Guyana Chronicle E-paper 09-21-2018

FRIDAY 21th September, 2018

GuyTIE opens No.105404

… President says event will enhance investor-friendly image

… bolster Guyana’s global competitiveness

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Nomination Day today 08 PAGE

… as parties, groups gear up for LGE

Five charges for ‘abusive’ attorney 09 PAGE

Guyana, Barbados to ink economic 02 pact PAGE

President David Granger assisted by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, cuts the ribbon to officially open the inaugural Guyana Trade and Investment Exposition (GuyTIE) being held at the Marriott Hotel (Adrian Narine photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Guyana, Barbados to ink economic pact

PRESIDENT, David Granger has announced that Guyana will soon sign an economic cooperation agreement with Barbados.

The initial idea behind the pact was discussed during the ninth meeting of the Prime Ministerial sub-committee of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) in Barbados early this month, said President Granger during his remarks at the launch of the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE).

The announcement of the new cooperation agreement comes one day after Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote energy

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley cooperation right here in Georgetown.

“We see Guyana’s future in the Caribbean and we see the Caribbean’s future in Guyana,” the President stated while highlighting the Caribbean as an important

common market amidst trade wars and Brexit. The combined land space of the countries of the Caribbean Community is almost equivalent to that of Sweden. President Granger pointed out that this has the potential for increased intra-regional trade.

Intra-regional exports, at the end of 2014, stood at a 13.1 per cent of total regional exports of US$22.3 Billion, he noted. The region’s estimated US$4.5B annual food import bill, the Head of State said, could be slashed. However, he noted that there is a need for intensified collaboration between local, regional and international firms to grasp opportunities, which can provide a platform for global market penetration.

“Guyana’s economic development has been constrained, historically, by the small size of its population, small domestic markets and the small range and volume of primary commodity ex-

ports. These have made its economy highly vulnerable to exogenous economic shocks,” the president noted.

He touted the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), as the way to build more resilient economies, not only in the Caribbean but also locally. Reference was made to the CSME’s long-term aim of creating a single economic space with an enlarged market producing globally competitive goods and services.

The President committed that Guyana will continue to pursue regional economic cooperation in order to build greater prosperity and global competitiveness.

On Wednesday President Granger said tapping into Trinidad and Tobago’s wealth of experience while that country capitalises on Guyana’s natural resources would create a win-win situation for both countries. He said the MoU with Trinidad and Tobago sets the platform on which the

President David Granger (Adrian Narine photo) two countries can develop and promote joint projects throughout the hydrocarbon value chain, in accordance with identified provisions and without prejudice to their respective national legal systems.

“Our economic interests are intertwined

with those of the region and we will continue to pursue regional economic cooperation to build greater prosperity and global competitiveness…

Guyana’s future is in the Caribbean and the Caribbean’s future is in Guyana,” the president said.

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Enhancing investor-friendly image

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

–– GuyTIE launches with aim to bolster Guyana’s global competitiveness

By Navendra Seoraj

GUYANA could enhance its image as an investor-friendly state and improve its global competitiveness with the help of the Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE), said President David Granger.

The three-day event, which was launched at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday, presented a platform for local businesses to engage and network with Caribbean and international investors.

“It could enhance the investment image as an investor-friendly state, improve competitiveness for large, small and medium enterprises and position Guyana and the Caribbean to be competitive in the global market place,” said the President during his remarks at the launch of the inaugural event.

Over the years, local businesses, particularly manufactures, have been seeking to create a link with the rest of world. Guyana has been known for importing more than exporting, so the establishment of business links would possibly bring balance to that aspect of the local economy.

Guyana has been constrained by the small size of its population, small domestic markets and small range and value of the primary export commodities, lamented President Granger, who added that those factors have made the economy highly vulnerable to external shock.

“Government is however obliged to enhance the environment for business… we have been doing so by emphasising education to ensure sustainable development; enhancing physical

infrastructure and energy security by ensuring that policies, laws and regulations are geared at promoting ease of doing business,” he said, noting that the theme for GuyTIE “Made locally, trading globally” is linked to that commitment.

OPPORTUNE As focus continues to be placed on the local economy, President Granger said GuyTIE comes at a time when there are also renewed efforts to re-energise Caribbean economies which have been dormant in some instances.

He believes that the private sector has a major role to play in regional economic co-operation, and as such, the business community should aim to increase investment and become innovative in pursuing new markets and improving competitiveness of goods and services.

“It has been said that a rising tide lifts all boats and we are seeing a surge of a rising tide that will deliver transformative and economic change. The world-class discoveries of petroleum will unleash unprecedented business opportunities,” said the President, adding that petroleum revenues will catalyse economic growth, increase employment, propel innovation, intensify technology transfer and improve workforce productivity.

In years to come, he believes that Guyana will become the foremost investment destination and the private sector should aim to build capacity and establish strategic partnership to exploit opportunities in the petroleum sector.

Minister of Business,

Dominic Gaskin also encouraged local businesses to use GuyTIE as an opportunity to build partnerships ahead of the economic development which is expected with the introduction of the oil and gas industry.

PLATFORM FOR EXPORT “It is not about the numbers and ticket sales…it is not and was never intended to be a mega event or consumer event and it is not an entertainment event… GuyTIE is strictly a business to business event and it is expected to contribute to two of the four key objectives of the Ministry of Business’s strategic five-year plan,” said the minister, noting that the exhibition provides a platform for export.

Once successful, the event will also contribute to an increase in export earnings.

Although it is a pilot event, the minister said GuyTIE will be held regularly and will be a signature Caribbean Trade Fair which would not just link local businesses to international buyers but soon link international businesses to international investors.

The sectors represented at GuyTIE include agro-processing; chemicals and pharmaceuticals; construction; food and beverage; food processing; forestry and wood products; information and communications; printing and publishing; printing and packaging; tourism; and arts and craft.

There were 56 exhibitors, 55 of which were local and one Korean and over 100 buyers from the Caribbean, US, Asia and Europe.

Over the next two days

This buyer was intrigued by the products being offered by one of the many local manufacturers who had their products on display at the inaugural GuyTIE (Adrian Narine photo) there will be intense discus- has a lot of potential and a lot Chairman of the Private sions with over 50 business of products that need to be Sector Commission, Desto business meetings and exported. mond Sears said private/pubawareness and information Based on his observation, lic partnerships will pay great sessions which will cover the products are good and of dividends in time to come. subjects related to investing high standards, and as such, “We feel assured that in some foreign markets. he urged local businesses to companies have our country Chief Executive Officer try to access outside markets. in their interest and this creof the Guyana Office for InLike many other buyers, ates avenues for locals to devestment (Go-Invest), Owen Nwaneri said his group is velop capacity and adopt new Verwey said buyers will be ready to assist local compa- techniques to become more informed about the great op- nies in their effort to access efficient and competitive,” portunities to consider when global markets.

Sears said. investing and forming partExhibitors were also optiHe said Guyana is an innerships in the resource-rich mistic about the possibilities vestment paradise endowed Guyana. that GuyTIE present and they with all natural resources, Chairman of CENTRA- called for it to be a staple in vast arable land, riches in FRIQUE Investment Group the calendar of events for the mineral resources and priTochil Nwaneri said Guyana coming years. mary commodities.

Overwhelming response from Linden youths at Guyana Airways job fair

OVER 100 unemployed Linden youths on Wednesday flocked the Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC) job fair which was held in collaboration with the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN). Given the high rate of unemployment in Linden, the GAC thought it prudent to host a job fair in the mining town, considering the many challenges the youths would have to face, such as transportation cost, to get to its Georgetown office.

With the company having openings in the various positions: airport and office staff, flight attendants, aeronautical engineers, aviation technicians and air marshals, Human Resource Director

Shivana Carreiro, said that it is not limiting its employment scope to Georgetown but is seeking out other regions where there is a great demand for jobs, such as Linden. “So far we had a great turnout, more than 110 persons I have counted so far, we didn’t expect that they were so many unemployed young people up [here] and LEN making us a part of their strategic plan… we as a company hope to bring more employment to the town of Linden and to the young people,” she posited.

Last month GAC stated on its Facebook page that in its hiring process, preference will be given to Linden. Since then, Carreiro said that over 200 applications have been

Linden youths filling out GAC job fair received. She was further impressed with the attitude of the youths as they asked question and explained their determination of finding meaningful employment. “The

their application forms at attitude they have shown, they just wowed me, and it’s amazing to know that there are so many young people unemployed and looking for a job and willing to work.”

Petronella Damon said that she did not waste any time in applying for the position of flight attendant as the opportunity may not last. “I always wanted to be an Air Hostess, I even applied at Dynamic Airways but did not get through, this is a great opportunity for not only me but for many other young Lindeners struggling to find employment.”

GAC hiring process is currently at the third phase, with about 120 Guyanese already hired. While many persons expressed their lack in confidence in GAC, giving its history of unsustainability, its Chairman, Colin Abrams related to the media that the airlines is aspiring to become Guyana’s premium low cost

carrier, to North America and the Caribbean but will commence with flights to Cuba.

To guarantee sustainability, GAC would have established a business model which will enable the company to be sustainable for the next century.

GAC is a cargo carrier airline that will be transporting passengers as well, and therefore, the airfare for passengers will be very low. Abrams also noted that investors are ready to support GAC’s venture.

With the void of a national carrier since 2001, Guyana’s is currently in the status three category but it is anticipated that the country will be upgraded to a higher status, no later than November of 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

New recreational park for Auchlyne Primary

STUDENTS attending the Auchlyne Primary School on the Corentyne were on Monday recipients of a new playground which has since contributed to the school compound’s environment and will be fully utilised by students during recess hours.

The donation was made by the Somar family- Andrew Somar. The US-based business magnate’s wife resided at Whim and attended the Auchlyne Primary School.

The park was commissioned by Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo, wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The playground comprises a basketball court, slides, seesaws and a swing set.

Besides those, the pupils also received several pieces of equipment which will contribute to their physical

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo.

education activities.

A representative of the Somar family told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the school was selected since it was the same learning institution she attended as a child and this was an opportunity to give back to her hometown. During the ribbon cutting ceremo-

ny, Mrs. Nagamootoo expressed her delight to have been part of the exercise.

She also recalled, in May, visiting several schools across the Corentyne Coast to make tangible donations with the aim of improving the learning ability of children and the teaching technique of teachers.

Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo assured that as part of her charity projects “we will continue to visit the poor, the schools, different homes and will offer help in all the ways

Students of Auchlyne Primary School in their new recreational park

we can”. Also, on Monday, a

with school supplies were

total of 300 backpacks along

donated to students by the

Colombia cocaine production acreage at ‘record level’ Colombian cocaine production hit record levels in 2017, according to newly released UN statistics.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says production rose about 31 per cent year on year to some 1,400 tonnes, cultivated on 171,000 hectares.

The agency warned production could harm recent peace-building efforts.

Colombia is the world's

largest producer of cocaine, much of which ends up in the US, which is the world's largest consumer.

Gloria María Borrero Restrepo, Colombia's justice minister, reportedly called the data "really very worrying".

According to the UNODC report, the coca production acreage in Colombia last year was the highest ever recorded level, increasing by

25,000 hectares from 2016.

The total acreage under coca cultivation was an estimated 17 per cent higher in 2017 than 2016.

The report said the potential production of cocaine had a value of US$2.7bn (£2bn) in the local market.

The UN said the region bordering the Pacific Ocean in Colombia was the most intensively cultivated.

On its own, the state of Narino on the frontier with Ecuador has more farmland dedicated to coca than the whole of Peru, which is another large producer.

Eighty per cent of the coca has been grown in the same area for the past 10 years, while crops produce 33 per cent more coca leaf the main cocaine ingredient - than they did in 2012.

The country has fought for years against cocaine production, with the US providing around $400m annually to assist in Colombia's war on drugs.

Last year, Colombia also

19-09-2018 2

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5 12 20 21 8

C 9, 16, 19, 1, 12

Living Water Organisation, a non-profit group which is also based in the USA. Meanwhile, Head Teacher of Auchlyne Primary School, Omataya Paul-Yorrick expressed appreciation to the donors for their contribution; noting that it will benefit the students both mentally and physically. Paul-Yorrick said, “I think it is going to benefit them [students] because they now have constructive ways to use their energy.” (DPI)

1, 9, 6

0, 3, 1

2, 5, 10, 11, 12

signed a $300m agreement with the UN aimed at reducing the production of cocaine by compensating farmers who agree to switch from growing coca to safer crops.

In August, newly elected President Ivan Duque told reporters the government would create a new drug-fighting policy, saying the goal was to have "concrete results" in the next four years.

A scheme to use drones to spray coca crops with herbicide has, however, attracted criticism.

Mr Duque's predecessor, Juan Manuel Santos, suspended aerial fumigation using the chemical glyphosate in 2015, following warnings by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the chemical could be linked to cancer.

The country's cocaine trade is still flourishing despite the 2016 peace deal in Colombia, which ended five decades of armed conflict with major rebel group the Farc.

Some blame the government for concentrating too hard on peace, while others said that by going clean the Farc rebels left a vacuum in the trade they once controlled. (BBC News)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

Work begins to ‘jump start’ youth council

By Vishani Ragobeer THE Guyana National Youth Council (GNYC) has begun preparation to welcome its first set of elected executives and formalised members next month to advance its cause of driving youth development in Guyana.

“The council has been governed by a steering committee for quite some time and it is now time for persons who have led this ambitious venture to hand it over to the young people to whom it belongs,” steering committee member, Derwayne Wills said.

The council came into being in 2014 due to cognisance that there was a gap in youth representation in Guyana. Later, it functioned to promote active citizenship among youth. And while there are a plethora of youth organisations across Guyana, there is no umbrella organisation which amalgamates the common interest of developing youth and that also led to the creation of the GNYC. The council has opened up membership applications and has been strengthening partnerships with some 80 partner organisations. In October, the GNYC will have its first general assembly and

The panelists at the conversation. From left: Secretary of the Indian Action Committee (IAC), Saira Alli; representative of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Ted Lucas; member of Ikembathe youth organisation supporting reparations in Guyana, Kibwe Copeland and President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), Norwell Hinds

first general elections.

In the meantime, the body has begun engaging youths and stakeholders.

“We have to at some point reach out to our constituency and to our membership base and ask what is it exactly you want your youth council to do on your behalf. We can’t just sit in our spaces and think this is what young people in Guyana want,” the youth advocate posited.

With this in mind, “One Land, Many Peoples: Prioritising youth today for a better tomorrow”- an interactive discussion was organised by the GNYC and held on Tuesday night at the Moray House.

The discussion, or “con-

versation” as Wills terms it, featured presentations from President of the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), Norwell Hinds; member of Ikemba- the youth organisation supporting reparations in Guyana, Kibwe Copeland; representative of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA), Ted Lucas and Secretary of the Indian Action Committee (IAC), Saira Alli.

The panelists first presented their interpretations of what they believe is a prerequisite to prioritising youth for tomorrow with views ranging from bolstering youth representation to making education practical and available for all

people.

In the case of Kibwe, youth development is not something that should merely be done for youths, but it is something that youths should actively and perhaps aggressively work towards acquiring.

“This conversation is actually the first in a series of conversations we’re going to be having and part of the reason why these conversations are necessary is because youth in itself is not just a group of people defined by this [15-35] demographic,” Derwayne said and highlighted that “youth” encompasses varying subgroups of young people with different and unique ideas,

GNYC steering committee member Derwayne Wills

A section of the gathering at the conversation at Moray House

interests and identities.

What was highlighted at this conversation, along with all that will be garnered at the other conversations will be analysed

qualitatively and made into a “position paper” which would serve as an agenda for the elected leaders of the GNYC to work with.

Protest action pays off for Kuru Kuru residents – MPI begins fixing road at centre of controversy FOLLOWING two days of protest early in the week, personnel attached to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Thursday began fixing sections of the two-mile-long roadway.

Reports are that the workmen fixed those sections of the roadway, particularly the potholed ones, which were seen as posing a danger to vehicles.

On Monday morning, residents blocked the roadway leading to the schools in the area as they vented their dissatisfaction at the state of it.

According to the residents, over the years, the roadway, which links the Soesdyke-Linden Highway with the primary and nursery schools as well as the Kuru

MPI workmen working on the roadway on Thursday (Photo courtesy Ras Leon Saul)

Kuru Training Centre, has been in a deplorable state, making it dangerous to negotiate especially at night time.

The protest action started during the rush hour on Monday morning, and saw resi-

dents use old tyres and pieces of wood to block the roadway, a move which resulted in the police moving in to quell the situation.

Alliance for Change (AFC) parliamentarian,

Michael Carrington told the Guyana Chronicle that he went into the area to collect some documents from the training centre, only to be greeted with the protest.

He said that seeing that the village falls under the Yarrowkabra Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), he made representation for the road to be fixed. Resi-

dents have expressed hope that monies would be made available in the 2019 National Budget for the roadway to be completely rehabilitated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

The noise nuisance problem

One of the most pervasive and persistent problems facing many Guyanese is that of noise pollution.

While Section 175 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act makes it a crime to produce any noise which is so loud, continuous or repetitive to cause a nuisance, this section of the law is rarely enforced. The reasons for lack of enforcement may be almost as numerous as the negative effects of noise.

However, considering the ubiquity of the problem and seriousness of its effects, the issue has to be addressed sooner rather than later at all levels of society, if we are to develop optimally.

The harmful effects of noise on human health are well established.

Noise has adverse effects on all aspects of health, both physical and mental, and many of those effects can result in profound and permanent harm and even death.

The effect that consistent, prolonged exposure to noise can re-

sult in permanent and irreversible damage to hearing is well known.

Medical experts say that such hearing loss causes “noise addiction”.

This effect is familiar to Guyanese who travel regularly in mini-buses that play loud music or who live close to neighbours who engage in this dangerous practice. ersons who listen to loud music, over time, need to increase the volume of music in order to hear it, as their hearing is being constantly and permanently damaged. But, there are less known health effects.

Workplace and environmental noise has also been shown to cause narrowing of the arteries of the heart, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, diabetes, general defects in blood circulation, and, alarmingly, birth defects in babies.

According to studies by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), women who are subjected to noise during pregnancy have a significantly increased risk of giving birth to an underweight baby. According to the

World Health Organisation (WHO), an underweight baby is one weighing fewer than 2,500 grams or 88 ounces at birth. Underweight babies have a higher risk of general health issues. Additionally, the USEPA has found a cause-and-effect relationship between such babies and birth defects, most frequently harelip, cleft palate, and spinal malformations.

Researcher Lester Sontag of the Fels Research Institute for the Study of Human Development wrote, “The foetus is capable of perceiving sounds and responding to them by motor activity and cardiac rate change.” He said too, that the damage due to noise exposure is greatest when it occurs between 15 and 60 days after conception (before a woman may know that she is pregnant), a period in which major internal organs, including the brain, are formed.

Further, later developmental disorders may occur because constriction of a woman’s blood vessels in response to noise causes the foetus

to be starved of an adequate blood supply.

The mental defects caused by noise exposure are also well documented. Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, personality changes, aggression and violent behaviours are all associated with noise exposure.

All noise exposure is harmful. A study conducted by Rockwool International, a United Kingdom-based company, has concluded that sudden impulse of noise may be just as harmful as long-term exposure.

Medical experts have explained this finding by positing that the sudden rush of hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream, may have permanent effects on organs.

In Guyana, there is a serious noise pollution problem. Almost every day someone posts on social media about a neighbour playing loud music, and few weeks pass without at least one `Letter to the Editor’ about the subject.

One letter writer recently

lamented that every time his neighbour turns on “their noise cannons”, and he calls the police, there is seldom any response. So, lack of enforcement of the law is the other part of the problem.

Minibus operators subject their passengers to unhealthy levels of noise, often, with police standing right there. And, if you live near to a bar or hangout spot, being at home is a nightmare.

The government is aware of the issue; an inter-agency task force was established in July 2017 under the Ministry of Public Security.

However, it is unclear whether the task force completed its work and made implementable recommendations.

In any case, given the magnitude, depth, severity, and apparent cultural entrenchment of the matter, the government is urged to re-examine the issue. Citizens, too, being aware of the threat to health, are encouraged to desist from creating noise nuisance.

Unbearable noise in my neighbourhood Dear Editor, I AM a re-migrant, aged 68, who is now regretting ever making such a rash decision to come back home to reside. My failing health just can’t withstand the numerous acts of noise abuse in my area, especially at the weekends. I am completely fedup having to make a number of useless calls to the police to get relief. I am reluctant to pick up the phone because of the set of baloney I’m being told I have to do before any action is taken.

It is my hope that this new Top Cop will collaborate once again with the Minister of Public Security to re-examine this present backward policy, to present a more realistic one to deal with noise nuisances.

It’s irksome when I am told that I have to make a personal

appearance to the station, at whatever hour, to give a statement before charges can be laid on the perpetrator/s, and when I am told that I have to go to court to give evidence, it’s not encouraging. Firstly not only is it putting my life at risk but it is also an unnecessary burden for anyone who is facing this type of abuse, especially if he/she is a senior citizen. The backwardness of the whole policy is daunting.

What about pushcarts? Do I have to get dressed, walk quite a distance for transportation to the station, sit there for hours before there is any attendant to give a statement, with the possibility of there not being a vehicle available.

The Minister of Public Security and the Top Cop need to fix this piece of legislation immediately; for whoever came up with

that dangerous stupid idea should have his/her head examined. How can the Minister of Public Security and panel put the citizens of this country at such risk. Am I expected to attend court against two or three persons if they decide to break the law in one day? This happens quite often, I can safely count at least seven persons in the area who play their music very loud.

If the police decide to take action after I would have highlighted more than one act of noise abuse, then give statements, how can they so callously expose me to that kind of danger and expect me to go to court so often. This is why people are afraid to even fight back whenever these atrocities occur.

This is a job solely for the police. They must take action and prosecute and attend court once

the perpetrator/s are caught by them. If it is a disabled person making a call or someone who is bedridden, are these people expected to go to the station and give a statement and then go to court to give evidence? Where I lived in the United States of America, affected citizens can call the police anonymously and once the police responds the perpetrator/s are prosecuted and taken to court by them, not the police telling the complainant he/she has to leave their home to go to the station to give a statement, at any given hour, so that they the police can lay a charge and the complainant has to attend court to give evidence.

As it so often happens, sometimes it could be a vehicle parked somewhere in the vicinity, a call to the police should see a patronal coming to stop this act, the perpe-

trator/s be taken to the station and be charged immediately, not this backwardness that is being told to persons affected.

How can the Minister of Public Security and the police place such a burden on citizens, especially if it’s only one person who is brave enough to highlight what is happening in the community? Is that person expected to attend court every time he/she makes a complaint because it is more than one perpetrator? Come on let’s have some sensible legislation here.

I think the motto of the police should be changed from “Serve and Protect” to “Serve and Neglect”.

Regards, Disappointed re-migrant

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

Nomination Day today

…as parties, groups gear up for LGE

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana National Congress, the People’s Village Movement, Advocates for Real Transformation, and Dr. Christopher Heywood are among the political parties, voluntary groups and individual candidates that would be contesting for a place at the decision making table within the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

On Thursday, a total of 61 political parties, voluntary groups and individuals would be heading to the offices of the returning officers within the 80 Local Authority Areas to submit their nominations ahead of the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE).

In an advisory on Thursday, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) stated that political parties, voluntary groups and individuals with approved symbols to contest Local Government Elections 2018 are required to submit their Lists of Candidates on Nomination Day

using the prescribed forms.

Submission can be done between 10:00hrs – 14:00hrs.

A total of 62 symbols were submitted, however, 61 were confirmed for a total of seven political parties, 21 voluntary groups and 33 individual candidates.

BEHEMOTHS NOT ALONE As anticipated, the A Partnership for Nation for National Unity (APNU), the Alliance For Change (AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP) would be contesting in all of the LAAs but as political parties, they would be joined by the United Party for National Growth and Development, the United Republican Party, the Guyana National Congress and the GNS Party. Unlike the other political parties, which will be contesting in all municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), the GNS Party would only be contesting in the 10 municipalities, which now include

Mahdia.

The United Destiny Group, the Independent Group for Local Development, the People’s Democratic Movement, the Torch Bearers Enhancement Group, Community for Change and Development, People’s Village Movement, Horizon and Star, Youth for Local Government, For the People Group, Beterverwagting/Triumph 8th of May Movement, Beterverwagting/Triumph Action Force Community Development Group and Advocates for Real Transformation are among the voluntary groups for which symbols were submitted to contest the Local Government Elections.

Juliansburg Plegtanker Development Group, Development Association of Fort Ordnance, National Congress of Progressive People’s Alliance, Mahdia Concerned Citizen Group, Aranputa Residents Alliance, Linden for Lindeners, the New Horizon Movement, Kwakwani United for Progress and One

People Development Group are also among the voluntary groups listed.

Of the 33 individual candidates who submitted symbols, a total of 12 are contesting in the municipality of Georgetown. They are Jai Narine Singh, Malcolm De Freitas, Rev. Fay I. Clarke, Yanchandra Rambarran, Accabre Cheddi Sepaul, Dr. Christopher Heywood, Louis Nestor, Michael Okombo Williams, Phyllis Joyce Jordan, James Hermanstein, B. Mayo Robertson and Eon Andrews.

The other individual candidates who had their symbols approved are Phyllis Carter, Ronald Griffith, Oswald Quamina, Bruce Granville, Shon Adams, Rajendra Bissessar, Terone Joseph, Patrick Cummings, Kelvin Mingo, Julian Joseph David, Eon Handel Warde, Emile Wilson, Beverly Ann Fraser, Ismay Dalrymple, Leslyn Edwards-Charles, Julius Mark Anthony Nuse, Daniel Ferdinand Ward, Omeshwar Sirikishun, Seymour Garfield, Mertimer Solomon, Orin McDougall and Dr. Orin Miller. They

are hoping to contest in a number of constituencies in several LAAs.

MIXED SYSTEM The Local Government Elections would be carried out by GECOM using a mixed system of Proportional Representation and First Past the Post. The Mixed Electoral System allows for 50 per cent or half of the number of councillors of each Local Authority Area to be elected through the Proportional Representation component and the other 50 per cent through the First-Pastthe-Post or Constituency component.

Political parties and voluntary groups must contest all seats for the Proportional Representation component and must submit a list of candidates with 10 additional names, apart from the total number of councillors for the municipality or Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

In addition, only the names of candidates qualified to be councillors equal to the number of constituency seats which it intends

to contest in LGEs must be submitted, while the name of an independent candidate can only be submitted for the seat he or she is contesting. GECOM outlined, too, that each list of candidates must be submitted on the prescribed form indicating name, address, ID number and occupation of each candidate and the names of candidates should be one below the other with surnames in alphabetical order.

The signature mark of each nominator must be stated, together with the name and the ID card number and each list of candidates must be accompanied by a declaration on the prescribed form, from each candidate contesting the election.

Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held on Monday, November 12.

At the March 2016 LGE, approximately 507,633 persons were registered to vote for representatives of three political parties, 17 voluntary groups and 63 individual candidates in a mixed system of Proportional Representation and First-Past-the-Post.

No official word on RUSAL shutdown

…Min. Trotman says gov’t will search for new partner

By Svetlana Marshall NATURAL Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman said the government has not been notified that the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) – a subsidiary of Russian Aluminum Inc. (RUSAL), would be shutting down its operations here from October 1, 2018 in light of U.S imposed sanctions.

According to reliable sources, on Tuesday, RUSAL BCGI informed its managers at its Aroaima, Region 10 worksite, that there will be no mining or shipping of bauxite from October 1, 2018.

U.S customers are mandated to wind down business with RUSAL by October 23, 2018 as a result of sanctions imposed in April, 2018 in response to Moscow’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

Though not informed about this recent development, Minister Trotman told the Guyana Chronicle that

the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government will have to search for a new partner to mine bauxite in the Upper Berbice River, Region 10 area.

“The Government of Guyana would wish to have a normalisation of operations ASAP, and so if RUSAL is unable to continue, then a new partner will have to be found to develop the resource,” the Natural Resources Minister told this newspaper.

The Government of Guyana has 10 per cent share in BCGI. Earlier in the week, Minister Trotman had indicated that a report on the situation with special focus on workers’ welfare would be submitted to Cabinet soon.

Days after the sanctions were imposed by U.S Government in April, the Guyana Government, in response, activated a task force to deal with the future of workers attached to RUSAL BCGI and Oldendorff Carriers – the company

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

contracted to ship bauxite from Aroaima in the Upper Berbice River, Region 10 to the mouth of the Berbice River.

That task force, which was headed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, reportedly submitted its Terms of Reference and an Interim Report to Minister Trotman approximately five weeks ago. In that Interim Report, which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle, the

task force recommended that that the more than 700 affected workers be given a similar payment package that was applied by LINMINE, BERMINE and OMAI in the past.

“Based on the decision of the companies to terminate their operation in Guyana, and since they have benefitted from concession given to the mining sector they pay a similar package that was applied in the case of LINMINE in 1993 and

onward, BERMINE in 2002 and onward, and OMAI Gold Mines in 2004, which means that the minimum pay for each year of service shall be equivalent to 6 six weeks for each year of service to the maximum of two years pay in benefits,” the task force recommended in its Interim Report.

According to the report, workers’ representation by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and People’s United and General Workers Union (PU&GWU) at BCGI and Oldendorff Carriers, respectively, has been fraught with challenges. As such, a recommendation has been made for a Compulsory Arbitration in keeping with the Labour Act. Up to press time on Thursday, the news of the company’s decision to significantly reduce its operations had not been officially filtered down to the staff.

Oldendorff Carriers reportedly indicated to RUSAL BCGI that it will no longer be offering its services from September 30.

However, Oldendorff

Carriers’ Spokesman, Alex Graham dispelled the claim, indicating that he shipping company will not cease its shipping operation at the end of September. He noted that the company’s position as stated in June, 2018 remains the same.

Back then, Oldendorff Carriers, in a statement, explained that as a result of the US Government’s Sanctions, which require that all companies doing business with those that have been sanctioned wind down operations by October 23, or they themselves will be sanctioned, it was compelled to put preparatory systems in place. “While there are international negotiations taking place in an attempt to get the US Government to withdraw the current sanctions, OLDENDORFF is compelled to make preparations for winding down should such efforts fail,” it said.

Since then, the company has been sensitising workers on the possibility that it will not be able to continue operations in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

‘Cuss-bird’ lawyer slapped - for abusing cop with five charges THE Guyana Police Force, acting on legal advice, has advised that Attorney-at-law, Ryan Crawford be charged for committing five offences following his expletive-laden tirade last Thursday against a traffic rank.

The offences are prohibition of tinted glass, failure to produce driver’s licence, driving an unfit motor vehicle, use of obscene language and riotous behaviour. Police said the attorney-at-Law will make his appearance at the Mahaicony Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

On September 13, 2018, Crawford was travelling along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) Public Road, when he was stopped for a routine check of his driver’s documents by a rank on duty. This did not sit well with the lawman as a video recorded by the traffic rank, soon surfaced on social media showing Crawford verbally abusing the officer while seat-

ed in his car.

In the four minutes of his profanity-laced rant, Crawford repeatedly asked the policeman why he was stopped and made it clear that he was not going to comply when asked to produce his driver’s licence. He was also asked to wind up his windows for a test of the tint level on his vehicle, but refused to do so unless he was given a legitimate reason by the rank as to why he was pulled over.

In his defiance, the lawyer stated: “you can go and tell each and every one of the commanders, the President and the Vice-President, you go and tell whoever you want…”

In a terse statement subsequent to Crawford’s tirade, the police indicated that Commander of “C” Division, Senior Superintendent, Calvin Brutus has launched an investigation in respect to the incident. Then on Saturday, the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana,

Attorney, Ryan Crawford

though imploring its members to uphold the noble profession, fell short of publicly reprimanding its member.

“We trust that the said investigation will include the circumstances surrounding the recording, publication and sharing of the video,” the Bar Council stated, even as it outlined the legal grounds upon which a motorist can be stopped by a uniformed police officer.

Since Crawford’s behaviour became public knowledge, the uploaded video has been viewed thousands of times with hundreds of shares, including the surfacing of social media memes and spoof videos. Scores of public citizens and the well-known in society have also taken to the platform and continue to share differing views on the matter, sparking some level of debate.

PPP/C gears up their 2018 Bartica LGE Team AS the entire country prepares for Local Government Elections on November 12th, the PPP/C Bartica Local Government Election Team announced that they will be presenting their 28 candidates to the GECOM Bartica Office today, Nomination Day. The team shared that they have consulted Barticians in all nine (9) constituencies through house to house and community meetings, and have produced a list of 9 constituency candidates that reflect gender, youth and experience.

Of the 28 PR candidates, 15

are female and 13 are male, with 35 per cent being under the age of 35 years of age.

In a press statement sent out from the group, they stated, “Barticians have seen their township go into a slump with the decline of the gold mining, construction and tourism industries.

Jobs are very scarce and the cost of living has increased thanks to the imposition of 200 new taxes by the APNUAFC Coalition government. Bartica known as a lively town is now unusually quiet as people do not have money as they had before under the PPP/C administration. ‘Business

is bad’ as the people say.”

They further said, “Despite promises that Bartica will become the model ‘green’ township, the roads have deteriorated, the trade in goods fell between Bartica and the interior and the coast, and electricity woes continue unabated. The health services are plagued with the shortage of drugs, medical supplies and non-functioning equipment.”

They are of the view that the APNU/AFC Coalition Mayor and Town Councilors have failed the citizens of Bartica, “wasting large sums of money on projects

such as the two recreational parks and the Boulevard when these monies could have been used to fix the township’s roads and help to generate jobs for its citizens.”

The PPP/C Bartica Election Team 2018 vowed to commit themselves as elected representatives in these Local Government Elections to consult with the citizens of the township on matters that are of great concern to them and to aggressively represent their interests to improve the fortunes of Barticians and those in surrounding communities.

Unrepresented man changes plea in attempted murder charge QUINCY Henry, 32, called ‘fix it’, who is facing charges for two alternative counts of wounding, was on Tuesday remanded by Justice Brassington Reynolds to ensure that he shows up for the hearing of his trial.

State Prosecutors, Tiffini Lyken and Seeta Bishundial on presenting the indictment before the court, stated that on September 20, 2015, in the county of Demerara, Henry allegedly attempted to murder Troy Hughes Bacchus

called ‘Fletcher.’

In the alternative count, the accused allegedly wounded Bacchus with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, or to maim, disfigure or disable him.

Henry, who claims to be hearing-impaired, pleaded not guilty to both charges. However, the Judge did not proceed with his trial since he showed up unrepresented. He was given until Thursday morning to retain counsel, and his trial will commence.

In the meanwhile, Justice Reynolds indicated that he will keep the accused so as to ensure that he is present for the remaining of his trial, since no relative appeared on his behalf, he has no fixed address, nor does he own a phone/contact number. ‘Fix it’ tried to assure the judge that he will be present but Justice Reynolds was adamant to retain him to prevent further delays of the case.

Court convened on Thursday to commence Henry’s trial. However,

Henry showed up unrepresented again, but this time he requested to change his plea. He pleaded guilty to the count of attempted murder and the State accepted his changed plea.

Justice Reynolds requested that a probation report be prepared for Henry. The probation report along with the summary of the facts, plea of mitigation and sentencing, will be heard at the next court date on October 8, 2018.

Linden man succumbs after log falls on him A Linden man on Thursday succumbed after a log fell on him at the sawmill at which he was employed. Dead is 20-yearold Stephan Brathwaite called ‘Grinch’ of 100 Block 22 Squatting Area Wismar, Linden. According to the police, the fatal accident occurred at around 08:30hrs at R.I. Forest Products, Sawmill and Lumber Yard, which is located on Blue Berry Hill Wismar, Linden and owned by Raymond Prepont.

According to the investigation carried out by the police, it was revealed that Brathwaite was, at the time, servicing one of the trucks in the compound.

He then went to another truck, which had logs being off loaded, to draw fuel from the tank to put into a filter. It was while in the process of extracting the fuel, one of the logs slide off the truck and pinned him to the ground, across his abdomen and thighs causing his intestine to protrude.

Upon hearing the noise of the log sliding off and a short scream from the deceased, several employees of the said company rushed to his assistance.

They managed to remove the log from on top of him and rushed him to the Linden Hospital Complex. He was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is presently at the Wismar Hospital Mortuary awaiting a Post Mortem Examination.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, his father, Francis Brathwaite said that he was at work when he received a phone call that his son got into an accident at work. He immediately journeyed to the Linden Hospital Complex where he saw his son lying dead under a sheet. “When I raise up the sheet, all his guts protruding out. When a leave the hospital and went to the scene where the accident occur, his slippers was still there on the sand and the timber left stick down in the ground that kill him.” He said that the workers related that the truck was parked and one of the men loosed the chain off the timber and Brathwaite came to that side but the man reportedly did not know and the lumber fell off, pinning Brathwaite to the ground. The father said he last spoke to his son on Saturday and that he had been working at the lumber yard a few years to provide for his two young children.

Francis said that the owner of the lumber yard has offered to cover the funeral expenses and to give compensation to his children.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Guyana needs more five-star hotels –– says American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana president

By Lisa Hamilton

GUYANA Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Owen Verwey is confident that Guyana has the capacity to handle the expected increase in investments in the near future.

Verwey shared his views at the opening of Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) 2018 at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday.

The four-day event which ends on September 22 attracted over 100 investors and over 50 exhibitors. Admission of exhibitors had to be closed due to a large influx of interested export-ready businesses.

“We’ve had tremendous support from all of the business community. We are apologising for not being able to accommodate everyone and we look forward to 2019 already and developing this activity further,” Verwey said.

President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM), Zulfikar Ally believes that Guyana must begin to prepare spaces which will cater

for the masses that will soon arrive.

“Every day that goes by, the increase in demand that we have in Guyana, we’re seeing that the capacity and the capability that we have is running thin, so we have to make some very critical decisions, we have to expand.

We need more hotels in Guyana like the Marriott so we would like to see more four or five-star hotels coming to Guyana,” he told this newspaper on Thursday.

He added: “We have to have proper accommodation, conference facilities, because really and truly, the amount of attention that is being placed on Guyana, the amount of investors that are looking into our country and what it has to offer, quite frankly we don’t have the capacity right now to accommodate all of them.

But, we’re getting there so we need to see our infrastructure improve, we need to see more investments in five-star hotels.”

“These things take time, they won’t happen over time either, that is why I say the government and the private sector need to work together

so that we can have the infrastructure in place to meet the demands that are currently out there for Guyana.”

At the same time, Verwey believes that Go-Invest has been managing well the increase in responsibilities that have come on its plate even as it now works to improve its strategic management.

“We’ve been doing that and we will continue to do that. The agency is going through a bit of a strategic review right now as we know.

The Quality Structure Improvement Project, part of it is the Investment Promotion Strategy, the Export Promotion Strategy but more importantly is the organisational structure, [we’re] looking to see what sort of resources are required to get to that level of being able to supply the market and businesses with the necessary services they need,” Verwey said.

He added: “What it is that we need to do in-house [is find out whether there] is there any revenue collection option because we’re fully funded by subvention from the Government of Guyana.”

Apart from the booths on display at the Marriott Hotel,

Go-Invest, in collaboration with the GuyTIE Committee, the Ministry of Business, the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and others, is facilitating visits to other potential businesses in the country.

“What we do have are people who are looking for many other things, we’ve got people who are looking at the forestry sector for lumber and more processed or value-added wood-related products. Some of them have had their individual meetings with the private sector and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and some of them would have gone on site to meet businesses and this has been happening since the day before yesterday,” Verwey said.

Later at the event, Business Minister Dominic Gaskin added: “It’s all about the quality of the experience of both the buyers and the exhibitors.

Buyers come to Guyana, they tour the expo, they interact but if they want to have other meetings, if they have other interests, we want to be able to facilitate that to make their visit to Guyana worth it.”

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) Owen Verwey speaks at the opening ceremony of the inaugural Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) 2018.

Public servants learning Portuguese language

By Lisa Hamilton AS part of celebrations marking 50 years of bilateral relations between Brazil and Guyana, some 40 students are being taught Portuguese at the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown.

The persons being taught are from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the wider public service.

The aim of the initiative is to facilitate understanding of the Portuguese language with a view to enhancing political, diplomatic and commercial relations.

As such, the teaching provided focuses not only on language learning but also on narrowing cultural relations through didactic and post-didactic materials that give meaning to the work context of the course.

The students are divided into two groups and meet twice a week at the Brazil-Guyana Cultural Centre located on Church Street, Georgetown.

Speaking to this news-

paper on the importance of the classes was Director of the Foreign Service Institute, Ambassador Ronald Austin.

“I have been in the foreign services for a pretty long time and this time around, with this foreign minister, it’s a clear emphasis on the question of languages, especially the languages of the countries which are neighbouring Guyana,” Austin said.

He added: “Brazil is right next door, it’s a very important country to Guyana for a number of reasons in security, in terms of military, in diplomatic terms… so if we get the opportunity to study

the language so that we can better understand their society, their government, their culture, then we have to learn it. That is very important.”

Credit is also being given to the Brazilian Embassy for making the courses possible through the provision of the facilities and Professor Terezinha Marques and Hanna Reis who are the facilitators of the programme.

Although the classes, launched in September, are now only being taught up to the beginner level, Austin said that this may not be the end of training for those in attendance.

Students work in groups to better learn the Portuguese language (Adrian Narine photo)

Portuguese Professor Terezinha Marques teaches the Portuguese language to a group of individuals at the Brazilian Embassy in Georgetown (Adrian Narine photo) “What we’re doing now is that after we’ve done this course, we’re going to review the situation with regards to taking it to a higher level but ultimately, in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, what we’re trying to do is to have a cohort of people who can translate and interpret these languages whether it’s Chi-

nese, Dutch, Portuguese of Spanish,” he stated.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Marques said the classes which run from 09:00hrs -11:00hrs are well attended and students have shown much interest in learning the new language.

At the same time, Austin believes that with the varying

nationalities now seeking to make Guyana a viable place to visit and do business, Guyana must begin to teach its children to speak various foreign languages to meet future demands.

The younger the child, the better, he said, adding that “no one is too old to learn.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

Local businesses get vital push

11

–– as inaugural GuyTIE gets underway

By Lisa Hamilton As the much talked about Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) 2018 commenced on Thursday, several stakeholders in the business community have hailed day one a success.

The inaugural trade and exhibition event will run until Saturday and is being hosted at the Marriott Hotel through collaboration with the Ministry of Business; the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and Private Sector Associations in Guyana.

Over 50 export-ready businesses are set to come in contact with over 100 investors from the continents of North America, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean at the strictly Business-to-Business (B2B) event.

As a pilot, business executive and well-known environmentalist, Annette Arjoon spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines about her expectations for the days to come.

“What I would hope that some of our exhibitors would really share with our international and regional buyers is their sustainable development processes in their production.

For example, companies like Banks DIH that has their waste water treatment plant -- that is a very big investment [as well as] Demerara Bank that has their renewable energy solar unit providing power from the entire bank.”

Arjoon added that it is very important that companies which are going green are giv-

en the spotlight to showcase their products which coincide with the country’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

he said.

Ally added that he shares the sentiments made by President David Granger during GuyTIE’s opening ceremony where he called for govern-

President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association

President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana

RAISED THE BAR “I commend Mr. Verwey (Guyana Office for Investment CEO) and his team for hosting such another amazing and impressive event and the fact that they did it in such a short time is truly a feat and I can definitely see that the quality of exhibits here are way above the bar than we would have seen a year or two ago,” she further stated.

Present, too, was President of the American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM), Zulfikar Ally who also made his thoughts public on the event.

“I’m happy to see so many foreign visitors here, companies who are interested in working with Guyana and working with local businesses as well. I think that was the main purpose of the event so I think it has been a success so far, from what I’m seeing,”

ment and private sector collaboration to aid Guyanese businesses in penetrating the global market.

“No one can do this alone.

The government cannot do it alone and definitely the private sector can’t do it alone so we have to work together, so I’m happy to hear that the President has reiterated that and I know that the private sector organisations in Guyana are willing to work with the Government of Guyana, especially at this juncture,” Ally stated.

AMCHAM, established just last August, now has some 35 members and Ally told this newspaper that by the next year the chamber hopes to be able partner with the government to attract more investors to the country.

In the meanwhile, his recommendation to other local businesses towards becoming

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo inspects the High Fiber Whole Wheat Flour produced by the National Milling Company of Guyana Inc (NAMILCO) (Adrian Narine photo)

export-ready; is to be aware of the sector they are in, what type of certification they will need and the necessary regulatory bodies which can assist.

NOT LIKE BEFORE “My advice to businesses in Guyana is: you have to make the investment in your companies. It’s not like how it was before, you have to have good systems in place, you have to have management systems in place, quality assurance and certifications have to be there for both local and international [markets] especially if you’re looking to expand your business,” he alerted.

Meanwhile, welcoming the GuyTIE initiative to Guyana for its trickle-down effect was President of The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar.

Ramkumar noted that the trade expo coincides with

the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions’ (MICE) strategy of business tourism which is a big moneymaker in the travel industry.

“From this event you will see the international pull where it gets people to your destination, [to] fill hotel rooms, fill restaurants and bars. So the off spin, although we came to have the conference, the conference of itself drives up consumer capacity but when people come to your country it has a trickledown effect which is what tourism does for you. It benefits all the other sectors,” he explained.

Much like the others, President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Shyam Nokta said the association, which is a part of the steering committee, is pleased with the events of day one.

GMSA also had over 10 of its members represented at the booths on display.

“The opportunity to interact with buyers of the region and elsewhere is obviously something that the manufacturing sector has been pushing for a long time so that we can elevate our products to the point where they can continue to access and to have a greater access in the region and international markets,” Nokta said.

He added that although it is too soon to clearly state what improvements can be made for the next GuyTIE event, an evaluation definitely will be conducted in this regard.

Today, private B2B meetings will continue between exhibitors and potential buyers while the general public will have the opportunity to visit the event on Saturday by purchasing tickets from any GTT outlet.

MoPH gives funeral homes fair warning

– of coming new measures governing licensing

By Tamara Tucker PERSONS using the services of funeral homes here could see a marked improvement in the delivery of those services following a health and safety workshop primarily for funeral attendants on Wednesday.

The workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Public Health at the Herdmanston Lodge, and according to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, it was intended to educate funeral attendants on their roles and

responsibilities in ensuring health and safety in the execution of their duties.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the hope is that the workshop would set the foundation for the raising of standards in the industry.

“It’s a public health issue,” Dr Persaud said, adding: “Dead people are not garbage; it’s not throwing away something that we don’t want. You deal with a valuable part of the whole life course, and the ministry, in its health vision 2020, clearly outlines that health

will be addressed throughout the life course.”

Dr. Persaud, who’s also Chairman of the Central Board of Health, noted, too, that soon the Public Health Ministry will be conducting inspections of funeral homes before issuing them with their yearly licences.

“We want the funeral homes to be aware of all the things that need to be in place, so that when we go to inspect, everybody is to standard,” he said.

During the workshop, Dr. Zoila Fletcher who

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud addressing attendees at the health and safety workshop on Wednesday

specialises in heath surveillance, spoke on the subject of infection control when working in the funerals

homes, while Ms Gwen King of the Ministry of Social Protection dwelt on the topic of health and safety

standards that all employees and employers in the mortician business should practise.

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Guyana, France forging partnership in education … Twinning of local and French schools on the cards

THE Ministry of Education (MoE) is exploring partnerships with France, including the possibility of ‘twinning’ French schools with local schools.

This was revealed when French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly, paid a courtesy call to the Ministry on Thursday.

Pairing French schools with local schools will allow for further training of Guyanese teachers in the teaching of French and for Guyanese students to have a better understanding of that language.

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry will identify a technical officer from the Ministry of Education to move the process forward.

According to a press release, the Ambassador and his delegation held discussions with Minister Henry reviewing ways in which the French nation can assist Guyana with teaching French locally, as well as assist in other possible areas of cooperation.

“Ambassador Joly and Minister Henry affirmed that such a move will aid in fostering even better relations between the two countries,” the release said.

France is already set to fund a six-month advance French course in French Guiana, for two Guyanese teachers. The course is expected to commence later this year.

Minister of Education Nicolette Henry meeting with French Ambassador to Guyana, Antoine Joly

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Juvenile holding centre holds parent day THE Juvenile Holding Centre held its first Parent Day on Monday at the centre located at Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Security said the aim of the event was to strengthen the relationship and understanding between juveniles and their parents.

The programme commenced with an interactive discourse on parenting skills, which focused on discipline and appropriate measures used to deal with “disobedient” children, the release stated.

The session was facilitated by the Juvenile Correctional Teacher, Ms. Sherie Ann Vanderyaan from the Child Care & Protection Agency. The ministry said the session afforded parents an opportunity to explain difficulties they are experiencing with their children.

Ms. Vanderyaan offered various tips and guidelines on how to address these difficulties. Parents also meet one-on-one with the teachers and social workers to discuss their child’s development, behaviour and progress. The Parent Day initiative was geared towards improving parenting skills, parent-child relationship and preparing juveniles for their reintegration into the home and society.

This initiative was well received by parents who expressed their satisfaction.

Court to fix PI commencement – into Craig date on Tuesday St father, son murder PRINCIPAL Magistrate, Judy Latchman is expected to set a date for the commencement of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of the Craig Street, Campbellville father and son at their home back in July.

Orlando Douglas, 30, also of Campbellville, is currently on remand for the murder of 61-year-old Deonarine Liliah and his 28-year-old son, Omkar during the course of a robbery between July 7, 2018 and July 10, 2018.

Douglas’ attorney, Melville Duke on Thursday requested a date for the

commencement of the PI, but Magistrate Latchman adjourned the matter until September 25 when she will set a date.

The Guyana Chronicle had earlier reported that the father and son were last seen alive on July 7 at their Campbellville home, but after a foul stench started to emanate from the premises three days later, their tenant called the police, which is when their decomposing bodies were discovered.

Police managed to recover CCTV footage which showed an unidentified male jumping the western fence and entering the

Orlando Douglas home.

A post mortem report revealed that the victims had been stabbed a total of 66 times.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday September 21, 2018

Guyana developing framework for disaster risk management IN an effort to address disaster risk management in Guyana, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) and the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) have “embarked on a collaborative partnership aimed at developing the policy framework for Incident Command System (ICS) and Mass Casualty Management (MCM).”

This is according to Director-General (ag) of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, who delivered the opening remarks at the Validation Workshop on the National ICS and MCM policies held at Grand Coastal

Hotel on Thursday morning.

Craig stated that “considering the vast increases in the number, frequency and intensity of disasters and emergencies occurring across the globe” which are results from both “natural and anthropogenic hazards…. the mandate for disaster risk management in Guyana, has continued to expand and advance over time.”

He remarked that it was nationally recognised that the emergency response to these hazards cannot be the responsibly of one sole entity. The acting Director-General highlighted that this is evident in the government’s “willingness to be engaged

Participants at the validation workshop on the National Incident Command System and Mass Casualty Management Policies

in collaborative planning and response to emergency situations and disasters.”

He said that while this is commendable, “much is still to be desired with one

of our greatest limitations being that there is no documented policy for ICS and

MCM.” He explained that local healthcare facilities and systems can be easily overwhelmed in the event a mass casualty occurs. As such, the implementation of an ICS and MCM policy would ensure that there is a collaborative response by several agencies and more importantly to organise and “coordinate response activities without compromising the decision-making authority of the local command.”

The workshop was attended by representatives from PAHO as well as stakeholders from governmental and non-governmental organisations. (DPI)

MoPH commissions prenatal facility at Indigenous Peoples Hostel

–to accommodate high-risk pregnant mothers from the hinterland THE Ministry of Public Health on Thursday commissioned a facility specially prepared for pregnant women waiting to give birth at the Indigenous Peoples Hostel on lower Princes Street.

The facility has the capacity to accommodate about 13 high-risk pregnant women from the hinterland and other far-flung areas.

The project was executed by the Ministry of Public Health through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the facility is equipped with every possible convenience such as beds and cupboards, a television and microwave oven and washroom.

It allows pregnant women to travel to Georgetown several weeks before delivery to await the onset of labour, before being transferred to the main referral hospital for safe delivery.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence said that the project forms part of the government’s strategy to end maternal, prenatal and neonatal deaths throughout Guyana.

She noted that her ministry wants to make a difference in the life of every Guyanese, including the Indigenous peoples who, coincidentally, are celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month. “I hope that this facility will serve as a comfortable and caring home away from home; where your health and pregnancies will be monitored and safe delivery

Inside the maternity waiting home at the Indigenous Residence, Princess Street, Georgetown.info

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe during the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially commission the maternity waiting home

procedures can be assured…

Our mandate is to increase access to health services and reduce maternal deaths by bridging the geographical barriers to access quality health care. Our goal is to provide the same level of care that pertains in the coastland in our hinterland regions,” Minister Lawrence explained.

Minister Lawrence expressed gratitude to the IDB and other stakeholders who would have assisted the ministry to move along the continuum of ensuring good health and wellbeing in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Al-

licock noted that the project is a significant achievement for the ministry, as it endeavours to provide quality services to the Indigenous peoples of Guyana. The minister explained that the new facility complements the major works the ministry has been executing at the Indigenous Residence, to ensure that people are being housed in a comfortable environment. The current maternity ward also benefitted from a facelift.

“Today marks another milestone in the history of healthcare for Indigenous peoples. To you, the residents of the various villages, we want you to work with us and let us

Some of the mothers to benefit from the maternity waiting home at the Indigenous Residence, Princess Street, Georgetown

know how we can make things better for you,” Minister Allicock told the residents. The project began in January 2018 at a cost of almost $800,000 and is part of a $1.6Million project that will see several other facilities also being furnished. A staff nurse and nursing assistant are currently

at the facility. A medic and visiting doctor will be added to the staff complement.

Guyana currently has three maternity waiting homes; one in Suddie - Region Two, one in Georgetown - Region Four, and one in Lethem - Region Nine. Similar facilities will

be constructed in Annai and Moruca, Region Nine. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alfred King were also present at the event.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Campbellville man takes a chance –– but lives to rue it

A 53-year-old Craig Street, Campbellville man was on Thursday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for narcotics trafficking after being busted with cocaine in his freezer.

Andrew Jordan, who was represented by attorney-at-law Stanley Moore, denied that on Monday, September 17, 2018 at his Campbellville home, he had 100 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor, Kunyo Sandiford opposed to Jordan being released on bail, citing the seriousness of the charge, and the oral caution statement the accused gave admitting to the offence.

According to the facts presented in court, CANU ranks acting on a ‘tip-off’ went to Jordan’s home, and on conducting a search in

Andrew Jordan his presence found the illicit drugs stashed in a container in his refrigerator.

Under caution, Jordan admitted ownership of the drugs and told the officers that he had taken a chance.

The chief magistrate ruled in favour of the prosecution’s objection and remanded Jordan to prison until October 8.

Fazal Shaheed PI ...

Magistrate to make ruling next Friday

THE preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of 58-year-old Fazal Shaheed, who was shot and killed during a break-in at his Freeman Street, East La Penitence family home, last year, is winding down at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

On remand for the capital offence are Shawn DaSantos, 19, and Stephen Howard, 18, both of Freeman Street also. The pair is charged with murdering Shaheed, a Berbi- The late Fazal Shaheed ce businessman, during the course of a robbery on September 24, 2017.

The PI is being presided over by Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore, with evidence being led by Police Prosecutor Bess.

Come next Friday, the magistrate will make her ruling on a voir dire, and on the PI also.

On Sunday, September 24, 2017, gunmen stormed the East La Penitence family home of the Shaheeds as relatives

Stephen Howard, left, and Shawn DaSantos were making final preparations for the patriarch’s one-year memorial service.

Fazal Shaheed was reportedly in the yard at around 00:40hrs when the gunmen struck while his two brothers, sisters and mother were inside the house. His brothers, Talim and Shalim, who had come in from Canada and the US respectively for the service, were both shot about their bodies.

The suspects reportedly told the police that the gun that was used in the commission of the crime was borrowed from a friend.

They also confessed that after seeing “strange faces” in the street, and having learnt that the persons were foreigners, they planned the robbery.

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Select strong joint working group … Oil and gas chamber urges, after signing of energy cooperation MoU

THE Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber (G.O.G.E.C) said it welcomes the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday.

The MoU was signed

by President David Granger and T&T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. “I am in support of Trinidadian companies investing in Guyana, as they have been doing so over the years. This MOU sets out the framework for co-operation and collaboration between the two countries to work with each other in the energy and energy-related sector,” President of the Chamber, Manniram Prashad said in a release.

“We would have liked to see a more comprehensive MoU which will include Agri and Trade-related issues, which over the years have been against Guyanese companies. Protectionism and trade barriers should also be addressed. Trinidad has tremendous experience and expertise in the oil and gas

industry and we should make use of that.”

The chamber added that it would like to see the Guyana Government selecting a very competent professional and knowledgeable team to be part of the Joint Working Group as outlined in the MoU. “Trinidadians are very hospitable people and are second to Guyana as being the friendliest country in the region. The few immigration officers who are less than professional in their dealing with Guyanese over the years must be addressed by the relevant government ministry, as we partner to work together in our new emerging oil and gas industry,” the chamber said.

It noted that Guyana has benefited significantly from debt write-off and favourable petroleum arrangements from Trinidad and Tobago over the years.

“When our country was in a bad state, many Guyanese went to Trinidad in search for a better life and

were accommodated by many Trinidadian families.

We must not forget that. I urge all private sector bodies in Guyana to partner with the Guyana Oil & Gas Energy Chamber and let us explore joint ventures with the Trinidadian Private Sector,” the chamber stated concluded.

The MoU sets the platform on which Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago can develop and promote joint projects throughout the hydrocarbon value chain, in accordance with identified provisions and without prejudice to their respective national legal systems.

While highlighting the rich history between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, President David Granger at the signing on Wednesday said though the MoU is largely focused on cooperation in energy, the bilateral talks which preceded the signing on Wednesday covered a wide range of areas including agriculture, security and youth and sport.

The President, declaring

that there is much to learn from the twin-island republic, said through collaboration, the social, physical and economic landscape of Guyana can be further transformed.

“Trinidad and Tobago is one of the most developed countries in the Caribbean in terms of its economy, in terms of manufacturing, in terms of the exports, in terms of the standard of living, in terms of education, and Guyana of course is the largest CARICOM state.

“We have abundant raw materials, natural resources – gold, diamond, timber, manganese, bauxite – and we are confident that by collaborating, we will be able to combine the natural resources of Guyana with the entrepreneurial expertise, capital and investment from Trinidad, so for both of us it is a win-win situation,” the Guyanese leader explained.

Like President Granger, the TT Prime Minister underscored the significance of maximising on each other’s resources and expertise for economic prosperity. “We should not acknowledge the existence of ‘borders’ but let our efforts identify the resources available in each of our countries and to put those resources whether they be financial, raw material, our entrepreneurial skills, to work, so as to grow the economy of Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, where two groups of people with so much in common and so much history

and so much common desire can advance ourselves, that we should not be held back by any bureaucratic impediments,” Dr. Rowley said.

The MoU consists of a total of 14 Articles, which clearly stipulate the areas of cooperation in the energy sector, and pave the way for the establishment of an executing committee and a joint working group.

According to Article 2 – ‘Areas of Cooperation,’ the two countries may provide technical assistance in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources; exchange information on public policies in the areas of regulation, administration and sovereign management of hydrocarbon resources and technology transfer; promote training and capacity-building of technical personnel; development procedures to prevent and respond to operational accidents which may result in damage, environmental impacts and personal injury.

Under Article 3, the CARICOM Member States have agreed to establish an Executing Committee, comprising ministers responsible for energy on both sides.

That committee will establish a Joint Working Group comprising a maximum of 10 representatives – five from each of the two countries.

“The Joint Working Group will identify and evaluate the feasibility of the

projects and activities in pursuance of the objective of this MoU, and will advise on potential areas of cooperation between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago in accordance with guidelines set by the Executing Committee,” Article 4:01 states.

The Joint Working Group, under Article 4 of the MoU is required to establish Joint Technical Teams, which would be expected to report to the Joint Working Group within three months of their creation; and receive, consider and make recommendations in writing with supporting documentation to the Executive Committee.

According to Article, the MoU does not provide any exclusivity or prohibit Guyana and Trinidad from entering into agreements of a similar nature with third parties. The MoU is not a legally binding agreement. However, it is in effect for a period of five years.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon; Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, Minister of Social Cohesion Dr. George Norton, Minister within the Ministry of Finance Jaipaul Sharma formed part of the Guyanese delegation while Trinidad’s Ministers of Energy, Sport and Youth Affairs, Planning and Development, and Agriculture and Fisheries accompanied Prime Minister Rowley.

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The Circus

Guyana get ready because from September 28 D’Urban Park is going to come alive with some thrilling and stunning performances of the Suarez Brothers Circus, which officially announced earlier this week they are here in Guyana and ready to amaze.

Children may be hoping they get to go, but it’s the adults across Guyana who have been the most excited about this new development and are really excited to see them deliver.

The Suarez team is expected to begin setting up their tents this weekend and will be looking to spend some three to five weeks in Guyana; a second leg of the Circus in Berbice – New Amsterdam – is also in the works but has not been confirmed as yet.

The Circus is currently embarking on a Caribbean/ South American Tour and will also be visiting Suriname and French Guiana. They most recently performed in Trinidad.

This is the third time that the Suarez Brothers Circus will be in Guyana, having already been here in 2003 and 2005. They deemed their last visits here such a success that they knew that they just had to ensure that Guyana was on their lists of places to set up camp.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

! g n i is com

“We are excited! The last time we were here was really successful, so this time it will be the same or much better than the last time,” remarked Ivan Suarez, one of the managers of the Circus. “This time we have different shows.

We bring extreme cyclists, magicians, clowns, trapeze, acrobats, jugglers. We have skateboard dogs and the spaceship flying inside the circus.”

Some persons fondly remember the excitement from the Circus’ last visit, making them all the more hyped to ensure they attend the event this time.

“The first time we got to take a picture with a white tiger, even touched it.

They had a giraffe the last time too. The second time I remember my cousin trying to ride the world’s smallest bicycle,” recalled Don Ram, who was just nine years old, the first year the Suarez Brothers came. He’s making sure he’s definitely grabbing his tickets to relive the experience this time around.

The circus will be opened seven days a week with one show per night at 19:30hrs from Monday – Friday, on Saturdays there will be two shows one at 17:00hrs and 19:30hrs, while Sunday and holidays will feature three sessions at 14:00hrs, 17:00hrs and 19.30hrs.

The seating arrangement will feature three levels which correspond with different ticket prices starting at $1,500 per child and $2,300 per adult for the bleachers, $2,000 per child and $3,500 per adult for the middle section, and $2,500 per child and $4,700 per adult for the VIP zone.

The first group of circus performers was expected to begin arriving on Wednesday and the final batch was expected to be in the country by yesterday. Over 100 persons are expected to travel to Guyana, while the circus is also expected to hire around 30 – 40 local persons to work during the duration of their stay.

Travelling and performing all over the world, the Suarez Brothers Circus originated in Mexico.

Freedom Life Ministries Worship Extravaganza on next Friday Popular Princes Street Church, Freedom Life Ministries is promising a life changing experience come next Friday, September 28, if you turn up for the annual Worship Extravanganza Season 6, an occasion to celebrate God. The event will be featuring the performances of famed local gospel artiste Kester D, African band “Peks”, and singer Rashley Joseph. The worship experience will be delivered by Glory to Glory Worshipers.

“It’s to bring deliverance to the lives and souls of persons. So that persons who are broken hearted can come and have a life changing experience,” remarked one of the organisers, Lucia Harlequin.

The night will also feature

dances and dramatic presentations, that are sure to help you connect with the spirit.

According to Harlequin the concert is about getting the message out there that anyone is worthy of being in the presence of God, so any and everyone is welcome to Freedom Life Ministries.

“Anybody can come and be blessed and have an encounter with God, we don’t look down on anyone, when you come you are someone in the Kingdom of God so you are someone at Freedom Life Ministries,” she said.

The event was initiated six years ago on the support of the Church’s first lady Pastor Delight Uwagboe and her husband Bishop (Prophet) Joel Uwagboe.

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6 1 .

9 FM soon for official launch

Surida Nagreadi (at left) with her guest, former Education Minister Priya Manickchand in a recent interview

as Blackman explained that they continue to do testing of the equipment Popular designer Sonia Noel hosts ‘Living on board. “We’ve been checking out the sigwith Intention’ every Sunday at 15:00hrs nal to see how it’s been working,” he said.

Blackman’s father, Noel Blackman, started off Blackman and Sons Inc. in the late 1990s and shortly thereafter AFTER submitting at least 10 submitted the first application for a radio license applications over a 20-year period, Blackman and radio license. DSI Communications Sons Inc. is happy that the com- has been running the company.

According to Blackman, it pany has finally secured a license; and is all set for an official launch has been found that many critical issues are left unaddressed when of 96.1 Voice FM soon.

“We’re happy; upset and hap- various forums are held. The new py at the same time,” Director Nigel station, therefore, seeks to provide Blackman told the Buzz during an a platform for those issues to be interview, adding, “Because we see addressed.

“What we want to get out no reason the license shouldn’t have there are issues critical to any citibeen granted.”

For a number of weeks now, zen. As broadcasters, we have such the station has been in operation a responsibility. We will be dealing

with a lot of human rights issues; women’s rights, legal issues.

We will provide a platform for those who need one,” Blackman explained.

He continued that the new station will focus more on ‘talk’ as opposed to mostly music and entertainment. “We’re looking for full involvement with the public and we want to touch on everything. Nothing is to be too taboo,” he said.

Various personalities will be invited to speak on current topics.

The station had been on and off the air for a number of weeks as testing continued. As of early September, though, it has been on air daily.

General Manager of 96.1 Voice FM, Maria Benschop told the Buzz that the new station is all geared up for its official launch and that programming has already been arranged. In fact, various

personalities have already been invited to the station to air their views on certain topics.

‘De Facto’ is one of the programmes featured on the station which is hosted by Nigel Blackman, with moderator Kingsley Bryan. The public is allowed to call in and benefit from free legal advice and to have legal questions answered.

‘The Bare Naked Truth’ is hosted by Melissa

Director Nigel Blackman.

‘Melly Mel’ Atwell at 18:00hrs on Thursdays; while from Monday to Friday at 20:00hrs, Handel Duncan and Kingsley Brian promise to share the latest news, and give an informed and highly debatable commentary on what’s trending and what’s hot in the news.

E v e r y S u n d a y, a t 15:00hrs, popular designer Sonia Noel hosts ‘Living with Intention.’ “Intentional Living is about giving the world the best version of you. You know your story better than anyone else. I do believe that self-discipline, faith, focus and consistency can make any dream a reality; and I am a testimony to that. I encourage you to join me…to celebrate, as we continue this General Manager Maria Benschop. beautiful journey called life,” said Noel about her show.

‘Lunch Date’ is hosted by Surida Nagreadi and according to Benschop, lots of breaking news will be featured on the station.

Worship experience of a lifetime as Cobbs delivers!

IT WAS the worship experience of a lifetime for thousands last Friday night when Tasha Cobbs and her band touched down at the Providence National Stadium, to finally deliver what many had waited some three months for.

Jumping on stage just after 23:30hrs, sporting a Guyana flag headband with her hair in pigtails, the Grammy award-winning singer got the ball rolling with her upbeat song “I’m Getting Ready”.

Not surprisingly of course, her hour and a half performance eventually came to a close with yet another flawless execution of her signature Billboard gospel number one “Break Every Chain”.

Prior to Cobbs and company getting out on stage, it was the ministering of Pastor Sean Sobers and his band’s vibrant performance that got the crowd warmed up with some jumping and clapping.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon (right), taking time to meet with some of the concert goers (Delano Williams photo)

The night also saw performances by a number of local artistes including performances by Sean English, Melissa Vandeyar, Mariam Williams and others. The

night even saw an appearance by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, who came on stage to wish the concert-goers a good night and promote national unity.

Chairperson of the event Alain Scott, tried his best to keep the thousands in attendance jovial as they became anxious in their wait to hear Cobbs hit those high notes,

the way only she can.

It was obvious that the crowd was eager for Cobbs to get on stage. They had already waited some three months after the concert was

postponed from its original June 8 date.

Nothing compared to the mood of the crowd when Cobbs hit the stage. Those in VIP who were grateful for their chairs earlier, quickly discarded them and got on their feet to welcome Cobbs to the stage. Cobbs took the crowd through a number of her hits from her three major-label albums, interchanging between upbeat songs that had the crowd jumping, and heartfelt, soulful worship songs.

There was a particularly moving experience during her performance of her single “Fill Me Up” where she took a moment to “church” for a bit and prophesied to the crowd. But that was Cobbs’ only prophetic moment of the night.

Taking a moment to make a speech, Cobbs spoke of Guyana’s oncoming oil wealth and noted that it will be a good time for the country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Georgetown, the ‘Garden City’ of British Guiana But where was it located?

OUR Georgetown is famous as the ‘Garden City’; a reputation that was once justified by the deliberate layout of certain streets coupled by the natural decor of trees that, with season, would cast a carpet of flowers of tantalising colours along the avenues where once picturesque canals flowed. Indeed, to the eye of the visiting European exploring this enigmatic British colony, that was also called the ‘Emerald Mansion’ and the ‘Magnificent Province’. Old Georgetown was indeed a ‘Garden City’ because that visitor would be entertained along the considered pleasant areas with night streets guarded by beat duty policemen.

The Garden City actually was bordered West to East by old Stabroek to Vlissingen Road, then North to South by the sea wall to Brickdam with some accommodation of

Hadfield Street. The rest of old Georgetown was not the physical showcase considered to depict the national ethos. They were the congested, disgruntled wards with their unpretentious subcultures that embodied the more populous humanity that bordered the invisible ramparts of the Garden City, with its overpowering pretentions, criteria and bigotry, controlled at times behind a facade that only with time, if you were new to this world, you would gradually understand the secret doctrines that propped up a deep self-loathing with a frivolous self-esteem.

We have not moved very far in behaviour patterns, though the actors and themes have changed. My matriarchal grandfather lived in that time and wrote a poem describing the Georgetown of his day: “Show you how to make a living, on the minimum of work. And the

maximum of bluff and make beliefs, on your father’s reputation, and the fat of social ties, while the law of compensation shouts ... a thief!”

The world of Georgetown was tattooed with symbols of social standing created against the background of a struggle ‘to be’ according to the norms of survival, in a Colony that didn’t have much to distribute by way of economic and social wellbeing. Bear in mind that the principle battle fought for the creation of a functional city was between the African and its kindred population and the Euro-colonial merchant class.

This conflict had begun in sincerity from 1834. But this as not by any means of a colony developed doctrine; this was the age of a pseudo-academia entitled ‘Scientific Racism’, not considered pseudo in its time.

This was the age of Thomas Malthus, Sir Francis Galton, Herbert Spencer, Euden

Fisher and others who pronounced genocide against the poor across race, then initiated the racist ideas that Hitler would apply. I cannot expand on the macabre details of these mentioned names and their colleagues and converts in the context of this article, except to say that the philosophy was to justify social neglect on the pretext of unworthiness, practice expanded euthanasia and fix social strata into unprotesting casts.

The neglected and poor in no nation did not remain static, nor did any colonising nation embrace Scientific Racism in its totality. But the nuances were encouraged in the interest of social control and it worked in many cases, for example, that Historian Professor Nbhusi Kimani wrote in the History Gazette December 1990 that both the B.G East Indian Association and the L.C.P League of Coloured People of the 1940-50’s were dominated

with narrow middle-class interests and offered no social collective approach.

The Garden City was like any garden, populated by graceful colours, amidst thorns, weeds and insects each with its own mating or predator objectives. It is imperative that we capture our Garden City in the true context of its evolution, to construct the quest ‘To be’ of its peoples and the realities surrounding its changing imagery. Today, we are constructing ugly concrete pillboxes to replace the elegant architecture that we like to call Victorian, which no doubt has influences from the architecture of the Benin Kingdom of West Africa when the two are compared.

That wooden architecture or clay bricks is far healthier to our climate than concrete is well understood. When it comes to the vanishing of the street canals, I learned an important lesson from the Michael Ayre book THE

CARIBBEAN IN SEPIA: “When viewed through the eyes of the camera, old Georgetown gave the appearance of serenity and grace, an Arcadian paradise in the tropics. Missing were the whistling and croaks of the frogs and the smells.

Since the canals were heavily polluted, they reeked.”

With no slave labour to clean the canals, perhaps a cash-strapped Mayor in the early 1900s decided to have the canals turned into roads instead?

The wards that were not befitting the landscape of the Garden City were by no means impotent. Though the Masquerade band is not a Georgetown invention, but rather an African mystical celebration, it is truly Guyanese with prominent participants from every ethnicity.

But the Centipede band, a variation of the masquerade band with violent manifestations, as they locked off areas of ‘GT’ and fought off intrusive groups, with fish hook attached to batons, barber razors, and stick fighting ‘Knock Sticks,’ with names like Freddy Bandula, Goblet Joe, Putagee Tunus ‘from out of Charlestown emerged the ballads of Bill Rogers, a national treasure. No doubt the celebration of praise to King O’kumfa (Cumfa dance pageant) held close to the then pristine Sussex Trench in the 1930s. That also included Kumfa Mary who held court during the festival and gave birth decades later to the recent celebrated ‘Little Jones Band.’

The Garden City is much more than any simple interpretation of its name. It is history and adventure, like the history of the enigmatic preacher ‘Brother Paddy’ who held his dramatic Church sessions on the Parade ground and whose exploits sound very familiar to a character in the novel Miguel Street by the late V.S. Naipaul who spent time in Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Rupununi Music & Arts Festival Director awarded MBE at Buckingham Palace

DIRECTOR of the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival, Dr. Bob Ramdhanie has been awarded ‘of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ ( MBE) for his contribution to the arts in the United Kingdom. Dr. Ramdhanie who received his award, which is granted by the Queen to an individual who has performed ‘outstanding service to the community or local ‘handson’ service’ and was presented the award by Prince William at Buckingham Palace, shared the news with friends and family in Guyana. “It was a surprise to me,” he said. “But I’m

delighted to know that so many organisations and individuals in the UK nominated me for this award.”

Professor David Dabydeen, the London-based Guyanese academic and Patron of the Festival was one of many who supported the nomination and added that “it was well deserved!”

Bob is of Trinidadian/ Guyanese parentage and has been actively involved in the arts in the UK for over 40 years, initiating and developing arts programmes and projects within local communities as well as working on a diverse range of arts festivals.

His working career has been

There’s a lot to do this weekend and the top of the list is the annual Hosanna concert on at the National Cultural Centre. So get out there and have some fun! Don’t be cooped up at home!

TODAY It’s here again, the sought out after yearly Afro-Praise concert “Hosanna” at the National Cultural Centre! This year featuring for the first time a red carpet event, ministries from Saiku from Guyana, Mic Dada from NewYork/Nigeria, music from different African Countries performed by Peks Band and lots more. This concert is FREE ONLY with possession of a complimentary pass from any of their pickup locations.

It’s Cocktails and Beer Happy Hour at 704 Sports Bar from 19:00hrs-20:00hrs, so head down and cash in on 50 percent off your next drink!

TOMORROW Cacique Toastmasters Club cordially invites you to the “Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest at the Conference Room at the National Library! Admission: Free The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge presents Saturday Fete and Karaoke.

This and every Saturday you can expect something exciting to be happening at The Vintage! Keep checking our page for updates on themes and specials!

SUNDAY If you missed last Sunday night’s Marvelous Sundays at Club Blue Iguana then you missed one of the best Sunday night parties in a long while.

It continues this Sunday, with the same great vibes, drinks specials and great atmosphere. Music by Stereo Sonic, Determined Family and DJ Energy the Party King. Everyone FREE before 23:00hrs

challenging, interesting and fulfilling, with him finding immense satisfaction both within ‘macro’ and ‘micro’ organisations. With a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (De Montfort University), an MA in Social Work (Leicester University), an MBA (Aston University) and a PhD (Caribbean Studies, Warwick University), he pioneered many dynamic arts programmes, contributing to social cohesion, community education, entrepreneurial development in the arts and arts management, working in partnership with communities for the benefit of communities.

He established Kokuma Dance Company in 1977 and was appointed the first Director of the Black Dance Development Trust (BDDT), the first organisation representing the interests of the African & Caribbean dance sector in the UK. At the turn of the 21st Century, he was commissioned by Arts Council England to research ‘Does London need a Black Dance Centre?’ and later, to investigate the needs of the African dance sector and infrastructure development in the East Midlands.

As a Senior Probation Officer, and believing in the power of the arts as a catalyst for change in human existence, he was hugely successful in establishing and directing two major centres for artistic cultural expression within the Probation Service.

He later founded a state of the art recording studio and arts centre - CMAT (Centre for Music and Arts Technology) being its Director for over 10 years. In 1987 Bob co-founded the internationally acclaimed a cappella quintet Black Voices, touring internationally with the company for several decades.

Bob is a cheerful, positive and confident human being, having worked both at the grassroots level and in senior positions and throughout most of his life, has been actively supporting and promoting the dynamic evolution of African and Caribbean arts and education. He has served on numerous Boards and Committees, nationally and internationally, focusing on education, arts development and African & Caribbean arts and was a member of various panels with Arts Council England for several years.

Bob is retired from conventional daily working routines but continues to inspire young people in the arts through mentoring, training, coaching volunteers

and through research and development in the UK and the Caribbean. His enthusiasm and passion for the arts have not diminished but have brought him to the grasslands of Guyana where, with Colin Edwards (Rock View, Annai), a wide range of sponsors including the Government, Banks DIH, TGA, ASL, Rent-A-Tent, plus a team of keen, committed friends and volunteers, he successfully launched the country’s first camping, world music festival, ‘The Rupununi Music & Arts Festival’ in 2014.

Bob continues to research and write about the arts and is currently working on two dance books which will be published next year. He continues to share his diverse working experiences with the team as collectively they aim to establish the Rupununi

Bob on stage with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock at the Festival in February 2018

Music & Arts Festival as a major cultural event that would attract thousands of national and international visitors.

For his contribution to the arts in the UK, the

Drum Arts Centre awarded Bob the first Arts and Cultural Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 and, in the Queens New Year’s Honours List 2018, he was awarded an MBE.

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from Annual Indigenous...Continued back page Turning our attention to cricket, Mahdia will be defending the male cricket title after putting on an impressive all-round performance last year. Can they repeat this performance at this year’s competition? Captain of the defending champs said, “We have been practising for a while now and we will take the trophy home.”

Other teams are Port Kaituma (Region 1), Region 2 United, Santa Mission (Region 3), St Cuthbert’s Mission and Laluni (Region 4), Moraikobai (Region 5), Orealla (Region 6), Campbelltown (Region 8) and Sand Hill (Region 10).

Meanwhile, rivals for the women’s competition are: Region 2 United, Santa Mission (Region 3), Swan (Region 4), Moraikobai (Region 5), Orealla (Region 6), Batavia (Region 7), Hururu (Region 10) and defending champions St Cuthbert’s (Region 4).

More than $1.5M in cash and trophies will be up for grabs, with winners in the male and female football competitions carting off $300 000 and a trophy each, runners-up $200 000 and a trophy each, while the winners of both male and female cricket competitions will cart off $150 000 and a trophy each.

Second-place finishers will pocket $100 000 and a trophy each.

The first day of action kicks off today at 10:00hrs at the Everest Cricket Club ground with a march past, followed by preliminary matches in football and cricket.

Swimming will be held at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, while archery and volleyball will be staged at the Everest Cricket Club ground tomorrow.

Finals for the various disciplines will be held on Sunday.

Fees to enter the ground on today and tomorrow will be $300 and on Sunday $500, while children under twelve years old will be admitted free. from Windies eager to ...Continued back page the last ODI. “We are really looking forward to that game because we want to level this series and at least get some points on the board,” Dottin said.

The Barbadian all-rounder who captured three wickets for just 29 runs from her eight overs, said although the Windies were not able to push for victory, she was pleased with her performance.

“Yes I am very happy with my performance today (Wednesday). Producing for the team is a must and it’s something I always want to do, so in order to have my team in a good position I always try my best to make it happen,” Dottin said.

The West Indies lost Sunday’s opener by 40 runs to fall behind 1-0 in the series.

Western Tigers in hunt ... Continued from back page

had only tasted defeat once (1-2 against the GDF), while winning 11 games and drawing five to sit on 38 points.

Their clash tonight with the league winners Fruta Conquerors is expected to be a humdinger, given the fact that the West Ruimveldt-based club is the only team to hand them (Conquerors) a defeat this season.

Interestingly, however, Western Tigers will be without two of their key players - Andrew Murray Jr and Collin Nelson - both of whom were pivotal in the team’s success. Nelson has since moved to Portugal to play in the country’s Third Division league, while Murray made a switch to the Jamaal Shabazz-owned Morvant Caledonia in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League.

Despite being declared winners, the game tonight against Western Tigers will be seen as redemption for coach Sampson Gilbert, as he aims to end on a high note.

A win for Western Tigers will mean they finish sec-

ond, but anything less could see them finishing as low as fourth, taking into consideration that Den Amstel, who are currently in fourth place, have so far amassed 36 points and will meet Milerock FC in their final game tonight.

Behind Delon Lanferman, Den Amstel have scored 43 goals (so far), only second to Fruta Conquerors (50), while conceding just 12 goals. Only Fruta Conquerors (six) have conceded fewer goals than coach O’Neal Heywood’s side.

Milerock FC, the only club out of Linden in the Elite League, will be happy to finish the season and bring an end to their horrible run.

After 17 games played, the Linden club had only found success on the pitch four times and had drawn three of their games. However, the club’s 10 losses (only better than New Amsterdam United –12 and Cougars FC –15), regardless of the outcome of their match against Den Amstel, will see them finish seventh on the points standings.

GFF Elite League latest points table

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Will Juventus forward Ronaldo miss Manchester United games?

CRISTIANO Ronaldo suffered the first Champions League red card of his career for Juventus but which games will he be suspended for? Could he miss a return to Old Trafford?

The Portugal forward appeared to pull Valencia defender Jeison Murillo’s hair - and was shown a straight red card - although Juventus went on to win 2-0 without him on Wednesday.

Ronaldo, 33, will definitely miss their next Champions League game against Young Boys on October 2 - but a two-game ban would rule him out of the trip to his former side Manchester United on October 23.

And if he were to be handed a three-match suspension, he would also miss Juve’s home game against United on November 7.

UEFA could possibly de-

Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the referee after being shown a red card. (Image: Getty Images Europe)

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Ronaldo and European football’s governing body will deal with the case on September 27.

U n l i k e t h e P re m i e r League’s automatic threegame ban for violent conduct, UEFA’s punishments are on a case-by-case basis.

A one-game ban is automatic - with no right of appeal - but UEFA regulation 50.01 for the competition says that “in case of serious offences, the UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body is entitled to augment this punishment”.

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cide to increase the ban because of the time it took Ronaldo, who was in tears, to leave the pitch.

Yesterday the organisation said it was waiting to receive the referee’s report before deciding whether or not to extend the suspension.

Juventus would be able to make an appeal against any increase in the ban.

But former Red Devils midfielder Darren Fletcher expects the Champions League’s all-time top scorer to play both games against his old side.

“It was a soft sending-off

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for Ronaldo, but the letter of the law says you probably cannot do that, so I think the one-match ban will probably stick,” the Stoke player told BBC Radio 5 live.

“He will feel like he was letting his team-mates down in that moment, but I expect him to play in both games against Manchester United.”

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand tweeted that Juventus have “surely got

to appeal this”, but former Celtic forward Chris Sutton said Ronaldo had “only himself to blame ... definite red”.

COULD VAR HAVE SAVED RONALDO? The video assistant referee (VAR) system is not being employed in the Champions League this season.

Ronaldo escaped a red card while playing

for Portugal against Iran in this summer’s World Cup when a VAR decision resulted in his being booked.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri said after Wednesday’s game: “VAR would’ve helped the referee in this decision.

“Going down to 10 men in the Champions League for an incident

like that is disappointing.

We risked losing tonight with this and we’ll miss him for the next games too.

“He was disappointed, but it takes time to calm down. He must get over it, and get ready for Sunday (against Frosinone), even if they are situations that leave a bitter taste in the mouth.” (BBC Sport)

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

OSCL 2018 season climaxes on Sunday … Sunshine aiming to stop Dant’s dominance

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – The Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) 2018 season climaxes on Sunday at the Ashtonbee playing fields with the Conference A and B playoffs championships.

Defending champions Dant who will be aiming for their fifth consecutive championship and archrivals Sunshine will face off in Conference A while Car Tec and Wakenaam clash in Conference B in what is expected to be two hotly contested finals.

Both Dant and Car Tec are already assured of the regular season (20 overs) titles in their respective divisions and are eager to add the playoffs championships to their collections.

In a fiercely contested conference A, Dant tallied 78 points to edge Sunshine on 76 while Car Tec finished conference B with 83 points, three more than Restoration Warriors who placed second on 80 and Wakenaam third on 67. Restoration Warriors were, however. upstaged by Wakenaam in last Sunday’s playoffs semi-finals while Car Tec made light work of GTA Storm in the other encounter.

Apart from taking top honours in the regular season, Dant were also crowned the Caribbean Sensation 10/10 winners but, like they did last year, failed in their bid to cart off the Norman Sue Bakery 15-over tournament which saw Sunshine emerging as champions.

Last year’s final saw Dant

Belgium, France share top spot in FIFA rankings

defeat EC Bannas by four wickets, which was engineered by a brilliant all-round performance by former Guyana captain Damodar Daesrath,

Damodar Daesrath

who hit a top-score of 31. He also claimed three for 15 as his team reached 139 for six in reply to their opponents’ 137 for eight, made in their allotted

20 overs.

Daesrath will be at the helm of Dant but will be missing the services of two key players in Hemnarine Chat-

Anil Mahadeo

tergoon and Looknauth Ramsuchit, who have since joined Sunshine.

Nevertheless, Dant still boast the likes of former Guy-

ana and West Indies Oneday player Royston Crandon, no-nonsense opener Farouk Hussain, Riaz Kadir, Munniram Karran, Satrohan ‘Blade’ Balkarran and Aftab ‘Maxie’ Shamshudeen.

Led by Anil Mahadeo, Sunshine, who are also enjoying a fantastic year, having also beaten Dant in both the regular season and the 15-over tournament, also include star all-rounder Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth, opener Anil Ramoutar, middle-order batsman Bernard Kartick and all-rounder Avinash Sookdeo, all capable players.

A new champion will be crowned in the much-anticipated Conference B final when Car Tec and Wakenaam square off, a clash which features several play-

ers from the Cinderella County, Essequibo and with bragging rights at stake.

Wakenaam have already taken care of defending champions Restoration Warriors, but will face a Car Tec team whose batting is built around the consistent Rovendra Mandolall, who slammed an unbeaten 83 versus GTA Storm in last Sunday’s semis. In addition to Mandolall, the batting also hinges around Anil Veerasammy, Rakesh Dyal and skipper Bharrat Latchman.

Not to be outdone, the Ravin Babulall-led Wakenaam side are banking on seasoned campaigners in Surendra Persaud, Rabindra Persaud, Fizul Haniff, Raja Pooran and Surendra Beepat in their quest to hoist the championship trophy.

Cricketer spins his way to world-record figures

SHAHBAZ Nadeem spun himself into the record books by claiming incredible world-record figures of eight for 10 in Jharkhand’s Vijay Hazare Trophy drubbing of Rajasthan.

The India A tweaker tore through Rajasthan in Chennai yesterday, reducing them from 32 without loss to 66-8 and was on course for all 10 wickets before Anukul Roy struck twice to wrap up the innings.

Rajasthan could muster only a pitiful 73 all out, after

Shahbaz Nadeem claimed a hat-trick and the best-ever figures in List-A cricket history with a magnificent spell in Chennai.

Nadeem, who flew out to the United Arab Emirates to help India prepare for the ongoing Asia Cup, recorded the best figures in List-A cricket history.

Nadeem’s haul included a hat-trick, spread across two overs, and he bowled four maidens in a sensational 10over spell.

Jharkhand needed just 14.3 overs to seal a crushing win after Nadeem gave a huge nudge to the selectors - bettering Rahul Sanghvi’s previous record of 8-15.

“People told me about the world record after the innings,” Nadeem told ESPNcricinfo. “When I was bowling, I didn’t even realise I had taken a hat-trick, because I got the first two wickets off the last two balls and then the third one off the first ball of my next over.

“I first thought of the possibility of getting all 10 when I got my eighth wicket. But you get what is destined for you, so I was destined to get only eight today.” (Yahoo Sport)

Birthday boy Rashid inspires Afghanistan to Asia Cup win Belgian soccer team members appear on the balcony of the city hall at the Brussels’ Grand Place, after taking the third place in the World Cup 2018, in Brussels.

(REUTERS/Francois Lenoir)

(REUTERS) - Belgium have joined world champions France as the joint leaders in the FIFA rankings published yesterday, the first time in the table’s 25-year history that the top spot has been shared.

Roberto Martinez’s Belgium collected two wins, including their first in the UEFA Nations League over Iceland earlier this month, to bring them level with France on 1729 points.

France, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by Germany in Munich in their Nations League opener before beating the Netherlands 2-1.

The only other change in the top 10 saw Denmark slip to 10th spot, below Spain.

Following their disappointing group-stage exit at the World Cup, Germany have climbed a further three positions and now sit 12th.

Kenya were the biggest movers as they earned 22 points to move up five places to 107th. Those points came courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Ghana in 2019 African Nations Cup qualifier.

Top 10 rankings: (previous positions in brackets) 1. France 1. Belgium (2) 3. Brazil 4. Croatia 5. Uruguay 6. England 7. Portugal 8. Switzerland 9. Spain 10. Denmark (9)

RASHID Khan celebrated his 20th birthday by taking 2-13 and making an unbeaten half-century in Afghanistan’s 136-run Asia Cup win over Bangladesh.

Though both nations were already through to the semi-finals, Afghanistan, who faced Pakistan rather than India in the Super Four stage, recorded their second big win of the group stage.

Afghanistan, for whom Hashmatullah Shahidi (58) top-scored, were 160-7 when Rashid (57 not out) and Gulbadin Naib (42 not out) came together to put on an unbroken 95-run stand in 9.1 overs to lift their nation to 255-7 by the end of

the innings.

Bangladesh came up well short in their reply, as Rashid accounted for Shakib Al Hasan (32) and Mahmudullah

(27) in an effort that ended 119 all out inside 43 overs.

“I’m really happy with my performance and the best thing was I performed

Rashid Khan takes 2 for 13 with his leg-breaks and hits an unbeaten 57.

with both bat and ball,” Rashid said at the postmatch presentation.

“My main focus was to bat until the end and I think our preparation was good to play until the end.”

Rashid’s 57 came from just 32 balls and he made eight fours as well as the innings’ only maximum, while his 2-13 with the ball came from nine overs, three of which were maidens.

Gulbadin, whose partnership with Rashid was a national record for the eighth wicket in one-day internationals, also impressed with the ball, returning figures of 2-30 from his six overs.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

WADA votes to reinstate RUSADA amid widespread protests

By Mitch Phillips LONDON, England (Reuters) - The ban on Russia’s anti-doping agency RUSADA was lifted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) yesterday, subject to various conditions, in a decision greeted with dismay by campaigners.

Although the change will have no immediate effect on current bans on the Russian federations for athletics, weightlifting and paralympics, it opens the door for their return, following the reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee after the country was banned from this year’s Winter Games in South Korea.

RUSADA was suspended in November 2015 after an independent WADA report, carried out by Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren, outlined evidence of massive state-backed, systematic doping and cover-ups in Russian sport.

Since then WADA has repeatedly said RUSADA would not be reinstated until it satisfied various key criteria on a “roadmap for return”, including recognising the findings of the McLaren Report and allowing access to stored urine samples at RUSADA’s Moscow laboratory.

At Thursday’s WADA executive committee meeting in the Seychelles, members approved a lesser version of the first point - an acceptance of the IOC’s Schmid Report, which endorsed the core findings of the McLaren Report - and set another “clear timeline” for the implementation of the second.

That means, after remaining banned for refusing access

to the Moscow lab, RUSADA is now approved, but could be banned again if access continues to be denied.

“Today, the great majority of the (12-person) WADA Executive Committee (EXCO) decided to reinstate RUSADA as compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, subject to strict conditions,” WADA president Craig Reedie said in a statement here.

Linda Helleland, who was the most senior member of the agency’s leadership to express opposition to reinstatement, said yesterday’s decision cast a dark shadow over the credibility of the anti-doping movement.

WADA president Craig Reedie

RUSADA director general Yuri Ganus

According to WADA, the chair of its compliance review committee said a letter received from the Russian Ministry of Sport last week amounted to an acceptance of all the findings of the Schmid Report.

This acceptance included that “individuals within the Ministry of Sport and its subordinated entities” were involved in manipulations of the anti-doping system in Russia.

RUSADA director general Yuri Ganus told Reuters that more work needed to be done to secure the reinstatement but said Thursday’s decision was a positive sign for Russia’s suspended track and field athletes, weightlifters and paralympians.

WADA vice-president

‘DEVASTATING BLOW’ While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reinstated Russia in February,

the International Association of Athletics Federations’ suspension remains in place.

The IAAF has its own task force investigating Russia’s compliance, which will report back to a council meeting in December. Some Russian athletes have been allowed to compete as neutrals in international competition after proving their anti-doping credentials.

Russia was among nine countries to be given a oneyear ban by the International Weightlifting Federation last October due to doping offences discovered when samples from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics were re-analysed.

The International Paralympic Committee has barred Russia from all Paralympic

competitions since August 2016 over the allegations of state-sponsored doping.

WADA’s decision came despite fierce opposition from athletes and other anti-doping bodies after WADA’s review committee last week recommended that the Russian agency be reinstated.

“Today marked the biggest decision in WADA’s history, and it delivered a devastating blow to the world’s clean athletes,” Travis Tygart, head of the U.S. Anti-Doping agency said in a statement.

“By ripping up the very ‘Roadmap’ it created, WADA’s decision to reinstate Russia despite the nation not having met the two remaining Roadmap conditions is bewildering and inexplicable.”

UK Sport said in a statement it was “disappointed” by the decision taken by WADA’s executive committee and called on the agency to “fully and transparently explain its reasoning.”

Grigory Rodchenkov, the former RUSADA official whose evidence did much to expose the extent of the problem, said reinstatement under the current conditions would be “a catastrophe for Olympic sport ideals, the fight against doping and the protection of clean athletes.”

His lawyer Jim Walden described yesterday’s decision as “the greatest treachery against clean athletes in Olympic history.”

“The United States is wasting its money by continuing to fund WADA, which is obviously impotent to address Russia’s state-sponsored doping,” he said in a statement.

Reedie acknowledged that

Paine wary of overworking Aussie pace battery against Pakistan (REUTERS) - Australia captain Tim Paine said he will need to use his fast bowlers in short spells in the Test series against Pakistan if they are to defy hard, slow pitches and high temperatures in the United Arab Emirates.

With injuries to regular fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Australia have included an uncapped duo, Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser, in their squad and recalled veteran Peter Siddle for the two-match series next month.

“It’s going to be over 40 degrees and really high humidity so we’re going to have to be clever about how we use our bowlers,” Paine told reporters.

Australia have not won a Test series in Asia since 2011 and their success this time could depend on left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who

picked up 24 wickets in Sri Lanka in 2016.

The 28-year-old will return to action from a foot stress injury and Paine has hinted going a little off script to bring the best out of his trump card in grinding conditions.

“I expect him to be bowling short spells and as fast as he can,” Paine added.

“We’re hopeful – no, we’re sure – Starcy will have a really big series, and if he does, it will go a long way towards winning it for us.”

Pakistan has hosted most of its international matches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah since 2009 when a gun and grenade attack injured six Sri Lankan players in Lahore,

Mitchell Starc

while killing eight Pakistanis.

Australia travel to Dubai, looking to rebuild after the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal which led to long bans for the nation’s two top batsmen, Steve Smith and David Warner.

Paine said a patient approach would be required to counter the conditions - something they failed to accomplish in a 2-0 trouncing by Pakistan on their last visit to the UAE in 2014.

“I think games traditionally in the UAE take a long time so we are going to have to be really patient,” he said.

“We have spoken about partnerships and patience; and pressure is going to be a real key over there.”

Australia play the first Test against Pakistan from October 7 in Dubai, followed by the second Test at Abu Dhabi from October 16.

WADA’s decision would be criticised. “When cheating is as rampant and as organised as it was in Russia ... it undermines so much of what sport stands for,” he said.

“The pressure on WADA

to ensure that Russian sport is genuinely clean now and in the future is one that we feel very keenly and we will maintain the highest levels of scrutiny on RUSADA’s operations and independence.”

Joshua sees Povetkin as toughest fight since Klitschko

Anthony Joshua and Alexander Povetkin go head-to-head as promoter Eddie Hearn looks on.

(Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge)

LONDON, England (Reuters) - World heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua expects his title defence against Russian Alexander Povetkin tomorrow to be his toughest fight since Wladimir Klitschko - and to end with a similar outcome.

Joshua, 28, knocked out Ukrainian Klitschko at Wembley in April 2017 and the 2012 Olympic champion is returning to the national stadium for the first time for his 22nd professional fight.

Povetkin, the 2004 Olympic super-heavyweight champion and WBA’s mandatory challenger, lost to Klitschko in Moscow in 2013 - the only defeat in the 39-year-old’s professional career to date.

“We’ve been away for a while, we’re back now with Alexander Povetkin,” Joshua told a news conference yesterday. “And I’m expecting the same type of fight because ... I think we’ve both got a big heart and can dig deep.

“We both showed that, against Klitschko - dug deep and stayed in there. And we’re going to do the same again on Saturday night,” he added.

Joshua’s last two world title bouts were at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, where he beat Carlos Takam before adding the WBO belt in a points win over New Zealander Joseph Parker in March.

The champion is the clear favourite but he was taking nothing for granted and said he had trained for a tough fight.

“He’s a proper fighter, he knows what he’s doing,” said Joshua, who owns the WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO belts. American Deontay Wilder holds the WBC belt but the fans will have to wait for that long-desired match-up.

“There’s loads of pressure, tons of pressure, it’s the reality,” said Joshua, who will have a crowd of some 80 000 on his side.

“Roll with the punches, what more can I do than give my best. I’ll go out there and find a way to win.”

Tomorrow is the first of a two-fight deal at Wembley and Joshua said he felt at ease.

“Coming back here is a blessing,” he declared. “It’s time to just put on a performance. It’s Chapter Two to a certain degree but I just feel relaxed and calm. It’s not new to me anymore. I feel like this is home.”

Speaking through a translator, Povetkin expected to be a match for the champion.

“When I fought Klitschko, I was much weaker and in worse shape than I am now,” he said. “I never try to say anything ahead of time; you’ll see everything on fight night.”

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Former Australia captain Waugh wants focus on Shield, grade cricket … believes Sheffield Shield cricket deserves plenty of respect

STEVE WAUGH wants Cricket Australia (CA) to get back to basics and treat Sheffield Shield and grade cricket with more respect.

Waugh led Australia throughout a dominant era; none of the country’s longterm Test captains have bettered his winning ratio of 72 per cent.

The legend has been floated as a potential white knight for Australian cricket, which is desperate for success but just as keen to regain the respect of fans following the Cape Town cheating scandal.

Waugh, who departs next month on his Captain’s Ride charity event that raises funds and awareness for Australian children affected by rare diseases, says he is yet to be approached by CA about formal role.

But the 53-year-old has informally shared some thoughts with new coach

Justin Langer and key players in the new era.

Waugh suggested CA should have more respect for its traditional school of hard knocks.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh

“When I played for Australia I couldn’t wait to go back and play grade cricket,” he told AAP.

“That’s why we were always strong.

“Now it’s seen as cause for celebration, people are put on a pedestal because they’re playing grade cricket.”

Waugh highlighted how international stars had been replaced during Shield matches in recent years, reducing those contests to being “almost fitness tests”.

“Once you lose that basis and strong culture, that’s why we’re in trouble,” he said.

“We’re crumbling a bit in those areas. There are great pathways, coaching and facilities.

“But we just need to get back to that hardnosed cricket at grade and Shield levels, then you’ll see the best players coming through and developing.

Steve Smith and David Warner will return to grade cricket on Saturday, with

the former playing alongside Waugh’s son Austin for Sutherland.

The suspended superstars would have gone the whole summer without making a single grade appearance, if not for the ball-tampering saga.

Waugh, who scored 32 Test tons during a career that spanned almost 20 years, suggested he could be interested in a challenging role at CA. “I mentor a lot of the players privately, and Cricket Australia probably wouldn’t even be aware of 90 per cent of what I’ve done,” Waugh said.

Regarding the behavioural charter that Tim Paine’s side will soon adopt, Waugh noted they have a chance to hit the reset button but “players already know what’s acceptable”.

(AAP)

Jamaican 400-metre athlete shot dead by gunmen SECTIONS of Jamaica’s track and field fraternity are in mourning following the brutal killing of a young quarter-miler by gunmen early Tuesday morning.

At approximately 12:30hrs Tuesday, 25-yearold Kavon Nelson was shot dead by gunmen who invaded his home at MacVille Terrace in Kingston. Police said he was shot several times and pronounced dead at hospital.

Nelson was a former student of Calabar High School and was a member of the Akan Track Club at the time of his death. News of his death was hard to take by his training partner, world championship

Kavon Nelson (left) and his training partner Javon Francis Nelson was shot dead by gunmen in Kingston on Tuesday morning.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday September 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)

(1) (2)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Mohammed Irfan-12 wickets Keswrick Williams-9 wickets

(1) (2)

Today’s Quiz: Who are the Hero CPL 2018 champions?

Who was voted Man of the Match at the end of the Hero CPL 2018 final?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

medallist Javon Francis.

“RIP to my best friend, otherwise my training partner,” Francis posted on his Facebook page Tuesday morning. “I never know this day would come. You are a brother to me and someone who loved and cared but I just want to say I love you from the bottom of my heart; you will still be in my heart bro.”

Nelson did not attain the heights of international representation attained

by Francis but he did represent Jamaica at the NACAC Under-23 Championships in 2014.

Akan coach Michael Clarke said he was just getting some information about the incident when he spoke with SportMax.TV. “It’s shocking that one of our upcoming quarter-milers has gone, one of our national representatives,” he said. “It’s really sad. I am saddened by the news.” (Sportsmax)

Upset Benjamin slams Leewards’ selection process as ‘dictatorial’

Leeward Islands Hurricanes head coach Winston Benjamin

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Leeward Islands Hurricanes head coach Winston Benjamin has lamented his non-involvement in the selection of the squad for the Professional Cricket League (PCL) season and has lambasted the process as “dictatorial”.

Speaking on radio here recently, the former West Indies fast bowler said while he was invited to the selection meeting, he was barred from giving any input or having a vote on players.

“I was basically a spectator, so to speak, and having known the players and seeing what happened last year I thought that my contribution would have been part and parcel of the whole selection process, because as far as I know, I was a selector,” the Observer newspaper quoted Benjamin as saying.

“But unfortunately in that meeting I didn’t understand what was going on, as everything I said was objected to. At one point I just kept quiet.”

Benjamin, a certified Level Three coach, was appointed head coach ahead of the last first class season, replacing Reginald Benjamin who left in controversial circumstances.

Hurricanes subsequently produced one of their highest finishes in recent times, ending third in the championship won by Guyana Jaguars for the fourth straight season.

Benjamin, who played 21 Tests and 85 One-Day Internationals, said the process was a flawed one if the head coach had no input.

“If that is the policy of the board then that is the policy of the board. I just think that the policy is dictatorial, but who am I to do anything about that,” he argued.

“It is said that it is the West Indies, CWI policy but if that is CWI policy I find it strange that you who’re on the ground have no say.

“What they are saying is that you sit in, you listen but you don’t have a vote and to me that didn’t really make any sense because if somebody doesn’t want to listen to what you’re saying then you are the one who is going to be in the firing line at the end of the day.”

The Regional Super50, CWI’s domestic 50-overs competition, is set to bowl off next month but details are yet to be released.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 21, 2018

Golden Jaguars Head Coach, GFF Technical USADA chief criticises Director to attend FIFA Football Conference WADA’s decision to lift Russia ban HEAD Coach of the National Senior Men’s Team, Michael Johnson, and Technical Director of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Ian Greenwood, will be among head coaches and technical directors of FIFA member associations and technical experts of all six Confederations who will participate in a FIFA conference, aimed at reviewing the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

The conference, scheduled for September 23 in London, England, “aims to analyse the FIFA World Cup from a technical and tactical point of view, identify trends and compare the main findings with previous editions of the FIFA World Cup, based on the report by FIFA’s Technical Study Group (TSG), and to assess the impact of VAR on the game.”

The GFF staff will engage the FIFA technical experts to garner

the information from the conference so as to share with coaches locally and regionally. During the interaction special attention will be paid to goals scored, where they came from and the role of key players throughout the tournament.

Golden Jaguars head coach Michael Johnson

Besides the conference, specific meetings are planned with national teams’ head coaches and technical directors of the member associations. The purpose of these meetings

will be to go deeper into the analysis of the teams from the different confederations and to discuss the influence that this World Cup might have on the development of football in the various regions.

GFF technical director Ian Greenwood

According to FIFA, t h e Wo r l d C u p - w i n ning coach, Didier Deschamps, will share his view on France’s path to

glory at the Conference in London. Apart from Deschamps and Southgate, the other FIFA World Cup semi-finalist coaches - Croatia’s Zlatko Dalic and Belgium’s Roberto Martinez - as well as Russia’s Stanislav Cherchesov and 2014 FIFA World Cup champion manager Joachim Low have registered for the conference.

Participants in the special panel will include Gareth Southgate (coach of England), Tite (coach of Brazil), Aliou Cisse (coach of Senegal) and Juan Antonio Pizzi (coach of Saudi Arabia). The discussions will be moderated by ex-players Clarence Seedorf (Netherlands) and Alex Scott (England) The conference will take place in conjunction with The Best FIFA Football Awards 2018 and all delegates will be invited to attend the show on the evening of September 24.

… a “devastating blow to the world’s clean athletes.”

THE chief executive of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has called the decision to lift the ban on the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) executive committee a “devastating blow to the world’s clean athletes”.

RUSADA was suspended in November 2015 following allegations of widespread doping made in the McLaren Report, but yesterday WADA president Craig Reedie announced that a “great majority” of the executive committee’s votes were in favour of reinstating Russia.

WADA and RUSADA had agreed a detailed ‘Roadmap to Compliance’ following the ban and the committee deliberated over whether Russian authorities had fulfilled two criteria – if the responsible bodies had accepted the reported outcomes of the McLaren Report and whether they would provide access to samples in a Moscow laboratory.

Last week a compliance review committee recommended the reinstatement, stating it had “sufficiently acknowledged the issues identified in Russia” following a letter from the country’s Minister of Sport.

However, Travis Tygart, USADA’s chief executive, has criticised the decision to reinstate Russia.

“Today marked the biggest decision in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s history, and it delivered a devastating blow to the world’s clean athletes,” he said in a statement.

“By ripping up the very Roadmap it created, WADA’s decision to reinstate Russia despite the nation not having met the two remaining Roadmap conditions is bewildering and inexplicable.”

UK Anti-Doping chief executive Nicole Sapstead claimed unanswered questions remained in the case and queried why the decision has been made now.

She said in a statement: “The outcome of today’s WADA meeting is deeply troubling for clean sport. WADA has cast aside its responsibilities to clean athletes, sports fans and those who work tirelessly for clean sport.

“This meeting was an opportunity to postpone this decision to give all relevant parties enough time to put forward their views.

We cannot understand the urgency to make a decision.” (Yahoo Sport)

PORT Kaituma and Paruima male and female football teams, Mahdia and St Cuthbert’s male and female cricket teams, Moruca and Waramuri male and female volleyball teams will be defending their titles, when the 2018 Indigenous Games kicks off this weekend at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Some 17 football teams, 18 cricket teams, volleyball teams and individual champs in swimming and archery were drawn from the 10 Administrative Regions.

Port Kaituma male footballers from Region 1 will be defending their title after trouncing eight opponents to clinch the coveted title.

They will be looking to repeat last year’s dominance against the likes of Moruca Football Club, Region 2 United, Region 4 United, Siparuta (Region 6), Waramadong and Pariuma (Region 7), Region 8 United, Piowomak (North Rupununi, Region 9) and Guyana Rush Saints Football Club and Tabaciga (Central Rupununi, Region 9).

Fierce competition is expected as teams will be looking to claim victory, while defending champs Port Kaituma will be looking to make it two in a row.

In female football action, Paruima FC (Upper Mazaruni) remain a dominant force, as they are keenly eyeing the lien trophy after winning this category for two consecutive years.

Teams who are looking to deny them the coveted prize are St Cuthbert’s (Region 4), Siparuta (Region 6), Kamarang (Region 7), Region 8 United and Gladiator (Central Rupununi, Region 9.

Annual Indigenous Heritage Games opens today

Part of the Heritage Games march past last year.

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Windies eager to level ODI series with victory in last game BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Having watched a heavy downpour end their chances of winning their One Day International series against South Africa, the West Indies women are looking forward to the opportunity to level it tomorrow.

Due to a tropical wave which passed over the island on Wednesday, bringing with it persistent rains, the second ODI at Kensington Oval ended in a no-result after umpires were forced to call off the game.

The home side, led by Deandra Dottin’s three-wicket haul had put themselves in a good position after limiting the Proteas to 177 for eight, with the match having been reduced to 38 overs.

However, the Windies’ run chase never got going, resulting in a no-result.

Dottin said while there was nothing they could do about the weather, she admitted they were eagerly looking forward to tomorrow’s game and to even the three-match series at 1-1.

“Well, unfortunately, we can only control what we can control and the weather is not in our hands, it’s in the Lord’s hands, so whatever happens we just have to accept it and bounce back for

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Western Tigers in hunt of second-place GFF Elite League finish … Final matches tonight at GFC

Hubert Pedro will be key in Western Tigers attempt to finish second behind Fruta Conquerors in the GFF Elite League.

By Rawle Toney

Deandra Dottin took three wickets for 29 runs, but it was not enough to lead the Windies to victory.

WITH Fruta Conquerors already declared winners of this season’s Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League, Western Tigers will be hunting for a win in their final game tonight at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.

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The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), last year’s league winners, are currently in second place on the points standings (40) behind Fruta Conquerors (42), following their 6-1 win over Cougars FC on Wednesday to close off their run in the country’s top senior football league.

We s t e r n Ti g e r s a l s o

chalked up an important win against Victoria Kings (2-1) on Wednesday to move into third place, making tonight’s encounter one of the most interesting of the season.

The Calvin Allen-coached Western Tigers football club, in 17 outings in the Elite League,

See page 26 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2018