Guyana chronicle e paper 09 23 2017

Businesses donate hurricane relief Page supplies 9

Still need for empowerment No. 105044

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

‌UNICEF, MIPA study finds Indigenous communities still poorest, most vulnerable

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Missing teen raped, killed Page 21

Dead: Leonard Archibald

PM: Guyana open to Chinese investments Page 22

President David Granger meeting and greeting Guyanese in New York during a reception held at the Princeton Club, New York, Friday evening

Govt assists storm-hit Bath residents Page 10

Victorians relieved after gov’t moves to fix road

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Border controversy remains major concern to Guyana ––Min Greenidge

VICE-PRESIDENT and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, reminded the world of the existential threat faced by Guyana in the ongoing controversy it shares with Venezuela when he appeared on the United Nations (UN) Live Social Media platform on Friday.

In the interview streamed live on Facebook, the Foreign Affairs Minister said while Guyanese are optimistic about the future of the country, the Guyana/Venezuela controversy remains a major concern.

Venezuela is claiming that the international Arbitral Tribunal, which provided ‘a full, perfect and final settlement in 1899, is null and avoid. The Tribunal had awarded more than 90 percent of an area to then British Guiana, which was claimed

by Venezuela. Venezuela denounced that Arbitral Award in 1962.

According to Minister Greenidge, Venezuela’s claim is a unique one.

“I don’t think there is another case like this one where one country claims two-thirds of another country. That is two-thirds of the landmass, but almost all of the maritime space; Guyana would be the only country without maritime space… although it has a coast,” he said during the live interview.

Such claims by Venezuela, the Foreign Affairs Minister noted, poses a serious threat to Guyana, explaining that it is a threat to the country’s access to the ocean and all that goes with it, from fisheries to the movement of trade.

“So it is an existential threat to Guyana,” he posited.

Detailing the history of the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, Minister Greenidge said that he solution to the problem is simple – Venezuela should respect the international treaties it signed onto.

“Venezuela signed a treaty in 1897, it’s called the Washington Treaty, because the U.S. helped to focus Britain into signing it, defining the borders. In 1899 the borders were defined by an arbitral tribunal, in 1905 they helped to mark the borders, and then in 1962 in the hype of the cold war, and we believe out of greed, they suddenly saw an opportunity to make a noise and to threaten Guiana,” he explained.

It was noted that Britain had agreed to solve the controversy made, but made it clear that is has nothing to with whether the border is located.

“That is a controversy over a status of an award, it is not about whether the border should be here or there. The 1966

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge Agreement only said that these two countries will talk with a view to settling, and if they don’t talk, and don’t settle, we will go to an option on the UN menu from Article 33 of the UN Treaty,” he further explained.

Minister Greenidge noted that in 51 years, the countries with mediation from the UN have exhausted all of the possible options with the exception of one – taking the matter of the International Court of

Justice (ICJ).

Former Secretary-General Ban Kimoon and his successor, Mr António Guterres, in keeping with the tenets of the 1966 Geneva Agreement, had agreed that if by the end of December 2017 significant progress has not been made towards arriving at a full agreement for the settlement of the controversy, the ICJ will be the next means of peaceful settlement, unless Guyana and Venezuela jointly request otherwise.

Norwegian diplomat, Mr Dag Halvor Nylander, who was appointed the Personal Representative of the current UN Secretary-General on the matter, has been visiting both countries as he compiles his report.

Guyana has been working assiduously with Mr Nylander. President David Granger is expected to meet with Secretary-General Guterres on Monday, during which the work his personal representative has done will come up for discussion. He is also hoping to get a clear understanding of the progress that has been made thus far.

Minister Greenidge in his closing remarks said that the Caribbean Region continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution of the controversy.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is accompanying President Granger to the 72nd Regular Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

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Indigenous communities still poorest, most vulnerable

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

––UNICEF, MIPA study finds

By Navendra Seoraj A RECENT study conducted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA) concluded that indigenous communities are still the poorest and most vulnerable.

Researchers from UNICEF and the ministry combed 12 villages from nine of the 10 administrative regions, in search of information that would assist in crafting new policies and strategies.

The report, which focuses on indigenous women and children, was presented by UNICEF to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, on Friday at the Umana Yana.

Access to infrastructure, unemployment and social services have resulted in the indigenous communities being labelled the poorest in

the country.

UNICEF Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialist Michael Gillis during the presentation of the findings, pointed out that the communities surveyed experience poverty twice the rate and sometimes even five times more than non-indigenous populations.

The latest measure of monetary poverty which was published in 2015, using data from 2006, highlighted that Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) have the highest rates of poverty.

According to the report, the assessment revealed that for most indigenous communities, poverty is not only lack of monetary resources, but it also involves access to land, culture, medicine, food, education and safety.

“Despite this holistic and multifactor approach on pov-

erty that was found in the indigenous communities, it is clear that many people in the villages depend on [the] help of neighbours and religious organisations among others,” the report said.

It was reported that some persons use traditional medicine, because the medical drug was not available at health centres, or they did not have money to buy at the local shops.

In addition, many adolescents said that they knew other people their age who went to school without eating or without money to buy food from the canteen, and for many, including teachers, the warm meal served in some of the primary schools would constitute a day’s meal.

In the report, it was also highlighted that women and children from indigenous communities do not benefit from the same commodities as their counterparts who live in the coastal area.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock, receives the report from representative of UNICEF to Guyana and Suriname Sylvie Fouet (Adrian Narine photos) This reportedly affects gions, work in farming, logtheir access to a good-quality ging and fishing or mining education, health and other and quarrying businesses. social services. For instance, Most however do not according to the findings, have a formal job so they almost 44 per cent of the stay at home to take care of households in the interior children or to do small subregion of the country do not sistence farming. have access to electricity.

After listening to some A qualitative assessment of the findings, Minister revealed that the commu- Allicock pointed out that nities which were visited it was important for them lacked electricity or received to understand what is happower from solar panels, pening in the communities, although many were not but he urged UNICEF to do working properly. follow-up research on the Gillis said the lack of indigenous men. infrastructure is only one He welcomed the findof the problems which the ings, because the geographcommunities face. ical locations of some of Lack of employment and the communities made them employment opportunities difficult to access, but the were also reported as major survey was done. problems for the female and The report will nonemale populations. theless help them to craft a S tatis tics s how that better plan to monitor and around 67 per cent of the evaluate key issues which UNICEF Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) specialist Michael Gillis presenting some of the findings to the men who are formally em- affect the indigenous comployed in the hinterland re- munities, he said. audience at the Umana Yana on Friday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota among states targeted by Russian hackers in 2016 race

Wisconsin, Ohio and several other states said on Friday they were among 21 states that Russian government hackers targeted in an effort to sway the 2016 presidential election in favor of Donald Trump though no votes were changed.

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed it had notified the states of the activity but declined to identify them. Russia has denied election meddling, and President Trump has denied any collusion with Russia. Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Texas and Washington state also confirmed they were targeted by Russian hackers but said they were not suc-

cessful.

“There remains no evidence that the Russians altered one vote or changed one registration,” said Judd Choate, president of the U.S. National Association of State Election Directors.

Wisconsin Elections Commission Administrator Michael Haas said Homeland Security told the states that “Russian government cyber actors” targeted state voter registration systems. DHS officials have said that in most of the 21 states only preliminary activity was observed from hackers and a small number of networks were compromised.

Some states had complained in June they had no idea if Rus-

sians had attempted to infiltrate their systems.

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded the Kremlin orchestrated an operation that included hacking and online propaganda intended to help Trump win, Reuters reported in August.

Senator Mark Warner, a Virginia Democrat who co-chairs the Senate Cybersecurity Caucus, said Friday in a statement it is “unacceptable that it took almost a year after the election to notify states that their elections systems were targeted.” He said officials must inform states of attempts to enter election systems “just as any homeowner would expect the alarm company to inform them of all break-in attempts, even if the burglar doesn’t actu-

ally get inside the house.”

Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams said DHS told it that its systems were scanned in the weeks before the 2016 election. “A scan is similar to burglars jiggling the doors of a house and moving on when they realize the doors are locked,” the state said.

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon said entities at the Russian government’s behest scanned the state’s system for vulnerabilities but did not breach the system. A spokesman for Connecticut’s secretary of state said Russian intruders were detected and blocked.

Washington state’s top election official, Kim Wyman,

said the state learned in 2016 of attempted intrusions from Russian internet addresses and immediately alerted the FBI. Arizona and Illinois confirmed last year that hackers had targeted their voter registration systems, but Wisconsin said in recent months it had no idea if it was targeted. Homeland Security told Wisconsin that the Russian government tested election systems for vulnerabilities in hopes of accessing voter registration databases but was unsuccessful, Haas said.

Wisconsin was one of a handful of battleground Midwestern states that helped Trump win the presidency over Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Trump carried the state by

22,748 votes, or about 0.8 of a percentage point. Many of the other states were not seriously in contention in the 2016 race.

Several congressional committees are investigating and special counsel Robert Mueller is leading a separate probe into the Russia matter, including whether Moscow colluded with the Trump campaign. DHS spokesman Scott McConnell said in a statement the government believes “officials should be kept informed about cybersecurity risks to election infrastructure” but also wants to protect “the integrity of investigations and the confidentiality of system owners.”

(Reuters)

Maria skirts Turks and Caicos as Puerto Rico endures fresh flooding

Hurricane Maria, the second major hurricane to wreak havoc in the Caribbean this month, skirted by the Turks and Caicos Islands on Friday and was blamed for fresh flooding on Puerto Rico two days after ravaging the U.S. island territory.

The storm, which ranked as the most powerful hurricane to strike Puerto Rico in 90 years, has killed at least 25 people there and on other Caribbean islands, according to government of-

ficials and local news media accounts.

U.S. weather forecasters and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rossello warned that a dam on the rain-swollen Guajataca River in northwestern Puerto Rico was failing, causing flash flooding in the area.

“This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION,” the National Weather Service’s San Juan office said on Twitter. “Buses are currently evacuating people from the area

as quickly as they can.”

Roughly 70,000 people live in the area downstream from the dam that was under evacuation, Rossello said in a late-afternoon news conference. Maria struck Puerto Rico, an island of 3.4 million inhabitants, as a Category 4 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale and cut a path of destruction through the center of the island on Wednesday, ripping roofs from buildings and triggering widespread flooding. Torrential downpours from the storm sent several rivers to record levels.

Puerto Rico officials said on Friday that six people had been confirmed killed by the storm: Three died in landslides in Utuado, in the island’s mountainous center; two drowned in flooding in Toa Baja, west of San Juan, and one died in Bayamon, also near San Juan, after being stuck by a piece of wind-blown lumber.

Earlier news media reports had put the island’s death toll as high as 15.

“We know of other potential fatalities through unofficial channels that we haven’t been able to confirm,” said Hector Pesquera, the government’s secretary

of public safety. In San Juan, people worked to clear debris from the streets on Friday and some began to reopen businesses, though they wondered how long they could operate without power and with limited inventory.

“There’s no water, no power, nothing,” said Rogelio Jimenez, a 34-year-old pizzeria worker. “We’re opening today,” he said, estimating that the restaurant had enough supplies to last a week. “If there’s nothing after that, we’ll close.”

DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT $45 BLN Locals stand along a street affected by the overflow of the Soco River in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in El Seibo, Dominican Republic, September 22, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Rojas Puerto Rico was already facing the largest municipal debt crisis in U.S. history. A team of judges overseeing its bankruptcy has advised involved parties to put legal proceedings on hold indefinitely as the island recovers, said a source familiar with the proceedings.

The storm was expected to cause $45 billion of damage across the Caribbean, with at least $30 billion of that in Puerto Rico, said Chuck Watson, a disaster modeler at Enki Research in Savannah, Georgia. The figures included both physical damage and losses in business from tourism. Elsewhere in the Caribbean, 14 deaths were reported on the island nation of Dominica, which has a population of about 71,000. Two people were killed in the French territory of Guadeloupe and one in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Two people died when the storm roared past the Dominican Republic on Thursday, according to local media outlet El Jaya.

STORM SKIRTS TURKS AND CAICOS Maria churned past Turks and Caicos and was 115 miles (185 km) east-northeast of the southeastern Bahamas by 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT) on Friday, the NHC said. It was packing sustained winds of up to 125 miles per hour (205 km per hour), making it a Category 3 hurricane, but was expected to gradually weaken during the next

two days.

Officials on Turks and Caicos had ordered all residents of the islands to remain indoors and businesses to close on Friday as the hurricane neared, bringing a storm surge of as much as 12 feet (3.7 meters) above normal tide levels.

But hurricane warnings for the islands, constituting a British overseas territory, were later downgraded to tropical storm warnings as Maria passed. Storm swells driven by the storm were expected to reach the southeastern coast of the U.S mainland on Friday, the NHC said, adding that it was too soon to determine what, if any, other direct effects it would have. In the Dominican Republic, Maria damaged nearly 3,000 homes and sent more than 9,300 to shelters, local emergency response agencies reported. Some 25 towns remained cut off. Maria passed close by the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix, home to about 55,000 people, early Wednesday, knocking out electricity and most mobile phone service. (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23., 2017

CDB announces support for Dominica after Hurricane Maria The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has offered a grant to the Commonwealth of Dominica following the passage of Hurricane Maria, and is fast-tracking a grant for the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

The Bank is making an Emergency Relief Grant of USD200,000 available to Dominica, which will assist with costs associated with damage assessments and the provision

and transportation of emergency relief supplies, water and sanitation resources, roofing materials for emergency shelters and community buildings, and temporary shelter for displaced persons.

Dominica is also eligible to receive an Immediate Response Loan of up to USD750,000.

The Loan, available on highly concessionary terms, is designed to support the clearing and cleaning of areas damaged by Hurricane Maria, and

the emergency restoration of services. The Bank is also in the process of providing a USD150,000 grant to CDEMA to support the ongoing mobilisation and coordination of disaster relief, given the number of recent hurricanes.

Dr. Wm. Warren Smith, President of CDB, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to provide and mobilise resources for relief and response after Hurricane Maria. “We express our deepest regret at the loss of life

and damage to infrastructure in Dominica, as a result of Hurricane Maria. CDB stands ready to support the Government and people of the country in their recovery and reconstruction efforts. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to making the infrastructure increasingly more resilient and to minimise losses following the disaster,” he said.

Dominica is also eligible to receive a Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Loan. The Loan

is designed to help governments with their recovery efforts, to rehabilitate social and economic infrastructure, and restore key economic sectors to better than pre-disaster operating levels.

This financing also assists in reducing countries’ vulnerability to future disasters. Following Hurricane Irma, the Bank sent a team of technical specialists to Antigua and Barbuda to conduct a preliminary damage assessment, and identify national priorities for recovery and

rehabilitation, and is preparing to send similar teams to other Borrowing Member Countries affected by recent hurricanes.

In December 2015, CDB approved a loan of USD30 million to assist with reconstruction after the passage of Tropical Storm Erika, which was estimated to have caused approximately USD483 million in damages and losses— the equivalent of 90 percent of Dominica’s Gross Domestic Product.

From Roseau to Loubiere, a reflection of the fury of a hurricane

By Peter Richards

ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – When I lived in Dominica, nearly two decades ago, it would take me at least 15 minutes to walk from the capital, Roseau, to Loubiere in the south.

On Friday, it took me nearly two hours. I had no choice. Transportation was impossible given the widespread disaster that Hurricane Maria brought to this Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that was just emerging from the ravages of Tropical Storm Erika two years ago.

Unofficially, the death toll from Monday’s storm that, in the words of Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit “brutalised” the island, is as high as 60, depending on who you meet. But, so far, the official death toll is 28.

The figures vary because the authorities have not been able to visit some of the villages that were hit by the storm with winds in excess of 180 miles per hour. As I joined in the exodus of people making the daily walk to Loubiere and other villages such as Point Michel, Grand Bay, Bagatelle,

Petite Savanne and Soufriere among others, the talk centered on many people who were killed on Monday night and have since been buried.

“There were at least 14 people that died in the storm in Point Michel,” said Vincent john, while Thomas Kentish, the former Windward Islands cricketer, described the hurricane and the aftermath as “brutal.

“It is brutal, boy Peter, it is brutal,” he said. Another of the walkers, John Vincent, said “I am even afraid to mention the word, Maria. It is terrifying. “In fact the wind was so strong it was actually communicating, saying something we could not understand. But it was so powerful that it was actually saying ‘get out” it was hollering and, clearly I understood what we went through”.

His remarks about the wind reminded me of an earlier conversation with Chris Rolle, who when I lived here, used to be a transcendental meditation (TM) follower. “I was whistling, it was singing, it was, I can’t say, but it was not normal,” he said, recalling how he sat in his

home, a stone throw from the official residence of President Charles Savarin.

“I was doing nothing and just wondering, what next,” he added.

On the way to Loubiere, we are passed by some people, armed with suitcases, others pushing wheelbarrows with goods surely that were not bought from any of the stores.

It’s like an organised system. Young men armed with cutlasses make their way into the capital and even where some businesses have survived the onslaught of the hurricane, seem to think it is their duty to loot. They also did not confine their activities to businesses.

“They take our fridge, our computers, like it is theirs,” one woman bemoaned, while others were resigned to the fact that their homes would be “looted” because “you could stay on the road and see right through the house”.

As we walk towards our destination, we come across a writing on a piece of wall. “Jesus is coming soon.

Satan the dog is doomed. Mystery

Babylon is doomed. To god be the glory”. The Roman Catholic Church in Newtown, one of the villages that divide Roseau and Loubiere, is providing much more than spiritual help to the battered residents.

In front of the church, several clothes lines have appeared, as the residents take advantage of a river nearby that has changed course and made the once main road, its new path to flow. Children run happily in the yard, oblivious to the pain and suffering that the hurricane brought upon their parents, who have also found shelter in the ground floor of the church.

The road to Loubiere has changed dramatically. Now you have to climb hills and mountains of debris and mud, galvanise, some with rusty nails still protruding, streams and rivers, which until Monday were not part of the network. Dominica used to be green with envy. The rolling hillsides underscored the “nature isle” tag that had been placed on the island. The flora and fauna were sights to behold. “Dominica is a desert, from green to brown in just

eight hours. Transformed from lush greenery to desert brown, “said Jano Jacob, a local writer, adding “the rivers vomited wood and mud, left in basins since Erika two years ago.

“We went through a nuclear hurricane, “he added.

The hotels along the route have also suffered, and it is not likely that they will be receiving guests in any hurry. The destruction, as in other parts of the country, according to reports, is indeed intense. Despite, the company, the walk is extremely tiring but at least I am entering the village of Loubiere, but just before I do, a friend tells me to prepare myself for the worse. I looked to the left for divine intervention. The Roman Catholic Church, which on many Sundays brought nearly the entire village together in prayer, stood like a shell as water from the nearby river meandered across its new found route, with big boulders as its only stumbling block, albeit for mere seconds.

He was indeed right. After going through the mud and rivers to reach my home in Loubiere, where

in the past, I sat in the verandah and watched the junction as traffic and people crossed each other like an international airport, each going about their respective businesses. I was stunned.

While the structure stood there, it had no windows, the roof had disappeared and my room was no longer visible. A 32-seater bus that belonged to the Voice of Life radio station, a good half a mile away was parked neatly among the rocks that the river had brought down from the interior. My Aunt, Lucy Alexander, a retired public servant and her two daughters, who had to be rescued from the house, are now in a shelter. “But there is hope, by the grace of God we have life, pray for us,” she said in a Whatsapp message to her daughter in the United States. And as I started the journey back to the capital, Roseau, I reflected on the situation in other parts of the country, where efforts are now underway to try and reach villages cut off by a rampaging Hurricane Maria.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Ensuring self-sufficiency GUYANA must take her pride of place among resource-rich nations. Should our resources be exploited in a sustainable manner, they would not only ensure the people’s self-sufficiency, but make the nation a formidable competitor in external markets.

Our unexploited potential gives rise to the nagging question, ‘Why Guyana is not further along the developmental continuum?’ The answer varies and it is not unusual to see responsibility placed at the feet of polarising politics,the absence of visionary and nationalistic leaders and competitive disadvantages of small-state societies.

It is true that in earlier years of independence, Guyanese produced many things. This country had a thriving, though young, manufacturing sector. Innovations were encouraged, facilitated, and allowed. Today this sector is a mere shadow of its earlier self.

Though the truism ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ can be brought to bear in explaining indigenous efforts at survival during the period of economic downturn, it is equally true that the nation had at independence embarked on an aggressive self-sufficiency programme.

Today, Guyanese have cultivated an unhealthy reliance on imported products they once produced and are capable of producing. The severity of this situation is seen with the importation of items such as matches, coconut water, cane juice, and plantain chips. Guyana, an Amerindian word meaning ‘land of many waters,’ sees scarce foreign exchange diverted to the importation of bottled water-- spring, artesian and flavoured.

Here exists a situation that should be revisited as a matter of national priority and developmental planning. Local production not only makes use of indigenous resources, but can see foreign exchange diverted to critical areas, even as employment and economic opportunities are created, redounding to growth and development for citizens and country. Guyana’s membership in several regional and international trade agreements and organisations should see efforts aimed at exploiting such access.

The ability to access products not made in Guyana does not remove the necessity for self-sufficiency. Where products such as food threatens a nation’s security, as in instances of creating dependency on others, unnecessary utilisation of foreign exchange, reduction in employment and economic opportunities, such stifle the process of development and empowerment.

President David Granger, in his 26th August, 2016 address to the People’s National Congress Reform Delegates Congress, referred to the party retaining the socialist ideology as espoused by its Founder-Leader, Forbes Burnham. Though there can be debates as to whether this is so or not, what was striking after this view was made known is the interpretations and conversations generated.

It is to the people’s intellectual growth that this concept be looked at through holistic and objective lens. A tendency to view this ideology through a repressive prism retards and hinders growth and development, personal and national.

Socialism was the driving force and major player behind the

unleashing of the self-sufficiency potential of Guyanese in the post-independence period.

Guyana emerged from a colonial society, where the merchant class was few and primarily within the ranks of the coloniser, inequities and unemployment high, public infrastructures limited or practically non-existent, and a dependence on foreign products.

It may be fitting as policy-makers zero in on the importance of sustainable development, to examine the possibility of creating the enabling environment to harness and unleash the people’s potential. Such can factor in incentives through accessible and affordable lending, specialised training, research and development, concessions, and synergies among and between stakeholders in our tri-sectoral economy.

It ought not to be lost sight of that an empowered people are more inclined to want to stay and participate in the nation’s growth and development, given its intrinsic link to theirs.

Lumumba speaks about Mis-constructed facts Dear Editor

MEMBERS of a government in any society who blatantly practise the art of sophistry, where truth becomes collateral damage to expediency, will always precipitate pre-conditions to eventual national catastrophe. I believe it is the mandate of any citizen of the land, who expects veracity in the leaders they have chosen, if they are in possession of facts, to expose any politician for duplicitous statements or actions; hence, I feel constrained to bring to the public domain several issues whereby members of the current cabinet have re-constructed facts to suit agendas inimical to the national welfare. These are just a few of a barrage of mis-constructed facts issued by current Cabinet members.

Recently, three ministers of the Government, namely Minister Raphael Trotman, Minister Dominic Gaskin and Minister Khemraj Ramjattan released incorrect

information to the public via the press corps, which indicated that in 1997, according to Minister Trotman, 2008, according to Minister Gaskin, and 2011, according to Minister Ramjattan, that then President Bharrat Jagdeo had amended the Petroleum Act so as to ensure that the ExxonMobil contract cannot be released to the public. They cannot even get their dates straight when concocting their stories.

These contradictory pronouncements by the three ministers are all fabrications.

Neither President Jagdeo nor any other PPP President ever amended the Act to prevent disclosure of the contract.

There is an obvious agenda by members of the coalition government, with collusion from their financiers, to malign the reputation of Opposition Leader Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Shortly thereafter, at a recent press conference, Minister Patterson, supported by Ministers Ramjattan and Cathy Hughes, also informed the Guyanese public that there were no

remaining un-assigned oil blocks because Jagdeo had already distributed all to favoured awardees: again, this is palpably untrue and has compelled me to release the list of concessions and expose the malicious lies being repeated by the current administration in another effort to defame Dr. Jagdeo.

The following advisement reveals that, of the 10 existing concessions, none had been given out by the Jagdeo administration.

When faced with exposure of this lie, the decent thing to do was to apologise and withdraw the erroneous claims. Instead, in Kaieteur News of Friday, September 22, the minister, in another act of deception, now claims that all the offshore blocks are gone and that is what he was referring to. This is another falsehood, which is debunked by the map from the GGMC, published in the Kaieteur News article of September 22, outlining the offshore blocks that are yet available. ·ExxonMobil was given by the Late Hon. Janet Jagan

–1999 Eight were given by former President, Hon. Donald Ramotar; to wit: · Mid atlantic-2015 · CGX 2012-2013 ·Repsol-2013 ·Retio-2015 ·Anadarko-2012 ·On Energy-2013 ·Nabi – 2012 The 10th one was given under the Granger Presidency by Minister Trotman to Tullow Eco. Based on recently released documents

by GGMC, there still remain several unallocated blocks.

Let me hasten to add that all of the blocks allocated by PPP presidents were properly issued; as a result of which Exxon Mobil invested millions of dollars, which led to the discovery of oil. I wish to deplore the constant misrepresentation of facts by the coalition administration, and the incessant repetition by sections of the print media. It seems that deflecting the public’s attention away from their own inadequacies and ungrounded accusations against PPP leaders, especially Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo,

is a norm in the coalition construct and its partners in the media.

One glaring instance is the lie that has been exposed – time and again -- that is yet repeated by coalition ministers of government and reprinted in the Kaieteur News, for example.

Trotman’s allegation in Parliament that Dr. Jagdeo and the PPP gave out all of the productive lands in the forestry sector has been repeatedly refuted. According to the Opposition Leader: “The fact is that about 55 per cent of the state forest has been given out so far in our history: It’s about seven million hectares out of 12.5 million hectares; and out of that 55 per cent, just about 40 percent is under extraction.

Of the (millions of) hectares that were given out, almost half was given out in the pre1992 era. Barama alone had 1.7 million hectares.”

In conclusion, I have observed the recent headlines and hype surrounding the government’s announcement that they are engaged in discussions with Exxon Mobil

to bring gas onshore to generate electricity. Again, this is obviously a ploy to divert the public’s attention from the atrocious spate of blackouts that have been ravaging the lives of citizens. This cannot be the solution for the pressing problems we face on a daily basis.

I was with the leader of the opposition when he asked officials from Exxon Mobil whether a feasibility study to use gas for electricity, as compared to other alternatives, was done. The answer was in the negative. The PPP/C is prepared to defend its legacy as it relates to its decisions to grant oil-andgas concessions, in particular, since its decision to embrace ExxonMobil has borne fruit, and has been proven to have been a transparent process.

Regards Odinga Lumumba Vice Chairman – Sectoral Committee: Natural Resources MP– PPP/Civic

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23., 2017

Nandlall is on to something Dear Editor: HAVING read the article “Constitutional compliance needed, not reform -- Nandlall” (SN 22nd September, 2017) I must say there is full agreement with the views expressed by PPP/C Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall on matters of the Guyana Constitution continues to impress, surprise, and disappoint me. He is correct in pointing out conversations for reforming the constitution are not driven by understanding of the instrument and are also influenced by foreign forces, who themselves have not taken the time to read and understand this document.

The instances he cited where the current administration is flagrantly disregarding the constitution are too correct. And as he correctly points out, the APNU+AFC’s violations he ignores, reminding the nation of the wanton violations that occurred under successive PPP/C governments when he sat in its upper echelons and served as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs.

The cycle of disrespecting the constitution was been perpetuated by the PPP/C and APNU+AFC must stop, for it has done this nation grave disservice and its people tremendous harm. It is way past time this

instrument becomes part of our formal education curriculum. The country may have lost a generation or two for respecting the legal foundation that gives meaning to our existence due to petty political partisanship and ignorance. But it is not too late to insulate the younger and coming generation from such travesty.

Note is taken that Nandlall in addressing the forum made it clear that the views he expressed were his own and not those of the PPP/C. This relatively young man is urged to have similar conversations with his party leadership and also among its supporters and members at its bottom house and public meetings. I don’t know if being in the Opposition has allowed him the time or impressed upon him the importance of understanding this instrument, but I do know his focus adds to the importance of securing knowledge and bringing about public education and awareness.

It is foolhardy to change what is not known, understood, or given a chance to work and this is the dilemma the nation faces in the calls for constitutional reform. At the same time the constitution allows the Opposition to assert itself in the National Assembly (Article 171) and Nandlall as shadow minister for legal affairs can lead the charge in bringing Bill(s) to

give meaning to the political system that outlines the principal objective the Guyanese society must pursue is one of “inclusionary democracy” (Article 13). We can start looking at the composition of state boards, where the stakeholders are included and a portion set aside for the political parties based on seat representation in the National Assembly, the nation’s highest decision-making and most representative forum.

At the Local Democratic Organs, the regional, towns and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils can have their devolution of power as required by the Constitution (Article75) by moving to bring bills to secure their autonomy. The nation has the benefit of such a bill languishing somewhere in the Assembly that was brought by then PNC Minister of Regional Development Jeffrey Thomas in the 1990s.

Though it never reached full debate, it could serve as a guide in moving the process forward.

As a trade unionist I remain mindful of the continuous violation of the protected fundamental rights and freedoms of all Guyanese (Title 1) and the exclusion of the trade union in playing a meaningful in the management and decision-making processes of the State, as expressly outlined in Article 149C. This is one of the pro-

GuySuCo will record another low production Dear Editor THERE is much publicity on the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) being unable to pay its employees because of its financial position, forcing it to seek financial support from the Government. It is concluded that the request was turned down and the corporation must now resort to the sale of cane lands in order to stay afloat. I refer here to Demerara Waves article of Sept. 21st, 2017- ‘GuySuCo sells more land to cope with “major cash crisis.”

Editor, I support fully, Government’s intervention to ensure that GuySuCo employees are paid for work done but, one wonders whether the Government is enquiring why the corporation’s cash flow is in “crisis” at this stage of the crop. Typically, cash flow improves steadily and peaks during the cropping period because sugar produced is available for sale hence, cash in the bank. With

consistently poor production being recordedweekly,thecurrentcash“crisis”comesasnosurprise.Thefactthat sugarproductionasat16thSeptember, 2017ishopelesslyat29,669tafternine weeks of operation explains the crisis at hand. The production woes were further exacerbated by the non-operation of Skeldon and Enmore factories asperschedule.Thiswasself-inflicted because of gross mismanagement and incompetence by executives of the corporation.

Interestingly,thenewsitemdescribed the CEO to have said that some of this subsidy will be used to “finance operations, pay creditors, and procure equipment for Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt-- all targeting an annual production of almost 150,000t.” Editor, GuySuCo’s CEO must be on another planet or he thinks he can fool all the people, all the time. I make that comment because GuySuCo, in February 2017 cited an annual production of 198,458t sugar for

thisyear,2017.Grossincompetence resulted in under achievement of the first crop 2017 target, forcing thecorporationtorevisethattarget to 174,433t, a reduction by 24,473t.

It is now September 2017 and the CEO blurts out another target of “almost150,000t.”Editor,isanyone inGovernmentaskingthisprincely paid CEO and his executive team to show cause why crop targets are notmetandwhyitchangesbysuch massive amounts from estimates that these very executives provide?

HowlongwillGovernmentcontinue to accept the pre-May 2015 excuses such as weather and strikes?

At this rate, the management team atGuySuCoiswellpoisedtodeliver yet another record low production, thistime,lowerthan2016’sproduction of 183,652t. The corporation’s cash crisis is expected to grow with dwindling production.

Regards Sookram Persaud

tected rights and freedoms that continues to be denied Nandlall is on to something right at this time and can be seen as an ally in the crusade to bring about respect for and the upholding of the Constitution. He is urged to put his political muscle behind his presentation on a national scale.

Note is also taken of Gail Teixeira having to remind Minister Raphael Trotman of the importance of consultation in moving ahead with constitutional reform.

The constitution requires the involvement of individuals and groups on matters that impact their well-being (Article 13); the report by representative of the United Nations who came to advise on moving forward with reform made such known to the government, though in diplomatic language, and it must be respected.

Regards Lincoln Lewis

The media play a key role in informing the citizenry Dear Editor IN any democracy, the media are expected to function as the fourth ‘estate’ to inform the citizenry, educate the populace and counter false impressions widely disseminated.

Pupils and students depend on the print media, electronically or otherwise accessed, for research purposes. It is in this context that the Guyana National Cooperative Union Ltd (GNCUL) commends the Guyana Chronicle for its edifying editorial captioned ‘The Cooperative Economy’ published on September 22, 2017. We are also heartened by the Chroni-

cle’s informative editorial of June 28, 2017 titled ‘Cooperatives in Guyana’; both publications are right on the button. As I pen this, word is out that a report on ‘Revitalization of the Cooperative Movement’ prepared by a task force appointed by the Hon Minister Scott was recently handed over to the Government. We hope its contents would be studied and scrupulously commented on when made public.

Regards Derrick Cummings Chairman, Interim Management Committee Guyana National Cooperative Union Ltd

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

300 Berbice youths to get skills training

MORE than two hundred and seventy (270) at-risk youths in the county of Berbice are set to receive skills training over the next nine months with the launching of the Berbice component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) The training seeks to empower at-risk youths between the ages of 16 and 25 years.

The launch was held at the Rose Hall Community Centre in Canje, Berbice. The 45 trainees were selected from six communities respectively; Angoy’s Avenue, Adelphi/Mansfield, Rosignol, Albion/Fyrish, Rosehall/Port Mourant, Kildonan/Friendship.

The project is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank at a cost of US$15M. Component One seeks to reduce crime and violence at the community level. The project is intend-

ed to attract more than 900 youths from 20 communities in Regions One, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10, yearly. The youths will receive technical and vocational training, which will lead to the Caribbean Vocational Qualification (CVQ) Level One certification or its equivalent, job readiness, entrepreneurship and business management training.

With the establishment of Community Action Councils, the programme also aims to provide psycho-social support through structured sessions to deal with mentoring and guidance, parenting and gender-based violence prevention, public awareness, conflict resolution, and interpersonal violence prevention at the community level. Additionally, the selected communities will be beneficiaries of millions of dollars to be invested in the creation of youth friendly infrastructural

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan interacting with Community Action Officers of the CSSP

“rapid impact” projects and community resource mapping exercises.

Minister of Public Se-

curity, Khemraj Ramjattan, during his feature address, told attendees that Government recognises the impor-

tance of skills and job-readiness training in creating economic opportunities for youths and lessening their

vulnerability to the allure of crime. Further, Minister Ramjattan said, through the CSSP “We intend to break the vicious cycle of arrest, trial, and incarceration through rehabilitation and reintegration programmes in keeping with international best practices.”

The project, which is expected to last until 2020, also has two other components aimed at strengthening the crime prevention and investigative capacities of the Guyana Police Force and strengthening the Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration Services of the Guyana Prison Service to prevent recidivism. It is being implemented by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), of the Ministry of Public Security headed by Clement Henry and managed by IADB, through direct supervision.

(DPI)

Revitalising CARICOM’s agricultural sector Every year, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries spend billions of US dollars importing agricultural products into the region.

But three decades ago, agriculture was the main income earner for most CARICOM countries. Agri Carib 1However, a combination of a loss of preferential access to global markets, new and emerging industries, and the impact of natural disasters on crops, have resulted in that sector no longer having pride of place as the mainstay of the region’s economy.

Guyana President David Granger recently told his regional colleagues that CARICOM’s food insecurity must be reversed if the Caribbean is to survive. “International food prices have been declining for the major traded agricultural products and are at the lowest levels since 2009. Yet, the food import bill of CARICOM has been rising and stands, today, at over US$4 billion annually,” he said.

Now, regional stakeholders are working to once again raise the profile of the industry aware that it cannot return to the glory days. The focus now is on innovation and sustainable agriculture and rural development. This was the theme of the recently-concluded 11th meeting of the Regional Planners Forum on Agriculture held in Barbados

last weekend, which focused on three main areas: financial services, investment and institutional strengthening; climate smart agriculture; and value chain and inclusive markets.

At the end of deliberations, the Deputy Sub-regional coordinator for the Caribbean for the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO), Lystra Fletcher-Paul, noted that with rural areas now being targeted, financial support for small farmers will be critical to the success of this initiative. She told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the FAO and CARICOM are now examining a Latin American model, under which small farmers are granted lower interest rates, as well as support for young farmers and women’s groups to encourage investment in agriculture.

“The second major recommendation … was … a proposal for government to impose a one per cent levy on food imports. And that levy would be used and pumped back into research and development for innovations in agriculture,” Fletcher-Paul said.

On the area of climate-smart agriculture, regional officials stressed that the effects of climate change on the sector can no longer be overlooked.

Programme Manager for Agriculture and Industry at the CARICOM secretariat, Nisa Surujbally pointed to

Deputy Sub-regional coordinator for FAO, Lystra Fletcher-Paul

the recent passage of Hurricane Irma as evidence of the need for member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to adopt climate smart agriculture practices.

‘Hurricane Irma underscores even more, the need for climate smart agriculture to be a main component of agricultural planning, and national disaster preparedness planning. We have been working assiduously to mainstream climate change and disaster planning into the policy framework for the agriculture sector, both nationally and regionally,’ Surujbally told the meeting.

Fletcher-Paul stated that one of the recommendations from the meeting was the implementation of an audit tool to determine how well climate change and disaster risk management is mainstreamed into the regional

planning system. “The thing about that planning tool, it’s a very powerful instrument that countries can use to make sure that they build in all these recommendations that deal with making the country more resilient to disasters and climate change.

“That particular audit tool should be institutionalised in such a way that countries which use that tool can get preferential treatment in terms of being eligible for funding under the green climate fund in other words you comply with the fact that you are mainstreaming climate change and disaster risk management in your planning process, which means you have a priority in terms of consideration or that environmental-type funding,” she noted.

Another recommendation, Fletcher-Paul stated, was for farmers who adopt climate smart agriculture technologies to be granted tax incentives. The linkages between agriculture and other critical sectors, including health, was also high on the agenda.

Of particular concern is the rise in non-communicable diseases such as obesity, among in the Caribbean.

“Because of this major problem we’re having with obesity in the country, we think that our value chain and our whole food system should be geared towards addressing

this whole issue of health, in promoting sustainable food systems for healthy nutrition.

“So all your value chains and your product should be geared to producing not only raw materials, but processed products that are healthy and nutritious and aimed at promoting that healthy lifestyle, especially among the young people,” Fletcher-Paul told CMC. She pointed to the FAO’s work in linking small farmers to school feeding programmes in a bid to promote healthy eating. Those recommendations will be presented to the meeting of CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) in Guyana next month. Barbados’ Chief Agriculture Officer, Lennox Chandler, highlighted the need for innovation within the sector, given the increasing nutrition needs of the world’s growing population.

“One of the things I noticed is that the current global population stands at 7.5 billion people and this is expected to reach 11.2 billion by the year 2100. And I have noted that only 30 per cent of the population will be in the developed world; the remainder will be in the developing world … and therefore we feel that the level of population growth will require a 70 per cent increase in food production. “And we suggested that, among others, there are two main ways of addressing

an increase in demands for food: one is to increase the land under production and 2, by producing more food per year. But for most countries in the region, option one is not a viable option, and certainly not for Barbados,” Chandler said.

He noted the current thrust locally to promote cassava and its by-products, which include cassava bread, cassava sorbet, among others, as part of the overall campaign towards healthy eating.

Fletcher-Paul cautioned, however, that CARICOM member states represented at the Bridgetown talks should not wait “for the government to do things.” “There are simple measures that each one of us, the agencies, the delegates can start doing on their own as soon as they get back to their countries.

“This whole thing about the value chain, the inter-sectoral linkages, it’s a matter of the people in the ministry of Agriculture speaking with the Ministry of Health, speaking with the Ministry of Education, forming those inter-sectoral committees, and starting to work together to address some of these key issues,” she told CMC. She added that believes such initiatives are critical if the Caribbean is to achieve the second United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of food security and a world free of hunger by 2050. (CMC)

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

Beharry Group, Sterling Products donate hurricane relief supplies HEEDING the call of government for donations from the private sector to assist with hurricane relief, $7M in food and cleaning supplies was donated by the Beharry Group of Companies and Sterling Products Ltd. (SPL), to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) for distribution.

This was disclosed on Friday at the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Waterloo Street, Georgetown.

Desmond Sears, Vice-Chair of the PSC said that on September 11, the Government convened a meeting with the PSC, the CDC and other donor agencies for a collaborative effort in response to the hurricane that ravaged the islands in the Caribbean.

As such, one of the members of the Beharry Group of Companies decided to donate $5M in food supplies. Beharry Group Chair, Edward Anand Beharry, said as a corporate member of the PSC, a decision was taken to donate to those in need.

“We have been a Guyanese company from the inception,

(From left) Elizabeth Alleyne, Executive Director PSC; Edward Anand Beharry, Chairman of the Beharry Group of Companies; Desmond Sears, Vice-Chair of the PSC and Colonel (retired), Chabilall Ramsarup, Director General of CDC, after the discussions. (Rabindra Rooplall Photo)

we are almost 82-years-old and we feel very strongly in giving back, not just to our Guyana brothers and sisters but to those in CARICOM, since they are very clearly in need,” he added.

The donation, he explained, consists of 33,000 pounds of food valued at $5M while Sterling Products

Limited donated 382 metric tonnes of cleaning supplies valued at $2M. Civil Defence Commission (CDC) Director General, Colonel (retired) Chabilall Ramsarup, in thanking the PSC and its donors, disclosed that there is an issue in relation to the movement of the supplies, as a second C-130

aircraft promised by Britain to transport the donated supplies is no longer available.

However, he assured that other modalities are currently being worked out on moving the supplies to the islands. “If we take another two weeks to get the supplies to these islands it won’t mean anything to them, so the fastest we get

humanitarian assistance out we can save lives and prevent illnesses,” Ramsarup said.

The CDC director is aiming to move all the supplies out by next week, since one of the private sector businesses promised to provide a ship as an alternative.

“I would like to thank the PSC and we would like to

see more donations coming forward,” the director said.

Sears also called for businesses that can assist with transportation of the supplies to come on board.

Guyana already has 10 containers of relief supplies to ship to hurricane-affected islands of Antigua, Saint Maarten, and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). The containers are filled with food stuff, medical supplies and building materials.

Tin addition, the Government has doubled its financial contribution from US$50,000 to US$100,000.

A Ministerial Task Force headed by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, with responsibility for coordinating the national effort in offering humanitarian aid and solidarity to the affected Caribbean islands, was established.

Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria have virtually flattened St Maarten, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Dominica. Some 7,000 Guyanese reside in St Marten, 1,500 in the BVI and 8,500 in Antigua and Bermuda.

‘Guyana Annual’ takes to social media

REPRESENTATIVES of the Guyana Annual 2018 magazine on Friday launched seven new competitions, making it another feature of its edition.

Committee Member Danielle Swain told a press briefing at Guyenterprise Board Room in Georgetown that competitions were: the Sheila King Award for short stories for Children; the Bobby Fernandes Award for photography; the Stephanie Correia Award for art; the David De Caires Award for journalism; the Hawley Harris Award for cartoon and the Bertram Charles Award for drama.

The newest competition “Oil and Gas” which is sponsored by Dr. Tulsi Singh comes with special cash prizes.

Swain stated that for the first time too, this year, the magazine had taken to social media with the establishment of an email address theguyanaannual@ gmail.com and Facebook page- theguyanaannual.

She said all rules for the various competitions were

Guyenterprise staffer Danielle Swain, Editor of “The Guyana Annual” Petamber Persaud, Shamshun Mohamed and Allan Fenty display older editions of the magazine.

available on Facebook or could be uplifted from Guyenterprise and entries could either be submitted electronically via email or in hard copy format, hand-delivered.

She pointed out that there were four untitled

competitions such as the open short story, junior short story competition and open poetry competition.

Giving a brief history of “The Guyana Annual,” Petamber Persaud said the magazine was founded in

1916 with the title “Chronicle Christmas Annual” which evolved over the decades and finally became “The Guyana Annual.”

He added that the publication was a century-old tradition and had outlived

many other publications and it kept alive Guyanese art and literary traditions.

Persaud related that the magazine might not have survived to celebrate its centennial anniversary in 2016 were it not for the

persistence, dedication and sheer enthusiasm of patron Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh, a medical doctor with a passion for the arts and culture.

He stated that the magazine was now published by Guyenterprise, which had decades-long association with this prestigious publication and is supported by corporate sponsors.

The magazine was however, resuscitated in 1998 and is being edited by Petamber Persaud.

Meanwhile, Client Services Officer Shamshun Mohamed, who spoke on behalf of Vic Insanally said the Oil and Gas Competition which was sponsored by Dr. Tulsi Singh came with the first prize of $250,000, followed by second and third. There are other prizes as well.

In remarks, Allan Fenty said the “The Guyana Annual” was a magazine which stimulated young Guyanese to express their art and literary skills and was the only such edition which had been around for so long.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

Gov’t assists storm-hit Bath residents

By Clifford Stanley RESIDENTS of Section ‘D’ Bath Settlement Village West Coast Berbice, whose homes were damaged by a freak storm on Monday last and who had been unable to effect repairs since then have been given hope for a speedy resumption to normal life following a visit

by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to the village Friday.

The PM was accompanied by Head of the Civil Defence Commission Col Chabilall Ramsaroop and other senior officials of the Office of the Prime Minister. They were met

by APNU MP Miss Jennifer Wade and officials of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five who accompanied them while they spoke with several residents who had been affected during a walk about in the affected section of the village and gave assurances of help.

Some of the affected residents had fixed their own homes using their

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo hands over blankets and other items to this resident of Bath Settlement

own financial resources and a combination of paid labour and community self-help. The focus on Friday was on those who had been unable to raise the finances to get their lives back on a normal track. These included home alone widower Ms. Sheila Harrichan, whose home was flattened. She will get help.

Colonel Ramsaroop disclosed that the Private Sector Commission had offered

to donate materials for the rebuilding and restructuring of the two-bedroom home.

A private contractor from West Berbice had volunteered free labour and work on the demolition of the damaged house has begun.

Regional Executive Officer Morrison said that if all goes as planned, Ms Harrichan who has been stopping at neighbours since the disaster, should be back under her own roof within seventy two hours. The

regional administration of Region Five Council also committed to provide several zinc sheets to the members of the Matalama family who had lost their entire roof during the storm and had been unable to replace same since then. During the visit those in the walkabout included MP Miss Jennifer Wade, Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison, AFC Councillor Abel Setaram, Regional Engineer Dhanpaul Sukha and other senior staffers of the Region.

The prime minister also assisted in distributing blankets and other sleep-

ing materials to those who had to date been unable to recover from the effects of the storm. Six houses were partially damaged and another one flattened at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, when the storm ripped through a section of the village late Monday afternoon.

A life-long resident of Bath Settlement said that the slanting rain, loud thunder and flashing sheets of lightning were the worst he had ever experienced. “Everything turn black and white. We couldn’t see anything for about 15 to 30 minutes,” he said.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo interacted with residents during his walkabout in the village. Also in photo are REO, Ovid Morrison and Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Chabilall Ramsaroop

President holds ‘Meet and Greet’ in NY

President David Granger addressing the audience

ELEGANTLY dressed, and overflowing with excitement, members of the Guyanese diaspora turned out in their numbers to meet President David Granger and the First Lady Sandra Granger at a Meet and Greet reception held in New York on Friday evening.

The well-attended recep tion was hosted by the Permanent Representative of Guyana

to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Michael Rudolph Ten-Pow and the Honourable Consul-General of Guyana in New York, Barbara Atherly.

Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, and Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams were among the officials present. Here are scenes from the Meet and Greet reception held at the Princeton Club of New York.

President David Granger and his team including First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger, Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings-Williams being introduced to the audience by Guyana Honorary Consul- General in New York, Barbara Atherly.

A section of the gathering of Guyanese at the Princeton Club of New York

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Commonwealth ministers briefed on border controversy

THE Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana was on Thursday briefed on the ongoing border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

In a statement, the ministerial group said it discussed the recent developments related to the controversy which arose from Venezuela’s contention that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which definitively settled the land boundary between the two countries, is null and void.

During the meeting convened by Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland, at the request of Guyana, and chaired by Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdul Hassan Mahmood Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge provided an update on the developments.

The group noted Guyana’s concerns on the issue, particularly, the impact the controversy has had on the country’s economic development.

Additionally, the group acknowledged the efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General to facilitate a resolution between the two countries, and commended Guyana’s commitment to engage in the UN Secretary-General’s Good Offices process.

It was recalled that at the last Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in Malta in November 2015, the lead-

ers noted that “the Geneva Agreement of 1966 between the parties provides a range of mechanisms for an expeditious solution to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s contention of invalidity of the

2017 on the matter was also reaffirmed. During that meeting, the leaders welcomed the appointment of the personal representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Good Offices Process, Dag

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, speaking with Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Janice Charette, just before the commencement of the Commonwealth Ministerial Advisory Group Meeting.

1899 Arbitral Award.”

During that meeting, the heads gave their full support for the UN Secretary-General to choose a means of settlement in keeping with the provisions of the 1966 Geneva Agreement 1966, to bring the controversy to a definitive end.

Additionally, the position taken by the CARICOM leaders on July 7,

Nylander.

The Good Offices process is expected to come to an end this year, after which the UN Secretary-General will determine if significant progress has been made towards arriving at a solution to the border controversy.

If there is no agreement, then the only option left is for the Secretary-

General to forward the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), unless Guyana and Venezuela decides otherwise.

“CARICOM Leaders’ reiterated the firm and unequivocal support of the Caribbean Community for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The group reiterated the unequivocal and collective support of Commonwealth member governments for the maintenance and preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial borders, in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award,” the statement said.

The group also agreed to draw the conclusions of their meeting to the attention of all Commonwealth member governments. The Commonwealth Ministerial Group comprises of representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Minister Greenidge told reporters that the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018, will touch on border controversies, among other issues.

“The future of the Commonwealth is being examined, the question of youth, technology and a variety of other issues will be examined, and of

course, given that Britain has now decided to leave the EU, one would expect that Britain itself would be trying to hold to influence, the direction,and the role of the Commonwealth in the future, so it could perhaps play a more dynamic role than it has done in recent years in the context of the Commonwealth,” Minister Greenidge further explained.

In addition to the CFAMM, Minister Greenidge also attended a Commonwealth Ministerial Advisory Group Meeting which was also held at the UN headquarters earlier in the day.

The Guyanese foreign affairs minister had also attended a lunch meeting between CARICOM Foreign Ministers and the

Nordic Foreign Ministers.

He said it was during that meeting that the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden – pledged to financially assist CARICOM countries that have been ravaged by hurricane in recent days.

“They have indicated that they are rendering assistance through the UN. I think they are offering about US$1M through that body and also immediately mentioned $100,000 Swiss francs to Antigua and Barbuda,” Minister Greenidge disclosed.

He noted that there was a wide-ranging and extensive discussion on the impact of hurricanes and the importance of mitigation and prevention.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

Advancement made in tackling child labour -- United States Department of Labour

THE United States Department of Labour has found that in 2016, Guyana made “a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labour” and has suggested that several actions be taken to eliminate child labour.

Among the recommendations are that Guyana ensures that the law fully protects all children under age 18 from engaging in hazardous work -- including night work; that the law sufficiently prohibits all commercial sexual exploitation of children; the use of children for illicit activities; ensures that the law criminally prohibits the recruitment of children under 18 by non-state armed groups.

Additionally, the U.S. agency suggested that there be an increase in the number of trained labour inspectors, published information on the labour inspectorate’s funding; authorise them to assess penalties; ensure sufficient resources are allocated in a timely manner to facilitate labour inspections, particularly in remote areas along with the dedication of more resources, including judicial personnel to investigate and prosecute court cases related to child labour.

In the report, presented to Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, Wednesday

by Sandra Zuniga, Eco and Commercial Officer from the U.S. Department of Labor,

Guyana has been lauded for its work thus far, but thought much more needs to be done.

In a statement to the media, the Ministry of Social Protection said the report submitted to Minister Ally Wednesday is subsequent to Guyana’s new rank up to “Moderate Advancement.”

“This means that the nation of Guyana is working hard and making successful strides to eradicate the social issues of Child and Forced Labour combined by striving to reach the minimum standards according to International Labour Laws,” the ministry stated.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Task and Development Act (TDA) Report in collaborative effort seeks to serve the agenda of a guide to address global efforts of child labour.

Some of the general findings of the TDA report as it pertains to Guyana are that child labour continues to decrease, but the pace of progress has slowed; the gaps in efforts remain; exploiters are innovating to profit, while evading accountability for their actions and all governments and other stakeholders should work together more effectively to accelerate progress over the coming decade.

According to the report, the Guyana government has reformed the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Combating Trafficking in Persons, began

developing a National Action Plan and Policy on Child Labour, and finalised the 20172018 National Action Plan on Combating Trafficking in Persons.

“However, children in Guyana continue to engage in the worst forms of child labour, including in mining and commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking,” the report stated, while noting that law-enforcement agencies have insufficient funding and capacity to enforce laws related to child labour, including its worst forms, and legislation does not fully protect children.

“Moreover, the Government does not have a comprehensive policy to combat child labour or targeted social programmes to fully address the extent of the problem,” the report added.

According to the 2014 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey, children living in the interior are more likely to be engaged in child labour than other children, with 37 per cent of children ages five to 17 living in the interior engaged in child labour.

HAZARDOUS WORK The survey also indicated that 41 per cent of the children living in an Amerindian household engage in child labour, with 34 per cent of these children engaged in hazardous work.

Guyana has ratified all key international conventions concerning child labour and has established laws and regulations related to the subject; however, there remain gaps in the country’s legal framework to adequately protect children.

The report noted that the local law does not sufficiently prohibit all commercial sexual exploitation of children, as laws related to pornography and pornographic performances do not prohibit the use, procuring, and offering of a child for each of these purposes.

“Although Article 50 (1) of the Protection of Children Act prohibits selling or giving drugs to children, the law does not specifically prohibit the use, procuring or offering of a child for the production and trafficking of drugs,” the report added.

It was noted however that the Guyana government has established institutional mechanisms for the enforcement of laws and regulations on child labour, including its worst forms.

“However, gaps in labour law and criminal law enforcement remain and some enforcement information is not available.”

The report acknowledged that in 2016, the labour law enforcement agencies here took action to combat child labour in all forms, but the number of labour inspectors is insufficient for the size of

Guyana’s workforce, which includes over 300,000 workers, the report stated.

According to the ILO’s recommendation, of one inspector for every 15,000 workers in developing economies, Guyana should employ approximately 21 inspectors.

“There are insufficient labour inspections conducted in gold-mining areas, and there are sometimes delays in accessing the resources necessary for inspections in remote areas. The government has acknowledged challenges in monitoring and enforcing the provisions established in Articles 41 and 46 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which aims to protect children from work that may harm their physical health of [sic] emotional development.”

Additionally, the report said Guyana has acknowledged that there is an insufficient number of staff members within the Trafficking in Persons Unit. In general, the report noted that government’s capacity to carry out prosecutions is limited.

“With only 33 justices and magistrates, the courts have a backlog of cases and more than a two-year waiting period on all legal matters. Furthermore, humantrafficking victims may be charged for crimes occurring as a result of their being exploited if authorities do not identify them as victims of human trafficking,” the

report said.

The government, the report found, lacks child-sensitive investigation and prosecution procedures which put children at risk of reprisal.

Meanwhile, it was noted that though the government has established the Inter-Ministerial Task Force on Combating Trafficking in Persons, research has found no evidence of mechanisms to coordinate its efforts to address child labour, including all its worse forms.

As it relates to government policies, the report made it clear that the government has not included child labour elimination and prevention strategies in the five-year strategic plan on the Rights of the Child (20122017) or the National Education Policy.

The government does not have a comprehensive, written strategy for combating and responding to child labour, but began developing a National Action Plan and Policy on Child Labour during the reporting period.

As such, it was recommended that there be an integration of the child labour elimination and prevention strategies into the five-year Strategic Plan on the Rights of the Child (2012-2017) and the National Education Policy, along with the establishment of a comprehensive strategy for combating child labour.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Guyana hosts Hague Conference next Thursday

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Attorney General’s Chambers, in partnership with the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Guyana, will be hosting the Hague Convention Conference next Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel.

According to Attorney-at-Law within the AG’s chambers Diane Woolford, the meeting is a follow-up to the one held last year and all stakeholders were contacted to attend the next conference this month.

She explained that the one-day meeting with stakeholders is to determine which convention should be prioritised for signature/ratification and any related issues based on the conference conclusions and recommendations that occurred in 2016.

These conventions include The Child Protection Convention, Apostile, Choice of Court and Maintenance.

Key representatives from government and civil society,

including the Guyana Bar Association and Private Sector Commission are expected to attend.

Woolford said these discussions will be critical in shaping the way forward as Guyana seeks to improve its legislative framework for children and the business environment.

President David Granger had noted that Guyana has to commit to improving existing child protection laws and create the enabling environment for commerce and trade.

Guyana has already enacted laws on the status of children, child protection, adoption of children, sexual offences and custody, conduct, guardianship and maintenance.

The conference also deals with child adoption, child abduction and children’s rights.

The Hague Conference is the world organisation for cross-border co-operation in civil and commercial matters.

The organisation develops international treaties and conventions that deal with international issues involving private individuals or commercial operators and the creation of an environ-

Many children from Guyana, Suriname, Haiti and Mexico are abducted in the form of adoptions.

There is a need for laws to be put in place to protect these children and the conference shows a proactive effort to put legal systems in place.

The HCCH was established in 1983 and to date has 81 member states. With the freedom to sign on to the

Attorney-at-Law within the AG’s Chambers, Diane Woolford ment that is conducive for cross-border trade, cross-border investment, cross-border commerce, the creation of legal certainty and predictability for people and operators, so that all the rules are known before participation in commercial transactions or overseas investments.

The conference is important in light of migration and abduction as well as issues affecting children worldwide.

With the recent hurricane leaving many Guyanese with losses, issues of children migration will be on the agenda.

conventions without taking up membership, the conventions have been signed by 148 states (members included).

Bernasconi has said that the benefits of becoming a member are twofold, in that Guyana can serve as a key decision-maker when new conventions are being negotiated, thereby impacting international issues; and

Guyana can access the support provided by the network provided by the organisation.

Moreover, the HCCH also provides an International Hague Network of Judges, which provides direct judicial communications among the signatory states to these conventions in aiding to provide rulings and other determinations for cross-border issues.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

SOUTHCOM can play a role in supporting storm-hit Caribbean countries

“SMALL Caribbean states, on their own cannot respond in an adequate and timely manner to the scale of death, damage and destruction caused by most natural disasters,” President David Granger has said.

He said the Region requires international cooperation to promote human safety. He was at the time delivering the keynote address at the Perry Awards 2017 on Thursday at the Perry Centre

for Hemispheric Defence Studies. It was pointed out that the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has the equipment, the expertise and the experience needed to respond rapidly to natural disasters, and is most often, among the first responders to natural disasters.

SOUTHCOM must continue to work with regional organisations such as the Caribbean Emergency Disaster Management Agency (CEDEMA) to help the

Caribbean build capacity to respond to disaster. “Our common interests in the (Caribbean) ‘Basin’ require that the Region become a zone of peace and a zone of development, rather than a zone of disaster. The ‘hurricane era’ has made security cooperation, rather than strategic confrontation, a necessity to protect the Region’s vital interests,” he said.

The President said it must be recognised that the stability of the Caribbean Basin is

imperilled by environmental hazards and are the greatest threats to citizens’ quality of life.

“Security cooperation between the USA and the Caribbean has been pursued, principally, through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). Security cooperation must be re-engineered to take into account the interests of the special environmental needs of small-island developing and low-lying coastal states,”

he emphasised.

It was on this note that he called on the faculty and staff of the Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies to provide the intellectual leadership needed to promote a new era of security relations in the Caribbean Basin.

“The Caribbean Basin is vulnerable to tropical storms which can be disruptive of states’ stability and security.

Hurricanes gather strength and thrust from warm water.

They originate in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of West Africa, and move westwards to the Caribbean,” he reminded those present.

“The USA, as part of its strategy to ensure the security and stability of its ‘fourth frontier’, has always paid attention to the need for security cooperation with the Caribbean. Interest in the former British West Indies, was evinced in the landmark ‘1940 Destroyers for Bases Agreement.’ There is need, now, to extend cooperation in environmental security,” he added. According to him, climate change has emerged as a major international threat, not only to the environment,but also to both human safety and state security.

“Disasters disrupt governance, damage property and infrastructure, cause death and lower citizens’ quality of life. Environmental hazards are threats to the national security of states, whether they are rich or poor, large or small, island or mainland,”

President David Granger he further pointed out.

Meanwhile, the recipients of the 2017 William J. Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education are Dr. Marcos Pablo Moloeznik, Professor at the University of Guadalajara, and the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada of Bogota, Colombia and Mr. John “Jay” Cope, Founding Director of the Perry Center, who was presented with the 2017 William J. Perry Legacy Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education.

The Perry Award, named after former U.S. Secretary of Defense Dr. William J. Perry, is awarded annually to individuals and organisations in recognition of their significant educational contributions to the field of security and defence studies.

Awardees were selected from amongst a competitive pool of nominations, showcasing their commitment to and achievements in education, knowledge-sharing, and research on hemispheric security.

Cabinet clears $809M to boost drainage in critical areas

OVER $809M has been approved for the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to execute critical drainage works, the Ministry of Agriculture has said.

Among the projects is the installation of a drainage pump in Region Two. The contract which was awarded to Samaroo’s Investment at a cost of approximately $103M will see the procurement and installation of the drainage pump and the rehabilitation of the pump station at Three Friends, Essequibo, Region Two. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder in an invited comment , stated that such work augurs well for the region if it is to improve production. He added that with improved drainage and irrigation, comes improved productivity.

Over 329 million dollars has also been approved for the procurement of a Suction Cutter Head Dredge for the NDIA. This contract was awarded to the Guyana National Industrial Company Incorporated. The dredge will be used to execute major works to desilt outfall channels.

In addition, residents of Buxton, Region Four, will benefit from a new and improved pump station. The $376M project which was awarded to General Engineering Supplies and Services Inc. , will allow for efficient drainage in the Buxton/Friendship area. To enhance the drainage and irrigation capacity, Government has been working with the regional bodies to ensure that critical works are executed and in a timely manner.

To this end, $234M has been awarded to the NDIA to cover capital and current expenditures.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Rich heritage of Region Nine celebrated

MINISTER within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, was among the hundreds who witnessed the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead and the regional flag at Region Nine Indigenous Heritage Celebrations on Thursday.

St. Ignatius Village is the host of the four days of activities which commenced on Thursday and has attracted villages from North, Deep South and South Central Rupununi.

Before the flags were hoisted, Minister Garrido-Lowe congratulated the regional officials, the host village and all those who contributed to making the event a success.

The minister took the time to remind the gathering of the significance the Month of September holds for the Indigenous peoples throughout Guyana.

“We have such an incredible rich heritage, our customs and traditions have stood through the years, hence, as the first peoples of this country, our presence is strong and will remain strong for thousands of years to come, our ancestors have left us really a rich legacy, one which we are so proud of today,” she said.

Minister Garrido-Lowe also assured the residents of Region Nine that the Indigenous peoples, their cultures and traditions, villages and economies will prosper under the David Granger-led Coalition Government.

She reminded them of the tremendous potential that the region and the people possess, which according to her, will ensure the Indigenous peoples of today “contribute meaningfully to the legacy our ancestors have left us”.

She said agriculture and eco-tourism stand out as two main areas where the Indigenous peoples, dubbed worldwide as the protectors of the environment, can make a significant contribution.

Focusing her attention on the diversification of the

agriculture sector, the minister pointed out that Lethem is heavily dependent on its neighbor Brazil for meat, especially chicken. She, therefore, encouraged residents of the various villages to do large-scale poultry production, so that their economy can be a model for others to follow.

“Can you imagine you eat here approximately four thousand pounds of chicken a day, and guess where the chicken is coming from, Brazil; so why can’t we grow our own chicken, this is what I am talking about, we have to start supporting ourselves, our communities and our region, but the only way we can do it is by coming up with a plan. So our legacy should be that we are going to contribute to Guyana’s revenue base. We could become business people, producers of livestock that will sustain the region and the country,” the minister implored of the residents.

The minister has been championing the “what will you leave legacy” cause, which also serves as motivation for the Indigenous peoples, since they have tremendous abilities that can ultimately be unmatched.

Also present at the celebrations were Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock; Regional Vice-Chairman, Karl Singh; Regional Executive Officer ( REO) Kerwin Ward; Head of Mission to Brazil, Ms. Shirley Melville and the Council of St. Ignatius Village.

Regional Chair Allicock, in brief remarks said he was proud of the residents of Region Nine for the support shown towards realising their regional flag which is a demonstration of unity that abounds.

The regional flag was hoisted for the first time on Thursday evening. St. Ignatius, which is approximately a mile inside Central Lethem, is home to more than 1500 residents and is ably-led by Toshao, Yusa Xavier and a Council.

Toshao Xavier also thanked everyone for the sup-

Shot bandit arrested, other escapes into cemetery IN an attempted robbery of a security guard last Thursday night, a suspected bandit who was shot in the thigh by an accomplice is in police custody at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Police said that about 23:30hrs on Thursday night, a 39-year-old security guard of Bachelors Adventure, East Coast Demerara, was walking on the Public Road in the village when he was accosted by two men on a motorcycle.

The pillion rider then whipped out a handgun and

proceeded to rob the security officer when a struggle ensued. The bandit subsequently discharged a round which struck his accomplice in the right thigh.

The guard then managed to disarm the gunman who fled into a nearby cemetery.

However, his accomplice who also tried to flee the scene was subdued and later handed over to ranks of the Guyana Police Force along with the motorcycle, the firearm (a sub-nosed .32 revolver) and one spent shell.

port and assured that the camaraderie which abounds in village will be extended through the region.

Meanwhile, the 2017 Heritage Games hosted in South Central Rupununi has attracted locals and foreigners alike, with attractions in sports and cultural presentations, indigenous foods, beverages and craft on display.

On Thursday evening, several groups from throughout the Rupununi participated in dance, drama, poetry and singing to a fun-filled audience.

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe and Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock, surrounded by other officials and residents

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Saturday September 23th, - 05:30 hrs Sunday September 24th, - 05:30 hrs Monday September 25th, - 05:00 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

President holds talks with IADB Council

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday met with the Chairman of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defense Board (IADB), Brigadier-General Luis RodrĂ­guez Bucio in Washington, D.C. The IADB, which is considered the oldest organisation dealing with military and defence matters in the world, recently, celebrated its 75th anniversary.

President Granger, in addressing the Council of Delegates, expressed his appreciation for the invitation extended and took the opportunity to emphasise the need for the global community to focus its efforts towards mitigating the effects of global warming through protection of the environment, people, and the perpetuation of peace. He also noted with satisfaction, that the changing

mission of the IADB took into consideration the need to protect the environment and to respond to natural disasters.

The main purpose of the IADB is to provide the Organisation of American States (OAS) and its member states with technical and educational advice and consultancy services on matters related to military and defence issues in the hemisphere in order to contribute to the fulfilment of the OAS Charter.

Currently, the IADB has 28 member states and its structure is composed by the Council of Delegates, by the Secretariat and by the Inter-American Defense College, bringing together civilian and military representatives of various American countries. (Ministry of the Presidency)

President David Granger at the Inter-American Defense Board in Washington, D.C.

President David Granger interacting with members of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defense Board

President David Granger in a light moment with members of the Council of Delegates of the Inter-American Defense Board during his visit

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United and strong

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

-- PNC prepares to celebrate 60 years on

THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) has sought to remind Guyanese of the integral role it has played in the development of the country, at a time when the social and economic fabric of the society was at an all-time low.

And even as the party prepares to celebrate its Diamond Jubilee in October, it has laid bare its contribution to the leadership, service, fellowship and stewardship to the people of Guyana.

The party will celebrate its anniversary on October 5 under the theme: “United and Strong: Sixty years on.”

At a press conference on Friday to announce the activities, PNC General-Secretary and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, said under the government of the PNC administrations between 1964 and 1992, Guyana experienced not

only a significant political and constitutional advancement, but “an unprecedented nation-building efforts [sic] in every aspect of human endeavor.”

She said when the PNC entered office in 1964, the country was a broken nation.

“After losing the elections, Dr. Jagan refused to demit office as premier. He had to be removed via an Order-in-Council by the British Crown. This behaviour was preceded while Dr. Jagan was premier by violence, racial strife, labour disputes, and ideological polarisation; and Dr. Jagan left the treasury bare!” Ally said.

According to her, the priority policy objectives made clear by Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham and the PNC included healing the racial wounds; reconciliation and peace; structured national and economic and

social development; and working towards political independence.

In these, she said, the political party was successful.

She said the PNC government also had a “tremendous track record.” She said the physical, educational, economic, cultural and political infrastructures of Guyana were built between 1964 and 1975.

All of the major housing schemes, arterial roads, drainage and irrigation schemes were built while the PNC was in government, she relayed.

Speaking more of the developments under the PNC government, Ally highlighted the establishment of several financial and defence institutions, including the Bank of Guyana, the Guyana National Cooperative Bank, the Guyana Agricultural and Industrial Development

PNC General-Secretary Amna Ally

Bank and the Guyana State Corporation, the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Youth Corps, the Guyana National Service and the Guyana People’s Militia to guard and defend the new nation’s territorial integrity.

In education and culture, the party saw the construc-

tion of a new teacher’s training college, the University of Guyana campus at Turkeyen, technical institutions in New Amsterdam and Georgetown and multilateral schools along the coast.

In housing, she said potable water supply, sea and river defences and drainage and irrigation projects were also a major priority. For social and cultural development, Ally said the PNFC government introduced free education from nursery to university.

She said many cultural institutions and activities were inaugurated, including the Guyana Festival of Arts (Guyfesta), the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA), the National School of Dance, the Burrows School of Arts and the National Cultural Centre.

At the regional and international levels, Ally said Guyana became recognised for its leadership role in every international forum

where it had membership.

“In our Caribbean Region, Guyana under the PNC government was one of the pioneers for the establishment of CARIFTA, the forerunner of the present Caribbean Community. Prime Minister Burnham was one of the four founding fathers who were the original signatories to the 1973 Treaty of Chaguaramas which established the Caribbean Community and Common Market,” she said.

Ally said this year’s observance of the party’s Diamond Jubilee is a season for celebration and reflection. A number of activities have been planned for both the national and regional levels of the party. On Thursday, October 5, a flag-raising ceremony will be held at the party’s headquarters at Congress Place, Sophia. On Saturday, October 7, a special congress will be held at the National Cultural Centre.

Region 10 launches disaster risk management committee -- in light of freak storm that hit Linden

By Venessa Braithwaite THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 has launched a community disaster risk management committee in light of recent freak storms and heavy rains that flooded various communities in the mining town of Linden The committee aims to mitigate the risks associated with impromptu disasters as well as to provide the necessary aid in eventuality of same.

It comprises a number of stakeholders in the region including the electricity companies, the Guyana Water Incorporated, regional representatives, Bosai Minerals In-

corporated, the Guyana Police Force and Fire Service, social services and the Linden Chamber of Commerce.

The representatives present were further broken up into sub-committees, namely agriculture and sustainable livelihoods; fire, security and electricity; women, education and social services; and communication and health.

A seven-man command centre was also established, which in case of disaster, will be located at the RDC. Regional Chairman Renis Morian, who chaired the first meeting, explained that over the past few months Region 10 has experienced devastation from the elements and

therefore such a committee is important in preparing for future disasters, something that the region has lacked over the years.

He revealed that as a result of the freak storm last week, the roofs of 25 homes and several government buildings in the Blue Berry Hill area were blown off.

The RDC as well as other key players were unable to bring urgent assistance to residents as a result of the lack of preparedness and the lack of funds.

“We got to do something to put our house in order… this has propelled us out of the RDC to look at what we can do collectively,” Morian said.

Members of the command centre representing various stakeholders in Linden

One of the houses that were recently destroyed in Retrieve, Linden, as a result of the freak storm

He revealed that for the Wismar Christianburg Secondary School to be repaired earliest, funds had to be taken from another project.

And because of this, the chairman rallied for a disaster emergency fund to be included into the region’s budget since communities are vulnerable when the regional authorities have no monies to offer immediate assistance.

The committee will also be looking at ways in which disasters can be prevented and sensitisation programmes placed on the front burner. One of the preventative strategies outlined is to have residents cut down trees close to their homes, since over the past few weeks many trees fell on houses, during the

heavy winds and freak storms.

Programmes to aid persons in knowing basic first aid skills as well as reintegrating the drilling systems into schools were also discussed.

This programme will also include players in the region’s riverain and hinterland communities and the establishment of frequencies was discussed.

During the discussion, representatives spoke of the need for training for the various types of disasters so as to provide effective and urgent aid when necessary. Morian also suggested permanent staff for the command centre, pointing out that they will play a pivotal role in the coordination of relief efforts.

The establishment of a

shelter and first responders was highlighted by Regional Health Officer Pansy Armstrong and Bosai and Guyana Police Force ‘E’ Division representatives pledged their full support.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland commended the initiative and pointed out that though Linden was deemed one of the safest places in Guyana, when the storm struck, this perception was challenged.

“I’m sure that we all came to that conclusion that Linden is not safe at all,” Holland said and called for central Government to push the necessary funding for disaster risk management in its yearly budget.

“If GuySuCo can get 2B, we can get 3B…,” he said.

Holland also called for emergency revetment works to be done on the Wismar shore as a way of mitigating risks.

Many of the hilly communities experienced flooding as well as landslides during recent rainfall and heavy winds.

Other communities that were deemed to be at risk were Coomacka, Rockstone and villages along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway. In the communities of Retrieve and Richmond Hill, several homes were destroyed recently by heavy winds.

Several of the Wismar Alleys and communities along Burnham Drive were also flooded during the May/ June rains. Residents had said that their losses amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

Victorians relieved after gov’t moves to fix road

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By Marinella Glasgow GOVERNMENT has responded immediately to protest action by residents of the East Coast Demerara village of Victoria to fix their main road that had been in a deplorable state for many years.

The Special Projects Unit of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure rushed workers into the community on Thursday following the protest on Wednesday and up to press time had covered a significant portion of the repair work on the road.

“They told us that this is just a temporary fix and that the road will be properly done next after the budget,” resident taxi driver, Ketroy Jefferally told the Guyana Chronicle.

He said that residents are pleased with the swift response by government, but wondered why they had not heeded previous requests and pleas for the road to be fixed. “Well I can say the residents are pleased at the haste with which they [government] responded.

Everybody is pleased, because at least you can drive you vehicle properly,” the taxi driver commented.

He said Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, is also in contact with villagers and will be meeting with them soon to address other issues of empowerment, particularly for women.

On Wednesday, the residents held a lively protest at the entrance of the village

Victoria residents protested the poor condition of the road one day before government moved to fix it

Public Infrastructure workers patching the Victoria Middle Walk Road

calling for the government to see the condition of the road and to look into the matter urgently. Among the protesters were taxi drivers, students, teachers, senior citizens and other community members. Villagers’ anger was kindled resulting in them blocking the road with large pieces of wood and boulders, preventing vehicles from entering and exiting the village. The police were subsequently summoned to restore order, but their presence did not stop the protest.

Sherwin Wilson expressed his frustration. “We need the road to do. The last time I can recall the road do was since 1992 and so we calling on the authorities to give we a road, all we need is road.” When tried to be

dispersed by the police, the villagers chanted, “We need road, not police.”

Another taxi-driver who desired not to be identified, lamented that “The tyres are very expensive, the holes dem deep. They carrying de car shacks. It is very costly to maintain your car and yuh family at the same time.”

During the protest, despite the blistering sun, the protesters carried a number of placards with slogans: “Enough is enough, we need better roads, we are not pigs, we are humans” and “Other roads are being done, what happen to Victoria.” During the protest, a member of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was seen taking record of the prevailing situation. Owner of the Emancipation Hut, Hilda

Bitumen being laid on the Victoria Middle Walk Road

Barnwell, stated, “I was riding and I fell and damaged a ligament in my left knee because of the road. I would be very grateful if the

government could look into the situation.” She lamented: “It is very shameful. It is the first village bought by the slaves and look at the road at

the entrance of the village.

We need better conditions for Victoria,” Barnwell had stated.

Retired head teacher and activist, Mrs. Fraser, noted that a petition was made since May 2016.

This resulted in a meeting with the Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix.

However, she said that they were back and forth talks as to who was the person responsible for the construction of the road.

“We learnt it’s not the NDC, but the responsibility of the government. She continued that “through the grapevine we heard that the first estimate had been cancelled, because the road cost more than was estimated.” Since then nothing was been done.

One outraged, taxi driver, Damion Assanah, had bellowed, “they seh they looking after roads in bad state, I don’t know how dem aint see Victoria. Every week yuh gah change tires and parts expensive.”

Missing teen raped, killed LEONARD ARCHIBALD, the 13-year-old boy who went missing just under a week ago, was reportedly raped and then dumped into a canal where he drowned, two suspects of the crime told police investigators on Friday.

Investigators in Berbice are presently combing sections of the Berbice River, hoping to recover the body of the lad who was reported missing Sunday last. Following the report of the missing

teen, police had detained two suspects earlier in the week and after intense grilling one of them confessed to committing the crime .

According to Crime Chief (ag), Paul Williams, one of the suspects has confessed to sodomising the lad and throwing him overboard after he reportedly fainted from the trauma of the act.

This led police to comb the river in the vicinity of the suspect’s home where the act was reportedly committed.

During the search, ranks were able to recover the teen’s bicycle next to the Berbice River, aback the suspect’s home in Brothers Village, on the East Bank of Berbice. According to information, the men aged 28 and 18, are allegedly known ‘child predators’ in the area, and would often lure children to areas and sexually assault them. A source close to the investigation told the Guyana Chronicle , that based on the confession of

Leonard Archibald

the suspects there is a very high possibility the teen was still alive when thrown overboard.

“He said the teen “passed out” while they were sodimising him and they just decided to get rid of him by throwing him in the river, he (the suspect) said they took turns raping him,” the source disclosed.

Archibald was last seen on Sunday evening, riding his bicycle along the Brother’s Public Road with only

a pair of trousers, to collect his three sisters who were at a birthday party at a nearby village. According to information, the teen collected his sisters and was accompanying them home when he told them he was riding ahead and they will meet up at home. However, when the girls arrived home, the Overwinning Primary school teen was not there and a search was conducted but he was nowhere to be found.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2017

PM: Guyana open to Chinese investments

Students of the Marian Academy performing at the ceremony (Samuel Maughn photo)

GUYANA remains open to Chinese investment in key sectors, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is also performing the duties of President, said on Thursday night.

He was addressing the gathering at a reception to commemorate the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at New Thriving Restaurant in Providence, East Bank Demerara. This year also marks 45 years since the establishment of Guyana-China diplomatic relations and Nagamootoo said that over this period, there has been tremendous growth in cooperation and the strengthening of friendship by both nations. “Our countries have promoted frequent and diverse activities, including successful exchange of visits at the highest level. It has also afforded Guyana and China the opportunities to build understanding, trust and friendship in the political, economic and cultural spheres,” Mr Nagamootoo told the gathering of diplomats and business people.

He said that Guyana-China collaboration has yielded several practical results, citing the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, ferry vessels, expansion works at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, construction of a four-lane highway on the East Coast of Demerara, numerous scholarships, training programmes and services by Chinese medical brigades.

Additionally, he said China has been a reliable partner in Guyana’s quest for national development, noting

that Chinese investments and interest by Chinese investors in Guyana remain high.

“Guyana looks towards China as it continues to negotiate for additional funding and assistance for projects that

will boost multi-dimensional and multi-faceted development. In addition, we are cognisant that these pursuits could be channelled within the ambit of the recently launched “One Belt One

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, is flanked by China’s Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jianchun and his wife, Mrs. Liang Huil; Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (Samuel Maughn photo)

Road” (OBOR) Initiative,” the prime minister said.

Noting that Guyana has observed with interest, China’s transformation into a global superpower and economic giant, the prime min-

ister mentioned that China’s GDP lays a solid foundation for the elimination of poverty and to ensure the prosperity of China’s huge population.

“China has become the second largest source of over-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo shares a toast with Former President, Donald Ramotar, China’s Ambassador, Cui Jianchun; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson (Samuel Maughn photo)

A section of the guests at the New Thriving Restaurant on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (Samuel Maughn photo)

seas Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the world’s largest exporter and most dynamic importer. Today, China serves as an inspiration for many developing countries like Guyana and has exemplified what can be achieved when an energetic nation is mobilised for national development. “ Mr Nagamootoo said his government is grateful for China’s concerted efforts “towards our development initiatives that are geared to modernise our approach to trade, technology and infrastructure expansion.”

Speaking directly to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, Nagamootoo observed that since his arrival in Guyana in January this year, he has worked on strengthening China-Guyana good relations, and Guyana looks forward to more initiatives such as the ambassador’s 5 IT plan as the country develops its new and promising oil and gas industry.

Meanwhile, Ambassador, Jianchun in brief remarks said Guyana is a country full of hope and potential and believe with the development of oiland-gas exploration, ICT, tourism and other emerging industries, this country will expand. “China highly cherishes the relationship with Guyana and is ready to work with the government in expanding cooperation across the board, fostering new growth areas of enriching the decades-long friendship and continuously elevating our bilateral relations of friendly cooperation to [a] higher level,” Jianchun said.

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Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar shortlisted for Player-of-the-Year

(REUTERS) - Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Neymar have been nominated as finalists for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, the s p o r t ’s g o v e r n i n g body said yesterday.

Ronaldo helped Real Madrid to a second consecutive Champions League title and finished as the tournament’s top scorer with 12 goals

earlier this year.

Messi and Neymar claimed the Spanish King’s Cup with Barcelona, the former finishing as La Liga’s top scorer with 37 goals last season.

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon was shortlisted for the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award after leading the Italian club to a sixth successive Serie A title, a third-straight

Over 100 participants ... tem since its introduction to Guyana through the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education in 2010,” said Dr George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion and who also holds the portfolio as the Minister responsible for Sport.

Dr Norton was speaking at the launch of the event yesterday at his ministry’s boardroom on Main Street, Georgetown.

According to the minister, “There is no doubt about the fact that this competition has numerous benefits, one of which is the fostering of Social Cohesion. Participants will be able to develop better interpersonal skills through interaction with others from various educational districts. At the same time,

the competition will allow for the students to engage in team-building.”

“It is our aim to very soon have a well-established National Jump Rope Federation in Guyana. With such a body in place, we will have jumpers to participate at world class competitions such as the Pan-American Jump Rope Competitions and the International Double Dutch League,” said Norton.

Troy Peters, Communication Manager at Banks DIH, told the gathering that this company is happy to play its part in the growth of the event, reflecting on their sponsorship of the Schools Jump Rope competition in Linden, which has grown to become one of the main attractions among schools in the Mining town.

Italian Cup success and a runner-up finish in the Champions League.

He was joined by Real Madrid shot-stopper Keylor Navas and B a y e r n M u n i c h ’s Manuel Neuer.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, C h e l s e a ’s A n t o n i o Conte and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri were on the shortlist for the Best FIFA

Men’s Coach award.

The women’s Player-of-the-Year award will be contested bet w e e n Ve n e z u e l a n striker Deyna Castellanos, American midfielder Carli Lloyd, and Leike Martens, who helped Netherlands to the Euro 2017 title.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on October 23.

Continued from page 39 Jones thanked Banks DIH and Dr Norton’s ministry for helping to bring his commitment to light; one he made to Lindley Langhorne in Linden this year.

The Director of Sport said that through the NSC and the ministry, he will ensure the longevity of the championship; a commitment which was welcomed and echoed by Banks DIH. The NSC ensured that Guyana, for the first, participated at this year’s World Jump Rope Championship and Camp, July 1 – July 10, at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.

Shavin Green and Mackenzie High School student Adriell Wilson were Guyana’s representatives.

“Hosting a national championship is something

that we aimed for and I want to thank the Minister, NSC and especially Banks for making this possible,” Green said at yesterday’s launch.

Green told the media that the competition will allow for the growth in the sport, and also help to spot Guyana’s future representatives for next year’s World Jump Rope Championship.

Minister Cathy Hughes and her Ministry of Public Telecommunications also came in for high praise, being named as one of the sponsors of the event, through the E-Governance unit.

The Public Telecommunications Ministry donated two laptops as part of the prizes offered for the top performers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Amazon Warriors shows Windjammer aids local appreciation to Marriott Guyana bodybuilder’s journey WINDJAMMER International Cuisine and Comfort Inn yesterday handed over sponsorship to former Mr , Kerwin Clarke, to attend the 46th annual Central American and Caribbean Championships.

Clarke, who will join the judges’ panel this time around instead of being on stage, believes that he is advancing his career nonetheless.

“Unfortunately this year I won’t be competing on stage but I will be doing the judge’s part of the seminar which would be good on my credentials,” he said.

He continued, “I want to be more involved and keep being involved in the sport of bodybuilding and keep boosting the sport of bodybuilding for the benefit of me, the new athletes and for

the federation as a whole.”

Meanwhile Clarke was thankful for the sponsorship given to him by the hotel and catering company, saying, “They are always on board as soon as I ask.”

The event was scheduled to be held in Mexico next weekend but due to the recent earthquake there, the date had to be pushed back.

2017 Heritage Games open in Georgetown THE annual multi-sport Heritage Games commenced yesterday with preliminary action in the cricket and football competitions, at the Everest Cricket Club and Ministry of Education grounds on Carifesta Avenue.

The day started with a vibrant opening ceremony, which was graced by the presence of the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock, and Junior Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe. The teams from the varying regions took part in the march past, before the games began.

In the male cricket matches, easy wins for Laluni, Campbelltown, and St Cuthbert’s Mission meant they joined Mahdia who secured a walkover in

the semifinals.

Laluni took the first win of the day, after a half-century from David Francis (88) led them to 131-7 in their ten overs, before they restricted the Matacai team to 76-8 in their ten overs.

Campbelltown had a 39-run win over the Moraikobai men, after making it to 97-5, led by a 43 from Ravi Persaud.

Persaud returned with the ball (3-14) as Moraikobai replied with 58-8.

In the final men’s match of the day Santa Aratak made 78-9 (10 overs), while St Cuthbert replied with 80-3 in 7.1 overs.

On the female side, Kartabo, Moraikobai, Santa Mission and Capoey teams moved into the

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semi-finals.

Only two wickets fell for Kartabo as they chased 125 runs, against Siparuta that ended 96 runs behind before all batters had fallen. For Kartabo, Toshona Tyrell ended just short of a half-century, 46 runs not out.

Moraikobai had a 40run victory over Moruca and Santa Mission won by nine wickets against the Laluni females. In the final match of the day, Capoey won by six wickets against Swan.

The Heritage Games will continue today with swimming at the National Aquatic Centre, the football and cricket, while the archery competition gets started at 13:00hrs at Everest.

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Marriott’s Director of Sales Davie Leona Sukdeo collects the bat from Omar Khan while other staff members shares the moment.

As part of their appreciation for the services provided by the Marriott Hotel, the Guyana Amazon Warriors franchise presented the hotel with an autographed bat on Thursday afternoon.

The simple presentation ceremony took place in the lobby of the hotel, where Team Operations Manager of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Omar Khan, presented the bat to Director of Sales of the Marriott Hotel Guyana, Davie Leona

Sukdeo, in the presence of several staff members.

The bat bears the signatures of all the Guyana Amazon Warriors players who were part of the franchise during the Hero Caribbean Premier League 2017.

Khan said “We’ve been doing it year after year, showing appreciation to all the people who supported us throughout the tournament, and the Marriott Hotel has been one of those”.

Sukdeo said, “At the Marriott Hotel we’re al-

ways ready and willing to host the Amazon Warriors team; we’ve been doing so for the last three years and our staff and everyone gets excited when there is CPL coming up, so we’re equally as delighted to receive this bat that you’ve given us for three years in a row. It’s going to be an addition to what we have in our glass case and we continue to look forward to a partnership with CPL and the Amazon Warriors.”

Valentino Rossi completes practice sessions at Aragon GP after double leg fracture (BBC) - Nine-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi completed two practice sessions for the Aragon Grand Prix, just three weeks after suffering a double leg fracture in a training accident.

Having returned to training this week, just 18 days after the accident, he managed 20 laps in total, seven in the first session, 13 in the second.

The 38-year-old came

Rossi

in 20th, more than two seconds off the pace.

Dani Pedrosa was fastest with a lap of one minute, 59.858 seconds.

Ducati’s Jorge Lorenzo was second on the day 2mins 00.072secs with Yamaha Tech’s Johann Zarco and Pedrosa’s teammate and fellow Spaniard Marc Marquez next best.

Italian Rossi, who had a successful operation after damaging his right leg on

31 August, finished third at Aragon in 2015 and 2016.

“I’m quite happy, because I feel comfortable on the bike,” he said.

“I was good already from this morning and also because the leg, after two practice sessions, is in a good condition, I don’t feel a lot of pain.”

Rossi is fourth in the standings, 42 points behind leader Marc Marquez.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Determined and dedicated Linden athlete Deshana Skeete FIFTEEN-year-old sprinter Deshana Skeete understands that it takes hard work and dedication to develop and to be the best you can and she has her sights set on being a top athlete one day.

“For anything you need, you have put certain things away and just focus on achieving what you want to achieve,” she says when asked how she deals with the struggles of being a consistent athlete while studying and balancing her social life.

The humble, young Lindener is currently preparing to take another big step up in her athletic pursuits as she gets ready to represent her country at the South American Youth Games in Chile, where she will be competing in her pet events, the Girls’ 200m and 400m.

However, Skeete almost thought of pulling out when some of the challenges had gotten to her earlier this year.

“It’s very difficult some-

times. She had wanted to give up and all because she said in Georgetown things are better off, because athletes would get sponsorship and things like that,” her mother Nicketa Weekes. shared

buy some of the things for her to go, and she said she wasn’t going anyway, but I told her no you have to go.. She makes me too proud,” Weekes said.

This will be the biggest competition, to date, that

Deshana Skeete winning the Girls’ 400m at IGG this year (Delano Williams photos)

But Weekes said she has seen her daughter come too far to give up now. “ I t o l d h e r, ‘ Yo u ’ v e reached a long way, you can’t give up’. Even a few days ago we were finding it difficult to

Skeete would participate in since she first began taking athletics seriously at the age of nine. So far she has only represented her country at the Inter-Guiana Games, which she did twice.

At this year’s IGG, Skeete returned with an individual gold and silver medals which she copped in the 400m and 200m events. She also played a role in the gold medals that the Guyana girls 4x100m and 4x400m teams attained.

“I’ve been training very hard and focusing on my academics. I train every day of the week, Saturday mornings, and Sunday mornings,” the Mackenzie High student disclosed.

“Sometimes I have to miss practice for homework.”

Weekes remembers how her little daughter would always be running, and when she entered school it was only natural that the teachers ask her to represent the school in the National Schools Championships.

As fate would have it, she qualified to go to Nationals in her first year of competing.

Though at the time she was not affiliated to an athletics club, she would be up early in

the morning to do whatever little training she could on her own, set on being one of the lucky athletes to make it to Nationals.

However, after a mix-up Skeete was not notified that she qualified for Nationals and had to miss out - a disappointing blow to her when she was just nine years old.

But seeing it all as a stepping stone, she continued to push on, and shortly after that she met the coach of the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School Athletics Club, Moses Pantlitz, and began training. She ensured she made it to Nationals every year after that. Weekes ensured that she also never missed a year to be by her daughter’s side and to beam over her pride and joy.

Soon a fierce rivalry developed between Skeete and junior front-runner, Kenisha Phillips, in the 100m, 200m and 400m sprints. Though Phillips usually got the better

of Skeete, last year it was Skeete who rose to the occasion and stole the 200m and 400m wins from Phillips, putting her name in the record books along the way She won the Girls Under-16 400m in a record 57.7 seconds. She credited the rise to her hard work, and perseverance.

“I used to get beaten in almost all my events but I just put all my hard work into practice, especially last year when I was preparing for Nationals, and I saw that I was successful, so now I’m just focusing harder on my goals that I want to achieve.

There is nothing that Skeete enjoys more about her running than being on the field hearing the applause of her supporters.

“My favourite part of being an athlete is when I go on the field and I start to run, and you hear the noise and persons screaming your name.

Guyana’s Shaquel Agard to join star-studded GuyanaNRA pays courtesy call on Minister of Sport Team Econo Car for T&T cycle meets THE GuyanaNRA paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Minister Dr George Norton, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport recently.

The Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson along with Fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud, paid the courtesy call on behalf of the GuyanaNRA and updated the new Sport Minister on the upcoming 150th Anniversary Shoot in October.

The status of the preparations of the ranges, the arrival of participants and accommo-

dation and the intensity of the team training were discussed.

The minister was also told of the planned Kaieteur Falls tour that the participants have booked and will experience.

This formed part of the sports tourism that the Association pushed when the participants were invited.

The Honorary Secretary stated that this will contribute directly to the economic aspect of our country’s tourism community.

Minister Norton has graciously accepted an invita-

tion from Fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud, to be at the opening ceremony of the Championship, the presentation and the dinner ceremony that will follow.

The minister was pleased with the update and further committed on assisting with transportation for the championship. The Fullbore contenders plan to test and train with the recently arrived Hornady ammunition today and tomorrow in preparation for the Championship.

FIFA congratulates Dr. Norton Shaquel Agard

TWENTY-year-old Guyanese cyclist Shaquel Agard will join a star-studded Team Econo Car to compete in two road races in Trinidad and Tobago, starting tomorrow.

According to information received, the Guyana Cycling Federation’s (GCF) Most Improved Cyclist for 2016 was invited by the management of Team Econo Car, Roger Farrel and Peter Sue, to be a part of their Team.

The team includes cyclists from the Caribbean, North and South America and Europe.

He is being assisted financially by Duckie’s General Store and Qualitest Laboratory, both of Guyana, to make the journey to the Twin Island Republic.

Tomorrow, Agard will work with the team for the Michael Phillips Republic Day Classic in Port of Spain, Trinidad, while from September 27 he will also be a part of

the team for the Tobago Cycling Classic which will culminate on October 3 on Beacon Avenue, Tobago, with a criterium race.

Earlier this year, the Linden Bauxite Flyers cyclist spent some time in Pennsylvania, USA, training under the watchful eyes of United States’ Master Criterium champion Guyanese Aubrey Gordon.

The Tobago Classic is a UCI-sanctioned event.

Director of Member Associations and Development for Africa and the Caribbean of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Véron Mosengo-Omba, has sent a letter of congratulations to the Honorable Dr. George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Youth, Sport and Culture.

In a letter dated September 19, Mosengo-Ombo stated “allow me to express warmest and most sincere congratulations on your recent appointment as Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

FIFA would like to take

the opportunity to wish you continued strength, wisdom and success in this highly important and critical role.”

In his letter to Dr. Norton, Mosengo-Ombo added “FIFA would like to assure you of its commitment and support to

your office as we work together towards the continued development of football in Guyana. I am confident that during your mandate, the outstanding relationship between FIFA and Guyana will further strengthen.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday September 23, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & the City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Graham Gooch-32 matches Viv Richards-36 matches Today’s Quiz: Which Englishman has scored most ODI runs against the WI? Which WI has scored most ODI runs against England?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

38

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

Commonwealth Games Federation focuses on governance and partnership today THE Guyana Olympic Association’s (GOA) Commonwealth Games meeting of the Americas will begin today, with approximately 20 countries gathering for the two-day event.

K. Juman-Yassin, president of the GOA, told Chronicle Sport that all systems are in place for the meeting, but said it was highly unlikely that there would be representation from Dominica, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Anguilla, since they’re still coping with the damage to

their respective islands from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“Some delegates are not likely to be here because of the hurricane, but most of the other delegates have already started to arrive and everyone else will be here by the time we’re ready to start tomorrow (today,” said Yassin.

From 09:00hrs, in the Boardroom of the new GOA Headquarters at Liliendaal, governance will be discussed as the group will have an overview of the Commonwealth Games

through 2022, as well as the view of partnership with other entities through the Commonwealth Games Federation.

Tomorrow, Acting President Moses Nagamootoo will declare the meeting open, and Dr George Norton, Minister of Social Cohesion, with the responsibility for Sport, will be joining United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Guyana and Suriname representative Sylvie Fouet as guest speakers.

The GOA related that tomorrow’s meeting will

deal with a number of issues, where the Commonwealth Games Federation Americas body will hear from the Regional Anti-Doping Agency (RADO) and more importantly, representatives from Gold Coast; the host for next year’s Commonwealth Games.

The 21st (XXI) Commonwealth Games will be held in the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, April 4-15, 2018. It is the fifth time Australia will be hosting the Commonwealth Games.

Lucrative prizes up for grabs in tomorrow’s 15th Annual Victor Macedo Memorial Cycle Race THE cream of Guyana’s cyclists will be on their saddles tomorrow when the Flying Stars Cycle Club organises the 15th edition of the Victor Macedo Cycle Road Race.

The race begins with a roll start at 07:00hrs from the Macedos’ residence, Peter Rose Street, Queenstown.

Among the starters expected are defending champion Stephano Husbands, who clocked three hours 11 minutes 20 seconds in winning

the event last year as well as the in-form Jamal John, Paul DeNobrega, Andrew Hicks, Briton John, Junior Niles and Romello Crawford.

The seniors and juniors will proceed to Long Creek on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway before turning back to finish at the place of origin, while the veterans, juveniles and mountain bikers will turn back at the top of the hill just past Splashmin’s Fun Park and finish on Homestretch Avenue.

The first eight finishers overall as well as the top four juniors, the first three juveniles and the top three mountain bikers will be rewarded with cash prizes and trophies for their efforts.

Ten prime prizes will be on offer during the course of the race.

The event is being sponsored by Macedo Transportation Services, in collaboration with Floyd Macedo, a former cyclist who was very competi-

tive during his time.

The winning junior last year was Raphael Leung, while Junior Niles won the veterans category, Adelie Hodge was the first juvenile to cross the finish line and Ozeda McAulley was first among the mountain bikers.

The presentation of prizes to the top finishers in each of the categories will be done at the Macedos’ residence, Peter Rose Street, Queenstown.

Enterprise Busta T20 Festival bowls off on October 7 THE annual Enterprise Busta T20 Festival is set to bowl off on October 7.

According to a release from the club, “The main aim of this competition is to promote cricket among the talented youths on the East Coast. Some of the teams expected to participate in this year’s competition are defending champions Enterprise Busta Sports Club ‘A’, Enmore, Lusignan, Fairfield and Golden Grove, just to name a few.”

The competition will feature some top players, the likes of Test batsman Rajendra Chandrika, firstclass and West Indies Under-19 all-rounder Bhaskar Yadram, former Guyana senior team all-rounder Zaheer

Mohamed, former national youth batsman Kamesh Yadram and current national youth player Pradesh Ballkishun.

on 667-8277 or R. Mangal on 644-3799 at the earliest, as the drawing will take place on October 1 at the Enterprise Community Centre ground.

The champion team will receive $50 000 and a trophy, while the runners-up will

Late order batting rally West Berbice

By Rajiv Bisnauth FROM a position of 86-6, West Berbice closed on 1799, responding to East Coast first-innings total of 143, on the opening day in their Round four fixture in the Jaguars Franchise League threeday cricket tournament at Bush Lot, Berbice.

Keon Joseph and Steven Harris will resume today on 27 and 2 respectively, with the hosts leading by 36 runs.

Gudakesh Motie

Earlier, it was a superb bowling effort by the hosts, as the visitors’ batsmen fell to careless strokes after they were put into bat. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie (425) and fast bowler Joseph (332), were the main destroyers.

The visitors managed a decent 31-run opening stand between Test reject Rajandra Chandrika and Brian Sattuar, but after the partnership was broken, their batsmen formed a procession back to the dressing-room, despite a few of them getting starts.

New-ball bowlers Joseph and Harris (1-28) provided the first two breakthroughs before the spinners got in on the act on a lively wicket. The East Coast Franchise were reduced to 134-8 at lunch, a position from which they never recovered.

Harris removed Sattuar (13), before Joseph claimed the wicket of Chandrika (14), four runs later.

pocket $25 000 and a trophy.

There will also be individual prizes for the Best Batsman and Best Bowler in the final.

The Festival is organised by the Enterprise Busta Sports Club, with sponsorship from the Guyana Beverage Company Inc.

Gajnanan Suknanan

Rajendra Chandrika

Teams desirous of participating in the tournament are asked to contact R. Balram

Bhaskar Yadram

Bhaskar Yadram and Chanderpaul Hemraj made 21 and 19 respectively before Motie picked up both batsmen in quick succession.

Things went further downhill for the visitors when Andrew Dutchin (2-49) removed Joshua Persaud (10), but at that point

former national youth batsman Kamesh Yadram showed significant resilience, hitting five fours in his 36 before he, along with Ramnarine Chaturia (1), and Ameer Khan (16), were dismissed before the interval.

Motie removed Chaturia while Dutchin and Joseph claimed the wickets of Yadram and Khan.

Upon resumption, Joseph and Motie quickly wrapped up the innings in 35 overs.

In reply, Test batsman S h i m ro n H e t m y e r ( 2 4 ) , Aviskhar Sewkarran (29), and Javid Karim (13) were the only batsmen of the first six to reach double figures, as fast bowler Royston Simon and Rudolph Singh created the problems, sharing the first six wickets.

However, Motie (26), and Dutchin (33) then combined and in the process frustrated the visitors.

Keon Joseph

But just when it seemed like the duo had settled down nicely, the young Yadram removed Motie before Singh claimed his third wicket, that of Dutchin.

Fast bowler Cordel Mars had the other wicket of Quacy McPherson for six.

Meanwhile, Georgetown recorded a mere 117 in 39 overs in their battle against Essequibo at Tuschen. Robin Bacchus made 34, Steven Sankar 22 and Gajanan Suknanan 12.

Anthony Adams took 4-33, Keemo Paul and Ricardo Adams both claimed three wickets for 29 and 38 respectively.

In reply, Essequibo were bowled out for 170 in 51.4 overs, with Paul hitting 43, Kemol Savory 33, Ricardo Adams 44 and Kevin Boodie 22.

Bowling for Georgetown, Gajnanan Suknanan picked up 6-27, while Ramaal Lewis, Kellon Carmichael, Steven Sankar, and Christopher Barnwell picked up a wicket apiece.

Upper Corentyne closed the day on 267-7 against West Demerara at Port Mourant.

At Young Warriors, Lower Corentyne made 148 batting first. East Bank in reply were 132-8.

Play resumes at 09:30hrs today at all four venues.

39

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 23, 2017

GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships to begin on Monday THE annual GTT National Indoor Hockey Championships will return to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall for the first time in seven years as the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) stages its first tournament on the newly installed tiled floor.

The tournament has been sponsored by the communications giant for seventeen years and is the top local indoor competition that determines the annual national champions.

The competition commences earlier this year as the GHB gears up for the Indoor Pan American Cup to be contested mid-October this year.

In order to prepare for the International event, the GHB will use the National Championships as a test event to ensure all systems are in working order.

To maximise the benefit to the local national teams, both male and female national teams will compete although they will not be eligible for

trophies.

The competition features four divisions - Men’s First Division, Men’s Second Division, Ladies and Veterans (Over-35).

Despite being three-time champions, the favourites, PEPSI Hikers, will now be without their fantastic four in Robert France, Andrew Stewart, Jamarj Assanah and Aroydy Branford, who will all be making an appearance for the national BLACKS. The club still boasts a solid line-up with veteran Shane Samuels expected to fill the void along with goalkeeper Jason ‘Puzzle’ Hoyte.

Old Fort without the likes of the dynamic Aderemi Simon and skilful Jason De Santos will capitalise on its depth of quality to offer good opposition for the top spot.

Bounty GCC and Saints are also poised to topple the defending champs with their strong junior teams who competed well in the most recent competition.

Pizza Hut GCC have lost six players who have all been

called up for national duty but remain the solid favourites to win gold. The defending

- Panthers, Caribs to face off

After dropping the ‘upstarts’ Panthers 36 – 26 to pick up their first weekend, the Pepsi Hornets will be looking to ‘sting’ their way past the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) this weekend, as action continue in the Bounty Farm 15s tournament in the National Park.

Today, the Panthers will play Yamaha Caribs while on Sunday, Pepsi Hornets will collide with the GDF. Playing in the final 15s tournament on the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Calendar for 2017, the Hornets, buoyed by the return of the monstrous Kevin McKenzie who plays in Australia, brought the red-hot Panthers back to reality with the whipping.

Panthers came into the Bounty Farm 15s with back-to-back 7s titles, and had started their run in the game’s longer format with a 67 – 7 annihilation of the

Guyana Police Force (GPF) Falcons.

However, the presence of McKenzie, along with some of the country’s top ruggers, proved too much for the Panthers.

Kevin McKenzie Pepsi Hornets

McKenzie finished with two tries, while National Captain Ryan Gonsalves had a try, made good of three

Old Fort have been creeping up the ranks over the past

Fort’s Jason De Santos is challenged

by Bounty GCC’s Mark Sargeant

Hornets looking to ‘sting’ GDF for second win

By Rawle Toney

champions, who have not losted the competition in ten years,

conversations and scored a penalty. Rickford Cummings also had a try for the Hornets.

Godfrey Brooms, winger Osei McKenzie, Daniel Anderson and Jamal Angus scored a try each for the Panthers. Brooms scored three conversations.

The Yamaha Caribs will now be the focus for the young Panthers team, as they look to bounce back. The Caribs had forfeit their last game against the Falcons.

Meanwhile, the GDF team is anxious to get into action and would be even more excited to face the Hornets, especially after watching them ‘manners’ the Panthers.

Patrick King, Avery Corbin and Dwayne Schroeder – the top players for the GDF – will have a chance to empress rugby fans with their superiority and will continue their rich rivalry with the Hornets.

Game time is 16:00

will need to bring their A game to hold off the challenges of the new teams in contention.

eight years, led by Boshani Kaladeen and Tamala Glen.

They will pose a potent attack

that will be hard for opponents to handle.

The Bingo Spartans are eager to contest their second indoor tournament and are a fast-improving side while new entrants, SIDM, will take the floor in an effort to make the record books as the first debutants to hoist the trophy.

Defending veteran champions, GCC Vintage, are strong favourites for the over35 division while the Old Fort Warriors are expected to have the edge in the men’s 2nd division. Both divisions, however, promise to be competitive as no team has retained the trophy for more than two consecutive years.

Matches start on Monday September 25 from 17:00hrs and the finals will be contested on Saturday September 30. Men’s national selections, the BLACKS and the GREENS will play an exhibition match right before the final presentation.

Over 100 participants for National ‘Skipto My Lou’ Jump DIH, NSC, Minister Norton Rope Team Championship … Banks express optimism of success OVER 100 students, drawn from 50 primary and 50 secondary schools from eight districts around the country, will participate in the inaugural National Skip to My Lou - Jump Rope Team Cham-

The ‘Skip to My Lou’ Jump Rope competition originated in Linden and the realisation of the national tournament is a promise kept by Director of Sport Christopher Jones and the National Sports Com-

rules, each team will comprise five jumpers, who will be able to participate in Individual Freestyle, Individual Single Rope/Double Dutch Teams and Last Man Standing.

“Jump Rope (Skipping)

(L-R) Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Minister Dr George Norton, organiser Shavin Green, E-Governance representative, Coca Cola Brand Manager Jennifer Khan and Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters. (Adrian Narine photo)

pionship, which is set for Thursday, September 28, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall from 10:00hrs to 16:00hrs.

mission (NSC), as well the foundation sponsor Banks DIH under their Coca Cola brand.

AS per competition

is a physical activity that has experienced a great deal of growth in the school sys-

Turn to page 35

Commonwealth Games Federation focuses on See governance and page 39 partnership today

2017 Heritage Games open in Georgetown See page 36

Action during yesterday’s cricket match at the Heritage Games (Adrian Narine photo)

GuyanaNRA pays courtesy Windjammer aids local bodybuilder’s journey call on Minister of Sport See page 36

See page 37

From L-R Fullbore captain Mahendra Persaud stands with Minister of Sport Dr George Norton and GuyanaNRA Honorary Secretary Ryan Sampson.

Former Mr Guyana, Kerwin Clarke, collects his sponsorship cheque from Lucette Borune.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2017