Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-21-2019

THURSDAY 21st February, 2019

No.105555

Fire guts La Bonne Intention supermarket

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AG to file Top Cop to fresh summons in confidence straighten SOCU vote appeal 10 PAGE

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…summons Sydney James to meeting to address issues of alleged mismanagement

‘We’re very pleased’ SEE STORY ON PAGE 16

…gov't supporters hail GECOM’s move on house-to-house registration A section of the gathering who attended the Public Day event, some of whom were allocated house lots (Adrian Narine photo)

Scores get house lots at Public Day event

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Top Cop to straighten SOCU …summons Sydney James to meeting to address issues of alleged mismanagement

COMMISSIONER of Police Leslie James on Wednesday confirmed that he summoned Head of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sydney James, on Wednesday to a meeting to discuss issues at the agency, which has come under public scrutiny since the firing of adviser Dr. Sam Sittlington and the resignation of another senior official.

James, without going into details, told the Guyana Chronicle that the meetings will be continuous. He declined to comment on reports that Sydney James had been absent from the job and when asked to comment on alleged mismanagement of SOCU, the police chief said he has not yet made that assessment.

On Wednesday, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan told the Guyana

Chronicle that some information came to him about developments at the SOCU but since those are operational matters, he has asked the Commissioner of Police to look into them as he does not want to interfere with the operations of the force, administrative and operational issues. There were reports that Sydney James has been off the job but Minister Ramjattan said that he did not sanction James being off the job and that the question will be better posed to the Commissioner of Police.

There are reports surfacing now that SOCU is facing a number of issues including the operational funds for the agency being mismanaged.

The Guyana Chronicle was told by one person close to the oversight of the agency that the problems have been long-standing and that the Commissioner of Police was

Commissioner of Police Leslie James

asked to address it but, from the look of things, other issues got into the way and that prevented the Top Cop from immediately addressing the issue which are now making their way into the public domain.

One senior source in-

Director of SOCU, Sydney James

dicated that Sittlington did indeed observe issues as it relates to mismanagement at the agency and those issues were raised with the head of SOCU. Information now coming to the fore is that Sittlington faced resistance at a very high level within SOCU

when he was first brought to the agency, but given government’s determination to have the programme of the agency be carried on with, those resistance had to be quelled.

Based on reports, Sheronie James, the former deputy head of SOCU who re-

cently resigned over concerns about her credentials, was hired by the agency after she provided documentation stating that she was an ACCA affiliate when, in fact, the certificate which she provided belonged to another person who lived in Ghana and who carried an identical name as hers. “No checks and balances were done to ascertain if indeed the woman was as qualified as she claimed to be. In light of her not being an expert, if you cannot be deemed an expert then all our cases will go bad,” one source indicated.

On Wednesday, repeated efforts to contact Sydney James proved futile. Sydney James, who was the spy Chief for the Guyana Defence Force was seconded to the Guyana Police Force by the Donald Ramotar Administration.

Region Nine youths graduate from BIT programme APPROXIMATELY 42 students are now certified in a series of vocational courses through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT).

On Wednesday, February 20, 2019, youths from Lethem were presented their certificates after successfully completing courses offered by the BIT, as part of its National Training Project for Youth Empowerment Initiative.

Among the senior functionaries who attended the graduation ceremony were the Chief Executive Officer, Richard Maughn; Regional Education Officer of Region Nine, Ms. Kateri Joseph; Senior Technical Officer of the BIT, Mr. Rondell Jordan; Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Protection, Mohan Ramarattan and the Chairman of BIT, Mr. Clinton Williams.

According to the senior technical officer, three years ago, BIT embarked upon the training of 43 youths, 37 males and six females. They were trained in the fields of Heavy-Duty Equipment Operation and ICT. In addition, they were taught Mathemat-

ics, English Language, and exposed to training related to micro business.

The youths were urged to maximise their potential and take life seriously. They were

The graduates from BIT 2019 Batch

also urged to take advantage of opportunities to further develop themselves.

The students were actively engaged in 120 hours of life-skills tutoring and 1080

hours of training in heavy-duty equipment operations and ICT. The programme lasted for a period of four months.

Presenting the feature address to the graduates was

Mr. Clinton Williams, the chairman of BIT, who mentioned the importance of youth empowerment and told the students about the importance and significance of their future

and Guyana’s.

He also noted that the programme was not limited to Region Nine, but would be conducted in several parts of the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Indigenous MoU

By Michel Outridge

THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA) on Wednesday (February 20, 2019) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Business (Guyana Tourism Authority [GTA]) to promote community-based tourism in four communities in the hinterland, at the ministry’s boardroom, Thomas Street, Georgetown.

In giving a brief background of the GTA and MoIPA collaboration agreement, Permanent Secretary Alfred King told reporters that the intention was to empower hinterland communities to take responsibility for their own development and livelihood.

He added that part of what the ministry does included the promotion of sustainable businesses, among which are nature-based tourism activities.

King stated that when GTA Director, Brian Mullis, approached the MoIPA about the initiative, it was quickly agreed that a partnership should be established. Many meetings were held and a MoU was conceptualised.

The PS of MoIPA pointed out that the signing of the MoU would see both agencies entering into a more structured agreement where their roles and responsibilities would be laid out.

King said, “The ministry wants to do more to enhance these tourism

projects that we are embarking on and from a policy standpoint, how the ministers will want to continue to focus some attention and give better direction to ensure that these tourism packages grow and develop into real sustainable activities.”

forest, all in keeping with the government’s green state initiative.

The minister added that the agreement (MoU) was geared toward the development of the hinterland people’s human and financial resources for maximum output with

GTA Director Brian Mullins in the exchange of agreements with Minister Sydney Allicock. Looking on is Minister within the Ministry, Valarie Low and other staffers.

During remarks, Minister of resources at hand.

Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and 4th The minister said “With the Vice President, Sydney Allicock, GTA as a partner, they have the said that the MoU signalled the expertise to provide training to development of tourism, more so, in the people of the hinterland and it indigenous communities to enhance was best to pool their resources to the social and economic welfare of achieve community-based tourism the people and their lands through with lots of nature activities.” sustainable development. He furAllicock noted that Guyana ther stated that the hinterland was was ‘undiscovered’ and, although where real life was. He noted the it may be difficult to provide fivehinterland’s natural beauty, flora star accommodation, the country and fauna, as well as its pristine could-provide five and ten-star forests.

He pointed out that community-based tourism was aimed at exploiting the environment without doing harm.

Meanwhile, Minister Valarie Lowe said it was a good moment for them since the ministry believed in collaboration, that is, working

Thursday, February 21, 2019

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with agencies to ensure that hinterland communities developed strategically.

She explained that to cater for 78,000 or 80,000 people which was about 11%-12% of the population in the hinterland communities, was quite a challenge for the ministry, thus the need to collaborate to develop the communities.

Lowe said “The ministry is working to address the 2030 sustainable goals with women to get rid of poverty, enhancing the lives of youths, providing potable water supply, among other things in the hinterland communities.”

She pointed out that within the communities, the hinterland has been a challenge for them, for a long time with various governments and they were politically ready to reach out to the people, to address all their issues and concerns.

Lowe told reporters that it was the duty of the government to have a schools etc., and the government had reached out more to the economic needs of the people.

The minister also alluded to the fact that the Hinterland Employment and Youth Services (HEYS) project allowed youths to be trained in life skills to enhance their lives to earn meaningfully.

She said, “We found cattle rearing is very successful, when you look at eco-tourism, how we can develop Guyana, the coast is just a strip, the hinterland is our beauty, use it to develop it and keep it intact as well as educate our people.”

The people in the hinterland are very educated and the ministry, through the GTA, is marketing the hinterland which the minister described as Guyana’s 2nd oil.

GTA Director, Brian Mullins, told the media that the hinterland

GTA Director Brian Mullins in handshake with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock after the signing of the MoU.

The head table at the inking of the community-based tourism agreement. had a great deal of pristine forest and savannahs and those were what people were attracted to.

He stated that travellers appreciate pristine nature and Guyana could provide the ideal experience for travellers, in nature and exploration, through the lands in the hinterland communities, via tourism.

Mullins said community-based tourism was phenomenal in Guyana and it needed to be promoted through partnerships, by all private sector agencies, to maximise resources in the communities of Moraikobai, Chenapau, Karasabai and Warapoka.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

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Bolsonaro proposes pension overhaul for Brazil

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro says pension reform is a priority

The new president of Brazil has put forward a plan to revamp the country’s pension system - tackling a reform considered critical to boosting growth of South America’s biggest economy.

The proposal would set a minimum retirement age of 65 for men and 62 for women, among other changes.

The government said the overhaul would save more than 1 trillion reais (£210bn;

$270bn) over the next decade.

But opposition parties argue the changes would penalise the poorest.

The proposal must be approved by both Houses of

Brazil vows to deliver aid, defying Maduro

Brazil says it will send humanitarian aid to its border with Venezuela by the weekend, despite the protests of embattled President Nicolás Maduro.

The delivery and distribution of the aid is being organised

by Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó, the Brazilian presidential spokesman said.

Maduro denies there is a crisis in Venezuela and calls the growing aid operation a US-orchestrated show.

to Venezuela from Russia.

He said the shipment from its close ally would arrive in the South American nation on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Venezuela’s military has reaffirmed its support for President Maduro, rejecting a call by US President Donald Trump to switch allegiance to Guaidó.

Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino, appearing alongside senior officers, said any attempt

Aid shipments on the Colombian border have so far been blocked by Venezuela

Venezuela also closed its sea and air border with Curacao.

The Dutch Caribbean island, off Venezuela’s north coast, is planning to host US aid.

The military has so far managed to block shipments of US aid from coming across the border with Colombia.

Despite having repeatedly denied the existence of a humanitarian crisis and having rejected US aid shipments as a ploy to topple his government, Maduro on Monday announced that 300 tonnes of aid would be shipped

to impose a new government would have to be done over “our dead bodies”.

He said the armed forces would block the delivery of aid sent by the US and other countries that have recognised Guaidó as interim president.

The government of President Jair Bolsonaro is among those which recognises Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate leader, pending elections.

Presidential spokesman General Otávio Régo Barros said on Tuesday that, in co-or-

dination with the US, food and medicine would be available in the border town of Pacaraima to be collected by “the government of acting President Juan Guaidó in Venezuelan trucks driven by Venezuelans”.

“Brazil is taking part in this important international initiative to support the Guaidó government and the Venezuelan people,” he said.

However, it is not clear if the convoy of aid will be allowed to cross the border. Padrino warned on Tuesday that the military was “deployed and on alert along the borders... to avoid any violations of territorial integrity”.

Guaidó has said 600,000 volunteers have already signed up to help carry aid into the country on 23 February - the deadline he has set.

Maduro insists the planned deliveries of aid to Venezuela are a smokescreen for a US-led invasion.

In a speech on Monday, President Trump described Maduro as a “Cuban puppet” and accused a “small handful at the top of Maduro’s regime” of stealing and hiding money.

He called on the military to abandon Maduro, saying: “They are risking their future, they are risking their lives and Venezuela’s future for a man controlled by the Cuban military and protected by a private army of Cuban soldiers.”

On Tuesday Cuba denied it had security forces in Venezuela.

“Our government categorically and energetically rejects this slander,” Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in Havana. (BBC)

Congress.

Many previous governments in Brazil have tried but failed to reform the country’s pension system, which is running large deficits, a situation expected to worsen in coming decades as the country’s population ages.

President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right politician who was elected last year, said the issue would be the number one priority at the start of his new government.

“We need to change the rules of the pension system,” said Leonardo Rolim, the official responsible for pensions at the Economy Ministry.

“People are living longer and women have fewer children, which means that the working population will decrease.”

Under the current system, workers in Brazil can retire after contributing to the pension system for at least 35 years in the case of men, or 30 for women.

The new proposal would set minimum retirement ages for men and women, and delay full payout of pensions until 40 years of contributions.

Workers could access partial pensions after 20 years.

Bolsonaro has also pro-

posed increased contributions from wealthier taxpayers and creating a more private system of individual savings accounts, funded by employees, as another alternative.

The new rules would phase in over 12 to 14 years, But opposition parties have vowed to block the bill.

They say it will penalise the poor, who are more likely to start working at a young age and would now be required to work longer before being able to collect pension benefits. Unions have mobilised mass protests against previous reform efforts. (BBC)

Civilians evacuated from last Syria enclave Civilians have been evacuated from the last village in Syria still held by the Islamic State (IS) group.

A convoy on Wednesday carried hundreds of men, women and children from Baghuz, near the Iraqi border.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance have said they are waiting for their removal before launching an offensive against militants “entrenched inside”.

The SDF say it cannot confirm if any militants were among the passengers.

Those removed will be taken to a screening point, according to SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali.

There have been conflicting reports on how close the SDF is to ridding the enclave of IS fighters. The US-led coalition fighting IS has said the “most hardened” fighters remain within Baghuz.

The SDF has said the group are waiting for confirmation all civilians are out before storming Baghuz to target the fighters.

“Our forces said from the start that they have two options: unconditional surrender or for the battle to continue until its end,” Bali, told the Reuters news agency.

But one monitoring group suggested that the remaining militants could have all left the enclave after negotiations with the SDF. As many as 2,000 people may have left the enclave on Wednesday - one day after a convoy of about 50 lorries arrived on its outskirts to get them out, Reuters reports. The vehicles were brought in after the UN expressed concern about

the fate of some 200 families reportedly trapped in the area.

Human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said they were apparently being actively prevented from leaving by IS and continued to be subjected to intense bombardment by SDF and US-led coalition forces.

Shamima Begum, who was 15 when she ran away from her home to join IS four years ago.

Begum, who has just given birth to a son, has said she wants to return to the UK. But the government wants to revoke her British citizenship - a

The SDF said evacuees would be taken to a screening point

At least 15 of the vehicles were witnessed leaving by journalists near the scene on Wednesday.

As night fell on Baghuz, it was not clear how many people still remain inside.

Some 20,000 civilians who have fled the area in recent weeks have been taken by the SDF to a makeshift camp for displaced people at al-Hol, in Hassakeh province.

Among them are the wives and children of IS militants and many foreign nationals, including the British teenager

decision she called “unjust”.

Five years ago, IS controlled 88,000 sq km (34,000 sq miles) of territory stretching from western Syria to eastern Iraq.

It proclaimed the creation of a “caliphate”, imposing its brutal rule on almost eight million people and generating billions of dollars from oil, extortion, robbery and kidnapping.

Now, an estimated 300 militants are holed up inside about 0.5 sq km of land.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

THE RIGHT TO VOTE T HE right to vote was fought for through blood, sweat and tears. It is a right that ought not to be taken for granted or ignored.

It is a right that allows every eligible citizen the opportunity to vest privilege into a person and group he/she thinks can best represent and articulate his/her interest. It is a right that carries tremendous power, through which the voter can hire a representative, fire that representative and exercise the responsibility in ensuring that representative accounts for the management of citizens’ affairs and the nation’s resources. Voting, therefore, is a sacred duty and must be cherished.

To cherish the vote is to turn out and vote and, thereafter, remain vigilant in the political processes to ensure that promises made are kept, involvement in the management and decision-making on matters that impact the well-being of self and community is guaranteed and respected. To not vote is to deny oneself the opportunity to influence the course of direction impacting one’s life and community. It is against this background that we see the move by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to move ahead with its planned house-to-house registration which will guarantee eligible young voters a chance to cast their ballots at future elections as a step in the right direction.

We have heard the comments from both sides of the political divide on this matter, and now the elections body by way of majority vote decided that its approved work plan for 2019, which includes house-to-house registration and

for which some $3B had been allocated will go on. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, this exercise should be embraced by all, regardless of where you stand on the current political situation. House-to-house registration will also ensure that deceased persons and those who have migrated are removed from the voters’ list and, most importantly, it provides some level of comfort to political parties and electors that the list is ‘clean’ and is not compromised.

Man lives in a political association. By this, it means decisions affecting one’s life have political implications from the womb to the tomb. It was a political decision that informs laws and policies with regard to the right to life and where death occurs, the right for one’s earthly remains to be disposed of consistent with specific standards. Where death has occurred under questionable circumstances, the deceased is entitled through the Coroner’s Act to an inquest.

During one’s lifetime, political decisions will inform the making of laws, conceptualisation and execution of policies and programmes, which will impact on quality of life, inclusive of whether there is respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. These include the right to freedom of association, freedom of speech and sharing of ideas and information, healthcare, education, ownership of property, the right to a safe and secure environment, work (jobs/economic opportunities), and protection from discrimination.

Political decisions inform quality and equitable infrastructural development and resource management, inclusive of the environment.

Where government in our country is representational when a citizen exercises the right to vote by casting a ballot, it becomes a corresponding right to question and propose ideas to elected officials since they are acting on your behalf. This is one of the basic elements in the thrust towards realising good governance. Good governance requires that citizens stay engaged throughout the process and elected officials responding to the desires of the community within the confines of the law.

Recognising the presence of representative democracy, good governance necessitates servant-driven leadership, which entails constant and sustained response to the needs of citizens. When a voter is denied the right to vote, it is tantamount to relinquishing an important act in determining who ought to be the leaders in the country. More so, denial and or refusal to discharge this sacred duty bears the consequences of having to live under conditions and in circumstances not befitting of your desire. A vote also places persons of choice in leadership positions to make and administer laws that can bring about economic opportunities, bring about equality, improve infrastructure, security and the environment, and manage your country free of corruption. To vote is to have a voice and the right to demand thereafter that the voice be heard and elected leaders act in accordance with the laws of the community and the desires of the people. Voting is a sacred duty and all eligible voters must be given the chance to exercise it.

Ali’s candidacy is difficult to do in Guyanese political reality Dear Editor,

T

HIS letter is late, but still topical, I believe. It has been some time since the much-anticipated announcement of the PPP/C’s presidential candidate was made public, and in what turned out to be a two-man contest, Mr Irfaan Ali defeated Mr Anil Nandlall by 24 to 11 votes in the 35-member Central Committee.

The election results demonstrated that it was a “ no contest,” confirming what political pundits predicted: that Jagdeo’s handpicked candidate would be selected, in spite of the party’s adoption of secret balloting. As was expected, when the decision was made public, there were intense and continuing discussions in the society, both in and out of the PPP’s constituency, on the party’s choice for presidential candidate, and how this decision will impact its chances of winning or losing the upcoming general and regional elections. These debates are taking place in every area of the country, and in the diaspora. Citizens’ views on the matter have been reflected in newspaper articles, letters to editors, TV programmes and social media.

Putting aside the obvious partisan views on Mr Ali ’s candidacy is difficult to do in Guyanese political reality. However, given the importance of this decision for the future of the nation, it is imperative that we objectively examine it. Since this letter was written mainly for the man/woman in the street, I will use a simple method to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the candidate. Readers should not infer any importance from the order of the points since that is not my intention.

The following are what I believe are the strengths of Mr Ali’s candidacy: (1) He is a younger-generation politician and will have some

appeal to young PPP voters.

(2) Since he was in government as a minister for many years and is a member of Jagdeo’s inner circle ( as distinct from the party), he will have easy access to the resources of the “criminal cabal” -- human, financial and material. These resources in the past have played a strategic role in the PPP’s election efforts, both when it was in the government and when it was in opposition.

(3) He is a Muslim and will have some traction in that community.

(4) He is known to be a “people person” – approachable -- a characteristic that holds good for a politician.

(5) It is said that he is “academically endowed.”

(6) Being a resident of Region Three, he can be expected to retain his party’s support in that area.

(7) He had acquired tremendous wealth as a member of the government. In his defence, he claimed it was inherited. However it was acquired, it will be additional resources available for his campaign.

The following are what I believe are the weaknesses of Mr Ali’s candidacy: (1) Since he is Jagdeo’s hand-pick, he will be tainted with all the negatives of his sponsor.

(2) He is seen as Jagdeo’s puppet and will have great difficulties neutralising that perception, which is necessary if he is to be viewed as an independent actor, even in a limited way.

(3) His candidacy will sharpen the contradictions in the PPP’s Indian base between Hindu and Muslim supporters.

This is the first occasion that a Muslim will be the party’s presidential candidate.

(4) His candidacy makes it easier for disaffected PPP vot-

ers to support the newly formed party (ANUG) led by Ralph Ramkarran and Henry Jeffrey, or to return to the coalition.

(5) Accusations of corruption, even in the absence of convictions, are not good for any politician seeking high public office. This was borne out by Canada’s objection to him visiting that country on the grounds that he is facing criminal charges. The 19 charges instituted by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are now matters before the court.

(6) The recent controversy over his academic qualifications, which he is still to put to rest, is unhelpful in his quest for the presidency.

(7) Since he is seen as a Jadgeo’s puppet, he is unlikely to attract votes outside the PPP’s traditional constituency. ( 8) He brings nothing new to the leadership of the government and nation.

While the above is not an exhaustive list, it is in my opinion sufficient to allow readers to better evaluate the candidate and his chances at the elections.

In spite of the political and personal differences in the PPP, they collectively want to win the elections. Therefore, the obvious question is: why not choose the best candidate the party has? In electoral politics mere wanting to win is not enough – votes are what matter. In this scenario, the big question to be answered is: can Jagdeo and the PPP, with Ali as presidential candidate, get the necessary votes to win?

My judgement is no. But my view on the matter will be dismissed as partisan, so we have to wait for the outcome of the elections.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

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Small Business Bureau debunks Edghill’s claims I

Dear Editor,

n letters published in various newspapers, Bishop Juan Edghill claimed to have received information on “suspicious” transactions at the Small Business Bureau (SBB), but never sought to verify the context of the information received or the motive of the person or persons who availed the information to him. In April 2018, management and staff of the SBB embarked on a process to review and revise various administrative and personnel aspects of the operations, training and development and the delivery of other services. This initiative was driven mainly by the results of a 2017 mid-year review and to some extent, based on feedback from clients (e.g. trainees), all done to address some of the gaps identified.

As a result of this review, revisions were also done pertaining to training methods and on training partners with the objective that both trainees/clients and the SBB would derive greater benefits from the programmes and services. One aspect of the revision was based on justifiable recommendations from the training department, to categorise Partner Training Institutions (PTIs), based on their specific focus areas for various levels of clients. Hence, based on the kinds of identified training needed in the particular instance to which Bishop Edghill referred, the names of three training partners were offered from the approved list of evaluated training partners. The approved list existed long before I even joined the SBB. This is the same approved list from which every training partner was always selected.

On the point of the Expression of Interest (EoI) being cancelled, there were some administrative issues regarding that EoI and the process. Hence, the decision was taken to cancel the process which resulted in my email that Bishop Edghill published in his letter, being sent to 13 PTIs (not 14 as was incorrectly published). Contrary to what was indicated in his letter, I am unaware of any proposal being received from any of the 13 companies. It is now prudent that Bishop Edghill substantiates his claims by provid-

ing the public with evidence that 14 PTIs submitted their proposals.

Bishop Edghill insinuated that a document dated November 28, 2018, requesting payment to the three training institutes was sent to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Business, before The National Procurement Tender Administration Board (NPTAB)’s approval of the same was given. The facts are herein presented to curtail a miasmic failure by Bishop Edghill to correctly chronicle the sequence of training requests, EoIs and dates: 1. On November 28th, requests for payments to the PTIs were sent to the Permanent Secretary (PS) Ministry of Business, but were never approved.

2. On December 3, 2018, the revised requests were sent to the PS as Chairperson of the Ministerial Tender Board. The PS correctly rejected the submission based on the fact that the total sum requested per PTI exceeded the limit of the Ministerial Tender Board. The PS instructed that a new request be prepared and submitted to the NPTAB. 3. On December 11, 2018, the SBB prepared the new payment requests addressed to the Chairman of the NPTAB, as instructed.

Editor, it is interesting to note that the requests dated December 3 and 11, 2018, were not included in Bishop Edghill’s “recent documented information available” to him nor in his letter. Would adding it nullify his claims of “highly suspicious and irregular activity”?

4. These requests dated December 11, 2018, were approved by the NPTAB by letters dated 21/12/2018 and addressed to me.

The approvals were granted for the contract training of participants in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six, and Seven and for sums that exceeded that of which Bishop Edghill indicated in his letter.

The issues 1 to 3 raised by him are answered in my response.

My response to question 4 is, as the Chief Executive Officer of the SBB, I would like to extend an invitation to Bishop Edghill, since he is obviously developing an interest in our operations, to meet with us, so that he would become better informed on the systems and operations and clientele of the SBB and their dedication when

‘The Good Life’ is about all Guyana and her people Dear Editor,

T

HE major theme of the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, as consistently enunciated by its leader and President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Granger, has been “The Good Life’’ for all.

This means, in very simple and unencumbered language, that all citizens of this nation, irrespective of race/ethnicity, and political affiliation being able to live in a country where its government, without recourse to discriminatory governance, provides socio-economic benefits that will not only enhance lives, thus creating for better and comfortable living; but that which will also add stock to theirs and their family’s daily lives.

As recent as October, 2018, when he again addressed the 11th Parliament, the president reminded the packed assembly and the nation by extension: “The State’s principal objective is to secure the good life for all. ‘The good life’ entails providing every citizen with opportunities to be the best that they can be. ‘The good life’ is about securing sustained economic prosperity...”

But the president did not stop there at the material aspect of self-improvement and sustainable, personal advancement, economically. He alluded to “access to quality public services and promoting social cohesion”; the “elimination of extreme inequality’’ and “the removal of social, ethnic and geographic inequalities.’’

This points to a grand visionary plan, already in train since 2015, which points to regions and their respective communities being inclusive in the national socio-economic development plans of the country, where for example,

each will have capital towns; vital infrastructure such as improved network of adequate roads, bridges, stellings and wharves; hospitals and medical clinics with essential primary- care facilities for health challenges such as non–communicable diseases and reduction of child mortality rates; more schools for the key policy of primary and secondary education that assures every child a place in school; social meeting places such as community centres; and the all seminal, modern communication method of Information Technology for both educational and social purposes; and community radio stations which play a major role in sharing news and educational information for hinterland residents.

A most important attribute of the coalition’s “good life” for the nation of Guyanese people has been a revamped housing programme that is affordable, and within the reach of every Guyanese. This is a significant removal from the previous administration’s policy that resulted in low occupancy rate of thousands of purchased house-lots, because of the inability of purchasers to secure mortgages.

There is even the IDB-funded sustainable housing programme which now affords the opportunity to owners of dwellings considered uninhabitable, to secure funding for improvement to such structures.

Persons who will benefit from this very important housing enhancement initiative will be contributing only $100,000.

Guyana’s recent history of socio-economic development has been a tragic, brutal record of inequality, which was blatant in its exclusion of a particular section of the nation, while outright in its abundant reward for another. It is the kind of discrimination that could have easily been discerned

on visits to communities along the coastland. Shockingly deliberate in the kind of physical environment that was perpetuated, it has been one of the major mastheads of outright ethno-economic prejudice that is a monument to racism in Guyana.

It is to these specific socio-development inequalities, and others of a similar nature that exist in many other communities, that BUDGET 2019 now seeks to remedy, through its multi-billion socio-economic programmes which are directed to each region, towards bringing about the kind of infrastructural development which is considered both essential and equal, whereby all can enjoy not only a better quality of life, but the same level of social amenities as their sister regions.

On a recent visit to the South Rupununi village of Achiwuib, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, addressing residents reminded them: “When we speak of the ‘good life’ of all Guyanese, we mean that the ‘good life’ must come to every Guyanese, so if you never had water, the ‘good life’ means getting water to you; if you never had a radio, “the good life” means getting information and radio to you; if you never had electricity in any form, “the good life” means getting that to you and so your government is on a trajectory, is on a path to developing this country, house to house, community to community, village by village, town by town and all across this country, we will develop it in an equitable manner.” This is a process that has been changing thousands of lives and communities gradually, and for the better.

Regards Shawn James

it comes to training.

His letter also made unsubstantiated assumptions that “the awards of the contracts were for training in Region Four, but the companies submitted invoices for training, which were conducted in Regions Five and Six”. Editor, the SBB does not make payments to anyone who does not fulfil the terms of any agreement.

As I indicated above, approvals were granted for contracts for training in Regions Two, Four, Five, Six and Seven. However, no training was conducted in Region Four, and there were no invoices submitted for training in Region Four.

As CEO of the SBB, while I am tasked with managing the affairs of the agency, I also have the fiduciary duty to ensure that it operates in a disciplined way, as well as those who serve the agency operate in a disciplined manner. While I do not expect all to be in agreement with the disciplinary measures and decisions taken, I do expect persons who are in disagreement to operate with integrity and provide an accurate picture of the agency and decisions taken.

In the eight years of its existence, the SBB has achieved much and has contributed significantly towards the growth of many small businesses in Guyana. The team at the SBB is sagacious and is guided and motivated by our core values. We are committed to supporting small business owners in alleviating some of the struggles they experience daily. If Bishop Edghill or anyone else has information of “massive acts of corruption at the SBB, or are aware of “highly suspicious, irregular procurement activity, as stated in his letter, or that “it is a cesspool of corruption”, this should be made available to the relevant authorities so that appropriate action could be taken.

Regards, Dr. Lowell Porter Chief Executive Officer Small Business Bureau

CGID welcomes GECOM’s decision on house-to-house registration Dear Editor,

O

N February 19, 2019, the majority of commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) voted to conduct house-to-house registration as provided for in extant law, before general elections are held.

GECOM is the only agency with the expertise and competency to plan and conduct elections in Guyana. Consequently, its decisions and expert advice within its purview are indispensable. The commission said Parliament had allocated $3 billion for house-tohouse registration in the 2019 budget and it will proceed to execute that mandate.

GECOM also voted to advise President David Granger that elections cannot be held within the 90-day period in keeping with the controversial no-confidence vote of December 21, 2018 and the ruling of Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire. The commission said it does not have funds for elections because Parliament has not allocated funding for elections as required by law. It is unlawful for GECOM to use funds for a purpose for which it was not appropriated

by Parliament.

There must be house-to-house registration before elections. The current voters’ list expires by decree of law on April 30, 2019. Over 30,000 young people attained age 18 and became eligible to vote since the last registration exercise.

Although the law required that such persons be registered by house-tohouse registration, Guyana’s opposition PPP has steadfastly objected to such registration to add these young people to the voters’ list.

Today, the three PPP GECOM Commissioners voted against house-to-house registration to register young people who are eligible voters. This PPP voter-suppression tactic is unpatriotic, anti-democratic

and repugnant to the law. The PPP’s assault on the nation’s youth derives from polling data that indicates that young people are less likely to vote for the PPP because of its history of racism, as well as corruption and criminality which plagued the PPP regime which lost power in 2015.

We condemn the PPP’s blatant attempt to suppress the youth vote and its use of our youth as a political football. We call on the coalition government and elections commission to ensure that every eligible voter is registered and allowed

to exercise his or her franchise freely and fairly and in a secure environment. CGID also calls of every eligible voter, particularly our youth, to ensure that they are registered to vote, and to exercise their franchise whenever elections are called. Our vote is the most powerful force in a democracy.

Regards Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Scores receive house lots at Public Day event

OVER 100 Guyanese saw their housing issues being addressed by Junior Minister of Communities, Valerie Adams-Yearwood and other officials on Wednesday during the hosting of a Public Day at the Minister’s Secretariat.

Most persons came desirous of house lots and the minister was able to allocate lots at Cornelia Ida, Cummings Lodge and Mon Repos.

“My plan was just to see about 70 persons which I consider a great amount of persons to see in one day.

However, I was able to deal with that number at about one thirty and we still have probably close to 100 persons outside waiting and I am going to see as much as possible how many of them I can accommodate,” she said, adding:

Members of the public during their meeting with Junior Minister of Communities Valerie Adams-Yearwood in her office on Wednesday

“It’s [difficult] to see that persons still have applications in the system dated 1995 and 1997 and 2002.

On previous occasions, I’ve mentioned via the media

about how many thousands of applications we have in the system that we met when we took office in 2015. But we’ve tried as much as possible, every piece of land that we develop, to have it fully allocated.”

However, the challenge is that if the Central Planning and Housing Authority (CHPA) is to deal only with old applications, younger persons who may have applied in years like 2016 would have to wait years before they can acquire house lots.

“I have to strike a balance and I have to accommodate persons from the old, way back and allocations that are new. I want to encourage our young people to start having

Several persons wait to enter the ministry (Adrian Narine photos)

their own homes so we have to consider applicants [past] 2015…but we also have to cater for those beyond,” Minister Adams-Yearwood said.

She added that she is proud to say that most of the qualified persons allocated CHPA’s housing units under the current administration are young, professional people looking to start families.

During her observations, she realised that most persons were desirous of receiving lots on the East Bank of Demerara and Central Georgetown but CHPA has no house lots in Central Georgetown.

Others, she said, didn’t mind getting lands in Cummings Lodge which they consider to be in proximity to the town.

However, few were enthusiastic about lands in Cornelia Ida as some expressed they had never even been over to the West Bank of Demerara.

“That is a major challenge that we’ll have to really look at and government will have to look at that also and see how we can carry more development to Region Three, because there is where we have access to most of the house lots right now,” she said.

She also emphasised on the government’s plan to build a new bridge across the Demerara River which she believes will increase business and interest in the West Demerara region.

“The issue of the bridge in the morning and in the af-

ternoon is a major challenge and persons will say that they’re working in Georgetown; have their children schooled in Georgetown and they have to leave –if they’re living across the river--- 5 or 5:30 in the morning and they get back home at nights,” she said. “It’s something we have to look at and I know the new bridge will bring a great ease to the residents of Region Three.”

Minister Adams-Yearwood said that while everyday can turn out to be “public day” at the office, she was delighted to have the special day set aside to answer to the housing-related matters and other concerns of citizens.

She indicated that the public day will now be repeated every two weeks.

Injured suspect escapes under police watch

The suspect was nabbed with this bicycle

Cops are in hot water after an injured robbery suspect they were guarding at the Georgetown Public Hospital escaped under their watch The suspect and an accomplice were nabbed by public-spirited citizens in ‘C’ Field Sophia after they

attempted to rob a pensioner on his way home.

Guyana Chronicle was told that residents accosted the suspects and one of them dropped his cycle and ran away while the other was not so lucky.

He was caught and a toy

The name of this suspect is not known

gun was found in his possession.

This robber was given a sound trashing by the residents, who summoned the police after they were finished.

The police, on arrival at the scene, immediately rushed the suspect to the hospital where

The toy gun which was found in the man’s possession

he was admitted.

However, while at the hospital, the man managed to escape from the ‘watchful eyes’ of the policemen guarding him. Divisional Commander Calvin Brutus said the matter is under investigation.

Please intervene

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

–– fired RUSAL workers urge gov’t THE 61 workers who were fired by Russian bauxite company (RUSAL) are contending that while emoluments are a major reason for their industrial action, poor working conditions, among others, also contributed to forcing their hands.

The workers are calling on government to intervene in the dispute, earliest.

For many years, the workers have been receiving a one per cent increase on their salaries and decided to down tools after deeming the imposition unacceptable.

While Russian managers related that the company cannot afford to pay more because it not making a profit, the workers are not buying this argument and are calling on the government to investigate this claim.

“That cannot be true, for last year, they bring in about 12 machines and about 18 trucks. If you not making a profit, why you keep investing in something you not gaining from,” one of the fired workers asked.

Another worker who was not fired as he is on sick leave was in agreement with his colleagues.

“They keep buying these triple seven trucks, about 12 last year and brand new loaders. These things cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Bauxite loading and shipping like normal, even when they had the sanction; is years now they claiming they not making a profit and they have to depend on the mother company, but which company would not be making a profit and stick around,” the worker reasoned.

The workers related that poor working conditions are also the reason for the strike, as well as the company not recognising the union. He said the company’s reluctance to hold talks with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GBGWU), caused them to represent themselves, through strike action.

“We are fighting for ourselves, they don’t recognise the union who would take our concerns to them, and so we had no choice to strike,” the worker said.

This was corroborated by General-Secretary of the GBGWU, Lincoln Lewis, who said the union needed to engage the company 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 agreement between the employer and workers’ representative, in this case GBGWU,” he said.

RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION The Russian managers are arguing that the workers’ decision to strike is against

iterating that the government should not only meet with the union and company, but with the workers as soon as possible.

The workers continue to be paid their flat rate. The working conditions have been described as deplorable and life threatening. There is no remuneration package in place for workers, in the eventuality of an industrial accident.

One welder employed at RUSAL related that workers are required to work at

Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolph

RUSAL workers protesting in Kwakwani

the contractual agreement, which does not provide for them to be absent from work, and the strike was no excuse.

BCGI representative Vladimir Permyakov has since said 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.

Lewis has however contended, as well as the fired workers, that Russians should first respect the Constitution of Guyana before requesting workers to respect the constitution of the company.

“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 on 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 eyepass,” Lewis argued.

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.”

The workers related that there are several aspects of the labour laws that the Russians are not following and the Department of Labour continues to be lax on this matter. In addition, the company refuses to honour the labour laws which stipulate that workers must be paid double their rates on holidays.

heights over 80 feet and they are not adequately compensated when completing these jobs, which he deemed life threatening. He said a bonus, which he described as “mediocre” is given, but at the company’s discretion. Any refusal to do the jobs, which sometimes take weeks, can result in their services being terminated.

“It is a very risky job, most of us get wife and kids, when you going up these heights, if anything happens, you can fall and die or get cripple and they are not compensating us for it,” he said.

RALLYING FOR WORKERS Most of the 61 workers who were fired are residing in Kwakwani, while some are from Linden. Rusal is the main employer of residents residing in communities up the Berbice River. The economic and social rippling effects of so many workers being fired, from one small community, is of concern to all residents and on Tuesday, they blocked the main access road, in support of their relatives and friends being re-hired and treated respectfully.

One prominent resident of Kwakwani, Cort Simeon said residents are sending a very strong message to the government and the company and will continue to fight for justice with the workers.

“These Russians eye pass Guyana, these people are fighting for their rights; why is it we have to accept it,” he said.

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, who has responsibility for Kwakwani, bemoans the situation and is calling on the government to

intervene soonest because it is very crucial, as persons are losing faith.

He reminisced on some years ago when 23 workers were also fired for striking and they lost all of their benefits.

“I wouldn’t want another set of people to be victimised, it is their right to protest and fight for a just cause,” he said. Adolph is also worried that the strike will not only affect Kwakwani, but the entire Region 10, which already has a low employment ratio.

“I am thinking about the financial impact on the region, for 61 persons to be unemployed, to be added to the hundreds who are already unemployed. It is a regional disaster and the government needs to intervene before it escalates, he said. Those persons have their families to maintain, they might have children writing the CSEC examinations; they are losing faith and everyone is panting for breath,” he said while re-

UTTER CONTEMPT Meanwhile, in a strongly worded statement, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) lamented the complete and utter contempt of the Russian management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) for the sovereignty of Guyana.

The union said if justified, workers can take legitimate industrial action without fear of unjustified and ruthless reprisals.

According to the GTUC, the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU), the trade union representing BCGI workers, learnt that the company had summarily dismissed 61 workers after they exercised their democratic right to take strike in protest over a ‘pay increase’ imposition.

The union said while its primary concern is to get the dismissed workers back on their jobs, it is concerned about the government’s perceived indifference on the matter.

The GTUC wants both the government and opposition to condemn RUSAL’s

9

dismissal of the workers; a meeting between RUSAL and the government to facilitate unconditional reinstatement of the workers; an inspection of RUSAL’s operations by government officials; and the GB&WU to be recognised as the union representing BCGI workers.

The GTUC believes that while the role of RUSAL as an investor in the country’s bauxite industry warrants full recognition, the status of an investor does not entitle the company to ride roughshod over the laws of Guyana and the rights of Guyanese.

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), which is part of the APNU+AFC coalition, has since come out in support of the workers.

“The Working People’s Alliance is of the firm belief that RUSAL should no longer be allowed to continue to function in contravention of our constitution, the laws that govern our land and the laws that protect workers and workers’ rights.

We hope that this incident does not go unnoticed and that the government will take action in defence of the workers,” the WPA said in a statement.

Please intervene

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

–– fired RUSAL workers urge gov’t THE 61 workers who were fired by Russian bauxite company (RUSAL) are contending that while emoluments are a major reason for their industrial action, poor working conditions, among others, also contributed to forcing their hands.

The workers are calling on government to intervene in the dispute, earliest.

For many years, the workers have been receiving a one per cent increase on their salaries and decided to down tools after deeming the imposition unacceptable.

While Russian managers related that the company cannot afford to pay more because it not making a profit, the workers are not buying this argument and are calling on the government to investigate this claim.

“That cannot be true, for last year, they bring in about 12 machines and about 18 trucks. If you not making a profit, why you keep investing in something you not gaining from,” one of the fired workers asked.

Another worker who was not fired as he is on sick leave was in agreement with his colleagues.

“They keep buying these triple seven trucks, about 12 last year and brand new loaders. These things cost hundreds of millions of dollars. Bauxite loading and shipping like normal, even when they had the sanction; is years now they claiming they not making a profit and they have to depend on the mother company, but which company would not be making a profit and stick around,” the worker reasoned.

The workers related that poor working conditions are also the reason for the strike, as well as the company not recognising the union. He said the company’s reluctance to hold talks with the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GBGWU), caused them to represent themselves, through strike action.

“We are fighting for ourselves, they don’t recognise the union who would take our concerns to them, and so we had no choice to strike,” the worker said.

This was corroborated by General-Secretary of the GBGWU, Lincoln Lewis, who said the union needed to engage the company 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 agreement between the employer and workers’ representative, in this case GBGWU,” he said.

RESPECT THE CONSTITUTION The Russian managers are arguing that the workers’ decision to strike is against

iterating that the government should not only meet with the union and company, but with the workers as soon as possible.

The workers continue to be paid their flat rate. The working conditions have been described as deplorable and life threatening. There is no remuneration package in place for workers, in the eventuality of an industrial accident.

One welder employed at RUSAL related that workers are required to work at

Vice-Chairman Elroy Adolph

RUSAL workers protesting in Kwakwani

the contractual agreement, which does not provide for them to be absent from work, and the strike was no excuse.

BCGI representative Vladimir Permyakov has since said 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.

Lewis has however contended, as well as the fired workers, that Russians should first respect the Constitution of Guyana before requesting workers to respect the constitution of the company.

“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 on 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 eyepass,” Lewis argued.

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.”

The workers related that there are several aspects of the labour laws that the Russians are not following and the Department of Labour continues to be lax on this matter. In addition, the company refuses to honour the labour laws which stipulate that workers must be paid double their rates on holidays.

heights over 80 feet and they are not adequately compensated when completing these jobs, which he deemed life threatening. He said a bonus, which he described as “mediocre” is given, but at the company’s discretion. Any refusal to do the jobs, which sometimes take weeks, can result in their services being terminated.

“It is a very risky job, most of us get wife and kids, when you going up these heights, if anything happens, you can fall and die or get cripple and they are not compensating us for it,” he said.

RALLYING FOR WORKERS Most of the 61 workers who were fired are residing in Kwakwani, while some are from Linden. Rusal is the main employer of residents residing in communities up the Berbice River. The economic and social rippling effects of so many workers being fired, from one small community, is of concern to all residents and on Tuesday, they blocked the main access road, in support of their relatives and friends being re-hired and treated respectfully.

One prominent resident of Kwakwani, Cort Simeon said residents are sending a very strong message to the government and the company and will continue to fight for justice with the workers.

“These Russians eye pass Guyana, these people are fighting for their rights; why is it we have to accept it,” he said.

Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, who has responsibility for Kwakwani, bemoans the situation and is calling on the government to

intervene soonest because it is very crucial, as persons are losing faith.

He reminisced on some years ago when 23 workers were also fired for striking and they lost all of their benefits.

“I wouldn’t want another set of people to be victimised, it is their right to protest and fight for a just cause,” he said. Adolph is also worried that the strike will not only affect Kwakwani, but the entire Region 10, which already has a low employment ratio.

“I am thinking about the financial impact on the region, for 61 persons to be unemployed, to be added to the hundreds who are already unemployed. It is a regional disaster and the government needs to intervene before it escalates, he said. Those persons have their families to maintain, they might have children writing the CSEC examinations; they are losing faith and everyone is panting for breath,” he said while re-

UTTER CONTEMPT Meanwhile, in a strongly worded statement, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) lamented the complete and utter contempt of the Russian management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) for the sovereignty of Guyana.

The union said if justified, workers can take legitimate industrial action without fear of unjustified and ruthless reprisals.

According to the GTUC, the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU), the trade union representing BCGI workers, learnt that the company had summarily dismissed 61 workers after they exercised their democratic right to take strike in protest over a ‘pay increase’ imposition.

The union said while its primary concern is to get the dismissed workers back on their jobs, it is concerned about the government’s perceived indifference on the matter.

The GTUC wants both the government and opposition to condemn RUSAL’s

9

dismissal of the workers; a meeting between RUSAL and the government to facilitate unconditional reinstatement of the workers; an inspection of RUSAL’s operations by government officials; and the GB&WU to be recognised as the union representing BCGI workers.

The GTUC believes that while the role of RUSAL as an investor in the country’s bauxite industry warrants full recognition, the status of an investor does not entitle the company to ride roughshod over the laws of Guyana and the rights of Guyanese.

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), which is part of the APNU+AFC coalition, has since come out in support of the workers.

“The Working People’s Alliance is of the firm belief that RUSAL should no longer be allowed to continue to function in contravention of our constitution, the laws that govern our land and the laws that protect workers and workers’ rights.

We hope that this incident does not go unnoticed and that the government will take action in defence of the workers,” the WPA said in a statement.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

AG to file fresh summons in confidence-vote appeal

By Svetlana Marshall ATTORNEY General Basil Williams is expected to file a fresh set of summons today that will correlate with the new appeal challenging the ruling of the High Court in the no-confidence motion cases.

It was expected that arguments pertaining to the conservatory order being sought to preserve the status quo of the government, and the request for an interim

stay to freeze the January 31 decision of the High Court would have been heard on Wednesday, but several issues arose, preventing the cases from moving forward.

When the Court of Appeal was convened, it was discovered that the initial Notice of Appeal filed by the attorney general was defective, and the attempt to remedy the situation by filing a new Notice of Appeal did not help the situation, because the summons predated it, resulting in

Attorney Anil Nandlall

another mistake.

In the case, Attorney General v Christopher Ram, in which Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire’s decision to uphold the vote of no-confidence is being challenged, the sitting judge, Justice Rishi Persaud, pointed out that the initial Notice of Appeal, filed on February 5, is defective. It was explained that the appellant failed to name Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo as a respondent in the matter, although he was a respondent in the substantive case in the High Court.

In response, the attorney general, who appeared in association with Attorneys-at-Law Maxwell Edwards and Mayo Robertson, told the court that the Notice of Appeal was “adjusted” as he referred to a fresh Notice of Appeal filed on February 15.

Justice Persaud, however, said the new appeal posed an additional problem. He explained that the summons to stay the decision of the High Court and preserve the status quo of government predated the new Notice of Appeal.

Additionally, the summons named Ram as the only respondent, when the leader of the opposition should have been added.

“The original Notice of Appeal that you filed would have been defective…but you subsequently corrected that by filing a Notice of Appeal that included the leader of the opposition; but now the position is, the stay of execution which is supposed to hang on to the Notice of Appeal predates the Notice of Appeal,” Justice Persaud told the attorney general. He said it ought to be corrected.

“All that needs to be done is that the summons have to be re-filed, and affidavit resworn,” the appellate judge explained in the presence of Senior Counsel Neil Boston and Rafiq Khan; and Attorneys-at-Law Anil Nandlall, Kamal Ramkarran and Roysdale Forde.

But this position did not sit well with the attorney general, who argued that the

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, exiting the Court of Appeal on Wednesday

flaws highlighted in the original Notice of Appeal could not have been “fatal.”

“The appeal was properly filed. If a party might have been omitted it does not invalidate or void the application,” the attorney general argued, while alluding to the fact that the opposition leader was subsequently added as a party. But there is no room for two notices of appeal to be filed.

He pleaded with Justice Persaud to have the opposition leader added as a party on the original Notice of Appeal via an oral request, but it was repeatedly explained that only the full bench of the Court of Appeal could amend an application or Notice of Appeal.

“My respectful submission is, one, that the court has two appeals before it, and I am seeking to withdraw the second appeal, and my application therefore is that the motion is coincident with the appeal,” he told the court, while requesting that the opposition leader be added.

But the AG was unable to convince the appellate judge that he, in the absence of a full bench, could ‘amend’ the Notice of the Appeal to include the opposition leader on the spot. The appellate judge maintained that the rules governing the Court of

Appeal do not permit him to amend applications.

After failing to convince Justice Persaud, the AG conceded and agreed to withdraw the old summons, and file a fresh one that correlates with the new Notice of Appeal.

In the second case, Attorney General v The Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition, similar issues arose.

It was noted that while two respondents were named in this application, including the opposition leader, the AG had omitted Joseph Harmon who was added as a respondent in the matter at the High Court. As such, the Notice of Appeal in this case, was also not properly filed. It is anticipated that the necessary corrections will be made by today.

Outside the Court of Appeal, Nandlall expressed his disappointment that the cases were further delayed. “As you know, we wanted this matter to be expeditiously disposed of so that we can get onto the other aspects of the matter. Unfortunately the attorney general’s appeal was riddled with mistakes,” Nandlall told reporters. Nandlall said he had pointed out the omissions at a session they had at the Appellate Court last Friday.

“The lawyers who were here representing the attorney general sought to correct it, but I think they made more errors than correction,” he opined.

Meanwhile, the AG told reporters that it was the state solicitor who filed over an appeal, adding the leader of the opposition.

However, he said while Jagdeo was not named as a respondent on the original Notice of Appeal, he was named as a person interested in the case on the very document. “Any discrepancies in the rubric of a matter can’t be fatal, and there are ample authorities for it,” he posited. Nonetheless, he committed to filing fresh summons today that would correspond with the new Notices of Appeal.

Wife killer sentenced to 20 years JUSTICE Brassington Reynolds imposed a 20year sentence on Winston Benjamin who had confessed to unlawfully killing Yansen Brushe, his reputed wife and mother of his four children.

Benjamin was initially

indicted with murder Contrary to Common Law, but he pleaded not guilty to the capital offence and guilty to manslaughter, which was accepted by the state.

According to Prosecutor Mandel Moore, the now deceased and the accused

had shared a common-law relationship, which yielded four children.

On October 17, 2016, Benjamin met Brushe at an Ulverston Village shop where the woman had gone to make TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Muneshwers Travel Agency gives back to customers A NUMBER of persons were on Saturday rewarded with various prizes, including travel tickets from two airlines through the Muneshwers Travel Agency.

The winners took part in a Valentine promotion, which required them to purchase tickets and fill out coupons.

At the drawing, which was held at the travel agency’s Water Street office and witnessed by the Guyana Chronicle, 10 persons were selected through the pulling

of coupons from a sealed box.

The winners are asked to check with Muneshwers Travel Agency to uplift their prizes, which include airline tickets, gift certificates, hampers, dinners and promotional items, among others.

The winners are Chandroutie Khan, Ray Deonarine, Mohandai Alli, Shemar Williams, Koyo Sandiford, Samuel Schultz, Savatri Persaud, Meizhong Hu, China Harbours and Cai Rong Czo.

Linden man succumbs after felled by log A MINER attached to the Ping Logging Company which has operations at Coomacka, Region 10, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Linden Hospital Complex after a log fell on him. According to the police, 54-year-old Andrew Parks of Powis Crescent, Amelia’s Ward, Linden, was crushed by the log which rolled off from a heavy duty machine. At the time, it was driven by another employer.

Parks’ wife, Hermella, related to this publication that she heard the news of her husband’s demise around 11 am and she is still in shock.

She said her husband was employed with the Chinese logging firm for about 10 years and was in charge of measuring the logs. Parks did not die on the spot, but was rushed to the LHC where doctors fought to save his life, but he subsequently passed away.

Managers from the

Dead: Andrew Parks

company have visited her and expressed condolences. Parks leave to mourn his wife and two children.

He was the sole breadwinner for his family. He was described as a wonderful and quiet man, who was committed to his job and to his family. The driver of the truck is in police custody assisting with investigations.

Man attempts to burglarise GWI’s Chesney Office THE Guyana Water Inc said a thief attempted to break into the company’s Chesney, Region Six office early Wednesday morning.

In a release, GWI said that approximately 03:30 hours on Wednesday, there was an attempted break and enter at the company’s Chesney office in Region 6.

According to GWI, the security officer on duty reported to GWI’s Region 6 manager that an individual clad in black was observed in the compound next door to the

office. According to the security officer, at about 04:30 hours, as a result of a barking dog, checks were made and it was discovered that the windows on the western side of the office were open. Additionally, it was observed that books and bags were on the floor and checks at the back door, which is located on the southern side of the building, showed evidence of attempts to pry the door open. A report was made at the Albion Police Station and an investigation is underway.

Father who killed daughter dies in hospital

Roopesh Rajkumar, a Guyanese of Brampton, Canada, who allegedly killed his 11-year-old daughter, has died in a Toronto hospital, Global News has reported.

The news comes on the same day family, friends and community members attended a funeral in Etobicoke for Riya Rajkumar.

Riya died last Thursday, which was also her 11th birthday. She was found dead in her father’s home near Hansen Road North and Crawford Drive in Brampton late Thursday evening after an Amber Alert was issued.

Officers said Riya was out

with her father for her birthday last Thursday and was supposed to be dropped off with her mother, Priya Ramdin, at a predetermined time. Police said Ramdin contacted police at around 19:00hrs due to a concern about her daughter’s safety and a parental abduction investigation was launched.

Roopesh was arrested in Oro-Medonte, Ont., north of Toronto, just after midnight on Friday. The arrest came shortly after a resident called police after hearing details of the accused’s vehicle through the Amber Alert.

Roopesh was charged with first-degree murder. Police

Roopesh Rajkumar and his daughter in happier times (City News Toronto photo)

said the accused was in hospital after being injured from a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to his arrest.

His case was expected to be brought to court after being medically cleared to attend. (Global News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

CJ failed to consider ‘substantial severability’ in ruling on dual citizenship – Reid’s attorneys CHIEF Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire’s decision not to rule on

the validity of the vote cast by Charrandass Persaud last December is now being challenged by Berbice farmer Compton Reid.

Reid, through his attorneys Rex McKay, S.C; Neil Boston, S.C; Robert Corbin and Bettina Glasford, filed an appealed challenging the decision of the High Court on several grounds.

According to his attorneys, the chief justice misdirected herself and erred in law when she held that Declarations (3), (5), (6) and (7) could not be granted in any event as the no-confidence motion proceedings were saved by virtue of Article 165 (2). Via those declarations, Reid sought to have the court rule that Persaud’s nomination as an A Partnership for National unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) candidate was invalid; that he was disqualified for election as a Member of the National Assembly; that the vote cast in favour of the no-confidence motion was null and void; and that the “unlawful yes vote” could not have resulted in passage of the no-confidence motion. But the chief justice, in handing down her decision, said she did not have jurisdiction to hear the matter, and in the event she did, the declarations could not have been granted.

“The learned chief justice failed to consider the question of “substantial severability,” since the vote cast on the no-confidence motion can be severed, so that the valid part could operate independently of the invalid part which would permit the court to sever the unlawful vote by Charrandass Persaud,” Reid’s attorneys explained. They contended that Chief Justice George-Wiltshire also erred when she ruled that she had no jurisdiction to grant the declarations sought, because the application should have been brought by way of a Fixed Date Application. They pointed out that according to Section Five of the National Assembly (Validity of Elections) Act, an election petition must be filed within 28 days; however, in the case of Persaud, it was only after his controversial vote that it was discovered that he had dual citizenship status. “…the ruling of the learned chief justice refusing to grant the orders sought at paragraphs three, four, five, six and seven of the Fixed Date Application is inconsistent with her earlier ruling. She determined at paragraphs 82 and 110 that she had jurisdiction to grant and did grant the declarations sought by the Appellant/Applicant at paragraphs one and two of his Application for Constitutional Relief,” the attorneys argued.

In their application, they also pointed out that Justice George-Wiltshire further misdirected herself when she found that Persaud was not a member by failing to take into consideration the false declaration made by Persaud. It was further pointed out that Article 155 provides for disqualification for elections as members of the National Assembly.

“The learned chief justice misdirected herself and erred in law when she held that she did not have jurisdiction to grant any of the Orders sought by the Appellant/Applicant…by failing to consider that an issue is not truly collateral if it is the central issue which has to be decided,” the attorney said.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland; Charrandass Persaud, Minister of Sate Joseh Harmon have been added as a party in the matter.

Duo remanded for attack on Chinese businessman TWO men were remanded to prison on Tuesday when they appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore at the Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court.

The men, identified as Delwin December of Werk-en-Rust and Sheldon Adams of Lodge, Georgetown, were arrested on Thursday last following what investigators believed was a foiled robbery and alleged execution attempt on a Chinese businessman at Springlands on the Corentyne.

They were unrepresented and were each charged with one count of larceny and unlawful wounding. They pleaded not guilty to both charges.

According to the facts of the case, the duo unlawfully wounded Jilli Sun, a Chinese businessman, on February 14th, 2019. It is also alleged that they stole a cellphone worth $100,000 from Chyan Xai Wang at the businessman’s premises in Springlands, Corentyne.

Adams, however, stated that the charges brought before the courts have nothing to do with the matter since they only had an altercation with the businessman. However, while objecting to bail, Police Prosecutor Orin Joseph told the court the medical certificate indicated that Sun suffered severe injuries including a fractured skull and that the police received statements from both of the accused that placed them at the scene of the crime as they just admitted.

The magistrate denied bail and remanded the men until April 8th when the matter will be transferred to the Springlands Magistrate’s Court for hearing.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the men pounced on the Chinese businessman who owns and operates a window and glass business on Valentine’s Day and he was assaulted and hit with a hammer to his head. The incident was witnessed by passersby who notified the police who sprang into action, immediately setting up road blocks. At the road block at the Number 51 Police Station, a white Toyota Premio car, bearing registration number PSS 8991 and driven

by Adams, was detained after he matched the description provided by witnesses.

A further search revealed that the other suspect, December, was walking along the roadway in the vicinity of the roadblock and he too was nabbed and taken into custody.

Police have since confirmed that blood, believed to be that of the businessman, was found on a sneaker of December as well as the floor of the front passenger side of the car. No guns nor ammunition was found on the suspects, but after interrogation, the police were able to pounce on a house at #50 Village on Friday in proximity to where the second suspect was apprehended and arrested three men after twelve live 12-gauge shotgun cartridges were unearthed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Fire guts La Bonne Intention supermarket AN early morning fire gutted the Moon Supermarket, La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara Public Road on Wednesday, leaving millions of dollars in losses of food and other items.

The fire, which started around 05:00hrs, quickly spread and destroyed the building and threatened a storage bond at the back of the business as well as another building next door.

According to information received, the building housing the business was rented from a Guyanese businessman by a group of Chinese nationals who used it as a living quarter and to operate the supermarket.

It is unclear what activities took place in the upper flat of the building.

Guyana Chronicle was, however, told that when the fire started, there were four occupants in the building at the time, among them a child.

One of the Chinese na-

tionals told this publication that the child was rushed to a hospital after being rescued from the burning building.

When this newspaper arrived at the scene, many persons were there observing the firemen as they try to put out the blaze. Residents say they heard loud explosions coming

the firefighters to enter the building, a number of gas cylinders were removed from the premises.

In the process of putting out the fire, the firefighters were forced to use water from a canal which was heavily clogged. At the scene, police and firefighters were seen

The Moon Supermarket at La Bonne Intention on fire

vigilant against looters.

The owner of the building related that he has been renting the facility to the Chinese nationals for the past year.

Guyana Chronicle was unable to ascertain if the Firefighters battling to contain the blaze on the Moon Supermarket, La Bonne Intention, on Wednesday

from within the building prior to the fire.

When the fire was contained and it was safe for

interviewing persons as it relates to the building and the nature of operations conducted there. The police were also

Couple charged for using bar as brothel A COUPLE was on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for using rooms at La Cabana Bar and Hotel as a brothel for prostitution purposes.

Dhanraj Rambarran, 58, and his wife, Khamwattie Rambarran, 53, made their appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the joint charge.

Particulars of the charge alleged that, between January 1, 2019 and February 16, 2019, at Henrietta Village, Essequibo, the couple, while being the owner of the La

Cabana Bar, knowingly used the La Cabana Bar and Hotel as a brothel.

The couple’s attorney, Bernard DaSliva, made an application for bail and told the court that the La Cabana Bar and Hotel was owned

by Dhanraj’s sister and his clients were tenants at the said property.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Gordon Mansfield, made no objection to the couple being granted their pre-trial liberty, but requested that conditions be attached.

The chief magistrate released the couple on $10,000 bail each and ordered them to report every Friday to the

Anna Regina Police Station, until completion of the trial.

The matter was transferred to the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court for February 27, 2019. The Guyana Chronicle had reported that the elderly couple was nabbed at the La Cabana Bar and Hotel during a Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) raid conducted by the police and a Ministerial Task Force TIP team from Georgetown.

At the Bar, located at Henrietta, two females were nabbed, one of them a Venezuelan. The two women were presumed to be sex workers and victims of TIPs.

‘Smallie,’ ‘Catty’ freed of ‘Mango Man’ murder THERE were loud cheers by relatives on Wednesday in the Demerara High Court, when a 12-member jury returned to the courtroom with unanimous not-guilty verdicts for both accused in the 2007 Kumar “Mango Man” Singh murder.

The 12-member jury, after weeks of trial, deliberated for several hours before arriving at the not- guilty verdicts for Sherwin Nero called “Catty” and Mark Royden Williams called Mark Durant and “Smallie”.

After the foreman presented the verdict before Justice James Bovell-Drakes, he told Sherwin Nero he was found not guilty, but he was not free since he had other matters before the court.

Also, Mark Royden Williams who is on death row for the Bartica Massacre had other matters before the court; as such, both Nero and Williams were returned to jail.

According to the state’s case it is alleged that, on August 30, 2007, the two accused, Sherwin Nero called “Catty” and Mark Royden

Williams called “Mark Durant” and “Smallie” murdered Kumar Singh called 'Mango Man'.

According to the indictment, the two men were among four gunmen who, back in 2007, invaded Kumar Singh’s Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, home during which Singh was shot and killed.

Both accused were represented by attorney Nigel Hughes, while the state’s case was presented by Tameika Clarke and Tiffini Lyken.

building was insured. The businessman appeared very lost and distressed as he watched his building go up in flames. A crew from the Guyana Power and Light was also present at the scene

and disconnected the power supply to the area, allowing the firefighters to battle the blaze uninterruptedly. The Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigation into the incident.

Wife killer sentenced ... a purchase.

An argument arose and Benjamin pulled a knife from his waist and stabbed the 38-year- old woman several times about her body.

A post-mortem report prepared by Dr Vivikanand Brijmohan revealed that

there were six incised wounds, which resulted from slashing and stabbing.

The cause of death was recorded as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple incised wounds.

Meanwhile, Attorney at law Chandan Sohan, who

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held the brief for defence lawyer Sasha Roberts, after consulting Benjamin said the now convicted man prefers the court to proceed with sentencing rather than have an adjournment to facilitate a probation report on his background.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

GUYANA Goldfields Inc has announced that it has received environmental authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resume construction and development work on an underground exploration decline at its Aurora Gold Mine (Aurora) in the Cuyuni region.

In a release, the company said the mine, which has been in commercial operation as an open pit since 2016, is anticipated to transition into an eventual combined open-pit and underground operation and would become the first modern underground mine developed in Guyana.

"We appreciate the thorough oversight that the EPA is providing," said Perry Holloway, senior vice- president,

cline will begin immediately.

Going forward, the contractor will complete and reinforce the collar and extend the decline 200 metres to fulfil the scope of the early-works phase. The company expects that this work will take approximately three months to complete once the contractor is fully mobilised. A budget of US$2.0 million has been approved for the early-works phase. The company is finalising the review of bids received for the underground development contract with the target of final award in the second quarter of 2019.

The plan is to advance the exploration decline approximately 2,500 metres, and provide a platform for further underground exploration and definition drilling. The decline is in-

EPA clears Goldfields to resume construction of underground mine Strategy & Corporate Affairs.

"The company is committed to meeting the highest standards in its planning and execution of this important project and we look forward to continued co-operation with the EPA and the government, as we unlock the value of Aurora for Guyana and the company's shareholders."

The underground decline is intended for exploration and definition drilling in support of planned underground production. The company temporarily suspended work on the underground decline in November 2018 at the EPA’s request. “Today's authorisation to resume operations follows the provision by the Company to the EPA of additional information concerning the application of internationally accepted

codes concerning the environment, health and safety practices being proposed,” the company said.

It added that the EPA also conducted a routine compliance inspection of the Aurora mine and camp facilities in December, 2018. The EPA requested that the company modify some aspects of its current waste-management plan, camp waste water treatment circuit and upgrade the waste-oil containment facility. The company has addressed all the matters raised by the EPA during its inspection, which will be further assessed during the next site inspection. At the time of the December inspection, the company was compliant on all other environmental conditions of the operating permit.

Perry Holloway, Senior Vice-President, Strategy & Corporate Affairs

UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION DEVELOPMENT PLAN The recommencement of work on the underground de-

tended to provide access to all principal underground mining areas, including some higher-grade zones in Mad Kiss and East Walcott.

This will allow further delineation of exploration targets, potentially add mineral resources and help convert mineral resources to mineral reserves. In addition, the permit allows for test mining of up to 350,000 tonnes that could potentially provide supplemental mill feed during the development period and further unlock value at the Aurora Gold Mine.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. is a Canada-based, mid-tier gold producer, primarily focused on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana, South America.

Man accused of killing ‘Saga’ for High Court trial TWENTY-Eight-yearold Aubrey Bobb was, on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of 64-year-

old Godfrey Scipio, called “Saga”, a popular businessman, who was killed outside a city hotel in 2017.

Principal Magistrate Leron Daly ruled that a prima

facie case was made out against Bobb, based upon the evidence presented by Police Prosecutor Richard Harris.

The preliminary inqui-

Aubrey Bobb

ry (PI) concluded at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Bobb is set to go on

trial before a judge and jury at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

The charge against Bobb stated that, on October 12, 2017, at Kitty, he murdered Scipio during the course of a robbery.

Also undergoing a PI for Scipio’s murder are former ‘Best Cop’, Detective Corporal Derwin Eastman and Constable Jameson Williams.

Bobb is the key witness in the trial involving the two former cops. The PI is being presided over by Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Bobb is reported to have claimed that Eastman was the mastermind behind the businessman’s murder, and that he (Eastman) also went as far as providing him (Bobb) with the gun to carry out the hit.

Police had arrested Bobb a day after the shooting and after reviewing the CCTV footage attached to a Kitty hotel where Scipio was shot and robbed. The gold jewellery reportedly stolen from Scipio during the robbery was not recovered.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Tutorial Academy student assaults head teacher

A HEADMASTER of Tutorial Academy Secondary School was assaulted by a suspended fourth-former after he was told to leave the school environment at Savannah Park, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The educator, Mr Fenton Fraser, recounted that the teen-

ager was suspended last week for three days, and was told to return with his parents on completion of his suspension.

The student, dressed in uniform, entered the school yard and was reminded to leave.

However, he lingered, prompting a teacher to approach him and again ask him to leave and

return with a parent.

Meanwhile, the close of the school session was delayed from 14:30hrs, to 14:50hrs, as it was recently observed that students attending three of the secondary schools in the New Amsterdam / Canje districts were engaged in fights daily along the roadways. As a

result of the delay in dismissing classes, the head teacher ventured out of the school compound to inform waiting parents of the slight change in the dismissal time.

It was during that period that he again saw the suspended student and enquired why he was still around. At that

instance, the teen used a series of expletives at his principal before punching him. Fortunately, several male students from the nearby School of the Nations were passing, and they intervened before the teachers of Tutorial Academy hurriedly rescued their colleague.

Consequently, the po-

lice were alerted; however, the lad who is now expelled from the learning institution fled the scene. The matter is currently engaging the attention of the Ministry of Education’s School Welfare Department.

Decomposed body of Man remanded for labourer found in home assaulting policeman Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, February 20, 2019, remanded a 26-year-old driver to prison for behaving disorderly at the Brickdam Police Station, resisting arrest and assaulting a traffic officer.

Mark Edwards made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the three charges when they were read to him.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that, on Febru-

ary 14, 2019, at the Brickdam Police Station, Edwards behaved disorderly The second charge alleged that, on the day in question, Edwards resisted arrest by policeman Carl Pedro, who was executing his duties. The last charge alleged that Edwards assaulted Pedro.

Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman opposed Edwards being granted his pre-trial liberty on the grounds that it was becoming a practice for motorists to assault police of-

ficers. He added that a strong message must be sent out to deter such behaviour.

According to reports, on the day in question, Edwards was stopped by the traffic officer, Pedro, for allegedly committing a traffic offence.

Edwards was ordered to drive his motor car to the Brickdam Police Station where, it is alleged that upon arrival, he behaved in a disorderly manner.

The court was told that officer Pedro attempted to arrest

Edwards, but the latter resisted.

It is further alleged that the defendant assaulted the policeman in the presence of other ranks and had to be accosted.

Magistrate McGusty ruled that a strong message should be sent out to stop the assault on policemen.

Edwards was remanded to prison until February 27, 2019.

THE decomposing remains of a 32-year-old labourer was found face-down in his home on Wednesday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Rayon Angel, who resides as Lot 343 Third Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara.

According to police sources, the man was last seen alive on Monday evening by a friend who visited his home. Crime scene investigators who visited his home found no marks of violence on the remains of the dead man.

There was no report that the home where the man lived was ransacked, but detectives have since taken photographs of the scene and are awaiting a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of his death.

The body is at the Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem. A relative who is close to the man said he separated from his wife about six weeks ago following regular confrontations between the two.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

‘We’re very pleased’ …gov’t supporters hail GECOM’s move on house-to-house registration

By Lisa Hamilton MEMBERS of the coalition have hailed the decision of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to continue its routine plan for 2019, which includes house-to-house registration.

On Wednesday, General-Secretary of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, told this newspaper that GECOM has made a decision in favour of the rights of citizens.

“The statement that they made on Tuesday, I believe is a statement in the interest in all of Guyana, because we’ve said also that we need a clean and a sanitised voters’ list,” he stated, adding: “Thousands of people all across this country were picketing for house-to-house registration. The whole purpose was to ensure that the voters’ list with which we would go into election, that, that list is sanitised and it is clean and it is a list upon which you can have credible elections results.”

Indeed, picketing exercises took place in towns such as Bartica, Lethem, Linden, New Amsterdam, Georgetown, sections of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Fort Wellington.

Protesters chanted, “Clean up the list. No registration, no elections.”

“It is an independent

commission and they will make a determination as to their operational readiness for an election,” Harmon said. “We’ve always said that we respect the commission and whatever decisions they make we will work

laying tactic, but we don’t believe that that is the case and we feel very sad and disappointed actually that they would believe that it’s a delaying tactic and peddle that. A lot of the young people who will be new voters,

“I was in the Rupununi over the weekend for the ministerial fan-out and some YFC members, including myself, personally spoke with young people in the Rupununi who were 18 or were about to turn 18, who

istration,” she said. “I’m just looking forward to the start of the house-to-house registration.”

Speaking on the vote of GECOM to continue its 2019 agenda, Ally added: “I feel good about it because I

Residents in Lethem during a protest for the holding of house-to-house registration

with it.”

VERY PLEASED Meanwhile, President of the Alliance For Change (AFC) youth arm, Youth For Change (YFC), Cynthia Rutherford, expressed on behalf of the group that they are “very pleased.”

“We felt, as expressed before to the media, that house-to-house registration was necessary, so that everyone can be included in the voting process and that no youths are disenfranchised,” she said.

“The opposition believes that this call for house-tohouse registration is a de-

you can’t look at them and identify who they’ll throw their support for,” she said.

Rutherford explained frankly that the issue of house-to-house registration is not about parties garnering support, but about ensuring that every eligible young person is granted their constitutional right to vote.

“Everyone who fits the requirements constitutionally, which is 18 years or older, should be able to vote and they should not be disenfranchised just because the opposition believes or feels that an election is necessary within a certain timeframe,” she began.

have not been registered and would have been disenfranchised. So, we’re very happy because this would include a wide range of young people across ethnicity, political support and region.”

People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) General-Secretary and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, gave a similar account of the interest of youths in the Rupununi region in being included in the voting process. “Quite a lot of them [expressed concerns] because they are concerned they are going to be disenfranchised if they don’t receive house-to-house reg-

believe that it is the way to go, because that is going to be able to sanitise the voters’ list. We do not believe in a claims and objections to sanitise the list; we believe in the house-to-house registration, so I think GECOM has made a wise decision.”

In the GECOM decision, which was arrived at by vote on Tuesday, the commission decided that, to facilitate an election, there would be need for appropriation from Parliament.

The decision came after Chief Election Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield was tasked with seeking out the Ministry of Finance on

People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) General- Secretary, Amna Ally

whether the $3B allocated for house-to-house registration in 2019 could be used to fund elections this year.

The Finance Ministry, in providing guidance, stated that the 2019 appropriation for the elections commission is not subject to alteration by the ministry and the $3B sum cannot be transferred without prior approval of the National Assembly.

Regarding this, Harmon said: “I believe GECOM is doing its work and we should continue to support them in the work that they’re doing and, as you know, we’ve provided funds in the National Assembly for them to do registration and, I suppose, at the appropriate time, if they need more money for an election whenever that is, they will come to us again and we will [look] upon it with favour.”

Man found guilty of child rape

ERROL De Souza was, on Wednesday (February 20,

2019), found guilty of two counts of rape of a child

under the age of 16 years, when he appeared in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court, before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

A 12-member jury, after deliberating for more

than two hours, returned the guilty verdict. The accused was remanded to prison and will return to court for sentencing and a probation report on March 6, 2019.

According to the indictment, DeSouza sexually pen-

etrated the girlchild between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013 in the county of Essequibo; the child was then only 10 years old. The accused repeated the act again on May 3, 2014, when the victim was 11 years old.

De Souza was represented by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, while the state’s case was presented

by Prosecutors Lisa Cave, Sarah Martin and Seeta Bishundial.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Judiciary resisting Integrity Commission …chairman vows to continue publicising names of defaulters ply for a supplementary budget in order to accommodate these other expenditures.”

In the meantime, the commission is organising its presidential report to send to the National Assembly as is required, within three months of the new year.

February 22, 2019 will mark one year since the com-

Seated from left are: Member of the Board Rosemary Benjamin-Noble; Chairman of the Integrity Commission, Kumar Doraisami and Commission Secretary, Amanda Jaisingh (Neilon A. Dias photo)

By Lisa Hamilton THE Integrity Commission said it is experiencing resistance from members of the judiciary as some are questioning the body’s right to conduct its work.

The work of the Integrity Commission is aimed at addressing corruption in public office and requires public officials to declare their incomes, assets and liabilities. It ensures that these public officers demonstrate the principles of accountability, dignity, diligence, duty, honour, integrity, loyalty, objectivity, responsibility and transparency.

On Wednesday (February 20, 2019), the commission held a press conference at the Herdmanston Lodge, where it stated that it will, nonetheless, continue with its publication of the names of defaulters in the press. Next up would be defaulters within the judiciary and the Ministry of Finance. “Some people, as far as I’m aware, they’re inclined not to submit. We have a situation where only 50 per cent of the people in the judiciary submitted and there are certain sections of the judiciary who are questioning whether or not this commission…,whether the provisions in it are not against their constitutional positions, because they’re secured by the constitution,” Chairman of the Commission, Kumar Doraisami, said.

“We’re now saying that we could prosecute you.

My answer to whatever the queries are [is] I am in no position, or this commission is in no positon to use discretion as to whether or not we should publish their names.

If they think they ought not to make their declarations to the commission, then they could put the challenge in the court.”

This chairman extended this option to anyone in the public who doubts the commission’s authority.

He added: “This commis-

sion has no discretion. We will have to publish those names if they don’t fill in their forms.”

The body recently interviewed a legal officer, who is also a compliance officer, whom they’re expecting to hire by March.

“We don’t have any investigative officers, so we’re trying to secure some; we’ll have to train them. Once we have the investigative officers we’ll be fully armed to go after those that are declarants who [are non-compliant],” he said.

“We have to ensure that they comply fully with the law; and if they don’t, then the next stage, as the law recommends, is prosecution.”

For the year, the commission has sent out forms and letters to declarants totalling 1,306, but has received only 590 thus far, with 716 defaulters still outstanding.

This led the commission to publish five different sets of names of defaulters in the official gazette and one daily newspaper.

Out of a total of 478 names published, 315 are still outstanding.

ENLARGED SCHEDULE Meanwhile, the commission has reviewed its schedule of declarants and is now recommending that it be enlarged to accommodate new public offices.

These include the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU); the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA); the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Energy (DoE) and head of the Financial Intelligence Unit.

The recommendation also encompasses the deputy commissioner of police; divisional commander and/ assistant commissioner; the crime chief; the traffic chief; the registrar, deputy and assistant registrar of the Land Registry; the deputy and assistant registrar of the Deeds Registry and the registrar,

deputy and assistant registrar of the Commercial Registry.

“SOCU, SARA and so on, they weren’t present [at the passing of the Integrity Commissions Act of 1997].

So, as the society develops, we have to include certain people who are in it as public officers,” Doraisami explained.

“These are people in positions who can be susceptible somehow to people approaching them.”

The commission intends to relay these recommendations to the prime minister, who is responsible for the commission, after the present elections controversy is settled.

The prime minister can then decide whether to see the changes through to Cabinet and eventually the National Assembly.

The commission is also recommending that the date for submissions be shifted from July 1-June 30 to January 1-December 31, which is the normal fiscal year.

Meanwhile, it wants to see the last day to make declarations be shifted from June 30 to April 30 to coincide with the fiscal year for those who have to pay up their income tax.

It also highlighted the challenge of inefficient sums to conduct its work.

In the 2018 Budget, the commission spent $21M on current expenditure and $3.5M on capital expenditure, while for the 2019 budget, the commission received $45M for current expenditure and $2.5M for capital.

“This is not sufficient to run this organisation at full capacity. We need approximately $86M, so that we can cater for all the eventualities; for training programmes; public awareness programmes and so on. We also have to cater for the annual conference with the Caribbean-Commonwealth Integrity Commission,” he said, later adding: “[So] we may have to ap-

mission was constituted.

Doraisami advised: “It’s in their [public officials’] interest to make these declarations. If they don’t make these declarations to the commission, the commission will not be in a position to secure their integrity. The public will have doubts…they’re cu-

rious and they may cast aspersions. In the case where you have your declarations in and they’re correctly put in and the truth are [is] in those declarations, then you don’t have to worry. A public officer is secured by this commission once the declarations are submitted.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

GNBS gets test masses to verify rice mill scales in Region 2 THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Tuesday handed over ten tonnes (10000 kg) of large-capacity test masses to its sub office in Anna Regina, Region Two, to facilitate the verification of weighbridge scales used by rice millers and other

businesses on the Essequibo Coast.

The sixteen test masses, which include six 1000 kilogramme pieces, six 500 kilogram pieces and four 250 kilogram pieces were handed over to GNBS Region Two Inspectors in the presence of representatives

of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and staff members of the CARICOM Rice Mill, Anna Regina, the GNBS said in a release.

At the simple ceremony, the Public Relations Officer of the GNBS, Lloyd David,

One of the test masses being put to work

In photo, Lloyd David, PRO of the GNBS, shakes hands with Dhanpat Ramlakhan, GNBS Inspector Region Two, in the presence of other representatives

stated that the test masses were acquired from the GNBS 2018 Capital expenditure at a cost of approximately thirteen million Guyana dollars. He further stated that the GNBS is ISO 9001:2015 Certified and is keen on improving its services to all categories of stakeholders. In its efforts to remedy logistics and transportation challenges experienced in the past, and to reliably verify large rice mill scales in Region Two, efforts were made to acquire test masses for the region, David said.

Showkat Ali, the RPA representative, lauded the investment made by the Government of Guyana through the GNBS. He stated that there have been repeated concerns expressed by rice farmers in the region at various fora about the weight they receive from millers at the time of sale of their paddy.

Ali, according to a release, believes that these doubts or suspicions will be removed now that the GNBS can easily verify and substantiate the accuracy of scales used at the rice mills.

Meanwhile, Ms. Shonellie Roberts, Quality Assurance Manager of the CARICOM Rice Mills, commended the GNBS for the acquisition of the test masses and stated that the masses will facilitate impromptu and unscheduled checks of weighbridge scales used at her company and other mills on the Essequibo Coast. Further, the Quality Assurance Manager commended the GNBS for its continuous push to expand and make its services available to all the relevant sectors of Guyana’s economy.

Speaking on behalf of the GRDB, the regulatory agency for the rice indus-

try, Clennell Petty, Regional Superintendent, expressed satisfaction that the newly acquired masses are available in the region to verify the scales used at mills. He said that this is a further step toward ensuring that accurate weighing devices are used to safeguard the interests of all parties involved in the process, especially the farmers and millers.

Dhanpat Ramlakhan, GNBS Inspector, Region Two, stated that monitoring of rice mills, especially during the harvesting periods, ensures transparency of the weighing process. He added that the process will now be improved with the newly acquired test masses, and the difficulties of transporting masses from Georgetown to the Coast will now be a thing of the past.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Solar farm not operational due to improper construction THE mega solar farm that was built in Mabaruma, North West District, to provide residents with 24 hours of electricity has not been operating since its completion.

The Regional Executive Officer (REO), Randolph Storm, said that the non-functioning state of the mega solar farm was because of the damage done to an important part by bad weather and lightning.

The government, he said, had made efforts to have a replacement part imported from Germany.

However, the REO disclosed that the farm was visited recently by the Regional Electrical Engineer (REE), Fredrick Cort, along with an engineer from the Guyana Defence Force, Major Nurse, to carry out rehabilitative work.

While inspecting the site to discover the root cause of the malfunction, the REO said that Major Nurse con-

Port Kaituma’s solarpowered system

cluded that the part was burnt because the equipment was not earthed properly.

Even with the part being replaced, Nurse said that it will burn again because of the aforementioned reason.

Storm said that he would be travelling to Georgetown on Thursday (today) and he would take appropriate action aimed at having stable electricity for the residents soonest.

The community is currently being powered with electricity through a generator system in the town but is only afforded nine hours electricity per day (5PM11PM and 5AM-8AM).

It was due to the aforesaid, and in keeping with the green agendthat the government, in 2016, decided to construct an ambitious $264M large-scale solar farm in the town.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan had told the National Assembly, during his budget presentation in 2016, that when operational, the 400-kilowatt solar farm would afford an additional 17 hours of electricity to the 3,000 residents of Mabaruma.

Meanwhile, in Port Kaituma, the REO said that the

The mega solar farm at Mabaruma (Delano Williams photo)

REE and Major Nurse also carried out rehabilitative works to a solar-powered system at the Port Kaituma Hospital.

This system was said to be unserviceable for over five years. However, within four hours, the REO said, Nurse

fixed the broken system and it was in full operation.

Cort explained that the solar system had the capacity to provide adequate electricity, allowing full function of cold storage units and other electrical appliances, as well as the distribution of electric-

ity to the Malaria Department and two apartments within its compound.

The system will be functional on a daily basis at the hospital. However, the main power supply at Port Kaituma was not operational.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Scotiabank records $2.5B profit for 2018 SCOTIABANK Guyana has recorded an after-tax profit of $2,553,640, 000 for 2018, just months after the parent company announced that it planned to sell its operations in Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten and St Vincent & the Grenadines to Republic Financial Holdings.

According to the bank’s condensed financial statements for 2018, its profit dipped by about $254 million compared to 2017.

Scotiabank’s report outlined that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) issued additional assessments for corporation tax liability of $1,122,791,107 for the years of assessment, 2011 to 2017.

“The bank has appealed the GRA’s assessment.

Management believes that the bank will be successful on appeal and accordingly, no provision has been recognised in these financial statements for the effect of the additional corporation tax assessment,” said the bank.

Meanwhile, the bank

confirmed that subsequent to year-end, the Scotiabank Group had entered into an agreement to sell Scotiabank Guyana operations, subject to receipt of all applicable regulatory approval. “Adjustments, if any, have not been made to these financial statements for the effect of this transaction,” said the institution.

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) in 2018, had reported fourth-quarter earnings which were marginally below expectations and planned to exit nine Caribbean countries as part of a restructuring of its operations.

The bank, which has operated in the Caribbean since 1889, said that it would refocus its business in the Region by selling its insurance operations in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago to Sagicor Financial Corporation, with whom it will partner to sell insurance products in those countries.

In a statement of its own, the Ministry of Finance had said Republic Bank currently holds 35.4 per cent of the banking systems assets and

36.8per cent of deposits in Guyana; the acquisition of Scotiabank will up this to 51 per cent of both assets and deposits.

This too will have an impact on competition and the potential for Republic Bank to have too much influence on pricing of banking products and rates. The sale will also have an impact on issues related to correspondent-banking options and the loss of jobs, with Republic Bank likely to consolidate branches.

According to the ministry, the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) has clear stipulations regarding ‘acquisition of control’ and requires approval of the Bank of Guyana, following the submission of an application and due diligence being conducted.

The finance ministry said the decision, made when Guyana’s economy is on the cusp of financial transformation with the onset of the massive new oil and gas sector, raises concerns and is regretted.

Sand Creek reaping benefits of housing construction TOSHAO of the South Rupununi community of Sand Creek, Maxie Pugsley, said that the construction of 48 low-income homes through the Government of Guyana and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Sustainable Hinterland Housing Project is creating a rippling effect in the economy of the village and he is very pleased with this.

With farmers experiencing low produce due to flooding, Pugsley told this newspaper on Sunday on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting that the project is causing many to earn alternatively. “The community is benefitting from it, the contractors are benefitting from it, the saw men are benefitting from it, the people who are making the bricks are benefitting from it, so money is circulating,” he said.

The 48 families have already been identified for the homes and six of these are already completed. Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Yearwood, said “The beauty about the project is not only that the families will be re-

One of the low-income houses under construction

ceiving them free, but the labour and materials are taken from right within the communities, hence the reason Sand Creek and other communities are being empowered.”

The low-income homes are part of government’s commitment to improve the livelihood of low-income households in these pre-selected hinterland communities. The loan was approved to the tune of US$ 3.1 M. Some communities that are benefitting in Region one are Sebai, Kamwatta and Whitewater and Katoka, Kwatamang and Massara in Region Nine, including Sand Creek.

The completion of the construction of these homes

is just one of the development projects that Sand Creek will benefit from in 2019. The sum of $5M from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs has been allocated for the eco-tourism lodge which will exploit the beauty of the community, since its surrounding mountains and forest make it a tourist attraction. The health centre will also see an expansion of its maternity section and the $1.2 M presidential grant will be used for a developmental project of the village council’s choice.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Gayle century in vain as Roy and Root propel England to record run chase

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Chris Gayle’s 24th one-day hundred went in vain as West Indies paid dearly for a plethora of missed chances in the field, allowing England to complete their highest-ever run chase in One-Day Internationals and win the opening contest of the five-match series by six wickets here Wednesday.

Asked to chase a venue record 361, world number one England hardly broke a sweat as they reached their target in the penultimate over with eight balls to spare, to carve out a piece of history at the storied Kensington Oval – with what was also the third-highest successful run chase in history.

They were propelled by opener Jason Roy who blasted a chancy 123 off 85 balls while Joe Root added 102 off 97 deliveries, as England bettered their previous best run chase of 350 against New Zealand at Nottingham four years ago.

Captain Eoin Morgan chipped in with 65 off 51 balls while opener Jonny Bairstow stroked 34.

Roy slammed 15 fours and three sixes in scoring his seventh ODI hundred but lived a charmed life, benefitting from four chances on 75, 82, 107 and 119.

Root, meanwhile, was dropped on 45 and 63 – both times by Ashley Nurse – as he notched his 14th ODI hundred

laced with nine fours.

Veteran Gayle had earlier blazed a shot-filled 135 off 129 deliveries as West Indies marched imperiously to 360 for eight – their highest-ever total on Caribbean soil and the highest against England.

Shai Hope stroked a typically delightful 64 off 65 balls while Darren Bravo chipped in with 40 and debutant opener John Campbell, 30, as the Windies tallied their joint third-highest ODI total – tying the mark against Pakistan in Karachi, 32 years ago.

Opting to bat first, West Indies got a decent start as debutant left-hander Campbell dominated the opening stand with Gayle, hitting four fours and a six in a 28-ball knock before swatting seamer Chris Woakes (2-59) to Moeen Ali at deep mid-wicket in the ninth over with 38 runs on the board.

Gayle then anchored the innings, first in a 131-run, second wicket stand with Hope, whose eighth ODI half-century included seven fours and a six.

Hope was the first to his half-century, reaching the mark off 48 balls in the 25th over as West Indies reached 132 for one at the half-way stage.

However, he perished in the 30th over, caught on the ropes at third man off a leading edge, trying to work one from seamer Ben Stokes (3-37) into the on side.

Gayle, meanwhile, started

slowly before blossoming to pummel three fours and a dozen sixes. Dropped on nine by Roy off seamer Liam Plunkett in the 12th over, he reached his half-century off 76 deliveries before completing three figures at a run-a-ball in the 35th over, with a single to point off Woakes.

He added a further 60 for the third wicket with Shimron Hetmyer who made 20, before putting on 64 with for the fifth wicket with Bravo who belted two fours and four sixes in a 30-ball cameo.

A tiring Gayle was eventually sixth out in the 47th over, playing on to Stokes, before Ashley Nurse arrived to lash an unbeaten 25 off eight balls to sustain the tempo at the death.

In reply, England were never in trouble, especially after Roy inspired a 91run, opening stand off just 65 balls with Bairstow, who struck three fours. England were galloping along when Bairstow fell, top-edging a pull at Holder (2-63) to be caught at the wicket

by Hope. `Any hopes the Windies had of turning the contest their way were then dashed as Root anchored two century stands to put the result beyond doubt.

First, he put on 114 for the second wicket with Roy before adding 116 for the third wicket with Morgan, who stroked four fours and three sixes.

Roy fell in the 27th over,

cutting leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo to Bravo at short third man and Morgan departed in the 43rd, driving speedster Oshane Thomas low to Holder at mid off.

Root reached his hun-

dred off 96 balls in the penultimate over with a boundary off Holder to third man but then holed out to deep mid-wicket off the next ball with England needing a single run for victory.

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES C Gayle b Stokes 135 J Campbell c Moeen Ali b Woakes 30 +S Hope c Rashid b Stokes 64 S Hetmyer c Roy b Woakes 20 N Pooran c Roy b Rashid 0 D Bravo c Woakes b Rashid 40 *J Holder st Buttler b Rashid 16 C Brathwaite c wkp Buttler b Stokes 3 A Nurse not out 25 D Bishoo not out 9 Extras: (b1, lb1, w15, nb1) 18 TOTAL: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 360 Did not bat: O Thomas.

Fall of wickets: 1-38, 2-169, 3-229, 4-230, 5-294, 6-317, 7-322, 8-343.

Bowling: Woakes 10-0-59-2 (w2), Wood 7-0-49-0 (w5, nb1), Moeen Ali 10-0-85-0, Plunkett 6-0-54-0 (w4), Stokes 8-0-37-3 (w2), Rashid 9-0-74-3 (w2) ENGLAND J Roy c Bravo b Bishoo 123 J Bairstow c wkp Hope b Holder 34 J Root c Pooran b Holder 102 *E Morgan c Holder b Thomas 65 B Stokes not out 20 +J Buttler not out 4 Extras: (lb3, w13) 16 TOTAL: (4 wkts, 48.4 overs) 364 Did not bat: Moeen Ali, C Woakes, L Plunkett, A Rashid, M Wood.

Fall of wickets: 1-91, 2-205, 3-321, 4-360.

Bowling: Bishoo 10-0-78-1, Thomas 9-0-72-1 (w4), Holder 9.40-63-2 (w3), Brathwaite 9-0-66-0 (w5), Nurse 10-0-69-0 (w1), Campbell 1-0-13-0.

GBA, GOA united to bring back Cuban boxing coach GUYANA Boxing Association (GBA) and Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) have partnered to retain the services of Cuban boxing coach Francisco Roldan.

Roldan, one of two Cuban coaches contracted by the Government of Guyana and the GOA from 2012 to 2015, will return to help Guyana qualify for the Pan American games set for July.

“I promise them that I will work very hard to try to give my level best of service,” Roldan told a press conference yesterday morning at the GOA. Meanwhile, GOA president K.A. Juman-Yassin told

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the media that the arrangement came about after discussions with the GBA. “The GOA will be footing his full bill in Guyana - accommodation, meals and we want to call it a stipend other than a salary; and it is my expectation that our boxers can qualify for the Pan American Games in July,” Yassin said.

According to Yassin, “The agreement that GOA has with GBA is that once the boxers qualify for the Pan Am in July, Mr Roldan will remain here for that.”

In order to attend the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, Guyana will have to firstly qualify via a tourna-

ment set for the first weekend of April in Nicaragua.

Yassin noted that should they qualify, if Roldan attends the Pan American Games is entirely up to the GBA. He has, however, asked that the coach’s name is added to the long list of persons interested in attending which ends on the March 31.

At the Pan Am Games, Guyana will have a chance to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Should they miss that, the GOA boss stated, then there will be other opportunities and the case of Roldan would change moving forward.

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GBA boss Steve Ninvalle, also at yesterday morning’s press conference, contended that “Mr Roldan will be working as of tomorrow (today) so there is not too much elbow time from him.”

Among some of the plans GBA has for Roldan’s tenure are workshops, encampment periods and other training regimen expected to put the fighters in top form ahead of the Nicaragua tournament.

To this end, the GOA also pledged equipment and has called on the NSC and the Government of Guyana to come on board in support of the initiative.

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2019 Cricket World Cup:

Who will be hot or not - Part 2

LONDON, England (AFP) - With Tuesday 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: PART TWO NEW ZEALAND The Blacks Caps hope to shed their tag as the World Cup’s nearly men and claim the title after making the semi-finals six times and the final once - in 2015 when they suffered a heavy loss to Australia.

While Kane Williamson has replaced Brendon McCullum as captain, the core of the team that powered New Zealand to the 2015 decider remains, although a recent strong run of form was marred somewhat by a 4-1 series loss to India in January.

GAMECHANGER: Speedster Lockie Ferguson adds genuine pace to New Zealand’s seam attack, regularly sending down 150 km/h thunderbolts and troubling batsmen with an array of bouncers and blistering yorkers.

Ferguson has added some much-needed consistency to his game and the Black Caps will be looking for the 27-year-old to ramp up the aggression and give them an intimidation factor at his first World Cup. PAKISTAN It’s certain that Pakistan will be unpredictable. At the Champions Trophy in England two years ago, they were routed by India by 124 runs in the opening match before thrashing their arch-rivals by a massive 180 runs in the final.

Under Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan have some exciting talent -- from Mohammad Amir to Usman Shinwari to Hasan Ali. If their vulnerable batting comes good they

could repeat the exploits of Imran Khan who led the team to their only World Cup in Australia in 1992.

GAMECHANGER: Babar Azam, just 24, has been compared to India superstar Virat Kohli. Babar has an ODI average of over 51 and has hit eight centuries and 10 50s.

ments of star batsman AB de Villiers and fast bowler Morne Morkel. They have won 12 and lost ten ODIs since the start of 2018.

GAMECHANGER: Hard-hitting left-hander David Miller is a powerful batsman capable of changing the course of a match

Just like Kohli!: Pakistan’s Babar Azam (AFP photo/Christiaan Kotze)

SOUTH AFRICA Ever since losing on a bizarre rain rule in the semi-finals of their first World Cup campaign in 1992, South Africa have seemingly been jinxed in knock-out matches. They have only won one such match, a quarter-final in 2015, but have been beaten in four semi-finals and two quarter-finals, sometimes in circumstances that have been heartbreaking for their supporters.

The Proteas will go to the 2019 tournament with modest expectations, lacking the depth of all-rounders that made them a formidable force in the late 1990s and early 2000s and hit by the retire-

and an outstanding fielder.

He was man-of-the-series in a recent T20 series win against Pakistan.

Breakout star could be Lungi Ngidi, a 22-year-old fast bowler with the physique of a heavyweight boxer. He has missed most of the current season with a knee injury but is back and bowling quickly in franchise cricket.

SRI LANKA Wi t h a l l e g a t i o n s o f match-fixing and corruption plaguing Sri Lankan cricket, the 1996 World Cup champions are not a threat to top international sides despite their recent Test win in South Africa. The islanders crashed out of the 2015 edi-

tion after a big loss to South Africa in the quarter-finals and have since witnessed a decline in their cricketing fortunes.

Sri Lanka hit a new low in 2017 after a visiting Zimbabwe team beat them 3-2 in a five-match ODI series and the island nation have not won a bi-lateral rubber in the last two years. Performance apart, Sri Lankan cricket has been at the centre of allegations including attempted match-fixing ahead of a Test against England last year. But their one-wicket win over South Africa in Durban this weekend will give them hope to cause a few upsets in the World Cup. GAMECHANGER: Old warhorse Lasith Malinga still remains Sri Lanka’s best bet in the bowling department and key to any chance of Sri Lanka making an impact in England and Wales. The 35-year-old paceman returned as the team’s best with seven wickets in their recent 3-0 loss in New Zealand. He was also captaining the side.

With 318 wickets in 213 matches since making his ODI debut in 2004, Malinga can still inspire a struggling Sri Lankan side with his experience and his ability to stifle runs in the death overs with his slinging yorkers.

WEST INDIES Champions of the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979, West Indies appear doomed to endure a tortuous tournament despite their recent Test series win over England on home ground. Failed to get past the quarter-finals in 2011 and 2015 and were forced to qualify for 2019.

Sevilla power past Lazio as both sides see red

SEVILLE, Spain (Reuters) - Five-time Europa League winners Sevilla advanced to the last 16 of the competition with a 2-0 home win over Lazio yesterday, with a goal in each half sealing a 3-0 aggregate victory as both sides finished the game with 10 men.

French forward Wissam Ben Yedder, scorer of the only goal in the Spanish side’s 1-0 win in Rome last week, gave Sevilla a two-goal cushion in the tie 20 minutes into the game by pouncing on the rebound after Thomas Strakosha had parried Franco Vazquez’s shot.

Lazio required two goals to stay in the competition and they missed a golden opportunity to get back into contention, early in the second half when defender Francesco Acerbi sneaked into the area but was thwarted by Sevilla keeper Tomas Vaclik.

The Italians’ hopes of a comeback were boosted

when Sevilla midfielder Franco Vazquez was sent off for a second yellow card with half an hour remaining and former Sevilla forward Ciro Immobile sent a shot onto the roof of the net.

But Simone Inzaghi’s side surrendered their numerical advantage 11 minutes later when Adam Marusic was given a straight red card for striking Roque Mesa in the face.

Sevilla midfielder Sarabia closed out the tie in the 78th minute with a well-worked goal, playing a one-two with Jesus Navas down the right wing and racing into the box to smash the ball inside the near post.

The win eased the pressure on Sevilla coach Pablo Machin after Sunday’s chastening 3-0 defeat at Villarreal in La Liga and should boost their confidence ahead of Saturday’s game against leaders Barcelona.

Lazio suffered their third straight defeat in all competitions.

Hanoman produces all-time best to win LGC Valentine tournament

VETERAN golfer, Robert Hanoman, last Saturday excelled in his net performance beyond any accomplishments he had made before in his golfing career, as he netted 63 – the best net at the LGC so far this year – off his 28 handicap.

This tournament was played under a 3-Flights medal play system, with an experimental change of the Flights. Prizes were awarded for the 1st to 3rd places in each Flight, as well as to overall Best Gross, overall Best Net, Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive. The overall Best Net scorer was considered the tournament champion. Richard Haniff won most of the prizes for the tournament.

Winners in the 0-15 category were: Joaan Deo (70/15) – 1st; Patrick Prashad (70/9) – 2nd and Richard Haniff (72/10) – 3rd. Close runner-ups were Aleem Hussain (72/10). He tied with Richard for 3rd place, but Richard won in the back 9 countback; Satrohan Tiwari (73/15) and Mike Mangal (75/9).

Winners in the 16–21 category were Rabindranath Persaud (70/17) – 1st; Hilbert Shields (70/16) – 2nd; and Lekhnarine Shivraj (71/17) – 3rd. The closest competitor after these three was Gavin Todd (73/17).

Winners in the 22 -28 category were: Robert Hanoman (63/91) – 1st; Maxim Mangra (70/28) – 2nd; and Videsh Persaud (76/28) – 3rd.

Patrick Prashad won the Best Gross with 88, while Richard Haniff took away Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive. Overall Best net was Hanoman.

From left: Hilbert Shields; Patrick Prashad; Richard Haniff; Joaan Deo; Robert Hanoman; Maxim Mangra; Aleem Hussain and Chatterpaul Deo.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

Taylor claims New Zealand ODI milestone in Bangladesh sweep (REUTERS) - Ross Taylor became New Zealand’s highest scorer in one-day internationals yesterday as he helped his side secure an 88-run victory over Bangladesh in Dunedin in their final official ODI before the World Cup. The 34-year-old topscored with 69, his 47th ODI half-century, to move to 8 026 career runs and ahead of former captain Stephen Fleming’s 8,007 as New Zealand scored 330 for six at University Oval.

Tim Southee then took three wickets in his first two overs with Sabbir Rahman’s maiden one-day century not enough as Bangladesh were dismissed for 242 in 47.2 overs to give New Zealand a 3-0 series sweep. Southee finished with 6-65.

“I knew I was close at the start of the day ... but that was only because I was told I was 50 runs away by a journalist yesterday,” Taylor told Sky Sports yesterday.

“It was nice to get the

reception I got,” he added of the standing ovation he received when he reached 51 and the crowd were told of the significance of the score.

“Very humbling.”

“Probably Guppy (Martin Guptill) and then Kane (Williamson) after that.”

Guptill, who scored centuries in each of the first two games, has 6 440 runs at

Ross Taylor top-scored with 69, his 47th ODI fifty, to move to 8 026 career runs and went past Stephen Fleming’s record to become New Zealand highest run-getter.

The right-hander, who now has an average of 48.34, however, said he did not expect to hold the record for too long.

“It’s nice to set the bar for the next guy,” Taylor added.

43.51, while captain Williamson has 5 554 at 45.90.

Taylor is in a rich run of form. He has scored 2 892 at 68.85 with eight centuries since the last World Cup and averaged 91.28 last

year, but sidestepped any questions about retirement.

“We’ll have to wait and see how the body is going,” said Taylor, who turns 35 on March 8.

“It’s definitely in your thinking, because you have to think about retirement after cricket.

“In saying that, you still need to earn the right to play for the team. At the moment I’m really enjoying my time and hopefully I’ll have a couple of more years left in me.”

New Zealand have no more official ODIs before the World Cup starts on May 30, but Taylor said he felt they had learned enough from 3-0 series sweeps against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and a 4-1 loss to India to be competitive in England.

“I think we’re getting a good nucleus of depth in this team and hopefully we can go over and compete,” he said.

“I guess we need to have a full complement of batters and bowlers going well.”

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings Martin Guptill c Tamim Iqbal b Mohammad Saifuddin 29 Colin Munro lbw Mashrafe Mortaza

8 Henry Nicholls c Tamim Iqbal b Mehedi Hasan

64 Ross Taylor c Mahmudullah b Rubel Hossain

69 Tom Latham c Soumya Sarkar b Mustafizur Rahman 59 Jimmy Neesham b Mustafizur Rahman

37 Colin de Grandhomme not out

37 Mitchell Santner not out

16 Extras: (lb-3, nb-2, w-6)

11 Total: (six wkts, 50.0 overs)

330 Fall of wickets: 1-21, 2-59, 3-151, 4-206, 5-271, 6-284.

Bowling: Mashrafe Mortaza 10-1-51-1, Mustafizur Rahman 100-93-2 (w-3, nb-1), Rubel Hossain 9-0-64-1, (nb-1), Mohammad Saifuddin 10-0-48-1, Mehedi Hasan 9-0-43-1 (w-1), Mahmudullah 2-0–28-0 (w-1).

BANGLADESH 1st innings Tamim Iqbal c Tom Latham b Tim Southee

0 Liton Das lbw Tim Southee

1 Soumya Sarkar b Tim Southee

0 Mushfiqur Rahim c Colin Munro b Trent Boult 17 Mahmudullah c Colin Munro b Colin de Grandhomme 16 Sabbir Rahman c & b Tim Southee

102 Mohammad Saifuddin c Martin Guptill b Trent Boult 44 Mashrafe Mortaza c Trent Boult b Tim Southee

2 Mehedi Hasan c Martin Guptill b Tim Southee

37 Rubel Hossain run-put Mitchell Santner

3 Extras: (lb-2, w-18)

20 Total: (all out, 47.2 overs)

242 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, 4-40, 5-61, 6-162, 7-170, 8-237, 9-242.

Bowling: Tim Southee 9.2-1-65-6 (w-7), Trent Boult 9-1-37-2 (w-2), Colin de Grandhomme 5-0-18-1 (w-2), Lockie Ferguson 10-0-50-0 (w-3), Mitchell Santner 10-2-46-0, Jimmy Neesham 4-0-24-0.

Masakadza named Zimbabwe skipper across all formats IPL 2019 schedule announced for first 2 weeks

HARARE, Zimbabwe (Reuters) - Hamilton Masakadza was yesterday named captain of Zimbabwe for all three formats of international cricket for the next year, but a planned tour to India next month looks to have fallen through and the team have no fixtures planned before July.

Masakadza’s appointment is for the 2019/20 sea-

Hamilton Masakadza

ICC hands UAE-based coach ten-year ban for corruption (REUTERS) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday it had banned United Arab Emirates-based coach Irfan Ansari from all cricket for 10 years after he was found guilty of corruption.

Cricket’s world governing body said Ansari, the coach of the One Stop Tourism and Multiplex team, had breached three counts of its Anti-Corruption Code.

“During the hearing, the Tribunal heard evidence that Ansari approached Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed during the Pakistan series with Sri Lanka in the UAE in October 2017 with a view to engaging him in corrupt conduct by soliciting information from him,” the ICC statement read.

ICC General Manager Alex Marshall thanked Sarfraz for showing “true leadership and professionalism from the moment he reported this approach.”

Marshall said Ansari had also failed to cooperate with the ICC investigation since being charged last May. “This is the first time we have prosecuted for failure to cooperate ... since the new rules enabling us to demand the participants hand over their phone for examination and the sanction reflects the seriousness of the offence,” he added.

“It is an important tool to aid our investigations and continue in our efforts to rid the sport of these corrupters.”

son, with Peter Moor named as vice-captain, Zimbabwe Cricket said in a statement.

The 35-year-old Masakadza has extensive experience of leading Zimbabwe, having captained in three Tests, 20 One-Day Internationals and 11 Twenty20s.

He skippered the side late last year on tour to South Africa and Bangladesh when captain Graeme Cremer was forced out after knee surgery.

Cremer has since put his cricket career on hold for family reasons.

Zimbabwe had been scheduled to play a Test and three ODIs in India in March according to the Future Tours Programme. But this looks unlikely to happen as India host Australia in a limited overs series until mid-March then the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 competition starts 10 days later on March 23.

Zimbabwe, who did not qualify for the World Cup in England, have confirmed plans for three ODIs and three T20s in Ireland in July.

Chennai Super Kings will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening game of IPL 2019 in Chennai. (BCCI)

DEFENDING champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening match of IPL 2019 in Chennai on March 23.

The schedule, which was announced on Tuesday, was only for the first two weeks of the tournament and “subject to the announcement of the Lok Sabha 2019 election dates”.

The BCCI, which is await-

ing details of the 2019 elections, stated that once the polling dates are decided it would “address any issues with the first two weeks and will also prepare a schedule for the remainder of the season, working with the local authorities around the polling dates.”

As per the current schedule, as many as 17 matches will be played from March 23 to April 5, with three double-header days

on March 24, 30 and 31.

Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers will play five games in the said period while the remaining six teams will play four matches each. The Capitals are scheduled to play three home games in the first two weeks while the Royal Challengers will play three away games.

The rest of the teams will play two home and two away games each.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

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Harbhajan Covent Garden males, Soesdyke calls for females win East Bank Zone windball championship Pakistan World Cup boycott

Covent Garden Secondary won the East Bank Zone of the competition.

TEN-TIME champions Covent Garden Secondary School emerged victorious in the male final of the East Bank Demerara Zone in the Forbes Burnham Foundation, National Sports Commission (NSC), Al Sport and Tour Promotions 28th annual Easter Term schools windball cricket championship.

Camille’s Institute for Business and Science Studies, who won the zone titles last year, had to settle for second place in both the male and female finals this year, which were played this week at the National Gymnasium.

The overall female runners-up last year went down to Soesdyke Secondary School in the zone final. Camille’s Institute batted first and scored 101-1 from their allotted five overs, with Stacy Flores exploding with 74. The hard-hitting batter clobbered

11 sixes. Support came from A. Singh with 28. Despite the aggressive batting, Soesdyke Secondary emerged victory after scoring 102 without loss. Ashanti Stephenson led the attack with 48.

MALE DIVISION In their semifinal clash, Covent Garden had defeated Soesdyke Secondary. Soesdyke batted first and scored 102-0, while Covent Garden replied with 107-4.

In the male final, Camille’s Institute batted first and scored 104-3, while Covent Garden replied with 108 without loss with Jason Jwan hitting 36.

Covent Garden will now play the East Coast Demerara male winners, while Soesdyke will play the ECD female champs.

Champions League

Late goals give Manchester City 3-2 win at Schalke GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany (Reuters) - Late goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling gave Manchester City a 3-2 win at Schalke 04 in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg yesterday that put the English side in the driving seat.

Substitute Sane scored against his former club with a sensational free kick in the 86th after Nabil Bentaleb converted two spot kicks in the 38th and 45th minutes to put Schalke ahead.

Sergio Aguero had given City the lead in the 18th and the English champions were left with 10 men in the 68th minute when Nicolas Otamendi was sent off following a second booking.

City, who have conceded at least two goals in six of their seven games in the Champions League knockout stages under Pep Guardiola, will also be without yellow-carded Fernandinho for the return leg in Manchester on March 12.

Argentine Aguero, who netted two hat-tricks in his previous three Premier League games, scored with a simple tap-in after a pass from keeper Ralf Faehrmann was intercepted.

City completely overran the Germans at the start but instead of scoring again, they inexplicably fell back, allowing determined Schalke to come forward.

The Royal Blues were rewarded when a handball earned Otamendi a booking and the hosts a spot kick that Algeria international Bentaleb converted after the use of the video assistant referee (VAR).

Schalke incredibly went ahead seven minutes later after earning another penalty when Fernandinho clumsily brought down Salif Sane.

Bentaleb again stepped up and scored his second goal of the evening despite keeper Ederson getting his hands on the ball.

With coach Guardiola growing increasingly frustrated on the City bench, the visitors tried for an early goal after the break

but this time came up against an organised Schalke backline.

To make matters worse for City, Otamendi was sent off with a second booking in the 68th to take any pace left out of City’s game before Leroy Sane’s missile saved the day for the English side.

Sterling then slipped into the box late in the game to grab victory with a dramatic winner.

Harbhajan Singh

NEW DELHI, India (AFP) - Spin star Harbhajan Singh has called for India to boycott their World Cup game against Pakistan in June, in protest against a Kashmir attack which left more than 40 paramilitaries dead.

India has accused its arch-rival neighbour of supporting the attack and, amid nationwide calls for reprisals, Singh said: “There is no need for any relations with Pakistan, let alone cricket.

“Don’t play the World Cup match with Pakistan on June 16 - country comes first for all of us and we are all standing with our forces,” added the 38-year-old, who played his last Test in 2015 but is still an Indian Premier League (IPL) regular.

“Pakistan has been promoting cross-border terrorism and this attack was unbelievably shocking,” said Singh, whose 417 Test wickets are the second highest for an off-spinner.

Pakistan has denied any role in the attack.

India, one of the World Cup favourites, would at the very least forfeit the match points if they boycott the group game to be played in Manchester. But Singh said this would not matter.

“I don’t care about losing points, as the Indian team is powerful enough to win the World Cup without playing Pakistan,” Singh told the Aaj Tak Hindi news channel late Monday.

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson expressed sympathy over the attack in Kashmir last Thursday, which saw a suicide bomber ram an explosives-laden car into a military convoy.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

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Raheem Sterling

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Roston Chase-8/60 (Barbados) Mark Wood-5/41 (St. Lucia)

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TODAY’S QUIZ: What was the highest individual score by a WI player in the just-concluded WI/ENG Test series?

What was the highest individual score by an England player in the series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

World Cup ‘firsts’ still vivid for West Indies hero Lloyd LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — The children playing cricket in the unlikely setting of London’s Trafalgar Square could have been forgiven for not knowing the identity of the grey-haired gentleman loping between the wickets.

Yet even wearing a heavy coat to guard against the chill of an English winter morning, the tall, bespectacled and slightly stooping figure of Clive Lloyd was still instantly recognisable to generations of cricket fans.

Lloyd was in London on Tuesday at an event marking 100 days until the start of the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

But unlike all the England cricketers past and present also involved, including Nasser Hussain,

Graeme Swann, Alastair Cook and James Anderson, Lloyd knows what it is be a World Cup-winner, having led West Indies to victories in Lord’s finals in 1975 and 1979.

The 1975 edition, the inaugural men’s World Cup, saw West Indies captain Lloyd make a superb century during a 17-run win in the final against Australia.

“It was the first World Cup — they’ll never be another first —and having won it in front of a large West Indian contingent, it was quite exciting,” Lloyd told AFP. Modern batsmen are often expected to score at better than a run-a-ball in a one-day game.

That wasn’t the case, however, in 1975 when field

restrictions had yet to become part of limited-overs cricket.

Lloyd’s innings of 102 off 85 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes, in the final would have been eye-catching enough in scoring-rate terms alone.

But that he came in with West Indies having slumped to 50 for three after being sent into bat by Australia captain Ian Chappell and made a hundred against an attack featuring outstanding quicks Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson, as well as left-arm swing bowler Gary Gilmour, made it all the more impressive.

Lloyd — dropped early on — received excellent support from veteran batsman Rohan Kanhai who, in his 40th year, got off the

mark by driving the fearsomely fast Thomson off the back foot for four.

The pair shared a stand of 149 that helped West Indies to a total of 291 for eight in a then 60 overs, with Chappell later remarking that Lloyd “battered us from one side of Lord’s to the other”.

Lloyd’s recollection was, typically, rather more understated.

“I got a few runs — I think I got 102 — but the point is I got in there when we lost three quick wickets, so we were in a spot of bother.

“Rohan Kanhai and myself sort of rallied the situation and then we got to a pretty good score. We had a total that we can defend and we defended it quite well.

Although it was close in the

Atletico strike late to overpower Juventus

MADRID, Spain (Reuters) Atletico Madrid took a huge advantage in their heavyweight Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, earning a 2-0 home win, thanks to late goals from Uruguayan defenders Jose Gimenez and Diego Godin in a tense, incident-packed game yesterday.

(VAR) review.

Atletico also had a penalty awarded then taken away by the technology earlier in the game but only grew in determination and captain Godin grabbed a vital second goal in the 83rd minute to take into the return leg in Turin.

The veteran defender appeared at the near post to

reached four of the last five Champions League finals between them without lifting the trophy, was as bruising and tight a match as could be expected between sides renowned for their intimidating defences.

Juve’s signing of Ronaldo was a clear attempt to boost their firepower

Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez celebrates scoring their first goal. (REUTERS/Sergio Perez)

Gimenez slid to the floor in a crowded penalty box to bundle the ball into the net from close range in the 78th minute, after former Juve forward Alvaro Morata had had a goal ruled out following a Video Assistant Referee

knock a loose ball into the net after Atletico wreaked havoc again from a setpiece, the shot deflecting off familiar foe Cristiano Ronaldo on its way in.

The meeting of two European juggernauts, who have

and hopes of winning the competition but the man who scored 22 times against Atletico as a Real Madrid player was kept relatively quiet on his return to the Spanish capital.

The Portuguese tested

Atletico keeper Jan Oblak early on with a scorching free kick and, as his side chased an away goal in stoppage time, he headed over the bar, prompting gleeful whistles from the home supporters at a raucous Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, which will host the competition’s final in June.

Atletico had made a timid start and their best moment before the interval was when a bursting run from Diego Costa drew a foul by the area which was initially given as a penalty then reduced to a free kick.

Roared on by their famously fervent supporters and animated coach Diego Simeone, Atletico grew in confidence in the second half and should have taken the lead when a pass from deep

by Antoine Griezmann released Costa, who rampaged towards the area but dragged his shot well wide of goal.

France forward Griezmann came much closer to scoring moments later but his attempted chip was turned on to the crossbar by Juve keeper Wojciech Szczesny.

That save did not halt Atletico’s momentum and they were well worthy of the two goals, although they must do without Costa and Thomas Partey, who are suspended from the second leg on March 12 along with Juve’s Alex Sandro.

World Cup hero Clive LLoyd

end, we were always in the ascendancy.”

West Indies had to come through a qualifying event to reach this year’s World Cup. But they recently upset the odds to beat England 2-1 in a Test series and their 74-year-old former captain believes they could cause a few upsets at the World Cup as well, especially if self-styled “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle — a powerful left-handed batsman in the Lloyd mould — finds his

form.

“I think they can be quite a formidable side if they choose the right team,” said Lloyd ahead of the start of a five-match one-day series between the West Indies and World Cup favourites England in Barbados on Wednesday.

“We have some good one-day players and let’s hope Mr Gayle fires in more ways than one. I think they can do very well in this competition.”

‘Stress reaction’ rules Roach out of England ODIs

By George Dobell in Barbados WEST Indies remain hopeful Kemar Roach will be available for their World Cup campaign despite being forced out of the ODI series against England.

Kemar Roach

Roach, who carried a heavy workload in the Test series victory over England, reported back pain in the last few days. He was subsequently sent for a scan that showed a stress reaction in the back. Cricket West Indies (CWI) are adamant it is not a stress fracture.

Roach was man-of-theseries in the Test victory over England. He bowled more overs (96.5) than any of his colleagues. However, and with Keemo Paul suffering an injury in St Lucia, he may have been asked to deliver more overs than was ideal in that final game.

With 80 ODIs behind him, Roach is one of the more experienced seamers in West Indies’ likely World Cup squad and his loss would be significant. West Indies currently have no plans to call-up a replacement into the ODI squad, though it remains likely that Andre Russell will be added to it before the series ends.

If Roach is to play any part in the World Cup campaign, it is likely he will have to play some part in West Indies’ tour of Ireland in early May which sees them play in a tri-series also involving Bangladesh.

He is currently scheduled to travel on the tour in the hope he can prove his match fitness during it.

West Indies also have three unofficial warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup. There could be an unusual look to that West Indies squad. CWI are happy for any of their players involved in the IPL to take a full part in the tournament, so the Ireland tour may provide opportunities for fringe players, including those who have impressed on an A tour to Kenya that is likely to precede it.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, February 21, 2019

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Bent Street, Sparta Boss through to Magnum Mash Futsal quarter-finals DEFENDING champions Bent Street, along with last year’s other finalists, Sparta Boss, have both booked their spots for the quarter-finals of the Magnum Mash Futsal.

The other teams who are through to that stage are Ansa McAl All-Stars, Back Circle, Gold is Money, Tiger Bay, Sophia and Future Stars.

When the round-of-16 stage commenced on Tuesday evening at the National Gymnasium; Bent Street managed to squeeze past Stabroek Ballers in their clash via penalties, after regulation time and extra time failed to break a 1-1 deadlock.

Bent Street’s lone goal came off of a Stabroek player in the 10th minute before Sean Taylor equalised late in the game to tie things up. When it came down to penalty kicks, it was the champions who showed their pedigree to hold their nerve and win 3-2.

Meanwhile, last year’s finalists Sparta Boss took apart North East La Penitence, beating them 3-1 to progress, following some clinical striking from Ryan Hackett and

Jermain Junor who scored in the 7th, 19th and 22nd minutes respectively. North East’s lone goalscorer was Keifer Brady in the 16th minute.

Dwayne McLennon netted a hat-trick for the victors with his goals coming in the first, third and 17th minutes while Sherwin Charles and Shem Ar-

Garrell.

In another high-scoring encounter, Tiger Bay hit six past Showstoppers in a well-deserved 6-2 win. Deon Alfred bagged a hat-trick

being the other goalscorer.

The Showstoppers brace of goals came from the boot of Dexroy Adams and Trayon Bobb in the first and third minutes.

Action in the 2019 Magnum Mash Cup Futsal at the National Gymnasium. Tonight the tournament heads into the quarter-finals stage.

In one of the high-octane performances of the night, Sophia tore into Broad Street scoring five goals while only conceding one.

thur scored one apiece in the 12th and 21st minutes.

Broad Street’s only goal came in the 23rd minute, compliments of Joel Mc-

with goals in the second, 18th and 23rd minutes while Alpha Fletchman’s double came in the sixth and eighth minutes, with Keoma Gravesane

Gold is Money also sealed their quarter-final berth by going past Melanie 3-1 with goals from Colin Nelson, Hu-

bert Pedro and Randolph Wagner while Rondell Assanah scored Melanie’s only goal.

Buxton Diamond’s own goal was all that Ansa McAl needed to seal their spot while Back Circle took care of North Ruimveldt with a 2-0 win after Stephon McLean and Selwyn Williams netted in the 10th and 25th minutes respectively.

The Future Stars needled Leopold Street in an intriguing contest with William Europe’s lone strike in the 12th minute deciding that fixture.

The quarter-finalists will head into action at the same venue tonight from 20:00hrs with Ansa McAl facing Back Circle in the first match of the night.

Two of the most exciting clashes are the final two fixtures of the night with Bent Street facing Sophia and Sparta Boss clashing with Future Stars.

FIXTURES FOR TONIGHT: ♦ Ansa McAl vs Back Circle ♦ Gold is Money vs Tiger Bay ♦ Bent Street vs Sophia ♦ Sparta Boss vs Future Stars.

Scorpions seek revenge against leaders Guyana Jaguars at Sabina Park STILL smarting from their loss to the Guyana Jaguars a fortnight ago, the Jamaica Scorpions have revenge on their mind when they host the table-topping side at Sabina Park today to February 24 in the Regiona4-day Championship.

The Scorpions had gone into their encounter with the four-time defending champions on the back of consecutive wins but after being in control early in the match, they collapsed in the second innings opening the door for the Jaguars’ comeback.

Head Coach Robert Haynes lamented a lapse in concentration by the batsmen in their second innings but said the team knows exactly what they need to do for a victory on home soil.

“I’ve seen improvements in the batting display, their attitude has also improved and there is still more to be done,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we need to make at least 270 runs whenever we get to the crease if we are to be competitive.”

Haynes has taken note of the seven left-handers in the Jaguars’ line-up and has responded by calling up off-spinner Akim Fraser, the only change from the Scorpions last outing.

“With the unavailability of

Rovmon Powell and Nikita Miller we had to include a player who can create problems for the seven lefthanders in their team,” Haynes said.

Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson Fraser, meantime, describes the call to the Scorpion as a dream come true. “Growing up I always wanted to represent the national team. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” he said.

The off-spinner’s heroics in the 2018 Senior Cup final when he enjoyed a haul of 8 for 95 earned him recognition and provided the motivation he needed.

Meanwhile, a confident Jag-

uars captain Leon Johnson believes the team’s dedication to preparation ahead of each game has allowed them to dominate.

He also noted that their pace attack has been instrumental to their winning formula.

“Our past couple of coaches have been pace bowlers. We’re always developing seamers and it works,” he said. “The guys in the team know there’s a lot of competition for places so when anyone gets a chance, they put their all in because they know someone else is waiting to replace them.”

Jaguars Coach Rayon Griffith says they owe their success to their proficiency in all their elements of the game – batting, bowling and fielding.

He said the recent appointment of Shivnarine Chanderpaul as an interim assistant coach has buoyed the team’s spirits. “Over the past four years, he has played in the team so he brings a lot of energy into the team. The role is different now, but everyone understands Shiv and knows he’s a hard worker,” Griffith said.

In other matches sarting today Hurricanes take on Red Force at Warner Park, St.Kitts, and Volcanoes play Barbados Pride at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

West Indies included two debutants in Nicholas Pooran (left) and John Campbell ©AFP

First ODI at Kensington Oval

To the delight of the Kensington Oval crowd, Chris Gayle brought up his 24th ODI hundred ©Getty Images England opener Jason Roy brought up a 65-ball hundred ©Getty Images

Joe Root went through to his 14th ODI hundred and although he was then dismissed England wrapped up their highest chase with six wickets and eight balls to spare ©Getty Images

Gayle century in vain as

Roy and Root

propel England to record run chase Page

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GBA, GOA united to bring back Cuban boxing coach

GBA president Steve Ninvalle (left) joined GOA head KA Juman-Yassin to announce a new contract for Cuban-based boxing coach Francisco Roldan (right). (Adrian Narine photo)

World Cup ‘firsts’ still vivid for West Indies hero Lloyd → Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2019