Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-11-2019

MONDAY 11th February, 2019

UG bomb suspect charged 13

No.105545

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–– to make court appearance today

Sheliza Jaffarally, called “Shelly”

15 through to Soca final

Lindeners turned out in full numbers at the Carib Soca Monarch semi-final held in the mining town on Saturday

1, 251 scholarships 03 $19M Wakapao bridge awarded in past three years to benefit 350 residents 12 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Gov’t will never neglect miners –– Minister Broomes assures

By Vanessa Braithwaite

WITH the emergence of the oil and gas sector, junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes has assured gold miners, especially small miners, that the government will not place their interests on the back burner.

Gold mining, she said, remains the

Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes

backbone of mining in Guyana, as it rakes in the most revenue of all the economic sectors. In this regard, she said all attention will not be placed on oil as mining of gold and other precious mineral stones remains equally important.

Broomes was at the time addressing residents and miners of Mahdia and outlying communities of the Potaro-Siparuni region on Radio Mahdia (95.1 FM), recently. This was done after an open-day activity, during which she met with several miners who voiced their concerns about the sector, particularly as regards Region Eight.

Broomes said her visit to Mahdia, which was followed by a visit by Minister Raphael Trotman the very next day, shows that interest in gold mining remains paramount to the government and it is therefore imperative that she visits the people and the fields, to have a first-hand view of their daily experiences.

Broomes said gold mining is important to the government and strategies and systems are being implemented to introduce environmentally friendly mining, with the use of chemicals, free from mercury, as the objective is to think of a future in gold mining, which will be in sync with Guyana’s “green” agenda.

One of the major requests put forward by small miners in Mahdia, is the establishment of a branch of the Guyana Gold Board in the township, which will make it unnecessary for

Miners during the open-day session in Mahdia

them (small miners) to have to travel to the city to sell their gold. Minister Broomes related that discussions are ongoing with regard to the feasibility of establishing a branch of the gold board.

These discussions are at the embryonic stage.

She, however, supports the establishment of at least one commercial bank, more so now that Mahdia has become a town. Broomes also noted that decentralising of the gold board and other areas of mining is on the government’s agenda. Other facilities and services are also on the priority list for Mahdia in the near future, Broomes said.

While miners commended the government for the syndicate initiative,

which is bringing empowerment to small miners, one miner related that some of the lands allocated to the syndicates are not easily accessible, because of impassable roads and other factors.

The miner also called for miners to be given grants to establish themselves in these areas, since they are deemed high-investment areas. While Broomes reminded the miner that the syndicates were given the opportunity to choose their lands, government is prepared to lend additional support, to assist them in establishing themselves.

“The government will work with you to ensure you get additional support; the better days are yet to come,” Broomes said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

1, 251 scholarships awarded in past three years –– shows govt’s commitment to human development, says Harmon

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon on Saturday said the increase in the number of government scholarships awarded since taking office in May 2015, is evidence of the government’s commitment to national development and the eradication of poverty and ignorance.

Minister Harmon, who was at the time speaking at an orientation session for awardees of government scholarships, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), said the government’s budgetary allocation to the education sector is also commitment to the education sector.

Scholarships have increased from 464 for the period 2011 to 2014 under the former administration, to 1,251 between 2015 and 2018 while the current allocation to the education sector is over $52B. Minister Harmon said the David Granger-led administration, since taking office, has placed education at the top of its developmental agenda, since it was recognised that there was a shortage of trained personnel in almost every field, while pointing to the disparity in the provision of public services.

In recognition of the deficiencies within the public service, Minister Harmon said, the government took a conscious decision to focus heavily on education.

“Our commitment to education development and training was reflected in the allocations for education in national budgets from 2015 to date, which has increased constantly and incrementally from $33 billion in 2015 to $52.2 billion in 2019. President David Granger, then Opposition Leader, while speaking about the opportunities for development that were available in an address to graduates of the Cyril Potter College in 2012, said that those opportunities can be achieved only by people with a first-class education.

“We, therefore, upon our assumption of office in May 2015, committed to a programme of continued and continuous training, to provide adequate and suitable manpower resources at all levels, to complement the legislative and administrative changes being made to encourage capital investments and to create an enabling environment for sustainable development,” he said.

The minister of state said that it is against

Minister of State Joseph Harmon addressing the awardees at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) this background that the National Scholarships Programme should be viewed. In addition to local scholarships, the Government of Guyana has continued to provide awardees with opportunities to study in the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, China, Cuba, Russia, Canada, India and Mexico.

These awards have increased significantly over the years, as the period 2015 to 2018 saw 316 overseas scholarships being awarded as against 191 for 2011 to 2014.

FAIR AND TRANSPARENT In addition to the increases in scholarship awards, measures have been taken to make the process of selection fairer, transparent and relevant with the appointment of a Scholarship Awards Committee within the Department of Public Service.

That committee is responsible for interviewing and recommending applicants based on merit.

“This year, there are 47 awards for the Guyana School of Agriculture and 167 for the University of Guyana. You represent the best of those who applied for scholarships, since the system now in place for selection of scholarship awardees is transparent and meritocratic. Scholarship awards since 2015

has to be viewed within the context of our government’s policy on education and our regard for the education sector.

There can be no doubt about our government’s commitment to the education and training of our young and not so young people,” Minister Harmon said.

URGENT AND IMPORTANT He continued: “This has become even more urgent and important since we have at this time, another opportunity to embark on a programme of positive social and economic development throughout our country, an opportunity that is in my view, better than all of those that have been available in the past.

Guyana is on the cusp of becoming a major oil and gas producing nation, with first oil expected in early 2020. However, this rapid development would only become a reality if we have the requisite manpower skills, both in quality and numbers, to guide the process and implement our development programmes. These scholarship awards therefore represent an investment in the future of our country, a future where we are the architects and controllers of our nation’s development and the realisation of the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Service,

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine congratulated the awardees while urging them to put the government’s investment to good use.

Dr. Roopnaraine said the government will continue to invest in the education sector so that every Guyanese can have access to higher learning.

“John Dewey said, ‘Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself’.

We, who represent the Government of Guyana, believe in this quote and as a result you are here today. The Department of Public Service has responsibility for human resource development in the public sector, and more specifically, in the public service. An integral part of its operations in this regard, is the administration of scholarships. The department offers this service to all eligible Guyanese without reference to any discriminatory factors such as ethnicity, religion, gender or political persuasion. The department also seeks to deliver its services in an accessible form and in a client friendly and good governance environment. We will leave no stone unturned to expose you to the best possible training and exposure so that you can shape your career and growth,” he said.

Technical adviser to the Minister of Public Service, Vincent Alexander, urged the awardees to pursue a well-rounded life at the university through formal and informal education. He noted that education is the only means of eliminating ignorance and this is a life-changing opportunity offered by the government.

Meanwhile, Cosbert Carmichael, a student at the Guyana School of Agriculture, who hails from Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), expressed gratitude for his scholarship.

He noted that being awarded the government scholarship has significantly eased the financial burden on his single mother.

“Studying is not easy; it comes with a lot of sacrifice. I am from Lethem and my mom is unable to pay my tuition fee, so this scholarship has reduced the cost of her paying for me. So this is helping her while helping me to contribute to the society at the same time,” he shared.

The session was also attended by Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Registrar of the same institution, Nigel Gravesande.

GWI working to rectify water issues in Berbice THE Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Region Six Manager, Randolph Leitch, is appealing to residents to conserve and store water as the company is experiencing technical issues, resulting in intermittent water supply.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Chesney Office on Saturday, Leitch pointed out that the company is still facing low voltage and this is causing trouble for customers in areas of Fyrish to Bush Lot, on the Corentyne Coast.

He further noted that the Port Mourant and New Amsterdam water treatment plants are still affected, and that there is no definite timeline when the issue will be resolved since the matter is beyond their control.

The utility company manager explained that the low voltage has cost the company millions of dollars in losses due to damage of equipment.

“For the week, we burn four motors and if that continue, it means we will continue to burn more motors which cost in the region of $3-4M for large motors or $2M for smaller ones,” he said.

In a bid to continue to service their customers, the company has resorted to the use of generators and has been able to subsidise other nearby stations.

“Shutdown usually happens at peak time (15:00-16:30hrs). Right now we have a generator at Number 57, we have the generators at the two plants and at the Queenstown plant.

At the pump stations, we are working on sending water from other pump stations into different areas because basically all the pump stations are linked.

Port Mourant water treatment and New Amsterdam are still affected. I cannot give a timeframe as to when the power problem will be resolved, but in the meantime we are trying our utmost to ensure the stations are functioning so that residents can receive water,” he said.

CONSERVE WATER Revenue Manager Loiden Henry has urged residents to be cognisant of the situation and put measures in place.

“Please try to conserve water, and when-

ever the pumps are running try to put measures in place to store water for later use when the pumps may be off. I know it will cause some level of discomfort but we need to recognise that due to the issues, we haven’t been getting a regular supply so we have to save and store until this issue is fixed, which hopefully is really soon,” the revenue manager said.

Meanwhile, in addressing the issues and protests over the rate increases which he said seems to be politically-motivated, Henry reiterated that the company sought and was granted permission to do so from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

There were not changes in rates since 2005.

“It is public information our rates have not been raised since 2005, so in 2018, GWI approached the PUC, which is the body that governs the increase in tariffs and a new tariff implementation was released. That implementation was to be done in two phases. The first phase was on October 1, 2018, and the second phase will follow in October 2019. For

persons who were asking why we didn’t wait for the New Year to implement it, the PUC is responsible, as it relates to an increase in charges, so they would have given the permission to implement from October 2018,” Henry said.

He went on to explain that with the changes in the billing system which moved from annual, to semi-annual, to quarterly and eventually monthly, many customers showed up late and incurred interest charges on their bills.

Only approximately 50 per cent of customers pay their bill on time.

He further clarified, that pensioners who are not charged the same are regular customers, and efforts are being made to do house-tohouse verification to include those who may have recently reached the age.

“Unmetered pensioners had a fixed fee of $740 monthly and that is now $740 plus $250, while metered pensioners are charged $86 per cubic metre after they would have consumed more than 10 cubic metre in a month,” the revenue manager noted.

Granger, had lunch at the famous La Forest Restaurant before returning to his protocol house.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

President David Granger and First Lady Sandra Granger on Saturday

Party that nominated Thai princess for PM faces ban after king’s rebuke

BANGKOK (Reuters) The Thai political party that nominated a princess as its candidate for prime minister could be banned from a general election in March, after an activist said on Sunday that he would file a petition seeking its dissolution.

T h a i l a n d ’s E l e c t i o n Commission is to meet on Monday to consider the candidacy of Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, 67, who stunned the nation on Friday when

she said she would be the prime ministerial candidate for a populist party loyal to ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

Her announcement drew a swift rebuke from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, the princess’s younger brother, who issued a statement hours later saying, it was “inappropriate” for members of the royal family to enter politics.

The March 24 election is the first since a military coup in 2014 toppled an elected pro-Thaksin government.

The current junta leader, Prayuth Chan-ocha, is also contesting the race for prime minister, as the candidate of a pro-military party.

The nomination of the king’s elder sister, who has starred in soap operas and an action movie and gave up her royal titles after marrying an American, was a shocking move by forces loyal to Thaksin, who face an uphill battle in the election.

The Election Commission has until Friday to rule on the princess’s candidacy.

It is unlikely its members would disregard the wishes of the king, who while a constitutional monarch, is considered semi-divine in Thai society.

Monday, February 11, 2019 09:00hrs. - 10:30hrs.

Thai Raksa Chart party leader Preechapol Pongpanich, holds up application of candidate for Prime Minister, Thailand’s Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi, at the election commission office in Bangkok, Thailand (REUTERS File Photo)

On Sunday, an activist said he would file a petition

to disqualify the Thai Raksa Chart party, which nominated the princess.

“The royal announcement made it clear that the party violated electoral law,” Srisuwan Janya, secretary-general of the Association for the Protection of the Constitution, told Reuters.

Srisuwan said his complaint to the Election Commission would ask it to recommend that a Constitutional Court dissolve the party.

Thai Raksa Chart’s executive chairman Chaturon Chaisaeng declined to comment on the request to disband it. The party said it would accept the king’s message and “move forward into the election arena to solve problems for the country”.

The royal family has a long-standing tradition of staying out of politics, and electoral law forbids parties from using the monarchy in campaigns.

Parties loyal to former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin have defeated pro-establishment parties

to win every election since 2001, but since 2006 each of their governments has been removed by court rulings or coups.

The gambit to nominate a member of the royal family could backfire on Thai Raksa Chart, said Titipol Phakdeewanich, Dean of the Faculty of Political Science at Ubon Ratchathani University.

“Things are now more unpredictable,” Titipol told Reuters.

If the party is dissolved, it could give more seats to anti-Thaksin affiliated parties like the pro-junta, Phalang Pracharat and progressive Future Forward party, he said.

Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup, lives in self-imposed exile after being convicted of corruption in absentia.

He responded to the events on Twitter late on Saturday, telling supporters to “keep moving forward” and “learn from past experiences but live for today and the future”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

AG worried about funding for GECOM THE Chief Justice’s (CJ’s) ruling on the no-confidence motion that Cabinet is separate from government and should resign has rendered it impossible for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to receive funding for the holding of new elections.

This is according to Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams during the television programme ‘Facing the Nation’ on Friday.

In the Christopher Ram v The Attorney General case, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire had said that Cabinet should have resigned on the night of December 21, 2018, when the motion was declared carried by the Speaker.

Williams has already filed two appeals on the matter, and told the Appellate Court that he is dissatisfied with the decision of the High Court.

The attorney general pointed out further oversight in the decision on Friday, stating: “The opposition has been saying that the government should only have a caretaker role which would really be to pass legislation for funding of the elections, but I don’t know if they realise that if there’s no Cabinet then no financial bills can be taken to the Parliament.”

He referenced Article 171 (2) (ii) of the constitution which states: “Except on the recommendation or with the consent of the Cabinet

Attorney General Basil Williams

signified by a minister, the Assembly shall not –– (a) proceed upon any Bill (including any amendment to a Bill) which, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for any of the following purposes –– … for imposing any charge upon the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund of Guyana or for altering any such charge otherwise than by reducing it…”

In preparation for the 2020 General and Regional Elections and ahead of the no-confidence vote, GECOM was allocated $3B through the 2019 budget for fresh house-to-house registration.

The aim was to ensure that the current list would be in order for the 2020 elections by clearing it of dead persons; persons no longer residing in the country or a

community and ensuring that those now eligible to vote are added to the list.

Since the CJ’s ruling, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has argued that the $3B registration sum could be used to facilitate the new election.

At a previous press conference, he told media operatives that “parliament could legitimately convene”—and the opposition would attend-on the basis of passing new laws or supplementary provisions for GECOM. However, Minister Williams pointed out the error in this deduction as such changes would require the involvement of Cabinet, the committee of senior ministers responsible for controlling government policy.

“Of course, if there’s no Cabinet, then no financial

bills can go to the Parliament for passage and therefore no funding could be sought for GECOM and for the holding of elections,” Williams added. “That’s a serious consequence of [the] ruling that Cabinet doesn’t exist.”

Prior to the CJ’s ruling, Williams had submitted to the court that the government cannot operate without a Cabinet and such would be a “recipe for anarchy.”

Members of government have also come out against the remarks of the opposition leader that the government should take on a “caretaker role”, stating that no part of the constitution provides for that.

Williams noted that it is amusing that when the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) sought advice when the opposition — then in government – was faced with a no-confidence motion, they came to the same conclusions as now taken by the government.

As such, he deducted that in order to play a political game, the opposition often makes assertions that contradict their own actions or come sternly against actions of the government that they themselves have taken in the past.

Giving another example, the attorney general said that

the opposition now finds fault with the government’s legal right to appeal the CJ’s ruling on the motion when they themselves have appealed other matters in the past.

“They tend to, on occasions, assert something when they themselves are affected by it,” he said. “I think they sent something to me today purporting to suggest that they’re appealing the GECOM case to the CCJ and yet you hear them arguing as though the chief justice’s decision is the end of everything and final.”

He said that Guyana’s hierarchical court system allows for anyone who is dissatisfied with the decision of a judge to appeal to the Court of Appeal or Full Court and to the CCJ if need be.

Meanwhile, on the matter of holding of elections, Williams stated that any logical person can understand that even if the court says “elections should be held next Friday”, GECOM has to be ready first to so do.

Furthermore, it is on the basis of the advice from GECOM that the President is able to announce an official election date and should the President fix a date and it later cannot be realised, this becomes a state of emergency.

“GECOM really is the

real crucial factor in the holding of elections and therefore they have a duty to ensure that elections are fair and clean. To have clean elections you have to look at the registration process and you have to purge the list of dead people and people who are not registered in accordance with the laws governing registration,” Williams said.

At the most recent GECOM press briefing, it was stated that the secretariat would need 148 days to put all necessary systems in place for the holding of elections.

Although the days are winding down within the 90-day timeframe, the commission has not given the secretariat the approval to go into operations mode.

The current state of affairs has seen the comm i s s i o n ’s O p e r a t i o n s Sub-Committee being granted additional time to discuss the various possible timelines for elections, after which they are to meet on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 for a final pronouncement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

CSME vital to Caribbean development IN the 19th century, after the end of the colonial wars of the 18th century, the European empires in the Caribbean entered into a period of stability. But it was a stability that was due to inertia and neglect, since the West Indian colonies had ceased to have the importance they once had to their mother countries, in particular Britain and France. And after World War II, these colonial powers decided to grant their colonies independence.

The first effort by Britain to begin its withdrawal began with the establishment of the West Indies Federation, but this Federation lasted only four years. After that experience, both the local West Indian politicians and Britain felt that granting independence to each colony was the preferred option and by the end of the 1960s, all the British colonies except Montserrat had gained their independence. But independence was no panacea and West Indian politicians were now faced with all the problems -- social, economic and political -- which the departing colonial powers had bequeathed to them.

At this time, fortunately, the West Indies was blessed with a number of able and imaginative leaders who realised that the West Indian colonies could not stand individually alone in a globalised world and that they had to cooperate, or even be unified. Unification was difficult because there were strong provincialisms in each former colony but these, however, were counterbalanced by the overarching understanding that the Region

was a Culture Nation.

Accordingly, led by LFS Burnham of Guyana, Eric Williams of Trinidad, Norman and Michael Manley of Jamaica and Grantley Adams of Barbados, the leaders decided to form the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), which was a basic Customs Union. This was succeeded by the CSME (Caribbean Single Market and Economy), which was intended to bring about a deeper economic unity. Burnham, Williams and the Manleys had felt that a Customs Union and closer economic integration would eventually result in a unified Caribbean and their efforts and analyses could not be faulted. The CSME, after an enthusiastic and impacting beginning was however gradually overtaken by inertia after the disappearance off the scene of these great leaders, Our present Caribbean leaders now feel the need for an active and revived CSME and they have been making efforts which they admit to be too slow; and at the last meeting of the CSME held in Trinidad and Tobago last December, they declared they would move forward relentlessly, fully effectuating the goals of the CSME. The initial focus of the CSME was to liberalise trade in goods among member countries, that is a basic Customs Union, but this was to be expanded to include services, free movement of capital, skilled labour, and the freedom to establish business enterprises anywhere within the 15-member grouping.

The December CSME meeting in Trinidad and Tobago was chaired by the Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Before the July, 2018 summit in Jamaica, the Jamaica Parliament had passed a resolution of the need of CARICOM member states to make a clear commitment to establishing a single market “ with a specific time-bound, measurable and verifiable programme of action to fulfil all outstanding obligations within a period of five years.” In keeping with this resolution, Prime Minister Holness, as Chairman of the December CSME meeting, called upon member states to take decisive action to transform the CSME into a facility that will truly serve the interests of the Caribbean people. “We will call upon all member states”, he appealed “ to summon the necessary political will and determination to ensure that programmes and initiatives are strategically focused and geared towards meeting an ambitious process of reform.”

It is generally agreed that the CSME has been badly underachieving. Some officials at both the CARICOM Secretariat and in the various national governments have been blaming the politicians for being lackadaisical; but recently, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley has blamed some officials for the deadweight. She indicated with some emphasis that in some quarters of officialdom there were psychological impediments and closed mind-sets which result in sometimes decisions not being worked out before hand and the recording of decisions often

not being clear and precise. She added . . . “these decisions fall victim to bureaucratic inertia and resistance from those who did not participate meaningfully in their design, or have not been fully enlightened as to their positive purpose.” Both positions have some merit, but it is only by strong political will that the CSME would be able to break out of this dead end.

Before the July 2018 summit in Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness had appointed a CARICOM Review Commission under the chairmanship of Bruce Golding, former prime minister. That commission recommended among other things, that the CARICOM Treaty should be amended to institutionalise involvement of the private sector and the labour movement and Prime Minister Mottley supported the idea. We are of the view that the induction of the private sector and the labour movement into CSME would more quickly revivify it.

Very often, CARICOM leaders are distracted from focusing on the CSME, by the problems of their individual territories. To overcome this, we are of the opinion that every Caribbean territory should establish a special sub-ministry or department to deal with CSME and CARICOM affairs and to be able to be in touch with each other. Once the CSME becomes proactive, the importance of its achievements to the Caribbean would be unfolded and its vital importance to Caribbean life recognised.

Retain James and scrutinise Sittlington

Dear Editor

THE President David Granger-led coalition needs to move swiftly to halt Sittlington’s ambitions to set up a private company in this country. At the same time, they need to scrutinise Sittlington’s connections with a view to seeing whether an offer for re-employment at SOCU is in the best interest of the unit.

Moreover, there needs to be urgent investigation of threats to James and her family’s safety and an offer to retain her services with obligations to provide her with heightened security.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan’s interest in retaining the services

of the sacked fraud expert, Dr. Sam Sittlington, may be perceived as his unadulterated desire to see the work of SOCU advance under the competent guidance of a trained, experienced professional.

As such, it is incumbent upon him to ensure that Sittlington has no clandestine motivations for registering his own private fraud company, while undertaking an assignment for the UK Government to offer technical assistance to SOCU. At the same time that SOCU lost Sittlington, it also lost Sheronie James, Deputy Head of the Unit, who resigned because of a desire to avoid compromising her “commitments to obligations of confidentiality and

non-disclosure”, according to her statement.

She also revealed that the allegations of her refusing to present her credentials were false, and both Minister Ramjattan and Sidney James, Head of SOCU, had been shown evidence of her professional qualifications from a reputable British university.

James was a high- contributing resource to the investigative work of SOCU, enabling the unit to receive significant mutual assistance cooperation from third countries in its pursuit of financial crimes committed against the people of Guyana and relentlessly pursuing evidence of acts of international cross- border financial transactions done by former public officials, even in the face of threats to her life.

With the same noble desire to safeguard the work of SOCU, Minister Ramjattan needs to actively investigate who is pressuring James to disclose sensitive information and who is threatening her life and the lives of her family members.

He should also offer to retain her services with a Government of Guyana contract as he has expressed the desire to do for Sittlington. Both these individuals possess the expertise that the fledgling Guyanese Anti-corruption unit can ill afford to lose at a time when James claims that “SOCU’s hard work is about to bear fruit”.

Regards Phyllis J. Jordan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Gov’t needs to take control of GRDB Dear Editor,

GUYANA’s rice has once again been placed in the glare of regional scrutiny, less than three months after several containers of rice were rejected by Panama for failing to meet stipulated requirements.

My husband is a small rice farmer and these occurrences cause me and my family considerable worry and anger at the same time, because we understand the deceptive intentions of the PPP in the GRDB are written all over this.

Mr Editor, the facts are clear: leading PPP operatives at the GRDB are carrying out a rather successful plan to sabotage the coalition government through GRDB and Ministry of Agriculture. Everything is being done to fool the rice farmers into believing that the government is not on their side and that the government is spitefully messing up the rice industry.

In the meantime, it’s a few big ones in the PPP

who have always been taking advantage of the rice farmers and getting filthy rich off the sweat of poor farmers. They have continued to do so even after 2015 with corrupt shipments of rice and all manner of things. These PPP big wigs have always used GRDB as a cash cow and continue to get rich by the day. However, they are telling us hard-working rice farmers that it is the coalition government that is not doing anything for us and want to see rice fail. They are holding back our good rice and sending unfit rice to Panama, Jamaica and other places while making millions of U.S. dollars. These bold-faced PPP people are now telling us as we face elections that the government has messed up rice and already many of the rice farmers who voted for the coalition in 2015 are believing them because they don’t know better.

Mr Editor, the only person at SOCU who was investigating these corrupt acts that the PPP committed and continue to commit

against us struggling rice farmers by the PPP in GRDB was Ms Sherronie James from SOCU. Ms James was discovering all the truth about what is really going on and seeing the tricks that the PPP is doing in the rice industry.

When the truth would have emerged, many in the PPP would run and hide their faces in shame and never be able to face us again. The rice farmers would have realised the true colours of the PPP and how much advantage the PPP took on us poor rice farmers. The rice farmers would never vote for the PPP again.

If Ms James does not return to SOCU, it will be a sad day for Guyana and it will prove that the government and the PPP are playing political games and are not serious about corruption. Does this government intend to allow the GRDB fraud cases to fail? Does this coalition government that many rice farmers took a chance and supported in 2015 let us down?

Where are the voices of activists like Jin-

nah Rahaman and Sharma who know fully well about the corruption at GRDB and how the PPP benefitted and continue to benefit off the backs of poor rice farmers, whilst blaming the coalition government for the plight of the rice farmers. Are they not going to speak up now?

Many struggling rice farmers are looking at the actions of this government and we are angry that they are letting us poor rice farmers down.

I for one will not vote with my family for this APNU +AFC government if they allow the PPP to get away with this sin against the thousands of rice farmers in Guyana.

Ms James was doing a great job at SOCU. Mr Ramjattan, let her complete her work and allow the chips to fall where they fall.

Regards Nadia Singh

Vote with your paws, pockets and pittance Dear Editor,

ing economies last year. “I do not know much about business, but what I do know is that MAY the readers read these words care- elections are bad for business, since by their fully. “While I acknowledge Rickford nature, the election process can be divisive Burke‘s right to his opinion and his right resulting in instability, which can negatively to free expression, I am nevertheless deep- affect investments. The PPP-PSC had stated ly concerned that our government would in 2015, when the PPP was in power, that condone and endorse this message. election would not be in the best interest I am alarmed that the government would of the economy. Let’s assume the economy allow this type of divisive message to be then, which I doubt since Guyana was esspread locally in our nation’s national news- sentially a narco-state with massive money papers, the Guyana Chronicle!” laundering, in essence, a black economy, was That’s Gerry Gouveia on social media doing well as it is doing now. Then if elecbeing emotionally distressed with Rickford tions were bad for the illegal black economy Burke’s letter to the printed media, titled then why are they good for it now?

“The PSC has become a partisan political The answer is there for all to see. For the entity.” Mr. Burke argued a strong legal case PPP-PSC, this is not about the economy. This for economic boycott of businesses support- is not about Guyanese. This is about them, ing the PPP-PSC. going back to the status quo of 2015,when Gerry believes that only the private sec- money laundering and a narco-state where tor clowns should have a megaphone. I am oligarchs flourished while the poor masses surprised he hadn’t used his favourite word, in Babu-Jaan, Linden, Buxton, Berbice, “diaspora.”

Georgetown etc suffered, living in shacks Gerry may be mindful of reading a few while the PPP-PSC swim in oil money in books on American history which was dupli- their mansions, swimming pools and private cated around the world, that is, the right of jets. the people to choose where and when they It is for this reason that I join Rickford spend their hard-earned dollars. Economic Burke in encouraging all Guyanese to first do boycott is the name. It was not divisive then. their own research. Read, be informed. Don’t It cannot be divisive now. Just as Gerry-- and take our word at face value. Don’t take the by extension the PSC-- has a “right” to be the PPP-PSC word as face value. If after your remouthpiece of the PPP, Guyanese do have a search you arrive at the same conclusions as right to decide who they financially support. us, then I encourage all races to protest with Many of all six races in Guyana have their pockets those businesses that support lived through the painful destruction and the PPP-PSC. Vote with your paws, pockets murder under the PPP. The emotional and pittance. and economic wounds are still raw. For a It is not Gerry’s money as he may wish non-profit organisation to be supporting the you to believe. It is your money to choose inflictors of those wounds is not only to add where, when and how you will spend salt to the emotional lacerations, but also it. Poor people wake up. to try to place that very salt in their eyes, robbing them of that right to see what is the Regards PPP-PSC ulterior motive.

Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP Editor, it was only Thursday that the Pres(UK) FRCP(Edin) ident of the Caribbean Development Bank Consultant, Acute Medicine (CDB), Dr. William Warren Smith, had this Nottingham University Hospital to say, “Guyana was one of the fastest-growUK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Nursery schools ‘saved the best for last’ – as Region Four closes off 2019 Children’s Mashramani Competition

Pupils of Triumph Nursery, winner of the Choir category, posing along with Nursery School officer, Ms. Shemline Batson-Andrews

AS the curtain for the 2019 Region Four Children’s Mashramani Competition concluded on Friday, the nursery schools gave credence to the term ‘saving the best for last’.

The nursery school children came out in large numbers to represent their schools with the final day of competition being held at the Enmore Community Centre ground.

Several parents and well-wishers were also in attendance to encourage and witness the children as they competed in several categories. The children poured their hearts out in their performances with many cheering and encouraging the evidently brave children on their performances which brought many sitting in the stands to their feet and others moving unto

The children of Clonbrook Nursery, winner of the Religious Dance category, as they receive their trophy from Nursery School Officer, Ms. Shemline Batson-Andrews

the ground closer to the stage as they sought to get a better glimpse of what was happening.

The children, who came from as far as Clonbrook Nursey on the East Coast to Silver Hill Nursery, turned out early to play their part in a very packed programme.

Lending valuable support were teachers from the respective schools with a number of parents lending

Pupils of May 26 Nursery, winner of the Ring Dance category, posing with Nursery Officer, Elly Peterkin

support as well.

The crowd, eager to witness the Dance, Costume and Calypso categories, were content to wait as the competition started with the Choir competition.

The results are as follows: in the Choir category, Triumph nursery reigned supreme over the other schools with East Ville and Friendship taking second and third respectively. The Dramatic Poetry category saw some 15 contestants with many bringing their A game. However, in the end, Samuel Gillis of Timehri had to settle for third with Annandale North’s Amika Persaud occupying the second position and Prospect’s Kai Cummings coming out

on top for that category.

In the Games–Rhythm and Movement category, Beterverwagting Nursery took first with second and third place going to the May 26 and Blossom Scheme Nursery respectively. In the Costume category, Pinola Nursery was too strong for the other school with second place being occupied

by Company Road Buxton Nursery and third place going to Dorcas Nursery School.

In the Calypso category, Lenee Gulliver with Oil on we Mind represented Nabaclis Nursery really well, winning the crowd and judges’ nod. Second place was taken

by Kiara Tucker of Triumph Nursery while Shania

Cain of Strathspey Nursery, singing Guyanese enjoy the spree through Mashramani, placed third.

In the masquerade category, Ann’s Grove Nursery’s Little Warriors captured this category. In the Dance category, it was intense showing by the 20 schools which competed in Religious and Rig Dance.

Clonbrook Nursery took first place in the Religious category with Haslington and May 26 rounding off the second and third places respectively. Meanwhile, in the Ring dance, May 26 took first with Eccles Nursery being awarded second place and Gandhi Memorial Nursery capturing third.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Region 10 REO laments plight of Christianburg teachers, students situation escalates, he urged the Ministry of Education and the RDC councillors to look into the matter.

No money was allocated in the 2019 budget for rebuilding of the Christianburg school, or to even accommodate major repairs.

Parents have also expressed their frustration about the matter, even taking it as far as complaining to President David Granger at his latest community and open meeting visit to Linden, last November. The parents noted that their children are being bullied and intimidated by the students and teachers

The Christianburg Primary School, Linden, Region 10

By Vanessa Braithwaite REGIONAL Executive Officer of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), Orrin Gordon, believes there is an urgent need for

re-opening of the Christianburg Primary School in Linden, as students and teachers who are temporarily housed at the St. Aidan’s Primary School, are being seen an intruders.

Gordon, speaking at last Thursday’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting, noted that there is a culture rift between the teachers and students of the two schools and before the

Dr Kennedy still NA Hospital CEO – Director, Region 6 Regional Health Services

Director of Regional Health Services Region 6, Jevaughn Andrew Stephen.

THE Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported that Director of Regional Health Services, Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne), Jevaughn Andrew Stephen on Friday last refuted statements published in several media outlets stating,“CEO of the New Amsterdam Hospital fired.”

At a press conference

held Friday morning at the Regional Health Services, Stephen noted that Samantha Kennedy who was appointed approximately two months ago to fill the post of acting chief executive officer at the New Amsterdam Hospital, “Still serves in that capacity and has not been fired.”

The release said that according to Stephen, the statement was made by a Peo-

ple’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) regional councillor Zamal Hussain, on Thursday, February 8, 2019 during the Regional Democratic Council’s statutory meeting.

However, the director pointed out that he could not have refuted the claim at that moment, because he is only allowed to speak at the RDC meeting when permitted by the regional chairman.

Stephen said a few minutes prior to Friday’s press conference, he was involved in a meeting with the Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Samantha Kennedy and other doctors and regional executives. Stephen noted that during the meeting, Dr. Kennedy pledged to continue working towards setting standards at the New Amsterdam Hospital in order to better serve the residents of East Berbice- Corentyne.

Recently, a protest led by the same councillor was held in front of the New Amsterdam Hospital calling on the Ministry of Public Health to remove Dr. Kennedy from her position.

of the St. Aidan’s Primary and are not given access to the facilities of the school, such as the playground. One parent also highlighted that it is a financial burden to have the children transported to St Aidan’s, which is located in Blue Berry Hill and while the RDC did provide transportation, it was not adequate for all the children. In addition, the classrooms in which they (pupils) are currently accommodated are deemed unsafe, since a snake was found in the classroom by a student last year. Christianburg is one of the oldest schools in Linden and was deemed unsafe

9

for use as it was suspected to be sinking. At the recently held ministerial outreach in Linden, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan visited the school at the request of parents in the area, who also highlighted the above- mentioned issues.

According to the RDC councillor in the area, Jordan indicated that the school needs to be evaluated as it seems to still be sinking. Jordan promised to have a structural engineer examine the school to find out whether it can be repaired, or if it requires rebuilding .

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Teenagers making decisions about sex IT is time for the parents of teenage children to ‘wise up’ and stop deluding themselves: teenagers are thinking about sex and some of them are even discussing it with their friends. You may

say to yourself, ‘I’m sure many teenagers do, but not ‘my child.’ However, are you 100 per cent sure about that? There really is nothing new or strange about teenagers being cu-

rious about sex, it can be considered a natural part of both their physical and psychological development, so don’t be alarmed.

What is strange however, is the fact that even though

times have changed and there is so much information at our fingertips, parents are still failing to talk to their teenagers about contraception. But when you consider the fact that teenagers are not only thinking and talking about sex, many are also sexually active, it’s apparent that for some parents, a talk about contraception may be long overdue.

There are parents who feel that such a talk is tantamount to telling young people that it is alright to have sex once they use ‘protection.’ But surveys (carried out in the U.S.A.) disproves this myth. Any talk about contraception should always commence with the salient reasons why young people should abstain from early sexual activity (in particular unprotected sex).

Three good reasons are: One, early sexual activity has an emotional, psychological and mental impact on young people and this can take precedence over their childhood, their education and outlook on life. Two, early sexual activity could be a precursor to promiscuous behaviour: eventually branding the young person with an unsavoury reputation, and, Three, early sexual activity can lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, (STIs) such as HIV. Many young lives in Guyana have been devastated because a teenager fell foul to one, or more of, the above circumstances.

Lack of parental guidance and support is a major factor in many cases.

Parents can speak to their teens not only about contraception, but about relationships on the whole. For

instance, they can discuss the importance of building meaningful relationships and being faithful to one partner. Young people should be taught self-respect as well as how to respect others. Teenagers need time to develop and flourish, but many of them do not know this, and if parents do not take the time to teach these and other core values, there is a good chance that their children will miss out on many important factors of life. Alternatively, they may learn about them either too late, or from the wrong person in the wrong way.

The most effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancies or STIs, is for young people to abstain from sexual intercourse. If there was a way to ensure that all teenagers did this and remained focused on their education, life would be simple and straight forward. But the fact remains that while some are making a logical choice to delay, others are indulging.

Data from the Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) shows that a large percentage of young clients visit their facilities firstly for counselling and contraceptives and secondly, that the most used contraceptive is the condom.

Adults make mistakes; they also make bad choices and participate in reckless behaviour, so why should we expect anything more from young people who are still developing? They have yet to reach a stage of maturity and along with that hopefully, a sense of responsibility.

The most any adult can do is speak openly to young people and arm them with relevant, sensible information that will

help them understand that they have options: and while abstinence is the safest choice for teenagers, contraception (condoms) reduces the risks of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Once they are given the facts, young people can expand on the information and learn more as they develop and grow, enabling them to make positive choices for their sense of well-being and their future.

One thing is for sure: parents cannot be there to hold their child’s hand everyday of their lives, neither can they monitor or control what young people do or how they think. It therefore pays to be realistic; nowadays, children are definitely learning more about the rudiments of life at a younger age. They are learning from their peers, they are learning from the television, the music on mini-buses and the never-ending array of images and paraphernalia they are exposed to online.

Unless they are receiving the necessary nurturing, care and attention from their parents/caregivers and communities, they can easily be influenced. Teaching teenagers about contraception is simply a precautionary measure to further protect our young people, and we need to keep protecting them and finding different ways to do so, by all means necessary.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Agency Hotline on 227 0797 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

National Library launching ‘Smart Skills Programme’ THE National Library will be piloting a “Smart Skills Programme” to improve functional literacy in the employable age group.

The goal is to expose and teach individuals between the ages of 17-35 years how to effectively apply literacy skills with confidence and have less dependency on others for assistance. This programme would be launched on February 26, 2019 at 14:00hrs in the Conference Room of the National Library, a release said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

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CDB talks up private /public –– says key for national development partnerships FOR Guyana and its Caribbean neighbours to be able to attract global investors, governments must improve their private sector relationships and ultimately their Doing Business Environment.

This is according to the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB’s) Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram and Regional Head of Private /Public Partnership (PPP) Brian Samuel.

The two spoke to the newspaper on Thursday at the bank’s Annual News Conference on Thursday in Barbados.

Providing statistics, Dr. Ram stated that 10 years ago, the CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) had an average ease of doing business rank of 81 out of 181 countries.

Now, the most recent Doing Business report shows that the Region has declined significantly to an average ranking of 126 out of 191 countries.

“We’ve been moving in the wrong direction,” Dr Ram said. “It’s time for us to put a stop to that trend and to begin moving back up that scale so that we can be competitive globally. So that global investors, domestic investors can look at the Caribbean as a place where they can do business and earn good rates of return.”

The economist stressed that for some time the CDB has been advocating for private sector-led growth in the Region, which will bring overall improvement to the Doing Business environment.

Giving an example, he stated that Jamaica is one country which implemented a number of reforms in this regard just about five years ago and now boasts a very robust private sector.

“If we want to see the private sector be the engine of growth within our economies, it’s important that we make it easier for the private sector to do business within our economies. That’s why in all of our interventions, particularly around policy-based loans, the interventions around MSMEs for example, we emphasise the need for government to reduce regulations to make it easier for businesses to be set up so that if an entrepreneur wants to establish a business in your country, that that process is not onerous and

CBD economist Dr. Justin Ram can be done in a very quick time,” Dr Ram said.

He noted that it should also be made easier for businesses to pay taxes and to import and export goods out of the port, which are all factors that will have a lasting impact on the doing business environment.

He stated that while there have been improvements in some countries, there is still a long way to go.

IMPROVEMENTS According to the World Bank Doing Business Report 2019, Guyana has improved in areas of registering property; enforcing contracts; starting a business; paying taxes and dealing with construction permits, but slid eight places globally, from 126 to 134.

The country fell short in the area of the supply and reliability of getting electricity and the transparency of the tariff index, which highly contributed to its drop in the ranking.

The report reflects reforms implemented before May 2018.

Speaking with the newspaper on the sideline, Regional Head of PPP Brian Samuel agreed that Guyana is gradually making progress in this regard.

He stated that in 2018, the CDB provided assistance to the Government of Guyana in drafting and adopting a Public-Private See page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

$19M Wakapao bridge to benefit 350 residents

THE community of Wakapao in Region Two, Pomeroon-Supenaam now boasts a newly constructed wooden bridge, equipped with steel rails and solar lights through a project undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

According to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), the project was recently undertaken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and was executed at a cost of $19M. The Wakapao residents, especially women who fetch

farm produce and children attending school, are very relieved since the bridge serves as a main access on their daily route. For many years, villagers traversed between the two islands of Mairi to Boroda, walking on logs.

Later a small wooden bridge

only two feet wide was built, but it became dilapidated and caused several injuries.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) recently visited the community and spoke with some of the residents.

Orlinda Richards told

The newly constructed bridge at Wakapao the DPI of her unfortunate incident. “Crossing with my load from Myrie to Boroda my foot went through the old bridge, it was so painful… when my foot passed through the bridge I couldn’t pull it back out because it was stuck… when it (eventually) came out it was bleeding heavily …it was rough for the next three months and I had five children to send to school – two at secondary and three at primary…. for 28 years I’ve been in this community and I never seen development, but thank God today that I can see this bridge,” she related.

Following her unfortunate accident, the Wakapoa residents collaborated and made the decision to use social media as a platform to highlight their problem.

The release noted that resident Joyce Fredricks, who was one of those persons said, “We came together and we also prayed about

it. Eventually, we got word that persons were coming to inspect the walkway…. and that led to us getting our new bridge and I’m so thankful.”

Oscar Phillips, another farmer and member of the village who is also pleased with the new bridge said: “It will really be a benefit for us because I know the bridge is a really nice gateway from this community of Boroda end to Myrie, and from my part actually about two miles from here and it will really facilitate me to go and do my farm work.”

According to Toshao of Wakapao Howard Cornelius, it was announced at the 2018 Toshao’s conference that the construction of the new bridge would be undertaken by the Infrastructure Ministry. Cornelius also noted that several residents from the community gained employment through the project.

“We thank the government for being proactive and funding this bridge”

CDB talks up ...

From page 11

Partnership (PPP) policy, which is now becoming active.

“We went down there a few times, we met with the government; we met with the government, private sectors and stakeholders and the government has adopted the PPP policy and is now in process of establishing a PPP unit within the Ministry of Finance and is actively promoting some projects,” Samuel said.

To date, there are more than 16 PPPs which the government is committed to utilising to help build the country’s economy, applied to the infrastructural sector in particular areas of electricity, telecommunications, water, transport and solid waste.

Key areas of development include the Demerara Harbour Bridge; the Linden- Lethem road link; the deep-water harbour and container port; the mini and maxi hydro plants and energy farms; the modernisation and dredging of port Georgetown and more.

Speaking further on the importance of such a policy, Samuels added: “It will give confidence to investors that Guyana is serious about this. Guyana’s private sector is nascent I would say. It’s not as thriving as for example, the private sector in Jamaica.

But, when we had the discussions with the private sector, I was so impressed with the representatives that we met with because they’re anxious to get on board; they want to do more.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

UG bomb suspect charged –– to make court appearance today

THE University of Guyana (UG) student arrested in relation to alleged bomb threats made at the university last week is expected to appear in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court today, to answer to the charge of misuse of a telecommunication device.

The charge comes under the Telecommunications Act of Guyana and states, that a person found guilty for false or dangerous telecommunications can be liable on summary conviction to up to $2M in fines and six months imprisonment.

According to Article 71 (1) of the Act: “A person who, by means of a telecommunications network or a telecommunications service, willfully circulates or otherwise transmits any telecommunication that is false, deceptive or misleading, or that materially endangers the physical safety of any other person, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than $250,000 dollars nor more than two million dollars and, to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months.”

On February 5 and 6, 2019, bomb threats were reportedly made to the university’s Turkeyen Campus, forcing the cancellation of classes. Classes are expected to resume today.

The Police Force, through its commissioner, deputy crime chief and a team of officers, met with members of the UG administration and days later arrested UG student, Sheliza Jafferally.

According to a source, based on the investigations conducted by the police, a

telephone number belonging to the student is linked to the number from which the bomb threats allegedly were made to the university.

Jafferally, who goes by the nickname ‘Shelly’, is the niece of former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Region Six Member of Parliament (MP) and current Region Five Campaign Manager Faizal Jafferally.

The university’s administration following the scares had shut its doors. The threats came even as a string of online threats directed at several city schools have been ongoing for weeks.

These threats were initially made against the School of the Nations, and resulted in the school’s director being shot in both arms while he was entering his home.

The threats to the university were taken seriously as students and staff evacuated campus, while a $1M reward has been offered, for anyone with information regarding the threats made to School of the Nations.

The Guyana Chronicle had reported last week that there were concerns about the rhetoric of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, expressing that there would be no business as usual while threatening to “ratchet up” the pressure on the government and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) over the holding of early elections.

On the same day that Jagdeo made the threats, there was a bomb threat at the University of Guyana.

Asked to respond to this apparent coincidence on Thursday at his news conference, Jagdeo brushed aside

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the concerns saying that the “PPP was taking the high moral ground”.

He said that his party was not preaching violence or polarisation, “That

is where we will always stand”.

According to an online news agency, the family of Jafferally noted that the young lady vehemently de-

nies making the threat.

The family has hired an attorney to clear her name and believes that the public is too hasty to cast judgement on the young woman.

Sheliza Jaffarally, called “Shelly”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Minister Norton commits to working with Port Mourant youth centre

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton On Thursday led a team to Port Mourant, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), to address some of the issues facing young people there, the Department of Public Information reported.

In a news bulletin, the

visit to the region, Minister Norton toured the centre and expressed satisfaction at what he saw.

“This is a beautiful building. I am very impressed with it and I am certain that the ministry will be able to utilise it to have a positive impact on the community,” Dr. Norton said.

During the discussions,

Minister Norton and his team receiving a tour of the youth-friendly centre owned

by Humanitarian Mission Inc.

portance of youth entrepreneurship, explaining how unrealistic it is for persons to expect the government to provide jobs for all eligible Guyanese.

“This is why we are working so very tirelessly to provide young people with the tools needed for them to start their own businesses and create their own jobs,” Minister Norton noted.

Leslyn Boyce, delivering a very comprehensive presentation, spoke on the programmes being offered by the Department of Youth – from the residency training at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre to the Youth Innovation Programme, which affords young people the opportunity to benefit from grants to kickstart their own businesses.

“As a feature of the Youth Innovation Programme, we have placed mentors in every region to help interested persons with crafting proper proposals, and fulfil all the requirements needed to access up to $2M in funding for their respective projects,” Boyce disclosed.

In the national bud-

DPI said that the team, which included Regional Executive Officer Kim Williams-Stephen, Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce and Technical Officer within the Department of Social Cohesion, Pamela Nauth, met with over two dozen young people at Ankerville, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne.

According to the DPI report, the decision to conduct the outreach was taken at a meeting Minister Norton held with members of a U.S.-based charity called Humanitarian Mission Incorporated, only two days prior.

The organisation’s Chairman Suresh Sugrim informed Minister Norton that the charity owns and runs a youth-friendly centre in Port Mourant that could be of use to the ministry.

The DPI reported that Dr. Norton accepted the offer to utilise the facility and directed the Department of Youth to examine programmes that can be immediately rolled out at the location. During his

get for 2019, programmes aimed at developing and empowering Guyana’s youth population secured an allocation of $1B. “Of that money, $70M has been allotted to the Youth Innovation Programme. I encourage you to apply. We will help with whatever we can. We can’t

it was decided that training in the areas of plumbing and welding would be suitable additions to the programmes of the centre, which currently offers classes in literacy, cooking, garment construction and information technology.

“I want to congratulate Mr. Sugrim for his dedication towards keeping this centre up and running.

Your commitment to the youths of this community is admirable, and I want to assure you that you now have the full support of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. We are here to help you in whatever way we can. Together, I am certain that we will be able to make a difference in the lives of young people in Region Six. Let us start here,” Mr. Norton charged.

Mr. Sugrim was tasked with presenting a budget to the Department of Youth as soon as possible, so as to finalise funding for the new programmes.

“We are hoping to begin

these training within the next two weeks. One of the things that we would want to put in place before we begin is proper accreditation.

At the end of the programmes, we want every participant to be able to earn a meaningful certificate that can be used as a tool to better their lives,” Ms. Boyce said.

reach every young person, so spread the word. All you have to do is reach out to us.

We are here to help you,” Boyce urged.

With regard to some other minor matters that were raised, the REO Williams-Stephen pledged the regional administration’s support towards ensuring that these are resolved.

‘STRONGER WHEN UNITED’ Meanwhile, Technical Officer of the Department of Social Cohesion, Pamela Nauth, spoke extensively on the importance of building strong partnerships and encouraged the youths to be each other’s keepers.

“What we see here today is the realisation of a partnership which will improve the lives of youths in this and neighbouring villages.

This is just a small indicator of the prosperity we can achieve if all Guyanese came together and work towards the development of our country and its people.

This is what we call Social Cohesion,” Ms. Nauth stressed.

cially, emotionally, in or relationships, at work, etc.

Oftentimes these issues take a toll on our mental health and it prevents us from achieving our true potential.

We are humans; it is how we were conditioned. But I want you to rest assured that no matter how bad a day may seem, it will get better, and talking about it helps,” Nauth said.

“Sometimes all we need is someone to listen; someone to say that they understand what we are going through, so that we are reminded that we are not alone. We all have problems affecting us; we just have different ways of dealing with them. A healthy way is to talk to somebody; and there are many, many helplines that you can call. I will provide a list of numbers before we leave here today, and I want you to share it with your friends and family,” Ms. Nauth encouraged.

In bringing the curtain down on the engagement, Sugrim thanked the team for the prompt response to the community.

“I am very happy that within a matter of two days,

The Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton and his team pose with some of the participants of last Thursday’s engagement to address issues facing young people in Port Mourant, Region Six.

UNEMPLOYMENT Following a lengthy discussion with the youths on Thursday, it was realised that the biggest issue affecting youths in Port Mourant was unemployment.

Addressing that topic specifically, Minister Norton elaborated on the im-

MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT Nauth, a human rights activist, also underscored the need for young people to pay attention to their mental health.

“As human beings, we are all faced with problems and challenges – finan-

we are able to streamline plans to address the concerns of youths in Port Mourant.

I wholeheartedly thank Minister Norton and his team for all the initiatives taken here today, and I look forward to seeing this community reaping the fruits of today’s engagements,” Mr. Sugrim said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

Soca fever sends Lindeners into frenzy

By Vanessa Braithwaite

Singing sensation Vanilla in her element on Saturday

THE hosting of the Carib Soca Monarch semi-final in Linden drew the largest crowd to one location for 2019.

The colossal crowd, made up of Lindeners who emerged from every nook and cranny to witness the highly anticipated event on the Mashramani 2019 calendar of activities, was not disappointed. The majority of the 17 performances were upbeat, having the crowd on their feet, jumping, waving

Roderick Allicock known as “Static” delivering his song “All out”

and gyrating to the soca beat.

Coupled with this was the bantering and comical commentating by Master of Ceremony Malcolm Ferreira, making up for those artistes who just didn’t make the cut for the night.

The event got off to a late start, but the electrifying and exhilarating performance by popular local artiste Kwasi Ace and See page 16

15

16

Soca fever ...

From page 15

the fame band paved the way for the competitors.

The first two performances by two newcomers Shaima “Sexy Berry” Muna and Melissa Pestano with the stage name “Ms. Finesse”, with their songs “Goddess of Soca” and “I ‘don’t watch no face” respectively, did not receive overwhelming crowd responses, though their background dancers tried their

best to boost the performances.

With no background dancer however, soca veteran Jomo Primo was the third artiste to perform and enlivened the crowd up with the song “Tribute.” With absolutely no costume and no form of assistance to create props needed, he had the crowd on its feet and directed attention to the plethora of instruments on the stage,

since the song is actually about paying tribute to the musical instruments and their operators.

His performance was no surprise, as he has been in this business for years, but according to Linden’s young monarch hopeful Roderick Allicock, known as “Static”, with his song “All out”, he did not hesitate to throw hints to the three- time soca monarch

Lindeners turned out in full numbers at the Carib Soca Monarch semi-final held in the mining town

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019 with his jumpy lyrics, “Tell Jomo to go his way, he old and grey”, which had the crowd swaying with laughter and cheers. Jomo must have felt the same way Jesus felt when the same crowd that welcomed him into Jerusalem, moments after, asked for him to be crucified.

Lindeners showed that they are loyal to their own, as manifested by their overwhelming response to not only “Static,” but to all other the other Lindeners including Lil Colwin with his extraordinary performance of “Full access”, and Collin “Real Proof” Prince with his performance, “Push Back.”

DID NOT DISAPPOINT These Linden artistes did not disappoint on home soil, as they were ranked as some of the best performers for the night; their props with J’Ouvert power, water, fireworks, background dancers with exotic dancing choreography and eye-catching costumes, made the night even more satisfying.

Soca was on fire in Linden and the judges had the time of their lives with the elimination process. Another of the other high-ranking performances for the night was Vanilla’s “One Voice,” which spoke of the need for Guyanese to shun division and live in love and unity; a message very much-needed

Nesta doing her thing on stage now as political tension continues to rise. All of the above-mentioned were among the finalists.

All of those going through to the final, which will be held Saturday, 16, at the National Park are, Jomo, Lil Colywin, Static, Vanilla, Nesta, Sexy Berry, Miss Finesse, True, Ryan T, Real Proof, Passion, Vintage, Natural One, and Stephen Ramphal; of course, reigning Soca Monarch Brandon Harding, will be defending his crown.

“I am not taking anyone lightly. This is a competition and I thrive on competition. I know I am up against the likes of Jomo and Vanilla and Nesta, and there are some really good songs and good talent who are in it to win it; however, the

only person who will beat Brandon is Brandon. I am the problem and the problem is me for Soca Monarch 2019,” he said.

The judges included Narrisa Pearson, Paul Mc Adam, Joel Lee, Dason Anthony, Earl Bishop and Lytton Thompson.

The contestants were judged on the basis of their ability to explore their topics, diction, party appeal, stage performance and crowd response, among others.

The winner will walk away with $1.5 million. The contestant in at second will get $750,000 while the third and fourth-placed winners will receive $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.

A prize of $100,000 is up for grabs for the “Best New- comer.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 11, 2019

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Wood damages Windies batting (REUTERS) - MARK Wood picked up his first five-wicket haul to bowl England into a commanding position on the second day of the third test against West Indies on Sunday.

Wood scooped 5-41 as the visitors bowled out West Indies for 154 for a 123-run first innings lead at Darren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia.

England were 19 without loss in their second innings at the close, an overall lead of 142 runs on an eventful day in which 16 wickets fell.

Brought into the team for the first time this series, Wood offered England genuine pace of more than 90 mph (145 kph).

He had an immediate impact, having Shai Hope (one) and Roston Chase (golden duck) caught at gully off consecutive balls in Gros Islet.

Although he did not complete the hat-trick, Wood struck again soon afterwards when Shimron Hetmyer (eight) edged to first slip.

Wood was not the only England bowler on a hat-trick in the middle session.

Spinner Moeen Ali dismissed openers Kraigg Brathwaite, caught at deep mid-wicket for 12, and John Campbell, lbw for 41, with successive balls.

Campbell’s wicket was particularly important because he was threatening to

compile a big score quickly, scoring the lion’s share of runs in an opening partnership of 57.

Wood continued his carnage after tea when Darren Bravo (six) edged to first slip and he wrapped up the innings by bowling out Shannon Gabriel for four.

Moeen took 4-36, while Stuart Broad chipped in with a wicket, as well as a magnificent one-handed catch at long-off.

Though West Indies have already clinched the series by winning the first two tests, England will take comfort from being in great position to salvage a victory in the finale.

West Indies, however, revealed that while they have an abundance of fast bowlers, their batting can still be brittle.

ROACH STRIKES Earlier, Kemar Roach picked up four wickets as West Indies ripped through the England tail in the first innings.

The second new ball, allied with good bowling and sharp fielding, helped West Indies restrict England’s total to 277.

Gabriel, fastest of West Indies’ four-pronged pace attack, set the skids in motion when he bowled Jos Buttler for 67.

Butler did not add to his

overnight score, and the dismissal ended a 125-run partnership with Ben Stokes that had allowed England to climb out of an early hole.

Stokes went eight overs later for 79, caught when he mistimed a pull shot, and after Moeen (13) and Jonny

SCOREBOARD

England 1st innings (101.5 overs) 277 all out .............................................................

Windies 1st innings Kraigg Brathwaite c James Anderson b Moeen Ali 12 John Campbell lbw Moeen Ali

41 Shai Hope c Rory Burns b Mark Wood

1 Darren Bravo c Joe Root b Mark Wood

6 Roston Chase c Rory Burns b Mark Wood

0 Shimron Hetmyer c Joe Root b Mark Wood

8 Shane Dowrich lbw Stuart Broad

38 Keemo Paul st Jonny Bairstow b Moeen Ali

9 Kemar Roach Not Out

16 Alzarri Joseph c Stuart Broad b Moeen Ali

2 Shannon Gabriel b Mark Wood

4 Extras: 0b 4lb 3nb 0pen 10w

17 Total: (47.2 overs)

154 all out Fall of Wickets : 1-57 Brathwaite, 2-57 Campbell, 3-59 Hope, 4-59 Chase, 5-74 Hetmyer, 6-79 Bravo, 7-104 Paul, 8-145 Dowrich, 9-148 Joseph, 10-154 Gabriel Bowling:

Ov Md Rn Wk Econ Ex James Anderson 9 3 31 0 3.44 1nb Stuart Broad 15 4 42 1 2.80 1w Moeen Ali

15 4 36 4 2.40 Mark Wood 8.2 2 41 5 4.92 1w 2nb .........................................

England 2nd innings Rory Burns Not Out

10 Keaton Jennings Not Out

8 Extras: 0b 0lb 1nb 0pen 0w 1 Total: (10.0 overs)

19-0 Bowling Ov Md Rn Wk Econ Ex Kemar Roach 4 2 4 0 1.00 1nb Shannon Gabriel 3 0 9 0 3.00 Keemo Paul 3 1 6 0 2.00

Lack of funding hampering ... at the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championship where they won, for the first time,

the ‘John Yates Trophy’ and earned the right to be called ‘Caribbean Champs’.

Hercules called 22-players to trials, including former Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers guard, Rawle Marshall, and AEK Athens’ forward, Delroy James.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Sport last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, he revealed “right now, we have some limitations in terms of we have players who are available to travel to come here and join us, but due to funding, the Federation is unable to bring those players.”

Stanton Rose, who was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the CBC tournament, Anthony Moe, Sean Duncan and Kevon Wiggins were the other overseas

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Bairstow (two) went cheaply, West Indies quickly mopped up the tail, picking up the final four wickets for seven runs.

Roach finished with 4-48, while Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph and Keemo Paul collected two wickets apiece.

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FROM PAGE 25

players called by Hercules, but the usually candid coach pointed out “largely, we have five overseas players who are waiting on a word from us with regards to their ticket and right now we are unable to do that, so it’s our hope that at least by Wednesday we can have a word on those players.”

Hercules and the GABF worries when it comes to players making it to the trials is not limited to those overseas, since the homebased players are finding it difficult to take time off from work and not be compensated for their loss of earnings.

According to Hercules, “we have returning players from the championship team who are unable to make trials because of their commitment to work and we’re unable to provide a stipend at this time

to offset the loss of revenue for that period, and hence a player has to choose between work and coming to train.”

The National basketball team’s head coach noted that the financial situation facing the team is unfortunate, especially since Guyana is the current Caribbean Champions; a feat that has never been accomplished before in the country’s history of the sport.

“It’s very discouraging on the part of players knowing that they’re champions and we have to be struggling at this point,” Hercules lamented.

Meanwhile, looking ahead from the two-day trials, Hercules is hoping that this week he will be able to make a final announcement of the players selected.

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guyana CHRONICLE, monday, february 11, 2019

New Zealand end India unbeaten streak

Tsonga wins first ATP title since 2017

(REUTERS) - COLIN Munro struck a 40-ball 72 as New Zealand pipped India by four runs in the third and final Twenty20 international at Hamilton to seal a 2-1 series victory on Sunday.

Dropped for the opening two one-day internationals of New Zealand’s upcoming series against Bangladesh, Munro responded in defiant fashion to help the hosts post a commanding 212 for four wickets after the hosts were asked to bat first.

A 75-run partnership for the second wicket between stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma and Vijay Shankar put India in a strong position but their middle-order failed to capitalise and the tourists finished with 208 for six in 20 overs.

“It was touch and go, but the boys did well to finish it off,” man-of-the-match Munro said. “I came out nice and free, tried to play my game and put pressure on the bowlers. Had my luck, it went my way.”

Munro, who was dropped twice, smashed five boundaries and as many sixes in the company of fellow opener Tim Seifert to lay the foundation for a big total.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The New Zealand team poses with the winners’ trophy © AFP/Getty

SPONSORED Man-of-the-series Seifert, whose big hitting helped inflict an 80-run defeat on India in the opening match, made 43 off 25 balls before being dismissed, but steady contributions by the Kiwi middle order helped them post a big total.

Dinesh Karthik (33 not out) and all-rounder Krunal Pandya (26 not out) flexed

their muscles towards the end but could not get India, who needed 16 off the last over, over the finish line.

“Both teams put in strong performances, we did slightly better,” New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said.

“We travel-train-play and straight into the next series against Bangladesh, that’s the nature of international cricket but the guys

are looking forward to it.”

India earlier won the oneday international series 4-1 and Rohit said there were positives despite defeat in the T20s.

“It would have been nice to fly back with a series win, but yes, lot of positives through the tour, looking forward to heading home and playing Australia,” he said.

Magnum Mash Cup 2019….

Gold is Money, Ansa McAl All-Stars win big

Action in the Magnum Mash Futsal 2019.

FANS that gathered at the National Gymnasium on Saturday night went home with their fill of high octane action with impressive performances from Gold is Money and Ansa McAl All-Stars.

Gold is Money showed no mercy for the hapless California Square, hammering them 7-0, while Ansa Mc Al netted a similar amount of goals in their clash with Agricola, but conceded a goal to crown a fantastic night of

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, Febrary 11, 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) Keith Arthurton; Carlisle Best (2) Alzarri Joseph (WI vs IND, St. Lucia, 2016) Today’s Quiz: (1) What have been WI John Campbell’s scores in his debut Test?

(2) Which WI bowler has sent down most overs in a Test innings to date? How many?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

action.

Appearing in the final encounter of the evening, Gold is Money, led by a hattrick of goals from Michael Pedro and a brace from Randolph Wagner, clearly demonstrated why they are considered firm favourites to clinch the title.

Colin Nelson and Philip Rowley supported with a goal apiece.

Ansa Mc Al opened the night’s proceedings with a sublime display against Agricola which was spearheaded by a treble off the boots of Delroy Deen, while Reon Hopkinson and Akin Curry each fired in a pair.

Also in winners’ row were Sophia, Stabroek Bal-

lers, Showstoppers, North Ruimvedt, Tiger Bay and Back Circle.

Complete Results: ● Ansa McAl-- 7 vs Agricola-1 ● Sophia-- 5 vs Rhythm Ballers-1 ● Stabroek Ballers-- 2 vs Capital Strikers-0 ● Melanie-- 0 vs Kingston-0 ● Showstoppers-- 3 vs Island All-Stars-2 ● Alexander Village--1 vs Hustlers-1 ● Silver Bullets-- 0 vs Tiger Bay-3 ● Back Circle-- 3 vs North East La Penitence-1 ● Gold is Money-- 7 vs California Square-0

(BBC) - JO-WILFRIED Tsonga won his first ATP title since 2017, beating fellow Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4 6-2 to win the Open Sud de France in Montpellier.

Herbert, the seventh seed, was aiming for his first ATP singles title, but Tsonga only dropped four points on his serve.

The 33-year-old was only in Montpellier courtesy of a wildcard.

His last victory was in Antwerp in October 2017.

Elsewhere, Britain’s Cameron Norrie lost to Brazilian Rogerio Dutra da Silva in the final qualifying round for the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires.

Having won the first set 7-6 (8-6), Norrie lost a second set tie-break 7-3 before Da Silva won the final set 6-2.

In the Sofia Open final, third seed Daniil Medvedev of Russia beat Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 6-4 6-3.

Aguero nets hat-trick as City routes Chelsea (REUTERS) - MANCHESTER City’s on-fire striker Sergio Aguero struck his second hattrick in a week as the champions ruthlessly destroyed woeful Chelsea in a 6-0 win at The Etihad on Sunday to return to the top of the Premier League.

While Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday cut short talk of title run-in nerves on Merseyside this City victory, achieved with some glorious football against a top six opponent, was an emphatic statement.

In the past week City have beaten Arsenal at home and Everton away before taking Maurizio Sarri’s side to pieces with four goals in the opening 25 minutes.

“Incredible week, incredible game,” said manager Pep Guardiola.

“To score six against Chelsea and the way we played, we had so much attention (to de-

tail). We did it, it’s an incredible compliment to the players, they are outstanding,” added the Spaniard.

City have now scored 33 goals in their last five home games in all competitions and have a chance of lifting their first silverware of the season when they face Chelsea again at Wembley in the League Cup final on Feb. 24.

City and Liverpool are both on 65 points with City having the better goal difference although they have played one more game than their rivals. Third-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who beat Leicester City 3-1 earlier on Sunday, are five points behind.

Aguero, who scored a hattrick seven days ago against Arsenal, has equalled Alan Shearer’s record of 11 Premier League hat-tricks and is now joint top scorer in the league this season with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah on 17 goals.

Sergio Aguero of Manchester City scores the second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Etihad Stadium on February 10, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom.

(Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images)

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guyana CHRONICLE, monday, february 11, 2019

Region 10 RDC donates cricket gear to Ituni CDC THE Community Development Council (CDC) of Ituni was the recipient of a significant donation made by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Ten, which was made during the holding of the February statutory meeting.

Ituni’s CDC Chairman Kurt Murphy received a quantity of cricket gear from Chairman of the RDC’s Education Committee, Denise Belgrave, deemed at fostering development of the sport in the community.

In his remarks to the Council, Regional Chairman Renis Morian said that he will continue the path taken by his RDC since 2015, which is contributing significantly to youth and sports development.

He pointed out that as Regional Chairman, his responsibility is to the entire 6,555 square miles of residents and not just those within Linden.

Morian revealed to the regional councillors that over the past few weeks, since the start of the New Year, he has already supported groups in Linden and Kwakwani and is happy to be assisting Ituni at

this time.

“There is always a saying that says ‘those who wait last shall receive the best’ and I am saying that Ituni is certainly receiving the best.

As your Regional Chairman, I will continue to reach out

to communities because my mandate is to develop this region and together we will do it with our residents,” he declared.

The CDC chairman was urged by Morian to ensure that the equipment are used

Chairman of the Region 10 RDC’s Education Committee Denise Belgrave handing over a quantity of cricket gear to Ituni CDC Chairman, Kurt Murphy, in the presence of Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Deputy Regional Chairman, Elroy Adolph.

properly, thus ensuring that it lasts for a long time, while expressing excitement at being able to support the youths of Ituni.

Councillor Belgrave said that the donation was important in boosting the cricketing skills of the youths of Ituni and urged the Chairman to ensure that those cricketing skills are honed through the usage of the sports gears.

She encouraged him to use the opportunity to get more youths involved, stressing that the talent that exists within the community can be further developed and boosted, thus bringing out national players at various levels.

Meanwhile, Murphy, who revealed that he has been at the head of his community’s CDC for the past two years, was full of gratitude and thanked the RDC for the donation.

According to Murphy, it will positively enhance the young men and women in sports development, since he disclosed that owing to limited job offers within his community, many are forced to turn to logging while others remain at home with nothing to do.

Paul DeNobrega captured the 27th R&R International 40-mile Road Race.

(File Photo)

Resurgent DeNobrega captures 27th R&R International Cycling road race PAUL DeNobrega surged to victory yesterday at the 27th edition of the R&R International 40-miler on the roadways of West Demerara in brilliant sunshine to continue his good form in 2019.

DeNobrega, along with Geron Williams, Briton John and Andre ‘Padlock’ Greene led the 24 cyclist-pack for the majority of the race; however, it was DeNobrega who finished impressively to cop top honours in a time of one hour, 37 minutes and 48.60 seconds to notch up his first win of 2019.

Meanwhile, Williams, who is quietly working his way back into form, settled for second while John was third.

Fourth and fifth places went to Greene, Deeraj Garbarran and Kemuel Moses in that order.

Meanwhile, in the Veterans category, Alexis Mendes rolled back the years to grab top spot with Lyn Murray and Lear Nunes coming in second and third respectively.

Sherwin Sampson was the first Junior cyclist across the finish line while Hector Edwards III won the Mountain Bike segment. Kennard Lovell was the oldest cyclist to cross the finish line.

The race was started by R&R’s Jacob Rambarran while the presentation of prizes was done by Nicholas D’Andrade.

Ithaca residents to receive sport support from government Lack of funding hampering DURING a recent visit to Ithaca in Berbice, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility

to submit proposals based on the community’s needs in the area of sports and assured that his minis-

ball court, and your early childhood centre will soon be opened to create jobs and serve your community.

One of Ithaca’s basketball players receiving a ball from the Hon. Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton

for Youth, Culture and Sport, Dr. George Norton, encouraged the councillors of the Neighbourhood Democratic Council

try would examine areas where they could be of assistance.

“As you know, we have rehabilitated your basket-

We also want you to get your cultural groups and so in order so that you can become beneficiaries of cultural grants,” Minister

Norton encouraged.

A young footballer, Shakeel Peters, told the visiting team that he has taken the initiative to coach a number of children in football, but currently lacks the equipment to properly execute the teachings.

Meanwhile, teacher of the Ithaca Primary School, Ms.Yutundi Grant, also lobbied for assistance to have a board for students to play table tennis.

“As it is, they usually set up tables and so to play. It’s more like ping pong, but with the right equipment, they can do so much better,” Ms. Grant reasoned. Another group also requested assistance for some basketball gears.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones guaranteed the community that he will return in a few days with all of the requested materials.

In the meantime, Minister Norton was able to put smiles on the faces of the basketball players in the community by providing a set of basketball gears.

National Basketball team’s FIBA AmeriCup preparation

By Rawle Toney

Guyana’s National Basketball Team’s head coach Junior Hercules

WITH just two weeks to go before Guyana’s senior Men’s National basketball team participates at the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup pre-qualifiers tournament, Head Coach Junior Hercules’ side’s preparation is being hampered by financial woes facing the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF).

Guyana will travel to Colombia where they are placed in ‘Pool B’ of the February 22 – 24 qualifiers in Tunja, alongside the home country (Colombia), Paraguay and Bolivia.

The Land of Many Waters will be the Caribbean’s representative at the tournament, following their historic performance

→

TURN TO PAGE 23

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guyana CHRONICLE, monday, february 11, 2019

Berbice female team win Inter-County cricket double -Select U-19 finish second after victory over Essequibo

A DOMINANT performance by the Berbice female team propelled them to a double title when the curtain came down on the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Inter-County Cricket competition yesterday afternoon at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, Bourda.

The Ancient County cricketers, who recently won the 50-over competition for the sixth consecutive time, added the Twenty20 title to their list of victories and they did it in fine style with dominant bowling and quality batting.

Their unbeaten run culminated with a six-wicket win over Demerara for a flawless run to the title.

On the final day’s play, the competition could have gone in a different direction, given that the Select U-19 team had defeated Essequibo by 50 runs, which would have given them two wins, since they had gotten past the Demerara team by five wickets on Friday at the Everest Cricket Club ground. Demerara also had a win over Essequibo and a victory against Berbice would have placed them on two wins.

Berbice were having none of it and they did enough to ensure that the match officials did not have anything to calculate—three wins in three games.

The Select U-19 team, which

was captained by Shabika Gajnabi, finished second, Demerara third and Essequibo fourth.

In their final round of the competition, Demerara won the toss and opted to take first strike, but they were undone by some quality bowling from West Indies fast-medium bowlers, Erva Giddings and Subrina Munroe. The pair picked up five of their opponents’ wickets and helped to dismantle the middle and lower order, which resulted in Demerara losing their last seven wickets for 16 runs.

Giddings finished with 3-9 from four overs, while Munroe took 2-16 from four overs to restrict the home county to 57-9 in their allotted overs.

Akeze Thompson, who stroked the ball well, led Demerara with 16 runs, while opener Lashuna Toussaint added 10 (1x4) and Keisha Fraser eight (1x4).

Sheneta Grimmond, in reply, led Berbice with the bat. The youngster, who was in the West Indies squad for last year’s World Cup, was ultra-aggressive, scoring 31 unbeaten runs. Although she scored a single four—a sweet shot backwards of square, she did heap on the pressure on the fielders with two threes and several doubles.

Thompson and Kaysia Schultz brought some life to the game after spinning their

Blair’s century and Latif’s five-for lift Transport to second U19 win ELEVEN-year-old leg spinner Riyad Latif and lower order batsman Jeffrey Blair starred with the ball and bat to lead the Transport Sports Club to their second victory in as many games in the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Noble House Seafoods Generation Next U19 100-over competition.

Jeffrey Blair spanked an aggressive century.

At the MYO ground on Saturday in a reduced clash, the Georgetown Eco Champs won the toss and decided to bowl.

Although several of the Transport Cricketers had starts, the Eco Champs bowlers had contained the TSC for under 180

runs, before Blair, batting at number 10, came to the crease.

The right-hander smash 10 fours and nine sixes, including one that reached the main building of MYO in a vicious batting onslaught, which propelled the team to 288-8 in their allotted 47 overs, and Blair to an unbeaten score of 103.

Earlier Adrian Hinds (31 4X4s) and Jamal Michael (34 5X4s) had put together 63 for the second wicket, while later in the innings Joel Spooner scored 23 (4X4s) and Deandre Linton 24 (1X4, 2X6s) had played a few shots, before little Latif, batting at nine, spanked three fours before retiring hurt on 22.

Left-arm spinner Sameer Housein led the attack with 4-34 from 10.

In reply, Eco Champs could only muster 118 before they were bowled out in 31 overs.

Dominic Roberts, who executed a sweet straight drive off Blair, hit three fours and a six in a score of 27, but except for another 27 from Ryan Seecharan (2X4s, 1X6) none of the other batsmen had an answer for Latif, who continues to flight his ball with confidence.

The youngster bowled wicket to wicket to finish with 5-48. Akeem Clarke supported with 2-13.

Berbice’s reign in female Inter-County cricket reached a new height with the double titles.

way to two wickets each. In the end, the Berbicians raced to 58-4 from 12 overs.

The earlier game between the Select U-19 team and Es-

sequibo was reduced to a seven-over affair because of rain.

The Select U-19 team batted first and scored 79-3 after a 61-run opening partnership.

Gajnabi led the attack with 41 runs (3x4s and 1x6), while her opening partner Mandy Mangru added 13.

The teenage skipper then

used five bowlers, including herself, to stifle Essequibo’s batting, which eventually restricted the winless team to 29-1 off their allotted overs.

Vanguard and Young Achievers win Lenny Shuffler volleyball tournament THE Vanguard Volleyball Club from Georgetown and Young Achievers from West Demerara emerged victorious yesterday in the Lenny Shuffler Volleyball Tournament that was played over the weekend at the National Gymnasium.

Vanguard proved themselves the most dominant female team with a 3-1 win in the best-in-five championship battle against the Castrol Strikers.

In the game, the national champions used their strength in spiking and depth in setting to control the game and eventually wear down their opponents.

The first set was a tight 2523 battle before the Strikers rebounded with a 25-17 win to even the clash. Excellent power spiking from several of the players, including national U-19 cricketer, Cherry-Ann Fraser, pushed the eventual winners forward and although their opponents fought back, it was not enough as the last two games ended 25-19, 25-13.

Earlier in the competition, both teams had defeated the Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) Volleyball Club in the three-team, round-robin battle, while Vanguard had also claimed a 3-2 win over the Strikers.

According to president of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, Levi Nedd, the competition will be used to select national squads for any upcoming competitions.

He said that a few clubs which were invited to compete missed the tournament due to extenuating circumstances.

In the male competition, Young Achievers battled past the Premier Eagles in a keen contest on Sunday afternoon before they defeated the PMTC

team in the final a short while after.

The four-team male battle also included the Rollers from

New Amsterdam.

Against the Eagles, the Achievers claimed a 3-0 win: 25-19, 25-20, 25-23, while in

the final, the West Demerara team got past a spirited PMTC side 25-10, 25-23, 23-25 and 25-21.

The Vanguard Volleyball Club proved their dominance with a 3-1 win over the Castrol Strikers in the female final.

Young Achievers defeated the Port Mourant Training Centre 3-1 in the male final.

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guyana CHRONICLE, monday, february 11, 2019

Magical Jaguars crush Scorpions to rebound ...Closing in on fifth consecutive title

By Rajiv Bisnauth The Guyana Jaguars took a giant step towards banishing the painful memory of their shock back-to-back defeats by producing a magical all-round performance to hammer a sloppy Jamaica Scorpions by seven wickets at the conclusion of round seven of the Cricket West Indies(CWI) Professional Cricket League four-day tournament.

Scores: Jamaica Scorpions 358 and 132; Guyana Jaguars 321 and 171-3.

The Jaguars, with five outright wins this season, have now opened up a significant lead at the top of the standings to remain firm favourites to win a fifth straight title.

They sit on 111.4 points and will now fancy their chances of getting outright results in their final three fixtures against the Scorpions, Barbados Pride and Trinidad and Tobago Red Force.

Resuming Sunday’s final day at the National Stadium, Providence, in command of the contest with 145 more runs for victory, the Jaguars reached 171-3 mid-way through the second session.

The run-chase was set-up first by a 57-run opening stand between Chanderpaul Hemraj (42) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul (33) before the left-handed pair of Leon Johnson and Vishaul Singh shared an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 78 runs which eventually sealed the win for the defending champions.

The 31-year-old Johnson remained unbeaten on 61 from 86 balls, counting ten fours and a six while Singh was on 26 from 57 deliveries with three boundaries.

While the 22-year-old Chanderpaul was relatively cautious, his opening partner unleashed some sweetly-timed shots on both sides of the wicket. The 25-year-old Hemraj looked in good touch, hitting eight boundaries, inclusive of a six in his 29-ball knock before he was brilliantly caught at gully by Brandon King off Jerome Taylor.

Sherfane Rutherford, who was again prompted to the number three position, made just five before being bowled

by Derval Green to leave the Jaguars at 73-2.

The Jaguars captain joined the left-handed Chanderpaul who was a picture of concentration and once again showed that he has all of the requisite qualities of a good opener. While Chanderpaul struggled a bit early on, he held on well, hitting five boundaries in 73 deliveries before he was trapped leg-before to spinner Kenroy Williams just before lunch.

At the interval, Johnson remained steady on 22 in company with Singh, with the Jaguars on 108-3, 62 runs short of the victory target.

Both Singh and Johnson showed more urgency in the second session with the former completing his second half-century of the match off 72 balls.

However, the two left-handers, who are the team’s most seasoned players, had little anxiety in overhauling the target.

Meanwhile, head coach Rayon Griffith has praised the focus and commitment of his side following the crushing win and has urged them to maintain the intensity as the tournament progresses.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana Jaguars 2nd innings (O/N 25/0) T Chanderpaul lbw b Williams 33 C Hemraj c King b Taylor 42 S Rutherford b Green 5 L Johnson not out 61 V Singh not out 26 Extras: (4-b) 4 Total: (for three wickets; 43 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-57, 2-73, 3-93 Bowling: Taylor 8-1-36-1, Green 9-4-32-1, Williams 11-4-20-1, Bulli 10-2-42-0, Blackwood 3-0-17-0, Walton 2-0-20-0

Former national pool players through after first round of National Qualifiers

SEAN DeSouza and Anthony Xavier have booked their spots in next month’s three-day pool championship which will be used to select a national team to do battle against Trinidad and Tobago.

The pair finished first and second respectively in the first round of the Guyana Pool Committee (GPC) Banks Beer national Qualifiers, which was held on Saturday night at the Jerry’s Sports Bar in Grove.

The two former national players battled past eight other players to reach the final. That game ended with a 3-0 win for DeSouza.

Up to press time, 10 other hopefuls were competing at Suraj’s Bar in De Willem, East Coast Demerara, with the top two again qualifying for the championship round.

The championship, which will see the top 24

players in the country battling for supremacy, has been pushed back one weekend to March 22-24.

The GPC and their T&T counterparts are hoping to

re-ignite interest in the game by batting in their own version of the Mosconi Cup (which is an annual pool tournament contested between teams representing

Sean DeSouza (right) and Anthony Xavier are the first two players to advance to the Championship round.

Europe and the USA).

Although the top eight will make the national team, the top two finishers will travel to Trinidad free of cost, since their transportation, meals and entrance fees will be paid for by the GPC. Ten other rounds are scheduled for various venues but this may be subject to change.

These venues and dates are: Shooters Bar (Anna Regina, February 15); Seepaul’s Bar (Kitty, February 16); Tasha’s Bar (ECD, February 17); Seeta’s Bar (February 22); Bill’s Bar (Goed Fortuin, February 24); The Caribbean Beat (Campbellville, March 1); Coins Restaurant and Bar (Diamond, March 2); Sunil’s Bar (Mahaica, March 9); Mitra’s Bar (Mon Repos, March 10) and Jerry’s Bar (Grove, March 15).

Tagenarine Chanderpaul was again a picture of concentration during his knock.

Blair’s century and Latif’s five-for lift Transport to second U19 win

Riyad Latif picked up 5-48.

SEE STORY ON PAGE 26

day 2 - THIRD Windies, England Test at DARREN SAMMY STADIUM Mark Wood walks off with the match ball after his five-wicket haul, West Indies v England, 3rd Test, St Lucia, 2nd day, February 10, 2019

Jos Buttler was bowled attempting to drive © AFP

damages Windies batting Page

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Magical Jaguars crush Scorpions to rebound Page

27

Leon Johnson collects runs down the ground.

...Closing in on fifth consecutive title Page

25

The run-chase was set up first by a 57-run opening stand between Chanderpaul Hemraj (right) and Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

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mONday, februaRY 11, 2019