Guyana Chronicle E-paper 02-23-2019

SATURDAY

HAPPY

49

th

Republic Anniversary greetings to all Guyanese

23rd February, 2019

No.105557

'God 08 cared for us' PAGE

–pilot in West Dem plane crash recounts final moments before going down

77 bestowed with national awards 17 PAGE

U.S. hails Guyana 02 respect for democratic governance PAGE

President David Granger waves in acknowledgement of the rousing welcome he was accorded on arrival at the D’Urban Park last night for the annual Flag-raising ceremony which this year is in celebration of our 49th anniversary since becoming a republic. Savouring the moment with him are Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, second left and right respectively. (Photo

by Adrian Narine)

‘Everyone wins when nation is 03 united’ PAGE

––President Granger

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

U.S. hails Guyana’s respect for democratic governance THE United States Government has hailed this country’s respect for the principles and integrity of democratic governance and institutions.

In a message on Guyana attaining 49 years as a republic, U.S. President Don-

ald Trump, wrote President David Granger congratulating him and the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for the anniversary.

In his letter, Trump wrote: ”As your government and the people of Guyana assess the future

direction of your country, know that the United States recognises and honours Guyana’s respect for the principles and integrity of democratic governance and institutions.”

Trump said Guyana is one of the United States’

most important partners in ensuring the Americas remain a zone of democracy, freedom, and security. “We look forward to a continuing collaborative partnership going forward, supporting the security and economic interests of both our nations.

On behalf of the American people, I wish you and your people a joyous, peaceful, and prosperous Republic Day,” the U.S. President ended his letter.

U.S. President Donald Trump

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

‘Everyone wins when nation is united’

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––President Granger

AS the country celebrates its 49th republic anniversary today, President David Granger is calling on all Guyanese to put aside their differences and unite for the development and security of the nation.

In his address to the nation, President Granger said all Guyanese should earnestly prepare for the country’s 50th republic anniversary by intensifying their collective efforts towards national unity. “Everyone wins when the nation is united”, he declared.

“Let us work together to ensure that our country remains secure, our economy is stable and that everyone is safe and could enjoy a good life,” he continued, while extending

greetings to all Guyanese at home and in the diaspora.

In providing a historic overview of Guyana’s journey to becoming a republican nation, President Granger said that act on February 23, 1970, “confirmed our independence, consolidated our multicultural character, accelerated social and economic transformation and advanced nation-building.”

He noted that the architects of independence insisted, during negotiations, on constitutional assurances for the eventual severing of subordinate ties to the British monarchy.

They insisted that, “There will be provision for the Parliament of the new State

[of Guyana] if it so wishes, after the 1st January, 1969, to bring into operation scheduled amendments establishing a republic on the parliamentary system.”

President Granger noted that entrenched in the Independence Constitution of Guyana, are provisions which provided for the establishment of a republic.

It was Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, who on August 28, 1969, moved a motion in the National Assembly for Guyana to become a republic, effective February 23, 1970. Today, Guyanese celebrate the country’s status.

“It was a substantive fulfilment of our people’s aspirations to chart their own

destiny by refashioning their social and economic relations, introducing new national institutions, affirming sovereignty and advancing towards the goal of self-reliance”, President Granger explained.

He observed that Guyanese, today, are happy to live in a state that is committed to the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press and respect for fundamental human rights.

“Guyanese, today, celebrate their cultural diversity and social cohesion in a multi-cultural society that promotes citizens’ unhindered devotion to the Christian, Islamic and the Hindu

faiths and festivals.

“Guyanese, today, celebrate the gains made to improve the lives of citizens through public education, public health, public information, public infrastructure, public security, public telecommunications and social protection and improving access to public services, including water and electricity,” he continued.

With Guyana expected to produce oil and gas from 2020, the President said Guyanese are eagerly anticipating the transformational economic change which will accrue from the “green” economy and the emerging petroleum sector.

The factors, he posited, will

President David Granger impel the country further and faster into a future of prosperity.

‘Your government stands for social cohesion’ … Min. Ally tells Region 3 residents GUYANA’S 49th Republic Anniversary is an opportunity for citizens to embrace the country’s unique diversity, said Social Protection Minister, Amna Ally, to Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Friday.

At the time, Ally was attending the region’s Flag Raising Ceremony hosted at the Leonora Synthetic Track and Field Centre.

The stage was well set as a cultural presentation preceded the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead. “Your government stands for social cohesion. We are celebrating 49 indeed with victory in mind, because we know that a better life is closer to everyone.

Today’s activity is a testimony to the fact of us coexisting as a people with greater tolerance and appreciation. We must continue to be a family and work for the development of our beautiful Guyana,” Minister Ally said, according to the Department of Public Information.

She noted that since 2015, the coalition government has transformed Guyana from a state of malaise, self-deprivation and corrupt practices, to one of vision, development and benefit for the citizens.

She also outlined the many successes of the government and reminded the audience of the tangible achievements made.

“The progress of this nation is about dedicated service and respect for the ordinary man and woman. It is about delivering health care in every district, building roads and bridges to every town; improving elec-

tricity generation and ensuring agriculture production is growing,” she stated.

Minister Ally reminded the gathering that while Guyana has come a long way as a republic, all citizens must appreciate the outstanding role of those who fought for independence and sovereignty.

She underscored: “It is through their dedicated and visionary efforts that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. They saw a united Guyana as the foundation of a truly prosperous nation.”

Meanwhile, Region Three’s Regional Executive Officer (REO), Jennifer Ferriera-Dougall, appealed for unity, especially during the present times.

“We are a nation of one people and we must not allow ourselves to be divided by misleading rhetoric only being echoed by a few. We are stronger together and better forever,” the REO remarked.

She also used the opportunity to highlight some of the government’s achievements in her region which included the Special Needs School; David G buses; the construction of an Early Childhood Development Centre; the rehabilitation of several roads and bridges, and salary increases among others.

Minister Ally and the REO later presented a monetary donation and food hampers to the Roberts family, a family of seven facing difficulty to send five children to school.

The mother is presently recovering from an ailment, while the father is seeking

Minister Amna Ally (first left) and REO Jennifer Ferriera-Dougall (first right) make their presentations to the Roberts family employment.

The family had written to both the regional administration and the Social Protection Ministry seeking assistance, and was elated to receive such on Friday.

Throughout the event, the audience enjoyed the stunning presentations from schools across the region.

Chutney Monarch and runner-up for the Soca Song Competition, Steven Ramphal drew the crowd to its feet with his rendi-

tions of ‘Soca in meh Vein’ and ‘Rang ke barhee meh pool jao – Forget our colour and live in love’.

The Golden Arrowhead was hoisted by the Guyana Police Force, while the parade featured the Police Force’s ‘D’ Division, Fire Service, Master Guides and Pathfinders from the Stewartville Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church and the students from the Cadet programme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Young miner dies in Port Kaituma accident

A 33-year-old father of two reportedly died last night aback Port Kaituma, in the North West District following an accident.

Dead is Alvin Blair, called

Alvin Blair

R Kelly: Singer charged with sexual offences in Chicago

‘Royo’ of Fitzburg, Port Kaituma. While the details are sketchy, reports are that Blair and another man died after the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in which they were travelling crashed along a roadway leading to the mining areas aback the community.

The accident reportedly occurred shortly after 21:00hrs.

Described as a hardworking youngster and an avid footballer, Blair is said to have been well liked in his community, and as such his death has understandably come as a shock to everyone.

Repoets are that investigations into the accident have already begun.

Saturday, February 23, 2019

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(BBC) Singer R Kelly has been charged on Friday with 10 counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, some involving underage victims, US media report.

The R&B star, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has faced claims of sexual abuse against women and teenage girls for decades.

He has never been convicted and has previously denied all the allegations.

The 52-year-old is expected in court in Chicago, where he lives, on 8 March, which is International Women’s Day. Prosecutors allege the abuse of four victims took place between 1998 and 2010 - three of the victims were aged 13 to 16 at the time of their reported assaults.

On Thursday, two new women brought forward fresh allegations of sexual misconduct when they were teenag-

ers in the mid-90s.

A warrant for Kelly’s arrest has been issued, police said Friday, and if convicted the singer faces a maximum of seven years in prison for each count.

R Kelly denied any wrongdoing.

Last week, lawyer Michael Avenatti said that his office had uncovered previously unreleased footage of Kelly having sex with a young girl,

R Kelly has faced sexual abuse claims for decades

Kelly’s lawyer told the Chicago Sun-Times he had not been notified of the charges against his client before the news broke, but said

which was then handed to the Cook County State Attorney, whose jurisdiction includes Chicago. It is unclear if the charges are related to this video.

The US broadcaster CNN is reported to have seen the footage, which is 42 minutes long, and described it as “clear and explicit”.

There have been calls in recent months to boycott Kelly’s music - both recordings and performances - with negative messages posted on social media using the hashtag #MuteRKelly.

Kelly, best known for hit song I Believe I Can Fly, has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct, making indecent images of children and other offences.

The singer is the subject of the documentary Surviving R Kelly, which premiered in New York in December and featured women who accuse him of sexual and physical abuse.

In 2017, Kelly denied allegations that he was holding a number of young women captive in a so-called “abusive cult”.

He was arrested in 2002 over footage that showed child sex abuse, including one in which he allegedly urinated over an underage girl. A jury was unable to identify beyond doubt the man in the video, and Kelly was acquitted six years later.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Minister Henry reaches out to Ituni residents …donates computers to schools, books to community library EDUCATION Minister Nicolette Henry visited the logging community of Ituni in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) on Friday, and pledged to address issues affecting residents.

Minister Henry met with the teachers, students, parents and other residents of Ituni at the Howell Wilson Primary School. From the outset, the residents said they were satisfied with the visit by the high-level education official, and used the platform to lobby for a secondary department and a school bus.

Curth Murphy, a resident, sought the Education Minister’s intervention for the establishment of a secondary department at the primary school. Murphy said that he believes this will assist the community tangibly with a view to addressing the dropout rate in the community.

Additionally, the head

teacher of the primary school, Yvonne Nazier, made representation for a school bus for the community. She explained that upon completion of their primary education, most parents are left with little choice but to have their children housed in hotels or at family and friends in an effort to attend secondary school, either in Linden or Kwakwani.

The head teacher posited that while the move might be necessary, it prevents parents from bonding with their children and reduces monitoring of teenagers at an age when parental supervision is critical. Another matter for which the residents sought to solicit the minister’s intervention is for the acquisition of additional trained teachers for the schools in the community.

In response, Minister Henry assured the residents that all their concerns will be addressed, noting that

Minister Henry handing over a computer to the headmistress of Ituni Nursery.

(Ministry of Education photo)

Children listening to Minister Henry (Ministry of Education photo)

discussions with the technical officers would soon be held to explore the possibility of having a technical and vocational facility in that community to train the youths of the community.

Further, she also assured residents that the request for the school bus will be addressed at the level of the central ministry and also at the regional level.

On the issue of trained teachers, the Education Minister explained that the process “takes time”; however, she called on the head teacher to recommend teachers for training.

Some residents raised concerns relating to logging in the community, since this is their main source of income. There was also a request for Information and Communication Technology

Minister of Education Nicolette Henry interacting with children, teachers and parents of Ituni (Ministry of Education photo)

(ICT) training for community members.

It was at this juncture that Minister Henry amplified the importance of ICT in the delivery of education. She said that as a nation, Guyana can no longer embrace the “talkand-chalk” method only, but be cognisant of modern methodology and thinking with regard to teaching in the 21st century and the education system should cater for this. Additionally, Minister Henry informed the residents that her ministry is currently in the process of reforming the school curriculum, something that was not done for more than three decades.

Notwithstanding the cost for such an undertaking, Minister Henry believes that this is necessary, since the nation’s

children cannot be taught from an outdated curriculum in this modern age.

Moreover, to loud applause, the Education Minister informed the residents that very shortly her ministry will be introducing robotics to all primary schools, making the country the only one in the Caribbean to do so. The Education Minister said that she will visit the community in the future to gauge if there are changes that were made.

Minister Henry also handed over a computer each with the accompanying accessories to the Ituni Nursery School and the Howell Wilson Primary School. Additionally, she donated a supply of books to the Community Library.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

The journey to freedom

T

ODAY marks the 49th Anniversary of this country as a republic. This ultimate attainment of the right to self-determination did not come without struggles that resulted in the loss of lives and the shedding of blood and tears.

The journey for freedom began on these shores centuries ago by our First Peoples who resisted subjugation by those who came from afar to conquer in the name of foreign kings and queens. That initial extending of the hands of friendship resulted in efforts to deceive with trinkets and to enslave.

Though invasion resulted in decimation of some through diseases brought by others, the indigenous peoples resisted the Europeans’ efforts to deny them the right to determine their destiny. After deeming Amerindians unfit for their designs, in the obsession to conquer and prove expansionist might, sights were turned to Africa.

In justifying the enslavement of Africans, this group was considered sub-human, without civilisation, and deserving to be treated as chattel property. Africans were brought against their will across the Atlantic in the Slave Trade to give of their labour under force. They were enchained, abused from dust to dawn, and used as mules to secure the wealth of others.

An entire race was denied their right to identity, inclusive of language, family structure and other aspects of their culture. The men were used as breeding studs, the women to satisfy the enslavers’ lust, as children were wrenched from their mothers’ bosoms, their fathers’ embrace, and traded to

the highest bidder. Tens of millions died during the horrors of the Atlantic Trade, and others opted to take their lives as a mark of dignity rather than be enslaved, others fought on.

The numerous rebellions and revolutions which positively stood out in the long, dark years of their history is testimony to a people, who, though physically enchained, were not mentally enslaved. The 1763 Berbice Slave Rebellion, the day that marks the achievement of republican status from Great Britain, lest we forget, predates the abolition of the Slave Trade Act by 44 years. The 1763 rebellion encouraged others to fight on and played a major role in toppling the system of slavery. This date set in train a series of events.

Seventeen-sixty-three (1763) proved that oppression and deprivation will never suppress the innate desire of man to be free. And where the abominable system of slavery was toppled in 1838, another system of oppression called indentureship was birthed. Indentureship speaks to a system whereby persons were enticed to come to Guyana and give of their labour for a bonded period and at a cost. The indentureship community spanned Africa, to China, to Portugal and India, from where the vast majority came.

Those who were part of the indentured system were subjected to poor living and working conditions and though their cultures were allowed to be practised, in the main, theirs were considered inferior to the Europeans.’ When some are seen as lesser than others, the system of inequality and injustice would continue to reign, as it justifies

acceptance to deny people their fundamental rights and freedoms. And a system such as this, practised in slavery, indentureship and colonisation, rightfully drew the ire of the oppressed and fuelled their passion to topple it.

For whereas slavery treated labour as chattel, indentured as bonded, and colonised as subjects, all had one common theme pulling them together-- i.e. inequality. Another thing we all have in common, which is oft overlooked, is that members of the European community played significant roles alongside the oppressed to overthrow the system of tyranny. The colonised, whose existence is hinged to the struggles and achievements of their forebears, having taken up the baton to achieve independence (26th May, 1966), strengthened the foundation and pillars for self-determination, where full political attainment came on 23rd February, 1970. And where those who have fought for the freedom we enjoy today, it need not be forgotten that it includes the freedom of our political, social, cultural and economic rights to self-determination.

As Guyanese celebrate our achievement of centuries of hard work, on this Mashramani Day, let us as citizens not forget we have more in common that unite rather than divide us. This sense of unity and purpose we must zealously guard and fortify. For the celebration of freedom never comes or is sustained freely, it requires eternal vigilance and sacrifice, and we must continue the hard work to protect and ensure everyone enjoys it.

Happy 49th Guyana.

Mashramani and Unity Dear Editor,

T

ODAY, Guyanese of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, various religious persuasions and hailing from the most diverse neighbourhoods, communities and regions, will celebrate the colourful festival of Mashramani. The spirit of unity that permeates the uniquely national celebration is probably without equal in the history of Guyana.

Would it not be wonderful if that same spirit of brotherly camaraderie and sisterly togetherness be the norm rather than the exception?

Mashramani, or “Mash” as it is commonly called, is truly a national, Guyanese, cultural event. As most know, “Mash” is usually celebrated every year on Guyana’s anniversary of the country becoming a republic on February 23, 1970, and serves to commemorate that event. The exception to that date occurred in 2016, when “Mash” was held on May 26 in observance of Guyana’s Golden Jubilee of Independence.

Mashramani has a most interesting history. The celebration has its origins in what is now the township of Linden. The Jaycees of Linden had, since Guyana became independent in 1966, been organising an independent carnival in Mackenzie.

When Guyana became a republic in February 1970, the Jaycees formed a Republic Celebrations Committee.

Mr. Basil Butcher was selected as chairman, but due to his being selected to tour Australia with the West Indies cricket team, Mr. Jim Blackman was appointed deputy to function in his place. The broad-based committee, including resource personnel of such stature as Wordsworth McAndrew, Arthur Seymour and Adrian Thompson, began organising carnival activities to celebrate Guyana’s republican status.

The search for a name to replace carnival began, and it

was suggested by Basil Butcher that an Indigenous name be chosen. The idea was immediately adopted and the search for a name began.

Several individuals, including Mr. Allan Fieldlow, an Indigenous Guyanese, were consulted about the matter. Mr. Fieldlow had discussions with his grandfather who was known to be knowledgeable in such matters. The elderly gentleman described a type of festival that was held by indigenous peoples whenever they gather to celebrate a special event.

The event, he said, meant something similar to “Muster Many” (and sounded like Mashirimehi in many of the indigenous languages). In Arawak, the word sounded the most like Mashramani. Steps were taken to confirm this story, but that particular pronunciation of the word was lost to more modern indigenous expressions. Adrian Thompson concluded that since no one could confirm nor deny that the Arawak word for festival was Mashramani, then the committee would go ahead and henceforth, the festival would be called Mashramani.

On February 23, 1970, the first time that Mashramani was held on Guyana’s Republic Day, the festival was an enormous success, attracting people drawn from all regions of Guyana to attend the festivities being held in Linden. That year, the celebration welcoming Guyana’s status as a republic lasted for over three days of frolic and fun.

After witnessing the massive crowds, the enjoyment, the glitter, the colourful costumes, and the level of competition and interest, Mr. David Singh, a government official, held discussions with the Jaycees Committee about bringing the event to Georgetown, the nation’s capital. It was decided that, that course would be pursued. And the matter was taken to central government.

Approval was subsequently given by then President Linden

Forbes Sampson Burnham for “Mash” to be celebrated as a national event for the observance of Guyana’s Republic Day holiday celebration.

“Mash” activities were rotated among Linden, Berbice and Georgetown; however, due to sponsorship and other considerations, the costume band contest remained in Georgetown for a long time. Presently, though, as a national holiday, Mashramani is celebrated in at least a semi-official way in all 10 regions of Guyana with flag-raising ceremonies, athletic sporting events, parties, and other patriotic and joyful activities. The biggest celebration usually takes place in or around Georgetown, where spectacular costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel band music and calypsos, take place.

Masquerade bands in colourful and often amusing garb frequent the roadways performing intricate dance routines, a reminder of Guyana’s African heritage. Chutney singing, a reminder of our Indian heritage, are also common during “Mash”-time, as are numerous calypso competitions with their witty social commentaries. Another integral part of the festival culminates in the coronation of a King or Queen.

Guyanese have reason to be proud to have created a festival which fundamentally incorporates our various cultures and backgrounds, and from which no one is excluded.

Further, the fact that such a celebration of our diversity was intended to recognise Republic Day, the day that our young country discarded the final remnant of colonialism to chart our own destiny, is both significant and noteworthy.

Regards Mark DaCosta

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Bauxite workers need your solidarity, your support Dear Editor,

W

ORKERS employed at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) need your solidarity.

We particularly need your moral support and voices raised in support of the struggle and condemnation of RUSAL/ BCGI; condemnation should be expressed too for all those who lend them their support, directly or indirectly, covertly or by silence, in their violation of the constitution and Laws of Guyana and transgression against your brothers and sisters in Aroaima and Kwakwani. In this matter, silence is no longer an option that we must accept.

BCGI is jointly owned by the Government of Guyana and Russia Aluminum (RUSAL) in a 9:1 ratio favouring RUSAL. The Guyana constitution, Article 147, protects the right to freedom of association, collective bargaining and strike action. Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act mandates engagement between management and trade union on the workers’ behalf. This is not an option for RUSAL/ BCGI to determine whether to uphold or not to uphold. These laws of Guyana that shape and determine our sovereignty must be protected by the Government of Guyana.

Violation of these laws by the BCGI constitutes frontal attacks of Guyana’s most vulner-

able, our sovereignty (laws).

It insults the government with whom it is in partnership.

Further, the actions of BCGI stand in direct contravention of corporate ethics and obligations. As Guyanese, we of the Guyana Bauxite & General Workers Union (GB&GWU) urge you to embrace the tenet of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., when he said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.”

The facts of our grievances in brief are: on Monday, February 18th, management dismissed 61 workers for daring to exercise their rights under the Constitution of Guyana.

This follows their callous action of 2009, when 57 workers were dismissed without due process for similarly exercising their right to reject the imposition of wages. The current struggle escalated after strike action commenced on Friday 15th, when management ordered the 120+ plus workers and their families who live in the resident compound (Mapletown) to vacate the premises, and sought to ensure this by providing transportation. Management has also withdrawn kitchen services for those who live off site, but are roomed when on shift to work. These acts are not only disrespectful and draconian in nature, they constitute violation of the right to collective bargaining

and the workers’ conditions of employment. In essence, RUSAL/BCGI is belittling the People of Guyana, the workers of Guyana, and our brothers and sisters in Kwakwani and Aroaima.

The union, on behalf of aggrieved workers and their families, asks of the citizens of Guyana and all who possess the will and strength to help us in this struggle, irrespective of creed, ethnicity, geographical location or association, to stand in solidarity with us as we demand from this government and opposition, strident support and intervention to end the disrespect.

We ask that you share our story, wide and far, in every media space, social and otherwise, to sensitise those around the world, particularly in countries where RUSAL has corporate interests or can be influenced. GB&GWU is a small union, in a small, developing country, coming up against a large predatory conglomerate (RUSAL) whose actions and that of its principal actors are not without international concern for the dubious nature of its corporate and other behaviours.

To our government and opposition, under whose noses these transgressions have been occurring, we say in the words of the renowned trade unionist and politician, Lech Wa??sa: “The sole and basic source of our strength is the solidarity of workers, peasants and the

I have seen tremendous progress at UG

I

Dear Editor,

WRITE this letter as a student of the University of Guyana. Many times we as a people focus on the negatives and we never acknowledge the positives of a person or institution.

Recently, some staff members of the University of Guyana staged a protest for an increase in wages.

While I will not comment on this as I advocate for fair compensation for work, I’d like to speak to the negativity that has been linked to the activities spearheaded by the vice- chancellor and the claim that he has wasted money doing his “talks and cocktails.”

While I am not aware of the costs of these sessions, they all are usually branded with a number of companies listed at sponsors. So I highly doubt they cost the univer-

sity anything substantial, to the point where they are a waste of funds or affects staff getting a raise. I’ll pay much attention to the talks and cocktails in this letter because for one, I understand the importance of these kinds of civic engagements, alumni engagements and events that allow the university brand to be further recognised and the community strengthened.

In fact, events are the perfect incubators for fundraising. I’m sure Vice-Chancellor Griffith has been able to secure funding for the university as an offshoot from a number of events that the university has hosted. Added to that, these events have allowed students like myself to contribute to important conversations about our country, and have allowed us to pitch ideas, and talk about our journey, bridging the generational

gaps and encouraging healthy discourse among ourselves, academics and professionals, boosting our leadership skills and opening up our minds beyond that of a box.

In my time at the University of Guyana, I’ve seen new buildings going up; I’ve seen old buildings completely refurbished; I’ve seen the past and present UGSS presidents pushing their agendas and making headway; I’ve seen the sports being hosted at a true track facility; I’ve seen the university brand constantly in the media; and I’ve seen an increase of students. The University of Guyana has a long way to go, but that journey has started and the changes are visible, tangible and real.

Regards Yonnick David

intelligentsia, the solidarity of the nation, the solidarity of people who seek to live in

dignity, truth, and in harmony with their conscience.”

We need every available

understanding and support.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

‘God cared for us’ 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

– pilot of West Demerara plane crash recounts final moments before going down

By Alva Solomon

“I BELIEVE a miracle happened to us. We could have died but somehow, somehow God cared for us” Those were the words of Captain Lincoln Gomez, the pilot who, along with a police officer, survived Monday night’s plane crash aback the Canal Number Two Polder on the West Bank of Demerara.

Gomez recounted to the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, the events of the final minutes before the plane he was flying, a Cessna 182 bearing registration N8704T, crashed within a clear patch near some trees in the muddy landscape on Monday night around 19:00hrs.

Police Constable Mark Grimond, the lone passenger, also survived the crash.

The pilot, who is recovering in the city, said he tried his best to bring the plane to safety.

DEPARTURE FROM ARAU He recalled that he left the western border village of Arau around 17:05hrs on Monday for the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle.

Onboard was the body of Christopher Matthews, a foreign missionary who died earlier in the day after falling off a mountain side at Arau.

Gomez said he waited for close to an hour prior to departure for the police officer who travelled as an escort of the body to the city. Among the pilot’s pre-flight checks, was to measure the fuel to ensure it was enough to last the flight, and he figured there was enough fuel to last the flight.

The pilot instinctively thought about delaying the flight to the following morning from Paruima, and he

remembered telling this to the police rank. He said his plan was to fly over to the neighbouring village of Paruima from Arau, however, the deceased was beginning to produce a stench and he finally decided to fly.

He said the take-off and flight out of the area went well as he planned. He noted that he was asked by the air traffic control (ATC) facility at Timehri to maintain 7000 feet while he was 75 miles from the CJIA.

things took a drastic change.

THE ENGINE DIED “Suddenly the engine started to idle,” the pilot said.

He said at that point he decided to trouble-shoot the problem, noting that he figured maybe there was not enough fuel in the tanks. “I started applying what I learnt in training within minutes and in the meantime, just imagine the plane is descending,” he said.

In his thoughts, he figured that the engine was utilising much

Lincoln Gomez

As he reached closer to his destination, he was instructed to descend to 2000 feet. “I was checking the fuel gauge but I was confident I had enough to reach Ogle,” he said. He said while he reached closer, he remembered passing near the CJIA on the way to Ogle, noting that the moonlit night provided him with some guidance of where he was. Then

more fuel than what was on the indicator in the panel in front of him, but he had little time to dwell on this thought.

NOTHING MORE CAN BE DONE The pilot noted that when he figured that there was nothing more he could have done, he declared an emergency, by shouting “MAYDAY!” to the

control tower and told the air traffic controller his position.

The controllers tried to ask him if he can make it to another aerodrome. The closest aerodrome they noted is the Hampton Court airstrip on the Essequibo Coast. But that was too far.

“During the time we were descending, the policeman was seated next to me and he realised there was no power in the plane, he realised something is wrong and he started shouting and asked me to go to the river but there was not much power, we were gliding,” Gomez said.

Gomez said that he started to pray in his mind, asking God to be with him in those final minutes. “I think I prayed suddenly saying Lord help us, it is something sudden,” he said.

He said the entire episode from the time the engine died to his last recollection, lasted some five minutes.

The aircraft was gliding and heading for the forest below.

“I only remember we hit some trees and when I open my eyes, I saw the plane was upside down, I just couldn’t believe where we were. I was so amazed we were in an open space, then I believed that God led that plane right into that spot, otherwise if we went into the trees, we could have died,” he said.

Gomez said he tried to find an instrument which he could have clicked so that an alarm would be triggered for the authorities to find him but the confusion was too much. He recalled looking for his flashlight and during this time, he remembered telling the police officer where to find the flare gun.

The police rank moved him from the plane’s cockpit, he surmised.

Gomez said the policeman handed him the phone and he was able to indicate to the authorities where they were using a global positioning satellite system (GPS) device. He said his colleagues told him they were able to locate his exact position and they provided the geographical coordinates to the control tower.

A HELICOPTER, EMERGENCY SNACK AND THE RESCUE EFFORT He said a helicopter passed overhead and its occupants were able to locate the injured duo with a powerful light. The injured pilot anticipated that the rescuers in the chopper would have descended with a rope to extract them but moments later, the chopper flew off and the duo felt disappointed.

The men were unaware that the helicopter had landed more than a mile away in the thick forest and Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Special Forces men braved the torrid terrain to find them.

Gomez said he decided to eat a snack which he had in an emergency bag on the plane, while the police rank sat beside him on the wing of the plane next to the corpse.

The police officer’s mouth was damaged so he could not eat. “We were there on the wing and we were in pain, we were weak and tired, we were sleepy and I had difficulty moving but I had the GPS in my hand and we waited,” he said with a smile.

Gomez said after several hours, they heard men shouting in the distance and the police rank fired the flares once more as the voices come closer. They were then rescued and taken to safety.

The pilot expressed appreciation to the army ranks who rescued them. The allround efforts of the authorities were also praised.

“I am very grateful at this time, because I believe a miracle happened to us,” he said adding that, “Although we were badly hurt, we are still alive and only God has to take all the credit for keeping us alive.”

TEARS OF JOY The pilot said that he met his wife and children, who travelled to the city to be with him in the days after the accident. He said there were tears of joy when he held onto his wife and children.

“We cried and I told them I am as good as dead, but God has been merciful,” he noted with a smile.

As regards the future, Gomez said he has some amount of thinking to do.

“That’s a good question.

Each individual has the right to decide what to do in life depending on the circumstances,” he said with a smile.

He said on one hand he learnt a lesson, but on the other hand he has to imagine being in the air once more.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has since interviewed him as they investigate the accident.

The aviation umbrella body is also investigating another plane crash, this one fatal, which occurred on Thursday afternoon.

Former air traffic controller Randy Liverpool, the pilot and only occupant of a Cessna 206 aircraft bearing registration 8R-GHB, crashed and died while attempting to land at Eteringbang close to the Venezuelan border.

Guyanese in New York celebrate 49th Republic Anniversary

NEARLY 300 persons in New York were given a taste of Guyanese culture and festivity, at the celebration of Guyana’s 49th republic anniversary, hosted by friends

of the consulate.

The spectacular cultural event took place on Friday, February 15, 2019, under the auspices of Permanent Representative of Guyana to the

United Nations, Ambassador Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow and Consul General of Guyana to New York, Barbara Atherly.

Attending, too, were Am-

bassador to the United States of America, Dr. Riyad Insanally; the wife of Mr. Ten-Pow; CARICOM Consul Generals of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago; Acting Consul Gen-

eral of Jamaica and representatives from St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The evening took the theme: ‘Celebrate Mash 49 with Unity and Pride’ and was

emceed by Kishore Seunarine of the film ‘Echoes from the Plantation.’

Turn to pg. 9 >>>

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Relief for Mocha farmers, thousands of residents -as gov’t commissions $335M pump station, sluice at Herstelling FARMERS of Mocha-Arcadia and thousands of residents from communities along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) will benefit from better drainage and irrigation, as government commissioned a $335 million pump station and sluice at Herstelling, EBD.

material to ensure the success of farmers,” said Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder during the commissioning of the facility at Herstelling on Friday.

The new facility, which was financed by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) and the government,

cash crops, and the rearing of livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry,” said the minister.

In that regard, land clearing was conducted with the aim of ensuring farmers return to their lands as soon as possible.

“Land clearing of 400

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder (left) and Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma (right) cut the ribbon to declare the pump station open (MoA photo)

For decades, farmers of Mocha have been deprived of the ability to farm because their lands were always inundated because of poor drainage.

The new pump station has restored the farmers’ ability to farm and re-established the culture of subsistence living within the community.

“The goal is to increase incomes and reduce unemployment, by providing access to land for farming through the rehabilitation of drainage and irrigation systems and access dams; and additionally, by providing the necessary support, such as extension services and planting

will provide relief to approximately 7,500 persons from Providence to Little Diamond, covering 4,500 acres of land. Among the beneficiaries are the 69 registered farmers from the Mocha Cooperative.

Holder said he believes that establishment of the village economy system is necessary for enhancement of the country.

“The pump station catchment area is Herstelling, Providence South, Barnwell, and Mocha-Arcadia, which are primarily dependent on the cultivation of plantains, bananas, ground provisions, citrus, mangoes, and other

Guyanese in New York ...

From pg. 8 <<<

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the programme showcased the six different races of Guyana through dance and the spoken word.

There was also a cultural parade celebrating the uniqueness of the country’s peoples and a medley of Guyanese folk songs led by the famous drummers, Menes de Groit and Akoyaw Rudder.

Meanwhile, faith leaders of Amerindian, Christian, Hindu and Muslim religions conducted the invocation.

In the midst of the celebration, the consul general guided the audience waving their ‘Arrowheads’ as Ambassadors Ten-Pow; staff of the mission and consulate and other guests danced into the reception area for a taste of Guyana’s cuisine.

The guests also sampled delicacies as many expressed interest in Guyana’s next national event, even as they look forward to the country’s grand 50th republic celebration.

acres and 297 acres of land preparation has also been achieved. I must point out here that the land preparation are contracts awarded through community participation to the cooperatives in these areas,” said Holder.

He said 60 of the 265 registered farmers within the four catchment areas have received their government grants, which have seen approximately 50 acres of new lands under cultivation.

Farmers’ representative from Mocha-Arcadia/Barnwell area, Raeburn Jones, said the commissioning of the sluice was a grand occasion for farmers, because

they have suffered a lot over the years due to the lack of drainage systems.

Farmers from the community were forced to find new jobs because time and again their produce would be destroyed during the rainy season and it would take months for the water to recede.

in a new direction which the authority could utilise in other projects.

The sluice comprises a three-metre door which was built from timber and is encased in fibre glass.

Under the project, the NDIA has constructed 7.52 km of new irrigation canals,

The Ministry of Agriculture, through the NDIA, has allocated G$7.5 billion dollars in 2019 to continue to implement aggressive plans for upgrading and rehabilitating of drainage and irrigation infrastructure in all regions of Guyana to ensure optimum capacity in the system.

A section of the pump station (MoA photo)

“We are now ready to take up the mantle and return the village to its former glory, because our farms will not be flooded anymore,” said Jones.

More farming is expected over the coming months, but the imminent increase in farming would not have been possible without the new pump station.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Dave Hicks, said the facility is a manifestation of young Guyanese engineers who created the environment to think outside of the box.

He believes that those engineers are leading the NDIA

excavated and rehabilitated 67.6km of irrigation channels and 70.6km of drainage channels. In addition, 32km of fair weather dams were also rehabilitated.

Hicks said the sluice will be able to drain at least 100 cubic feet of water per second. The efficiency of the facility was already tested because there was a recent breach in one of the dams in the area.

“When we contacted the farmers after the breach, we found out that there was no significant increase in water levels,” said the deputy CEO, noting that they hope to replicate the system throughout the country.

Under the CDF project, several pump stations and sluices have already been built and upgraded across the country.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer, CARICOM Development Fund, Mr. Rodinald Soomer, said since 2014 the CDF has injected some US$18.94M for local infrastructural enhancement.

“88.3 per cent of the funding for this cycle has been disbursed and Guyana continues to impress you… Guyana remains the most impressive performer among the member states when it comes to completing projects within the given timeframe,” said Soomer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Gov’t presses for reinstatement of workers - Rusal to give answer today

Some of the workers that met with Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, during her visit to Maple Town, Aroiama (Delano Williams photo) THE government on Friday restated its position that the 60 workers fired by the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), owned by Russian company RUSAL, must be reinstated.

A top RUSAL executive is to make a statement on the issue by today.

This news was met with resounding applause and praise of gratitude, when it was delivered by Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, during a visit she paid on Friday to the workers at their Maple Town, Aroaima location and reaffirmed to the workers that “the government is on your side”.

the fate of the others is still in the balance.

Engagement with the company began on Tuesday, February 19, when representatives met with the Department of Labour (DoL).

Minister Ally was accompanied on the Friday visit by a team that included Minister of Labour Keith Scott and Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle. She explained to the workers that RUSAL is expected to give the final word on their reinstatement before RUSAL’s Director of its Alumina and Bauxite Department, Sergey Kostyuk, leaves Guyana to return to Russia.

of choice, the government told the company that the issues that prompted the workers’ strike needed to be addressed, and told them that the demand by the company that the workers vacate the Maple Town community, which is owned by the company, was inhumane.

The government’s action marks the biggest progress in an almost 10-year challenge by the employees to be properly addressed by the company, which they say over the years has been arbitrarily dismissing, suspending and disciplining workers. Employees have also complained of having their vacation and holiday benefits cut by management without

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, (centre) speaks with some of the exA representative of the RUSAL workers, Ephraim Velloza (left) received ecutives of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU) during supplies on the workers’ behalf from the Ministry of Social Protection her visit to Maple Town, Aroiama on Friday (Delano Williams photo) (Delano Williams photo) “This government can’t be supportive of anyone who “He is returning [today] so wants to treat our workers anyhow. We will not allow it. we want an answer before he leaves. The indication I’m any consultations with the employees.

There’s no question of our allegiance, because home comes getting is that they have resolved to reinstate the workers Though they have been arguing for years, the employfirst,” Ally assured the workers. and now work with them on Terms of Resumption and ees decided enough was enough earlier this month, when “We view this matter to be a serious one and very look at other elements of our demands,” Ally related to the the company sought to impose a one per cent salary inimportant for us as a government. From the onset we are gathering of workers and their supporters. crease. At Friday’s meeting, the employees said when the behind you… we are supportive of the workers of this The minister was also firm in establishing that the is- salary increase circular was sent out they sought to meet company… don’t feel for any moment that we are against sue of the recognition of the Guyana Bauxite and General with management and air their concerns, but were not given you. We will work with you to ensure everything is restored Workers Union (GBGWU) as the workers’ official bargain- a chance to do so. to its fullest.” ing agent was over because the company was instructed Following Tuesday’s meeting with the DoL, Permyakov During the visit, the minister took the opportunity to that GBGWU is the recognised union by the Trade Union defended the one per cent increase the employees got, saydistribute some 75 hampers to the workers, as they await Board. ing it was not a voluntary decision taken by management word on their reinstatement.

GBGWU General-Secretary Lincoln Lewis was present in Guyana, but was actually a calculated decision by the The workers outlined some 10 issues that they would at Maple Town during Minister Ally’s visit on Friday. parent company in Russia based on their computation of like to see addressed, which included a call to see their It was last Thursday that a team from the government Guyana’s inflation rate. They calculated it at 0.9 per cent many issues with BCGI resolved by a tripartite Arbitration had met with Kostyuk and RUSAL Country Representative and decided to round up and give one percent, Permyakov Tribunal, and a comprehensive safety audit be carried out by Vladimir Permyakov, when the government’s position on explained. the Occupation Safety and Health Department of the MoSP. several issues was established, and it was planned that Minister Ally was questioned about this at Friday’s It was last Monday that BCGI fired some 61 employees Minister Ally would make the visit. meeting and was quick to point out that the government with immediate effect, after they went on strike on Friday, Apart from the demand for reinstatement of the dis- has never given one per cent increase to any of its public February 15. One employee has since been reinstated, but missed workers and the recognition of the workers’ union servant workers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Designers race to finish for ‘Mash’

AS the clock ticked on Guyana’s 49th republic anniversary, costume designers up to late last night were racing to prepare for today.

The Guyana Chronicle caught up with designers Olympia Small-Sonaram and Maxi K Williams, CEO of Maxi K Williams Designs to get a sneak peek into their preparations for the big day.

Designer Sonaram said the Ministry of Public infrastructure and the Ministry of Communities are under her care this year and she is excited about the concept in her designs. She said her quota comprises over 200 costumes and will cater for revellers in both ministries, which in-

clude a large band and a king and queen costume. A visit to some of the mash camps revealed workers putting their shoulders to the wheel, cutting, pasting, measuring and stitching all sorts of materials to create the floats and costumes.

Olympia explained that her queen float represents the newly renovated Cheddi Jagan International Airport, which is located at the centre of the float with the airport being the gateway to a modern Guyana and ‘green’ economy and the main contributor to Guyana’s development.

“With the emerging oil and gas sector and advancement of the ‘Green’ State

Development Strategy, the queen portrays the expansion and extension of the runway to satisfy international requirements for larger aircraft landing and a modified airport terminal to accommodate the rising number of visitor arrivals,” she said.

Her male individual designs represent the many construction workers who represent the agency under the Ministry of Public infrastructure, responsible for creating the first-ever magnificent major round-a-bout situate at the Kitty Seawall; the female individual is decked out in a silver body suit representing electricity, since the Guyana Power and Light

Inc has collaborated with the MoPI. The female revellers represent women in aviation and aims at transforming the country’s aviation sector as it relates to female involvement in becoming pilots.

The male revellers are representations of construction workers, working vigorously on the construction of roads for better driving conditions and the construction of new roads.

Maxi K Williams , on the other hand, will be showcasing his works in a private capacity and will be bringing 30 revellers out on “Mash” Day. He explained that one of his costumes illustrates the strength, the culture, the

Three impressive floats that will be on show today during the Mashramani float parade customs and ability of the First Peoples. This costume, he said, is portrayed as a “Tribal Dream Catcher” and represents the circle of life.

The feathers act as a fluffy, pillow-like ladder allowing good dreams to descend upon sleeping persons undisturbed, while the beads symbolise the spider, the web weaver, itself.

He described the concept behind another of his pieces as “The Bird of Paradise”,

a costume he says, which is portrayed as a mighty Taiwanese Magpie which he explained is an endemic species living in the mountains of Taiwan at elevations of 300 feet. The colours represent wisdom and beauty, while the feathers present to you a spiritual being of power and honour.

“Mashramani” is derived from the Amerindian language and means “celebration after hard work.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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The differently abled hit the streets in style Revellers took to the streets to celebrate Mashramani The lone float on the parade

CHILDREN of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) joined those of the Ministry of Public Health Open Door Centre (MoPHODC) Friday in celebrating “Mash” through the city streets.

Children in wheelchairs put their physical challenges aside and gyrated the best way they could to pulsating music, while waving flags in colourful face masks.

A brightly decorated wheelchair float and a child in costume brought life to the parade, as they attracted all in their vicinity. With bright smiles, the children joined with teachers and their guardians to enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

The PRRC tramped under the theme, ‘Leaping forward’ while the theme for the MoPHODC was ‘Victory for the disabled.’

PRRC is a not-for-profit organisation which provides rehabilitation services for children with physical/developmental disabilities, amputees and persons with hearing impairment; it also provides rehabilitation programmes in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech & language therapy, among other services.

The PRRC relies heavily on the support of donors and friends to make their services possible, most of which are provided free of cost in its efforts to ensure that quality rehabilitation care is always within reach of those who need them. The PRRC began as the Polio Rehabilitation Centre on January 19, 1967. It was established by the Ministry of Health initially as a unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital, created to provide rehabilitation therapy specifically for children affected by Guyana’s poliomyelitis epidemics of the early 1960s. The PRRC celebrated 50 years of service on January 19, 2017. The centre welcomes all donors, volunteers & caregivers who wish to contribute.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

U.S. President congratulates Guyana on 49th republic anniversary The following letter was sent to President David Granger on behalf of the people of the United States.

Dear Mr. President, CONGRATULATIONS to you and the people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of your 49th Republic Day on February 23.

As your government and the people of Guyana assess the future direction of your country, know that the United States recognises and honours Guyana’s respect for the principles and integrity of democratic governance and institutions. Guyana is one of the United States’ most important partners in ensuring the Americas remain a zone of democracy, freedom, and security. We look forward to a continuing collaborative partnership going forward, supporting the security and economic interests of both our nations. On behalf of the American people, I wish you and your people a joyous, peaceful, and prosperous Republic Day. Sincerely, Donald J. Trump

Prime Minister hails Guyana on 49th Republic Anniversary On February 23 we observe the 49th anniversary of our Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

We have asserted our identity as an independent and sovereign state. We have overcome major setbacks and have now fully joined the community of nations that is free and democratic.

Our Guyana today remains peaceful, stable and orderly; with a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural population that is striving daily to realise the goal of being one, united Guyanese people, as one nation with a common destiny.

We are on the eve of our Golden Jubilee as a Republic, and on the cusp of realising our economic potentials for unprecedented wealth.

On this historic occasion, I send fraternal greetings to all Guyanese. I ask that we remain vigilant and resolved.

We cannot return to the past. We must continue along the road of change and transformation Happy Republic Day!

PPP: Mashramani represents our history of struggles and pride in self-governance

AS our nation celebrates its 49th anniversary as a republic, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to express best wishes to all Guyanese, both at home and in the diaspora.

Through its colourful and vibrant celebrations, Mashramani represents our history of struggles and pride in self-governance.

The jubilance, through vibrant music and the splendour of the multitude of colours, reflect not just revelling after hard work, as the word Mashramani connotes, but the rich diversity that defines us as a nation.

The symbols of our nationhood, such as the national flag and the constitution, must be respected by all Guyanese, in demonstration of our patriotism.

Mashramani is also a reminder of the fortitude and resilience of all of our people who remained steadfast in their efforts to building our nation, so as to realise the future we all desire.

Our party remains cognisant of and commends the dedication and efforts of all involved in the various activities held across the country. It is the party’s fervent hope that all will reflect on Guyana’s journey as a nation since attaining the status as a republic and continues to be imbued with patriotism and pride as we celebrate the occasion of Mashramani 2019.

Happy Mashramani to all Guyanese.

PNCR extends greeting on 49th republic anniversary THE People’s National Congress Reform has extended greetings and good wishes to all Guyanese as we celebrate the 49th anniversary of republican status.

In a message, the party said the national celebration of Mashramani is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation, 49 years after Guyana was declared a republic. This year Mashramani is being held under the theme, “Celebrate Mash 49 with Victory in Mind.” In this regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to banish crime, disease, ignorance and poverty.

We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services. We must not rest until victory is ours.

Accordingly, the PNCR wishes all Guyanese a Happy Republic Day, and a joyous celebration of Mashramani, as we pray that the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among us on the 49th anniversary of our republic.

Happy Mashramani!

GAWU calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope

AS Guyana celebrates its 49th anniversary as a republic, our citizens have another opportunity to assess what and where that constitutional status has brought us.

We became a republic in February, 1970, but remained within the Commonwealth of Nations – that grouping of former British colonies. This was a major step following Independence in 1966, and one which was intended to be in the furtherance of our independent status and forging of our nationhood. With this step a President, now elected, became our Head of State and this, with other constitutional reforms, solidified our independent status.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) salutes our nation on this important anniversary of republicanism but takes a sober look at where the republic stands nearly half a century on. No doubt, we have made strides in various socio-economic aspects during this time but, we contend, that the economic transformation whereby the masses of Guyanese could experience fully the results of development is still to be achieved. To this day, the economic struggle for a reasonable standard of living continues.

Too many of our skilled, qualified citizens have opted for migration in pursuit of a better life. As we have noted before, the “Good Life” here is still out of the grasp of the working-people.

Also, GAWU recognises that disunity is still among our several vexing realities and, we believe, impacts our society and contribute to a slowing down of our country’s progress.

We urge our leaders, at this time, to recognise this deficit in our society and to consider in a mature, responsible way the need to forge unity which is generally recognised as desirable.

Even as we celebrate our republican status, we feel constrained to point out that thousands have joined the breadline with no structured programmes to mitigate the massive redundancy that have so callously descended upon them.

This is a blemish on our national leadership and is an act that surely will not ease social tensions nor aid, in any way, our economic growth.

The likelihood of a constitutional crisis is becoming clearer by the day and the journey into the unknown is not something that is in the interest of our people and our country.

We urge that good sense prevail and those in the breach get their act together.

Nonetheless, GAWU calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope and unite and struggle for genuine, progressive change.

As the Mashramani events take centre-stage, let us celebrate but, bear in mind our responsibilities as citizens of our republic to bring about enduring prosperity and all-round progress benefitting every Guyanese.

A happy, peaceful republic anniversary and Mashramani 2019 to all!

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City mayor says time to build bridges for ‘green’, cleaner city

AS Guyanese, we have come to another juncture of our history when we celebrate our sovereignty. Forty nine years ago, Guyana attained nationhood with all the rights and responsibilities to chart its own course and pursue its own destiny.

Fellow citizens, as be celebrate under the theme ‘Mash’ 49 with victory in mind, we must not lose sight of the hard work, struggles and sacrifices of our national heroes, who worked tirelessly to guarantee Guyana the right to advance towards its own destiny with hope and success.

Today, as we celebrate in fine style with the float parade, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets, accompanied by accomplished steel pan and other music, we must be cognisant of the deeper meanings and symbolism of these events, so that we can fully appreciate their importance.

Our various symbols of our nationalism -- our national anthem, our flag, our national songs -- will be on display to show the world that we are truly one people, one nation, one destiny. For all of us, we should begin to accept that unless we work together and move forward as one people, we would not be able to progress and advance this nation to a higher plateau.

The status of nationhood has rights and responsibilities as I indicated earlier. We could not attempt to divorce the two – rights and responsibilities-- without the consequential implications to the general pace of progress and development.

However, there can be no real development in the absence of unity. The rights and responsibilities are so intricately linked and are indispensable and depend on each other for sustenance.

One such responsibility of nationhood is to secure and maintain the interest and well-being of all people of Guyana; this must be facilitated by an environment of peace and harmony. This is exceptionally necessary in our current circumstances where, though we are different, we must be united, we must find ourselves the strength, the discipline and the wisdom to resist the temptation of being divided. Further, it is important that we be accommodative of each other, regardless of race, age, colour, class and creed and learns to appreciate and accept that regardless of our ethnicities, we must work together for the common good of our city and nation as a whole.

We have a new council that is working feverishly to improve conditions that would be beneficial to all citizens.

We envision Georgetown to be a clean, “green” pristine city, that our services would be second to none, our buildings and monuments would be well maintained and restored. This can only be achieved if we unite for this great cause.

Therefore, irrespective of our ethnicities, we must advance the cause of unity, for in unity there is strength; we must never concede to the grounds of division in any of its forms and facets. We must do everything to ensure harmony and tranquility for all Guyana. Citizens, let us release ourselves to a new and better life, to love our neighbours, city and country.

In my inaugural message as mayor of this city, I said that we need to build bridges and not walls. Fellow citizens, bridges are constructed to heal within and across nations and communities. Bridges link cultures, diverse traditions and ethnicities. It provides the framework which allows us to understand the world. This then informs our socio-economic, political, environmental, philosophical perspectives.

Together, let us build bridges so we can have “green,” cleaner city.

Once again, Happy Mashramani God Bless Guyana.

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‘No principle involved’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

… Alexander flays headstrong opposition … says it would be foolhardy of GECOM to go into elections ill-prepared

THE Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) decision to go ahead with its planned house-tohouse registration and a claims-and-objections period will not inhibit its preparation for the holding of elections.

This is according to

Commissioner Vincent Alexander during his appearance on the NCN television programme, ‘Context.’ He was accompanied by Commissioner Desmond Trotman.

“A major element of the preparation for elections would be the prepa-

ration of a list and a houseto-house registration would lead to such preparations. Though there’s no declared date, what is going to be happening at GECOM would not be a hindrance to GECOM moving into election mode once the announcement is

made,” he said He told the host, Enrico Woolford, that over the past few weeks GECOM has had exhaustive deliberations on matters relating to its preparedness for elections with a final vote on the matter that elections in 90-days are unfeasible.

“GECOM cannot hold an election within 90 days, given what is required of GECOM. It would be foolhardy of GECOM to embark on an exercise which it knows it cannot complete in that time,” Alexander reiterated.

“The things which are required make it impossible. We have datelines that we have to observe; some things take 35 days as the dateline; some things take 21 days as the dateline.

When you add up those datelines, 90 days is impossible.”

Alexander said that the commission is now facing an impossibility, one which the constitution anticipated in Article 106 (7), which states that: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine....”

However, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday at his weekly press conference that he will not support an extension to the March 21st deadline of the 90-day time frame.

POLITICAL MOTIVATIONS Additionally, there is now less than 30 days remaining in the 90-day timeframe and the opposition leader and opposition-nominated GECOM commissioners continue to push for elections within this timeframe.

Alexander believes that the issue at hand is not that political leaders do not understand that this is impossible, but rather that they are holding on to

their ulterior and political motives. “We have been [in] deliberation for about three weeks now on these matters. Very early in the deliberations, a clear understanding was, by the same people [opposition commissioners], that we couldn’t do it in 90 days,” he said, adding that things soon took a rash turn. “[Now] people are looking after interest.

There’s no principle involved here; there’s no lack of understanding involved here. It’s what suits your purpose that you go after and there must be some purpose that a body of people who were critical to the point of the election petition of the list, three years after are saying ‘no problem, let’s use it’,” he continued.

Trotman then added: “Even though I’m a government-nominated commissioner, the government has never attempted to influence my thinking in relation to what is happening at GECOM. I go with my own position and I represent those positions and my position is consistent with what I believe the people out there want.”

The commissioners said that on their way to the commission from work or home, they do not and are not obligated to stop at any political party to be instructed before engaging in their deliberations at GECOM. “There is no political leader or political person who can call me and instruct me on what my thinking should be at GECOM sessions,” Trotman said, speaking for himself, with similar indications from Alexander.

The commissioners also took time to explain the current financial situation, whereby GECOM will have to seek appropriation from parliament to finance the holding of elections.

This is because the $3B allocated for houseto-house registration in the 2019 budget cannot be used as the opposition suggests. Alexander said that this is not the first time that GECOM had

Commissioner Vincent Alexander sought out appropriation as in 2015, while it was a subvention agency, the commission was caused to do the same.

“We had to go to the Office of the President, Dr. [Roger] Luncheon if we needed money for the activities [for] which we did not have money. On that occasion we did go to Dr. Luncheon and he did get Cabinet to give us an unconfirmed decision; and it is on the basis of the unconfirmed decision that the Ministry of Finance made money available.

That’s what happened in 2015, we didn’t just go and do our own thing. We are now a constitutional agency, so we can no longer go to a ministry; we have now to go to parliament, that is where we get our appropriation,” he explained.

In 2012, GECOM took the decision that it needed to conduct fresh house-tohouse registration every seven years, making 2019 the next period for this.

It is on this basis that the government allocated $3B for the conducting of house-to-house registration in 2019. Amidst the opposition’s stern resistance for this exercise, Alexander questioned: “How could GECOM claim to run an effective election when it consciously excludes voters from being on the list, when there’s the opportunity for them to be on the list?”

He concluded later: “GECOM has done what it can possibly do in the context of the situation. It is now the responsibility of others to play their own role.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

77 bestowed with national awards

GUYANA’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Frederick Hamley Case, heads the list of 77 distinguished Guyanese bestowed with national awards on the eve of Guyana’s 49th republic anniversary.

The Head of State, President David Granger, MSS, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, made the appointments under the Order of Service of Guyana, on the occasion of the country’s republic celebrations.

Case was bestowed with the Cacique Crown of Honour. Case is concurrently accredited High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as well as Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland, the Republic of Estonia and the Russian Federation.

Charles John Ethelwood Fung-A-Fat, SC; Ambassador David Thomas Allan Hales; Ambassador Sheik Riyad David Insanally; Ambassador Halim Majeed; and Monsignor Terrence Montrose have also been awarded the Cacique Crown of Honour.

Charles John Ethelwood Fung-A-Fat was among the set of Senior Counsel appointed in December, 2016, for the first time in 20 years. Fung-A-Fat was admitted to the Bar in August 1983, for service as parliamentary counsel and deputy chief parliamentary counsel for over 33 years.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Majeed was last August accredited Non-Resident Ambassador of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to the Republic of El Salvador. He is concurrently accredited to the Republic of Cuba and The Dominican Republic.

Meanwhile, 36 distinguished Guyanese were awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement. They include: Vincent Luther Alexander, O’Donna Frances Allsopp, Lorene Evadney Pamela Baird, Ruth Benjamin-Huntley, Calvin Benn, Leslie Thomas Black, William Andrew Boyle, Negla Helena Brandis, Paul Andrew Carto, Rudolph Othneil Cummings and Phillip Nessie Bryan Da Silva.

Patrick Reginald Anthony Farnum, Egbert Harold

High Commissioner Frederick Hamley Case

Ambassador David Thomas Allan Hales

Field, Nicholas Fredericks, Malcolm Jacob Jawaharlal Harripaul, Vincent Patrick Henry, Dickson Augustus Hooper, Leon Rayon Johnson, Kalam Azad Juman-Yassin, Patrice Desireé Ann La Fleur, Carl Chetwyn Lashley, Derrick Fitzpatrick Lawrence, Lawrence Hilary London, Julia Anne Mansell, Suresh Narine, Christopher Anthony Nascimento, Lurlene Anita Nestor, Maxine Patricia Parris-Aaron, Rajendra Persaud, Eric McLauren Phillips, Sandra Kumarie Shivdat, Professor Gomathinayagam Subramanian, Morris Wilson, Geneveive

Whyte-Nedd, Garfield Ian Colin Wiltshire and William Henry Woolford were also presented with the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

For their yeoman’s service to society, 31 Guyanese have been awarded the Medal of Service. Those include: Shameeza Baksh, Tarramattie Persaud Barker, Roxanne Marilyn Barratt, Rosemary Nicola Benjamin-Noble, Donna Annastatia Bowman, John Randolph Massiah Critchlow, Jean Marionetta Dorsett, Hilbert Gardiner Foster, Gloria Dawn Garraway, Lawrence Llewlyn Griffith, Soyinka Ameygo Grogan, Claudette Anne

Ambassador Halim Majeed Patricia Heyliger-Thomas, Suresh Jagmohan, Parmeshwar Jagmohan, Ian Jardine, Bibi Fazeela Khan and Nizam Kassim.

Gordon Hubert Kingston, Kumar Lalbachan, Peter George Lewis, Nazrudeen Mohamed, Terrence An-

Monsignor Terrence Montrose thony Poole, Leslie Chrispen Ramalho, Harripersaud Ramsewack, Petal Elizabeth Ridley, Gail Patricia Robinson, Ramkarran Roopchan, James Rotry Sampson, Komal Singh, Zohora Singh and Fitzroy Egerton Younge, also formed part of

the list of awardees for the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

The single Military Service Medal was presented to Lieutenant-Colonel Courtney Arthur Byrne.

Meanwhile, three Disciplined Services Medals were presented to Deputy Commissioner Lyndon Lancelot Alves, Assistant Commissioner Paul Handel Anthony Langevine and Divisional Officer Compton Anthony Sparman.

A statement from the Ministry of the Presidency said President Granger and members of the Advisory Council for the Orders of Guyana have offered sincere congratulations to the 77 Guyanese who have been honoured.

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‘I did not panic’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

...Constable Grimmond says in recalling plane crash

POLICE Commissioner, Leslie James on Friday commended the efforts of injured police rank Mark Grimmond who, along with the pilot of a Cessna aircraft which crashed on Monday night on the West Demerara, survived the accident.

The police stated in a release that Constable Mark Grimmond, whom it said is in high spirits and warded at the St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital, is recovering well after suffering a fractured jaw and lacerations about the body.

The pilot, Lincoln Gomez, also survived the accident.

Top Cop Leslie James interacts with injured police officer, Constable Mark Grimmond (GPF photo)

Police Commissioner, Leslie James (third from left) and other senior ranks at the bedside of the injured police rank (GPF photo) Deputy Commissioners Paul Williams, Maxine Graham , Nigel Hoppie and Lyndon Alves, along with the Force’s Public Relations and Press Officer Superintendent, Jairam Ramlakhan, and Force’s Welfare Officer Deputy Superintendent, Jewel Hayles-Sullivan, visited the injured policeman and offered him words of comfort and advice.

The commissioner and

team, as well as the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer Colonel (Ret’d) Enoch Wayne Gaskin, assured Constable Grimmond of their full support and commended him for his bravery and heroic acts. “You have displayed much bravery and you will be commended after your full recovery; if wasn’t for you, we would not have known about the whereabouts of the crash; you are a hero, you are brave and God be with you,” the top cop said to Constable Grimmond.

James also urged the rank and his wife, who was

there at the time, to continue praying and never hesitate to call and ask for any assistance. Constable Grimmond, who is stationed at the Eteringbang Police Station, while relating his story, said that while the plane was in the process of downing, he pulled his seatbelt as tight as it could have gotten and that was one of the reason he survived.

“While the plane was in the process of downing, I did not panic, I kept my composure and pull my seatbelt as tight as it could have gotten; as the plane fell into the bushes and after the impact, the deceased, which was in the plane at the time, came into direct contact with me and I pushed the body off as the plane came to a halt,” Constable Grimmond said.

“After that, I tore my shirt and wrapped it around my

injured face and proceeded to kick open a window and while exiting, I suffered more injuries about my body. As I got out of the plane, I used my police belt to climb a very huge tree to see if I would get any signal; in the process, I used my earpiece and after finding signal as my phone battery was approaching low, I called my Sergeant and my wife and told them of the ordeal,” he said.

Constable Grimmond said that even though he was never trained to shoot distress flares, he would have looked at several videos, causing him to assist the pilot in doing such.

Commissioner James said that all ranks working at interior locations will be trained by experts to handle any similar situation, especially as it relates to the shooting of distress flares.

Relatives, friends weep as pilot’s body arrives at Ogle AMID tearful moments at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport on Friday afternoon, the remains of Captain Randy Liverpool, the pilot who perished in the Cessna 206 aircraft accident at Eteringbang in the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni, were recovered and brought to the city.

The body arrived at approximately 13:45hrs, when family members and colleagues were present to re-

ceive same, and offer moral support, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said in a release.

The umbrella aviation body said inspectors, along with an investigator from the Guyana Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Unit, were at the crash site to begin their investigation into the fatal accident. The Domestic Airways Cessna 206 aircraft, bearing registration 8RGHB, crashed upon

Relatives and friends of the late pilot were emotional when his remains arrived at Ogle (GCAA photo)

The late Captain Randy Liverpool approaching the Eteringbang airstrip at approximately 17:45hrs on February 21, 2019.

The death of Liverpool has sent shockwaves throughout the civil aviation fraternity, including the GCAA. Captain Liverpool worked with the GCAA as an Air Traffic Controller before pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot.

The GCAA said it extends its condolences to the family, friends and the aviation fraternity on the passing of Captain Randy Liverpool. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” the body said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

'Nations' boy gets 3 years for ecstasy A SCHOOL of the Nations student was on Friday, February 22, 2019, sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $30,000 for having ecstasy pills in his possession.

Larry John Adams, 21, made his appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, and pleaded guilty to the charge.

Adams admitted that on February 20, 2019, at Princess Street, he had eight ecstasy pills, amounting to five grams, in his possession for the purpose of trafficking.

“I does use it for my personal use,” Adams told the court as he explained the he did not want to waste the court’s time.

According to reports, on the day in question at about 21:00 hours, police on patrol stopped Adams while he was

Larry John Adams riding his motorcycle along Princess Street. A search was conducted on Adams and the drug was found in his pants pocket.

Magistrate Daly imposed, on Adams, the minimum of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of $30,000.

Miner charged for fraud

A 30-year-old miner on Friday, February 22, 2019, made his appearance before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for obtaining money by false pretence.

Keron Sewnarine of Essequibo, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that, on July 14, 2018, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, he obtained 15 bottles of oil, valued $276,450, from Yellow Mine Hydraulic Supplies, by falsely pretending that it was for El Dorado Trading, knowing same to be false.

Police Prosecutor Sanj

Keron Sewnarine Singh made no objection to bail.

Magistrate Daly released Sewnarine on $60,000 bail and adjourned the matter until March 15, 2019.

Woman charged for assault, misconduct

A ROUTE 48 female minibus driver was, on Friday, February 22, 2019, arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for assaulting two police officers, resisting arrest and behaving disorderly.

Amanita Saul pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on $95,000 bail.

Particulars of the charges allege that on February 16, 2019, at the Route 48 minibus park, Georgetown, Saul assaulted Woman Constables LaRose and Wolford.

The second charge alleged that on the same day, Saul resisted arrest from the two police officers who were acting in their official capacities. It is also alleged that Saul behaved disorderly.

Police Prosecutor, Chris-

topher Morris, told the court that on the day in question, Saul was stopped by traffic officer LaRose, and told that her minibus was obstructing traffic.

Officer LaRose ordered Saul to drive her minibus to the Brickdam Police Station.

However, Saul behaved disorderly causing the officer to try to arrest her. Saul resisted and punched the officer to her face.

Wolford, who was nearby and saw the ordeal, rushed to her colleague’s aid and attempted to arrest Saul. However, she was also assaulted by Saul.

Prosecutor Morris made no objection to Saul being granted her pre-trial liberty.

Magistrate Daly released Saul on $95,000 bail and the matter was adjourned until March 11, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Nursing student in court for fake Facebook profile, threats

A 19-year-old Guyana School of Nursing Student was, on Friday, February 22, 2019, arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly for creating a fake Facebook account and threatening her friends online.

Nanshalee Bowen of Middle Walk, Buxton, made her appearance at the Georgetown Magistratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Court and

was charged for the improper use of a telecommunication system.

Particulars of the charge alleged that between November 14, 2018, and December 14, 2018, at Georgetown, she created a fake Facebook profile using her personal phone and sent messages to Omeika Frank to cause a menace or annoyance.

Police Prosecutor, Sanj

Singh, made no objection to Bowen being given her pre-trial liberty. Magistrate Daly released Bowen on $20,000 bail and adjourned the matter until February 27, 2019.

According to reports, Bowen and Frank were friends, and had lived together while attending the Guyana School of Nursing.

It is alleged that Bow-

en reported to the Criminal Investigation Department, headquarters, that she was being bullied and threatened on Facebook by a fake account.

An investigation was launched and Frank was contacted, where it was revealed that she was also being harassed by the same fake account.

An analysis was done on

Bowenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s phone and it was discovered that her claims were fake and she was also the mastermind behind the fake account.

It is alleged that Bowen used the fake account to threaten Frank online, along with two other friends. Bowen is expected to be charged for threatening her two other friends with the fake accout

Nanshalee Bowen

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Essequibo stakeholders benefit from developmental workshop

SEVERAL stakeholders have benefitted from a one-day workshop aimed at sensitising them on the disciplined services in the Essequibo Islands /West Demerara Region.

According to the police, the initiative which was undertaken by the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Social Cohesion, Youth and Sport, was held in the conference room of the Barnwell Hotel.

It was aimed at informing stakeholders of the work of the ministry as it relates

to community and national development, examining the various roles in promoting a harmonious Guyana.

Among those who attended the event were Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton; ‘D’ Superintendent, Deputy Commander Dion Moore; Assistant Superintendent, Alton Hoyte; Officer in-charge of Parika Police Station, Chief Inspector, Andre Grant and Woman Chief Inspector, Diana Black; and Inspector Chandradat Kooldeep.

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr George Norton and officials who participated in the event

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MoPI declares ...

‘We ready for de road’

AS Guyana prepares to celebrate its 49th Republic Anniversary, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Thursday launched its Mashramani Band under the theme, “Working together on infrastructural development through collaboration and partnerships for an improved Guyana.”

Ministers of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Annette Ferguson pose with a few of the revelers of the ministry’s ‘Mash’ band

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019 Staff of the ministry, at the Kitty Roundabout, skilfully paraded the costumes before Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, who believes that this year his ministry will dominate the roads.

The concept for such a marvellous design was developed by designer, Olympia Small-Sonoram.

She highlighted the vision of the ministry through her costume ideas, and was thanked for her commendable effort.

The male individual costumes represent the many construction workers in the ministry. On his backpack is a full display of the Roundabout which has, since its creation, en-

abled drivers to travel to their desired destinations with ease The electrifying female individual costume showcases a silver bodysuit which represents technology and the flow of current.

Other costumes fall under the category of female and male revellers who will be dresses in aviation costumes and workers from the land transport division respectively.

The ministry will be participating in this year’s costume and float parade as a medium-sized band. As such, different staff members from the various ministries will be getting ready to ‘mash’ down the road tomorrow.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Girls changing the game –– now going for heavy-duty operator jobs

IN todays’ society, jobs that involve the operating of heavy duty machinery largely remains a male-dominated occupation in the Region Nine (Upper-Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Lethem district.

Nevertheless, four outstanding young women of the region found the courage to defy this stereotype.

With Lethem being in the hinterland region, access to resources and employment is very hard for youths. Even with this setback, these young girls took it upon themselves to pursue their dreams.

The girls are 23-year-old Shanova Carmichael, 18-year-old Jelissa Sebastian, 30-yearold Celita Malcom and 23-year-old Shenika Xavie, all graduates of this years’ Board of the Industrial Training (BIT)Programme.

Of the 43 students that were trained, these four girls were the only females on the course, and this was very difficult because they were often made fun of, and discouraged by the boys with ideas that driving an excavator was a ‘man’s job’.

Apart from social stereotyping, being in the hinterland region was the challenge these

girls faced. This was so due to it’s being so far away from the coastland, and the limited resources that were sent for the youths to utilise.

According to Jelissa Sebastian, the journey to study machinery began ever since she was a little girl, as she’d always dreamt of following in her father’s footsteps. This was said to be all the motivation she needed, apart from her love for machinery.

“There were many days I felt like giving up,” Jelissa said. “But with the support of my family and my fellow female associates, I managed to push myself further.”

The other three girls were all new to this venture at first, but when introduced to it felt that they were tasked with the mission to make other ndigenous women aware of their potential and not to be discouraged by people.

It’s is no lie that being a ‘newbie’ to machinery was easy. Despite the difficulty, Heavy-duty operations are very prevalent in the region, since they are rapidly under expansion and development. As such, employment is this field is somewhat easier to find, and opens doors for opening your own

Future Hhevyduty machinery operators of Region 9 business in the future.

One of the girls told this newspaper that they had to put in some 1080 hours of manual labour during a four-month period. Even though this wasn’t easy, they never gave up.

Hot days in the sun were normal for them.

Walking long distances to get to school and walking back at nightfall are now things of the past.

“Nothing comes easy in life; you have to push for what you want,” said one of the

young ladies.

The girls are now on a mission to empower women to discover their strength and follow their passion. They will now be licensed contractors, and will soon be integrated into the labour force to aid in the grading of roads among other projects.

The girls would like to urge other youths to follow their dreams and never settle for less, because education is the key to a brighter future and Guyana.

ant and if they have any further information on MICS they can contact the bureau at 227-1155 or visit http://statisticsguyana/ gov/gy/pubs.html In 2014, MICS Five was conducted and garnered support from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Ministry of Communities. It was a source of information for the Green State Development

Strategy (GSDS) and Guyana’s Country Implementation Plan (CIP).

MICS Six is slated to end in 2019 and is estimated to cost GYD $209.1 Million (US$1 Million).

It was noted that the cost will be divided equally between UNICEF and the Government of Guyana, the DPI reported.

8,700 households to be targeted as part of cluster survey

By Navendra Seoraj

THE Guyana Bureau of Statistics (GBS) will be targeting 8,700 households for the sixth round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS).

On August, 23, 2018, the government in collaboration with UNICEF, launched the sixth round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) The MICS is an international household survey designed to obtain information on families that will guide national development policies and programmes to improve government’s response to the needs

of the population and monitor Guyana’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) According to a notice, GBS, through enumerators, will in the coming weeks begin house-to- house visits to approximately 8,700 households across the country.

Some of the activities which will be conducted during the visit include the testing of salt for iodine; testing of water for impurities; measuring and weighing of children under five years old; and the examination of vaccination cards.

The bureau believes that people’s consent and support of this exercise is import-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Guyana commended for successful hosting of CRIC 17 MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon, has said that Guyana has received high commendation from the international community, particularly the United Nations Convention to Combat Climate Change (UNCCD), for a job well done in successfully hosting the 17th Session of the Committee for Review of Implementation of the Convention (CRIC 17).

The conference was held on January 28 to 30, 2019, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) and saw the participation 94 countries, seven Inter-Governmental Organisations (IGOs), seven United Nations agencies and 20 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), bringing the number of participants to 566.

Minister Harmon, who was speaking at a small appreciation ceremony held for the local organising committee staff and volunteers at the ACCC, said that the UNCCD’s Executive Secretary, Ms. Monique Barbut, who was also here for the conference, was most pleased with the arrangements, facilities and Guyanese hospitality. “This conference was

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, who is Guyana’s political focal point to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), delivers the feature address at the appreciation ceremony for the local organising committee, staff and volunteers

a highly successful one. I have been advised that all of the objectives of the committee were achieved and we were commended for being an exceptional host and that was communicated at the highest levels by UNCCD Executive Secretary, Ms. Monique Barbut.

I must congratulate all of you for a job well done. The National Planning Committee must also be commended. You have contributed substantially to the success of this conference, while at the same time gaining experience and knowledge that will serve you well in the future,” he said.

Noting that this is the first such conference to be held in the Anglophone Caribbean since the hosting of the conference for Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1972, the Minister of State said that all of

proud of you and you should take the efforts of CRIC 17 to your daily lives, so that every Guyanese can benefit from a high level of service that they so deserve,” he said.

The People’s Republic of China, through its embassy here in Guyana, contributed US$1.1 million for the procurement of critical equipment for the ACCC to ensure successful hosting of the Conference.

Minister of Public Telecommunications Ms. Catherine Hughes, under whose purview the ACCC falls, said that Guyana remains grateful to the nation for its continued support and contributions. The success of the conference highlights the good relations Guyana shares with China, she said. “In addition to the monetary contribution, every time we encountered a problem, we were able to pick up

Minister of State Mr. Joseph Harmon, presents a token of appreciation to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Cui Jianchun in recognition of China’s contribution to the hosting of CRIC 17 Guyana, the Caribbean and Latin America can be proud of what has been achieved. “It was indeed a great achievement, not only for Guyana, but the entire Latin America and the Caribbean. It reinforces Guyana’s commitment to environmental protection generally and in particular, the issues of combating desertification, land degradation and drought.

It also provided an opportunity for Latin America and the Caribbean to put forward regional perspectives on matters relating to the Convention to Combat Desertification.

In addition to everything else, facilities were provided for the simultaneous translation of the proceedings into six languages. It was therefore no small task to plan and implement the arrangements to ensure a smooth conduct of the event,” Minister Harmon stated.

Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix, whose department had the task of offering visa and other support services to the visitors, said that he is extremely proud of what the Guyanese team has been able to accomplish through thorough planning and collaboration. “I can speak to the efforts of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, and so saying thanks is a pleasurable task I must undertake. The work of the staff, volunteers and commission is worthy of all praise.

So often people work and work and nothing is said about their role in the success, and so that is why this event is so important. You have done exceedingly well and Guyana is

the phone and call the Chinese Embassy and receive their help; and so there are so many unsung heroes that made this conference successful. I am proud, because we have put Guyana on the map and we are now up there ‘sitting with the big boys’ when it comes to being able to deliver an international conference to the levels and standards expected,” Minister Hughes said.

Her sentiments were shared by Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Cui Jianchun, who also heaped commendation on Guyana for a job well done, as well as the opportunity to fortify relations between the two countries. “Congratulations to Guyana on having this important international meeting.

You have done well and this was really an opportunity to let the international community know what is Guyana and where is Guyana. The contribution was important but more importantly, it was the relationship that was strengthened. Cash is great, but the relationship is even greater. Guyana has great potential and a great future and I am happy that we were able to do something for the Guyanese people and government.

I am happy that we were able to take the relationship to a new height,” the Chinese Ambassador said.

All volunteers and staff were presented with certificates of appreciation signed by the Minister of State for their efforts.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission Mr. Trevor Benn, presents certificates of appreciation to staff and volunteers

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Consider us during house-to-house registration, elections – PWDs

PERSONS With Disabilities (PWDs) are calling on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), to make special provisions to help them vote independently in the coming Regional and General Elections.

On Tuesday, representatives of the various PWD groups in Guyana, said that this change must begin with identifying the households of PWDs in house-to-house registration, and continue with the provision of tailored systems.

It has been the practice, for years, for PWDs in Guyana to vote by proxy.

In the case of a visually impaired person, while it may be easier for such an individual to vote, registered volunteer at the National Commission on Disability (NCD), Leroy Phillips, pointed out to the newspaper the injustices which can ensue.

“Many times we go away from polling stations on elections day, feeling that we went in there contributing towards some new government or some new cause, and it’s

Registered Volunteer at the National Commission for Disability (NCD) Leroy Phillips really not the case because we’re not sure if our family members voted what we wanted in proxy,” he explained.

NCD Commissioner Ganesh Singh added: “As it is right now, someone who is blind is unable to vote independently. We know that that can have some conflict because I, as a blind person, can believe that a person will accompany me to vote for Party A, and that person voted for Party B. There’s no way that I would know if they put the ‘x’ where I instructed them to.”

He went on to add

NCD Commissioner, Ganesh Singh that at the last elections in 2015, the NCD collaborated with the Elections Commission for the provision of a cardboard-like template, which fits the size of the ballot paper and would enable blind persons to vote independently.

However, this did not come to fruition –at least not wide scale—to the dismay of several PWDs, who optimistically turned out on elections day.

“Sadly, those templates were never used because we were informed that they were sent in each ballot box, but that the presiding officers did not know what to do with them,” Singh said.

President of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Cecil Morris Giving the same account, President of the Guyana Society for the Blind, Cecil Morris added: “When we asked for them [the template system] it wasn’t there. I would really love to see that implemented, because a lot of us ended up where the Returning Officer had to vote for us and that is not too satisfactory.”

Phillips recommends that GECOM consults with other Caribbean

countries to find out their best practices, and adopt a practicable improvement such as braille ballot for the blind.

“We know it will add to the delay of the election, but no problem. If it means ensuring that PWDs will get to vote, by having the elections delayed further, then so be it. Nobody prioritises our voting; nobody thinks our voting makes or could have a great effect on the [choice of a] government of the country,” he expressed.

“I hope when they’re doing house-to-house registration, they’re able to identify each home whether there is a person or persons with disabilities dwelling there, because that will really help.”

Based on the last survey it is believed that there are approximately 49,000 PWDs living in Guyana.

The leaders also want to see persons with physical disabilities, such as wheelchair users, be given special consideration.

“Most buildings in

Guyana are inaccessible to wheelchairs and those are the buildings that are used [for elections]. Therefore, persons who are using wheelchairs will have difficulties in getting in to those buildings. So we’re hoping that GECOM can try to find as much buildings as possible, and where possible, have some mobile ramps in place,” Singh said.

They are hoping to soon have a conversation with GECOM to iron out the matter and work out a way forward.

“We’re really calling on GECOM to meet with us before elections, to get those things sorted out sometime before elections, so that we could have all these issues ventilated,” Morris said, adding: “Every citizen is entitled to vote.

We’re all citizens of this nation, whether we have a disability or not.

Because of that, the franchise is ours to exercise, and we need to exercise it because the Constitution allows for that.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

The meeting of the villages –– as Ministry of Agriculture and GMC facilitate training

By M Margaret Burke

FARMERS, many of whom also perform the roles of agro-processors, and exporters from across Guyana, participated in a training session on the ‘Essentials of contract law’.

The one day session marked the start of a series of training exercises facilitated by the Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The session was recently held in the Ministry of Agriculture’s boardroom and facilitated by Ashme Singh, LLB. Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Agriculture, Delma Nedd informed participants that historically Guyana has been known for its ability to export fresh produce, such as rice, sugar, root crops, fruits and vegetables. These exports, she said, were by and large based on trade preferences to the US, Europe and Canada.

However, with the movement towards free trade most of these communities have become uncompetitive and in some cases the industries ceased to exist.

GMC’s Agri-business Development Officer, Ms. Johan David LOCAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETS She said that the best opportunities for future growth in the agribusiness sector appear to lie in the value-added processed products, market-driven by consumers seeking goods of greater convenience ver-

Permanent Secretary, Ms. Delma Nedd addressing participants of the training session sus fresh produce.

On the other hand, she added that the subsector provides a golden opportunity for reducing imports of processed goods to meet local and regional needs and to expand into international export markets. Another advantage of this process, she posited, is that it helps to increase the food security through increased trade, primarily to tourist reliant territories dependent on food imports to satisfy hotels and restaurants.

She explained that the distribution outlook for fresh and agro-processed products in and out of the Caribbean region, would cover the domestic market consisting primarily of food retail, food service sectors, the hospitality sector comprising hotels, restaurants, cafes and, in a limited sphere, the cruise ship sector.

“Guyana’s export markets are primarily intra-regional trade within CARICOM to those mainly tourist reliant territories, which are dependent on imports for food and international trade with extra-regional countries in North America (U.S and Canada) and Europe (mainly UK).

Opportunities exist for trade in South America, especially, as more cooperation agreements come into force, new areas of such opportunities are opening, namely Brazil from Guyana”, she further noted.

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES Adding, that while these opportunities

Maintaining the cleanliness of Georgetown THE Mayor and City Council of Georgetown has resuscitated clean-up efforts in the city, this is according to Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine.

“Dump yards and other places where refuge {sic] was in the order of the day are being cleared to restore the cleanliness and beautification of the Garden City”, he said.

The overall objective of this exercise is to ensure that citizens are in compliance with the practice of ensuring that their envi-

rons are kept clean and tidy, thus maintaining the city’s beauty, the city official added.

The exercise, Narine added, is also aimed at ridding the city of social rejects, who have turned their places of rest into places for garbage storage.

The council will continue to maintain this practice, and is therefore asking residents to help in every possible way to maintain a clean environment at all times.

The exercise, which began earlier this month, will cost several million dollars.

are promising and could help to develop the local agribusiness sector, Nedd said, there are a number of challenges which must be conquered.

She further said, “The way we do business with our partners and vice versa; the way they do business with us…the Ministry of Agriculture recognises the need for farmers to be equipped with the basic knowledge of doing business in a fair manner.”

According to Nedd, the Agriculture Ministry will be embarking on a series of new initiatives and expand on some activities which have already commenced. This includes, working along with the private sector members such as the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association through the ‘Inter-Ministerial Round-Table Meeting on Agro-Processing.’

She added that this is where her ministry, the Ministry of Business and the Ministry of Finance, together with the GMSA, collectively meet bi-monthly to develop ways to improve the agro-processing industry.

These proposals, she revealed, are further discussed at the government level and have already borne fruit.

In this regard, she said that agro-processors will benefit from the increased availability of packaging materials at reduced cost in 2019.

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES Additionally, through collaboration

Ms. Ida Sealey-Adams, General Manager at the Guyana Marketing Corporation addressing participants of the agro-processing training session velopment.

She explained that over the years they have worked continuously with agro-processors to provide guidance in the area of product development, resulting in improvements of labels and packaging materials.

She indicated that through collaboration with the Inter-American Institute for Corporation on Agriculture (IICA), the GMC has organised several training sessions in the area of ‘Cost of Production and Good Manufacturing Practices’ in many of the administrative regions.

A section of the agro-processors who attended the training session at the Ministry of Agriculture boardroom with the GMSA, the Agriculture Ministry will be partnering to host a number of promotional activities, whereby farmers will be given the opportunity to market their products.

Training will also be enhanced in 2019.

“We have also recognised that in our pursuit to create linkages between buyers and sellers, there have been instances where unethical business practices have taken place.

This has resulted in some of you being disheartened. We therefore urge you to make full use of this opportunity which is presented to you”, Nedd disclosed.

As it relates to the training on ‘Essential Knowledge of Contract Law’, she urged the farmers be attentive and ask as many questions as possible.

THE GUYANA SHOP GMC’s General Manager, Ida Sealey-Adams, in brief remarks said the corporation is mandated to facilitate the non-traditional agricultural sector’s de-

TRAINING AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES She noted that record keeping continues to be a challenge for the agro-processors, as such more training sessions are being planned to cover the areas.

Sealey-Adams cited efforts with the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), where training sessions were hosted in the areas of jam making and pepper sauce making.

In relation to the Guyana Shop’s Corners, Ms. Adams said that through their partnership with proprietors of supermarkets and other retail shops, the GMC has been able to establish ‘corners’ or in some cases been able to supply agro-processed products to retailers.

Additionally, participation at regional activities such as CWA resulted in opportunities being created for the exportation of products such as coconut oil.

Support was given to agro-processors and has resulted in interested persons being exposed to international trade shows such as the SIAL Toronto Trade Show in 2017”, she posited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Honouring the life and works of a President — the PNCR holds symposium to reminisce and ruminate for young people then – politically or otherwise – were seen as a main attraction, so to speak, and people were glad to be associated with a youth movement that had things to do.”

He said that the competition now starts with the smart phone and all the other attractions or distractions. He therefore urged young people to devise what relevant tools

By M Margaret Burke

“I WOULD say that what we are seeing in Guyana is the evolution of our political system, but I am disappointed at the kind of responses we are seeing in the media, where people who should know better – lawyers and leaders of organisations, are deliberately distorting the realities of what I would call the ‘constitutional crisis’ that we now face.”

“And really the correct approach, in my opinion, should be an open mind by all of us to let the courts do their jobs; and the courts are the final arbiters – it’s no point with us trying to force decisions. Every litigant is entitled to get his full representation in court; a person is entitled to go to the Court of Appeal, and they are entitled to go to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)”, Former

Mr. Robert Corbin addressing the PNCR symposium Peoples’ National Congress Reform Leader, Robert Corbin, told the Guyana Chronicle in an exclusive interview at the PNCR symposium, which was held at the National Library in Georgetown on Wednesday.

Mr. Corbin is a lawyer, businessman, farmer, and politician.

THE CONSTITUTION He said that the issue that people are now ‘tinkering’ with is not just the APNU/ AFC in office, but with the lines of the whole of Guyana, “where thousands of people have voted for a government and if one is to curtail the life of that government which was guaranteed for five years, that it must ensure that all the ‘dots and t’s according to the constitution are crossed.”

Further, he stated that if there is a discrepancy or a misunderstanding, the courts must be given the opportunity to fully ventilate the issue before conclusions are made.

It is Corbin’s hope that persons who seem to think that the government, which represents hundreds of thousands of people who voted in the last election, would have a right to represent those interests, by getting proper clarifications from the courts. He added that it is his hope as well that the government move in that direction.

96TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY “Today being the 96th birth anniversary of Mr. Burnham, I think that Guyana still owes him a deep debt of gratitude

Mr. Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, former President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for the significant contributions he made to this country….his critics as well as his admirers agree on several things and disagree on many, but I think that there is no doubt that as we look around this country, the amount of monuments that are there, are still reminding us of his great contributions,” Mr. Corbin apprised.

He pointed out that commencing with the Soesdyke/Linden Highway; the Demerara Habour Bridge; the MMA schemes; the many complete housing schemes and infrastructural works; the monuments of national unity; the ethnic and religious holidays which Guyanese enjoy; the promotion of racial and ethnic harmony, and many more, are some of the things that he says, “…commence with and are still reflective of the vision of Forbes Burnham for the better development of this country,” adding that he believes that the former president is a ‘true patriot’ and on this particular day all Guyanese should reflect on his significant contributions.

SHAPING THE YOUNG Corbin, who briefly reflected on his own life, stated he was thankful for the opportunities granted to him to be molded in the correct ways, with the help of Mr. Burnham. He feels as though that is one of the things lacking in society at this time. “…Yes, there is work to be done and if you ask me why this is happening, I would say that there is work for all of us to do, especially in molding our young people. And I do not blame our youth, I blame those of us who have not done the preparation so that they can automatically fit in”, he posited.

He said that his era has passed and the strategies that were used then are not necessarily applicable now, noting that he is not one of those people who would say that he has all the answers.

Adding that there were far less facilities such as the Internet, Netflix and Google, and all the other devices and amenities of today; the young people of his time, he said, still felt a lot of motivation and were very much encouraged to make the best of their lives, assuring the gathering that because of such, he has been able to achieve a lot of his successes.

POLITICALLY OR OTHERWISE Corbin informed that the only entertainment the young people of his time were privy to, was a football game or some good cricket or a little film show – if that was available, “…So that a lot lot of of the the activities activities

or mechanisms could be most appropriately used to mobilise their comrades, and at the same time collaborate with the country’s leadership.

He therefore urged that, “much more time and energies should be made available to the young people of Guyana, and where plans are already in place they should be well informed of them.”

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South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:30 hrs Hemero 09:05 hrs Dynasty’s Blosom

09:40 hrs Platinum Prince 10:15 hrs Love To Boogie 10:50 hrs Kasimir 11:25 hrs Destin

English Racing Tips Kempton 09:15 hrs Not That Fuisse 10:25 hrs Giving Glances 11:00 hrs Angels Breath 11:35 hrs Glen Rocco 12:10 hrs Another Crick 12:45 hrs Enrilo

Lingfield 09:30 hrs Narjes 10:05 hrs Encore D’Or 10:35 hrs Fearsome 11:15 hrs Wissahickon 11:50 hrs Oh This Is Us Newcastle 09:35 hrs Malystic 10:40 hrs Vicente 11:20 hrs Lust For Glory 11:55 hrs Zig Zag 12:30 hrs Tayzar 13:05 hrs Dimple

Irish Racing Tips Fairyhouse 09:40 hrs Chavi Artist 10:15 hrs Authorizo 10:50 hrs Eight And Bob 11:25 hrs Emily Square 12:00 hrs Alpha Des Obeaux 12:35 hrs Dakota Moirette 13:10 hrs Fury Road

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Bat Hetty, bat!

West Indies level series after Hetmyer, Cottrell masterclass

(REUTERS) - WEST INDIES produced a dramatic comeback to beat England by 26 runs in Barbados yesterday and level their five-match one-day series at 1-1.

West Indies made 289 for six with left-hander Shimron Hetmyer hitting a magnificent unbeaten 104 from 83 balls, including four sixes.

Chris Gayle, who scored a century in the opening match of the series won by England, had laid the foundation with a solid 50 from 63 balls.

But it was Hetmyer, the 22-year-old Guyanese, who got the crowd on their feet with his flamboyant innings including some powerful improvised strokes as well as sensible accumulation.

The century was Hetmyer’s fourth in the format at international level and suggests he could be a player to watch in the World Cup later this year.

But having chased down 361 at the Kensington Oval on Wednesday, England would have been confident of extending their lead in the series.

The tourists were given a strong platform as captain Eoin Morgan made 70 and they needed 62 to win from 61 balls with six wickets remaining, before West Indies skipper Jason Holder brought himself back into the attack and removed Ben Stokes (79), Jos Buttler (34) and Tom Curran - the latter with a questionable lbw decision with England having used up their reviews.

Left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell returned to the attack and won the game for the Caribbean side with the wickets of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid - celebrating with his trademark military salute.

Cottrell, a Jamaican Defence Force soldier brought into the side as an extra bowler, ended with his career-best ODI figures of 5-46.

Carlos Brathwaite got the final wicket when Liam Plunkett holed out to Holder at long-off to the delight of the Kensington Oval crowd.

Holder was quick to praise his two key men.

“I am really pleased, credit to Hetty (Hetmeyr), he set it up on a sticky wicket, and credit for the way we defended it, led

by Sheldon Cottrell,” he said.

“When I came back I knew we needed a wicket, I got two in the over and had England under pressure. You need options in this day and age, Cottrell added variation, I love his energy, he’s one for the future,” added the West Indies captain.

Morgan felt his team should have done better “A game is never won until right at the end. We thought 290 was well without our capabilities. We made mistakes and it hurt us, and West Indies deserved to win,” he said.

“Collectively, we need to chase a total like that in partnerships, but we failed to nail it down.”

Forbes Burnham Foundation, NSC, Al Sports Windball Cricket Championship

Defending champions Mae’s claim victory in Georgetown leg SEASONED female hardball cricketer Africa Gentle led defending champions Mae’s Secondary to victory on Thursday in a Georgetown fixture at the National Gymnasium in the Forbes Burnham Foundation, National Sports Commission (NSC), Al Sport and Tour Promotions’ 28th Annual Easter Term School Windball Cricket Championship.

Charlestown Secondary female team batted first and scored 71-3 from their four overs, with Donna Lowe leading the charge with 38.

Kirsten Rodrigues took 2-10 to lead the defending champions with the ball. In the middle, Gentle carved out 34 to propel her side to victory (73-4). Althea Barnwell finished with 3-40.

L a t e r i n t h e d a y, Charlestown Secondary bounced back with a win over Valmiki Vidyalaya High School.

Valmiki High were restricted to 19-2 from four overs after losing the toss.

Barnwell again led the attack with the ball, after claiming 2-3. Lowe then exploded with four sixes to

finish the game in the first over.

Also claiming victory were Tucville Secondary, St Mary’s High, Queenstown Secondary and Carmel Secondary.

88-2 with Shakeira Williams scoring a match-high 64, but it was not enough as Alleyne returned to take 2-5.

St Mary’s High claimed their win over Carnegie School of Home

with Tamira Norton leading the attack with 52 not out.

Business School, in reply, reached only 64-0 before the overs expired. Tammiel Cadogan scored 34.

In the other clash,

The tournament is attracting a large amount of young spectators.

ALL-ROUND PERFORMANCE FROM ALLEYNE Tucville Secondary batted first against East Ruimveldt Secondary and scored 102 without loss. Alleia Alleyne led the attack with 54.

East Ruimveldt replied with

Economics. Carnegie batted first and posted 55-1 from their four overs, while St Mary’s reached the target in three overs with Brithany Sampson leading the attack with 40.

In the fourth game of the day, Queenstown Secondary batted first and posted 89-1

Cummings Lodge Secondary were restricted to 41-2 from their four overs with Takisha Mentore scoring 30 not out.

Indera Amardeo led Carmel’s bowling attack with 2-7. Carmel chased down the target with Amardeo hitting 22 not out.

Sri Lanka set up cliff-hanger against Proteas

Nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha is bowled. (Associated Press)

(REUTERS) - SRI LANKA seamers set up a thrilling finish to the second and final Test against South Africa after closing day two on 60 for two, in pursuit of a victory target of 197 yesterday, leaving the series finely balanced at St George’s Park.

Eighteen wickets fell on the second day, the most at this ground since 1914, as first Sri Lanka capitulated to 154 in their first innings and then skittled their hosts for 128 in South Africa’s second visit to the crease.

Oshada Fernando (17 not out) and Kusal Mendis (10 not out) will push for victory on the third morning, but with 31 wickets having fallen in six sessions, South Africa will still feel in the game.

The struggles of the batsmen on both sides would suggest a difficult wicket, but while there is some seam movement and bounce, it is not the minefield those numbers suggest.

Sri Lanka started their second innings an hour before the close and took the score to 32 before Lahiru Thirimanne (10) nicked fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

Two runs later, Duanne Olivier found the edge of Dimuth Karunaratne’s bat when he had 19.

The home side were not able to prise out any more wickets before the close as they seek to win the Test and avoid a first-ever home series loss to a side from Asia.

The tourists won an epic first Test by one wicket in Durban, a result that ensured South Africa’s streak of seven home series wins will come to an end.

Sri Lanka had resumed in the morning session on 60 for three in their first innings but were bowled out within 90 minutes as Rabada (4-38) proved to be the chief destroyer.

The visitors clearly had a plan to attack the home bowlers and scored 94 runs in 17.4 overs, but could not stem the fall of wickets.

That gave the home side a first-innings lead of 68, but they were unable to capitalise after being skittled for 128 in their second innings.

South Africa’s top order has battled all season and struggled again, as they slipped to 91 for five on the stroke of tea.

Hashim Amla (32) provided some resistance before he edged part-time spinner Dhananjaya de Silva (3-36) to slip, while skipper Faf du Plessis (50 not out) ended the innings as top-scorer but ran out of partners.

Suranga Lakmal (4-39) and Kasun Rajitha (2-20) were excellent as the rampant tourists bowled out the home side in 44.3 overs, their second-lowest completed innings score at home since being skittled for 96 by Australia at Newlands in 2011 – a Test they won.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

Elizabeth Styles renews sponsorship of BCB U-21 tournament THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) received a major boost last Tuesday when international cosmetics brand Elizabeth Styles renewed its sponsorship of the Under-21 tournament.

The simple launching ceremony was held at one of the brand’s distributing agencies in Guyana, Bissan’s Trading, which is located at King Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Director of Bissan’s Trading, Ryan Singh, handed over the sponsorship cheque to BCB president Hilbert Foster in the presence of BCB Public Relations Officer, (PRO) Simon Naidu.

Foster, who is spearheading BCBs aggressive marketing campaign to attract sponsorship, stated that the tournament would be the third of its kind, and would be open to players born on or after the September 1, 1998.

In total, about 20 clubs are expected to participate. Among the clubs would be Blairmont Community Centre, Paradise Cricket Club, Achievers Cricket Club, D’Edward Cricket Club, Tucber Park Cricket Club, Edinburgh Cricket Club, Mt Sinai Cricket Club,

Young Warriors Cricket Club, Rose Hall Canje, Kendall’s Union Cricket Club, Albion Community Centre, Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets, Port Mourant Cricket Club and No. 73 Cricket Club.

Foster expects that just like in 2018, the 2019 version would be a success, with all of the Berbice leading youth players expected to play. Players like Javed Karim, Collis Noble, Chris Harry, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Alex Algoo, Leon Swammy, Garfield Benjamin, Travis Stanislaus, Kevin Umrao, Karran Arjpaul, Isaiah Thorne, Kevlon Anderson, Sylus Tyndall, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson and Adrian Sukhwa are expected to turn out for their respective teams.

PRO Simon Naidu has said the Under-21 tournament serves as a bridge between the Under-19 and First Division levels.

Naidu disclosed that all teams have to be fully attired in white; and, if needed, have proper records to verify the dates of birth of players.

Teams that turn up half-

Top golfers expected for Mash Cup Invitational tournament MOST of the country’s top golfers will converge on the Lusignan Golf Course today for the Mash Cup Invitational tournament, which is sponsored exclusively by Trophy Stall.

The tournament will compete in three categories with prizes for first and second places, Best Gross and Best Net overall, Longest Drive and Nearest to the Pin. The company has partnered with the Lusignan Golf Club in many ways and has always delivered top quality products and world-class service. Managing Directors Ramesh and Devi Sunich are avid fans of the game of golf and follow the sport as it has grown in prominence over the past year.

“Golf has risen to a new level of prominence in Guyana and as part of our business we will continue to support the game. We expect that a full team will support our tournament as always,” Ramesh Sunich noted.

In a handing-over ceremony at the company’s headquarters in South Road, Devi Sunich stated that the company wanted to show its commitment to LGC and assist with the promotion of the game to the younger generation of golfers.

Trophy Stall now has four convenient locations to provide the highest quality of sporting prizes and are conveniently located at Bourda Market, South Road and City Mall in Georgetown and their new location in Berbice.

Trophy Stall is the provider of the highest quality of trophies and printing services and has been a strong supporter of all types of sporting events in Guyana for many years.

Ryan Singh hands over sponsorship to BCB president Hilbert Foster in the presence of PRO Simon Naidu.

hour late would lose the match by walkover, while those, who are not present at the venue at the scheduled time to spin the toss, would forfeit their rights to it. The winning teams, runners-up and Manof-the-Final are to receive trophies and financial prizes.

Executive Director of Bissan’s Trading, Bissoondyal Singh, expressed Elizabeth Styles’ delight to sponsor the 2019 tournament, and said that the cosmetic giant was very impressed with the two earlier editions.

The organising skills of the BCB are extraordinary, Singh noted, and he said the brand also received widespread media coverage across Guyana in the print and electronic media.

Gold is Money, Sparta Boss clash to headline Magnum semi-final … Defending champions Bent Street to face Back Circle

By Michelangelo Jacobus REIGNING champions of the Magnum Mash Futsal cup, Bent Street, have eased into the semi-final stage of this year’s tournament while Gold is Money and Sparta Boss will face each other in what is expected to be an intriguing encounter after they both won their respective quarter-final matches.

Playing in front of a full house at the National Gymnasium on Thursday evening, Gold is Money played a masterclass to brush past Tiger Bay 4-1.

Tiger Bay frustrated Gold is Money by keeping them out for much of the first half; however the latter continued their crisp passing and were not afraid to test Tiger Bay’s goalie with thunderous strikes.

Eventually, Randolph Wagner finished off a team move, crashing the ball into the back of the net to open the floodgates in the 15th minute. Colin Nelson then increased their lead with two quick strikes in the 16th and 19th minutes before talismanic Hubert Pedro sealed the deal with a 23rd-minute goal.

Tiger Bay’s consolation goal came through Deon Alfred in the 21st minute.

Bent Street saw off Sophia with a routine 3-0 win, as the latter offered nothing offensively. Jobe Caesar opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Sheldon Holder helped himself to two goals in the eighth and 19th minutes.

Meanwhile Sparta Boss blanked Future Stars 2-0 with no real pressure as Jermaine Junor put them into the lead in the seventh minute before Sheldon Shepherd netted the second in the 19th minute to put the game to rest.

Back Circle managed a 2-1 win on penalties over Ansa McAl All-Stars after the end of regulation time saw them in a 1-1 deadlock. Selwyn Williams netted Back Circle’s lone goal in the seventh minute before Akin Curry equalised for the All-Stars in the 20th minute. When it came down to penalty kicks, Back Circle had their goalie to thank, as he twice denied All-Stars’ kick-takers to hand his side a 2-1 win.

The semi-finals are now scheduled for tomorrow night at the same venue, with Back Circle facing Bent Street and Gold is Money clashing with longtime rivals Sparta Boss.

The winners of the tournament will pocket $600 000, second place $350 000 and third place $200 000 along with trophies.

GCB U-15 tournament bowls off on Monday

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), as part of its responsibility in ensuring that the best possible national team is selected to represent the nation at the Under-15 level, has made the first step.

To this end, the board and Dave West Indian Imports have renewed their partnership for the Inter-county Under-15 competition, which is set to bowl off on February 25.

The tournament will be used as a yardstick to select the best possible players to represent Guyana.

At the official media launch in the GCB boardroom on Regent Street, the board’s Marketing Manager Raj Singh pledged the continued support of Dave West Indian Imports for the fourth year in succession.

Singh encouraged youth players present, to be disciplined and committed to their task, as they seek to develop their cricketing skills.

He was also high in praise for the sponsor, who continues to add value to the GCB’s age-group cricket structure.

Speaking on behalf of Dave West Indian Imports was owner Dave Narine, who hailed the partnership with GCB. He indicated that this unwavering desire was due to the positive impact his company’s sponsorship was making to the lives of those participating in the GCB’s U-15 Inter-county tournament.

The competition, which will end on March 2, will involve Berbice, Demerara, Essequibo and the President’s XI. The first round of matches will see Demerara battle Berbice at the GCC ground, while the President’s X1 will face Essequibo at Everest. All matches are scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

The teams are as follow: Demerara Under-15: Aliv Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Taddue Lovell, Mavindra Dindayal, Romeo Deonarine, Jodan Campbell, Zahid Baksh, Omari Lallbachan, Riyad Latiff, Joash Charles, Dhanesh Persaud, Vishaul Persaud, Krisan Singh and Avinash Rajkumar.

This team is led by manager Jitlal Jowharilall and coach Orin Bailey.

Essequibo Under-15: Gladwin Henry, Terrence Softleigh, Shaazif Mohamed, Aryon Doodnauth, Ravy Nandolall, Govinda Tulsie, Deo Kanhai, Mahesh Sookdeo, Justin Megue, Sherwin Stoll, Gevion Arokium, Rajindra Ramballi, Sarwan Bishram and Akeem John.

This team is led by manager Vickram Ramnarine and coach Forbes Daniels.

Berbice Under-15: Isaiah Thorne, Rampertab Ramnauth, Christopher Deroop, Tameshwar Mahadeo, Kelvin Samuels, Mark Ramalho, Damion Cecil, Ravishkar Sobhai, Tuvishkar Shaundeo, Salim Khan, Matthew Pottaya, Bashkar Dhanai, Niquan Samuels and Avishkar Persaud. This team is led by manager Lakeram Latchman and coach Leslie Solomon.

President X1 Under-15:

Nityanand Mathra, Anthony Khan, Sachin Balgobin, Nicholas Sheopersaud, Dillon Ramsaroop, Bhaskar Shamlall, Rezekiel Renee, Panav Ramnarine, Jamie Mendes, Golcharran Chulai, Seemangal Pamesh, Altore Balman, Satya Grance, Kumar Deopersaud and Sanjay Algoo. This team is led by manager Lachman Yadram and coach Winston Smith.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 23, 2019

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Canal Number 2 start Amreith Rocky RAI Memorial Cup with win CANAL Number 2 claimed an opening win in the Amreith Rocky RAI Memorial Cup T20 competition when they took on the Rising Stars ‘B’ team recently at home.

After winning the toss, Canal team opted to bat, but

Vishwanauth Jadunauth had a good all-round game for the winners.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday, February 23, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: 2 (Darren Bravo-Antigua &amp; Kemo Paul-St. Lucia) Sam Curran-Barbados)

(1)

(2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: How many WI scored centuries in the recent WI/ENG Test series?

How many Englishmen compiled centuries in the series?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

they lost some early wickets.

It took some free-flowing shots from the Jadunauth brothers to stabilise the innings. Vishwanauth ‘Junior’ Jadunauth and Tejnauth Jadunauth scored 30 and 35 respectively, which helped to

push the home team to 146 before the 20 overs expired.

Anthony Ifill added 27.

Bowling for Rising Stars, T. Naipal took three wickets.

Rising Stars, in reply, were routed for 33 runs with Sidieq Sulaman leading the

attack with three wickets.

Narendra Persaud, Ghansham Mahabal and Viswanauth Jadunuth supported with two wickets each.

No batsman from Rising Stars B reached double figure.

Second ODI at Kensington Oval

Shimron Hetmyer shows his emotion. (AFP)

Bat Hetty, bat!

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West Indies level series after Hetmyer, Cottrell masterclass

Treasurer of GCB, Anand Kalladeen collects the sponsorship cheque from Dave Narine in the presence of cricketers and other GCB officials.

GCB U-15 tournament bowls off on Monday

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Guyana Jaguars lose to Jamaica Scorpions Action between Bent Street (grey) and Sophia on Thursday night.

Gold is Money, Sparta Boss clash to headline Magnum semi-final … Defending champions Bent See page Street to face Back Circle

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(CMC) - JAMAICA Scorpions defeated Guyana Jaguars by eight wickets on the second day of their eighth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship at Sabina Park here yesterday.

Scores: JAGUARS 158 (Anthony Bramble 36, Vishaul Singh 27; Akim Fraser 4-69, Jerome Taylor 3-24) and 138 (Anthony Bramble 34; Jerome Taylor 4-26, Akim Fraser 4-65) SCORPIONS 139 (Assad Fudadin 43, Derval Green 40; Clinton Pestano 4-31, Romario Shepherd 3-30) and 158 for two (Jermaine Blackwood 72 not out, Brandon King 66 not out)

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2019