Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-14-2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

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THURSDAY 14th February, 2019

No.105548

Another vehicle explodes in city

Big dent

in fuel smuggling …GRA says billions of dollars recouped PAGE

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Banks DIH pours $2.5M into Children’s 20 Mash PAGE

No shortage of foreign currency–– Central Bank Governor PAGE

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…‘PPP years were lawless’

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A member of the Chinese Association of Guyana performs the traditional Chinese ‘Lion Dance’ for the celebration of the 2019 Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival hosted at the New Thriving Restaurant on Wednesday. (Adrian Narine photo) See story on page 4

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Big dent in fuel smuggling

…GRA says billions of dollars recouped, PPP years lawless COMMISSIONER-GENERAL of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia, said that billions of dollars in revenues have been recouped from seizures of illegal fuel over the past three years, as the GRA continues to dent the ‘Black Market’ with support from its sister agencies.

While combating smuggling of fuel and other contraband remain an uphill task, Statia ‘shot down’ claims

by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo that the revenue body is utilising “a slap-on-the-wrist” approach in addressing the issue. In the Sunday, February 10, 2019 Edition of the Kaieteur News, the opposition leader accused the GRA of encouraging fuel smuggling. On Wednesday, the commissioner-general set the record straight on the issue of smuggling in Guyana, even as he expressed disappointment over sentiments expressed by the opposition leader.

Noting that fuel smuggling is just one of the many areas of revenue loss to the authority and the country by extension, the commissioner-general said the inherited system of licensing and exemptions, and the lack of human and physical resources and the cohesion between sister agencies, allow for this activity. “The GRA has long recognised that smuggling is rampant and that the country loses billions of dollars as a result of this illegal practice. At the level of customs,

under-invoicing and over-invoicing, misclassification of imports, related party transactions and transfer pricing many times go unnoticed by officers either through collusion, lack of equipment, knowledge and training or downright laziness.

Coupled with the societal norm of the belief of having to “give a raise” to get things done, taxpayers continually contribute to this continued state of affairs, which in the majority of cases are [sic] needless, since the “raise paid” exceeds the taxes that would have been payable should the taxpayer “not pay the raise,” Statia explained.

CORRECTIVE ACTION He said that being cognisant of the issues, the GRA has taken corrective action to bolster resources and foster more collaboration with sister agencies to safeguard and protect borders from nefarious activities. Statia pointed out that since he took office in 2016, the measures put in place have allowed for billions of dollars in revenue to be recouped from seizure of illegal fuel alone.

“In Region One alone, over $375M was collected from fuel smuggling in 2018, while the Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) recovered over $600M in duties, taxes and fines, of which $124M was a result of fines, and $119M from sales and auctions from seizures,” he said.

Having reinforced its presence at the frontier loca-

GRA Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia

tions and shifted much of its Revenue Protection and Risk Management focus away from low-risk and trusted traders, the GRA has been able to zero in on high-risk traders and smugglers.

The commissioner-general said that while the GRA agrees that Section 205 of the Customs Act Chapter 82:01 enables it to place persons before the courts and have them imprisoned for no less than 12 months and not more than three years once convicted, such approach would clog the court system.

“The authority…recognises that if everyone who breaks the law, either through ignorance, or purposely so, with the intent to defraud the revenue, the entire court system will be clogged. Industry, manufacturing and commerce will be brought to a halt,” Statia said.

He added “We live in a society where laws are broken by the very persons who are selected or elected to uphold them, and yet require

a higher standard from the humble public servant.”

However, it was noted that the majority of cases taken before the courts were either not timely heard or were dismissed for one reason or another. While the authority awaits decisions from the court, the assets are left to languish at the warehouse or ‘at sea” at the GRA’s expense, and are often unfit for operation thereafter.

“From 2017, in light of the numerous cases for which legal action was being considered, the authority made a considered decision to adopt a more reasonable and consistent approach to breaches in the law, thereby allowing the GRA to broaden its pursuit of more offenders, and allow for certain cases for the offenders who wish to settle their matters in lieu of court proceedings to pay fines, with the severity of fines being increased with the frequency of these offences, and severe infractions leading to court action,” the commissioner-

general said.

The decision, he noted, is in accordance with Section 271 of the Customs Act. That section states: “Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, the comptroller may, in any case he deems proper and in substitution for any proceedings in a court of summary jurisdiction, accept on behalf of the State a sum of money by way of compensation from any person reasonably suspected of a contravention of the Act or any regulations made thereunder: provided that such compensation shall be accepted only where the person reasonably suspected of such contravention has expressed his willingness in the form prescribed by the comptroller that the contravention as aforesaid shall be so dealt with.”

Based on the system established by GRA, first-time offenders are required to pay a fine equivalent to one (1) time the Customs Duty and Taxes; second offenders are required to pay a fine equivalent to three (3) times the Customs Duties and Taxes. In the case of third-time offenders, they are required to pay fines equivalent to three (3) times the value of the goods; and in the event, there is a recurrence, legal proceedings are instituted against the respective offender(s).

“This system is consistently applied across the board, and I will be the first to admit that in some instances it is abused. However, “the

slap on the wrist” implies that there is information out there on some defaulters that the GRA is not privy to,” Statia said.

The Authority, he said, would be most grateful for any information on acts of fuel smuggling so as to enforce the penal system. The whistleblower policy allows for information to be held in strictest confidence, he assured.

Contrary to the sentiments expressed by the opposition leader, the GRA Commissioner-General made it clear that the authority takes no political directive in the administration of the tax laws.

“Though created by the government through legislation in 2000, to say that it is a “creature” of this government,” is a misnomer. The Authority has a governing board, and as of July, 2016 to now, I can say with conviction, that no such control has been so exercised by this government,” he said.

Contending that the statements made by the opposition leader was at least most unfortunate, and irresponsible, Statia said Jagdeo should have known better, having served as finance minister with the overall responsibility of the Revenue Authority. As a former President, he is fully aware of the vision, mission and the core principles of GRA, the commissioner said.

Carter Center engages attorney general TWO representatives of the Carter Center met with Attorney General Basil Williams in his chambers on Wednesday following much public discussion on the hosting of elections in light of the passage of a no-confidence motion against the government last December.

After a two-hour long engagement, the Carter Center representatives told Guyana the Chronicle that the contents of their discussion cannot be disclosed as yet.

“We are an exploratory team from the Carter Center, but unfortunately we are not in a position to discuss any of our findings. We’re really just here

to learn more about what’s happening now in Guyana,” said Brett Lacy, one of the centre’s representatives.

The attorney general also expressed a similar sentiment.

“I can’t tell you anything more than that either, so I’m confirming what Ms. Brett is saying. But I can say it was a very engaging meeting, and I think that we both benefitted from the discussion.”

Prior to the visit to the attorney general, the representatives met with officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), including GECOM chairman, Justice (ret’d) James Patterson; Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield and

Attorney General Basil Williams (centre); Carter Center Associate Director, Brett Lacy (right); and Carter Centre Legal and Electoral Advisor Anne Marlborough following their meeting on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward. They also engaged government officials, including Minister of State and General-Secretary of A Partnership of National Unity (APNU), Joseph Harmon; Minister of Social Protection and General-Secretary of the People's National Congress (PNC), Amna Ally; and Political Adviser, Dr. Mark Kirton.

Since 1992, the Carter Center has assisted Guyana in expanding democracy through the monitoring of elections.

The 2015 General and Regional Elections was the fourth of such engagement with Guyana.

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guyana CHRONICLE thursday, february 14, 2019

Chinese put on rich cultural show to mark Lunar New Year THE 2019 Chinese Lunar New Year and Spring Festival was celebrated in Guyana on Wednesday at a cultural reception of the Embassy of China where the two countries reflected on successful partnerships of the past and future plans.

The reception, co-organised by the Chinese Association of Guyana, was hosted at the New Thriving Restaurant and saw remarks from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun.

Also attending were wife

of the Prime Minister, Sita Nagamootoo; Speaker of the National Assembly Barton Scotland; Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge; Attorney General Basil Williams; Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan; Former President Donald Ramotar; Former Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and members of the diplomatic corps.

The 2019 Chinese New Year, the year of the pig, falls on February 5 but the festival will last up to February 19, 2019.

Meanwhile, the Spring Festival is an annual event held in China and in Chinese communities around the world. In his opening remarks to the gathering, Jianchun said China is a major developing country still working toward the equal development of its people.

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Ambassador of China to Guyana, Cui Jianchun share a toast.

(Adrian Narine photo)

Thursday, February 14, 2019

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China. Jianchun highlighted some of the many seminars and projects China and Guyana have shared, such as the ongoing construction of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

He stated that it is his dream to see the two countries continue working together toward the mutual benefit and development of their nations.

The prime minister, in his remarks, spoke to the role the

initiative, there is an expected heightened trade between Guyana and China. Nagamootoo also took the opportunity to thank the country for its support in the areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the

The National Dance Company performs their dance ‘Inner Light’ at the New Thriving Restaurant on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

People’s Republic of China has played in the advancement of Guyana.

He expressed his pleasure to be a part of the celebration of the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival as he reminded that Guyana was the first English-speaking Caribbean country to establish diplomatic relations with China. “No one should ever deny that the relationships between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China are unbreakable, are solid and that we have enjoyed the best of relations in these years since diplomatic relations have been established,” Nagamootoo said.

The prime minister also spoke on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Guyana has signed on to which, he noted, Guyana stands to benefit from even as China seeks to transform and develop the world.

He said that through the

12:00 hrs

public service; the security sector and for its contribution toward the hosting of the recently concluded Committee for the Review of the Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 17).

Making a toast to the country and those present, he said: “As you celebrate this New Year with the Guyanese-Chinese community and at least one-third of the world’s population, the Government of Guyana is full of hope for the continuation of the deepening of the strong bond between Guyana and China. It is my firm belief that our friendship will reach new heights this year and in the years ahead.”

Throughout the remainder of the reception, there were musical items, dances from the National Dance Company and a colourful zither performance.

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Rowley asks C’bean records second highest on record for visitor arrivals in 2018 — CTO ‘Kamla, what have you done for Black people?’

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

(Trinidad Express) Prime minister Dr Keith Rowley has hauled Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar over the coals for her appeal this week to people of African descent to blank the People’s National Movement.

Speaking at a PNM meeting in Mason Hall, Tobago Tuesday night, Rowley also called on the former prime minister to show what she has done for Black people in this country.

Rowley said the conversation on race was one that was generally avoided but he was not afraid to have it. Directing his words to Persad Bissessar, the PM called on her to disclose how much land was given to persons of African descent when her government distributed lands formerly held by Caroni 1975 Limited.

Saying at one point he was a proud Black man, Rowley then recalled accusations of rape levelled against his father and himself by former Tobago east MP, Vernella Alleyne Toppin, in the Parliament, while she served in the Persad Bissessar government. Rowley said he recognized that incident for what it was, which was the stereotyping of the Black male as being driven only by sex.

He also accused Persad Bissessar of trying to prevent Black families from voting at all in the next general election, saying this was the work she was doing in areas like La Horquetta.

On Persad Bissessar’s claim Monday that the PNM was “race baiting” as a means of deflecting from its failures, Rowley said, “Kamla is that you?”.

Recalling an invitation one year to attend the annual Divali Nagar in Chaguanas, Rowley said Persad Bissessar and some members of her party had refused to attend while he was there. Rowley went on to appeal to citizens of all races to make sure they vote at the next polls.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Tourist arrivals to the Caribbean hit a record high last year despite some destinations being severely impacted by hurricanes that swept through the region in 2017, according to figures released here Wednesday by the Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

“With a strong performance during the last four months of 2018, including a robust showing by countries impacted by the 2017 hurricanes, the evidence suggests that Caribbean tourism is on the upswing,” CTO acting director of Research and Information Technology, Ryan Skeete told reporters. Delivering the CTO’s annual Caribbean Tourism Performance Report 2018 & Outlook for 2019, Skeete said the outlook for Caribbean tourism in 2019 is cautiously optimistic.

“Global demand for international travel is expected to remain strong, underpinned by healthy economic activity. Global economic growth is expected to continue, though at a slower rate, and oil prices are expected to remain similar to 2018 prices. Additionally, improved air connectivity should help to boost arrivals.

“Of course, we must recognise that there are significant headwinds to navigate. These include, but are not limited, to the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, the on-going trade war between the US and China and potential extreme weather events in the destinations and marketplaces. “Consequently, we are projecting that tourist arrivals will increase by between six and seven per cent in 2019, as the damaged infrastructure in the hurricane-impacted destinations returns to capacity. Similarly, cruise arrivals should expand by a further four to five per cent,” Skeete said.

He told reporters having registered declines during the first eight months of last year, signs of a rebound emerged in September when the region recorded a three per cent increase in visitor arrivals. He said the numbers in October confirmed the recovery, with a healthy 11.8 per cent growth, and by the end of the year tourist arrivals in the last four months were up 9.8 per cent. Even the destinations that were severely impacted by the 2017 hurricanes, despite registering overall double-digit declines last year, experienced a significant turnaround during the last four months, registering triple-digit increases during this period. “Overall, the Caribbean received 29.9 million tourist visits in 2018, the second highest on record, surpassed only by the 30.6 million who visited in 2017,” he added.

However, last year’s arrivals numbers represented a 2.3 per cent fall, a much better performance than the three to four per cent falloff that tourism officials had anticipated. “This was the first decline in annual tourist arrivals in nine years, and with global growth in international trips increasing by 5.6 per cent, the Caribbean market share of global visits in 2018 shrank by 0.2 percentage points, to 2.1 per cent of the market.”

Skeete told reporters that total visitor spending also declined slightly by approximately one per cent to US$38.3 billion, although tourists spent slightly more per trip than they did in 2017, with the spending being US$1,177 per trip compared

to US$1,171 in 2017. Among the destinations, tourist arrivals showed uneven growth. Several countries reported double-digit increases in 2018 such as Guyana (15.9 per cent), Belize (14.6 per cent), the Cayman Islands (10.7 per cent), The Bahamas (10.5 per cent) and Grenada (10 per cent), while the hurricane-impacted countries recorded double-digit declines.

He said that the contributing factors to the excellent performances in the countries not impacted by the hurricanes included sustained targeted marketing, upgraded tourism infrastructure, additional rooms and enhanced airlift. Regarding the major Caribbean sub-regions, the US territories, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and the Dutch Caribbean reported declines of 29, six and seven per cent respectively.

In contrast, the grouping dubbed “Other Caribbean,” and comprising Cancun, Cozumel, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Suriname, which accounts for almost half of all arrivals to the region, recorded an increase of 1.8 per cent while the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) sub-region recorded an increase of 4.5 per cent. The figures show that while the United States remains the Caribbean’s largest market, it was Canada that outperformed all other markets last year with 5.7 per cent growth or 3.9 million visits. Skeete said that this was due to its strong economic performance and increased seat capacity to the region. He said intra-regional travel had its best performance ever, reaching a record two million visits, representing a strong 5.3 per cent rise. It was followed closely by South America, which produced 1.9 million visits, representing a 3.6 per cent increase.

Arrivals from Europe improved modestly by an estimated 1.3 per cent, partially reflecting the fact that more United Kingdom tourists were switching to domestic holidays attributed to the continuing Brexit negotiations, the related uncertainties and a weaker pound. UK arrivals remained flat at an estimated 1.3 million. On the other hand, the 13.9 million American tourist visits last year represented a 6.3 per cent fall. This was due mainly to steep declines in arrivals to popular destinations impacted by the hurricanes, such as Puerto Rico, which was down by 45.6 per cent, and St Maarten, which fell by 79 per cent. However, the rebound that we experienced during the September to December period last year was quite evident in the US market, which saw fourth-quarter growth of 28 per cent.

Regarding hotel occupancy, the figures show that in line with the overall decrease in arrivals to the region, hotel occupancy fell by 0.8 percentage points, according to the US-based STR Inc that tracks supply and demand data for the hotel industry. However, the average daily room rates increased by 1.7 per cent to US$207.61, while revenue per available room grew by 0.6 per cent to US$135.46.

Air capacity in the region for 2018 decreased by 3.4 per cent, while the number of flights declined by 4.3 per cent.

However, as with arrivals, there was a reversal of these numbers in the fourth quarter, with seat capacity rising by 5.3 per cent, while frequency grew by 5.2 per cent, the CTO added.

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Bomb threats A 25-year-old young woman, reported to be a student of the University of Guyana, is currently on remand for allegedly issuing bomb threats, “by means of a public telecommunications device system for the purpose of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students of the University of Guyana (UG) – a message which she knew to be false.” Based on reports from the Guyana Police Force investigating sources, further charges can be expected.

The guilt or innocence of the young lady, reported to be a niece of a senior Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) member, will be decided on by the proper judicial authorities.

Bomb scares, as a part of this country’s social phenomena, have emerged sometime in the 1980s, often targeting government institutions, as is the current instance, resulting in the immediate evacuation of staff for obvious reasons of safety.

Though it is observed that bomb threats are carried out by perpetrators in other jurisdictions for reasons such as drawing attention to themselves, seeking revenge, avoiding exams, or simply copycat, in Guyana, these acts would mostly occur during periods of social tension, or deliberate in its design to disturb societal peace, as pointed out by the Commissioner of Police. It is a particular point to be noted, that although made in relation to a particular incident involving a city private educational institution, has now seen similar threats being made to another private educational facility-- Mae’s, and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) headquarters.

Whether it is a bomb threat, a scare, or a hoax, made in verbal or written form, whichever the description of such an act, by whoever is responsible, is indeed a very serious offence, as is now the instance in many other jurisdictions. In fact, such an act, which may have been perceived mainly as a prank decades ago, is no longer seen as such, especially in these current times when terrorism has made its murderous presence felt in many of the world’s capital cities, accounting for many deaths and mayhem. This is a fact, of which as a nation, we are only too aware and should, therefore, be concerned, and condemn such acts as bomb scares, even though lives are not lost.

A telephone call of a bomb threat/scare is known to have very serious psychological effects on persons in whichever place/building it is said to be. Persons are known to suffer from panic attacks and other forms of anxiety and stress. This extends to those with physical disabilities that would hamper their movements in quickly moving to a place of safety as well as to those with ailments, such as cardiac and respiratory conditions, where the realisation of a bomb threats have been known to result in cardiac seizures, and elevated blood pressure levels.

But there is even another very important downside to such acts as a bomb threat which have recently been targeting government offices, apart from places of educational endeavours which also affect students in terms of scholastic hours lost.

It is accepted without any debate that every such disruption

inevitably results in the immediate cessation of official duties that goes toward serving the public, thus impeding the mandate of the state giving vital public services. This accrues not only in lost man- hours, but also in dollar value. Further, although it is a given that most of such a category of threats are hoaxes, it is mandatory that all such reports be taken seriously, while concomitantly attracting the same immediate, prompt and vigilant action from the relevant state security apparatus, in terms of departments such as the police and its bomb squad and investigators, and of course, the Guyana Fire Service. One is certain that such a scenario would also attract the stand-by of other vital services such as the state medical facilities and the army. All these interventions are about time and man- hours and will carry a hefty cost to the state.

There is an understanding and knowledge about bomb threats that may be unknown to the general Guyanese public: that a bomb threat or scare, as far as is known, even as a hoax, is about the threat to set off an explosive that will result in either damage to property or loss of life or injuries to persons, irrespective as to the actuality of such a device. Therefore, in all practical understanding of bomb threats and other related acts, for whatever ends/causes, are a source of public terror, and do elicit such a great fear from many citizens whenever and wherever these occur.

Principally, it explains why it attracts very heavy judicial consequences in many countries.

PSC has no competence nor basis to accuse gov’t of breaching constitution Dear Editor,

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R. Kit Nascimento, on behalf of the elitist PPP-affiliated Guyana Private Sector Commission (PSC), attacked my character because I denounced the PSC’s reckless accusations that the APNU+AFC government is violating the constitution.

The coalition government was elected by the people of Guyana for a five-year term. The PPP and persons in the private sector, out of avarice and a sinister and crazed desire to control Guyana’s oil revenue, attempted to depose the democratically elected government by perverting the no-confidence provision of the constitution to engineer snap elections in 90 days.

The government did not roll over and play dead as they expected, it challenged their machinations in court. The period of judicial review has constrained their planned timeline. Hence, they now ostentatiously bristle and condemn objection and resistance to their plot. They believe that those of us who have elucidated the illegality of the no-confidence vote should not have a voice in the national dialogue and meet our contributions with contempt.

Mr. Nascimento has got the wrong Guyanese. His, or the PSC’s view, bears no supremacy over mine. Clearly, Mr. Nascimento represents elitists who think that their wealth entitles them to predominance over the will and view of a majority of Guyanese. His machinations illustrate an out-of-touch elitist struggling to transition into our 21st century society of equals.

It is therefore no wonder that they act as if their views must contend unchallenged in our polity. All Guyanese must reject their reckless audaciousness.

Mr. Nascimento stated, inter alia, that “Mr. Burke resides

safely in the USA… I remember Mr. Burke, when I was a member of the Cabinet, as a young enthusiastic but radical extremist member of the PNC…” Stunning diatribe! Mr. Nascimento is an octogenarian who may no longer enjoy perfect memory. But if he wishes to hurl personal attacks, he should ensure accuracy and truth are imperatives, as his diatribe will not escape my repudiation. I am proud of my advocacy and have always been unafraid to espouse my views on justice, equality and fairness. My views are well aligned with, and in defence of, the rights of ordinary citizens. Mr. Nascimento’s callous labelling of the views and rights of us, ordinary people, as “radical extremists” betrays the mindset of his obsolete, elitist class. Obviously, their contempt for ordinary people from a certain demographic of our citizenry was transferred from imperialists through cross-pollination.

Mr. Nascimento is a dinosaur from the imperialist Guyanese century. He could not have known me when he was a member of President Forbes Burnham’s cabinet. I was in nursey school then. However, my late politician grandfather, Ivor Remmington, tutored me in our political history. I understand that Mr. Nascimento was minister without portfolio under Burnham, and allegedly functioned out of his Washington DC home. His ministerial duties were such an abundance of nothing, and a taxpayers rip-off, that he was nicknamed “minister of spare parts.”

Ironically, since he referenced my residence abroad, he should tell us if moonlighting in Washington while collecting a salary from the Guyanese taxpayers, allegedly under pretence, made him “less Guyanese?”

I met Mr. Nascimento in a meeting with President Desmond Hoyte when I was 17 years old. Burnham was long dead and he was not a minister. Upon his departure, President Hoyte promptly dismissed him and advised me that he (Hoyte) had recently fired

Mr. Nascimento as head of the “Guyana Public Communications Agency (GPCA) for incompetence. It is therefore no wonder that Mr. Nascimento has admittedly, and perhaps poignantly, now been reduced to a mere public relations letter writer for the elitist PSC. PPP MOUTHPIECE My criticism of the Guyana Private Sector Commission (PSC) is valid. It reflects the views of a majority of the APNU+AFC coalition supporters. The PSC has transformed itself into the mouthpiece of the PPP. Several PSC members contacted me expressing concern about the PSC’s biased attacks against the government. They disclosed that the PSC’s leadership has deliberately ensconced itself with lawyers from the Bar Council of the Guyana Bar Association (GBA), who are opposed to the government.

The PPP/PSC has repeatedly, falsely accused the government of violating the constitution and the order of the chief justice.

It demonstrates contempt and disregard for the government’s views, positions and rights. The PPP/PSC does not have a monopoly on interpretation of the Guyana constitution. Consequently, the government or people have no obligation to accept their positions. In fact, we are equally entitled to contemptuously dismiss the PSC’s views. Frankly, who the hell do the PPP/PSC and Kit Nascimento think they are to issue vacuous and ill-informed condemnations of our government, then express sanctimonious, arrogant objections when government supporters respond?

The government has not breached the constitution. Here are the facts. There was a no-confidence vote (NCV) against the

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PSC has no competence...

one-seat majority government in the 65-seat National Assembly on December 21, 2018. The government has 33 seats. The opposition PPP has 32. The NCV received 33 votes for and 32 against. Article 106 (6) of the constitution mandates that,“The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members in the National Assembly on a vote of confidence. Article 106 (7) states that “the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

The government’s position is that the NCV did not attain the majority-vote constitutional entrenchment required for passage and that it violated Article 156.3 (a) and (b) as well as Article 155 1 (a) of the Guyana constitution. Consequently, it filed an action in the High Court requesting a nullification of the NCV. The chief justice dismissed said action and upheld the constitutionality of the NCV. She declared that then government Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud, who voted for the motion, was not eligible to sit in the National Assembly at the time of his vote, but that his vote was valid. She also upheld the legality of the government in accordance with Article 106 (7).

The ruling by the chief justice is not final under the laws of Guyana. Accordingly, the government appealed her judgment to the appellate court, the Guyana Court of Appeal. It said, if necessary, it will appeal this matter to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal. This matter is now sub judice in the Guyana Court of Appeal. The government is not working with the PPP and the PSC schedule. It is working with the judiciary, which is acutely aware of the provisions of the supreme law.

The government has filed an appeal in accordance with the law. Since it is the court that must now act, why doesn’t the PSC attack or rush the court? Moreover, why must the government proceed to implement the provisions of Article 106 (7) before the time limit and without the sanction of the court, when the pending court action seeks to protect it from irrevocable harm

mandated in 106 (7)? What if the government rushes to hold elections and the CCJ subsequently nullifies the NCV? Is our nation prepared to deal with that constitutional crisis? The government’s right to appeal is enshrined in the constitution and cannot be impinged or abridged. The PPP/PSC must respect that.

The constitution does not specify or prescribe a format of resignation under Article 106 (6). The chief justice said the resignation was automatic on December 21, 2018. Clearly, unless the Court of Appeal or the CCJ stays the chief justice’s order or nullifies the NCV, the government is required to call elections within the mandated 90 days, unless the National Assembly amends this requirement. The government and the nation understand this. We do not need lectures from the PSC on this issue of constitutional jurisprudence in which the PSC has no competence.

To date, the 90-day period for elections has not expired.

There has been no election. A new President has not been sworn in. Where then is this constitutional breach of which the PSC so recklessly speaks? The constitution makes it pellucid that the government shall remain in power until new elections and a new president is sworn it. A state cannot be government-less. Necessity of governance is continuous. The government does not conduct elections. Elections are conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), within its administrative capability.

GECOM has advised the nation that it cannot conduct elections before July 2019. Article 106 (7) of the constitution grants the legislature powers to extend the instant 90-day period for election by a two-thirds majority entrenchment, to facilitate the mandate of GECOM. Extending the 90-day period will require the government and opposition to agree to a modus vivendi that charts a legislative path to effectuate elections as contemplated

by Article 106 (7). The PSC has been colluding with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who has said that the PPP will not agree to amend the 90-day provision. While this is the prerogative of the PPP, it is disgraceful for the PSC to premise its accusation against the government on presumed PPP non-cooperation.

Consequently, absent the expiration of the 90-day period, as well as denial of a stay of the chief justice’s ruling by the Court of Appeal and CCJ, or either of the latter courts upholding the constitutionality of the NCV, and a failure of the National Assem-

FROM PAGE 6 bly to extend the 90-day period, it is false, reckless, dishonest, premature and politically mischievous for the PSC, like the PPP, to accuse the government of violating the law.

Moreover, the government has other options. Article 61 of the constitution states that “An election of members of the National Assembly under article 60 (2) shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament as the President shall appoint by proclamation.” The NCV notwithstanding, elections become constitutionally due within three-months after the President dissolves the National Assembly. The President can so do at any time within the 90-day period of Article 106 (7); after being duly advised by the GECOM of its readiness to hold elections. The powers of the presidency under Article 60, and other relevant provisions, are absolute and unreviewable.

Mr. Kit Nascimento asserted that that the “PSC speak [s] for the stability and well-being of the business community and for the maintenance of the rule of law in the country and is perfectly within its mandate to defend a respect for the Constitution.” I am mildly bemused as I found no such mandate to the PSC in the Guyana constitution. In so far as the elitists in the PSC have arrogated such privilege unto themselves, I commission them to examine statements by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and PPP MP Harry Gill, who have threatened unrest if the courts rule against the NCV. Clearly, this PPP incitement of violence is acceptable to the PSC from its political coalition partner. But when this PPP- threatened violence breaks out, it is the said business interests the PSC claims to represent that will be the first casualty. Hence, the PSC’s silence is as hypocritical as it is antithetical to its presumed self-arrogated mandate.

The PSC can be best served by focusing its attention on ensuring the business interests it claims to represent respect the nation’s labour, tax, money-laundering and anti-narcotics laws, and leave politics to politicians. If not, PSC members who are opposed to its partisan PPP political activism should pull out and form a parallel private sector organisation that is independent and devoid of partisan politics.

Regards Rickford Burke

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guyana CHRONICLEthursday, february 14, 2019

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guyana CHRONICLE thursday, february 14, 2019

Nascimento says help author PSC statements condemning gov’t I Dear Editor,

AM a member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Council and a member of the Governance & Security Sub-Committee. I have been intimately involved in all of the press statements made by the Sub-Committee in relation to the passing of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly.

I have, therefore, decided to write expressing my growing concern at the repeated and totally specious attacks on the accuracy of the statements and on the credibility of the commission by Mr. Rickford Burke. Mr. Burke resides safely in the USA and, of course, bears no responsibility for, nor does he suffer, the consequences in Guyana for anything he says or writes. I remember Mr. Burke when I was a member of the Cabinet, as a young, enthusiastic, but radical extremist member of the PNC. Age, it seems, has neither tempered his extremism nor given him the wisdom of reason.

In fact, our country faces extremely severe consequences as a result of our government’s persistence in ignoring the constitutional requirement which followed the event of a no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on 21st December, 2018. In fact, our President has placed his government in a position of grievously violating the constitutional provisions of Articles 106 (6) and has signalled a similar intention with regard to Article 106 (7) to function outside of the country’s supreme law, which he swore to uphold. I have had a long and valued friendship with David Granger before his election as President and I have continued to hold the highest regard and respect for him, but find his government’s behaviour,

with regard to the effect of the no-confidence motion respecting his Cabinet and government, unacceptable.

The PSC, whose responsibility it is to speak for the stability and well-being of the business community and for the maintenance of the rule of law in the country, is perfectly within its mandate to defend a respect for the constitution. Equally, the PSC’s mandate is to insist on adherence to the constitution and the rule of law by all of the political parties, whether in or out of government.

The PSC’s statements hold no political partiality.

They are strictly confined to fact. They embrace no brief for, nor opposition to any political party. The commission’s statements do, however, quite properly, confront the reality of the very serious economic, political and social consequences for Guyana arising from the government ignoring the constitution and behaving outside of the law.

It is a fact that the no-confidence vote remains valid, as recognised by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, and ruled on by the Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire. It is a fact that Cabinet is resigned along with the President as head of the Cabinet as required by the constitution, and as was confirmed by the ruling of the chief justice.

It is a fact that all the Members of Parliament serving as ministers who hold dual citizenship must now resign their portfolios and cease to function as ministers, as, indeed, must all dual citizens currently in the National Assembly, from all the political parties, resign from being members of the assembly.

It is a fact that the President and his ministers, excluding those of dual citizenship, remain in office until

Kit should leave law to lawyers Dear Editor,

P

LEASE give me some space in your letter columns to share a joke provided by Kit Nascimento via Stabroek News, headlined: “The Private Sector Commission simply stating the facts when it says the President and his gov’t must observe what constitution says on no-confidence motion.”

The good Kit had this so say, “It is a fact that Cabinet is resigned along with the President as head of the Cabinet as required by the constitution and as was confirmed by the ruling of the chief justice.”

Brilliant Kit!! Now help me work this out. They must resign now. All of them. The entire cabinet. If the appeal court overrules the CJ’s ruling, what should happen?

Should they be scurrying back to take their offices? Let

me inform you Kit. THE CJ IS NOT THE CCJ. Screenshot this and place it in all the offices of the PPP-PSC. Get that? Now go sit quietly in a corner and let this legal matter take its course as alluded to by the EU and the UN. If you have a pressing urge to speak, try reciting the alphabet.

I guess common sense is not that common. With such comedy from you guys I shall go cancel my subscription to Def Comedy Jam. Let’s look at article 106(6) which the PPP-PSC is getting hung up on.

Article 106 (6): The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.

“Shall” is a modal verb that indicates future tense.

It has no definitive timeline. Just simply means it

will happen in the future.

So if you PPP-PSC happen to see me still looking at Def Comedy Jam, after I said “I shall cancel it” and demand I cancel it immediately, I will not so politely remind them that “shall” is future tense without a definitive timeline. I can do it now. I can do it next 10 years. See my point? The “shall” in the constitution refers to future tense. No definitive timeline. So that garbage that the PPP-PSC is arguing that the Cabinet must resign forthwith as per the constitution makes no sense.That’s simple semantics.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant, Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

21st March, 2019, but may no longer function as a Cabinet and only until within the period mandated by the constitution. It is a fact that Article 106 (7) of the constitution requires elections to be held no later than 21st March, 2019, unless a two-thirds majority vote of the National Assembly extends that date. It is a fact that this constitutional imposition is not delayed by any appeal filed against the ruling of the chief justice. It is a fact that the President and his government, through the attorney general, have the right to appeal the ruling of the High Court but, it is also a fact that the rulings of the High Court remain in place and active and that the President and government must, by law, act as so ruled unless overruled by a higher court.

It is a fact that GECOM, under the law, as is required by the constitution, must be prepared to hold a general election whenever it is due and specifically prescribed by the constitution. It is a fact that GECOM, including the chief elections officer, judged from their own public statements and those of the government, have failed in their constitutional duty to prepare for the holding of elections by 21st March, 2019. I have stated the facts conveyed in the press releases by the Private Sector Commission of 31st January and 4th February, 2019. All, therefore, that the PSC has stated is that the President and his government must respect the constitution and respect the law and that GECOM must observe, respect and act in accordance with the constitution.

Regards Kit Nascimento

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Norton receives Ambassador of Peace Award

Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, receives the Ambassador of Peace Award from representatives of the UPF (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Navendra Seoraj MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, has received the Ambassador of Peace Award from the local chapter of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF).

Chairman of the federation’s local chapter, Roshan Khan, said the minister received the award for his service to the people.

“He has served the people in and out of the office and we believe that he will continue to do so…in light

of this, we have presented the minister with this award which is not to be taken lightly,” said Khan during a simple presentation ceremony on Wednesday.

Khan encouraged Minister Norton to uphold the award by continuing to be an Ambassador of Peace as he serves the people of Guyana.

He added that the federation will also be honouring President David Granger with the award at a later date.

Minister Norton, in return, expressed his gratitude for receiving such an award

and made a commitment to maintaining his role as an Ambassador of Peace.

The UPF and its global network of Ambassadors of Peace affirm and apply universal, spiritual principles to the task of resolving conflict and reconciling the divided human family.

The federation is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (UN).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

GECOM still deadlocked on elections date …Alexander floats shortened time frame for house-to-house registration

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is yet to reach consensus regarding an election date but Commissioner Vincent Alexander has submitted a request for a review and possible reduction of the proposed nine-month duration for house-to-house registration.

At the GECOM Secretariat press meeting last Friday, Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers had stated that house-to-house registration would take nine months to be completed.

However, coming out of the commission’s meeting on Wednesday, Alexander said that he believes that this time can be reduced. “I have requested, and still await from the commission, a review of their own proposition of house-to-house because I think the time could be compacted,” he said.

He added that his fellow commissioners are not yet to oppose this suggestion.

Describing the afternoon’s meeting, Alexander said that there really was “nothing new to report” as old issues were once again rehashed by some commissioners.

“Commissioner Benn sought to make a presentation taking us back to this question of March 19 and based on that presentation a discussion evolved about timelines and whether the commissioner had given [Chief Elections Officer] Lowenfield the permission to be in election mode and things like that,” Alexander said. “There was really no consensus on any matter.”

This sentiment was shared by Commissioner Robeson Benn, who stated that GECOM is still at a “nogo position.”

At their last meeting on Tuesday, the commission stated that it would be seeking clarification from the Ministry of Finance on how funds will be appropriated for the holding of early General

and Regional Elections.

The need comes as Attorney General Basil Williams recently pointed out that with Cabinet resigned, it may be impossible for the government to simply reallocate the $3B designated for fresh house-to-house registration to conduct new elections as suggested by the opposition.

Proof that the division among the commission remains evident as Benn does not believe that guidance from the ministry was necessary as GECOM can shift the $3B funds from one budget to another, which he said would be “nothing new.” “As we’ve done before, when we had money for one thing and a priority matter came up, the money was vire,” Benn said. “In our case we are a statutory, separate agency which made those types of decisions before and could make them now.”

HOWEVER, ALEXANDER DISAGREES.

“This is a budget agency which has to operate within the context of the Fiscal and Financial Management Act,” Alexander said: “We will see what advice is given and any advice given certainly will have to refer the laws. We can exercise our minds on the matter but we start off from the standpoint of being given advice by the authoritative financial body in the country.

It may have been done, but it may have been wrongly done, so I can’t take that as a basis for present action,” he said.

The commissioner stated that he is, nonetheless, examining the law in question and while he is not yet conclusive on the matter, the guidelines suggest that only 10 per cent of the money could be moved.

Benn also maintains that there were meetings since in December to effect preparations for elections, but now the commission is straying from a previously established

consensus.

Alexander later told media operatives that such a conversation would first have to come to the commission on paper in the form of a proposal which would include the details of the elections preparation period before it is given the go-ahead.

He believes that whether or not the commission makes a decision, now or later and, regardless of the final decision, the matter will eventually end up in the lap of the political leaders. “I think we’re close to a referral,” he said.

FRESH REGISTRATION Meanwhile, at an Alliance For Change (AFC) press conference on Wednesday, General-Secretary Marlon Williams affirmed the party’s support for fresh house-tohouse registration. “We in the Alliance For Change are interested in seeing house-tohouse registration however,

we will respect the decision of GECOM once it gives a framework for the hosting of elections. We encourage GECOM, to as soonest, provide a position on that,” he said Challenged by the media to state why the party did not raise objection with the current list at the Local Government Elections which remains valid until April 30, 2019, Williams added: “That was Local Government Elections, these are substantive elections; these are national elections; this is the election that will determine who governs this country. Are you suggesting that we go with a list that can be deemed compromised? These are national elections. We must ensure that we have a clean as possible elections.”

He stated that the party encourages the resumption of parliament to address these issues and eagerly awaits a “bi-partisan decision” from the

No replacement for Sittlington in the works BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, has said that there are no talks at this time on a possible replacement for former special advisor to the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Dr

Sam Sittlington, who was fired on February 1.

Contracted by the UK government to assist SOCU since 2016, Sittlington’s contract was initially expected to be up in 2020; however, it came to a premature end

after it was revealed that Sittlington was in the process of setting up his own fraud investigation company in Guyana.

“It’s still under discussion as to what is going to happen with that contract.

PI into Sasia Adams’ death nears conclusion THE Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the death of Sasia Adams, allegedly killed by her boyfriend, is expected to conclude before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Rick Sewcharran, 22, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, is charged with manslaughter and is currently out on $500,000 bail for the crime.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on June 10, 2018, at Lamaha Street, Georgetown, Sewcharran killed Adams, his 19-year-old girlfriend.

On Wednesday, February 13, Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers gave his closing submission and the Chief Magistrate adjourned the matter until Thursday, February 14 for her ruling in the PI.

Rick Sewcharran

On June 10, 2018, Adams was rushed to a private city hospital by her boyfriend, Sewcharran, who claimed that she had jumped out of the car as he was driving.

Adams, who arrived at the hospital in a conscious state,

reportedly told health workers there that she fell at home.

The police found the developments to be strange, as both had given conflicting reports and her 22-year-old boyfriend was taken into custody.

At the minute we’re looking into what will happen going forward, but there’s no further information at this time,” Quinn noted on Wednesday.

The financial investigations adviser was tasked with working with the Director of SOCU, Sydney James, and was responsible for reviewing all current investigations carried out by SOCU, provide advice and guidance on each case, as well as in relation to liaising with oth-

er agencies--external and internal--in order to support the SOCU investigations.

He also provided practical advice and guidance to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) and lawyers of the Attorney General’s Chambers, on the progress of crime matters.

He was also tasked with conducting meetings, workshops, research and training and submitting reports on his work and findings.

An Irish financial investigations expert, Sittlington had been working with SOCU on a number of high-profile cases, including those involving opposition members of parliament.

He was hired through the Security Sector Reform Programme. His recent move to set up a company might have been seen as a conflict of interest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Russian, Scottish cities to form partnerships with Georgetown BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn and Russia’s Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz, on Wednesday paid courtesy calls on Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine.

Quinn explained that one of the main purposes of his visit was to begin discussions with Narine about the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Georgetown and Aberdeen.

The Georgetown-Aberdeen partnership is an initiative coming out of the visit by a Guyanese trade mission to Aberdeen last November.

The MoU was suggested by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Barney Crockett, who is scheduled to visit Georgetown in March.

“I was in the Aberdeen Guyanese trade mission in November and one of the things that came from the trade mission was that the Lord Provost of Aberdeen indicated that he would [not

British High Commission to Guyana, Greg Quinn, (left) handing over a copy of the book ‘Britain from Above: A view of Britain from the past to present” to Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine (Adrian Narine photos)

only] like to come down and visit, but also sign an MoU between Aberdeen and Georgetown. So one of the things that we’re now doing is making arrangements for that visit, which will take place later on in March. The MoU will cover both how Aberdeen and Georgetown share experiences,” Quinn conveyed.

Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland with an offshore petroleum industry. It has long been touted as the ‘oil capital of Europe’ with years of experience in the oil industry, dating back to the mid-20th century.

With Guyana’s looming oil and gas industry, it is believed that the two cities will have a lot in common,

Russian Ambassador Alexander Kurmaz, (left) and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

and not only in the oil and gas-related sectors.

“Up until the advent of oil and gas, Aberdeen was a city that really wasn’t as developed as it could be and so the provision of oil and gas allowed Aberdeen to develop socially, economically, and culturally. So there’s an experience there; things that they did right and things that they did wrong, which I think they would like to pass on

Gov’t providing free day care services to West Berbicians …$36M centre to open next month WORKING parents, including single-parent mothers and fathers, in the village of Ithaca, West Coast Berbice and its environs will soon be able to maximise on their incomes with the availability of free day care services for pre-schoolers at a recently completed and soon-to-be commissioned Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) in that village.

The ECEC at Ithaca, one of six being established countrywide, is the brainchild of the office of the Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment in the Ministry of the Presidency, who worked in collaboration with the Child Care and the Protection Agency of the Ministry of Social Protection.(MoSP) for its fruition.

The construction of the ECEC at Ithaca, to the tune of $36M, was financed by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) from funds received from the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO)

The soon-to-be commissioned Early Childhood Education Centre (ECEC) at Ithaca, West Bank Berbice in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice)

of Region Five, Mr Sherwyn Wellington, said Monday that the centre at Ithaca will be managed on a day-today basis by the regional administration of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), in collaboration with the Child Care Unit of the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP).

He disclosed too that the ECEC at Ithaca will cater for 45 pre-schoolers; that staff and caregivers have already been trained and the facility should start providing free child-care services for working parents, including single-parent mothers by

next month, March 2019.

Wellington stressed too that the intention is that apart from the positive long-term impacts that high- quality preschool and child care have on the economy of the home and the community, thanks to the ECEC, parents will get the opportunity to get the additional education they need to access better jobs once they are so inclined.

He said that once opened, the centre may even extend the hours of free child- care service to parents in order to support them in their efforts at self-development, such as

attending evening classes, etc., which may fall outside the normal working hours.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment has disclosed that the programme for the ECECs fell under a general Early Childhood Development Programme (ECDP) initiative of the office. The programme for the ECECs has its genesis in August 2015 when staffers decided that such centres were important for empowerment of Guyanese youth.

The adviser and staffers approached the BNTF and requested funding for nine ECECs and after much discussion and reviews, settled for funding from the BNTF for six, including the one at Ithaca, in late 2015. Staff for the centre at Ithaca, like the staff for the other centres, subsequently underwent a six- week training programme in such topics as Foundation Training in Early Childhood Development, Leadership, Management, Human and sexual reproductive health Micro finance , business; basic mathematics and English Language and graduated.

to Georgetown. But it’s not just all about the oil and gas; there’s also the development of the broader industry, it’s about what else you can do as a community, support the local industries and beyond,” Quinn emphasised.

Kurmaz, during his visit, noted that he believes that there are many mutual benefits to be derived from a partnership between Moscow and Georgetown.

“It is my [first] courtesy call and we are trying to define the areas where we could be helpful. Russia is the country of high-tech development, so we could find some really interesting spheres of cooperation,” Kurmaz related.

Narine noted that he hopes to work along with Russia to bring City Hall more up to date in utilising digital technology.

Narine expressed how grateful he was to see Georgetown develop cooperation with the two cities.

“It’s something good for Georgetown where two cities could be connected and share different views on how to get things done in terms of infrastructure and management. This moment I am grateful for.

There’s a lot of things to discuss. I pray this foundation with the different cities will benefit Georgetown and the other cities,” Narine said.

18 months for attempted robbery PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday sentenced a man to 18 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charge of attempting to commit a felony.

Robert Bond admitted that between February 5, 2019, and February 6, 2019, at Mandela Avenue, he broke and entered the dwelling house of Michelle Shurland, with intent to commit a felony.

According to reports, on February 5, 2019, about 21:00hrs, Shurland secured her home and went to bed.

On February 6, 2019, about 03:15hrs, she was awakened by the barking of a dog and discovered that her door was open.

The victim quickly summoned the police and, upon their arrival, Bond was seen scaling Shurland’s fence to get away.

The officers called out to him, but he did not stop, which caused a rank to pull out his weapon and dis-

Robert Bond

charge a round at Bond.

Bond suffered from a gunshot wound to the leg and had to be taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

The magistrate sentenced Bond to 18 months imprisonment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Nine cases of suspected TIP recorded so far for 2019

13

–– Counter TIP unit to ramp up raids, work closer with shelters

By Navendra Seoraj NINE cases of suspected Trafficking in Persons (TIP) have been recorded so far for 2019, said Coordinator of the Counter TIP Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin, adding that systems were being established to ensure that the number of cases did not increase.

Prior to the convening of a training programme for shelter managers and operators on Wednesday, February 13, 2019, Williams-Corbin said that the new cases followed a high number of cases which were reported in 2018.

She said there were 156 cases in 2018 and the trend had continued into 2019, but the Ministry of Social Protection, through the unit, had been working to ensure that the scourge was addressed.

Shelter Managers and operators flanked by officials of the Counter TIP unit on Wednesday (Adrian Narine)

The unit had since been able to assist 93 of the 156 persons who were transferred to shelters and agencies for further assistance.

“45 victims were also identified in Guyana and

we’re working closely with a Caribbean island and the International Organisation for Migration to repatriate one victim who was recruited in Guyana but trafficked to a Caribbean country,” she said.

TIP is a global threat and it is estimated that over 21 million persons are enslaved through trafficking.

“We plan to do a lot of work in 2019 and so far we have started hard and we will

continue hard throughout the year,” said Williams-Corbin, adding that the unit had quite a lot of activities, such as raids planned for 2019.

The unit had, over the years, been able to conduct

raids in conjunction with the Guyana Police Force which, she said, had been doing an excellent job to assist the unit.

While the law enforcement officials had been playing their role, she reminded shelter managers and operators that it was their job to ensure that victims were safe and comfortable.

The coordinator and other officials of the unit explained that the training programme will enhance the ability of shelter managers and operators to care for TIP victims.

Guyana’s fight against TIP had seen the country maintaining its Tier one status in the US Department of State’s TIP report for 2017.

The report showed that Guyana had been making significant strides in the fight against trafficking in persons.

Young murder suspect Gold board authorises eight dealers still hospitalised THE 25-year-old main suspect fingered in the murder of 34-year-old Kelvin Walters, who was shot and killed on January 22, 2019, during an alleged execution at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, is still hospitalised.

On Wednesday, February 13, 2019, a senior police officer confirmed to the Guyana Chronicle that the alleged main suspect, Devon Allen of Alboystown, was still being kept under police guard at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for a broken leg, among other serious injuries.

Allen, upon his release from the hospital, will be placed before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the capital office of murder.

On Friday, February 8, 2019, Rodrick Thomas, called “Roger”, a 28-year-old security officer, was brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for Walters’ murder. He was remanded to prison until February 15, 2019.

Both Allen and Thomas had suffered from broken legs and were nabbed by the police while receiving treatment at a private city hospital.

However, Allen’s injuries were said to be more serious.

According to reports, on the day in question, Walters was travelling

in his motor car along the East Bank Demerara, heading south, when two men on a motorcycle rode up alongside his car.

There was some form of exchange and the men then rode up in front of the car and blocked its path. At the time of the incident, Walters’ reputed wife, Roxanne Henry, and a five-yearold were in the vehicle.

Walters, according to information, drove his vehicle into the motorcycle, but the two men took evasive action.

The car rolled over the motorcycle, but the pillion rider got up and opened fire on Walters. He was shot to the mouth, according to eyewitnesses.

As a result, Walters lost control of the vehicle which then slammed into the median. Henry also suffered injuries.

Police sources said that the men then fled the scene on foot into a nearby village, leaving behind a 9MM pistol and 14 matching live rounds of ammunition.

According to reports, Walters might have been a key witness in an on-going matter pertaining to a grenade attack on the Kaieteur News in 2016. In that incident, the grenade failed to explode.

THE Guyana Gold Board has licensed eight dealers to act as its agents in accordance with the Guyana Gold Board Act, Chapter 66:01, Section 9.

The eight authorised gold dealers are Mohamed’s Enterprise, Eldorado Trading, Pure Diamonds Inc, Excel Minerals Inc, Dinar Trading Inc, Adamantium Trading Inc, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Holdings Inc and Gold Bar Development and Consulting Inc. All authorised agents, when transacting business, must present as applicable a national identification card, passport or driver’s

licence, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), proof of address (utility bills or bank statements), GGMC mining documents (e.g. production sheets; mining priv-

ilege; dredge licence; traders’ licence or GRA licence to barter) and authorisation/power of attorney if selling on behalf of another, a release said.

‘Sweet man’ kills husband with fish bone A MAN was killed at Back Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Wednesday morning after accusing his friend of having a sexual relationship with his wife who moved out recently and now lives at Timehri, EBD. The police are investigating the murder of Rohan “Khanhai” Persaud, 53, unemployed of Samatta Point, Grove, EBD, which occurred between 01:00hrs-06:30hrs on Wednesday.

The body, which was found with a wound to the lower abdomen, is at the Lyken’s Funeral

Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Police have since arrested two suspects who were last seen in the company of the victim.

Reports indicate that the two brothers, who lived together in Grove Housing Scheme, separated a few weeks ago after a domestic dispute. One of them stayed with Rohan Persaud.

Persaud was living with his reputed wife and it is alleged that his friend, who recently moved in, was having a sexual relationship with his wife.

Due to this, Persaud and the suspect were constantly engaged in quarrels and this

caused the wife to take up residence with relatives at Timehri, EBD. However, on Wednesday, Persaud was walking with the suspect and an associate when the suspect accused him of being a “Sweet man” and of having sexual intercourse with his reputed wife.

As a result, a scuffle ensued between the two, during which it was alleged that the suspect took a stingray bone and stabbed Persaud to his abdomen, causing him to drop dead.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Norway to provide additional support to HFLD countries ––Minister Harmon welcomes announcement THE Kingdom of Norway on Wednesday announced that it will provide additional support to High Forest Cover countries, including Guyana, at the Climate Finance Roundtable of the High Forest Cover Low Deforestation (HFLD) Conference held in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The announcement, which was welcomed by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, was made during a presentation by Mr. Eirik Brun Sorlie, Special Envoy for Climate and Forest, Embassy of Norway in Brasilia, Brazil. Mr. Sorlie was representing Norway’s Minister of Environment.

Minister Harmon, within whose purview the Department of Environment and Office of Climate Change fall, described the announcement as good news for Guyana, noting that it is timely as Guyana is pursuing its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

From left: Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon; Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname, Mr. Keith George; and Head of the Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers

Minister of State Mr. Joseph Harmon with Mr. Eirik Brum Sorlie, Special Envoy for Climate and Forest, Norwegian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil

“What he did in fact say in the general meeting this morning is that the Parliament of Norway has agreed to an extension of bilateral arrangements up to 2030, and that covers the agreement between Guyana and Norway. He said that they are looking at strengthening the partnership between us and them. So it was a very fruitful

port Guyana's holistic green development, including the transition to green and renewable energy. Meanwhile, during the roundtable this morning, Minister Harmon said the world must begin to recognise the important role that HFLD countries play in mitigating the effects of global warming and climate change, not just for its citi-

encounter and I am confident that the Norwegians want to be a part of our fight against climate change and protection of our forests and want to encourage us down that path. So we are very happy to hear that because we are currently in discussions with the Kingdom of Norway for an extension of the agreement between the two countries,”

Minister Harmon said.

Mr. Sorlie visited Guyana on Tuesday, when he met Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe and officials of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC). The cornerstone of the Guyana-Norway partnership is to safeguard Guyana's rainforest, improve forest governance and sup-

zens, but globally. He advocated for more resources to be made available to these countries so that they can continue the protection and preservation of the forests.

The minister of state will address the HLDF conference tomorrow. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Another vehicle explodes under mysterious circumstances THE bonnet of a Toyota Allion motorcar, HB 8512, erupted in flames Wednesday morning at Charlotte and Oronoque Streets,

Georgetown, causing the driver and three schoolchildren to flee for safety.

The Guyana Fire Service was summoned to the scene

and promptly doused the bonnet that was alight with foam.

This is the fourth vehicle in two weeks to have

suddenly exploded under mysterious circumstances.

Drivers are blaming the fuel purchased at GuyOil gas stations for the explosion.

According to drivers, they have experienced a pungent odour emanating from their exhaust and bonnet after filling up at Guyoil gas stations.

The Guyana Oil Company Limited, (GuyOil) in a recent press statement following earlier conflagrations, assured customers and the general public that fuel sold by the company is subjected to rigorous quality control tests.

“GuyOil has not received any reports from

Firefighters contained the flames by spraying foam to ensure the fire was extinguished

its customers or franchise holders which indicate that they have experienced any challenges in the operation

of their vehicles as a result of fuel purchased from its service stations,” the company stated.

guyana CHRONICLEthursday, february 14, 2019

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guyana CHRONICLE thursday, february 14, 2019

KUMEY Conrad Bourne, called ‘Kwamee Bourne’ was on Wednesday sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh for the 2016 killing of his elderly father, after he pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The accused changed his plea as the trial was at its summation stage and the judge accepted the plea of guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

Justice Navindra Singh then asked the foreman to return a formal not guilty verdict for the alleged murder and a formal guilty verdict for manslaughter. The judge

him to the hospital.

Justice Singh then sentenced Bourne to 20 years’ imprisonment and ordered that time served on remand be deducted, which amounted to about three years.

Meanwhile, in his address to the court, Bourne said “I realised certain things happened and I will try to be a better person.” In his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Maxwell McKay said that his client is a father of two and is 39 years old and is certainly remorseful for his actions on the day in question. He added that Bourne is aware of what happened but do not say why and asked for leniency in

Man gets 20 years for killing father told the accused, in his address, to make use of the services and programmes available in prison to become a better person since after serving his sentence, he will be released and will return to society.

Justice Singh arrived at the sentence after taking several factors into consideration, including the genuine display of remorse by the accused and the fact that he took responsibility for the incident.

He also considered the fact that the accused tried to assist his father after the incident by tending to the wounds and even tried to get

Kumey Conrad Bourne at the Demerara High Court.

sentencing.

In response, state prosecutor Tuanna Hardy told the court that the matter is a serious one, since a life was lost, as such, asked that the sentence reflect on 71-yearold man, who is not with us.

According to the indictment, on May 23, 2016 it is alleged that the accused, Kumey Conrad Bourne called ‘Kwamee Bourne’ murdered Rickford Bourne in the county of Demerara.

The state was represented by prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohamed whilst the defence attorney was Maxwell McKay.

Tullow Oil brings forward local drilling programme

By Navendra Seoraj OIL giant Tullow Oil has brought forward its drilling programme in Guyana where Exxon Mobil has discovered billions of barrels of oil.

According to Tullow’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Paul McDade, the Dublin-listed company had originally planned to start drilling wells at the end of 2019, but was set to begin in the second quarter because of the excitement over Exxon’s nearby discoveries.

According to reports, while Tullow acquired new licences off Ivory Coast, Suriname, and Peru in 2018, its focus will be on Guyana, where Exxon found five billion barrels of recoverable oil.

In a trading update on Tuesday, Tullow, which was founded 34 years ago

by Aidan Heavey, said it will drill the Jethro prospect in the second quarter of 2019, as the first of two planned wells on the Orinduik block in Guyana.

A prospect called Carapa will be tested on the Kanuku licence in Guyana, in the third quarter of 2019.

Tullow expects production to be in the region of 93,000-101,000 barrels of oil per day in 2019. Tullow will drill three wildcat wells in Guyana.

These are high-potential, high-risk wells in the

world’s newest oil “hot spot” and the company was excited about the opportunity that the licences in Guyana offer.

“In addition, we continue to work up other drilling prospects in highly prospective areas across Africa and South America for drilling in 2020 and beyond,” said Tullow.

Prospect selection among the JV Partners was on-going for the second planned well on the Orinduik Block.

The success of the neighbouring Hammerhead-1 well in August 2018, only seven kilometres from the Orinduik block boundary, had further de-risked that acreage.

Tullow and its partners were in the final stages of contracting a Drillship for the Orinduik drilling programme.

In 2018, Tullow increased its equity share in the Kanuku licence, offshore Guyana, from 30 per cent to 37.5 per cent through a farm-in deal with Repsol.

Tullow Oil is a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company. The group has interests in over 80 exploration and production licences across 16 countries which are managed as three Business Delivery Teams: West Africa, East Africa and New Ventures.

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guyana CHRONICLE thursday, february 14, 2019

Conciliation not yet -- UG unions continue to protest ills on campus

By Vishani Ragobeer

The University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) will not be heading into the conciliation proceedings with the university’s administration.

“We are probably not going to go to conciliation immediately… but we have to communicate this officially,” UGSSA President, Dr. Jewel Thomas told Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday.

“As far as our situation is concerned, the administration is trying to convince us that there is no money and to that end, they will share the document with the MoSP, Department of Labour, that they have already shared with us,” Dr Thomas explained.

However, the lecturer said the issues the unions have with pursuing that route now is that they do not “trust” the documents. Further, when those documents are shared with the Labour Department, it will reflect that the university has no additional money to pay the lecturers.

UGWU President Bruce Haynes also shared that his union does not believe that conciliation is the way to go now, since the university has said that it cannot afford the increases.

“If you are not putting [any sum of money] on the table, what are we talking about?

What are you agreeing to?

We’re going back to square one,” Haynes said.

Sections of the university were without Internet access at the time of Wednesday’s protest, according to Haynes who questioned: “Why are we at this stage; because we don’t have money to pay the Internet bill?”

NEED TOTAL HONESTY Instead of moving to conciliation, Haynes suggested that “the administration be totally honest with its staff” about the university’s expenditure.

In November 2018, UG Finance and General Purposes Committee unanimously approved a last-minute request by the administration and imposed a three per cent salary increase for UA (academic) staff, and a four per cent increase for UB (support) staff, retroactive to January 1, 2018. The increase was approved by UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith.

On Tuesday, the Chief Labour Officer (CLO) Charles Ogle convened conciliation proceedings between the UG administration and the workers’ unions in light of the impasse over negotiations of wages and salaries for 2018.

Dr. Thomas, however, highlighted that the unions would meet on Wednesday afternoon to finalise the text of the correspondence that will be sent back to the min-

istry and UG’s administration to indicate that they will not move to conciliation just yet.

The unions began their protest outside the old vice-chancellor’s building at UG during the lunch period on Monday. There, members of the teaching staff called for a financial audit to be done at the institution, since they claim that funds are being misappropriated instead of being used to develop the teaching space.

This misappropriation of funds, they claim, is the reason the university is unable to pay further increases to staff.

On Wednesday, Dr. Thomas also indicated that the issue is no longer just about the trivial increases offered for 2018, but it is now about examining the expenditure of the university’s administration.

Part of the picketing was to raise awareness on these issues, because the issue is one of national interest, according to Dr Thomas.

POOR TEACHING CONDITIONS Immediate UGSSA Past President, Dr. Pat Francis bemoaned the conditions under which teaching has to occur at UG. “These students do not have adequate rooms, so many days they have to walk around campus looking for a room and if they are in a space like the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT), some students are in the corridor taking notes on a lecture that is going on inside,” she said. Some students, according to her, have to be traversing the campus in search of chairs and to cram themselves into small teaching spaces.

She also lamented the imposition of the wage and salary increases back in November and highlighted that the coalition government has promised that remuneration would emerge out of negotiation.

“We are very unhappy, we cannot let it pass because if we accept this imposition of three and four per cent, in the future what can we say?” she questioned. “We have to say no to imposition of wages and salaries on the staff.”

“I give the government credit for giving the university more money over the year... but where the money is going we do not know, and therefore, it is not going, as far as we are concerned, to the core responsibilities of the university, which is teaching and learning,” Dr Francis said.

And as such, she joined the call for a forensic audit to be done, to allow for transparency in the university’s expenditure.

Further, she related that the university has employed “too many administrators”, which has resulted in it becoming “top heavy”. This approach, according to her,

is one which includes the employment of “oligarchs” who have been fashioning the university similar to North-American schools.

She also indicated that there have been several incidents where lecturers have been disrespected by the administration.

In support of Dr. Francis, Haynes said: “You would believe that every single lecturer or person who has contact

with the students is out there to deny the students, but it is not all. It may be a few persons and that can be dealt with and when you decide that you’re going to paint everybody with the same brush, you are grossly disrespecting every single staff member.”

OVERCROWDED CLASSROOMS At UG, Haynes said there are overcrowded classrooms

and lack of technological advancements.

“We are not asking for the conditions of a palace, but what we are saying if you believe what we do is important, provide us with the materials to do it. Make sure that we are comfortable,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith has indicated to the Guyana Chronicle that he has no objection conducting a financial audit

since he has nothing to hide.

According to him, the reason for the emphasis being placed on the “Renaissance” project (a project which the teachers have contended there is a misappropriation of funds on) is partially to rebrand and rebuild the university and to forge partnerships with people who can help the university rebuild and rebrand.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

UG Launches Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning THE University of Guyana (UG) has launched the Centre of Excellence for Teaching and Learning (CoETaL) at the Universi-

ty’s Turkeyen Campus.

ACCORDING to a press statement from the Ministry of Education, CoETaL will provide a menu of services

and programmes which will be focussed on teaching and learning scholarship.

The Centre was launched with a symposium which was

held at the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation Lecture Hall.

Minister of Education Dr. Nicolette Henry said

Professor Percy Hintzen, Director of African and African Diaspora Affairs at the Florida International University

Minister of Education, the Hon. Dr. Nicolette Henry delivering remarks at the launch (Ministry of Education photo)

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry pose with the newly installed members of the Advisory Board along with senior members of UG’s administration and the Florida International University (Ministry of Education photo)

that, over the years, UG had been evolving into a more competitive and respected tertiary institution in the region and was responsible for a lot that was required for Guyana’s human resource development.

“I believe that this achievement is in no small part due to the emphasis that the university places on providing a dynamic, highly student-centred learning environment in which student-learning is pursued as a primary goal, and excellence in teaching is recognised and rewarded,” the Education Minister said.

According to Minister Henry, the aforementioned emphasis was well positioned, as it was with the institutions of higher education that Guyana sought to develop a globally competitive workforce.

Further, she said that on the eve of a petroleum supported economy, there was an unprecedented demand for, and a great diversification in, higher education as well as an increased awareness of its vital importance for socio-cultural and economic development.

“Without adequate higher education and research institutions providing a critical mass of skilled and educated people, Guyana cannot ensure genuine endogenous and sustainable development, which is imperative to reduce the gap separating Guyana from the industrially developed countries,” Minister Henry added.

Moreover, she said that the education system must evolve to provide a platform for a permanent exchange of ideas of enhancing higher

education and a framework for joint action.

According to Henry, emphasis on life-long learning must be sustained to help students keep their knowledge current. She said that such would ensure that they remained relevant in the new economy and be in a position to take advantage of new market opportunities.

Delivering the keynote address was Director of African and African Diaspora Affairs at the Florida International University, Professor Percy Hintzen, who said it must be appreciated that students have a lot to offer their teachers.

He said that if this is understood, the students can produce new horizons of possibilities. According to Professor Hintzen, excellent teaching can produce excellent learners.

Following the launch of the school, an Advisory Board was installed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, to support the management of the CoETaL. The members of the Advisory Board are Ms. Paulette Paul (UG), Mr. Lenandlar Singh (UG), Dr. Jacqueline Murray (UG/ IDCE), Ms. Maureen Bynoe (UG), Ms. Kara Lord (UG), Mr. Kelvin Bovell (UG), Mr. Sekhar Mallampati (UG), Mr. Fidel Captain (UG), Ms. Donette Washington (UG), Dr. Theodosius Velloza (UG); Ms. Yulette Park (alternate), Ms. Viola Rowe (CPCE), Ms. Patrice LaFleur (UNESCO) and a Ministry of Education representative.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

No shortage of foreign currency –– Central Bank Governor

GOVERNOR of the Bank of Guyana, Dr. Gobin Ganga says there is no shortage of US currency in the banking system. The Governor, in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), was responding to claims contained in

a newspaper article which stated that a well-known shipping company was requesting that its clients pay for an exchange rate of two hundred and thirty ($230) Guyana dollars to one US dollar.

“There is sufficient for-

eign exchange in the market.

As a matter of fact, for the Banks’ cambios, we have almost USD$50M available for those who want to purchase foreign exchange,” Dr. Ganga said.

He, however, noted that there may be hoarding tak-

ing place and coupled with the demand for US dollar notes by foreign nationals, this could be responsible for the claims of currency shortage. Nevertheless, he stressed the availability of such currencies at the commercial banks. “You can get a debit card in USD if you are travelling, that is a visa debit card. You can also wire money to wherever you wish to make payments and those

are at very good rates which are hovering around $215... $215.50.”

The Central Bank Governor also reiterated that the country is currently in good financial standing with strong economic indicators. “The financial indicators are good; with respect to inflation, for example, it is just about 1.2 per cent exchange rate and is relatively stable. In terms

of commercial rates at the commercial bank, as I indicated before, it’s just about $215 – $215.50.” According to Dr. Ganga, the Bank of Guyana is closer to entering into an agreement with an international banking institution to function as the correspondent bank following Bank of America’s withdrawal in July of 2016.

Police seize firearms in separate operations A MINER of Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was arrested on Tuesday after he was found with an unlicensed .38 Revolver, 10 matching rounds and 354 grammes of cannabis.

Police said law enforcement in ‘F’ Division (interior locations) acting on information received, went to the miner’s location at Obama Road, Upper Mazaruni about 13:15hrs on Tuesday, conducted a search and found the items.

In a separate incident, police are hunting for a man who threw a shotgun into the bushes and escaped after seeing them. The incident occurred while the police were conducting a patrol at Makari Landing, Upper Mazaruni River.

Police said that they observed the male shopkeeper of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, acting in a suspicious

The shotgun that was retrieved

The gun and cannabis found on the miner

manner and on approaching closer, the suspect tossed a long object into the bush and escaped.

The object was immediately retrieved and found to be an unlicensed shotgun.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Confiscated rice…

Jamaica says rice importer to make contact with local supplier

–– containers returned to shipping line intact –GRDB

By Navendra Seoraj DAYS after some 70 metric tonnes of White “Cinderella” rice was seized by the Jamaican Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, the Jamaican authorities have said that the onus is on the importer to make contact with the supplier of the rice to iron out the matter.

This was according to General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, in an invited comment, yester-

day (Wednesday, February 13, 2019).

Reports had surfaced that 70 metric tonnes of White Cinderella rice, valued at approximately US$4.6 million, was confiscated by Jamaica’s Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry, due to its poor quality.

According to the reports, a series of inspections carried out revealed that the grains had signs of mould, clumping, discoloration and moisture, resulting in the detention of the rice by a food storage inspector.

“The Jamaicans told us that the importer has to make contact with the supplier to discuss this, because they do not divulge information,” said Hassan.

The board has since reached out to the supplier, who said the rice was returned to his shipping line in Jamaica.

“We have been checking with the supplier and he said none of his buyers had any problems with the rice, and it was even sent back to the shipping line intact and with no problems,” said Has-

san, adding that the Jamaica Government is reluctant to divulge any further information to the GRDB. Although the rice shipment was confiscated by the Jamaican authorities, the supplier was paid in full for his rice In light of the conflicting contentions, the GRDB intends to thoroughly investigate the matter.

According to a recent report from the Department of Public Information (DPI), Deputy General Manager of the GRDB, Allison Peters, said the certificate for testing of any rice was accredited by the Jamaican National Agency for Accreditation (JNAAC) and it was the fourth year that the board had been accredited by that body.

She pointed out that before rice leaves Guyana it is put through rigorous testing, both at the central laboratory

and before being loaded for export. However, in transportation and subsequent storage of the product, the GRDB has no control over how the rice is handled.

“A product leaves Guyana, it just does not arrive in another country; there is some form of conveyance that takes it from point A to point B. Our certificate proves that the rice left here in good order,” said Peters in the DPI report.

Banks DIH sponsors Children’s Costume Parade BANKS DIH Limited on Wednesday donated a package worth $ 2.5 million to the Ministry of Education for this year’s annual Children’s Costume Parade 2019 slated for February 16. This was done at the Brickdam office of the Ministry of Education.

The handing over was done by the Public Relations Officer of Banks DIH,Troy Peters. He said the beverage giant was very pleased to sponsor this year’s events and wished all Guyanese, “a Happy Republic Day in advance.”

According to Peters, the package includes sponsorship for the lead school band; St. Gabriel’s Primary School, T-shirts for all the Mash of-

ficials, tents, music systems costs for the parade, trophies and drinks.

This is the third year that Banks DIH Ltd has provided sponsorship to the parade.

The event sees almost 2500 children from schools countrywide, dressed in costumes and participating in their own parade. Banks DIH Ltd also sponsored this year’s Senior Calypso Competition.

Minister of Education Nicolette Henry thanked the company for its dedication towards helping them to make the parade a success and assured that every dollar will be put to good use.

Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Baker-King also showed her appreciation

to Banks for its sponsorship. She highlighted that the Children’s Costume Parade is a high point for Mashramani and gives students an opportunity to display their talent, while promoting the expressive arts.

This Saturday, the Children’s Costume Parade will commence at 10:00hrs at the Parade Ground, proceed east along Middle Street, north along Camp Street into Lamaha Street then north along Albert Street into Thomas Road, eventually making a grand entrance to the National Park, where the final judging will be done.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Local content policy to be finalised soon – Dr Bynoe GUYANA ’s Local Content Policy will be finalised in two and a half months, Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe has assured.

Speaking during a recent news conference, Dr. Bynoe said the Department of Energy has engaged a consultant to finalise the policy.

The policy document, when adopted by the National Assembly, would outline the framework on which local content will be understood, developed, measured and secured.

Capturing of local content contributions both in terms of dollars and jobs, and provision of a better definition of the activity level to allow for multipliers to be captured are among areas being covered.

“Even without a policy there are conditions in the respective Production Sharing Contracts to allow the operators to increase local content going forward,” Dr. Bynoe noted.

In the interim, he said the Department of Energy has been encouraging joint ventures to better allow Guyanese to participate in the sector and raise their own standards.

According to him, there aren’t an insignificant number of joint ventures in place.

These joint ventures include partnership in shore bases, aviation, oil spills and supplies among others.

Already, operators in the oil and gas industry have submitted their Local Content plans to the Department of Energy, however, there are areas for improvement.

“The department has since requested greater granularity, improved analysis of the multiplier and indirect benefits,” the director said.

The department, he further posited, is working with a needs assessment completed in 2018 for the Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates to be absorbed in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, the Energy Department is deepening its civic engagement through youth forums, TVET institutions, the University of Guyana and through radio and television programmes. Notably, it is in the process of appointing a communication company.

Local content, in the context of Guyana, is the sum of inputs of local goods and services including employment across the oil and gas value chain.

It is intended to ensure the education, inclusion, and advancement of as many as possible in the value chain of the oil and gas industry.

In an effort to maximise benefits and retain value from Guyana’s petroleum resources, considerable focus will be given towards capacity development, local content and value addition. Additionally, the policy framework is built on five themes: value maximisation, training and employment, supplier development, ownership and taxation.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is among entities that have made submissions, during the second round of consultation. In 2018, GCCI submitted to Government, what it called, a ‘Model Local Content Legislation’.

The model legislation defines Guyanese companies as “companies that are registered in Guyana where 51 per cent of the share capital are owned by citizen (s) of Guyana; where the board meetings of the said companies are held in Guyana; the head office of the company is located in Guyana and 70 per cent of the workforce of the company follows suit with the definition of a citizen of Guyana as defined in the Guyana Citizenship Act of 1967.”

Part II, Section Three of the crafted GCCI Local Content Bill stipulates that an operator or contractor must ensure that first consideration is given to Guyanese companies in the provision of goods and or services directly related to the petroleum industry.

“In the event that a Guyanese company is not selected to provide a good and or services, the burden of proof lies with the relevant party in the form of the operator or contractor to demonstrate why [the] Guyanese company has not been selected,” Section Four reads. It also includes provision for Human Capital Development and Monitoring and Accountability.

However, the director of the department of energy has long warned against making the Local Content Policy too prescriptive. He said as the country moves closer towards finali ing the policy document Guyanese must determine whether they have the capacity to take advantage of the Local Content Policy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Cow thief wanted A MAN is wanted by police on an arrest warrant for cattle stealing. Police said that Delroy Cleon Morrison, 34, is wanted for questioning in relation to larceny of cattle.

His last known address is Drill, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

Police, in a press statement on Wednesday, said the act was committed on Abdul Jhuman between October 25 and November

24, 2018.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Deltoy Cleon Morrison is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 229-2289, 2293564, 229-2557, 221-1281, 229-2750, 229-2019, 2263650, 226-1929, 911 or the nearest police station.

All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Taxi driver on bail for causing death of cyclist A 33-year-old taxi driver was on Wednesday arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus for causing the death of an 83-year-old pedal cyclist.

Aaron Mahadeo of Stevedore Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on November 21, 2018, at Aubrey Barker Road, Mahadeo drove motor car, HC 7451, in a dangerous manner, causing the death of Carlisle Clementson, a pedal cyclist.

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Visram Ramjattan, objected to Mahadeo being released on bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the fact that a life was lost.

According to the facts, on the day in question, Mahadeo was the driver of HC 7451 which was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the Aubrey Barker Public Road, at a fast rate.

It is alleged that Mahadeo lost control of his vehicle and collided with Clementson, who was on his

Aaron Mahadeo

bicycle at the time, attempting to cross the road.

Clementson, as a result of the collision, fell onto the road surface and was picked up in a semi-conscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC.) However, on December 3, 2018, Clementson succumbed to the injuries he had sustained from the accident.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus overruled the prosecutor’s objection and released Mahadeo on $350,000 bail. The matter was adjourned until March 5, 2019.

NOC escapees recaptured FOUR juveniles, who had escaped the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) institution at Onderneeming in Region Two, were on Thursday recaptured at a shop located at Supenaam.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, police acting on information, went to a shop at Supenaam Essequibo and recaptured the juveniles. The juveniles had escaped the facility on February, 12. They are serving time at the institution for simple larceny and robbery with violence, unlawful wounding, burglary, wandering and felony.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 14, 2019

Sherwin Leitch freed Sherwin Leitch on Wednesday (February 13, 2019) exited the Demerara High Court a free man after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the 2016 rape of a child under age 16 years old.

After hours of deliberations, the foreman returned with a unanimous not-guilty verdict after which, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow informed the accused that he could step out the box and leave, since the jury found him not guilty.

The matter was held in the Sexual Offences Court.

The trial took about three

days in which, according to the state’s case, it was alleged that on August 27, 2016, in the county of Demerara, Sherwin Leitch engaged in sexual penetration of a child under age 16 years old. The girl was only 14 years old at the time of the alleged incident.

The state was represented

by Lisa Cave, Seeta Bishundial and Sarah Martin while the defence attorney was Ravindra Mohabir.

Michel Outridge photo saved in a file in Graphics as Sherwin Leitch.

Venezuelans charged for assaulting ‘Guyanese Critic’ TWO Venezuelan fishermen were on Wednesday fined $10,000 each after confessing to assaulting Miguel Rodrigues called “Guyanese Critic”.

Neisel Cederio and Yuimin Ramiez were jointly charged and appeared before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The particulars of the charge alleged that, on February 9, at La Penitence Public Road, Georgetown, the duo assaulted Rodrigues.

With the aid of an interpreter, the men pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to the evidence, on the day in ques-

tion, the two Venezuelans were being video taped via Rodrigues’ live feed on his Facebook account.

The men, in a foreign language, asked Rodrigues to stop filming them, but Rodrigues continued to walk behind the duo and video tape them.

The men confronted Rodrigues and pushed the video instrument out of their faces.

A confrontation then ensued.

The police were summoned

by Rodrigues and the duo was arrested.

The magistrate ordered the duo to pay a fine of $10,000 each and discharged the matter.

Woman gets six months for false declaration PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, sentenced a 31-year-old woman to six months imprisonment for making a false declaration in order to obtain a Guyana passport.

Unique Angelica Hope of Thomas Street, Kitty, after spending almost a month on remand, opted to change her plea to guilty and confessed that on January 17, 2018, at the Central Immigration and Passport Office, Georgetown, for the purpose of procuring a new passport, she signed a written document stating that she was Coretta Hope.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummell told the court that Hope was given her first passport and went to Barbados. However, the defendant

overstayed and was deported.

When the defendant returned to Guyana, she obtained another passport under the name of ‘Onika Ann Benjamin’ and went back to Barbados. Again, the defendant overstayed her time and was deported.

On January 17, 2018, the defendant, along with her mother, went to the Central Immigration and Passport Office and applied for a passport, using the name of ‘Coretta Hope’, who is her disabled sister.

Brummell noted that the defendant’s mother falsely declared that Unique was Coretta, knowing that she (the defendant) was not.

Magistrate McGusty sentenced Hope to six months imprisonment along with a fine of $40,000.

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RAN 7s 2020 Olympic Qualifier set for July 6-7

GUYANA’S Sevens Rugby side, the Green Machine, will embark on unfamiliar journey when they participate in the Rugby Americas North 7s 2020 Olympic Qualifier from July 6 to 7 in the Cayman Islands.

Ye s t e r d a y, R A N a n nounced their schedule for the marquee event, noting that Barbados, who successfully hosted last year’s RAN 7s tournament, will host the 2019 Men’s U-19 and Women’s 10s Tournament.

In previous years Cayman Islands hosted the 2013 RAN Sevens and Rugby World Cup Regional Qualifiers at the Truman Bodden National Stadium, along with the prestigious Cay-

man International Sevens.

Similarly, Barbados is no stranger to international competitions.

Even before the successful 2018 RAN Sevens, Barbados had welcomed regional sevens dating as far back as 2005, and is also home to the annual Rugby Barbados World Sevens Tournament, which draws over 24 teams.

According to RAN, 2019 will be an especially exciting year for Sevens Rugby, as it will also double as the Regional Qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Teams who finish in the top four of the Men’s and Women’s World Sevens Series will qualify automatically for the 2020 Olympics.

Gabriel hit with ODI ban over Root incident’

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – West Indies speedster Shannon Gabriel has been controversially slapped with a four-match One-Day International ban by cricket’s world governing body, the ICC, after being found guilty of player abuse.

The 30-year-old Gabriel was also hit with a 75 per cent fine and three demerit points for the incident, which took place during the England second innings on day three of the third and final Test in St Lucia on Monday.

“During the third day of the St Lucia Test against England on Monday, Gabriel was found guilty of breaching article 2.13 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to ‘personal abuse of a Player, Player Support Personnel, Umpire or Match Referee during an international match’, following an incident with England captain Joe Root,” an ICC statement said yesterday.

The ICC did not stipulate what Gabriel said to Root, nor did stump microphones pick up his comments but according to media reports, Root was overheard telling Gabriel in response: “Don’t use it as an insult. There’s nothing wrong with being gay.”

Gabriel was charged by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Kumar Dharmasena, along with third umpire Chris Gaffaney, following Tuesday’s fourth day when England pulled off a 232run win.

The ICC said there had been no need for a hearing after Gabriel admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction set out by match referee Jeff Crowe.

For Gabriel, the ban represents his second in four months after he was suspended for the second Test against Bangladesh last November. On that occasion, he made physical contact with batsman Imrul Kayes and was hit with two demerit points and also fined 30 per cent of his match fee.

That took his tally to five demerit points – following a similar charge against Pakistan in 2017.

“With the addition of these three (latest) demerit points, he has reached the threshold of eight demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have been converted into four suspension points,” the ICC said.

“Four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs/T20Is, whatever comes first for the player.”

The ban covers the first four ODIs of the upcoming fivematch series against England starting later this month. However, Gabriel had not been named in the squad announced last week for the first two matches.

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In the Men’s competition, the top-placed team will qualify for the Olympics and the 2nd- and 3rd-placed teams will go through to a final World Rugby Olympic Repechage tournament.

On the Women’s side, the top-placed team will qualify automatically for the 2020 Olympics unless both Canada and the USA have pre-qualify, in which case the top team from the regional qualifier will play in the final Repechage tournament.

The 2019 RAN Sevens is open to all unions in either Full or Associate Membership of World Rugby. It is also likely to be a qualification tournament for the 2020 Hong

Kong Sevens, though this has yet to be confirmed.

With the final rounds of the World Rugby Sevens Series not concluding until June 16, the full roster of teams may not be known until three weeks before the start of the tournament.

However, the majority of Caribbean unions, as well as Mexico, are expected to field both men’s and women’s sides.

Mexico Women and Jamaica Men were both repeat winners at the RAN Sevens held at the Bellevue Polo Grounds in Barbados last year.

Meanwhile, RAN, in a release said that the Men’s U-19 will shift from a week-

long competition to four days of matches.

The new festival-style format will allow for teams to play a greater number of matches, with each match being 40 minutes long, except for the finals which will have 35-minute halves. Mexico and USA South Panthers have traded the Men’s U-19 title back and forth since 2015.

The Women’s 10s tournament remains an important developmental tool for the women’s game around the region. In its fourth year, the number of teams competing and the calibre of play continue to increase.

The Women’s 10s tournament will take place July 19-20.

DRS 15-second rule in spotlight as Sri Lanka miss out on a wicket AN apparent DRS timing error may have cost Sri Lanka a wicket on the first morning at Kingsmead.

Two balls after he had Dean Elgar caught behind in his first over of the day, Vishwa Fernando rapped Hashim Amla on the pads to spark a confident appeal for lbw.

Umpire Aleem Dar was unmoved, and after a short discussion Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne asked for a review - but Dar turned down the request on the basis that the visitors had taken too long to ask for it.

Section 3.2.2 of the ICC’s Test playing conditions stipulate that: “The total time elapsed between the ball becoming dead and the review request being made shall be no more than 15 seconds,” and “If the onfield umpires believe that a request has not been made within the 15-second time limit, they shall decline the request for a Player Review.”

According to the commentators on the SuperSport broadcast of the game, only 13 seconds had elapsed when Karunaratne asked for the review, and the TV umpire Ian Gould would have been in charge of timing the 15-second interval between the ball going dead and the review time limit.

“The bowler’s end umpire shall provide the relevant player with a prompt after 10 seconds if the request has not been made at that time and the player shall request the review immediately thereafter,” read the playing conditions.

Dar made no visible prompt to Fernando or the Sri Lankan players at the 10-second mark as SuperSport’s cameras followed him on the field of play.

Had they been able to take the review, Sri Lanka would have had South Africa wobbling at 0 for 2 as replays showed that Amla would have been out lbw.

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Shortly afterwards, the umpires were into the action once again when Amla made a late move to leave a ball from Suranga Lakmal and ended up sliding a catch to Kusal Mendis at second slip off the face of the bat.

The catch looked clean live, but umpire Richard Kettleborough called for a TV review, giving a soft signal of “not out”. Replays showed that the ball had lodged straight into Mendis’ hands, and the soft signal was thus overruled by Gould.

“If that is given not out, well, I’m walking back to the Caribbean,” said Michael Holding on SuperSport’s television commentary as replays of the catch were shown on the screen.

“The Test match has not started well for the umpires,” he said. “First, 15 seconds reduced to 13, and now a soft signal of not out when it was clearly out.” (ESPN)

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Seamer Fernando bags four for 62 to put Sri Lanka on top in first Test DURBAN, South Africa (Reuters) - Seamer Vishwa Fernando bagged four wickets as Sri Lanka took the honours on day one of the first Test against South Africa by reducing their hosts to 235 all out at Kingsmead yesterday.

The tourists were 49 for one in reply, trailing by 186 runs on a lively wicket that appeared to get easier to bat on.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne (28 not out) and the attacking Oshada Fernando (17 not out) will resume on the second morning, hoping to lay the platform for a sizeable first-innings lead.

Sri Lanka opener Lahiru Thirimanne was their only wicket to fall, batting for close to half-an-hour before he was caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock for a duck off seamer Dale Steyn.

It was the perfect start to the tour for the Sri Lankans, who endured two heavy Test defeats on their recent trip to Australia and have not won a game in any format since October.

South Africa’s innings was rescued to a degree by a fighting 80 from de Kock before he was the last man out, having at least taken his side past the 200 mark.

“We need to get off to a good start … and try and find a way to strike early,” de Kock told reporters.

“They (Sri Lanka) have

shown some good intent within their batsmen and will look to score quickly. We will have to figure out how we go about getting wickets.”

they have skill and their lines and lengths were tight as always. Here, a bit more movement off the wicket really assists them.”

the fourth wicket to calm home nerves.

But the tourists continued to chip away at the wickets column despite a

Keshav Maharaj (29) put on 47 with South African keeper de Kock but was caught by Niroshan Dikwella off Fernando just before tea, with South Africa adding a potentially crucial 57 before being bowled out.

SCOREBOARD SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings Aiden Markram b Vishwa Fernando 11 Dean Elgar c Niroshan Dickwella b Vishwa Fernando 0 Hashim Amla c Kusal Mendis b Suranga Lakmal

3 Temba Bavuma run-out Vishwa Fernando 47 Faf du Plessis c Niroshan Dickwella b Kasun Rajitha 35 Quinton de Kock c Vishwa Fernando b Kasun Rajitha 80 Vernon Philander c & b Kasun Rajitha 4 Keshav Maharaj c Niroshan Dickwella b Vishwa Fernando 29 Kagiso Rabada c Oshada Fernando b Vishwa Fernando 3 Dale Steyn b Lasith Embuldeniya 15 Duanne Olivier not out

0 Extras: (lb-6, nb-2) 8 Total: (all out, 59.4 overs)

235 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-9, 3-17, 4-89, 5-110, 6-131, 7-178, 8-186, 9-219.

Bowling: Suranga Lakmal 14-3-29-1, Vishwa Fernando 17-162-4, Kasun Rajitha 14.4-0- 68-3 (nb-2), Dimuth Karunaratne 3-0-9-0, Lasith Embuldeniya 10-1-51-1, Oshada Fernando 1-0-10-0.

Vishwa Fernando gave Sri Lanka an early breakthrough by dismissing Dean Elgar for a duck.. The seamer finished with four for 62(. (AFP)

HELPFUL WICKET de Kock said they were not surprised by the quality of the visitors’ bowling attack on a helpful wicket.

“Sri Lanka have always had a good pace attack,

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Sri Lanka had South Africa three wickets down with 17 runs on the board before Faf du Plessis (35) and Temba Bavuma (47) put on 72 for

positive run-rate from the hosts.

Fernando (4-62) was impressive with the new ball as he had both openers Dean Elgar (0) and Aiden Markram (11) back in the changing

Dottin is now leading all-rounder in women’s T20 format DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Veteran West Indies player Deandra Dottin is now the world’s leading women’s all-rounder in the Twenty20 format.

In the latest ICC rankings released yesterday, the 27-yearold had overtaken her captain Stafanie Taylor for the top spot

rooms early.

Bavuma showed good application before he was out in unfortunate circumstances, a straight drive from de Kock deflecting off the boot of bowler Fernando and onto the stumps with the batsman out of his crease.

after rising one place, following her efforts on the recent tour of Pakistan.

Taylor paid the price for opting out of the three-match series in Karachi and slipped to second, and is now only narrowly ahead of South Africa’s Dane van Niekerk who rose two places to third.

Dottin was the star of the series for West Indies, averaging 79 from three innings with a top score of 90 not out in the first match.

She also claimed three wickets with her medium pace to finish as the Windies Player-of-the-Series.

110 T20 Internationals.

Taylor, meanwhile, dropped three places in the batting rankings to fifth but is one of three West Indies players in the top 20 with opener Hayley Matthews, who missed the Pakistan series through injury, lying 19th after falling four spots.

ECB to hold Under-15 trials at Imam Bacchus ground

A RELEASE from the Essequibo Cricket Board (ECB) stated that trials for Under-15 players will be held tomorrow and Saturday in preparation for the upcoming inter-county tournament to be staged in Georgetown shortly.

The two 50-over matches will be played at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance and will capture players from the eight area committees. According to ECB secretary Autto Christiani, “Players will vie for selection on the Essequibo team through a vigorous and transparent process including a period of encampment.”

He further lamented that he anticipates keen competition for places since the stakes are high, adding that Essequibo in the recent past had done well at the level, including producing a number of national youth cricketers.

Among them are Sheldon Charles and Lance Roberts who featured in last year’s regional competition in Trinidad and Tobago.

Officiating in the middle will be Deva Dass and Wazeer Dhanraj. Each match will commence at 10:00hrs.

SRI LANKA 1st innings Dimuth Karunaratne not out

28 Lahiru Thirimanne c Quinton de Kock b Dale Steyn 0 Oshada Fernando not out

17 Extras: (b-3, lb-1)

4 Total: (16.0 overs)

49-1 Fall of wickets: 1-19.

Bowling: Dale Steyn 5-1-10-1, Vernon Philander 4-0-14-0, Kagiso Rabada 2-1-1-0, Duanne Olivier 2-0-2-0, Keshav Maharaj 2-0-13-0, Dean Elgar 1-0-5-0.

Breazeale to fight Whyte for interim heavyweight title (REUTERS) - American Dominic Breazeale and Briton Dillian Whyte have been ordered to fight by the World Boxing Council to determine the mandatory challenger to heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder, the WBC said on Tuesday.

Deandra Dottin is now the leading all-rounder in T20s.

The performances saw her jump two places to number three in the T20 batting rankings while remaining steady at 29th in the bowlers charts.

The Barbadian has been a fixture in the West Indies side ever since making her debut as a 16-year-old, 11 years ago, playing 117 one-dayers and

In the bowlers’ rankings, leg-spinner Afy Fletcher is the highest-ranked West Indies player after rising four places to 20th.

Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt tops the bowlers’ charts while New Zealander Suzie Bates leads the batting.

Dominic Breazeale

American Wilder retained his title after a controversial split decision draw with Britain’s Tyson Fury last December and the WBC quickly sanctioned a direct rematch,

further delaying a defence against mandatory challenger Breazeale.

“In order to provide activity to the heavyweight division and address the rights of Breazeale as mandatory challenger, the WBC is ordering a fight for the interim championship,” the sanctioning body said in a statement.

Breazeale (20-1, 18 KOs) has been the mandatory challenger since defeating compatriot Eric Molina in an eighth round stoppage in November 2017.

Last December, Breazeale stopped Carlos Negron of Puerto Rico in the ninth round to remain mandatory challenger and then called out Wilder, who was in attendance.

Whyte (25-1 18 KOs) moved up the heavyweight ranks during a busy 2018 in which the WBC Silver Champion retained his title with wins over Lucas Browne, Joseph Parker and Dereck Chisora.

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Guptill hits unbeaten 117, bowlers earn Kiwis 1-0 lead MARTIN Guptill’s unbeaten century led New Zealand to a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first match of the oneday international series.

The hosts dominated in Napier as Bangladesh failed to bat for the full 50 overs and were bowled out for 232, which represented a recovery after they had slumped to 42-4.

With Trent Boult (3-40) and Mitchell Santner (3-45), having done the damage with the ball, Guptill took the lead with the bat as he finished 117 not out off 116 deliveries to account for more than half of his team’s total.

Bangladesh will look to level the three-match series when the two meet again in Christchurch romorrow.

It was evident the tourists were set for a struggle

when Tamim Iqbal (5) fell to a deceptive Boult out-swing-

(1) and Mushfiqur Rahim (5) went cheaply, while Soumya

Martin Guptill struck 4 sixes and 8 fours en route to his unbeaten 117. (Getty)

er in the second over.

That set the tone for the opening overs as Liton Das

Sarkar’s promising start was halted when Matt Henry had him caught and bowled for 30.

The most significant contribution came from Mohammad Mithun, whose 62 helped Bangladesh reach a moderately competitive total that was also boosted by Mohammad Saifuddin’s 41.

However, it was a target the Black Caps had no trouble in chasing down and they had three figures on the board before Mehidy Hasan bowled Henry Nicholls (53) for Bangladesh’s first breakthrough.

It did little to stifle New Zealand’s progress and captain Kane Williamson (11) was the only other wicket to fall, with Guptill and Ross Taylor (45 not out) the men to see the Black Caps home.

Guptill – who chalked up his 15th ODI century – hit a huge six down the ground to level the scores and the single that followed confirmed victory with 33 balls to spare.

Vertonghen shines as Tottenham beat Dortmund 3-0

Tottenham’s Juan Foyth and Davinson Sanchez celebrate their second goal scored by Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen (not pictured). (REUTERS/Eddie Keogh)

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur blank Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium yesterday to give them the clear edge following the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.

The Belgian notched his first goal in the Champions League with a well-timed volley in the 83rd minute after he had set up forward Son for a 47th minute lead. Substitute Fernando Llorente grabbed their third in the 86th.

That was Son’s ninth goal against Dortmund in 11 matches, with the South Korean, who played in the Bundesliga from 2010-15, having also scored twice in the competition’s group stage last season.

The Bundesliga leaders, who were eliminated from the German Cup last week, were nowhere to be seen in the second half, with speedy teenager Jadon Sancho given no space to operate after the break. The return leg is on March 5.

Before yesterday, Tottenham, playing without injured captain Harry Kane and Dele Alli, had never won a home match in the knockout stage of the competition and Lucas Moura came close with a fine shot in the seventh minute.

Dortmund, who were themselves missing injured captain Marco Reus and top striker Paco Alcacer, gradually took control and had the better chances in the first half with Christian Pulisic firing onto keeper Hugo Lloris and the Frenchman saving a point-blank header from Dan-Axel Zagadou.

But the hosts changed the course of the game two minutes after the restart, pouncing on a defensive error and with Vertonghen whipping in a cross for Son to tap in.

Dortmund, who had conceded just two goals in the group stage, tried to recover but found no way past the disciplined Tottenham backline.

Vertonghen then timed his run to perfection in the 83rd to kill off the game and Llorente gave them a big advantage for the second leg.

Joshua to fight ‘Big Baby’ Miller in New York on June 1

Anthony Joshua celebrates his win against Alexander Povetkin at Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - September 22, 2018.

(Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File photo)

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Undefeated heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua will fight American challenger Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller in New York on June 1 in his first title bout outside Britain.

Joshua had been due to defend his WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts at London’s Wembley Stadium on April 13 against an unnamed opponent, but that had been looking unlikely for some time.

“I’m going to be travelling over to New York on June 1, I’m going to be defending my heavyweight titles at MSG (Madison Square Garden) against Jarrell Miller,” the 29-year-old announced on YouTube yesterday.

He blamed ‘boxing politics’ for getting in the way of a unification bout with American WBC champion Deontay Wilder on April 13.

“So we had to branch out and look for other options and Jarrell Miller came up,” said Joshua, who has a professional record of 22 wins, including 21 knockouts.

“It will be an exciting fight, I will leave nothing to chance, and plan on dismantling Miller in style to make my mark,” added the

Briton, who said he would be doing a lot of his training in New York but was in shape already.

Miller is also unbeaten, with a record of 24 fights, 23 wins and a draw.

Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April 2017 then fought Carlos Takam and Joseph Parker at the Principality Stadium in Wales, before returning to Wembley to beat Alexander Povetkin last September.

Before that, the 2012 Olympic super-heavyweight champion had fought in venues around Britain including Manchester and at London’s 02 Arena.

“Wembley is so close to my heart, it’s a great spot, a great location, I’ve fought in small halls and arenas and it’s been humbling and a blessing to fight in the stadiums. But now it’s time for a change,” he said.

Miller, 30, said Joshua was making a ‘huge mistake’ and would lose his titles.

“He wants to announce himself on the American stage, but all he’s doing is delivering me those belts by hand.

It’s dog eat dog in the ring and this dog has got a bigger bite. He’ll be leaving New York empty-handed,” he told Sky Sports.

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guyana CHRONICLE thursday, february 14, 2019

The respective winners along with officials of the sponsors and supporters.

Gouveia, Persaud emerge champions at SajRice inaugural golf tourney THE inaugural SajRice golf tournament last Saturday was a scorcher to say the least. The competition in both Flights was very hot in the winners’ row, but it was veteran Ian Gouveia,

who delivered the Best Net score of the 0-15 Flight, and Patanjilee ‘Pur’ Persaud, who won the Best Net score of the 16-28 Flight.

While Carlos Carbo, CEO of SajRice, who hosted the

tournament, participated, he did not attempt to dominate the scene as he did on February 2 in the ‘Speedy’ Ramdial Memorial tournament.

Instead he allowed his fellow golfers to win his prizes. He

AT the first Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Carifta Games 2019 trials, held at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC), Leonora, over the weekend, long jumper Princess Browne and Osrick Pellew made the qualifying marks in their respective disciplines.

Browne, who is a member of the Running Braves Athletics Club (RBAC), leaped 12.02m to win the Girls’ Under-17 Triple Jump event, which was better than the AAG’s Carifta Standard (CS) of 11.60m.

On the other hand, Pellew finished just under the CS time of 11s to win the Boys’ Under-17 100m dash with a 10.98s finish.

Meanwhile, Kenisha Phillips and Keliza Smith

came close to qualifying but just missed out; Smith missed the Girls’ Under-15 Long Jump CS qualifying mark by five centimetres after jumping 5.45m with

qualifying distance being 5.50m.

Smith came close yet again after her time of 57.70 secs in the Under-17 400 sprint was 0.7 secs slower than the qualifying time of 57 secs.

Phillips narrowly missed the CS time in the Girls’ Under-20 100m and 200m sprints. In the 100m, she ran 11.89 with the CS time being 11.80, while the CS time in the 200m was 24.20, Phillips finished in 24.67 secs for the win.

Last weekend’s track meet also served as the AAG’s third developmental meet of the year and it also provided some impressive from the senior athletes.

National men’s Javelin record holder, Leslain Baird, who had set out a target of 70m at last weekend’s development meet, came close with a throw of 69.81m.

In the marquee Open 100m race; Alita Moore was the Women’s champion with a time of 12.19 secs in the final, while Akeem Stewart won the Men’s race in 10.71 secs.

Elton Bollers continues to improve and he clocked 21.79 secs in the Open Men’s 200m to win, while Tonya Rawlings dashed to victory in the Women’s 200m in 25.94 secs.

Browne, Pellew qualify for Carifta Games 2019 at AAG’s Developmental Meet

Princess Browne

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, Febrary 14, 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) (1) (2)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Clive Lloyd & David Gower Viv Richards & David Gower

Today’s Quiz: (1) How many Test matches WI Arthur Barrett played

against England?

(2) What is the highest Test score by an Englishman

at Bourda?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

expressed much appreciation for the support of the golfers and heartily congratulated the winners.

In addition to prizes for 1st to 3rd Best Net places in each of the two Flights played, 0-15 and 16-28 handicaps, two other prizes were awarded for Nearest the Pin – won

by Gavin Todd - and Longest Drive – won by Troy Cadogan. SajRice also donated a 10kg sack of rice to each tournament participant.

In the 0-15 Flight, winners were: Ian Gouveia (69/15) – 1st; Mike Mangal (70/9) – 2nd and Richard Haniff (70/15) – 3rd. The keen competition for this winners’ row saw a tie for 2nd place that was resolved by

reviewing the back 9 holes.

Hot on their heels were former captain Patrick Prashad – who has been in the top 3 places for the past 3 tournaments – with a score of 71/9, and tying with him for 4th place was Club president Aleem Hussain with 71/10.

In the 16-28 Flight, things were even hotter, as three persons tied for 1st place.

Again, places were resolved by a review of the back 9 scores, giving the 1st three winners: Patanjilee ‘Pur’ ‘I love that winning feeling’ Persaud (67/17) – 1st; rookie Anand Persaud (67/28) – 2nd and Satrohan Tewari (67/16) – 3rd.

Other close contenders

in this Flight were Guillermo Escarraga (68/21) – who won the ANSA Motors tournament of January 19 – tying with Clifford Reis (68/25); Hilbert Shields (69/16); Robert Hanoman (70/28) and Lekhnarine Shivraj (71/17).

SajRice Inc., whose vision is “to be the leading manufacturer, exporter and provider of the finest quality extra-long grain rice, with excellent customer service, and to support farmers in every possible way”, began in 2006, under a 35-year contract with the Government of Guyana, to operate the MARDS Rice Milling Complex of Burma, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

P&P Insurance Brokers sponsors Brave Heart Football Club LOCAL company P&P Insurance Brokers is assisting youths in sport. The company on Tuesday made it possible for a goalpost to be set up for the youths of Brave Heart Football Club to assist in the

Mashramani 2019 small goal tournament.

The tournament, which commenced on February 2, is being contested at the East Ruimveldt Secondary School ground, Mandela Avenue.

The Executive Director of P&P, Mr Vikash Panday, outlined the importance of sports in a school curriculum, pledging his continued support and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.

P&P Insurance Brokers representative hands over sponsorship to Brave Heart Football Club.

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guyana CHRONICLE thursday, february 14, 2019

Independence CC whip McGill in Berbice Cricket Board unveils West Demerara President’s Cup final $1.2M coaching programme

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has secured a sponsorship worth close to $1.2M from overseas-based Berbician Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh for another countywide coaching programme.

The sponsorship will be divided into two parts - $770 000 for a countywide coaching programme and several coaching clinics while $400 000 will be used for the board’s annual cricket academy.

President of BCB, Hilbert Foster, stated that Dr Singh’s investment was a major boost for the continued development of the game in the county.

Foster expressed gratitude to Dr Singh for his continued confidence in the board. Dr Singh was described as a true friend of Berbice cricket and Foster disclosed that the board will shortly be presenting its highest award to him.

He recalled that Dr Singh, in 2018, also donated $1M for a similar project which was highly successful.

Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCC) Anand Sanasie was on hand to make the presentations to the winning team.

AN impactful spell of off-spin bowling from Reaz Esau and an all-round performance from Mahendra Dhanpaul propelled Independence Cricket Club to championship honours over the McGill Superstars in the final of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) 50-over President’s Cup competition.

The game, which was played at Joe Vieira Park last Sunday, was reduced to 30 overs per side due to rain. McGill won the toss and decided to field.

Dhanpaul led the attack. He reached the boundary three times, while he also smashed five sixes for a score of 52, batting in the

middle.

No. 8 batsman, Javon Hector, with an unbeaten 30 (1x4, 1x6) helped to push the eventual winners to 158-9.

Abdool Razack picked up 4-17 from six overs with his offspin bowling, while Daniel Basdeo finished with 4-27 (also six overs) with his left-arm seam.

In the middle, McGill had no answers for Esau and they were eventually routed for 55, with only Troy Persaud reaching double figures. He made 18 (2x4s). Esau finished with 6-3, while Dhanpaul took 3-16 with his medium pace.

England slip below Australia to fifth on ICC Test team rankings ENGLAND’S 2-1 series defeat at the hands of West Indies has dropped them two places to fifth on the ICC Test team rankings.

England, who play just one more Test - a four-day fixture against Ireland in July - before the Ashes, now sit one place below Australia, with India, South Africa and New Zealand making up the top three.

England’s rankings slide was expected, following their loss in the second Test in Antigua at the start of February - handing West Indies the series with one to play - coupled with Australia’s 2-0 home win over Sri Lanka.

In the individual rankings, Joe Root moved up three places back into the top five Test batsmen, shar-

ing fifth spot with New Zealand’s Henry Nicholls.

Root, who previously held the No.1 ranking in 2015, bounced back from a tally of 55 runs in his first five innings of the series in the Caribbean to score 122 in St Lucia, his 16th Test century.

Also moving up the batting list were Jos Buttler, whose scores of 67 and 56 in England’s third-Test victory lifted him eight places to 26th, and Ben Stokes who stepped up seven places to 34th with scores of 79 and 48 not out. Virat Kohli remains the leader.

Man-of-the-Series, Kemar Roach, is on the cusp of breaking into the bowling top 10, moving up one place to 11th after claiming five wickets in the final Test.

Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh

England captain Joe Root has moved up three places back into the top five Test batsmen.

His 18 wickets at 13.88 for the series has lifted him 13 places in all.

West Indies captain Jason Holder, who sat out the third Test after being suspended for his

team’s slow over-rate in the previous match in Antigua, held onto top spot in the all-rounder rankings, while Stokes moved up one place to No. 4. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Foster further announced that a total of 200 young cricketers are expected to be involved in the countywide coaching programme with 50 each from West Berbice, New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Central/Upper Corentyne.

Dr Singh, in brief remarks, stated that he was delighted to be associated with the current leadership of the board.

The USA-based medical doctor urged the board to uphold the high standard it has set itself and to work even harder to achieve even more success in the future.

He reassured Foster of his continued cooperation in the future as he was excited about the progress of cricket in the county.

The coaching programme will be conducted by Level III coaches Winston Smith and Julian Moore. They will be assisted by coaches Andre Percival, Balram Samaroo and several Pre-Level I coaches.

Meanwhile, the board under the sponsorship will also be hosting coaching clinics for the most promising players on a regular basis. Clinics will be held separately for batsmen, fast bowlers, wicket keepers and spinners.

The second annual Dr Singh Cricket Academy will be hosted in July for one week at the Albion Community Centre.

A total of 70 youths will be selected by the coaches to attend the academy.

Foster stated that since his election in February 2018, cricket in Berbice has enjoyed a remarkable transition with the board being financial stable, cricket is being played at all levels, clubs are being established in every village while numerous developmental programmes are held on a regular basis.

The board is targetting at least 30 tournaments in 2019 at various levels.

RAN 7s 2020 Olympic Qualifier set for July 6-7 Page

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Guyana’s Avery Corbin (left) about to tackle his Jamaican counterpart during the last RAN 7s Championship.

DRS 15-second rule in spotlight as Sri Lanka miss out on a wicket

Gouveia, Persaud emerge champions at SajRice inaugural golf tourney Page

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Gabriel hit with ODI ban over Root incident Page

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Page

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Patanjilee ‘Pur’ Persaud collects his trophy and sack of rice from Carlos Carbo.

Umpire Aleem Dar takes the new ball. (BCCI)

West Indies speedster Shannon Gabriel

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thursday, February 14, 2019