Guyana Chronicle E-paper 07-21-2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

SATURDAY

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21st July, 2018

No.105342

Cybercrime Bill passed – as gov’t excises contentious sedition clause

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Self-employment is the best …President tells youth leaders 02 PAGE

President David Granger autographing copies of one of his books for the youth leaders (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

GECOM wants

more $$$ for LGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

No slighting of PM in political talks – Trotman

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo is in no way being slighted

by President David Granger to lead bipartisan talks between the government and the opposition, said leader of the Alliance For Change, Raphael Trotman.

President Granger agreed to lead the talks after the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo expressed concerns to former United States (US) President Jimmy Carter, upon his intervention, that Prime Minister Nagamootoo may not be able to commit the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government. In the corridors of the Public Buildings on Friday, Trotman, who is also the Minister of Natural Resources, told reporters that the AFC welcomes the move to reinitiate bipartisan talks between the government and the main parliamentary opposition , the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

According to him, the AFC is elated. “We don’t believe that Prime Minister Nagamootoo has in any way been slighted. Knowing him as I do, he has always been for national dialogue and would have no hesitation in stepping aside in the greater interest,” Minister Trotman told reporters.

SINCERITY However, the AFC is concerned about the sincerity of the opposition leader in treating with the matter.

Minister Trotman said the AFC has taken note of the trend by the opposition to come up with various reasons why they should not engage when approached by government.

“We know that way back when government started, the President had invited the leader of the opposition to become a part of some bi-partisan committees on various subjects and there was a refusal, save and except to deal with the sovereign issue, so this is good news for us,” the AFC leader pointed out.

He therefore, on behalf of the AFC and by extension the government, called on the opposition to put the interest of the country first. “So we urge the PPP/ Civic to engage and we believe that there is much to be determined and decided, particularly in the area of oil and gas, national security, border issues, national developments, so we are quite happy with [what] we are reading,” Minister Trotman said.

In the coming meetings with the government and opposition, Minister Trotman gave the assurance that the AFC will be represented. “It is government and opposition, so no

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

doubt the AFC will be represented and the President would convene that team. The first meeting held in fact at the Ministry of the Presidency in 2015, some of us from the AFC were present at that meeting,” he recalled.

He said the concerns by the opposition leader that the prime

minister would not have been able to make binding decisions are farfetched.

“He had been authorised freely by the President to lead our delegation, so he would have been able to make binding decisions. There is no doubt about that. I was a part of that deliberation and we have no doubt that he had all of the powers to make binding decisions,” the AFC leader told reporters. For decades, the former US President has been involved in the assistance of smooth political processes in Guyana, facilitating the country’s first internationally certified free and fair election in 1992. He last visited Guyana in 2015, when he co-led the Carter Center’s 100th election observation mission of the May 11 General and Regional elections.

Over the years, there have been calls for the major political parties, the PPP and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) to put their differences aside and have political dialogue on social and economic matters of high importance.

Collaboration by the major political forces, it has been opined, can foster confidence, trust as well as good, cordial relations at the national level, thereby obtaining solutions to matters of national importance.

The APNU+AFC coalition government has from its very formation stressed inclusionary governance.

In fact, President Granger has repeatedly said that his administration is committed to inclusionary democracy and is prepared to consider executive power-sharing with the PPP/C. Back in September 2015, the President noted that at that year’s General and Regional Elections, the coalition secured 51 per cent of the votes cast by the electorate and as such, it would not be prudent for his government to exclude the PPP/C’s base. “We have at all times aimed at having inclusionary democracy and inclusionary government, so that the 49 per cent don’t feel locked out.” The head-of-state stressed that national unity is part of the philosophy of the coalition and noted that there must be some form of sharing, national unity and inclusionary governance.

However, last year July during an interview with this newspaper, the President had said that there has been a consistent lack of cooperation by the opposition to have dialogue with the government on matters of national importance outside of constitutional requirements.

Self-employment is the best …President tells youth leaders

PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday met and interacted with members of the Linden Youth Leaders (LYL) and its regional chapters, whom he urged to explore the endless op-

portunities that await them in the area of entrepreneurship and enterprise.

He also noted that everything they need to venture into manufacturing and agro-processing are available

right in their regions. Speaking at a special luncheon held at State House, the head of state said, “The time has come for young people to seek different forms of employment and the best form of employment is self-employment, in which you set up your own enterprises, manage your own finance, have a bank account and aim for prosperity…this type of employment is more reliable, your job is not dependent on the whims and fancies of a boss or a manager.”

The President also reminded the youths that inequality remains a major impediment to development and charged them to, in their work, reach out to vulnerable communities, particularly those in the hinterland and in riverine areas and ensure that the children of those

President Granger sits with youth leaders for a ‘family photo’ following their engagement on Friday

communities have access to education.

“Education is a great equaliser, if you are educated you have the opportunity to be what you want to be, and to be the best that you can be… Wherever you are living, if you know there is a child who cannot get to school, you help that child to go to school,” he said.

The LYL was established in 2006 by former Mayor of

Linden, Mr. Carwyn Holland and Ms. Rochelle Sparman, a second-year Law student at the Hugh Wooding Law School, who in her remarks, said that President Granger played a pivotal role in inspiring them to form a group to engage youths in community development. She said youths had become very disenchanted in Linden, having been forced to forfeit their dreams and ambitions as a result of financial constraints.

“The Linden Youth Leaders is made up of vibrant youths who feel passionately that we have great value and propose to fulfil our responsibilities by developing ourselves, our communities and our nation,” she said.

After the establishment of the LYL, Mr. Holland received requests for similar groups to be formed across Guyana and as a result, Friday’s event there are Chapters in Wakenaam, Bartica, Corriverton, Beterverwagting, Tuschen, Cornelia Ida, Versailles, Buxton, Lusignan, Diamond and Georgetown.

President of the LYL Mr. Romel Gonsalves, said that these groups are all committed to the President’s vision of reducing poverty and inequality and building social cohesion, as he noted that they look forward to forging a closer working relationship with the head of state. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

Cybercrime Bill passed

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– as gov’t excises contentious sedition clause THE contentious Cybercrime Bill was late Friday night passed in the National Assembly with amendments to two clauses that had allegedly infringed on press freedom and freedom of expressions.

But despite those amendments, the Bill, which carries rigid penalties for acts of child pornography, child luring, cyber-bullying and identity theft among other offences committed in cyberspace, was heavily criticised in part by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which had also tabled an amendment for the entire Clause 18 (Sections 1-4) to be deleted with respect to the offences of sedition. That proposed amendment was not allowed.

Ahead of the debates, Clause 18 had come in for major criticism, as it was deemed in certain quarters as an assault on press freedom in that it was felt that it criminalised anyone who uses a computer to bring, or attempt to bring into hatred or contempt, disaffection towards the government.

But on Friday as he stood to defend the Bill that he tabled, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams told the House that in response to the criticisms, the Bill was referred back to Cabinet for their consideration.

It was at that level, he said,

that a decision was made to delete Sub-section (1)(a) which was the main cause of concern.

He pointed out that in addition to the deletion of Sub-section (1)(a), other changes changes were made.

Said he: “Clause 18 has since been revised by the Drafting Division in collaboration with a free speech and media attorney from ISLP. The changes made to this clause and other clauses of the Bill demonstrate that this government is receptive to criticism, and committed to the democratic process.”

The now ammended Clause 18 provides for offences against the State.

“Some of these offences,” Minister Williams explained, referencing parts (b) and (c), “are where a person intentionally publishes, transmits or circulates by use of a computer system, statement or words either spoken or written text, video, image, sign, visible representation that-encourages, incites, induces, aids, abets, counsels any person to commit, participate in the commission of, or to conspire with another person to commit any criminal offence against the President or any member of the government.”

Like Clause 18, Clause 9 was also a subject of contention, with the Opposition and civil society contending that it was intended to muzzle

whistleblowers by targetting them.

The original Clause 9 made the unauthorised receiving, giving or obtaining of access to electronic data an offence.

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION Minister Williams said that the government, taking into consideration the concerns raised by the media watchdog group, “Reporters Without Borders” that this clause could be used to penalise journalists and media for publishing reports based on information from a confidential source, amended it.

“The amendment has resulted in the removal of the provision that may pose an obstacle to the freedom of the press; that is, the criminal aspect of receiving the electronic data. The type of conduct being criminalised has now been revised and is more specific. The types of electronic data to which this clause refers to have also been defined to include commercially sensitive data, a trade secret or data which relates to national security,” the Legal Affairs Minister explained.

Former Attorney-General Anil Nandlall, who now sits on the opposite side of the House, said that in this age of technology, no one could seriously dispute the importance of Cybercrime Legisla-

tion, and as such the Bill was a timely intervention.

He, however, alleged that in amending it, the concerns raised by organisations such as the Guyana Press Association (GPA), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the PPP, and even ordinary citizens were not taken into full consideration.

In addition to Clauses 9 and 18, Nandlall expressed concern over Clause 17.

“There is a serious problem with Clause 17 as well,” he told the House. While acknowledging and accepting that the Opposition Members of Parliament were absent from many of the meetings held by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee, said that they will take responsible for the “contentious” Clauses being incorporated into the bill.

“What we would not accept responsibility for is the inclusion of Clause 18 in the bill, and we will not take responsibility,” he emphasised. He complained that even if the Opposition Members were present, they lacked the voting powers to make amendments especially without the support of Government Members.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira also expressed serious concerns over Clauses 9 and 18 though they were amended.

Prime Minister Moses

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

Nagamootoo, in defense of the Bill, told the House that the government, through the legislation, is by no means prohibiting the use of the Internet or the flow of information but rather what is being addressed is the use of the Internet and technological devices for criminal purposes.

“We are way behind the movement in the world to protect our civilisation from those who are bent on perpetrating criminal intent via computer, not legitimate lawful purposes, criminal purposes,” he said.

In wrapping up the debates, Minister Williams reminded the House that

Mark Benschop and Philip Bynoe were initially charged with sedition, and that after Bynoe was freed, the PPP government then moved to charge Benschop with treason. The latter was eventually pardoned after serving five years in solitary confinement.

He said contrary to the Opposition’s claims, the nation’s youths will be protected, and that the Bill was consulted upon widely.

Punishments under the Bill range from multiple-year jail sentences, to fines of up to $20M for those found guilty.

Teen with cerebral palsy returns to school THE regional administration of Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) has donated a wheelchair to 15-year-old Kelvin Wills who is suffering from cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement, and motor skills which are the abilities to move in a coordinated and purposeful way.

Wills was unable to attend school because of his condition, so the Special Needs Unit of the region’s Department of Education in collaboration with the Regional Health Department, reached out to him and provided him the wheelchair.

According to a press statement from the region, Special Needs Officer within the Department of Education, Region Four, Simone Abrams said Wills’ issue came to light during a truancy campaign in the Mahaica community a few weeks ago.

She said a visit was made to Wills’ home where the truancy officers obtained information that he had not attended school for several

years.

After recognising the need for a wheelchair for Wills, the officials who visited the child’s home, contacted the health department of the region through its Regional Heath Officer (RHO), Dr Quincy Jones who immediately sourced a wheelchair.

The wheelchair was presented by both Simone Abrams and Regional Heath Officer (ag) Dr Ryaan Henry who said he understands the situation and sympathises with young Wills.

He urged the parents of the child to continue to give him moral support, noting that having a disability is not the end of the world.

“I am a testimony that living with a disability is not the end of the world.

I know about the stigma and discrimination but I also know that you can be determined and preserved to doing things off your own,” he told an evidently excited Wills.

“When we visited his home we found that he had not been at school for several years and after an

Young Wills flanked by his parents and officials of the Region Four Administration

investigation was conducted we found that the reason for Kelvin not being able to attend school is due to the fact that he needed a wheelchair,” Abrams said.

Aside from being made aware of the child’s condition, the officials were made aware of the numerous challenges that the family has been facing over the ears.

Abrams pointed out that Wills who is the third of six children is faced with a number of difficulties owing to the fact that his mother is

unemployed and his father’s refusal to contribute to his well-being.

Wills’ mother, Rafina Bacchus said the boy’s stepfather gives the family his full support.

“Things are really hard with us and because I don’t have a wheelchair and Kelvin is really heavy, it is very hard to lift him, I can’t go out and work so I does be at home all the time taking care of him,” Bacchus related.

She added: “With his sickness I can’t leave him

alone by himself as I am really happy with this wheelchair as now I can push him around and even get a job to help with the other children.”

Abrams pointed out that outside of helping Kevin with a wheelchair, the Department of Education will collaborate with the Welfare Department to provide some additional assistance to Wills and his siblings.

“There is no question about the fact that things are exceptionally difficult with them and this is one of the primary reasons for him being unable to attend school.

However, the department will provide the required as-

sistance and support so as to ensure that the other children are attending school,” Abrams said.

An emotional Bacchus, who was unable to contain her excitement, expressed her thanks and gratitude to the departments of education and health for what she said was a “God sent gift”.

Bacchus promised to keep the wheelchair in good condition, noting that it is Wills’ only means of getting around and she is confident that it would not be too long before he is able to move himself around in the chair.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

New plot of land for NTC secretariat A NEW plot of land will be allocated to the National Toshaos Council (NTC) for the construction of its Secretariat as President David Granger believes the initial plot of land in Sophia, Greater Georgetown was too small.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters on Friday during his post-cabinet press briefing, that “the President in reviewing this felt that the land was a small area.”

As a result, the head-of-state communicated same to Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock, who in turn was in communication with the executive of the NTC. The indigenous leaders

during the 2016 NTC conference had requested a plot of land from the government to construct its long-awaited secretariat.

In August 2017, President David Granger had turned the sod for the construction of the NTC Secretariat at Sophia, which fulfilled a promise and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to ensuring good governance of the indigenous peoples’ affairs.

However, on Wednesday the Guyana Lands and Surveys (GL&SC) announced that the plot of land identified for the NTC Secretariat, and which can be occupied by the said council as a 50-year lease, has been approved.

“They are looking at allocating a larger track of land so that the headquarters of the NTC can be well set up and well organised,” said Harmon who noted that the President is currently looking at possibly allocating some unused Guyana Sugar Corporation (GUYSUCO) lands.

“His Excellency is looking at that because he would like to see a NTC headquarters that is representative of a stature and quality which we in Guyana have, and so he wants to give them a nice spread of land so that the headquarters and subsequent development of that entity takes place,” said Harmon.

When contacted on Friday, an

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

official of the NTC executive told the Guyana Chronicle that the body is familiar with the issue, and that the body would meet and deliberate

on the matter in the coming week. Meanwhile, the Minister of State congratulated the new executive of the NTC on behalf of his administration.

Toshao of Shulinab Village, Region 9 Nicholas Fredericks was elected Chairman of the NTC on Wednesday while the Vice-Chair position was won by Paul Pierre, former Regional Chairman, Region One. Other members of the body are Russian Dorrick (Secretary), Marbel Thomas (Treasurer) and Loretta Feidtkou (Assistant Treasurer /Secretary). Toshaos Sharmain Rambajue of Baramita; Colin Adrian of Moraikobai; Beverly Clenkian of St Cuth-

bert’s Mission; Carl Peneux of Orealla; Mario Hastings of Kako; Rickey Boyle of Kimbia; Elizabeth Romascindo of Bumbury Hill and Toshao Edward McGarrel of Chenpau, are among the other members of the council.

“The whole process of democratisation of all the indigenous peoples’ communities is a clear sign things are going very well, and that the government has committed to working with these bodies and to ensure their independence and to ensure they are provided with resources necessary for them to provide the leadership to our indigenous communities,” Harmon concluded.

UG makes push for STEM in Guyana …with rebranded Faculty of Technology THE University of Guyana in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has begun construction of a new Mathematics and Science building to improve the services offered by the insti-

tution, and has rebranded the Faculty of Technology.

A ‘sod-turning’ ceremony was held at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus on July 20, 2018 to give visibility to the rebranded

Faculty and to make the public aware of their decision to boost the areas of Mathematics and Science.

A t t h e c e r e m o n y, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith said that the decision to construct the building was birthed and will be a reality through the indispensable support of the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Education.

He added that it is very significant that as a university and as a nation, much more is done in Science and Technology; preparing students, enabling lecturers and the support staff. This new fac-

ulty, he said, will allow the space, enable the technology and give students everything they need to reach their full potential.

“Engineering requires significant preparation for Math and the Sciences, so this is a critical part of the support. Government has a significant interest in pushing what we are doing in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

This will not only improve the quality of human resources our University produces, but will also aid in the development of our country,” the Vice Chancellor said.

According to Professor Griffith, the building will be 4,000 sq. ft. with two storeys and will be equipped to better

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith cutting the ribbon of the rebranded Faculty of Engineering and Technology (Ministry of Education photo)

serve the students pursuing courses in mathematics and science fields.

Further, the Vice-Chancellor announced that as of July 9, 2018 the Faculty of Technology was rebranded to be “The Faculty of Engineering and Technology”, so as to make provision for the inclusion of the soon to come Department of Petroleum and Geological Engineering.

The new department will be launched in January 2019.

Expressing the Ministry’s endorsement, Minister of Education Nicolette Henry stated that the construction of

the building is in alignment with the national agenda for education which focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). She said the building will also serve the Faculties of Natural Science, Earth and Environmental Science and Agriculture and Forestry.

Further, she noted that the project is funded by the Government of Guyana to the tune of $66M. Minister Henry said that she was pleased to be a part of the collaborative process and that it is important to have faculties that are 21st century relevant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

Harmon confirms President to lead talks with opposition

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon has confirmed that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter did telephone President David Granger, and that the two had spoken of the need to have meetings between the government and the opposition.

“Yes, the matter was raised, and the President acknowledged that he did receive a telephone call from President Carter,” Minister Harmon said.

“He was mindful and interested in meeting with the Leader of the opposition to ensure matters which are in the national interest are discussed,” he told members of the media on Friday during his weekly post-Cabinet press briefing.

The confirmation follows a meeting on Thursday at State House between President Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, at the end of which the latter was quoted as saying that the two had come to a compromise of sorts.

That compromise was that in light of the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP)’s objection to Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo leading the government’s team on talks, that President Granger had decided that he will do so himself in the nation’s interest.

During Thursday’s State House meeting, President Granger was accompanied by Minister Harmon and Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, and the opposition leader by other PPP top executives.

Minister Harmon told the media on Friday that during the proposed meeting between the opposition leader and the President, there will be three areas of discussion, and that those areas are matters of national security, the oil-and- gas sector and the environment. He disclosed, too, that Jagdeo requested that there be structured meetings, something the President was only too happy to oblige.

Jagdeo had told the media on Thursday that he’d received a call from President Carter last week after the latter had gotten word that the PPP had refused the offer to engage in amiable talks with the government.

Said he: “The impression I got from President Carter is that in his conversation with the President, the President stated that he was inclined to have talks with us, but we in the PPP were not so inclined

because we don’t like Nagamootoo.”

“And so I pointed out to President Carter that it was not Nagamootoo that was the issue; it was our concern that he would not be able to commit the APNU or the PNC to anything at the meeting.”

However, despite saying this now, in a statement issued back in 2015, the PPP had this to say regarding Nagamootoo: “Knowing the dim view the PPP holds of Moses Nagamootoo, the APNU+AFC by insisting that he is their ‘best man’ who will head its team must know that that initiative will go nowhere. Thus, by pushing Nagamootoo centrestage, it is now pellucidly clear that the coalition’s objective is not to have any talks at all, but to put the PPP/C on the defensive and to project the party as refusing to engage in talks with the government.”

NO AXE TO GRIND Prime Minister Nagamootoo, who is a former PPP executive member, has always maintained that he has no axe to grind with the PPP, and is ready to enter talks on national unity.

As Minister Harmon told reporters Friday, despite the ramblings and insults hurled at the prime minister, he is the one who holds the portfolio for governance and parliamentary affairs.

“The prime minister is the prime minister, and he is responsible for parliamentary affairs and governance issues,” he said, adding: “And the fact of the matter is; the President wanted the process to go forward, if in fact the opposition was making a major deal out of the Prime Minister leading the government’s team.”

“And the President said, ‘Okay; I will lead it so that we can move the process forward.’” He said, too, that his government does not want “any hindrances or obstacles” created as the basis for meetings between the government and opposition not being held.

The minister added that the opposition has always tried to disrespect the Prime Minister. “Our Prime Minister has treated that with dignity and aplomb in the way he executes the duties of his office,” Minister Harmon said.

“They have said some very terrible things about the Prime Minister, and our Prime Minister is doing an

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon

excellent job; he has carried out assignments with effi-

ciency.”

Meanwhile, when it was put to him that the former U.S. President may have been referring to talks on governance and not the three areas as mentioned, Minister Harmon reminded reporters that “Guyana is an independent nation, and that the President and leader of the opposition are leaders of this country.”

“We determine what the agenda is; there may be suggestions by interested parties, but the agenda are items which the two leaders agree on. This will form the basis of the initial engagement and further engagements,” stated

the Minister of State.

Harmon reminded his audience that the President has always expressed an interest in meeting and having dialogue with the opposition, but that the opposition has been selective in how it deals with matters.

“There has been a picking and choosing by them, but as far as the government is concerned, the President has always made it clear that he is interested in dialogue; all of the resources of this country are necessary for us to move this country forward,” he declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

PSC critical to police force re-organisation

IT is difficult to understand the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo’s claims of “baggage” on the part of Police Service Commission (PSC) member-designate, former assistant commissioner Paul Slowe.

This amounts to a case of pre-judging the performance of the former officer, even before he has commenced his duties on the commission.

Jagdeo’s action is therefore suggestive and anticipatory in nature, which is undoubtedly prejudiced.

It would seem that the leader of the opposition is taking issue with Slowe’s findings as the Commissioner of Inquiry (CoI) into the alleged assassination plot

against the President, as it relates to the professional conduct of the senior officers who were part of the investigations. If he is, as his many public criticisms of Slowe have suggested, then he is clearly guilty of interfering in a professional process which Slowe had been mandated to carry out. It then became the latter’s responsibility to be professional in his investigations and findings, and subsequent recommendations.

Mr Slowe cannot be faulted for doing what his terms of reference had mandated and letting the chips fall where they fell.

Jagdeo should be reminded that if sweeping very important findings against

members of the disciplined services, under the carpet, as had been the case with the incident between inmates at the New Amsterdam prison, and the alleged complicit involvement of some prison officers, had been the culture of his former PPP/C administration, then it has not been so with the President Granger administration.

He would have observed that every major incident occurring under the watch of this government has been the subject of detailed enquiries, as to causes, and offering remedies. And as it relates to the Guyana Police Force, for far too long there has been the public perception that incidents in which senior

police officers have been involved were either hushed up, ignored, or dealt with in a manner that facilitated the officer being let off, because of rank. Such examples have been the talking point among especially junior ranks, who have been known to complain about the differing standards of measurement in terms of discipline for similar infringements of the disciplinary code. Such a state of affairs cannot inspire sustaining of the disciplinary code, nor inspire confidence among lesser ranks, or respect for the senior echelons.

There is no doubt that what the Slowe CoI laid bare in its findings–grave professional ineptitude per-

GuySuCo seems ignorant of the workers’ plight and concerns Dear Editor, THE GAWU noted the remarks of GuySuCo’s Corporate Communications Manager, Ms. Audreyanna Thomas, as is reported in the Guyana Times article titled, “Albion Estate has 600 vacancies after 3000 workers dismissed” which was published on July 19, 2018.

The article quotes Ms. Thomas as saying that GuySuCo would “…like to get attendance up to 100 per cent.” This statement by the senior GuySuCo official is incredulous to say the least, but serves to confirm the massa-like mentality of the new GuySuCo. Obviously, consideration was not given to the difficult nature of the field work. At the same time, one notes that while the corporation seeks to have all the

workers every day at work during the cropping period, during the out-of-crop season it wishes that the workers stay home and it manages to do so through the offering of depressed wages. From all appearances, the GuySuCo wants to “suck cane and blow whistle.”

We don’t know if it has dawned on GuySuCo that its attitude towards workers through the freezing of wages; the discontinuation of incentive payments; open disrespect and flouting of agreements, laws and international conventions; a belligerent attitude to workers’ concerns, among other things, could be tolerated by the workers for some time only. As GAWU has warned, before workers can be driven to the point where they may well react to the situation where they work and still

starve. It seems that day and time is beckoning.

Incidentally, the corporation has the option to recruit more than 600 workers who were formerly engaged at Rose Hall and Skeldon estates and with the provision of transport to those workers, the work establishment of Albion estate which is 4,000 but has 3,100 on its payroll, would be addressed.

We recognised, from the article, similar and most appropriate contentions were made by Region Six Chairman David Armogan, in his address to the gathering.

Indeed, we hope GuySuCo took sincere account of the chairman's remarks as they reflect the reality of the situation sugar workers must contend with nowadays.

We fully endorse the chairman's remarks when he said that “…A plan

cannot operate by itself.”

Indeed, it’s generally accepted that the best plans can be reduced to nothing if the people are not involved and committed to reaching the objectives. For us, it is simply upsetting that so far we have not yet received a copy of the plan Ms. Thomas referred to, though we had sought a copy several weeks ago. But even more importantly is an apparent ignorance of the workers’ plight and concerns. We hope, even at this late stage, to finally obtain a copy of the plan that is touted.

We urge the corporation to consider, rationally and realistically, our concerns at this time.

Regards Seepaul Narine General-Secretary GAWU

taining to a serious matter of national security– warranted recommended sanctions on the part of those officers who were in breach. It is standard operating procedure that such be done in any such circumstance, in any jurisdiction, most of all with regard to a reported plot against the life of the country’s head of state.

The PSC is being reconstituted at a time when steps are being taken to overhaul the law-enforcement agency, with the central spotlight on rebuilding its relations with the communities; making it more efficient to respond to criminal threats to society; raising its awareness to its key role in protecting citizens, thus ensuring the

safe keep of society; and the all-important objective of developing a cadre of senior officers who are truly professional, and can inspire confidence in its leadership.

This is so key in the success or not of policing operations.

Therefore, its role in this gradual renaissance will be important, since its major function is to consider promotional eligibility, in terms of leadership and professional quality. We are assured that the members of the PSC -- inclusive of Mr Slowe -- are reminded of their important undertaking; themselves being former senior police officers.

There are statutory timelines for the conduct of elections Dear Editor THE conduct of elections in any part of the world is guided by statutory timelines. It is no different in Guyana and the PPP is fully aware of these key timelines. It is therefore misleading and mischievous for the PPP to accuse GECOM of rejecting its request for an extension of the registration exercise as reported in the media on the 18th and 19th July, 2018, respectively.

For the sake of clarity, let the facts be known.

The registration exercise commenced on 21st May, 2018 and concluded on 8th July, 2018. As is customary, prior to the commencement of these registration exercises, the Chief Elections Officer

Mr. Keith Lowenfield, held a meeting on 17th May, 2018 with chief scrutineers of the political parties.

It was at that meeting that the chief scrutineers requested the possibility of a two-week extension to the registration exercises. The CEO advised that this matter would have to be deliberated on at the level of the commission.

The matter was deliberated on at the commission, where the CEO indicated the apparent tightness of this request and it was decided that the operations sub-committee would discuss and explore the possibilities of an extension to the registration exercises.

Turn to page 7 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

Rose Hall Town man remanded for murder

A FORTY-year-old man of Lot 58 Bulletwood Street, Rose Hall Town was remanded to prison when he appeared at the Albion Magistrate Court on Friday July 20 to answer to the charge of murder.

Vivian Ross called ‘Jerry’, who is a mason and shoemaker was not required to plea to the charge which alleged he murdered Wayne Sundarsingh called ‘Wino’ on July 13th. Ross was repre-

sented by Attorney-at-law Mursalene Bacchus who asked the courts for the statements to be disclosed while noting this is his client first time before the court.

Sundarsingh was allegedly imbibing with friends when he was hit in the head by the accused. Several hours later his family was informed he was in an unconscious state at the said residence and that they should

collect him. His mother Morti Sundarsingh told the Guyana Chronicle after relatives went to investigate they found ‘Wino’ barely breathing while bleeding from his ears and head. He was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital but succumbed whilst on his way to Georgetown Public Hospital. Ross will return to court on July 31.

Vivian Ross called ‘Jerry’

The hypocrisy of Kaieteur News Dear Editor, KAIETEUR News in its Wednesday, July 18, 2018 edition carried a letter written by Mr. Baldeo Mathura, captioned “An ever-present Bharrat Jagdeo is creating a headache for his critics.”

His letter was a response to an earlier letter written by me that dealt with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling that barred Bharrat Jagdeo from running for a third term as President of Guyana. My letter was published in the Stabroek News

and the Guyana Chronicle, under the captions, “The contention that Jagdeo is unbeatable is erroneous” and “ Given Jagdeo’s known history, he would have been an easier candidate to beat.”

Importantly, this letter, like many others written by me, was not carried in the Kaieteur News which seems to have an editorial policy of not publishing my letters.

The editor and publisher of Kaieteur News to all appearances see no injustice in carrying letters of my critics in a situation that does not permit me the right to reply

in that paper.

Mathura in his letter came to the defence of the former President and leader of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, questioning the wisdom of my narrative and the evidential basis for my contention. In normal circumstances, I would have written a full response to Mathura. However, in the present situation, I will refrain from doing so until such time that both the publisher and editor of Kaieteur issue a public assurance that their unpublicised ban on me is lifted.

From page 6 ►

There are statutory ...

Unfortunately, the operations sub-committee did not meet for weeks due to numerous unforeseen circumstances. When the committee did meet, chaired by Commissioner Sase Gunraj, the subject was extensively discussed. It was concluded that it would not be feasible to have an extension, considering the statutory timelines.

Consequently, Commissioner Gunraj tabled the sub-committee’s decision at the commission’s plenary meeting on 3rd July, 2018.

In the last week of the registration exercises, PPP Chief Scrutineer Zulfikar Mustapha wrote to the GECOM CEO requesting an extension and he was advised by the CEO that the commission had deliberated on this matter and no extension would be granted.

GECOM takes umbrage that the PPP is expressing disappointment that the Commission’s Chairman Justice James Patterson (ret’d) was opposed to a short extension of registration exercises despite his recent public assurances of a free and fair election. This is according to an article on page 11 in the Kaieteur News edition of Thursday, July 19, 2018, under the caption, “GECOM rejects PPP’s request for continuous registration extension.”

GECOM has never prevented anyone eligible for registration from doing so.

Everyone was afforded the same opportunity to ensure that they were registered over a seven-week period.

The said Kaieteur News

article also highlighted that the PPP stated, “This latest action by the chairman is fast becoming a trend of partisanship following his earlier casting vote for the appointment of the deputy chief elections officer (DCEO) which denied the highest-ranking candidate the position.”

GECOM as a transparent constitutional commission has a work plan, statutory timelines to meet and the conduct of free and fair elections. In so doing, the chairman will make decisions in the best interest of the Guyanese people and not be held hostage by any political party whose interest may very well be to embarrass the commission.

Regards Ms. Yolanda Ward PRO, GECOM

I have reflected on the hypocrisy of Kaieteur News for many months and have concluded that while those in charge of the paper have professed to be committed to democracy, openness and fair play in the society, they have been secretly using their power and influence provided by the power to prevent me from having the

opportunity to respond to my detractors who use Kaieteur News to attack and vilify me. While I am not challenging the right of the owners and management of Kaieteur News to decide what can and will be published in their newspaper, my concern is about their unprincipled behaviour.

While those in charge

of the paper daily use it as an instrument through which they promote the lambasting of the government on “democratic shortcomings”, sometimes unjustifiably so, they themselves are guilty of the same practice.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

MPI to take over maintenance of Linden/Lethem Road

THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure is expected to take back responsibility for repairs and maintenance of several interior roads amid a major delay by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to award contracts to maintain the roadways.

This was disclosed by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson on Thursday night in the National Assembly. This was after opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira had pointed out the dire state of the road and called for a more strategic maintenance routine. Minister Ferguson said the Public Infrastructure Ministry will undertake full responsibility for the funding and execution of routine maintenance in advance of

the wet, rainy season from June 2019.

She explained that the ministry will prioritise the use of chemical stabilisation in fair-weather road construction to ensure that the primary corridors have a greater climate-resilient carriageway. In the first half of 2018, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure expended in excess of $53M to maintain the stretch of road between Linden to Lethem.

Minister Ferguson told the National Assembly Thursday evening that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has awarded contracts to contractors to maintain stretches of the road.

Those contractors are mobilizing, but have been challenged by the rainy season, the minister noted. Intense rainfall in the last few months

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

has damaged the road, making it impassable.

Minister Ferguson discredited claims made by the opposition that the government has done nothing over the last three years to maintain the road. “To say that the government has not started

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

anything is not a fair statement and works are being executed,” Minister Ferguson said.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, offered apol-

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson

ogies to residents and others using the roadway. He noted the challenge is not in getting construction underway, but drainage. Minister Patterson explained to the House that the surroundings of the road

were flooded; as such, the draining of the road was not possible.

Phase one of the project covers approximately 125 kilometres of the road (Linden to Mabura Hill) and also includes a bridge across the Kurupukari River. Guyana secured funding from the British Government through its UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) programme to complete the design. The contract for this consultancy will be awarded shortly.

The ministry is also evaluating tenders for the first phase of the Linden-Lethem road project. The Terms of Reference (ToR) for construction by the Guyana and Brazil governments will be ready in August.

GECOM wants more $$$ for LGE

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said the $1.2B allocated for Local Government is insufficient and soon it will be engaging the Ministry of Finance to boost this figure.

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan on Thursday announced that Local Government Elections will be held on November 12 this year. In a media release on Friday GECOM said it has noted several reports in the press that the commission was allocated $2.9 billion dollars for the conduct of Local Government Elections. “Please be advised that GECOM’s entire budget for 2018 is 2.9 billion dollars

of which the sum for the holding of Local Government Elections is included,” GECOM stated.

The electoral body noted that $160M was allocated for capital works and items and $1.6 billion for the normal operations of the Commission. “As such, the remaining sum of 1.2 billion was allotted for the conduct of Local Government Elections in November 2018.”

The elections body said in 2016, $1.5 billion was expended for Local Government Elections. “This means that the amount currently allocated is believed to be insufficient and GECOM will be engaging the Min-

istry of Finance to discuss supplemental provisions.

Now that the date for Local Government Elections has been announced as 12th November, 2018, GECOM will be moving ahead with the full implementation of all the required activities in keeping with the statutory timelines as enshrined in the Laws of Guyana.”

Bulkan in referring to the $2.9B has said that it represents a huge investment. On Thursday he told a forum at the National Toshaos Conference that “I have sent an order which is expected to be gazetted; when the elections are held in November it will

mark the first time in our post-independent history that successive LGE is held as legally due.

The holding of LGE constitutes he said, ‘irrefutable’ evidence of the commitment and sincerity of the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC)’s intention to ensure that democratic governance obtains. He said: “There is not merely respect,

but reverence for provisions in the constitution. More importantly our commitment to rebuilding the damaged and broken system of local government we inherited is something we will resolutely pursue.”

The National Assembly recently passed a bill which harmonises the period for elections for Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipali-

ties. It was stipulated that the LGE would be held between November 1 and December 7. Minister Bulkan said the early part of November was chosen because Government did not want the elections to clash with the reading of the 2019 National Budget which is anticipated to be before the end of November.

Region 10 road contractors under scrutiny

By Vanessa Braithwaite

REGION 10 Chairman Renis Morian and regional engineers have put systems in place to ensure contractors hired to build roads in the region deliver work of high standard.

Morian on a visit to recently constructed roads in Amelia’s Ward said residents complained to him that some inferior work was carried out.

Hundreds of millions of dollars have been injected into capital road works for 2018 with the expectation that quality work will be delivered. “We are walking the stretch of the road because residents feel that they are not fully satisfied with the road, especially the shoulders, because, this road was constructed under the raining weather, so the fact that the road didn’t get to set properly under the rain, you would find these kind of problems,” Morian said about Main Street Amelia’s Ward that was constructed only weeks ago. Structural faults are already evident.

Residents of Cinderella City and Central Amelia’s Ward who have to utilise the road, were elated that the road was finally been constructed,

given the level of suffering they would have endured from it being in a deplorable state. Several residents on Sunday expressed their joy that the road was finally done.

Morian said the contractor will be recalled to do some corrections to the work done on Main Street which has already begun to show faults.

“We will have the contractor do some corrected work, to the satisfaction of the bill of quantities to ensure that residents will have a better road,” Morian said. Concerning that same road, where millions were expended, the engineers realised that the road was not set properly and one of the corrective works to be done, is to place a curb wall at the sides. Morian said that it is best to expend more money for the curb wall than to lose all the money spent all together.

This inspection exercise will be an ongoing one, in an effort to ensure that the works are up to standard as the capital works programme for 2018 continues. “Once a road is built, the RDC will check, given the amount of rainfall… we are finding ourselves between a rock and a hard place, the residents want the road to be done, but the rain continues to come

down,” he related.

The engineer also noted that contractors are not mixing the right proportions of bricks along with the other aggregates, to ensure that the road will be a long lasting one.

At a recent community meeting, residents voiced their concerns of substandard work being done on roads and called on regional officials to fix the problem.

Regional Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira in response said that the building of roads is a community project and residents too have to play their role in ensuring that the budgetary funds, which are their monies as well, are spent in the best manner.

He urged the residents to collect a copy of the bill of quantities from the RDC and monitor the contractors as they go along their work.

If inferior work is observed, then it is the residents’ responsibility as well, to report same to the regional officials of the works committee. Notwithstanding, the regional officials including the clerk of works and other engineers from the works department also have to fulfil their role in making regular checks.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

$412M pump station commissioned at Enmore …gravity drainage via sluices, kokers reduced considerably

By Rabindra Rooplall THOUSANDS of residents on the low-lying areas on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will benefit from a new $412M pump station that was commissioned Friday at Hope/Enmore, ECD. Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder in his feature address said the new pumping station will assist the flood-prone and vulnerable population from the negative effects of climate change on its economy, human liveli-

quality and quantity of the crops, livestock and fisheries sub-sectors,” he underscored.

He explained that flood risk management is a critical area of focus for the government, and in particular the Ministry of Agriculture, as Guyana is highly vulnerable to flooding, particularly in the coastal areas which are below sea level. He said the Agriculture Ministry through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), has been concentrating on water management as a crit-

mandate.

“Since assuming office in 2015, this government has made determined efforts to grapple with the deficiencies in the drainage and irrigation systems throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. We have reorganised the NDIA to manage water in a more deliberate and structured manner, looking at the unique needs of each region and allocating the resources to implement the relevant plans,” the agriculture Minister said.

The $412M pump station that was commissioned at Hope/Enmore, ECD (Samuel Maughn photo)

hoods and ecosystems.

Adding that 75 percent of the main economic activities are concentrated on the low-lying coastal zone situated some six feet below sea level. Minister Holder said climate change is anticipated to have potentially disastrous impacts on the economic viability of the agricultural sector. “Climate change is likely to cause extensive and chronic flooding; the inundation of valuable agricultural land; and loss of crops caused by increased frequency of heavy rain and drought conditions. This change in agricultural production may have a negative impact on Guyana economically,” he explained.

He said since assuming office, the government has been faced with extensive flooding in 2015 and 2017, and drought conditions caused by the el Niño effect in 2016, as such it is also important to note that, due to rising sea levels, gravity drainage period via sluices and kokers has been reduced considerably.

Further, Minister Holder said the agriculture sector is undoubtedly one of the most important sectors in Guyana and continues to contribute over 16 per cent to the economy. “It is a sector that is crucial in terms of reducing unemployment, poverty alleviation and for bolstering economic development. Significantly, sustainable food security is a goal that the sector aims to achieve by improving the

ical area of focus since the major portion of the country’s agriculture is practiced in the low lying areas of regions of 2,3,4,5 and 6.

Minister Holder explained that this project, ‘Flood Risk Management,’ stemmed from the World Bank’s ‘Conservancy Adaptation Project’ (CAP) which conducted engineering studies that allowed government to prioritize investments in critical areas.

Highlighting that the project also identified the most vulnerable area of the East Demerara Water Conservancy’s (EDWC) if overflow, or a dam-breach, was to occur, Minister Holder said the Flood Risk Management Project addressed upgrading critical sections of the EDWC which will allow for more ‘robust’ dam construction, as it controls dam quality, process quality, engineering knowledge, and infrastructural suitability.

He said that the NDIA is currently reconstructing a section of the North Eastern Dam from Hope to Flagstaff.

The construction of three drainage pump stations and the purchase of Earth moving equipment (excavators, pontoons with mud basins and soil compactor) to upgrade and maintain the dam is also ongoing.

Once these works are completed, Minister Holder noted that the NDIA will take over operations and continue the construction and maintenance in accordance with its

He said another major project was the procurement of a new submersible dredge pump valued at GY$320M, to aid with the authority’s drainage operations. This dredge will maintain our outfall channels in a more time efficient manner. Maintenance is essential for the sustainability of the D&I system. For the first half of 2018, NDIA completed 2,853 km of works in relation to the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of canals, drains and fair weather dams.

In conclusion, the Agriculture Minister noted that under an Indian Line of Credit Facility, government has secured 12 pumps – 9 fixed and 3 mobile pumps. This will benefit over 35,000 acres of rice cultivation, cash crops and cattle, in Hampton Court, Devonshire Castle, Den Amstel, Hope, Nootenzuil, Mora Point , Rose Hall and 3 mobile drainage pumps for Georgetown.

“The NDIA currently directly oversees the operation of 60 drainage pumps in Guyana. The additional 12 pumps under the Indian Line of Credit will see an increase of 20 per cent of available pumps and a 17 per cent increase in pumping capacity,” Holder said.

CEO of NDIA Fredrick Flatts said the station has two pumps with the ability to deliver over 1200 gallons per second.

He said the pump station is expected to last for decades and will make a significant

difference in drainage while there are 65 fixed and mobile pumps in the NDIA which are used throughout the country particularly on the coastal plane to reduce flooding.

Flatts explained that in the NDIA as more pump stations are completed and more sluices are built along the coastland waters will be drained more rapidly preventing serious flooding. Adding that previously there was a mobile pump at the current spot, the NDIA official said a fixed pump was needed at the location to ensure proper drainage of the area.

World Bank representative Pierre Nadji said the conservancy represents the size of Washington DC and Guyana maybe known as a small country but some works are on a world dimension.

He explained that flooding is an everyday threat and

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder

pumping stations can have a positive effect on the lives of citizens across the country. “I have been here four years in the current capacity of supervising Guyana’s programme and I have noted a very solid acceleration of achievements in the past two years, and for that I really commend the government,” Nadji said.

He said Guyana is expected to have rapid develop-

ment with the oil sector but if the flood risks cannot be controlled many things will not materialize.

Ministry of Finance Secretary Dr. Hector Butts said the Finance Ministry is committed to identify funding which would serve to bring about economic good and sustainable development through the issue of flood management

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

President bemoans downgrade of History at UG

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday evening, placed on record his disappointment at the fact that history is no longer offered as a stand-alone discipline at the University of Guyana (UG).

Speaking at the launch of Professor Emeritus Winston McGowan’s book entitled ‘A Survey of Guyanese History’, the Head of State said that “what use to be one of the most powerful and the most dynamic depart-

ments in the entire university, has been literally downgraded…We need people like Winston, we need books like ‘A Survey of Guyanese History’ and we need to bring pressure to ensure that history is once again taught as a separate subject to the children of this country.”

The book is a 500-page collection of essays on a wide range of topics including history, education, nationalism, labour, religion, biographies and cricket. For-

mer Vice-Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr. James Rose said that the publication is the “frontline research of a committed Guyanese scholar, a respected university academician and a respected Guyanese.”

The book consists of 11 sections and much of what is written in each, are original works that have never been published before. Dr. Rose informed that many of the sections dealt with areas that have not previously at-

Professor Emeritus Winston McGowan presents a copy of his new book to President David Granger

tracted scholarly attention.

“It’s a unique, original piece of work…In view of the deficiencies in the existing historiography, these essays are invaluable in and by themselves,” he said.

Meanwhile Professor McGowan explained that he wanted to publish some of his writings in the form of this book to mark the end of his long academic career. He also expressed his appreciation to

President Granger, himself a historian, for his support in getting the book published.

“In a country that does not teach its own history, you could have calamitous consequences…I dedicate this book with the hope that UG will start to train historians again, because there are very few left. I also dedicate it with the hope that the curriculum will change substantially to allow for history to be taught in our secondary schools in a way that it is not being taught now,” the author said. The book was printed by F & H Printing Establishment and published by Guyenterprise Advertising Agency and is available for sale at the cost of G$4,000. (Ministry of the Presidency)

A section of the audience at the book launch held at State House

GWI commits to improving water system in Central Georgetown CENTRAL Georgetown’s main transmission pipelines have experienced several breakages for the year 2018.

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) said it is as a result of age and significant attention must be paid to the replacement of these pipelines to prevent water crises in Georgetown.

Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, Managing Director, GWI stated that in the past six months, Georgetown had approximately 10 breakages of large mains.

Two breakages occurred on the night of July 19, 2018 on Vlissengen Road in the vicinity of Popeye’s. “Just last night (Thursday night) alone, we had two breakages… both around the Popeye’s area. On completion of fixing the one in front of Popeye’s, another breakage occurred. I think this is clear evidence that we are running into the period of high risk in the Central Georgetown area because of the aged network across Central Georgetown,” Dr.

Van-West Charles said.

He stated that the company has been speaking to the issue for the past two years, and it is imperative that they begin to address the matter now. The cost for the last three breakages that occurred, one in front of Cuffy and the two at Popeye’s, including replacement costs for fittings and pipes, workers’ costs, and water loss, the calculation is approximately 15 million dollars.

“We hope to have a discussion with Central Government. We believe that it is so necessary for us to address this infrastructure network,” said the managing director.

He explained that the company is improving the water production system for Sophia and seeking to improve for Central Georgetown as well. However, once these systems are up and running, Central Georgetown will experience higher pressures which can rupture the system even more. He said the risk becomes greater in terms of

Dr Richard Van-West Charles

the availability of water if a fire occurs. He noted that one of important thing that is needed is having Central Government advance the cost for the replacement of these lines. “It is very critical and important to have these distribution systems replaced, as a matter of urgency,” he said.

GWI is currently working to repair the already broken pipelines and is making the necessary preparations for the prevention of future breakages.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

Motion for labour ministry defeated …Min. Ally calls motion political mischief

GOVERNMENT used its majority to defeat a motion calling for the re-establishment of a Ministry of Labour, with Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally describing the motion moved by the opposition Member of Parliament Gillian Burton-Persaud, as having “a sense of political mischief.”

Minister Ally said the motion brought before the House was, “lacking in facts, truth and completely distorted.”

She recalled the usual five per cent wage increases given by the former PPP administration annually, along with the de-bunching issues with teachers, the disregard shown to schools sweeper/ cleaners, and the muzzling of labour unions.

The minister also reminded the House that Article 107 of the constitution empowers the President to appoint ministers to oversee any ministry or department, hence, the creation of the Departments of Labour, Social Protection and Citizenship. The motion, Minister Ally said, was merely a “veiled attack on President Granger’s decisions,” and one which her colleagues would not condone.

According to the social protection minister, the ministry’s new outlook is in keeping with the new direction of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), with social protection and labour together, to better serve populations worldwide. The Decent Work Agenda, Minister Ally added, has realised several achievements such as the Decent Work Country Programme from 2017 to 2021, which promotes better working con-

ditions for all.

She cited amendments to labour laws, the expansion of cooperative societies, a national policy on occupational safety and health, the revitalised National Council on Occupational Health and Safety Council, the enhancement of the Department of Labour’s staff and bettering of workers’ and employers’ relationships via more on-site inspections.

The decline of strikes has been reduced significantly for the same period since taking office; this was also noted by the minister.

The government also increased the minimum wage levels and created a framework for a comprehensive labour agreement for example, between RUSAL and its workers. A simple modification of the name has not affected the work of the ministry and the dedicated minister is performing well, Minister Ally reminded, as she urged the opposition to “listen and learn.”

Labour and Social Protection go hand in hand with social justice, she reiterated and said that the government is cognisant of the interconnection between the two departments to enhance to lives of all. “Let good governance prevail”, she further added, as she called on the House not to support the motion. After strenuous presentations by both sides, the motion was put to vote and was defeated by the government’s side.

Burton-Persaud’s motion was inspired by members of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FI-

TUG) who had urged the opposition to table such a motion.

“The trade union community can safely say it has a sense as to where the opposition will vote. This notwithstanding, expectations are being held [that] the house will deliver unanimous support for the motion,” said veteran trade unionist and General-Secretary of the GTUC, Lincoln Lewis, during a recent press briefing at Critchlow Labour College.

He said that the ministry does not have to be a separate entity, but the word labour could be added to the Ministry of Social Protection, making it the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. “The absence of a Ministry of Labour is a disservice to Guyanese and the historical development of the society,” said Lewis. Although labour is not a separate ministry, it is a department within the Social Protection Ministry which is headed by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott.

Lewis however contended that labour deserves recognition and the trade union community in unison as such expects that the motion will see spirited discussion on the workers’ contributions to building Guyana from the ground up with their sweat.

He said: “Labour’s demand for equal prominence and treatment in the structure of governance is well deserving.

We are not asking for a new minister, we are asking for equal treatment.”

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has 189 conventions. Social protection deals with 17, leaving more than 170 unattended or not

having equal treatment. This, he said, will also be another issue that will be addressed if labour receives recognition. He said too that 2018 marks 92 years since the working class sat in that august house for the first time, deliberated and developed a strategy to move the peoples of the Caribbean toward political independence under a system of governance that will respect and treat them as first-class citizens. “It was March 1926, the father of trade unionism in Guyana and the British Commonwealth, Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow and other erstwhile Caribbean labour leaders, decided at a conference that from henceforth the workers will fight for one-man-one-vote (universal adult suffrage), representative leadership, public education, universal healthcare, paid leave, housing, a 40-hour work week, eight-hour work day, prison reform, internal self-government and ownership of the economy, etc.

He had said as the parliamentarians debate the motion, not only must the work and achievements of the working class be seized, but also the struggles pursued and scars attained that made it possible for each and every one occupying a seat in those hallowed halls. “Today’s occupants are inhabiting space occupied by stalwarts such as Critchlow, Cheddi Jagan, Forbes Burnham, Boysie Ramkarran,

Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally

Claude Merriman, Winslow Carrington, Janet Jagan and, Winifred Gaskin….These persons are renowned for their actions in advancing the welfare of the working class. Though none expects mimic men and women, it is reasonable to expect the struggles, goals, ideals and representation of predecessors will be noted and their strengths built on,” Lewis had said.

Lewis said the trade union movement believes that as citizens-inheritors of Guyana’s bounty and sacrifices of our forebears, “we must not merely record history, recant history or be passive [sic] observant, we

must learn from the past and actively shape and mould the present and future for the better.” He said labour’s demand for equal prominence and treatment in the structure of governance is well deserving. “We are not asking for a new ministry, we are asking for equal treatment.

Labour can be accommodated in the Ministry of Social Protection where the ministry can be renamed, Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Or, l can be equally accommodated in any other ministry as government so chooses. There exists precedence in our society.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

MoPH seeking to combat maternal deaths in hinterland THE Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has identified the alarming number of maternal deaths in the hinterland as a crucial public health issue and it will be employing measures to combat this.

Addressing toshaos and senior village representatives on the last day of the National Toshaos Conference (NTC) at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, related that focus will be directed to maternal and child health, because this is a

terrible issue plaguing indigenous communities.

“Our data [has] shown that the largest percent of deaths are coming from our indigenous villages and we are not happy about that,” Lawrence bemoaned. And to this end, she said that the health ministry will be directing short, medium and longterm measures to combating the scourge.

Director of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Department, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton, gave a comprehensive presentation on the causes and contributing factors of

maternal deaths in the hinterland regions and highlighted the ministry’s intention to correct these.

Regions One and Nine have been recorded as hinterland regions with the highest number of recorded maternal deaths. The major causes of this, according to the doctor, are haemorrhaging (bleeding) before, during and after delivery, and high blood pressure, which may also lead to bleeding in the brain.

Not attending the clinic entirely, attending irregularly or joining just before

Director of Maternal and Child Health Department, Dr. Ertenisa Hamilton. [DPI Photo]

giving birth are factors that hinder the delivery of the best service. “From the time the woman misses her period, we want her to come to the clinic,” Dr. Hamilton stressed and added that this is necessary so that proper guidance and care can be given to the women.

Another contributing factor is the practice of delivering babies at home, and despite acknowledging that some babies are delivered well and the health of the mother and child is protected, there are some that die

as well. “And any death is one too [many],” Hamilton posited.

But with the large geographic size of the hinterland regions, compounded by their terrain, the distance from health centres deters women from utilising the facilities, Hamilton acknowledged.

She however revealed that to provide some redress, the ministry will be investing in training members of the communities to become community health workers (CHWs) and pre-existing

CHWs will be trained to become midwives.

Some 20 persons from Region Nine have already received training this year and other batches of 20 persons will be trained from Regions One, Seven and Eight. Also, a special training programme will be given to all health personnel to zero in on preventing death by bleeding.

Establishing Maternity Waiting homes is another solution the ministry will be venturing upon, to specifically cater for the distances the women would have to travel before giving birth. Waiting homes have already been established in Regions Four (at Princes Street) and Nine, and government through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is currently extending the waiting home in Regions Nine and Four.

A home is currently being proposed for Moruca.

Speaking directly to the village leaders, Lawrence stressed that unless there is a “buy-in” from the “protectors” of indigenous women and children, there will be no real progress in reducing maternal deaths.

Man charged with killing nephew

A MAN was charged with the murder of his nephew appeared at the Wales Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The accused Ganesh Lall was arraigned before Magistrate Dylon Bess for the murder of Jason Rejendra Lall Hira on July 16.

The 53-year-old of Lot 78 Anna Catherina ,West Coast Demerara was not required to plead to the indictable

charge.

He was remanded to prison and the case was transferred to the Leonora Magistrate’s Court for hearing on September 11, 2018.

Reports indicate that the investigators discovered marks of violence around the neck of the deceased and an autopsy conducted on Monday morning revealed that he died from compression injuries to the neck.

Three persons were initially taken into custody including the grand-parents of the victim. According to the police investigations the grandfather of Hira informed that the man, who was an alcoholic, went home about 01:30hrs on Monday intoxicated. Around 05:30hrs he was discovered seated motionless on an inside toilet.

Sting operation hauls in revolver A TWENTY-five-year-old driver was on Friday remanded to prison by City Magistrate Leron Daly for possession of an illegal firearm.

Jason Prince of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara denied that on July 17 at Georgetown he had in his possession a .32 revolver when he was not a licensed firearm holder.

He was represented by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd who told the court that the gun was not found on his client.

According to Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch during a sting operation intercepted the motor car in which Prince was traveling and found the gun in his possession.

The prosecution objected to bail being granted to the accused citing the seriousness of the charge.

Prince was remanded to prison until August 24.

Jason Prince

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

No contract, no work

– Min Scott warns youngsters aspiring to land jobs in ‘gold-bush’ MINERS, particularly those in Indigenous communities, are being urged to beware of unscrupulous employers and ensure they sign a contact before taking jobs in the goldfields, so as their rights cannot be violated.

“If you have a contract and you do the work and don’t get paid, then we at the Labour Ministry will go after those attempting to rob you, and we can take them to court or take other necessary actions,” said Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott in response to Toshaos who raised concerns about residents in their respective communities not receiving their salaries

for work done in the mining industry.

Toshaos said many residents in Indigenous communities are not receiving their salaries despite working for months with local dredge owners at their mining camps.

One toshao even admitted working with a certain mining camp without a contract for a number of years, but was lucky to have been compensated, unlike many of his colleagues who never got paid and couldn’t do a thing about it.

Many youths, whether they finish school or not, are wont to go in search of jobs in the “gold bush”, only to

be cheated by the owners of those operations, simply because they never thought of asking about a contract.

The minister believes that a solution to this quandary is to ensure that those going in search of jobs in the mining industry sign a contract before they proceed with any work related to that field.

Said he: “Before you work, you need to have a contract signed.” He said that once workers have a legally binding agreement with their employers, he would then be able to provide them adequate representation.

While he expects miners to do their part, he promised that the ministry will dispatch

Dance with man causes woman to lose life

Tyrone James

A THIRTY-six-year-old man was on Friday charged for the murder of his reputed wife, as he caught her dancing with another man at Oronoque, Port Kaituma, North West District.

Tyrone James appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman and was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on July 15, 2018 at Water Front, Port Kaituma he murdered Evadne Baptiste, 37.

He was remanded to prison until July23 when the matter will be recalled before the Chief Magistrate Ann

McLennan.

According to reports Baptiste was seen by her boyfriend dancing with another man at the Port Kaituma Water Front. The jilted man allegedly cuffed her to her head which caused her to fall.

Baptiste was subsequently taken to the Port Kaituma hospital where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on the woman’s remains and the cause of death was listed as brain haemorrhage due to blunt trauma. The suspect is in police custody.

staff to conduct further investigations in local mining camps.

Minister Scott also urged dredge owners to ensure that they provide a contract for employees to sign; a contract that guarantees payment.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

Indigenous Peoples call for inclusion in oil & gas talks INDIGENOUS leaders have called upon the Ministry of Natural Resources to make provisions to include the indigenous people in consultations and talks for the developing oil and gas industry.

The issue of indigenous people not being able to participate in consultations or benefitting from the various information sessions was raised after Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, made a presentation on oil and gas on the final day of the National Toshaos Conference (NTC).

Highlighting this was Toshao of Campbell Town

in Region Eight, Marbell Thomas who said, “We need more consultations, because [indigenous people] have to come to Georgetown to know about this oil exploration [but] I think that we need it in our communities.”

The toshao posited that this would help to promote accountability and would allow the people to rightfully participate in matters that concern all Guyanese.

Being involved in the oil and gas talks is especially important, because according to Thomas, “We as indigenous peoples will not say that the government is making [its] own decisions, but we

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman

can say that we are involved in making the decisions.”

Her sentiments garnered

rousing support from the toshaos and senior councillors at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, at Liliendaal.

She also noted that she has many reservations about oil exploration and production, particularly about letting foreign investors enter the country to work.

Marbell told the minister and her colleagues, “We have to use our wisdom, we cannot allow the foreign countries to take our resources or sell these resources [cheaply].”

Though he acknowledged that the indigenous people have always been custodians of the environment and have

Gov’t objects to importation of mercury

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, speaking with the press

By Svetlana Marshall THE Natural Resources Ministry has objected to the importation of 30,000 kilogrammes of mercury from Mexico as it accelerates plans to eradicate the use of mercury in mining.

The disclosure was made

by Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Friday, during a visit to the Guyana Gold Board’s new office at Crown Street, Queenstown in Georgetown. Recently, the Government of Mexico contacted the natural resources minister and informed him that an exporter was seeking approval for the shipment of 30,000 kilogrammes of mercury to Guyana. The Natural Resources Ministry objected.

Minister Trotman told reporters that little information was provided on the purpose of the shipment. “I did not get too many details and it was on that basis that I refused importation because what is it going to be used for, how is it going to be

stored, how is it going to be disposed of, and 30, 000 kilogrammes is a lot,” the natural resources minister said.

He said that the government is deeply concerned about the use of mercury, particularly its negative effects on marine life and people, who depend on the river as a daily source of water for consumption and domestic use.

Alluding to the recent incidents of elevated mercury emissions within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s (GGMC), due to the then presence of the Guyana Gold Board’s laboratory, Minister Trotman said that the past should never be allowed to repeat itself.

Investigations are currently ongoing into the deaths of four GGMC staffs – Dwayne De Jonge (ranger), Latchman Chiti (surveyor), Leroy Green (carpenter) and Clement Proffit (lab technician) – over allegations that their demise may have been linked to emissions from the lab.

ELIMINATING USE OF MERCURY Even as the ministry, GGMC and the Guyana Gold Board recover from the incidents, increasing efforts are being made to eliminate the use of mercury in mining, and in the meantime ensure that it is managed properly when in use.

It is likely that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will increase the monitoring of gold dealers to ensure that the regulations are followed closely.

“We have a proliferation of small operations in Bartica. You could just go down Church Street or Water Street or some parts of Georgetown and you’ll see people buying gold,” the natural resources minister remarked.

Gold dealers or persons who engage in the buying and selling of gold are mandated to have an environmental permit from the EPA for a period of one year. This will not be a prerequisite when applying for a licence from the Gold Board to become a certified gold dealer.

“So we are adding yet another layer of regulation because we don’t want to know that whether it be in Robb Street or First Street Bartica, people are at risk,” Minister Trotman said.

Like in many parts of the world, mercury is used to amalgamate gold but there are decade old concerns over its negative environmental and health impacts. In October 2013, Guyana signed and ratified the Minamata Convention for the eradication of the use of mercury in mining by 2022. But progress in this

regard has been slow thus far, despite moves by GGMC to provide artisanal miners or small scale miners with alternatives.

NEW PROGRAMME The Natural Resources Ministry is not giving up on its mandate, Minister Trotman assured. “We are now in the process of unveiling a programme with Conservation International (CI) known as El Dorado Gold to look at alternatives to mercury. It is an ongoing process but miners are convinced that mercury gives them their best returns. It is the government’s job to work with them in finding alternatives which are viable,” he said.

The natural resources minister said the negative impacts mercury has on the environment and people, cannot be ignored. When the 2019 National Budget is put before the National Assembly later this year, the Natural Resources Ministry will be making a case for the purchasing of “Shaker Tables.”

A shaker table is an equipment used in the gold mining industry to separate heavy metals from other fine constituents. “So like with the Syndicates which I think are better organized, we would actually give them say five tables among themselves to work, and if they work in a cooperative manner we can get greater value that way,” he said.

Small scale miners will also be further exposed to training with respect to alternatives to mercury.

a rightful place in these consultations and talks, Minister Trotman contended, “It is not physically possible for me to touch every community.”

He added: “It is unfair to you to come to Georgetown to get information, so it is our responsibility as a government to get that information to you.” Trotman assured that his ministry will seek to spread information through social media and the improved internet access being developed by the Public Telecommunications ministry.

Trotman sought to edify the leaders through his presentation, so that they may in

turn disseminate information in their communities. He also shared information on the general relations between the ministry and the indigenous people.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ministry and the NTC is in the works, and will seek to enhance the relations between the Natural Resources ministry and hinterland communities to facilitate the exchange of information, and to fund ways to boost participation in the sector.

He also highlighted other areas where the bodies can collaborate.

Six months for embezzling credit A FORMER Stores Clerk was on Thursday found guilty of embezzling money from his employer and was sentenced to six months behind bars.

Neil Williams, 23, of Industry, East Coast Demerara was on trial before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul for embezzling over $140,000 worth in Digicel credit between February and November, 2017 at UG Road, Industry, ECD from Lalta Gainda.

According to reports, Williams was employed at the shop owned by the victim and during the months mentioned in the charge

Neil Williams

he would transfer Digicel credit from the store into his phone.

NIS inspector robbed at Agricola bus stop AN inspector attached to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) who resides at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was robbed in the wee hours of Friday morning on the Agricola Public road.

Reports reveal that the 47-year-old man identified as Rudolph Primo boarded a route 42 mini-bus from the Diamond public road that was headed to Georgetown.

While the vehicle was heading north along the Eccles, EBD public road, two passengers requested to be

dropped off at the Agricola Road Head, when the bus stopped, he exited to allow the two men to get off.

It was that short period when all three of the men were outside of the bus that one of the bandits choked the victim from behind, while his accomplice whipped out a gun from his pants waist and pointed it at the victim.

The bandits then proceeded to relieve the man of his Blu mobile phone and over $50,000 in cash before making good their escape on foot into Agricola.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

Gold Board unveils $18M scrubbing system to burn gold THE Guyana Gold Board has invested $18M in a plant to burn gold as it takes critical steps to prevent mercury from escaping into the atmosphere as was the case at its previous Brickdam, Georgetown location.

Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, on Friday, had a tour of the facilities at the Gold Board’s new Crown Street, Queenstown location. It was during the tour that the Guyana Gold Board General Manager Eondrene Thompson and Chairman Gabriel Lall informed Minister Trotman of the mechanisms being put in place. They were supported by ACTLABS Gen-

eral Manager Kevin Gomez.

Gomez said that the processing plant in the form of a “scrubbing system” is an upgrade from what existed at the Gold Board’s laboratory which was found in the compound of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), explaining that the old system had one check-point, while the current one is a three tier system.

The scrubbing system is a modern technology which removes vapor-phase mercury from the gas stream by contact with scrubber liquid containing an oxidant chemical.

Though it has already been set, Gomez noted that the scrub-

Minister of Natural Resources and other officials inspect the new system during a tour of the Guyana Gold Board’s Queen’s Town office

bing system is being tested to ensure that it is completely safe. “We are looking at the system to ensure that it is 100 per cent safe to burn gold,” Thompson added noting that at this stage of testing it is unclear when the system will be ready for full operation.

She told Minister Trotman that the Gold Board has taken a decision to purchase only smelted gold because the scrubbing system is not fully tested as such clients with sponge gold were turned back. Smelting is a chemical process in which the raw gold is separated from the mercury when heat is applied. Smelted gold, as such, is purified and free from mercury as against sponge gold, which contains mercury.

She noted that although smelted gold is already processed, the Gold Board reburns it for testing purposes.

“Why we re-burn it is to ensure that it is gold and there is nothing (else) inside…So when the gold comes in we have to burn it back to ensure that we have gold there,” she explained. While disclosing that the facilities were also inspected by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday, the Gold Board General Manager said she urged the EPA officials to closely monitor the gold dealers, who engage in the selling and buying of gold, closely.

Weighing in on the matter, Lall assured that the Gold Board will do all in its powers to safeguard “We are emphasising to you again that the Minister has authorised us to spare no effort, to spare no expense to make sure not

General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson, showing Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, the new burning room

only that we overcompensate but that we make sure that this thing is safe and healthy for everybody that comes in contact, community, the public, the staff, and we take that very seriously,” he told reporters.

During the tour, Minister Trotman told reporters that he is pleased that the Guyana Gold Board is not settled having gone through a very disruptive episode in recent months. He said based on an evaluation done by a U.S team through the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), the new Queenstown facilities were appropriately established and safe for operation.

“The report says that they are satisfied with what we have put in place,” the Natural Resources Minister told reporters. He made it clear that the Gold Board does not utilize mercury noting that it is obtained during the processing and testing of the gold.

“People bring their gold

to sell. The gold is tested by burning it, and it is in that process if mercury is obtained in it, that mercury may be emitted,” Minister Trotman pointed out. He said it is clear that the root of the problems lies in the use of mercury for the mining of gold.

“Ultimately we are continuing to work with the miners in the main, who have been the ones who use the mercury, it is not the government, so that is an ongoing process.

We are getting support from Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund and the UN and our intention is to reduce to a minimum the use of mercury in Guyana, and hopefully one day with the miners we can come to a place that we no longer have to use mercury because we found a viable alternative to mercury for the recovery of gold,” he told reporters.

The building in Crown Street, Queenstown is being

rented for $1.2M a month, however, it is the hope of the Board that the Government is in search of a plot of land that would allow for a permanent arrangement.

On the issue of Health and Safety, Minister Trotman said he has asked the Chairman of the Gold Board, the Chairman of GGMC Board, and their General Managers to form a committee along with the Ministries Natural Resources, Health and Social Protection to monitor the situation.

An external consultant will also be hired, he added.

“We are not going to leave it to ourselves to regulate ourselves,” Trotman said.

It will take approximately $9M monthly to operate the Queenstown Gold Board office, and though the new cost is more than what it is the norm, the officials said it is necessary for the health and safety of all involved.

UNAIDS, MoPH in US$1.14B plan to assist HIV-affected persons

THE Public Health Ministry and UNAIDS (Guyana) Office this week agreed to a three-year HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan to help to improve the life expectancy of those affected by the virus.

Under the terms of the HIVision2020 covenant, 90 per cent of Guyanese living with AIDS must be diagnosed by 2020; a similar number must be receiving their anti-retroviral treatment. The two sides also estimate also that under the pact there must be 90 percent of the people in treatment with “fully suppressed viral load” by 2020.

The United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) estimate that the ‘90-9090’ compact will cost the country some US$5.58M (G$1.14B) to meet the global

target. “The costing process involved in-country verification of Guyana’s epidemiological data including review of national key population sizes, the treatment cascade, unit costs and planned coverage of HIV services as defined in the National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan,” a statement from the UNAIDS local office said.

The statement said to close the gap between available and needed resources, Guyana will have to pursue the triple strategy of combining domestic resource mobilisation, improving efficiency in the delivery of services, and extending interim access to international resources from development partners.

Key Ministry of Public Health technical staffers and other government ministries will be coursed “on the appli-

cation of the Resource Needs Model for costing of HIV and AIDS programmes” the statement explained. It is said that, with this training the local capacity will be built to provide evidence-based planning and decision-making by policy makers.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr Karen Cummings lauded the timeliness of the costing exercise just ahead of the on-going national budget process. Cummings said Guyana is committed to the UNAIDS 90-90-90 treatment targets, the importance of elimination of Mother-To-Child Transmission (eMTCT) of HIV and Syphilis which has also been included in the costing.

Present at the ceremony were the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr.

Seated (L-R): Dr Renee West, Honourable Dr. Karen Cummings and Dr. Rob Glaubius.

Standing (L-R): Ms. Karen Yaw, Ms. Maria Niles, Dr. Martin Odiit, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, Dr. Morris Edwards, Dr. Nadia Liu and Dr. Rhonda Moore

Shamdeo Persaud; Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), Dr. Morris Edwards; Director, Disease Control, Dr. Nadia Liu;

Director of Planning, Ms. Karen Yaw; Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr. Rhonda Moore; Coordinator of

the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Secretariat, Ms. Maria Niles and the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr. Martin Odiit.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

Gov’t plugs $17.3M into Emancipation activities THE Government of Guyana has approved some $17.3M for Emancipation celebrations across the country, Minister of State Joseph Harmon announced on Friday.

Harmon told reporters that the $17.3M will be used by several African groups across the country to take care of expenses to be incurred in preparation for Emancipation 2018.

The money will be divided among the groups.

“The African groups registered with the Ministry are also engaged, and are being assisted with plans and programmes in

the respective communities to celebrate Emancipation Day,” Harmon said, while noting that there are two main cultural activities occurring on August 1.

He said the traditional activities at the National Park will continue, but there will also be a “special one” scheduled for Emancipation Day at Union Village on the Corentyne.

That event, he said, will be held at the Union Cultural Complex. “This is going to be a major activity for the Emancipation,” declared the Minister of State.

Lance Hinds appointed GEA chair

Newly appointed GEA Chairman, Lance Hinds

ADVISER to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, Lance Hinds, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).

Hinds is joined by Attorney Nadia Sagar; Mark Bender; a representative of the parliamentary opposition, who is yet to be named and the sitting

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GEA, Dr. Mahender Sharma, and his deputy.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon on Friday during his weekly post-cabinet press briefing, noted that Cabinet approved the appointment of the aforementioned members for the year 2018 to 2019.

Guyana sends two to firemen meet in T&T CABINET on Tuesday approved the attendance of two persons at the first executive meeting of the Caribbean Association of Firefighters (CAFF) in Trinidad and Tobago from July 19 to 23, 2018.

“This meeting will address regional firefighting, integrated training programmes, facilitate exchange programmes and discuss issues that can benefit the firefighting fraternity in the Caribbean,” Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters on Friday.

Guyana will be repre-

sented by Station Officer Andrew Holder, and Mrs. Neola Jacobs, Public Relations Officer of Guyana Fire Service.

According to its website, the CAFF was established on October 26, 2000 in Castries, St. Lucia, and provides an umbrella organisation for firefighters in the Caribbean by presenting a united body geared towards improving the conditions of respective fire departments through education and other basic support services.

Ramjattan debunks claims of political interference in GPF

By Lisa Hamilton PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan on Thursday shut down People's Progressive Party (PPP) claims of political interference in police matters, and a lack of confidence in the government to address crime.

It occurred during the 92nd meeting of the National Assembly and was in response to a query from former PPP General Secretary and current Member of Parliament (MP) Clement Rohee to that effect: “When will the government, and when will the minister, stop interfering in operational activities of the Guyana Police Force and giving direction to the past police service commission?”

To which Minister Ramjattan calmly resplied: “I totally differ with the Honourable Member in relation to interference; there is absolutely no interference.

And in relation to the Police Service Commission that will be constituted, you know about the appointments committee [nomination] last week of certain names... And I understand that the President is supposed to meet the leader of the opposition today.”

But even before that, Mr Rohee had asked: “Is there a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to address crime? What measures has, or will, the minister put in place to build greater trust and confidence in the capacity of this ministry to address the crime situation?”

And, sensing somehow that the Honourable Member was spoiling for a fight, Minister Ramjattan replied, with as much equanimity as he could muster: “There are lots more crime being

Former PPP GeneralSecretary and MP, Clement Rohee

discovered and crimes being solved, and we are catching the criminals; even the white collar ones.

“The rate of solving the crimes and charging people and prosecuting them for white and blue collar crimes has increased; people are having tremendous confidence.

“Their confidence is also seen in lots more people coming forward to give information as to where these things are happening and that is an important thing.”

What has been of tremendous help in keeping the statistics down, the minister explained, is the government’s strategy of providing improved facilities for police officers, with a number of stations being recently rehabilitated or remodelled under the Citizen’s Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) and the Police Force’s allocation under the capital works budget.

RENOVATIONS To date, renovations under the CSSP have all been completed at Port Kaituma and Mabaruma in Region One (Barima- Waini); at Suddie in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); at LaGrange in Region Three

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

(Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); at Cane Grove in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); at Mibicuri and Isano in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and at Kwakwani in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

Still awaiting completion, he said, are the stations at Aishalton and Annai due to bad weather and road conditions, and the Mackenzie Police Station in Region 10.

Those stations that have been renovated under the capital works budget are those at Springlands, Lethem and New Amsterdam, with works ongoing at the ones at La Parfaite Harmonie and Matthew’s Ridge.

The Minister also announced that works have been completed at the Brickdam lock-ups, with a handing-over ceremony scheduled soon.

Added to this, Ramjattan said that there is an expert reviewing of the Recruit Training Course, which will see the improvement of the course’s syllabus, which has not been done for a number of years.

The review is also aimed at bringing the training course up to international standard of Systematic Ap-

proach to Training (SAT); reviewing the selection of instructors; and providing appropriate standard manual for graduates.

Seemingly satisfied by what he had heard, but opting to soldier on nonetheless, Rohee asked Minister Ramjattan what plans he intends implementing to address the increase in reported crimes and robberies -- particularly robberies with firearms and rapes.

The first Ramjattan identified were information and intelligence-led covert and overt operations such as stings, roadblocks, random stop-and-search exercises; raids to mapped areas with high crime; high-visibility patrols; search operations; and robust investigations.

The minister said that there has also been maintenance of Social Crime Prevention and Community Relations Programmes, with special focus on at-risk youths to aid in this regard.

“That has been happening at all the police divisions, because we feel that law enforcement must not only be the primary pillar, but there must be some secondary pillars that has to do with social crime prevention,” he explained.

Ramjattan added that there has also been collaboration between private security firms and Community Policing Groups, as well as the monitoring of social media, which have all been very instrumental in catching criminals.

Two-year suspended sentences for ex-cop

EX-POLICEMAN Kacie Maloney is now counting his lucky stars after magistrate Annett Singh handed down a two-year suspended sentence on a gun and ammunition charge.

Maloney was charged with possession of a 9mm pistol along with 19 rounds of ammunition and a component of a spent shell on October 12, 2017 at the Route 44 minibus park.

He was also charged for

escaping from the Brickdam Police Station on the very day, while he was in custody on account of the aforementioned charges.

On Friday, the escaping case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence to prove that Maloney escaped from the Brickdam Police Station which was raised by attorney-at-law Dexter Todd.

In relation to the unlawful firearm with ammunition charge, the defendant fol-

lowing the instructions of his attorney changed his plea from not guilty to guilty after making a plea in mitigation.

The court heard the facts that there were special circumstances which ought to move the court to award Maloney a suspended sentence.

The court having accepted the plea in mitigation given on behalf of the defendant by the attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, gave the defendant two-year suspended sentences to run

concurrently and also directed the defendant to pay a fine of $30,000 to attend counselling which would be conducted by a probation officer.

The defendant and his family left the court room in high spirits having being satisfied with the ruling of the court.

In 2013, Maloney was charged twice for stealing hand-held radio sets from the Brickdam Police Station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 21, 2018

GTA launches revamped website – to appeal to growing international clientele

A preview under the ‘Experiences’ tab on the Guyana Tourism Authority’s (GTA) new website

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has launched its newly revamped South American Undiscovered website, aimed at promoting Guyana as a rich natural and cultural heritage tourist destination.

The launch took place on

Thursday at the Cara Lodge, and saw in attendance Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism Dominic Gaskin and several heads from the tourism sector.

The website’s structure is divided into five main sections: key details and information

about Guyana; destinations throughout the coast and interior; unique experiences; tripplanning; and a blog.

It boasts several visually impactful photos of Guyana, featuring the country’s peoples, food, religions, festivals, monuments, popular entertainment

spots, waterfalls and other nature destinations.

The new site also offers quick access to essential tourism information such as details for booking hotels, lodges, and tours in Guyana, as well as an interactive map and links to Destination Guyana’s social media pages.

“The core purpose of the new national tourism website is to appeal to [the] growing international leisure market seeking out authentic nature, culture, and adventure experiences,” Director Brian Mullis said.

“The site is also designed to appeal to domestic and diaspora travellers, who want to learn about new and existing travel options,” he added.

Minister Gaskin commended the GTA team and urged that the website content be regularly fact-checked to ensure that the correct information is publicised.

The site was developed within 90 days, and is now in its first phase, with the GTA already working on creating new features, including an enhanced map, industry, media portions of the website and more.

It can be accessed at the link: https://www.guyana-tourism.com/

18 months for stealing uncle’s property A THIRTY-eight-yearold vendor was on Friday sentenced to 18 months’ jail for pawning his uncle’s wedding ring and other household appliances.

Neville Haynes of North East LaPenitence pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly.

Particulars of the charge alleged that on April 10, 2018 at North East LaPenitence, while he was solely entrusted by his uncle Orwin Haynes with a refrigerator, a music set, a DVD player, two cell phones and a gold ring valued $679,000 to keep and return, he fraudulently converted the items to his own use and benefit.

According to Police Prosecutor Sanj Singh, Neville Haynes was the nephew of the victim.

Singh added that the victim was thrown out of his home by his wife and he left the articles mentioned in the charge at the home of his nephew for safekeeping before leaving for work in Essequibo.

However upon his return the house was locked and he found out that his

Neville Haynes

nephew was locked up at the police station.

He visited the police station and retrieved the key. When he went into the house all of the times were missing and he found a receipt from the Elegance Jewelry and Pawn shop showing that the articles were pawned by Neville.

In court there was high drama between the uncle and his nephew because the victim told the magistrate not to exercise leniency on the accused.

“You just vex that you get put out.” the defendant told his uncle.

The uncle laughed and replied to him: “I made a decision to move out...... you deserve 15 years."

The magistrate sentenced the nephew to 18 months’ jail.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

Bangladesh series is useful World Cup preparation

By Rajiv Bisnauth

HEAD coach Stuart Law says hosts West Indies can use the three-match One Day International series with Bangladesh as a useful learning curve ahead of next year’s World Cup. England and Wales are hosting the quadrennial oneday tournament and Law revealed yesterday during an interview with local media, that the series is a great opportunity for his side to hone their skills further ahead of the mega-event, as they bid to be crowned world champions for a third time.

“The series is definitely a preparation for the World Cup, since we have some 16 games before the mega event. It’s a long series, a long summer, plus the rest of the year we have a lot of cricket to play, so the oppor-

tunity is there for them to showcase their skills,” Law said.

The Windies are definitely on a high after winning both Tests against the same opponents in six days combined, but Law admitted his side needed to lift their 50over cricket and he hoped the series would help them to not only find a winning combination but also the momentum going into next year’s World Cup, which the Caribbean side won in 1975 and 1979.

Bangladesh may have lagged behind, and are at an all-time low in confidence after their humbling defeats by the hosts, but they have enjoyed considerable success in limited-overs cricket.

To this end, Law believes that the good firepower by the hosts will definitely give the tourists a lot to think about.

“No series is easy but the Test matches gave us some extra time, since both games finished inside three days, so the momentum is there,” Law pointed out.

Law was in high praise for young Keemo Paul and Shimron Hetmyer, whom he said are good signs for West Indies cricket Windies and Bangladesh square off tomorrow for the first ODI, which mark the

West Indies captain Jason Holder at yesterday’s net session

return of international cricket to Guyana since April 2017, where the Caribbean side lost the three-match ODI series 1-2 to Pakistan.

The second ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, a day/night affair, the first in Guyana. Bangladesh last toured the Caribbean in

August/September in 2014 when the hosts swept the Tests and ODIs before the lone T20 was abandoned due to rain.

Verstappen sets the pace in Germany (BBC) - RED Bull’s Max Verstappen was the surprise pacesetter ahead of the two Mercedes drivers in second practice for the German Grand Prix.

The Dutchman, whose team are not expected to be able to compete for pole position with Mercedes and Ferrari, pipped Lewis Hamilton by 0.026 seconds.

Hamilton, who made a mistake on his best lap, was 0.225secs clear of title rival Sebastian Vettel.

The Briton’s team-mate Valtteri Bottas was also ahead of the German’s Ferrari. “It’s very hot, which makes it very demanding and physical in the car,” said Hamilton, who trails Vettel by eight points at the top of the drivers’ standings.

“The car was feeling good, but it is very close, so there’s lots of work to do tonight.

“Both Ferrari and Red Bull were very quick and I think it will be very similar today and tomorrow. It’s go-

Verstappen has won one race in 2018 and sits sixth in the drivers’ championship.

ing to be a serious challenge and it’s not an easy track to get right, so we will have to give it everything.”

Verstappen’s fastest time meant Red Bull topped both sessions yesterday, after team-mate Daniel Ricciardo set the pace in the morning session from Hamilton by just 0.004secs.

Ricciardo, who will start from the back of the grid as a result of penalties for using too many engine parts,

was only 13th fastest after a late start to the session and a spin, which meant he did not do a qualifying simulation run like the rest of the drivers.

Red Bull in general had a difficult day, despite setting the pace. Verstappen suffered an engine problem midway the second session and was not able to complete a race-simulation run, trying the car on heavy fuel.

“I feel like we have a

good balance with the car,” said Verstappen. “It was a nice surprise to start so competitively here but we have to remember it is only Friday.

The others will be quicker for qualifying but certainly a better-than-expected start.

“We lost a few laps due to a small oil leak this afternoon but this was quickly fixed and I managed to get a few laps in at the end of the session to make sure everything was fine.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

Maharaj halts Sri Lanka after strong start (REUTERS) - SOUTH Africa’s Keshav Maharaj claimed a career-best eight for 116 to prevent Sri Lanka from making the most of a strong start and limiting them to 277 for nine on the opening day of the second and final Test yesterday.

The left-arm spinner registered the best figures in Sri Lanka by a visiting bowler to haul his team back into the contest, but South Africa will hardly be celebrating considering their own vulnerability against the turning ball.

Akila Dananjaya was batting on 16 at stumps with Rangana Herath on five, with the hosts hoping for a 2-0 whitewash against a team

they thumped inside three days in the first Test at Galle.

Following their decision to bat first after winning the toss, openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Danushka Gunathilaka forged a century-plus stand, defying the South African bowlers in the wicketless morning session.

Karunaratne alone had outscored the entire South Africa team in Galle, and the southpaw continued his rich form to bring up his third successive 50-plus score in as many innings.

He and Gunathilaka put on 116 runs for the opening stand to lay the foundations for a big total, but Maharaj ensured the second session belonged to the tourists.

Roshen Silva was bowled by a Kagiso Rabada Yorker against South Africa, 2nd Test, Colombo, 1st day, yesterday.

The 28-year-old got Karunaratne, who made 53, to tickle one down the leg

side, with Quinton de Kock taking a smart catch behind the stumps.

In his next over, Maharaj dismissed Gunathilaka for 57 when the batsman attempted

a slog-sweep and Kagiso Rabada charged from deep square leg and dived forward to take a brilliant catch.

Maharaj dealt a third blow before tea when he induced Kusal Mendis (21) into playing a sweep shot with Rabada taking his second catch of the day.

The spinner struck again in the first over after tea to dismiss Angelo Mathews for 10 and then ran through Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order.

Dhananjaya de Silva made 60 as each of Sri Lanka’s top three batsmen helped themselves to easy fifties before Maharaj wreaked havoc on those lower down the order.

Sagan late surge Zaman double helps Pakistan bury Zimbabwe secures stage 13 win

Imam-ul-Haq keeps his eyes on the ball. (AFP)

Newmarket 09:15 hrs California Love 09:45 hrs Melodic Motion 10:25 hrs Mr Wagyu 11:00 hrs Ripp Orf 11:35 hrs Major Partnership 12:10 hrs Sea Fox

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:25 hrs Emerald Bay 09:00 hrs Great Shaka 09:35 hrs Dame Kelly 10:10 hrs Rambo 10:45 hrs Norland

English Racing Tips Newbury 08:50 hrs Emotionless 09:25 hrs Stratum 10:00 hrs Equilateral 10:35 hrs Kinks 11:10 hrs Wise Councel 11:45 hrs Homeopathic 12:20 hrs Medahim

Irish Racing Tips Curragh 09:35 hrs Mount Tabora 10:10 hrs Kailee 10:45 hrs Gunmetal 11:20 hrs Viadera 11:55 hrs So Beloved 12:30 hrs Sea Of Class 13:05 hrs Batts Rock 13:40 hrs Winner Takes Itall

Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Southern Stritta Race 2 Sparkle Sammy Race 3 Glencairn Race 4 Great Kahuna Race 5 Si Si Tequila Race 6 Marriage Councelor Race 7 Meglin Candy Race 8 Got Stormy Race 9 Commute

American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Forge Race 2 My Macho Race 3 Behavioral Bias Race 4 Shamrock Babe Race 5 Our Girl Abby Race 6 Nitrous Race 7 Call Provision Race 8 Beautiful Street Race 9 Lexitonian

(REUTERS) - OPENING batsman Fakhar Zaman became Pakistan’s first double centurion in one-day internationals, when he smashed 210 off 156 deliveries against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo yesterday.

The 28-year-old pushed on after registering his third ODI century to surpass Saeed Anwar’s previous record of 194 against India at Chennai in May 1997.

Zaman smashed 24 boundaries and five sixes in a blistering innings and went on to become the sixth international batsman to score a double hundred in the 50-overs format. Up against a weak Zimbabwe attack, openers Imam-ul-Haq and Zaman adopted a ruthless approach to record the first 300-run opening stand in ODIs. The record for the highest opening partnership was earlier held by Sri Lanka’s Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya, who had added 286 against England at Leeds in July 2006.

Ul-Haq blazed away to 113 off 122 balls, studded with eight fours, before falling to spinner Wellington Masakadza. Asif Ali joined Zaman to build an unbeaten 95 run partnership as they finished with 399 for 1 at the end of the innings.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat in the fourth ODI. The visitors have dominated the series, bowling Zimbabwe out for 67 on Wednesday to clinch an unassailable 3-0 lead.

Sagan (right) also won stages two and five of this year’s race.

(BBC) - WORLD champion Peter Sagan surged late to secure his third victory of the 2018 Tour de France in a bunch sprint finish on stage 13.

Sagan, who also won stages two and five, kicked from deep to edge out Alexander Kristoff and Arnaud Demare on the line in Valence.

The Slovak also extended his already-dominant lead in the green jersey points classification.

Team Sky rider Geraint Thomas held on to the overall leader’s yellow jersey.

This was a relatively calm day for the general classification favourites after three tough days in the Alps, with four-time winner Chris Froome also finishing safely in the bunch to remain one minute 39 seconds behind

Thomas in second.

“This stage was a piece of gold for us,” said Sagan. “Everyone in the group recovered and I think everyone is happy it was a relaxed stage.

“I was a bit late, a little bit behind in the last 600m but I stayed on the wheel of Kristoff and I’m very happy to beat them.”

SAGAN STARS AGAIN This stage presented an excellent chance of a rare win in a Tour sprint finish for several riders, after the Alps had wiped out most of the race’s fastest and most successful sprinters, only for Sagan to again prove his remarkable qualities.

Mark Cavendish and Marcel Kittel were eliminated after missing the time cut on stage 11, while Andre

Greipel, Fernando Gaviria and Dylan Groenewegen all abandoned on stage 12.

Those five have 60 Tour stage wins between them, with Gaviria and Groenewegen having won two each this year.

Groupama-FDJ, UAE Team Emirates and Bora-Hansgrohe duly rode on the front all day, in service of Demare, Kristoff and Sagan respectively, to ensure the four-man breakaway of Thomas de Gendt, Dimitri Claeys, Tom Scully and Michael Schar never got too far ahead.

When Schar attacked from the break late on, the peloton calmly reeled him in with 6km to go to set up the bunch sprint, only for Quick-Step Floors’ Philippe Gilbert to launch a powerful counter-attack.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF)

Extra Time

EXTRATIME – July 21, 2018 PRESIDENT FORDE CONDUCTS SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO BRAZIL The President of the Guyana Football Federation, Wayne Forde, conducted a three-day visit to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in preparation for the National Team “Train To Play” Camp from August 12 – 25, 2018.

Additionally, he sought to create strategic partnerships that would facilitate among others: 1 players’ exchange 2 Coaches’ exchange 3 Scholarship opportunities 4 Youth training camps and 5 the opportunity to play youth tournaments during school breaks While there, he also met the President and Directors of Botofago FC and Vasco da Gama FC and had discussion centered on long-term development of players and other areas of capacity building, including an Elite Referees programme, that will be launched soon.

“It is unthinkable that Guyana Football Development has not benefitted from the greatest football nation in the world for all these years, this will now change forever.” President Wayne Forde Stay tuned for more details GFF ELITE LEAGUE CONTINUES TOMORROW

PRODUCED BY THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION INC. (GFF) AND DESIGNED BY THE GUYANA CHRONICLE

For further Information or should you have questions/comments , please contact: General Secretary Guyana Football Federation (GFF) 17 Dadanawa Street, Section “K” Campbelville, Georgetown TEL: +1 592 227 8758 ext. 102 FAX: +1 592 225 2096

e-mail: gff@networksgy.com WEBSITE: www.gffonline.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/GuyanaFootballFederationInc INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/guyana_football_federation_inc/ SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/guyana-football-federation-inc LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guyana-football-federation-inc TWITTER: @GFF_Inc_

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ECC summer camp underway

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

CAC Games 2018

Guyana bow out of table tennis Team competition … Women’s hockey team lose first game

By Michelangelo Jacobus

ECC captain John Ramsingh in discussion with the participants on Thursday.

WITH the aim of imparting the rudiments of the game of cricket, the Everest Cricket Club (ECC), last Thursday kick-started the annual linein Cricket Summer Camp at the Camp-street-based facility.

Roughly 21 youngsters aged 13 to 19 are a part of the camp as they seek to learn the fundamentals of cricket over

the next few days.

Club captain John Ramsingh told Chronicle Sport that the camp aims to provide intensive cricket training to players who strive to discover new techniques, improve their mental, physical skills and better their overall cricketing skills, both on and off the field.

He urged the youngsters to take full advantage of the

opportunities being offered to them.

The programme also involves classroom-style sessions and lectures by a variety of expert presenters.

The six-day camp will conclude with a practice game and a graduation ceremony, where participants will receive a certificate of participation.

ON the second day of the ongoing Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Barranquilla, Colombia, the Guyana National Men’s and Women’s table tennis teams bowed out of the Team competition while the National Women’s hockey team suffered a loss in their opening game against the Dominican Republic.

After beating Barbados on Thursday to keep their quarter-final hopes alive, they faced El Salvador yesterday and lost 3-0.

Natalie Cummings came up against El Salvador’s Estafania Ramirios and was defeated in the first two games 11-5 and 11-8 before hauling one back at 11-8. However, Ramirios went on to take the next game 11-5 to wrap up proceedings.

Up next was the tenacious Chelsea Edghill who faced Emme Arias and lost 3-2.

Arias took the first two games with identical scores of 12-10 before Edghill fought back with two straight sets of 11-3 and 11-4. However the fifth and final game went to Arias 11-8.

In the doubles match, El Salvadorian pair, De-Ying Wang and Arias, beat Edghill and Trenace Lowe 3-1, to knock Guyana out of the competition. They won 9-11, 12-10, 11-8 and 11-9.

The men, who lost to top-seeded Cuba on Thursday, faced host nation Colombia and were beaten 3-0.

Christopher Franklin played Joaquin Villegas and suffered 6-11, 11-8, 8-11 and 8-11. Meanwhile Shemar Britton tested Julian Ramos but lost 9-11, 7-11, and 9-11.

In the doubles clash Nigel

Bryan and Christopher Franklin went down to Villegas and Miguel Aguirre in games of 8-11, 9-11 and 1-11.

Meanwhile, the hockey ladies, playing in their first group game against Dominican Republic, did well in the first half but succumbed to four late goals.

The Guyanese were frustrated in attack but defended well until late in the game, Dominican Marian Gonzalez swept home a field goal in the 40th minute which opened the floodgates.

Cecilia Paganini added a second in the 43rd minute before Ana Williams Rodriguez and Paula Birocho added two more in the 55th and 57th minutes respectively.

The Games continue today with the Men’s National hockey team in action while the squash players will also take the court.

UDFA Osmond Pentecostal Fire take on South Assembly in final Cummings football continues today Linden Inter-Church Basketball Final

UNBEATEN team Pentecostal Fire will tonight put a five-game winning streak on the line when they face South Assembly in the final of this year’s Linden Inter-Church basketball championship at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

Yannick Tappin and Dan-

iel Lee, the lead scorers for the unbeaten Pentecostal team helped their side overcome South Assembly earlier in the series by a 77-64 margin.

In that encounter Lee led the way with 22 points and Tappin had 21 while younger brothers Keifer and Kobe had

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday July 21, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 28 (2) Brian Lara & amp; Aminul Islam (Dublin, 1999) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI player to hit an ODI century against Bangladesh?

(2) Who is the first SL player to crack a hundred against the WI? Answer in tomorrow's issue

11 and 10 respectively.

Donnel Benjamin of the Benjamin’s clan had the best score of 21 points while big brother and their leading scorer Vibert netted 18 and Emmanuel Archibald had 11.

To reach the semi-finals on Wednesday, Pentecostal Fire recorded their fifth win with a whopping 116-43 victory against Emmanuel Assembly of God (AOG).

T h i s c a m e o ff Ya n nick Tappin’s game-high 35 points, 28 from Lee, 11 from Keifer and 10 from Kobe. For Emmanuel who now will play for third place, Stephon Arthur had 17 points and Gavin Clarke 15.

In the other semi-final, track athlete Emmanuel Archibald, showing his versatility with a game-high 23 points, Vibert Benjamin 18 and Donnel Benjamin 10 helped their team get past Calvary Temple.

Lee is the leading scorer with 130 points at an average of 26 points per game

followed by Yannick Tappin with 115 for an average of 23 per game.

South Assembly’s most consistent scorer is Vibert Benjamin with 105 points including the tournament-high 44 points and has an average of 21 points per game.

His main supporters are his brothers Donnel and Leon along with Archibald.

Calvary Temple, who will face Emmanuel AOG from 19.00hrs, had their best scorers in Joel Webster 21 points, Adrian Webster 14 and Immanuel Larose 11.

The championship game is at 21.00hrs.

The championship trophy was donated by Ian Adams.

Meanwhile, there will be a Pastors’ shootout with the likes of defending champion Pastor Richard McDonald of Mount Carmel, Linnel Warden (Sr) of Pentecostal Fire, Gavin Clarke of Emmanuel and Praise Tabernacle’s Selwyn Sills among others.

W E AT H E R p e r m i t ting; the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) Osmond Cummings Memorial Under-20 championship is set to continue today with a double-header at the Bayrock Community Centre ground in Wismar, Linden.

The first game is bet w e e n To p p X X a n d Winners Connection at 14:00hrs and the other from 16:00hrs brings together Silver Shattas and Net Rockers. The tournament continues tomorrow with one game between Topp XX and Hi Stars at 14:00hrs.

The second scheduled game between Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Eagles United is unlikely to be played since the latter’s elections and annual general meeting will be held tomorrow.

In Wednesday’s lone

match, Botofago defeated Milerock 2-0 thanks to a penalty spot scored by Shane Haynes and a second registered from the boot of Steve Lancaster in the 36th minute of play.

The second match between Hi Stars and Eagles United was not played due to rain.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 21, 2018

GSSF donates safety gear to GPF

GSSF president Mr Ryan McKinnon (front right) hands over ear and eye protection to Mr Guy Nurse (front centre) in the presence of GSSF Director Mr Aleemul Ali (front left) while flanked by ranks of the TSU.

THE Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation (GSSF), in keeping with International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF) standards, has adopted the policy of mandatory ear and eye protection for all shooting events.

“Compliance to safety while handling firearms is always paramount,” reiterated president of the GSSF, Ryan McKinnon, in his comments

while handing over a donation to the Guyana Police Force to celebrate the 4th Anniversary of the GSSF last week.

The GSSF ensures that all members follow all firearm safety rules and are personally protected during shooting by wearing protective gear for their eyes and ears.

All shooters, instructors,

range safety officers, scorers and spectators in proximity to the shooting points are required to wear eye protection while the range is hot.

The Foundation, in strengthening its partnership with the Police Force, made the donation to aid the safe training and development of ranks with firearms.

The equipment is thus specifically targeted for use

by the Training Section of the Tactical Services Unit.

The presentation of the ear and eye protective equipment was made at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Kingsron to the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of TSU, Guy Nurse.

Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken opined that he appreciates the Foundation’s recognition of the

importance of safety while handling firearms.

The Foundation looks forward to continued collaboration with the GPF and commits to giving assistance, building capacity and aiding in the general development of the force and its ranks where possible.

The GSSF wishes to thank all its members, partners, collaborators and sup-

porters for the valuable contributions made towards the development of the organisation and by extension the sport of shooting in Guyana.

The Board of Directors wishes to express its continued commitment and dedication to the development of the Foundation while working closely with local regulatory departments and authorities.

GWI launches inter-region Heineken Open Golf football competition tournament set for today

Managing Director Dr Richard Van-West Charles (left), Lloyd Smith (centre) and Chavez Hescott

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has launched its second inter-region football competition which will take place today at the Guyana Football Club (GFC) ground from 10:00hrs.

The competition is known as the ‘GWI Anniversary Cup’.

Chairperson and member of the organising committee Mr Chavez Hescott emphasised that the disciplinary action of the team and individuals should be intact.

“I’m stressing to the captains and the regional managers, please ensure that your teams exercise a high level of discipline in this

competition,” he said.

There will be eight teams participating, both male and female.

Managing Director, Dr Richard Van-West Charles, emphasised that the competition should assist the employees to be familiar with one another. “Part of this process is using every opportunity to know each of your fellow workers from different parts of the country.”

Dr Charles went on to state his expectation for the next round, adding that “As an organisation, we need to be gender-sensitive.” “Part of the process is to have the females participate in the fields and not in the stands alone.”

The teams received their gear and necessary equipment from GWI yesterday.

Lusignan Golf Club president Aleem Hussain (left) and Heineken manager Darshanie Yussuf

THE Heineken Open golf tournament will ‘tee off’ today, with over 40 players set to converge on the country’s lone course at Lusignan.

President of the Lusignan Golf Club, Aleem Hussain and Heineken portfolio manager Darshanie Yussuf, both spoke profoundly

of their now five-year-old partnership, which they are anticipating to be nothing short of exciting.

According to Hussain, the tournament is one of the most anticipated on the Club’s calendar. Hussain pointed out that despite torrential showers, the course remains in top shape and

will be impeccable today to accommodate fantastic golf.

Meanwhile, for Yussuf and Heineken, the sport of golf is one they have a keen interest in and are committed to seeing the sport grow in Guyana. She encouraged persons to make their way to Lusignan today to grab some of the prizes on offer.

With a gross of 90 and a net of 66, Lakeram Shivraj, who played with a 24 handicap, won last year’s Heineken Open Golf Tournament.

Following Shivraj in second was Hussain (17) with a gross 85 and net 68, while third place went to Gavin Todd (20): gross 88 net 68.

Mike Mangal took best gross prize with 79, while Nearest to the Pin went to Mark Lashley and Longest Drive to Troy Cadogan.

THE LAW SPEAKS! -Bangladesh series is useful World Cup preparation

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Some West Indies players during their net session yesterday. (Adrian

Stuart Law

Some West Indies players during their net session yesterday. (Adrian Narine photos)

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football tournament

Chase, Multi to clash in male final … Charlestown, East La Penitence battle for ladies’ title

Chase were ruthless in their semi-final match of the ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament.

THE best of the best will be on show today when the finals of the ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament take place at the Ministry of Education ground.

The clinical Chase Academic Foundation will take on the exuberance of the North Ruimveldt Multilateral lads in the male final.

Chase, who operate a well-oiled unit, are heavy favourites to win the tournament considering that they have great passing chemistry and finishing capabilities.

Multi, on the other hand, must have figured that out and might be looking to counter for their chances on goal.

Still, only one can remain when the dust settles and fans will have to wait until 15:00hrs for that final.

Before that, there is a third-place playoff between St John’s College and Buxton Youth Development at 13:00hrs.

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Other male matches will see Tucville taking on Vergenoegen Secondary in the fifth/sixth-place playoff while Marian Academy play Dolphin for seventh and eighth Meanwhile, East Ruimveldt will take the field to play the final of the tournament after their semi-final opponents South Ruimveldt were found guilty of rule violations.

While South had won that match on Tuesday 9-1, the organisers decided to uphold the protest made

by East La Penitence, so South will instead play New Campbellville Secondary in the third-place playoff at 13:00hrs.

Uitvlugt and Dolphin will clash in the fifth and sixth place playoff while Tucville and Vergenoegen will play in the seventh and eighth place game.

The tournament is sponsored

by ExxonMobil, Pepsi and Ministry of Public Health.

SATURDAY, JULY 21, 2018