Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-20-2019

WEDNESDAY 20th February, 2019

HOUSE-TO-HOUSE CLEARED No.105554

03 … as GECOM votes PAGE

to continue work plan

… to advise President elections not possible in 90 days

… needs new parliamentary approval for funds to hold elections Probe 17 launched into plane crash PAGE

–– survivors in stable condition

Muslim scholar to go on trial for alleged 19 rape of boys PAGE

Residents of Toka, North Rupununi Region Nine were high in praise of the work done by the A Partnership For National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government over the past three years that has transformed the village. In this DPI photo a family heads to a meeting with ministers of government during the recent ministerial outreach in the area.

Toshao of Toka, Eugene Issacs said since 2015, the Coalition Government has invested immensely in Toka, which the residents appreciate and welcome.

Unions deplore RUSAL sacking of workers 02 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Unions deplore RUSAL sacking of workers

THE Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) has labelled as “blatant nonsense” the claim by representatives of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) that they had a right to dismiss striking workers because of contractual obligations and is calling on both the government and political opposition to stand against what the company is doing.

The BCGI met with the Department of Labour, Ministry of Social Protection, on Tuesday. The company, which is a subsidiary of Russian company RUSAL, defended its right to fire some 61 workers last Monday; the company claimed that the workers had signed contracts that do not provide for them to be absent from work, and the strike was no excuse.

One employee has since been reinstated; however, the fate of the others remains to be determined. General-Secretary of the GBGWU, LincolnLewis, said the DoL needs to take a clear position that the dismissal of the workers is “null and void and ultra vires.” He also called on the government and opposition not to put economics above

the rights of the workers and if it comes to that, they need to not be afraid to let BCGI withdraw its services In a statement issued on Tuesday, Lewis reiterated the union’s position that Guyanese workers’ right to strike is protected in the constitution and no contract can supplant that. “The management’s claimed position that workers can be terminated because they signed a contract that they will be dismissed if they refuse to work is blatant nonsense. Article 147 (2) of the Guyana Constitution protects the right to strike. Anything outside of the constitution that infringes the rights of the employee is a violation.

The fact that BCGI management can go to the ministerial body with such utter nonsense demonstrates the height of RUSAL’s eye-pass,” Lewis argued.

“The effrontery of RUSAL/BCGI knows no limit and lacks consideration for those whom they employ.”

Article 147(2) of the constitution states in part that “no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his or her freedom to strike.”

It was last Friday that BCGI employees downed

tools and began strike action, protesting the company’s imposition of a one per cent wage increase, among other grievances with the company.

BCGI representative Vladimir Permyakov has since said that the strike by the employees has held up work at the mining company and in some cases has put the lives of other employees at risk because of the Occupational and Health and Safety infringements caused. The BCGI and GBGWU have also been at loggerheads for some time now given the company’s continued refusal to recognize the GBGWU as the workers’ union. Lewis contends that even if the company is of the belief that employees have erred in striking, or that the company was suffering, the union needed to be engaged before the company could have come to any decision on dismissal of the staff. ““The Collective Labour Agreement will require that management engage the bona fide representative of the employees on any action that seeks to interrupt their contract for service, whether through termination or re-deployment following consultation, negotiations and agree-

GB&GWU General-Secretary Lincoln Lewis ment between the employer and workers’ representative, in this case GBGWU,” he said.

Lewis also stressed that the company needs the employee just as much or even more than how much the employees need their jobs.

“RUSAL needs us, our bauxite has a distinctive value as sweetener for them. There is a symbiotic relationship, but it must be treated with mutual respect. Bauxite does not spoil. The Russian management must shape up or ship out. Guyana existed

and its bauxite was exploited before RUSAL/BCGI and it will continue without them,” Lewis opined.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) said it cannot, at this time, fail to express its deep concern and utter dismay regarding the unfolding developments pertaining to the workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI). “They, like all workers, are seeking better pay and working conditions, especially taking account of the circumstances of life nowadays. The workers are rightly demanding that their rights to collective bargaining be respected and have seen their principled position met with a most distasteful, and arguably illegal, response by the foreign-owned company. “ The FITUG says it sees the high-handed approach by the BCGI as grossly disrespectful “to our workers, our laws, and all Guyanese.

The actions by BCGI are reminiscent of a similar act by another foreign-owned enterprise –- Demerara Timbers Limited.

That Company in 2016 chose a similar route appar-

ently to punish workers for taking part in a protest to demand improvements. The matter which reached the High Court came to an end when that company opted to settle the matter, obviously recognising that it was in the breach.

The right to collective bargaining and union representation, the FITUG reiterates, was won by the struggles of past generations of Guyanese and have now become a proud feature of life in Guyana. The naked and clear disrespect for these hard-fought-for rights cannot be condoned in any way, shape or form.”

FITUG added: “ We recognise that the workers are not daunted but are committed to their struggle, this is indeed laudable and they can be assured of our full support. The federation also calls on the Department of Labour, and more so the Government of Guyana, to apprehend the situation and ensure that the workers’ rights are, unconditionally, respected. At this time, the FITUG extends its full and unstinted solidarity with the workers, their families and their union.”

HOUSE-TO-HOUSE CLEARED 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

… as GECOM votes to continue work plan

… to advise President elections not possible in 90 days

… needs new parliamentary approval for funds to hold elections

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Elections Commission has decided by way of vote that new General and Regional Elections cannot be held in 90 days; that the commission does not have funding for elections and that house-to-house registration, as budgeted for 2019, will commence immediately.

The first decision was approved by the commissioners 3-2, with the abstention of one People’s Progressive Party (PPP) commissioner, while the two others were voted for 3-3 by the commissioners with the GECOM chair breaking the tie in favour of the motions.

“GECOM will continue its routine plan for 2019,” Commissioner Vincent Alexander told the Guyana Chronicle outside the GECOM Commissioner Robeson Benn commission on Tuesday.

GECOM continue with what I can best “GECOM had budgeted for house-todescribe as its normal activities.” house registration and therefore what they These “normal activities” are what will do, essentially, is to start the work that Alexander pinpointed as the commisis required for house-to-house registration. sion’s pre-existing and financed plans They have instructions to start immediatefor house-to-house registration in 2019. ly.”

Following the meeting, in a release, the PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL PPP came against the Guyana Chronicle Meanwhile, regarding funding, Alaccusing the paper of being “engaged in exander said that it was carried that spin mode” regarding its breaking-news there is need for appropriation from publication on the commencement of Parliament. house-to-house registration. However, their Just last week, GECOM Chief Elecown Commissioner Robeson Benn had tion Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield was previously confirmed with the newspaper: tasked with seeking out the Ministry of “…it [the commission] also voted to have

Finance on whether the $3B allocated for house-to-house registration in 2019 could be used to fund elections this year. “Based on the advice that we got from the Ministry of Finance, we do not have the resources, the monies to run an election at this time,” he said. “They indicated that we cannot use the money for registration to move it over to elections. What we have to do is go back to the National Assembly for a special appropriation for elections.”

Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in upholding the Speaker’s decision that the no- confidence motion was validly passed, said that Cabinet is separate from government and should resign.

However, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams had pointed out the complication earlier in the month that without Cabinet no financial bills can be taken to Parliament. Alexander said that a date as to when or how the financial matter will move to the National Assembly is up to the country’s political leaders to determine.

Asked whether the decision will clash with the recent ruling of the chief justice, the commissioner made it clear that GECOM’s position was simply to state its readiness for an election. “GECOM has to advise on its readiness. That’s a factual matter. And what GECOM has said (1) is that it is not in a state of readiness to run elections in 90 days; it’s a matter of fact,” he said.

He added that more or less the opposi-

Commissioner Vincent Alexander tion-nominated commissioners had agreed to take the matter to a vote. Alexander said that the meeting represents a form of progress from the previously experienced stalemate. “There is movement in so far that no one is no longer waiting on us. They know where we stand and it’s for them at the level at which they operate now to take things forward,” he said. GECOM will now inform President David Granger on its decisions.

The commission will meet again on Tuesday or Thursday, based upon requests the U.S., Britain, Canada and the European Union (ABCE), whom they are expected to meet with next.

Persons damaging roads will be punished, says MoPI

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) in the wake of a disturbing report, said that it will prosecute persons found damaging the roadways.

The ministry, in a release, said its national Task Force Commission has received a report last Saturday of a bulldozer that traversed the recently-rehabilitated West Coast Demerara Highway opposite the Parika Full Gospel Fellowship.

The release stated that residents urged the driver to refrain from driving on the road since it will cause much damage, but the driver noted that the damage was small and he will fix it, the release said.

In light of this situation, the ministry has asked all drivers of heavy-duty machinery to refrain from driving their bulldozers, rice harvesters and/or tractors directly on the road.

“This irresponsible behaviour leads to damage of valuable infrastructure and hinders much-needed infrastructural development within the community,” the ministry said.

It added: “The Ministry of Public Infrastructure will impede and/or prosecute persons found damaging the road.”

Residents are asked to report irresponsible drivers to the ministry’s public relations officer on 227-0799/614-3069 or the nearest police station.

Damage done to a second cross street at West Coast Demerara

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019

House launches probe of US nuclear plan in Saudi Arabia The US is rushing to transfer sensitive nuclear power technology to Saudi Arabia, according to a new congressional report.

A Democratic-led House panel has launched an inquiry over concerns about the White House plan to build

nuclear reactors across the kingdom.

Whistleblowers told the panel it could destabilise the Middle East by boosting nuclear weapons proliferation.

Firms linked to the president have reportedly pushed for these transfers.

The House of Representatives’ Oversight Committee report notes that an inquiry into the matter is “particularly critical because the Administration’s efforts to transfer sensitive US nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia appear to be ongoing”.

President Donald Trump met nuclear power developers at the White House on 12 February to discuss building plants in Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia.

And Trump’s son-in-law, White House adviser Jared Kushner, will be touring the Middle East this month to discuss the economics of the Trump administration’s peace plan. Saudi Arabia has said it wants nuclear power in order to diversify its energy sources and help address growing energy needs.

But concerns around rival Iran developing nuclear technology are also at play, according to US media.

Previous negotiations for US nuclear technology ended after Saudi Arabia refused to

agree to safeguards against using the tech for weaponry, but the Trump administration may not see these safeguards as mandatory, ProPublica reported. Critics say giving Saudi Arabia access to US nuclear technology would spark a dangerous arms race in the volatile region. The House report is based on whistleblower accounts and documents showing communications between Trump administration officials and nuclear power companies.

It states that “within the US, strong private commercial interests have been pressing aggressively for the transfer of highly sensitive nuclear technology to Saudi Arabia”.

These commercial entities could “reap billions of dollars through contracts associated with constructing and operating nuclear facilities in Saudi Arabia”.

Trump is reportedly “directly engaged in the effort”. The White House has yet to comment on the report. (BBC)

Saturday 16, February, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019

US states sue Trump over border wall

A coalition of 16 US states led by California is suing President Donald Trump’s administration over his decision to declare an emergency to raise funds for a Mexican border wall.

Mr Trump made the declaration on Friday to bypass Congress after it refused to approve $5.7bn (£4.4bn) for the wall.

The states say they want to block his “misuse of presidential power”. The Democrats oppose funding Mr Trump’s barrier, a key campaign pledge, and have vowed to contest his plan.

The president’s announcement came after he signed a spending bill to avoid another government shutdown that granted him only $1.375bn for new border barriers.

Mr Trump said he had not needed to declare the emergency but had done so in the hope of obtaining the funds for the wall more quickly.

Analysts say these comments could undermine his legal arguments.

The lawsuit filed on Monday seeks to stop Mr Trump acting on his emergency declaration to build the wall, saying the president does not have the power to divert funds approved by Congress to pay for his project.

It says Mr Trump’s decision is “unconstitutional and unlawful” and that “by the president’s own admission” an emergency declaration is not necessary.

“We’re suing President Trump to stop him from unilaterally robbing taxpayer

US President Donald Trump

funds lawfully set aside by Congress for the people of our states. For most of us, the office of the presidency is not a place for theatre,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said.

Joining California in the lawsuit were Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Virginia and Michigan.

The states - all of them but Maryland governed by Democrats - say the lawsuit aims to protect their residents, natural resources and economic interests. They argue that Mr Trump’s order to divert funds would cost them millions of dollars.

California Governor Gavin Newsom dismissed the president’s decision as “polit-

ical theatre” while New York state’s Democratic Attorney General Letitia James promised to “fight back with every legal tool at our disposal”.

Mr Trump responded to the suit on Tuesday, tweeting it was as he “predicted”.

In his Twitter retort, Mr Trump referenced a highspeed San Francisco to Los Angeles train project in California that stalled out last week due to costs.

The president said the emergency would allow him to get almost $8bn for the wall, still considerably short of the estimated $23bn cost of the barrier along almost 2,000 miles (3,200km) of border.

Mr Trump accepted that he would be sued for the move, and predicted that the case was likely to end up in the Supreme Court.

“We’re going to confront the national security crisis on our southern border,” said Mr Trump, who repeatedly declared during the 2016 presidential campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall. “Everyone knows that walls work.” Critics, however, have accused the government of manufacturing a crisis, saying the president’s assertions about the situation are untrue.

Experts say the largest number of illegal migrants settling in the US each year is those who stay in the country after their visas expire, and that most drugs are trafficked into the US through ports of entry.

Following the declaration on Friday, a liberal advocacy group, Public Citizen, sued on behalf of a nature reserve and three Texas landowners who were told the wall could be constructed on their properties.

The National Emergencies Act is intended for times of national crisis. Declaring it gives the president access to special powers that effectively allow him to bypass the usual political process.

Mr Trump could be able to divert money from existing military or disaster relief budgets to pay for the wall.

Emergency declarations by previous presidents have been overwhelmingly used for addressing foreign policy crises - including blocking terrorism-linked entities from accessing funds or prohibiting investment in nations associated with human rights abuses. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019

Mashramani is part of us ON Saturday Guyana will celebrate Mashramani, (‘Mash’) which means ‘celebration after hard work’,and is derived from our Amerindian community.

This celebration marks centuries of struggle to break the yoke of domination. This struggle began with the first rebellion of the enslaved people, including the Berbice Slave Rebellion, led by our national hero Cuffy. The rebellion began on February 23rd, 1763 and had its high point when, as a people, we achieved Republican status in 1970, on the date that marked the 207th anniversary of that rebellion.

The actual street revelry was first held by the Jaycees of Linden. Then Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, in his vision, and facing the challenge of building and

moulding a nation, borrowed from the Linden celebration and created a national event that has since become a significant part of our national and cultural fabric. This is evident in making out of six peoples and diverse cultures a tolerant, multiracial society, in which all will see themselves as One People, living in One Nation, and with One Destiny to mould.

Although Mashramani has come to be seen as part of our ‘culture’, this national event has not been spared negative peddling, in which political forces and successive regimes have sadly made efforts to downplay this aspect of our culture; these efforts have been based on misinformation that it is intended to celebrate one group or individual, as against it being national in nature. Thankfully, those ef-

forts have been unsuccessful.

‘Mash’ has truly become a national event that drives our economy, and Guyanese at home and abroad look forward to participating in its celebration. ‘Mash’ is about all groups which have played a part in this nation’s evolution and development. While, in the annals of history, one group had enslaved, indentured and colonised others, members of every ethnic group have been represented in the struggles for independence and Republican status.

Government must continue therefore to ensure that Mashramani and all national events are put in their right perspective of pride, honour and dignity for all. In so doing it would eliminate the remnants of partisan thinking about things that are at the centre of nation-building or social cohesion.

Nation-building is not only about roads and infrastructure, but about building a culture; and especially in our diverse society, one in which every group can feel it is a part and will be allowed expression and protection to celebrate their unique heritage in a national way. Clearly, on the multicultural foundation on which this nation stands, President Burnham’s struggle was not only to use Mashramani to build a culture, but also to foster social cohesion, wherein diverse groups can have expression and be appreciated.

Mashramani exemplifies a period of much cultural expression: calypso and chutney competition, steel pan music, the children’s costume parade, and so forth.

This is a period used for deepening our national pride and seeing the blossoming

of Guyanese abilities and talents. Here is where we see our costume designers, musicians, children and teachers at their most creative.

It would not be unreasonable to ask the responsible ministry to examine the need to encourage such talent. It may be possible to offer separate incentives for those using local materials, bands playing local artistes, and increasing the artistes’ frequency on air time. These persons are bringing us their creativity through intellectual work, and at times at great sacrifice and thus should be rewarded. This, too, is another approach to improving our arts and entertainment industry.

‘Mash’ has become an integral part of what it means to be Guyanese, and is here to stay. Outside of its economic benefits through em-

ployment and economic opportunities for those within, it places Guyana on the map as a tourist destination. And it needs to be said that while Guyana is competing with other bigger global festivities, we do not necessarily need to take it down the road of nudity; we can maintain our cultural identity/uniqueness by being conservative in dress.

We can also encourage more talent of diverse music, expanding the range of calypso and chutney to include music with an Amerindian flavour, etc.

Though the event is named in honour of our Amerindian brothers and sisters, there is not much outside the name that points uniquely to the Amerindian community. As with human beings, there is still need for growth.

The chief justice’s ruling is not final under the laws of Guyana

Dear Editor

GUYANA’s constitution is under assault. Misuse, misconstruction, misinterpretation and perversion of the supreme law dominate our political and constitutional quagmire.

The court’s carte blanche approbation of the abuse, and potential criminal misuse, of the no-confidence provision, as well as the potential perversion and abuse of Articles 156.3. (a) and (b) and 155. 1 (a), collapsed public confidence in the court. Wisdom, scholarly interpretation of the law and constructionist application of the intent

of the framers of our constitution ought to compel the Court of Appeal and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to reverse the chief justice’s ruling (CJ). This will preserve public trust in the “judicial process.”

Henceforth, the CJ’s ruling will be taught in law schools, analysed by constitutional scholars and dissected by academicians.

In his analysis of the CJ’s ruling, foremost constitutional scholar, former Justice of the CCJ, Professor Duke Pollard, delineated that it was misdirected. In an article published in the February 14, 2019 edition

of the Guyana Chronicle newspaper, Justice Pollard submitted that the alleged requirement for the government to resign which the CJ affirmed, is “not consistent with the language of commitment employed by the drafters of the constitution.”

Article 106 (6) of the constitution states, “The Cabinet, including the President, shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members in the National Assembly on a vote of confidence. Article 106 (7) states that, “the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such

longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly, determine and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Justice Pollard proffered that “Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) “must be construed conjunctively and not disjunctively as the CJ did.

The jurist held that “If this is what the draftsman intended, he would have said “the government shall be deemed to have resigned on the passage of the confidence motion…Clearly,

the draftsman did not intend this, since his intention was definitively set out in article 106 (7).”

Justice Pollard’s submission is apposite. The likes of Ralph Ramkarran and officers of the Bar Council of the Guyana Bar Association and others, driven by cultural and political allegiance to the PPP, arrogated to themselves custodial and intellectual dominion over interpretation of the constitution.

Their continual attempt to engage in this exegesis of the law is done with unprecedented perversion. Albeit their tossed-about opinions become infinitesimal amidst the scholarship of the erudite

jurist, Professor Pollard.

Justice Pollard is right. At no time does the constitution contemplate governance of Guyana without cabinet.

Article 106 (1) states “There shall be a Cabinet for Guyana, which shall consist of the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice-Presidents, and such other Ministers as may be appointed to it by the President.” Article 106 (2) states “The Cabinet shall aid and advise the President in the general direction and control of the Government of Guyana and shall be collectively responsible therefor to Parliament.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019

The hinterland has always had great attention from this government Dear Editor, PERMIT me space to respond to the devious letter

by Dr. Asquith Rose and Sasenarine Singh, regarding the successful outreach in the Rupununi by the coalition government. The two sought to dull the efforts of the government to bring more services to, in my view, the already over-cared-for hinterland communities.

According to reports, several government officials went to the Rupununi to meet with residents from various communities. Based on reports, this is a usual

thing for ministers or their agents to continuously engage hinterland communities.

But Dr. Asquith Rose and Sasenarine Singh claimed that the government went to those communities because of the political climate and the possibility of elections.

I would like to say that this is far from the truth, for the simple fact that the hinterland communities have always had great attention from this government. I have read so many articles where it seems that this government goes out of its way to serve the hinterland communities to the point where the

writers even claimed that, “the people will take their goodies and then deal with them condignly at the ballot box. It was done before and it shall be done again.”

Why then claim that it is because of the possibility of elections that the government is now going to the hinterland communities?

The writers claim that the “PNC/AFC” is using taxpayers’ money for campaigning.

When the government budgeted billions for hinterland communities and rolled out numerous projects that some of us on the coast, especially in impoverished communities are still begging for,

was it not taxpayers’ money then? Why are the writers so conveniently saying now that it is campaigning and apparently misusing taxpayers’ money? Should these very writers review this government’s budgets and the various aid going to hinterland communities, they would notice that hinterland peoples are some of the most cared for, if not the most cared for in this country.

It is therefore a nasty and divisive act to claim that this government is only now looking after the hinterland communities, when in fact the PPP had done

almost nothing to build these people. They have always given handouts to the hinterland and treated them as second-class citizens with the only power being voting power. When the coalition government removed these handouts and sought to have the hinterland become economically viable, and to have them actually earn their space in Guyana’s economy, the PPP claimed that the government did not care for the Amerindians; they did all they could to turn them against the coalition, while insinuating that they should be given handouts and be cared for like children, be-

cause they are Guyana’s First Peoples.

I take offence to this letter because for someone who supports this government I can say truly that true supporters of the coalition government are still wanting. It is just upsetting that, that immoral, heartless, sell-out Charandass through his cold vote in Parliament will cause those who have suffered so much under the PPP to wait even longer to get redress, as he has cut short the term of his own government.

Regards Peter Joseph

The PPP would rather this be an election based on race Dear Editor, HAVE you seen those PPP campaign ads with Afro-Guyanese championing the PPP? Well, I have and they are completely hilarious. So much so, that I was laughing out so loud that my secretary stepped into my office and queried if I’m ok. Of course, you know I always have a quick response for everything. I replied, “I am looking at a comedy on BREXIT.” Anyway PPP campaign ads are so funny that I would suggest that you do not look at them with a full bladder. The Afro-Guyanese in these ads are saying that the government has not done anything for them in three and a half years. It may just be me being too over-analytical. With my analytical hat on I sat back waiting for them to say what the PPP has done for them in 23 1/2 years. They never said anything about that because their clownish advisers never expected someone to analyse their ads. Further Mr. Editor, I will repeat: the PPP was in power for 23 1/2 years. These folks who are complaining are in dire need -- severely poverty-stricken.

You get where I am going with this? Why are they in dire need when under the PPP they all received the royal treatment? What

happened to their wealth?

Clearly, Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali, Dr. Webster, Dr. Westford, Brassington, Priya Manickchand, Dr. Ashni Singh, Anil Nandlall among others still have their wealth. You see how clownish these ads are.

And the comedy continues. The PPP would say that the government is discriminating against Indo-Guyanese in preference for Afro-Guyanese, hence the need to take the country back.

Yet their ads are painting a picture of Afro-Guyanese being discriminated against with the other five races apparently happy. The PPP needs to make up its mind how it wishes to portray the government. They must be afflicted with the Ramkarran 33/34 virus. Can’t have a consistent narrative.

Based on the PPP’s ads, the government has this election covered. Five out of the six races are apparently satisfied. 70% of the votes guaranteed. This should be a landslide victory, judging from the PPP’s clownish display. Editor, can you answer why these ads never surfaced in 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2011 or 2015? It just perplexed me. I guess the blacks were all shot dead then and those now alive were spared and protected by the PPP. I’m sure on reading this letter they will attempt to rectify their narrative, but

they are in danger of providing the interviewees too much information, hence clogging their brains. Also narrating this additional information, if they can remember it, may cost them a few more thousand dollars.

In my opinion, whoever is the campaign strategist advising the PPP should be fired. Clearly, he also bought or printed his own certificates.

To all Guyanese. All six races. Do not just look at what the government has or has not done for you in three and a half years. Also look at what the PPP did for you in 23 1/2 years and what the other parties can do for you, taking into consideration the likelihood of them gaining enough votes to have a voice in the parliament. Look at who are living in the mansions and driving the expensive SUVs. Don’t be swayed by comical disinformation ads. Look at the facts. The PPP would rather this be an election based on race.

You the electorate don’t have to.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019

The chief justice’s...

FROM PAGE 6

Article 106 (1) was not constructed with the imposition of “subject to” Article 106 (6) and is not a subordinate provision to (106 (6). Article 106 (6) does not mandate immediate resignation of the cabinet, or such a mandate would be

contradictory to Article 106 (7), which enumerates an organised process to effectuate the termination of the government prescribed in 106 (6). Entrenched in 106 (7) also is a prescription for continuity of governance and orderly transfer of power to

a new President, predicated on the doctrine of necessity.

The ruling of the CJ spawns several additional contradictions on which the Court of Appeal and CCJ will ultimately explicate.

Although the CJ held that Charrandass Persaud was

ineligible for election to the National Assembly, she nevertheless upheld the validity of his casting vote for the no-confidence motion. She declared that a challenge to the election of a member of the National Assembly can only be mounted through an elections petition, which must be filed within 28 days of an election. She also affirmed that Article 165 (2) validated Charrandass Persaud’s vote.

Article 156 states, “The Assembly may act notwithstanding any vacancy in its membership (including any vacancy not filled when the Assembly first meets after the commencement of this Constitution or after any dissolution of Parliament) and the presence or participation of any person not entitled to be present at or to participate in the proceedings of the Assembly shall not invalidate those proceedings.”

The CCJ will have to determine if members who are declared elected can be

legitimately included among the unentitled persons contemplated in this Article 165 (2), as the CJ did. Chapter 5, Sections 50-70 of the constitution govern and regulate the election, requirements, privileges and conduct of members, and makes no reference to Article 165 (2).

Moreover, the clause shall not “invalidate those proceedings” grants validity to the procedure or conduct of business of the Assembly, rather than an act by an unentitled person. A consequence of the ruling of the CJ is that the National Assembly is henceforth proscribed from discarding the vote of a deranged person who rushes into the chamber and votes yes on a Bill. Such was not the intent of the framers.

Interestingly, the predication of Article 165 (2), on which the CJ based her ruling, is the doctrine of necessity. Therefore, while the ruling seems to uphold the Charrandass’ vote out of necessity of government, it repudiated said doctrine of necessity in relation to its misconstruction of the

provision of the prolongation of cabinet after defeat on a confidence motion. Further, the CJ’s ruling vitiated the provision that the government remains in office until an election is held and a new President sworn in; a reconstruction of the provision. The CJ’s denial of a conservatory order staying her judgment is enigmatic and quite remarkable, as the plaintiffs sought a stay of her ruling which they prayed constituted a misinterpretation of Articles 106 (6 and (7), 156.3 (a) and (b), 155 1 (a) and 165 920, and a misinterpretation of the two-thirds majority entrenchment.

These sub judice matters that confront the Court of Appeal and CCJ embody an extreme perversion of the constitution that threatens democracy and constitutional governance of Guyana and engenders anarchy. This is why the ruling of the CJ is not final.

The Court of Appeal, then the CCJ, are final arbiters of the law. That is final!

Regards Rickford Burke

Irfaan Ali yet to present authentic certificates Dear Editor, AFTER 10 odd years of following the political struggles and developments in Guyana, I have come to the conclusion that I do not understand the politicians, or maybe the type of politics, in Guyana.

It was Socrates who said, “True wisdom comes to each of us when we realise how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.”

Hence, let us examine the world in which we live.

On January 19, 2019, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) elected Irfaan Ali as the presidential candidate.

Many persons strongly argued against the use of the word elected; they are of the view that Bharrat Jagdeo selected Irfaan, even the party used the word selected on their Facebook page when the announcement was made that Irfaan was the presidential candidate.

From the onset, let me say, I’ve always supported the PPP. However, this time

I’m not so sure. I’ve been placed between a rock and a hard place; and with every passing day, I’m leaning more and more towards not going to the polls whenever elections are held. Many will lecture that blood was shed to give us the right to vote; to them I say, yes I know, I’ve read about it all.

I know the history, but how can I support a man like Irfaan?

Irfaan Ali is accused of academic fraud. In an attempt to dismiss the accusation he released a plethora of certificates and letters from various institutes. However, the very action has done Irfaan more harm than good.

Among the plethora of certificates that Irfaan boasts, three have been identified as fakes. In the interest of space, I won’t go into details of how these fakes were identified, but in another letter all will be revealed. What is even more interesting, is that he claims that he will provide transcripts from his various universities to show that he has not committed

academic fraud.

Editor, we live in an age of technology. It takes a minimum of three to four days for any university in the world to provide to a student, who has attended that institution, a transcript.

But in the interest of argument, let’s assume that some universities take about two weeks, maximum, to process such a request. It has been over a month that Irfaan claims he wrote to his universities to obtain transcripts. To date, no such transcripts were ever released.

Further, he has never released the name of the university where he obtained his first degree, which was the root of all this in the first place. Needless to say, he has not produced the transcript from that mystery university either. How can the PPP ask its supporters to vote for such a man? Bharrat Jagdeo has doomed us all!

Regards Vickram Seth

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

UG must be protected by all

“THE University of Guyana (UG) must be seen as a national strategic asset to be nurtured, supported and protected by all Guyanese,” said Registrar of the University of Guyana, Dr. Nigel Gravesande, during the opening ceremony of the university’s recently-held Open Career Day. Dr. Gravesande stressed that such comments are real,

relevant and alive, notwithstanding the challenges the university had experienced, due to bomb threats made earlier this month causing emergency evacuations and disruptions.

According to the registrar, despite such challenges, it was imperative to continue the university’s annual event as it presents an opportunity to showcase the deliverables

of more than 100 certificates, diplomas, bachelors, masters and single PhD programmes. “It also provides the university community with an opportunity for both corporate and institutional collaboration. We value the support of useful input from our corporate partners… so, this day is an attempt in large measure to consolidate the partnership that we are hop-

ing to forge with cooperative entities, both public and private, including our faculties and schools as an attempt to deepen collaborations as we seek to make the University of Guyana, a top-class tertiary institution in the region,” Dr. Gravesande added.

Several booths were set up across the campus by public and private sector companies, providing in-

formation and ideas on the career opportunities that exist in their respective agencies.

This included booths by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Ministry of Business and the Guyana School of Agriculture among others.

The University of Guyana is the country’s sole public tertiary education institution.

It has more than 8,000 students currently enrolled.

Established in April 1963, it follows this mission: “To discover, generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and of all mankind within an atmosphere of academic freedom that allows for free and critical enquiry.” (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019

Sport, skills training and education – in forefront of measures to tackle social ills at Itaballi

By Vishani Ragobeer FOR the next three years, the Community Development Council (CDC) in Itaballi will be focusing on creating a more enabling environment for youth development, in an attempt to develop the human capital of the region.

“What we are trying to promote is good morals, i.e., teaching them their value and

Chairperson of the Itaballi CDC, Coleen Singh

understanding who they really are, so that we can have a change taking place in the community,” Itaballi’s CDC Chairperson, Coleen Singh told Guyana Chronicle.

Singh was recently re-elected as the chairperson of the CDC and will serve at the head of this Council for the next three years.

According to her, Itaballi is facing a number of social ills, including drug abuse,

The commercial hub at Itaballi (Vishani Ragobeer photo)

teenage pregnancy and high rates of school dropouts but

efforts are being made to address these problems.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday February 20, 2019 FROM PAGE 10

Sport, skills...

“We believe that there is room for change as long as we educate our people,” she said.

Itaballi is located in Region Seven and is an entrance to Guyana’s interior through the Puruni to Itaballi trail. At the forefront of the community, closest to the access point by river, is a commercial hub where vehicles heading to the interior or coming back out, stop to get their supplies.

Coleen believes that the issues facing the community are due to lack of the economic activities and its geographic location.

“There are several things that we have tried to do with our young people; this year we are focusing on sports.

We are trying to use that to get our young men occupied,” she said.

In fact, she detailed that a few young men from the community have already reached out to her, to get funding for sports gear and she has indicated that the yearly presidential grant to the community will cover these.

SKILLS TRAINING The Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) was also initiated in the community, and Coleen shared that 18 young ladies benefitted from skills training and quite a few of them are now actively involved in businesses.

And, through President Granger’s ‘5Bs’ programme, which is geared at promoting access to education, a boat has been donated to ease the burden of transportation costs for children.

“Transportation is very expensive in Itaballi and we are very grateful for that boat… otherwise the children would have to pay $500 to go and $500 to come every day, and parents would still have to find money for food,” Coleen explained.

Still, even with these interventions, the chairperson acknowledged that these measures are not enough to curb the ills confronting the community.

“You would find that because of the location and what happens in the community, that contribute to children not attending school,” she noted, and explained that for some young boys, it is a race to get to a certain age, so that they can start working in the “bush” (interior locations).

She added: “Some parents are not educated and the kind of lifestyle that they have, they are usually away [working in the interior] and not

much interest is given to all children.”

Moreover, persons would complain that accessing the schools via the road is a challenge because the road becomes very dusty in the dry weather and easily inundated in the rainy weather. “[School dropouts] are a problem that we are trying to look into but we can’t totally eliminate it,” Coleen said.

CHALLENGE “One of the biggest challenges in getting young people who move away from the education system, and who move away from the traditional settings where they can earn an income through these settings, is what exactly are you using to incentivise them to come to these spaces,” said youth activist, Derwayne Wills.

According to him, the decision to go to school every morning is dependent upon how their values are constructed. These values are shaped by their immediate environment, whether socially, legally, economically, or otherwise, and stem from the individual’s sense of survival.

Itaballi thrives economically off of its position as the gateway to the interior and many of the avenues for employment are structured around this.

Wills explained that there must be incentives given to the children and/or their families, as this would encourage them to stay in school and focus on achieving the longterm benefits of schooling.

The incentives, he said, could be anything from stipends, public assistance or helping families to pay some of their bills.

Coleen, on her part, said she continues to mull over ways of promoting education.

“This time around we plan on educating our young people because that’s the only way we can get change. We could try with infrastructure but we have found out that people are more important,” she said The chairperson also indicated that the council will look into facilitating a few training programmes that could promote capacity building. The aim is to help persons, thereafter, create income generating projects through small and microenterprises (SMEs).

“We’ve gotta find a way how to motivate the youths,” Coleen said, adding: “It’s something that’s hard to control, but we believe that if we can influence one or two or three families that would be great progress.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Jason Abdulla accused of threatening Barry Braithwaite

COMMISSIONER of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and newspaper columnist Barrington Braithwaite has lodged a complaint with the police after he was allegedly threatened by former murder accused and PPP member, Jason Abdulla.

Braithwaite told the Guyana Chronicle that on Monday morning around 11:30hrs, he was walking along Robb Street, running his own errands when he passed a group of people in the vicinity of Freedom

House.

He identified Abdulla, whom he said he recognised from his photographs being in the newspapers. “When I passed, nobody said anything, and I said nothing. But then I heard him (Abdulla) telling, pointing and telling people, ‘that’s he. He’s Barrington Braithwaite. So I turned and I said if you want to introduce me to somebody, you could stop me and introduce me, you ain’t really gotta point me out to people,” Braithwaite said.

His remarks some-

how annoyed Abdulla, as Braithwaite said he (Abdulla) responded in quite a hostile manner. “He threw his hands in the air and started shouting ‘You can’t bluff me. Allyuh can’t do me nothing’ and he was walking towards me and so I proceeded towards him and he paused. I said ‘Who Is allyuh?’ And he said ‘you can’t bluff me’; he also said some other things that were incoherent,” Braithwaite recalled.

Concluding that the approach of Abdulla was threatening and uncalled for,

Braithwaite said he made a stop at Brickdam Police Station and in the presence of a police rank, he made an official report of a threat.

“I don’t know where this is coming from- I write letters… I actually made some comments on a letter that seemed to become very popular in Sunday Chronicle, about the nature of the people who were the entourage of Charrandass. I have no idea if it came from this guy, or if he just felt that he gonna just show them some kind of macho…”

Braithwaite said he viewed Abdulla’s actions as a threat “because as I told the police, if this man approaches me again, I will assume that he is coming to do me harm and I will defend myself accordingly,” Braithwaite expressed.

Abdulla was in 2017 sentenced to six months imprisonment for attacking newspaper columnist Freddie Kissoon. In fact, it was he and his two cohorts, former government information liaison officer, Kwame McCoy and death

Barrington Braithwaite squad member, Sean Hinds, who were accused of throwing faeces on the columnist.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Greater emphasis on mental health this year

By Dillon Goring

THE Mental Health Unit of the Ministry of Public Health has rolled out a very comprehensive plan for the next two years Senior Psychologist, Mr. Balogun O. Osunbiyi, during an interview with this newspaper, referred to the heavy emphasis on training in 2019.

The unit, through its training facility, is hoping

to train every non-specialist functionary and mental health worker in the Mental Health Gap mental programme; this is with a view to fulfil the mandate of the ministry’s Community- based Mental Health and Delivery Programme.

The unit hopes that those who experience training will function more effectively in their respective communities.

This effort, Mr. Osunbiyi

noted, will serve to reduce the cost and time of travel for persons who are seeking care and attention for mental health issues.

The unit will also focus on several programmes in several regions of the country, inclusive of Regions Five, Six, Three, Two and 10. Suicide-prevention programmes will also be on the agenda in other regions.

Mr. Osunbiyi made the

point that the objectives of the unit included ensuring that, by 2020, all non-specialist personnel would have participated in training and capacity-building to make them more capable of delivering primary health services.

Osunbiyi further noted that the efforts of the unit, since 2016, have contributed to a significant drop in the incidence of suicide in Guyana.

Mr. Osunbiyi believes

that the reason for the drop in the rate of suicide across the country hinges on a number of factors which included: – the training of 220 non-specialist personnel, the procurement of the services of both a psychologist and psychiatrist at the Linden Hospital in Region10, and a mental health social worker and a psychiatrist at the New Amsterdam Hospital

Senior Psychologist, Mr. Balogun O. Osunbiyi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

GECOM needs new appropriation to fund elections …Finance Ministry advises

THE Finance Ministry, in providing guidance to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) regarding funding for General and Regional Elections, has stated that the 2019 appropriation for the elections

commission is not subject to alteration by the ministry.

Furthermore, it stated that the $3B allocated to GECOM for houseto-house registration in 2019, cannot be transferred for use in new

elections without prior approval of the National Assembly.

The response was given to the commission on February 13, 2019, after Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield, was directed to seek out the

advice following an expression of uncertainty by the commission.

The letter was signed

by Finance Secretary Michael B. Joseph. Copies were sent to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Junior Minister of

Finance, Jaipaul Sharma; Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs; GECOM Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson and Accountant General (ag.) Jennifer Chapman.

In response, the ministry said that the constitution states, in Section 227(1)(b), that: “No monies shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund except where the issue of these monies has been authorised by an Appropriation Act.” It was chronicled that in compliance with the constitution, Appropriation Act No. 22 of 2018, the National Assembly approved $5.37B to meet the total expenditure of GECOM for the Fiscal Year 2019.

The approved sum was informed by a submission of $3.36B for house-to-house registration in 2019. The letter went on to state that the Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act No. 4 of 2015 in section (7), enacted by the Parliament of Guyana, stipulates that: “The annual budget of a constitutional agency approved by the National Assembly shall not be altered without the prior approval of the National Assembly.”

It added: “It therefore means that the 2019 appropriation for the elections commission, as a constitutional agency, is not subject to alteration by the Ministry of Finance. Accordingly, the Office of the Finance Secretary has no ‘locus standi’ in this matter.”

Meanwhile, examining Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire ruling upholding the Speaker’s decision that the no-confidence motion was validly passed and that Cabinet is separate from government and should resign, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams had pointed out the flaw in the ruling.

“The opposition has been saying that the government should only have a caretaker role, which would really be to pass legislation for funding of the elections; but I don’t know if they realise that if there’s no Cabinet then no financial bills can be taken to the Parliament,” he said earlier in the month.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, on the other hand, has argued that the $3B sum for house-to-house registration could be used to facilitate the new elections.

At a previous press conference, he told media operatives that “parliament could legitimately convene”—and the opposition would attend– on the basis of passing new laws or supplementary provisions for GECOM. However, Williams referenced Article 171 (2) (ii) of the constitution which states: “Except on the recommendation or with the consent of the Cabinet signified by a minister, the Assembly shall not: –– proceed upon any Bill (including any amendment to a Bill) which, in the opinion of the person presiding, makes provision for any of the following purposes –– … for imposing any charge upon the Consolidated Fund or any other public fund of Guyana, or for altering any such charge otherwise than by reducing it…”

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

The aim was to ensure that the current list would be in order for the 2020 elections by clearing it of dead persons, persons no longer residing in the country or a community and ensuring that those now eligible to vote are added to the list.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Business Ministry coming 100-strong this ‘Mash’

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–‘We in it to win it’ Min. Gaskin promises THE dazzling array of blue and gold greeted the eyes of all present as the Ministry of Business launched its ‘Mash 2019’ costume band on Monday at the Sophia Exhibition Centre.

The band was launched under the theme, ‘Re-discovering El Dorado: The Land of Golden Opportunities’.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that he was brimming with excitement in anticipation of his band taking to the streets come

‘Mash Day’. And so, too, he said, are its revellers – all 100 of them – looking forward to a day filled with fun and frolic, as they are “in it to win it” this year for the costume and float parade competition.

Costume Designer, Jermaine Broomes said that apart from the selection of the colours which represent the ministry, blue and gold is used on the costumes to represent Guyana’s waters and El Dorado and the golden opportunities Guyana has to offer. According to the designer, the king of the

UG administration, unions back to drawing board

By Vishani Ragobeer THE University of Guyana (UG) administration and the unions representing workers of the institution will recommence negotiations, following an impasse over wages and salaries for 2018.

This was disclosed to the Guyana Chronicle by UG Public Relations Officer (PRO), Paulette Paul on Tuesday.

According to Paul, who read a prepared statement, the recommencement of negotiations will be held on Thursday between representatives of the UG administration, the unions and the three-member team of the UG Council.

“The resumption of talks was brokered by Pro-Chancellor, Major General (retired) Joe Singh,” Paul said.

The University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) had protested at the 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 retroactive to January 1, 2018.

The university had stated that it cannot afford further increases and had asked the unions to act responsibly.

“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,” the university said in a release on Sunday.

In light of the impasse, the Department of Labour, through the Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle last week convened a conciliation meeting.

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

band costume will depict the many aspects of business, while the individual female reveller costume depicts the prime of El Dorado.

The sub-agencies of the ministry will be displayed as sections of the float parade. (DPI)

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and his Permanent Secretary, Rajdai Jagarnauth with the revellers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Russian duo heads to Guyana to resolve RUSAL woes … no concrete decision on reinstatement of fired workers

TWO executives from the Russian Bauxite company RUSAL, which owns the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI), are expected to travel from Russia to Guyana to meet with the Department of Labour (DoL), Ministry of Social Protection, as the government seeks an early end to the industrial unrest that has seen the firing of some 61 employees on

Monday.

The labour department is also expected to make an on-the-ground visit to the Kurubuka mining area, where the fired employees are said to still be occupying.

This was the outcome of a meeting held on Tuesday between the department and local representatives BCGI. Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle explained that the company has now

been given two proposals to choose from, and the continuation of further deliberations awaits the arrival of the two executives from Russia. “Two executives are coming from Russia.

The people have to come in first, I don’t know when they’ll reach. We’re waiting on the response from management; as soon as we get that response then we’ll take it from there. We have to go there on location based on the union’s complaints,” Ogle said, following the almost two-hour meeting with three representatives of the company.

Appearing on behalf of BCGI at the meeting was company representative Vladimir Permyakov, Personnel Manager Mikhail Krupenin, and company adviser Mohamed Akeel, himself a former chief labour officer.

Tuesday’s meeting follows a refusal by the company to attend an initial meeting on Monday between the DoL, the company, and the workers’ union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU). Some 61 employees were issued a collective termination notice on Monday after downing tools and beginning strike action last Friday, protesting the Russian management’s imposition of a one per cent wages increase. One employee has since been reinstated; however, the fate of the other 60 remains uncertain thus far.

“I don’t know, it depends on some compromis-

BCGI representatives (from left) Mohamed Akeel; Vladimir Permyakov, and Personnel Manager Mikhail Krupenin, meeting with Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle (fourth from left) and other Department of Labour representatives (Adrian Narine photo) ing decision,’ was all that ana’s constitution providing tion with the contracts, it Permyakov would offer on that “no person shall be couldn’t be, it’ not our practhe issue when asked if the hindered in the enjoyment tice. Strike is the worst form, company would be consider- of his or her freedom to it’s the conflict,” he said. ing reinstatement of the fired strike”, Permyakov deemed Nonetheless, Permyakov employees. the strike by employees last says he believes progress BCGI’s position is that Friday as an “illegal action”. is being made towards a the contracts of the employ- He believes the company solution. “I feel very satisees do not provide for them was within its legal right to fied with my meeting with to be absent from work, not fire the workers the team from Ministry of even in the case of a strike; “Do you believe that Social Protection. We had and the company reiterated our professional managers very open and frank interthat it does not recognise the would terminate somebody action. I hope we shall find Guyana Bauxite and General without consulting contracts, a solution, we shall find a Workers Union (GBGWU), rules and company lim- compromise,” he said. which represents over 90 itations, I don’t think so.

Permyakov also said per cent of the company’s Very unfortunate that [it is] that while much attention employees. five days [since] this illegal is being paid to the one per Ogle said the DoL po- action has started, it’s bad. cent that the employees are sition is that the GBGWU Myself and company man- being offered, it needs to is the recognized workers’ agement feel unhappy with be highlighted that over Union; he referenced a 2017 this unfortunate refusal of the five-year period from poll, whereby some 93 per 60 workers to go to work, 2013 – 2018, the employees cent of the workers voted for to perform their duties and have enjoyed overall over 15 GBGWU as their preferred abide by their own contrac- percent in salary indexation. union. “The union is the tual obligations,” PermyaThe company has also recognised union. I’m say- kov said. outright denied allegations ing to you the GBGWU won Permyakov submitted that over the years it has that poll. I don’t know what that the employees’ con- been arbitrarily dismissing they’re [BCGI representa- tracts superseded their right and suspending employees, tives] saying,” Ogle said. to strike. “How legitimate and cutting holiday and Notwithstanding Guy- rights could be in opposi- vacation benefits.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Investigation launched into plane crash

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–– survivors in stable condition

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has commenced an investigation into the accident Monday evening involving an aircraft owned and operated by the Guyana Adventist Medical Aviation Services (GAMAS).

Reports are that the air-

oism.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Guyana Conference of Seventh Day Adventists, Pastor Exton Clarke and Adventist Mission and Men’s Ministry Director, Pastor Dennis Hamilton visited the hospital on Tuesday to see Gomez.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Pastor Clarke

Captain Lincoln Gomez craft, a Cessna 182 bearing American registration N8704T, crashed-landed around 19:00hrs on Monday night, having reportedly run out of fuel on its way from Arau, a location in western Guyana near the Guyana-Venezuela border.

The pilot and policeman aboard the plane at the time were injured during the crash near the Canal Number Two conservancy area, but are now in stable condition.

The plane was transporting the remains of a US missionary, Christopher Matthews, who fell off a mountain in Arau, Region Seven and died.

The injured men have been identified as Captain Lincoln Gomez, the pilot of the aircraft, who reportedly sustained a broken jaw and other facial injuries and Michael Grimmond, a policeman who suffered multiple fractures to his face and lacerations about the body.

On Tuesday, representatives of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on behalf of the Commissioner of Police and the senior administration team visited Constable Grimmond at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

They wished Grimmond, whom they described as being in “high spirits”, a speedy recovery while commending him for his bravery and her-

said the pilot is recovering well.

“The pilot is practically stable,” he said, adding: “I did a visit this morning at the hospital and I don’t have all the details, but he suffered some scars on his face and [damage] to his shoulder.

He is in the emergency care room and he is conscious.”

He also explained that GAMAS is a self-supporting ministry, which for over two decades, has been providing health outreaches, medical evacuations and community religious development primarily in hinterland locations.

“The planes are under the administration of GAMAS, not under the Guyana Conference of SDAs. But of course, by virtue of them being here, we collaborate from time to time. They would do trips for us taking some of our directors sometimes into these hinterland areas. But we don’t deal with the actual managing or administration of the organisation.

That is primarily GAMAS,” he clarified.

MAYDAY CALL Based on the preliminary report, the aircraft departed Arau at 17:06hrs on February 18, 2019, destined for the Eugene F. Correia International Airport when Gomez made a MAYDAY

call to the Timehri Control Tower, reporting a fuel emergency around 18:45hrs.

According to the GCAA, Grimmond called via cellphone and reported that both himself and the See page 18

Members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) visit Constable Michael Grimmond at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital

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Investigation launched ...

From page 17

pilot were injured but could not confirm their location.

Shortly after, the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Centre at Timehri was activated; this led to a response from the GPF, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the GCAA, the Guyana Fire Service and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

They were able to identify the crash site by a reconnaissance flight conducted by a Roraima Airways pilot. During the reconnaissance, Captain Gomez fired one of his distress flares from his location.

“The first responder team from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) landed as close as possible to the crash site. Due to the condition of the terrain, the rescue team had to trek for more than an hour, cutting through thick vegetation to reach the crash site from the landing zone. The rescue team recovered the injured pilot and his passenger and after stabilising them, returned to the landing zone for evacuation with the Bell 206 helicopter.

The injured were flown to Camp Ayanganna

and subsequently transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation via an ambulance, which was on standby.

However, the body of the deceased could not be removed from the site during the first extraction due to constraints of terrain and weight,” a GCAA release said.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY Missionary colleagues of Gomez and Matthews say the accident represents a double tragedy, as Matthews was the only teacher at the Kaikan Bible School.

In a blog, they said that Matthews was hiking with his class when he fell from the mountain, suffered a head injury and died.

He has left behind his wife of just eight months and two daughters.

Meanwhile, according to GAMAS’ website, Gomez first began his flight training in Bolivia and eventually obtained his FAA private pilot´s licence in the US in 2017.

The investigation by the Guyana Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Unit will examine all possible factors that could have contributed to the accident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Muslim scholar to go on trial for alleged rape of boys

MARCH 7, 2019 has been set as the date for the commencement of the trial into the alleged rape of nine boys by Muslim scholar, Nezaam Ali. The chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on Tuesday said that, in the case of the State versus Ali, for the offence of sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust, with an alternative count of rape of a child under 16 years of age, is set to commence on March 7, 2019, in the Demerara High

Court.

The DPP chambers reported that the matter was brought up before Justice Navindra Singh on Tuesday.

Ali was represented by Attorney-at-law Stanley Moore, who requested a date, March 7, 2019, for commencement of the trial.

All witnesses for the State were present in court. Ali has been charged with nine counts of sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust. Ali, known as ‘Mufti’, of Lot 268 Sec-

tion ‘C 5’ South, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, had been committed to stand High Court trial since 2013.

In a letter dated February 13, 2017, DPP Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack remitted the matter to the magistrate to re-open the case via paper committal.

Further, on the same date, the DPP issued a directive to the Guyana Police Force to obtain certified copies of the original documents before the re-opening of the paper committal.

Subsequent to the first

preliminary inquiry held before Magistrate Alex Moore, it was discovered that original documents which were tendered during the PI had gone missing from the depositions. The DPP had also forwarded a report to Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, on the position of this matter.

The Imam’s pre-trial hearings were held in-camera at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. After perusing the evidence brought before him during the preliminary

inquiry, Magistrate Moore found that there was sufficient reason to send Ali for High Court trial. The decision came in 2013. The scholar was released on bail and the case was not called at the Demerara Assizes.

It is alleged that between December 2011 and January 2012, Ali allegedly engaged in sexual penetration of a boy under the age of 12. The acts were allegedly committed while he was in a position of trust, being a religious teacher and knew or could be

Nezaam Ali reasonably expected to have known of the trust in relation to the boys.

The boys had been attending Arabic and Koran classes.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

SASOD, trans body hold gender workshop with police ranks GUYANA’s Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD Guyana) in collaboration with the Guyana Trans United (GTU) has trained over 140 police ranks from all divisions of the Guyana Police Force, in Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights over the past two months.

The series of workshops conducted as two-day sessions focused extensively on equipping law- enforcement officials with the information necessary to improve interaction with gender and sexual minorities, taking into consideration the recent decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice which decriminalised cross-dressing in Guyana, SASOD said in a release.

The organisation said the training was approved by the senior leadership of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and is regarded as momentous -- law-enforcement officials should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide ‘Service and Protection’ in an equal, unbiased, non-discriminatory manner to all persons in Guyana.

SASOD says the project is being supported by Frontline AIDS’ Rapid Response Fund and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition’s Regional HIV Grant through SASOD Guyana and GTU. Today is the closing ceremony for the first series of the workshop.

Route 41 minibus driver on bail for alleged rape

A 32-YEAR-OLD Route 41 minibus driver was, on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, released on $250,000 bail for allegedly raping a 14-year-old school girl.

Edward Emmanuel Dowridge of South Sophia, made his appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which was read in camera.

Particulars of charge alleged that, during the month of December 2018, at Lamaha Park, Georgetown, Dowridge engaged in sexual activity with a child under

Edward Emmanuel Dowridge the age of 16.

Magistrate McGusty released Dowridge on $250,000 bail, and adjourned the matter until March 11, 2019.

No bail for Eccles taxi driver on alleged rape charge AN Eccles, East Bank Demerara taxi driver was, on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, remanded to prison

by Principal Magistrate

Jaowel Williams Faith McGusty, for engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.

Jaowel Williams, 32, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which was read in camera.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, Williams, between January 1, 2019, and February 15, 2019, at Farm, East Bank Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

Magistrate McGusty remanded Williams to prison until March 11, 2019.

According to reports, Williams is known to the victim’s family and would often stay at their Farm, EBD home. It is alleged that, during the period mentioned in the charge, he raped the teenager.

The victim confided in her mother and the matter was reported to the police.

Williams was arrested and charged.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

UNICEF donates 300 rape kits to RDC

THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, donated 300 rape kits to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for Region Four.

The handover, at UNICEF’s Brickdam office, was done in an effort to support the ‘Sexual Offences Act’ that was passed in 2017. UNICEF Representative Sylvie Fouet said this multi-sexual approach is in response to the need for providing sexual-violence kits for victims who were assaulted and are in need of immediate attention.

The kits are expected to be distributed to different regions to provide quality service to rape victims of all ages and to apprehend the perpetrators faster.

According to Ms Fouet, the kits are technologically advanced, assisting to curb rape the incidence of rape and respond to rape cases efficiently. The aim of the rape kit is

to fight sexual violence, especially against children, and assist police and medical investigations. It includes equipment to take samples, guidance tools and curative materials for victims such as testing for diseases and pregnancy.

It was explained that there were 400 testing cases for rape and assault, in 2018. The kits will provide response to at least 90% of these cases. It was also noted that the kits will help to respond quickly to worst-case scenarios, since evidence can be lost once 24 to 72 hours has passed.

“The RDC is very grateful for the partnership they have established over the years and looks forward for continued support”, said the Regional Executive Officer (REO) Pauline Lucas.

The $3 million project is expected to ease the case-management load within the following years.

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From left, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Region Four, Pauline Lucas, UNICEF, Guyana Representative, Sylvie Fouet and Regional Health Officer, Dr Quincy Jones

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Captured wanted man to spend 'Mash' behind bars

AFTER being on the run from the police since 2017, a 29-year-old man was, on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, placed before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and remanded to prison for the charge of attempted murder.

John Wray, of North Ruimveldt, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to

plead to the capital offence when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on October 9, 2017, at Honey Camp, Mazaruni River, Wray, with intent to murder, wounded Devon Shepherd.

Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield, objected to Wray being granted his pre-trial liberty, on the grounds that the defendant was a flight

risk and was on the run since committing the crime.

Mansfield told the court that, on the day in question, there was a scuffle between Wray and Shepherd at a bar located at Honey Camp.

It is alleged that Wray armed himself with a cutlass and chopped Shepherd to the left side of his head and back. Shepherd was taken to the nearest

hospital and, subsequently, was air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC.) Mansfield told the court that Wray fled the jurisdiction while Shepherd was treated for a fractured skull and was later discharged.

However, Mansfield contended that, on February 16, 2019, while Shepherd was in Georgetown, he spotted Wray

John Wray

and alerted a nearby police patrol. Wray was arrested and charged.

The chief magistrate, after listening to the prosecutor’s statements, remanded Wray to prison, on the grounds that he was considered a flight risk.

The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for February 25, 2019.

Duo charged with murder of Samatta Point handyman PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, remanded two men to prison for the murder of 53-year-old Rohan ‘Khanhai’ Persaud, whose lifeless body was found along a track at Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

Heeman Gocool and Khemraj Persaud made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, and were not required to plead to the capital offence of murder.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, on February 13, 2019, at Samatta Point, Grove, Gocool and Persaud murdered

The defendants, from left Khemraj Persaud and Heeman Gocool the 53-year-old man.

Police Prosecutor Dominic Bess requested a short adjournment for the police file to be completed. Magistrate McGusty granted Bess’ request and adjourned the matter until March 12, 2019.

According to reports, Rohan Persaud was a friend of the two defendants and was last seen in their company imbibing.

It is alleged that Persaud was killed at Samatta Point, Grove, EBD on the day in question, after accusing Gocool of having a sexual relationship with his wife, who had moved and was living at Timehri, EBD. Persaud’s body was found with a wound to the lower abdomen.

Reports indicate that Gocool was living at Persaud’s home due to a family dispute. However, while living with his friend, Gocool was allegedly having a sexual relationship with Persaud’s wife.

Due to this, Persaud and Gocool were constantly engaged in quarrels and this caused the wife to take up residence with relatives at Timehri, EBD. However, on day in question, Persaud was drinking with Gocool and Khemraj Persaud when an argument ensued. It is alleged that Persaud accused Gocool of being a “Sweet man” and of having sexual intercourse with his reputed wife. As a result, a scuffle ensued between the two, during which it was alleged that Gocool took a stingray bone and stabbed Persaud to his abdomen, causing him to ‘drop dead’.

Gocool and Khemraj Persaud made good their escape and were later arrested by the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

‘Montrose Granny’ murder trial commences FOLLOWING the empanelment of a 12-member jury in the Demerara High Court before Justice Navindra Singh, the ‘Montrose Granny’ murder trial started with testimonies from several witnesses.

Upon presentation of the indictment, which alleges that on August 1, 2015, the accused Colin Allen called “Colis Williams” or “Bonus” murdered Danrasie Ganesh called “Carmen” in the county of Demerara, the accused pleaded not guilty.

State Prosecutor Abigail Gibb, in her opening statement, said that the accused who is indicted for the alleged murder on August 1, 2015, was an unwanted guest at the home of the deceased Danrasie Ganesh called “Carmen.

The 77-year-old woman lived alone at Lot 121 Public Road, East Coast Demerara, and on the day in question, the accused reportedly entered the house as if he lived there.

The State’s first witness, Rex Mangru, a next door neighbour to the deceased, recalled that on August 1, 2015, he got up at about 06:20hrs and went about his day’s work. However, he did not see the deceased, who he described as an “early riser who would be up and about cleaning her yard.”

Mangru said, he realised that something was not right when he did not see his neighbour, and enquired from his relatives whether they saw her that morning, but no one recalled seeing the elderly woman.

A telephone call was placed to the woman’s daughter, who lives in the same neighbourhood, and she went to the house to call out to her mother.

After the daughter received no answer, Mangru said he and some others residents attempted to open the padlocked gate but failed, resulting in one from among them having to jump the fence.

The witness said that the person who did, went to the house and returned saying ‘granny was dead’ and someone started to holler. It was then they lashed open the padlock, opened the gate and gained entry to the house, where,the lifeless body of the woman was found lying in a pool of blood in the kitchen.

Mangru told the court that he summoned the police to the scene.

Taking her stand in the

witness box, next, the dead woman’s daughter, Basmattie Ganesh called “Sandra”, recalled receiving a telephone call from a neighbour, that caused her to visit her mother’s house to check on her.

She said her mother had lived alone and was the caretaker of the property for more than 30 years. The witness added that she used to see her mother almost every day, when she visited to take meals and last saw her alive on July 31, 2015.

On the day in question, Ganesh recalled that she had earlier passed by her mother’s place but did not see her, and she surmised that since it was Saturday and market day, her mother had gone there. Ganesh said she did not see her mother at that location either.

The witness said she subsequently went home and prepared a meal, which she was supposed to take to her mother’s place, later that day.

Ganesh told the court that she received a call after 10:00hrs that day, causing her to go over to her mothers’ place to enquire of her whereabouts, and the neighbours came out as well.

The witness, who cried as she gave her evidence, recalled experiencing some difficulty breaking the padlock, before entering the house, where she saw the body of her mother on the kitchen floor, in a pool of blood.

Ganesh said she identified the body of her mother to Dr. Nehaul Singh, who performed the post-mortem.

She was present at the cremation, as well as was at the crime scene, when the police brought the suspect, who she pointed out in the courtroom.

Former Inspector of Police Cedric Gravesande, who was next to give evidence, testified that in 2015 he was the officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Sparendaam Police Station.

The senior officer told the court that on August 22, 2015 he was at CID Headquarters, Eve Leary, at about 12:50hrs, where he was handed a `caution statement’ in favour of the accused, Colin Allen, who was present and in custody.

Gravesande said he read the document, approached the accused and then identified himself as a police, dressed in plain clothes, and requested to take the accused to the crime scene,

The accused, he told the court, replied “Yes, I gon tek you”, after which he was cautioned.

Continuing, the witness stated that he, along with a party of ranks,took the accused to the crime scene, and he (the accused) pointed to a southern gate and said:“Offica dis is the gate I met the man and we talked before I went into the house.”

Gravesande said that he then noticed a parked silver grey Spacio, PMM 4949, and the accused said that it was the same car he was in when he talked the ‘man’.

The former cop stated, that the accused told him that he then picked up a bar and went into the house, and they followed him.

The witness said the accused took them to a door leading to the kitchen, he also showed them a room, then an internal stairway leading to the upper flat of the building. He also showed them the middle room.

Gravesande said that he made checks in the places pointed out by the accused.

The accused took them back downstairs, where, he said, he met the deceased and dealt her several lashes and

she fell unconscious to the floor.

The witness added, that the accused told him that he picked up some documents and handed it to the ‘man’ he had talked to earlier. He then went back into the house and ransacked the lower flat before leaving the place. He, then, took a bus to go home.

Gravesande told the court that the accused was not cooperate under duress but did so, on his own free will.

The state is represented

by Abigail Gibbs, in association with Tuanna Hardy and Teriq Mohamed. The

The accused: Colin Allen defence attorney is Rachel Bakker.

The case continues today, February 20, 2019, when more witnesses are expected to testify.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Youth Empowerment: The building blocks to a reformed Guyana THE Sophia Community Development Association (SOCDA), with its mission to promote youth empowerment and reduce the prevalence of crime and violence in the sprawling community, hosted its inaugural “Sophia Community Dialogue”, at the Sophia Training Centre on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

SOCDA has been in existence for more than 10 years. Its mission is to give at-risk youths a second chance at making themselves marketable in society.

SOCDA was registered as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in 2015, with a mission to empower youths across all the borders of Guyana and not limit it to just Sophia. The group was founded by

Leroy Adolphus, Sidney Nelson and several others, who envisioned the project to reduce the prevalence of crime and violence in the community.

It was initially intended to serve as a forum where individuals, organisations and other stakeholders met to exchange ideas regarding community development. This was during Guyana’s annual republic anniversary celebrations. Since then it has evolved reaching over 400 youths who have been able to positively benefit from this progamme.

The association aims to foster a sense of community identity. It hopes to achieve this by providing the needed resources, opportunities and gateways to promote self-determination through various channels: education,

Persons taking part in community discussions in Sophia vocational training, civic engagement and community enrichment. It also aims to provide effective programmes that will enhance the well-being of community members and meet their basic human needs, while promoting literacy and numeracy.

Currently, the group is working towards attracting youths to take part in its CSEC night school which was established in 2016.

Thus far, the response from youths has been beyond expectations and most have moved on to gainful employment. Various programmes, such as numeracy and literacy have also been introduced and attracted close to 35 individuals, primarily for young adults who cannot read and write.

The group has also ventured out to offer life skills exercises. This entails an education and sports camp for some 100 pupils between the ages of six to 11. The goal of this is to further develop an appreciation for physical

activity and concepts.

Even though the response from the public has been great, obtaining financial sponsorship from stakeholders has been a challenge.

Apart from government sponsorship, the organisation seeks the involvement of local private sectors.

“Youth empowerment is focused on creating greater community change that, in its methods, relies on the development of individual capacity. Organisations operating with a youth development framework are not addressing social inequities, but rather developing the individual within an unjust society and not changing the source of the problem”, opined one of the members.

SOCDA intends to continue pushing and striving for success amongst young Guyanese, so that they can develop a sense of being and purpose in today’s economy, one step at a time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Region Five RDC acquires critical road maintenance machines

THE administration of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) last week acquired a bitumen sprayer and a pneumatic roller with the aim of reducing costs of repairs and maintenance to roads in communities throughout the region.

The two pieces of equipment were acquired at a cost of $22M. Regional Executive Officer Mr Ovid Morrison said: “There is the saying that a stitch in time saves nine. So our aim is to give ourselves the capability to execute preventative maintenance works to avoid deterioration that would later on require major capital investment from the national coffers.”

With the new equipment he said staff of the region will

be able to undertake minor road-repair works on community roads on requests from any of the 10 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) within the region, or on assessment by the Engineering Department, as to which areas, road-maintenance works were urgently needed.

He added that the acquisition of the machines would help the NDCs in the region to save money for other projects; they would no longer have to spend large sums on contracts for their community roads maintenance programme. He disclosed that the region already has in its fleet a mini excavator and a bob cat, that are also essential equipment for repair and maintenance of community

City Hall looking for ways to pay contractors HIS Worship the Mayor of Georgetown Mr.Ubraj Narine, Town Clerk (ag) Sharon Harry – Munroe and other senior officers of the municipality on Monday met with contractors who provided services to the Council during 2017 and 2018 and are still owed payment.

In a release, the City Council said the meeting was called at the behest of Mayor Narine. The mayor noted that since he assumed office several contractors have called and visited enquiring about outstanding monies owed them by the council.

Narine said that the council is new and has inherited millions of dollars in debts. The mayor noted that the small contractors have worked assiduously during the period of 2016, 2017 and 2108 to clean drains, alleyways and canals. He noted that their dedicated service has moved the city to a state that is more environmentally friendly. The mayor expressed sincere gratitude to the contractors for their patience, commitment and understanding of the challenges of the municipality.

Sharon Harry- Munroe Town Clerk (ag) said that she and the City Treasurer John Douglas are currently examining the matter in detail and are seeking to put in place a payment plan to liquidate the outstanding monies owed. She noted that council does not have the wherewithal to pay all the contractors immediately; this is why a payment plan is necessary.

Contractor Hilbert Archer said that the CoI recommended that central government should help the City Council by paying off some of the outstanding sums owed to small contractors. He noted that he is still waiting for this to become a reality. The other contractors lamented that the garbage contractors were assisted by central government; therefore, central government should also consider their plight. His Worship the Mayor said that he is scheduled to speak with His Excellency President David Granger and after that meeting, he will be in a better position to make a clear pronouncement on this issue as it relates to government’s intervention.

Several contractors are collectively owed millions of dollars for services provided, including cleaning and desilting of drains and the procurement of construction materials.

The contractors thanked the mayor for taking time off from his busy schedule to meet with them and to listen to their concerns.

roads The administration is currently looking at the possibility of employing an experienced road works foreman to supervise the use of the machines, which will be put into operation next month. Morrison added that the administration has set its sights on the acquisition of a grader which will serve to complete its fleet of roads and maintenance equipment.

He is optimistic that funds for this piece of equipment for the region will be allocated in the 2020 budget.

REO Ovid Morrison (left) and Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha pose with the two new pieces of road- repair and maintenance equipment received, for use in Region Five

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‘Don’t allow anyone to divide you’ … Min. Allicock tells residents of Karasabai RESIDENTS of Karasabai, Region Nine were assured that the coalition government is committed to ensuring that all Guyana remains united despite efforts to cause division by rouge political elements of the opposition.

This was the message to residents by

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock addressing the residents of Karasabai Minster of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, during the recently-concluded ministerial outreach in Region Nine over the weekend.

On his trip to Karasabai, Minister Allicock was accompanied by Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC. “I have seen the opposition spreading misinformation, greed, hate and division, we cannot afford to do that,” Minister Allicock remarked.

“Minister Lowe and I came and met communities divided, and since 2015 we have been working to dismantle that hate. We have chosen instead to encourage our people to learn to support each other. We are working to have our people unite because now is the time to make ourselves a better people,” he added.

The minister said the coalition government is a true representation of unity, since several political parties have joined forces and remain committed to bringing the progressive changes which Guyana deserves.

Addressing development, Minister Allicock said the government has recognised that transportation is critical to progress, and assured that there are major plans in the pipeline for the North Pakaraimas in this regard.

He disclosed that in the coming weeks, the Regional Democratic Council will be investing millions of dollars towards further road infrastructure improvements. “Yurong Paru will receive five million to begin the process of repairing their own roads, likewise Rukumutu and Tipuru… and bigger things will come,” the minister explained.

Land remains a topical issue for Indigenous villages and in addressing Karasabai’s land situation, the minister said the government

is aware of their concerns and is working to resolve same.

He also provided an update on the Guyana/Venezuela border controversy and noted that President David Granger has been actively involved in negotiations to speedily bring an end to Venezuela’s claims. Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, noted that the government, through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, is unwavering in its efforts to ensure the Indigenous population becomes self-sufficient.

The minister said one clear example of this is the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme, which to date, has seen close to four thousand youths receiving formal training in skills training and capacity building, and ultimately becoming their own boss.

She underscored that this never occurred during the 23 years of the previous regime and most importantly, comes at a critical time when Guyana is preparing for major economic and social transformation with the potential oil and gas sector soon to become fully operational.

Minister Garrido-Lowe noted with pride the efforts of the young people of Karasabai who have established a general store and printing service, which is positively impacting their lives and “giving them an opportunity to do business like never before.” “These youths are well organised; their books are up to date and they are rotating their employment. Across the country, youths are benefitting from all the opportunities provided by the HEYS programme. We have trained almost four thousand youths. That is what the APNU+AFC government is doing for our youths” the minister observed.

She disclosed that the 19 youths who have invested in the general store and printing service will each receive $50,000, to further invest in their business venture; and called on their relatives, friends and villagers alike, to continue supporting them in their endeavours. One of the young entrepreneurs explained that once in receipt of their grant, they will utilise the money to construct a building of their own since they currently occupy a space at the community’s multipurpose building.

In her closing remarks, Minister Garrido-Lowe cautioned residents to be mindful of opposition elements who are peddling misinformation about the Government of Guyana/IDB-funded housing project. She made it pellucidly clear that those recipients will receive their homes free of cost stating that: “you do not have to pay for the houses, so those who are telling you that you have to pay, that’s a lie, the house belongs to you”. Both Ministers highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the communication divide with the establishment of five radio stations across the region – an important facility which was withheld from them for decades, which gives them power which is knowledge-based.

Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, took the opportunity to update residents on the legal aspect of the December 21st vote. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Challenges require joint global efforts BEIJING, Feb. 18 (China Daily) -Pursuing international cooperation, multilateralism and a community with a shared future for mankind represents the right way forward to cope with global challenges, a senior Chinese official has said.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a key speech on Saturday at the three-day 55th Munich Security Conference, which concluded in Munich, Germany, on Sunday.

Multilateralism provides an effective way of upholding peace and promoting development, and the world needs multilateralism now more than ever, said Yang, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

China consistently holds that the United Nations is the symbol of multilateralism, and the role of the UN in international affairs must be defended and the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core must be upheld, he said.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative creates opportunities and benefits for all countries and serves the common interests of humanity, and it is an important pathway toward building a community with a shared future for mankind, Yang added.

He called for building partnerships through mutual respect, upholding universal security through mutual support, fostering global development and prosperity via win-win cooperation and improving global governance through reform and innovation.

Yang’s remarks came as this year’s

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee MSC was overshadowed by global challenges resulting from rising unilateralism, which has posed threats to the international order established after World War II. The whole world order appears to be falling apart — nothing is as it once was, MSC Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger writes in an article published on the official website of the forum.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned at the conference on Saturday against the collapse of the global political structure and hailed multilateralism and cooperation in dealing with global challenges.

When answering questions about the

China-United States relationship after addressing the conference, Yang said the important consensus reached by the two heads of state should be implemented to develop bilateral relations based on coordination, cooperation and stability.

As for China-US trade frictions, Yang said China is willing to solve the problems through cooperation, but cooperation must be based on principles.

Noting the Chinese government values the promotion of human rights, Yang said China firmly opposes the US’ groundless attacks and accusations against China under the guise of human rights. Chinese

people of all ethnic groups have forged ahead in unity and improved their living standards, which is a fact for all to see, he added.

Saying China has no law requiring companies to install backdoors or collect foreign intelligence, Yang stated Chinese firm Huawei has made contributions to the development of communication technologies in countries including in Europe, and strictly abided by international rules and local laws and regulations.

He called on some countries to show confidence in their own technologies and some respect for the willingness of other countries to develop cooperation with Chinese firms.

Yang also reaffirmed China’s position in defending its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, saying the country firmly opposes any activity that undermines China’s sovereignty and maritime interests under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight.

The MSC — an annual conference on international security policy that has taken place in Munich since 1963 — has developed into the world’s leading forum for debating international security policy.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the international situation is seeing rising uncertainties caused by increasing conflicts and confrontations, terrorism, populism and protectionism, as well as human migrations, poverty and unemployment.

However, globalization is irreversible and no country can benefit itself alone without considering others, Ruan said.

Palace Museum opens Lantern Festival night tours for first time

BEIJING, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, has extended its opening hours on Tuesday, allowing the public to celebrate the Lantern Festival at night in the ancient palace for the first time.

“Lantern Festival night in the Forbidden City,” held for two consecutive nights, has invited thousands of people from all walks of life, including model workers, delivery men and sanitation workers.

The main locations open to the public include the Meridian Gate exhibition hall, the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the East Wall and the Gate of Divine Might. Visitors can enjoy magnificent view of a lit-up

palace.

It is the first time the museum is open to the public for free at night in its 94-year history, and the first time the ancient buildings in the Forbidden City are decorated with lights on a large scale at night, the museum said.

As part of the “Celebrating Spring Festival at the Palace Museum” events, the Lantern Festival night activities are aimed at allowing the visitors to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere in the museum.

The museum said that high technology had been employed in tonight’s light show to avoid damage to the ancient buildings caused by lights.

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City

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Clinical execution crucial for Windies against dangerous England BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Captain Jason Holder has stressed the “clinical” execution of bowling plans as his inspired West Indies seek to build on their stunning Test series win with further success, when they face world number one England in the opening One-Day International of the five-match series here today.

The hosts find themselves up against a powerful England side unbeaten in their last nine series and with 22 wins in their last 29 ODIs, and rightfully already installed as favourites to win the ICC World Cup at home later this year.

And with a batting lineup which boasts the likes of captain Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow and Jason Roy, Holder warned the Windies bowling group needed to be on their toes in the series.

“I think we’ve got to be very, very clinical in terms of our bowling,” Holder told reporters here ahead of the contest at Kensington Oval.

“England pack a heavy punch in terms of their batting order.

They bat very, very deep and they’re the top-ranked side for a reason, so we’ve got to be really precise with our bowling plans and make sure that we execute our plans and restrict them to as little as possible.”

He continued: “I think the way one-cricket has gone in the last couple of years, 300, 320 is almost a par score so we’ve got to be very, very strict with our plans and make sure we restrict England.”

West Indies will boast a relatively inexperienced attack, which feature the likes of quicks, Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell, along with left-arm spinner Fabian Allen - among them have played only 14 ODIs. It leaves Holder and fellow seamers Kemar Roach and Carlos Brathwaite to provide the bulk of the experience, with leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo the main spin option.

Holder also pointed specifi-

cally to the Windies death bowling as an area which needed improvement in the coming matches.

“It’s obviously been an area we’ve had some trouble with in the past, and we’ve had long discussions about what we want to do in terms of our plans,” he explained.

“And it’s very, very simple: keeping a very clear mind at the top of your mark and not being double-minded. I think that’s one of the things that have probably hampered us in the past – just having a clear mind at the top of our mark – and executing and committing to our plans.”

Written off before a ball was bowled in the three-Test series, the Holder-led unit went on to crush England in the opening two Tests, to recapture the coveted Wisden Trophy for the first time in a decade.

A similar challenge now lies before the hosts in the shorter format. They have not beaten England in an ODI series in 12 years and their last victory over their opponents on Caribbean soil

came 21 years ago.

Further, Windies are without an ODI series win in five years, their last success coming against once lowly Bangladesh in the Caribbean.

They are also currently ranked ninth in the world only above lightweights Afghanistan, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

But Holder said the Test series triumph had provided important momentum, and the return of veteran opener Chris Gayle had also strengthened the squad.

“We’re pretty confident coming into the game. We’ve obviously had some momentum in this series from obviously winning the Test series, and we’ve got some experience within the dressing room,” the all-rounder pointed out.

“We pack a pretty heavy punch with how (our team stacks up). A guy like Chris is coming back into the team and we’ve got Carlos (Brathwaite) at the back end and we all know what these guys can produce. I’m really excited by the challenge.”

Guyana depart for FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers tournament in Colombia

By Rawle Toney GUYANA’S senior Men’s National basketball team will depart today for Tunja, Colombia, where they will compete in Group B of the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers.

The Junior Hercules-coached side will square off against Paraguay (February 22), hosts Colombia (February 23) and Bolivia (February 24), where the top two teams from Group B, along with the top two teams among Antigua, Bahamas, Belize, and Cuba, will

join Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela and the Virgin Islands for the FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Hercules named 19-year-old Yonnick Tappin of the Victory Valley Royals in his 12-man squad when the team was announced yesterday.

Tappin was a standout at the schools level with Mackenzie High, but made a name for himself during the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation’s (GABF) National Club

Championship with the Linden-based club.

Tappin will be joined by his Victory Valley Royals teammates Orlan Glasgow and Harold Adams, alongside the James brothers – Gordon and Delroy (AEK Athens), CBC MVP Stanton Rose, as well as Anthony Moe (USA), Travis Belgrave (Eagles), Travis Burnett (Cobras), Timothy Thompson (Colts), Kevon Wiggins (USA) and Shaine Webster (Colts).

Dennis Clarke is the assistant coach, while Alex Graham will serve as the team’s manager.

After announcing the selected players, Hercules said that “the only thing that stands between this Guyana basketball team and our dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible. If we do that, we will be victorious.”

And in an invited comment, recently elected GBF president Michael Singh pointed out, “with a short time allocated for us for funding and team preparation, GABF executive is proud to produce its best possible squad, featuring our local and overseas-based talent.”

“Victory in Colombia will

Not for the first time, Windies are being viewed as underdogs but it is a label Holder says they did not mind. “(Underdogs) is not a bad tag to have – obviously less pressure on us and more pressure on them,” he noted.

“We’ve just got to go out there and play the cricket we want to play and execute whatever plans we come up with within the dressing room.”

SQUADS: WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Nicholas Pooran, Sheldon Cottrell, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas.

ENGLAND – Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

… will open against Paraguay on Friday solidify our grip on Caribbean basketball, allow us to focus on AmeriCup region which is higher than CBC basketball, as we join teams such as Dominican Republic and Bahamas, who do not play at CBC level,” Singh said.

Guyana’s participation is made possible through the sponsorship and support received from the Government of Guyana, through the National Sports Commission, Minister David Patterson in his personal capacity, John Fernandes Limited, Alex Mendes and NF Agriculture.

Guyana drawn in ‘Group G’ of CONCACAF U-17 Championship

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

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Ravens tame Reliance Hustlers in Central Essequibo T20 tournament A number of foreign horses confirmed for Triple Crown first leg CHIEF organiser of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Triple Crown horserace meetings, Nasrudeen ‘Jumbo Jet’ Mohamed Jr, has confirmed that a number of foreign horses have confirmed participation for this Sunday’s first leg, which is set for the Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

While Mohamed Jr was tight-lipped on the names of the foreign horses, he confirmed that the feature C Class and Lower race will be a surprise package.

“We don’t want to reveal much on the foreign horses to the public, I just want to inform that Sunday’s feature event is a surprise package,” he said.

The chief organiser also confirmed that over 70 horses have already registered for the day’s event. Mohamed further disclosed that the track is in good condition and turfites can expect to be fully entertained.

Over $20M in cash and prizes will be up for grabs over the three legs of the Triple Crown event, with

the second leg scheduled for March 24 at the Rising Sun, while the grand finale will be on Easter Sunday, April 21,, at Port Mourant Turf Club.

The feature race at the first leg will attract a total prize purse of almost $2 M with the winner pocketing $1M. The winner of the Threeyear-old Guyana-bred race will pocket $400 000, F Class winner $350 000, H Class $300 000, I Class $250 000, J Class $230 000, K Class $220 000, L Class $200 000, L Class and Lower $140 000.

LED by a superb maiden unbeaten century from Sugrim Ahiram, Ravens pulled off a spectacular 2-run victory against Reliance Hustlers in the Central Essequibo-sponsored T20 competition that continued on Sunday at the Reliance ground.

Witnessed by a vocal crowd, Ravens was inserted to bat after losing the toss. While they also lost an early wicket, it was opener Sugrim Ahiram who carried his bat brilliantly with a combination of sweet timing and savage sweep shots.

He eventually belted 12x4s and 4x6s on his way to 103 not out that soured Ravens to a competitive 166-5 from their allotted 20 overs. Off-spinner Abdool Nadir claimed 2-10 from 2 overs on a turning pitch. The in-form Hustlers then went about their task briskly but they also lost a few early wick-

ets in their chase.

However, left-hander Narendra Mandolall, just fresh from a century in the previous match, kept his side in the hunt with a fluent innings. A partnership of 52 for the 5th wicket between himself and Brian Mansarally 22 (3x4s) kept their hopes alive as the Hustlers were cruising at that stage.

The departure, however, of Mansarally triggered another collapse as three further wickets fell in quick succession. Tension began to visibly expose both teams. With 12 needed from 2 overs and only 2 wickets to fall, Mandolall perished, looking to clear the ground.

He batted beautifully until then, stroking 66 (5x4s and 3x6s) but he couldn’t muscle his side over the line.

The last pair at the crease further fueled the excitement as

Cecil Shivambar smashed a 6 and scrambled a couple, leaving 4 required from the final over.

However, not for the first time that a game had to be decided via the run-out route. It did again as the last batsman succumbed to the pressure and was short of his crease in his attempt for a second run as the Hustlers fell agonisingly close, ending on 164.

Ahiram capped off a memorable match by grabbing 2-7 from 2 overs while also grasping two catches and effecting the run-out for the thrilling Raven’s victory. The competition will continue on Sunday with Bacchus XI vs Ravens, Affiance Number 1 vs Queenstown at the Imaam Bacchus ground, Reliance Hustlers vs Reliance Sports Club and Ramkissoon XI vs Rivals at the Reliance ground respectively. (Elroy Stephney)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

2019 Cricket World Cup:

Who will be hot or not - Part 1

LONDON, England (AFP) - With yesterday marking 100 days to go before the start of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England and Wales on May 30, AFP Sport looks at who will be hot -- or not -- at the showpiece event:

Australia will be defending champions after their 2015 final win over New Zealand.

(AFP Photo/SAEED KHAN)

PART ONE AFGHANISTAN Afghanistan have made rapid strides since featuring in the 2015 World Cup for the first time but had to endure a nail-biting qualifying competition in Zimbabwe to make the 2019 edition.

But they are not to be under-rated. At the 2018 Asia Cup, they beat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and tied against eventual champions India.

GAMECHANGER: Leg-spinner Rashid Khan will be the trump card for Afghanistan. The 20-yearold from war-torn Nangarhar is a wicket-taking bowler -- he became the fastest to reach 100 ODI wickets in 44 matches. Rashid can bowl in the power-play as well as in the death overs.

AUSTRALIA The defending champions and five-time winners are the most successful country in the tournament’s history, beating New Zealand by seven wickets in the final on home turf in 2015. But they have struggled for form since the team was embroiled in a ball-tampering scandal that rocked the game last year.

They were hammered

by England 9-1 across two series in 2018, and followed it up with series defeats over the home summer against South Africa (2-1) and India (2-1).

GAMECHANGER: Steve Smith and David Warner are being seen as their saviours. They are both eligible again in late March after their one-year bans over the ball-tampering affair expire and are widely expected to slot straight back into the side.

The expectations are high for the two star batsmen who between them have played 214 ODIs and scored 7 774 runs.

BANGLADESH Perennial underachievers Bangladesh will be looking to improve on their 2015 quarter-final finish after some heartening performances in the United Kingdom. They qualified for the semi-finals of the 2017 Champions Trophy from a group that also featured hosts England, Australia and New Zealand.

In 2018, Bangladesh won 13 of their 20 ODI matches, behind only England and India in terms of the number of wins. The Tigers will rely on the experience of key players like Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim who are all expected to play their fourth 50-over World Cup. GAMECHANGER: At 35, Mashrafe is still the leader of Bangladesh’s pace attack, but left-arm quick Mustafizur Rahman can make a strong impact in what will be his maiden World Cup. Mustafizur, the only Bangladeshi to feature in ICC’s 2018 ODI team-ofthe-year, with his lively pace and incisive swing can be handy in seaming English conditions. The country’s board is trying to protect the 23-year-old for the World Cup by denying him permission to join the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) in MarchApril.

ENGLAND Have featured in every World Cup since the tournament was established in 1975 but have still to win it, with the last of their three losing appearances in the final back in 1992.

An embarrassing exit at the 2015 edition, culminating in a defeat by Bangladesh, saw England go out in the group stage for the third time in five World Cups.

Captained by former Ireland batsman Eoin Morgan,

England have risen to the top of the 50-over rankings.

Home advantage, however, may not be that much help.

This will be the fifth time that England have staged the World Cup, their best performance on home turf coming when they were overpowered by the West Indies in the 1979 final.

GAMECHANGER: England have several proven match-winners in their side but in wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler they have an outrageously gifted shotmaker capable of ‘scooping’ good length balls from fast bowlers over his head for boundaries. The 28-year-old has scored six ODI hundreds and boasts a superb strike rate of just under 117.

INDIA Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, heavyweights India will enter the World Cup as favourites alongside England.

The second-ranked one-day side in the world have been in fine form with recent series victories in Australia and New Zealand.

India had a superb 2018 with ODI wins in South Africa (5-1), and West Indies (3-1) and the Asia Cup title in the UAE. England also bring back happy memories for the two-time World Cup champions who first lifted the trophy at Lord’s in 1983.

GAMECHANGER: If Kohli will be key to India’s chances in the 10-team tournament then new spin ace Kuldeep Yadav could lead the charge in the bowling department.

The 24-year-old Yadav claimed 45 wickets in 19 ODI matches last year with his left-arm wrist-spin proving to be a handful for opposition batsmen.

Kohli meanwhile kept the runs going, averaging an astounding 133.55 in 14 ODIs in 2018.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

49

Forbes Burnham Foundation, NSC, Al Sports Windball Cricket Championship

Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary females make winning start in Region Three Zone the highest opening partnership so far in the tournament. The unbeaten 142 propelled them ahead of Leonora Secondary.

Varuni Pitamber led the winners with 10 sixes in a score of 79.

Leonora replied with 84-0 with Hannah Edwards and Devi Persaud hitting 32 each.

In the male competition, Goed Fortuin defeated Vreed-en-Hoop by 49 runs.

The Region One combined team were competitive in several of their games.

DEBUTANTS in the Forbes Burnham Foundation, National Sports Commission (NSC), Al Sport and Tour Promotions 28th annual Easter Term School Windball Cricket Championship, Vreed-en-Hoop, got off to a winning start in their first game over the weekend.

The competition, which includes schools from several different regions in the country, including a combined team from Region One, continued with the Region Three Zone at

the National Gymnasium with Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary making light work of L’Aventure Secondary.

L’Aventure batted first and made 71-1 in their allotted five overs with N. Innis and Georgina Buttlers scoring 31 and 28 respectively.

Vreed-en-Hoop replied with 74-0 with F. Wilson leading the attack with 34.

In another fixture, Goed Fortuin dominated their clash when they defeated La Grange by 57 runs. Goed Fortuin

batted first and raced to 77-1 with Ashley Yard hitting 39 and C. Liverpool adding 28.

La Grange did not get on top of the bowling and struggled to reach 20-1 before the overs expired.

La Grange later bounced back to beat Patentia Secondary. Patentia batted first and scored 35, while La Grange replied with 36.

HIGHEST OPENING PARTNERSHIP Zeeburg Secondary made

Thorne to lead Berbice U-15 Inter-county team NATIONAL U-15 fast bowler Isai Thorne will lead a Berbice team, with a number of new players, into the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U-15 Inter-County tournament.

The Berbice side, who began preparations since last year, have Rampertab Ramnauth as vice-captain for the event, which is scheduled to bowl off next week.

Leslie Solomon has been named as coach, while Lakeram Latchman is the manager.

The 14-year-old Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club senior cricketer Thorne, who is arguably the fastest U-15 bowler in the country, told Guyana Chronicle yesterday that he is confident that Berbice will continue their dominance and will come out on top again. He said that he would try to lead from the front and use his national experience to help his team.

Last July the teen’s bowling was clocked at 78 miles per hour after five overs in a game, but many think that he has become faster.

Isai Thorne will use his national experience to lead the Berbice side.

According to his club coach, Ameer Rahaman, the youngster might have even reached 85 miles per hour.

The 2019 team is made up

of numerous new faces, with only Thorne, his vice-captain and Matthew Pottaya returning in the final 14.

Tameshawar Mahadeo, who was on standby last year, has made the cut this year.

The full team reads: Isai Thorne (captain), Rampertab Ramnauth (vice-captain), Avihkar Persaud, Christopher Deroop, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Kelvin Samuels, Mark Ramalho, Damion Cecil, Ravishkar Sobhai, Tuvraj Shaundeo, Salim Khan, Matthew Pottaya, Bashkar Dhanai, Niquan Samuels. Standbys are Budhram Lakeram, Satya France, Sanjay Algoo, Altore Balman, Kumar Deopersaud and Romeo Deonarine.

According to information received from BCBPRO Simon Naidu, all players and parents are invited to a very important meeting tomorrow at the Albion ground from 16:30hrs.

Anna Regina Secondary A and B to clash in Under-17 final today

KEEN rivalry is anticipated between Anna Regina Secondary ‘A’ and ‘B’ in the Ramballi/Mahadeo inter-secondary schools Under-17 final today at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

Eight secondary schools participated in the round-robin competition in two zones. Anna Regina Secondary ‘A’ played unbeaten and were admirably led by the consistency and brilliance of national Under-15 all-rounder Sheldon Charles who recorded three half-centuries in as many matches and will spearhead their batting line-up, along with Kamesh Lall, Azzizi Christiani and Aarkelly Williams.

Charles and Drishon Phillips were the outstanding fast bowlers in the tournament and will seek to torment their counterparts with both pace and swing.

In contrast Anna Regina ‘B’ recovered from a loss to play positively, leading into the final. Stylish batsmen Arian Doodnauth, Renard Ramroop and Renaldo Baharally have all scored half-centuries in the competition and will seek to maintain their good form.

Their bowling attack is also formidable with Quincy Sampson and Anwar Ally sharing the new ball with success. The match starts at 10:00hts with Wazeer Dhanraj and Deva Dass officiating.

Officials, including Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt, Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran (Sr), Essequibo Cricket Board Secretary Autto Christiani, Managing Director of Imam Bacchus Group of Companies, Sam Bacchus, and co-sponsor Harrischan Ramballi, will be in attendance and will feature in presenting the prizes. (Elroy Stephney)

Goed Fortuin batted first and scored 104 with Satesh Persaud hitting 58, while Vreeden-Hoop were restricted to 55-4 with R. John hitting 25.

L’Aventure got past La Grange by six runs. La Grange batted first and scored 35-2, while L’Aventure replied with 41-0 (Vishal John 26).

In another fixture, Zeeburg Secondary defeated Leonara by four runs. Zeeburg batted

first and scored 101-3 (W. Khadir and A. Seepersaud 25 each), while Leonora replied with 97-2 (Mark Mohabir 44, T. Lovell 37).

Meanwhile, the Region One team proved competitive in several of their games as they battled some of the top schools in the city.

The championship continues this week at the same venue.

50

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

England must pick Jofra Archer - Nasser Hussain

ENGLAND should pick Jofra Archer once he becomes qualified as they build up to hosting this summer’s World Cup, says ex-England captain Nasser Hussain.

Sussex all-rounder Archer was born in Barbados but has an English father and a British passport.

Colonial Group International, the new sponsor of Regional Super50, England ODI series West Indies one-day team pose with officials of Colonial Group International.

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Monday unveiled Bermuda-based insurance company, Colonial Group International (CGI) , as the title sponsor of the Regional Super50 domestic championship.

In a glitzy ceremony at Sandals Barbados attended by the West Indies one-day side, CWI officials also announced CGI as title sponsors of the five-match One-Day International series against England which bowls off here today.

The Super50 has been without sponsorship for the last three editions since the NAGICO Insurances agreement ended, and CWI chief executive Johnny Grave said the governing body was looking forward to a fruitful partnership with CGI. “We are delighted to welcome CGI as the title partner of the One Day International Series, the Super50 and also as the official insurance partner of CWI,” Grave said.

“The breadth and depth of Colonial’s partnership with us will benefit cricket across the region from communities and young families to professional cricketers and especially fans of both the Super50 and the Windies.”

He continued: “It also demonstrates that cricket remains a great platform to reach many fans and communities and we are truly excited to partner with Colonial, whose ambitions to be number one in their field mirror our ambitions to strengthen cricket in the West Indies for millions of people.

“Cricket heroes inspire the next generation of children to

play the game in their communities and this partnership will also aim to improve children’s health and activity through cricket.”

Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) president and CWI director, Conde Riley, speaking on behalf of CWI president Dave Cameron, said the new partnership symbolised the continued strength of the Windies brand.

“We believe the Windies brand remains one of the strongest in the region. We’re globally recognised as a serious force. We’ve won five World Cups,” Riley said.

“Your commitment to partner with us is there - an indication that you believe in the West Indies cricket brand.”

CGI’s chief executive, Naz Farrow, said the company was coming on board at a juncture in West Indies cricket.

“The West Indies had a fantastic Test series victory over England and we hope that leads to even greater things for cricket in the Caribbean,” he noted.

“We believe that our partnership will help develop the sport at the grassroots level and build a great future for cricket.

“Colonial is fully committed to the local communities it operates in and shares the core values of CWI, building happy, healthy active lifestyles for millions of people, whilst inspiring and uniting communities worldwide.”

CGI boasts commercial operations in Bermuda, Barbados, Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Tennis player Djokovic, gymnast Biles win top Laureus awards MONACO (Reuters) World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic crowned a winning return to the courts after surgery with the Laureus sportsman-of-the-year award on Monday, while American gymnast Simone Biles won the sportswoman-of-theyear prize.

Serbian Djokovic, who 12 months ago had elbow surgery, won Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in 2018, before lifting this year’s Australian Open crown, to add to his tally of Grand Slam singles titles and reclaim top spot in the rankings.

With his record seventh crown at Melbourne Park, Djokovic moved ahead of Pete Sampras into third on the men’s all-time list of Grand Slam title winners (15), just two behind Rafael Nadal. Roger Federer is still out in

front with 20.

“I did think about leaving tennis,” Djokovic said on Monday. “I did not find myself in a good balance.

It took me several months to find that purpose and meaning again. This award reflects and symbolises this journey.

Multiple Olympic champion Biles in November became the all-time leading world gymnastics championship winner with a record 14 gold medals.

With 20 overall medals at the worlds, Biles, who has also won four Olympic gold, tied Russia’s Svetlana

Simone Biles and Novak Djokovic copped Laureas sportswoman- and sportsman-of-the-year prize.

“Reflecting on the journey it seems like a fairytale story.”

Khorkina for the most by a female gymnast in world championships competi-

tion. Her all-around world title was her fourth, also a record.

The comeback-of-theyear award was handed to U.S. golfer Tiger Woods, who silenced even his harshest critics when he earned what some consider to be one of the greatest victories of his career at last year’s Tour Championship season finale.

Woods, who collected the last of his 14 majors at the 2008 U.S. Open, has had plenty of health-related setbacks, having to endure several knee and back surgeries, and his career seemed to be nearing its end in 2017.

Japan’s world number one women’s tennis player Naomi Osaka, who lifted her first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open last year, and went on to claim the 2019 Australian Open, won the breakthrough-ofthe-year award.

Jofra Archer was signed for £800 000 in the IPL auction in January 2018.

He will be eligible to play for England in March thanks to new residency rules which came in on January 1.

“I don’t like last-minute changes but there is a special cricketer out there in Jofra Archer,” said Hussain.

The updated England and Wales Cricket Board rules mean some cricketers currently classed as overseas players will be eligible to play for England once they have lived in the country for three years.

The previous rules meant there was a seven-year residency period for players who

arrived in England after their 18th birthday.

The change means Archer, 23, could be picked in the England squad for the World Cup, which starts in May. “If you’ve got an opportunity to improve your squad before a World Cup you must take it,” added Hussain, speaking to BBC Radio 5 live at an event marking 100 days until the tournament starts.

“It just keeps one or two cricketers on their toes in these next three weeks in the Caribbean and the white ball cricket before they select their World Cup squad.”

England play five one-day internationals against the West Indies, which start today, prior to a three-match Twenty20 series against the same side.

Archer is not eligible but could be for six one-day internationals - one in Ireland and five against Pakistan - in May before the World Cup begins later that month.

WHEN IS ARCHER ELIGIBLE? Sussex said in November that Archer - who is contracted by the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) - is likely to qualify “at some point in March 2019”.

The county explained that the exact date of his qualification would depend on the time he spends out of the UK during the rest of 2018-19.

(BBC Sport)

Man City to face Swansea, United take on Wolves in FA Cup LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League champions Manchester City will travel to Championship (second-tier) side Swansea City in the FA Cup quarter-finals next month, while rivals Manchester United visit Wolverhampton Wanderers.

United beat holders Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier on Monday to book their spot in the last eight.

Crystal Palace were drawn away to Watford in another all-top-flight clash while second-tier Millwall host Brighton & Hove Albion in the other quarter-final.

DRAW ● Swansea City v Manchester City ● Watford v Crystal Palace ● Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United ● Millwall v Brighton & Hove Albion ● Ties to be played March 15-18

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday February 20, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Kemar Roach-18 wickets Moen Alli-14 wickets TODAY’S QUIZ: What were the best bowling figures in an innings by a WI in the recent WI/ENG Test series?

What were the best innings figures by an Englishman in the series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, February 20, 2019

51

Allicock, Amsterdam stand firm at Patrick Ford Memorial Boxing

AFTER a late start, the second annual Patrick Ford Memorial Boxing card rumbled off last Sunday night at the National Gymnasium, in front of a boisterous crowd who were not disappointed, as Keevin Allicock and Desmond Amsterdam won their respective fights to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying high.

First in the supporting bout, Commonwealth Youth Games and Caribbean bantamweight champion Keevin ‘Lightning’ Allicock dominated Trinidadian pugilist Anthony Joseph.

Allicock opened up the fight with some well-tempered aggression to immediately put the Trinidadian out of his comfort zone. However, it was not all one-way traffic, as Joseph responded with some welltimed blows of his own.

In the end at the bell, it was Alli-

cock who had impressed the judges who awarded him a unanimous decision.

In the main event, Trinidadian Aaron Prince replaced St Lucia’s middleweight champion Arthur Langalier, who pulled out of his fight with Caribbean middleweight champion, Guyana’s Desmond Amsterdam, after suffering a cut over his eye while training in St Lucia.

This did not diminish the challenge for Amsterdam as Prince came with his ‘A’ game to give the Guyanese one of his sternest tests yet. However, in the end it was Amsterdam who won the close fight by landing the harder punches at a more accurate rate. At one point Amsterdam sent Prince to his knees with some crisp body punches in the second round which perhaps tipped

Confident Jaguars arrive ahead of Scorpions clash Coach Rayon Griffith ... we just want to come out and try and win the game this weekend.

WHILE stressing that every encounter is different, Guyana Jaguars coach Rayon Griffith says his team is focussed on completing the double against Jamaica Scorpions in this season’s West Indies four-day championship.

Earlier this month, the four-time reigning champions Jaguars bounced back from a 37-run first-innings deficit to beat the Scorpions by seven wickets in the seventh-round match at Guyana National Stadium. The teams meet again at Sabina Park in Kingston in round eight, starting tomorrow.

“It’s a new game, different conditions … we just have to ensure we are consistent in the three departments (batting, bowling and fielding),” Griffith told the Jamaica Observer shortly after arrival in Jamaica yesterday.

“The Scorpions played fairly decent, but I won’t stress on how they went about it. This is a new game so it will be different … and we are ready for the challenge.”

The Jaguars, despite two losses in a row in mid-season, lead the six-team league standings with 112.4 points from seven matches and are odds on to claim five straight titles.

The Robert Haynes-coached Scorpions, who have won only two of their six matches, are fifth with 59 points.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes are second with 83.2 points, followed by Windward Islands Volcanoes (75), Barbados Pride (73.6) and cellar-team Trinidad and Tobago Red Force (58.8).

Griffith, who took over coaching duties after Esaun Crandon was drafted in the West Indies coaching set-up, said nothing will be taken for granted.

“We still have three games, (and) we want to win all three. Of course, if we get five in a row that would be very good for us.

“We lost those two games, but we have put them behind us and started fresh. We lapsed in those two games in certain areas, but definitely the guys pulled themselves together and brought it back. We don’t want to jump the gun; we just want to come out and try and win the game this weekend,” the coach emphasised. (Reprinted from Jamaica Observer)

the scorecards in his favour.

At the end of the night, Allicock also walked away with the accolade for the Best Boxer of the card.

Other results of the night are as follows: Juniors (light bantamweight): Travis Inverary beat Richard Howard.

Youth (junior welterweight): Kevon Mullings defeated Jamal Mercier.

Middleweight: Devon Hazel bettered Jermain Levans Elite (lightweight): Shaquel Wright won by TKO against Albert Thomas.

Bantamweight: Kevin Moore got past Julius Kesney Light welterweight: Aubrey Moore beat Kevin McKenzie Light heavyweight: Markember Pierre triumphed over Ashton Niles.

Keevin Allicock receives his prize from promoterAlford McDonald.

Sir Viv honoured with large portrait

From one captain to another: Sir Vivian Richards (right) receives the portrait from Sir Richie Richardson at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Legendary former West Indies captain, Sir Vivian Richards, was recently honoured with a large portrait himself, during the second Test of the just concluded Test series here.

Created by British artist Brendan Kelly, the oil on canvas painting was presented to Sir Viv at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground – the stadium located in North Sound which bears the legend’s name.

The artwork is a copy of the original which hangs majestically just outside the Long Room in the pavilion at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Cricket West Indies staff, along with ICC Women’s World T20 2018 personnel and Clare Skinner, the Film and Photography Manager for the Marylebone Cricket Club in England, subsequently organised the delivery of the new painting.

“I first saw the painting at Lord’s last year when I was over there in England for the charity match as we helped raised funds for the people in the Caribbean who were affected by the hurricanes (of 2017),” Sir Viv said.

“I came across it in the pavilion and I said ‘wow that looks a bit like me’. I was truly impressed with the way he captured my image and I was quite thankful the MCC saw it fitting to have it in the pavilion.

“I’m really pleased with what I’m seeing here. I want to

say a special thanks to Brendan for his wonderful painting and it’s one if these things I will cherish. Also, thanks to everyone else who went out of their way and helped in making this happen. I truly appreciate it.”

Kelly said he wanted to recreate the power which had come to symbolise Sir Viv’s batting during his illustrious career.

“Sir Viv is defined partly by the sheer power and precision with which he wielded his bat. I wanted to find a way to paint his portrait that echoed that ‘crack’ as he hit the ball,” Kelly explained.

“Hence the massive scale – the painting is over six-foot square, directness of the pose and the explosion of paint.

“I used techniques whereby I could slam and whip paint all over the canvas yet at the same time still tie down his likeness with pinpoint accuracy. This painting won the 2007 Changing Faces prize. It is always interesting for an artist to see the reactions of different people when they view a painting.”

He continued: “I am delighted that Sir Viv was so pleased with the resulting portrait that he wishes to display this print in his home.”

Sir Viv is widely considered the most destructive batsman of his era and is the only Windies skipper never to lose a Test series.

First ODI at Kensington Oval

Clinical execution crucial for Windies against dangerous England Page

46

From left, Carlos Brathwaite, Shimron Hetmyer and Sheldon Cottrell go through their paces in warm-ups ahead of the opening ODI against England.

(Photos courtesy CWI Media)

Guyana drawn in ‘Group G’ of CONCACAF U-17 Championship

… to play Haiti, El Salvador and Honduras GUYANA’S National U-17 football team will have to go through Haiti, El Salvador and Honduras in Group G of the CONCACAF Under-17 Championship.

The IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA, will host the tournament that will feature 35 countries (sorted into eight groups), all of whom will be vying for a chance to play at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. The 2019 edition of the Under-17 Championship will take place in three rounds.

The first round qualifiers will take place March 16-24 (Groups A and C) and April 1-9 (Groups B and D), while the Final Championship (Groups E, F, G, H and knockout stage) will take place May 1-16.

After round-robin play, the top three finishers in each the group will qualify for the knockout stage, joining the four group winners of the Qualification Stage in the Round-of-16.

The knockout stage of the competition will be played in its entirety in a single match elimination format, with the semi-finalists automatically qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru.

In the previous edition of the CONCACAF Men’s Under-17 Championship played in Panama in 2017, Mexico won their third straight title and seventh overall, with a 5-4 penalty shootout win over the United States in the final. (SEE TABLE ON PAGE 46)

England ODI captain Eoin Morgan

Guyana depart for FIBA AmeriCup 2021 Pre-Qualifiers tournament in Colombia Page

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Yonnick Tappin will make his senior National team debut in Colombia.

… will open against Paraguay on Friday

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2019