Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-03-2019

3rd February, 2019

No.105537

Canada saves Ali from embarrassment PAGE

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–– could have been arrested, tried, says international lawyer

Children from the St. John the Baptist Primary School perform a dance titled “Oneness with a touch of El Dorado” at the children's Mashramani competition in Bartica, Region Seven on Friday (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

Cash crop 34 farmer fatally stabbed PAGE

Gov’t ministers 13 ground with Lindeners PAGE

Bullied boy hopes 33 to return to school PAGE

Dead: Deoprakash Lallbachan

Bhojpaul Ramjas

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Canada saves Ali from embarrassment 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

– international attorney

By Svetlana Marshall

L

EGAL Counsel Selwyn Pieters said the Canadian High Commission ought to be applauded for advising People’s Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate Irfaan Ali not to travel to Canada due to the serious charges he is facing here in Guyana.

Pieters, an internationally recognised attorney called to the Bars of Ontario, Canada; Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana, said the advice was based on the Laws of Canada, in particular Section 36(1) (c ) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (“IRPA”), and has saved him greater embarrassment.

Section 36 (1) (C) states: “A permanent resident or a foreign national is inadmissible on grounds of serious criminality for… (c) committing an act outside Canada that is an offence in the place where it was committed and that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence under an Act of Parliament punishable by a maximum term of imprisonment of at least 10 years.”

Last Monday, the High Commission of Canada in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago advised Ali not to travel to Canada on the grounds that it has received a report in relation to the 19 charges filed against him by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). He was given 30 days to respond to the cor-

respondence. Pieters said the approach taken by the Canadian High Commission is a good one.

“It is less embarrass-

Attorney-at-Law Selwyn Pieters ing, less traumatic and certainly protects him from any stigma to warn him in advance to not come to Canada in the face of criminal charges, rather than to arrest and detain him at the port of entry and force him through a convoluted admissibility hearing,” Pieters explained.

CASES The attorney said the case of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who was arrested in Vancouver, Canada, in December, 2018 on the grounds that there are 13 charges filed against her in the U.S, is an excellent example.

Wanzhou is accused of violating international trade sanctions against Iran.

“The situation with the arrest, detention and subse-

quent release on conditions of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou drives home the point of the muddy waters to tread when travelling to Canada in the face of serious criminal charges in another country,” the attorney told this newspaper.

He said the case of Xiao Dong Liang is another example. In October, 1998, Liang was arrested in Canada on an Interpol warrant for conspiracy to commit murder, leading a criminal organisation, and being involved in a corruption scandal concerning a high-ranking official in his home province in China.

Subsequent to the conduct of an Immigration Act inquiry, Liang was found to be inadmissible as a person who had committed an act that constitutes an offence in China that, if committed in Canada, would constitute an offence punishable by imprisonment for 10 years or more. In his desperation, he applied for refugee status but it was turned down.

“We rejected Mr. Liang’s claim based on serious criminality, notwithstanding his claims that he would be subject to the death penalty if returned to China,” Pieters said. He had worked on the case.

CHARGES In Ali’s case, he was slapped with 19 charges for alleged conspiracy to defraud the state of some $174M for his role in the notorious Pradoville land-sale scandal.

Those charges were filed last November. He had appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was released on self-bail, claiming that the charges “…have made me stronger.” Ali, 38, of Sea-spray, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charges.

The charges read that between the year 2010 and 2015, Ali conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government of Guyana when he acted recklessly in presenting the value of 19 plots of state land situated at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara and sold the said lands at a grossly undervalued price without first obtaining a valuation to determine the true value of the lands.

Ali is accused of defrauding the state of over $174M after selling the land at an undervalued price. The former minister of housing is accused of selling the lands to former President Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon; and former ministers Priya Manickchand, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud and Clement Rohee; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, and former army head Gary Best and Fortune Developers Inc., Guyana.

He also sold lands at the locations to former General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former Presi-

dent Donald Ramotar, Lisa Ramotar; former President of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo; the son of former Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul, Dr Ghansham Singh; former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Singh; former president of the Caribbean Development Bank, Compton Bourne; Andrew Bishop, former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Shaik Baksh, Safraaz Khan and George Hallaq.

PPP presidential candidate Irfaan Ali Ali was recently chosen as the PPP’s presidential candidate, beating out the likes of Anil Nandlall, Gail Teixeira, Dr Frank Anthony and Dr Vindyha Persaud.

However, supporters of the political party have openly condemned the move to have him run for the country’s presidency.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 3, 2019

‘Quid pro quo’: Russia suspends INF nuclear treaty after US move Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has suspended Moscow’s participation in a Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty after a similar move by the United States.

The landmark 1987 arms control pact, which rid Europe of land-based nuclear missiles, eliminated the medium-range arsenals of the world’s two biggest nuclear powers and reduced their ability to launch a nuclear strike at short notice.

Moscow and Washington have long accused the other of violating the agreement.

The Russian move on Saturday comes a day after the US announced it was suspending compliance with the INF treaty and gave notice of its intention to withdraw from the pact within six months over alleged Russian violations.

Accusing Moscow of breaching the treaty with “impunity”, US President Donald Trump said the US

will “move forward” with developing its own military response options to Russia’s alleged deployment of banned cruise missiles that could target Western Europe.

“We will respond quid pro quo,” Putin said during a televised meeting with foreign and defence ministers, Sergey Lavrov and Sergei Shoigu.

“Our American partners have announced they were suspending their participation in the treaty and will do the same. They have an-

nounced they will conduct research and development, and we will act accordingly.”

The Russian leader instructed the military to work on developing new landbased weapons that were previously banned by the pact, but said Moscow will not increase its military budget for the new weapons.

He added that Russia would not deploy them in the European part of the country or elsewhere unless the US does so.

He also ordered ministers

not to initiate disarmament talks with Washington, accusing the US of being slow to respond to such moves.

FEARS OF ARMS RACE Signed by former US President Ronald Reagan and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the INF treaty banned groundlaunched cruise missiles with a range between 500km and 5,500km.

As a result, American Cruise and Pershing missiles deployed in Britain

and West Germany were removed, while the Soviet Union pulled back its SS-20s out of European range.

However, since 2014, US has accused Russia of breaching the INF accord by developing the SSC8, a land-based, intermediate-range cruise missile also known as the Novator 9M729.

Russia denies the claim, saying the missile has a maximum range of 480 km. (Al Jazeera)

Ghana denies non-cooperation with US over deportations Ghana’s foreign ministry is denying United States allegations of noncooperation in taking back thousands of its deported nationals, which has led to visa restrictions.

A statement late Friday by the West African nation notes the restrictions “with concern and disappointment.”

The U.S. Embassy has said it will start imposing the restrictions Monday follow-

ing an order by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. They affect employees of Ghanaian diplomats in the U.S., Ghanaian businessmen and employees of the legislature.

The U.S. has asserted that Ghana “has denied or unreasonably delayed” accepting its deported nationals, but Ghana’s foreign ministry said it has always cooperated.

The ministry statement

said as of Jan. 8 the Ghanaian mission in Washington had received 28 applications from U.S. authorities, with 19 interviewed and 11 travel certificates issued. Outstanding cases are due to unclear nationality, ill health and pending U.S. litigation, it said.

“Officers of the U.S. Embassy have verbally informed the ministry that there are about 7,000 Ghanaians who are at different stages of deportation proceedings,” the ministry said.

However, “there has not been any confirmation by

the U.S. authorities of a final court order for their removal in accordance with the U.S.’s own laws.”

The latest annual report by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says 243 Ghanaians were removed during the 2018 fiscal year, down from 305 the previous year. Ghana ranked 20th in the number of nationals deported. The only other African nation in the top 20 was Nigeria, which ranked 17th last year with 369 nationals deported.

(Reuters)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 3, 2019

US calls on Venezuela's army to join Guaido camp

A top White House official on Saturday called on Venezuela's military to follow the lead of a general who sided with opposition leader Juan Guaido against President Nicolas Maduro.

"The US calls on all military members to follow General Yanez's lead, and to protect the peaceful protestors supporting democracy," National Security Advisor John Bolton said in a tweet.

Earlier on Saturday, General Yanez, high-ranking Venezuelan air force official, withdrew his support of Maduro, claiming that 90 percent of the military are no longer supporting the president.

Maduro defiant after military defections; proposes new

parliamentary elections Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has remained defiant following the defections of at least two military officials, while declaring his support for fresh parliamentary elections.

In a speech to tens of thousands of supporters on Saturday, Maduro declared that he supports the National Assembly's proposal, saying, "Let's go for elections".

Elections for the opposition-controlled National Assembly are not supposed to take place again until 2020.

In the same speech, the president denounced the interventionist policy of the United States and the administration of President Donald

As Venezuela's economy collapses, a tide of lawlessness is spreading to the nearby island of Trinidad.

Its fishermen now live in fear of Venezuelan pirates, discovers Colin Freeman, while Venezuelan smugglers exchange drugs and guns for basic necessities.

If your idea of a tropical paradise is based on what you've seen in tourist brochures, the coastline of southwest Trinidad will not disappoint. Golden beaches and coconut groves? Tick. Sleepy villages, full of fishermen snoozing under palm trees?

Tick. A relaxed, laid-back vibe? Hmm. Actually, no.

Take a closer look in villages like Fullarton, and you'll notice a few things seem out of place. For one, why have so many of the fishermen got 200 horsepower engines on their boats, when 75 is more than enough? And why, when they go out fishing at night, do none of them put lights on any more?

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Trinidad's western tips are within sight of Venezuela The answer, as fisherman Gerry Padarath explains from his beachside hammock, is pirates.

"We're all scared of them now," he tells me. "There's

been about 50 fishermen in the village who've had runins with them, either being robbed or kidnapped. Our only chance is to fish in the dark, so they don't see us, or buy bigger engines so we can outrun them."

Hang on... Pirates? In the Caribbean? That was 300 years ago, wasn't it? Back when men like Blackbeard and Calico Jack sailed these waters. So far, the only pirate I'd seen in Trinidad was a picture of Captain Henry Morgan. And he was on a bottle of rum.

Gerry Padarath knows differently. He gestures out to sea, where across a stretch of mud-brown water another coastline can be seen. It's mainland Venezuela - which, at its closest point, lies just 20km (12 miles) from Trinidad.

In happier times, ferries used to bring groups of Venezuelan tourists to party in Trinidad. Today, though, as Venezuela slides further into all-out economic collapse, its impoverished coastal ports have become modern Hispaniolas - havens for buccaneers.

Most of the pirates are ex-fishermen, who used to make a good living catching tuna, octopus and shrimp in the Caribbean's warm waters. But under Venezue-

Protesters in Caracas, Venezuela on Saturday, February 2, 2019 (Al Jazeera)

Trump.

"A wave of global conciousness is rising in the face of daily threats against the White House warmongers," Maduro said.

Maduro and opposition

leader, Juan Guaido are holding competing rallies in capital Caracas on Saturday, as they tried to rally support on their side.

Earlier on Saturday, a high-ranking Venezuelan

air force official, General Francisco Yanez, withdrew his support of Maduro, and recognised Guaido as interim head-of-state.

Later in the day, another military officer in active service, Lieutenant Colonel Andres Eloy Volcan, also declared his support of Guaido and urged other military officers to follow him and "restore democracy.

But Maduro dismissed the call saying, "The Bolivarian armed forces are more loyal than ever under my command."

He insisted that he was the rightful president of Venezuela and that he would continue to govern.

Guaido: Humanitarian aid

to enter through Colombia, Brazil Opposition leader, Juan Guaido, who declared himself as the country's president, also announced that humanitarian aid for Venezuela will enter through Colombia, Brazil and a Caribbean island.

In his speech, he also urged the military to side with the Constitution and called on them not to target the demonstrators. Guaido also said that the month of February could prove to be the "determining point" of Venezuela's freedom. Reports say more than 100,000 Venezuelans attended Guaido's rally. (Al Jazeera)

Venezuelan pirates : the new scourge of the Caribbean la's former president, Hugo Chavez, the fishing industry underwent a well-intentioned but disastrous nationalisation programme, prompting companies to relocate abroad.

With the added blow of hyperinflation, many of the fishermen now have no job and no way to feed their families. They do however have access to boats and to guns, which are in ready supply on Venezuela's increasingly lawless streets.

It's sadly reminiscent of the piracy crisis in Somalia a decade ago, where jobless fishermen took up arms to prey on passing ships. But

while the Somali pirates targeted wealthy cargo ships, the Venezuelans tend to go for fellow fishermen from Trinidad, who aren't much richer than they are.

One such victim was Candy Edwards, who I met in the village of Icacos, where long wooden fishing pirogues are lined up on the beach. He was out fishing with two friends when a boatload of men waving machine guns waylaid them.

"They jumped on board and tied us up," he told me.

"Then they took us off to Venezuela and held us in a cage in some woods. They

demanded a $35,000 ransom to release us. The community here in Icacos had a whip round and we were freed after seven days. But I was so scared I didn't go back to sea for a year."

Then again, not all the Trinidadian fishermen are entirely innocent victims. Nosing around, my local fixer and I were met with distinctly nervous looks when we asked about one pirate kidnapping, which had happened just days earlier.

"Can't talk to you about that right now, too many people watching," one woman hissed at me. Later on, by phone, she explained.

"That kidnapping was all about drug money that someone here owed the cartels," she said. "The drug problem is getting worse and worse here - the moment you left, a drug boat came in."

I can't say I was sad to have missed that particular scoop. Enough people in Fullarton had mistaken me for a cop as it was. But it did explain that sense of nervous tension. And it did get me wondering about all those new 200 horsepower engines. Were they really all just for running away from pirates? Or might they have other uses too? (BBC)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

The President’s road map to inclusionary democracy MANY Guyanese, particularly young people, are tired of the social, political, ethnic, and other divisions that continue to impede our country’s progress.

Fortunately, President David Granger has repeatedly and passionately expressed his desire for Guyana to move away from the deplorable condition of division, inequality, and exclusion, towards the opposite of that circumstance, that is, the goal of a bright future of unity, social cohesion, and inclusionary democracy. His sincerity in his mission to work towards that ideal has never been questioned, not even by political opponents. The president’s earnestness must be applauded and his steadfastness of focus is admired, as the goal – though achievable – will not be easily realised.

‘Inclusionary democracy’ is almost self-explanatory; it is simply a state of affairs in which all Guyanese are meaningfully included – and feel fully involved – in the decision-making processes of all tiers of government. The ideal of inclusionary democracy was not invented by President Granger; it is, instead, prescribed and mandated by Article 13 of the constitution, which states that, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

Therefore, because that goal is a constitutional directive, government is lawfully obligated to pursue it. And, on the other

side of the coin, any government that does not actively work towards that goal – or, tries to divide or exclude any citizen – is in violation of Guyana’s supreme law – the constitution. One may argue that the last PPP regime under the fist of Bharrat Jagdeo, is guilty of fostering division, promoting inequality, and practising exclusion, contrary to the prescription of Article 13.

President Granger’s commitment was re-stated in his inaugural speech.

Immediately after being sworn into office on May 16, 2015, the president said, “Let us now put past rivalries behind us and work in unity to banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred . . . We are convinced that this is the best way to overcome our historic divisions. We have witnessed the damage done to our beautiful country over the past 23 years. We have been mocked by the destruction of local democracy and the denial of local government elections. We have been treated with contempt by the dictatorial prorogation and dissolution of Parliament.

We have had to bear the brunt of the high rate of crime including armed robberies, arson, inter-personal violence, murder, piracy, rapes, road fatalities and trafficking in persons. We have had to bear the cost of the squandering of state resources on exorbitant but misconceived mega-projects. We have suffered most from the high cost of living and the high level of unemployment.

“We have not been filled with hatred by these conditions. We are, indeed, more determined than ever to refashion society into one in which our womenfolk can look forward to working for ‘living wages’ to cope with the cost of living; one in which

old folk can enjoy adequate pensions and social protection. Our young people will be able to attain higher educational standards and look forward to finding satisfactory jobs when they leave school. Our women and girlchildren can look forward to living in safety and to being protected from abuse and violent crime.

“We the Guyanese people have seized the opportunity to vote for human safety, national unity and inclusionary democracy.

We now look to the future.”

President Granger underscored his determination at the 20th Biennial Delegates Congress of the People’s National Congress Reform, on August 17, 2018. His Excellency said, “[We have] done more and gone far further than . . . to create ‘an inclusionary democracy’ – an objective that is explicitly prescribed by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. “[We were] instrumental in the establishment of an inclusionary five-party partnership for national unity (APNU) in June 2011. The APNU, in turn, entered into the Cummingsburg Accord in February 2015 with the Alliance For Change (AFC). [We] remain committed: to the multi-party coalition, bound together by the Cummingsburg Accord; to constructive dialogue with the political parliamentary opposition and with civil society to strengthen the practice of ‘inclusionary democracy’; and, to the ideals of coalition politics and to the broader aspiration of national unity.

“Our commitment to the practice of ‘an inclusionary democracy’ has been vindicated, confirming the efficacy and necessity of the unique coalition that we created.

“Our coalition government has brought unquestionable benefits to the Guyanese people in every field. It has allowed for the deployment of broad expertise to the task of nation-building. It has reignited hope and galvanised goodwill to confront the challenges which we inherited in 2015.”

The gains towards inclusionary democracy did not happen “by magic;” the president had unveiled a five-point road map to that objective. The five points are: elimination of extreme poverty, elimination of inequality, promotion of political inclusion, employment and social protection, and equal access to education. President Granger explained that implementation of the road map would logically result in, “greater integration among groups; fostering a sense of belonging.” That integration or social cohesion is one step towards the realisation of the ultimate goal of inclusionary democracy.

Guyanese youth, and indeed, all citizens may rest assured that the coalition government is committed to inclusion. That commitment has progressed from being a noble idea to a concrete plan, to an implemented programme that continues to yield positive results. It is not the empty promise of a greedy, power-hungry dictator who wants his hands on Guyana’s resources. Instead, it is the sincere goal of a proven leader of unquestioned integrity – David Granger.

All Guyanese, including those who will be the leaders of tomorrow, should safeguard the advances made in the last few years and make sure that Guyana continues to move along the road to unity under the steady hand of proven leadership.

Stiffer penalties needed for abuser Dear Editor, IN a recent ruling, Magistrate Peter Hugh of the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court levied a fine of $200,000 with an alternative of one year in jail to Troyden Evans called “Tuckey”, 42, who pleaded guilty to a charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm on Ronda Mc Garrell with a baton. What message is the justice system sending to abusers by such slaps on the

wrist?

The victim in this particular case was subjected to persistent abuse over a period of time at the hands of her abuser. In fact, he was charged in the past with assault, wounding and other offences against the victim. On this occasion, he broke her arm! He beat her mercilessly! He threatened her life, not for the first time!

How does the justice system see this? Imagine being told your life is worth

$200,000! Is this some kind of joke? A clear message of Zero Tolerance to Abuse must be sent to abusers.

In fact, while this letter was being written, The Caribbean Voice learnt of a mother of three fighting for her life after being stabbed seven times by her ex-husband. We must not wait until another life is lost before we institutionalise penalties to match the crime in domestic violence cases. As well, we once again call for an urgent national concerted campaign

to tackle this scourge. The Caribbean Voice would be willing to be part of such a campaign.

We are in the process of finalising a campaign of our own, but we strongly believe that multi stakeholders’ collaboration can get more done for less, thereby maximising resource use and expanding the reach of the campaign.

Regards The Caribbean Voice Inc

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Empty promises and sweet ‘nothings’

Dear Editor

DURING this period onwards it is of utmost importance that one pays close attention to the words and utterances of people posing as leaders, especially those who are desperate for power and the proceeds from our patrimony—OIL. Several days ago it was publicly stated, that if elected, the PPP will create 50,000 jobs and increase African faces in their party. We all know that the purpose of the latter is for a showpiece. However, the former begs numerous questions. Why, after 23 years of governance, the PPP is now expressing concern over the rate of unemployment? Embattled former Minister of Housing and the now presidential candidate for the PPP, Irfaan Ali, promised to invest 1Billon dollars to create 50,000 jobs. Wow! In respect of each job to be created from this promise, the PPP would only be paying G$20,000.00, per worker. I would venture to say not even a sugar worker would take that job, for the proposed pay is way below the government’s minimum wage. Therefore, that promise makes no practical or mathematical sense.

Can the PPP demonstrate how they have helped our nation’s youth to improve their lives in those 23 years?

What youth policy have they created and promoted to harness the talents of Guyana’s youth?

The report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development done in 2010– “Eye on the Future” (page XiV) stated, “Levels of youth unemployment in the Region are among the highest in the world. Many youth confirm what some experts conclude, namely, that the system of education does not prepare them adequately for the regional and global labour market.” The report further stated, “Eighty-five per cent of Caribbean nationals between the ages of 15 and 29 would migrate to more developed countries if they had the choice and the necessary resources.” The findings also mentioned other phenomena such as, that the staggering rate of primary education dropouts, and HIV which was the main disease killing young Caribbean nationals.

Despite the findings of this highly publicised report in 2010, Jagdeo and the PPP did not heed or give any attention to the real issues affecting our youth, but suddenly, Power Hungry Jagdeo and the PPP are now suddenly expressing interest in our nation’s youth.

The PPP’s policy of No Child Left Behind enabled children who could not write their names to be promoted to higher grades; and even those who failed final exams were promoted to other classes as well. While they failed to prepare many of our young people for employment, they are now saying that they will now create 50,000 jobs? Does the puppet master and Irfaan Ali think young people are foolish to buy these senseless, empty campaign promises?

According to the Bureau of Statistics the country’s unemployment rate for 2018 is 12%. It is a fact that all of these unemployed people are not available to work,due to the fact that many of them are between the ages of 15-22 and are full-time students. So who is he creating 50,000 jobs for? Also, what kind of employment does he plan to provide? Does he plan to increase the public sector by rehiring the children of those who were retrenched when he privatised the bauxite companies?

Does he plan to rehire those people who were fired, due to victimisation by the PPP? Does he plan to rehire those workers who lost their jobs at Globe Trust?

Between 1991-1997, employment in the public service shrank by 45 percent, in Linden (Linmine) by 43

percent, in Bermine by 30 percent, and in Guysuco by 35 per cent. How come all of a sudden Jagdeo and Ali are now promising jobs? Weren’t they aware of these disappointing statistics? According to the Bureau of Statistics, Population and Housing census of 2002, the total amount of persons unemployed were 30,739. Over 30,000 people Mr. Editor and the PPP has never once addressed this issue.

From all of the evidence in the public domain, the inclusion of African-Guyanese in the PPP party is a fallacy; if this is to materialise, it would only serve as a showpiece window dress for the gullible, to create false hope. The coalition government led by president David Granger reflects that of the Guyanese populace, with its multiplicity of ethnicities and differences in religious persuasions. Even Stevie Wonder can see that there is no room for diversity in the PPP. It must be noted that no African-Guyanese was selected as an ambassador during the PPP’s tenure in office, so I would like Dr. Roger Luncheon to now advise, if African-Guyanese are now qualified to hold such positions, as he verbally expressed, “No African-Guyanese were qualified to be foreign ambassadors for Guyana”? Or maybe the former president Bharrat Jadgeo.

More questions arise as to why no African-Guyanese with an economics degree, who was employed at the Ministry of Finance or Bank of Guyana during the PPP government, was appointed to represent Guyana at the World Bank, the IMF and the IDB on any of the work attachments in 23 years.

A Bureau of Statistics survey in 2017 supported by the IDB, reflected that more than half of the working-age population in Guyana received only primary education, while 9.9 percent of those who work never went to school; a quarter of the working- age population has upper secondary education and only 2.8 percent has a Bachelor’s degree. Take note, that all of the respondents to the survey done by the Bureau of Statistics attended school during the PPP’s era 1992-2015.

In 2006, the then Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. Frank Anthony, advised that the final draft of the National Youth Policy will soon be completed. In 2014, eight years later, Frank Anthony expressed, “Extensive consultations were held to formulate the National Youth Policy.” Of course, there was no youth policy so it therefore begs the question again: what was the reason for the continued failure of the PPP to implement a functional National Youth Policy?” Frank continues to fail even to be his own party’s presidential hopeful.

During the PPP’s tenure, there were many visible, deep social ills among young people such as suicide, teenage pregnancy, police brutality and the increased school dropout rate, but the PPP did not address any of these phenomena affecting our youth. Now, after 23 years of malfeasance, corruption, nepotism and racism, gross misconduct by those who used their offices for enrichment of themselves and friends, are now here to tell us that they will provide 50,000 jobs? For whom?

The young people that they deliberately forgot?

Our youths will not give you a second chance because they are smarter than that and they realise that their votes count. If the PPP were serious about creating jobs they would not have used the sugar workers as pawns in their political game. Instead, they would have engaged in divestment of the sugar industry, which would have created new industries and jobs for our young people, instead of forcing them to migrate in order to find jobs.

If they so cared about young people, why did they cut the government subsidy for the law students in 2002, forcing law students and their parents to take out elaborate loans and to mortgage their properties to ensure that their children could complete their law degrees.

The PPP also ensured that the University of Guyana was starved of funds, thereby even affecting the quality of education of an entire generation of young people.

I say this to Bharrat Jagdeo and his puppet Irfaan Ali, that you do not care about our nation’s youth. Instead, under your watch, there was the execution of over 400 Guyanese young men from Linden, Buxton, Agricola, and many other parts of the country, whose mothers weep and wail every night because their sons were brutally murdered by the hands of hired killers.

The David Granger administration believes in the youth of Guyana, that’s why His Excellency has placed a special interest in their education, and ensured that the youth policy, sports policy, SLED programme and many others, provide opportunities for them. Guyana under the David Granger-led coalition government is better equipped to continue serving this nation for the benefit of all Guyanese. We must never allow ourselves to forget that most evil, wicked and corrupt PPP administration.

Forward ever, backward never Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region 10

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Shed the weight of those who are too heavy for your progress Dear President Granger, IT is my profound hope that you recover soonest. I can only imagine the twin burden imposed upon you by your quest to fully restore your health and the weight of your government being at the crossroads.

My personal view is that the opposition demonstrated itself as most insensitive and as lacking compassion when it used the occasion of your ill health to interrogate in Parliament the competence of your government. But I am reminded that in politics, as in war, one strikes his opponent when his opponent is at his weakest. I am minded also that politics, especially in polarised societies as ours, is war. The sad thing about politics and war, Mr. President, is that a few persons motivated by self-interest and ego engage in acts which consequences are devastating for the masses of the people.

Our politics, since our attainment of independence, has done nothing but injure more than it has healed our countrymen; it has carved oceans instead of build bridges between us; it has employed our massive resources to enrich a few while the masses of our countrymen (of all races) account for the seemingly permanent poor among us. These things you already know, of course. A Guyana of which we can feel completely proud and at home continues to elude us.

Mr. President, in May, 2015, I travelled home to join thousands of Guyanese in

exercising our democratic franchise. I had never before seen our countrymen so eager to vote. I saw youths who had only recently qualified (for the first time might I emphasise) to be issued an identification card line up from very early in the morning to vote; I saw young people who never before exhibited an interest in politics or voting mobilise folks to go to the polls; I saw persons who must be too old to remember their age line up to vote; I saw folks afflicted by a variety of infirmities line up to vote. The national chorus at that time was one of ‘change,’ but not just any change Mr. President, but the change that the coalition promised to deliver.

More than anyone else, the masses of Guyanese, I suspect, reposed their confidence in you. You presented yourself as an upright man, a man who holds his own integrity as being among his highest ideals. The masses of Guyanese, I presume, have not altered their belief that you are a man of high integrity-- a man who has the potential to be a unifier.

Integrity is a sacred virtue; a virtue which has been too long removed from our politics. It refreshed us to find it in you.

Integrity and the potential to unify the ethnic factions in our country--as sacred as they are--are just components of leadership and not the full essence of it. What has disappointed us the most, Mr. President, are some of the people with whom you have surrounded yourself. Some of the key people with whom

you have surrounded yourself have amplified arrogance and dwarfed humility; pronounced insensitivity instead of consideration; and others have been evidently incompetent. They have not only hurt your administration, they have brought into question your fortitude as a leader. I rather suspect that the political capital of some of those persons is nothing more than party loyalty through years of service. This cannot be the foremost criterion upon which we charge persons with the responsibility to repair our country and secure her progress.

Mr. President, we are at the fork in the road, not at the end of it. Whether elections are in March, 2019 or sometime in 2020, our countrymen need to understand that our main choice come election day is to elect back into office the opposition which has lost its way since the passing of its founder, or your government which has been visited in its three years with misfortunes occasioned by some of the folk in which you have reposed confidence and a public relations machinery which has been unhelpful. These are our choices unless we are presented with an alternative that surpasses appealing. I will be brutally honest when I say that that I am more inclined to choose your government over the former; but I would much prefer to have as a choice a much better version of your government.

No one can deny the missteps of your government; but, objectively, it has come

nowhere close to the atrocities of the opposition (as government) after the demise of Dr. Jagan. Objectively, three years is a short time to reverse in a persuasive way the devastating effects of the post-Jagan PPP government.

Your administration, Mr. President, has done, I dare say, a horrible job at communicating this to our countrymen. It has equally done a poor job at bringing to our notice the accomplishments of your government to date.

Do not interpret my constant critique of your government, and the sustained critique of other commentators, as my (our) wanting your government to fail. I wish no such fate on any government as it would be wishing devastation upon our countrymen.

We simply want you to get it right. Ours cannot continue to be an election between the lesser of two evils. Until something better emerges, I would rather chance my country’s future to a government that is still finding its way--having regard to its infancy--than to one which has mastered the art of acting contrarily to the collective interests of our countrymen.

I wish the collection of parties which comprises your government a speedy growth. A necessary place to start is by shedding the weight of those who are too heavy for your progress.

be considered as a dangerous position, namely, that if general elections are not held by the aforementioned date, that the government, Cabinet and President lose their legitimacy!

Briefly, I will seek to educate Mr. Ram, though I know he is aware of the facts.

On 3rd January, 2019, the National Assembly met to consider the consequences of the vote of December 21, 2018. At this sitting, the Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, announced that in the intervening period, he “received information, both solicited (emphasis mine) and unsolicited, supported by case law and practice emanating from other jurisdictions which has raised doubts as to whether the no-confidence motion was carried.”

Having identified the issues which caused the aforementioned doubt, the Hon. Speaker went on to say that “certain and finite answers to these questions are necessary, [and] …the issues which we now face cause us to look outside of Parliament to find answers.”

Significantly, the speaker went on to say: “I find it instructive that much of the information provided relate to cases which saw the courts of other jurisdictions giving guidance to both the speaker and those National Assemblies concerning the constitutionality of conduct on particular issues.”

The speaker ended by saying that “Full, final and complete settlement of these issues by a court of competent jurisdiction will place beyond doubt any question which may exist and serve to give guidance to the speaker and to the National Assembly for the future.”

Even to a layman, the above is pellucid and the government acting accordingly has approached the court for such determination, i.e., whether the motion was carried and as a result, whether Art. 106. (6) and (7) of the constitution takes effect, namely resignation of the Cabinet and the holding of elections within three months.

For further avoidance of doubt, at a high-level bilateral meeting between the government and opposition on January 9, 2019, the communique contained the

following words: “The President further stated that it is lawful for the government to engage the court [and that] … pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Parliament remains functional.”

The ruling of the Hon. Chief Justice delivered on January 31, 2019, does nothing to affect the foregoing given that there remains two other rungs on the legal front, namely the Court of Appeal and finally the CCJ; and that the government has signalled its intention to appeal the C.J’s decision.

Ominously, though not unsurprisingly, since the C.J.’s ruling other elements have joined the chorus, peddling the narrative of unconstitutionality of the government.

These include the Private Sector Commission, AmCham, Guyana and even external ones.

This is nothing other than plain mischief that is being propagated.

Humbly yours Ronald J. Daniels Concerned Guyanese

Ram and others engaging in mischief

Dear Editor,

ATTORNEY-at-LAW Christopher Ram appears to be part of an organised group conspiring to foment civil unrest by promoting an argument that general elections must be held by March 21, 2019.

This is very evident from statements attributed to him in an article in the Guyana Times of January 30, 2019. The said article titled “GECOM must be compelled to hold elections in 90 days – activist” quotes Mr. Ram as saying the following: “The elections [sic] has to be held in 90 days (as a result of the successful no-confidence vote) unless there is a two-thirds vote in the National Assembly to extend that period. This is messing around with the constitution and it is heading down a dangerous and slippery slope.”

Mr. Ram is known to be meticulous in what he says and by no reckoning can be considered as a person who speaks cavalierly. It is for this reason that he has to be called out for spewing what can only

Yours sincerely, Ronald Bulkan, M.P. Minister of Communities

ALL OR NOTHING

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

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O

N Friday, I made a successful visit to the Essequibo Coast for meetings with rice farmers and the business community.

There was not even standing room during the town hall meeting in Anna Regina. Outside, two dozen persons staged a picketing exercise, mainly calling for “elections now.”

The PPP mouthpiece, Guyana Times, manufactured “hundreds” as being on the picket line.

But that shows desperation over holding early elections that is not reflected in the genuine concerns of those who came to see us about problems in the rice sector. It was an open and frank session, at which we encouraged criticisms of shortcomings in dealing with a number of problems.

BUGS AND WATER PROBLEMS But the regional chairman was not present.

His vice-chairman was on the picket line. They couldn’t care a damn about the problems being raised, nor would they want to join in the search for relief to farmers who are affected by bug infestation and water shortage. After all, they are PPP functionaries, whose main desire is the immediate removal of the APNU+AFC coalition government.

Understandably so; the events of December 21, 2018, when the speaker ruled that a motion to oust the government was carried; and the decision on January 31, 2019 by the High Court at first instance, to uphold that ruling, must have emboldened them.

They are anguished by the notion that for the government, it is “business as usual,” as the government continues to reach out to the Guyanese people, presently in a fan-out splurge countrywide.

But the opposition would wish that the country were marking time, and that the period for holding fresh elections is abridged.

As it is, however, the initial 90-day March 21 deadline has to be pushed back, pending the outcome of appeal proceedings and a definitive pronouncement by the elections commission on a realistic time-frame.

EARLY ELECTIONS From all appearances, new elections cannot be ruled out in 2019, which raises concerns that the elected term of the coalition government would be cut short. But there is precedent for this.

After the 1961 elections, the PPP government under Premier Cheddi Jagan lasted three years, when elections were next held in 1964. Other elections in 1968 (Prime Minister Forbes Burnham), 2001 (President Janet Jagan) and 2015 (President Donald Ramotar) respectively were held just after 3 ½ years.

There may be other scenarios that are unfolding, that could run side by side with an option for early elections. These include a cooling-off interval for the intervening judicial appeal processes to be completed, inter-party, government-opposition dialogue on a practical election time-frame and uncertainty surrounding preparedness by GECOM to meet any such schedule.

It cannot be ruled out that though the opposition appears strident in its call for early elections “within 90 days” (only 46 of which remain), it may not rule out a back-door play for an interim, caretaker or even shared government arrangement, pending elections.

ZERO-SUM GAME The opposition leader would be the first to deny any such option. For him, this is a zero-sum, political game of ALL or NOTHING. Having set his eyes on the oil bonanza, he would not settle for advice

such as that once given by the late Prime Minister of Trinidad, Eric Williams, in another context that “half a loaf is better than nothing.”

He would even ignore the more cautious but experienced “Jaganites” who would argue that “tactically and dialectically,” the opportunity should be seized to strengthen national unity.

There is a credible suggestion for wider inclusive governance. Though based on diverse models and styled differently, it means the same thing – “Big Tent” or coalition politics. There have been credible calls for power-sharing and a National Front Government (NFG). I count myself among the old but consistent advocates, foremost being Clive Thomas, Ralph Ramkarran and Lincoln Lewis. Recently, the idea re-surfaced in statements attributed to former Prime Minister Hamilton Green (GGG), former General-Secretary Clement Rohee (PPP) David Hinds (WPA), and Henry Jeffrey (ANUG).

After a stalemate on the issue of shared governance at the 2002 PPP congress, then leading executive Ralph Ramkarran had called me and asked that I should look at page 22 of the revised party programme.

SHARED GOVERNANCE I had previously worked on its revision, mainly to strengthen commitment to the formation of a government of national unity and to moderate excessive and dogmatic references to Marxism-Leninism.

When I looked at the page I saw that the commitment was diluted and rendered vague. It did not say unity with whom, but unity for certain set goals. I felt totally betrayed.

In an effort to effect a compromise, a declaration of sorts was issued afterwards to address the “unity with whom” factor, which unity was conditional to achieving “trust.” That effectively killed the internal movement towards shared governance specifically between the PPP and the PNC. After the opposition tabled a vote of no-confidence

in the National Assembly, I told the opposition leader that whatever the outcome, it would derail any possibility of shared or inclusive governance. I had argued that two factors had immediately favoured national unity -- the aggressive posture by Venezuela, and the need for full social inclusion to share in the benefits of the oil and gas sector.

It would seem that since then another factor has surfaced, that is, the need for constitutional reform. To achieve reforms there is need for a Long Parliament/ Government, for which there is precedent, as follows:- Elections due in 1978 were held in 1980 under a new constitution; - Elections due in 1990 were held in 1992 after electoral reforms, styled the Carter Formula, were introduced.

STATESMANSHIP Those might be objective conditions, but the subjective factors weighed heavily against the PPP in early elections. Premature elections hold no guarantee that the outcome would not be a repeat of 2011, when the PPP lost its majority in Parliament; and of 2015, when it suffered outright defeat.

It knows that claims of a “landslide” at the November local government elections have been exaggerated. Its support peaked in its traditional Indian constituencies at less than 40%. Its 122,000 votes, put in the context of the 2015 voter turnout, would give the PPP about 30% of the popular vote in fresh polls.

It has other fears such as an irreparable division between “Jagdeoites” and “Jaganites” in the PPP leadership over the Irfaan Ali anointment. Any fallout would be fatal to the “all-or-nothing” obsession.

The period ahead therefore would require astute leadership and statesmanship hitherto never seen in Guyanese politics. It would demand the surrender of short-term opportunistic gains for an embrace of the goals towards national unity.

(Based on the recent address to the AFC’s National Executive Conference)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Understanding Energy

The role of IMF advisers

THE Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) recently announced that a team of advisers from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be taking up residence in

Guyana for the next two years. The IMF representatives are experts in petroleum taxation and audits and can, hopefully, help build up the GRA’s own capacity to supervise the emerging oil and gas

industry.

The team will be funded by the IMF and donations from the British government. The IMF has a long history in Guyana and has provided advice to the government on best

practices for managing revenues for energy resources since oil was first discovered in 2015.

The IMF team embedded at GRA will be helping GRA to fulfil its mandate and working to build ca-

pacity—educating Guyanese civil servants in the niche expertise required to audit and administer tax rules for a complex industry. Most of this work will take place within a specialized Petroleum Industry Taxpayer Unit at the GRA. The IMF previously recommended prioritizing this kind of capacitybuilding programme in its November 2017 technical assistance report titled “Guyana: A reform agenda for petroleum taxation and revenue management.”

The assessment was requested by GRA Commissioner General Godfrey Statia and featured an evaluation of the contract terms, which it found were largely in line with those in other countries with no previous history of oil production—a finding that has since been backed up by independent analysts.

It also contained a slate of recommendations for how Guyana could manage, invest, and save its oil revenues in the future.

The team of advisers from the IMF is just the latest of a number of engagements in which the IMF and other international development agencies such as the Commonwealth and World Bank are involved in Guyana. The long-term goal of this is to develop infrastructure and capacity before handing over their duties to qualified local personnel.

Last year, the World Bank helped fund the establishment of the specialized oil and gas unit inside the GRA and the World Bank will continue to provide advisers and support for building up government skills in tax assessment, regulatory issues, and other areas. The IDB has also funded a partnership project between the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Manitoba Hydro International to help strengthen the organisation’s capabilities.

For its part, the IMF also recommended that the

GRA’s petroleum unit establish close working relations with regulators in the oil and gas sector—such as the Department of Energy, Ministry of Natural Resources, and the Petroleum Commission.

The GRA will be specifically overseeing taxation of the oil and gas industry once oil production begins in the offshore Stabroek Block sometime in 2020. Enormous revenues are expected from the Liza Phase 1 development, which is the first in a planned series of projects from the 10 successful exploration wells drilled so far.

It is crucial that Guyana has a well trained and capable tax capacity in place when the oil starts flowing.

Even in the first year, when initial costs are still being recovered, analysts expect that the Guyana government will be taking in hundreds of millions of US dollars in revenue through royalties and profit sharing.

That could easily rise into billions of US dollars per year by the mid-2020s as more projects come on stream.

Cost audits of offshore energy projects are a routine but hugely complex process since so much of the overall cost of oil drilling comes from hyper-specialised services such as seismic analysis and subsea engineering that are contracted out by oil companies to a variety of smaller, more specialised firms.

The presence of IMF advisers will not only help tax auditors navigate those issues, but also train a generation of local civil servants who can go on to train the next generation themselves and perhaps some day go on to teach university or training courses.

This could help create a tradition of passing on institutional knowledge in the energy sector, helping to ensure a positive longterm future for Guyana’s energy industry.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Memo to youth: Good leadership demands more than just your youthfulness

AN unfortunate attitudinal approach to leadership is infecting the mindset of many youth leaders and senior leaders in this country.

For all intents and purposes of this documentation, this leadership is considered to be between the ages of 18-40.

There is the belief that once you still have your hair, your muscles, your stiff skin, your mobility and all the physiology associated with an early age, you are fit to lead or become the president. Even middle-aged individuals with red-carpet fever are hiding their grey, exercising profusely, being facetious and disingenuous about their age, and are boldly staking an unmeritorious claim to youth. I suspect this regrettable psyche has become current and pronounced, because estimates suggest that the largest voting block at Guyana’s next elections will be millennials.

Based on calculations from the 2012 Census released in 2016, the iGeneration could represent up to 170,000 voters in the 2020 elections. It is for this reason that political parties and individuals seem to be of the mistaken view that all you need to do is show youthful faces and you have offered the electorate good leadership choices.

This naïve view flies in the face of established standards for good leadership.

Youthfulness is never an automatic qualification for good leadership.

A FEW CASES OF BAD YOUTH LEADERSHIP IN HISTORY Youth brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a different approach, this is an undeniable fact.

However, what can also come along with this freshness are innovative ideas to steal or different approaches to the abuse of power. Louis XVI of France became the King of France at age 38, he brought the youthful abuse of power and juvenile, unprecedented corruption. Louis XVI took France to social, political and economic ruin. Added to this, I hereby invoke the bad memory of Jean-Claude ‘Baby Doc’ Duvalier, who inherited the presidency from his father in 1971 at age 19. He has left a legacy of being the most repressive and most cruel leader in the Western Hemisphere; and he embezzled US$300 to US $800 million of the people’s money over 15 years, earning him an ignoble place in the Pantheon of the world’s most corrupt leaders. Further, it is an opportune time to recall the fact that Kim Jong-Un, North Korea’s Supreme Leader, acquired power at age 27 and has emerged as one of the world’s most brutal dictators. Boyish or girlish leadership does not translate into favourable leadership.

This becomes very urgent when one considers Benjamin Disraeli’s eloquent submission, ‘the youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity.’

IDENTIFYING BAD LEADERSHIP Bad leadership transcends age.

Discontent with your resources, troubling the people’s money, a lack of integrity, lack of vision and a complete lack of care for the masses can be sad aspects of leadership at any age. Youth is not immune from this. It is for this reason that a full-of-life state of being cannot be your only qualification to be in authority. While you may have the energy, it can be negative energy which can be used intensely to do long-lasting damage to a country. In service of this concern, senior leaders must disabuse themselves of this notion of being bombastic over the youth composition of their teams. If those teams possess young members who have been fingered in scandalous affairs and wanton corruption, it is a negative example and message to send. You are basically suggesting that you may do as you please, once you are young, you are fit to be at the helm. It is an assault and an imposition on the intelligence of the people.

Characteristics such as empathy, integrity, dedication, and accountability, ought to be paramount considerations when seeking to command at any time in one’s existence.

A FLEETING STATE OF BEING Henry Wadsworth Longfellow astutely remarked, ‘youth comes but once in a lifetime.’

Acceptance of this truism would leave any normal mind with no choice but to concede that it is folly to have only youth on your side when seeking supremacy over the affairs of humans. In the absence of the aforementioned qualities, what happens when Mr. Longfellow’s caution takes effect?

What will you uphold as your claim to ascendancy over others when the inescapable biological clock takes over? Will you say, please ignore my lack of integrity and empathy? Will you proclaim that you are no longer a youth, but you feel youthful inside? Will you suggest that the masses keep a youthful photo of you next to their beds?

It is folly to stand solely on this fleeting foundation in the context of demanding to be in charge.

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Oil, gas industry can facilitate many career paths –– Linden youths told

Youths who made up the audience at the oil and gas forum in Linden

LINDEN youths were very upbeat after being told about the plethora of benefits that can be derived from our developing oil and gas industry and how they can pursue the career of their dreams and still be a beneficiary.

Scores of youths turned up at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre in Linden on Friday, where an oil and gas forum was being held and had as its panellists, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe; Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael; Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Adviser to the Department of Energy, Matthew Wilks

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe addressing the youths of Linden and TVET expert, Mr Floyd Scott, amongst others.

The youths main concern was how best they can channel their career paths to suit the oil and gas industry and were told while it is the belief that the industry will maximise on technical and engineering skills, there will also be the need for soft skills, accounting skills, marketing skills, agricultural skills, hospitality skills and the list goes on. Most of the youths attending were fourth and fifth formers and were told by Dr. Bynoe that the first step is to become informed from reliable sources, which is the Department of Energy. He said that one does not have to be directly employed by ExxonMobil and its main contractors, the Department of Energy or even the Ministry of Natural Resources to benefit, but can even become an entrepreneur and provide services to these top ranking agencies in the industry. “Remember that whatever you are pursuing, remember to be the best at it, the resources that will come from oil and gas will still facilitate whatever dreams and aspirations you may have,” he said.

While the youths present would likely have already gravitated to particular career streams, since they were fourth and fifth formers, Bynoe said that the aim is to choose a career path from the lower levels of school and this would enable one to be better grounded in their choice. In making such decisions, they should think about their strengths, weaknesses and how best their choice will benefit their country. For those who desire to pursue the technical and vocational field, Mr. Scott related that the Council for TVET will also support their dreams.

Bynoe urged them to keep seeking information, which the Department of Energy will readily make available and that they can choose topics relative to oil and gas for their SchoolBased Assessments (SBA) which will be a perfect opportunity to be integrally involved and informed. “So

it is important that as you move forward, you are not just narrowing yourself to one specific source of information, and that is Facebook or Twitter,” he said.

Since the oil and gas industry is a new one, it needs capacity-building and, therefore, all efforts or attention should not be placed on skills needed to extract the oil, but all that will support what is to come from that extraction. The youths were told that from first oil, which is in 2020, Guyana is expected to rake it approximately US$300M, which will rapidly increase as production increases. This money will be used for the expansion of various sectors and all of these sectors will require qualified persons. He told the youths that even if they remain in their home town, they can benefit from the industry as the entire country will be on a roll of development. “We need to start planning for what is to come, it cannot be done through wishful thinking; so even as young people, it is not too early to start asking what do I want Linden to look like and by extension, what would I want Guyana to look going forward…..remember when you benefit, the country should also benefit, when you excel, the country should also excel, when you are successful, the country should be able to succeed,” he urged the youths, adding that their future does not rest outside of Guyana, come 2020.

In giving the youths some motivation, Bynoe urged them to not let anyone kill their dreams, that their career is a journey and not a destination and that they should remember to work with a plan The youths asked many questions, mostly relating to how they can benefit from training, funding through the Department of Youth and how the extraction of oil will affect the environment. They were told that the Department of Energy is mulling a mentoring programme and an internship programme.

To benefit from this, they were urged to get involved in voluntarism.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Gov’t ministers ground with Lindeners

By Vanessa Braithwaite

ON Sunday, Linden was host to over eight ministers, who conducted a massive fan-out exercise throughout the town and visited several communities on both the Mackenzie and Wismar shores with other top government and regional officials.

The ministers representing both the APNU and AFC political parties grounded with residents, vendors and officials of

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell, among others.

The ministers were then assigned to various constituencies such as Retrieve, Blue Berry Hill, Christianburg, Half and One Mile Wismar, Kara Kara, Mackenzie and Wismar markets, Amelia’s Ward and Watooka, among others. At the assembling spot, the ministers were welcomed by residents and regional officials and danced to the song, love and unity.

A vendor of the Mackenzie Municipal Wharf shows Minister Nicolette Henry the conditions at the wharf the town, while sharing some of the achievements of the government as well as listening to their concerns.

The ministerial team consisted of Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Ministers of Finance, Winston Jordan and Jaipaul Sharma; Ministers of Social Protection Amna Ally and Keith Scott; Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes; and Minister of Education Nicolette Henry. They were joined by the Managing-Director of GWI Dr. Van-West Charles; Rear Admiral Gary Best; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira; WPA Executive

Minister Amna Ally in her address to the crowd, said that the coalition has been elected to serve five years by a democratic process and after the next election, the coalition will return. She said that the coalition government will respect the ruling of the chief justice, but the work of the government continues.

GOING ALL THE WAY “I want to tell you comrades that we will be going to the end, we will be going to the Appeal Court, we will be going to the CCJ and we will go to election when GECOM is ready,” she said to loud applause.

The government, she said, started a number of developmental projects and those must be contin-

ued and concluded. The ministers were mandated to share the message of “the good life” with residents. Publications, such as Budget in Focus and an Educated Nation, highlighting what the government has done over the three years, were widely distributed to residents.

Minister Nicolette Henry was assigned to the Mackenzie Market Arena and while many Lindeners welcomed her and her message of ‘The Minister of State Joseph Harmon meeting with residents of Blue Berry Hill

See page 20

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Free transportation for Coomacka students

STUDENTS in Coomacka, Old England, Nottinghamshire and Three Friends, Region 10, can now attend school in Linden free of cost, following the purchasing of a $14.5M 30-seater bus by the Region 10 administration.

The bus arrived in Linden as was officially handed over to the Department of Education on Friday, and should commence operations in the new week. In 2016, a school bus was gifted to the community

through the David G 5 Bs Initiative but the children were unable to benefit from continuous transportation service, due to mechanical problems, since it was not suitable for the rough terrain.

The parents of students continued to struggle to pay for transportation which costs some $500 a day. At the handing over, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said the administration is following the mandate of the government, to enable children attend school reg-

ularly, through provision of free transportation. This was especially needed for the mined-out areas because the communities are about 15 miles from Linden.

“What you see now is a fulfilment of government’s promise to the people of Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice and more pertinently, the people of Coomacka and that environment to make sure that the children have reliable transportation that they can be in school,” he said.

He mandated Regional

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Regional Chairman Renis Morian handing over the keys to the bus to Regional Education Officer Rabindra Singh Education Officer (REDO), Rabrindra Singh, to ensure proper systems are enacted to ensure the bus is maintained. The bus, he said, must not be used for any other purpose but to take the children to and from school.

Regional Executive Officer, Orrin Gordon, who was instrumental in the purchasing of the bus, said he is happy it was finally delivered to the region, after a fourmonth waiting period from the supplier. He was hoping that the bus would have been made available at the start of the term last September.

“We are happy that the

bus has been delivered and to add that the service is great… with the bus being here, we are very happy to move forward,” he said.

REDO Singh said the bus will boost the department’s agenda of further development and a committee will oversee its proper use.

“As the REDO, I would like to assure all that this bus would be used effectively and to assure the students of Coomacka that the transportation difficulties they have faced for a while would no longer exist,” he said.

Nations gears up for Monday reopening WHILE heeding the advice of Sheriff Security Company, School of the Nations kept its doors closed last week and ensured a number of security measures are in place ahead of its re-opening on Monday.

Following the shooting of the school’s principal, Dr. Brian O’Toole, last Sunday night, the security firm announced that it would be providing services to the school at no cost in a bid to get things back to normalcy.

At a meeting last Monday following the shooting of its director, the school’s administration had planned to re-open the school on Tuesday, but was strongly advised against the move for a number of reasons, which all hinged on security concerns by the parents and teachers at the school.

The recommendations stemmed from a series of threats levelled against the school. The parents wanted a comprehensive sweep of the facility for offensive weapons and substances including guns and explosives.

Today, the police will be conducting this sweep around the school.

Since its closure, the school has also done some amount of work to beef-up security on campus. Persons entering the school’s compound will be thoroughly checked for weapons and illicit substances. Police will also be patrolling around the school to ensure the safety and security of students and teachers.

Sheriff Security Chief Executive Officer, Ameir Ahmad, told this publication that he will be seeking to continue offering support to the management of Nations and all other stakeholders who wish to receive same.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Greater attention to investment

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–– Gaskin to look at speeding up land allocation for investment purposes in Region 10 MINISTER of Business Dominic Gaskin has committed to looking at issues of land for investment purposes in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper-Berbice) and will be meeting Commissioner of Lands and Surveys, Trevor Benn, on the way forward.

His commitment came in the wake of a request from the Linden Chamber of Commerce (LCC) to have the process of land issuance for investment purposes be reformed and placed under the Ministry of Business.

Gaskin said he will be looking at the peculiarities of Region 10 and how quickly investors and entrepreneurs can access lands, after applying for same. Gaskin was at the time speaking at a Linden business outreach where several Linden entrepreneurs and LCC executives were present.

The burning issues that were raised were the bureaucracy and the slothful process in acquiring land for business investment.

LCC President Victor Fernandes described Gaskin’s visit as extremely important and timely since over 10 investors have expressed interest in establishing various businesses in the region, but there are bottlenecks in the system holding up their applications.

This is extremely worrying to Fernandes since Linden is pregnant with investment opportunities, but suffers greatly from miscarriages in the process.

“For some reason or the other, the system has not been working… one of the things we would like to see is that there is a reform with regard to allocation of property,” Fernandes requested, citing that many of the investors have to go through a waiting period of many years.

“This has stymied the whole investment in Linden; no investor would have his resource and be waiting 10 years before you can get approval. Naturally, they will gravitate to other areas where they will be easily facilitated,” he said.

A request was made for business lands to be placed directly under the Minis-

try of Business so that the ministry would directly deal with the process, and maybe this can be a start to bringing a solution to the issue.

POOR SYSTEM Minister Gaskin said his ministry and the other agencies had inherited a system of poor record management and, to date, there are over 30,000 applications in the system for land allocation.

It is not the government’s intention, Gaskin said, to stymie investment, especially in a town such as Linden where it is very much needed and, therefore, he will commence discussions on how this concern can be addressed.

It is the government’s policy, he said, to see business flourish, as these businesses will, in turn, provide employment for residents.

“I can understand how frustrating it has to be for businesses that have arranged financing that want to grow, or want to start up and can’t find the space to do so… I am giving an undertaking that when I go back to town, I am going to speak with the Commissioner of Lands and Surveys and I am going to see what I can get from him, if not, his minister, something more definitive about your region in particular,” Gaskin promised He highlighted the unique incentives and advantages that are indigenous to Region 10 when it comes to establishing a business, which would attract investors, and this he believes, should not go to waste.

Minister Gaskin reminded the gathering of the government’s policy of providing 20 per cent of its procurement work to small entrepreneurs. He encouraged young people in Linden to get their small businesses registered and to forge ties with the Small Business Bureau (SBB), which facilitates such registration. The SBB has a help desk in Linden and facilitates training in record keeping and business proposal writing, among others.

After the meeting, Minister Gaskin and team visited several entrepreneurs and small businesses in Linden, mostly those who have benefitted from financing from SBB, to check on how they are progressing and what further assistance they need.

Minister Dominic Gaskin addressing the gathering of Linden investors. Also at the head-table is LCC President, Victor Fernandes (second right); SBB Linden executive Staydon Payne (right) and SBB Chief Executive Officer, Lowell Porter

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Ali selling ‘snake oil’ –– finance minister says PPP presidential candidate’s big promises unrealistic

MINISTER of Finance Winston Jordan has categorised the recent utterances by the PPP/C’s presidential hopeful, Irfaan Ali, about his plans to create 50, 000 jobs and reopen closed sugar estates as offerings during the “silly season”.

According to the veteran economist, given

the present and projected state of the local economy for the next few years, Ali’s promises are wishful thinking at best.

Ali is merely “selling snake oil to the populace to win votes,” contends Jordan, who believes that “the population was not as gullible as it was some 10 or 15 years ago.”

People need to be

more aware of their local environment and be able to determine who’s telling truth from fiction, said Jordan.

However, he said too that he understands that “die-hard supporters couldn’t care less whether he said 50,000 or 100,000 jobs, but those who are floating, in-between or the less than die-hard sup-

porters would accept that such outrageous statements wouldn’t do the party any good.”

The minister called for “realism on all sides” as Guyanese prepare for elections within months, and asked that the electorate not be sold false promises, which would be broken “even before the elections are held”.

Noting the opposition’s promise to reopen closed sugar estates, Minister Jordan described it as most unfortunate since there was no need to retell the story of how heavily indebted those facilities were.

Even with the three operating estates, only about 100,000 tonnes of sugar is produced annually. This works out to 10 tonnes per worker at a production cost that is still twice the actual world market price for the sweetener.

The government’s move to increase the in-

PPP Presidential candidate Irfaan Ali dustry’s efficiency has resulted in the proposed sale of the more inefficient estates, the minister reminded and said negotiations are well advanced.

The caveat, he noted, is that potential buyers must remain in sugar, pointing out that “it may not be raw sugar, but it may be sugar by-products or they may want to diversify into other crops”.

Buyers must also employ as many former sugar workers as possible, he said.

Given the current state of the sugar industry, the finance minister opined that not many former workers may wish to seek re-employment with the estates, having had their severance and being able to put their monies to

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan good use.

The utterances by the opposition, the minister reiterated, were mainly “grandstanding” given the conditions of the closed estates and the fact that many had critical pieces of equipment scavenged to keep other units such as factories operational.

Recent comments

by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, Jordan said, cannot be taken in isolation since they were responsible for the Skeldon debacle.

“Despite all of the money and all of the experts from at least five countries, including Cuba, Brazil and South Africa, all the king’s men can’t put Skeldon together back again ever.”

He added: “As the government, we must continue to educate the populace about the realities of Guyana, and how we are trying to bring sustainable jobs and livelihoods to them. We can’t stop them if they are going to vote one way or the other. We could try to convince them.

There are going to be the die-hards but I’m sure several will be convinced of the work we have done over the last three and half years and I’m sure they are going to vote for the coalition.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Water shortage in Region Six being addressed

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– low voltage at pump stations causing shortage

–– residents affected can expect access to water by mid next week THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has assured Region Six residents, who have been experiencing difficulty accessing water, that the issue will be resolved by mid next week. The water company also said it stands committed to providing a good supply of water to the citizens of Guyana.

At a press conference on Friday at New Amsterdam, Berbice, GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, said after a thorough investigation, the utility company discovered that nine pump stations within the region, along with the two treatment plants located in New Amsterdam and Port Mourant, are experiencing power shortages from the Guyana Power and Light Company.

“The quality of power coming in from GPL has not been at the optimal level for our infrastructure to respond, that is the pumps within the pump stations.

Hence, we have the readings which clearly show the voltage fluctuations are way below what is required for the pumps to effectively function in these nine pumps stations and also at the treatment plants.”

To bring relief to citizens, generators were placed at the two treatment plant locations.

“It is no secret that GWI does not have all of the generators that are required in case of outages coming from GPL. We have a number of generators which are spread throughout the country. We also have to run systems in the hinterland,” Dr. Van-West Charles explained.

He also disclosed that his company will carry out several outreaches to those affected areas and notify customers about the current situation and other beneficial measures.

GWI’s Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako, said the water company's pumps operate with 415 volts to provide efficient services.

He explained that the power GWI has been receiving in Berbice is “very inconsistent.” Shako noted that the voltage is between 320 to 390 and cannot run an engine which is designed to be operated by 415 volts.

The executive director of operations also said significant efforts were made and work is still in progress to meet the needs of residents in the affected area.

According to Shako, GWI has taken risks which will run into millions of dollars in losses. The New Amsterdam water plant, he said, has been operating by generator for six days, while the plant on the Corentyne Coast has served for over a week. These machines, Shako said, are meant to operate for eight hours daily.

Further, GWI told media operatives that contact has already been made with senior officials at the Guyana Power and Light Company, and both entities are working assiduously to fix the issue by mid of next week.

Also present at the meeting were Member of Parliament Barbara Pilgrim; Regional Executive Officer, Kim Williams-Stephen; Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam, Wainwright McIn-

tosh; and the Prime Minister’s Regional Representative, Gobin Harbhajan. (DPI)

Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and the GWI team addressing members of the media

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Chancellor written on GRA backlog cases – Commissioner-General

–– $199 Billion collected in revenues for 2018 COURT cases related to billions of dollars in owed revenues are backlogged and the Guy-

ana Revenue Authority (GRA) has written to the Chancellor of the Judiciary to address the

accumulation of cases for the tax body.

This is according to the GRA’s Commission-

er-General, Godfrey Statia, on Friday during a press briefing with the media at the tax agency’s

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019 Camp Street, Georgetown Headquarters.

“There are cases that are 14-15 years old that have not been brought up as yet, we are trying to get our tax cases behind us,” he said The tax chief disclosed that the cases in the backlog amount to just over GY$14 Billion while GRA has won approximately $5 Billion from other tax cases and this sum is still being paid over to the agency.

Regarding revenues owed to GRA, Statia added that the Guyana Stores Limited (GSL) had made a sizeable down payment and the two parties are currently in the process of negotiating how the remainder will be paid.

The GRA had won a $4Billion case against Guyana Stores at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in March 2018.

Meanwhile, the GRA announced that it collected $199Billion in revenues for 2018 as compared to the $171Billion the authority received the previous year (2017).

Statia said that the GRA had only budgeted to collect $181 Billion in revenues for that year.

The Commissioner-General also disclosed that the sum of $15 Billion

in arrears was collected of which $7 Billion resulted from the tax amnesty.

He emphasized, “GRA is not in the business of driving people out of business, we try to work along with the taxpayer for them to pay their taxes. Taking away assets from the taxpayer is the last resort. It’s not Guyana Stores alone; there are many other taxpayers that have lost their cases. So, we have to work along with them so that we can collect rather than seize.”

On the issue of tax evaders, the Commissioner-General said that GRA continues to work with those persons to pay up their taxes. The excess of debt for taxes which are in arrears and would also include taxes in objection is about $40Billion, he said.

“Evaders are a continual process and would also include penalties because under Sections 10 and 11 (of the constitution), GRA could fine them as much as 100 per cent of what they have understated and, in some cases, we can take them to court, and they can go to prison for about six months.”

Statia explained that tax evasion could include VAT, customs and income tax.

Electrician found dead in house RESIDENTS of Zorg, Essequibo Coast, are in shock after receiving news of the death of electrician, Madan Lall, 50, also known as “Frankie”.

Lall of Zorg was found dead in his house on Saturday. According to information received, the body was discovered by a vendor of Golden Fleece, who was asked by a family member to check on him since he was not answering his mobile phone.

When the vendor, Mala Danpat visited the house, she made several calls and after she got no response, she went into the house. There, she saw Lall’s partly decomposed body. Danpat immediately made a report to the Suddie Police Station and a party of policemen visited the scene.

The partially decomposed body of Lall was seen without clothes lying on his back in the living room of his two-storey building. No marks of violence were seen on the exposed parts of the body.

The body was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where it was certified as dead and later transported to the Suddie Mortuary where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Lall and his wife had separated and at the time of his death, he was living alone.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Prominent Region 2 resident Isahack Basir passes on

PROMINENT Region Two resident, Isahack Basir, passed away quietly due to natural causes at the Suddie Public Hospital on Friday.

Basir, of Hampton Court, Essequibo Coast, last engagement was with Prime Minister Moses Nag-

The late Isahack Basir amottoo at the Regional State House.

The father of seven was known for his selfless work, mostly in volunteerism and in the field of politics. He wrote many articles on the history of sugar estates in the region. Most of those articles were published in the Guyana Times and the Guyana Chronicle.

He started his political life in the 1990s and had worked with the Peoples Progressive Party and its leader. Basir had vast knowledge of the Pomeroon River and most times, would find delight in escorting politicians to their journey. The former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentarian was shot during his political struggles.

Basir was no stranger to the Region Two schoolchildren and many times, he volunteered his time and efforts to educate them about the history of Region Two. He started many projects such as newspaper sharing and the establishment of the Cheddi Jagan Biodiversity Park at Lima Sands.

At the park, the names of Guyana’s top leaders are inscribed on several huge stones.

He was widely known for his history speeches, especially during the Devonshire Castle Uprising and indenture immigration remembrances. Basir, who was honoured by several governmental and non-gov-

ernmental organisations, is also the recipient of Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH). The news of his passing has caused sadness throughout the region.

Basir’s grandson, Farouk Basir, described his him as the true role model.

“He was like a father to me, when he is around no one gets bored, he just knows how to keep everyone happy, but God knows best, he is now in a better place,” Farouk said.

Basir, who was supportive towards the coalition government, was described by politicians in Region Two as principled man.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, in a statement, said he was shocked and saddened at the passing of Basir, whom he described an authentic Essequibo political giant, an incorruptible fighter and decent family man.

He was Essequibo’s “historian”, a down-to-earth humanitarian and a friend to all, the prime minister said.

“My first encounter with ‘Tabrak’ dated way back to 1965 when he was introduced to me as a ‘dentist’ from Siriki, Pomeroon River. At that time he was a PPP organiser, and later became a Member of Parliament.

I have served with him in the party’s leadership for an unbroken 30 years, and can testify to his integrity and rock-like conviction.

Isahack Basir would be famously remembered for many heroic activities. He survived an almost fatal shooting after one of Guyana’s controversial elections. After he was elected to the National Assembly he once, in protest, pelted a glass in the direction of then House Speaker, Sase Narain. He also dislodged and removed the ceremonial Mace, symbol of the authority of the Speaker and Parliament,” the prime minister said.

Basir was a true-blood rebel, said the prime minister, who related that at Anna Regina on Friday, he openly advised that the no-confidence motion against the government could have been aborted had he [Nagamootoo] removed the Mace!

“When we met, we embraced like the old comrades we have been over several decades, not knowing that that would be our last meeting. He was full of life, and confidence as he

expressed satisfaction with the progress being made in his Essequibo,” the prime minister said.

He added: “To his loving wife Sabra, herself an iconic revolutionary woman, I send sincere sympathies, and share the loss of their son Andrieko, brother Yacoob and the many other bereaved family members and relatives.”

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Isahack Basir greeted Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo who was on an outreach at the Essequibo Coast on Friday (DPI photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Police PR Department benefits from sports journalism training

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Public Relations (PR) Department benefitted from a series of sports journalism training recently.

The facilitator who conducted the session was Mr. Edwin Seeraj.

Public Relations and Press Officer, Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, said Seeraj has over 30 years of experience in the sports arena.

He said that he is known for his popular television shows dubbed as “Lotto Cricket Info and Quiz” and “NCN Sports Magazine”, both air on the National Communications Network Channel 11.

The superintendent explained that the PR Department is tasked with producing articles on police activities, which include sports for the force’s periodicals (The Copper and the E-Newsletter), and also to publish same on social media and the police force’s website.

Hence, he said it must be noted that such training will improve the ‘sports section’ of those periodicals.

Mr. Seeraj, a former school teacher with over 10 years of experience, pointed out

writing articles on sport can be done in many different ways from the usual standard.

He also implored upon the officers to be involved in all of the sporting disciplines, whether by reading or participating, because with the knowledge gained, they would be better equipped to write more in-depth and quality articles.

The former sports journalist also touched on some very important points such as: target audience, proper record keeping, usage of words, time management, etc.

Superintendent Ramlakhan, in expressing gratitude to Mr. Seeraj, also explained the importance of the training, since the PR Department is robustly continuing to highlight and showcase the GPF via both the print and broadcast media.

The PRO calls on everyone to follow and share the Police Facebook Page, which currently has in excess of 29,000 followers.

All information disseminated to the press or published in the periodicals, is also posted on that social media platform which can be found by following the link: https:// www.facebook.com/guyanapoliceforce/

Gov’t ministers ground ...

(Seated left) Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan and facilitator Mr. Edwin Seeraj flanked by members of the GPF Public Relations (PR) Department

From page 13

start of the good life,’ some took the opportunity to share their concerns.

Some residents spoke of the slothful process of land applications and the hiccups in the system that are not allowing them to meet the Minister with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Yearwood.

Vendors of the market, especially those of the Mackenzie Market wharf explained related in detail their disgust with the way they are treated by the Linden Mayor and Town Council, whose councillors continue to turn a blind eye to the deplorable conditions under which they are working.

LEAKING ROOF The vendors took the time to show Henry the sinking floor, the leaking roof, the pile up of garbage around the wharf,

the absence of lighting and the stench emanating from the side of the wharf, where persons relieve themselves, since they are no toilet facilities there .

Henry urged the vendors to hold their local leaders responsible, since they are required to pay $200 a day for utilising the spots. “People have to be held accountable, y’all have to put pressure on them,” she said.

Henry emphasised the good things that have been happening in the education sector and encouraged parents to tap into it for the sake of their children.

In Amelia’s Ward, Minister Keith Scott visited with several municipal councillors and were welcomed by the residents; he also shared many of the good works that are ongoing by his government. Some of the issues of concern that were raised in-

A section of the crowd which welcomed the ministers upon their arrival in the town

Minister Catherine Hughes meeting with residents of Half Mile Wismar clude the traversing of heavy-duty trucks fetching sand at both night and day in the vicinity of Block 42 Amelia’s Ward. The residents complained that it is not only a noise nuisance, but an environmental hazard and their roads are being destroyed as well. Many persons also raised concerns about the bottle necks in the land-allocation process and while they have waited, no good news seems to be forthcoming.

Residents also complained about the irregularity of water supply which has been forcing them to buy several black tanks of water to sustain their livelihoods.

In old Kara Kara, Minister Lowe went from door to door, relating the developmental projects of the government and shared how each resident can tap in to benefit. The main concern raised by residents is the repairing of their community centre which will be able to keep the youths meaningfully occupied.

The minister made promises to provide some computers for the centre, as well as engaging them in another visit in the

near future.

Region 10 Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira expressed appreciation to the ministers for fanning out in Linden and for taking the time to listen to the concerns of the people, while providing realistic solutions.

He said there is no complacency on the government’s behalf and there are aware that more work needs to be done. He described the regular visits of the President, ministers and top government officials to the town as a real change compared to previous years, something that the residents deeply appreciate.

“This is the first time we are really seeing a government that is coming to you, a government that truly cares for its electorate and realises that it is not about sitting in office and having the people come to you, but you taking the time to come to the people; this is government in action and I am happy with the results of what took place here today and I know the entire Linden feels the same way.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 3, 2019

Region 10 children showcase talents at Mash costume competition

Students of the Mackenzie Primary School during their performance on Thursday

THE children of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) concluded the third day of the Regional Children’s Mashramani Costume Competition on Friday with a bang.

The competition took place at Lichas Hall, Linden where the audience was entertained by students from across Region 10, who showcased their talents in Calypso and dramatic poetry.

These students hailed from the primary and secondary schools around the region that fell into the following categories: five to seven, eight to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 to 17.

Participants took the stage dressed in colourful costumes and some, covered in bright shades of glitter as they addressed current issues through song and poetry written by their teachers.

The Calypso eight-10 category included performances by Ii Albert of Watooka Day Primary School and Shavare Fraser of Amelia’s Ward Primary School, whose pieces both highlighted Guyana’s wealth.

Through Fraser’s piece, ‘Jump and wave’, he encouraged the citizens of Guyana to celebrate since, “We got the oil so let’s jump and wave.”

This year’s Regional Children’s Costume Competition was held under the theme, “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind–Rediscovering Eldorado.”

On Thursday, the amusing Children’s Mashramani Costume Competition took place at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) Ground in Linden, despite of the inclement weather.

The massive crowd witnessed primary and secondary school students from across the region competing in dances such as masquerade, hip-hop, skipping, contemporary and physical display.

The performed pieces also highlighted current affairs such as the discovery of Guyana’s oil, domestic violence, and abuse, among others.

Students of One Mile Primary as they performed their piece called, “The great deception”

5-7 Dramatic Poetry Winner, in the 5-7 years category Zacani Barns of Amelia’s Ward Primary School

Students of the Watooka Day Primary perform their piece titled, “Finding you”

One section of spectators at the Regional Children’s Mashramani Costume Competition on Friday

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

GRA to acquire ‘Nothing to Declare’ scanners

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will, in the future, be benefitting from “Nothing to Declare” scanners which will enable persons to walk through with their bags which will be scanned.

This is according to Commissioner General of the tax body, Godfrey Statia, during a press briefing on Friday at GRA’s headquarters Camp Street, Georgetown.

He said this deal was

made during a recent visit to China, which was fruitful as arrangements were made with the Chinese customs agency.

“We are trying to facilitate persons and improve their interaction and service

with the GRA; we have looked at all the taxation changes and updates in the budget. This will result in Chinese experts visiting Guyana to assist GRA,” he said.

Additionally, he said

scanning operations have recommenced and at the end of the second quarter, GRA will have a new scanner at the Guyana National Industrial Company Inc. (GNIC) area, which will offer 3D scanning.

OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS Statia said that GRA has procured an expert to handle the tax side of the oil and gas operations.

“We have been able to procure the services of an expert who was in charge of the Canadian Revenue Authority oil and gas operations. He will be here for the next two years and would be in charge of building that capacity based on what we would have had from the Large Tax Payers Unit (LTU),” he said.

He also said that GRA has also shortlisted five of 14 accounting firms to do the analysis on the oil and gas operations.

Moreover, he said that GRA has been receiving information requested from ExxonMobil on a quarterly basis and based on that, the authority would be able to estimate the returns along with various other issues.

He said that the GRA and the Auditor General’s Department will work along with the accounting firms in order to provide training and to give experience that may be lacking to assist with future development.

The commissioner general noted that training of staff will be ramped up for the oil and gas sector, especially in petroleum accounting.

For 2019, he said the ICT modernisation and automation will continue in GRA and a firm has been identified to develop the systems needed.

“The firm has done well in the Bahamas and Barbados, we still feel we are different than those countries and as such we need to make some changes….

We will be signing the ICT modernisation next week.

We launched limited ser-

Commissioner-General of the GRA Godfrey Statia vices in 2018, and in 2019 it will be more robust,” the GRA Head said.

He said with the digitalised data, anyone can walk into a GRA office in their district and receive the same service being offered at the GRA headquarters.

During 2019, he said there will also be executive staff changes in order to provide more efficient operations.

“We will continue with staff rotations and improvements. For the first time in 18 years we have been able to put into place a performance appraisals system, whereby employees will be appraised and that appraisal will be able to give them their increments,” he said.

Further, he said GRA will now be grading companies and brokers that are not complying with new systems being implemented, something which government institutions have also been guilty of.

“We cannot tell the health minister, the army and the police that we are not clearing their goods; they are partly responsible for the backlog we have, even though we have written them no one has moved in the right direction, so half of the time GRA gets blamed but we are not responsible,” Statia explained.

Aiming for a World Customs Organisation standards, the commissioner general said the GRA wants to have consistent treatment of all stakeholders.

In the weeks ahead, he said, GRA will be sending a team to India for courses on accessing valuation databases of many countries, which would assist in under and over invoicing of items being brought into the country.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

iBET Supreme officially opened

CONSIDERED a historic moment in Guyana, the Supreme Ventures Jamaica Limited Thursday evening officially opened for business locally under the brand iBET Supreme, touting more gaming, betting and lottery options for the public.

In brief remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenridge, commended the company’s decision to

is good.”

The decision to invest in Guyana stemmed from several reasons, according to Chairman of the Board of Supreme Ventures Enterprise, Walter Scott. One of such is the country’s positive economic trend for further growth pending current financial indicators, Scott explained. The company’s investment is a testament to its commitment and faith in

Scenes of the iBET Supreme branch during its official opening establish a business venture on the local shores. “Guyana is pleased to welcome an enterprise operating in the service arena and which can bring economic activities that will enhance the standard of living the quality of life of Guyanese,” the minister noted.

This, he said, includes employment opportunities that will be offered by the company.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey, noted that the new business venture bodes well for the economic outlook of the country.

“IBET Supreme is a very significant investment in the Guyana economy… It is great to know from a Guyana perspective that our sisters and brothers in the Caribbean…. have studied the outlook in Guyana from a detailed feasibility study on the service sector and I will say the outlook for Guyana

the country.

“The Supreme Ventures Group is committed to good corporate governance and transparency. As such, the board understands its role to ensure this continues… the establishment of IBET Supreme in Guyana will see an improvement for individuals and their communities regarding their social welfare due to the company’s track record of contributing to the betterment of the country,” the chairman said. The company has introduced American racing as well as simulcast racing from the Caymanas Park in Jamaica to the Guyanese market. These will be followed by races from the British racetracks, pool betting and sports betting later this year. Supreme Ventures was formed in Jamaica in 1995 by former Chairman Paul Hoo, Ian Levy and the late Peter Stewart.

In June of 2001, Supreme Ventures launched

its lottery operation, with its technology provider GTECH, now IGT (International Game Technology), while in 2003 it purchased its competitor, the Jamaica Lottery Company.

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In the photo, [from left to right] Supreme Ventures Enterprise General Manager, Stephen Summers; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenridge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Supreme Ventures Enterprise Chairman of the Board, Walter Scott officially opening iBET Supreme

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Maternal Mortality Review Committee targets zero deaths

THE Maternal Mortality Review (MMR) committee is working with hospitals across the country as it takes proactive steps to prevent maternal deaths.

This is according to Dr.

Neville Gobin, the Head of the MMR Committee who has spent most of his 45 years as an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist.

In an interview on Friday at the Woodlands Hospital in

Georgetown, Dr. Gobin said he firmly believes that he “can [still] make a positive contribution in achieving the goals of reduction of maternal mortality to as close as possible to zero.”

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

The (MMR) committee is working to reduce the national figure which has fallen to between 15 -18 or less deaths per year, but still above the national target.

Maternal deaths ar e

Dr Neville Gobin and his wife Shoba linked to three problems, viz, performance of medical personnel; system failure of medical institutions, and non-compliance of patients or put differently, fault of the care providers, fault of the health care system and fault of the patient.

The MMR committee was launched in 2007 to investigate maternal deaths, that is, deaths during pregnancy or up to 42 days after delivery; probe ‘near misses’ mothers who were critical but made it through; still births (children who were born dead) and to develop strategies to help with protocols to reduce maternal deaths.

Their mandate also includes reviewing cases: examining charts, community interviews and hospital audits before making recommendations to the chief medical officer (CMO) for the necessary action based on their findings from the probes.

The MMR committee comprises Gobin, Chairman; CMO Dr Shamdeo Persaud; Dr Lucio Pedro, Consultant; Dr Sheik Amir, Surgeon; Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, Director, Primary Health Care, Ministry of Public Health (MoPH); Dr Oneka Scott, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Officer, (MoPH); Dr Umadai Rattan, Women’s Health Coordinator, (MoPH); Dr Malika Mootoo, Paediatrician; Ms. Debra Henry, Public Health Nurse, (MoPH); and Linda Johnson, Chief Nursing Officer, (CNO) of the MoPH. However, instead of awaiting a case, the MMR Committee has taken a proactive approach. It has been visiting medical institutions

that conduct delivery of babies in Guyana.

Dr. Gobin said the visits are to identify problems and to provide training and guidance for medical staff across the sector in a bid to bridge the gap between standards of care in the hinterland and the coast.

The objective of the visits is “not to wait for mishaps, but to try and get in before… we are in preventive mode,” Gobin pointed out.

In addition to investigating maternal deaths and “near misses,” Gobin said the MMR committee will also focus on intra-partum management of patients; neo-natal deaths and injuries; promoting family planning services; abortion (which the physician said is “a dangerous practice and expensive”) as a family-planning mechanism.

Gobin is confident that the MMR Committee can reduce maternal mortality to near-zero by strengthening and improving the competence of medical staff nationwide by sharpening their ability to spot and manage complications early in pregnancies.

According to him, his confidence is boosted by the “very keen” interest shown

by Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence who has been pushing for improved women’s health across the 10 regions of the country.

The committee is “fired up” by Lawrence’s perennial support of their mandate, Gobin said.

So far, the committee visited the staff of Suddie Hospital, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two) in See page 25

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Agriculture ‘the real future’ of Guyana –– PM Nagamootoo tells Essequibo farmers during outreach

PRIME Minister, Moses Nagamootoo said the “real future of Guyana” depends on the agricultural sector.

He was at the time addressing farmers in Region Two on Friday as part of a Town Hall meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder.

The prime minister told the farmers that while Guyana is expected to be producing oil in less than one year, concentration should be placed on the development of the agricultural industry.

He further explained that in countries like Trinidad

and Tobago, and Venezuela, revenue was heavily dependent on the oil and gas sector and when the prices for oil declined, the economies suffered a blow.

He urged the farmers to explore the option of cultivating aromatic rice as there are higher demand and market value for it. The farmers were also encouraged to cooperate with officials so issues can be addressed as they arise.

On Friday morning, farmers across the region were given the opportunity to interact with the prime minister and minister of

Farmers turned out in their numbers to interact with Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder (DPI photo)

Maternal Mortality Review Committee ...

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December 2018 and early last month.

The back-to-back visits to Suddie Hospital are based on “a series of mishaps” between September and December last year, which resulted in the deaths of three pregnant mothers, Dr Gobin disclosed.

He said the team has also visited Hospitals in Barima-Waini (Region One) and in Kamarang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), where they continue to focus on the direct causes of maternal mortality.

As part of the public health sector blueprint for reducing maternal deaths, the MoPH has been conducting training stints targeting more Community Health Workers (CHWs); Midwives, Medex; Traditional Births Attendants (TBAs) and fathers. Dr Rattan is buoyed by the interest shown by fathers in the programme.

“More men are attending the ante-natal clinics throughout the country,” Rattan said.

Training for these groupings has already been completed in six regions and the remaining four will begin shortly, Dr Gobin said.

Based on current statistics and programmes implemented by the MCH, Dr Gobin is forecasting “marked reduction” in maternal deaths in Guyana in the next five years, based on heightened family-planning awareness and training of health-care workers managing women suffering with maternal haemorrhage The global twin body PAHO/WHO is backing this aspect of the initiative, Dr Gobin said.

agriculture where they aired a number of concerns plaguing the rice cultivation industry and received assurances of government’s support for the growth and sustainability of the sector. (DPI)

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addresses Essequibo farmers

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Children’s Mash craze hits Bartica

Children, ages eight to 10 years old, from various primary schools across Region Seven, portrayed many aspects of Guyanese culture through their costumes

CHILDREN from schools across Region Seven gathered at the Three Miles Secondary School, in Bartica, on Friday to kick-off the Regional Children's Mashramani Competitions there.

The competition featured the best of the region's young calypsonians, dancers, dramatists, poets and costume creators, and children from as young as five years old were able to immerse themselves in their culture.

“I've been here from the beginning of the competition and I think I've really seen a lot of talent on show,” Mash Coordinator, Andrew Tyndall told the Guyana Chronicle.

In fact, according to him, the children exhibited great confidence which is indicative of the long hours of practice. And for him, kudos ought to be given to the teachers for dedicating their time and skills into ensuring that the children were able to engage in extra-curricular activities.

The secondary school

was filled to capacity, with students and adults filling every ‘nook’ and ‘cranny’, trying to get a glimpse of the performances. At one point, it seemed as though the crowd could not get enough of the dances. Each dance attracted rousing support, but it was the St. John the Baptist Primary School that garnered the deafening support following the skilful execution of a well-choreographed dance complemented by crisp costumes.

The floats brought out by the children also seemed to liven the crowd – particularly as each small child added their own twist to the presentations.

As explained by Tyndall, the winners of this regional competition will move on to the national finals slated for February 14 and 15. This is the same for all regions.

“At the national level, we are taking Mashramani activities to every region; so wherever mash activities pop up, just come out and be part of our celebrations,” he said.

The High Achievers Primary School advocating for an end to violence in Guyana

Part of the Three Miles Secondary School that was filled with spectators

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 3, 2019

Pedal cyclist dies in Onverwagt accident

A FORTY-one-year-old man met an untimely death following an accident on the Onverwagt Public Road on Saturday afternoon. Dead is Joel Jacobs of Number 28 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

According to police, around 15:30hrs on the Onverwagt Public Road, a hire car bearing registration HC 8140 was being driven by a 27-year-old resident

The car that was involved in the accident of El Dorado Village, WCB, when it collided with Jacobs.

Police said investigations disclosed that the hire car was proceeding east on the northern side of a bridge, while the pedal cyclist was proceeding in the opposite direction on the southern side.

The driver alleged that while in the process of passing the cyclist, the latter suddenly swerved from south to north and collided with the right front of the car.

As a result of the impact, the cyclist fell onto the bridge and sustained injuries. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The body is presently at the Fort Wellington Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination.

According to the police, a breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the car and no alcohol was detected in his system.

He is presently in custody assisting with the investigation.

Jacobs’ bicycle after the accident

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RDC Region 4 supports establishment of One Stop Reporting Referral Centre REGIONAL Executive Officer (REO) for Region Four, Pauline Lucas, has made a bold step by making a donation to her counterpart in Region One, REO Lieutenant Colonel retired, Randy Storm.

Lucas, after being informed of the various challenges and difficulties facing Region One, agreed to lend support to the establishment of a One Stop Reporting Referral Centre, which is primarily geared at reporting on child-related issues. Lucas had recently visited Region One. This centre, the REO stressed, would further boost the region’s ability to monitor what is happening with the children coming to Guyana from neigbouring Venezuela. She said that with the establishment of the centre, it would address a number of sexual offenses being committed against migrant and local children, while also affording child care and the welfare

Regional officials with the two items donated departments to better assess, monitor and be alerted on various situations, thus increasing their efficiency in addressing these matters. REO Lucas told her counterpart that she would like to see the establishment of this centre, which according to Regional Health Officer Region Four, Dr Quincy Jones, has seen UNICEF giving a commitment to providing technical assistance, becoming a reality this month.

REO Lucas said that the centre would see a number of persons representing various stakeholders from both Regions One and Four, coming together in drafting a plan so as to ensure that they can effectively monitor and address the migrant situation. This, she stated, would enhance their capability of the growing number of migrants in Guyana, and preventing a breakdown of control in terms of the numbers and issues. As such, she has called for personnel to be identified in Region One and with the commitment given by UNICEF in providing training to take advantage of the offer, thus empowering and strengthening their skills and knowledge so as to return to the region and work. “UNICEF has agreed to give valuable technical support and I would say that with those who Region One See page 31

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RDC Region 4 supports establishment ...

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will identify from various stakeholders, to send them to Georgetown for a week or two, so as to be able to provide best practices upon their return to the region and help in addressing the situation,” REO Lucas said.

REO Lucas said that the migrant situation is not confined to only Region One, but throughout Guyana, noting that even in Region Four they are faced with migrants there. She warned that a national approach should be taken so as to ensure that it is dealt with effectively by all various stakeholders, adding that it is

‘Thank You’. This is what RDC Region Chairman, Brentholl Ashley is saying to REO RDC Four, Pauline Lucas, as he collected some of the equipment, while RDC Region One RHO, Dr Cerdel McWatt and Dr Christopher Seetram of the RHO Department Region Four look on not Region One who would be the only ones affected, but every Guyanese.

REO Lucas has donated some computers and printers along with bags, stating that the donation is an indication of her commitment to the region in addressing the situation.

Regional Chairman 0f Region One, Brenthol Ashley, thanked the REO and expressed his appreciation over the items that he said would be of significant value and use to his region. “Your assistance to our region is very timely and we would like to say thank you very much and assure you that your assistance would aid us in better addressing the migrant situation that we are faced with at this time. We are truly grateful for trying your best to help us, as you would know that we have several children who are affected by this situation,” the regional chairman said.

He added, “I am happy that another region has sought to provide help to us. I am glad that the equipment that you have provided will help in this case, I am grateful for your presence and I am grateful for your support.”

This, the REO said, will help in better monitoring the migrants while affording government an opportunity to better understand the issues that need prioritising and how to address major issues and concerns through the data. She supported the call

by UNICEF that efficiency is critically important in combatting the situation.

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Harvesting Hope

Purity Karemi didn’t plan on becoming a farmer. The 25-year-old went to University in Nairobi to get a degree in procurement and management, and both she and her family expected she would stay on in the bustling city. But an FAO

training changed all of that.

In early 2017, Karimi was enrolled in a FAO training on youth and agribusiness in her home county of Tharaka-Nithi, in Kenya. This training is part of an agribusiness project funded by the United States Agency for

International Development (USAID). The programme targeted youth in the area and prepared them to work in commercial agricultural production.

Purity and her peers learned about good agricultural practices, agricultural

water management, agribusiness and nutrition knowledge and practices. “The training got me really motivated, and I asked my father if he would let me try to farm some of the family’s land”, she explains.

Using the allowance she had received from FAO, she

Purity’s watermelon crop is growing well. From this plot alone Purity has harvested five tonnes (Photo: FAO/Sven G. Simonsen)

“She has clearly found her passion,” says Letton Nyaga Mbugi (Left) of his daughter Purity. After attending FAO trainings, Purity became a farming mentor for several other youth in her district, this includes one of her old friends, Anthony (Photos: FAO/Sven G. Simonsen)

bought sweet potato vines.

A few months later, she harvested sweet potatoes, worth almost four times as much as she invested!

Now, Purity has added two new crops to her land: watermelon and capsicum.

At the end of 2018, she made her first sale of five tonnes of watermelon to Twiga Foods, a buyer introduced to her by FAO. Companies like Twiga are introduced to producers because they buy directly from the farmers at competitive prices and, more importantly, pay in a timely manner.

Moreover, she is putting her university education to use: she is keeping records of all expenses and income, meticulously monitoring the profitability of her business.

She also employs other youth from her community to help her on the farm.

“When our daughter first started expressing an interest in agriculture, we were not so enthusiastic,” Purity’s father Letton concedes. “We wanted her to do something else.

Yet, today I would advise her to work in agriculture because she has clearly found her passion.”

Just a few hundred meters from Purity’s watermelon field, Anthony Munene is hard at work in his vegetable field. He is an old friend of

Purity’s and one of nine local youths whom Purity has trained and inspired to take up farming as a profession.

In early 2018, Anthony began leasing a plot of land where he planted his first crop capsicums. From the beginning, he was using the conservation agriculture methods that Purity had learnt at her trainings.

Despite some initial setbacks, his plants have grown plenty of fruit to sell.

Just like Purity, Anthony is keeping detailed records to keep track of his business.

And for the longer term: “I am saving the money I am making, to start a farming business”, he says firmly.

“This is my future.”

The Increasing Smallholder Productivity and Profitability (ISPP) project aims to strengthen the capacity of smallholder households to manage their farming businesses more reliably. It provides knowledge and skills to stakeholders along the value chains and has boosted household production and productivity in the semi-arid lands of Kenya.

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Bullied boy hopes to return to school overseas.

“The matter never went to court. The police call he to the station and

Bhojpaul Ramjas

SEVENTEEN-year-old Bhojpaul Ramjas called “Dave”, who is recovering from a near-death experience several years ago, is now hoping that he can return to school and put the past behind him.

Ramjas was bullied, beaten and forced to climb a utility pole, where he was ordered to touch a live wire by a group of boys he considered his “friends”.

The aftermath of that episode saw him spending more than 800 days at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) confined to a bed, unable to walk and suffering excruciating pain.

At the time, he was just 12 years old and had attained passes to attend the Skeldon High School, after sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA).

Ramjas is recuperating after several surgeries in the US, thanks to the intervention of Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA), a non-governmental organisation.

While he has not yet fully recovered, he is relatively back to normalcy and can do almost anything with very little discomfort. He still has a few more minor surgeries that must be done before he is 21.

Dave is seeking assistance to see if he can return to the public school system or a private school where he can get a formal education.

“I want to go back to school so that I can get a job; I want to work so I can get money to buy things for myself because my family has done a lot for me and it is not really fair for me to

depend on them cause I get big now,” he said.

The humble young man said if he cannot get a chance to sit the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, he would like to learn a trade that would not be too strenuous on him.

The teen’s mother, Nalini Ragnauth, had related that her son’s misery happened after he went to the backlands for a day of fun with four friends, when a guy identified as “Kuvesh”, four years Ramjas’ senior, reportedly got aggressive with him.

Kuvesh reportedly dealt him several blows about the body and forced him to climb a GPL utility pole and touch the live wire.

Soon after, his shirt and pants were on fire and the other ‘friends’ with him pushed him into a nearby trench to quench the flames as he screamed for dear life.

The bully, instead of assisting, fled the scene and never showed up to apologise or check on the victim to see how he was doing.

At the New Amsterdam Hospital, Ragnauth said she was advised by the doctors to make a report since the pre-teen was in a critical state.

She said she made the journey back to Corentyne to the Number 51 Police Station and gave a detailed account of what happened and provided the name and description of the attacker. Sadly, she said nothing ever came out of the matter. The attacker is reportedly now residing

then them release him, now he living in America and walking free. Whatever has happened, I leave

my trust in God, everyone has their time that’s gonna reach because how I feel for my child, no

one should ever have to see their child suffer so much,” the mother said.

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Cash crop farmer fatally stabbed “THEY come out, them want to kill me,” were the final words farmer Deoprakash Lallbachan, 60, said to his wife of over 30 years before he took his last breath close to midnight on Friday.

Lallbachan called “William”, of Grant 1655 Crabwood Creek, East Berbice Corentyne, was allegedly stabbed to death by intruders around 23:30 hrs Friday night.

The perpetrators gained entry into the two-story concrete home through a

Dead: Deoprakash Lallbachan

The window the intruder broke to gain entry into the house window in the lower-flat of the building, by sawing through two 16mm in diameter steel bars. On entering the house, one of the intruders pounced on Lallbachan, who was reportedly watching television at the time.

According to his wife, Nalini Lallbachan, 55, she was in the upper-flat of the building when she heard faint calls from her husband. When she responded, she saw him leaning over the counter covered in blood and clutching his chest in the region of his heart while blood was dripping on the floor.

“When me go next to him, he said they come out, them want to kill me

and he fall down. I see the back door wide open so me close it and then see the window break so I get scared and run back upstairs and started to holler for the neighbours and call the police,” the tearful and shaken woman said.

She related that as neighbours came out to help, the injured man was taken to the Skeldon Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The police arrived at the scene approximately 15 minutes after the incident, but were unable to find any trace of the perpetrators.

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Cash crop farmer ...

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to find a freezer that was on the patio at the front of the house.

The house was ransacked with some vegetables thrown on the floor, while a parcel of dried corilla that was prepared to be sent overseas to the now dead man’s mother, was found in the backyard, leading investigators to believe that there was the robbers’ escape route.

Based on the man’s last words and the fact that nothing of value was missing from

The home of Deoprakash Lallbachan the home, the family is now puzzled as to whom would want to kill him.

“If was a robbery them woulda go upstairs or tumble the house, but them just left after them stab he… He is a loving man, he don’t have any trouble with no one. I don’t know who would want to do this,” the widow said.

At the time of the incident, the dead man’s mother-in-law, who is in her 80s, was also downstairs. She is an Alzheimer’s case.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the home of the deceased Saturday morning, relatives had gathered from near and far to comfort the grieving wife, while persons assisted in cleaning the blood stained floor and kitchen.

According to a police source, investigators are working on the theory that at least two persons committed the act: one gained entry and another stood guard outside. The intruder who entered the home, might have been recognised by the farmer and decided to kill him, the police source said.

At the scene, there appears to be sign of a struggle between the victim and the robber as a torn camouflaged vest suspected to be that of the killer, was found on the kitchen floor, along with a bloodied kitchen knife. One suspected has been arrested as police continue their investigation.

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Windies blow pitiful England away to reclaim Wisden Trophy

NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – A newly invigorated West Indies reclaimed the coveted Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade after they produced yet another imperious display to thrash a bewildered England by 10 wickets inside three days of the intriguing second Test here yesterday.

On another day of high drama at Vivian Richards Cricket Ground when 14 wickets tumbled, West Indies were dismissed in their first innings for 306, about 25 minutes before lunch, but then routed England spectacularly for a dismal 132 in their second innings at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

England were destroyed

by Man-of-the-Match seamer Kemar Roach who snatched all four of his wickets early in the final session to claim four for 52 and match figures of eight for 82, while captain Jason Holder was equally destructive in picking up four for 43.

Set just 14 runs to win, left-hander John Campbell (11 not out) smashed the 13th ball of the innings from veteran seamer Jimmy Anderson over the mid-wicket ropes, as West Indies emphatically notched their first series victory over a higher-ranked team in seven years. “(My emotions) are difficult to describe now …,” an overjoyed Holder said afterwards.

“I think we’re hungry, we’re hungry for success.

This group has been together for the last year-and-a-half to two years and we (the players) have been doing some exceptional things.

“Credit to the boys for

sticking to the task. I think it is something we really wanted and obviously the way we ended last year was a bit daunting as well and everybody wanted to turn things around.”

Resuming the day on 272 for six, the hosts lost their last four wickets for 34 runs but importantly secured a 119-run first-innings lead to put England under increased pressure.

Left-hander Darren Bravo, in only his second Test following a 27-month break, converted his overnight 33 into exactly 50 – his 17th Test half-century.

The knock was a marathon one, spanning 216 balls and a shade over six hours and included two fours and a six, marking the slowest-ever half-century by a Windies batsman in Tests.

He was last out, stumped off off-spinner Moeen Ali (3-62), attempting to farm the strike as West Indies sought to add to their lead.

England’s bowlers stayed disciplined on the unpredictable surface and were rewarded as Anderson (2-73) claimed two of the wickets to fall while new-ball partner Stuart Broad finished with three for 53 and Ben Stokes, two for 58.

Holder added three to his overnight 19 and extended his seventh wicket stand with Bravo to 45 before edging Anderson behind, 35 minutes into the morning, and Roach fell for six, nearing the hour mark when he attempted an ambitious drive at Anderson and edged high to Stokes at second slip.

Sadness surrounded Alzarri Joseph’s arrival following the news of the early morning death of his mother but the 22-year-old bravely survived 20 balls before perishing to the first ball of a new Stokes spell, edging a defensive prod to be taken low at third slip by Rory Burns going to his right.

Openers Joe Denly (17) and Burns (16) then survived four tricky overs before lunch to carry England to the break on nine without loss, and extended their opening stand to 35 afterwards, with Roach and Shannon Gabriel proving ineffective.

The tide changed, however, once Holder and Joseph formed an alliance, and they wrecked England’s top order with two wickets apiece, leaving the visitors in disarray on 75 for four at tea.

Holder struck with the first ball of his spell, having the left-handed Burns caught

by Campbell at third slip, 40 minutes after the interval, and the dismissal opened the floodgates as England lost four wickets for 24 runs in quick time.

Jonny Bairstow missed a booming drive at Holder and was bowled for 14 and Joseph, who produced an inspired spell of two for 12 from seven overs, got the first of his wickets when he

brought one back to have captain Joe Root caught behind off the inside edge for seven, after the Windies resorted to DRS. The grieving Joseph, displaying extraordinary emotional control, then put an exclamation mark on the session when he removed Denly’s off-stump after the right-hander shouldered arms.

Obviously still reeling from the 381-run crushing in the first Test in Bridgetown last weekend, England failed to muster a recovery after the break, as their last six wickets perished for 57 runs.

Stokes, dropped before he had scored, by Campbell at third slip off Joseph, departed in the fourth over after tea, bowled for 11 missing a drive at Roach and Moeen followed for four in Roach’s next over, also bowled playing around a full-length delivery.

Tottering on 96 for six, England’s decline continued when Ben Foakes was lbw to Roach for 13 on review, and three balls later in the next over, Jos Buttler fell lbw to Holder, after top-scoring with 24 off 48 balls with five fours.

The end drew even nearer when a fired-up Roach got a full-length ball to pitch and straighten and hit Broad plumb in front without scoring.

Joseph fittingly ended the innings when he dived forward from mid-on to hold a smart catch, after Holder forced Anderson (0) into an awkward defensive stroke.

The final Test bowls off in St Lucia next Saturday.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings 187 WEST INDIES 1st innings (o/n 272 for six) K. Brathwaite c (sub.) Jennings b Moeen Ali 49 J. Campbell c Buttler b Stokes 47 S. Hope c wkp. Bairstow b Broad 44 D. Bravo stp. Bairstow b Moeen 50 R. Chase b Broad 4 S. Hetmyer c Anderson b Moeen Ali 21 S. Dowrich c Buttler b Broad 31 J. Holder c wkp. Bairstow b Anderson 22 K. Roach c Stokes b Anderson 6 A. Joseph c Burns b Stokes 7 S. Gabriel not out 1 Extras: (b-8, lb-13, w-1, nb-2) 24 Total: (all out, 131 overs) 306 Fall of wickets: 1-70, 2-133, 3-151, 4-155, 5-186, 6-236, 7-281, 8-289, 9-298.

Bowling: Anderson 29-5-73-2, Broad 36-1653-3, Stokes 27-8-58-2, Curran 13-0-38-0, Moeen Ali 25-4-62-3, Denly 1-0-1-0.

ENGLAND 2nd innings R. Burns c Campbell b Holder 16 J. Denly b Joseph 17 J. Bairstow b Holder 14 J. Root c wkp. Dowrich b Joseph 7 J. Buttler lbw b Holder 24 B. Stokes b Roach 11 Moeen Ali b Roach 4 B. Foakes lbw b Roach 13 S. Curran not out 13 S. Broad lbw b Roach 0 J. Anderson c Joseph b Holder 0 Extras: (lb-3, w-10) 13 Total (all out, 42.1 overs) 132 Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-49, 3-56, 4-59, 5-88, 6-96, 7-118, 8-118, 9-125.

Bowling: Roach 13-2-52-4, Gabriel 10-3-22-0, Holder 12.1-2-43-4, Joseph 7-4-12-2.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 14 runs) K. Brathwaite not out 5 J. Campbell not out 11 Extras: (lb-1) 1 Total: (without loss, 2.1 overs) 17 Bowling: Anderson 1.1-0-10-0, Broad 1-0-6-0.

Man-of-the-Match: Kemar Roach.

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Aussies strike late blows after Karunaratne injury scare … Patterson hits maiden Test century

By Sudipto Ganguly CANBERRA, Australia (Reuters) - Australia picked up three late wickets after Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne was felled by a nasty bouncer yesterday, as the hosts took command of the second Test by posting a massive first-innings 534-5 declared on day two at Manuka Oval.

The tourists reached 1233 at stumps and trail Australia by 411 runs, with Kusal Perera unbeaten on 11 and Dhananjaya de Silva on one.

Australia, who lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the opener by an innings and 40 runs at Brisbane last week, are on course to claim their first series since a 4-0 Ashes victory over England last year.

After resuming on 3844, the hosts declared their first innings closed after lunch. Kurtis Patterson, in just his second Test innings, was unbeaten on 114 after posting his maiden century and captain Tim Paine was 45 not out.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s left-handed opening pair of Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne held off Australia’s attack for 30 overs to add 82 before a vicious Pat Cummins delivery struck Karunaratne around the back of the neck.

The impact felled the 30-year-old and he was stretchered off in a neck brace after a lengthy delay.

He was forced to retire hurt on 46 but Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha later had good news about his condition.

“He’s in the hospital at the moment and in good spirit,” he told reporters.

“He’s been assessed and no danger at the moment.

He was talking to us before leaving (for hospital) as well.

“It was a bit scary the way he fell back initially.

But he was okay, was talking throughout to the umpires and the physio.”

That ended Sri Lanka’s solid opening stand, the best from a visiting team in Australia since England’s Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry put on 85 in Perth in December 2013.

CLASS ATTACK Karunaratne’s departure seemed to derail Sri Lanka’s innings.

In the following over, Thirimanne hit off-spinner Nathan Lyon for two fours before edging him to slip on 41. Cummins then breached the defence of Kusal Mendis (six) with a peach of a delivery.

Mitchell Starc, who nabbed 15 wickets in five Tests during the India series and opener against Sri Lanka, has come in for criticism for some wayward bowling and while he was regularly clocking over 150 kph during his opening spell the Australia pace spearhead once again lacked direction.

He finally had some joy when he got captain Dinesh Chandimal (15) to glove a catch behind shortly before stumps.

Patterson said the home side’s attack was showing its class.

“I am not sure what Karunaratne is going to do but we are two wickets away from bowling,” he said. “There’s generally been a little bit in the wicket for the first 30-40 minutes of each day.

“If we can get a couple of early wickets and wind Starc up to get into their tail, it will go a long way in winning the

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA 1st innings o/n 384-4 Marcus Harris c Chamika Karunaratne b Vishwa Fernando 11 Joe Burns b Kasun Rajitha 180 Usman Khawaja c Kusal Mendis b Vishwa Fernando 0 Marnus Labuschagne c Niroshan Dickwella b Chamika Karunaratne 6 Travis Head lbw Vishwa Fernando 161 Kurtis Patterson not out 114 Tim Paine not out 45 Extras: (lb-3, nb-10, w-4) 17 Total: (five wkts 132.0 overs) 534 decl.

Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-15, 3-28, 4-336, 5-404.

Bowling: Kasun Rajitha 28-5-103-1 (nb-4), Vishwa Fernando 30-3126-3 (w-4), Chamika Karunaratne 22-0-130-1 (nb-6), Dilruwan Perera 32-4-112-0, Dhananjaya de Silva 20-2-60-0 .

SRI LANKA 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne (retired hurt) 46 Lahiru Thirimanne c Usman Khawaja b Nathan Lyon 41 Dinesh Chandimal c Tim Paine b Mitchell Starc 15 Kusal Mendis b Pat Cummins 6 Kusal Perera not out 11 Dhananjaya de Silva not out 1 Extras: (b-1, lb-2) 3 Total: (three wkts, 43.0 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-90, 2-101, 3-120.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 8-2-32-1, Jhye Richardson 9-4-23-0, Pat Cummins 10-2-25- 1, Nathan Lyon 16-5-40-1.

Test.”

The home side had struggled with the bat recently but have three centurions in Canberra already.

After hundreds from Joe Burns and Travis Head on the first day, the 25-year-old Patterson, who made his

Kurtis Patterson pulls during his unbeaten 114. (Getty Images)

debut in Brisbane, looked untroubled against a second-string Sri Lanka attack.

Overnight centurion Burns added eight to his overnight score before playing on to his stumps for 180.

Patterson, who smacked 14 fours and a six in his knock, and Paine then continued to plunder runs at will with an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 130.

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Countdown begins to Belize Gold Cup qualifier on March 23 ONE match can change the course of football history.

For Guyana, destiny awaits with a crunch, final CONCACAF Nations League/ Gold Cup qualifier against Belize at home on Saturday, March 23.

A win for the Golden Jaguars would all but guarantee a first appearance at the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the senior men’s national team. This year’s Gold Cup takes place between June 15 and July 7.

This historical milestone would propel Guyana’s football onto an unprecedented international stage – the Gold Cup is CONCACAF’s number one tournament and broadcast live across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

“The exposure it would create for players and Guyana’s football will help set the tone for the future of football – encouraging more fans to engage with local football and more sponsors to come on board to support the development of our leagues, coaching and youth programmes,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

“Qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup will be a game-changer for football in Guyana. It will raise the sport to a new level in the minds of the players, clubs, fans and corporate Guyana. We know the nation will get behind the team on March 23. It will be a nation of Golden Jaguars versus 11 Belize players!”

GUYANA-BASED PLAYERS GET IN SHAPE FOR FINAL SELECTION The Guyana Football Federation’s international match preparations began in earnest this week with Guyana-based players starting regular training at the new Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence.

The sessions have featured 35 players from teams including GFF-STAG Elite League champions Fruta Conquerors, GFF-STAG Super

Home-based Golden Jaguars during fitness tests at GFF National Training Centre

GFF officials - technical director Ian Greenwood, coach/ mentor Sampson Gilbert and youth development officer Bryan Joseph observe the national training squad.

Golden Jaguars in action during a training session at Providence in preparation for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, a National League qualifier, against Belize on March 23

16 champions Den Amstel, Western Tigers, Buxton United, New Amsterdam United, Ann’s Grove, Netrockers and Botofago.

After initial fitness tests last weekend, players took part in training matches this week, under the watchful eyes of GFF technical officials, with young talent such as Ryan Hackett and Kelsey Benjamin lining up against seasoned internationals including Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, Vurlon Mills and Trayon Bobb.

Next week, the squad will be cut to the best-performing 23 players who will go forward for consideration alongside the overseas-based

contingent for the final match squad.

“We are going to be working hard to build on and improve the level of fitness of the players, especially in terms of power, so that they are more effective across the whole 90 minutes of the match,” said GFF coach education director Wilson Toledo. “I have seen a great attitude from lots of the players to work hard and do as much as they can to improve.”

FIFA-FUNDED NATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE UP AND RUNNING The GFF National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara has been hosting the 35-strong,

Guyana-based senior men’s national squad as they begin preparations for the crucial CONCACAF Gold Cup/Nations League qualifier against Belize on March 23.

Equipped with a stateof-the-art, all-weather artificial turf pitch, the FIFA Forward-funded centre will eventually become the home for the GFF Technical Department, with a technical headquarters, gym, offices and dormitories – alongside floodlights and stands that will make the pitch a premier football venue.

Coaching staff have highlighted the positive impact the international-standard turf has already had on the quality of

preparations and performance of players.

“It’s been a big improvement to work here,” said GFF coach education director Wilson Toledo. “We are now putting in place all the conditions we need to work at the right level and to prepare in the same way as other teams in the region.”

“With this pitch, the players can do much more to improve their technique and fitness.”

WHAT IS THE CONCACAF GOLD CUP? The CONCACAF Gold Cup is the premier men’s international football competition for North America,

Central America and the Caribbean.

The Gold Cup takes place every two years and dates back to 1963.

Mexico are the most successful nation in the competition with seven titles, closely followed by current champions United States on six titles. Canada have won the tournament once.

The 2019 edition features a newly-expanded format, with 16 teams up from 12.

This year’s competition will be the 15th edition, featuring matches across the United States, Costa Rica and one yet-to-be-named Caribbean country.

The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama and Honduras have already qualified for the 2019 Gold Cup. The top 10 teams from the current CONCACAF Nations League qualification process will be added to the mix.

WHAT IS THE CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE? The CONCACAF Nations League is a new international league-style tournament designed to improve international football across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Teams are currently entering the final round of qualification for the 2019-20 Nations League, with the top six teams joining the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama and Honduras in League A. Teams ranked 7-22 will compete in League B and teams ranked 23-34 will form League C. Guyana are currently placed 8th in the table on six points, with the most likely outcome being a spot in League B.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 3, 2019

Campbell, Downes take top honours at GLTA Awards

FOR the third consecutive year, Cristy Campbell was named Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) Women’s Champion, while Anthony Downes continues his reign as the leading senior men’s player in Guyana.

The GLTA held its annual awards and dinner on Friday evening at the Georgetown Club, where the outstanding performers for 2018 were honoured.

Campbell is known for her supremacy on the court also one of the toughest players to oppose. Her dominating performances last year have led to Campbell once again being named the leading female tennis player in Guyana.

Downes, on the other hand, picked up the best

Senior Women’s Champion Cristy Campbell

men’s player tag for the 7th year and based on his current form, it will be hard to take

Senior Men’s Champion Anthony Downes

that title away.

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan was named Coach-of-the-

Year, while Hayden Mentore and Saskia Persaud were named the most improved

Cardiff City players honour missing Rain washes out first round of Sala with T-shirt penalty celebration female Inter-county tournament CONSISTENT rainfall washed out the first-round fixture of the senior female Inter-county tournament yesterday.

Essequibo were scheduled to play the five-time defending champions Berbice at Lusignan while the Demerara versus Select Under-19 game was scheduled for the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) ground.

However, overnight and

Shelly Daly-Ramdyhan (L) receives her Coach-of-theYear trophy from GLTA president Samuel Barakat.

players.

Heimraj Resaul was named the Junior Boys

Malteenoes bolstered by Antigua national junior cricketer

consistent rain kept the covers on the pitches for the duration of the day, and play was abandoned at 14:30hrs at both venues.

Coaches of the four teams expressed disappointment at the outcome but remained optimistic for some cricket in today’s second round.

Berbice will play the Select Under-19 at GCC while Demerara will oppose Essequibo at Lusignan.

Cardiff City’s Bobby Reid celebrates scoring their first goal by displaying a shirt paying tribute to Emiliano Sala.

(REUTERS/Rebecca Naden)

(REUTERS) - Cardiff City players honoured striker Emiliano Sala, who is missing and believed to have died in an aeroplane accident as he flew to join the club, by holding up a T-shirt bearing his image following their early goal against visiting Bournemouth yesterday.

Cardiff took the lead in the fifth minute of the Premier League tie when Bob-

by Reid slammed home a penalty, and the players ran to collect a T-shirt featuring the 28-year-old Argentinian striker.

Sala went missing on January 21 when the plane carrying him from France disappeared. A privately-funded search for the missing aircraft is due to start today.

Nicolas Tappin is happy to represent the Malteenoes Sports Club this year.

Ground staff at Lusignan brave the inclement weather but consistent rain did not allow any play.

champion, while the Girls trophy went to Kalyca Fraser.

MALTEENOES Sports Club has been bolstered by the inclusion of former Antigua U-17 cricketer Nicolas Tappin.

The medium fast bowler, who joined the club late last month, said that he is excited to play for the Georgetown club and hopes that he can

assist the team in a positive way.

The 17-year-old who played for the Jennings Cricket Club on his home island, also represented the Leeward Islands at the U-15 and U-17 levels.

In Guyana, Tappin is a first year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Guyana.

Another major boost to the Malteenoes youth team this season is the services of Transport wicket-keeping batsman Shamar Yearwood, who switched clubs last month.

The former national U-15 cricketer has already made a mark in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Noble House Seafoods Generation Next U-19 100-over cricket competition with a score of 43 in Malteenoes’ opening win against the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) last Saturday at home.

50

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 3, 2019

Regional Fiur-Day Championship

Jaguars suffer another defeat, Scorpions win nail-biter, Pride staring defeat BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Leaders and fourtime reigning champions, Guyana Jaguars, suffered their second straight defeat while Jamaica Scorpions sneaked to a second straight victory to kick start their campaign, on the third day of the sixth round of matches in the Regional Four-Day Championship yesterday.

At Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Jaguars slumped to a disappointing 93-run defeat to struggling Trinidad and Tobago Red Force while at Warner Park in Basseterre, Scorpions got past Leeward Islands Hurricanes by one wicket in an exciting finish.

In the other match at Kensington Oval here, hosts Barbados Pride were also staring at defeat to Windward Islands Volcanoes, after being forced to follow-on. 217 runs behind.

At the close, they were 157 for six, still requiring a further 60 runs to make the visitors bat again.

The shock result, however, came when Red Force, with one win in four outings, easily outplayed Jaguars with a day to spare in the contest.

Resuming on 264 for five in their second innings, Red Force were dismissed for 317, with Jason Mohammed adding just four runs to his overnight 79.

Imran Khan, on 40 at the start, added six before he was seventh out and it was left to Jamaican Odean Smith with a breezy 27 off 23 deliveries, to stretch Red Force’s lead.

Set 276 for victory, Jaguars were dismissed for 182, with only Romario Shepherd, batting at number seven, showing any resistance with a cavalier 50 off 58 balls with seven fours and a six.

West Indies batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj scored 30 in a 44-run opening stand with Tagenarine Chanderpaul (18), but once the partnership was broken, the innings went into decline.

Leg-spinner Imran Khan claimed three for 45

Royston Crandon cops T&DCA Player-of-the-Year award

TORONTO, Canada – After leading Vikings Cricket Club to the 2018 Super 9 crown, their first major title in 21 years and performing outstandingly with both bat and ball, former Guyana national and West Indies One-day player, Royston Crandon, was fittingly rewarded for his efforts.

The 35-year-old Crandon, who plies his trade in Canada and also represents Rose Hall

Town Youth & Sports Club, was voted the Toronto District & Cricket Association (T&DCA) Player-of-theYear at its recent presentation and awards ceremony.

The hard-hitting Crandon, who also represents Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Elite League, was the third highest run-getter for Vikings,

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday February 03, 2019) 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) Knott

Chris Balderstone, Tony Grieg and Alan

(2)

Rohan Kanhai-150 (WI vs ENG, 1968)

Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the result of the second Test of the current WI/ENG series?

(2)

Who was voted ‘Player of the Match’?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

T&DCA Player-of-the-Year, Royston Crandon, receives his award from Cricket Canada president Ranjit Saini.

tallying 435 runs from 17 matches, averaging 33.46 with a top-score of 90.

Crandon also captured 24 wickets, bowling off-spin, at 16.79 runs per wicket, bettered only by another Guyanese, left-arm spinner Raj Nannan who bagged 25, averaging 14.28.

In last year’s Super 9 final, played at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club ground, King City, Toronto, Vikings inflicted a huge 116-run defeat on JB Masters to end a 21year drought, although they were declared joint-champions in the 2017 controversial final versus Centurions.

Vikings had earlier defeated Victoria Park Cricket Club in the semi-final with Crandon slamming a robust 62, spiced with four fours and five towering sixes off 36 balls. (Frederick Halley)

while off-spinner Bryan Charles (2-21) and seamers Smith (2-29) and Anderson Phillip (2-52) were the other wicket-takers.

Scorpions, meanwhile, held their nerve to chase down 157, despite a six-wicket haul from Jamaican leg-spinner Damion Jacobs (6-62).

Resuming on 92 for four, Scorpions were carried by Assad Fudadin who made 36 while Kenroy Williams saw them over the line with an unbeaten 21 (4x4, 30 balls).

Jacobs finished with match figures of 11 for 102.

Pride, meanwhile, extended their batting woes this season when they were dismissed for 253 in their

Leg-spinner Damion Jacobs finished with an 11-wicket match-haul but failed to prevent Scorpions winning.

first innings after resuming the day on 154 for four.

Captain Jonathan Carter failed to add to his overnight 64 while wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott made 31, as left-arm spinner Larry Edward ran through the innings with five for 67.

Asked to bat again, Pride were cruising at 93 for one behind a 79-run sec-

ond-wicket stand between opener Shayne Moseley (51) and Aaron Jones (39).

Moseley faced 132 balls in 3-¼ hours and struck six fours but was fifth out as the hosts lost five wickets for 59 runs.

Edward (2-42) and fellow left-arm spinner Kavem Hodge (2-49) did the damage for Volcanoes.

Ashes series to be the last for Chappell as CA selector CRICKET Australia (CA) national selector and National Talent Manager Greg Chappell is set to retire at the end of the Ashes in September, CA confirmed today.

Chappell’s retirement coincides with expiration of his current contract that ends at the culmination of the 2019 Ashes campaign, which concludes at The Oval in London in mid-September.

The 70-year-old former Australia captain, who played 87 Tests from 1970 to 1984 and posted 24 hundreds, will walk away from CA after more than 30 years with the governing body.

He held three separate commentary stints, from 1984-88, 2010-11 and 2016-present, and was appointed National Talent Manager in 2010.

Chappell has worked closely with Australia’s junior talent and was team manager of the Cricket Australia XI in its short inclusion in the domestic 50-over competition.

Along with his work in cricket, Chappell has raised more than $400 000 through his charity, the Greg Chappell Foundation, which aims to help homeless youths in

Aussie legend Greg Chappell retires as a selector at the end of the Ashes series.

Australia.

Chappell’s upcoming departure has seen two national selectors step down in the past 12 months - himself and former head coach Darren Lehmann, who resigned in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.

Lehmann had indicated he was not going to renew his contract that also expired at the end of this year’s Ashes in England.

The current National Selection Panel (NSP) is comprised of Chappell, current head coach Justin Langer and chair Trevor Hohns.

Test legend Ricky Ponting has called for the Australian captain to be a selector, but Test skipper Tim Paine has batted that idea safely back to the bowler.

“I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment,” Paine said last month “I’m happy when I’m asked my opinion and will give it. Happy with that.”

Cricket Australia will make an announcement closer to the end of Chappell’s tenure about his possible replacement and what the NSP will look like after the Ashes. (cricket.com au)

51

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 3, 2019

Junior Caribbean Karting Academy Trophy

Persaud is best Guyanese driver of Round 3 (By Stephan Sookram (in Barbados compliments of Secure Innovations and Concepts, KFC, E-Networks and AMS) GUYANESE Rayden Persaud finished Round 3 of the Junior Caribbean Karting Academy Trophy within touching distance of the top five drivers.

After points were tallied Rayden accumulated 42 points, with the Jamaican trio of Ryan Chisholm fifth (52 points), Zander Williams fourth (54 points) and Tommi Gore third (57 points).

Barbadian Calem Maloney leads with 82 points and Adam Mallalieu is second with 65 points.

Nathan Rahaman (10th), Jeremy Ten-Pow (11th),

Zachary Persaud (12th) and Paige Mendonca (13th) are the other Guyanese currently in Barbados.

It was the last race of the day that gave Rayden the

boost he needed as he produced his best drive of the series so far, to overcome Jamaica’s Tommi Gore for fifth on the final lap of the race.

Throughout the 15-lap

Jeremy Ten-Pow (61) and Paige Mendonca (15) side by side during the final race. (Photos by Stephan Sookram compliments of Secure Innovations and Concepts, KFC, E-Networks and AMS)

final, Rayden bided his time well, reducing the gap between Gore who started offpole but fell back.

When it came time to strike, Rayden was clinical.

Getting a good drive off the mid-section of the circuit which features a similar set up to GT motorsports, he made his move there.

With just a few corners to go, Rayden was able to defend to the finish where he fist-pumped the air.

Rayden finished behind Maloney, Mallalieu, Williams and Chisholm.

In Race 3, Maloney won ahead of Mallalieu, Chisholm, Williams and Gore with Rayden finishing 8th, Nathan 9th, Zachary 10th, Paige 11th and Jeremy DNF.

Rayden Persaud leads Tommi Gore in the 15-lap final race.

Race two had Gore as the winner with Williams, Maloney, Catwell and Jeremy Ten-Pow in that order.

There was also a bright spot for Jeremy who finished 6th in Race one.

Overall, it is still Calem who leads after three rounds, ahead of Mallalieu, Chisholm, Williams, Gore,

Adam Marshall (Barbados), Rayden, Kayleigh Catwell (Barbados), Ten Pow, Elan Rahaman, Zachary, Paige and Collin Bradshaw.

Round four, which features a different track layout, is set for today at 08:30hrs.

Guyanese ruggers top French Guiana at Goodwill tournament The senior Guyanese men put in a thorough performance winning their series in dominant fashion. They took the first game 14-0 and the second with an identical scoreline to wrap things up.

The French women were emphatic winners over their Guyanese rivals winning their series 3-0, with scores of 26-5, 26-12 and 19-0.

Guyanese winger Patrick King powers his way to score a try against French Guiana at the Goodwill tournament.

(Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA’S Male U-17, U-19 and senior men grabbed top honours for their country against French Guiana in a ‘Goodwill’ tournament which was staged at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, yesterday. However, the Guyanese women were outclassed by their French Guiana counterparts.

Despite a late start and less than favourable weather conditions, the tournament was a success and was well attended.

Played in a best-of-three format, the U-17 team drew first blood in a tight contest which ended 14-12 in fa-

vour of the home team; in their second match against the Frenchmen they were soundly thrashed 36-7, as the visitors scored tries at will due to poor defending.

However, the U-17 Guyanese side bounced back in the decisive third match to prevail 24-14 to the delight of the crowd.

The U-19 home team also won their first match against their French Guiana rivals 24-10 then also won the second match 19-14 in an entertaining game to clinch the series before French Guiana took a consolation victory in the third match with a 24-0 scoreline.

In attendance at the tournament was Director of Sport Christopher Jones. The tournament was supported by the National Sports Commission and Banks DIH. It was organised by the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) and supervised by Events Coordinator Troy Yhip.

A French Guiana U-19 player tries to avoid the attention of Guyana’s U-19 ruggers. (Delano Williams photo)

St Lucia’s Langalier set for rematch with Guyana’s Amsterdam at Patrick Ford Memorial ST Lucian, Arthur Langalier, regarded as Guyanese boxer Desmond Amsterdam’s greatest rival in recent times, will be coming to Guyana on February 17 for a rematch of sorts, at the Patrick Ford Memorial tournament at the National Gymnasium.

The two pugilists met in the final of the Caribbean Boxing Championships (CBC) last year in Guyana and Langalier thoroughly tested Amsterdam; giving him his only 8-count he got throughout the competition.

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has collaborated with Alford McDonald to stage the second edition of the Patrick Ford Memorial tourney which will ring off GBA’s 2019 calendar of activities; the card will have 15 bouts.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago will be naming their team on Friday but TTBA president Cecil Forde has revealed that he will be sending a team of five boxers.

Suriname will be sending four boxers who will arrive in Guyana on February 15.

Desmond Amsterdam

Forde, who died at age 55 in Brooklyn, New York in 2011, fought Salvador

Sanchez for the WBC featherweight championship of the world in 1980 and was the first Guyanese to fight for a world title before he fought his last professional bout in 1987.

Last year’s tournament included three countries hosts Guyana, Suriname and St Lucia - with the host nation emerging as champion.

This year, the tournament will see fighters from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, St Lucia and Suriname doing battle in the ring for top honours.

Windies blow pitiful England away to reclaim Wisden Trophy

SEE STORY ON PAGE 46

Openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell celebrate the winning moment. (Getty Images)

Windies captain Jason Holder disturbed the stumps of Jonny Bairstow. (AFP photo)

Kemar Roach rounded up the lower order to finish with a four-wicket haul, leaving West Indies 14 to win. (Getty Images)

Left-hander Darren Bravo battled his way to a vital half-century. (Getty Images)

Guyana Jaguars suffer second straight defeat in Regional 4Day Championship-Page 50 50 PAGE