Guyana Chronicle E-paper 04-04-2019

THURSDAY 4th April, 2019

No.105597

SEE INSIDE FOR NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES WORKED EXAMPLES

Ministers to give up foreign citizenship

…resignation to take effect after constitutional processes applied

New health centre opens at PlegtAnker

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The newly commissioned Health Centre at PlegtAnker, East Berbice, Corentyne (Delano Williams photo)

Cops get training to use body cameras

Sitting of House New Moruca Bridge pushed back piques interest PAGE

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…as parties seek replacements for resigned MPs SEE PAGE 10

of visitors- Toshao

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Phase one of Mazaruni Prison expansion set for October completion

THE first phase of the $4B expansion of the Mazaruni Prison is set to be completed

by October of this year.

This was disclosed by Iain Peebles, Project Manager of the Trinidadian firm Kee-Chanona that has joint responsibility for the project along with Guyanese company Nabi Construction Incorporated.

On Wednesday Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan who is performing the duties of Prime Minister, conducted a site visit to assess works completed so far. The $4B expansion will hold 400 prisoners to help with the overcrowding at the other prisons across the country.

Peebles said with the construction of the first floor completed, Phase One is about 40 per cent completed.

When finished there will be a

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan in discussion with Senior Superintendent of the Mazaruni Prison, Kevin Pilgrim

U-shaped, two-storey building that will house cells, offices and a courtyard for the prisoners. Phase Two of the project commenced about a month ago with foundational works being

carried out. The result will be a square-shaped building that will house offices, training centres and accommodation for the prisoners. Peebles said that everything is going to plan

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan is greeted by Senior Superintendent of the Mazaruni Prison, Kevin Pilgrim on arrival at Mazaruni

and that there is no need for any variation to the project. A road will also be constructed to link the two prisons.

Minister Ramjattan expressed his satisfaction at

the pace in which the works are being carried out as there is a need for more space to accommodate prisoners. He said the two fires in 2016 and 2017 respectively, placed a

strain on the other prisons.

“That is why we have to get the prison estate in Mazaruni up and going and that is happening. I want to commend the contractors, the engineers and the consultants for ensuring that is happening...

The important thing is to get prison space for prisoners so that we can shelve what Lusignan is presently and also some of the other prisons outside of Mazaruni, that is in Georgetown and in Berbice so that the main prison will be at Mazaruni.”

Also, prior to the expansion of the prison, 12 living quarters earmarked for prison staffers at the Mazaruni Prisons have been completed. The minister said that he was happy to see most of them being occupied by the ranks. (DPI)

Caregivers in early childhood foundation training

UNICEF Guyana Education Specialist Audery Rodrigues speaks to the attending Early Childhood caregivers in Georgetown at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) (Samuel Maughn photo)

A number of Early Childhood caregivers were present on Wednesday at the opening of the Early Childhood Foundation. (Samuel Maughn photo)

SOME 90 Early Childhood caregivers in Georgetown, Berbice and Linden, for the first time are taking part in an Early Childhood Foundation training to improve their skills to better nurture the nation’s children.

Thirty caregivers were selected from daycares and playgroups in the three areas are being trained by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) in collaboration with the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The initiative was launched on Wednesday at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) where the training for the Georgetown batch will take place for the next eight weeks.

“Our intention is to have all the caregivers at child care facilities be given the requisite skills that they need to care for our children,” said Executive Officer of Early Childhood at the CPA Lavern Thorne.

“There are approximately 600 of our caregivers without formal training in our Early Childhood hence the reason why we would have embarked on doing this training for caregivers.”

She added that the Childcare and Protection Agency

intends to eventually take the project countrywide. Speaking to the caregivers at the opening ceremony, Thorne urged them to take full advantage of the opportunity and grasp as much as they can from the training.

Meanwhile, UNICEF Guyana Education Specialist Audery Rodrigues reminded the caregivers that the Early Childhood stage is the most crucial stage of development which can shape the future of the child.

In this regard, she stated: “It is critical that at this stage in Guyana’s development that we can no longer sit by an allow persons not to be trained.

This is why there are minimum standards for Early Childhood care and development; this is why there is now legislation; this why the Ministry of Social Protection through the Childcare and Protection Agency has employed legislation and licensed officers because it has recognised that the damage you do down at the bottom, it doesn’t matter how much a country has, it will spend too much of its money in trying to do corrective measures for children when they get to adolescence.”

She, too, encouraged the caregivers to broaden their knowledge and skills in the

area so that they can better impact the future development of Guyana.

Also addressing the batch was BIT Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Maughn who stated that the eight weeks ahead will present an opportunity for the caregivers to receive certified training.

He assured those attending that the aim of the BIT in each of its training programmes is to ensure that individuals develop a desire to become “life-long learners”.

“At the Board of Industrial Training, we are involved in the training and re-training of individuals. You come here today to receive formal training and you’re coming with your experience; you’re coming with knowledge but, believe me, the training that you will receive will open new doors for you,” he said.

Maughn stated that in addition to the training, BIT and CPA officers will be visiting the various places of work of the caregivers to observe how the skills taught are applied and whether there are learning gaps. There are approximately 863 caregivers in Guyana who, on a weekly basis, attend to some 7,000 of the country’s children.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Ministers to give up foreign citizenship

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…resignation to take effect after constitutional processes applied

By Svetlana Marshall THREE of the four government ministers with dual citizenship, who have resigned as Members of the National Assembly, have indicated they will renounce their foreign citizenship and President David Granger said that their resignations as Cabinet ministers will not take effect until the required constitutional processes have been applied.

Offering clarity on the situation, President Granger, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the replacement of MPs can be done only when those MPs submit their letters of resignation to the Speaker of the National Assembly as prescribed by the Constitution of Guyana. Article 156 (1) (A) of the Constitution states that “a member of the National Assembly shall vacate his or her seat therein - if he or she resigns it by writing

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

On Wednesday, one day after he accepted resignation letters from Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine; and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; President Granger said several processes must be followed before the resignations take effect. The MPs tendered their resignations to the President on Monday April 1, 2019 in keeping with the indications of High Court and Court of Appeal that it is unconstitutional for a person who swore allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state to be a Member of Parliament.

Harmon is an American citizen while Greenidge, Dr. Roopnaraine and Gaskin are British citizens, however, with the exception of Gaskin, the others have signalled their willingness to renounce their foreign citizenship in the future.

OFFERING CLARITY

under his or her own hand addressed to the Speaker or, if the Office of the Speaker is vacant or the Speaker is absent from Guyana, to the Deputy Speaker.” Another section of the Article stipulates that a MP ceases to be a member of the National Assembly if he or she declares in writing to the Speaker or to the Representative of the List from which his or her name was extracted, that he or she will not support the List from which his or her name was extracted. Once a resignation letter is submitted to the Speaker, by virtue of Article 156 (4), he will declare the seat of the Member of the National Assembly vacant.

Additionally, President Granger explained that the nomination of new MPs can be done only after the extraction of names from the National Top-Up list is approved by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). As such, the four ministers – Greenidge, Harmon, Gaskin and Dr. Roopnaraine – will remain

President David Granger

Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin

ministers until all the processes are completed. The President, moreover, has not approved replacements at this time. However, he noted that the resignation of the ministers is in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana as well as the March 22, 2019 ruling of the Court of Appeal relative to the validity of the no-confidence motion passed on December 21, 2018. On Tuesday, hours after the announcement was made, Cabinet said for the ensuing period, as is the

usual practice, the ministerial portfolios, when they become vacant, would be held by sitting members of Cabinet who previously acted when those ministers were on leave or out of the jurisdiction.

PPP FLIP-FLOPS While the government has taken the high road in addressing the issue of dual citizens in the National Assembly, the parliamentary opposition has been ‘flip flopping’ on the situation. The Opposition Leader, Bharrat

Jagdeo, has sent mixed signals on whether the three PPP MPs with dual citizenship will resign from the National Assembly or relinquish their foreign citizenship. PPP/C’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, a Canadian citizen, has been a Member of Parliament since 1992, although the Constitution bars against MPs having dual citizenship. Two other opposition MPs – Adrian Anamayah and Odinga Lumumba, also have citizenship in other countries.

On Wednesday, during

on the matter,” the opposition leader said.

CHARRANDASS’ VOTE The issue of MPs with dual citizenship status became a subject of discussion and legal action last December after Charrandass Persaud, a then Government MP, used his seat in the National Assembly to vote in favour of the opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion, that was intended to topple the

Minister of Public Service Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine

his weekly press conference, Jagdeo said the three MPs indicated last week that they will write the Speaker indicating their positions. According to him, they have already written their List Representative, Donald Ramotar.

“So last week after my press conference, they all wrote to the representative of the list, who is Ramotar, indicating that they will do so. I suspect by next week they will also submit letters to the Speaker.

Adrian Anamayah will not renounce. He has explained to me that there are family obligations and other issues, so he will not renounce…but Odinga Lumumba and Gail Teixeira will renounce,” Jagdeo told reporters. According to Jagdeo, Teixeira has already initiated the process of renouncing her Canadian citizenship. “Gail Teixeira has shown me the documents.

She has filed all the requisite papers and she has received an acknowledgement already and would be awaiting the Canadian authority’s decision

government. At the time, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, had declared the motion passed by a majority of 33.

Subsequently, a farmer from New Amsterdam, Compton Reid, challenged the validity of the vote on the grounds that Persaud breached the Constitution when he sat in the house as a dual citizen. Reid, through his attorneys, Senior Counsel Rex McKay and Neil Boston, argued that Persaud was not eligible for membership of the National Assembly and ought not to have been in the House on the night of December 21, 2018. While the courts have upheld the vote cast by Persaud, who has since been recalled from the National Assembly, they have indicated that it is unconstitutional to be a MP and hold dual citizenship at the same time.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Corbyn says May has not moved enough on Brexit

Boeing software re-activated before Ethiopian crash: sources SEATTLE/PARIS/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Boeing anti-stall software on a doomed Ethiopian Airlines jet re-engaged and pushed the jet downwards after the pilots initially turned it off due to suspect data from an airflow sensor, two people familiar with the matter said.

It was not immediately clear whether the crew intentionally re-deployed the MCAS system, which was designed to push the nose of the 737 MAX down to prevent a stall but which is suspected of exacerbating a different scenario linked to two recent crashes.

A person with knowledge of the aircraft said the system cannot re-activate itself unless prompted by pilots. One possibility is that the crew may have re-activated MCAS in an attempt to reduce the forces on the control column, or because they were unable to adequately trim the plane manually. Boeing warned against speculation ahead of a preliminary report, while Ethiopian investigators could not be reached for comment.

Boeing’s anti-stall software is at the center of investigations into last month’s Ethiopian Airlines crash and a Lion Air accident in Indonesia in October.

Ethiopia is due to release its first report on Thursday.

No significant new technical issues have so far emerged in the Ethiopian investigation beyond those already being addressed by Boeing through updated software in the aftermath of the Lion Air crash, a person familiar with the findings said. People close to the Ethiopian investigation have said the anti-stall software - which automatically pushes the aircraft’s nose down to guard against a loss of lift - was activated by erroneous ‘angle of attack’ data from a single sensor.

The investigation has now turned toward how MCAS was initially disabled by pilots, in line with part of a cockpit checklist procedure, but then appeared to start working again before the jet plunged to the ground, the people said. A directive issued after the Indonesian crash instructed pilots to use two cut-out switches to disengage the system in

FILE PHOTO: Airplane engine parts are seen at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane crash, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. (REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri/File Photo)

the event of problems and then leave them switched off. Officials briefed on the matter said a key question is when did the pilots at the helm of the Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX disengage the MCAS system and did they do it too late to regain control of the airplane. Two people briefed on the matter said the system is not designed to resume operations unless the crew acts and the crew may have unintentionally re-engaged the system as it desperately tried to pull the plane out of its nose-down descent.

They cautioned the data was still being reviewed and that the findings were preliminary. Advertisement The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board declined to comment.

NOSE-HEAVY Boeing is working to submit an upgrade of the software to the U.S. regulators in a couple of weeks and adding extra training.

Investigators will also look at whether the crew carried out procedures in full, including a recommendation to steady the plane’s nose using the trim system before turning software off.

The pilots maneuvered the plane back upwards at least two times before hitting the stabilizer cut-out switches to disable the system, a person familiar with the matter said.

However, initial flight data indicates the aircraft was flying noseheavy and not in a “neutral” attitude when pilots hit the stabilizer cutout switches to disable the MCAS system, the person added, making the situation harder to manage. After the pilots turned off MCAS, the airplane over the next few minutes gained roughly 2,000 feet, but dived into the ground after the MCAS system re-engaged, a source told Reuters. Safety experts stress accidents are usually caused by a combination of factors and the probe is at an early stage.

LONDON (Reuters) - Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Wednesday that Prime Minister Theresa May had not moved far enough in a first round of crisis talks aimed at breaking the domestic deadlock over Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The United Kingdom was supposed to leave the EU last Friday but, nearly three years after it voted by 52 percent to 48 for Brexit in a referendum, it is still unclear how, when or even whether it will quit the bloc it joined in 1973. After her EU withdrawal deal was rejected three times by lawmakers, the Conservative prime minister invited Corbyn, a veteran socialist, to talks in parliament to try to plot a way out of the crisis.

“There hasn’t been as much change as I expected,” Corbyn, 69, said.

“The meeting was useful but inconclusive.” Asked if May had accepted his preference for a post-Brexit customs union with the EU, he said: “We did have a discussion about all of that.” Corbyn is under pressure from some in his party not to agree a Brexit deal without ensuring that it can be confirmed or rejected in a new referendum that also offers the option to stay in the EU. He himself has said such a vote should be restricted to specific circumstances. “I said: ‘Look, this is a policy of our party that we would want to pursue the option of a public vote to prevent crashing out or prevent leaving on a bad deal,’” he said. “There was no agreement reached on that.”

Talks will continue on Thursday.

“CONSTRUCTIVE MEETING” A Downing Street spokesman said the meeting, which lasted an hour and 40 minutes, had been “constructive, with both sides showing flexibility and a commitment to bring the current Brexit uncertainty to a close”. “We have agreed a programme of work to ensure we deliver for the British people, protecting jobs and security,” he added.

May’s overture to Corbyn, whose party has 245 out of 650 lawmakers, offers a possible way for her to secure a majority for an exit deal as she seeks a second short delay to Brexit.

But some in the Labour Party have cast her gambit as a trap aimed at scaring her own lawmakers into backing the thrice-defeated deal, or as a way to extend responsibility for the difficulties of Brexit to the Labour Party. May said on Tuesday she would seek a delay that is “as short as possible” to the current Brexit date of April 12, having repeatedly said she did not want Britain to have to take part in European Parliament elections on May 23.

ADVERTISEMENT But European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in Brussels that Britain would not get any further short delays unless its parliament ratified a deal by April 12 - the date set by EU leaders as the effective cut-off for avoiding the European Parliament elections. To secure a longer extension, the leaders have told May that she must present a credible way forward, and also sign up to those elections, something she is adamantly opposed to. But Britain could ask the EU for a long Brexit delay that gives the option to leave as soon as a divorce deal is approved by parliament, finance minister Philip Hammond indicated. If the talks with Labour fail, May will put different Brexit options for the future relationship to a vote in parliament, in the hope of finding a plan viable enough to present in Brussels.

CONSERVATIVE ANGER May’s last-ditch approach to Corbyn, who is loathed by many of her Conservatives and mocked by May herself as unfit to govern, provoked anger in her febrile party.

Two junior ministers quit on Wednesday - one of them from the Brexit department. “It now seems that you and your cabinet have decided that a deal - cooked up with a Marxist who has never once in his political life put British interests first - is better than ‘no- deal’,” Nigel Adams said as he resigned as a minister for Wales.

May turned to Labour after a hard core of Brexit supporters among her own Conservatives repeatedly rejected her divorce deal, saying it would leave Britain a ‘vassal state’. Using a nickname that plays on May’s reputed robotic inflexibility, one Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmaker told Reuters: “The Maybot has gone haywire - we’ve got to find the ‘off’ switch.”

Corbyn, who voted against EU membership in a 1975 referendum, told May he wanted a customs union with the EU, access to its single market, and a guarantee of continued observance of European regulations - as a minimum on the environment, and consumer and workers’ rights. Many supporters want the party to throw its weight behind a second referendum.

But some Labour lawmakers who represent areas that voted strongly to leave the EU not only reject this but also fear that such a ‘soft’ Brexit would be seen as a betrayal.

Brexit minister Stephen Barclay said the government would accept a soft Brexit if parliament voted for it. Britain could one day review its membership of a possible post-Brexit customs union with the European Union, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox told the BBC. “If we decided, in some considerable years time that we wanted to review our membership of any such customs union if we signed it - and I’m not saying we will - that’s a matter for negotiation and discussion,” Cox said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Cayman Islands Gov’t to appeal same sex marriage ruling GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, Apr 3, CMC – The Cayman Islands government Wednesday said it would appeal a ruling last week by Chief Justice Anthony Smellie that the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman was unconstitutional and violated multiple rights.

“Mr. Speaker, let me say here that in appealing the government is cognizant that there is no guarantee or certainty as to how the Court of Appeal will rule. However, we believe it is critical that the country has the benefit of clarification on these very important constitutional issues,” Premier Alden McLoughlin told legislators.

“I wish to note that I am painfully aware that the issue of same sex marriage is an emotive one in our Islands. I am also very conscious that this is an issue with real people who have real lives and there are emotions and feelings involved and that this is not merely some text book case.

“I and the government have no intention of causing any harm or hurt to the petitioners but we must ensure that in seeking what they deem protections and rights under the law that a door is not opened that may impinge on other protections and rights,” he said.

Attorney Ben Tonner, who represented the couple – Chantelle Day and Vickie Bodden who had last year applied to get married in the islands but were turned down – said that his clients were “delighted that their relationship has been recognised at long last. In his ruling, the Chief Justice ordered that section 2 of the Marriage Law be changed to state that “marriage” means “the union between two people as one another’s spouses. “This court is bound not to allow the violation of the petitioners’ rights to continue without redress. The constitution, in its mandatory requirement that the law be brought into conformity, must prevail. The petitioners and their daughter are entitled to the indignities to which they have been subjected being put to an immediate end by the court,” the Chief Justice added.

Governor of this British Overseas Territory, Martyn Roper, in a statement earlier this week, said he recognised there are strongly held and differing views across the islands on the legal ruling on same sex marriage. “Yet it is important that all our citizens can play an equal and active part in society free from discrimination as set out in our constitution. This judgement provides equal rights for everyone, a point which I and former Governors have previously emphasised. “At this time I believe it is important that all of us continue to show tolerance and respect to others, particularly when we hold different views. I also believe that our highly respected, and independent, judicial system in the Cayman Islands continues to underpin our success. It protects our prosperity, constitution, good governance and our security,” Roper said.

In his lengthy statement to the Parliament, Premier McLoughlin reiterated earlier statements that he had no doubt that the feelings of the majority of Caymanians are that marriage should retain its traditional and religious definition and meaning, the

union of one man and one woman. “I recognise that many of the younger generation of Caymanians have differing views on this issue and it is quite likely that in years to come the majority view of Caymanians may change. But such a majority is not evident to any of us here today. “However, I equally want to make it clear that no matter what my own religious beliefs, or indeed the beliefs of the other members of my government or of this Parliament, as your Premier I also have an obligation under the law and the Constitution, and indeed given my religious upbringing under the teachings of Christ, to ensure that all people, but especially any minority group, regardless of differences, are treated fairly and with respect.” McLoughlin said he was imploring every one including legislators to discuss their views freely, but respectfully.

“At all times we should keep in mind that those in our community who are in same sex relationships, or have family members who they love in such relationships, are like us – made of flesh and blood with feelings and emotions and are not merely stone objects.”

Premier McLoughlin said that the Cabinet had on Tuesday instructed the Attorney General, Samuel Bulgin, to pursue an appeal against the judgment. He said the Attorney General was also instructed to seek a stay of execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal. McLoughlin said following the Court ruling last Friday, he had received many telephone calls, Whatsapp and text messages with persons expressing differing views on the ruling. He said there were some people felt the “outcome was right” and “there were many more that sent messages stating that they feel wronged by the decision and made clear in no uncertain terms their view that marriage should remain the exclusive domain of heterosexual couples. “ And there were also those who, regardless of how they feel about the concept of samesex marriage, expressed shock and disbelief that the Court could have made such a fundamental public policy change in a matter as important as the institution of marriage without reference to this Legislative Assembly.”

Premier McLoughlin said the government was also “peppered and still are being peppered with requests from the press asking for a statement,” but he wanted to make it clear that the ruling required careful consideration by government. “And so the Government has taken the time to consider in its Caucus and the Cabinet to take legal advice and to discuss this most important matter and its implications,” he said, adding “I want to add here that I and my entire government have great respect for the Honourable Chief Justice and indeed the independence of the judiciary.

“But even the best judges get it wrong from time to time. Hard cases make bad law. None of us who are human are infallible,” Premier McLoughlin said, adding that the government believes that in his determination to right what he has described as injustice and indignities suffered by the petitioners in the same-sex

partnership case, the Chief Justice may have exceeded the scope of the powers conferred on the Court by the Constitution and in doing so, some have argued, assumed the role of this Legislative Assembly in deciding on what should be public policy and then legislating for it.

He said that the government is cognizant of the provisions of Section 5 (1) of the Constitution and the mandatory requirement imposed by that section that all existing laws “shall be read and construed with such modifications, adaptations, qualifications and exceptions as may be necessary to bring them into conformity with the Constitution.” “But we believe that introducing the entirely new concept of same-sex marriage into the existing Marriage Law goes way beyond any reasonable interpretation of modification or adaptation. This, we believe, might be inconsistent with the separation of powers by trespassing on the constitutional remit of this Legislative Assembly.” He said during the trial, the government had argued that Section 14 is the constitutional provision that specifically provides for the right to marry. “Mr. Speaker, the current constitution is a comprehensive negotiated document, the result of eight years of extensive consultation across the various demographics of the Cayman community; often bitter political differences and very difficult negotiations with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

“It was then approved by the democratic process of a referendum. It is not something that was dreamed up by the Cayman government. The document strove to represent the strong feelings of the Caymanian community, in particular as regards the institution of marriage.

“Given the highly controversial and landmark ruling by the Hon. Chief Justice on March 29th, if left unchallenged, the implications for the Cayman Islands Constitution are significant and potentially far-reaching and go well beyond the rights of same sex couples.”

Premier McLaughlin said while a challenge to the ruling is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly given the important human rights concerns raised in the case, the ruling of the Chief Justice has brought about significant ambiguity surrounding the Constitution and Bill of Rights and the interpretation of and ability of the Court to amend other laws should similar applications be made.

“A third concern is whether, given the language in section 14 (1) of the Constitution, it was open to the Court to find that the right to marry and found a family, could be located in other rights within the Bill of Rights, namely, sections 9 and 10 of that document. “After very careful consideration of the three main points…the government is of the view that the issues are of fundamental constitutional importance and therefore it is in the public interest to have them considered and determined by an appellate court,” Premier McLoughlin told legislators.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Nation building

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ATION-building is hard work and relies on constant vigilance, sacrifice, self-critique and reverent commitment to the ideals that would promote, ensure and maintain a unified polity. It is work in constant process and progress. Our society was built and sustained for significant periods on the practice of divide-and-rule, where, with the exception of the Amerindian community, the others arrived from different parts of the world, but every group has brought to this nation’s landscape its unique culture, gave of their labour and expertise, and are deserving of being acknowledged.

The cultural and racial diversity that has shaped this national ethos has given us our unique characteristics as Guyanese, forged a nation, and developed nationhood and our sense of belonging. Grappling with these variants in the name of nation-building is an arduous task.

Nation-building requires vision, determination and steadfastness. Thus, it is understandable that societies such as our CARICOM counterparts and the USA consider it important to designate a date in their national calendar to commemorate the efforts of their founding fathers and mothers, which presents opportunity for national reflection -- to examine the contributions of these founding fathers and mothers, and to learn from and build on them.

The characteristics of nation-building, on which rest the foundation of welding a people together – and in our case six peoples – include creation of structures and institutions, such

as a national motto, political system, laws, national anthem, national economy, national holidays, flag, folklore and language (in our instance our unique accent, linguistic expression, and structures that have shaped the Creole and English languages).

Where our society has been formed out of slavery, indentureship and colonial experiences, and groups have dominated others, and felt, or were conditioned to feel, that they were better than others, it requires resoluteness to ensure and maintain nation-building.

Unfortunately, this has not been without challenges. It should be said that the achievement of Independence (1966) and republican status (1970) have not realised the obliteration of historical thinking and practice of division, and to this attention is turned.

After over 50 years of independence, Guyana is still considered a young nation on the world stage. However, in a fast-paced world, it stands to the nation’s benefit if youth is not used or construed as a clutch to engage in acts and actions that would give rise to any speculation that we started before we were ready. We are an independent nation. More importantly, we are a republic, which means the destiny we are charting is solely in our hands to mould. The struggles, sacrifices and investment of every group without exception (race, political party, religion, et al) played a part in bringing us this far.

The unfortunate truth is that the contributions of groups are honoured, dismissed, or condemned and blown out of proportion (favourably or unfavourably), depending

on who is speaking, and about whom. This aspect of our folklore may have been born out of the historical practice of divide-and-rule, which has sustained the myth of superiority and inferiority and guided treatment of the other, both at the level of the enslavers and among the enslaved, indentured and colonised. Remnants of it still remain. In the political sphere, it is not unreasonable to say that, having observed the dynamics, this folklore has come to characterise interpretation, acceptance and/or rejection of the contributions of ‘our own’ or ‘the other.’

There is a tendency in political discourse to view persons solely through binary lens. Persons are seen as either good or bad, and there is very little effort, if any, to engage in nuances in assessing someone’s or group’s contributions to nation-building. It has become politically fashionable – nay, acceptable – to ignore any good, deny it, or bequeath it to another for those on the ‘other side.’ Adversities are not seen as lessons to learn from and move on, or eras in our evolution considered to be deserving of contextualisation and explanation. Rather, there is pre-occupation to view events through inflexible lens, and demand that others follow suit, unconcerned that such an outlook can be debilitating. Appreciatively, we are an expressive people, and we should be heard. The freedom to share ideas, information and knowledge is fundamental and important to human existence, growth and development, and this must be protected.

Jagdeo should be held accountable for his conduct Dear Editor,

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EADER of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, is playing a very dangerous and divisive game in this society and is being called on to stop it.

On the matter of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) and the role of the APNU+AFC Coalition government in making sure resolution is brought about to the nine-plus years impasse, Mr. Jagdeo brings not one iota of morality to the conversation.

His criticism that the coalition was engaged in a “circus there just for political reason” is reprehensible (Guyana Times, 25th March 2019, “Govt’s handling of RUSAL matter was too ‘political’”).

In principle, there is nothing wrong with the opposition holding government to account, for that is one of its responsibilities, but this is not what is being done. The duplicitous and anti-national conduct of Mr. Jagdeo must not be countenanced.

The BCGI impasse started under the Jagdeo presidency and his government did nothing to seek to bring about a resolution. His administration’s refusal to address the impasse saw the opposition, under the leadership of Robert Corbin, taking a no-confidence motion to the National Assembly against the Minister of Labour, Manzoor Nadir. The motion was defeated by the PPP/C parliamentary majority.

Even when the impasse was recently intensified and Mr. Jagdeo was called on to add his voice to citizens/workers’ quest to have the sovereignty of this nation respected, in the face of threat by a foreign group, he remained silent. When he spoke to the im-

passe it was primarily to criticise the government and Guyanese as he let the BCGI Russian management off the hook. His role as president and leader the opposition on this matter has been one of maintaining an acrimonious industrial environment with the violation of the laws and transgression of workers/citizens’ rights.

He has to be mindful that his conduct continues to display the actions of someone who does not care about the workers/ citizens, Constitution and Laws of Guyana, but that of pursuing self-interest and eternal quest for power. Last week, he claimed the Critchlow Labour College was partnering with the coalition government in training youth drawn from areas such as Sophia.

This couldn’t be further from the truth, and there exists no doubt such misinformation forms part of the strategy of misleading the nation to increase tension and division. Mr. Jagdeo is not known to be careless with the facts; he is known to deliberately misrepresent the facts in furtherance of self-interest.

I hope he is aware that it is not lost on society the devious game he is playing in demanding that parliamentarians who hold dual citizenship resign from the National Assembly, consistent with Article 155 of the Guyana Constitution, and the High and Appeal Courts’ ruling on the matter. Evidently such compliance he seeks not for his own but for others; and there is marked difference between has resigned or will resign, the latter he promised for PPP/C parliamentarians violating Article 155.

The life of this Parliament has not come to an end. If Mr. Jagdeo is serious about the Rule of Law he would not be demanding of the government what he is not prepared to implement on his

side of this House. He must not be allowed to mount the pious perch when he and his party are just as guilty as those he accuses.

The Rule of Law applies for all who reside, work, visit here and do business with Guyana.

After securing weeks of screaming headlines about the importance of compliance with the Constitution and courts’ ruling, on Monday he sneaked another deception on the nation or rather revealed his true intent all along, thinking it would go un-noticed.

The nation has been advised that “Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday clarified that although those holding dual citizenship in his party will stay away from the House sitting, they will not resign” (Kaieteur News, 2nd April 2019 “Parliament should be guided by court ruling on dual citizenship – former speaker”). This is an act of horning the nation. You are not working, and have refused to resign even as you demand same of others, and still expect the taxpayers to pay you as Members of Parliament.

Mr. Jagdeo or the PPP/C has no special privilege or right to cherry-pick the law or courts’ ruling; a conduct this nation borne witness to during his presidency and which he wants to continue as Leader of the Opposition. All, including the media, must hold him to account for conduct that tramples the nation’s honour, and creates turmoil, tension and division amongst her people.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

We cannot sit idly by and treat women in a misogynistic manner Dear Editor,

I

AM deeply troubled and appalled at the manner our women continue to be subjects of abuse, to put it mildly, in our dearly beloved Guyana. It seems that the interminable calls for an end to violence against women continue to fall on the proverbial deaf ears. Hence, something is chronically wrong when a man would conjure in his mind that a woman is his personal possession to manipulate and treat to the coarser aspect of his masculinity.

It seems like these acts of brutality have now become commonplace and acceptable by some men in our society. Thus, in order to maintain dominance and resolve domestic issues, violence is the order of the day. Perhaps, the perception of imposing aggression and using violence would make women subservient and fearful, hence causing them to accede to every demand, so that they can maintain an inflated ego. However, they are oblivious to the irreparable damage which it inflicts upon the unions, and the long-term mental anguish which the children endure. In some cases, this can lead to a repetition of the cycle if left unresolved.

As I read the article about the young lady who was brutally murdered recently in Berbice, I kept asking myself, what would possess a man to remorselessly and premeditatedly want to slaughter the defenseless mother of his children?

However, what was even more barbaric was the sequence of his heinous criminal plan, which is evident that it was meticulously contrived.

Hence, in a fit of rage and a moment of impulsivity, he ended the life of his children’s mother. However, I am flummoxed by the fact that this same tearful perpetrator had the audacity to ask the magistrate’s permission to see his deceased wife’s face – the same person whom he mutilated and disdainfully hacked to death. However, the act of indignity has already been committed, and no amount of wailing and tear shedding will bring her back.

I would imagine that these primitive and unforgivably destructive selfish acts supersede all forms of rational thinking, just to appease one’s need for revenge. But, what many fail to realise is that whatever we do as parents, we are modeling for our children, because we are their role models, and they look to us for guidance and leadership. Hence, the choices we

make in life will have a huge impact on their upbringing and psychological state.

And, as he prepares to be incarcerated for an indeterminate period, and his dead wife to be buried, what does the future hold for the three innocent children? Understandably, they will have to be raised by other relatives, who might do an exceptional job, but these situations also leave them in a vulnerable situation as well. The time is opportune for us to start having more awareness programs about domestic abuse and how to deal with potential volatile situations, especially men. I also strongly believe that there ought to be stricter penalties for domestic abuse, and it is critical that women empower themselves and always look for the warning signs before and during the relationship. This trend has become very worrisome, as it has been for a long time, and this does not auger well for our future generation. We cannot sit idly by and treat women in a misogynistic manner.

destination.

7. For vehicles to get to pass the site, the drivers must use Sari Turn Dam, Lima Dam and two streets – a distance of about 1,000 metres.

By the time this project is completed, the already bad Sari Turn Dam will get worse and will then need remedial works.

8. Due to the above (7), several Mahaica minibuses refuse to drive the Old Road, thereby adding further inconvenience to the residents of Jonestown, who now either have to walk half a mile to the junction by the Mahaica Police Station or the junction of Lima Dam and the New Road to catch a bus.

9. The flimsy rail that was attached to the foot bridge at the construction site now lies in the trench below. Without the rails, this slapdash foot-

longer do the residents of Jonestown have to endure these annoyances due to this road bridge? Certainly, it is not an easy road. Meh nah see nothing fi smile ‘bout’. Incidentally, there is also another road bridge about 200 metres north of the Lima Bridge that needs immediate attention. Work

Regards Raul Khan

Mahaica residents find flaws with new Lima Bridge Dear Editor,

B

eing a geographer, I am cognisant that development comes with a price. Although, I might add, that development does not occur in a vacuum. It has long been established that development must have a human face, however, this has been the experience of the residents of Jonestown, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. While the residents welcome the reconstruction of the Lima Bridge on the Old Road, it has come with a high price and little regard for them and other road users.

Listed below are some concerns that will suffice to elucidate this concern: 1. The project commenced without any notification to road users and

residents.

2. There is no sign erected, say half a kilometer ahead on both sides of the bridge, notifying road users of the closure of the bridge for reconstruction.

3. There are no reflectors in place to caution road users at nights.

4. There is no billboard indicating who the contractor is, the cost of the construction, and the completion date for the bridge.

5. There are no signs directing motorists to where detours can be taken to bypass the construction site.

6. Many motorists who were not aware of the reconstruction, drove up to the site, discovered that the bridge was not in use, having to turn around and inquire from passersby what alternative route to take to get to their

bridge scares the elderly and is unsafe for use by the pupils of the nearby Mahaica Primary School and Hand-En-Veldt Nursery School.

10. For over one month now no work has been done on the bridge and the two excavators that were once parked at the site are no longer there. How much

was done on this bridge less than four years ago, when the residents experienced similar hardships. Obviously, shoddy work was done on that bridge. Who will address the plight of the residents of Jonestown?

Regards Bernel L.H Wickham

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Rastafarians benefitting from diversity, inclusion training

Members of the Rastafari Core Group with the Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and other representatives from the Department of Social Cohesion

THE Department of Social Cohesion has begun training with the Rastafarian Core Group geared at promoting diversity education and inclusion in society.

The two-day training commenced at the Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown on Wednesday.

Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton said the training aims to promote the notion of love, fairness and acceptance, regardless of differences.

“We hope that we will be able to have this opportunity for what is referred to as introspection. What we’re doing is looking at our own biases as individuals. This is so important because it is the only way we can be able to accept others…. We want to be able to look at others who are a little diverse from us and see beauty in this diversity in which we ourselves are a part of,” Dr Norton said.

He also noted a continuous increase in the mem-

bership of the Rastafarian Committee and deems it a movement of progress.

The minister understands that most of the Rastafari teaching comes from Marcus Garvey and it might have started with the thrust for ‘Black’ superiority.

However, he noted that the Rastafarians, when they established themselves, recognised that that might not be the best approach.

“It is much more of a message of equality rather

Essequibo agro fair billed for April 26 THE Essequibo Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) annual Agro and Trade Fair is set for April 26 and 27 at the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground.

According to president of the chambers, Suean Seewnarayan, the event will be held under the theme “Essequibo Means Business” and already businesses have begun registering for the mega event.

Speaking on the progress of the fair, Seewnarayan said thus far the feedback has been positive from the business community.

“We want to give those in the agriculture, forestry, mining, agro-processing and oil and gas industries the opportunity to showcase what they got to offer to the people of Essequibo; the expo will enlighten residents on some

Essequibo Chambers of Commerce, President Suean Seewnarayan

of the products and services that are available in Guyana,” Seewnarayan said.

She said with Guyana

being named as an eco-tourist destination in the world, Region Two must be included as it is a region with beautiful natural lakes. She said the chambers will continue to work with stakeholders to enhance the region’s tourism sector.

On that note, she is urging businesses to come onboard and support the fair.

On display will be leading agro-processing and manufacturing companies which will showcase their products/ services. Crops and livestock farmers will play an integral role at the fair.

The event will be attended by top government and non-governmental officers. The chamber president also assures members of the public that the event will be safe as police will be providing security for the two-night event.

than that of superiority that you have embarked on. And it is for this reason we are here so that we can look at the strength of equality, rather than that of superiority,” Dr Norton said.

Social Cohesion Department acting Coordinator, Natasha Singh-Lewis, said the training helps participants to learn about who they are as a person, understand biases and prejudices and diversities and how these affect national unity.

“The workshop objectives speak to participants exploring the negative internalised attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes that impact the ways in which they perceive themselves and others.

It is also intended to assist participants to have a better understanding and appreciation for diversity, particularly beyond race and ethnicity,” Singh-Lewis said.

The training also sets out to help them learn about the changes and challenges that

are associated with Guyana’s diverse population, and have a greater commitment to contribute towards nurturing individual, community and cross-community relations.

At the end of the workshop, it is expected that the participants would be more aware of how they can contribute to building better relations in society.

GuySuCo deems Albion workers’ strike illegal THE Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo) said it is becoming increasingly concerned with the developments relative to employees on strike at the Albion Estate, who were transferred from the Rose Hall Estate as a result of the transitioning process in the corporation.

Some of the cane harvesters have been on strike for the past two days and their stated reason being that they are entitled to severance payment.

“The corporation wishes to state that the strike action is illegal and is in breach of the ‘Extant Collective Labour Agreement’ existing between GuySuCo and representative union, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU),” a release from GuySuCo said.

Additionally, according to GuySuCo, the job oppor-

tunities for employees from Rose Hall Estate at Albion and Blairmont Estates, is part of its response to the engagements since 2017, between the sugar corporation and these employees, as well as many stakeholders including GAWU, to explore all possibilities to maintain employment for as many employees as possible from the Rose Hall Estate.

Further, the corporation states that the transfer of the employees from the Rose Hall Estate to the Albion Estate was done in accordance with the Labour Law of Guyana under the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act (TESPA) section 21 (4) (b). Prior to the transfers, the management of GuySuCo held several discussions with the employees in the presence of their union (GAWU), informing them

of the benefits to be gained from being transferred and remaining in the employ of the corporation.

“Once again, the corporation would like to take this opportunity to remind the employees of the value that it places on their service and would be appreciative to have them remain in its employ. Additionally, the corporation is keen on providing them with continued employment, so that they are able to take care of their families and expenses, as well as enjoy the benefits as employees of GuySuCo. However, the corporation is a commercial business and wishes to inform all those employees on strike that they are expected to report for duty latest by Saturday April 6, 2019.” GuySuCo has since written GAWU about the illegal strike.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

AFC says no rift between Trotman, Ramjattan

…clarifies issues regarding candidates’ lists THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has dismissed claims that there is “confusion” with its list of candidates submitted to the Guyana Elections Commission back in 2015.

In an article published on April 3, 2019, in the Kaieteur News, the newspaper presented a list of names of AFC members from the Berbice region in which it stated that it was not reflective of what was produced by AFC members to GECOM in 2015.

The article stated that “names were omitted and replaced” with others which were not on the list prior.

However, on Wednesday at the party’s press conference, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson responded to the allegations, on behalf of the party, as “false” even as he provided clarification on

the matter. “The party rejects, it debunks this article in its entirety. It is based on falsehoods and misinformation.”

The party clarifies that in 2015 it requested all Regional Management Committees to submit names for the consideration of the National Executive for the purpose of inclusion on the list of candidates. The list submitted by the RMCs were not to be automatically included in the list of candidates to be sent up to GECOM, but were first to be considered by the National Executive,” Patterson explained.

He went on to explain that as has been the practice for Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) lists were submitted for both upper and lower Berbice.

He said that what was displayed in Kaieteur News only represented half of what was submitted. He stated: “Their

Seated from left at the meeting are: Alliance for Change (AFC) Vice Chair, Cathy Hughes; AFC Leader and Natural Resource Minister, Raphael Trotman; and AFC Campaign Manager and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (Carl Croker photo)

list was submitted and in that process, some of the names submitted were not put forward.”

He added that when finally

Prime Minister ups pressure on PPP dual-citizenship MPs PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo said all three of the People’s Progress Party/Civic Members of Parliament with dual citizenship must resign from Parliament. According to him, renouncing their foreign citizenship, in the case of two, is simply not sufficient.

Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on Wednesday, said PPP/C’s Chief Whip Gail Teixeira will renounce her Canadian citizen as well as Odinga Lumumba, who holds American citizenship. Adrian Anamayah, according to Jagdeo, due to obligation, cannot relinquish his foreign status. But Prime Minister Nagamootoo poured cold water on Jagdeo’s announcement, demanding that all three of the Opposition MPs with dual citizenship should resign.

In a televised interview, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government has taken the ‘high ground’ by having its dual citizenship Members of Parliament resign, in accordance with the pronounce-

ments of both the High Court and Court of Appeal that it is unconstitutional for a person who has sworn allegiance to a foreign power to be a Member of Parliament.

“Guyanese at home and abroad should applaud this decision to boldly address the dual citizenship issue, which became a major national controversy after an MP who holds Canadian citizenship, voted to bring down the duly elected APNU+AFC Government,” the Prime Minister said.

He said with the resignation of MPs with dual citizenship from the Government benches, the coalition has taken the lead in the matter.

He noted that the world is now closely watching the Opposition to determine whether it will take similar actions but thus far, the Opposition has provided “weak” excuses.

“We have heard feeble excuses that three Opposition MPs including the Canadian citizen who seconded the motion against the Government, would only renounce their foreign citizenship but will not resign from Parliament.

This is unacceptable and it

is an opened and contemptuous disobedience of the court. The Opposition’s dual citizens must also renounce and resign,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo said.

The Alliance for Change (AFC), a partner in the coalition, has also called on all members of the National Assembly who hold dual citizenship to act in accordance with the ruling of the court and to be in good standing with the laws of Guyana and the provisions of the Constitution.

On the Government benches, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who holds American citizenship and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who are all citizens of the UK, have resigned. President David Granger accepted their resignation on Monday April 1, 2019. However, to give effect to their resignation, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland, must be notified in writing.

completed and submitted, the regional list included five candidates for the geographical region. Based on the provisions of the Cummingsburg

Accord of 60/40 representation between the AFC and A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), three names were submitted for APNU and two for the AFC. Patterson stated: “The two names selected by the AFC were Charrandass Persaud and Verasammy Ramayya.

There was complete transparency in the entire process. It is regrettable that some persons are now attempting to use the misinformation to paint a different picture.”

Meanwhile, the AFC also responded to rumours that there is some “rifts” or ‘bad blood’ between AFC Leader Raphael Trotman and AFC Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan as is being peddled in some circles.

“From the time the party was formed there have been these rumours of ‘rifts’ and they’ve continued because we’re like a small state surrounded by bug neighbours who don’t want us to exist

9

and so there’s always going to be an attempt to disrupt, to destroy, to push us away, [but] Khemraj and I remain very close, we’re good friends, good colleagues, good comrades and we always have been and that is going to continue,” Minister Trotman stated.

He added that while in the election season, parties are looking to get ahead by spreading rumours, there is also no rift in the party which conducts all its processes and makes decisions in a democratic manner.

“We meet as a collective and we make decisions as a collective and whether the leader or chairman or vice-chairman or general secretary, no one person makes decisions of that nature. We all come to consensual decision and we go ahead with that.

That’s something I’m very proud about how the AFC functions,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Sitting of House pushed back

…as parties seek replacements for resigned MPs THE National Assembly will no longer meet next Thursday as the government seeks replacement for its four coalition-Members of Parliament (MPs) with dual citizenship, who have stepped down in their quest to uphold the Constitution and the decisions of the court.

President David Granger, on Wednesday, said though he accepted the resignation of the MPs, their seats in the Parliament will not become vacant until they submit their letters of resignation to the Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland, and declarations are thereafter made. Pending those resignations in the Parliament, the President has not

approved replacements at this time; however, the Guyana Chronicle understands that the search is on for new MPs. Their names will be extracted from the APNU+AFC Coalition list of candidates to fill the vacancies that will be created upon the resignation of Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin; and Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

In a televised statement on Wednesday, Leader of the House, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, said the National Assembly will now meet “later in the month” as against Thursday April 11,

The National Assembly will no longer meet next Thursday

2019. Government’s Chief Whip in the House, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, also confirmed that the National Assembly will no longer sit next Thursday and a new date will be deter-

mined. According to Minister Ally, there was “nothing spectacular” that caused the rescheduling of the sitting of the National Assembly by the government. “We just find that the 11th (April) was not a convenient date, so we are going to have it on another date,” the Government Chief Whip told the Guyana Chronicle in a brief telephone interview.

Of the four MPs that tendered their resignation, Minister Gaskin hails from the Alliance For Change (AFC) – the smaller faction of the AFC+APNU Coalition Government, while Minister Roopnaraine is a member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), one of the five parties that make up the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). Minister Greenidge and Minister Harmon are Executive Members of the Peoples National Congress/Reform (PNC/R), the dominant party in the APNU. On Wednesday, Leader of AFC, Raphael Trotman, commended Gaskin for his principled action of resigning as a minister having been born in the United Kingdom, and therefore holds dual cit-

izenship as a result. According to Trotman, immediately after Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire’s January 31 decision on the no-confidence motion that addressed the issue of dual citizens in the Parliament, Gaskin formally conveyed to the party his intention to resign both as a Member of Parliament and as a minister. “The party deliberated extensively on the matter and requested of Mr. Gaskin that he hold on to his resignation until we were able to coordinate with our coalition partner. Mr. Gaskin reiterated his position on numerous occasions subsequently and requested that the party puts systems in place to allow for his resignation. The party also communicated Mr. Gaskin’s decision to our coalition partner well in advance of the announcement yesterday,” Trotman said. He said AFC views Gaskin’s action as honourable, commendable and completely in accordance with the ruling of the court.

While ruling in a case brought by Compton Reid, a resident of Berbice, against recalled Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud, the Chief Justice noted that it was unconstitutional for a person with dual citizenship status to occupy a seat in National Assembly. It was pointed out that Article 155 (1) of the Constitution states that “no person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who (a) is, by virtue of his or her own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.” Reid’s attorney have argued that Persaud, a citizen of Canada, ought not to have been in Parliament and breached the Constitu-

tion when he accepted election to the House, knowing very well that he has dual citizenship.

REPLACEMENTS On the issue of a replacement for Gaskin, Trotman said there are a number of eligible AFC members, Donna Mathoo being one of them.

According to him, the party is actively considering her along with other members.

“The criteria would be the same for everyone,” he said, noting that the person must be competent, upright, available, and has the ability to represent the AFC in Parliament.

In the case of WPA, its Chairperson, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, said the party will await Dr. Roopnaraine’s resignation to the Speaker before deciding on his replacement. “Once a resignation letter is sent, not to the President but to the Speaker, WPA will then make a pronouncement on it, but we want to make sure that the procedures are followed,” Sarabo-Halley told this newspaper.

Meanwhile, AFC and the government by extension have extended gratitude to the four ministers. “The party thanks Mr. Gaskin for his exemplary and distinguished service to the nation as a minister and Member of Parliament and particularly for his work in setting the foundations for an enabling policy environment for the private sector to flourish. The party further commends the three other ministers, Joseph Harmon, Carl Greenidge and Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who have taken a similar course of action, and does look forward to them continuing to serve Guyana in other capacities,” Minister Trotman said.

AFC commends Dharmic Sabha on receiving prestigious award The Alliance For Change (AFC) has commended the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) under the leadership of Dr. Vindhya Persaud, on being awarded the prestigious Pravasi Samman Award from the Government of India.

The Sabha received the award on January 23, 2019, in recognition of its outstanding contribution

in the field of community service.

“The AFC is pleased that the Government of India has recognised Dr. Persaud and the Sabha for their outstanding and commendable work. The AFC further recognises the long life dedication to Guyana of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha and its founding leader, the late Reepu Daman Persaud, father of Dr.

Vindhya Persaud,” AFC Executive and Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes told reporters at a party briefing on Tuesday.

She singled out Dr. Vindhya Persaud for her leadership in Sabha, noting that the AFC joins with all of Guyana in noting the importance of the award.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

AFC to seek constitutional amendment …to protect MPs with dual-citizenship

IN the near future, the Alliance For Change (AFC) intends to make representation in the National Assembly for the Constitutional provision which bars the participation of dual citizens in the House to be amended.

This was announced by that party’s Leader, Raphael Trotman, on Wednesday at the AFC’s press conference at which occasion he reminded that the party has been pushing for many years for the involvement of the Guyanese diaspora in Parliament.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of the Presidency stated that Members of Parliament (MP) Carl Greenidge, Joseph Harmon, Dominic Gaskin and Rupert Roopnaraine, would be resigning due to their status as dual citizens.

They did so in accordance with stipulations within the Constitution of Guyana, which were highlighted during the March 22, 2019 ruling of the Court of Appeal regarding the validity of the no-confidence motion passed on December 21, 2018.

Even as the resignations

are not yet completed, three of the MPs, save for Gaskin who was born in the United Kingdom, have indicated that they will be pursuing steps to renounce their foreign citizenship.

Meanwhile, on the opposition’s end, dual citizens MPs Gail Teixeira, Odinga Lumumba and Adrian Anamaya are yet to announce similar intention to complete the process.

Questioned by the media on whether the AFC believes that Constitutional provision is an archaic law, Trotman, who is also Minister of Natural Resources stated: “This Article in the Constitution is doing Guyana a disservice and therefore it needs to be amended.”

He made the comment based on the fact the AFC’s call for such dates back to its 2006 and 2011 manifestos whereby they lobbied for diaspora representation in Parliament as a necessity for the country’s development.

In explaining the position, Trotman recounted a report from the World Bank some 15 years ago which

AFC Leader and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman on Wednesday at the Alliance For Change’s (AFCs) press conference. Seated beside Mr. Trotman is Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes (Carl Croker photo)

stated that of all the countries in the world, Guyana was the most affected by brain drain.

It detailed that some 86 per cent of all Guyana’s graduates now live and work in a developed country. The minister explained that this means that about 14 per cent of graduates who remained in Guyana are left with the large task of managing the country.

“When you think about public infrastructure, roads, bridges, education, public health, and national security, it is impossible for Guyana

to be developed by a small group when the critical mass of talent resides outside of Guyana. The AFC has always stated publically that we wish to have diaspora representation not [only] in the National Assembly, but also in government and we maintain that,” Trotman said.

Indeed, research by this newspaper found that in 2010, Trotman had written a letter to the editor of the Kaieteur Newspaper in response to a comment made by former President, now

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, stating: “Guyana cannot develop unless we re-engineer our governance architecture to ensure that the decision-making process is holistically, and not cosmetically, inclusive as mandated

by Art. 13 of our Constitution, and by the direct involvement of non-resident Guyanese in the diaspora also having a voice in our decision-making and development processes.”

At the press conference, Trotman said that the AFC does not believe in a “policy of exclusion” as any member of the Guyanese diaspora who wants to serve Guyana should be given the opportunity.

“We have brilliant engineers and scientists working in NASA and working Norway and working in Canada and others who can make a contribution and I don’t believe that the framers of the Constitution…intended that we would lock the door on the diaspora. The truth is, we may not want to admit it, but we cannot develop Guyana in the manner that we wish to and with the pace that we wish to if we close the door to the diaspora and I think that they have a right to be

represented in the National Assembly,” he stated.

While Trotman took the opportunity to applaud his colleagues for their indication that they will be making attempts to renounce their citizenship, he noted that he believes that an amendment to the matter in the Constitution would also stand to benefit all government members on both sides.

He also pledged that given the favourable opportunity, the AFC will once again lobby for the inclusion of all Guyanese in the development of the country. “I dare say, when the life of this Parliament continues and then we go into the twelfth Parliament, we at the party will continue to push for this because this is one classical example in which all of us are involved. I’m led to believe that the People’s Progressive Party itself would wish to have, included in its fold, persons who may have more than one passport,” he said, adding: “If they’re Guyanese, should they be excluded? I say ‘no’.”

UG students host medical outreach RESIDENTS of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara and neighbouring communities on Wednesday benefitted from a medical outreach programme conducted

by University of Guyana, Health Sciences students of Turkeyen Campus.

Utilising the compound of the Plaisance Seventh-Day Adventist Church, the students made available to the people, services such as blood pressure and glucose testing, nutritional counseling and other services.

In addition to the medical services, the students distributed care packages containing items of day-today use that would improve the health of residents.

The students’ supervisor, Dr. Michelle James, who is also the head of the Public Health Department on campus, told Guyana Chronicle that the outreach was part of the students’ course work.

“We do not want to only allow our students to understand the theoretical part of their content area, but we want to ensure that they understand the practical component of it. So we are here to implement part of the

Some of the students administering healthcare to Plaisance residents

content that was taught in the classroom, so the students are exposed to health promotion and health education,” Dr James said.

She noted that the outreach is held annually, with different batches of students, going into different communities, to provide different services.

“During the course of their study, they are responsible to go out in the community and implement part of the content and the task chosen for this year was to target the

persons with hypertension and diabetes. The students had to plan, organise and execute this programme, and in the end, they will evaluate to see if it was a success,” Dr James said.

The students were drawn from the departments of medical technology, medical imaging, environmental health, pharmacy and optometry.

Leader of the students planning and organising committee, Shani Bellamy, said though the activity was organised for them to attain

Dr. Michelle James (centre) and some of her students from the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Guyana

a grade, they were grateful for the practical experience.

“What this health promotion is helping us do, is to inform persons about their health, and how to better promote a healthy lifestyle.

It will benefit us individually as students, in many ways, because when we go out into the world of work, we will

know how to go about administering the health knowledge to persons, to better their lives,” Bellamy said.

She said the experience gained also fosters an even deeper love for their career in the health sector.

“Seeing how we can contribute to better a person’s health and improving

their knowledge on taking care of their health is really a great feeling. So coming off that classroom setting, and actually seeing the contributions our career make to bettering lives, will help each of us to perform better,” Bellamy added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Cops get training to use body cameras

AS part of the reformation process for a more modernised and efficient Guyana Police Force, forty ranks from within ‘D’ Division on March 27, 2019, were trained to use Portable Video Recording kits (Body Cameras).

In a statement, the police said the purpose of the training was to allow ranks to be able to operate the equipment to capture digital audio and video evidence for criminal, civil and traffic-related offences. It will also aid ranks in recalling facts and other details captured by the equipment that would accurately relate a chain of events when writing reports.

The ranks will be required to wear the Body Cameras during their shift at all times and should activate it when it is absolutely necessary in situations such as traffic stops, priority responses, vehicle pursuits, arrest situations, vehicle searches, physical confrontations and crimes in progress, the statement read.

The training was conducted at the Leonora Police Station Recreational Hall

by Constable 24148 Callace Isaacs and Constable 24606 Leon Joseph of the Information Technology Department (IT) of the Guyana Police Force.

This Guyana Police Force composite photo shows the ranks and facilitators during the training session

ANUG welcomes resignation of gov’t MPs THE fledgling A New and United Guyana (ANUG) party says it welcomes the statement made by the Government of Guyana that its Parliamentarians, who hold dual nationality, have resigned their positions and will not be returning to Parliament.

“ANUG’s position on this matter have been that the provisions of the Constitution and the law must always be fully obeyed even though an individual of dual nationality is capable of giving his or her undivided loyalty to Guyana,” the party said in a statement.

According to ANUG, the government’s Parliamentarians have all executed important portfolios. “ANUG wishes to recognise their service to our nation. ANUG also wishes to commend the former Parliamentarians for their obedience to Article 155 of the Constitution which has been tested and upheld by the Judiciary. ANUG welcomes their resignations as a refreshing step in the right direction at a time when political forces have been only too willing to cherry-pick the laws and the legal decisions they would choose to abide by.”

The new party is also urging all political parties to follow suit and obey the constitution in this regard and calls on all Guyanese to maintain a state of peace, calm and restraint as we await an end to the current political impasse.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Over 800 to benefit from new health centre at PlegtAnker

An inside view of the new facility

Officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare open the PlegtAnker Health Centre

By Navendra Seoraj OVER 800 residents from 12 villages are set to benefit from primary healthcare services with the commissioning of a spanking new $14 million health centre at PlegtAnker, East Bank Berbice on Wednesday.

“The President promised a good life and that is what we'll deliver,” said Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, in remarks at the opening ceremony.

In the past, residents of PlegtAnker and other villages had to travel miles to the New Amsterdam Hospital for medical treatment.

The government, however, believes that no Guyanese must travel more than five kilometres to access healthcare.

“We want to ensure that

persons have access to health centres... it must be appropriate to the needs of the community,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that health in Guyana is affordable.

The aim of the facility is to be patient-centred and equipped to treat patients, and according to the minister, those conditions were met at the health centre.

She urged persons to utilise the facility and stop depending on traditional home remedies.

“A check-up is important... use the health facility to get a check-up,” she urged residents of the community.

The PlegtAnker Health Centre also offers home care to persons who are incapacitated.

Residents of the community were excited to have the

new facility because it released the burden on them to travel miles to access healthcare.

According to statistics, over 300 persons have already accessed healthcare at the facility.

Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn Stephen, said it is the first time the community has access to a health centre.

The new facility was constructed in 2017 and furnished in 2018. With the new facility, residents will not have to travel 18 miles to access the nearest health facility.

“If we want to make Health Vision 2020 a reality, which is to ensure that there is universal health coverage, we must start here,” said Stephen.

The access to quality healthcare would not only

relieve the physical stress but also mitigate financial difficulties facing persons, he said.

The new facility offers glucose testing, blood pres-

sure testing, testing for chronic diseases, maternal and child health services, among other things.

Food For The Poor

(Guyana) is expected to further upgrade the facility with a donation of equipment and other items.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

NA Hospital benefits from $35.9M upgrade –– Minister Lawrence challenges staff to do more IN an effort to boost staff moral and improve efficiency, the Public Health Ministry, through the regional administration of Region Six, has commissioned several facilities upgraded and constructed at the New

Amsterdam Hospital on Wednesday.

The upgrades followed a visit by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, after a visit there seven months ago.

During the visit, she realised the need for the upgrading of

several facilities The kitchen was upgraded while a new laboratory, a new on-call staff quarters and a new dental centre were constructed.

“I was shocked beyond words so I had to be truthful Minister Lawrence checking out the new dental facility at the New Amsterdam Hospital (Delano Williams photos)

Junior Minister of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings

Officials inspecting a new laboratory at the New Amsterdam Hospital

to the management of the hospital seven months ago,” said Minister Lawrence, who requested urgent corrective work to be done.

“They had said that it was impossible but over those seven months all of the impossible things were made possible,” said the minister.

Research has shown that the workplace environment plays a major role in the performance and productivity of employees.

During her visit to the hospital seven months ago, many employees did not speak out but they did eventually via social media.

Their outcry led to the upgrading of the facility which they now enjoy.

“Not to provide workers’ satisfaction is to limit the quality and quantity of services and that was happening in Region Six... I want the best for my employees and staff... we haven’t pulled the clouds out of the sky, we have done little things that say that we care,” said Minister Lawrence.

Although a lot has been done, the minister said there is more to do.

These include upgrading of the Tuberculosis Ward, creation of a green space, completion of a maternity ward and mortuary, and the construction of a nursery.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, said the ministry is focused on providing equitable and accessible healthcare.

“We are concerned with the well-being of our human resources,” said the minister, who noted that medical staff must be comfortably accommodated.

The ministry, as part of its mandate, wanted to ensure that those away from home felt like they were at home, said Minister Cummings.

And on that note, she said the Food Service Department was important and she was happy the hospital had a new and improved kitchen to serve patients.

The laboratory is also equally important as it assists in the detection of diseases and testing of samples.

Director of Regional Health Services, Jevaughn TURN TO PAGE 15 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

66 graduate from BLES programme

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch addressing the graduates on Tuesday

SOME 66 young people have graduated from the USAID’s Basic Life and Employability Skills (BLES) programme.

“Through sheer determination and commitment, 66 of you have completed five weeks of intensive training in life skills, employment skills and reproductive health,” said US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, in her remarks to the graduands at a ceremony held at the St. Joseph High School on Tuesday evening.

The youths were selected from five communities across the country for the programme. The aim of the programme was to bolster the participants’ ability to perform in any workforce.

All of the graduates were excited to take their new communication and practical skills into the world of work.

Lynch, in her remarks, said the young people learnt how to work in teams, maintain a positive attitude and manage stress and finances.

These skills, she said, will not only serve the graduates well in the workplace, but will help them to lead empowered and successful lives.

Through the Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) Project, which BLES falls under, life-changing programmes such as

after-school opportunities, workforce development programmes, leadership training and family counselling are available to youth right here in Georgetown.

“Like all of you, we believe that investment in the lives of young people will accelerate our progress toward a safer, healthier and more prosperous world. For this reason, we partner with communities like yours to develop inclusive programmes and support systems,” she said.

For more than a decade, USAID has partnered with regional governments, local stakeholders and members of the private sector with the goal of creating a safer, more prosperous Caribbean.

In that regard, they have placed high priority on youth development.

“We want to create an environment where Guyanese youth can thrive, grow and move on to do ground-breaking things for their communities,” said Lynch.

In order to create such an environment, she believes that there needs to be more partnership with the private sector and other stakeholders who will invest in innovative and developmental programmes.

The CFYR, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, supports family networks, communities, service providers and government agencies to implement successful approaches to reduce crime and violence and increase opportunities for youth in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis and Guyana.

The programme uses community crime and violence prevention plans that strengthen data-driven observatories to conduct hotspot crime and violence mapping, adapt a public health approach to reducing violence, connect the community to the police and other service providers, to support at-risk youth, and build linkages with the private sector to support youth employment.

NA Hospital ...

Stephen, said the upgrades and construction represent a major achievement of the regional hospital.

He said although the work was taxing, workers were able to start and complete most of the work that needed to be done.

“The minister observed that the Dental Department was in a small room; kitchen service was deplorable; doctors and staff were squeezed into a small room and the lab needed improvement,” said Stephen.

In order to get those

FROM PAGE 14

done, he said the administration worked hard with its stakeholders to get everything done.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Samantha Kennedy, thanked the ministers for the upgrade.

She commended them for helping the hospital’s effort to be better than the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

“I’ve been pushing and breaking through many barriers,” said Kennedy.

Some of the graduates speaking about their capabilities (Delano Williams photos)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

New Moruca bridge piques interest of visitors- Toshao

THE multi-million dollar Moruca bridge, which is to be commissioned soon, has already made an impact on the village’s tourism aspirations.

This is according to Toshao of Santa Rosa, Whanitta Phillips who told the Guyana Chronicle that the $110M structure is creating a buzz at Moruca. She said the village council has plans to explore the area’s tourism potential and the

he would construct a stateof- the-art bridge that will have the life span of 50 years and beyond. He said, “I am not in the habit of promising anything that I cannot fix”.

According to Toshao Phillips, she made a recommendation to Minister Patterson for the new structure to be outfitted with signage as a form of attraction. She said the minister gave the assurance that he will ensure that this becomes a reality. “I

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added.

After the inspection visit

by Minister Patterson recently, the public official expressed satisfaction with the construction works and that it is exactly the way he envisaged it should be. Minister Patterson also added that the construction of the bridge was only the first phase and next phases will commence immediately. These include the construction of a 30-foot concrete strip on both sides,

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (centre) stands alongside government and village officials during a recent visit to Moruca

traversing on the bridge as this will undermine the surface of the structure. Additionally, Minister urged the residents to restrict persons from diving off of the bridge, especially children.

Meanwhile, another

An aerial view of the bridge which connects the villages of San Jose with the busy Kumaka at Santa Rosa, Moruca (MOPI photo)

structure, among other projects being undertaken there, will boost such plans.

The new structure replaces a dilapidated wooden bridge and connects approximately 10,000 residents with the central business community of Kumaka. Recently, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson led a team of officials to Moruca to inspect the new concrete structure. The ministry stated that Minister Patterson noted that almost two years ago he had made a promise to the people in the community that

asked whether we can have arches with lighting placed along the bridge and minister [Minister Patterson] said he would look into it,” the village leader noted.

She said too that the new structure would positively impact the construction industry at Moruca. Phillips noted that in the past, the task of ferrying loads of sand and wood between various locations proved difficult. “So with the bridge it would be a good thing for people who want to build homes and who want to move materials,” she

a revetment structure to prevent corrosion and a timber walkway which will be done through the bidding process of Community Participation.

“This will give the village men and women an opportunity to provide skilled labour to construct the walkway. In addition, the timber for the walkway will be purchased from the village,” the ministry stated.

Minister Patterson also urged residents to take good care of the bridge and to prevent bulldozers, combines, excavators and tractors from

Guilty with explanation Your Worship NANDALALL Rooplall will spend the next 59 months in prison, having been found guilty on Wednesday, by Principal Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, of breaking and entering and larceny.

The court heard that between Monday, 8th January, 2018 and Thursday, 15th March at Continental Park, East Bank Demerara, he stole a large quantity of items

valued at $3, 206,000 (three million two hundred and six thousand).

Nandalall had pleaded guilty to the charge, with explanation.

Since Nandalall is serving a 60-month sentence for a previous offence, the he was informed that once he pleads guilty to the charge, the court was obligated to reduce the sentence by one month for a five-year period.

multi-million dollar project, the resurfacing of the Bemichi Airstrip at Moruca has been completed and the village council will be working to the undertake works to a waiting facility near the strip. Toshao Phillips noted

that the facility is in need of an upgrade and this will be addressed soon. She said that a domestic carrier has already indicated an interest in providing a service to the area.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Paige PR, Tagman Media weld strategic partnership PAIGE PR, a leading public relations firm to the oil and gas industry, and Tagman Media, a leading marketing and communications firm in Georgetown, Guyana, have teamed up to support the energy industry as it turns its attention toward new discoveries found off the coast of Guyana.

This partnership will enhance both firms’ public relations and communications capabilities to international oil and gas clients moving into the country, a release from Tagman Media said.

“With nearly 15 years’ experience serving the energy industry, we’re familiar with the international oil and

gas landscape and the major players,” said Paige Donnell, CEO and founder of Paige PR. “With our presence in Houston and beyond, we’re equipped to serve companies, both locally and abroad, as they establish a presence in Georgetown, Guyana. We feel privileged and excited to partner with an agency like

Alex Graham - CEO Tagman Media and Paige Donell - CEO Paige PR at the Paige PR offices in Houston Texas

Tagman Media to bring quality communication efforts to companies worldwide. The benefits to this partnership are endless.”

“Our partnership with Paige PR comes at a very exciting time in Guyana given the acceleration in the development of the energy sector,”

said Alex Graham, CEO of Tagman Media. “The team at Paige PR has a wealth of experience in the sector and, combined with Tagman's 25 years of experience in Guyana, creates the synergy that will facilitate the provision of services to Houston-based companies that are rapidly

building out in Georgetown.”

Together, Paige PR and Tagman Media have been providing communication services to clients for nearly 40 years.

Paige PR is an award-winning, Houston-based public relations and marketing agency specialising in strategic communication efforts and integrated campaigns to deliver clients’ messages clearly and effectively.

For its part, Tagman Media is an award-winning multi-faceted, multi-sectoral agency that was established in Guyana in 1995. Tagman Media offers public relations, communications, and corporate social responsibility services through a mix of resident full-time professionals and a network of local, regional, and international associates.

New Amsterdam man busted with large quantity of ganja

The cannabis that was found by the police

A RESIDENT of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, who was on the police’s radar for “quite a while”, was on Wednesday arrested for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

In a statement, the police

said a team of ranks stationed in Berbice, acting on information received, swooped down on the suspect’s two-storeyed East Bank, Berbice residence at about 11:15hrs and conducted a search of the premises in his presence. During the search,

the ranks found sixteen taped parcels of compressed cannabis. The prohibited substance weighed 27.2 kilograms.

The 27-year-old unemployed male is being processed for court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

GNNL parts ways with Sherod Duncan

THE Chairman and Board of Directors of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL) on Tuesday terminated the services of Mr. Sherod Duncan as its General Manager.

Mr. Duncan served as the company’s General Manager from June 1, 2018 to April 2, 2019, the board said in a statement. His appointment took effect from June 1, 2018 and he was on probation for a period of six months.

According to the board, the decision of the Board of Directors came following a five-hour meeting at the company’s office, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park. During Tuesday’s meeting, Duncan, who was accompanied by his legal representative Attorney-at-law Mr. James Bond, had an opportunity to provide the board with an explanation and respond to the findings and contents of the audit report dated March 18, 2019, and additionally, to answer questions posed by the directors. He was asked to show cause why he should not be disciplined in accordance with the recommendations of the report presented by the Office of the Auditor General.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had ordered a full investigation into mismanagement at the GNNL under Duncan’s tenure as General Manager between June 1, 2018 and September 10, 2018. The board, in accordance with this directive, had enlisted the services of the Office of the Auditor General. A special audit

In the end, one director recommended a one month suspension and an extension of the period of probation.

Two directors recommended an extension of the period of probation while three directors held the view that Mr. Duncan’s services should be terminated with immediate effect for ‘gross misconduct’.

The board comprises a chairman and six directors (one of whom was absent at the time Mr. Sherod Duncan

on the overall management and governance of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited in the areas of financial management, human resource management and administrative management for that period was, therefore, done. It is noteworthy to mention that during the investigation, Mr. Duncan was sent on administrative leave pending the outcome of the audit. The final audit report which followed Duncan’s response to the earlier draft report was yesterday examined first by the board and senior management and then by the board together with Duncan and his attorney page-by-page.

All directors who were present were of the view that, the numerous breaches identified in the report in all areas under review were serious in nature and that some form of disciplinary action against the General Manager was necessary, especially given the fact that he was on probation.

Woman gets four years for cocaine trafficking REENA Devi Jagernauth, a Suriname-based Guyanese, was yesterday jailed for four years and fined $13M, 146,077 by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for having cocaine in her possession at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The 23-year-old woman pleaded guilty to the charge which read that on April 1, 2019, at the CJIA, she had approximately 853 grammes of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. The cocaine was valued at over 13 million Guyana dollars.

Reena Devi Jagernauth

According to Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question at about 13:50hrs, ranks from TURN TO PAGE 20 ►

of the vote) and a workers’ representative without voting rights.

Following the call for a vote on the matter of termination of services, three directors voted against while three voted in favour of termination. There was a tie.

Invoking article 94 of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Chairman exercised her right to a casting vote in favour of termination

of services. Article 94 states, inter alia: “Questions arising at any meeting shall be decided by a majority of votes. In cases of an equality of votes the chairman shall have a second or casting vote”. Mr. Sherod Duncan’s services were terminated with immediate effect as a consequence of that outcome.

The requisite communication to Mr. Duncan and his attorney would have by now

been dispatched.

At all material times during this process, great care was taken to ensure that due process was adhered to and that fairness and natural justice prevailed. The Board wishes to thank Mr. Duncan for his services and wishes him every success in his future endeavours.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

GNBA gears up to roll out community radios THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) is set to operationalise its strategic plan for 2019 and National Awareness Campaign with the introduction and development of community radios.

The areas targeted to launch a pilot project are Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge, Essequibo Coast, Wakenaam, Leguan, Linden, Ituni, Kwakwani, Belladrum, Ithaca,

Black Bush Polder, New Amsterdam, and Whim on the Corentyne.

GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers, said while the National Communication Network (NCN) may have stations in the identified areas, it does not preclude the GNBA from establishing community radios there.

According to the chairman, the use of community radios is a model that has

been tried in several parts of the world and there is no reason it cannot be tried in Guyana “With Guyana being on the threshold of development, the agency sees it as opportune to introduce the concept of community development, and with it, we will be able to introduce how powerful broadcasting is.”

“It has the tool of dissemination, it has the tool

to forge public opinion, and too, is a tool to help persons to become aware of what’s happening in their community, the country, the region and the wider world,” he told reporters at a media briefing at his Lamaha Street, Georgetown office.

Sobers opined that the introduction of community radios will truly cause the broadcasting industry to blossom as it will allow for the

GNBA Chairman Leslie Sobers

development of broadcasting at the community level.

Using the village of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice as an example, Sobers said a station established there can give coverage to an area of 15 to 20 miles.

The community radios will be owned and managed by the community and not government.

Residents can tune in to their own radio station and hear issues relating to and affecting their community.

The Neighbourhood Development Councils (NDCs) can host talk shows to highlight, discuss and share solutions to issues affecting their communities.

It is the belief of the GNBA that managers of community radios will also help to train individuals at the community level who have an interest in broadcasting.

They are free to air commercials at a cost, thus alleviating the need for persons from the community to travel to Georgetown to do so.

Sobers also noted that the funds garnered from such ventures can be used to aid in the professional development

of broadcasters, including the offering of scholarships to individuals in the community.

Sobers emphasised that the concept of community radio does not have a narrow objective since it is being developed for community purposes and there is so much that can be developed through community broadcasting.

“In addition to the community radios being used to direct the young people in several different areas of endeavor, as youths love to hear themselves, it can help some youths to better understand peer pressure.

“Inter-village soccer matches, the hosting of music-related shows featuring persons from within their own community and spotting persons with specific gifts, along with indigenous skills can all be highlighted through the community radio.

“We believe that through that medium people will start to look within themselves, and within their respective communities for skill sets and talents that exist, and to a greater extent it will lend to a freedom of expression. It will aid in the development of persons who will then be willing to join national dialogues on things of interest since they would have developed a level of confidence,” Sobers said.

However, he reminded that work at a community radio station will be voluntary. He also hinted that the agency intends to host inhouse training sessions for broadcasters to help them improve their art.

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Woman gets four... the narcotics unit who were on duty at the time observed the defendant acting suspiciously, while awaiting her flight with COPA Airlines. She was approached by the ranks who requested to conduct a search on luggage which she identified as hers. A search was then carried out in her presence at the departure area of the airport.

The search revealed a quantity of a substance suspected to be cocaine

in the covers of some books, which she tried to conceal. As a result, she was taken to the narcotics department of the airport, where further searches were conducted.

Cocaine was also found in deodorant bottles, in jars of creams, perfume bottles, make-up kits and markers. The defendant was then told of the offence and was arrested.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Barbados complete double with eight-wicket win over Guyana

By Rajiv Bisnauth

BARBADOS Senior Women’s cricket team put an end to their regional tournaments with all the verve that was expected of them at the start, brushing Guyana aside by eight wickets and more than three overs to spare in the final match of the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze tournament last evening at the National Stadium, Providence.

Winning the T20 tournament also meant Barbados finished the season undefeated and had made a clean sweep of regional women’s cricket titles this year after capturing the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup earlier.

The Barbadians were clinical with the ball right

from the word go, as they kept pegging the home team back with wickets at regular intervals. The Guyanese could only muster up 85-7 in their allotted overs.

Star all-round Deandra Dottin and Kycia Knight then made their presence felt, stroking unbeaten knocks of 43 and 24 respectively which led the visitors to 86-2 in 16.1 overs.

Dottin, the West Indies all-rounder, clobbered six fours and two maximums while Knight faced 27 balls in her knock with two boundaries.

At the start of the game, the Guyanese run rate was heavily restricted after they won the toss and decided to take first knock.

Captain Shemaine Campbelle spearheaded the fight to restore stability to their innings with a top score of 18 off 28 balls, with two boundaries and receiving some support from Cherry Ann Fraser (15), Shabika Gajnabi (12), and Melanie Henry (10).

The home team was quickly in trouble when they lost Tremayne Smartt, run out for two and Sheneta Grimmond, who was bowled by medium pacer Shanika Bruce (1-18) without scoring at 6-2 after the first two overs.

Campbelle and Henry then added 36 runs for the third wicket but the hosts were once again found wanting with the bat, losing wickets in a flurry.

They stuttered to 48-5 with Shakera Selman (2-16), claiming the wicket of Henry while the off-spinner Hayley Matthews (2-13), removed the in-form Campbelle and Akaze Thomspon (0), off consecutive deliveries in her third over.

The Guyanese other substantial partnership was between Gajnabi and Fraser as they put together 23 for the sixth wicket before they were dismissed to Selman and Shanika Connell (1-16) respectively.

Barbados’ innings was somewhat sluggish up front, resulting in their Powerplay overs yielding just 22 runs for the loss of opener Danielle Small, who was trapped leg before wicket to Erva Giddings for one.

Matthews made a 30-ball 15 before she departed off Grimmond. However, Knight and Dottin then joined forces to seal the win.

Meanwhile, Windward Islands beat the Leeward Islands by a margin of 11 runs to earn a consolation victory in game two of the final round.

Scores: Windward Islands 115-8 – Afy Fletcher and Swayline Williams made 24 runs apiece; Malisa Howard and Amanda Edwards claimed two wickets apiece. In reply, the Leeward Islands were restricted to 104-9. Saneldo Willett top-scored with 25.

Pearl Etienne took 3-14.

After the final game, Captain Matthews praised her team for the commitment, hard work and discipline throughout the tournament.

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MUMBAI Indians (MI) registered a comprehensive 37-run victory to end Chennai Super Kings’ unbeaten run in IPL 2019 yesterday.

Put in to bat first, MI started slowly but late blitzkrieg from Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya helped them end at 170/5.

Quinton de Kock (4) departed in just the third over as he looked to up the ante but holed out at square leg with Deepak Chahar drawing first blood.

Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav then tried to repair the damage, adding 37 runs for the second wicket. But Ravindra Jadeja cut short the MI skipper’s stay, dismissing him on 13. Rohit edged one to Dhoni who took a smart catch.

Tahir then removed in-form Yuvraj Singh (4) cheaply. Krunal Pandya came out all guns blazing, hitting Chahar for three consecutive boundaries.

Local boy Suryakumar Yadav looked good as well

Pandya stars as Mumbai Indians end CSK’s unbeaten run during his stay, timing the ball well and getting on top of the bounce early.

half-century from 38 balls.

However, Mohit Sharma removed Krunal Pandya for 42,

The two took their time but ensured that MI didn’t lose anymore wickets.

Suryakumar completed his

with the all-rounder missing out on a deserving half-century. Krunal hit five boundaries and one six.

No. 73 Young Warriors, CWC Sports Club and No. 72 Cut & Load record victories

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Suryakumar departed for 59 in the next over and that brought big hitters

Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard added 45 runs in the last two overs. (BCCI photo)

BCB/GNNL/RHTY&SC Upper Corentyne 100-ball tournament

LAKERAM Latchman led from the front with ball and bat to steer the No. 73 Young Warriors to an easy win over Scottsburg United in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Guyana National Newspapers Limited (GNNL), RHTY&SC MS 100-ball knockout cricket tournament for teams in the Upper Corentyne.

CWC Sports Club and No. 72 Cut and Load also recorded victories on Sunday.

In their clash at the No. 73 ground, Scottsburg United batted first and scored 97-9 off their allotted balls. Shahab Rasheed scored 29, while Aaron Jamalodeen added 20. Bowling for No. 73 Young Warriors, skipper Latchman and Rajesh Bisnauth finished with 4-25 and 4-19 respectively.

The home team in reply, raced to 103-3 off 84 balls, with Latchman finishing with 37 not out. Ojraj Singh,

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

who scored 32, also finished not out. Akram Ally led Scottsburg United with 1-8.

Meanwhile at the No. 69 ground, No. 72 Cut and Load defeated No 69 Vikings by 10 wickets. No 69 Vikings were routed for 48. Only V. Lallbeharry (12) and S. Rajaram (12)

Lakeram Latchman had a good all-round game for the No. 73 Young Warriors.

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showed resistance, but neither could get on top of the bowling. Devanand Chattterpaul took 3-6, Abindra Paresar 2-10 and Victor Pedro and Rishi Persaud 2-11 each.

Led by 28 from Persaud and 10 not out from Ramesh Omaperaud, No.72 Cut and Load then raced to 49-0.

At CWC, the home team defeated Radha Krishna Academy by nine wickets.

The visitors reached 77 in their innings, with Chandradeo Laljit and Khemraj Dhup scoring 13 and 12 runs in that order.

Darshand Chalitar and Jalid Singh finished with 3-14 and 3-17 respectively to lead the home team, who replied with 78-1. Naresh Deo led the attack with 36 not out, while Bishram Shukram added 34 unbeaten runs.

Twenty-four teams from the UCCA are in the competition.

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Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard to the crease.

MI were 125-5 after 18 overs and were headed for a below-par score but things changed dramatically in the final two overs.

Shardul Thakur conceded 16 runs from the 19th while usually reliable Dwayne Bravo conceded 29 runs from the final over as Mumbai added 45 runs in the final two overs.

Pandya hit 25 runs from just 8 balls, with three huge sixes and one boundary. Pollard meanwhile hit 17 from 7 with two sixes, much to the delight of MI dressing room.

All the CSK bowlers were among the wickets, with Tahir’s 1-25 being the standout performance. Jadeja interestingly bowled only two overs and ended with figures of 1-10. Bravo’s figures of 1-49 were marred by a disastrous final over.

CSK’s chase got off to the worst possible start, with Ambati Rayudu’s struggles with the bat extending further. The opener was removed for a first-ball duck

by Jason Behrendorff as he extracted some extra bounce from the wicket.

Malinga removed the other opener, Shane Watson, as he hit one straight to Pollard at covers.

Behrendorff kept things tight and was soon rewarded with a wicket but it was more due to the fielding brilliance of Pollard on the boundary line.

Suresh Raina looked to hit one into the stands, but Pollard stationed at the point boundary took a one-handed blinder, ending with a somersault.

MS Dhoni got a hero’s welcome as he joined Kedar Jadhav at the crease. The two

steadied the ship for CSK but took their time, completing the 50-partnership. Jadhav targeted Bumrah, hitting him for 15 runs in his first over.

Just when the game seemed to be heading to Dhoni territory, Rohit threw the ball to Hardik and the all-rounder delivered by removing Dhoni and Jadeja in the same over.

Dhoni hit one straight to square leg, departing for a 21-ball 12. Jadeja nicked one straight to de Kock for 1.

After that, it was always going to be an uphill task for the visitors. Jadhav scored a valiant half-century but departed for 58 as he looked to hit Malinga out of the park but only managed a nick to the keeper.

Bravo hit one into the third tier but departed next ball for 8, again Malinga getting the wicket.

Shardul Thakur did hit a six and a four, ending unbeaten on 10 but it was never going to be enough as MI registered a comprehensive win.

Pandya was the standout bowler, ending with figures of 3-20. Malinga also picked up three but conceded 34 runs in his three overs. Behrendorff was the other star performer with the ball, ending with figures of 0-22.

Wonder horses given superhero treatment ahead of Grand National

Tiger Roll will be ridden again by Davy Russell as they bid to win the Grand National for the second year in succession.

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Britain’s Jockey Club has enlisted Marvel comic book artists to give the superhero treatment to some of the country’s alltime wonder horses in a bid to win over a new generation of racing fans.

The 24-page book ‘Magnificent Racehorses’, penned by artists from the stable that created the likes of Black Panther and Spider-Man, is being published ahead of Saturday’s Grand National at Aintree.

It tells the stories of 10 crowd favourites of the past including three-time National winner Red Rum, super stallion Frankel and Cheltenham Gold Cup great Desert Orchid.

“Horseracing is the second biggest spectator sport in Britain and we want to ensure a new generation of fans are constantly discovering the drama and excitement of its stories,” said Jockey Club Racecourses chief executive Paul Fisher.

The Jockey Club, founded early in the 18th century, runs Liverpool’s Aintree racecourse as well as other leading venues including Cheltenham, Epsom Downs and Newmarket.

Tiger Roll, last year’s National winner on a photo finish, is the 7-2 favourite to repeat the victory at Aintree in a 40-horse field over 30 daunting fences. Last year’s race was watched by an estimated worldwide television audience of 600 million.

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Jury fail to reach verdict on police chief accused over Hillsborough stadium crush

PRESTON, England (Reuters) - A jury at the trial of a former police chief in charge of operations at the 1989 Hillsborough soccer stadium crush that killed 96 Liverpool supporters failed yesterday to reach a verdict on whether he was guilty of manslaughter.

The victims, many young, died in an overcrowded, fenced-in enclosure at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield, northern England, at an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest on a warm, sunny afternoon in April, 27 years ago.

Harrowing images of young fans crushed against metal fences, bodies lying on the pitch and spectators using wooden advertising hoardings as makeshift stretchers horrified the nation.

Police at first blamed the disaster on drunken fans, an explanation that was always rejected by survivors, relatives of the victims and the wider Liverpool community who spent years fighting to find out what had happened.

Later inquests and a

damning independent inquiry absolved the fans of any responsibility.

After a 10-week trial and eight days of deliberation, a jury at Preston Crown Court yesterday failed to reach a

“We have discussed the matter carefully with counsel and I can confirm the CPS will seek a retrial against Mr Duckenfield,” Sue Hemming from the Crown Prosecution Service

Former Chief Superintendent of South Yorkshire Police, David Duckenfield, arrives at Preston Crown Court, to attend his trial regarding the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, in Preston, Britain, yesterday. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

decision on charges of manslaughter by gross negligence against former Chief Supt David Duckenfield, the police officer in charge on the day.

He had denied the charge.

said in a statement.

The jury did, however, find former Sheffield Wednesday club secretary Graham Mackrell guilty of a charge under the Health and Safety

at Work Act. The Hillsborough tragedy, which happened within minutes of kick-off, changed the face of English soccer. Banks of terracing and metal fences around pitches disappeared, replaced by modern, all-seated venues and better security.

The jury had heard that 96 died as a result of a crush. However, under the law at the time, there could be no prosecution for the 96th victim as he died more than a year after the tragedy.

“While forthcoming legal proceedings restrict comment on the outcome of the trial, we acknowledge the guilty verdict for Graham Mackrell and can empathise with the frustration shared by everyone affected by the Hillsborough tragedy that the outcome was not definitive,” Liverpool FC said in a statement.

“Furthermore, the journey not only to reach today’s stage and continue is testament to the perseverance and determination of all involved in the ongoing campaign for justice which is now into its 30th year.”

Eighteen reps successfully complete GOA’s Olympic Solidarity Sports Administration course in Linden

Seated from left are GOA representatives Claude Blackmoore, Garfield Wiltshire, Mayor Waneka Arrindell, Charles Corbin, Mayfield Taylor-Trim and Deion Nurse. Standing far right is Wanda Richmond.

By Joe Chapman EIGHTEEN sports representatives from Linden have successfully completed the Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) 20th annual Olympic Solidarity-sponsored Sports Administrators Course which was held in Linden over the weekend at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre.

The four-day course, which actually began last Thursday and concluded on Sunday, had at the conclusion two participants who topped the course by gaining over 90 percent, namely Delon Peters and Richlin Paton.

GOA official Garfield Wiltshire noted: “Of the results there were seven with A, which is above 80 per cent. Actually there were two persons above 90 percent, three persons in the 70s, six with C which was above 60 percent and two with D - above 50 percent.

Mayor of Linden Mrs Waneka Arrindell, at the closing ceremony, was proud of the achievement and remarked: “It is a privilege to be here. Linden has been the best in sports all the time and it is a privilege for the GOA to actually come here, rather than we being a part of them, without this we are still the best.

“I am very grateful to be here I am truly honoured. We are proud of the training that you have given to the residents of Linden.”

Wiltshire, however, said: “I would like to congratulate you on a job well done and that you would have retained much of what was done even though there were a lot of complaints but I congratulate you on a job well done.

Those who were certified at the end of the four-day Sports Administrators Course were Lisa Chee-A-Tow, Christol Thom, Richlin Paton, Melissa Joseph, Shanna Chester, Jamila Wills, June Harris, Dr Karen Perreira, Nichola Jacobs, Nyamikky Johnson, Annetta Assanah, Irin Cadogan, Shanees Velloza, Cliffana Hunter, Dillion Scipio, Swain Ross, Delon Peters and Dwayne McKinnon.

Course Director Claude Blackmoore in giving his overview said, “An overview of this course which happens to be our 20th Administrators Course we have been hosting is one where we have been to about 15 different areas. Why 15 and not 20 is because we have been to some areas more often than once.

“From my quick look and assumption of our candidates and their performances today, I would like to say to each one of you present, congratulations on work well done. Congratulations on what you have produced in terms of your actions.

“Congratulations in the manner in which you presented yourselves. Congratulations in the various pieces of issues which you identified and for which you have made suggestions.”

European Leagues say will not allow UEFA competitions at weekends

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Europe’s domestic leagues, concerned about plans to drastically overhaul football on the continent from 2024, say they will not allow UEFA club competitions to be played at weekends.

The topic, alongside the revenue distribution model for the Champions League and Europa League, is set to dominate discussions when the European Leagues umbrella organisation holds a general assembly in Lisbon tomorrow.

UEFA has recently begun discussions with the continent’s clubs over the format for European competitions from 2024.

The European Club Association (ECA) has said it wants more teams playing more games in European competition although, after meeting in Amsterdam last week, added that it was too early to give details on what was being planned.

However, the European Leagues are concerned that European soccer’s governing body UEFA could ultimately give captive places to some bigger clubs and play matches at weekends.

“We will always protect our weekendsEuropean Leagues Deputy General Secretary Alberto Colombo told Reuters.

European Leagues Deputy General Secretary Alberto Colombo

“The passion of football fans is driven by local football and by their tradition to go to the stadium with family an. We will not allow European club competition to be played at weekends,” d friends on Saturday and Sunday.”

Colombo added that under the current model the clubs earned places in UEFA club competition by finishing at the top of their respective leagues.

“If you give the big clubs guaranteed places in UEFA Club Competition and you destroy this model, it will devalue domestic football which drives the passion of fans,” he said.

European club football runs in three-year cycles with the current one ending in 2021.

The format for the 2021-24 cycle was decided last year with the addition of a new third-tier competition in addition to the Champions League and the Europa League.

However, revenue distribution for the 2021-24 cycle has not been settled and European Leagues are arguing for a greater share of the spoils to be given to the clubs who do not qualify for European competition.

It wants so-called solidarity payments to be increased from the current 7.3 percent to 20 percent in the next cycle.

In a recent statement, the Leagues said it was “imperative to increase solidarity so as to safeguard the dream of all clubs, and not just a few rich ones, to perform in a fair competitive environment.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) Wriddhiman Saha-115* (King’s vs KKR, 2014) (2) Murali Vijay-95 (CSK vs RCB, 2011) TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) How many runs Shimron Hetmyer has totaled in his first three games in his debut IPL season?

(2) How many runs Keemo Paul scored in his first two IPL games?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

City in command at the top after win over Cardiff

RHTYSC receives major boost

Manchester City’s Leroy Sane scores their second goal. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester City took command in the Premier League title race with a 2-0 win over Cardiff City that moved Pep Guardiola’s side a point clear of Liverpool with six games of the campaign remaining.

The destiny of the title is in City’s hands with both teams having now played 32 games and City on 80 points while Juergen Klopp’s team are on 79.

City dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Kevin De Bruyne ran on to a clever pass from Aymeric Laporte and blasted past Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge from a tight angle.

Leroy Sane made it 2-0 a minute before the interval with a sweet left-foot drive after a clever chest pass from Gabriel Jesus.

Somehow though City were unable to add to their tally

after the break with Etheridge making a series of fine saves as City peppered the Cardiff goal.

He saved a Laporte header from a Phil Foden cross in the 66th minute, the City teenager having started his first Premier League game.

In the following five minutes the Philippine international keeper then parried and pushed over the bar a fierce Riyad Mahrez drive; was at full stretch to keep out a Sane shot and then dealt expertly with a Foden effort - the 18-year-old having also hit the post.

Cardiff had barely troubled the City defence but they came close to pulling a goal back on the break, in the 74th minute when Kyle Walker slipped but Oumar Niasse was unable to finish off the counter, Ederson racing out to deny him.

The result leaves 18th placed Cardiff five points away from the safety zone on 28 points. Burnley, Southampton and Brighton are all on 33 points, Huddersfield Town and Fulham have already been relegated.

Pele hospitalised in Paris with a strong fever - friend

By Sudip Kar-Gupta, Richard Lough

PARIS, France (Reuters) - Brazilian football great Pele was hospitalised in Paris with a strong fever but his condition is not life-threatening and he should be released “within a couple of days,” one of his long-time friends said yesterday.

The 78-year-old was suffering from a urinary infection and being treated with antibiotics, his friend and spokesman Pepito Fornos, who was with Pele at the hospital, said.

“Everything is under control. Everything’s fine.”

Pele was admitted late on Tuesday as a precaution after attending an event in the French capital with France’s World Cup winning youngster Kylian Mbappe.

He was still in hospital yesterday evening, though with signs he was mak-

ing a recovery, he said on Twitter: “I met Kylian Mbappe and his parents last night in Paris at @ Hublot event. We talked goals, World Cups and watches. Great company!”

Pele, revered by many as football’s greatest player ever, is alone in winning the World Cup three times, first lifting the trophy aged 17. The Brazilian was swift to praise

Brazilian football great Pele

Earlier, Mbappe had written on social media: “I had the chance this evening to spend a once-in-a-lifetime moment with the living legend @Pele.”

Mbappe after he set last year’s World Cup in Russia alight with his electric speed and goal-scoring.

Mbappe became the youngest player (19) to

score two goals in a World Cup game since Pele in 1958. He also became the first teenager since Pele to score in a World Cup final.

“If Kylian keeps equalling my records like this I may have to dust my boots off again,” Pele tweeted at the time.

Mbappe replied: “The King will always remain King.”

The Paris St Germain forward told Tuesday’s event he would never match the Brazil great’s scoring tally during his career. Pele says he has scored 1 025 goals.

“Even with the goals in playgrounds, goals on the PlayStation, I could never equal (that),” the 20-yearold said at the sponsors’ event.

Mbappe and Pele had been scheduled to meet late last year but had to postpone, again because of Pele’s health, French media said.

THE efforts of the 10 teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, to advise youths via their popular ‘Say No/Say Yes Campaign’ received a major boost last Thursday.

The teams received close to $500 000 in cash and stationery from several business entities in Georgetown. The main objective of the campaign is to encourage youths to Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Crime, Tobacco and Yes to Life, Education, Sports, Religion, Community Service.

Regal Stationery donated close to $200 000 worth of ice pitchers and stationery while the Guyana Oil Company contributed $100 000.

The 10 cricket teams also benefitted from contributions from Farfan & Mendes Ltd, John Fernandes Ltd, Guyana Geology & Mines Commission and Modern Optical Services.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hailed the contributions of the donors, stating that in 2019, special emphasis would be placed on the Say No to Suicide and Yes to Education Message. The 2019 campaign would include the hosting of several educational programmes including Essay, Debating, Poster and Spelling Bee. The teams would also be publishing the club’s Annual Review Magazine, Youth Information Booklet and Educational Posters. Additionally, the teams would support the hosting of sporting events such as cricket, cycling, football, volleyball, basketball and softball while numerous Awards would be organised to honour outstanding teachers, retired educators, law enforcement officers, medical personnel, students and role models.

The club and its 10 cricket teams would also be sharing out millions of dollars’ worth of sport gear, stationery, cycles, schoolbags and footwear to youths and organisations across Berbice.

Assistant Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, 18-year-old Simon Naidu expressed gratitude to Regal Stationery CEO Mahendra Hardyal and the Management of Guyoil, Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Modern Optical, John Fernandes Ltd and the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission for their assistance.

ICC to join hands with Interpol to tackle corruption (REUTERS) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) will work more closely with Interpol as part of ongoing efforts to combat corruption in the sport, the governing body said on Wednesday.

Alex Marshall is ICC Anti-Corruption Unit’s general manager

Alex Marshall, ICC’s general manager of its anti-corruption unit, met Interpol officials in Lyon last week to seek closer working relations, it added.

“The ICC has an excellent relationship with law enforcement agencies in a number of countries but working with Interpol means we are connecting with their 194 members,” Marshall said

in a statement.

“Our focus is on education of players and prevention and disruption of corruptors. Where our enquiries reveal criminal offences have been committed, we will refer this to the relevant law enforcement organisations and this makes Interpol an important partner for us.”

Cricket has suffered a series of corruption cases in recent years.

In 2011, Pakistan’s Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were found guilty of taking bribes to fix part of a test match against England in a case that prosecutors said revealed rampant corruption at the heart of international cricket.

Earlier this year, the ICC had granted Sri Lankan cricketers a 15-day amnesty to report previously undisclosed information relating to corruption in the sport.

It was followed by former captain and chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya being handed a two-year ban for refusing to cooperate with any investigation conducted by its anti-corruption unit.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, April 4, 2019

Stand up for what you believe in - Cox

CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani (left) poses with the Gold Cup after announcing that Jamaica will be hosting two games inside the National Stadium on June 17. Sharing in the historic occasion at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel are JFF president Michael Ricketts (right) and Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, who represented Minister of Sports Olivia Grange. (Jamaica Observer photo)

Jamaica to host CONCACAF Gold Cup double-header June 17 JAMAICA stands to benefit economically from its historic hosting of two CONCACAF Gold Cup matches on Monday, June 17.

That was the assessment of CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani on Tuesday, shortly after he announced at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston that for the first time in 15 tournaments, a Caribbean country will host matches in the Caribbean.

Two Group C matches, featuring two-time finalists Jamaica, Honduras and two other teams that will become known during the Gold Cup draw on April 10 in Los Angeles, will be played inside Kingston’s National Stadium.

Moreover, beyond making history, the land of the Reggae Boyz will enjoy other benefits as well.

“Well, first you’re going to have a lot of eyeballs on the matches from all over the world, not just a confederation audience but also an international audience. You’re going to have fans coming in, obviously the teams and their delegations coming and then you have VIPs,” he said.

“I don’t have the exact number, but the economic impact to the region, to the city, to the country is quite significant because they will be here for three days, four days leading up to the match and so it’s not just the matches, there are training sessions, media

sessions, so the impact is quite significant.”

He said the idea to award Jamaica the matches is also in keeping with the mandate to reward the growth of the sport in the region, plus the country’s burgeoning reputation as a football power.

“The first decision as soon as I became CONCACAF president was I felt we had the quality in the region to increase it (the Gold Cup) from 12 to 16 teams.

“I saw some of the results. I saw some of the results from the last Gold Cup by some of the debutants, Curacao being one of them. And now what has happened in the Nations League, we saw some of the teams that qualified for the Gold Cup for the first time, like Bermuda, my intimation of that was correct,” Montagliani said.

“The second was I always thought the way to increase the level not just on the field but off the field was to bring events.

“Events that build capacity are the bigger events. That is where you get the attention of governments, of commercial partners, the corporate sector and so I thought it was important to bring the Gold Cup to the Caribbean. It’s never been done before. We know Jamaica’s long history, not only in the region but in the world. It was just a natural fit to bring the Gold Cup to Jamaica.”

Jamaica women beat T&T by seven wickets

By Rajiv Bisnauth

JAMAICA women made the most of their Trinidad and Tobago counterparts’ sloppiness to win by seven wickets in yesterday’s opening game of the final round of Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze yesterday morning at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

After their bowlers all contributed in restricting the Trinidadians to 145-6, player-ofthe-match Chedean Nation and Chinelle Henry led the charge with the 32-year-old Nation striking a measured unbeaten 63 while 23-year-old Henry struck a belligerent unbeaten 44. They eventually reached 146-3 in 18.4 overs.

Having elected to bowl in brilliant sunshine, Stafanie Taylor’s decision was rewarded early by right-hand medium fast bowler Karla Cohen, who dislodged opener Lee Ann Kirby for five.

Fellow-opener Stacy Ann King struck a 17-ball 26, with four boundaries but the Trinidadians lost three wickets inside the first six overs, including King, who was removed by medium pacer Henry, and Reniece Boyce, run-out for one.

The defending champions maintained their stranglehold,

even as Britney Cooper, who top-scored with 30 off 27 balls, counted four boundaries, and captain Merissa Aguilleira (10), added 42 for the fourth wicket, with the run rate only marginally above five per over.

However, Nation then broke the stand with the wicket of Cooper while Aguilleira went via run-out, at 87-5.

But the saving grace for the batting side was the 72run stand for the sixth wicket between Anisa Mohammed and Rachel Vincent, much to their relief, as the duo stitched

a much-needed partnership to give their bowlers something to bowl at.

Both batters struck three boundaries apiece in their contribution of 26 runs each before Vincent was dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings to off-spinner Vanessa Watts.

Jamaica’s chase of 146 hinged on a powerful start but they were curbed early on as, the defending champions lost three wickets at the half-way stage of the game.

Openers Natasha McLean (8), and Jodian Morgan (13), were

removed by off-spinner Karishma Ramharack and medium pacer Felicia Walters respectively inside the Powerplay period while captain Taylor went off the bowling of off-spinner Leandra Ramdeen for 14, at 56-3.

Thereafter, the right-handed pair of Nation and Henry shared an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 90 runs in just 49 balls to seal the win.

Nation, with 17 T20Is to her name, struck seven fours and a six in her 53-ball knock while Henry smashed four fours and one six in 21 balls.

Player-of-the-match Chedean Nation

An ecstatic Samuel Cox in celebration following Guyana’s 2-1 win over Belize on March 23

By Rawle Toney IN 2016, with the aim of helping Guyana to qualify for the 2017 Gold Cup, captain Samuel Cox, made a bold choice to represent Gold Jaguars over his club (at the time) Boreham Wood FC - a move for which he was chastised, and later fired by head coach Luke Garrad, who said the Guyanese captain was selfish in wanting to play for the Gold Arrowhead instead of his employers.

Boreham Wood Football Club competes in the National League of English football – the fifth tier – and Cox has made a total of 122 appearances for the club, with his longest stint being 2013-2016, after he was a year-long loan (2011-2012) from Barnet FC. Guyana came up a few goals shy of qualification, following their heart-breaking 2-4 defeat to Jamaica at the National Track and Field Centre. The Reggae Boyz would then go on to lose 1-2 in a nailbiter climax in the finals of the 2017 Gold Cup against the USA. Fast-forward two years later – March 23 to be exact – Cox was once again tasked with captaining the side against Belize in a crucial final match in the CONCACAF Nations League Qualifier.

Robust defending by the 28-year-old England-based player, along with an almost perfect performance by the rest of the cast, and goals from Neil Danns and Emery Welshman, saw Guyana win 2-1 and booked their place at the June 15-July 7 Gold Cup. “If you knew my story, you would know why this moment means so much to me. This one wasn’t only for the people of Guyana ... this was for everyone who’s ever stood up for something they believed in,” an emotional Cox reflected.

He added: “In 2016, I lost my job at my club for choosing to represent my country. At the time people questioned me if I was making the right decision and since have asked if I regretted it ... But I’ve always put my trust in God’s plan.”

According to Cox, captaining Guyana to the country’s first major tournament and qualifying for the Gold Cup has proved that the decision he made in 2016 was the right one.

“It was hard to see it then, but I had to remember that God was directing my steps the whole time. Sometimes you need to be bold, stand up for what you believe in, and step into the unknown ... Because that’s where miracles happen. Never give up on your dream,” the Golden Jaguars captain profoundly proclaimed.

Meanwhile, Cox completed his Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) A-level Licences programme last year as he prepares for life after his playing career.

Also, last November, Golden Jaguars skipper picked up the ‘Ones to Watch’ Award at the annual ‘The Football Black List’.

The prestigious Ones to Watch award, named after former Aston Villa defender and Tottenham Hotspurs U-23 coach Ugo Ehiogu, who collapsed and died from cardiac arrest at the ‘Spurs’ training ground last year, seeks to recognise footballers aged under 30 years, whose current activities look set to springboard them onto even greater accomplishments in the near future.

Barbados complete double with eight-wicket win over Guyana Page

23

Off-spinner Hayley Matthews (not in picture) bowled Akaze Thomspon. (Adrian Narine photos)

The winning Barbados team after claiming the Cricket West Indies Women’s T20 Blaze title last evening at the National Stadium, Providence. The win gave the Barbadians a clean sweep of regional women’s cricket titles this year after capturing the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 Cup earlier.

CONCACAF lauds GFF/Government partnership

From left, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, CONCACAF Senior Manager Howard McIntosh and GFF president Wayne Forde following a visit to the proposed site for another football facility at D’Urban Park.

(Rawle Toney photo)

HOWARD McIntosh, Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) senior manager for the regional football governing body’s One CONCACAF and Caribbean Project, lauded the collaborative work between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Government of Guyana, specifically their recent ‘MOU’ and the allocation of a plot of land at D’Urban Park.

The GFF, represented by its president Wayne Forde, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Minister of State Joseph Harmon on February 9 at Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP).

The project will house an international quality full-size pitch, two mini-pitches and a new headquarters for GFF. The mini-pitches will be fully accessible to the general public for community football tournaments and recreational games.

Minister Harmon said the signing was a turning point for youths as they would have access to high-quality public infrastructure which would cater to the development of talents in the sporting field - a sentiment that was echoed by McIntosh.

McIntosh, who is on a two-day visit to Guyana, along with Forde and Director of Sport Christopher Jones, visited the D’Urban Park site yesterday and told reporters that “this type of development must lead to more returns in terms of football and in sports generally. There’s nothing like seeing the manifestations of possibilities become a reality, such as the performance in the Nations League … and also the qualification to the Gold Cup.” According to the Jamaican, “What this can do to change sports generally and football, particularly in Guyana, it is infinitesimal; grassroots development, youth football development – boys and girls – and of course the elite football development in terms of the training pitches. When you have your own facilities, you govern your own training time. It means you can have grassroots development on an ongoing basis.”

Meanwhile, Jones pointed out that the Government of Guyana is more than willing to make lands available to the various sports association, providing that it’s available.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino visited Guyana in 2017 and met with President David Granger, Minister Harmon said, after which a commitment was made to help Guyana to achieve organisational goals.

Minister Harmon explained that President Granger also committed to ensuring that at the level of government the necessary partnership for the development of the sport is maintained.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2019