Guyana chronicle e paper 07 01 2018

1st JULY, 2018

Big electoral blow No.105322

–– Ramkarran says CCJ ruling will affect PPP at 2020 polls

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Life saving surgery

These doctors and nurses work feverishly to save the lives of a mother and her child with a C-section operation at the Mabaruma Hospital (DPI photo)

From trash to treasure

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Criminally charge those guilty –– families of Lindo Creek victims recommend

By Svetlana Marshall

WITH the Lindo Creek Commission of Inquiry (CoI) weeks or possibly days away from wrapping up its investigation, relatives of the slain miners are calling for criminal charges to be laid against those fingered as the perpetrators.

Among the terms of reference for the CoI, is the clause that mandates the chairman of the Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Donald

Trotman, to recommend actions to be taken against all persons and/ or organisations that are deemed responsible for the deaths of the miners, and relatives want those responsible to face the court.

The need for justice for the miners – Cedric Arokium, Dax Arokium, Horace Drakes, Bonny Harry, Lancelot Lee, Compton Speirs, Nigel Torres and Clifton ‘Berry’ Wong – was key among recommendations submitted to the commission

by relatives of the victims.

Eight different sets of recommendations were submitted to the commission in recent days after the families agreed that they should approach Justice (ret’d) Trotman on the matter.

On Saturday, the commission’s Public Relations Officer Melanie Morris confirmed that the families of the eight miners submitted recommendations to the commission, but made it clear that the submissions

Pauline Yearwood were not as a result of a request by government or the commission.

On Thursday, June 21, 2018, at least three of the families said they were approached by the government to submit claims for compensation. But three other families said the information was misrepresented.

It was explained that

Maureen Harry during the public hearings, the families constantly met, and it was during one of those meetings that it was agreed that they should approach the government or the commission with recommendations for consideration.

However, the families had expressed different needs, and as such, they subsequently agreed to submit individ-

Yonette Torres ual recommendations to the commission.

Though not detailing the content of the submissions, the commission’s PRO told Guyana Chronicle that the last set of recommendations was received on Friday.

However, a source close to the commission told this newspaper that the eight sets of recommendations were submitted between Monday and Friday last.

“The main thread or the common thread would be the call for justice… that was the main thing,” according to the source.

In addition to calling for justice, the families have asked to be compensated in various ways.

COMPENSATION, SCHOLARSHIP AND MONUMENT “The secondary call was for compensation of some sort, either monetary or otherwise, because a lot of these slain men would have been the main bread winners of their families, and there were a lot of minors, a lot of the children were minors at the time, so that financial gap is still there,” the source explained.

The recommendations also, reportedly, include the need for scholarships and the erection of a monument.

“We want them to be charged. We want the perpetrators to face the court,” one of the family members told Guyana Chronicle See page 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Brawl for PPP leadership begins –– Ramson swipes at Jagdeo

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–– maintains PPP needs ‘young, fresh and credible leadership’

CHARLES Ramson Jr. has come out swinging against People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, declaring that he will not engage in a “tit-for-tat” with the former president on the leadership of the party.

Ramson, who is a member of the PPP and former parliamentarian, said that any back and forth with Jagdeo will be “destroying” Guyana.

“It must change but the political parties have to change the way they do things,” said Ramson in a press statement on Saturday.

Two days ago, Ramson publicly announced that he will be contesting for the post of presidential candidate

PPP General Secretary Bharat Jagdeo of the party, but Jagdeo, in response to this move, said it was a departure from the approach the party has always used.

“We have a way of ap-

proaching these matters…

It’s a departure from that approach but maybe the person here might think this best suit his purpose but the party will meet and discuss this too.”

“One thing we have frowned upon though is lack of modesty, lack of modesty among people who are presidential hopefuls,” Jagdeo told a news conference on Thursday.

Although Ramson said he is not prepared to disrespect the PPP, he noted that he responded to Jagdeo because he is “scared of no man”.

“I respect my political party and all of our members, so I will never disrespect any member in public like that since good leadership

five children, it could be a children property,” Drakes explained.

Horace Drakes’ five children are between the ages of 27 and 18, and of the set three are unemployed.

The wife of the late Bonny Harry, Maureen Harry, echoed similar sentiments, stating that life has been rough since the death of her husband.

“I am hoping for justice.

I am just hoping for justice,

demands that you protect the people you lead…I am scared of no man, I only fear God,” said the young politician.

Ramson believes that both Jagdeo and he are on

the same team, seeking to achieve the same objective and there should be no issue with his announcement.

According to a report from Demerara Waves, from all accounts, the PPP would be sticking with the same formula to arrive at a presidential candidate but, according to Jagdeo the approach could change if the Central Committee itself decides to do otherwise.

“I was never aware of any such custom and over my 10 years with the party I saw different. I saw persons make public announcements before going through a nomination process for the 2015 election and only recently one potential contestant made comments in the newspa-

pers,” said Ramson, adding that persons have done far worse things, such as being involved in corruption.

The young politician said, when those things happened, no press conference was held or disrespectful and childish comparisons were made.

“But I do want to say this about my generation … if you invite our generation into the process and court our support then you are going to have to be prepared to accept that we are going to be bringing fresh ideas, beliefs and way of doing things too,” he said.

The PPP and Guyana need “young, fresh and credible leadership,” he told sections of the media onWednesday afternoon.

that justice would prevail,” she said while also expressing the desire to be financially compensated.

Mother of the late Nigel Torres, Yonette Torres, said her son was a great lost to the family, and though he cannot return, justice would start the healing process. “I hope by the grace of God that we will get justice,” Torres positing while noting that financial compensation would be a plus.

The late Compton Speirs’ sister, Carmen Gittens, told the Guyana Chronicle that a $25M compensation to her brother’s immediate family members would be reasonable. “I am looking forward for something great, and I know God is in control and God will make a way for us,” she posited.

Approximately one week ago, Justice Trotman told this newspaper that he was weeks away from complet-

ing his report for submission to President Granger. His report is expected to reveal the ‘truth’ about the massacre.

“We hope that neither his Excellency nor the families nor the nation will be disappointed,” Justice Trotman told this newspaper.

The remains of the eight miners were discovered at a mining camp at Lindo Creek in the Upper Berbice River on June 21, 2008.

PPP member Charles Ramson Jr

Criminally charge those ...

From page 2

under anonymity. He noted that while there are calls for compensation, the families, at the end of the CoI, would like to see justice served. For them, justice begins, in this case, with charges being laid.

Pauline Yearwood, the mother of Horace Drakes’ five children, said she too wants justice.

“We are looking for jus-

tice. I have five children for him, and I struggled with them… so I am asking the government for justice,” Yearwood told reporters on the sideline of the Memorial Walk on June 21, 2018.

Weighing in on the matter, one of her daughters, Dellencia Drakes said they also want to be compensated.

“We are not looking for the money, we are looking for jobs, and at least if we can get a house for the

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

Thousands protest over migrant separations

People rallied in New York, including marching across the Brooklyn Bridge, on Saturday to protest President Trump’s immigration policies. (New York Times)

(BBC) Tens of thousands of people have joined nationwide protests across the US over the Trump administration’s hardline immigration policies.

More than 630 events were planned, with protesters calling for migrant families split at the US border to be reunited.

Some 2,000 children remain separated from their parents, despite President Donald Trump bowing to public outrage and curtailing the policy.

Concerns remain that records were not kept linking parents and children.

Major protests took place in Washington DC, New York, and many other cities, using the hashtag #familiesbelongtogether. Marchers held placards calling for no more family separations and for the

controversial immigration agency ICE to be abolished.

“It goes against everything we stand for as a country,” one protester, Paula FloresMarques, 27, told Reuters in front of the White House in Washington DC. President Trump was out of town.

In New York they chanted, “Say it loud, say it clear, refugees are welcome here”. In Chicago, protesters marched to the local offices of federal immigration authorities.

The original Trump administration “zero tolerance” policy required authorities to arrest and detain anyone crossing the Mexico-US border illegally. That meant separating children from their parents and holding them separately.

Faced with a massive public outcry after recordings

were published of distressed, crying children in detention centres, President Trump promised to “keep families together” in migrant detention centres.

Migrant families separation: The big picture explained But critics say the order did not address the issue of families already separated, leaving uncertainty over the fate of 2,342 children taken away from their parents between 5 May and 9 June alone. Earlier this week, a judge in California ordered the families to be reunited within 30 days.

It also still requires authorities to detain immigrant families, rather than release them with a court date to return.

WHAT DO THE PROTESTERS WANT?

Organisers said they wanted to send a message to President Trump, prompted by concerns that he would renege on his executive order.

“We cannot slow down now since the court ruling alone isn’t enough and could be overturned,” said a statement on the movement’s website.

As well as the reunification of parents and children, organisers called for an end to immigrant detention - even when families are kept together - and also planned to voice opposition to President Trump’s travel ban targeting five majority-Muslim nations, which was upheld by the US Supreme Court earlier this week.

Demonstrations were also likely to focus on the shakeup of the Supreme Court after Anthony Kennedy announced his retirement last week, giving President Trump the opportunity to solidify a conservative majority on the country’s top court.

Much of the uproar over the separation policy came after news organisations reported on children being held in cells, converted warehouses and desert tents around the country.

President Trump on Saturday defended the agency that played a central role in carrying out the separations the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He told its employees: “You are doing a fantastic job of keeping us safe by eradicating the worst criminal elements. So brave!”

WHO IS TAKING PART? Organisers issued instructions for people to dress in white, to represent peace and unity. The main march is taking place in Washington DC, but one of the people behind the movement, Anna Galland, said separate events were planned in 50 states.

Lead organisers of the march include the American Civil Liberties Union, the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

A number of celebrities expressed their support, including actresses Julianne Moore, America Ferrara and Natalie Portman, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the hit musical Hamilton.

The protests are not the first against Mr Trump’s immigration policy. Nearly 600 women were arrested on Thursday during a sit-in at a

US Senate building against the government’s migration policy. Actress Susan Sarandon was among those detained.

Many were draped in foil sheets to highlight the flimsy bedding given to migrant children held in border detention facilities.

WHAT IS THE POLICY? President Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy has strong support among his key Republican support base. He has repeatedly defended the policy, saying it is simply enforcing the law.

Under a crackdown rolled out in May, all border crossers - including first-time offenders - are criminally charged and jailed.

Migrant children are not permitted to be incarcerated with their parents and are kept in separate facilities maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Under previous US administrations, undocumented immigrants caught crossing the border for the first time tended to be issued with court summonses.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

Mandatory Room Rate Levy takes effect July 1 (Nationnews) Tourism accommodation providers are being reminded that effective Sunday, July 1, a mandatory Room Rate Levy will be applied to all bedrooms per night on the island.

In a notice issued today, the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport stated that the levy, which is to be paid by guests, will be applied at the following rates: Villa Sub Sector and all other Vacation Rental Properties however defined – 2.5 per cent of the nightly rate, capped at USD $10.00; Luxury Class Hotels – USD $10.00; “A” Class Hotels – USD $5.00; and “B” Class Hotels, Apartments and Guest Houses – USD $2.50.

The Ministry requested that the levy be fully disclosed to guests through signage at the front desk, or by email or written correspondence in the absence of front desk facilities.

“Guests should be informed that the levy will be applied to the full duration of stay for persons who will be travelling to Barbados from July 1. Guests, who checked into accommodation before July 1, should be notified that the levy will be applied to the duration of their stay,” it indicated.

Tourism accommodation

providers are also being reminded that the Room Rate Levy is payable to the Barbados Revenue Authority. Providers who are not registered or classified should contact the Barbados Tourism Product Authority, the Ministry said.

Failure to comply with the payment of the Room Rate Levy will result in penalties as prescribed in the governing legislation.

Also taking effect from Sunday, July 1, will be a 2.5 per cent Product Development Levy on Direct Tourism Services as defined in the Value Added Tax (amendment) Act, 2013-22 and the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act, 2018-12.

This includes island tours, cruises other than international cruises, meals, drinks and dining services, as well as goods and services provided by spas, retreats and marinas as outlined under legislation.

For further queries, persons have been advised to contact the Product Quality Unit of the Barbados Tourism Product Authority at 535-3700.

The Room Rate Levy and the Product Development Levy are part of the fiscal measures being implemented under the 2018 mini-budget, which was laid in Parliament

Al-Rawi cited both situations yesterday in Parliament, concluding debate on amendment to the anti-terrorism law.

He stressed it was necessary to pass the bill by yesterday since Government needed to report to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

by September 5 where T&T stands. Parliament’s midyear recess is expected after next Friday.

Al-Rawi said the bill was also necessary since in T&T there are people who’ve revealed themselves internationally as supporters of terrorist ideology and had gone on National Geographic saying this and that they were engaged in active recruiting.

He cited former Enterprise resident Crawford who’d called himself Abu Sa’ad al-Trinidadi (from Trinidad), “...Who said he was from Trinidad and en-

Muslim leader Umar Abdullah

on June 11, to help stabilise the country’s economy.

(BGIS) AG: Shane, Umar Isis talk caused legislation (Trinidad Guardian) Trinidad-born Isis “soldier” Shane Crawford’s public

support of the Islamic State (Isis) and local Muslim leader Umar Abdullah’s revelation that he once supported Isis ideology were among factors which prompted strengthening of T&Ts anti-terrorism law.

Attorney General Faris

Sunday, July 01, 2018 –– 5:30

couraged Muslims in T&T to take up arms against the State and support Isis ideology— that was in the (Isis) Dabiq magazine”.

Crawford was reported to have been killed in Middle East fighting in October 2016.

Al- Rawi added: “And there was Umar Abdullah who said he at one time supported Isis ideology and philosophy. Crawford was among (2011) detainees in the State of Emergency called by the former Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration.”

Al-Rawi said T&T’s was also in danger of sanctions—concerning banks and brokering—from the European Parliament which misinterpreted FATF reports. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley will take up the “blacklisting” issue at the July Caricom summit.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

Caribbean integration grows stronger

TOMORROW, we will celebrate Caricom Day, a time when we congratul ate ourselves that the concept of Caribbean unity and a desire for greater economic cooperation among the Caribbean territories are still as strong as when they were first conceived.

The struggle between local provincialisms and the movement towards integration and unity has always been an accepted part of Caribbean life, but everyone knows that at the end of the day, unity will always prevail.

The Caribbean was the first part of the New World of the Americas which the Old World of Europe of the 15th Century discovered, and which was settled and colonised.

Colonisation was responsible for African slavery and indentures from various parts of the world, and the introduction of plantation agriculture.

This historic experience molded Caribbean people into a people with similar cultural norms; the same economic and social aspirations, and even the same thought

process.

In the 19th Century Caribbean people began to discover how much alike they are, and in the 20th Century, when the colonial powers were withdrawing and the colonies were being granted Independence, there arose a positive desire for Caribbean integration.

In the Anglophone Caribbean, the British Colonial Office felt it was easier and cheaper to administer one Federal Unit than several small islands, and they accordingly opted to establish a Federation of the West Indies.

The Caribbean political and intellectual classes, on their part, saw the Federation as an opportunity for unity.

The West Indies Federation was established in 1958 with the objective of improving social and economic conditions, and for political union leading to Independence. All the British territories, except the then British Guiana and Belize, had joined the Federation.

The Federation was, however, short-lived, since Jamaican local nationalism

vigorously resurfaced, and Jamaica withdrew from the Federation in 1962. Shortly after, Trinidad and Tobago withdrew, and the Federation collapsed.

Despite the collapse of the Federation, the sentiment and desire for unity among the Caribbean people remained strong, and in 1968, all the main Caribbean territories, including Belize, Guyana and Jamaica who had been lukewarm to the Federation, now established the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA).

The objective of CARIFTA was to encourage balanced development by increasing, diversifying and liberalising trade, and ensuring fair competition.

CARIFTA did not die as the Federation had done.

CARIFTA evolved into the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM). The members of CARIFTA felt that they needed greater economic integration as well as functional cooperation.

The treaty establishing CARICOM was the Treaty of Chagaramas, signed on

July 4, 1973.

The objectives of CARICOM are: * To strengthen, coordinate and regulate economic and trade relations among member states and to stimulate their harmonious and balanced development; *to promote continued expansion and integration of economic activities and to share equitably the benefits arising from such activities, paying particular attention of the need to provide special opportunities for the Less Developed Countries (LDCs); and *to work towards achieving a greater measure of economic independence and effectiveness of member states in their dealings with other states and group of states.

The economic integration through the Common Market has been quite impressive; and these include: The development of a common policy on foreign investment; the harmonisation of fiscal incentives to industry; and the formation of a Regional Stock Exchange, as well as a multilateral clearing facility

Collaborative solutions must be sought --to facilitate affordable air travel Dear Editor THE Lethem-Linden road represents the main artery for the movement of people and supplies between Region Nine and the coastal belt.

Everything, from fuel to toilet paper, mattresses to party dresses, is conveyed on this road, and for the tourism industry, it represents both the means of sourcing critical supplies from Georgetown as well as a significant element in the experience that visitors take away with them of their time in the region and Guyana.

In 2015, tourism’s reliance on the road between Kurkupukari and Lethem was made even more critical when regular air service to popular destinations like Iwokrama, Surama, Rock View and Ka-

ranambu Lodge ceased, adding, in some cases, as much as US$1000 in additional costs to an international tourists visit to the Rupununi.

In the three years since the cessation of flights, tourism stakeholders have joined the chorus of voices, including those of truckers and minibus drivers, in decrying the lack of maintenance and resulting deterioration of this vital artery.

This year, many tourism operators reported significant damage to vehicles, well in advance of the first rains, as the condition of the roads within the region was already bad.

From Christmas to Easter, those in the know have called for road maintenance, fearing what the rains would do to this already damaged roadway. And all to no avail.

By the time the May-June rains hit, the 20,000+ residents of the Rupununi were also having to contend with, like much of the country, the dramatic hike in the price of fuel. Now, with bridges out, whole areas transformed into a mire of mud, and stuck vehicles, Rupununians in the know have started to gird their loins for shortages of fuel and other basic commodities.

Municipal efforts have been dispatched to investigate the worst of the degradation, but little has to date been done to solve the problems.

Already, the stories of people and goods stranded in the road for days at a time abound, and the cost of repairs, lost assets, time and even life continues to mount.

This has also adversely affected the thriving shopping tourism sector in Lethem, which reportedly sees visitor arrivals as high as 200,000 per month from brazil via

the Takutu Bridge, which has been responsible for the commercial growth seen in recent years.

With two months of rainy season still to go, even with a moderate-to-good flooding, this vital pathway to Guyana’s interior is likely to be cut off for at least some portion of the remaining rainy season, to the detriment of the region’s population. Emergency repairs are needed to safeguard the continued movement of people and supplies, and avoid the accompanying loss of income.

Just as significantly, the remnant of road that is likely to emerge when the waters finally recede will be significantly damaged, thereby crippling commerce, inhibiting the movement of people, and resulting in significantly higher transport and operation costs into 2019.

This paints a bleak future, at least in the short-term

(CMCF).

It also saw the establishment of the Caribbean Food Corporation (CFC); the Caribbean Research and Development Institute (CARDI); the Regional Food and Nutrition Strategy (RFNS); the CARICOM Fisheries Resource Assessment and Management Programe (CFRAMP); the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM); and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

Functional cooperation under the aegis of CARICOM covers the gamut of social, educational and cultural activity. These include the establishment of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC); the University of the West Indies (UWI); the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC); the Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI); the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA); the Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO); the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA); the Caribbean Federation of Youth (CFY); and the

Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU).

The Heads of Government, at their meeting in Grand Anse in 1989, decided to appoint a Commission to make recommendations for moving CARICOM forward.

The West Indian Commission, also known as the Ramphal Commission since Sir Shridat Ramphal chaired it, is a catalytic document.

Another important decision of this meeting was to establish the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which was designed to deepen the Integration Movement.

Elements of the CSME include: Free movement of goods and services; the right to establish any CARICOM-owned business in any other member state; the free movement of capital; the free movement of labour and a number of other such important prescriptions.

CARICOM States are only gradually effectuating CSME. The Integration Movement has been firmly established, and could only grow stronger with the effluxion of time.

for Guyana’s most popular eco-tourism locations, many of which are found in the Rupununi, and whose international visitors book six to 12 months in advance. Those locations like Iwokrama, Surama and Lethem which usually look forward to the trickle of domestic and Diaspora travellers during the July-August months to keep their doors open are already reporting that the current road situation has had a devastating impact on bookings.

For other sites further away from the main road, the long hiatus during the rains means that such locations look forward to the influx of tourists from September to early December to sustain them and their employees, and in turn grease the wheels of commerce in communities across the region to make for a festive Christmas.

To salvage the coming tourist season, road and bridge repairs need to start with immediate effect, keeping commodities moving and reducing down time come September.

Collaborative solutions must be sought to facilitate affordable air travel direct to popular locations across the Rupununi. Policy review needs to be fast-tracked to facilitate the installation of a regionally based air carrier; as is the removal of the VAT on internal flights and the awarding of incentives for airlines to service key tourism locations, especially those in the North Rupununi in time to meet the September demands.

The alternative will be exposing our visitors to the worst road conditions that the region has seen in almost a decade, eroding the progress made over the last 20+ years in bringing Guyana’s tourism industry to the international market, and forcing existing operators into potential financial jeopardy with higher operational and transport costs to honour tourism commitments which were confirmed in many cases six to 12 months in advance.

Regards Melanie McTurk

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

Developing a strategic IP plan for Guyana --a few pointers

Dear Editor BETWEEN the years 2013 and 2017, I conducted a study which investigated how intellectual property law and public policies in the four largest CARICOM economies (Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica) affected the choices made by firms about innovation and technology.

The results were validated by a team of peer reviewers. The findings were interesting and even startling, because they revealed that innovation in firms of medium and large size across these sample countries, except one, were reluctant to invest in innovations and accompanying technologies, even where there was more focus on intellectual property rights (IPRs), laws and policies.

In the case of Guyana, there are no visible policies on IPRs, the laws are outdated, and there is minimal enforcement. Nevertheless, it is in this country that the highest levels of endogenous innovations exist. There can be no sound explanation for this occurrence in Guyana until further study is done which investigates its phenomenological underpinnings. In the meantime, the need for development of a practical approach to Intellectual Property Rights policies and laws is ever present, and becoming more urgent.

Recent oil finds have created high expectations and hopes for the country, but the exploitation and distribution of the gains will be lopsided if attention is not paid to the development of other industries, and, in particular, the development of innovation and technology. In this way, many more people will benefit from industries which offshoot from the developments in oil.

In today’s world, this goes hand in hand with the development of patents, copyright, industrial design and trademarks among other protections, making it imperative for the Government of Guyana to develop and implement a strategic intellectual property plan for the country.

There are several ways of approaching this undertaking, but a review of best practices

garnered from the examination of strategies which have been successful in developing countries suggests that there are five key stages which can be adapted to suit the needs of the community in which they will be implemented.

The first of these is the creation strategy, by which is meant the development of policies and plans that encourage creativity within the society. A government may provide real incentives that encourage individuals, firms and institutions of higher learning to develop new products, processes and even services that are needed in the communities, all with the view to promote innovation and technology.

This also means developing partnerships with other countries for the creation of research institutes, collaborative agreements with researchers from other universities, and the exchange of information among higher education institutes around the world. It involves investing in technical and physical resources in a structured, deliberate manner, and it must be part of the economic plan for the country.

This is a feasible approach that should be taken by the Government of Guyana, if it is serious about developing innovation and technology. While all sectors of the society must be encouraged to think about and participate in creating innovation, it cannot be considered a reasonable plan for making gains in science and technology on a serious level, to simply give some money to a few secondary schools and tell them to come up with innovations that will benefit the society.

A carefully considered, holistic approach in which highly-trained scientists, engineers and others with advanced skills-sets are recruited is the answer to creating much-needed advancements in science, technology and innovation.

Next comes the development of the legal and regulatory framework, which will ensure that the hard work of those who engage in research and the development of technologies can be protected from unrestricted use by others for profit. In the case of Guyana, this will mean the development of comprehensive legislation which covers all aspects of intellectual property rights, and takes into consideration the international conventions and agreements

to which it is a signatory, and which requirements it may wish to acknowledge.

These requirements, in the form of regulations, are not self-executory, and must be enacted into the laws of the country before they can take effect. Particular reference can be made in this regard to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement implemented by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ensure that developing countries meet some minimum standards of intellectual property protections as a requirement for trade arrangements under the WTO. Guyana is a signatory to this Agreement, but has not met its requirements because there have not been any updated IP laws.

The debate rages to this day, as to whether the TRIPS agreement benefits or dispossesses developing countries of the means to develop innovation and technologies, because of its restrictions on the use of knowledge, and countries have had varied responses to it.

The reciprocal protection of IPRs across countries is, however, one of the positive aspects of the agreement, though TRIPS is by no means the only way to attain this latitude.

In every area of developing intellectual property rights policies, there is need for sound knowledge and expertise.

It is not a simple matter of hosting socalled stakeholder meetings in the hope of coming to consensus on the need for IPRs. Such an approach is a waste of time and money, and as has been established from recent experience, leads to no result. The government needs to establish a working commission which comprises people who are scholars and practitioners in intellectual property law and the creation of policy, and who can provide the intellectual and practical resources to craft policies and laws which will create the protections that are needed while balancing the interests of the society.

The exploitation of IPRs is the next consideration which must be made in an implementation strategy. Patents may be bought and sold, as may industrial designs and trademarks. This is one means by which those types of rights may be exploited, and the legal framework must be in place to make

this possible. In the case of copyright, creators of content such as artists, musicians, writers and performers are heavily dependent upon the revenues from their creations, and face grave difficulty in collecting them because of the lack of any collective rights management agencies in the country.

While the government should not necessarily take on the management of those rights, it should be instrumental in the formation of such an agency or agencies which will be backed by legislation. Collective Rights management agencies are an essential part of the exploitation of copyrights.

The expansion of human resources is Stage Four of the implementation plan, but can be implemented concurrently with Stage Two. It includes the training of patent examiners and the creation of a patent office at which submissions and examinations are made. A copyrights and trademarks and industrial designs registry must be established, and staff trained in the protocols and administration of those areas of IP. It goes without saying that modern systems include the use of blockchain technology for the registration of copyrights, and that technical expertise will have to include trained systems technicians. This list of resources is by no means exhaustive, and is intended only to introduce the reader to the scope of intellectual and human resources which are required to create a viable modern and efficient intellectual property system.

The final stage is the actual implementation of the system, and this encompasses all of the forgoing, and takes place at every level since it occurs simultaneously with the creation of the other four stages.

The key role of the government is to resource personnel with the relevant skillssets and intellectual ability to help manage the process. It is time to engage scholarship and technical resources to develop a comprehensive intellectual property regime. It is time for the government to get serious.

Regards Dr. Abiola Inniss, Ph.D., LLM

Rupununi refutes ‘rigging’

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NEWLY-elected Rupununi toshaos have all refuted allegations of “rigging” in the recently held national village council elections in indigenous communities. The 57 toshaos as well as councillors have openly and loudly affirmed “YES” to the question, “Were your elections free and fair?”

During May-June, elections were held in 115 Amerindian villages, together with some 46 satellite communities. The Opposition may have reasons to be bitter, as many of the toshaos who were once openly associated with the current Opposition party, have been replaced by younger leaders. Among the new toshaos, there are 14 women.

Although I am still within the post-surgery period, when almost everyone would advise me to “take it easy”, I accepted an invitation by my friend Brian Allicock, Chairman of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), to attend the Regional Toshao’s Conference in the border town of Lethem, which was held Friday last.

PICTURESQUE SAVANNAH The Rupununi is Guyana’s southwest region that borders Brazil, and is populated mainly by Indigenous Peoples --Wapishana, Macushi, Wai-Wai and Patamona. For centuries, these “First

Nations” have lived in the 5,000 square miles of savannah grasslands and forested mountains, the most picturesque being the Kanuku range.

We could see from the air, isolated large swamps and tracks of flood waters along the banks of the Rupununi River, criss-crossed by the red-brown trails and roadway. From above, this part of Guyana looked serene. The low-hanging white clouds held no ominous threat of rains, which had pounded the mountains and had resulted in over-topping of the Takatu River. As we made the landing, the Tabatinga Bridge stood tall over the receding water, and was a reassurance that that part of the Rupununi was no longer under threat of flooding.

I was there last year, at this time, when Brazilian rivers had backed up, and some communities on the Guyana side were affected by flooding. This year, personnel from the Civil Defence Commission went early into the area and offered help in anticipation of serious flooding, which was averted.

Once on the ground, it was evident that the Opposition was mobilising, and that a show-down was certain. At the conference, the Opposition was quick to work up steam with claims that the region, under the new Coalition Government, was showing “progressive levels of neglect”.

That opinion, however, was not shared by the Regional Chairman. In pre-emptive and anticipatory remarks, he had announced that his Region was “leading the way” in promoting development and meaningful involvement of Rupununi residents.

STACCATO OF FALSE CLAIMS I had not planned to speak at any length at the toshaos conference, but, as a politician who had seen many battles, I was forced into a comprehensive rebuttal of the allegations made by the Opposition, which was represented by three sitting Members of Parliament.

I understood that the Opposition’s intention was to do a sting job to whip up rage amongst the toshaos. So they made multiple allegations about elections rigging, gerrymandering of village borders, lack of consent, inadequate funds for Amerindian development, and failure of the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS). I had anticipated that the Opposition would encourage toshaos to walk out by the time I got to the podium.

But the village leaders were unmoved by the staccato of false claims. They certainly showed that they knew better, as they eagerly awaited my address. By the time I was finished, the elite corps of Oppositionists unceremoniously walked away.

It just wasn’t true that the new government didn’t allocate funds for Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo. I quoted figures to show that over these years, Government has spent over $780 million in presidential grants and on capital works. And as an additional show of goodwill, I handed out another tranche of $20 million in presidential grants to several villages.

As a striking example of how the Region was being transformed, I mentioned the introduction of hinterland radio stations - Lethem and Aishalton and Radio Piwomak; and as I did, toshaos responded with prolonged applause.

They seemed very pleased about the provision of free Internet access at several ICT hubs at public offices, and at schools.

And they greeted, enthusiastically, the promise that soon, governmental services would be provided Online to apply for passports and birth certificates.

NO NEGLECT There could be no “progressive neglect” when toshaos could look around and see the change of Lethem into a town; when they could access a new Magisterial District Court and fire station; witness the growth of the Lethem Industrial site; buses for schoolchildren in villages such as Annai and Aishalton; the construction of the water reservoir

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

on Nappi lands, which would hold 4.5 million cubic meters of water, etc.

I announced that as soon as the rains eased, drilling of eight wells will commence, which will store water for the drought seasons. While rehabilitation of the Lethem town road network is in progress, with asphaltic concrete surface, the Linden-Lethem road has been placed again on the front-burner. Funds have been allocated to design and construct a research station at Pirara to facilitate herds of cattle, poultry rearing, fish ponds, orchards, a huge reservoir and an abattoir.

In the meantime, eight villages are benefitting from a US$3.1M sustainable hinterland housing project; and monies would be sourced to expand the Lethem Hospital’s maternity waiting room.

While the toshao conference continued, we journeyed to St Ignatius where a full benab was waiting to honour participants in the HEYS training programme. There, we handed out prizes of $100,000 each to the top five young entrepreneurs.

Under the programme, young people were supported to access small loans, and to benefit from the free distribution of agricultural tools, sewing machines, computers, stoves and catering kits.

We met an otherwise able young man with one leg, who explained how HEYS helped him to start a butchery and cattle farm from which he makes a weekly profit of $30,000; and how he hoped to be the single largest supplier of fresh beef in Rupununi.

There were women who exhibited their bottled honey and canned peanut butter as a result of support from the programme.

RECEPTIVE EARS It is clear that the message of development is reaching receptive ears in Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo, and the tune of “rigging” is no longer pleasing to the ears.

The Opposition cannot go against the tide of cooperation across party lines for community development. It cannot grow on negativity, as DDL entrepreneur, Komal Samaroo has said in another context.

“Rupununi Rising” is the title of a five-minute television production by the Department of Public Information. It captures the essence of the changes taking place in our hinterland communities, and our Indigenous Peoples are more likely to be convinced with what they see, rather than being fooled by politicians who peddle propaganda about suspected rigging and conjured future rigging of elections.

The Opposition must either dump that old tune or its current leadership, or both.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Understanding Energy...

What do new oil finds mean for Guyana’s future?

EXXONMOBIL announced a promising new discovery last week in the southeast area of the Stabroek Block. Media reports have rightly cited the Exxon discovery, made at the Longtail-1 well, as more proof that Guyana’s oil future could extend well beyond the initial production from the Liza Phase 1 development.

Exxon and its partners found approximately 256 feet (78 m) of “high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reserves” at a depth of 18,057 feet (5,504 m). Combined with the nearby Turbot discovery, Exxon is estimating that this new discovery raises the total estimated recoverable reserves in the southeastern area of the Stabroek Block to 500 million Barrels of Oil Equivalent (BOE).

Now, the question is: What does that mean, and, more importantly, what does it mean for Guyana?

First, let’s define a few oil industry terms that are important to be understood in evaluating the significance of the discovery.

Barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) is a common

industry measurement that includes natural gas and other petroleum liquids, as well as crude oil. “Estimated recoverable reserves” doesn’t mean all the oil that’s there; it means the oil that would be cost-effective to extract, depending on the price of oil. Higher future oil prices could potentially mean that more reserves become economically “recoverable”.

500 million BOE is a lot of oil on its own; and when added to the huge discoveries at the Liza and the nearby Payara and Ranger discoveries, Guyana’s offshore enters the realm of a globally significant energy provider. With all areas included, the Stabroek Block now has a total estimated recoverable resources of well over 3.2 billion barrels.

While this new discovery is exciting, the well-established finds at the Liza site will be where Guyana’s first oil is extracted in 2020, and the next two phases of production will most likely be in or near the same area.

In terms of its role in Guyana’s oil future, the Longtail discovery is still a bit of a question mark. It points to promising reserves in

the southeastern part of the Stabroek Block, but considering the strong progress already made in drilling wells at the much richer Liza find, it likely won’t make much of a difference in the next few years.

Widely-cited production estimates from Norwegian researchers at Rystad Energy, an energy consulting firm, put potential Guyanese government revenues from oil at around US$1B annually during the 2020s, but that still only includes projections for the Liza Phase 1 and potential Liza Phase 2 and Payara developments.

Any new production from the Stabroek Block’s eastern areas would have to be added on to the 600,000 barrels per day of production that Rystad has predicted for the mid-2020s; and without more exploration, it’s hard to know exactly how much that production might be.

But the Longtail-1 find does heighten the excitement that now surrounds Guyana’s energy future, and Exxon apparently considers the discovery promising enough to now bring in a

second exploration ship in addition to the Stena Carron, which drilled the exploratory well.

This will bring the total number of Exxon vessels in Guyana to three, since the Noble Bob Douglas is already on site and drilling the 17 development wells that will form the Liza Phase 1 project, which will connect to a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel above them.

These massive floating production facilities can take in, store, and process oil, up to 120,000 barrels per day, in the case of the planned FPSO for the Liza Phase 1 development. They host hundreds of crew members, and normally require substantial logistical support from onshore companies and contractors.

For Liza Phase 2, Exxon has announced plans to add a second FPSO, substantially increasing the number of jobs and the amount of oil to be produced. More FPSOs are definitely possible as the size of Guyana’s resource base grows with additional discoveries

THAT, readers, was surely one of the most impactful weeks in the history of Guyana. For young people in particular, it pulsed with the light of changes to come; changes to the trajectory of the nation’s destiny. Martin Luther King Jr once said, “The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice.”

The era of one-man rule has finally left us with the Caribbean Court of Justice’s ruling against a third term for presidential candidates. It is justice for a nation long dominated by one-man rule, of one form or another, and it comes not a moment too soon.

I would, for the sake of impartiality, like to say the decision’s jubilant reception (by some citizens) was purely due to a passion for limited presidential terms, but I know that this is not true. Many are excited that Former President Bharrat Jagdeo in particular cannot run again. Despite his protestations, he has become a symbol for corruption, and the alleged criminality of his administration. This has run a close race with his great talents as a thinker and economist, making him a very polarising figure.

This polarising narrative, however, is just another reason extended presidential terms weren’t a good idea. Further rule by the former president would have likely led

to even greater local unrest. This does not mean that he does not have a great deal to offer his party and the country at large; and Guyana certainly does need to hold onto its pillars of experience and intellect due to their scarcity. But his ability, as happens to most seasoned leaders, to bring the country together has vastly diminished with time.

This is why, far from the sensationalist messaging and controversy, I find Charles Ramson Jr’s announcement that he intends to run for president both interesting and important. Young, highly-educated and well-informed, he has, at base, many of the characteristics desirable in a president aiming to pull Guyana forward. More than this, however, because he is not as well known as Jagdeo’s close confidantes, he lacks their negative reputation. That’s a very good start.

He now has to fight the uphill battle of gaining support by striking a difference between himself and the members of that group, and maybe, just maybe, that will finally reform the PPP/C. I have written at length that even though I am not a PPP/C supporter, I respect that they represent a sizeable number of Guyanese, and believe they are an integral component of Guyana’s development journey. The problem is that the Party’s culture became so toxic, in race relations,

in allegations of corruption and criminality, that it’s hard for any reasonable person to support them.

Rock and Roll musician Kurt Cobain, ever a symbol of youthful defiance, once said, “The duty of youth is to challenge corruption.” If anyone ever had such a duty, it is Charles Ramson. Looking at his announcement, I noted his enthusiasm, his optimism and energy; but I also saw that something was missing. There is something about politics that is deeply sad; perhaps that is the knowledge that you sometimes have to do bad things to do good ones. I am always worried about politicians that look happy and relaxed; I can’t help but wonder if they have that inner steel. That steel is precisely what is required right now, if the PPP/C is really to be reformed.

This week also saw a tectonic shift in the Democratic Party in the United States, as one of the most senior Democrats was defeated by a 28-year-old Latina woman. She

campaigned on an unapologetically socialist platform and heralded a change in ideas that may soon sweep that party. Tellingly, her district was in Queens, home to so many Guyanese. Young leadership in the Italian government also successfully stood toe-totoe with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, winning concessions on migration.

This was a tectonic week indeed, and it seems youth are on the march the world over.

Will Ramson’s campaign end in flames? Will youth and fresh ideas prevail? Does he lack the inner steel to challenge entrenched toxic cultures? What are the ideas he actually wants to push in the public space? So many questions have come out of the last week, and so much potential for change and national growth.

But at least we can say one answer has come out of this week as well: And that answer is a resounding “No!” The arc of history does indeed bend toward justice.

Bend to justice

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Technology to bridge education disparities

GOVERNMENT has signalled its intention to use technology to address the disparity between hinterland and coastland education, especially since the hinterland continues to perform satisfactorily at the NGSA. Over the years the coastland has and continues to produce exceptional results at the NGSA examinations while the hinterland regions, particularly Regions Eight and Nine, only manage to perform satisfactorily.

This year, the top performer for Region Eight, Lotasha Stanislaus of Monkey Mountain Primary, secured 477 marks while the top performer for Region Nine, Nikolai Kissoon of Aranaputa Primary obtained 499.

Although the students tried their best and per-

–– Chief Education Officer

CEO Marcel Hutson and Education Minister, Nicolette Henry, during the ceremony to announce the NGSA results (Adrian Narine photo) formed well, coastal regions had passes of 500 marks and above.

“We have been trying to bridge the gap by rolling out hinterland development projects… but we have to

find a way to significantly close the gap and we believe that technology is one way to bridge the gap between the coast and hinterland,” said the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson, in

his response to questions on the topic at the announcement of the NGSA results on Thursday.

Although the Ministry of Education has been consistently training teachers, the CEO believes that they have to look at ways to use technology to ‘touch’ the hinterland areas.

Last year, the ministry established a “smart class-

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018 room” at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).

The classroom has since been used to conduct training programmes with students, teachers and even regional officials from across the country.

“What we need to do now is develop a schedule to ensure that everyone benefits from the output of the smart classroom,” he said, adding that the ministry intends to budget for more smart classrooms which would be established at secondary schools on the coast and in the hinterland regions.

The ministry had discovered that the hinterland regions lack quality teachers but, the smart classroom would allow teachers, trainers and even students to network with each other and learn at the same pace.

Hutson said the process seems easy but it is not, especially since students and teachers find it hard to access schools because of the topography of the hinterland communities.

Despite the odds, Education Minister Nicolette Henry said they will fill the gap by using technology and continuously training teachers.

The minister gave the assurance that her Ministry’s responsibility is to ensure that the disparity which exist-

ed prior to her administration taking office is reduced.

“We have worked on an intervention at the primary level to address the gross disparities that we recognised existed in the system for a number of years,” the minister said.

It was reported sometime back that an analysis and disaggregation of data relative to the NGSA results for 2016 showed that the hinterland regions performed poorly at the examinations, and this, in addition to other factors, prompted the two- year-old APNU+AFC administration to call for an emergency intervention in the area of mathematics.

But while the intervention targeted mathematics specifically, it should be noted that additional focus was placed on the other core areas: English, science and social studies.

The study conducted served as a baseline and proved effective in bridging the existing gap.

The problems facing the hinterland and other rural communities have to be looked at from a broad perspective where the community, parents, teachers, students and the Ministry of Education are involved, given the different levels of responsibilities.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Linden agri entrepreneurs showcase products

By Vanessa Braithwaite

AS the Linden River Front Festival gets underway, Linden’s agro-processors, manufactures, farmers and entrepreneurs brought their stocks out at the Plant and Market Day event held on the western shore of the Demerara River.

Some of Linden’s top notch agro-processors such as Pleasurable flavours, Ceasars LOGI Enterprise and Wilson’s Enterprise were among the local producers who exhibited their products at the event.

Seedling producers Oliver and Cleveland Tappin were also present with a wide array of plants, seedlings and agricultural produce.

The exhibitors described the support as fair, but continued to call on Lindeners to support their own. Dianna Plowell of Pleasurable Flavours, used the opportunity to showcase her newly packaged confectionary products:

tamarind ball, chicken foot and plantain chip.

These were exhibited in addition to her pepper sauces, relish, green seasoning and other culinary products.

Plowell said as a local producer, she continues to face difficulties in having her products sold in the local supermarkets. The reason given by supermarket owners she said, is that there are too many local products circulating to be accommodated. Plowell however, believes that her products are export standard and will continue to use events like these to showcase what she has worked over the years to perfect.

Ceasars LOGI is one of Linden’s oldest manufactures, specialising in various spices and porridge products. The manufacturers however, used the River Front Festival Plant and Market Day to showcase their new products. The maubi and capadulla concentrate were well supported on Saturday.

Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira purchasing a variety of products from Pleasurable Flavours Local producer Onika Skeete said the plant and market day is a good opportunity to showcase what Lindeners have been manufacturing but believes that more can be done, if the support is greater.

“When there are events as these, we need people to come out and support and we are not getting that big crowd, we need persons to come out and support their own.”

Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira encouraged the local producers not to give up while purchasing a variety of locally made items.

“I am here today because I believe that we as a people need to support what we have and be proud of what we have and in order for us to rise, it has to be a community ef-

Ceasar’s LOGI Enterprise wide array of local products

One Mile Extension Community Development Council seedling and plant exhibition

fort, we have to purchase what is made right in Linden,” Figueira posited in an invited comment.

Coordinator of the Linden River Front Festival in an interview with this newspaper said that the aim of the Plant and Market Day is to give local entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase and market their products.

The Linden River Front Festival commenced on Friday and will conclude on Monday with a signature regatta and family fun day. Other sporting, recreational and entertainment activities are slated for Saturday and Sunday. The aim of the Linden River Front Festival is to advertise the Linden River Front’s potential as a tourism hub.

Big electoral blow

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

–– Ramkarran says CCJ ruling will affect PPP at 2020 polls

FORMER House Speaker and PPP executive member, Ralph Ramkarran said the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice last week has dealt a major electoral blow to

the PPP and hailed the decision as a monumental victory for Guyanese.

Writing in his column “Conversation Tree”, Ramkarran said during the lifetimes of Cheddi Jagan

and Janet Jagan, the PPP twice, unanimously, decided to support a two-term presidential limit.

He noted that a PPP delegation in 1995/6 proposed to the Parliamenta-

ry Select Committee on Constitutional Reform that the Constitution should be amended to provide for a two-term presidential limit.

In 1999/2000, the same

representation was made by the PPP to the Constitution Reform Commission. These public proposals reflected those unanimous decisions.

Additionally, Ramkarran said during the Ramotar presidency, the then Attorney General Anil Nandlall opposed the application by Richardson to deem as unconstitutional the amendment to the Constitution that limited the presidential terms to two.

Before Mr. Ramotar became president, he had publicly opposed the call for scrapping the two-term limit. He has welcomed the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Ramkarran also mentioned that former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, all speaking for the PPP, had at one time or another, publicly expressed support for the two-term presidential limit.

Jagdeo had even expressed a lack of interest in a third term. However, Ramkarran observed that after the PPP lost the elections in 2015, and while the Richardson case was making its way through the Guyana Court of Appeal and the CCJ, the PPP and its spokespersons fell silent on the issue of presidential term limits.

The decision last Tuesday by the CCJ upheld the appeal of the Attorney General of Guyana. The court ruled that the constitutional amendment limiting presidential term limits to two terms did not violate the Constitution. It has delivered to Guyana an historic dose of democracy and justice.

The argument on behalf of Richardson was that the amendment limited the right of Guyanese to choose who they want to be the President.

By doing so, the amend-

Former PPP Executive Member, Ralph Ramkarran ment adversely affected or diluted and, in effect, amended articles 1 and 9 which provided for Guyana’s “democracy” and “sovereignty”.

Since articles 1 and 9 require a referendum to amend them, the amendment limiting presidential terms to two, which was passed in the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority, was unconstitutional.

The CCJ rejected the argument and held that articles 1 and 9 were not violated by the amendment limiting presidential terms to two and that a referendum was not necessary.

The court pointed to the extensive consultations held by the Constitution Reform Commission in 1999-2000, which supported the two-term limit by a 12 to 4 vote, and to the unanimous support of the amendment by the National Assembly.

“The decision was a monumental victory for Guyana’s democracy, from whose people the horrifying threat of a potential life presidency has been lifted.

At the same time the PPP has suffered a major electoral blow as its best known, most popular and most experienced leader will not be able to lead it as a candidate at the 2020 elections,” Ramkarran wrote.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Mabaruma doctors save lives of mother and child with emergency C-Section

THE Mabaruma Regional Hospital can boast of completing its first successful caesarean section (C-section) under local anesthesia and by local medical staff. According to reports coming from the region, the surgery was not planned but doc-

found to be with a transverse lie.”

Transverse Lie is a sideways position. This occurs when the baby has his/her head to one of his mother’s sides and the bottom across her abdomen at her other side. This is normal before 26 weeks.

Editor’s Note: Apgar – (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) is a test to measure heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and skin coloration of the unborn child.

In the test, each is scored on a scale of 0 to 2, with 2 being the best score; a score of ten represents the best possible condition. tors were forced to perform the surgery under the guidance and supervision of senior health officials in Georgetown.

Word came from Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr. Ceredel McWatt and Regional Executive Officer, Leslie Wilburg of this first time successful procedure.

Viola Davis, 26, delivered a baby boy via c-section in the main operating theatre of the Mabaruma Hospital on Wednesday, June 28, after the medical team was unable to facilitate an emergency medical evacuation.

Regional Health Officer for Region One, Cerdel McWatt, noted that efforts were made to coordinate an emergency medical evacuation to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation which proved futile, leaving doctors at the Mabaruma hospital no other choice but to prepare the patient for surgery.

“This surgery serves as a key in a life or death instance for a high-risk antenatal mother who arrived at the facility around 17:30hrs with severe abdominal pains. The patient was admitted and was

However, Davis was at full term of pregnancy.

After delivery, the baby was screened with a Low Apgar score, however, doctors continued to monitor the child and mother.

In this process, RHO McWatt said the hospital’s medical team were in contact with Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) in Georgetown, Dr. Lucio Pedro, Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako and Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Gordon-Campbell.

Regional Executive Officer of Region One was proud and honored to hear of such reports coming out of his region. He took the opportunity to thank the general surgeon, operating theatre nurses, midwives, doctors, porters and drivers who all joined forces in making the procedure a success.

Mitzy Campbell, who originates from Mabaruma, Region One, reflected that a similar exercise was conducted in the region in the 1960’s but was conducted by an Australian surgeon.

The operation theatre during the procedure at the Mabaruma Regional Hospital

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Lawrence in PNCR chairmanship race

PEOPLES National Congress Reform (PNCR) stalwart Volda Lawrence on Saturday announced her candidacy for the party’s chairmanship.

Lawrence, who currently serves as Minister of Public

Health, will be competing against Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, the current chairman, when the PNCR Biennial Delegates’ Congress is held in August.

An accountant by profession, Lawrence acquired her Degree in Accounting from the University of Guyana and a Master’s Degree from Gloucester University, England. She is also a Certified Chartered Accountant

(ACCA Level II).

In the party, she is a Member of the Central Executive Committee (CEC), and heads the Human Services and Welfare Department of the PNCR. Prior to her post as

Minister of Public Health, she was the Minister of Social Protection under the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence

M&CC concerned about deplorable city roads THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has expressed its concern about the deplorable state of the roads in and around the city.

“MANY of its roadways are broken, in a state of disrepair and, in some cases, even impassable,” said the council in a statement.

M&CC believes that one reason for the present state of the road is the single axle heavy duty vehicles which traverse the city on a daily basis.

An example is the extant negative condition of David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens, caused mainly by heavy duty single axle vehicles hauling building materials and other goods to an expanse of open land, which is now being developed by investors and other contractors, just beyond Cane View Avenue.

Residents have been complaining about the negative physical conditions of these roads, which make

them unsafe.

It is public knowledge that the city council does not have the wherewithal to carry out urgent road repair works.

“It is also public knowledge that the Council is called upon to fulfil its statutory duties, including road building, to citizens with a very narrow revenue base,” the council said.

This, coupled with neglect by property owners to honour their civic obligation, the lack of valuation in the city for over twenty years, steep increases in the costs of goods and commodities used by the council to provide service to the citizens and a high level of indiscipline by some to care for city infrastructure exacerbate the situation.

Also, Council is considering approaching the Guyana Revenue Authority for a percentage of revenues from licensing of vehicle, to assist with the construction and maintenance of roads and facilities that are connected to them.

Bandits terrorise Kuru Kururu family THREE armed bandits terrorised and robbed a poultry farmer and her 36-year-old husband of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke/Linden Highway on Saturday.

Following the attack, the bandits armed with a shotgun, a cutlass and a handgun escaped with cash, electrical items, cell phones and a generator.

Reports indicate that the couple locked their two-storey concrete house and retired to bed only to be awoken in the wee hours of Friday morning by three bandits in their room.

The men demanded money and threatened to shoot the couple and their 11-month-old baby.

Her husband was assaulted and beaten with a cutlass causing him to receive injuries to his left hand and left upper body. The man’s 53-year-old mother was also physically assaulted.

Police visited the scene and found that the bandits entered from the lower flat of the building through a window.

From trash to treasure

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

–– Linden bauxite overburden being used for low-income homes

By Vanessa Braithwaite SCORES of low-income earners in the mining town of Linden can now dream of owning a decent home within their financial reach, with the official launching of the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) Low-Income Housing Project.

What is special about this project is that all of the materials used to construct the two-bedroom houses were sourced in Linden, and that the main material, which is the interlocking blocks, is manufactured from the bauxite overburden which was previously discarded as waste material.

The launch of the Low-Income Housing Project took place on Friday at the site of the first house that was constructed, which has already been sold. It costs $3.5 M, which is a comparative decrease in price of $7M, according to LEN Chairman, Orrin Gordon.

The 30 x 20-ft house also took 40 days to construct, whereas, according to the contractor, it normally takes 28 days. But because of some hiccups, it took a bit longer this time around.

The house features two bedrooms, a washroom area, a living room, dining space and a kitchen.

Owner of Linden Bricks, Mr Robert Cameron said that houses built with bauxite blocks have several benefits. Because the bricks can automatically interlock, he said, houses are built faster, thereby cutting costs by as much as 20 per cent, since most of the other materials are not needed to plaster the blocks.

The houses are also cooler, since the bricks are very dense, thus heat takes a longer time to penetrate them.

They are also sound and bullet-proof.

There is also no need to paint, since the brickwork already has a natural artistic look to it, which is also a means of economising.

At the simple ceremony, regional officials, including Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell and Regional Chairman Rennis Morian were present. More noteworthy, though, was the presence of scores of low-income earners that will be benefiting from the project

in the near future.

Many, the majority of whom were single mothers, were elated that the opportunity has finally arisen where they can own their own home via a mortgage which they can prequalify for, as well as afford to pay from their meagre salaries.

Most of these women were turned away from lending institutions because they did not meet the requirements for a mortgage, hence their dreams of owning a home remained dim.

COMMENDATION LEN’s ingenuity to partner with Linden Bricks, the company that manufactures the bauxite blocks, was commended by all present. Mayor Arindell said that with the amount of bauxite overburden available in the town after more than a century of bauxite mining, there is enough raw material to have bricks manufactured for not only Linden but the entire Guyana.

Noting that this will be in keeping with the government’s vision for sustainable development towns through innovative projects, Arrindell urged the financial lending institutions to continue embracing the LEN initiative by providing loans for similar projects.

The contractors related to the audience that the house is a manifestation of community collaboration.

“This project shows a complete community commitment,” the contractor said.

“I’m grateful for the interest that is being showed; it is selling out like hot cakes; it is moving like wild fire.”

Representing Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valarie Yearwood, was her technical advisor, Remington Nelson.

In delivering the minister’s speech, Nelson posited that Linden has a huge housing deficit, and the people that are mostly affected are those in the lower-income bracket, moreso public servants, because of not being able to qualify at the commercial banks. Therefore LEN’s Low Income Project is a welcoming contribution to the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing for all. LEN would have expressed innovation with

utilising the bauxite overburden.

“The overburden is waste is of no value, but it has been said, ‘What is one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’,” Nelson posited.

Len’s ingenuity was also commended. “In this project, we see ingenuity in finding ways to cut costs: We see ingenuity in finding a way to reduce the construction time; we see ingenuity at work in finding uses for what was essentially waste material…

The project is testament to the ingenuity that resides here among Lindeners. All of Linden should be proud of this.”

Nelson said while Lindeners’ problems might be great, this LEN Project shows hope for a brighter tomorrow, and therefore the low-income earners should be optimistic that through this, their needs will be met.

INSPIRATION “Let this project stand as a beacon of inspiration of what can be accomplished when, instead of looking to someone else to solve your problem, you ask yourself, ‘What do I have in my possession?’

Let it inspire you to, after looking up in prayer, look down and look around and come up with workable solutions,” Nelson posited.

Over 80 residents of Linden within weeks are already on LEN’s list to own these homes. Priority is being given to those already in possession of their lands. Gordon firmly posited that the mortgage should be around $15, 000 per month.

Onika Schredar, who hopes to own one of the homes, said the finished product is more than she expected.

“I was here before it was finished,” she said, “but now that it is finished, it is even more beautiful than I imagined. I like the natural look, and it has reasonable space.

I like the tiling and so in the bathroom, and I like how they set it up to show that every little thing can hold in it.”

Schredar is a janitor, and currently lives in the bottom flat of one of her relatives’ family property.

She really dreams of owning her own home. and is happy that opportunity has finally knocked on her door.

The first low-income house that was constructed in Amelia’s Ward, Linden

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Juvenile Justice Act created a fair, rational j -Mrs. Nagamootoo says Act considers well-being, best interest of juveniles THE Juvenile Justice Act, which was recently passed in the National Assembly, has created a juvenile system which is rational, fair and in line with Guyana’s international treaty obligations under the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child.

“It is one that would improve synergy among

departments, agencies and ministries responsible for juvenile justice,” said Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, at the Rights of the Child (RCC) Prayer and Breakfast held at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday.

On a day when prayers were offered for vulnerable young people across the country, the minister said the

Government will continue to ensure that juveniles are kept safe from harm.

Although the legislation holds young offenders accountable for their actions, it also protects them from harm and increases their chance of having a better life. It also manages the risk they pose to themselves and to society.

“If they do come into contact, then rehabilitation methods must be employed from the time they are arrested,” she said.

The ministry is equipped to cater for the needs of children who are predisposed to delinquency but are under the age of criminal responsibility, said the minister, adding that the ceremony

was also an opportunity to highlight and examine what they can do.

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of the Prime Minister, said the event was geared towards raising the consciousness about the condition of children who come into contact and conflict with the law.

“This Juvenile Justice

Act places the well-being of juveniles and the best interest of children as paramount when the courts make a decision on punishment.

The law encourages and facilitates juveniles to have a meaningful life in their communities through rehabilitation, education and reintegration,” said Mrs. Nagamootoo.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

juvenile system The objective of the exercise on Saturday was to mobilise and enlist the support of the religious community in protecting and advancing the rights and interest of Guyanese children, especially those who may be deemed vulnerable and those who come into contact with the law.

The RCC, in partnership with UNICEF, hosted the event for the second consecutive year themed “Helping our children to find the right

path”. This theme was cited as a keen component of the RCC’s mission and philosophy in engaging the children of Guyana.

As part of this process, the RCC has engaged the children of Annandale Secondary School, Buxton Secondary School, President’s College, Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, Sophia Holding Centre and those viewed as young offenders at the Timehri prison.

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A diverse nation is stronger when the youths work together cohesively and are protected and safeguarded by the laws of a country (DPI photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Guyana: a leader in tobacco control

By Vishani Ragobeer

THE Ministry of Public Health on Friday night received the World No Tobac-

co Day Award conferred on it by the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) for

leading the way in tobacco control in the region.

The award was received

by Prime Minister and acting President, Moses Naga-

mootoo at the Marriott Hotel, and was received just one year after Guyana passed the Tobacco Control Bill.

“Guyana is now posi-

tioned as one of the most advanced Caribbean countries in the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention of Tobacco Control, and is at the highest level of adherence to three out of the four tobacco control bestbuys,” Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence said.

She attributed this success to a number of stakeholders who were critical to initiating the process and seeing it come to fruition.

Former ministers, Drs. Leslie Ramsammy and Bheri Ramsarran were singled out for initiating the process, and the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) country office for its steadfast support.

“Alone, we can’t do much, but together we can change the world,” Minister Lawrence affirmed.

And while she noted that Guyana is rightly proud of

ing: “We had to become leaders on this occasion; we need strong laws, and we need a campaign of education that it is possible, so that we can help to change some persons.”

Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Charles Fung-a-Fat said that even before the Bill was published, there were several rounds of sensitisation for the general public.

“The Tobacco Bill as it is now; the Act is one of the most modern Acts,” Fung-AFat said.

As a former smoker himself, the prime minister knows first-hand the repercussions smoking can cause, and had related that another important factor was reaching the young people who had just become smokers and convincing them that smoking is a bad habit.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo receiving the Tobacco Day Award from Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Anselm Hennis (Photos by Adrian Narine) this significant achievement, she also stated, “The people of Guyana can be assured that the MoPH will move ahead in its quest to protect it from the hazardous effects of tobacco, second-smoking and all other related diseases.”

In August 2017, the Tobacco Control Bill became law after it was assented to

by President David Granger.

This comprehensive ban on all tobacco advertising promotion and sponsorship is in keeping with Article 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

A TOUGH DECISION According to Minister Nagamootoo, passing the Tobacco Bill was a tough decision.

“Politicians, as they say, always look to the next election; that’s what politicians do. And I believe leaders look to the next generation,” the prime minister said, add-

And while striving to foster a healthier country, the prime minister also explained that due diligence must be given to the livelihoods of citizens and the economy.

“It was not intended, on our part,” he said, “to lock out the tobacco industry, because we recognise that we produce tobacco in Guyana.

“We have tobacco farmers, and we recognise that we have employees in the tobacco industry.”

And this is why, he said, he endeavoured to include members from the industry in the long consultations.

But according to WHO/PAHO Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Anselm Hennis, Guyana must be wary of the direct attempts from the tobacco industry to hinder progress in this regard.

Dr. Hennis said he is See page 19

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

M&CC concerned about deplorable city roads

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown has expressed its concern about the deplorable state of the roads in and around the city.

“Many of its roadways are broken, in a state of disrepair and, in some cases, even impassable,” said the council in a statement.

M&CC believes that one reason for the present state of the road is the single axle heavy duty vehicles which traverse the city on a daily basis.

An example is the extant negative condition of

David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt Gardens, caused mainly by heavy duty single axle vehicles hauling building materials and other goods to an expanse of open land, which is now being developed by investors and other contractors, just beyond Cane View Avenue.

Residents have been complaining about the negative physical conditions of these roads, which make them unsafe.

It is public knowledge that the city council does not have the wherewithal to carry out urgent road repair

works.

“It is also public knowledge that the Council is called upon to fulfil its statutory duties, including road building, to citizens with a very narrow revenue base,” the council said.

This, coupled with neglect by property owners to honour their civic obligation, the lack of valuation in the city for over twenty years, steep increases in the costs of goods and commodities used by the council to provide service to the citizens and a high level of indiscipline by some to care for city

Guyana a leader ...

From page 18

aware that the implementation of the Bill will face some struggles, but noted that taxation is a key measure for tobacco control.

Nevertheless, with the legislation being passed in the House just about one year ago, the acting president said, “Today, we are very happy to be recognised for our collective effort. It was teamwork; it was Team Guyana.”

He also expressed great appreciation that while Guyana’s National Assembly may be dominated by partisan politics, it came together unanimously to “conclude the legislation”.

“This is a victory for a united Parliament,” he highlighted.

MOVING AHEAD With regional and international recognition for the strides made in forging ahead with tobacco control, Guyana still has a long way more to go.

This period will involve the government and its partners edifying those in schools, sports clubs and the general public.

The public must remain informed that the Bill is not one that is intended to imprison citizens, but rather to curb the practice of smoking in public through fines.

“We need to go on a blitz on the laws that we have made, and explain to our people that it is not intended to be another law to put away people in jail,” Minister Nagamootoo said.

And with tobacco control measures steaming ahead, the prime minister posited that other health services can be boosted when the control measures kick in, thereby allowing expenditure to be used elsewhere.

Reminding his audience that Guyana is not an island but rather a country with

varying topographies, the minister related that it is ambitious but challenging to deliver health services to all parts of Guyana.

“We understand that we’ve been dealing with NCDs; if we deal with the causes of some of the chronic diseases that we have, like smoking, then we will be able to reduce and minimise the amount of money that we have to spend in some areas of health attention and divert it to other areas within the sector, like perhaps expanding health services to all our riverine and hinterland communities,” he said.

The acting president applauded the support the government has been receiving, and admitted that while it may be faced with challenges, particularly challenges of a financial nature, partners like the WHO and PAHO are particulaly supportive.

PAHO/WHO representa-

tive to Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow related that the local Health Ministry was the only one in the Caribbean and Latin America to be honoured for its work in tobacco control.

He said when he first came to Guyana, just over four years ago, it was rated low regionally for tobacco control. Now Guyana, through the MoPH, is leading the way.

The other awardees include: The Institute for Clinical Effectiveness and Health Policy (IECS) in Argentina; Dr. Guillermo Paraje of the Universidad Adolfo Ibañez in Chile; Executive Director of the Inter American Heart Foundation in the United States, Dr. Beatriz Champagne; Dr. Eduardo Bianco of Uruguay; and President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, Dr. Tabaré Vázquez.

PAHO/WHO Representative to Guyana, Dr. William Adu-Krow hands over the certificate of recognition to Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence

infrastructure exacerbate the situation.

Also, Council is considering approaching the

Guyana Revenue Authority for a percentage of revenues from licensing of vehicle, to assist with the

construction and maintenance of roads and facilities that are connected to them.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

New Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel appointed

THE Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs have appointed Joann Bond, Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

Bond will give added support to the Chief Parliamentary Counsel Charles Fung-a-Fat. The Chambers made the announcement on Saturday, explaining that Bond’s promotion to Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel comes approximately eight years after she joined the Drafting Division in 2010.

In the past, she functioned as Parliamentary Counsel, Senior Parliamentary Counsel and Principal Parliamentary Counsel (ag).

In 2014, Ms. Bond was awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue studies in London, United Kingdom and is the holder of an LLM in Advanced Legislative Studies (with

distinction) from the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), University of London. She is also a graduate of the Hugh Wooding Law School where she obtained her Legal Education Certificate (LEC) in 2009, the University of Guyana where she received her Bachelors of Law Degree (LLB) (credit) in 2007 and Presidents College.

She is also proficient in the area of law revision having been trained by the Regional Law Revision Centre Inc. in Anguilla. Bond also completed an internship with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague, Netherlands.

In addition to her main duties of drafting primary and subsidiary legislation of varying degrees of complexity, she also gives technical support to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the

engaged in the Mutual Evaluation Process of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Newly appointed Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Joann Bond Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing Committee and the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Bond is a trained Caribbean Action Task Force (CFATF) Legal Assessor and is currently

She is also the Chairperson of the Bid Protest Committee and a

member of the Commonwealth Association of Legislative Counsel.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE July 1, 2018

Police destroy marijuana cultivation in Essequibo

POLICE on patrol seeking a wanted suspect in Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, came under fire from a group of men they stumbled upon at a marijuana field and camp on Friday.

Reports indicate that on approaching the men, the party of police came under fire and the men fled in the nearby bushes.

and seven feet in height were found along with a seedling nursery.

One of the many camps that were set alight

Another camp that was destroyed

They were pursued and a 29-year-old resident of the community was later arrested. During the chase, another camp was found at the site. The camps which had groceries, kitchen utensils, hammocks and clothing were destroyed.

Upon investigation, four more fields of marijuana plants with over 1200 plants ranging between six inches

Police later destroyed and set alight all the camps.

Also at one of the camps

a bottle containing two live cartridges and five .38 spent shells was found.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

Headline acts Messi and Ronaldo exit World Cup

By Simon Evans

ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - The World Cup lost its headline acts on Saturday as the game’s two biggest stars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, readied to leave Russia after their teams were eliminated in the round of 16.

Messi’s Argentina lost

4-3 to France and hours later Ronaldo’s Portugal went down 2-1 to Uruguay, leaving the tournament without its two best known and most loved players.

Given their ages - Messi is 31 and Ronaldo 33 - this could be the last the world sees of the pair, who have monopolised the world player of the year award for the last

10 years, on the biggest stage of all.

If Barcelona forward Messi, who previously quit the Argentina team in 2016 before changing his mind, does not continue until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he will end his career without a major trophy for his country.

After winning a gold

medal with Argentina in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, many expected the little forward to take his country to glory in a World Cup or at least the Copa America.

Yet despite his brilliance - and some talented team mates — Argentina have remained without such a trophy — losing to Germany in the 2010 World Cup quarter-fi-

nals and suffering the same fate in the 2014 final in Rio. While Real Madrid’s Ronaldo will also be bitterly disappointed to be heading home earlier than planned from Russia, he at least has the consolation of having won his country’s first ever European Championship, two years ago in France.

Brilliant Cavani brace fires Kirani James set Uruguay into last eight ‘Track Record’ at

By Sudipto Ganguly

SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani scored a stunning brace to lead the South Americans to a 2-1 win over European champions Portugal in the World Cup round of 16 on Saturday and set up a quarter-final against France.

Cavani switched play with a long cross to Luis Suarez and continued his run to head home a pinpoint deep cross from the Barcelona forward and give Uruguay a seventh-minute lead.

Portugal defender Pepe made Uruguay pay for sitting back when he leapt unmarked to head in a cross from Raphael Guerreiro following a short corner to level the match at 1-1 in the 55th minute.

That was the first goal the twice World Cup champions

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had conceded in the tournament in Russia, but it took Cavani only seven minutes to put them back ahead at the packed Fisht Stadium overlooking the Black Sea. The Paris St Germain forward curled in a first-time right-foot shot from Rodrigo Bentancur’s pass to beat Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio before going off injured in the 74th minute as the Uruguay defence dug in to hold on to their lead.

“Happy for what happened today, I hope we can go further,” Cavani said. “It’s exciting... there are no words to describe this. Really, really, really happy - look at our fans! I want to continue dreaming.”

Portugal, who won Euro 2016 in France, dominated possession but their attack did not have enough bite to break through the Uruguay defence twice, leaving cap-

tain Cristiano Ronaldo a frustrated figure during the entire match.

The Real Madrid forward could not add to his four goals in the first two matches, failing to improve his record of failing to score in all six World Cup knockout matches he has played.

Ronaldo had an opportunity in the first half to score from a free kick about 30 metres out but could only hit the wall.

“It’s not a fair result, we did enough for another result,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said.

“Uruguay scored with their first shot on our goal.

We are very sad but that’s football.”

Uruguay will play France in the last eight in Nizhny Novgorod on Friday.

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AP Invitational

…Archibald dazzles to win men’s 100 metres

By Rawle Toney

HE came, he saw, and he conquered, and he also entertained-- Kirani James. The crowd at the Aliann Pompey Invitational stood in ‘awe’ as the 2012 Olympic Champion and 2016 Olympic silver medallist clocked 44.99 seconds to not only win the ‘AP’ Invitational 400 metres, but also set a new ‘Track Record’.

Prior to last evening, Guyana’s Winston George ran 45.16 seconds at last year’s AP Invitational, which was then the fastest time ever at the National Track and Field Centre and also a national record.

“I actually came to put on a show and run a good time, but the track was wet, so I just had to ensure that I took my time,” a calm James told reporters after the race.

Chidi Okezie, the 2016 African Championship bronze medallist of Nigeria was second, running 45.97 seconds and George was third with 46.13 seconds.

Prior to coming to Guyana, James ran 44.35 seconds, the ninth fastest time in the world this year.

“I’m good with my time today (at the AP Invitational) because as I said, the track is wet and I’m now getting back on track. This was my second race in over a year and I’m happy with the progress,” said James.

Meanwhile, Emanuel Archibald ran a blistering 10.29 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres event ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Kyle Greaux (10.39 seconds) and Yancarlos Martinez of the Dominican Republic (10.43 seconds).

Greaux would, however, return to win the men’s 200 metres with a time of 20.43 seconds, while Martinez was second (20.80 seconds) and George came third in 20.87 seconds.

Donald Scott spoiled Troy Doris’ home coming in the men’s triple jump as the American leaped 17.22 metres to take the title ahead of Cuba’s Christian Napoles (16.96 metres) and Suriname’s Miguel Van Assen (16.67 metres).

Doris, who settled for fourth (16.09 metres), told Chronicle Sport that while he was disappointed with the placing, he was comfortable with the result, knowing that it was his first meet back since his injury at the Commonwealth Games where he won gold in the event.

See tomorrow’s issue for more details.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

Kylian Mbappe emerges on world stage as Lionel Messi departs

By Patrick Jennings in Kazan, Russia WHEN Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe embraced at the end of a breathless World Cup classic, it was a striking moment that seemed to confirm the passing of greatness from one player to the next.

Everyone present at the electrified Kazan Arena on Saturday left the stadium knowing they had witnessed a special match, a knockout game for the ages.

And one player in particular set the spine tingling.

Mbappe is only 19 years old but he scored two goals and ran with blistering pace from his own half to win a penalty for the opener in France’s 4-3 victory over Argentina, a win that moves Didier Deschamps’ talented side into the quarter-finals.

It was a spell-binding performance that defined a match whose outcome signals France’s real potential to go all the way in Russia and claim their second World Cup trophy.

Mbappe - the forward who has everything Mbappe was not even born when France won this competition on home soil in 1998.

Neatly, Michael Owen’s brilliant slalom through the Argentina defence at that tournament, which was so like Mbappe’s here for the opener in Kazan, came exactly 20 years ago - on 30 June 1998.

Mbappe, who was born on 20 December 1998, is technically still on loan at Paris St-Germain from Monaco but is expected to join the French champions for 180m euros (£165.7m) as the second most expensive player of all time. Only the 200m euros (£177m) PSG paid for Brazil forward Neymar in 2017 surpasses that fee.

It is not just searing pace Mbappe is blessed with but sublime skill, quick thinking, two clever feet, a cool head, bravery, belief and a brutal eye for goal. His two finishes were predatory, low and powerful.

“It was an incredible performance from a centre forward who has the lot: blistering pace, goals, touch and technique,” said former England captain Alan Shearer, speaking on Match of the Day. “At 19, to put in a performance like that, with millions watching and Messi at the other end, it was simply brilliant.”

Mbappe, from the suburbs of Paris, only made his international debut last year. His rise to the top has been dizzying since he burst on

to the scene in the 2016-17 season, scoring 26 goals in 44 games as Monaco reached the Champions League semi-finals and won Ligue 1.

His two goals here utterly wiped out Argentina’s gathering momentum and an-

ly as his shot was deflected in by Gabriel Mercado when Argentina took the lead, the other a sublime cross that found Sergio Aguero in the 93rd minute.

That was too little, too late, a reminder of what might have been at the end of another

Lionel Messi has never scored a goal in the World Cup knockout stages

nounced his supreme talent to the world.

Not since 1958, when the legendary Brazilian Pele, then 17, found the net twice against Sweden in the final, has a teenager scored twice in a World Cup game.

“I’m very happy, and it’s flattering to be compared to a great player like Pele but he’s in another category,” Mbappe said.

“Still, it’s great to join the list of players that have achieved such feats.”

Another day of suffering for Messi This was a match that inflicted more agony on Messi, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner who seems destined never to shine as only he can on the biggest stage of all.

Right after the final whistle, Messi did not look back as he and Mbappe came together and parted, but the young French striker did steal a brief final glance behind him.

He would have seen the hunched back of Argentina’s iconic number 10, broken by the weight of a whole nation’s expectation. Messi dreamed of matching those demands but was once again unable to conjure his masterful best when it counted most.

He provided two assists - one inadvertent-

largely peripheral display at this World Cup. Perhaps the moment that summed his afternoon up best was his sole shot on target, a strike in the 83rd minute that he failed to truly connect with and that Hugo Lloris gathered with ease.

Six days after he turned 31, as he walked off the pitch with his head bowed and his captain’s armband held in his hands, Messi could well have been turning his back on the World Cup for good, and on international football altogether.

He did score a sublime opener in the narrow victory over Nigeria that dragged Argentina through to the knockout stage.

Afterwards, Messi said he had “never known suffering like it”.

His words came after having suffered plenty with Argentina before - including three consecutive defeats in major finals when Germany claimed the 2014 World Cup and Chile beat them to the Copa America in 2015 and 2016.

Messi said he was retiring after the 2016 defeat but changed his mind and helped drag his team-mates through qualifying for this

FIFA fines World Cup hosts Russia for discriminatory banner MOSCOW (Reuters) - FIFA has fined World Cup hosts Russia 10,000 Swiss francs (7,646.30 pounds) after their fans displayed a discriminatory banner during the country’s 3-0 World Cup loss to Uruguay.

Russia play Spain in the last 16 today after the country reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in

post-Soviet history.

FIFA also fined Serbia 20,000 Swiss francs for a “political and offensive banner” during their 2-0 loss to Brazil at Moscow’s Spartak stadium. Serbia, who are out of the tournament, were fined for the display of a similar banner earlier in the tournament.

Mexico were fined 15,000 Swiss francs for crowd distur-

bance after their fans threw objects during their team’s 3-0 loss to Sweden.

Morocco were slapped with a fine of 65,000 Swiss francs for a series of incidents during the 2-2 draw with Spain, including crowd disturbance and six members of the team’s technical staff forcing their way on to the pitch after the final whistle.

World Cup, scoring a hat-trick in a decisive final match against Ecuador that rescued a poor campaign.

The legacy of his remarkable achievements in club football with Barcelona will not be tainted by this low.

But nonetheless there will forever be a regret and a sadness that a player as talented as Messi looks likely to have one thing missing: a World Cup he defined, which is exactly what Diego Maradona did in 1986.

It is remarkable to think that he may forever remain without a single goal in the World Cup knockout stage.

End of an era for Argentina?

This defeat could well be the end for Argentina’s manager Jorge Sampaoli, too.

The expectation among many is that he will now leave.

Although the former Sevilla boss would not discuss his future after the game, ex-Argentina and Tottenham midfielder Ossie Ardiles said the “greatest mistake Argentina made was to put Sampaoli in charge”.

He added: “His only plan was to give the ball to Messi and hope for a miracle.”

There is no doubt about what Javier Mascherano will do next - he announced his international retirement while holding back the tears in a TV interview immediately after the defeat.

At 34, Mascherano is the eldest of a generation that is now coming to an end. By the time the next World Cup comes around in 2022, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Angel di Maria will all be 34.

The question many Argentine journalists are asking is: Where is the next wave coming from?

Argentina won the Under-20 World Cup in 1995, 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2007, but they now seem to be running out of emerging stars.

It is not a problem shared by France. Barcelona’s 21-year-old forward Ousmane Dembele was on the bench, Antoine Griezmann is still in his prime at 27 and there should be much more to come from Paul Pogba at just 25.

Alexandre Lacazette, Kingsley Coman, Adrien Rabiot and Anthony Martial did not even make this squad.

Should Mbappe continue to perform as he did in Saturday’s thriller, this could develop into a very special tournament for him and France.(BBC Sport).

BCB congratulates National U-17 selectees THE president, executives and member-clubs of the Berbice Cricket Board would like to extend congratulations to the four Berbicians on their selection to the national Under-17 squad to the 2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional tournament.

Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Gevon Shultz and Leon Swammy, were named a strong 14-man squad for the tournament, which runs from July 8 to 18 in Trinidad & Tobago.

The BCB president would meet the four players shortly and reward them

with a small financial stipend.

Meanwhile, former West Indies Under-15 captain, Sachin Singh, will lead the squad.

The remainder of the squad comprises Andre Seepersaud (Vice-captain), Navendra Persaud, Yeudistir Persaud (wicket-keeper), Hrithik Singh, Niron Bissu, Badesh Parsotam, Sheldon Charles, Sylvian Williams and Dwayane Dick.

The team will be managed by Nazeer Mohamed and coached by Orin Bailey.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, July 1, 2018

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools football tournament…

Big wins for Tucville boys, South Ruimveldt girls

There were big wins for South Ruimveldt Girls and Tucville boys as the ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football tournament continued in Georgetown yesterday.

In girls action, South Ruimveldt demolished Tucville 5-1 thanks to a hat trick from Amanda McKenzie (12th, 18th and 22nd) while Latisha Sutherland (6th) and Angel Denny (16th). They conceded to Kixian London in the 7th minute.

New Campbellville were also winners as the ladies’ round robin competition continued, beating Dolphin 1-0 thanks to Grace Jones in the 9th.

Charlestown also completed a win over East Ruimveldt by the same margin via a Donna Lowe strike in the first with Vergenoegen bewating Uitvlugt 2-0 thanks to Janel Edmonson (9th) and

Tia Lamaison (20th).

In the Round of sixteen action for the males, St George’s scraped through on 3-2 sudden death penalties as their match against Marian Academy was deadlocked 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

Marian had Daniel Lowe and Malik Barker on target for them while St George’s Dexter Hector (16th and 31st) ensured that his brace did not go in vain.

Vergenogen were also winners, beating East Ruimveldt 2-0 thanks to Kwesi Gill in the 3rd and Nashaun Livan in the 37th.

Chase’s 7-0 drubbing of Uitvlugt came chiefly from Kevin Mullin who scored four goals in the 3rd,29th 30th and 40th while there were single strikes from Jaleel Alcindor (25th), Sean Cato (26th) and Joshua Dan-

iel (36th).

Tucville were however outlandish, as they beat Carmel 9-0 with four strikes in the (3rd, 11th, 23rd and 24th) from Rayheam Marques, braces from Garfield Caesar (14th and 37th) and Dwayne Kellman (5th and 31st) and a lone strike from Shadrock Bishop.

South Ruimveldt went down 1-3 to St Johns College after De Andre Allen’s strike was no match for David Xavier (3rd), Akeel Bennett (13th) and an own goal (19th).

Buxton were also winners on the day with a 7-0 drubbing of Anns Grove thanks to Makhaya Jervis (29th,32nd and 37th) while support came from Samuel Garnett (8th and 10th), Tyrice Dennis (9th) and Ronald Howard (35th).

North Ruimveldt beat

Rainforest Waters Senior Nationals Squash Championships...

Khalil highlights Friday night action The 2018 Rainforest Waters Senior National Squash Championships continued on Friday night at the Georgetown Club Courts with the four quarter -finals in the Men’s Open, the lone remaining Women’s quarter-final match and matches in the Men’s Veterans, Men’s Plate and Women’s Plate.

The top four seeds in the Men’s Open draw all progressed in straight games to the semifinals which were scheduled for last night.

However, the match of the night saw Jason-Ray Khalil had to overcome a testing challenge from top junior player Shomari Wiltshire.

First on court was No. 2 seed Richard Chin who defeated Robert Fernandes in straight games 11 - 6, 11 - 6, 11 - 5.

Defending champion Alex Arjoon was next on court against former Junior Caribbean champion Damian Da Silva. Arjoon won the first game 11 - 4, and then took an even closer second game 11 - 8. He closed out the match with an emphatic 11 - 1 win in the third game.

Jason-Ray Khalil was next on court against Shomari Wiltshire. Jason won the

first game 11- 6. The second game went back and forth with Wiltshire having two game balls at 10 - 9 and again at 12 - 11 but Khalil eventually prevailed 14 - 12.

The furious pace of the second game took its toll on both players but more on Wiltshire as Khalil easily won the third game 11 - 2.

The battle between former national champions Nyron Joseph and Regan Pollard was comfortably won in straight games by Joseph 11 - 6, 11 - 5, 11 - 6.

In the last of the Women’s quarter final matches, two junior players Abosaide Cadogan and Sarah Lewis were pitted against each other with Cadogan easily winning the match 11 - 3, 11 - 6, 11 - 3.

The match up in the Men’s semifinals will see defending champion Alex Arjoon taking on Jason-Ray Khalil while No.2 seed Richard Chin comes up against Nyron Joseph.

In the Women’s semis Mary Fung-A-Fat will play Abosaide Cadogan while Ashley Khalil will battle against Taylor Fernandes.

Results of the matches played on Friday evening are as follows.

Men’s Open Alex Arjoon beat Damian Da Silva 11 - 4, 11 - 8, 11 – 1.

Richard Chin beat Robert Fernandes 11 - 6, 11 - 6, 11 – 5.

Jason-Ray Khalil beat Shomari Wiltshire 11 - 6, 14 - 12, 11 – 2.

Nyron Joseph beat Regan Pollard 11 - 6, 11 - 5, 11 – 6.

Women’s Open Abosaide Cadogan defeated Sarah Lewis 11 - 3, 11 - 6, 11 – 3.

Men’s Plate Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Joshua Abdool 11 - 9, 11 - 3, 11 – 5.

Johnathan Antczak beat Gianni Carpenter 11 - 6, 11 - 4, 11 – 8.

Women’s Plate Kirsten Gomes beat Madison Fernandes 12 - 10, 7 - 11, 6 - 11, 11 - 7, 11 – 8.

Men’s Veterans Over 35 Garfield Wiltshire defeated Tony Farnum 11 - 4, 11 - 5, 11 – 2.

Brian Yong beat Lloyd Fung-A-Fat 11 - 6, 11 - 3, 11 – 4.

St George’s were able to scrape through 3-2 on sudden death penalties against Marian Academy (Adrian Narine photo)

Queenstown 3-0 after Shaquan Favorite (27th), Orlando Dickie (32nd) and Yannick Norton (38th) each found the back of the net.

The final game of the day saw Dolphin beat Annandale 3-1 on penalties after the game was tied at 1-1 The tournament is

co-sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health and Demerara Distillers Limited under their Pepsi Brand.

Regal stamp authority in NY Independence Cup

GUYANA sides, Regal Masters and Regal All-Stars have announced their presence in the 12th annual New York Softball Cricket League Independence Cup with exceptional cricket that has brightened the opening day of action in Queens, New York.

Regal Masters easily brushed aside debutants Tropical Springs Masters and TriState Masters in convincing fashion and are the team to beat in the Masters’ over-45 category heading into yesterday final preliminary round and semifinals.

In their final group match, the unbeaten Regal Masters will come up against defending champions and fellow Guyana side, Floodlights Masters who are also unbeaten at 09:00hrs before their semifinal at 13:00hrs.

In the opening game at the Canarsie Park, Regal Masters beat Tropical Springs Masters by the wide margin of 169 runs. Regal won the toss and from there the assault began.

Opener Eon “Rapper” Abel smashed nine sixes and four fours in the top score of 90 and shared a vital second-wicket partnership of 115 runs with Mahesh Chunilall who made 38. Skipper Mahendra Hardyal who got off the mark with a huge six perished early on for nine but his dismissal paved the way for the batting display that followed.

After Chunilall and Abel were dismissed in the 13th and 15th overs respectively, Eric Thomas and Rudolph Baker took over. The left-handed Thomas clobbered a quick fire 57 not out (8x6; 4x4) while the right-hander Baker flayed the bowling for 55 not out (8x6) as the pair put on 107 runs in just over four overs that pushed the total to 268/3. In all, six bowlers were employed by Tropical Springs with Anand Persaud bagging two wickets for 48 runs from his quota of four overs in brilliant sunshine.

Tropical Springs who showed glimpses of hope were eventually restricted to 99 for 8 when their overs expired.

Ameir Ahmad who retired hurt on 24 was the only batsman that showed some pedigree to the tight Regal Masters bowling. Left-arm bowler, Laurie Singh was very economical in picking up 2 for 11 from his four overs while Pooran Singh (2/20), Throy Kippins (1/16) and David Harper (1/18) were also in the wickets column.

In their second game, the Regal Masters’ batting was once again on the pulse as the Campbellville based side registered a nine-wicket victory over Tri-State Masters. Batting first, the home team looked organized in scoring 164 for 8 but their bowling failed to follow through.

Gavin Longhorn top scored with 59 while Kippins

was on the ball again with 3-34 and was supported by Parsram “Pacer” Persaud (2/33) and Laurie Singh (2/48).

In the rapid reply, openers Abel and Chunilall were once again in pugnacious mood when they put on 150 runs for the opening wicket in 10 overs.

Abel brought up the winning runs to finish on 75 not out (3x6; 9x4) when the target of 165 was achieved at the end of the 12th over for the loss of Chunilall’s wicket. Chunilall who was brilliantly caught on the midwicket boundary made 78 (8x6; 1x4) while Mohendra Arjune was not out on four with the score on 165 for 1.

Regal Masters will now meet nemesis Floodlights who are also unbeaten after their two victories over Tri-State Masters and Tropical Springs respectively. Both teams are assured of semifinal places and chances are a repeat of the 2016 and 2017 final in on the cards.

In the Open category, Regal All-Stars won both of their preliminary matches and will now meet SVC All-Stars in a heated clash in their final preliminary round game this morning before their semifinals at the Baisley Pond Park in Queens.

The finals are set for today at the Roy Wilkins Park.

(John Ramsingh report and Photos)

Lionel Messi

Cristiano Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappe scored twice inside four minutes to guide France into the quarter-finals. See story on page 30).

(Getty Images0

Messi and Ronaldo exit World Cup PAGE

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Brilliant Cavani brace fires Uruguay into last eight PAGE

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Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani scores their first goal past Portugal’s Rui Patricio. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

Kirani James set

‘Track Record’ at AP Invitational

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…Archibald dazzles to win men’s 100 metres

ALL ALONE! Kirani James crossing the finish line unchallenged in his 44.99 seconds performance at the AP Invitational. (Delano Williams photos)

CLOSE CALL! Guyana’s Emanuel Archibald (first from right) rips at the line to win the 100m ahead of Kyle Greaux (second from right) and Yancarlos Martinez of the Dominican Republic (fourth from right).

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SUNDAY, JULY 1, 2018