policies.”

Dookie also referred to the government’s intervention in the matter. “We acknowledge the efforts of the Government to assist in the resolution of this matter and the key role that it plays in maintaining the stability and sustainability of this vital sector in the national interest.” He said it was CNC’s sincere hope that government understand their wish to protect the interests of employees, partners, customers and shareholders. (Trinidad Guardian)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Continued from back page MoPH on board ... involved in the tournament. out 10% of the remaining 10

These are coaches that work in our academy training centres and coaches that have recently completed their D licence class.”

He added, “All of the schools will be subject to a technical visit as well. Mr Linden France or Mr Bryan Joseph and the rest of our technical team will be making site visits to ensure that everything is how it should be.”

RULE CHANGES There will also be rule changes for the 2018 edition where the accumulation of yellow cards in consecutive matches would normally cause a player to miss the next match has been squashed.

Additionally, once a player receives a yellow card during a match then he must sit out 10% of the remaining time.

This means that should a player be shown a yellow card in the 80th minute of a 90-minute match, he would have to sit

minutes which equates to one minute. His team must play one player short for that period.

Meanwhile the 24 teams in this year’s competition collected their requisite balls ahead of tomorrow’s first game.

The teams are Bishops’ High School, Business School, Cummings Lodge Secondary, Carmel Secondary School, Chase Academy, Dolphin Secondary, Vergenoegen Secondary, Lodge Secondary School, Annandale Secondary, Masters Academy, Morgan Learning Centre, Pure Masters Academy, Queen’s College, Queenstown Secondary, School of the Nations, Sir Leon Lessons, South Ruimveldt Secondary, St Rose’s High School, Charlestown Secondary, Buxton Youth Development, Friendship East Bank Secondary, Uitvlugt Secondary, Vryman’s Erven Secondary and Christianburg Secondary.

Brathwaite, Continued from back page Roach included ...

Jason Holder, supported by a core group of senior players to achieve this goal. Of course, head coach Stuart Law and his staff will provide all the support and guidance necessary.”

The Regional Super50, which bowls off next week, normally serves as a prerequisite for selection to the ODI squad but International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations required West Indies to submit a squad by February 2.

West Indies are down to

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compete in Group A of the World Cup Qualifiers alongside Ireland, the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, and winners of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Jason Mohammed (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Carlos Brathwaite, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Nikita Miller, Ashley Nurse, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Kesrick Williams.

Jebel Ali 08:30 hrs Farook 09:00 hrs Crowded Irish Racing Tips Dundalk 13:00 hrs Oneoveryou 13:30 hrs Nimitz 14:00 hrs Clear Skies 14:30 hrs Settle For Bay 15:00 hrs Aibell 15:30 hrs The Phantom Punch 16:00 hrs Texas Radio 16:30 hrs Leath Na Hoibre South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:25 hrs The Cat 09:00 hrs Heartland 09:35 hrs Blue Phone Sky 10:10 hrs Quid Rides English Racing Tips Doncaster 08:50 hrs Blakerigg 09:25 hrs Cracking Destiny 09:55 hrs Mount Mews 10:30 hrs Nube Negra 11:05 hrs Capard King 11:40 hrs Does It In Style 12:10 hrs Big Penny Kempton 13:45 hrs Silver Penny 14:15 hrs Arcadian Sea 14:45 hrs Rowlestonerendezvu 15:15 hrs Bill Cody 15:45 hrs Sir Hector 16:15 hrs Ghost Serge 16:45 hrs Envisaging 17:15 hrs Swissal Huntingdon 09:00 hrs Maestro Royal 09:35 hrs Django Django 10:05 hrs The Flame 10:40 hrs Princeton Royale 11:15 hrs Protek Des vFlos 11:50 hrs Cloth Cap 12:20 hrs Myboysam

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Australian Open Tennis

Halep sees off Kerber to set up Wozniacki final WORLD number one Simona Halep saw off 2016 champion Angelique Kerber in a thrilling contest to reach her first Australian Open final.

The Romanian, twice a French Open runner-up, saved two match points on her way to a 6-3, 4-6, 9-7 victory.

In tomorrow’s final Halep will face Caroline Wozniacki, a straight-set winner over Elise Mertens, with both women looking for a first major title.

The world number one ranking will also be up for grabs for the champion.

Halep led by a set and a break but failed to convert two match points at 5-4 in the decider, and two games later found herself facing two match points.

However, the 26-yearold hammered a forehand into the corner on her way to saving the game, and clinched victory at the fourth attempt when Kerber’s defence finally cracked.

“It was very tough. I’m shaking, I’m emotional,” said Halep.

“I knew it was going to be tough. She’s a tough opponent who is moving well and hitting from everywhere. I want to thank everyone for supporting me and helping me.”

Both Halep and Wozniacki have made it through to the final having saved match points along the way. Halep also saved three in the third round against Lauren Davis, while Wozniacki saved two in the second round against Jana Fett.

When Halep led 5-0 after 13 minutes it looked like the semi-final might be a rout, and when she served for a 4-1 lead in the second set it appeared on course to be routine - in the end it was a classic.

Both women arrived in the semi-final on 10-match unbeaten runs in 2018, and it eventually turned out to be the contest expected, but things looked very different

for the first hour.

Halep was dialled in from the start, firing blistering back-to-back winners as she broke serve for the third time in under quarter of an

door and Kerber found her range on her favourite forehand down the line.

The German looked capable of challenging for the set when she broke

ing her second set point when the German netted.

Halep had her chances to complete a swift win, serving with a point for a 4-1 lead in the second set,

Simona Halep had 22 break points, converting nine.

hour to lead 5-0.

However, two Halep double faults opened the

twice to trail 5-3, but Halep managed to put the pressure back on, convert-

and failing to punish a second serve on break point at 4-3.

The disappointment lingered and Kerber took advantage, reeling off three games to clinch the set and break at the start of the second thanks to an extraordinary rally of lobs and volleys.

Poor Kerber service game saw Halep level at 1-1 with a backhand winner, and the set became a gripping tussle with chances on either side.

Halep seemed to have made the decisive move when she broke serve for 5-3, but Kerber hit straight back by levelling with an incredible backhand winner off her knees.

The German then saw off two match points to level at 5-5, leaving Halep swiping her racquet in frustration at the opposite baseline.

Kerber would then get two chances to seal it on serve, but Halep stepped up the intensity on her returns and brought it back to 6-6. (BBC Sport)

Mourinho signs new Man United contract to 2020

MANCHESTER United manager Jose Mourinho has signed a contract extension until 2020, with the option of a further year.

The 54-year-old’s previous deal at Old Trafford was due to expire in 2019.

Mourinho said he was “delighted” that United

“feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future”.

He added: “I would like to say a big thank you to the owners and to [chief executive} Ed Woodward.”

The Portuguese, appointed as Louis van Gaal’s

successor in May 2016, won the EFL Cup and Europa League in his first season.

This season United are second in the Premier League, behind runaway leaders Manchester City, with the club still in the Champions League and FA Cup. “We have set very high

standards - winning three trophies in one season - but those are the standards I expect my teams to aim for,” Mourinho added.

“We are creating the conditions for a brilliant and suc-

tional work rate and professionalism”, as well as for “embracing the club’s desire to promote top-quality young players”.

He added: “He has brought an energy and a sense

Mourinho hailed the club’s recent signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.

He said the Chilean had moved from a “fantastic club to a giant club” in the swap deal that saw Armenia mid-

UCCA/Roy Baijnauth T20 competition

Number 72 All Star, Number 68 in winners’ row ACTION in the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association-sponsored Roy Baijnauth T20 competition continued recently in round two of the competition.

At the Number 72 All Star ground, the hosts defeated the Number 70 Spartans by four runs in a match which was interrupted by rain. Batting first, the Spartans scored 119-8 in their 20 overs with batsmen Rayon Yacoob top-scoring with 36. Akash Persaud and Chris Bollers scored 24 and 15 respectively.

Bowling for the hosts, Demetri Cameron took 2-12, Wayne Garnett 2-26,

Amardeo Hemchand 2-19 and Parmeshwar Chatterpaul 2-24.

In reply the hosts lost some early wickets, but some aggressive batting from pacer Demetri Cameron (25), skipper Mahendra Bhoj (23), and an unbeaten 21 from Khameshwar Chatterpaul saw them home safely.

Bowling for the Number 70 Spartans, Omesh Khemraj took 2-12, Khameshwar Ramjit 2-20 and Chris Bollers 1-19 were the other wicket-takers.

At Number 68 ground, the hosts defeated Yakasari Caribs by 30 runs. Batting first, Number 68 scored

138-5 in their 20 overs.

Totaram Persaud struck 69, decorated with seven boundaries. Joshua Francis and Daneshwar Ghanie added valuable runs to the total with 28 and 26 respectively.

Yakasari Caribs in reply were bowled out for 53 in 12 overs. Nipaul Ayana and R. Bounauth were the only batsmen with significant scores of 22 and 16 respectively. Bowling for the hosts, Totaram Persaud claimed 3-3, Ravindra Ramnauth 1-23 and Avinash Seecharran 1-16.

With the victory, the hosts move on to the next round.

Jose Mourinho took over as manager at Old Trafford on May 27, 2016

cessful future for Manchester United. I love my players and it is a pleasure to know that we are going to be together for at least the next three years.”

Woodward praised Mourinho for his “excep-

of purpose to everything that he does and I am sure that will continue to bring results for the fans and the club.”

Speaking at his news conference earlier on yesterday - before his new contract was announced -

fielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan head the other way.

Mourinho said it was “a great deal for everybody” and confirmed Sanchez will be in the squad for United’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Yeovil today. (BBC Sport)

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

India take upper hand after Bumrah’s career-best 5-54 JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Seamer Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets as India seized control of the third and final Test against South Africa yesterday, going to the close of the second day with a 42run lead on a treacherous wicket at the Wanderers.

Bumrah, in this third Test, ripped through the middle-order and cleaned up the South African tail, with career-best figures of 5-54, as India bowled their hosts out for 194.

With South Africa having taken a slender lead of seven runs, the tourists reached 49 for one wicket in their second innings.

Murali Vijay (13 not out) and Lokesh Rahul (16 not out) will resume on the third day, looking to build a lead in the knowledge that setting South Africa anything over 150 for victory on a wicket that has pace, bounce and

prodigious lateral movement will be challenging.

South Africa lacked their usual intensity in India’s second innings and may rue not being able to make deeper inroads into the batting line-up before the close.

India had elevated middle-order batsman Parthiv Patel (16) to the top of the order to give them a right/ left hand combination in the opening positions.

He made a fast start, but was out to a fantastic catch from Aiden Markram racing in from slip after an inside edge onto his pad from a Vernon Philander (1-11) delivery.

The home side started the second day on six for one after dismissing India for 187 and Hashim Amla (61) and nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada (30) put on 64 for the third wicket.

Rabada was out five minutes before lunch and South

Pakistan dominate Black Caps to set up T20 decider

Africa then lost their way in the middle session as AB de Villiers (5), Faf du Plessis (8) and Quinton de Kock (8) all failed, the latter two out to Bumrah.

The Indian seamer then

Jasprit Bumrah runs through the line-up after tea and gets his first five-for in Tests, dismissing South Africa for 194. (Getty Images)

unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, but are

seeking a first-ever cleansweep over India.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings 187 SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (overnight 6 for 1) Dean Elgar c Patel b Kumar 4 Aiden Markram c Patel b Kumar

2 Kagiso Rabada c Rahane b Ishant Sharma 30 Hashim Amla c Pandya b Bumrah 61 AB de Villiers b Kumar

5 Faf du Plessis b Bumrah

8 Quinton de Kock c Patel b Bumrah 8 Vernon Philander c Bumrah b Shami

35 Andile Phehlukwayo lbw Bumrah

9 Morne Morkel not out

9 Lungi Ngidi c Patel b Bumrah

0 Extras: (lb-14, w-9)

23 Total: (65.5 overs) 194 all out Fall of wickets: 1-3, 2-16, 3-80, 4-92, 5-107, 6-125, 7-169, 8-175, 9-194.

Bowling: Kumar 19-9-44-3 (w-2), Bumrah 18.5- 2-54-5 (w-1), Sharma 14- 2-33-1, Shami 12-0-46-1 (w-2), Pandya 2- 0-3-0 INDIA 2nd innings Murali Vijay not out

13 Parthiv Patel c Markram b Philander 16 Lokesh Rahul not out

16 Extras: (lb-4)

4 Total: (one wkt, 17.0 overs)

49 Fall of wicket: 1-17.

Bowling: Philander 5-2-11-1, Rabada 6-1-19-0, Morkel 4-1-9 -0, Ngidi 2- 0-6-0.

Spinners propel Afghanistan into ICC Under-19 semi-finals

the first man to fall at the end of the 10th over.

By then a solid platform had been laid by Sarfraz’s men and Babar, who made 41 in Monday’s meeting, strengthened Pakistan’s hand with an eye-catching 29-ball knock.

It was opener Fakhar who really flexed his muscles, though, having brought up his 50 in a 28-ball blast that featured three maximums.

The hosts’ response was laboured and wickets fell at regular intervals, with New Zealand left floundering on 64-6 in the ninth over.

Pakistan shared the wickets around, Faheem Ashraf’s 3-22 proving the best figures.

The bottom half of the New Zealand order scored more expeditiously, but Mitchell Santner’s 37 and Ben Wheeler’s 30 were not enough to apply any real pressure.

Bay Oval will host the series-decider on Sunday.

AFGHANISTAN sprung a surprise on New Zealand by handing them a massive 202-run drubbing in Christchurch to storm into the semi-finals of ICC Under-19 World Cup. Afghanistan not only scored 309 after opting to bat, they then routed New Zealand in under 30 overs to register their third win in four matches of the tournament and set up a semi-final clash against Australia.

Afghanistan’s innings was marked not by an individual effort but by several useful partnerships. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone with a stand of 117 runs in just over 20 overs. Gurbaz was the quicker of the two with his 69 off 67 balls, studded with seven fours and three sixes, and Ibrahim stroked a patient 68 off 98 balls.

THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) tournaments will resume this weekend in the city with the Gise/Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall first division two-day, along with the Noble House Seafoods and New Building Society second division championships.

In the first division tournament Georgetown Cricket Club will host Demerara Cricket Club from 09:30hrs daily.

In the Noble House Seafoods two-day tournament, Ace Warriors will oppose GNIC at MYO from 10:30hrs daily.

Meanwhile, two games are billed for the New Building Society 40-over tournament. Tomorrow GYO will host DCC while on Sunday Everest Cricket Club will oppose Transport Sports Club at GYO. Both games start at 10:30hrs.

SRI Lanka will face Bangladesh in the tri-nation series final after thrashing the Tigers by 10 wickets in Dhaka yesterday.

Bangladesh’s victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday put Sri Lanka on the brink of the final and they skittled out the hosts for only 82 to set up a crushing win at Shere

PAKISTAN bounced back from their seven-wicket loss to bogey team New Zealand with a commanding victory at Eden Park to level the threematch Twenty20 international series.

Having been so soundly beaten in Wellington at the start of the week to make it 13 losses in a row against New Zealand, the tourists – thrashed 5-0 in the one-day contests – finally enjoyed a victory, bowling out the hosts for 153 to prevail by 48 runs.

Pakistan scored 2014 in an innings anchored by a 94-run opening stand from Fakhar Zaman (50) and Ahmed Shehzad (44), while Babar Azam’s unbeaten half-century and Sarfraz Ahmed’s brisk 41 also represented valuable contributions.

The Black Caps’ attack struggled to limit the damage, with Seth Rance smashed for 47 off his four overs, although he did account for Shehzad –

had Amla caught at mid-wicket, before trapping Andile Phehlukwayo (9) lbw and seeing Lungi Ngidi (0) caught by wicketkeeper Patel as the innings came to a rapid end.

South Africa have an

They lost two wickets in quick succession before No.4 Bahir Shah took over to pile on more runs with the lower order even as Afghanistan were 226 for 5 in the 45th

300, highlighted by two sixes in the 47th, 49th and the 50th overs - all struck by Omarzai who hammered 66 off only 23 balls. Bahir remained unbeaten on 67 off 72.

Afghanistan handed New Zealand a 202-run drubbing in Christchurch to advance to the semi-finals.

over.

From there, Bahir and Azmatullah Omarzai smashed 79 runs in under six overs to propel them past

New Zealand’s chase started on a poor note as an in-form Rachin Ravindra was run-out for a duck in the second over.

Off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran,

who has already played ODIs and the BPL, dented them further by rattling the stumps of opener Jacob Bhula (5) and captain Kaylum Boshier for a duck.

New Zealand then slipped from 18 for 3 to 20 for 4 before Katene Clarke (38) and Dale Phillips (31) put on 66 runs for the fifth wicket.

Leg-spinner Qais Ahmad trapped both batsmen lbw in the space of three deliveries and New Zealand never recovered from 86 for 6.

Mujeeb and Ahmad wiped out the tail too and finished with 4 for 14 and 4 for 33 respectively.

(Scores: Afghanistan 309 for 6 (Gurbaz 69, Ibrahim 68, Bahir 67*, Omarzai 66) beat New Zealand 107 (Clarke 38, Mujeeb 4-14, Ahmad 4-33) by 202 runs.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

GCA tournaments resume this weekend Sri Lanka to face Bangladesh in tri-nation series final Bangla National Stadium.

Mushfiqur Rahim (26) and Sabbir Rahman (10) were the only batsmen to make double figures in a pitiful batting display from a Bangladesh side that had won their first three matches in the tournament.

Suranga Lakmal took

3-21, while Dushmantha Chameera, Thisara Perera and Lakshan Sandakan claimed two wickets apiece as the Tigers were dismissed in only 24 overs.

Danushka Gunathilaka, replacing the injured Kusal Perera, and Upul Tharanga raced to Sri Lanka’s victory target in just 11.5 overs.

Tharanga struck three sixes in an unbeaten 39 from only 37 balls and Gunathilake (35 from 35) cleared the ropes twice.

The openers scored largely in boundaries to wrap up an emphatic win, striking a psychological blow two days before the final at the same stadium.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Gayle, Russell to add firepower to Scorpions Super50 squad

Ngidi named in Proteas squad for India ODI series

Uncalled seamer Lungi Ngidi

Chris Gayle

THE Jamaica Scorpions will receive a dose of star power for the upcoming Regional Super50 tournament with the return of big hitters Chris Gayle and Andre Russell.

The 38-year-old Gayle has not appeared at the tournament since 2012 when the team defeated Trinidad in the final. Russell, who is fresh from a one-year ban for doping whereabouts violations, last played in the tournament

in the same year.

The Scorpions will be hoping to recapture the title for the first time since 2012, particularly having been stopped at the final hurdle by Barbados last season.

With the tournament set to bowl off on January 30 and end on February 24, it is uncertain how long Gayle will remain with the local team.

The batsman has been named as a part of the Windies team who will take part

Andre Russell

in the 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier, which will take place between March 4 and 25.

The team will travel well ahead of the tournament.

The tournament, which will be held in Zimbabwe, begins on March 4 with the Windies opening their campaign on March 6.

The Windies, along with Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe, missed out on automatic qualification for

the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 by finishing outside the top eight of ICC ODI Team Rankings at the September 30, 2017, cut-off date.

Jamaica squad: Jermaine Blackwood, Chris Gayle, Brandon King, Christopher Lamont, Andre McCarthy, Nikita Miller, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Peat Salmon, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Gavin Wallace, Chadwick Walton, Alwyn Williams.

CONCACAF Under-20 Football

Jamaica women avoid defeat but finish bottom

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Jamaica managed to stave off a third straight defeat when they played to a 2-2 stalemate against Nicaragua, in their final group game of the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 football Championship on Tuesday.

Playing at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Jamaica appeared to be en route to their first victory of the campaign when they led 2-1 inside the last 10 minutes of the contest, but they conceded late on to settle for a share of the points.

The draw left them bottom of Group B on a single point, following defeats to powerhouses Mexico and the United States in their previous matches.

In perhaps their best

showing of the tournament, Jamaica took the lead in the sixth minute when Olufolasade Adamolekun got on to the end of Jody Brown’s

day inside the box and the midfielder converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Sydney Schneider the wrong way.

Jamaica’s Olufolasade Adamolekun (centre) is congratulated by teammates following her opening goal.

(Photo courtesy CONCACAF Media)

cross to beat goalkeeper Alicia Norori.

Nicaragua drew level in the 23rd minute, however, when Nevillegail Able brought down Jaclyn Gil-

With the scores locked 1-1 at halftime, substitute Jazmin Grant restored Jamaica’s lead in the 63rd with an excellent solo effort, racing into

the box and beating the keeper at the near post.

The lead stood for nearly 20 minutes and with time ticking away, Nicaragua found the precious equaliser when Yessenia Flores produced a sweetly-timed volley from 18 yards out to get the better of Schneider.

On Monday, hosts Trinidad and Tobago lost their third straight match of the tournament, going down 2-1 to Costa Rica. They finished bottom of Group A without a point.

Canada swept all three of their matches to top the group with nine points, with French Caribbean side Haiti finishing second to also qualify for the semi-finals.

Unbeaten United States topped Group B with Mexico second, to advance to the final four.

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - Uncapped seamer Lungi Ngidi has been named in South Africa’s one-day International squad to face India in the first three fixtures of a six-match series next month.

Ngidi, 21, made his Test debut against the touring Indians in Pretoria earlier in January, taking 6-39 in the second innings for a matchhaul of seven wickets.

He also played two Twenty20 Internationals against Sri Lanka 12 months ago but missed the ODI series that followed through injury.

Batsman Khaya Zondo, who toured India in 2015 with the side but was not selected, has also been included.

“Lungi has achieved a remarkable double in being named man-of-the-match on both his T20 and Test match debuts and he now gets the

chance to show what he can do in the 50 overs format,” selection panel convener Linda Zondi said in a statement from Cricket South Africa.

“Khaya has been on the fringes of selection for some time now which included leading the South Africa A side on their recent 50 overs campaign against the England Lions.”

Fast bowler Morne Morkel, all-rounder Chris Morris and leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi all return for the series that starts in Durban on February 1.

SQUAD: Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Imran Tahir, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungisani Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Khayelihle Zondo.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday January 26, 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 yesterday’s quiz: (1) Keagan Simmons-92* (2) Finn Allen-115* Today’s Quiz: (1) Who took the most wickets for the WI in their three

group games in the ICC Under 19 World Cup? (2) Who scored most runs?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, January 26, 2018

Bakewell supports RHTY&SC Cricket Development Programme World Cup 2018

LONG-time sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Bakewell on Wednesday continued its investment in the development of cricket.

General Manager Rajin Ganga stated that investing in the club is a worthwhile venture.

Bakewell, a sponsor of the RHTY&SC since 2000, handed over a cheque for $179 000 towards the construction of two new pitch preparation rollers and the expansion of the two cricket side-screens at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

Bakewell, Ganga said, is very proud to be associated with the RHTY&SC and was even prouder to assist the club in its continuing efforts to make positive differences by offering Sports and Education as an alternative to a life on the road.

Ganga also pledged his company’s support in the future, as Bakewell was assured that its funds are always well used and accounted for.

The RHTY&SC’s Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, along with vice-president Mark Papannah and Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall, received the donation.

They expressed gratitude to the company for its continued investment and confidence.

Foster explained that the RHTY&SC in 2018 would be placing special emphasis on its

internal Cricket Developmental Programme so that the club would maintain its status as one of Guyana’s leading cricket clubs and most importantly, to continue producing cricketers of the highest standard.

The entire outfield of the Area ‘H’ Ground is being currently graded while the pitch was re-laid with crusher-run as its foundation.

For the first time in its history, the Area ‘H’ Ground

members by the end of 2018.

Bakewell since 2000 has been the official sponsor of the RHTY&SC Under-17 and Second Division cricket teams.

Webb sentencing put back for sixth time

Former CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb.

RHTY&SC’s Organising Secretary Ravindranauth Kissoonlall receives donation from Bakewell’s Natasha Bhikhari.

Cyber Trading donates cricket bat to Tagenarine Chanderpaul CYBER Trading from Pakistan recently donated a cricket bat to Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of West Indies batting legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Tagenarine completed his maiden first-class cen-

would have two pitches - one for practice and the other for matches.

Special effort is also being made to construct an indoor cricket practice for RHTY&SC

tury for the Guyana Jaguars against Barbados Pride in the Regional 4-Day championship ninth round match at Kensington Oval.

Owners of Cyber Trading, Muhammad Abdullah and business partner Mu-

hammad Fazal, said they were happy to make a contribution to the young and talented Chanderpaul. The company has been involved in the sports business over the last 17 years and has been exporting sports gear

and accessories to Guyana for the last five years.

They also would like to thank Guyanese customers for their patronage and are looking forward to their continued support.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul (left) is presented with the Gray Nicholls bat by Cyber Trading officials.

NEW YORK, USA (CMC) – Former football strongman Jeffrey Webb has had his sentencing on corruption charges put back for the sixth time.

The former CONCACAF president and FIFA vice-president was expected to be sentenced on Wednesday but the courts earlier this month pushed the date back until March 7.

The latest delay marks over two years since Webb pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy and three counts of money-laundering conspiracy.

Webb, a former head of the Cayman Islands Football Association, has already agreed to forfeit more than US$6.7 million in cash and assets as part of an agreement with the courts.

He is reported to have recently sold his near million-dollar Georgia mansion, with proceeds expected to have been turned over to the court as part of the agreement.

Webb, at one point, tipped to become FIFA president, was one of several high-profile football officials arrested during a pre-dawn raid in Zurich in May, 2015, as FIFA staged its annual meeting at a plush hotel.

He was subsequently included in a 47-count indictment announced by the US Department of Justice, with Trinidadian Jack Warner – a former CONCACAF chief and powerful FIFA vice-president – also named.

“The indictment alleges corruption that is rampant, systemic, and deep-rooted both abroad and here in the United States,” then US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said.

“It spans at least two generations of soccer officials who, as alleged, have abused their positions of trust to acquire millions of dollars in bribes and kickbacks.”

Webb had assumed the role of CONCACAF president following the cash-for-votes scandal that shook Caribbean football and led to Warner’s resignation. He has been banned for life by FIFA, football’s world governing body.

Bakewell supports Page 31 RHTY&SC Cricket Development Programme See

MoPH on board with gender-based violence theme for Milo Schools U-18 football

The students of the schools participating in the sixth edition of the Milo U-18 football tournament stand with Ministry of Public Health officials and organisers.

(Stephan Sookram photo)

… Rule changes regarding carded offences

By Stephan Sookram THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is onboard with the sixth edition of the Milo Schools U-18 football competition which starts this weekend.

The Ministry, according to Public Relations Officer Terrence Esseboom, sees the need to promote the deterrence of

gender-based violence.

During a press briefing yesterday at the National Library, the PRO explained that the ministry has been involved with the tournament for six years.

“Not every time you agree with the referee. Sometimes the referee makes a mistake but you can’t beat the referee because he or she makes a mis-

take. The same way you have to control your anger in sport, you’ve got to learn to do the same socially,” he said.

He added, the Ministry of Public Health would want you to use the discipline and trainings from sport and bring them into the social work.”

This year’s tournament will be played under the theme

“There is no excuse for violence“, according to Dr Dennis Bassier, Men’s Health Coordinator at the Ministry.

He stated that gender violence extends to men being the victim, and discouraged both, saying that the ministry stands firm in trying to stamp out that behaviour.

“It is important for our

young men who are inevitably the men of tomorrow and leaders of tomorrow to realise that we are not supposed to go down that road.”

TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR EVERY SCHOOL Meanwhile following up on their promise to provide expertise ahead of the tournament,

the Guyana Football Federation through Technical Director Ian Greenwood contended that each participating school will have an officer assigned to it.

“Every single school has been contacted and assigned a GFF coach - each school that’s

Turn to page 27

Brathwaite, Roach included for World Cup qualifiers … Pollard, Narine, Bravo and Russell snub Windies selectors

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – West Indies have selected their 15-man squad for the crucial ICC World Cup qualifiers without a ball bowled in the Regional Super50, recalling all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite and Kemar Roach but were snubbed by the experienced quartet of Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Darren Bravo.

The squad, led by regular captain Jason Holder, however, includes veteran batsmen Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels, and represents the core of the unit which suffered a humbling whitewash in the three-match series in New Zealand last December.

Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell and batsman Shimron Hetmyer, late additions to the squad for the New Zealand series, have been retained but Ronsford Beaton, Kyle Hope, Shannon Gabriel and Chadwick Walton have all been left out.

Chief selector Courtney Browne said in a statement he had reached out to Pollard, Narine, Russell and Bravo but they had opted to play in the Pakistan Super League which bowls off February 22, and runs alongside the World Cup qualifying tournament from March 4 to 25.

“We are pleased to announce a squad that has a combination of experience and youth,” Browne said.

“Given the importance of the West Indies qualifying for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, we thought it was important that we chose players who brought not only skills but experience to the table, combined with younger players who had performed creditably on the international scene.

“We contacted some of our well-known senior cricketers to ascertain their availability for the tournament and we are pleased that Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have indicated their full support and

commitment to the cause.”

He added: “Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Darren Bravo and Andre Russell, however, indicat-

per League.”

Narine, the region’s leading spinner and Pollard, a big-hitting all-rounder has not

Darren Bravo and Kieron Pollard ed that they were unavailable to help us qualify as their priority was playing in the Pakistan Su-

played an ODI in 15 months while Russell is now returning to international cricket follow-

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

ing a one-year ban for an anti-doping whereabouts breach.

Bravo, meanwhile, has not played for West Indies in any format since an ill-advised Twitter rant against Cricket West Indies president Dave Cameron resulted in his being sent home ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe, in November 2016.

He was subsequently barred from selection but is yet to play since a truce in his standoff with CWI was announced last July.

Brathwaite and Roach, meanwhile, have been handed lifelines in their one-day careers.

The 29-year-old Brathwaite, the Windies Twenty20 captain, played the last of his 23 ODIs last March when he was dropped for a poor run of form which saw him gather 113 runs in his last eight innings at an average of 14.

Fellow Barbadian Roach has not been seen in one-day colours in nearly three years, during

which time he struggled with loss of form and injury, and also was missing from the Test squad.

However, the 29-year-old seamer made a successful return to the Test arena last year, taking 25 wickets in seven appearances.

He has taken 99 wickets in 67 ODI matches.

Browne said he expected both players to be valuable assets to the squad in terms of their experience.

“We welcome back Carlos Braithwaite and value his contribution to the team on and off the field,” the former Test wicketkeeper said.

“Kemar Roach is a highly experienced player who recently returned to international cricket last year. He is also a good addition to our ODI squad, as we set out to win the ICC World Cup Qualifiers.

“We expect this squad under the able leadership of

Turn to page 27 FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 2018