Guyana chronicle e paper 03 11 2018

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Celebrating the strength of a woman

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Free Inside

See inside: Impacting the lives of women in Region Two

This inspiring interpretive dance was one of the many features at a special ceremony in honour of International Women’s Day hosted by the Ministry of Social Protection on March 8 (Samuel Maughn photo)

#Pressforprogress Empowering women and girls

No. 105210

SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018

Price: $140

(VAT Inclusive)

Massive investments –– several Canadian mining firms to invest billions in Guyana

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Good Hope fire leaves 04 five homeless PAGE

New GuySuCo board still under consideration PAGE

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These women showcase some of the products they produced at a Women in Business Expo held at the Pegasus Hotel on Saturday (Delano Williams photo)

Foreign investors flock Linden –– mayor says business in the town on the upswing

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Mash 2018 hailed as resounding success 05 PAGE

Security cameras for Leonora Police Station

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THE Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands)Chamber of Commerce and Industry presented security cameras to the Commander of ‘D’ Division, Senior Superintendent Rishi Dass and his team on Friday to better monitor activities within the confines of the Leonora Police Station compound.

President of the Region Three chamber, Halim Khan said the good gesture will aid the commander and his team to better monitor the activities within the station confines, as the chamber is committed to supporting the police to ensure the region is safe and secure.

Khan said crime is less likely to occur in places where security cameras have been installed, since criminals prefer to hide from cameras to avoid being traced.

The chamber’s president believes that the mere sight of CCTV hardware can be a deterrent to negative behaviour in general, and

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

President of the Region Three Chamber, Halim Khan presenting the DVR and cameras to Senior Superintendent Rishi Dass in the presence of senior police ranks and other chamber representatives CCTV recordings serve as reliable sources of evidence to unravel mysteries behind crime.

“We know what the police are doing to protect us and so in our own small way, we shall also contribute to the development of our po-

lice service and the country.

We the citizens also have roles to play in ensuring that the nation is secured,” Khan said.

Commander Rishi Dass expressed his appreciation at the gesture to improve security.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Massive investments

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–– several Canadian mining firms to invest billions in Guyana

SEVERAL Canadian mining companies operating in Guyana have pledged to invest tens of millions of US dollars in expansion projects here.

This announcement was made at the just-concluded Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Convention (PDAC) held in Toronto from 4-7 March, 2018.

According to a release, the annual PDAC Convention is regarded as the premier international event for Canada’s mineral exploration and development industry.

Scott Caldwell, Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Goldfields Inc., the largest foreign gold mining company in Guyana, announced that the company plans to boost annual gold production to 300,000 ounces by 2022 with the introduction of underground mining.

He highlighted his company’s corporate social responsibility record which includes on-going training and development of the Guyanese workforce.

Caldwell pointed out that the Government of Guyana receives eight per cent royalty on all the gold mined and added that the company’s on-going expansion augurs well for Guyana, its shareholders and stakeholders.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. has spent approximately US$50M in the local economy over the years in the areas of goods and services such as hauling of freight, engineering, and contract mining.

Rich Munson, Chief Executive Officer of Sandsprings/ ETK, which has acquired the Toroparu Gold Project, said that this undertaking is the number two ranked undevel-

oped project in South America.

The Toroparu Gold Project is described as a world class asset with a 10 million-ounce potential gold reserve.

He explained that Sandsprings/ETK will in the future face a demand for about 35 megawatts of electricity when the operation is up and running and is therefore developing a hydro-electric station known as the Kurupung River Hydroelectric Project (KRHP).

This station will use runof-river technology which requires no damming. He added that his company is mindful of Guyana’s interest in hydro-electricity, and has designed the KRHP to be expanded incrementally from 50 megawatts to 100 megawatts with the aim of supplying external clients.

Yannis Tsitos, President and Director of Goldsource/ Kilroy Mining, indicated that his company has spent more than US$22M in exploration and development in Guyana which he described as, “an extremely good jurisdiction”.

The company intends to eventually produce around one million ounces of gold, averaging between 55,000 and 75,000 ounces a year.

The Goldsource/Kilroy Mining executive who has a background in bauxite mining also spoke to investors and other mining operatives about Guyana’s high-quality bauxite which he explained yields about 62 per cent alumina when processed.

“I would hope that one day Guyana can come out of the loop of being an exporter of raw bauxite by self-producing, and eventually building an alumina or even an aluminum plant,” he urged.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan was the featured speaker at the prestigious event.

During his address, he outlined Guyana’s vision and projections for the extractive sector. He also called attention to “the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which were adopted by the UN General Assembly, that acknowledged inter alia, the need for environmentally sustainable economic development and stressed that the mining industry has a pivotal role to play in the attainment of these goals, by ensuring that its operations leave a positive footprint on the environment, even as it generates profits, creates employment and promotes economic growth.”

Minister Jordan assured the more than 25,000 investors, analysts, mining executives, prospectors, geologists, indigenous peoples, government officials, and students from over 125 countries participating in the Convention that “Guyana’s economy has achieved relatively stable economic growth consistent with the global trends” and its “fiscal position has remained strong, with growing current account surpluses,” and an “overall deficit (that) has been kept within sustainable levels”.

ROBUST He said that the “financial system is robust, with banks and other non-bank financial institutions being sound and adequately capitalised, public debt levels are prudently managed while annual inflation hovers around two per cent.”

He further said that with foreign reserves that are over

3.5 months of import cover, and no exchange controls, Guyana’s environment makes for hassle-free repatriation of profits and dividends.

Minister Jordan lauded Guyana’s mining sector as a significant pillar of the country’s economy and the main contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the past three years as well as a major source of Foreign Direct Investment.

He noted though, that while mining in Guyana is successful, it is “unable to unleash its full potential” because it is challenged by the “unavailability of requisite capital to local investors”. To address this challenge, he said, Government is encouraging local miners to establish linkages with foreign investors and members of the Diaspora to access the necessary financing and technology while at the same time providing fiscal incentives in the form of concessions on machinery, equipment and fuel, and waiver and remission of taxes on motor vehicles, based on the value of gold declaration.

He added that mining operators are permitted to hold foreign exchange retention accounts while larger operators are subjected to an Investment Development Agreement that allows for duty and tax concessions for specified periods in the life of the investment.

GO-INVEST READY Minister Jordan also underscored that the ‘Guyana Office for Investment is ready and ably equipped to facilitate investors and to help them navigate any bureaucracy and assured

that investors are guaranteed the safety of their investment and the ease of doing business.

He pointed out that Government is cognisant that a strong legal and regulatory framework is a prerequisite for the orderly and safe development of the sector and that it has undertaken revisions to the Mining Act and Regulations which are expected to be completed and laid in the National Assembly by the end of 2018.

The finance minister in his address announced too, that with the recent discovery of in excess of 3.7 billion barrels of recoverable oil in the country’s offshore basin, production of first oil is expected in the first quarter of 2020, with 120,000 barrels per day being targeted which could eventually reach 500,000 barrels per day by 2025, and up to 1,000,000 barrels per day by the late 2020s. He highlighted that the revenues that Guyana will earn from this discovery will have a transformative effect on the country. He further added that the Government is keen to avoid the ‘oil curse’ and thus is “presently fashioning a constructive and enlightened Sovereign Wealth Fund, to provide for inter-generational equity. The Fund’s legislation is expected to reach Parliament in the last quarter of 2018”.

Member of Parliament in the Canadian House of Commons who is also the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, pointed to Canada’s renowned capabilities in off-shore oil and gas, and acknowledged that Guyana is a key market for Canada.

“In 2016, Guyana became

Canada’s largest merchandised trading market within CARICOM because of a significant increase in gold imports to Canada…our government is committed to further strengthening our relationship with our friends and partners in Guyana,” Goldsmith Jones said.

Noting Guyana and Canada’s longstanding trade relationship, the Member of Parliament emphasised, “there’s no question that Guyana holds a promise for Canadian companies in the extractive sector, especially in mining and oil and gas, which we recognize as important to Guyana’s economy.”

Guyana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Clarissa Riehl and Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee also made brief remarks.

Minister Jordan and the GO-Invest team met with the Premier and Deputy Minister of Natural Resources for Newfoundland and Labrador to discuss opportunities in mining, oil and gas and the natural resources sector in General.

Chief Executive Officer of Go-Invest Owen Verwey, following the event, said he was heartened by the tremendous interest shown in Guyana Mining Day 2018 in Toronto, noting that “Guyana is indeed being recognized as a worldclass investment option for mining and natural resources.”

The event was chaired by newly appointed Guyana Consul General to Toronto, Ann Choo. Also presenting at the forum were Metallica Commodities Corporation, Goldstrike/Romanex, Guyana Women’s Mining Organisation and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Good Hope fire leaves five homeless HARDAI “Chandani” Latchman and her family were left homeless after a fire gutted their home at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on Saturday.

Latchman, who provides for her entire family, arrived home to a flattened structure that was still burning.

The once one storey wooden house was destroyed within minutes after the fire started around 2:00pm.

The owner of the house was at work when the fire started but her grandson, his wife and their baby were home.

Latchman’s husband,

Arjune (only name given) is believed to have started a “bush fire” which spread to the house because of how close it was.

The victims’ neighbours said the man usually burns garbage close to the house and he might have left the burning heap unattended this time.

Latchman said she did several jobs to sustain the household on a daily basis.

The woman said she inherited the house from her parents and has been living there for just over 20 years.

“We ain’t got anywhere to go… I don’t know what to do, all my hard work and everything gone,” she lamented.

Latchman’s granddaughter-in-law and her baby talking with neighbours (Adrian Narine photo) Neighbours had agreed to accommodate her for a few days but Latchman is calling on

the relevant authorities to provide some assistance so that she could put things back together.

Firefighters ensuring that the fire was completely extinguished (Adrian Narine photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Mash 2018 hailed as resounding success

MORE than 100 trophies were on Friday evening presented to winners of competitions in various categories, when the Ministry of the Presidency – Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, held its Mashramani 2018 Prize Giving Ceremony and Launch of Mashramani 2019.

The venue was the National Cultural Centre on Homestretch Avenue.

Characterized by glamour, glitz and glitter, the ceremony was a spectacular event at which the audience was regaled with the showcasing of individual masterpieces by prize winners; the likes of Dexter Copeland, Junior Soca Monarch; Chaitsingh Mohanlall, Chutney Monarch; and Jovinski Thorne, Junior Calypso Monarch, along with the generation of thrilling silver sounds - a steel band performance by the winning pan duet.

Adult Soca Monarch, Brandon Harding, was at his best with his piece. Meanwhile, Adult Calypso Monarch, Onika Joseph ‘brought the house down’ and had the audience on its toes, as she powerfully and convincingly belted out the lyrics of her winning entry, “Woman is Boss!”

plause…. “You’ve all played your part in making Mashramani 2018 one of the best you have ever had … and this is because of what we have in the public. You heard it on the radios; you read about it in the newspapers; saw it on the television.

Indeed, Mashramani 2018 surpassed our expectations,” Dr. Norton said, with a sense of pride.

The Minister said that even though being a Minister with responsibility for Social Cohesion and ultimately Mashramani was a new responsibility for him, he has truly enjoyed it. To this end the Minister thanked all those who gave their support and worked towards making Mash 2018 the resounding success it was.

Minister Norton recalled and acknowledged all contributions made at the level of the central committee and other levels, as well as those who participated in events or otherwise.

The Director of Sport, in light of the overwhelming response to Mash 2018 from the masses of Guyanese and the diaspora, what resonated everywhere was that “Mash is Back and 2018 was it!” Jones said also that it was the consensus that ‘Mash 2018’ will linger in our hearts as “something to talk about.”

Winners in the Mash 2018 competitions proudly display their trophies while posing with Dr. George Norton and other functionaries at the Prize Giving Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre on Friday evening Meanwhile, this year’s Mashramani Coordinator was Mr. Andrew Tyndall of the Ministry of Culture, who, according to Mr. Christopher Jones has been with the Department of Culture for approximately 11 years, is well rooted and grounded in Mashramani activities. Against this backdrop, in 2018, the Hon. Minister Norton , recognizing his potential appointed him the 2018 Mashramani Coordinator.

Tyndall, acknowledging the success Mashramani 2018 was, said that it was a product of hard work and national unity.

He recalled calling on all Guyanese to take up ownership of the festival and reiterated that Mashramani and our status as a Republic are judged in terms of who we are. He added that the only way we are going to continue to build on structures that we already have in place, and to improve on previous years, is by putting our national pride at the forefront.

He said that the coordinating team which included the Minister; Permanent Secretary; Director of Culture and a team of experts, while working with some constraints See page 7

Best Designer, Trevor Alfred receives his trophy from Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton Among the distinguished team combining their efforts and energies to make the event the fantastic success it was, were Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Ms. Melissa Tucker; Director of Culture, Ms. Tamika Boatswain; Director of Youth, Ms. Melissa Carmichael; Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones; Coordinator of Culture, Mr. Andrew Tyndall; Director of National Events, Lt .Colonel Colin Henry, and senior staff of the Ministry of Education, as well as members of the central committee and entities that offered sponsorship.

Minister Norton and other members of the officiating team showered kudos on organizers, sponsors, musicians, participating families, revellers, members and the diaspora who had come home for Mash 2018 and for their involvement, at whatever level, in making Mash 2018 the resounding success it was.

Minister Norton extended sincere congratulations to all present and asked that they give themselves a round of ap-

Adult Calypso Monarch, Onika Joseph receives her trophy from a Banks DIH representative

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Comfort of home

GUYANA’S housing landscape has been transforming over the years and today more Guyanese, including many young people, now own homes and live more comfortable lives compared to their parents and grandparents.

Home ownership brings a sense of security, comfort and empowerment and it is commendable that significant strides have been made in opening up the housing sector for all across Guyana to benefit.

These efforts have seen large numbers of Guyanese -- aside from having titles for their lands -- no longer having to endure the discomfort that sometimes comes with paying rent.

Tenancy and squatting have been significantly reduced and homes with large extended families are today virtually non-existent. The opening up of lands for housing and making housing affordable have made Guyanese a happier people, as there are fewer familial conflicts involving in-laws, including restrictions due to space.

It should be noted that persons owning homes showed an increase from 1980 to

1991 and that trend has remained steady to this day. The 2012 Population and Housing Census put the national housing stock at 219,509 buildings, representing a 16.9 per cent increase, or an increase by 31,813 buildings, when compared to the census done in 2002.

This increase when broken down, indicates on average, that some 3,181 new buildings are built every year. Not only are more and more persons owning homes, but housing is also assuming a new dimension.

Today, homeowners are enjoying access to water, electricity, paved streets in their communities and basically all modern amenities at their fingertips.

Undoubtedly, the bar has been raised a step higher and the recently concluded inaugural exhibition, ‘Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond’, at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara, is a positive signal that Guyana is building on the gains made.

But though remarkable energy and significant strides have been made to improve housing in Guyana, yet great effort is re-

quired, as pointed out in a 2016 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) study.

The study, titled “The State of Social Housing in Six Caribbean Countries”, states thus: “Despite declines in population due to migration, the Central Housing and Planning Authority, faces the need to meet a housing deficit of 20,000 units for low-income families.

“An additional 52,000 houses are over 30 years old and require improvement. Construction by owners and non-profit organisations cannot keep up with the need. Rapid economic growth in the 1990s has helped convert this need into effective demand.”

The report went on to say that even though 60,000 house lots were distributed across the country by 2005, representing an average of 4,300 lots being distributed annually, it is still below the 5,200 housing units required.

Quite simply, there is some work to do and encouragingly, the government has shown an interest in diligently tackling the challenge.

House lots have also been distributed in squatting communities which have been regularised, but while over the past year the distribution continued with much enthusiasm, more robustness in the process is required.

This is necessary in order to surpass the annual average in recent years and have as much of the 28,000 vacant lots available across the country occupied.

Guyana being a developing country has experienced its fair share of challenges and it has been able to cope through assistance from genuine partners.

In the area of low-income housing, Food For The Poor has made, and continues to make a significant contribution. In 2016 alone, it built 140 of these homes and 3325 in total since establishing operations here in 2004.

For the poor, Food For The Poor has brought some level of comfort to them, as there is no place more comfortable or better than home.

I hold no brief for ExxonMobil

Dear Editor,

I HAVE long resisted the urge to join the debate about the 2016 ExxonMobil, Hess, CNOOC contract (the “PSA”). But after reading a KN article captioned, “Guyana can challenge ExxonMobil contract – Oil experts” (Friday, March 02, 2018), I have decided to join the debate. So, permit me to offer some comments.

But first a full disclosure: I served as the Legal Officer in the Guyana Natural Resources Agency (made defunct by the PPP/C) from 1988 April – 1992 November.

PSAs with Mobil, Lasmo, Total inter alia were negotiated and signed under the Hoyte Government. As a member of the GNRA’s negotiating team, I have both experiential, and academic credentials on these matters (Certificates from the University of Dundee, Scotland; George-

town University, Washington, D.C included, also researched papers – I titled “Guyana’s Licensing Regime of Petroleum Resources upstream ventures – the principle of proportionality as an incident of terminability by Cancellation considered” and “of Production sharing Agreements and Taxation: Key legal issues in the workability of fiscal Incentive terms – the case of Guyana”). I discern that the Mobil, Total PSAs are the model, the 2016 PSA with ExxonMobil is mutatis mutandis, fashioned on.

With that backdrop, I now turn to the KN article; here are some extracts–“Given the glaring abnormalities in the Guyana ExxonMobil oil agreement, several international petroleum experts are convinced that there are enough grounds for the contract to be challenged in the courts… one of the grounds on which the contract can

be challenged is the fact that the nation’s laws say that a company is only permitted to hold 60 blocks; ExxonMobil was permitted to hold 600… it is illegal. As such, the contract itself is invalid…

Another prominent lawyer is also of the opinion that the Stability clause in the Guyana ExxonMobil Production Sharing Agreement is also enough grounds for it to be challenged in the court system… the contract can be challenged in the court and all these clauses can be set aside, the entire contract can be set aside on the grounds that it is unconstitutional”. I strongly dissent from, and disagree with those contentions, for even as a general proposition they ignore completely the principle of severability of those “illegal” clauses; and the maxim ut res magis valeat quam pereat (ie it is better the PSA be valid than perish).

More specifically, my first

comment is that, invoking the “court” process is an abuse.

Our laws allow the government to contract – out of the normal right of access to the court system by agreement with ExxonMobil for international arbitration for the determination and settlement of disputes.This has happened in this ExxonMobil PSA. The International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) is the agreed facility/process for dispute adjudication. Guyana is a World Bank member, and a contracting party signatory to the ICSID Convention.

We cannot now unilaterally resort to the “court”; I submit that court action would be incompetent, -- such would itself, amount to a breach of the PSA; The law of international arbitration (ICSID) is also part of our domestic law and accordingly, the governing law of the PSA (see Arbitration Act, Cap 7:03

especially the three “schedule” ). I suspect that neither Mr Christopher Ram, nor the “prominent attorney” is aware that Guyana is a signatory, Contracting Party to the ICSID Convention (1966). And besides, would the attorney general sue or consent to sue the Minister of Natural Resources, much less the government? A “challenge” presupposes, some dispute with ExxonMobil in relation to the PSA. Otherwise, what would this so-called “challenge” be about? And, “challenge” (so there would have to be a challenger with standing) as some public-interest litigation -- this too has its inherent limitations (even, in spite of the arguably wrongly decided Marcel Gaskin case on the locus standi point in the GECOM chairman appointment matter).

Secondly, there is this relevant general principle in our jurisprudence: statute

(and I emphasise here Acts of Parliament, as distinct from the Constitution) are not generally binding on the State/Government, unless expressly so provided; or by some necessary implication (examples of statute expressly binding on the State are the Interpretation And General Clauses Act, Cap 2:01; the Judicial Review Act, 2010 Cap 3:06 – when it comes into force; the Arbitration Act, Cap 7:03 (see esp. section 23). These letter columns are no place for any elucidation of the principle of binding by necessary implication; but, it seems to me that (applying the legal test of the whole beneficial purpose being defeated if the government were not bound) both on principle and case law [Alexander V Munia (1969) GLR 75; LORD Advocate See page 7

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

I hold no brief ...

From page 6

V. DDC (1989) 3WLR 1346 (HL)]; the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act Cap 65:04 and Regulations as regards the provision as to 60 blocks, does not by necessary implication straight jacket or bind the government to inflexibility.

The government can insist on 60 blocks maximum; it need not (Countries such as Peru, Argentina, Chile have such inflexible Petroleum regimes). So neither the PPP/C, nor the APNU+AFC Governments committed any illegality. The 60 blocks provision is wholly for government’s benefit. The law against contracting out of a benefit does not apply here ( see generally the case of Shipping Association of Georgetown V. Bentick (1969) GLR 352; (1969) 14WIR 243. Simply put, the government has freedom to contract and negotiate whether to limit ExxonMobil to 60 blocks; or award it more.

This Common Law principle of freedom of contract, is not lightly displaced.

Thirdly, as regards taxation and the giving of tax incentives to ExxonMobil, the same presumption against the Government being bound, applies mutatis mutandis. The true position, is that while the Government is bound by the charging and assessment provision and cannot impose taxes on ExxonMobil, other than thosewhich Parliamenthas by taxing statutes charged; nor, apply other than the assessment methodology (and to that extent the Executive Government

is pro tanto bound by any taxing statute) it is up to the Government for whose exclusive benefit taxes are charged/imposed, to decide, in favour of which potential taxpayer it would waive, as a matter of government policy, (executed by the governmental instrumentality and statutory taxing authority i.e. the GRA), its discretionary right ( as distinct from a duty) to COLLECT those taxes. And it is sheer common sense that if Government does not intend to collect, it is pointless to assess. The APNU+AFC as the government – of – the – day, is the SOLE JUDGE of what contractual gains, and, losses or negotiable benefits foregone (economists calls this the Opportunity cost) best serves the public good in these economic development agreements. Faced with the burden of securing foreign investments, tax incentives are not some exercise by the Minister in philanthropic indulgence Fourth, turning to the “stability clause,” there is, arguably, no clause that is more standard and classic in a foreign investment economic development contract than a “stability clause.” It would be frankly inexplicable and perverse, not to have had ExxonMobil insisting on one. Such stability clause constitutes no unconstitutionality. Invoking the oxymoronic conception of “ sovereignty” in the context of a foreign investment economic development agreement, is neither useful, nor helpful. Government cannot approbate (take the benefit of

the investment) and reprobate (assert sovereignty). Stability clauses do not, without more, offend the doctrine of Parliament’s supremacy over the Executive Government (see my arguments above).

It is plainly true that “there is no contract that can lawfully prohibit a Parliament from imposing taxes”. But that is pure abstract legal theory. Brought into relation to the ExxonMobil matter, the constitutional reality is: the President (the Head of Government) is, by the constitutional requirement of his necessary assent of Bills passed by the National Assembly, a co-vital component of the Parliament; and constitutionally can withhold assent.

What on it’s true construction such stability clause really means and intends, then, is that the President (in his own deliberate judgement) through his minister, undertakes to either not assent to any future passed Bills which can adversely impact on ExxonMobil’s financial returns; or if enacted, to exercise its governmental discretionary right not to collect from ExxonMobil those taxes.

In my first paper referred to above, I did in this context quote the UN expert Pierce N. McCreary that, “… the adoption of appropriate constitutional and legislative protection of foreign investment, implemented by appropriate contractual provisions in development contracts can help to provide the investor confidence, which is an essential condition to the continued availability of capital resourc-

Mash 2018 hailed as resounding ...

From page 5 related to taking Mash to various regions, was nonetheless able to realize this dream and do so successfully.

There was generally more colour and glitter to this year’s Mashramani, Tyndall said, as he congratulated the costume designers for a good job done.

“Overall we saw a successful Mashramani where we took Mash to various parts of the country and the response from the general public was great,” said Tyndall. He added that there was an outstanding response from community leaders, regional administrators, private contractors, all of whom worked tirelessly in all regions to ensure Mash 2018 was a success. Tyndall closed with expression of gratitude on behalf of the management and staff of the Ministry of the Presidency, Department

of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport and sponsors Republic Bank; Banks DIH; Ansa Mc Al and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), to the competitors who competed in every competition for their part in making Mash 2018 great.

“To those present who

are winners in various competitions ... whether you collect a prize here tonight or not, [remember], just to be participating in Mash 2018 says that you are a winner because you chose to put Guyana first,” the Mashramani Coordinator reassured the competitors.

Bunty Singh receives his trophy from Director of Sport, Christopher Jones.

es and economic development”. I suspect that neither Pierce N. McCreary, or other true experts such as professor Thomas Walde, or Dr Samir Mankabady, would for the reason/grounds advanced in the KN article, advise any challenge (“ Court” or ICSID) of the 2016 ExxonMobil PSA. I end with this: I share the views of UG lecturer Sherwood Lowe, with his accustomed degree of erudite articulation (“Much of the criticisms of the oil agreement have been simplistic” – GC 2018 – 01 – 30). Unconstitutionality, (if it has happened) involves, ipso facto,terminability of ExxonMobil’s prospecting licence (PL) by constructive

cancellation – the PL cannot exist without the PSA. Venezuela’s territorial claim to Essequibo until resolved by the ICJ, remains like a sword of Damocles over ExxonMobil’s interest and investment. And this geopolitical reality brings me to this point – rather than stirring notions of misconceived “court” challenges, our cognitive efforts in commentaries/ letters in the press, might more usefully be directed to the notion that ExxonMobil (with or without other licensees) could consider seeking leave of the ICJ to join the case (even as a matter of legal novelty) in its own individual right, as an interested Third Party - (a concept very familiar to civil lawyers and,

arguably, importable into international law practice and procedure) at no cost to Guyana (i.e. by a minor mutual variation if necessary, a non-recoverable expenditure under the PSA).

With any such joinder, the results, for both Guyana and ExxonMobil, can only be all, self-evidently, beneficial (local international law experts, can join the debate as to the legal competency of such a joinder by a non-state party, such as ExxonMobil).En passant, I hold no brief for ExxonMobil.

Yours truly MAXWELL E. EDWARDS Attorney-at-Law.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Lindo Creek CoI …

‘Fine Man Gang could not have carried out massacre’ –– Freddie Kissoon

By Svetlana Marshall

KAIETEUR News columnist Frederick Kissoon said based on his investigation as a journalist, it was geographically impossible for the notorious ‘Fine Man Gang’ to cross over from Christmas Falls to Lindo Creek to execute the miners when it was being pursued by an “elite” Joint Services Squad in the Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice district.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) government had said that it was Rondell ‘Fine Man’ Rawlins and his gang who had shot the miners dead before burning their remains on or about June 21, 2008. But Leonard Arokium, whose son and brother were among those murdered, had accused the Joint Services of killing the men.

Distraught over the situation, Arokium had reached out to Kissoon, commonly known as Freddie Kissoon, with the intention of having the “truth” revealed.

On Friday, Kissoon, who started his journalistic career at Stabroek News in 1988, appeared before the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) led

by Justice (Ret’d) Donald Trotman to testify in the ongoing inquiry into the June 2008 massacre. Kissoon had worked with Stabroek News up until 1994. In 1995, he began working for the Kaieteur News.

In responding to a series of questions put to him by the Commission’s Attorney Patrice Henry, Kissoon disclosed that in June, 2008, he along with Colin Smith, Editor of the Catholic Standard met with Leonard Arokium and two other persons at the Head Office of the Catholic Standard after the miner had reached out to him.

According to him, during that meeting which took place for over two hours, Arokium with supporting maps and other documents had passionately argued that it was impossible for the ‘Fine Man Gang’ to have crossed over from Christmas Falls to Lindo Creek where

the miners were.

Kissoon said Arokium wanted to expose the truth about the Lindo Creek massacre. “He came armed with a series of maps, documents and a number of photographs. Photographs of burnt bodies, ashes, remnants of burnt food stuff, you see the tin. I could remember seeing milk powder tin…He said to me ‘I have proof that the security forces killed my employees and not the ‘Fine Man Gang’ and I need this to be publicised’” Kissoon recalled.

The columnist, who was at the time an investigative journalist, said Arokium laid out the maps on a table as he explained the geographical terrain of the areas under question, and the journey from ‘Point A’ to ‘Point B.’ “He continued that meticulously against juxtaposing his [knowledge] of the terrain with the police explanation as to how his employees … met their death.

I would say it was an extensive, meticulous exploration of cartography,” Kissoon

Freddie Kissoon (DPI Photo) told the Commission.

Arokium, he said, had placed major emphasis on the locations of UNAMCO trail, Christmas Falls and Lindo Creek. Kissoon said his role from there on was to ascertain the facts surrounding the story told by the miner.

“One of the things that bothered me, that led to the pursuit of the investigation was a graphic fact that I had in my possession and that is, how the government of

the day came to know of the location of ‘Fine Man’ and his gang at Christmas Falls,” Kissoon posited.

He added that his sources revealed that “someone connected intricately and logistically had [allegedly] directly given that information to President [Bharrat] Jagdeo.”

According to him, that person allegedly gave the then President the information in return for a valuable favour, which he subsequently got.

Kissoon said he worked along with the late Dale Andrews on producing investigative reports on the Lindo Creek massacre. According to him, they had spoken to members of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force who were not part of the “Elite Squad” on the information provided by Arokium, with focus on the maps and the geographical landscape of the areas.

According to the columnist, the squad was led by an army officer, however, securing information on him had proven to be difficult.

Pointing out that he has done journalistic investiga-

tion for 30 years, Kissoon said he is convinced that the criminal gang could not have moved from Christmas Falls to Lindo Creek and being pursued by the Joint Services.

“You had to be part of the investigation at that time to see that it was a geographical impossibility,” he told the Commission.

Later he would add that, “We took the angle, myself and Dale Andrews, that the ‘Fine Man’ gang was not involved. There were too many unanswered questions. There were too many incongruous directions in confrontation with the police explanation of what transpired.”

The CoI has been established to enquire into the circumstances surrounding the killings of Cecil Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton Berry Wong, on or about June 21, 2008 and to report its findings and recommendations to President David Granger.

Positive response to CH&PA Open House GUYANESE from all walks of life are turning up in their numbers at the Perseverance Housing Scheme to participate in the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) first ever Open House Event.

The ‘Open House Event’ which was launched on Friday, provides an opportunity for potential homeowners to view the finish product and how effective utilisation of space can result in a beautiful and well-furnished home.

And to create the perfect impression, the CH&PA has partnered with Oriental General Store, Jonas’ Bridal and Comfort Sleep to stage the Open House Event at Perseverance on the East Bank of Demerara from March 9 to 21.

On display are Government’s single flat two-bed-

One of the houses on display Friday room duplexes.

During the opening ceremony on Friday, CH&PA Public Relations Officer (PRO) Iva Wharton said the Open House Event forms part

of the authority’s Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond Initiative and is in response to a number of concerns raised by potential homeowners.

“When we launched the

Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond Initiative, it was nothing new to the Guyanese public. However, we found that persons were a bit sceptical because of their experi-

ences and of course what was by right reported in the media about the “turnkey” housing concept.

“We felt the need to regain the confidence of the

Guyanese public; hence, this is our chance to show you what we have to offer. We want to assure the public at large that our new units, which include move-in ready duplexes and single elevated two and three bedrooms, are of the highest quality,” Wharton explained.

She added that in an effort to ensure that homeowners get a high-quality house, engineers from the inception of the project have been on the ground doing continuous assessment to ensure contractors are building the units to specification.

“Already we have persons who have been visiting our construction sites and admiring our work,” Wharton posited. She also used the opportunity to See page 9

9

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

GOOD MORNING, GUYANA!

I RECALL giving a “thumbs up” to my son Ernesto as I was being moved from the operating theatre, after my open-heart surgery. Had it not been for the contraptions in my throat, I would have shouted, joyously “Good morning, Guyana!”

It has been three weeks since that eventful Valentine’s Day, and I want to personally thank all those kind-hearted persons who have given support and encouragement to Sita and my children. Though I could hardly wait to return home, I am under doctor’s advice to complete the process of rest and recovery.

But, to borrow Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career-defining statement, “I’ll be back!”

POLITICAL MOBILITY With both President Granger and I being temporarily out of the jurisdiction, I also wish to congratulate my colleagues, Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan, on their appointments to perform the functions of the offices of President and prime minister, respectively.

Their placement re-affirms our commitment to political mobility, as well as confidence in our Cabinet team as a collective to smoothly guide the development agenda.

This is not easy when new problems and challenges emerge that put a strain on limited human and financial resources, such as periodic flash floods caused by high tides, as was the case with several West Demerara villages, where there was overtopping of the seawalls. When we re-look at the videos of the ferocious waves that slammed against the Leonora and Uitvlugt seawalls, it must dawn on us that episodes such as those, though not earthquake-related, tsunami-like floods, are features of climate change and that it would take greater efforts to protect our coastal areas.

Floods from high tides and heavy rains also do damage to crops and livestock upon which our economic growth largely depends.

ECONOMIC GROWTH I have just read a study by the British Department for International Development (DFID), with which Guyana has on-going engagements, on economic growth in developing countries.

It shows how growth speeds up reduction of poverty and creates jobs. Vietnam, which has been ravaged by wars for some 20 years, became a model of economic growth, with poverty being cut by half, even though average gross domestic product (GDP) was 2.4% a year.

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) lifted over 450 million people out of poverty since 1979, and India has shown an impressive growth record that has made her one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. (Dani Rodrick, Harvard University, “One Economy, Many Recipes”, 2007). Effective financial management with economic growth stimulate rise in income levels and though Guyana has hovered around 3% growth, we have seen an almost 50% increase in public sector income over a three-year period (2015-2018).

My fervent hope is that we can continue to step up the drive in agriculture, aqua-culture and livestock production, at the national and family levels.

When I was in Vietnam during 1996, one of the things that struck me was that every inch of land seemed to have been under paddy cultivation; even the bed-heads and parapets of dams leading to houses.

HOUSEHOLD INCOMES And off the sea-coast, portions of the mud-flat were empoldered with bamboo, to which seines were attached, to keep in fish and crabs that were washed up to shore during the incoming tides.

Paddy cultivation and fishing in Vietnam, have since pushed up household incomes and reduced the number of employable persons who had depended on “government jobs”.

Today, Vietnam has moved forward into the technological age. But the spinoff effects from agriculture resulted in more families being able to provide better education for their children, and to access improved health care for them.

In the last few days, as I travelled through vast Iowa farmlands, I see farmers weathering the fading winter snow, to prepare their lands for fresh spring crops in corn and soybean.

I see, interspersed between vast stretches of land, pig, cattle and turkey farms.

My heart pumps up with optimism, as what has become celebrated as the “American Dream” could become the Guyana reality, where we could have both food security and job-creating economic growth.

ENTREPRENEURIAL AMBITION We may not be able, for now, to do things on the giant commercial scale as in the American Mid-West, but there have been good examples right in our Latin American Region, where micro-enterprises have pushed economic growth and increased jobs by some 60% since 1990.

We need to encourage and support what was described as “entrepreneurial ambition.”

I have decided to revisit our food-security ambition since, from what I have read, much emphasis continue to be placed on our oil-producing potential, with the seventh oil discovery in the Pacora – 1 well. According to Hess, this

could bring production to more than 500,000 barrels of oil per day, just two years away.

OIL BONANZA But we cannot sit back and wait on the oil bonanza, although that would provide much over which Guyana would bask in satisfaction, even while the polemics continue over control of the oil sector. The decision therefore to delink the oil-and-gas sector from direct political management is an astute move.

I expect that the Ministerial Task Force would ensure that provisions are made for future key infrastructural and social projects, but would also recognise that a broad-based managerial-technical administration would give comfort to all, that the new resources would not be frittered away on partisan or questionable ventures.

The latest decision to place oil and gas under a separate Department of Energy and the intended broadening of the functions and scope of the Petroleum Commission would go a far way to lessen what Steve Coll described as “resentful nationalism and suspicion” (Private Empire – Exxonmoibil and American Power) of a valued partner that has struck first-oil, and has since enviably placed Guyana on the new map of the world.

For now, and again, good morning, Guyana!

Positive response ...

From page 8 thank their partners – Oriental General Stores, Comfort Sleep and Jonas’ Bridal.

One of the project engineers involved in the construction of the 33 flat duplexes at Perseverance, Randolph Hunte, in offering brief remarks, said the Open House allows persons to experience the comfort of living in one of the housing units.

“The actual reason for this house-opening basically is to give the intended owner an idea of the level of comfort that we are providing them with, along with the space whereby they can feel comfortable, and give

them some amount of security in terms of the finishes that we have presented them with,” the engineer explained.

He noted that persons had expressed concerns about the space that was allocated within a single unit and the Open House allows them to see how spacious it can be even when furnished.

Oriental General Store Assistant Manager, Christina Parshan told Guyana Chronicle that this is the second time the furniture store has partnered with CH&PA. “We were part of last year’s main housing exhibition and we thought it

was an excellent idea to partner again with CH&PA, based on the fact that we manufacture furniture locally at great prices. So it’s a good way to showcase locally made furniture in low income homes,” she explained.

Parshan said the experience from Housing Solutions 2017 and Beyond was great last year, and as such Oriental General Store did not hesitate when CH&PA extended an invitation to partner again this year.

Over the two-week period, interested persons can visit the housing scheme from 09:00hrs to 14:00hrs on weekdays, and 9:00hrs to 13:00hrs on Saturdays.

10

Planting our flag

ONE of the lowest moments of my life happened on a beautiful beach in Southern California, and I feel somehow it reflects the frustration that local young people feel.

This is a frustration we can overcome, especially if we focus on effective ways to make use of coming oil revenues, but I think it’s important on some level to articulate just what this pain is. Young people in this country have for many, many years felt left behind.

Can you name one big local technology company? Can you name one run by young people? I stumbled across a local youthowned, online marketing firm that had real potential, but I confess I was pretty shocked. It’s like the information technology revolution happened everywhere but here. And young people finding success in the technology industry internationally is not a shocking, new phenomenon by any means-Mark Zuckerberg is now only 33, and he’s been a billionaire for 10 years!

If Guyana is going to be anything other than a commodity producer from now till the end of time, this needs to come to an

end. Lets stop wasting energy on ExxonMobil and recognise that now there are massive opportunities to fundamentally change our economy. Innovation is not just a buzzword, it’s about identifying new ways to grow our economy and bring lasting prosperity. The question to ask now, more than ever, is what do we need to do to support an innovative economy?

As much as I enjoyed the sand and the sun in California, I think I most appreciated the way that technology and the arts had forged a community of both diversity and togetherness. This was on display a few years ago when I visited Venice beach, in Los Angeles, with two musicians from Guyana.

We came across a field of scores and scores of flags from all over the world stuck right into the white sand and that had to be one of the most picturesque things I’ve ever seen. Of course, we searched for a Guyanese flag with which to take a photo and of course, there was none.

That’s about as disappointed as I’ve ever been.

In a way it was like the whole world was having a big party, and Guyanese weren’t invited. Sadly,

that’s how young people feel locally -- like the whole international technology community is throwing the biggest party of all time and we’re just not invited. This has to end. We can’t seriously be contemplating a future where Guyana just lapses into commodity production and creativity is stifled.

We can support innovation through building up the University of Guyana and local technical schools, investing in better classroom learning experiences across the board and above all dedicating resources toward a youth bank. I see this institution as coordinating and centralising the myriad of funding opportunities there are for young people and believe we must tie its growth to oil revenue. This will ensure that at least some oil revenue is reinvested in long-term industries that can help carry our economy perpetually forward.

The bank should provide grants for basic scientific and technological research, technology-focused small business development and art projects which either demonstrate cultural value or can lead to profitable ventures. Loans can be provided once projects have demonstrated

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

basic levels of viability and a reasonable prospect of long-term success. A centralised youth bank will thus greatly improve access to critical funding, filling the significant local gap that inhibits innovations’ growth from idea to viable product.

This is of course not to suggest that any random idea will receive funding, as each must be judged on its own merit.

It would be a mistake to underestimate young people’s ability, given the right opportunities, however, as just last week I came across a potentially excellent idea at the science and technology fair at Queen’s College. Recognising that sea defence and overtopping are increasingly important issues, some Saint Stanislaus College students had designed a system of ‘Speed bumps’ that could be used to break the force of waves, thereby reducing the likelihood of overtopping at critical points along the wall.

This is the type of idea that could solve a very

real problem on a national scale -- wouldn’t it be nice for those young people to readily be able to access funding to test their theories? Can you imagine the return on investment for the country if their solution proved viable? Supporting research like this must be part of our national development strategy. I asked the students if they were interested in testing their theories and of course what they said was they didn’t really know where they could get the right funding.

We can change this.

I recognise that the real reason there was no Guyana flag on that beach was

because Guyana was just not well known. We are only now emerging into the international spotlight, but as we begin to paint this national narrative we can’t allow ourselves to opt for the easy route, and just be known as an oil exporter.

Guyana’s young people need more than that. Endless debate about oil keeps missing the point-- ideas that drive us forward, like this youth bank, will make a difference long after the wells have run dry.

My fellow Guyanese, it’s time we finally planted our flag firmly into the sand. It’s time to move forward.

Foreign investors flock Linden

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

–– mayor says business in the town on the upswing

By Vanessa Braithwaite

OVER the past months, Linden has seen an influx in foreign businesses and investments, most noticeable among them being several Chinese businesses.

This is indeed positive and according to Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, it reflects growth in the economy and indicates that Linden is in an upward swing.

“People are seeing business in Linden as positive for them to invest and for them to be a part of and that is a good thing,” he said.

Moving from a time when Linden was considered a place lacking jobs and investment, Lindeners can now be proud to say that their once-labelled gloomy town is now attracting investors and entrepreneurs

which will create a ripple effect on the economy.

This includes the provision of jobs, the availability of more services and the circulation of more money in the town.

In addition to four supermarkets, Linden has also seen the establishment of a new gas station, an insurance company and an international restaurant, among others. These businesses can now cushion the town’s main employer, the bauxite company and aid in the provision of jobs for youths there.

Veteran businessman Hilton Lyle, who has just opened a restaurant and bar in Linden, said he has studied Linden’s economy and decided to invest in areas where there is a great demand.

He is urging other entre-

cycle store.

“I am a businessman, I always look at the area and see the needs of the people and to cater for their needs and you would not fail,” he said.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland preneurs to do likewise. In addition to the restaurant, Lyle also owns an auto spares store and a motor

MUCH ADVANTAGE While speaking to some entrepreneurs in Linden on Wednesday, several factors were discussed in which foreign investors can evaluate which will encourage them to set up shop in Linden.

These include Linden’s strategic location, since it gives access to six other regions and is the gateway to the interior. There is also a skilled, qualified and a capable work force that is eagerly awaiting employment.

There is available land located in all parts of the

town waiting to be developed and Linden is the only town with subsidised electricity, which will cut costs for energy.

UP THE GAME Outgoing Mayor Holland said that while there is an influx in foreign businesses, he is encouraging locals to up their game and become more competitive, since it was noted that Linden businesses are closing shop to rent out their business spaces to outsiders.

“What we can do is look at the market and one of the things that I am looking to do is to start a Linden economic group, which will look at these very issues to see how we can provide balance for the community,” he added.

This, he said, is neces-

sary with construction of the Linden to Lethem road, which will bring much economic attention to Linden.

“We cannot allow outsiders to reap the benefits of Linden, so this is why our locals need to step up their game at this time.”

While President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Victor Fernandes was not available for a comment on Wednesday, he had mentioned similar concerns to the Guyana Chronicle and explained that the chambers noted several local businesses that have shut shop and are therefore urging local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services offered by the chambers to aid local entrepreneurs in the process of establishing and sustaining their businesses.

Department of Public Information 12

Mar 4 th - Mar 10 th

Govt. welcomes Exxon’s $2M

WCD

relief efforts

Region Three communities gradually returning to normalcy

 President attends Solar Summit in India

President David Granger departed Guyana for New Delhi India to attend the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Founding Conference and Solar Summit, which is scheduled for March 11. He is ac companied by Political Assistant, Mr. William Cox and his Aide-de-Camp, Colonel Paul Arthur. Minis sworn-in to perform the functions of President until the Head of State returns on March 13. 

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, said that the administration welcomed the $2M donation from ExxonMobil Guyana towards relief efforts for the West Coast Demerara residents and communities affected by the recent flooding.

Minister Harmon, who holds responsibility for the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), expressed appreciation to all members of the private sector, including ExxonMobil, who have made resources available to the CDC to support its work. 

Rupununi Splendor' on full display at Lethem Mash

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Minister of State, Joseph Harmon visited the villages of Leonora, Meten-Meer-Zorg and Uitvlugt where he assured the Chairman and Councillors of the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) as well as residents that the Government will provide all the resources at its disposal to ensure that normalcy is restored to the

upgraded water supply

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes believes that fast and reliable internet connectivity at the Atta Rainforest Lodge will

@dpiguyana

ExxonMobil has made its seventh oil disResi dents of Uitvlugt, Stewartville and Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), Region Three, suffered severe flooding as a result of overtop ping caused by high tides on March 02. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) were on the ground distributing sanitation/cleaning hampers to the affected residents. Two temporary relief centres were established at the Uitvlugt Estate Commu nity Centre and the Uitvlugt Secondary School to house the residents. Hot meals were also provided to persons. Several Government Ministers were also on the ground to conduct a firsthand assess ment of the situation. 

Moraikobai residents

Reliable internet connectivity will boost Guyana’s tourism product

RECAP

Overtopping caused

INFOHUB RECAP - March 2018 SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

A kaleidoscope of brightly coloured costumes transformed the streets of Lethem, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) into a vibrant spectacle on Saturday, March 3, as the border town celebrated Guyana's 48th Republic anniversary with its annual Mashramani Float Parade. The Mayor and Town Council, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Departments of agriculture, education and health were all represented. 

Min. Gaskin calls out oil contract critics for sharing misleading information Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, said progress in the oil and gas industry which can transform the country. The Minister made this point at the opening of the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC) oil and gas seminar at Duke Lodge, Kingston, Georgetown. He was addressing critics of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) which was signed between the government and ExxonMobil. 

well as the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. During a recent outreach in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region (Region Nine), Minister Hughes and her team took time out from their busy schedule to tour the Iwokrama Rainforest and experience crossing the canopy walkway. 

Joint approach required to stop bank robberies – Crime Chief

The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) recently concluded a much-needed maintenance and rehabilitation upgrade of the water supply system in Moraikobai in the upper reaches of the Mahaicony River in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice). The repairs resulted in an improved distribution of potable water for the residents. The Regional Administration was highly commended by the villagers, for their strong representation made to GWI, which led to the problem being resolved in a timely manner. 

costume parade ends in birthplace

The cooperation of both the Guyana Police Force and the banks is required to address the incidents of robbery of persons conducting transactions at banks. Crime Chief Paul Williams said the banks should conduct daily analysis of its operations. The Crime Chief pointed out that the police have implemented measures to address the issue whilst highlighting the fact that the banks can also utilise their resources to assist. 

GTT’s $18M Innov8 Fund to aid STEM Guyana, UG

-

Thousands braved the inclement weather to participate in the Linden Mashramani Float and resented by the Town Council, Regional Democratic Council, Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Department of Youth, Culture and Sports. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes travelled to Linden to participate in her Ministry’s gyrated and tramped from the Mackenzie shore across the Mackenzie /Wismar Bridge all the way to the Bayroc Community Centre Ground for a 

An $18M innovative fund established by the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) will contribute to the local Science Technology En gineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme and the University of Guyana (UG). The an nouncement was made by the telephone giant during a press conference to promote its upcom ing Innov8 Expo and Business forum to be held (CEO) Justin Nedd reported that of the earmarked amount, some $8M will go towards supporting strategic initiatives of STEM, while UG will be gifted $3M for its various programmes. Nedd’s vision is to be able to collaborate with businesses to pump at least $200M into the area of technol ogy, annually.. 

Guyana’s mineral resources still under-explored- Min Jordan Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has extended an invitation to Guyanese in the diaspora to “come home” and tap into the under-explored mineral resources existing here. The Minister was at the time addressing overseas-based Guyanese and other attendees of the 2018 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto Canada. 

INFOHUB RECAP - February -March March 2018 SUNDAY CHRONICLE 11, 2018

Region Ten recorded highest cases of child abuse in 2017

Department of Public Information 13

Starkey’s hearing-aid screening taken to Region Five

Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has recorded the highest cases of child abuse, with some 22.1 percent in 2017. It is followed by Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) with 20.6 percent and Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) with 17.6 percent. This was disclosed by Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene at the recently held special meeting with religious organisations in Guyana. Greene said that the most common form of reported child abuse is neglect, for which Region Ten recorded some 12. 0 percent. While Regions One, Eight and Nine did not record any child neglect cases, those regions recorded high rates of child sexual abuses. 

500 to be hired when construction of manganese plant begins Guyana Manganese Incorporated (GMI) has committed to employing a predominately local workforce as it prepares to begin construction in July. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, visited the Matthew’s Ridge, Region One mine site on March 5, to conduct an assessment of the progress that has been made since GMI purchased the area from Reunion Manganese Inc.(RMI) of Canada. GMI, a Bosai Mineral Group company, is currently on track to develop the mines, plant and factories to begin extracting the mineral by early 2019. 

More relatives testify at Lindo Creek’s CoI The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is now able to better manage Guyana’s waterways after a recent audit revealed areas in need of improvement. MARAD’s Director, Claudette Rogers asserted that the recent audit, carried out by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), “boasts” of the administration’s accomplishments.

She explained the audit was conducted from Febimprovement under the State’s obligation and Flag, Port, and Coastal States Inspections. 

Guyana’s mineral resources still under-explored- Min Jordan Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has extended an invitation to Guyanese in the diaspora to “come home” and tap into the under-explored mineral resources existing here. The Minister was at the time addressing overseas-based Guyanese and other attendees of the 2018 Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention in Toronto Canada. 

disaster response expertise of Mexican Army

Already involved in a strong defence cooperation programme with several bilateral partners, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is now set to A team of volunteers from the Starkey Hearing Foundation Guyana has partnered with the Ministry of Public Health and Department of Health Services in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbi ce) to provide free hearing screening among other audiology services to residents. This outreach, 2018 mission to Guyana, will see the foundation 

Over 46 schools participated in STEAM Fair

Bagasse, fuel co-generation to augment power generation capacity

Students from forty-six (46) schools presented over one hundred and twenty (120) projects and vied for honours at this year’s biennial Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair. Participants from various Nurs ery, Primary and Secondary School across Region Four, showcased their talent, innovativeness and creativity. 

Works on Kitty roundabout progressing

in the area of disaster response and management. er met with Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Ivan Robero Sierra Medel. The Ambassador said that the move to strengthen military to military relations between the two countries came out of discussions at the CARICOM-Mexico Summit, which was held in Belize in October 2017. 

-

Vlissengen Road and Carifesta Avenue is quickly progressing and is about 15 percent complete.

The construction should be concluded before the scheduled six months, providing the weather permits. Senior Engineer of the project, Sherod Parkinson explained that the works are being exe

Public Road to Vlissengen Road. The plan is to construct all of the exterior lanes, then the centre of the intersection with minimum disruption to 

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said that the Government’s vision is to liable energy to all Guyanese within an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable framework. The minister was speaking during the opening of a workshop - ‘Scaling up renewable energy in Guyana’ -hosted by the Department of the Environment (DoE) in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) at the Pegasus Hotel. Minister Patterson said while Guyana is presently highly dependent on petroleum fuel imports to meet its energy demands, the Government is aware that Guyana possesses a wealth of natural resources that can provide the ment of renewable energy sources. 

Region Six holds Literacy Conference

In a keynote address at the opening of the Inaugural Literacy Conference, First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger said that literacy is the backbone of a child’s education, which grants him/her the keys to future success. At the event held in Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, 150 teachers, regional literacy coordinators and former educators cy-based topics, including Classroom Monitoring, Critical Literacy and Textual Analysis, the Use of Technology in the Classroom and the Relevance of Culture in the Classroom.. 

GPHC Board of Directors conduct health clinic visits The Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and other the Industry and Enmore Health Centres, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) in order to improve the management and health care systems in those communities. They also visited the Enmore Polyclinic. Chairperson of the GPHC Board of Directors, Kessaundra Alves explained that the initiative is part of the newly elected Board’s focus to enhance the conditions and services offered within the health facilities that come under the purview of the GPHC.. 

Cash and other items distributed victims

Election laws, several legislations to be amended by GECOM The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is noChairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) rtd Justice James Patterson said the elections body, “has discovered some anomalies in the entity’s legislation’ and has begun the process of amending these.” While the anomalies GECOM Chair has stated the agency will not wait until problems arise to have them addressed. 

Twenty-Four (24) Pike Street residents whose March 07 have received items including beds, stoves, hamper, food vouchers, and cash ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, handed over the items to the families and individuals at the Ministry’s Lamaha, Georgetown on March 08. 

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Gov’t still considering new GuySuCo board

GOVERNMENT on Friday said it is continuing its consideration of the Board of Directors for the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

Minister of State Joseph Harmon in response to questions posed at a post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency, said, “Cabinet has requested to have a further consideration of the board of GuySuCo. “Cabinet made some comments with respect to the board that was identified and I am sure that within the short space of time that all of the issues as they relate to the board will

be clarified and that there will be a full board of GuySuCo appointed, gazetted and working,” the Minister of State told reporters.

The minister’s comments follow media reports that Finance Minister Winston Jordan had put forward a proposal to Cabinet for head of the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) Colvin Heath-London, to become the new chairman of GuySuCo. Reports indicated that Jordan’s proposal encountered much opposition by his Cabinet colleagues and resulted in no decision being made on the matter.

SPU head Colvin Heath-London

Many have opined that installation of the SPU head as the chairman of GuySuCo’s board would prove a “serious conflict of interest”.

However, the finance minister in a subsequent statement refuted statements that he had proposed Heath-London to be chair of the sugar company’s board.

Jordan said he was abroad at the time of the referenced Cabinet meeting, participating in an important pre-governors meeting of the IDB in Jamaica.

“Therefore, Minister Jordan was not present at Cabinet on Tuesday and consequently,

did not ‘propose, argue, make a presentation or reasoned with Cabinet as reported,” the Ministry of Finance said.

The life of the old board, chaired by Professor Clive Thomas, ended on February 14, 2018.

Meanwhile, in a statement dated February 25, 2018, the SPU said the life of the board of GuySuCo came to an end on February 14 after the Board of Directors of the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) at a special board meeting, decided to install a new board focused

on the transformation of the corporation as envisioned by NICIL-SPU. “The NICIL board also instructed GuySuCo to freeze all hiring and to not renew any employee contracts that are expiring at this time.

NICIL has begun working with the management team at the corporation to implement management changes; some of these changes are already being implemented and more are expected to follow in the coming weeks,” the SPU statement said.

Branche’s murder probe still incomplete THREE months after a 47-year-old taxi driver was charged for the murder of schoolteacher Kescia Branche, the police investigation into the matter is still incomplete.

Matthew Munroe is cur-

Hospital two days after being found battered. A post-mortem indicated that she died as a result of brain haemorrhage.

During the investigation, three suspects who were being questioned regarding the death of Branche were released. The father of Branche’s three-year-old son

rently on remand for allegedly killing Branche on November 7, 2017 in Georgetown.

When the matter was recalled before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Thursday, the court learnt that the phone records between Branche and her alleged killer are still outstanding.

This was revealed by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, as he added that several statements from the police file are still due.

The magistrate adjourned the matter until March 27 for the police to complete their investigation.

Branche, a mother of one, who resided in Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown, was last seen on November 4, 2017, when she left for a night out with her friends.

However, she was found in an unconscious state in the vicinity of Princes Street and Louisa Row the following day. Her left leg was broken and there was evidence that she had sustained multiple head injuries.

The Richard Ishmael Secondary School teacher died at the Georgetown Public

was released on November 14 and placed on station bail, along with two police constables. The two ranks were later charged departmentally for neglect of duty, consuming intoxicating liquor while on duty, improperly entering licensed premises and acting in a manner likely to bring discredit to the reputation of the Force.

At the time of the trio’s release, the police were seeking to contact a taxi driver whose cell phone number appeared repeatedly on Branche’s mobile device.

The taxi driver’s car was impounded at the Brickdam Police Station, subsequent to his reported departure from the country, after Branche was found in an unconscious state. Investigators are of the opinion that the driver may have been the last person to see the teacher alive.

When arrested, the taxi driver claimed that his car was involved in an accident after he drove into a pothole, but according to a police report, the damage to the car is consistent with the injuries Branche received.

– court hears

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

‘Big-name’ motivational speakers in the house tonight

–– as curtain comes down on annual ‘Women in Business Expo’ THE Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) in collaboration with the Women’s Association for Sustainable Development (WASD) on Friday morning launched its third annual ‘Women in Business Expo.’

The two-day event, which began yesterday and ends today, is being held at the Pegasus Hotel.

Sonia Noel told reporters at the launch, that although International Women’s Day was observed worldwide on Thursday, that now, more than ever, there’s a strong call to action to press forward and progress gender parity.

She said that this year’s event is intended to again feature motivational speakers, workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities vital for the development of women in business and on a personal level; benefitting their homes and communities in which they operate.

According to Hymawattie Lagan, Senior Gender Affairs Officer, the event has been endorsed by the Ministry of Social Protection, since it is a form of self-development for women who have realised their full potential.

She said that when women grow, it is a plus and as such, they should be encouraged to keep on going for self-development and not just sit back on their laurels and depend on others; that instead, they can be bold and step out and become entrepreneurs by starting their own businesses to become self-sustainable.

Lagan told the press briefing that women

should know how to carry themselves and respect self and do not allow anyone to take advantage of you, because some women do not know their own strength.

Also present at the launch was American businesswoman and best-selling author, Hilda Bourne, who is here to be a part of the two-day event.

Bourne, the founder of Dream360 Life Coaching Services, said she participated in the expo last year and was so inspired, she is here again to talk about her role and the purpose of women.

Carolyn Caesar-Murray whose business, Harmony Inn and Secret Villa, is a major sponsor of the exposition, said she will endeavour to do her best by having candid discussions with other women in business, since there are many success stories out there that need to be shared.

Dr Jacqueline Evans-Phillips, who is the co-owner of Life Changers Consulting Company who is versed in life-empowerment coaching, a motivational speaker and an educational consultant from the U.S., is also here to encourage women to press forward and utilise their potential.

Both Bourne and Evans-Phillips are slated to speak this evening at a motivational event titled “Inspire You”, as the curtain comes down on the exhibition.

Among other speakers on the programme are Caron Hawco, Sonia Noel, Sherry Ann Dixon, Christine Neblett, and Ayana McCalmon.

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At Friday’s launch at the Pegasus of the ‘Women in Business Expo.’ Seated from left are: Hilda Bourne, Dr Jacqueline Evans-Phillips, Sonia Noel, Hymawattie Lagan and Carolyn Caesar-Murray

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

Women Lawyers’ Association launches essay competition …Guyana’s emerging oil-and-gas industry forms the topic for discussion

TO celebrate its 30th anniversary, the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers (GAWL) has initiated an essay competition challenging all secondary school-aged students to think deeply about Guyana’s emerging oil-and-gas industry.

At a press briefing yesterday, GAWL revealed the general theme for the essay as ‘The reality of the oiland-gas industry in Guyana’ and highlighted that there are three categories to which three different questions will apply.

Forms 1-3 will answer the following: ‘The oil in-

dustry in Guyana is a new one coming with only great advantages for the Guyanese people. Discuss’ While forms 4-5 will tackle: ‘Guyana faces potential environmental risks being exposed to offshore explorations. Therefore, plans and policies/strategies for emergency situations must be put in place. Discuss.’

And, lastly, the lower and upper 6th students will focus on: ‘The presence of international oil companies in third world countries contributes to accelerated economic development without the need for stringent legal protective measures, which would hin-

Executive GAWL member and committee member for the essay competition, Beverly Bishop-Cheddie, outlines details about the essay competition (photo

by Adrian Narine)

der much-needed foreign investment and increased national revenue. Discuss’ Three winners will be selected from each category and these individuals will be prized with trophies, book prizes and/or electronic appliances.

The deadline for submission is April 13, 2018, at 3:30 pm, while the prizes will be distributed at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GAWL which will be held in May, 2018.

Entry forms can be collected and essays are to be submitted to the Equity Chambers located at 62 Robb Street, Georgetown, (above

Scotiabank) from Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Giving an explanation behind the chosen theme, Executive GAWL member and committee member for the essay competition, Beverly Bishop-Cheddie said that it surrounds the goal to create awareness about Guyana’s petroleum sector.

“We encourage maximum participation from students, because we believe that the issue of the oil-andgas industry is a very topical issue in Guyana and it is important for our children to be sensitised and informed,” Bishop-Cheddie explained.

Participants must attach a copy of their birth certificate and an acknowledgement slip signed or stamped by the school’s principal confirming enrolment.

In addition, participants should not put their names on the essay, must write in Standard English, maintain a 1,500 -2,000 word limit, type the essay in the ‘Times New Roman’ font in font size ‘12’ with line spacing at 1.5.

For more information, students and secondary schools administrators are asked to contact the Guyana Association of Women Lawyers.

GTT/Bistro honour women promoting STEM

By Svetlana Marshall

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) teamed up with Bistro Restaurant on International Women’s Day to host a luncheon for some of the active female players in the development and promotion of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme in Guyana.

The country’s First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes were among the women who were drawn from the private sector, government, the University of Guyana and CARICOM-based on their integral involvement in an area which was traditionally male dominated.

GTT’s Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd, in delivering brief remarks during the luncheon, said GTT has risen to the occasion and is now a leading partner in the development of STEM in Guyana.

“Our commitment of GUY$18M STEM and Internet for all primary schools is demonstrative of this support,” Nedd told those present.

In recognising the key role played by women like the country’s first lady and the Public Telecommunication Minister, he said “women’s work and roles align perfectly with the Innov8 initiatives of the company.”

Nedd noted too that when Bistro’s Management was approached about the luncheon, it offered its full support and for that it must be applauded.

Last Monday, GTT

GTT CEO Justin Nedd addressing those present at the luncheon which included Guyana’s First Lady Sandra Granger and Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes (Adrian Narine’s photo)

shocked the nation when it announced that as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), it will be offering free Internet service to all primary schools. But the telephone giant did not stop there; the CEO further announced that an $18 million Innovat8 fund has been established to assist with the development of STEM education and projects.

GTT has developed new initiatives to create greater opportunities for the country’s young people.

The first three schools that will benefit from the initiative are Sophia, Lusignan and Paradise primary. The CEO believes that it is time that youths are given the tools to push Guyana forward, especially in the area of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (Adrian Narine’s photo)

Secret ballot to decide King’s fate

VOTING on the no-confidence motion brought against Town Clerk Royston King by former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan will be done by secret ballot, a correspondence copied to the mayor, deputy mayor and councillors has revealed.

The motion brought against King will be voted on Monday.

Duncan, in the motion circulated to the press, had said that the Municipal and District Councils Act which

governs the city, places on every councillor a responsibility and duty to ensure that the municipality is managed in a professional and competent manner by a qualified town clerk.

“His Excellency President David Granger, when he visited City Hall, told the Council that we are not on the City Council to represent our political parties but to represent the people; Town Clerk Royston King has acted outside the interests of the citizens of Georgetown and has

Town Clerk Royston King

Former Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan

shown a total disregard for

the role of the town clerk and

the [Act] which adumbrates

Council and sets the latter as

the supreme decision-making body at the municipal level for the City of Georgetown,” the motion said.

One day after the motion was filed by Duncan, King told reporters that the motion will not succeed, as it represents a personal attack on him.

“I am unbothered, because if you look at the contents of the motion, you will see that all the things Duncan has filed against me are the things that actually improved the city,” King told reporters.

Duncan’s motion, which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Lionel Jaikarran, cites a number of shortcomings on the part of King and will be tabled at the next statutory meeting on March 12.

However, King believes that he has the support of the majority of city councillors. “I enjoy the confidence of the majority of councillors, and I also enjoy the confidence of the citizens of Georgetown,” he said.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

GPSU raises sweeper/ cleaners’ plight

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-- presses gov’t to address problem, issues facing women at the workplace

By Svetlana Marshall DOMESTIC violence, sexual harassment in the workplace, the meagre wages paid to public school sweeper/cleaners and the deplorable conditions under which many women work were among issues the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) implored government to address as it joined the world in celebrating International Women’s Day on Thursday.

The GPSU made the call for action through its President Patrick Yarde, when it hosted a workshop on Thursday in observance of International Women’s Day under the theme “Press for Progress”.

Social Protection Minis-

nable refusal on the part of the Government of Guyana to make good its obligation to address to finality the issue of the remuneration of our sweeper/cleaners, whose persistent poverty and enduring denial of their right under the law to a living wage amount to a national embarrassment, no less,” Yarde told those press.

While acknowledging the bold steps being taken

by Minister Ally to address this longstanding issue by compiling a comprehensive Cabinet paper on the matter, Yarde said it is time government switches gear, and accelerate the process.

“On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the GPSU calls on the

DESERVING REMEDIAL ATTENTION In addition to issues affecting sweeper/cleaners, Yarde pointed out that there are various categories of women workers whose conditions of service are deserving of remedial attention.

According to him, these existing problems provide an opportunity for government to demonstrate its commitment to the rights of women in a manner that transcends rhetoric.

“We renew our call to government to give higher priority to the process of significantly upgrading what in many instances are the deplorable conditions of work in institutions -- including

Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and GPSU President Patrick Yarde, raising their candles during the opening ceremony of the Women’s Day workshop as they encourage women to continue to be the light (Samuel Maughn photo)

to their families and society as whole, he said all must work together to foster greater equality among men and women.

Minister Ally, like Yarde, did not fall short in addressing the plethora of issues facing women.

Participants of GPSU’s Women’s Day workshop (Samuel Maughn photo)

ter Amna Ally was among officials who attended the workshop held at the GPSU Headquarters in Georgetown.

Since before 2013, the GPSU has been pleading with the government to regularise the emoluments paid to sweeper/cleaners.

“Close to the heart of the GPSU at this time is the protracted and unconscio-

Government of Guyana to manifestly demonstrate its practical commitment to the rights and entitlements of our women by immediately affording all sweeper/ cleaners the living wage and other related conditions of service they rightly deserve, that they desperately need and unequivocally merit,” the GPSU President said.

hospitals -- where women serve. We also call on the government to accelerate the provision of safe and well equipped child care centres providing mothers with the comfort level and confidence to leave their children to pursue all forms of personal and professional development beneficial to them, their families and nation building,” Yarde further implored.

The issue of sexual harassment did not evade the attention of the GPSU with the President stating that its prevalence, particularly in workplaces, remains a working concern, in addition to domestic violence.

While Yarde wasted no time in saluting mothers, wives, home-makers, professionals, public servants and ordinary women workers for dedication and commitment

REMOVING BARRIERS In delivering the keynote address, the social protection minister said although the empowerment of women and girls have always been a national priority for the country with considerable progress in developing women, there remains some barriers that ought to be removed.

“Over the years, Guyana has made considerable progress towards empowering women through improved access to quality education and training, improved participation in high-level decision-making, facilitating the growth of small and medium enterprises, expanding health care and services for women and girls, and through poverty-reduction programmes, among many other initiatives.

“However, throughout Guyana and around the world, women still face many barriers towards progression in the world of work as a result of multiple structural

institutional and cultural barriers that continue to hinder the achievement of gender equality in Guyana. There continues to be significant inequalities between women and men, including at all levels of formal participation, in the labour market, income, entrepreneurship and access to credit,” Minister Ally explained.

She added that the country as a collective people must work together to address the social inequalities that hinder women’s advancement and prevent them from being engaged in the decision-making process.

To break down the barriers stymieing women’s progress, Minister Ally announced that the government through the Social Protection Ministry has developed a National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy, which will be implemented this year to address many of the named problems.

The policy is designed to mainstream gender issues to all sectors with the aim of eliminating all negative economic, social and cultural practices that impede equality and equity.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

Every woman should be an activist -- First Lady on International Women’s Day ternational Women’s Day, themed, ‘The time is Now: Rural and urban activists transforming women’s lives’, provides time for much-needed reflection on the challenges women face.

First Lady Sandra Granger delivers the feature address at the Ministry of Social Protection's 'I am Woman' celebration on International Women's Day

FIRST Lady Sandra Granger has charged the women of Guyana to become activists for gender parity, education, and the elimination of domestic violence in order to truly transform Guyana.

Mrs Granger delivered this charge at the Ministry of Social Protection’s ‘I am Woman’ Celebration for International Women’s Day, held at Parc Rayne, Rahaman’s Park, East Bank Demerara.

“Notwithstanding our different ages, races, religions, and social and economic backgrounds, we women who make up over half of the population of this vast

and beautiful land, must seize the incentive and become activists wherever we live; in the cities, towns, or villages, on the coastal plain or in our vast interior, to transform the lives of women – and men – throughout the length and breadth of our country,” she said.

The First Lady also said that activating Guyana’s women and girls will be the key to unleashing the country’s fullest potential.

“Our activists across the country must encourage and train our women and girls to become involved in decision-making at the community, neighbourhood, regional and national levels.

Our women and girlchildren must dream big dreams and, through the joint effort of women across this land, they can, and will make those dreams a reality.

This is how we will transform our society. This is how our country will achieve its full potential,” she said.

During her feature address, Mrs Granger also emphasised the importance of urban, coastal female activists working together with their hinterland counterparts toward the achievement of gender equality throughout Guyana.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, said that the celebration of In-

First Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally enjoy Calypso Queen Onikha Joseph's rendition of her song, 'Woman is Boss'

RECOGNITION “Today we honour the women who have tirelessly fought and dedicated their lives towards advancing gender equality in Guyana. Promoting gender equality and empowerment of women in all spheres of life remain a national priority of the Government of Guyana and this global event provides us with the opportunity to assess

equality and equity… We are confident that the implementation of this policy will take the nation one step closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), because the 2030 agenda recognises the crucial importance of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls… as essential,” she said.

Women attending the event were happy to be celebrated and, after having been empowered by the First Lady, were eager to give feedback of their own.

Nirmala Hendricks was pleased at the emphasis of

women in Guyana, there is still much to be done, Deputy Mayor of Bartica Kamal Persaud, said: “We deserve respect. We deserve to be secure. We deserve to feel safe. We deserve equal opportunities in our jobs. We deserve equal pay. We deserve to be in a safe and loving, nurturing, environment.”

The event featured a seamless cultural presentation of song, dance, poetry, and drama, which was written, directed and produced

by Public Information and Press Services Officer to the President of Guyana Lloy-

Women were honoured by a cultural production of song, dance, drama, and poetry

the progress made in keeping with national priorities and international obligations.

It allows us to examine the challenges we face and seek measures in which we can overcome these challenges to achieve gender parity,” she said.

Minister Ally also announced that the Ministry’s Gender Social Inclusion Policy will be implemented this year.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the Ministry of Social Protection has formulated a national Gender and Social Inclusion Policy, which will be implemented this year. This policy aims to mainstream gender issues into all sectors in order to eliminate all negative, economic, social, and cultural practices that impede

the event on female empowerment.

“Today means empowerment for me as a woman and I think that this event... promotes what needs to be done in society; that is empowering our women… to be strong and stand up for their rights,” she said.

BOSSES Carmen Simon said that women are the bosses of the home.

“We are the bosses… we have to deal with all the finances in the home and make sure the home is run properly… get the children right and [the] husband also… [men] are just at sometimes the breadwinners, but we are the boss,” she said.

Recognising that despite the vast achievements of

da Nicholas-Garrett, along with co-writer Randolph Critchlow and choreographer Vivian Williams. Performers included members of the National School of Dance and the National Dance Company, the Mosaic Choral Speakers and former Miss Guyana World Nuriyyih Gerrard.

The closing item for that cultural presentation was a stirring rendition of ‘Woman is Boss’ by the reigning Calypso Queen, Onikha Joseph.

Other performances of the evening came from the Worship in Spirit and Truth (WIST) Ministries and Gospel singer Cherlyn Maloney. Members of Government, Parliament and the diplomatic corps were in attendance.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

Sunday March 11th, - 02:00 - 14:30hrs Monday March 12th, - 03:00 - 14:30hrs Tuesday March 13th, - 03:30 - 14:30hrs

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE March 11, 2018

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

English Racing Tips Warwick 10:20 hrs Piton Pete 10:50 hrs Golden Vision 11:25 hrs Oskar Denarius 11;55 hrs Russe Blanc 12:30 hrs Chief Brody Market Rasen 10:30 hrs Rio Quinto 11:05 hrs Roxyfeet 11:35 hrs Knocknamona 12:10 hrs Molly Childers 12:40 hrs Flemerina 13:10 hrs Calipso Collonges South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:25 hrs Anthony Hotspur 09:00 hrs Sunset Eyes 09:35 hrs It’s My Way 10:10 hrs Kazaar 10:40 hrs Premier Dance 11:15 hrs Minaloushe Venture Irish Racing Tips Naas 10:15 hrs Joe The Crow 10:45 hrs Nessum Dora 11:20 hrs Msassa 11:50 hrs Monotype 12:25 hrs Pat’s Oscar 12:55 hrs Catwalk King

March Madness Malta Supreme basketball bounces off tonight THE Linden Amateur Basketball Association’s (LABA) March Madness Malta Supreme Open basketball championship bounces off tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court after a delay due to unforeseen circumstances according to a LABA official.

The opening matches will see top club Victory Valley Royals and Retrieve Raiders clash at 18:30hrs while the second game at 20:00hrs pits Half Mile Bulls against Amelia’s Ward Jets.

This tournament has a two-group format among the six contesting clubs with Royals, Raiders and Bankers Trust Falcons in Group A while in Group B are Half Mile Bulls, Amelia’s Ward Jets and Block 22 Flames.

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Baird, Hooper cop gold at Digicel Grand Prix

By Ravin Singh in Jamaica THE final leg of the Digicel Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica was a highly successful one for Guyana with two of its national athletes copping gold at the event which was held at the National Stadium.

National javelin record-holder Leslain Baird was the first to record a win in his event, with a throw of 74.3m.

Despite not being able to reset his national record which was set earlier this year, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) athlete said that the day was a successful one for him.

“The competition was good for me. I took control

of the event from my first attempt with a throw of 69m.

After fouling on my second attempt, I cleared the 70m bar in my final attempt with a distance of 74.3m – just a few centimetres short of my personal best,” he said.

He also described the other athletes at the track meet as “very supportive” and shared that he was encouraged and motivated by them.

“The guys at the competition were very supportive.

They kept encouraging me throughout and that was really motivating. So I would say I had a successful day,” he said.

Baird has been in fine form over the last few month, having reset the national records at least four times,

and consistently throwing over 70m. His goal for this season is to clear 76m, which he hopes to accomplish at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Meanwhile, national high jumper, Natrena Hooper also recorded a win in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.75m. She was awarded gold.

She shared in an interview with Chronicle Sport that she is elated to have won gold and to represent Guyana. The high jumper who also heads to the Commonwealth Games next month said too that she has been improving and hopes to keep this momentum going in Australia.

Only two days ago Hoop-

er bagged three gold medals at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona annual intramural sports in the high, long and triple jumps. She was adjudged the best female athlete of the day and awarded ‘Champion Girl’.

Other Guyanese athletes who were expected to participate later in the evening were sprinting stars Emanuel Archibald and Owen Adonis in the 100m and 200m respectively. Both athletes also copped two gold medals each at the UWI Sports on Thursday.

The Digicel Grand Prix is a yearly meet, organised by the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and is hosted at the National Stadium.

Sensational Sachia!

Vickery annihilates Wimbledon champion Muguruza at Indian Wells IT was a victory heralded around the tennis world.

Sachia Vickery came from being down a set and three points to defeat 2017 Wimbledon champion Garbiñe Muguruza 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 in the Round-of-64 matches at the Indian Wells, one of the premier tennis tournaments in the World.

Muguruza looked on course for an early night on Stadium 1 as she built a 6-2, 3-0 lead and 40-0 on serve in the match, but the American qualifier put up some spirited resistance in front of partisan fans to not only work her way back into the match, but score her first Top-10 victory, in two hours, 12 minutes.

“I just tried to fight every point and hang in there.

The crowd was so amazing and got behind me, and the atmosphere really helped me even though I was feeling it a little bit physically,” Vickery said on-court after the match.

“I think at 3-0, we had a few really long points. I actually got the break, and I was like, ‘Run, put the ball in and do your best’. I’ve just worked so hard for so many years and I’ve been so close ... and this is just the most amazing night of

my life and I couldn’t be happier.”

Vickery hit 26 winners to 30 unforced errors in the match, as she moved into the ascendency with stunning counterpunching over the course of the match.

On the Spaniard’s side of the net, Muguruza struck 22 winners - but nearly doubled her total of unforced errors - finishing with 45 overall.

Playing against a Top10 player for just the third time in her career, the win against the World No.3 is the American’s best in terms of ranking by 25 places.

Previously, Vickery defeated then-World No.28 Agnieszka Radwanska at the ASB Classic in Auckland to begin 2018.

“I started out pretty nervous,” she admitted in the press conference afterwards, further stating, “Obviously, for me, I haven’t played matches on such a big court before. For her, it’s the norm. So in the first set it really took me a while to find the ball and get over those nerves. But then after, in the second set, I let a few go, and, you know, I started to get a lot of confidence and the crowd got behind me.”

Vickery went into Indian Wells ranked inside the

Top-100 for the first time, squarely at No.100, and reached the third round of a Premier Mandatory event for the first time in her career.

Vickery’s upset books her a third-round date with the in-form Naomi Osaka, after the Japanese 20-yearold has scored straight-set victories over both Maria Sharapova and Agnieszka Radwańska to reach the last 32 this week.

That matchup seemed the furthest thing from possibility early on in Friday night’s encounter, as the two-time Grand Slam champion largely got the better of extended rallies between the two players to win nine of the first 11 games of the match.

Undaunted by her deficit, Vickery began to work her way into points, attacking Muguruza’s forehand side with her own and reaping rewards - landing winner after winner as her comeback effort gained steam.

After pulling closer, Vickery finally achieved parity with a break to love in the eighth game of the second set, and took her first lead of the match with a similarly emphatic hold in the next game.

Muguruza had a pair of game points to take the second set into a tiebreak as she also saved a trio of set points in another marathon final game, but Vickery would not be denied her fourth and sent the match to a decider with another forehand winner.

From 1-1 in the final set, the 22-year-old never looked back, as she claimed the last five games - and 12 of the last 14 points - to score the biggest victory of her career so far.

Muguruza insisted she would take a lot from the experience: “I’m going to learn from this match. I’m going to watch it and see what went wrong. I felt I was in control, and it slipped away a little bit from me.”

“When players with not a lot of experience play against top players, they are very motivated. They kind of elevate their game. I think (it) was a little bit the case.

She was getting a bit more excited, and the key points went her way.

“She was getting more into the match and, at the end, had a lot more confidence. Me, maybe making a few mistakes, helped her also to advance a lot, but she earned the match today.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

Manchester United sink Liverpool

… Unsavoury scenes at West Ham

By Peter Hall LONDON, England (Reuters) - Marcus Rashford s c o r e d t w i c e a s M a nchester United beat their arch-rivals Liverpool 2-1 in a highly-charged derby, yesterday, to consolidate

second-place in the Premier League table.

With runaway leaders Manchester City on course for a third Premier League title, second-place is the best the chasing pack can hope for and United moved five points ahead of Liverpool.

United stifled Liverpool’s exhilarating attack early on at Old Trafford and raced into a two-goal lead with 24 minutes on the clock after a double from Rashford.

Eric Bailly’s bizarre own goal gave Liverpool hope in the second half, but United

held on for a first victory over their North West rivals since January, 2016.

“Perfect result! I wouldn’t go so far as saying it was a perfect performance.

In the first half, the game gave us the opportunity to be direct, fast and to score goals, more than we did. We were worth the win,” United manager Jose Mourinho said.

Fifth-placed Chelsea moved to within four points of Liverpool, two behind Tottenham Hotspur - who play Bournemouth today - in fourth, after a nervy 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the late kickoff.

A deflected strike from Willian and a Martin Kelly own goal put Chelsea in control at the break, but they took their foot off the gas in the second half.

Patrick van Aanholt got his side back in the match in stoppage time, but it was too little too late for Palace as Chelsea held out for a first win in four in all competitions.

It was an important afternoon at the bottom of the table too, with West Ham United slipping to a damaging 3-0 home defeat by Burnley to leave them three points above the relegation zone.

There were unsavoury scenes at London Stadium where pitch invasions and mass protests in the stands forced owners David Sullivan and David Gold to leave the directors’ box, with

police brought in to restore order.

“We want the supporters behind us; since I’ve been here they’ve been really good. But you can’t cross the line and come on the pitch,” West Ham manager David Moyes said.

Matters on the pitch added to the vitriolic mood, with Ashley Barnes and a Chris Wood double steering Burnley to a second win in a week, closing the gap on sixth-placed Arsenal, who host Watford today, to two points.

RASHFORD DOUBLE Much of the pre-match talk centred on how United were going to cope with Liverpool’s in-form front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and the league’s joint-top scorer Mohamed Salah.

However, even without the injured Paul Pogba, it was United who started on the front foot, adopting a more direct style with Romelu Lukaku the target and the Belgium striker was influential in both Rashford goals.

Rashford’s double - on his first Premier League start since Boxing Day proved decisive, as Liverpool couldn’t add to the Bailly own goal as they slipped to a first defeat in eight games in all competitions.

“It didn’t go our way because of the two goals we conceded,” Liverpool man-

ager Juergen Klopp said.

“We have to defend these situations better. You can always lose a header or tackle with (Romelu) Lukaku but you need to close the gap in behind.”

In the North East, Newcastle United secured a 3-0 victory over Southampton to move five points clear of the bottom three, piling the pressure on Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

Two goals from Kenedy, on loan from Chelsea, and a Matt Ritchie strike were enough for a second successive Premier League home win for Rafael Benitez’s side.

West Bromwich Albion’s woes continued as they slipped to a 4-1 home defeat

by Leicester City. Salomon Rondon gave West Brom the lead at The Hawthorns, but four Leicester goals without reply ensured West Brom stayed bottom, eight points from safety.

Swansea City, who had Jordan Ayew sent off in the 11th minute, held Huddersfield Town to a 0-0 draw at the John Smith’s Stadium while Wayne Rooney’s penalty miss mattered little as Everton beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at Goodison Park.

Ming opens USF 2000 season confidently FOLLOWING a miserable qualification on Friday afternoon in the USF 2000 series, overseas-based Guyanese Calvin Ming produced a confident drive to finish just shy of the final podium spot.

The season’s opening rounds (1 and 2) take place in St Petersburg Florida this weekend with the second race on today.

According to reports, mechanical and set-up issues had bothered the young Ming during Friday afternoon’s qualifying.

However, his team managed to rectify the issues before the race, giving Ming the chance to carve through the pack to finish fourth.

“Yeah, we had some issues throughout qualify-

Calvin Ming has a brief chat with his mechanic Jethro Austin.

ing but the guys were able to sort them out before the first race and we were able to attack and pick up spots,” Ming told Chronicle Sport.

He continued, “I can’t say a big enough thank

you to the guys at Pabst Racing who worked to get the car to a place where I can drive it and produce the result that I did today (yesterday).” (Stephan Sookram)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

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AB deVilliers unbeaten 74 moves SA ahead despite batting collapse SOUTH Africa suffered a final-session collapse to finish on 263-7 - meaning a lead of just 20 - at the end of an eventful day two in the second Test against Australia.

Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla both made battling half-centuries but the hosts, 1-0 down in the series after a 118-run defeat in Durban, lost five wickets after tea in Port Elizabeth AB de Villiers hit an unbeaten 74 to at least push the Proteas ahead, though their hopes of a sizeable first-innings advantage now rest largely on the shoulders of their former captain, who earned valuable support from Vernon Philander (14 not out) late yesterday.

However, the action was overshadowed by events away from the pitch, including Cricket South Africa (CSA) issuing an apology to Cricket Australia (CA) after an incident involving two of their employees being photographed with fans wearing Sonny Bill Williams masks in an apparent attempt to embarrass David Warner.

There was also an issue raised about the brass band at St George’s Park, with umpires Kumar Dharmasena

sions given out on the field.

Yet the pair struggled to keep the scoreboard moving in the afternoon and, after just 43 runs were added in a turgid second session, the tea break triggered a flurry of wickets.

Amla was the first to go, bowled by a Mitchell Starc

AB de Villiers makes another fighting fifty in tough batting conditions. (AFP)

and Chris Gaffaney complaining the noise levels were hampering their hearing out in the middle.

Kagiso Rabada made 29 with the bat in the morning but will anxiously await the result of a disciplinary hearing today, the bowler appealing against a code of conduct breach following an incident on the opening day.

Rabada, who was bowled

by Pat Cummins off an inside edge, was charged with a Level 2 offence after a shoulder brush with Australia captain Steve Smith, putting him at risk of a ban.

After the departure of South Africa’s nightwatchman, Amla (56) joined Elgar

(57) to form a third-wicket alliance worth 88, the former twice using the review system to overturn lbw deci-

SCOREBOARD AUSTRALIA1st innings 243 SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (o/n 39 for 1) D. Elgar c Tim Paine b Josh Hazlewood 57 A. Markram lbw Pat Cummins 11 K. Rabada b Pat Cummins 29 H. Amla b Mitchell Starc 56 AB de Villiers not out 74 Faf du Plessis lbw Mitchell Marsh 9 Theunis de Bruyn lbw Mitchell Marsh 1 Quinton de Kock b Nathan Lyon 9 V. Philander not out 14 Extras: (lb-2, w-1) 3 Total: (seven wkts, 95.0 overs) 263 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-67, 3-155, 4-155, 5-179, 6-183, 7-227.

Bowling: Starc 26-4-78-1, Hazlewood 244-73-1, Cummins 20-6-55-2 (w-1), Lyon 16-5- 29-1, M. Marsh 9-1–26-2.

Keemo Paul celebrates West Indies call-up by upsetting England Lions NOT long after a call-up to play international cricket, all-rounder Keemo Paul showed he was ready for the step up, leading West Indies-A to an unlikely victory over England Lions.

The former Under-19 champion came in to bat at No.9, with his team on the ropes at 153 for 7 and in danger of not lasting the full 50 overs. Paul made 55 off 40 deliveries as an outrageous tail-end partnership - 97 runs in only 77 balls with Raymon Reifer - took the hosts to 252 for 9.

The target was still not very daunting and the Lions would have felt so ahead of the game, cruising to 173 for 4 in the 40th over.

But then came a match-defining collapse. The captain Keaton Jennings’ wicket started it all, caught and bowled for 33. All-rounder Sam Curran followed for 26.

And the tail folded soon after, 26 runs short of their target, not even batting their full quota. Paul ended his

He did not find it while he was at the crease, but his wicket brought Paul into the game, who basically bossed it from there. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Keemo Paul

big day with 3 for 55 having opened the bowling, and leftarm spinner Jomel Warrican was equally effective, picking up 3 for 41.

England in the end were left to rue 10 overs of play that undid some excellent work after they had lost the toss.

Curran and Richard Gleeson were excellent with the new ball, collecting six wickets between them for only 93 runs.

In the face of their discipline, only one West Indies-A batsman from the top six made a score more than 16. Jermaine Blackwood, who usually likes to have a go at the ball, made 53 off 75, while he searched desperately for support at the other end.

WINDIES-A innings K. Powell c wkp. Davies b Curran 10 D. Thomas c Coughlin b Gleeson 8 J. Blackwood c Jennings b Curran 53 R. Chase c wkp. Davies b Gleeson 16 A. McCarthy c Curran b Parkinson 11 R. Cornwall lbw b Bess 8 J. Warrican not out 0 J. Hamilton stp. Davies b Parkinson 35 R. Reifer not out 45 K. Paul b Gleeson 55 O. Smith b Curran 2 Extras: (lb-5, w-7, nb-1) 13 Total: (9 wkts, 50 overs) 256 Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-22, 3-38, 4-67, 5-78, 6-148, 7-153, 8-250, 9-256.

Bowling: Gleeson 10-1-52-3, Curran 101-41-3, Coughlin 7-0-43-0, Parkinson 100-44-2, Bess 9-0-43-1, Critchley 2-0-16-0, Jennings 2-0-12-0.

LIONS innings N. Gubbins c Thomas b Reifer 9 A. Davies b Chase 38 S. Hain c wkp. Hamilton b Paul 21 S. Northeast b Warrican 34 K. Jennings c & b Chase 33 S. Curran b Smith 26 P. Coughlin b Warrican 9 M. Critchley c Powell b Paul 20 D. Bess c Powell b Warrican 19 R. Gleeson c Cornwall b Paul 1 M. Parkinson not out 1 Extras: (b-5, lb-4, w-6, nb-5) 20 Total: (all out, 48.4 overs) 231 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-47, 3-99, 4-115, 5-173, 6-175, 7-185, 8-219.

Bowling: Reifer 5-1-26-1, Paul 9.4-1-543, Smith 7-0-34-1, Cornwall 7-0-26-0, Warrican 10-1-41-1, Chase 10-0-42-2.

delivery that moved away late, before Elgar fell in the next over, edging Josh Hazlewood through to wicketkeeper Tim Paine.

Mitchell Marsh then trapped Faf du Plessis and Theunis De Bruyn lbw for nine and one respectively, while Australia’s decision

not to take the second new ball immediately was vindicated when Nathan Lyon bowled Quinton de Kock. de Villiers and Philander held firm thereafter, though, and will hope to add significantly to South Africa’s currently slender lead on day three.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

FIFA WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN 95

Who would have won the 1942 Tournament?

S

INCE its 1930 start, the FIFA World Cup has only ever had its four-year cycle interrupted by the Second World War. Italy, featuring the likes of Silvio Piola and Giuseppe Meazza, were crowned backto-back champions in 1938,

out. England did not play an official fixture between 1939 and 1946, while other European heavyweights like Italy, Germany, Austria and Hungary played just a few scattered friendlies, often under very trying and bizarre circumstances.

the year before. Both would have been among the favourites for a tournament, stripped of holders Italy and the other big European hitters.

Uruguay took the South American Championships home in 1942 after winning six from six in the

tacking force. Henry Carlsson, who played for Atletico Madrid and won an Olympic gold in 1948, would have been supported on the wing by ‘Black Lightning’ Malte Mårtensson, who netted the winner over the Germans.

However, how well they would have travelled, presuming the tournament was held in Brazil, away from the turmoil in Europe, is another matter entirely.

In the other hypothetical scenario, where the big European contenders of the time were involved, the competition is far more open.

As potential hosts, and under the watchful eye of the Nazis hoping for a PR success story, Germany might have

been more serious contenders. The Three Lions would have had a 27-year-old Stoke winger by the name of Stanley Matthews at their disposal in the ‘WM’ formation pioneered by Arsenal visionary Herbert Chapman. oungsters Tom Finney and Stan Mortensen would have also been options in an attack that could have seen Matthews link up with legendary Arsenal and Everton duo Cliff Bastin and Tommy Lawton to terrorise opposition defences.

While the 1950 games came as a rude awakening for England, who had always assumed themselves to be the creators and therefore the best in the world, it is worth noting

Y

was the greatest in World Cup history. While football was a useful propaganda tool for the fascists in Germany in the build-up to and during the war, for Italy and Benito Mussolini it was an essential facet of nation-building and demonstrating his mettle to the world.

With the double World Cup winners backed by the emerging talents of the ‘Grande Torino’ team, who went on to dominate football in Italy in the 1940s prior to the Superga air disaster, Italy would surely have been the team to beat in 1942 as well.

However, neither Italy nor any of the others mentioned had a chance to win the 1942 World Cup and a

German troops march through occupied Warsaw, Poland after invading the nation on September 1, 1942.

but their chance at making it three in a row would have to wait another 12 years as conflict and turmoil across Europe and beyond forced FIFA to abandon plans for tournaments in 1942 and 1946.

Both Brazil and Nazi Germany had applied to host the 1942 games, before European hostilities and the outbreak of war in 1939 led FIFA to call off the tournament before either nation could be selected as host.

As a result the 40s remain largely a blank slate for international football, with competitive fixtures - in Europe at least - few and far between after fighting broke

But what if the 1942 World Cup had taken place as scheduled? Who would have won it? There are two hypothetical scenarios to consider here: (1) That World War II either never happened, or it happened but football kept calm and carried on regardless and (2) That World War II happened and only teams not involved went to the World Cup. In scenario two, the main contenders are more obvious. Winners of the first-ever World Cup, Uruguay, won their eighth South American Championships in the winter of 1942 on their own turf, while Argentina won the Copa America’s pre-cursor

WORLD CUP FACTS 96 – The number of Brazilian players who can call themselves world champions. Among the many players to have celebrated one of A Seleção’s five World Cup wins is Cafu, who captained the side to glory in 2002.

The former defender is also Brazil’s most-capped World Cup player, with 20 matches to his name, ahead of fellow world champions Ronaldo (19 games), Claudio Taffarel, and USA 1994 skipper Dunga (both 18).

round-robin tournament, scoring 21, conceding just twice.

Strong at the back, they boasted the likes of Schúbert Gambetta, who later lifted the World Cup in 1950 and was named in the team of the tournament, in part for his marking of Brazil star Zizinho in the final game.

They were also a potent threat up front, with beret-wearing Boca Juniors striker Severino Varela, who bagged five on home soil in 1942, including a hattrick against Ecuador.

Beyond the two South American giants of the era, neutral Sweden - who beat Nazi Germany in a rare friendly in Berlin in 1942 and were semi-finalists in World Cup 1938 - would probably have been the European force to be reckoned with.

Their 3-2 away win over the Germans during the middle of the war is credited with marking the beginning of the end for the Nazi football team.

Much like Argentina, Sweden formed a potent at-

In 1941 Enrique García scored as Argentina beat Chile 1-0 in Santiago to lift their sixth Copa América title

been expected to go far. owever, whether they could have seriously competed is another matter entirely. After the defeat to Sweden in 1942, a humbling loss to Slovakia prompted the national team to be dissolved, with many of the players sent to the front line, never to return.

England, whose infamous World Cup defeat, complete with a humbling defeat at the hands of USA in 1950 was still years away, may have

H

that the Three Lions beat Italy twice in friendlies during the Azzurri’s reign between 1934 and 1950, including a dominant 4-0 away win in Turin.

However, Italy were still the reigning champs for a reason and would have gone into the tournament as favourites after triumph in France four years earlier.

Some have argued that Vittorio Pozzo’s all-conquering squad, featuring the near mythical talents of Piola, Meazza and Gino Colaussi,

generation of potential greats, heroes, villains and surprise stories lost their chance at immortality through footballing success on the world stage.

Furthermore, while many simply missed their chance at going to a World Cup, many others had not only their careers ended by World War II but also their lives, as a countless number of young men died on the battlefield with dreams of one day returning to play the sport they loved.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

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Brilliant Powell century carries Windies to Super Sixes HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) – Rovman Powell struck a scintillating, less than runa-ball, maiden one-day hundred as West Indies easily disposed of nemeses Ireland by 52 runs, to book their place in the Super Sixes of the ICC World Cup qualifiers here yesterday.

Asked to bat first at Harare Sports Club, the Windies wobbled briefly before raising 257 for eight off their 50 overs, with the big-hitting Powell lashing 101 off 100 balls.

Captain Jason Holder extended his form with 54 while rookie left-hander Shimron Hetmyer got 36.

Seamers Kemar Roach (4-27) and Kesrick Williams (4-43) then picked up four wickets apiece as Ireland collapsed from a promising 166 for four in the 37th over, to be dismissed for 205 in the 47th.

Veteran Ed Joyce topscored with 63 while Kevin O’Brien scored 38 and brother Niall O’Brien, 34.

The victory for the heavy favourites was their third on the trot and put them in the second stage of the competition along with Scotland and hosts Zimbabwe, with a game against the Netherlands remaining tomorrow.

Despite wary of the threat posed by the previously unbeaten Irish, the Windies found themselves slumping at 83 for five in the 19th over and in danger of collapsing.

Evin Lewis sliced a drive at pacer Boyd Rankin to point to depart for nine at 18 for one in the fifth over and his veteran opening partner Chris Gayle perished in the 10th over for 14, snicking a forward defensive prod at seamer Tim Murtagh (4-41) to be caught at the wicket with the score on 33.

Marlon Samuels succumbed to a beauty from Murtagh and was taken behind by gloveman Niall O’Brien for two and Shai Hope followed in the 15th over, caught down the leg-side off off-spinner Andy McBrine (2-45) for seven trying to turn an innocuous delivery.

Hetmyer, who faced 40 balls and struck three fours and a six – an exquisitely timed lofted straight drive off Rankin – added 25 for the fifth wicket with Holder but failed in an attempt to clear long-off in the 19th over and handed McBrine his second wicket.

Powell then orchestrated two key half-century stands to pull West Indies around, posting 86 for the sixth wicket with Holder and a further 60 for the eighth wicket with Ashley Nurse (10 not out).

The right-handed Jamaican, in his 19th ODI, struck seven fours and sixes while Holder belted three fours and a six off 71 balls.

demise, lbw to Holder in the 44th over, triggered a slide as the last four wickets fell for just seven runs.

Scores in brief from the other matches: The Netherlands beat PNG by 57 runs, Old Hararians (Group A) Netherlands 216-8, 50 overs (Sikander Zulfiqar 53 not out, Roelof van der Merwe 38, Scott Edwards 27, Ben Cooper 26; Pieter Seelaar 23; Alei Nao 2-28, Mahuru Dai 2-29, Charles Amini 2-36, Norman Vanua 2-53) PNG 159 all out, 42.1 overs (Assad Vala 44; Kaplin Doriga 32 not out, Roelof van der Merwe 4-46, Fred Klaassen 2-25, Shane Snater 2-22) Player-ofthe-match - Roelof van der Merwe (the Netherlands) Pacer Kemar Roach grabs four for 27.

Zimbabwe beat Hong Kong by 89 runs, 84 runs from the last 10 overs.

Queens Sports Club, (Group B) Roach and Holder (2-49) then struck telling Zimbabwe 263-9, 50 overs (Hamilton blows with the new ball to send Ireland tum- Mazakadza 84, Brendan Taylor 46, Cephas bling to 32 for three in the 11th over.

Zhuwao 45, Solomon Mire 20; Ehsan Nawaz Left-handed captain William Porterfield 3-47, Aizaz Khan 2-41, Ehsan Khan 2-51) clipped a short ball from Holder to Lewis at Hong Kong 174 all out, 46.5 overs (Anshusquare leg in the second over before Roach man Rath 85; Sikandar Raza 3-30, Kyle Jarvis spectacularly removed Paul Stirling’s off- 2-20, Graeme Cremer 2-42, Sean Williams stump for 18 at 25 for two in the seventh 2-44) over.

Player-of-the-match – Hamilton Masakadza Roach grabbed his second wicket a few (Zimbabwe) overs later when he lured Andrew Balbirnie (9) Afghanistan beat Nepal by six wickets, into a drive and had him caught behind.

Bulawayo Athletic Club, (Group B) The left-handed Joyce, however, anchored Nepal 194 all out, 49.5 overs (Paras two successive half-century stands as Ireland Khadka 75, Dipendra Airee 32, Gyanendra rallied well to haul themselves back into con- Malla 23, Aarif Sheikh 23; Mohammad Nabi tention.

4-33, Rashid Khan 3-45, Shapoor Zadran He put on 64 for the fourth wicket with 2-32) Niall O’Brien before adding 70 for the fifth Afghanistan 195-4, 38.4 overs (Najibullah with Kevin O’Brien.

Zadran 52 not out, Rahmat Shah 46, MohamNiall pulled a short one from Williams mad Nabi 34, Javed Ahmadi 26, Rashid Khan to Lewis at deep square leg to depart in the 21; Dipendra Airee 2-25) 25th over and after a long resistance, Joyce Player-of-the-match – Mohammad Nabi was dismissed in the 37th over, turning (Afghanistan).

Roach off his pads to Carlos Brathwaite at short mid-wicket.

Fixtures for Monday (matches start He struck seven fours in 87 deliveries at 09:30hrs local time; games involving the the crease.

Netherlands and Nepal will be classified as Roach hit Kevin O’Brien in front with the List-A matches as the two sides don’t have last ball of the same over, leaving Ireland floun- ODI status coming into this tournament): dering on 167 for six.

Windies v Netherlands, Harare Sports Gary Wilson (18) and George Dockrell Club; Ireland v UAE, Old Hararians; Hong (14) provided the last ray of hope in a 31- Kong v Nepal, Bulawayo Athletic Club; run, seventh-wicket stand but Dockrell’s Zimbabwe v Scotland, Queens Sports Club; Powell was measured over his first fifty, requiring 77 deliveries for the landmark but upped the tempo to lash his second fifty off a mere 21 balls – triple figures coming when he cleared long-on with a Kevin O’Brien full toss in the penultimate over.

He eventually fell to the fourth ball of the final over, holing out to mid-wicket off Murtagh, after helping the Windies plunder

SCOREBOARD C. Gayle c wkp. N. O’Brien b Murtagh 14 E. Lewis c A McBrine b Rankin 9 S. Hetmyer c Rankin b McBrine 36 M. Samuels c wkp. N’ O’Brien b Murtagh 2 S. Hope c wkp. N. O’Brien b McBrine 7 J. Holder c Porterfield b Murtagh 54 R. Powell c Wilson b Murtagh 101 C. Brathwaite run-out 11 A. Nurse not out 10 K. Roach not out 0 Extras: (lb-2, w-10, nb-1) 13 Total: (8 wkts, 50 overs) 257 Fall of wickets: 1-18, 2-33, 3-45, 4-58, 5-83, 6-169, 7-196, 8-256.

Bowling: McBrine 10-0-45-2, Murtagh 102-41-4, Rankin 10-0-55-1, O’Brien 8-0-660, Dockrell 10-0-38-0, Stirling 2-0-10-0.

IRELAND innings W. Porterfield c Lewis b Holder 0 P. Stirling b Roach 18 A. Balbirnie c wkp. Hope b Roach 9 E. Joyce c Brathwaite b Roach 63 N. O’Brien c Lewis b Williams 34 K. O’Brien lbw b Roach 38 G. Wilson c Nurse b Williams 18 G. Dockrell lbw b Holder 14 A. McBrine c Holder b Williams 6 B. Rankin c Holder b Williams 0 T. Murtagh not out 1 Extras: (lb-1, w-3) 4 Total: (all out, 46.2 overs) 205 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-25, 3-32, 4-96, 5-166, 6-167, 7-198, 8-198, 9-199.

Bowling: Roach 10-3-27-4, Holder 10-049-2, Nurse 7-0-29-0, Brathwaite 8-0-36-0, Samuels 3-0-36-0, Williams 8.2-0-43-4.

Points: West Indies 2, Ireland 0.

Man-of-the-Match: Rovman Powell.

Entries for Kennard’s Memorial post-Phagwah horse race meet close today ENTRIES for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club annual post-Phagwah meet at Bush Lot Farm on Sunday, March 18, close today at 18:00hrs with secretary, Nikita Ross.

Six races are carded for the day with the main event being for horses classified E and Lower, for a first prize of $700 000.

In other events for the day animals classified K and Lower will compete for the first-place prize of $160 000 over a distance of six furlongs; H and Lower over seven furlongs for a winning purse of $300 000; L and Lower for a $150 000 first prize over a distance of five furlongs; I and J and Lower for a $200 000 top prize over a distance of six furlongs and the L Class non-winners going five furlongs for the top prize of $120 000 and a trophy.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

Return of the `Dragons’ Republican Gym back for Novices

THE Guyana Prison Service Boxing Gym, popularly known as the Republican Gym, is next month set to make a celebrated return to activity, organised by the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA).

This was disclosed yesterday by president of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, who said that his association as well as boxing supporters across the country are eagerly waiting to welcome back the `Dragons’ into boxing.

The Republicans have been off the scene since last July after the Camp Street Prison was set alight by inmates. The correctional facility was completely destroyed and several of the prisoners had to be moved to far-flung locations resulting in logistical problems to get fighters to and from training.

“I am happy to inform that the `Dragons’ will be a part of the Andrew Lewis National Novices competition which is scheduled for next month-end. Director of Prisons Gladwin Samuels is working assiduously towards making this a reality.

The boxing fraternity is happy about their return as they bring a special and exciting brand of competition to the ring,” Ninvalle said.

“Their return is so important that we have pushed back the date of the National Novices from March to April in order to accommodate the prisoners,” Ninvalle added.

The GBA head reminded that it was only in 2014 that the Republican Gym came out swinging and in the process dethroned the Guyana Defence Force in the National Intermediate.

Jason Barker

Steve Ninvalle

At that time Clifton Graham was named Best Boxer.

That performance, coupled with a herculean effort from

then Deputy Director of Prison Carl Graham, forced a noticeable advancement of the sport in the prisons.

“In December 2016, one of the most feared names in Caribbean boxing, Jason `AK 47’ Barker, led a team

of Guyanese boxers to the Caribbean Championship.

Fighting out of the Republican Gym, Barker won a gold medal in the super heavyweight category and promptly created history by becoming the first inmate to be nominated for the Sportsman-of-the-Year Award,” Ninvalle declared.

“There are many other Jason Barkers in the prison just waiting to be discovered. With the Republican Gym back in action the unearthing of rough prison diamonds is made easier,” Ninvalle said. Barker was not able to defend his title in 2017.

The Andrew Lewis National Novices event is scheduled for April 27, 28 and 29 and would be the GBA’s first statutory competition for the year.

GKC excel at Woon-A-Tai cup Western Tigers climb to top of THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) emerged champions of the recently concluded Woon-ATai cup, held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) last Sunday Amassing a total of 84 medals, the GKC overturned the challenges of the YMCA club who finished second and the Felix Karate Club, third.

According to Senior Instructor Sensei Jeffrey

Wong, the event featured the true showing of the college’s strength and is testament to the work they have been putting in.

“What we saw last Sunday was a showing that was the true benefit of the hard work we, or more so the karatekas, have been putting in,” Sensei Wong said.

He added, “The children were very excited for the tournament and they put their best foot forward; they

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday March 11, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 2259230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) UAE (2) Stefanie Taylor-90 Today’s Quiz: (1) Who made their ODI debut in the recent first ODI between WI women and NZ women?

(2) What was the result of WI first game in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

the Elite League table

… Fruta Conquerors needle Den Amstel 1-0

Senior Instructor of the GKC, Sensei Jeffrey Wong (left) stands with Master Frank Woon-A-Tai.

took their opportunity and grasped it with both hands.”

He noted that the tournament provided the perfect stepping stone for preparations for the International Karate Diagaku (IKD) world cup in Barbados later this year.

“The students are looking forward to that (IKD) tournament later this year. We, at the GKC, used this as a preliminary to see how much more work is needed. The general consensus is that we are on target with our training.”

Sensei Wong was in great praise for the tournament by commending Master Woon-a-Tai and his wife Maureen for a well put-together tournament.

“The new forms (Embu and Bunkai) really attracted a lot of persons there.

I’ve been getting positive reviews from persons who were spectating.”

(Stephan Sookram)

THE 5-2 drubbing of a seemingly hapless Cougars Football Club by Western Tigers, last Friday, resulted in coach Calvin Allen’s men not only keeping an unbeaten record, but also seeing them climb to the top of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 10-team Elite League with 13 points from five outings.

Meanwhile, in the night’s second double-header, Fruta Conquerors grabbed an important three points following their 1-0 win over Den Amstel thanks to Jahaal Greaves’ 27th minute goal.

Action will continue today.

Milerock United will play New Amsterdam United in the first game

at 17:30hrs and the second match will bring together defending champions Guyana Defence Force and Victoria Kings.

In the first match today, New Amsterdam United, yet to pick up a win, will be looking to score points in order to break their drought so far.

The GDF will also be looking forward to tough matches, prior their departure for the Caribbean Shield. In one match they should be challenging point-leaders Victoria Kings.

Admission to all matches is $500 but all women and children under 12 years of age will be admitted without charge, according to the GFF.

Latest point-standings in the GFF Elite League

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, March 11, 2018

31

GCA/Carib Beer T20 final

Perez, bowlers give DCC title

By Rajiv Bisnauth

DEMERARA Cricket Club (DCC) won the Georgetown Cricket Association’s (GCA sponsored Carib Beer T20 title after producing a disciplined bowling effort to beat hosts Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) by six runs yesterday.

The hosts had looked set for victory with 13 runs needed in the last over, but Christopher Barnwell bowled a brilliant over, where the hosts could have managed just six runs.

Chasing 156 for victory, GCC ended on 149-7. While spinner Trevon Griffith (3-35) and Dennis Squires (2-34), were the best bowlers for the winners, it was a total bowling effort.

Earlier, man-of-the-match, Raymond Perez and Jahron Byron mounted a late assault, which was hugely influential in DCC’s challenging total of 155-7.

Perez scored 54, sharing in a 68-run seventh-wicket partnership with Byron after the visiting side were 62-6, at one stage.

Deciding to bat first, the Queenstown-based side were given a decent start from openers Tevin Imlach and Trevon Griffith, but the hosts got the momentum back in their favour with three quick wickets.

Both openers, along with Barnwell, were dismissed within the first six overs in the innings, which eventually stocked the pressure for the visiting side.

Imlach, the former West

three balls later to leave the score at 60-5.

Adams then trapped Joshua Persaud leg-before-wicket, but Perez and Byron then gave the innings a measure of respectability off the next 7.3 overs.

The pair had to rebuild the innings and they did exactly that, with Perez smashing five fours and a six in his 40-ball innings, while Byron’s unbeaten 34 came off 29 balls with two fours and a six. Steven Sankar contributed a 9-ball 17 at the

(2-34), Sookdeo was dismissed next ball, caught on the long-off boundary for a 17-ball 17.

Bacchus was joined by Leon Johnson, but the GCC captain failed to impress, contributing just six runs.

At that point, Bacchus progressed past 50 with an array of powerful shots around the ground, but the hosts then slipped further with the loss of Vishaul Singh (1), Bacchus and Gavin Singh (0), at 84-5.

Ali-Mohamed and Martin

Harris); Bowler with most wickets – 7 (Trevon Garraway); Batsman with the highest score – 91 (Sherfane Rutherford); Batsman with the most runs 172, (Christopher Barnwell); Fielder with the most dismissals (Lennox Andrews) and MVP (Christopher Barnwell).

In Zone B: Best Bowling Performance 3-11 (Devon Lord); Bowlers with most wickets – 7 (Akshaya Persaud); Batsman with the highest score - 72 (Akshaya Persaud); Bats-

Raymond Perez collects the man-of-the-match award.

Indies youth player showed his intent early, hitting two consecutive fours off pacer Joshua Wade, but unfortunately, he was run-out for a 9-ball 12, at 26-1.

The right-hander Griffith hit a four in his 16 but went for an ambitious shot off spinner Gavin Singh only to top-edge to short third man.

Barnwell (2), was then dismissed, caught and bowled, off the third ball from left-arm spinner Anthony Adams in his first over.

The hosts’ bowlers kept chipping away at the wickets at regular intervals. It looked like the DCC batsmen at that point had come out with the motto to “hit out or get out”. Sachin Singh (13) was caught on the long-on boundary off Ronaldo Ali-Mohamed, who then bowled Sherfane Rutherford

The victorious Demerara Cricket Club team (Adrian Narine photos)

back end of the innings.

The run chase saw Robin Bacchus smash an aggressive 55 off 40 balls, Ali-Mohamed hit an unbeaten 46 off 32 balls, but their effort came up just short of the target.

Bacchus and Jeetendra Sookdeo put together 36 for the first wicket in 5.3 overs However, after hitting two consecutive sixes off Squires

Pestano-Belle took the score to 143, but the hosts lost Pestano-Belle and Wade in quick succession, which added pressure on Ali-Mohamed.

At the presentation ceremony, several players were rewarded for their outstanding performances during the tournament.

In Zone A: Best Bowling Performance 4-9 (Stephen

man with the most runs - 172, (Akshaya Persaud); Fielder with the most dismissals (Devon Lord) and MVP (Akshaya Persaud).

In the Final: Batsman with the highest score (Robin Bacchus); Best bowling performance (Trevon Griffith); Best fielder (Trevon Griffith) and Man-of-the-Match (Raymond Perez).

GAPLF hosts lifting exhibition

Caribbean record-holder, Britny Mack goes deep with her squat.

THE Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) hosted a lifting exhibition to celebrate Guyanese women in powerlifting, as part of the observance of International

Women’s Day, on Saturday, at the ‘Pollo Tropical’ fast food restaurant on Camp Street.

According to GAPLF general secretary, Andrea Smith, “The purpose of the

session was simply to showcase our female athletes.”

Since last year the federation had embarked upon highlighting the female athletes, considering that women constitute a small set within the male-dominated sport locally.

“We’ve recognised that although we’re such a small grouping under the powerlifting umbrella, we all come from diverse backgrounds - professionally and personally - and we’ve added lots to the sport outside of our accomplishments on the platform.”

The event saw the likes of the decorated junior female lifters, Tineisha Toney and Britny Mack, alongside

National record holder Lisa Oudit does a squat.

the older giants in the sport.

New faces - Grace and Blossom Babb and Lisa - who have proved that they are forces to be reckoned with, also came out to showcase their talent.

Further outreaches are planned for the year as the federation is seeking to bring

the sport to others, not only women.

Smith mentioned that schools are among the target population and these outreaches are meant to increase the popularity and the general knowledge of the sport in Guyana. (Vishani Ragobeer)

Scene set for Kares Fitness Games 2018

By Stephan Sookram

THE strongest man and woman locally will be known today when the 2018 edition of the Kares Engineering Fitness Challenge gets going at the National Park.

Five stages of gruelling competition will test every area of fitness of those registered for the event, which was launched two weeks ago at the Giftland Mall.

Although the competitors have been briefed on four of the stages, the fifth will only be known to them when they attend the opening brief today.

In keeping with last year’s format as well, there is expected to be a celebrity challenge in which Director of Sport Christopher Jones and several other personalities will participate.

In addition to that, there will be minigames and exhibitions for spectators and fans.

The CrossFit-style challenge which kicks off at 11:00hrs will be the ultimate test of fitness and athleticism.

Tickets cost $1 000. Children under 10 years of age will be admitted free.

Mahadeo retained the title as the ‘Fittest Man in Guyana’ last year by picking up 462 points ahead of Charlie Walker (410) and Anis Ade Thomas (397) On the distaff end, Semonica Duke with 490 points defeated Delice Adonis (470) of Fitness Paradise in a close battle and Christina Rahman of Genesis Fitness Express was third with 435 points.

In the team competition, CrossFit 592 emerged winners with 1 268 points, while Elite Systems finished second on 1 250. Fitness Paradise were third on 1220 followed

by GDF (1 149) and Out-Of-Towners (1 007).

Perez, bowlers give DCC T20 title

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Baird, Hooper cop gold at Digicel Grand Prix PAGE

25

Natrena Hooper

Leslain Baird

Brilliant Powell century carries Windies to Super Sixes

Sensational Sachia!

Vickery annihilates Wimbledon champion Muguruza at Indian Wells PAGE

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All-rounder Rovman Powell celebrates his maiden one-day century against Ireland yesterday.

(Photo courtesy ICC)

Sachia Vickery pays homage to the ‘Black Panther’ after her stunning win over Garbiñe Muguruza at the Indian Wells.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018