Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-10-2019

10 th February, 2019

No.105544

WPA joins calls for fresh registration PAGE

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Afro-Guyanese youths at the International Decade of People of African Descent Assembly– Guyana (IDPADA-G) youth conference held at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) on Saturday (Delano Williams photo)

President Granger returns today 04 PAGE

Burning the 05 midnight oil PAGE

– night school in Sophia positively impacts lives of residents ages 14-50

Know your history, craft 14 –– young Afro-Guyanese your future urged at youth conference PAGE

Baby born with heart defect gets help 31 PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

WPA joins calls for fresh registration

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

THE Working People’s Alliance (WPA), a partner in the coalition government, has joined the call for houseto-house registration to be conducted before the next General and Regional Elections. According to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), national registration would take some nine months.

On Saturday, WPA Chairperson Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, while noting that it is GECOM’s responsibility to facilitate a free and fair election, said the commission should be able to make a determination on the issue.

“GECOM, as an independent agency, should have the ability to determine whether or not it is an imminent exercise; if it is an exercise that is necessary and should happen before we have the elections,” Sarabo-Halley said.

She added: “Based on the discussions that are happening with the commissioners at GECOM, they recognise that it should happen even though the PPP commissioners are of the view that ‘we can go to elections whoever is on or off, it doesn’t matter. We just go to elections right now because that is what the Constitution says’, as far as they are concerned.”

Sarabo-Halley said it is WPA’s position that failure to conduct house-to-house registration would disenfranchise persons who would have reached the age of 18 but have not been included in the National Register of Registrants, and would therefore be omitted from the Official List of Electors.

“So, if it is we are not dealing with disenfranchising people, then house-to-house registration is a must,” she said.

On that tone, she said it is not only about removing dead and absent registrants from the Official List of Electors (OLE) but ensuring that every eligible citizen gets the opportunity to be placed on the OLE. IN FULL AGREEMENT “We at the WPA are in agreement with the demands for house-to-house registrations to be done before elections.

It is a right of the young people who would have just turned 18 and eligible to vote to get on that list.

Every person who is eligible to vote; they need to have that option. Whether or not they choose to vote is also their right, but they have a right to be on that list so that they can make a choice once elections come. There is the other aspect of it, of getting persons who are not supposed to be on the list off that list, and house-tohouse registrations will also deal with that.” Sarabo-Halley said.

WPA made its position on the issue

known one day after GECOM indicated that an estimated nine months would be needed to conduct the national registration.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield had explained that should the current Official List of Electors expire on April 30 without an election being held, there will be a need for a new Official List of Electors. Lowenfield said given the current circumstances, the secretariat has advised the commission that a new list can be generated through a mechanism of a Claims and Objection exercise.

“The duration of that exercise will be determined by the commission, so should the list expire, the commission will advise that the claims and objection be done where the old list will be used as the preliminary list and as we move towards a new Official List of Electors,” Lowenfield explained on Friday while fielding questions from reporters during a news conference.

He said while house-to-house registration could be conducted for the purpose of the pending elections which was triggered by a vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly, the secretariat has recommended that Claims and Objection exercise be done in the interim.

“The secretariat recommended to the Commission that we do a Claims and Objection for the duration of 28 days, that is, registration for 28 days period with a seven days objection period,” he explained.

The chief elections officer further explained that if the current OLE is used, persons included on the National Register of Registrants (NRR) who were not 18 by November 1, 2018, would not be listed to vote. However, he noted that if a new list is generated, it would see the inclusion of persons who recently turned 18 or turned 18 during the compilation of the list.

Lowenfield made it clear, however, that it is the commission which will decide whether house-to-house registration is conducted or whether the Claims and Objection exercise be conducted to generate a new list.

The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) are also up in arms against any attempt to conduct elections without conducting house-to-house registration.

National registration was last conducted in 2008, some 10 years ago.

NECESSARY PROCESS Public Security Minister and Chairman of the Alliance For Change, Khemraj Ramjattan, who joined picketers on Thursday, said he believes that national registration is a necessary process that guarantees all eligible Guyanese their

right to vote.

According to Ramjattan, if the old List of Electors is used for the upcoming elections, thousands of young people who have not registered but are eligible to vote will be disenfranchised.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan is also of the belief that the old List of Electors is unacceptable. “We cannot have an acceptable list for the conduct and the holding of general and regional elections in the absence of house-to-house registration,” Minister Bulkan said.

“The current Official List of Electors, my understanding, is in the vicinity of

about 600,000 names in a population of approximately 750,000. The list is bloated! We cannot have an acceptable election with the current list being used as the basis,” the communities minister said while maintaining that house-to-house registration is a prerequisite.

Minister Bulkan is of the opinion that facilitation of “Claims and Objection” alone would not be sufficient to cleanse the list of dead people.

However, he like Ramjattan, accepted that the final decision on the conduct of national registration lies with the elections body.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

President Granger back in Guyana today PRESIDENT David Granger, who left Guyana last week for follow up treatment of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Cuba, will return home today.

According to a release, on the recommendation of his Cuban medical team of specialists, President Granger toured Old Havana and its environs on Saturday and had a look at the Capitol

Building, the new hotels that are being constructed, Plaza de la Revolucion and several places of interest.

In Old Havana, President Granger did a walkabout in and around the Craft Market on the waterfront and saw Cuban craft and paintings on full display. The President also visited the Guyana Embassy in Miramar and met with staff members who were on location, including Millicent Rose, Financial AttachĂŠ; and Dr. Melissa Corlette-Sengwe, Student Affairs AttachĂŠ at the embassy.

Later, the President and First Lady, Sandra Granger, had lunch at the famous La Forest Restaurant before returning to his protocol house.

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger on Saturday

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

Burning the midnight oil

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– night school in Sophia positively impacts lives of residents ages 14-50

By Svetlana Marshall THE Sophia CSEC Night School, though strap for cash, continues to positively influence the lives of Guyanese through education, a community dialogue forum heard on Saturday.

Established by the Sophia Community Development Association (SOCDA) in 2016, the school has seen over 250 individuals registering to be part of its programme.

Addressing a small group of residents in the compound of the Sophia Training Centre where the school is held, SOCDA’s Treasurer, Sidney Nelson, said the night school continues to achieve its purpose, that is, to provide a second chance for ‘at-risk’

Richard Jones, Caribbean Policy Development Centre (Barbados) One of the residents who applauded the work of SOCDA in establishing the night school (Delano Williams photos)

youths, school drop-outs and individuals who have not achieved above five subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate

(CSEC) examinations, or individuals who have never had the chance to sit the examinations.

“In essence, it was con-

ceptualised to give individuals a second chance and we have been more than successful in this area,” Nelson said. He said though it is no easy task, SOCDA remains committed.

SOCDA Community Dialogue and Volunteer Coordinator, Stacey Gordon, said persons as young as 14 and old as 50, have registered with the school thus far.

“Our policy here is come as you are, however, come with the intention to TURN TO PAGE

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Government tackles climate change

PRESIDENT David Granger’s attention to fighting climate change and its probable effects may appear to some persons to be excessive, or even alarmist – if some local and international interests are to be believed.

The scientifically verified facts, though, on the contrary, support the President’s position, and justify his efforts to not only educate Guyanese about the problem, but also to position Guyana as a world leader in the fight against this global concern. Moreover, the administration’s resolve to lead the international community’s struggle is understandable and more than warranted; it is, in fact, necessary.

Guyana, after all, is one of the countries that will be hardest hit by climate change.

Generally, climate change – also known as global warming – is an alteration in the statistical distribution of global weather patterns that lasts for a prolonged period of time. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) defines this time period as 30 years. Climate change may be caused by natural phenomena over which humans have little control.

Such phenomena include variations in solar activity and large-scale volcanic events. Since humans have no way of influencing those factors, scientists usually limit their technical efforts in those areas to observation and research, rather than at-

tempted interventions. On the other hand, modification of the earth’s climate due to human activities – anthropogenic, forced change – is the direct result of human activities; and when experts speak about climate change, they usually mean anthropogenic or human-induced alterations to the planet’s climate.

Climate change is caused by human-induced modifications to the composition of the earth’s atmosphere, which results in more of the sun’s heat being trapped, thereby producing an increase in surface temperature and consequent variations in conditions for which life-forms may be unprepared and poorly adapted.

The earth’s atmospheric composition may be artificially altered by the release of dust particles or greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, into the air, due to human activities. Those facts had been known for centuries after Thomas Chrowder Chamberlin proved in 1899, that changes in climate could result from changes in the concentration of atmospheric gases. Dust and greenhouse gases are usually produced by industrial, agricultural, and power-generating processes.

For example, the burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, to generate electricity produces massive quantities of those gases, as well as dust. Large quantities of those pollutants are released into the air.

Consequently, more heat is trapped on the earth, and a cascade of events occurs that destabilises the earth’s fragile climatic equilibrium, causing extreme weather events, disruption of ocean currents, and devastating effects on life-forms, both on land and in the sea, among others.

In the case of Guyana, climate change – which is already happening – would have catastrophic consequences. One of the most dramatic and direct effects of an increase of atmospheric temperature is the melting of the earth’s polar ice-caps.

Scientists say that the earth has warmed by about two degrees since the beginning of the 20th century. Although two degrees may not appear to be a large number, the experts say that it makes a huge difference, since even a change of a tiny fraction of a degree can cause colossal variations to weather patterns and produce increases in sea levels. As it is, the melting of polar ice is not only observable, but the rate of attrition is frightening. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which includes more than 1,300 scientists from the United States and other countries, forecasts that temperatures will continue to rise, more polar ice will melt, ocean levels will rise, and coastal communities could be affected to the point of total inundation.

Considering that 90 per cent of Guy-

ana’s population lives on the coast, and that coast is already below the mean sea-level, Guyanese have a lot at stake.

The decision of the APNU+AFC government to take a leading role in advocating for global action is therefore not only justified, but necessary. To do otherwise would be irresponsible in the extreme.

Government’s pursuit of a Green State Development Strategy, the signing of the Paris Agreement, the administration’s policy of international engagement on the issue, and President Granger’s obvious commitment to the cause is the least that any responsible, responsive, and proactive government would do.

Yes, Guyana is a small state; our influence on the world stage may be less than overwhelming; however, governments are elected to serve the interests of the people and the coalition government is certainly scoring well as regards this issue. Guyana will soon become an oil-producing country, and, with that status, our country’s policy- influence and leverage will be enhanced.

Given all those facts, Guyanese should ensure that a leader that has demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of citizens is at the helm when Guyana’s international stature is elevated, because the consequences of the alternative are unthinkable.

A great insult and disservice to democracy Dear Editor, DEMOCRACY as it should be pronounced on, and seen in its daily action was never made to be a handmaiden of, or an appendage to subterfuge, treachery, and of course, dishonesty.

It is a dynamic positive that is meant to manifest itself in a manner where those within the jurisdiction of its political/ ideological existence, could claim to be equal participants in its decision-making process of government, and not being excluded for reasons of political convenience, discrimination of any kind, and the dark ends of dangerous ambitions -- attributes that are

in themselves, inimical to the growth and development of this most precious of liberal values.

It is quite clear that this understanding of democracy is meant to convey the unambiguous fact that the latter, apart from being the genuine guide of the governance actions of the state, was never intended for its tenets to be deployed arising out of circumstances that are distorted, and moreover contradictory to what it serves to represent – above-board actions, and transparency, where all its transactions carried out, can withstand scrutiny; and the citizenry benefit from the end results.

It means that democracy must be inclusive at all times, with its participatory aspect not being limited to suit the deceptive and dishonest ends of particular political leaders, and those of their vested-interest allies.

Currently, there are demands from the usual quarters for a certain constitutional action that involves the right of all Guyanese who are eligible for such a participatory exercise, to take place, without their eligibility being officially recorded, as must be in accordance with the national electoral laws.

This is unheard of in any democracy, and constitutes the gravest of denials of any citizen’s constitutional rights, anywhere.

These are not calls that emanate from democrats. Instead, they are from self-serving politicians and their allies, bent on trampling on the inalienable right of a particular segment of our population – its young people.

So many times, have we all listened to complaints, unsubstantiated, that they are not part of the national development process, by the very voices who now intend to exclude them from the national electoral process. What a contradiction of participatory democracy by fake democrats!

Regards, Shawn James

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

A time for Great strides made by reflection coalition government

IT is now over two weeks since the shooting at my house.

A great deal of coverage has been given in the media, both in Guyana and overseas. Much has been written, sadly, not all of it accurate.

The time now is for sober reflection. Many are no doubt weary of the story, but surely none of us can be complacent concerning the action and the way forward.

Those actions of a fortnight ago affect us all. If we wish to remain passive spectators, nothing will have been learnt.

As a community we need to consider many things.

Still, speculation governs much of the discussion, but there is no doubt that social media played a very ugly part. We live in a new age where our youth in particular escape into private, dark worlds, where their reality is the screen in front of them and the ‘game’ in which they are engrossed becomes their reality. We never produced youth before under such conditions. It is an isolated, complicated world that now engulfs our youth. As parents, are we aware of what our children are doing hours on end glued to their computer screens?

This is surely parental -- not teacher-- responsibility.

As parents, do we know who are the friends of our children? Do we spend time with them or is our concern diverted into material gifts? Do we understand the pressures that our children and youth are under, challenges that we never had to face at their ages.

As educators, in our blind focus on ‘academic’ success, are we sensitive to the child who is alone, isolated and mistrustful? Do we have time for them? Do we encourage other children to reach out to them and offer love and support to those who may be difficult to even like or tolerate? Do we appreciate the value of a balanced education, one that balances moral education with the pursuit of grades and numbers?

As a nation what do we offer our youth in terms of sports, clubs, drama and art? If the only option for our youth is alcohol and music with violent lyrics, then how can we be surprised if they are alienated, angry, depressed and friendless?

As always, it is easier to ask questions than give solutions, to criticise rather than explore solutions.

There are no magic answers, but honest reflection is surely the crucial first step.

At “Nations”, for the past few years, we have explored a junior youth programme that aims at personal and community transformation. It prepares older youth to play a role as mentors to younger children. The printed material that they study is complemented by exploring how art, music, drama and sport can be used in the process. Each Saturday at “Nations” a group of the Sixth formers work with children aged 11 to 14 years, exploring the social issues with which they are surrounded and offering a path of action. It gives the Sixth formers a mentoring role that brings them self-respect and a sense of taking action and not being a paralysed spectator. Nobody pretends that this is the solution, but it is surely a beginning that had relevance before the actions of two weeks ago and will have meaning long after we address new challenges.

Whatever response we choose to make, the role of disinterested spectator is of no value and simply feeds the perverse desires of those who wish to create havoc, fear and despair.

We need to understand that we create the future.

Yours sincerely, Dr. Brian O’Toole, Director School of the Nations

Dear Editor, WITH reference to the imminent general and regional elections President David Granger said, “My brothers and sisters, we have come to a critical juncture in the history of this country.

It is not about David versus Irfaan, it is about the future of our children. It is about whether they can grow up in a democratic state. It is whether they can enjoy the quality of life we promised them.”

Editor, this I find to be a most profound statement of fact given our experiences of the last 26 years or so. That is, 23 under the People’s Progressive Party and 3+ under the current A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU +AFC) governments.

Beginning at the most recent juncture, I must draw attention to the achievements of the APNU+AFC government over a period of 3+ years. This government has restored a semblance of order to the Guyanese society.

It has been able to stamp out, for the greater part, execution-style killings, wanton trade in cocaine and other illicit drugs; reduced the instances of trafficking in persons and improved the statistics as they relate to the ability of the Guyana Police Force identifying, charging and successfully prosecuting the perpetrators of crimes.

In short, this government has made Guyanese feel a stronger sense of security in the short time it has been in office.

A thing almost alien to Guyanese during the years of the PPP in government, especially during the years of Bharrat Jagdeo and the current leadership of the party he now has under siege. Remember the days of the phantom squad and the daily menu of drive-by shootings, movie-style abductions and executions?

What about those of extrajudicial killings by members of the feared “Black Clothes” police turned enforcers for the

criminal underworld.

On the economic front we have seen an economy performing for the greater part on its merit, not buoyed or propped up by the spoils of illicit cross- border drug dealings, arms trade and gold smuggling as was prevalent under the previous PPP administration. We have seen strident efforts being made to improve the lot of citizens.

Public servants have seen significant movements in their remuneration, from a minimum wage of $32,000 to $60,000 monthly. Teachers despite having to shout a little louder for government to move speedily on the matters which concerned them are now in a better place, having received their just rewards, vis a vis increased remuneration and debunching monies due to them since under the PPP administration led

by Bharrat Jagdeo and those at Freedom House who now put themselves forward as towers of virtue.

Juxtapose this with the years of nothing more than 5 per cent imposed “across the board” increases, the threat to dismiss with immediate effect any worker which dares to protest the then PPP government, the employment of friends and family of the party and the wanton abuse of power by the likes of current presidential candidate of the PPP Irfaan Ali, Anil Nandlall, Bheri Ramsarran, Neaz Subhan, Kurshid Sattur . Do you remember who got the multibillion dollars contract to install Guyana’s fibre optic network form Brazil and what became of that? And what about the sole sourcing of pharmaceuticals from Bobby Ramrup’s New GPC? These are just a few examples. Editor, I am sure the nation remembers and can attest to much more of the PPP’s economic apartheid in this dear land of Guyana.

In the interest of space and time, I hastened to examine briefly the PPP’s record on law and order. Editor, there’s an old adage which says, “show me

your company I’ll tell you who you are.” Therefore, one does not have to look too far to see what the PPP is, an organisation which thrives on lawlessness and embraces criminality as its pillars of strength. Remember the endorse of the establishment of a Phantom squad by no other than the then Home Affairs Minister under the PPP government, Ronald Gajraj and the part played by then Minister of Health, Leslie Ramsammy, in the acquisition of sensitive surveillance equipment to aid Roger Khan in tracking and eliminating his rivals in the underworld from which the PPP benefited tremendously. Oh! And then there was the shooting of Donna McKinnon from the premises of Freedom House.

Editor, let us not be quick to forget that some of the worst abuse of citizens rights took place under the watchful eyes of Bharrat Jagdeo and his comrades of the PPP. These atrocities ranged from the torture of a 14-year-old boy and setting his genitals afire to the disappearance of British citizen Franz Britton, aka Collie Wills by the feared Black Clothes Police. Remember the murder of Fraser as the turf war heated up? And what about the assassination of Minister of Agriculture ‘Sash’ Sawh after his refusal to sign off on a government of Guyana – Roger Khan deal for Kaow Island?

In closing, I reiterate President Granger’s lament, “these elections are about the future of our children.”

They will decide if our young ones get to grow up to enjoy the benefits of our soon to be booming oil economy or die full of dreams and possibilities like Yohance Douglas and the many others who have suffered at the murderous hands of the PPP and Jagdeo’s cabal.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Guyana Times faces defamation lawsuit THE Guyana Oil Company Limited (GuyOil) has noted with grave concern an outrageous article published on Saturday, February 9, 2019, by the Guyana Times “Questions mount over quality of GuyOil fuel.”

GuyOil categorically rejects the reckless conjecture contained in the article and wishes to reassure its customers and the general public

that fuel sold by the company is subjected to rigorous quality control tests and is certified to have met all required specifications.

Contrary to the claims made in the article, GuyOil has not received any reports from its customers or franchise holders which indicate that they have experienced any challenges in the operation of their vehicles as a result of fuel purchased

from its service stations.

GuyOil has instructed its lawyers to begin legal action against the editors and publisher of the Guyana Times for the unsubstantiated accusation levelled against the company.

Sincerely, Guyana Oil Company Limited

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WONDERFUL THINGS IN WONDERFUL GUYANA

AS the cameras rolled last week while we were touring the construction site of the new Supenaam wharf at the mouth of the mighty Essequibo River, a woman approached me, saying that she wanted to let me know that wonderful things are happening in Guyana.

I responded as she was about to board a speed boat, “say that to the cameras”. And she smilingly did.

An hour before that the late Isahak Basir, a former parliamentarian, was telling a Town Hall meeting at the Anna Regina State House the same story of wonderful progress in Essequibo and in the rest of Guyana. That was his farewell message to Guyana.

FASTEST-GROWING ECONOMY Those unprompted statements were made days before the announcement by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) that rated Guyana amongst the fasting- growing economies in the Region.

According to the bank’s President, Dr. William Warren Smith, Guyana recorded a 3.4 per cent growth rate for 2018.

The regional bank has been a major development partner with Guyana. Last year, it funded capital projects, including the West Demerara highway and sea and river defence, to the tune of US$352 million.

When Dr. Smith attributed economic growth in Guyana to “robust construction” I

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

imagine that he was not speaking only to the on-and-off shore infrastructures in advance of first oil, but also to the mega projects such as the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the East Bank and East Coast highways, etc.

While “First Oil” is around the corner, two new discoveries have been made, which brought the number of wells to 12 in the Stabroek Block area alone.

One writer, Steve LeVine, in an article titled, “The surprising next oil superpower”, described Guyana as being “on the cusp of becoming one of the world’s wealthiest nations”.

AVALANCHE OF CASH LeVine, who stated that Guyana seemed unprepared for “the avalanche of cash coming its way”, projected that the industry could initially produce 120,000 barrels of oil per day, which could jump to 750,000 by 2025.

At US$60 a barrel, he added, Guyana could receive more than US$5 billion a year in revenue.

Little comments, if any, about the economic growth and additional oil potential of Guyana have come from the usually vocal chattering classes, who are ensconced in parochial interest groups, sections of the media, and in disparate and desperate political groupings. They declined to even note the radical transition of Guyana out from the underground or parallel economy, which was driven primarily by the narco-enterprise, contraband trading and illicit transactions of all types under the previous regime.

Caught up in the frenzy over prospects for premature power, they have buried the difference between constitutional compliance and constitutional certainty and sought actively to undermine the judicial processes not to establish the latter. They came up with cocksure formulae, apparent only to themselves, of how the President and his Cabinet could disappear.

They have sheepishly accepted that an absolute majority is the same as a simple majority; that a vote of confidence is the same as a vote of no-confidence; that it is unlawful for a person who has sworn allegiance to a foreign power to become a member of parliament, but it is lawful for that illegal MP to cast a lawful vote in the parliament.

They have also buried everything good in the society that is taking place around us, and that is easily discerned by the woman on the Supenaam wharf.

They are fearful that any acknowledgement of the progress in Guyana over these past months would make the APNU+AFC Coalition Government re-electable as a preferred choice to continue in office on the basis of its superior record of achievements.

BETTER DEAL FOR WORKERS That record would include bail-out packages for the crippled sugar industry with dwindled revenues that had to be stretched to address the basic concerns of other working people – wages.

The Coalition has an unbreakable record for a sustained wage increase by an average 50 per cent. As I write, new wage packages are being discussed for public servants, in-

cluding teachers and nurses.

Besides beefed-up salaries, bigger disposable incomes remained in the pockets of working people as thousands more have been taken off the Income tax list. All those who earn $780,000 or less do not pay income taxes.

For those attaining the status of senior citizens, who served their country in both private and public life, they now enjoy a monthly pension of $20,500, an increase of 56 per cent over where it stood three years ago. In addition, government gave workers $50,000 Christmas Bonus in 2015 and in 2016, and a minimum $50,000 tax-free, back-pay in 2018.

The entire purchasing public benefitted from the reduction to 14 per cent of the Jagdeo-imposed 16 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT), and the inclusion of more items on the VAT-FREE list. Small businesses earning under $15 million annually are exempt from VAT compliance.

DOING BUSINESS EASIER Doing business in Guyana has become easier, and competitive.

The private sector has benefitted from reduction in corporate tax from 40% to 25%, which was denied for years. This concession was granted in spite of the fact that collection of revenues has been undermined by several thick layers of corrupt practices, which required the new government to implement a tax-amnesty programme. About $12 billion in arrears has been collected.

The no-confidence motion controversy and the ensuing tussle over a fresh elections time-frame have come as a major distraction from the story of progress in Guyana.

Whatever the legal outcome or the election time-frame, voters would have to face up to the reality of whether to oust a government that was delivering a better regime of doing business and improving their quality of life, or falling for fake politicians who, like the chutney singer wooing his lover, promised: “me go give u moon gal; me go give you gold; me go give you mo pickey to mine you when you ol’”.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND PLAN This is not the time, as the Finance Minister observed, to sell “snake oil” about creating 50,000 jobs in one year, opening broken sugar factories and giving sugar workers a fixed monthly salary.

This is the time for serious planning on how to utilise the expected oil resources to benefit all of our people.

The Coalition Government has crafted a solid legal framework to protect our oil and gas wealth with the passage of the National Resources Fund Bill – Guyana’s version of a Sovereign Wealth Fund.

In addition, the Coalition, in partnership with multilateral stakeholders, drafted a Green State Development Strategy that outlines a Plan and Vision for the first 20 years after first oil, and an outline of the exponential, great development of our country in every sector.

The APNU+AFC Coalition, in just over 1,000 days, has laid the foundation for a great Guyana. It has a winning case why it should serve out its full term, and beyond.

February 10, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Understanding Energy

Emergency Preparedness Efforts THIS month, the Civil Defence Commission is set to roll out the latest step in Guyana’s emergency preparedness planning for its growing energy industry: the Voluntary Emergency Response Team (VERT) programme.

This effort, in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana, will train volunteers in a variety of emergency-response techniques, which would be helpful in affected communities and areas in the event of an accident.

This kind of preparation is especially important, as Guyana’s unprecedented series of oil and gas discoveries has continued with 11th and12th finds announced last week at the Haimara-1 and Tilapia-1 sites in the Turbot region of the Stabroek Block.

Exploration wells at both sites found significant recoverable reserves of oil and natural gas condensate that will likely add to the 5 billion barrels already discovered by the Exxon-led consortium, drilling more than 150 km off the coast.

While it should be noted that the likelihood of any serious accident with this kind of offshore drilling is exceptionally low, it is always best to have a plan in place. Fortunately, the recently completed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) emphasised that a spill or similar incident is “highly unlikely,” and all of the companies involved offshore have strong industry-safety records.

Offshore drilling is where the industry deploys some of its most advanced safety and monitoring systems. Floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels of the type that will be active in the Stabroek Block use some of the world’s most advanced fire- suppression measures and crew life support. They also rely on highly trained, shore-based response teams that can be deployed quickly if necessary.

Nevertheless, preparation is key, and efforts are well under way. According to public statements from Exxon executives, an Oil Spill Response Plan is already in place, which is standard procedure before drilling begins. This plan includes training coastal communities in clean-up techniques and response protocols, preparing for offshore medical evacuations, safeguarding against

natural disasters and more.

The companies have also begun a number of well-publicised efforts to survey and study coastal ecosystems to ensure that the most vital areas are given highest priority in the event of an accident. These studies also provide scientists with a benchmark of how the ecosystem normally functions.

The newest initiative, the VERT programme, will be conducted over the next year and will train 30 volunteers in damage assessment and needs analysis; community-based disaster risk management; first aid emergency medical response; oil spill response; nd natural hazards and disaster risk management. Highly trained volunteers can help respond to events in their communities. There is also a huge benefit to training community members, as they will have the best sense of what the area needs in terms of prevention, mitigation, and recovery. According to reports, the VERT participants will also be able to respond to issues throughout the Caribbean as part of the Regional Disaster Risk Management System.

Guyana’s location is helpful with regard to emergency responsiveness, as it is close to substantial response and emergency capabilities in the Gulf of Mexico. A company the size of Exxon will have plans in place to rapidly deploy ships, personnel and some of the world’s best well- containment technology, even in the unlikely event of a well incident. For example, Exxon is one of the owners of the Marine Well Containment Company—a Gulf of Mexico-based non-profit entity that was established to create and deploy advanced well-containment technology in the event of an incident at a subsea well.

Emergency preparedness also provides an opportunity for local firms.

GAICO Construction Inc recently signed a joint venture with the Corena Group, a Finnish oil-spill and emergency response specialist that operates across Latin America. GAICO CEO Komal Singh told news media that this was a historic opportunity for the company to build capacity and develop international standards for oil response in Guyana.

Emergency response techniques,

such as offshore well capping, oil-spill response, and clean-up, involve highly specialised techniques in maritime and subsea engineering, chemical processes, ecosystem biology and more. Any company that is able to develop capabilities and expertise in these skills will have a valuable advantage to compete for business throughout the Region.

Although a major accident is unlikely, and Guyana’s reserves are sufficiently far off the coast that impacts onshore would likely be limited in any such event, it’s still a promising sign that preparations are in place.

Further efforts on this front can only be a good thing for Guyana, its environment and its economy.

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Testing the limits of blind ethnic loyalty ON his long journey down Wakenaam’s longest mud dam, Rajkumar laboured his way through the mud with his bicycle.

As he embarked on this ritual which occurs every five years, he clutches his enamel cup of water which provides succour for him, while waiting in blistering sun to cast his ballot. This life-long farmer grips his moist ID card, his greyed chest exposed. He is filled with traditional fervour to perform his civic duty. While waiting in the line, a young voter enquired, ‘Who are you voting for Mr. Rajkumar? He responded, ‘me voting for Jagan.’ Flummoxed by this reply, the inquisitive youthful voter probed further, ‘Jagan is not on the ballot, he died eight years ago’.

Visibly upset, Rajkumar said in thunderous finality, ‘election time, me does vote for Jagan.’

The undiscerning loyalty on display in the hypothetical exchange above is gold for political parties in plural societies and disastrous for the country. This phenomenon features on both sides of the political and ethnic divides in Guyana. It dangerously nullifies the fear of electoral consequence, a basic political trepidation that saves the masses from the abuse of power. At the detriment of a country, party leaders seek refuge under the resigned assurance that regardless of what we do, we have eternal ethnic loyalty. This surrender guides those who are obsessed with power and are not willing to

relinquish same, especially at the party level.

Receive my contestation and apply it to the recent development of the ‘selection’ of the People’s Progressive Party’s candidate. There is absolutely no doubt that within the pool of candidates, the one chosen is the weakest and the most difficult sell. This begs the question, why would he be selected to be part of a Putin/ Medvedev-type political arrangement, when it is clearly at the electoral risk of that political party? The answer lies in the aforementioned blind-loyalty circumstance.

Rajkumar is not concerned that democracy and transparency suffered to produce a candidate, he is not interested in the fact that there are credible and worrying question marks over the candidate named. He does not care, he is voting for Jagan, regardless of what the manifesto says or who is the selected candidate. This perilous reality guides the minds of those who advanced this candidacy and are determined to cling to power in a puppet arrangement.

Unthinking loyalty has always been with us, perhaps ever since our first massbased elections in 1953.

There are voters who are of the mindset which says, he might be a thief but he is our thief. However, in this time of changing demographics and the information age, the selection of this presidential candidate will undoubtedly test the limits of blind ethnic loyalty.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Calypsonians energise Berbice gathering UNION Village at Number 53, East Berbice, Corentyne Coast, came alive when 21 contestants battled to advance to the finals of the Banks Calypso Competition on Friday night.

The contest, held on the Corentyne for first time, saw a small but very energetic and vocal crowd kept on their feet from the moment MC Malcolm Ferreira took to the stage.

Graced by Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton, the event started a little after 21:00hrs on Friday night and closed shortly after 01:00 hrs on Saturday morning, with many still singing their favourite lines on their way through the gates.

The contestants serenaded the crowd with songs that

Rudolph “Sweet Kendingo” Kendall performing “Guyana Nice” touched almost every topic, from domestic abuse, intellectual property rights, racism, oil and gas sector and the ‘green’ economy, to the beauty of Guyana, leaving them wanting more.

The contestants were aided by MC Ferreira who got the crowd involved in each performance and even took humorous jabs at the judges, camera persons, the band and members of the audience throughout the night. Humour mixed with serious messages were all part of his delivery.

After over three hours of lively performances, 10 persons were short-listed. They were Rudolph “Sweet Kendingo” Kendall, who belted out “Guyana Nice”; Cromwel Mentis, who sang “Mixturise the land”; Ingrid Harris, who performed “Me Horrific story”; Dawn “Lady D” Edwards who did “Ask them judges”; Samantha Grant, who sang “Black Gold”; Abigail James, who performed “Copyright law”; Diana Chapman, who delivered “The Killing of another woman”; Roger “Young Bill Rogers” Hinds, who had the crowd going with “No Third Term”; Kenroy “The Mighty Believer” Fraser, who performed “Guyana must be a paradise”; and Junior calypso Monarch, Jamal Stuart, who belted out “Miss May old car engine’’.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Horace James hailed as true patriot

By Vanessa Braithwaite

“DEATH must not find us thinking that we die… too soon, too soon our banner drape for you,” were the words of famous poet, Martin Carter, in his poem, “Death of a Comrade”.

These words fittingly described Horace James at his funeral service on Saturday, which saw a large crowd of

Lindeners joining his relatives, friends, colleagues and regional and government officials, to bid him farewell.

Present were Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott; former President, Samuel Hinds; former opposition leader, Robert Corbin; and a host of regional officials.

While life’s journey has ended for the indefatigable James, it will never kill his legacy in Linden, and though he has indeed left too soon, all it will take is for each Lindener to take a page out of his book of humility, generosity, professionalism, voluntarism and activism, to finish the work he had started.

Using the opening poetic quote was Minister Keith

The casket bearing the remains of the late Horace James Scott, who brought a mes- James. As we say farewell “Indeed his work on earth sage of condolence on behalf to him, I hope the younger is done, and we must take of President David Grang- generations will emulate the comfort that it was a job well er and the entire govern- virtues and standards which done….we acknowledge and ment. He hailed James as a he has left behind,” Scott thank him for his many congame-changer, trail blazer, posited. tributions,” Corbin told the standard setter and an outWhile James did not gathering at the funeral. standing son of the soil, who display an ardent interest Former President Samuel made significant contribu- in politics, since he was Hinds, brought greetings tions toward the development more focused on communi- on behalf of the opposition. of the mining fraternity, in ty development, utilising his He said that while James’ particular the bauxite indus- professional background as political affiliation differed try. James’ contributions will a mining engineer, he did from his, this however, did remain immeasurable and accept the position as the not have any bearing on his will always be remembered first regional chairman of professionalism in his posi-

Government and regional officials at James’ funeral as a catalyst for development.

“His performance was of unquestionable standard, which qualified him, to being a true game-changer in the fields of both national and human development.” Minister Scott said that James took his last breath after fighting cancer for some time, knowing that he fought a good fight, kept the faith and laid a foundation on which others can build.

“He has certainly gone too soon, his achievements are so dynamic that he will live on for many generations to come, as we gather here today to celebrate his life, let us not fail to recognise that the community of Linden is what it is today because of the tireless inputs of comrade

Region 10 by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR).

TRUE HERO Paying tribute on behalf of the party was Robert Corbin, who described James as being steadfast in and out of season. Corbin too alluded to Carter’s words of “too soon, too soon, the banner drapes for you”.

He said James was a true hero of Linden and Lindeners must find hope in the fact that James did not live a purposeless life, but fought tirelessly for the survival of the bauxite industry and the general advancement of Linden so the quality of life for Lindeners can improve.

tion as CEO of the bauxite company, or their friendship.

Hinds said during the difficult years of bauxite mining, when privatisation was seen as the only option out, James fought to the end to keep the company alive. He gave the workers hope as it did not allow the economic landscape of Linden to be completely affected by privatisation.

“I can praise the work of Horace, through those very difficult and troubling times,” Hinds said.

With the downsizing of the bauxite company, the glory days of Linden slowly became a thing of the past.

James’ successor at the Linmine Secretariat, Emit See page 13

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Horace James hailed ...

From page 12

James' relatives at his funeral on Saturday Alves, said that it was James’ only desire, to see Linden return to those glory days as he had a great passion for development.

LEGACY MUST LIVE ON Even during his last days of life, Alves related that only talk of development would brighten James’ spirit.

For this, he believes that his legacy should live on, through the naming of a street or building in honour of him.

He urged Lindeners to bond together, put aside their differences and work towards the development of the community, as James would have done.

“In honour of his legacy, let all stakeholders join hands together and move our community, our region, our country forward,” Alves urged.

Representative from NICIL, Gary Reid, described James as “not a boss, but as a leader,” who was always ready to pass on knowledge to his subordinates.

“At NICIL, we really miss a friend, a senior leader, a father, a brother… he was never concerned about race, he was concerned about getting the work done, and that is the man… today, we miss not only a good friend, but a good leader,” he said. He urged other CEOs and leaders to take a page out of James’ book and this would make

Guyana a better place.

In eulogising James, his brother Bryan James described Horace as an excellent performer at school, which led to him to become one of Guyana’s earlier scholars.

While he wore many hats and many professional positions, he never turned his back on family and often travelled back to Mahaicony to hold family gatherings.

James was born on June 30, 1950, in Mahaicony and was the fourth of six children. He returned from studies in the United Kingdom as a mining engineer and served in the bauxite company as project engineer, senior engineer and deputy CEO before becoming the CEO in 1998. He served oneyear, in 1980, as regional chairman, but because his heart was in the bauxite company, he returned in 1981. He became CEO of Linden Electricity Company in 2003. He was also CEO of the Linmine Secretariat.

James had also served as a Director of the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and the Linden Community Development (LCD), the Bauxite Centennial Committee, the Linden Legal Aid, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Linden Museum. He leaves to mourn his wife Ann James, son Hillheir Emptage, brothers, sisters, other relatives and the town of Linden.

A section of the gathering at the funeral

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

Know your history, craft your future

–– young Afro-Guyanese urged at youth conference

A section of the gathering of African youth for the IDPADA-G conference

African historian, Dr. Kimani Nehusi

IDPADA-G Chief Executive Officer, Olive Sampson

SCORES of local youth of African descent were urged to remember their history as the International Decade of People of African Descent Assembly–Guyana (IDPADA-G) held its first-ever youth conference.

The conference, hosted at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC), began on Saturday, February 9, and will conclude on Sunday, February, 10.

At this conference, dozens of young people will be engaged on topics surrounding their ancestry and heritage.

Of particular importance, the conference will also focus on confronting the various challenges that persons of African descent face daily.

“We have been challenged and we have amazing resilience and the resilience is what has you here today,” IDPADA-G Chief Executive Officer, Olive Sampson, said at the opening ceremony on Saturday.

She highlighted that the IDPADA-G was birthed through the vision of President David Granger as part of the government’s commitment to the International Decade of People of African Descent, sanctioned by the United Nations (UN).

The theme of the International Decade is "People of African descent: recognition, justice and development,” and according to the UN: “In proclaiming this decade, the international community is recognising that people of African descent represent a distinct group, whose human rights must be promoted and protected.”

As part of the efforts to foster the development of the community, the CEO underscored that the youth present at the conference would be tasked with conceptualising the way forward, to achieve their “recognition, justice and development.”

“You help to plan the future of people of African descent in Guyana,” she said.

Chair of the IDPADA–G History Committee, Elizabeth Williams-Niles, highlighted that the idea for the conference came about after the organisation realised that

there needed to be a forum for young people to learn their history.

“People of African descent need to know that they are someone – a force to be reckoned with,” she said.

The conference was crafted under the theme: “Engage, educate, liberate.”

In achieving the objective of first having young people know their history, African historian, Dr. Kimani Nehusi, presented on the importance of African history.

“If we don't know our history and if we are unaware of our culture, then we are confused. And you enter onto the journey of life in a confused state,” he said and further contended: “You must be aware or aware enough of at least the outlines of your history.”

According to the historian, African people have been subjected to years of discrimination and prejudice that would have caused them to believe their culture is inferior.

“The destruction of Africa wasn't only physical violence, it was intellectual violence also and many of us are very ignorant of who we are and these lies have been perpetuated through institutions we follow,” he emphasised.

He reminded that Africans belonged to a highly civilised society before being forcibly transported to other parts of the world. And even then, he highlighted that the Africans still managed to show their resilience by forming a “civilised alternative to plantation barbarism”- through which villages were established and the people began rebuilding their lives in the new spaces.

But Nehusi bemoaned that while knowing their history is critical to the process of their development, many young people do not see the importance of it.

“The worst kind of enslavement is mental enslavement,” he said, and encouraged the young people to find ways to advocate for specific programmes that would foster mental liberation.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019 FROM PAGE

5

Burning the ... make your life better.

Come with the goal of improving your lot,” Gordon told those present. It was noted that while the night school is located in Sophia, it caters for residents in and around the community and as far as the East Coast of Demerara, and Linden, Region 10.

It was noted that since the start of the night school, its programme has expanded to cater to the needs of its students.

“When this programme started in 2016, we offered five subjects – mathematics, English Language, principles of accounts, principles of business and office administration. Now we have added an additional five subjects to include social studies, EDPM, human and social biology, integrated science and agriculture science,” she explained.

But the inclusion of the additional subjects has put a strain on budgetary allocations. In an effort maintain the expanded programme, SOCDA merged years one and two of the office administration, business and human and social biology classes. Also, contact hours have also been reduced.

“This has affected subjects like mathematics, English Language and the sciences. Ideally, those subjects could have two more additional contact hours weekly but the current funding does not allow for that,” she said.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the school continues to deliver.

HIGH PASS RATE “For 2018, we topped the CSEC Night School Programme with an 85 per cent pass rate,” she reported while noting that the Sophia and Soesdyke Night Schools registered students to sit CSEC in May/June 2018. Eight subjects – mathematics, English Language, social studies, principles of business, principles of accounts, office administration, human and social biology and electronic document preparation and management (EDPM) – were attempted by 14 students.

“There was a total sitting of 31, with a 73 per cent average pass for grades 1-3 and 97 per cent average pass for grades 1-4. This year, some 22 students are expected to write the CSEC examinations from the Sophia Night School,” she noted.

At a time when the school

faces financial difficulties, Gordon said it is important to invest in its operations as it continues to play an important role in the lives of many.

The school, she emphasised, is a safe haven for residents who are at risk.

With a population of 35,000 people, the community dialogue and volunteer coordinator said Sophia has grown to be heavily associated with crime and violence.

“Statistics from the Guyana Police Force for 2016 revealed that there were 136 selected offences that occurred in the Sophia community. Among these were robberies with firearms and without firearms, 38; rape – 13; theft – 25; domestic violence – 52; and shooting incident (murder) – 2,” she reported while underscoring the need to invest in the school.

PRAISE Residents, who attended the Sophia Community Dialogue, lauded the efforts of the school, and called for similar units to be established in other parts of the community and country by extension.

The Sophia Community Dialogue was the first for SOCDA, and forms part of a project funded by USAID through a grant under its Local Capacity for Local Solutions Programme (LCLS). The initiative is aimed at building the capacity of SOCDA’s executive in strategic planning, financial management and communication and visibility.

Under the LCLS grant initiative, residents of the community are being given the opportunity to express their views on issues affecting the development of the community, particularly ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ Fields, and its environs. Following the community dialogue, a retreat has been planned which is aimed at creating a five-year strategic plan for SOCDA by May 2019.

Derwayne Wills, moderator of the dialogue, pointed out that it is SOCDA’s mission to “educate, empower and develop innovative leaders and managers with the skills, competencies and predisposition which will contribute to the nation’s development.”

Richard Jones, Caribbean Policy Development Centre (Barbados) official, in offering brief remarks, said the CPDC represents non-governmental organ-

isations across the Caribbean, to influence policies.

He said based on the remarkable work being done

by SOCDA, it was able to acquire a USAID grant under a programme CPDC is implementing. Jones noted that CPDC has the highest number of grantees in Guyana. These are four organisations benefiting under the umbrella project – SOCDA, Merundoi, TOGETHER and Child Link.

SOCDA Treasurer Sidney Nelson (extreme right) and Stacey Gordon – SOCDA Community Dialogue and Volunteer Coordinator (second from left) standing among other members of the association (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

Participants gearing up for ‘Women in Business Expo’ THE ‘Women in Business Expo’ has been having a positive effect on many small businesses from all across Guyana, and as participants gear up for the event, a lot of hard work and planning is being done to facilitate a successful exposition.

The exhibition, the brainchild of popular designer Sonia Noel, will be held at the Pegasus Hotel, as usual, in Kingston, on March 2

and 3. This year marks the fourth since the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) has been hosting the event.

Among the over 50 women who have been participating each year are those who are the sole breadwinners of their families-- youths, single parents, and even housewives who carry on small businesses to support their families.

Bibi Ramlall- Khan, for instance, is the owner of

Natoya Noble

Bibi Ramlall- Khan

Shonta Noel

‘Lisa’s Beauty Shoppe,’ a beauty supplies store that provided products that are

efficient, unique and most importantly, affordable.

Bibi started her business

Collita Mansfield

in February 2016 with just a few products in hand. To date, however, she has managed to acquire a wide variety of items. She brings in cosmetics, makeup, bags and fashion jewellery.

“We first thought of bringing brand name products at a very affordable price, but we found that people still couldn’t make the prices, so I shifted to bringing other products that are more affordable,” Bibi told the Guyana Chronicle.

The exposure the business receives at the expo always has a good effect on her business, Bibi said.

“So many of the people who meet you there become your customers; some people have even been coming back to look for me.”

The business is located at Lot 2 Public Road, Albouystown, and can be contacted on telephone number 699 4610.

“Crafted By Chey” is another business owned by Shonta Noel. It specialises in the making of handmade crafts, such as greeting cards, invitations, party supplies, and paper flowers.

“You think it, we create it!”

Noel said.

Noel, who started up her business in March 2015, works from home. She did it as a hobby initially but found the response from others very encouraging. She thus decided to make a business out of it. “I feel I was born with my creativity,” she said, adding that she would also get ideas from looking at Youtube videos.

The annual expo helps her with exposure and motivates her to something new each year. She is hoping to be able to expand it sometime in the future.

Noel can be contacted on telephone number 668 3019.

Collita Mansfield is the owner of ‘Colita's Floral Creations & Bridal Cor-

ner’ which specialises in floral arrangements and bridal accessories.

She started the business last December and views the expo as an opportunity to be able to showcase her talent and be able to network with others.

Mansfield works from Laing Avenue and can be contacted on telephone number 695 9647.

Another woman participating at this year’s expo is Natoya Noble, who is the proprietor of Benchmark-supplies Fragrances.

“We sell fragrances because you're never fully dressed without perfume,” Noble said.

She started her business last year March and brings in fragrances manufactured by Milton Lloyd in the United Kingdom. There are seven fragrances that she brings, with the most popular one being “Color Me.” Noble is looking forward to the publicity that her business will receive at the expo.

Her showroom is at Lot 45 Hadfield Street, Georgetown, and she can be reached on telephone number 685 8021.

Meanwhile, in the months leading up to the expo, the participants are able to benefit from forums on health, business, technology, and leadership, with some of the classes teaching them confidence, dress and grooming, branding and marketing, and the importance of a healthy body.

The expo was off to a good start due to the kindness shown by Chief Executive Officer of the Pegasus Hotel, Robert Badal, who allowed for the hotel to be used for free that year.

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson has also been throwing his support behind the expo, and this year, the ministry has committed to sponsoring an expo booklet, featuring all of the businesses on board.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Move afoot to increase rice export to Cuba

GUYANA’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, has been in discussions with the Cuban Rice Importing Agency, ALIMPORT, to explore increasing Guyana’s rice exports to Cuba this year.

During last month, Ragindra Persaud, chairman of the Nand Persaud Group of Companies and Ambassador Majeed met with ALIMPORT in Havana, Cuba, to review the current state of

Cuba’s rice imports.

At that meeting, it was

agreed in principle that Cuba could absorb some 130,000

Ambassador Halim Majeed in discussion with Feyaad Hack (left) at the Cane Grove Rice Mill

metric tonnes of rice from Guyana.

Ambassador Majeed also recently met with rice miller, Feyaad Hack, of Region Five to explain that rice millers would have to be prepared to supply the Cuban market in a timely

manner.

Majeed also subsequently met with Tamesh Jagmohan, President of Pure Harvest, Inc., who has recently acquired two rice mills in Essequibo and Mahaicony.

Guyana and Cuba established diplomatic relations

on December 8, 1972.

The two countries share a strong bilateral relationship which has been characterised by many exchanges at the government level and cooperation under the Guyana/Cuba Joint Commission.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Bankers’ Association takes umbrage at Statia’s comments –– says its members have been tax-compliant

THE Guyana Association of Bankers Inc. (GABI) said that it takes umbrage at the recent assertion that the country’s local banking sector has not satisfied its tax-payment obligation.

In an article published in the Stabroek News (February 4, 2019), Guyana Revenue Authority’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, is reported to have said that local banking institutions have not been

tax-compliant in honouring their fair share of tax payments.

In a statement issued to the press, GABI said that commercial and nonfinancial institutions have made all tax-payments to the

government.

The association said that the financial statements are prepared, reviewed and finalised in compliance with regional and international standards and also the Bank of Guyana standards.

The body also indicated that the approach employed by commercial

banks has been accepted by the relevant authority and confirmed by the Guyana Revenue Authority.

The association said it has engaged the legal fraternity on the matter and has been advised that members have been taxcompliant, therefore the body remains confident that

its position is robust and indisputable.

GABI said that it remains committed to steadfastness and a strict adherence to financial guidelines and ultimately the Laws of Guyana, as they continue in their service to the Guyanese people

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

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CDB launches creative industries fund

By Lisa Hamilton

THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has launched the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) to support the development of the creative industries and socio-economic growth in the Region.

The fund, aimed at awakening cultural consciousness, was launched on Thursday evening at the Champers Restaurant in Barbados, supported by an initial US$2.6M contribution from the bank.

Projects seeking to qualify for CIIF funding must demonstrate a high level of innovative merit, commercial viability, benefits to women, additionality, coherence and contribution to the business climate.

Groupings which can apply include governments, business support organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations and legally registered creative enterprises from the CDB’s 19 Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs).

Sectors which will receive priority include fashion and contemporary design, visual arts, music, festivals and carnivals and audio-visual design, such as film, animation and gaming.

CDB Project Director Daniel Best, said the Caribbean is a Region of undisputed talent, which, if nurtured, can drive regional economic growth. From 2008 to 2014, he noted that the contribution of copyright-based activities in the CDBs BMCs was as high as 80 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Meanwhile, Best noted that festival tourism has grown significantly over the last three decades. This comes as CAR-

CDB Project Director Daniel Best speaks at the launching of the Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF) in Barbados on Thursday ICOM’s regional strategic plan for the cultural industry has identified the creative sector as able to contribute largely to employment and foreign exchange rates.

“We are now realising how viable and critical this sector is to the Caribbean economy,” Best said. He added: “To fully realise this potential, high priority will need to be given to addressing some critical concerns. These include weak industrial trade and intellectual property policies and inadequate business support and investment capital.”

Recognising these challenges, the project director said that in 2017, the CDB agreed to set up the fund and has worked assiduously since then towards its launching. CIIF was being hailed as a step forward towards a more deliberate and targeted strategy to vitalising the Caribbean’s creative and cultural industries.

As opposed to ad-hoc funding, the CDB has designed CIIF to be a multi-donor fund.

There are three grant streams available, notably: enabling environment (up to US$150,000 each); data intelligence (up to US$150,000 each) and improved competitiveness of creative Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) (up to US$50,000 each). Those applying for the enabling environment grant stream must be change agents in the creative industry sector.

They must aim to create platforms to access and See page 22

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Help for young Berbice entrepreneur

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan has committed to ensure that small businesses receive much-needed support to expand and become fully sustainable during a meeting with Hafeeza Smith, a

Berbice businesswoman, on Friday.

A mother of five, Hafeeza Smith, 35, of Number One Village, East Berbice-Corentyne, has been See page 23

Finance Minister Winston Jordan pays keen attention to how the coconut is being prepared

CDB launches ...

From page 21

integrate into the global creative economy, among other criteria.

Meanwhile, projects within the data intelligence stream must have a regional, sub-regional or national focus; focus on improving data-collection frameworks; and financing research, knowledge products and strengthening activities.

the culture and creative industry offers just as much potential for growth as the traditional and other non-traditional sectors that we are already involved in,� Best further noted.

Brief remarks were also given by Barbados Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, Coordinator for MSME Lisa

CDB President Dr. William Warren Smith interacts with others at the launching Those within the final stream must be focused on creating and deepening creative clusters, creative spaces and co-working spaces and be non-profit, tertiary institutions and business support organisations, among other criteria. “We are convinced that

Harding and CIIF Coordinator, Dr. Marielle Barrow Maignan. The latter gave an overview of the fund and those who have been instrumental in its success.

Thus far, some 70 applications have been received for funding from CIIF.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Help for young Berbice ...

From page 22

producing several organic products such as extra virgin coconut oil, carrot oil, coconut snacks and flour.

She single-handedly started the business, creating a name and reputation of her own through trial and error over the years.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister Jordan said he was astonished to see the work of the entrepreneur who opted to get out of poverty through entrepreneurship.

will be able to assist them.

“She is still at humble beginnings and we would like to put her in touch with people who are knowledgeable in project analysis, so that she can put this in first and expand it. We also offer some financial support assistance to her,” the minister said.

The move by the finance ministry took the businesswoman by surprise and she promised to put the offered assistance to good use.

Hafeeza Smith explains to Minister Jordan her value-added products “It gives credence to the old adage, ‘You teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ This is a lady with a story straight out of poverty and she didn’t take the easier road to stay alive. She went and did research. She made use of programmes that the government has made available, at GSA and other demonstrations, and she put it to practice in her humble home. She is able to create a known product, coconut oil, and a relatively unknown product, carrot oil, which I am seeing for the first time.

Based on the uses and far reach, this product has been able to reach persons in the diaspora. I believe she is on to pretty good things,” Jordan said.

Recognising the family’s challenges, the minister committed financial and capacity support to Smith for continued success of her business. He explained that government, through the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development programme (SLED)

“It’s going to take my business to the next level, because they are some crucial things that I need at the moment, a mill, and the correct environment for the products that I need to make; so I really appreciate this help. She also thanked the government for taking an interest in her burgeoning enterprise.

“You recognise our hard work, challenges and you have set things in place for us. You have offered us things that we cannot attain ourselves. You come to us to bring the help that is so remarkable and very appreciated,” Smith said.

Smith started the business after her husband took ill in 2017 for a few months, to safeguard her family’s well-being. She completed several courses hosted by the Guyana School of Agriculture and other government agencies on marketing and adding value to products, eventually launching her own company King Chezomi.

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Guyana moves closer to mercury elimination

By Elvin Carl Croker

THE meeting of a National Working Group (NWG) on the Minamata Convention on Mercury was convened at the Ministry of Natural Resources on Main Street, Georgetown, on Friday.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. Its objective is to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds; and a range of measures to meet that objective are set out. The meeting looked at updates on current efforts by government and the National Action Plan (NAP) going forward and the role of the NWG. The NWG comprised stakeholders representing various organisations, miners, the international community in the form of The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Conservation International (CI) and the Basel Convention partners, who joined by skype from Trinidad. Also present were Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

National Focal Point Person for the Minamata Convention on Mercury and Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Mariscia Charles, told the participants that the government recognises the environmental and human health risks of mercury use and pollution, and supports implementation of the Minamata Convention.

Guyana had signed the Convention on Mercury on October 10, 2013, ratifying it on September 24, 2014. Guyana was also elected as one of the two vice-presidents from the Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC) to serve on the Bureau of COP 3.

Charles said the Minamata Convention follows and builds on the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions, which came into force on August 16, 2017. This was the first

National Working Group participants at the meeting global agreement on health and the environment for close to a decade. She reminded participants of Guyana’s participation in the plenary sessions, which focused on freeing the Amazon from the impacts of mercury used in artisanal and small-scale gold mining.

“In keeping with our obligation under the Minamata Convention, we have partnered with [the] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Basel Convention, Regional Centre (BCRC) for the completion of our National Action Plan, as stated in Article 7, Annex C of the Convention,” she said.

Guyana is taking formidable steps towards elimination of the use of mercury in the mining sector and the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and is working assiduously on the completion of the NAP. In September 2017, President David Granger had attended the inaugural Conference of Parties (COP1) in Geneva, Switzerland, where he affirmed Guyana’s position and committed to the elimination of mercury usage by 2027.

Minister Raphael Trotman in November 19-23, 2018, headed a five-member Guyanese delegation to the COP2 in Geneva, Switzerland. Preliminary studies on the mercury landscape in Guyana have indicated that its use and releases are predominant in the medium, small and artisanal mining sectors.

As required by signatories of the Minamata Convention and through funding by GEF and technical support of UNDP, Guyana completed the Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA) in 2016. In 2017, Guyana completed the first draft of the NAP and convened a National Working Group (NWG) to facilitate consultations for review, comments and support for the approval of the NAP. In 2018, with the increase of mercury incidents and the entry into force of the Minamata Convention, Minister Trotman had called for the reconvening of the NWG on the Minamata Convention; he also urged formidable efforts by all stakeholders for the completion and approval of the NAP and the full implementation of the Minamata Convention.

There are currently 128 signatories and 102 parties to the Minamata Convention.

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Mother mourns sudden death of baby

A YOUNG mother of Leguan, Region Three, is mourning the sudden death of her 14-month-old baby who passed away on Saturday at the Leguan Cottage Hospital.

The mother of the infant, Baebare Ramlakhan, 32, of Lot 32, Enterprise, Leguan, said her daughter was born with

an illness suspected to be a heart disease.

She related that her child was hospitalised for almost a year at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), existing only on substitute milks.

On July 21, 2018, the baby was discharged from the GPHC and was living

Body of man found on Zeelandia foreshore THE decomposed body of a 64-year-old farmer of Belle Plaine, Wakenaam, Region Three, was discovered on Saturday on the Zeelandia foreshore by residents.

Dead is Shamlall Ramroop of Lot 38, Belle Plaine, Wakenaam.

He was last seen on February 5 at the Belle Plaine koker. According to information received, the body was identified by

one, Humash Lall and his father, both of Lot 83, Belle Plaine, Wakenaam.

Following the discovery, the police were summoned and the body was taken to the Suddie Mortuary where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

There were no marks of violence on the remains of Ramroop. Police are continuing their investigations.

with her parents at Enterprise, Leguan.

The mother said from time to time, she would take the child to the Leguan Cottage Hospital for routine check-ups.

On Friday, the mother put the infant to sleep and around 01:30 am when she woke up to do feeding, she noticed the baby was not responding.

She immediately called a taxi and

took the child to the Leguan Cottage Hospital. There, the child was examined by a doctor and pronounced dead.

The mother told the Guyana Chronicle that she is heartbroken by the sudden death of her baby.

The body of the toddler is at the Leguan Cottage Hospital awaiting a post-mortem.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

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Website on stream to help job seekers

By Rabindra Rooplall

TECHNOLOGY has changed the entire recruitment and job search process, especially for recruiters and hiring managers and Guyana will follow suit with the introduction of an online portal known as Nexus GDN Jobs.

The website aims to make it easier than ever to find candidates to suit niche skills or even sway candidates who might not be actively job searching.

Job seekers can even reach out directly to employers, create online profiles to attract recruiters and apply for jobs with the click of a button.

The virtual job market has been created by managing director and results-based management specialist of Nexus GDN Jobs, Sharissa Barrow.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, she explained that the website utilises the best in-class technology to increase the effectiveness and reduce the cost and time of recruitment.

The managing director explained that Nexus GDN Jobs was created to offer a modern platform for visibility to employers and job seekers alike.

“Job seekers can create a profile, be found by employers, and apply for jobs in Guyana, the US, UK, Canada and the Caribbean. Employers can market themselves as good employers, find candidates, and engage with job seekers in a clear, easy and affordable process. Creating Nexus GDN Managing a profile for job seekers Director, Sharissa Barrow and employers is free,” she explained.

Adding that persons looking for jobs are encouraged to create a profile and sign up for free job alerts, Barrow said this ensures candidates are informed when new jobs matching the candidates’ skills and experience become available.

FREE RESUME REVIEW SERVICE “Job seekers can also take advantage of a free resume review service by TopCV, which is the leading resume-writing service in the world.

The Nexus GDN Jobs platform is easy to use, allowing job seekers to apply to jobs from their phones with the click of a single button, once they have signed in and created their profile,” she noted.

This service, Barrow said, is essential due to the rapid opening of Guyana’s markets and the inward migration of labour from the Caribbean and around the world.

In this context, she said Nexus GDN Jobs is a resource that helps youth and all Guyanese can be competitive in a changing market.

Further, she explained that the market changes are also contributing to an increasing imperative for employers to market themselves to job seekers. This is due to increased competition for skills, which will only increase as the budding oil and gas sector grows.

Employers can post a job, using best practice templates, for a nominal fee or directly search the Nexus GDN Jobs candidate database.

More importantly, she said Nexus GDN Jobs See page 30

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Website on stream to ...

From page 29

saves employers, both private and public sector, time and money by screening the applications received.

“Instead of manually searching 100 applications and finding only 10 that meet the mandatory skills and qualification criteria, the Nexus GDN Jobs platform does the screening, thereby ensuring that employers do not miss worthy candidates and spend more time interacting with candidates that meet the required skill and experience profile,” she explained.

The managing director confirmed that Nexus GDN Jobs is the recruitment solution of Nexus GDN, and is a

100 per cent Guyanese-owned management consulting business.

“It is the one-stop shop for technical and professional services in Guyana and across the Caribbean, providing services that span 12 sectors and include human resource management services generally and recruitment, executive search and talent management network services, specifically,” she underscored.

Nexus GDN is also the official reseller of talent networks, hosted by Career Builder.

Employers can contact Nexus GDN Jobs at jobs@ nexusgdn.com for a free demonstration of the platform or to find out more about their executive search and talent management services.

The job market can be accessed at https://jobs. nexusgdn.com.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE February 10, 2019

Baby born with hole in heart gets help

––From Public Health Ministry’s Public Day JOSIAH McKenzie was born on September 29, 2018 with a hole in her heart.

As a result, she has been having trouble breathing and her heart has been put under much strain since then.

The mother of the fivemonth-old baby, Ephah, explained that Josiah was born with a hole in her heart at the intersection of the two sides of the heart.

One side of the heart pumps out oxygenated blood while the other receives the

a hiccup in acquiring the required treatment. At the GPHC, the woman said, she was told that the results of the echocardiogram test done at the Balwant Singh Hospital could not be used. Instead, she needed to get another one done at the GPHC. “Since last year to now, they [the GPHC] don’t have a technician to do the test,” the woman complained. Last Friday however, the Ministry of Public Health hosted a public day forum where citi-

Ephah McKenzie holds her baby, Josiah McKenzie, as she visited the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH)’s Public Day on Friday last [Vishani Ragobeer photo] deoxygenated blood. As a result of the hole in the child’s heart, her mother explained that the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood are “mixing” with each other, and it is causing the child to have difficulty breathing. Furthermore, this causes the heart of young Josiah to overwork.

The initial tests done to diagnose the child were done at the Balwant Singh Hospital.

“They don’t have the utilities to facilitate a baby, so she had to join the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC),” the mother said.

The baby was admitted and treated there since last year. She (Josiah’s mother) also has difficulties breastfeeding, because of her (Josiah) inability to breathe normally – which also causes excess fluid to build up in the body.

The mother has been receiving Lasix, a drug that helps to reduce the amount of excess fluid in the body by increasing the amount of urine produced.

“She has to do a surgery to close the hole,” the mother said. However, only then will the child be able to breathe and eat normally.

However, there has been

zens could visit the ministry and receive assistance for any health or health-related issue.

Ephah did not pass up that opportunity.

Early Friday morning, she strapped in her baby across her chest, and trekked to the ministry’s Brickdam office.

Fortunately, she met with a team of professionals and was given an “urgent note” to take to the GPHC, so that she could receive immediate assistance.

After receiving the note from the team at the Ministry of Public Health, Ephah strapped her baby in, opened her umbrella and got on her way to the GPHC. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, the woman said that she was able to secure a slot to do the echocardiogram test on Tuesday, February 12.

Now that the process of getting relief for Josiah has begun moving along, the woman must now prepare for the surgery. She told this newspaper that more than likely, it will have to be done overseas.

For anyone desirous of reaching out to Ephah to provide any form of assistance, she can be contacted on her number: +5926453590

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Real win Madrid derby to muscle into title race

By Rik Sharma MADRID, Spain (Reuters) - Real Madrid barged their way back into the Spanish La Liga title race with a 3-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in a feisty derby at the Wanda Metropolitano yesterday.

Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale’s strikes inflicted Atletico’s first home defeat of the season across all competitions and moved the European champions up to second, within five points of leaders Barcelona, as their revival under Santiago Solari continued.

Antoine Griezmann equalised for Atletico after Casemiro’s overhead kick sent Real ahead, but Ramos slammed home from the penalty spot before halftime to silence the home fans.

Atletico’s Alvaro Morata netted a brilliant lob against his former side but it was ruled out for offside before Bale drilled in the visitors’ third to secure the points for Real Madrid.

Thomas Partey was dismissed after getting his second yellow card at the end of a disappointing afternoon for Diego Simeone’s side, who dropped to third after losing for the second weekend in a row.

“La Liga is there to fight for, there are a lot of points to win and any team can make your life hard,” Real captain Ramos said.

“Winning the league motivates us, it’s a really balanced competition and we have to keep fighting for it and making life difficult for Barcelona.”

A vibrant atmosphere at the Wanda Metropolitano also carried an undercurrent of anger as Atletico fans threw stuffed toy rats at Thibaut Courtois’s goal.

It was the Belgian goalkeeper’s first return to play his former side Atletico since signing for Real Madrid and he endured an uncomfortable afternoon.

Atletico started brightly with Griezmann firing into the side netting but Real moved ahead in the 16th minute when Casemiro scored a spectacular overhead kick after a corner was flicked on to him.

Atletico levelled when Griezmann slotted home coolly through Courtois’s legs after Correa played him in, with home fans enduring an agonising wait while VAR verified that the French striker was onside.

The VAR system was referred to again when Jose Gimenez brought down Vinicius Jr on the edge of the box, with referee Xavier Estrada Fernandez deciding the foul continued into the area.

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Pride face difficult chase on Buttler, Stokes ... final day after Ramdin’s 86 FROM BACK PAGE

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Captain Denesh Ramdin fell short of a 16th first class hundred while Lendl Simmons and opener Joshua Da Silva both also hit half-centuries, as Trinidad and Tobago Red Force left Barbados Pride with a difficult run chase on Sunday’s final day of their seventh round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship.

Leading by 76 on first innings after dismissing the hosts for 282 in their first innings, Red Force wasted little time in rattling up 247 for six declared in their second innings, with Ramdin top-scoring with 86 and both Simmons and rookie Da Silva getting 65.

Set 324 for victory, Pride ended Saturday’s penultimate day on 15 without loss, requiring a further 309 for victory on the final day.

Once again, the day belonged to Red Force. First, they took the last three Pride wickets for just 44 runs, after the home side resumed the morning on 238 for seven.

Ashley Nurse, unbeaten overnight on 71, added just

four and stretched his eighth wicket partnership with wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott (63) to 117 before falling in the day’s fourth over, caught at slip by Bryan Charles off leg-spinner Yannic Cariah who ended with five for 59.

Walcott, resuming the day on 34, then gathered precious runs for Pride as he fashioned his maiden first class half-century in adding an important 30 for the ninth wicket with Chemar Holder (6).

Walcott faced 150 balls in 188 minutes and struck four fours.

Red Force endured an early setback in their second innings when left-handed opener Jeremy Solozano hooked at the first ball of the innings from pacer Marquino Mindley and was taken at fine leg without a run on the board.

Any hopes Pride harboured of making further inroads then perished, however, as Simmons and Da Silva added 108 for the second wicket.

Simmons, who hit a century in the first innings, again shone brightly with seven fours and two sixes in an entertaining 71-ball knock while Da

Red Force skipper Denesh Ramdin … top-scored with 86.

Silva played the anchor role with five fours off 139 balls in three hours at the crease.

Seamer Holder removed Simmons to a leg-side catch but Ramdin, promoted to number four, added to Pride’s frustrations by putting a further 67 for the third wicket with Da Silva and 62 for the

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara Zone Reigning champs Show Stoppers book final spot THREE-time and reigning champions, Show Stoppers, booked their spot in the final of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara Zone to maximise their chances of retaining the title.

When the semi-finals of that zone kicked off on Friday night at the Pouderoyen tarmac, West Bank Demerara, Show Stoppers eased past Up-Top Bosses, 2-0 courtesy of a ‘Guinness Goal’ (counts as 2 in the closing minutes) from Trayon Bobb in the penultimate minute of the game.

Meanwhile, in the first semi-final of the night, Brothers United faced Ballers Em-

pire and that matchup went down to the wire after regulation and extra-time failed to produce a winner with the score deadlocked at 2-2.

It was all action as both teams scored late ‘Guinness Goals’ to send the crowd into frenzy. First Andrew Murray Jr found the back of the net in the 37th minute only for Ballers’ Quincy Dos Santos to strike back the very next minute, after extra time did not produce a winner.

It was down to penalty kicks and Brothers United held their nerve to prevail 2-1 from the spot.

In the ‘Plate’ semi-finals, Jetty conceded an own goal to the delight of West Side

Ballers who booked their final berth while ESPN beat Bagotstown 2-0 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 stalemate in regulation time.

Next Friday (February 15) the final will pit Show Stoppers against Brothers United with $500 000 at stake and qualification for the National Playoffs, while in the Plate section, ESPN clash with West Side Ballers for $60 000.

The third-place will see Up-Top Bosses take on Ballers Empire. All matches will be played at the Pouderoyen tarmac, West Bank Demerara.

sixth wicket with Imran Khan (25 not out).

All told, Ramdin hit five fours and a six off 109 deliveries in just under 2-½ hours at the crease, before falling to a catch at mid-wicket off off-spinner Nurse (3-62) to trigger the declaration.

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on three when he was squared up by Roach only for Roston Chase at third slip to grass a regulation, chest-high opportunity.

On 46 for one at lunch, England wobbled after the break, losing three wickets in the session, as West Indies bowlers found their momentum.

Paul struck 35 minutes following the resumption, gaining an lbw decision against Burns courtesy DRS, after the left-hander played across a full-length delivery, with England on 69 for two.

Six balls later in the next over with no runs added to the total, Joe Denly perished, trapped on the crease by a fast one from Gabriel which came back to find him lbw.

With his side reeling, captain Joe Root (16) combined with Buttler in a 38run fourth-wicket stand which temporarily halted the flood of wickets.

Luck was with Buttler when he slashed at the 10th ball he faced only for the catch to shave the fingertips of the leaping Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer in the slips.

Root, meanwhile, started shakily, and needed 19 balls before he could find his first scoring shot, a couple to cover off Paul.

He had made it through the difficult period when he suffered a lapse in concentration in the third over be-

fore tea, and was caught behind swatting at wide delivery from Joseph at 107 for four.

But a final session that promised so much at the break was filled with only disappointment for the Windies as Buttler and Stokes scored freely to add 117 runs in the session without being separated.

Stokes was first to his half-century when he cut off-spinner Roston Chase to the point boundary, 55 minutes before the close. In the very next over, he slapped a short ball back to Joseph who snaffled the return catch, only for television replays to reveal the 22-yearold’s breach of the front crease.

Buttler, meanwhile, raised his half-century two overs later as England dug in to ensure West Indies remained without any late success.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings J. Burns lbw b Paul 29 K. Jennings c Bravo b Paul 8 J. Denly lbw b Gabriel 20 J. Root c wkp. Dowrich b Joseph 15 J. Buttler not out 67 B. Stokes not out 62 Extras: (b-4, lb-6, w-15, nb-5) 30 Total: (4 wkts, 83 overs) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-30, 2-69, 3-69-3, 4-107.

Bowling: Roach 19-9-340, Gabriel 19-5-44-1, Joseph 15-2-56-1, Paul 167-42-2, Chase 10-0-40-0, Brathwaite 4-0-5-0.

GBA president Steve Ninvalle elected chairman of CSC PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle was last week elected chairman of the Caribbean Steering Committee (CSC). The newly-formed committee will chart and promote the development of boxing in the Region and has a life of four years.

Ninvalle was elected unopposed as was his vice-chairman Cecil Forde of Trinidad and Tobago, widely regarded as the Caribbean’s elder statesman.

The four committee members elected are: Dr Debra Stephen-John of Grenada, Leyla Jackson of Cayman Islands and Jose Rosario of US Virgin Islands. James Beckles of Trinidad and Tobago was voted as Speciial

Adviser to the committee.

When contacted by Chronicle Sport Ninvalle said that he was heartened and felt humble by the confidence the Caribbean has shown in him and promised that the CSC would not be a talk shop.

The chairman noted that the group is made up of persons whose personal ambition is to see the Region excel at boxing.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle said Jackson, an Attorney-at-Law and Dr Stephen-John were nominated by the Caribbean to run for executive positions when the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC) holds its Congress on March 22 in Panama.

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Golden Jaguars head coach pleading for crowd support GUYANESE football fans will play a vital role in helping Golden Jaguars reach the CONCACAF Gold Cup this year, head coach Michael Johnson said, in an interview, as he calls on the nation to come out and support their team in the crucial home clash against Belize on Saturday, March 23.

The final CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League qualifier is set to be the most significant game in the history of football in Guyana, as Golden Jaguars

have never competed in the region’s premier international tournament.

“The message is clear: ‘We need you – your country needs you!’” Johnson said.

“We all want and need you to play your part in this pivotal moment. Let’s make history together – we are one win away.”

“Qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup would prove a huge boost for the players’ careers, the development of football in Guyana and the nation itself,” Johnson said. He is currently

in Guyana to oversee preparations by Guyana-based players and to plan for the final squad encampment before the Belize match.

“It’s all about the players - to be able to put the players on the world map and give them and the country the exposure that comes with qualification will be immense,” Johnson said. “I am proud of this group of staff and players to be in this position, but we need to make one more giant step.”

“The exposure will give some of the players the op-

Michael Johnson

portunity to show what they can achieve with many clubs from around the world in attendance.”

However, the Belize national team will prove to be tough opponents, the former Jamaica international and Premier League defender believes, pointing out that both teams can potentially still qualify for the region’s top international tournament, which takes place between June 15 and July 7.

“Belize are an experienced team who have been together for a long time,” the UEFA pro-licensed coach said. “This brings a team

spirit and an understanding of each other’s game. We must pay attention to the team rather than individuals, because that’s what they are: a strong team who themselves can see the finish line.”

He said he wanted to see passion and desire from his players in the run-up to the clash, and expected each member of the squad to understand and cope with the magnitude of the occasion.

“It boils down to who wants it more,” he said. “We must play the game and not the occasion. The team who control their emotions best will win this game. It’s simple for me: we are a win away from creating history.”

After three rounds, Guyana currently lie in eighth position in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup qualification table with six points. After round four, the top ten teams will qualify for the 16-team Gold Cup, joining the United States, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, Honduras and Costa Rica.

The Golden Jaguars drew

2-2 with Barbados, beat Turks & Caicos 8-0 then lost to French Guiana 2-1, leaving their hopes of Gold Cup qualification in the balance, until CONCACAF ruled that Barbados had fielded ineligible players in rounds one and two, and awarded Guyana a 3-0 win.

The Gold Cup will also expose Guyana to a range of opportunities to generate revenue and interest for the development of the game at a domestic level.

“The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will have more finance and will have more interest from corporate sponsorship opportunities that will allow more to be done,” Johnson said.

“But more importantly, it will inspire and motivate young children who can now believe it’s possible to achieve their dreams.

The interest from youngsters who see their heroes playing on the world scene will inspire young boys and girls to participate in some form of football.”

Pakistan Women level ODI series, despite McLean’s brisk 82 DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Natasha McLean’s maiden half-century was not enough to save West Indies from defeat, as Pakistan beat them by 34 runs in the second One-Day International here yesterday, to tie the ICC Championship series at 1-1.

Asked to chase a challenging 241 for victory and the series win at the ICC Academy, West Indies came up short at 206 with two balls to spare, to turn tomorrow’s final game into the series-decider.

McLean top-scored with 82 from 76 balls while captain Stafanie Taylor struck 48 off 68 deliveries but West Indies slumped to 144 for nine in the 40th over.

However, 24-year-old McLean nearly put the game back into the balance, lashing eight fours and two sixes in a 62-run last-wicket stand with Shamilia Connell (15 not out) before she was last out.

Opener Sidra Ameen had earlier narrowly missed out on a hundred, as Pakistan tallied 240 all out off 49.4 overs, after winning the toss and batting.

The 26-year-old right-

Natasha McLean struck her maiden ODI half-century.

hander struck 96 from 121 deliveries while Nida Dar, batting at number five, stroked 81 from 86 deliveries.

The pair put on 102 for the fourth wicket after West Indies had wiped out the top order to reduce Pakistan to 52 for three in the 14th over.

Ameen then stroked 14 boundaries in a polished knock while Dar counted seven fours and two sixes, as Pakistan took control of the middle overs.

With triple figures in sight, however, Ameen was unfortunately run-out in the 33rd over as Pakistan lost two wickets for 10 runs, to slip to 164 for five.

Dar and Sana Mir (21) put on 44 for the sixth wicket

before the last five wickets tumbled for 32 runs.

Fast bowlers Shakera Selman (2-33) and Deandra Dottin (2-55) finished with two wickets apiece.

In their turn at the crease, West Indies started poorly, plunging to 27 for three in the 11th over before Taylor and Chedean Nation (23) halted the rot with a 65-run, fourth-wicket stand.

Taylor notched five fours and a six while Nation counted three fours in a 41-ball innings but once they were separated, West Indies lost six wickets for 52 runs leaving too much for McLean to do at the death.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

Gold-medallist Tianna Springer thanks Minister Norton RISING athletic star, Tianna Springer, visited the office of Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Hon. Dr George Norton, on Wednesday to thank him for his timely intervention.

The 11-year-old, who delivered stunning performances at last year’s National Schools Athletics Championships, attributed her success to the kindness of Dr George Norton.

A few weeks prior to the games, Minister Nor-

ton met the Stella Maris Primary School student on the sidelines of a sports function. It was there that the young athlete related her need for a pair of spikes running shoes.

Within a matter of days, Minister Norton delivered on his promise and presented the gold medallist with a brand new pair of her very own running shoes.

The minister’s kind gesture seemed to have brought the young lady

luck, as she was able to shine at the 100-metre, 200-metre, 400-metre and 1 000-metre races at Nationals.

More impressively, Tiana Springer of District 12 leaped to a new record in the ‘Long Jump Girls U-12’ category, clearing a distance of 4.18 metres.

“Minister, we are very thankful for your assistance. Tianna has a lot of potential, and we are here to show you that your investment paid off, and it

will continue to, as Tianna really does have her eyes set on making a name for herself in athletics,” the child’s mother said.

Minister Norton expressed pleasure at Springer’s accomplishments, noting that he is expecting great things from her in the coming years.

“I have recognised your potential, Tianna, and I want to encourage you to keep at sports.

Even after you enter and leave high school, don’t

A proud Tianna Springer shows off the fruits of her accomplishments to the Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton.

give up. Continue to exhaust all avenues to compete and work on improving your personal best. If you do that,

Regional Four-day championships

Scorpions collapse to set Jaguars 170 to win

By Rajiv Bisnauth DESPITE being in a comfortable position after taking first-innings lead, Jamaican Scorpions collapsed in their second innings and were bowled out for 132 on the penultimate day of the seventh round Cricket West Indies Regional Four-day encounter against Guyana Jaguars at Guyana National Stadium, Providence, yesterday.

Set 170 runs to win after the visitors gained a slim first-innings plus of 37 runs, the defending champions were 25 without loss at stumps.

Chandrapaul Hemraj is on 16 with three boundaries while Tagenarine Chanderpaul is on 9 (2x4).

The Jaguars enter the final day today, needing 145 runs with all ten wickets in hand.

After being dismissed for 321 in their first innings, Jaguars took wickets at regular intervals to keep Scorpions in check. Left-arm pacer, Raymon Reifer and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie shared three wickets, conceding 36 and 11 runs respectively while Christopher Barnwell had two for 18 and Romario Shepherd and Veerasammy Permaul took one wicket apiece.

Guyanese Assad Fudadin top-scored with 24 while Chadwick Walton and Jermaine Blackwood contributed 23 runs each to the total.

Earlier Anthony Bramble

Gudakesh Motie had figures of 3-11 off 5.1 overs.

struck a resolute unbeaten 45 but could not prevent Jaguars from conceding a first-innings lead.

Resuming at 203 for three, 155 runs away from the Scorpions’ first-innings total of 358, Jaguars were bowled out for 321.

Barnwell added 20 runs to his overnight score of 22 while left-handed Reifer took his score from five to 27, almost an hour’s resistance into the day’s play - a period where the visitors were handed a five-run penalty in a bizarre incident.

During the course of their knocks, the pair struck four boundaries apiece but their efforts to further build on their 65-run sixth-wicket stand was stifled by Dennis Bulli’s dou-

Raymon Reifer took 3-36.

ble strike in the space of three deliveries.

It was a combination of Reifer’s recklessness and Bulli’s guile which led to the first dismissal. The left-arm wrist-spinner induced an edge which was taken comfortably

by Jermaine Blackwood at first slip, before he bowled the right-handed Barnwell with a ball that kept low, to finish with figures of three for 91.

The hosts were 253 for seven at that stage and needed a contribution from their lower order to stop the visitors from gaining a sizeable advantage.

At that point, the onus was on Bramble and Shepherd, and the duo built a stand of 52 through some smart batting before Rovman Powell (2-43), made the breakthrough by dis-

missing the former leg-before for 18.

The right-handed Bramble continued to frustrate the Scorpions bowlers, and by lunch he was on 43, counting five boundaries, with the hosts 316 for eight.

Permaul, who was on three at the interval, was then trapped leg-before to Jerome Taylor (3-27), off the first ball into the post-lunch session before Taylor brought an end to the innings with the wicket of Motie.

Scorpions were then reduced to 69 for four at the end of the session, despite a 57-run second-wicket stand between Walton and Blackwood.

They had begun disastrously even before a run was on the board, after Oraine Williams was bowled by Reifer.

Both Walton and Blackwood showed some resolve but were separated in quick succession, bowled by Barnwell and Permaul respectively. Barnwell, DCC medium pacer then trapped Brandon King leg-before, in an eventual period for the hosts.

Resuming post-tea with much optimism, Jaguars bowlers made life even more difficult for the Scorpions batsmen, as they came out determined, striking also at regular intervals with Shepherd, Reifer and Motie claiming the last six wickets.

you might just end up amazing the world at some future Olympics,” Minister Norton encouraged.

SCOREBOARD GUYANA JAGUARS 1st innings T. Chanderpaul b Green 4 C. Hemraj c wkp. b Taylor 10 S. Rutherford c Blackwood b Powell 31 L. Johnson lbw b Blackwood 58 V. Singh c Blackwood b Bulli 61 C. Barnwell b Bulli 42 R. Reifer c Blackwood b Bulli 27 A. Bramble not out 45 R. Shepherd lbw b Powell 18 V. Permaul lbw b Taylor 3 G. Motie c Williams b Taylor 2 Extras: (b-6, lb-4, nb-5, pen-5) 20 Total: (all out, 113.2 overs) 321 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-20, 3-62, 4-163, 5-187, 6-252, 7-253, 8-305, 9-316 Bowling: Taylor 14.2-3-27-3, Green 13-2-41-1, Williams 28-9-70-0, Powell 18-6-43-1, Bulli 27-2-913, Blackwood 4-1-9-1, Walton 9-0-25-0.

JAMAICA Scorpions 2nd innings O. Williams b Reifer 0 C. Walton b Permaul 23 J. Blackwood b Barnwell 23 B. King lbw b Barnwell 4 A. Fudadin c Shepherd b Reifer 24 R. Powell c Permaul b Shepherd 8 P. Palmer lbw b Motie 5 K. Williams c Chanderpaul b Motie 1 D. Green c Barnwell b Reifer 5 D. Bulli c Bramble b Motie 3 J. Taylor not out 4 Extras: (22-b, 9-lb, 1-nb) 32 Total: (all out, 48.1 overs) 132 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-57, 3-61, 4-61, 5-87, 6-113, 7-114, 8-121, 9-128.

Bowling: Shepherd 10-5-11-1, Reifer 11-2-36-3, Rutherford 3-0-13-0, Barnwell 8-1-18-2, Permaul 11-3-12-1, Motie 5.1-1-11-3.

GUYANA JAGUARS 2nd innings T. Chanderpaul not out 9 C. Hemraj not out 16 Total: (on wicket, four overs) 25 Bowling: Taylor 2-1-9-0, Green 1-0-3-0, Williams 1-0-3-0.

50

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

Cayman Islands trample ‘Green Machine’ 58-14 THE ‘Green Machine’ suffered a punishing 14-58 defeat yesterday against the Cayman Islands, which means that Guyana will miss this year’s Americas Rugby Challenge.

Cayman Islands will now represent Rugby Americas North (RAN) at the tournament that also features Colombia, Mexico, and Paraguay.

Guyana competed in the inaugural edition of the competition in 2018. The Green Machine finished bottom losing 71-7 against Colombia, 86-7 against Paraguay and 48-36) against Mexico.

Despite having played in

the 2018 Americas Rugby Challenge Guyana did not enter yesterday’s match at the South Sounds Ground in George Town as favourites, since Cayman Islands not only had home advantage but were also ranked higher. In the current Americas Rankings, Cayman Islands are 10th while Guyana are 12th.

Godfrey Broomes scored a try and made good of his two conversions, while Osei McKenzie (try) was also responsible for putting up some points on the board for Guyana.

With the win over Guyana, Cayman Islands will be advancing to play interna-

tional rugby outside of the Caribbean region for the first time in the country’s history in the sport.

Guyana squad: Forwards: Jason Tyrell, Rondel McArthur, Walter George, James Osborne, Joseph Rahman, Selwyn Henry, Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, David Garrett, Cloyd Prowell, Osei McKenzie, Richard Staglon and Vallon Adams.

Backs: Glenroy Poole, Jamal Darrell, Kevon David, Ryan Dey, Phibian Joseph, Ryan Gonsalves, Ronald Mayers, Grantley Williams, Sean Phillips and Lancelot Adonis.

Part of the action between Guyana and the Cayman Islands

All-rounder Adams stars as Everest beat DCC in NBS 40-over cricket AN all-round performance from skipper Dwayne Adams propelled the Everest Cricket Club to an 18-run victory over the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) yesterday in the latest round of the Georgetown Cricket Association New Building Society (NBS) 40-over second-division cricket competition.

In a low-scoring affair at Everest ground, the home team won the toss and opted

to bat first. The 31-yearold Adams who struck a magnificent century (128) in his previous clash against the Diplomats Sports Club, again showed form.

He carved out 52 after hitting four fours and an equal number of sixes. He added 39 runs with Ronaldo Renee (12), and 48 with Amir Khan 38 (3x4, 1x6). Also batting himself in was Kamesh Yadram, who scored 25 and added 44 with

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday February 10, 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)

Allistair Cook & Chris Gayle (2009)

(2)

1994 (in WI)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two made their Test debut against England?

Winston Benjamin, Ian Bishop, Keith Arthurton, David Williams, Carlisle Best (2) Who is the last WI player to record a ‘pair’ on his Test debut?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Dwayne Adams scored a half-century before picking up three wickets.

Khan for the third wicket.

After the fall of the top order, the home team buckled and the last seven wickets went for 37 runs.

Left-arm spinner Totaram Bishun, who took the wicket of Khan to start the slide, finished with 2-32 from eight overs, while Stephen Sankar, who later got the wicket of Yadram, finished with 3-26. Teenage quickie Qumar Torrington came back in his second spell to pick up two scalps.

The visitors started with a 29-run opening partnership between Raymond Perez (24) and the usually explosive Sachin Singh, but a runout dismissed the teenager,

which led to a mini slide, orchestrated by Adams with his left-arm spin.

The pendulum swung again with former national player Derwin Christian hitting 30 (1x4, 2x6). The 35-year-old and L. Smith (23) put together 31 for the fifth wicket before the former lost his wicket to leftarm spinner Javed Rasheed as he attempted a big hit.

Smith and Sankar (22) then batted their team back into the driver’s seat. The 37-run sixth-wicket partnership looked like it would have been the catalyst to take the visitors home, but DCC were undone by the spin/pace combination of former National U-19 cricketer Richie Looknauth and Travis Mohamed, who combined for the last five wickets.

Renee was also outstanding in the field as he snapped up two diving catches running in hard from the boundary.

In the end, it came down to 17 runs from the last two overs, but the tail of DCC failed to wag and they were all out for 150.

Looknauth finished with 3-12 from 7.5 overs with his off-spin bowling, while Adams finished with 3-31 from eight overs. Mohamed supported with two wickets.

Milo schools football tournament

Annandale, Bishops’ High register huge wins on opening day

Part of the action in the Milo schools football

THE seventh edition of the Milo schools football tournament opened yesterday with big wins for Annandale Secondary and Bishops’ High.

In the opening game at noon, Annandale, champions of the inaugural GUYOIL Tradewind Tankers schools football league made light work of St Joseph High.

The tournament is held in conjunction with the Ministry of Public Health.

Match 1: Annandale vs St Joseph Goalscorers Annandale - Jemar Harrigon 20; Jerome Harrigon

30, 60, 64; Colin Hendriques 55, Omar Glasgow 39, Anika Headley 65.

Warren Williams 19 Match 2: Bishops’ High 5 vs North Ruimveldt 0 Goalscorers Bishops’ High - Antoine Herod 18, Acquino Luke 26, Linford Isles 40, Malachi Richards 40, 47 Match 3: Queen’s College 1 vs St Stanislaus 2 Goalscorers Queen’s College - Diarra Thomas 35 St Stanislaus - Jodel Fernandes 28, Kareem Richmond 66

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, February 10, 2019

Crawford cops R&R International 11-race cycling meet ahead of Greene

Romello Crawford is a picture of jubilation as he crosses the finish line ahead of Andre Greene and Michael Anthony.

By Michelangelo Jacobus THE feature 35-lap Schoolboys and Invitational race of the R&R International 11-race cycling meet was a push and pull of momentum, which was eventually won by Romello Crawford, after powering down the homestretch to claim top honours at the inner circuit of the National Park.

The race began with 28 starters but Crawford, along with Andre ‘Padlock’ Greene and Michael Anthony, broke away from the peloton to good effect and maintained their distance. In the end it was always going to be a three-way sprint to decide the winner and Crawford, who is known for his explosive sprinting, broke away with 200 metres left and never

looked back crossing the finish line in jubilant celebrations.

Greene settled for second while Anthony finished third with Cortis Dey, Geron Williams and Paul DeNobrega closing out the top six in that order.

Of the eight primes (sprint prizes) up for grabs, Junior Niles took three, Crawford two while Warren McKay, Stephano Husbands and Alex Mendis took one each.

In the Veterans U-50 5-lap race, Jaikaran Sukhai prevailed ahead of Junior Niles to take top honours while Warren McKay was third, Sukhai grabbed the only sprint prize up on offer.

Meanwhile, in the Over50 race, Kennard Lovell beat Linden Blackman to first

place with Bochal Samaroo finishing third.

In the 12-14 BMX Boys and Girls race, Jaheme Henry was the top rider while Steve Bhimsen and Sherwin Sampson were second and third respectively.

Henry also won the Juveniles race while Bhimsen settled for second and Mark Lewis finished third.

The cyclists will now head over to the roadways of West Demerara for the second meet of the weekend.

The R&R International road race will begin at Schoonord on the West Bank of Demerara. The cyclists head to Parika and double back for the finish at the point of origin.

The race pedals off at 08:30hrs.

Hodge swings key battle Volcanoes’ way – ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – A destructive spell from part-time leftarm spinner Kavem Hodge put Leeward Islands Hurricanes batting on the skids and left Windward Islands Volcanoes to chase 241 for victory in the West Indies Championship on Saturday here.

Hodge grabbed 4-51 from 33.3 overs and Josh Thomas supported with 2-33 from 12 overs, as the Hurricanes, leading by 41 on first innings, were bowled out for 199 in their second innings in the final hour before the close on the third day of the seventh-round match at Windsor Park.

Devon Thomas led the way for the Hurricanes with 43, his captain and WINDIES opener Kieran Powell made 33, Rahkeem Cornwall got 27 and Terance Warde added 20, as the visitors suf-

Kavem Hodge grabbed four 4-51 from 33.3 overs

fered an inexplicable batting meltdown.

Hurricanes were put under early pressure, when Thomas removed Montcin Hodge, one of the season’s most prolific batsman, for an eight-ball duck.

Volcanoes endured a toil for just over 45 minutes before Obed McCoy had Keacy Carty caught behind for 10,

leaving Hurricanes 17 for two.

A stand of 60 between Powell and Devon Thomas for the third wicket brought some stability to the Hurricanes batting.

But Josh Thomas had Powell caught at slip before a three small stands of 24, 38 and 41 got Hurricanes to 180 for five before they lost their last five wickets for 10 in the space of 73 balls with Hodge undermining their batting with his uncomplicated spin bowling.

Earlier, Volcanoes, starting the day on 225 for seven, suffered a setback with their captain Kirk Edwards unable to bat, due to injury.

Sheno Berridge and Rahkeem Cornwall shared the last two scalps, ending with four wickets apiece for 42 and 48 respectively.

Keemo Paul (second from left, all smiles) was the man to strike with his first ball of the England innings. (AFP)

Buttler, Stokes fifties revive England on opening day GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – West Indies lost the plot in the final session, allowing Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to cash in with unbeaten half-centuries, as England made a strong finish to day one of the final Test here yesterday.

The hosts, having already secured the coveted Wisden Trophy with crushing wins in the first two Tests, looked set to dominate once again when

they reduced the visitors to 114 for four at tea, after a flurry of wickets in the second session.

But the bowling went awry after the last interval as England cruised to the finish on 231 for four with Buttler unbeaten on 67 and Stokes not out on 62.

The pair scored freely against a tiring and errant Windies pace attack, and have so far posted 124 in an

unbroken fifth-wicket partnership.

Both, however, were beneficiaries of Windies indiscipline, so rare previously in the series.

Buttler was dropped before he had scored off fast bowler Shannon Gabriel in the second session while Stokes was reprieved on 52 late in the day off an Alzarri Joseph no-ball, after falling to a return catch.

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ - West Demerara Zone

Reigning champs Show Stoppers book final spot

Buttler rode his luck and has so far struck nine fours off 123 deliveries in just over 3-½ hours, with Stokes counting six boundaries off 130 balls in just under 2-½ hours at the crease.

Twenty-year-old seamer Keemo Paul, brought in to replace suspended captain Jason Holder, finished with two for 42.

Opener Rory Burns had earlier scored 29 and Joe

Denly, 20, as England made a slow start after being sent in on a two-paced wicket at the Darren Sammy National Stadium.

A 25-minute rain break after just five overs sent the players from the field with England on five without loss, and West Indies made the breakthrough in the ninth over – about 20 minutes after the resumption – when Paul got left-hander Keaton

Jennings to edge a drive to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich for eight, off the first ball of his opening spell.

Jennings had lived a charmed life in adding 30 with Burns, playing and missing on several occasions against the new-ball pair of Gabriel and the luckless Kemar Roach.

He survived a chance TURN TO PAGE

47

GBA president Steve Ninvalle elected chairman of CSC 47 PAGE

PAGE

47 Elected chairman of CSC, Steve Ninvalle

Committee member Leyla Jackson

Vice-chairman of CSC, Cecil Forde

Scorpions collapse to set Jaguars 170 to win Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2019