Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-18-2019

MONDAY 18th February, 2019

‘We have a vision’

No.105552

–– gov't ministers talk up plans to develop 03 Guyana PAGE

–– warn hinterland residents of PPP propaganda

4,000 youths benefit from 11 HEYS programme PAGE

Elderly woman perishes in Mon 05 Repos fire PAGE

Panorama rocks

Much in store 15 for Sand 14 Creek this year PAGE

The highly energetic Guyana Police Force band won in the Large Band category at the Panorama festival held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)

PAGE

2

GWI tackles hinterland water issues

THE integrity of infrastructure and apparent design flaws of water systems in the hinterland are of great concern to the Guyana Water Inc (GWI), the company said in a release.

Some of these water systems were constructed many years ago, while others were established in the early 2000s

and had failed.

The most recent observations were made during a visit to Annai and its sub-regions Rupertee, Kwatamang and Wowetta and the villages of Katoonarib and Sawariwau, Region Nine, on February 15 and 16.

GWI Managing-Director Dr. Richard Van-West

Charles and Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership Building, Mr. Ramchand Jailal, assured residents that the utility will do all in its power to provide both temporary and longterm solutions for access to water.

At Annai, residents noted that they receive water for

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

GWI Managing-Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles and GWI and regional officials examine one of the deficient wells two hours, three days a week, from four water systems that were constructed many years ago.

In existence is a trestle that was poorly designed and now sits as a monument in the community. The wells are not producing enough water and some structures are rotting.

In this regard, Dr. VanWest Charles committed to re-modelling the systems within the first quarter of the year. He also promised that the trestle that has become a white elephant will be relocated and put to use.

However, as a more immediate intervention, GWI will work to increase water-supply hours to the population of over 600 by analysing the capacities of existing wells and the solar panels.

Works to be undertaken in the other sub-regions of Annai include improving productivity of wells, increased storage capacities, upgrading solar panels, construction of trestles and water-quality testing.

In cases where additional water sources are needed, Dr. Van-West Charles explained that the utility is now in a position to accurately identify sites for drilling. This was made possible through new, innovate logging equipment acquired from Brazil.

“So with the new technol-

ogy, we will be able to drill more specifically and have more success in a timely manner,” the managing-director posited.

Meanwhile, in Katoonarib and Swariwau, he told residents that GWI is not only concerned about water for consumption, but also for the economic and social well-being of citizens.

Dr. Van-West Charles, who was accompanied by Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes and a team of officials, said health centres cannot function without continuous access to potable water to carry out its functions.

As a physician, he sees as priority, the need for water access in facilities such as health posts and schools. At the same time however, he noted the need for water access at facilities such as bakeries and cassava factories, hot meal hubs, farms and more to promote economic activities.

The GWI team reassured residents that their water infrastructure that existed for many years will be looked at and rehabilitated where necessary, to provide easy access to communities.

Each community was tasked with identifying two servicemen who will be paid to maintain the water systems.

3

‘We have a vision’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

–– gov't ministers talk up plans to develop Guyana –– warn hinterland residents of PPP propaganda

By Lisa Hamilton

GOVERNMENT ministers have appealed to Hiawa, Region Nine residents to not be misled by false rumours being peddled by the opposition which seek to create ethnic division and stall the development plans of the current administration.

On Sunday, continuing on the massive ministerial outreach to the Rupununi, Ministers of Public Infrastructure David Patterson; Natural Resources Raphael Trotman; Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes; and Social Protection Amna Ally, gathered with residents at the Hiawa Primary school.

The residents came out in their numbers-- both young and old-- to voice their concerns and listen to the planned developmental projects of the government.

When Minister Hughes stood up to speak, she got rapt attention from the villagers as she spoke of the possibilities for education, health, entrepreneurship and general communication through Information and Communications Technology (ICT) “It is my joy to be able to serve under this man of integrity [President David Granger] and to be able to start to map out the vision of this government to make sure that we make it possible for you and all of us to connect more to the Internet,” she informed residents.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman updates residents at the Hiawa Primary School on the Nappi reservoir project Minister Ally hands over a sewing machine to residents

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson addressing the residents The minister pointed out that under the former administration, there was an over G$2M cable expected to be built for better telephone communication in the region,

but the money was squandered.

However, Hughes announced that the tower just outside Lethem which had not been connected since

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally hands over bicycles to two students in the area

2012, will be connected under the current administrative region as soon as this coming Tuesday which will improve communication in the villages.

Meanwhile, she announced plans for smart classrooms and free ICT hubs in villages such as Hiawa, as she recognised that there are many young people in the region with the passion to enhance their learning.

Helping the villagers to understand the progress of these projects and their feasibility, she listed places in Region Nine such as St. Ignatius, Aishalton, Karasabai, Iwokrama, Masakaneri, Sand Creek and Annai which already have ICT hubs.

Minister Hughes also spoke to the possibilities in the use of the Internet for advertising businesses,

receiving tele-medication, completing applications for documents such as passports and drivers’ licences and for accessing the Education Ministry’s e-textbooks online.

She also noted that training will be available for such through finances set aside in the 2019 budget.

Minister Hughes encouraged the villages to make use of the present and forthcoming opportunities.

“For us to develop and move forward we have to have unity. We cannot be talking disunity; we have to work together and as these things are there in the computer, we are depending on you the residents to use it for you own benefit.”

Prior to the meeting, Minister Trotman visited the Nappi reservoir, the largest of its kind in the country, which was made to service the agricultural needs in the area.

The 4.5M cubic meter, man-made body of water was handed over to the three villages of Nappi, Hiawa and Parishara, after the President decided to take corrective action following a severe dry season in 2016.

“Now, in consultation with the villagers, they are looking at other things like tourism and recreation [to utilise the reservoir], so the ministry has asked Conservation International to come up with a management plan, because we built it but now the sustainable use and man-

agement of the facility needs some expertise,” he said.

He also told of the collaboration between the ministries of Natural Resources and Public Infrastructure to construct the Manari Road bypass, which will replaces the once precarious, winding road which took the life of an individual last year.

“We’re going to open that in another month’s time before the rodeo and hopefully that will be the end of loss of life [on that road],” he said.

Other projects in progress are the roads from Annai to Lethem; Lethem to Shulinab; and Mabura to Kurupukari Speaking further on the topic of road improvement and solar energy, Minister Patterson updated residents about ongoing and upcoming projects.

He explained to the villagers that upon asuming office, the President gave him the hefty but necessary task of linking the hinterland region to the coast to put an end to the unequal development inherited.

However, working along with several government ministries and agencies, the private sector was able to begin and complete a number of projects in the region, while the National Toshaos Council now works to bring priority matters to the attention of the ministry.

To the applause of the See page 5

Pence chastises EU

4

– rejects Merkel’s call GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019 to work with Russia

President cannot unilaterally set election date MUNICH (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Addressing an audience that included Mike Pence rebuked European powers Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, Pence’s speech was over Iran and Venezuela on Saturday in the latest attempt by a Trump administration a renewed attack on Washington’s tradi- official to put the president’s “America First” tional allies, rejecting a call by Germany’s agenda into a coherent policy plan. chancellor to include Russia in global coEuropean leaders are troubled by Trump’s operation efforts. rhetoric, which they say is erratic and disrupIn speeches and in private talks at the Mu- tive, citing his decision to pull out of the 2015 By Marshall Pence Opposition beennuclear calling deal as “Itundermining would be fool nichSvetlana Security Conference, and Chancel-has Iran an hardy arms for President David Grangto say hold elections in three lor Angela Merkel laid out competing visions control agreement that prevented Tehran from ATTORNEY General and er to set a date for General months, without consulting for how the West should address world crises. developing a nuclear bomb.

Legal Affairs Minister, Ba- Elections within the 90-day GECOM, to know wheth“Americasaid is stronger than timeframe ever before,as stipulated But Pence, last week accused Britain, sil Williams President by who er GECOM could deliver,” and America is leading on the world stage Germany and France of undermining David Granger cannot fix the Constitution of Guyana. Minister Williams toldU.S. the onceelection again,” date Penceunless told European Asian sanctions on Iran, repeated his demand for an he Theand government and other residents. officials in Munich, what interested he described European powers toHe withdraw the deal. is advised by the listing Guyana parties have chalsaid thatfrom GECOM has aslU.S. Afghan“The time has come for our2014, European E e c t iforeign o n s Cpolicy o m m successes i s s i o n from lenged the validity of the indicated since that (GECOM). motion.” any sudden would istan to North Korea, and urging “passed support from partners to withdraw fromelections the disastrous “The President really and However, at the level of require at least six months.

American allies.

Iran nuclear deal,” he said, and later pressed truly“America cannot fix an does election GECOM, the six commisaddition to that,talks. he said, in First not mean America Merkel over theIn issue in bilateral date unless he ishailing advised sioners, drawn fromHe thealso gov-reiterated 2018, without any knowledge alone,” he said, thebyresults of Donald to her Washington’s the chairman of GECOM ernment and theopposition opposition,to the of Nord a no-confidence motion, Trump’s presidency as “remarkable” and “exStream 2 gas pipethat they are in a position remain at loggerhead on the the GECOM budgeted $3B traordinary”, and calling on the EU to follow line under construction between Russia and to run off this election,” the commission’s state of readi- for the conduct of HouseWashington in quitting the Iran nuclear deal, Germany under the Baltic Sea. “We cannot attorney general said, as he ness. The secretariat, headed to-House Registration to and recognising thethan head 300 of Venezuela’s con- Elections strengthenOfthe West by becoming dependent addressed more by the Chief produce a new Official List gress, Juan Guaido, as the country’s president. on the East,” Pence said. residents on Sunday, in the ficer Keith Lowenfield, has of Electors.

– AG tells Karasabai residents

village of Karasabai, located in the South Pakaraimas mountains.

Since the December 21, vote of no-confidence in the National Assembly, the

Sunday, February 17, 2019

indicated that it is ready to be operationalised but it must receive approval and directives from the commission, chaired by Justice (ret’d) James Patterson.

“This House-to-House Registration is to clean up that list and to add to the list those young people who have turned 18 since the 2015 elections, and young people

the EU over Venezuela’s political crisis.

“Today, we call on the European Union to step forward for freedom and recognise Juan Guaido as the only legitimate president of Venezuela,” he said, calling President Nicolas tomorrow, they are the maMaduro a dictator who must step down. jority ‘AMERICA in our population, In his roving address, Pence also stepped WILLand BE BACK’ it would be unconstitutional up U.S. pressure on Chinese telecoms gear Speaking before Pence, Merkel quesfor you to deprive them of companies such as Huawei Technologies Co, tioned whether the U.S. decision to leave their franchise,” he said. urging allies to avoid the firms, and saying the Minister Iran nuclear deal and withdrawal from Williams added Syriathe wasnational the best registraway to tackle Tehran in Chinese law requires them to give Beijing that access to networks and data. the region. tion process will also see a removal of apersons who are China’s top diplomat Yang Jiechi rejected During question-and-answer session, now deceased, inclusion she added that itand would be wrong to exclude Pence’s comments. “Chinese law doesn’t of young eligible voters.

As itsaid Washington require companies to install back doors to colRussia politically, but Pence is, he said “the list is a dirty was “holding Russia accountable” for its 2014 lect intelligence,” Yang told the conference. list and of it has to be cleansed”.

Yang, one of the architects of Chinese seizure Ukraine, and what the West says are efforts to destabilise it through cyber attacks, foreign policy, echoed Merkel’s vision, APPEAL saying the world should “pull together” disinformation covert operations.

Explaining and that,although Europe can’t have an to address global challenges, while former the “Geostrategically, Chief Justice Roxane interest in cutting has off upheld all relations with Rus- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden got a standGeorge-Wiltshire Attorney General Basil Williams speaks ing ovation for a speech in which he said sia,” Merkel said. the ruling of the Speaker of at the meeting at Karasabai that after Trump, close traditional U.S.-EU Pence, who used his trip to Europe to push the National Assembly Dr. he noted, has also asked the Minister told the Barton the mo-sovereign would resume.

“AmericaWilliams will be back,” he Trump’sScotland, policy ofthat favouring states to stay the residents. tion was carried by a majority as opposed to alliances and blocs,Appellate took aim Court at said.

Merkel, who made a robust defence of Germany’s foreign trade relations and ties with Russia during her speech, said later it was unreasonable to assume that Russia as you be know are the future of supplier. would an unreliable energy

vote, the government and other parties have appealed the High Court’s decision on the ground that 34 constitute an absolute majority and not 33. The Government,

03:30hrs. - 05:00hrs./14:30hrs. - 16:00hrs.

decision of the High Court, and to grant a conservatory order to preserve the status quo ante of the Government, the Cabinet and all its ministers, until a final determination by the courts. He noted, too, that while the Appeal Court will rule on the matter, it is the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that will issue the final ruling in the matter which has gripped the nation’s attention.

Minister Williams said that contrary to the utterances of the opposition, the Constitution does not stipulate that the government must resign at this stage, in light of the ‘perceived defeat.’ “There cannot be any vacuum in government, so the government will continue in office,” he said. Article 106 (7) states, that notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office until a new President is sworn in.

“So the framers of the Constitution have provided the solution in the event that a situation like this occurs.

There is nothing in the Constitution like interim government and caretaker government and all that nonsense,”

He emphasised that the doctrine of necessity would never allow for the country to be without a government in place. At this stage, he said it is important for the Opposition to get together with the Government and have consultations with GECOM on the best possible date. He said both the Government and the Opposition would need to return to Parliament to extend the date for elections, through a vote by a two-thirds majority in the House.

Whenever those elections are held, the citizens of Guyana should elect leaders that would manage the resources, particularly its oil and gas, effectively and efficiently to the benefit of the people. He said the APNU+AFC Government in under four years in office, and has shown its ability to manage the country’s resources, and attract much-needed investors. The transformation has started, and the David Granger administration should be allowed to complete the work it has started.

Saturday 16, February, 2019

01 02 11 15 20 26 27

15, February, 2019

G

07 09 16 18 20

02, 13, 15, 20, 21

0, 4, 0

2, 1, 8

06, 09, 11, 15, 17

5

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

Beware of Opposition ...

From page 3

villagers, he announced the commencement of road works from Lethem to Nappi, Parishara and Hiawa by March.

He also spoke to the ongoing maintenance work on the Linden to Lethem Road; the completed road to Krowdar and farther down to the South Rupununi; and the ongoing construction of the road to Karasabai further north to the Pakaraima Mountain.

Regarding solar energy, he announced the government’s request placed for

Hiawa is that we have you in our hearts. We have been doing things for Hiawa and the Rupununi; we are the ones who have been developing these communities and we are going to continue to develop these communities.”

Meanwhile, Patterson debunked the rumour that the present administration does not recognise Guyana’s indigenous peoples as the country’s first peoples.

He also spoke to the false accusation peddled that the government had

senior council and tokens to those from the village who assisted in the smooth flow of the meeting.

Other items will soon be delivered to villages, including sports materials which were unable to arrive with the ministers to the village on time.

Entertainment came in the form of songs and poems, while Deputy Toshao Sylvester Fredericks translated the remarks of the ministers in Macushi for thorough understanding of the older villagers.

Scores of residents turned out to the meeting on Sunday US$15M loan worth of solar panels through the International Solar Alliance to which Guyana is a signatory and which will see a number of solar farms being strategically placed across villages the country.

Patterson noted that one is slated for the close-knitted villages of Nappi, Parishara and Hiawa, which will be powerful enough to power the majority of the households.

“We came to sell ourselves to you and ask you to judge us on our performance.

We’ve done all these things in three years; we have a vision; I’m letting you know where we want to go and we’re asking you to judge us on our performance,” he said.

DO NOT BE MISLED During their interaction, Minister Ally and Patterson made efforts to correct false notions planted in the community by opposing politicians.

“I was told this morning that the PPP came into your little village and told you that they will know how you will vote on Election Day. I don’t know why they think they can mislead you. You are intelligent people and you must know that they can’t know how you vote.

When you go into the booth it’s you and the ballot paper alone,” Minister Ally said.

“They can’t know and we can’t know either. But what I want to say to you

misused a large procurement of hundreds of solar panels.

The minister revealed that following investigations, the former administration procured the equipment through a non-existent company in Italy, squandering some US$20M. Touching on the trending topic of the holding of new Regional and General Elections, Patterson explained to the residents the importance of fresh houseto-house registration, which he said the opposition is downplaying.

The last house-to-house registration in Guyana was conducted in 2008 and new registrations were slated for in the 2019 budget to the tune of $3B. “You think about it and ask yourself quietly this evening or when you have your next Village Council meeting, what is wrong with house-to-house registration?” What is wrong with allowing persons who would have [attained the necessary age] to get on the voters’ list and be able to vote?” Patterson said.

“What they’re scared of is rejection and they’re scared of putting their 23 years of stewardship against our three.”

At the meeting, the government handed over two bicycles to children living a great distance away from the school; a sewing machine to a young female entrepreneur; tools to the villagers accepted by the

Elderly woman perishes in Mon Repos fire YOWANI Sasenarine, 87, a shut-in for the past four years through a stroke, died Sunday night after fire broke out in the upper flat of a two-storey Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara home where she resided. She shared the flat with her daughter.

The daughter, who cares for her, was not at home at the time of the fire. Residents in the lower flat of the building were unable to pull her to safety due to the intensity of the heat from the blaze.

Eyewitnesses say the fire started sometime after 01:00hrs and relatives suspect the fire is electrical in origin.

According to residents, the fire service responded with three tenders, but by

the time they arrived at the location, the fire had already consumed most of the building and the woman was trapped inside.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, one resident said she was asleep when she got up and noticed the house was on fire and quickly alerted neighbours.

The neighbours rushed over to the burning house and when they got there, they realised that the elderly woman was missing.

The daughter, who has been caring for Yowani, was at her brother’s home where she went to cook for him.

It was upon her return in the wee hours of Sunday that she noticed the fire in her street and as she got closer, she observed that it was at her home.

Dead: Yowani Sasenarine The daughter related that she saw relatives standing outside the house, but there was no sign of her mother and when she enquired, she was told her mother was trapped inside as there was difficulty in trying to get her out the building.

The Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigation into the fire.

6

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

The Sophia Night School

A WELL-KNOWN feature from correspondence between early Guyanese migrants to the United States of America, particularly, and their relatives here in Guyana, had been the necessity for the former to attend night school/classes after their day’s labour.

This was an absolute necessity for them to enhance not only their knowledge/skills for better competence, hence improving their job performance, but also for further employment prospects as well as advancing their general literacy.

It must be remembered that many of these new arrivals in North America had departed these shores, some without much of a school background, and others incomplete in that regard. But we know of the legendary Guyanese work ethic of being very ambitious and industrious in their endeavours wherever they are present; with the upshot being that although late starters academically, many eventually were able to distinguish themselves as renowned academics and in various

fields, through the medium of night school. Such sterling achievements are what have dispelled the archaic mind-set in those days that schooling had been strictly a day-time exercise, only to be attended by the young.

In the classical sense, those persons were late starters who were able to realise their eventual potential, and the need to fulfil their potential, which had been influenced by changed circumstances. They have not only made themselves and family proud, but their beloved homeland also by their achievements.

Guyana has had a history of these facilities which have been catering for school drop- outs, teenage mothers and other types, who, for various reasons, could not have completed the traditional learning curve or never had an opportunity to even experience a proper foundation of basic learning. The renowned Adult Education Association (AEA), founded by the late visionary Newton Profitt, has played a seminal role since its formation decades ago in equipping both dropouts and

early school-leavers with the necessary foundation for enhancement of their functional capabilities. It is a night school, because of its post-working hours classes which went at times beyond the twilight hours; and with branches in the three counties, this institution still continues its seminal role in offering persons a second chance at learning.

Add the key Critchlow Labour College, which has more than contributed to Guyana’s education and socio-economic development for its almost 50 years. This was made possible through its mainly day-time CXC classes and foundation courses after working hours and late into the evenings, that have sent scores of its products to the University of Guyana and other tertiary-level institutions elsewhere. Many later distinguished themselves in the field of law and other disciplines.

Even the University of Guyana, at its early inception in the classrooms at Queen’s College, earned the sobriquet of being called “Jagan’s night school’ during the tenure of

the late President Cheddi Jagan, then premier of the colony of British Guiana. At that time, its classes commenced properly after working hours, finishing into the night.

Therefore, it is against such a background that the Sophia Community Development Association (SCDA) Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Night School is another such initiative which has followed in this Guyanese educational tradition of offering second chances at learning. Functioning in an area that is socially challenged, it offers such opportunities to persons between 14-50 years old, inclusive of school drop- outs; those who did not achieve above five subjects, and who also never had an opportunity to sit those exams.

With a policy that encourages to “Come as you are, however, come with the intention to make your life better. Come with the goal of improving your lot”, the response to this call has since enrolled a reported 250 persons. More so, its success rate in the 2018 CSEC results of an 85 per cent pass rate,

with a 73 per cent grades pass between 1-3, and 97 per cent pass between 1-4, illustrates not only the abilities that are now being realised, but also the hunger to be successful.

Night school has been a very old tradition in many other ountries that have been catering for those citizens of circumstances; and they have given to mankind so many persons of different, distinguished acclaims. There are similar programmes in Festival City and Soesdyke.

The threshold for employment and further education is five subjects, so this emerged as a means to either obtain employment or further education. Encouraged by citizens within the Sophia community who have recommended that such a process be carried to other sections of the community, as well as replicated in other locations of the country.

The SCDA Sophia Night School, is currently offering classes in English Language, Mathematics, Electronic Document Preparation Management, Social Studies, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business, Office Administration, Integrated

Science, Human and Social Biology and Agricultural Science; all with funding from the office of the Presidential Adviser on Youth Empowerment, Aubrey Norton. Although of recent vintage, it has begun to bear the kind of fruit which will undoubtedly change lives and families in that community, and from wherever other students have originated. In an increasingly competitive job market, the more education one has, the better. Night classes allow you to carry on your day-time routine while furthering your educational pursuits. And the fact that the Night School has attracted entrants from as far the East Coast, Demerara, and Linden, speaks of the dire necessity for such programmes throughout Guyana.

It is ample evidence that there are citizens who are prepared to accept the challenge of scholastic learning, which opportunity may have been earlier missed, attempted and had been unsuccessful, or were never given the opportunity. Given the tools, they can now commence this journey to levels personally desired.

SOCU, gov’t are under intense attack from opposition forces Dear Editor, THE coalition government is clearly under intense attack from a corrupt cabal that is intent on dismantling SOCU and any chances it had to deliver evidence of financial criminal and corrupt activities of massive proportions. Clearly, the evidence has the cabal very worried and desperate to prevent disclosure of the evidence at whatever price or actions necessary.

It is in this context that it is important to understand the malicious action of Sam

Sittlington’s recent allegations (and allegations they are) in the press that are distinctly destructive to the reputation of SOCU and extremely harmful to any successes SOCU might have had in the hundreds of matters it is presently investigating, including the 19 charges against the PPP presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali; charges against Anil Nandlall, Pradoville lands; GRDB multi-million US dollars cases -- matters that could have been harmful to the PPP’s chances of ever returning to power.

Mr Editor, I believe Sittlington’s actions

since his dismissal by the UK government has been nothing short of utter disrespect and contempt for the coalition government and people of Guyana. He would have never contemplated doing the same in the UK or anywhere for that matter. His behaviour clearly reflects the nature and character of the man; and it is only reasonable to question Sittlington’s motives for such destructive behaviour that is nothing short of harmful to SOCU. His actions are a clear demonstration of a vicious attack on the coalition government

(not just SOCU) and it is not rocket science to surmise that he has joined opposition forces in their so far successful attempt to destroy SOCU. One is left to wonder why the government is woefully allowing them to get away with it. Progressive and decent-minded Guyanese are utterly disgusted.

Regards, Peter Narine Toronto

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

A response to Annie Baliram’s missive on the unfortunate deaths at GPHC

Dear Editor,

PLEASE permit me to respond to a letter by Annie Baliram which was published in the Kaieteur News, titled “GPHC needs to come clean and let Guyanese know exactly what happened with these children.”

I read the headlines and immediately felt elated that someone is maintaining pressure on the GPHC to provide answers to the grieving families. Then I started to read some garbage -- which I will address later-- that made me immediately check who is the author of this letter.

I was not surprised to discover the author was Annie Baliram. I found out about her when I wrote a letter arguing that the government needs to get to the etiology of crime, namely socio-economic inequalities, if they are to address the scourge of crime that has been affecting this country for as long as I can remember. Annie Baliram did not agree, which is her right and responded in the local media. I immediately responded, using scientific evidence and theories to justify my position. Rather than responding in the local media, she turned to the PPP-aligned Guyana Times to write garbage and lies about me supporting criminals at the 1763 monument-a monument for Afro-Guyanese. I was not aware of her missive until one of my Guyanese brothers suggested that I read what she wrote. It was absolutely shocking and racist, implying that only Afro-Guyanese are involved in crime; that’s why I came up with these so-called solutions.

I just ignored her because quite frankly that is far from the truth. Also, Mr. Editor, this very Annie Baliram contributes to online blog titled “Black Bullies.” The stuff she writes about Afro-Guyanese makes painful reading and is downright disgusting Do a Google search, but be prepared to read some very upsetting material about Afro-Guyanese.

Now this Google medical doctor, pharmaceutical expert and PPP loyalist resurfaces writing trash. As a result, I really have to teach her a thing or two.

Ms. Baliram wrote, “Additionally, mismanagement at

the GPHC because of political influence is also a major reason why patients die from causes which are 100 per cent preventable.”

Ms. Baliram is spot on with this. She just conveniently omitted by whom and when. Let me provide that information. It started during the PPP’s reign and this government out of fear of appearing racist has not addressed it. I know this Ms. Baliram because I was in the line of fire at GPHC. I did not get this propaganda information from Freedom House or some PPP bottom house meeting. The PPP politicised the GPHC and the wider health care service.

That’s a fact, let them prove me wrong.

“Editor, here is another dimension demonstrating how politics has turned our health care system into one that is deadly and these three children are the victims of such a system. Guyanese will never forget how Ms. Volda Lawrence, the Minister of Public Health, bragged that she will hire only members of the PNC to serve in the government-run health care system. This is shortsighted and inhumane.”

Let me ask Ms. Baliram these questions 1. Who were provided unfair advantages in marking for the UG medical school final examination in the year 2000? We were warned about it by other colleagues who were also victims, but we got the shock of our lives when it happened to us. The point I’m making, is that the year 2000 was not the only year this occurred.

2. Who got the medical fellowships during the PPP/ C’s 23-year reign?

3. Who got the medical scholarships during the PPP/ C’s 23 years in government?

4. Who predominantly got the senior positions at GPHC during the PPP/C’s reign?

5. Who got the senior positions throughout the health services during the PPP/C’s tenure?

6. Who were elected to senior positions to the medical council during the PPP/C’s 23 years in office? It is still happening today. The government is not courageous enough to address it.

7. The Director of Profes-

sional and Medical Services when I worked at the GPHC from 2000-2002, what were his qualifications? Was he a specialist? What was his complications rate after surgery?

Mind you, he served over a decade in this position and resigned only after he was forced, for hiring someone of questionable character.

I will repeat, Volda Lawrence was trying to address an injustice she saw, I saw and all Guyanese saw, but she used crude, off- the- cuff language.

She could have articulated it better by using terms such as positive action. Having said that, I clearly understand the

point she was trying to make.

In any event this unfortunate statement was made late last year. How did that statement contribute to these patients’ death?

There is absolutely no correlation. This problem predates Ms. Lawrence’s statement. This problem has its origin from the PPP’s time in government. This government needs to take the blame for not courageously addressing it. I will bet my house that the senior doctor under question was employed during the PPP/C’s time, or at least was employed using that party’s template of employing spe-

cialists. Believe me, he is not the only one. Many are masquerading as specialists, compliments of the PPP/C; an inept Medical Council and government that lack the courage to address it because of fear of folk like you running to Guyana Times screaming ethnic cleansing. Also, Ms. Baliram wrote, “Politics have turned our health care system into one that is deadly.” In view of the fact that such a proclamation is being made, I would humbly ask Ms. Baliram to provide the adjusted mortality statistics among others during the PPP/C’s time and during the time of

this government. Only by having such data can one come to such a conclusion. If Ms. Baliram has come to such a conclusion without the data to inform her, that is an ignorant statement lacking in evidence.

I would suggest she join Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and others whom I have relegated to the silly corner of People’s Propaganda Party(PPP).

“Today, many individuals without an ounce of health care training hold key positions at the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and at the GPHC, instead of skilled professionals.”

TURN TO PAGE 8

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

Rupertee gets pleasant surprise THE residents of Rupertee village in the North Rupununi have an unexpected ‘pleasant problem’ on their hands which will require an urgent community meeting to address.

The nature of the ‘pleasant problem’ was revealed

by Councillor Suresh Andries, who received the village’s Presidential Grant of $800,000 for 2019. The money is part of the $235M Presidential Grant Fund for 2019 and the village is among the very first to receive its allocated sum. The cheque was handed over to Andries by Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, on Saturday, February 16.

When the proposal was submitted last year, the mon-

ey from the grant was to be used to improve water storage and distribution in the village.

However, the councillor of the village explained that on Friday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Dr. Richard VanWest Charles and a technical team visited the village.

During that visit the GWI team made a commitment to address the water-storage and distribution issue. It means that the residents can now utilise their presidential grant on another project which will enhance village life.

In this regard, residents will meet shortly and according to Andries, they

Rupertee Councillor Suresh Andries receives the $800,000 Presidential Grant cheque from Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, during the massive Ministerial Outreach in the Rupununi (Karime Peters photo)

will have to collectively decide how the $800,000 grant money is to be utilised, given the unexpected intervention

of the GWI. In the meantime, the presentation of the cheque by Minister Bulkan was done

A response to Annie...

of department and he had to report to him. A PPP/C’s loyalist. He was not the only square peg in a round hole during the PPP/C’s time in office. My friend left Guyana and now works in Antigua.

“The MoPH and the GPHC have already heightened our fear by informing the public that the autopsies of these children are inconclusive. How can this be?

This is hard to swallow. An independent investigation will extract the truth and it is.”

Tell me Google pathologist, what should have been the autopsy findings in these cases? Let me tell you. Apart from a few sclerosed blood vessels and probably nerves, the pathologist would not find much. Inconclusive will be the results. Simply put, no conclusion could be arrived at and further testing would be needed. That’s not unusual in drug-related deaths, since drugs work at the cellular and molecular levels. The only way of arriving at a definitive answer is by toxicology testing where samples are taken from the patient, likely sent overseas and examined microscopically and chemically, using enzymes among other chemicals. As part of the test, they can look for the blood levels and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the drugs in question. Whether these are high or the drug is found in a place it should not be, namely, high levels of vincristine in the CSF. You get that Ms. Baliram. Brilliant!! Now if you wish to be an authority on such issues

FROM PAGE 7

Spot on, Ms. Baliram. I trust when the government starts to clean the house of square pegs in round holes you don’t run to Guyana Times shouting from the

mountain top, ethnic cleansing. I’ll tell you this. A friend of mine was working at the GPHC in the accounts department while studying for a degree in accounts at UG.

He graduated in 2000 and expected to be made an accountant in the department.

He was shocked when a high school dropout, uneducated but dedicated, was made head

on behalf of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs during a three-day massive Rupununi Ministerial Outreach at the weekend.

Minister Bulkan and 18 government ministers visited 28 villages throughout the Rupununi, which began on Friday, February 15.

Presidential Grants are issued through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and are between $500,000 and $2M. The grants are geared towards boosting economic and social development for Indigenous peoples in their villages and communities.

More importantly, the grants are awarded on the basis of population sizes and are also based on requests and

proposals submitted by the respective villages.

Several hundred villages and satellite communities benefit from the annual initiative, which saw some $215M distributed in 2017, following from $280M which was distributed in 2016, the year in which Guyana celebrated its 50th independence anniversary.

Villages use the grant funds for various projects, including the upgrading of sport facilities, supporting women-groups’ initiatives, construction and expansion of village benabs and hostels, among others.

Almost $1billion has been allocated to the Presidential Grant Fund initiative from 2016 to present.

I would suggest you apply to medical school and, if accepted, study for five years and if successful followed by up to 15 years post-graduate studies. A 15-second Google search wouldn’t cut it, since folk such as myself will make you look silly.

Let me digress a bit from my surgical incisions of Ms. Baliram missive. You wrote this in a letter to Kaietuer News on 29th October 2012, “I am a psychologist, at the PhD level of Guyanese origin, living in the USA.” What does that actually mean? Do you have a PhD or not? If not what happened with your dissertation? At PhD level you should know of the concept of literature search, critically appraising research papers and arriving at conclusions that can stand up to scientific scrutiny. Clearly you lack those skills, evident in the letters you write that are devoid of facts and are just regurgitation of what you read without critically analysing them. You are not a medical doctor. Stay in your lane. Venture into the fast lane and you will be run over by someone who is speeding down the lane to medical greatness.

and so do not hold your breath for it.”

The families need closure, I agree. No family should ever have to go through this. My heart bleeds for them. I demand that the GPHC provide them answers sooner rather than later. But then the Google medical doctor once again writes garbage. She writes of corruption. Listen carefully Ms. Baliram. The corruption is in your thoughts.

Corrupted thoughts. Go read a few books on pathology and pharmacology. Get yourself informed. Go read a few medical journals on pathology and pharmacology, assuming you can understand the language. Go to a few pathology and pharmacology medical conferences, assuming you can stay awake. If you can’t do any of those then stay quiet and continue to write your racist diatribe in the Guyana Times. You said you wouldn’t hold your breath, I do not concur and would strongly suggest you do so, since that may help you to keep your mouth shut.

Also, if your restless fingers cannot stay away from the keyboard and you write garbage and it happens to be in any of the local news outlets I read, I will see it and do a proper autopsy on it, identifying the true cause of death.

BACK TO THE ISSUE AT HAND “The MoPH and the GPHC need to respect the families of these children and provide them with the facts surrounding the deaths of their loved ones. These families need closure. However, given the level of corruption, we may never know the truth

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

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

Hiawa residents count ‘blessings’ – praise gov’t support in past three years

Headmaster of the Hiawa Primary School, Dave Jeffery, shows Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson the school’s IT laboratory

RESIDENTS of Hiawa, in the South Rupununi, have expressed gratitude to the ministers of government for their visit to the region and the special interest shown in their community over the past three years.

The remarks came on Sunday at the Hiawa Primary School, where Ministers of Telecommunications Cathy Hughes; Public Infrastructure David Patterson; and Social Protection Amna Ally met with residents for a meeting.

They had moments ago completed interactive presen-

tations about the forthcoming construction and telecommunication and solar energy plans for the village.

When it came to the question and answer segment, resident Joseph Abraham first took to his feet and asked the ministers for a moment to speak of the many “blessings” the community has received in the last few years.

“Our dear ministers, I’d like to tell you that today, your visit to Hiawa has been very refreshing, very informative to us and it leaves us with a lot of food for

thought,” said Abraham.

“In these three years… if you have your eyes open and you were alert, you would see how many blessings we have been getting.”

He listed the government’s Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme; the construction of houses for the villagers; the Nappi Reservoir; and the $6.3M sheep rearing project under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (SLED) programme.

“There was training and these youths they were given some capital to begin their project and that has been very helpful to them… they were promised another $50,000 soon – if they haven’t already — so that their projects can be successful,” he said regarding HEYS. Abrahams, who is spearheading the sheep-rearing project, said the facility to house the animals is 75 per cent completed and should be done by March month-end.

Following these remarks, he requested assistance with a nearby road some two miles from Hiawa, which residents had begun to construct by self-help, but are now in need of culverts Minister Patterson agreed to support the residents with the conduits before the rainy season. He will also arrange for batteries to be provided

Resident Joseph Abraham thanks the ministers for their visit

for the existing solar panels at individual homes, to help National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) students to study at nights.

Meanwhile, Minister Ally agreed to assist the villagers with their plans for a multi-purpose building, provided that they present a financially, feasible, project proposal.

The villagers’ plan is for the building to hold a meeting place; village office; village assets; HEYS office; women’s group and a place for Hiawa’s residents to sell their products and produce.

Headmaster of the pri-

mary school, Dave Jeffery, appealed for the regrading of the school; the gazetting of the nursery school; the renovation of the teachers’ quarters; the provision of equipment for the school’s Information Technology (IT) laboratory and for attention to be paid to the furnishing and lighting system of the head teacher’s quarters.

Minister Patterson, who inspected the IT lab and the teachers’ quarters to assess the situation, prior to leaving the village, pledged to make efforts to address the concerns that were highlighted.

Upon a request, Minister

Ally also promised to provide sports gear to the residents.

The ministers also agreed to inform the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) of the concerns raised in relation to water and how it affects the community’s sports ground.

All other concerns were well received and noted by the ministers, who agreed to assist in whatever way they could.

Sunday marked the final day of the massive weekend ministerial outreach to Region Nine, which saw the delegation of 19 ministers visiting 28 villages.

Moves afoot to bridge coast-hinterland divide – US$4M and not US$4B for Lethem aerodrome expansion WITH a plethora of developmental projects in store for 2019 for the Rupununi Region, junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson told Sand Creek, South Rupununi residents on Sunday that the government is moving to bring the coastland to the hinterland.

One major project that highlights that objective is the expansion and rehabilitation of the Lethem aerodrome to the tune of US$4 million, and not US$4B, as was reported in our Saturday, February 16, 2019 edition. The Guyana Chronicle regrets the error and sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused.

The expansion will transform the aerodrome into a regional airport with the same

ratings as the Ogle International Airport.

Ferguson also spoke of the feasibility study on the Linden to Lethem Road, which she said is important in ensuring the overall quality of the road is acceptable. In the interim, the government will execute repairs to the thoroughfare, especially between Mabura and Kurupukari. She said the government is prioritising infrastructural development which saw a budgetary allocation of $35 billion in 2019.

Similar information was related to residents of Lethem, on Friday by Minister David Patterson, who also related that in Lethem, two contracts have been awarded for internal roads to be

paved. The commissioning of the Manari bypass will be done next month. Minister Patterson highlighted that a geo-technical study has commenced to resuscitate the Moco-Moco hydro power plant, which was destroyed by a mudslide, as the provision of diesel to operate the Lethem Power Company (LPC) to provide electricity to a growing town, has become very costly.

Coupled with this, Lethem will be home to a spanking, new 1.5 megawatts solar farm, with funding provided by the IDB. According to the minister, the lands for the facility have already been acquired and tenders for its construction will be out soon.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

HOME SWEET HOME THERE’s an adage that says ‘charity begins at home.’ But parents nowadays need to be cognisant of so many other things that begin at home, such as a child’s outlook to life.

If parents expect very little from their children, then that is exactly what they will get. If they do nothing to lift their children’s self-esteem or encourage their children to have and

reach for goals, then the child will have a very narrow outlook on life and may be contented to just loiter around the home and community, without any real sense of direction.

All because of a lack of stimulation brought about by a stagnant home environment.

These types of environment tend to exist, especially when parents no longer love

or care for one another and each are out ‘doing their own thing.’ Children get lost in the debris of their parents’ broken union and their upbringing and true potential in life, as a result, can become dormant or seriously tainted.

Another thing that begins at home is the protection and management of children. No one is suggesting that parents should be controlling their children, to the extent where children do not think for themselves and feel imprisoned; it remains that there is a great need in this day and age for parents to manage what their children do and to what they are exposed on a daily basis. This is another form of protection To manage children, parents need to be involved in every aspect of their children’s lives. They should know who their children’s friends are and to whom their children are talking, especially on social media.

We are living in an age where children are groomed via the internet; this means that some people befriend young people on line for the sole purpose of controlling and ultimately ‘using’ them. They may promise them all types of things, or even just offer a much-needed friendship.

However, because children are naïve, they can be beguiled into meeting strange people or sending risqué pictures of themselves (or their private parts) to predators on line.

All this of course unbeknownst to the parents until, probably by chance, it is brought out into the open (If it is ever brought to light at all) and by then so much damage would have already occurred. Then parents ask themselves, ‘How could this be going on under our very noses and we had no inkling that something was amiss?’

Well, it usually happens because parents are not fully in touch with their children and children are allowed to do things that go unquestioned and unmonitored by parents.

If parents choose to, they can seek technical services which allow them to have ‘control’ over which sites their children can visit. Only age-appropriate sites should be allowed, but how many parents take the time or precaution to make use of these services? Most children have free range over internet use.

Whenever they need to, parents should have access to their children’s online activities and their cellular phones.

If they cannot get access, then something is wrong and chances are, something inappropriate is taking place.

There was a case some years ago in which a mother on checking the history of activity on her internet, realised that several pornographic sites had been visited; these visits had been going on for months and she was devastated, immediately suspecting her teenage daughter. However, when she confronted her, the daughter was just as perplexed as the mother.

Upon further investigation, it was revealed that it was in fact her eight-year-old daughter who had been systematically watching pornography over an extended period of time. This is the type of thing that happens when children are left unsupervised.

Where children go and what they do should be number one on the list of parental concerns and parents should not always take their child’s word as gospel. If you are a parent, you don’t have to be overly suspicious (or wait until you have reason for doubt)before you make a few phone calls, or do a little double-checking on occasions, to ensure that your child is telling the truth.

If any discrepancies do exist you can manage them before they get the chance to spiral out of control.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with parents going through their child’s school bag once in a while to ensure that the child is not in possession of anything that belongs to someone else; for example, anything either taken, exchanged or borrowed. Children have a way of hiding their school activities from parents if they know they are doing something wrong, or doing something their parents would not condone.

Parents should be discreet in their approach towards managing their children without appearing overly anxious, annoyed, disappointed or accusatory. It is their duty to be vigilant and pay careful attention to their children’s welfare. In turn, children should be allowed increasing levels of responsibility, while understanding and trust are strengthened between adult and child.

If you are concerned about a child you can ring the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or email childcaregy@gmail.co A Message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

4,000 youths benefit from HEYS programme –– as gov’t continues to invest in human development

THROUGH the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, thousands of Guyanese are being empowered as the government continues to build capacities in the areas of business, entrepreneurship, agriculture, ecotourism and technology.

Under HEYS, close to 4,000 youths have been trained in just three years of the APNU+AFC government taking office, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Valerie Garrido-Lowe reported, as she addressed more than 300 residents in the Village of Karasabai in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo district.

Within the first two years of HEYS, the government injected over $1.6B to train close to 4,000, and provide them with small grants to start up their own businesses.

Garrido-Lowe explained that instead of giving handouts, the government has

been giving youths across the country, particularly those in the hinterland, opportunities to empower themselves through capacity-building.

For six months, the beneficiaries of the programme were taught Mathematics, English Language, Agriculture, Ecotourism, and Business and Budget Planning among other critical subject areas. Today, Minister Garrido-Lowe said the participants are now recording their success. “Across this nation, in the 215 villages, everywhere you go the minimum is three businesses,” she posited. With the revenues being garnered, many young people now have the financial capability to build their own homes, and expand their businesses.

“These are young people, some of them didn’t get to finish school. Some of them failed their CSEC exams and they had no start in life, but because of HEYS, they got

a second chance in life, and this is what the APNU+AFC government is all about,” the junior indigenous people’s affairs minister told the residents.

This year, the government, Minister Garrido-Lowe reported, will be giving each participant of the HEYS programme $50,000 each, once their businesses are still in operation.

At Karasabai, the 19 youths, who were trained under the HEYS programme have pooled their resources to open a stationery and general store. Because the business has been opened for a period of two years, they too will receive $50,000 each, Minister Garrido-Lowe told the residents to loud rounds of applause. The young entrepreneurs in Karasabai plan to construct a building to house their business. The minister called on the villagers to support the budding entrepreneurs in their business

venture.

Holding a bottle of sundried tomato ketchup in her hands, Garrido-Lowe boasted that the product is being made right here in Guyana by the Patamonas in Region Eight.

STEPPING UP “Indigenous People are stepping up like never before. They are getting opportunity to do business, unique businesses, like never before,”she told the residents.

It was pointed out that in Brazil, 10 Monkey Mountain students are being trained to cut, polish and shape semi-precious stones for commercial use. Minister Garrido-Lowe said upon their return to Guyana, the lapidary in Monkey Mountain would be completed and the machines would be installed for them to operate.

“Our hinterland people are now getting an opportu-

Labour Dep’t, BCGI, GB&GWU –– over workers’ displacement meet today from Maple Town, Aroaima GENERAL-SECRETARY of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU), Lincoln Lewis, is calling on the Guyanese people to condemn Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc’s (BCGI) decision to evict a number of workers and their families from Maple Town, Aroaima.

In a statement on Sunday, Lewis equated the alleged action of the bauxite company with contempt and said that it is part of a series of debilitating actions that the company has perpetrated on its Guyanese workers. Lewis reported that a meeting is expected to be convened at 10:oohrs today at the Department of Labour to discuss workers’ grievances.

“This cannot be allowed to happen in Guyana. The Russian management of BCGI must not be allowed to exploit our resources and in the process violate Guyanese and disrespect our laws. Not here in Guyana!” said Lewis in his statement.

He noted that 120 bauxite workers,

including their families, who permanently reside in the residential location at Aroaima, owned by BCGI were issued an edict, via circular, last Friday afternoon to immediately vacate the community.

He reported that on Friday workers proceeded on strike “after BCGI’s failure (since 2009) to respect their rights to a union of choice and collective bargaining.” He said that the further act of seeking to physically dispossess the workers “is not only lawless, inhumane, vindictive and uncalled for but a violation of their conditions of employment. Every act of the worker remains consistent with Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution.”

According to Lewis, the workers have ignored the edict and are resolutely standing their ground. “They, along with their families, remain within Maple Town. The Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Security, now has the responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being in the area and immediate environs since their lives have [been] made un-

tenable by management,” said Lewis.

He stated also that some other workers who reside partially on the site have had kitchen services taken away from them.

“The meeting is at the invitation letter dated 15th February, of Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle to the union and BCGI management. GB&GWU shall attend not only confident the laws are on the workers’ side, but in quickened steps to bring about resolution conscious that the soil we walk on is drenched with the blood, sweat and tears of our forebears and made more enriched for the workers of today to first reap of its bounty,” said Lewis.

He stressed that given the Government of Guyana has joint shareholding interest in BCGI, it must be mindful that whatever is being done by management is also done in its name.

“Guyanese, home and in the diaspora, must not countenance the continued violations. Enough is enough…” he declared.

nity to live a good life, raise their standard of living to earn their own money,” she emphasised, noting that with a second term in office, the APNU+AFC government will be able to do more not just for the indigenous peoples, but for all of Guyana.

In the area of education, 39 students from the hinterland received scholarships to attend the University of Guyana, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Burrowes School of Art and the Carnegie School of Home Economics. Those without accommodation are also being accommodated in a hotel in the capital city – Georgetown – to ensure the successful completion of their studies.

Meanwhile, in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Garrido-Lowe drew the residents’ attention to the fact that many villages within the hinterland regions now have access to Internet. In Karasabai, students at the primary school and secondary department use the Internet to conduct research while residents, in the absence of telephone services, use

Junior Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, Valerie Garrido-Lowe the Internet to communicate with their families and friends in other parts of the country, and the world at large. Additionally, the government has opened six radio stations – Radio Mabaruma, Radio Orealla, Radio Bartica, Radio Mahdia, Radio Lethem and Radio Aishalton – as it seeks to bridge the information gap.

Minister Garrido-Lowe was part of a ministerial team that visited Karasabai as part of a three-day ministerial outreach to the Rupununi.

Other members of the team included Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, and Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

Victims of Bartica massacre remembered

Hundreds showed their support for the walk Sunday afternoon

HUNDREDS turned out Sunday afternoon to support the ‘peace walk’ that was organised by the Bartica Town Council to mark the death anniversary of the 12 persons who were brutally murdered in the infamous “Bartica massacre.”

The hour-long walk, which commenced around 16:30hrs, saw the supporters making their way through the streets of Bartica and culminating in a meeting at the Monument of Hope where a ceremony was held.

Remarks were made by a number of persons including family members, represen-

tatives of government agencies, non-governmental organisations, religious bodies and the Regional Democratic Council.

Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall told the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday that the walk was exceptional and he was surprised at the number of persons who showed up to support it.

“We named it the `peace walk,’ because on that night of February 17, 2008, Bartica was basically terrorised, so we’ll continue to push a peaceful agenda,” Marshall had said in a previous comment.

Twelve persons lost

their lives on that horrifying day. Those who were killed when the marauding gunmen stormed the police station were Lance Corporal Zaheer Zakhir of Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo; Constables Shane Fredricks, 35, of 241 Herstelling, East Bank Demerara; and Ron Osborne of 198 Robb Street, Georgetown.

After killing the three policemen and wounding others, the gunmen broke into a ‘strong box’ which housed weapons and ammunition and carted away five rifles, four revolvers and a shotgun, along with a quantity of ammunition. From

The crowd made their way through the streets of Bartica and the walk culminated in a meeting at the Monument of Hope

another ‘strong box’ which they also broke into, they stole $64,450.

Armed with the keys for one of the police jeeps, the now mobile and marauding gunmen moved along First Avenue where they killed security guards Edwin Gilkes, who was on duty at the Banks DIH outlet; Irving Ferreira, who was guarding the CB&R Mining Enterprise; and taxi driver, Dexter Adrian, 37, of 581 Conciliation Street, Tucville and One Mile Pota-

ro, who was on his way to buy gasoline.

And, as they hastily made their escape using the T&HD Stelling, they attacked and killed the crew that was aboard ‘Dave 11’, a vessel belonging to the conglomerate Banks DIH Limited, and on another vessel ‘Little Giant’. Both vessels were moored alongside the T&HD wharf.

The men, Ashraf Ally Khan, of Essequibo Coast; Errol Thomas, 41, of 810

Tuschen Housing Scheme; Deonarine Singh of Wakenaam, Essequibo River; Ronald Gomes of Kuru kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway; Baldeo Singh, of 153 Second Street, Montrose, East Coast Demerara; and Abdool Yasseen, 23, of 153 Good Hope, ECD, were at the time resting in their hammocks.

They were hauled outside and ordered to lie on the wharf and each shot execution-style in the head.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

Harding successfully defends Soca Monarch crown

LINDEN’s Brandon Harding gave an electrifying performance of his soca “Alone” at the National Park on Saturday night to successfully defend his title in the Carib Soca Monarch Competition, but only just after he finished a mere one point ahead of new- comer Stephen Ramphal.

After putting on a vibrant and crowd-pleasing performance at the late night into early morning event, Ramphal was rightly bestowed the $100,000 prize of “Best Newcomer” for an exhilarating performance of his piece, “Soca in Meh Vein.” His second-place finish came as no surprise and it was questioned by none.

Ramphal’s call during his performance for love, unity, and oneness among Guyanese as well as his fellow competitors was a nice touch and very well received.

Ramphal took the $750,000 second-place prize after amassing some 446.5 points, while Harding fin-

Lindener Brandon Harding successfully defended his title at the 2019 Carib Soca Monarch competition (Delano Williams photo)

Stephen Ramphal finished just one point behind Brandon Harding at the 2019 Carib Soca Monarch competition (Delano Williams photo)

ished with 447.5 points, taking away the $1.5 million top prize.

The $500,000 third-place spot went to Linden’s Oxbert Cain, who goes by the stage name “Vintage”, performing his song “Soca King.”

For three-time champion Jumo “Rubber waist” Primo, however, when his performance was sized up against all the other acts of the night, he found himself left in fourth place. He garnered some 395 points among the judges Though his song “Tribute” was no doubt one of the best of the night, he fell short in his delivery when it mattered the most; and despite appearances by the legendary Eze Rockcliffe and Kunchi TV’s “Miss Peppa” during his act, Jumo failed the hold the crowd throughout his performance as he closed off the

expecting more.

The same could not be said however for what transpired when Harding stepped out. With a strong number of Lindeners in the crowd, Harding had the advantage, and he gave a performance fitting of the expectations that many had been having over the past few weeks as they waited to see if he was about to lose his crown to Jumo.

Harding’s suspenseful intro was made all the more grandiose when a light drizzle that started just after 02:15hrs stopped almost as if on cue when his music began to play.

Harding started out his performance sitting on a throne, as an intro played, giving a brief history of his journey as a singer beginning with his GTT Song and Jingle competition win in 2011, to becoming the soca monarch last year.

Decked out in red harem pants and matching waistcoat jacket, Harding also had a sizeable collection of backup dancers coordinated in red outfits to accompany his performance. Harding was unafraid to call out his fellow competitors Jumo, Ernesta “Nesta” Nelson, and Melisa “Vanilla” Roberts during his performance, letting them know he was keeping his crown at least one year longer.

“Tell Jumo I say he get old and tonight I sending he home,” Harding belted out during his performance.

As he exited the stage, the crowd broke out into chants of “Brandon! Brandon!”

Jumo “Rubber waist” Primo finished fourth at the 2019 Carib Soca Monarch competition (Delano Williams photo)

show early Sunday morning.

The crowd was already very hyped up and animated when Jumo came out jumping in his Kurta outfit, supported by a number of vibrant back-up dancers. However, as the show progressed, some patrons seemed to have been

Nesta and Vanilla both gave pleasing performances, but failed to place this year, as it was yet another year where it was tough making it into the top four as the 15 performers of the night battled it out.

Carib Soca Monarch, 2019 champion Brandon Harding (left) and second-place finisher Stephen Ramphal celebrate their wins in the competition (Delano Williams photo)

The show however was not short of a few rather

uninspiring and at times down right laughable per-

formances by some of the participants.

14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

Much in store for Sand Creek in 2019 – gov’t ministers promise

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE sum of $5M to enhance eco-tourism, the expansion of the maternity section at the Health

Centre and the completion of 48 core homes are just some of the projects that the village of Sand Creek in the South Rupununi will benefit from in 2019.

This was conveyed by a team of four ministers: Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, was also in the village on a medical outreach.

The ministerial team visited the community on Sunday and was part of a wider ministerial outreach throughout Region Nine. The purpose of the meeting was to primarily listen to the concerns of the people; however, the ministers also took the opportunity to inform residents about developmental works in store for the community, the region and the country at large. This is with a view to empowering them to challenge persons who would bring misinformation in the future.

Minister Sharma related to the residents that since this government took office, Sand Creek has benefitted from a total of $10.9M and the major project for the year is establishment of the $5M eco-tourism lodge, which was welcomed by the Toshao Maxie Pugsley and the residents. The beauty of Sand Creek makes it a tourism hub and many tourists are attracted to the village, which will enable the village to earn from this.

The toshao and councillors will soon submit their proposal for a community project which will be funded by the annual Presidential Grant. In addition, Minister Harmon joined Minister Sharma in urging the village council to submit proposals for additional funding through the Sustainable Livelihoods Entrepreneurial Development Programme (SLED). Harmon said that in contrast to the previous administration, this government is not about giving handouts, but about empowering residents and their communities. “Even though the funds are not a massive amount of money, it allows you to identify programmes and projects in your community that will aid in the sustainable livelihood of that community,” he explained.

Minister Sharma urged the residents to register for SLED, which can be used as start-up capital for small businesses. “The Indigenous peoples of this country are no strangers to the international community….so we will guide you through that process. The EU and the IDB can fund some of these projects, not everything is about central government,” he urged.

The junior finance minister further urged them to use such funds to get into agro-processing and other forms of manufacturing. “You have natural things, you have mangoes growing like crazy, you have cashew nuts, you have cassava which you have to cultivate and you have savannahs; you don’t need to cultivate grass for your cattle, so these are some of the things you can propose via the projects,” he said. The Village Council was also urged to raise funds through various initiatives, which can enable them to empower their economy without being fully dependent on central government.

Minister Annette Ferguson spoke of how Sand Creek benefitted from the Hinterland Entrepreneurial Youth (HEYS) programme, which Toshao Pugsley related that two persons in the community have thriving businesses as a result of HEYS training and funding.

Budget 2019 has allocated $176M for HEYS, $210M for Indigenous celebrations across the country and $89.4 M for education and training in the Rupununi.

“This is a caring government…..Sand Creek, we have to be very mindful with the type of information that is brought to us, that is not truly reflected of what the government is doing, that is why we took time off from our busy schedule to be here so that we can share the fact, we can bring the fruit and let you know what your government is doing,” Ferguson affirmed.

Sand Creek will also benefit from improvement in the provision of health services as was highlighted

by Minister Cummings, who spoke of the expansion of the maternity services at the health centre. She said that the community will continue to benefit from regular medical outreaches with various specialists on the team. “So we have you at heart…… we love you, we are all about efficient, effective health care and we are not going to stop short of that,” she said In addition to relating what is in store, the ministers presented the community with handsome gifts which included sports gear, farming tools and supplies and a water pressure pump with hoses to improve the water-supply system for the community.

Toshao Puglsey said that the visit of four ministers at one time in the village has created history in their village and he foresees good things for Sand Creek in future from the government.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

Panorama rocks THE Mashramani Panorama competition was a huge hit yet again at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) as the youth and large bands raised the roof on Sunday.

The relatively large CASH space could not contain the mammoth crowd that descended on the event.

It was shoulder-to-shoulder seating and patrons lined every single available space.

There were few bands that are usually part of the competition-- particularly the exquisite Pan Groove steel band-- that did not participate this year, but the competition was nothing short of exhilarating.

In the Small School Band segment, which was held first, the Dolphin Secondary School was a clear winner, edging past all of its competitors. These bands here were tasked with performing songs

by Valerie Rodway, and even the President’s College band which claimed first after a highly spirited performance that got the crowd going, could not top the secondary school. In third place came

the Berbice High School band.

By the time this first segment was finished, the atmosphere at CASH was buzzing with excitement in preparation for the more upbeat songs to come. In the youth band competition, the young people really gave it their extra efforts.

T h e B i s h o p ’s H i g h School played the once famous calypso song “Mama, I don’t want to be born”; and it would appear as though the entire eastern section of CASH was packed with sheer ‘Bishopians’. But the school managed a third place.

Vying quite impressively for the first place was the West Demerara Secondary School, that performed ‘Is we own,’ replete with their army outfits and illustrating the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. They made it only to the second position however. But truly, the GBTI Buxton Pride kept their outfits and props relatively simple, but illustrated that their sheer prowess on the metal instrument was enough to capture the top spot.

And finally, the final three bands -- the large bands- were left to excite the crowd. Last year’s winners, the National School of Music Steel Orchestra began their performance with much drama and hype. Midway through their energetic performance, masqueraders graced the CASH and added to the spectacle of performers. But even with this, they could not climb higher than third.

The Caribbean Airlines Parkside Steel Orchestra was the crowd’s favourite, and compared to the other bands, kept it simple, but focused on perfecting the pan music.

It came as no surprise when they captured the second spot, losing to the Guyana Police Force band.

With 255.5 points from the judges and unanimous support from the crowd, it would have been a mystery if the police band had lost. Playing Jumo Primo’s “Tribute”, the skilful musicians sounded out CASH. And of course, they were backed by Guyana’s most prolific conductor- Ray Sparman.

UG wants ‘speedy resolution’ in wages dispute

By Vishani Ragobeer THE University of Guyana (UG) administration has called for a ‘speedy resolution’ to the current impasse with the unions representing workers, in the best interest of the students attending the institution.

“It is the administration’s expectation that in the interest of our primary stakeholders, namely our students, that there will be a speedy resolution in the interest of all concerned,” UG said in a release on Sunday.

On Monday last, the University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA), protested at Turkeyen Campus,with members calling for a financial audit to be done at the institution.

They claimed that funds are being misappropriated instead of being used to develop the teaching space.

This protest was also done because the unions did not accept the three per cent salary increase for UA (academic) staff, and a four per cent increase for UB (support) staff that was imposed last November and retroac-

tive to January 1, 2018.

The university has since stated that it cannot afford further increases and has asked the unions to act responsibly. “... the administration is ultimately concerned that our students should not suffer and that the unions are being urged to act responsibly as we seek to mutually resolve the current impasse in an amicable and responsible manner,” UG said in the release.

The university has maintained that it offered the increases based on what was ‘financially affordable” and noted that an adjustment in base salary also triggers a 20 per cent increase in housing allowance.

The university also pointed out, that the UGWU representative participated in the deliberations of the committee and voted in favour of the administration’s proposal, after the approval for the increases offered were given.

Through a letter, the administration subsequently recommended that the matter of increases be referred to the Ministry of Labour for conciliation, as was mutual-

ly agreed to on December 18, 2018.

The Department of Labour, through the Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle, convened the conciliation meeting, which would mean that industrial action should cease once conciliation began.

The unions shared with the Guyana Chronicle that they were not prepared for the conciliation process because, they claim, the financial statements presented by the UG administration were inaccurate.

They also claimed that the representatives of the Labour Department showed some degree of bias and have called for a full forensic audit.

The unions have contended that the information gained by a forensic audit, would enable all parties to have an objective and factual way forward, in dealing with the many matters related to the university’s finances.

According to them, the university has become “top-heavy” with many more persons being in senior positions, while the teaching space suffers from underdevelopment.

The massive crowd cheering for the Police Force band [Samuel Maughn photo]

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

17

18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

19

Wolves, Palace into FA Quarters (REUTERS) - WOLVERHAMPTON Wanderers’ impressive season continued as they moved into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with Ivan Cavaleiro’s first-half goal sealing a 1-0 victory at Championship (second-tier) club Bristol City on Sunday.

Portuguese Cavaleiro slotted home clinically in the 28th minute after great work by Matt Doherty and it was enough for Wolves to reach the last eight for the first time since 2003.

After a mass exodus of Premier League clubs in the previous two rounds, Wolves continued a good weekend for the big boys which saw Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Watford and Crystal Palace

all send lower-league opposition packing.

Palace were far too good on Sunday for third-tier Doncaster Rovers, with first-half goals by Jeffrey Schlupp and Max Meyer securing a 2-0 win to send Roy Hodgson’s side into the last eight for only the second time in 24 years.

Schlupp ran through to fire home in the eighth minute and Meyer’s effort on the stroke of halftime deflated the hosts who had hoped for a first-ever run to the last eight.

In the day’s other fifthround tie, Swansea City recovered from a halftime deficit at home to fellow Championship outfit Brentford to win 4-1 at the Liberty Stadium.

Bersant Celina’s free kick rebounded off the post and in off keeper Luke Daniel to level it up before a wonderful solo goal by Daniel James put the Welsh club ahead.

With Brentford down to 10 men after a red card for Ezri Konsa, Celina made it 3-1 and George Byers added a late fourth goal to seal a second successive quarter-final appearance for the Swans.

Comfortably placed in the Premier League and with Liverpool’s scalp in the FA Cup already, Wolves have emerged as dark horses to go all the way this season.

In the first half at Bristol City they certainly had the look of a side who fancy their chances.

Doherty was a constant menace for the Bristol defence and he was unlucky not to score when his shot hit the woodwork after a flowing move down the right.

It was his trickery that opened up the Ivan Cavaleiro of Wolverhampton Wanderers shoots at goal during the home defence again bePremier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Newcastle fore his cut back picked United at Molineux on February 11, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. out Cavaleiro to fire home.

(Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Williams out of pre-season day one (BBC) - WILLIAMS have pulled out of the first day of pre-season testing on Monday as their new FW42 car is not ready.

Deputy team principal, Claire Williams, says the car will run on Tuesday - the second of four days of testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Last week, the British team cancelled a planned shakedown run of the car because of delays in building it.

“It’s clearly not ideal, but equally it’s not the end of the world,” Williams said.

“Our absolute priority is to always ensure we bring a car to the track that is the best that it can be and sometimes that takes longer than you’d anticipate or like.”

Williams finished bottom of the constructors’ championship in 2018 after picking up only seven points, with their drivers finishing in the top 10 in just two of the 21 races.

They have a new lineup this year with Robert

American Racing Tips Gulfstream Park Race 1 Montclair Race 2 Mischief Naas Race 3 Uno Mas Modelo Race 4 Whyruawesome Race 5 Na Pali Spirit

Kubica returning to F1 after a nine-year absence alongside 21-year-old British Formula 2 champion, George Russell.

“We have had an incredibly busy winter at Grove

getting the FW42 prepared for the season ahead and, despite everyone’s best efforts, we need some more time before it will be ready to run,” Williams said.

“We will obviously have

our work cut out to recover the time lost but we still have seven days of testing left and we will be maximising that time to prepare the car for the first race.”

Next week is the first

of two four-day pre-season tests, with the second on 26 February.

The new season begins on 15 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Williams have claimed a combined 16 driver and team titles, but have not won a grand prix since 2012 Race 6 Wildwood Dancer Race 7 Itsmyluckycharm Race 8 Smoken Deb Race 9 M,ax K. O. South Africa Racing Tips Flamingo Park 08:20 hrs Charter Jet 08:50 hrs Cutting Edge 09:20 hrs Icarus Flight 09:55 hrs Hector Heathcote

10:25 hrs Carefree 10:55 hrs Director’s Rock

12:25 hrs Riviere Argentee 12:55 hrs Full Trottle

English Racing Tips Lingfield 09:45 hrs Arkyn 10:15 hrs Topofthecotswold 10:45 hrs Waikiki Waves 11:15 hrs New Age Dawning 11:50 hrs Royal Tara

Carlisle 10:00 hrs Champagne Court 10:30 hrs Petite Ganache 11:00 hrs Absolutely Dylan 11:55 hrs Thosedaysaregone 12:05 hrs Groundunderrepair 12:40 hrs Dorking Cock 13:10 hrs Thomas Macdonagh

Newcastle 13:00 hrs Camile 13:30 hrs Sister Of The Sign 14:00 hrs Lion Hearted 14:30 hrs Kingdom Of Dubai 15:00 hrs Equiano Springs 15:30 hrs Harperelle 16:00 hrs Dandy Highwayman

20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

Bye-Bye Universe boss!

- Gayle to retire from ODI’s after CWC 2019 (REUTERS) - WEST Indies opening batsman Chris Gayle will retire from one-day internationals (ODI) after taking part in this year’s World Cup, Cricket West Indies said on Sunday.

The 39-year left-hander has scored 23 centuries and 9,727 runs in the 50-over format — second only to Brian Lara among West Indians — since making his debut against India in 1999.

“I’m looking to draw the line - or should I say cut the string - let the youngsters have some fun and I can sit back in the party stand,” Gayle, who is hoping that his team triumph in the May 30-July 14 tournament in England and Wales, told reporters.

“It is a big year for me. I hope 2019 can finish for me on a great note.

He was West Indies’ highest run scorer in the 2015 World Cup, making 340 runs at an average of 56.66.

In the same tournament, he also became the first male cricketer to score a World Cup double century, which he achieved against Zimbabwe.

Gayle has not played for West Indies since he scored 73 in an 18-run ODI defeat by Bangladesh last July and opted out of the tour to India and Bangladesh in October and November.

Gayle was recalled to the West Indies ODI squad for the first two games of this month’s five-match series against England. The one-day international series begins in Barbados on Feb. 20.

The prolific batsman has also played 103 tests, the last of which came in 2014. In recent years, he has focused more on limited overs cricket, including Twenty20 competitions across the world. As a parttime off-spinner, Gayle picked up 165 wickets in ODIs. The International Cricket Council hailed Gayle as “one of the West Indies’ best ever ODI cricketers” following Sunday’s announcement.

West Indies head coach Richard Pybus

CMC – FRESH off a historic Test series win over England, interim West Indies head coach Richard Pybus wants the home side to execute their plans in the upcoming five-match One-Day International series.

The Windies recently defeated England 2-1 to capture the Wisden Trophy for the first time in over a decade.

The two sides will meet at Kensington Oval on Wednesday for the first match of the ODI series.

Pybus said morale was high among the team and the players were eagerly looking forward to the challenge. “ M o r a l e i s g re a t .

We’re coming off the back of a Test series win and we’ve still got a couple players travelling

Pybus preaches consistency ahead of ODIs back into the squad and we’re looking forward to them arriving, but the guys are very keen to take on England.

“I was delighted with the outcome of [the] Test series. I would have loved it to be 3-0, but the loss of Jason [Holder] and then Keemo [Paul] with a quad pull, that set us back in the Test match, but I thought the guys stood up very, very well,” Pybus said.

“We have clear plans, but great planning doesn’t mean you’re going to execute, so all credit to Jason and the players, they were absolutely superb. They showed tremendous commitment and discipline and they spoke about what they wanted to deliver and they really did. Taking that into the series now, we will be getting this

ODI squad together doing the same planning.”

The West Indies had to make three changes due to injuries to key players and will also have to do without the services of Shannon Gabriel for the first four ODIs due to his suspension.

However, Pybus said he expected the new faces to step up to the plate if called upon.

“We’re pretty good.

Both squads have had a lot of cricket, so our lads have a few aches and pains that we are working through but I think we’re pretty good,” the head coach said.

“Carlos is back in the squad, so it’s great to have him coming in. Obviously, he’s a wonderful cricketer and coming back into the squad in Barbados is always great because it’s his favourite

ground. Chris Gayle is back into the squad as well, so he brings his formidable expertise and experience…Ashley and Devendra as well, so we’ve got a few chaps coming in, so we’re really looking forward to getting the squad together.”

Pybus said the series would serve as the last warmup for the home side ahead of the World Cup, which will be held in England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July.

“What an opportunity for us to play. We are on the wrong end of the table, so playing a world ranked side which has been sighted as favourites for the World Cup, it’s not only a good challenge for us, it’s a good litmus test for us to test where we’re at…” Pybus said.

England surpass UWI XI in warm-up game (CMC) - JOE Root and Jason Roy both slammed centuries to lead England to a comprehensive 171run victory over a UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI at the

3W’s Oval here Sunday.

Root smashed 114 and Roy made 110 before retiring hurt, as England amassed a whooping 371 for seven from their 50 overs af-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday, February 18, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI 2, ENG 1 (2) Kemar Roach (WI) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI player scored most runs in the recent WI/ENG Test series?

(2) Which England player scored most runs in the recent WI/ Eng Test series?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

ter losing the toss and being sent in to bat.

The home side never mounted a serious threat in pursuit of a mammoth total, eventually folding for 200 in 43.5 overs, with three English bowlers each ending with two wickets.

The visitors got off to a dream start with Roy and Jonny Bairstow adding 129 runs for the first wicket in just 19 overs, before Khesan Ottley eventually got the breakthrough for UWI when he bowled Bairstow for 46.

His dismissal brought Root to the crease and together with Roy they maintained England’s

speedy start, with the two scoring at eight runs an over during a second wicket partnership of 57 in seven overs.

It eventually came to an

end when Roy retired hurt.

He faced 82 balls and struck 15 boundaries and one six.

Root though continued the assault, smashing four sixes and 11 boundaries in

Joe Root top-scored for England with 114

his 81-ball innings. He was eventually dismissed in the penultimate over.

None of the Vice Chancellor ’s XI bowlers was spared during England’s run spree with Ottley being the most successful, ending with 2-64 from his seven overs.

Adil Rashid (2-21), Chris Woakes (2-28) and Mark Wood (2-35), then ran through the middle and lower order to reduce the home side to 152 for six.

Nichola Kirton was the top scorer for the Chancellor’s XI with 37, while Kyle Corbin and Amir Jangoo each scored 35.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

21

Zeeburg through to WDCA T20 semis ZEEBURG Sports Club have booked a place in the semi-finals of the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) T20 competition, owing to a 74-run victory over rivals, McGill Sports Club, on Saturday at the Zeeburg ground.

Zeeburg won the toss and opted to take first strike, but were struggling at 63-6 in the 13th over, before lower order batsman, Cornelius Jaisingh, played a few strokes to push the score to 134-9 before the 20 overs expired.

Jaisingh finished with 34 runs, while Mark Jeffers supported with 23 and Yutesh Dhanpaul 20.

Left-arm seamer Daniel Basdeo and medium fast bowler Sudesh Persaud led McGill.

Basdeo finished with 3-18 and Persaud with 3-26.

In reply, the combination of Jeffers, Dhanpaul and Malcolm Hubbard routed the visitors for 60 runs in 17.5 overs.

Medium-pacer Jeffers finished with 3-8, while spinners Dhanpaul (3-11) and Hubbard (2-6) were also on target. The trio had led their team to a 152-run victory in the Rising Stars T20 final over the host team in late January at the same venue.

Middle-order batsman Azar Deen scored over half of McGill’s runs after he took on the bowling toward the end in a losing cause.

Deen, who smacked five fours and a six, finished with 32 runs.

Big wins for Christianburg Wismar, Vergenogen There were big wins yesterday for Linden’s Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) and West Demerara’s Vergenogen Secondary as the Milo U-18 Schools Football Competition continued.

Friendship got the day rolling with a 2-0 win over Anns Grove.

Dornel McLennon in the 37th minute gave friendship the lead, after which Shane Sharpe sealed the deal in the 52nd.

It was in game two that CWSS destroyed St. Johns College 7-0.

A hat trick for Andre Mayers (41st, 42nd and 45th) underscored the Linden team’s dominance with single strikes each from Randy Pickering (48th), Keron Sharpe (16th), Wayne Wilson (7th) and Hiram Gilkes (60th).

In game three, Vergenogen overcame Tutorial high via a 3-0 margin.

Riveldo Smith (16th), Chris Smith (40th) and Ray Adams (44th) scored the goals for the West Demerara side.

Matches continued next weekend.

The tournament is also sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health through their campaign against Gender based violence.

GCC dominate GCA Select XI by eight wickets in U17 game

Cornelius Jaisingh, Yutesh Dhanpaul and Mark Jeffers led the attack for the winners.

Hard Knocks crowned Kings of Studies at UG tournament THE Hard Knocks were crowned ‘Kings of Studies’ on Saturday at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyne Campus where the small goal football tournament of the same name was played.

They were undefeated throughout the tournament and their opponents in the final, Top Strikers, could not change that as they suffered a 4-0 drubbing in that match.

Jermaine Samuels of the Hard Knocks outfit was adjudged the Most Valuable Player with eight goals and walked away with a pair of sneakers, compliments of Signature Moov and the MVP gold ring.

According to tournament organiser, Jafar Gibbons, the tournament was well executed with teams being well prepared for the on-field action in addition to being well-equipped. He explained that things ran smoothly and there were no on-field or offfield incidents.

Gibbons also expressed gratitude to the sponsors who were the Guyana Football Federation, C&L Construction Inc., the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation,

Signature Moov, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor; Sharma Solomon, Robbie Rambarran, Asim Shakur and

Antonio Fredericks.

He revealed that the inaugural tournament has paved the way for more

such activities on campus and hinted at making the tournament an annual fixture.

GCC’s U-17 captain, Zachary Jodah, collects the Friends of Cricket 100-over championship trophy from president of the GCA, Roger Harper.

The ‘Kings of Studies’ winners, Hard Knocks, pose with organiser Jafar Gibbons (3rd from right), UG Vice-Chancellor Ivelaw Griffith (2nd from right) while tournament MVP Jermaine Samuels is seated.

THE Georgetown Cricket Club substantiated their dominance in the 2018-2019 Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Friends of Cricket 100-over cricket tournament after they whipped a GCA Select XI team by eight wickets in a specially-arranged match on Saturday at the Bourda ground.

The home team, which drew once in an unbeaten run during the competition, made light work in their 50-over clash against some of the top U-17 cricketers from the capital city.

The Select team won the toss and took first strike, but they struggled against some quality bowling.

Right-arm medium-pacer Yohance Angoy led the attack early before S. Basdeo in the middle and skipper Zachary Jodah later in the innings, took over.

Jodah spun his way to 3-23 from nine overs, while there were two wickets each for Angoy (2-9 from five overs) and Basdeo (2-23 from six overs).

Lower order batsman Jeffrey Blair, who belted a century in his last U-19 game, led the Select XI with 21 runs (1x4, 1x6), while Alvin Mohabir added 15 (2x4s) which helped to push the score to 92 before the visitors were bowled out in the 38th over.

GCC, in reply, cruised to victory in 23 overs, with West Indies U-16 batsman, Mavendra Dindyal, leading the attack. The opener, who ran well between the wickets, carved out five fours in an unbeaten score of 47 to lead the side to 93-2. He and Rivaldo Phillips (10) added 30 unbeaten runs for the third wicket after Thaddeus Lovell (5) and Rahul Singh (9) had lost their wickets.

After the game, the GCA made the official trophy presentation for the U-17 tournament.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 18, 2019

Arjoon, Verwey take Bounty Farm Handicap titles

THE finals of the Bounty Farm Ltd. Handicap Tournament concluded today with Alex Arjoon being crowned King.

Nicholas Verwey came out on top of Category A, Samuel Ince-Carvalhal took the Open Plate title, and Mohryan Baksh was the Category A Plate winner.

Nail biting matches wowed the crowd that was treated to outstanding play from the finalists.

Top player Arjoon (-22) showed why he is number 1, as he defeated Regan Pollard (-14), in an exciting final match at the Georgetown Club.

Using a variety of the shots in his repertoire, Arjoon moved easily around the court and worked the talented Pollard.

Verwey - Alphonso battle The show stopper of the day was the Category A match between Nicholas Verwey (-8) and Michael Alphonso (-10).

The level of play between these two youngsters was incredible as they rallied to every corner of the court in a display of precision play.

Verwey, who has improved at an incredible rate over the last few months, hunted every ball the skilful Alphonso played. The in-form Alphonso quickly closed the 2 points

deficit of his handicap and dominated early in the game.

Verwey pulled himself back up to even out but Alphonso’s experience and expertise carried him through to take the first game 15/13.

In the second game, the battle continued as Verwey pulled out in front to a 14/ 11 advantage. Alphonso refused to give up and fought his way to 14/14 before Verwey closed the second game down.

At 14/6, it seemed Alphonso couldn’t hold on any longer but he made a final bid and worked for another 4 points to reach 10/14.

Verwey held his patience before finishing the match in sheer style with a perfectly executed nick for a 13/15, 15/14, 15/10 triumph.

In the open plate, junior player Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3) secured his win against Ian Mekdeci (5) with preci-

sion drops, good lengths and deception. Mohryan Baksh (-3) took the Category A title after defeating Louis DaSilva (7) in another entertaining game with long rallies and good placement.

Full Winners Below: Open Category ● Winner - Alex Arjoon ● Second place - Regan Pollard ● Third place - Deje Dias

● Alex Arjoon (-22) Regan Pollard (-14) 15/6, 15/6 Open Category Plate ● Winner - Samuel InceCarvalhal ● Second Place - Ian Mekdeci ● Third Place - Jonathan Antczak ● Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (3) beat Ian Mekdeci (5) 15/11, 15/11 ● Jonathan Antczak (6) beat Medhi Ramdhani (8) 10/15, 15/9, 15/13 Category A ● Winner - Nicholas Verwey ● Second Place - Michael Alphonso ● Third Place - Abosaide Cadogan ● Nicholas Verwey (-8) beat Michael Alphonso (-10) 13/15, 15/14. 15/10 ● Abosaide Cadogan (-4) beat Kirsten Gomes (-4) 15/12, 15/14

The 2019 winners of the Guyana Squash Association Bounty Farm Limited Handicap squash tournament

Ninvalle appointed head of AIBA Youth Commission PRESIDENT of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle, continues his rise in international boxing when he was last week appointed to the important post of Chairman of the AIBA Youth Commission.

The appointment was made by AIBA President Gafur Rahimov at an Executive Committee Meeting in Istanbul, Turkey.

In a letter to Ninvalle, Rahimov said: “It is my pleasure to inform you that the AIBA Executive Committee, at its meeting in Istanbul, ratified your appointment as the Chairman of the AIBA Youth Commission. I am confident that, with your vast knowledge and experiences, you will be a key contributor to the activities to this important commission. I would like to welcome you to this new position and look forward to working closely with you,” the AIBA president wrote.

The AIBA appointment came just a week after Ninvalle was elected Chairman of the Caribbean Steering Committee. In an invited comment, the GBA president said he was both surprised and overwhelmed following the news of the appointment. He noted that AIBA is a large organisation with 203 affiliated countries.

“To be chosen to lead the Youth Commission of such an organisation is an indication that our small region of the Caribbean is being observed and making an impact. I am overwhelmed

Emotions were high as the third game had spectators on the edge of their seats.

A determined Verwey came out strong and secured an early lead. After some of the longest rallies of the tournament, Verwey was ahead 6/2 and earned another string of 6 points.

Both players were visibly exhausted but refused to back off as Alphonso pushed to catch up by scoring 3 points.

as much as I was surprised that AIBA would have the confidence to appoint me to such an important position. Its a huge undertaking but I am up to the task,” Ninvalle said.

The GBA boss said that he has since dispatched a letter to the AIBA president in which he accepted and thanked Rahimov for the appointment. “I must also extend gratitude to the Caribbean countries who first expressed confidence by nominating me for the post.” Ninvalle said that he expects to meet with senior AIBA officials soon to chart the way forward. In November 2014 in South Korea, Ninvalle became the first person from the Caribbean to be elected to the AIBA Executive committee and has since been a leading figure in Caribbean boxing.

According to the AIBA website, AIBA Commissions, except for Disciplinary Commission and Ethics Commission, are advisory bodies which propose recommendations to the Executive Committee.

All Commissions are advisory by nature. Recommendations made by a Commission shall be implemented only if they have been approved by the President or Executive Committee or EC Bureau.

All approved recommendations are implemented by the AIBA Headquarters with the assistance of the relevant Commission.

Magnum Mash Futsal…

Bent Street, Sparta Boss through to round of 16 THE final night of group stage action in the Magnum Mash Futsal tournament culminated with a win for defending champions Bent Street while Sparta Boss and Leopold Street also won their matches to qualify for the round of 16.

On Saturday night at the National Gymnasium, Bent Street faced Kingston in Group A action and promptly sent them packing with a 2-0 win.

Pernel Schultz and Sheldon Profit struck two early goals (fourth and 9th minutes) to help their side progress as Group winners.

Meanwhile, Sparta Boss needled North Ruimveldt through the boot of Ryan Hackett in the fifth minute to book their round of 16 spot. Leopold Street were big winners hitting six goals past Agricola without response with captain Okeene Fraser netting a hat-rick with goals in the 4th,10th and 13th minutes, while Darren Benjamin had a brace in the 3 rd and 11th minutes with Mark Jhalu scoring the other goal in the 12th minute.

In other games, Ansa McAl All-Stars drew 1-1 with Albouystown, with Andrew Murray scoring in the third minute for the latter while Del-

roy Dean netted Ansa McAl’s solitary goal in the sixth minute.

North East La Penitence were the benefactors of a walkover from BV-B with Stabroek Ballers also gaining maximum points in the same fashion over California Square.

Rhythm Ballers and Silver Bullets clash ended in a no-contest while Broad Street beat Ol’ Skool Warriors 2-0 with Rocky Gravesande and Ray Smith finding the back of the net in the

6th and 13th minutes respectively.

Melanie edged Avocado Ballers 2-1 with Rondel Assanah and Anil Hernandez coming up with the goods for the victors in the 5th and 13th minutes respectively while Dexter Marshall was the lone goal scorer for Avocado in the 8th minute.

Future Stars and Buxton Diamond played out to a 1-1 deadlock with Dillon Wright netting for the latter in the fourth minute while William Europe responded for Future Stars immediately after.

Action in the Magnum Mash Futsal Cup at the National Gymnasium.

Category A Plate ● Winner - Mohryan Baksh ● Second Place - Louis Dasilva ● Third Place - Ethan Jonas ● Mohryan Baksh (-3) beat Louis DaSilva (7) 15/13, 15/13 ● Ethan Jonas (-4) beat Aishani Persaud (11) 15/11, 15/12 The following are the teams that qualified for the round of 16 in their respective groups: ♦ Group A- Bent Street, Melanie ♦ Group B- Gold is Money, Stabroek Ballers ♦ Group C- Sophia, Tiger Bay ♦ Group D- Showstoppers, Broad Street ♦ Group E- Ansa McAl All-Stars, Leopold Street ♦ Group F- Future Stars, Buxton Diamond ♦ Group G- Back Circle, North East La Penitence ♦ Group H- Sophia, North Ruimveldt Action resumes on Tuesday with clashes in the round of 16 at the National Gymnasium.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday February 18, 2019

23

Ninvalle appointed head of AIBA Youth Commission Page

22

President of the Guyana Boxing Association, Steve Ninvalle

Chris Gayle announced plans to retire after this year’s World Cup, Cricket West Indies said on Sunday.

Bye-Bye Universe boss!

- Gayle to retire from ODI’s after CWC 2019

Page

20

Page

21

Milo U-18 Schools Football Competition…

Part of the action in Sunday’s games in the Milo Schools Football tournament (Samuel Maughn Photo)

Big wins for Christianburg Wismar, Vergenegen

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

monday, February 18, 2019