Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-06-2018

SATURDAY 6th October, 2018

‘Mischief afoot’ 03 PAGE

– GECOM chair laments ploys to derail LGEs

Cash Jet pilot convicted for cocaine 09 smuggling PAGE

Licensed to carry No.105419

–– gov’t issues 139 gun licences to 12 Indigenous communities –– move comes after gun amnesty programme 02 PAGE

Some of the firearm licensees who purchased their weapons on spot Friday at Kamarang after being issued with their approval to bear arms (Leroy Smith photo)

Well-drilling commences

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Guyanese pilot Khamraj Lall

Licensed to carry

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

–– gov’t issues 139 gun licences to 12 Indigenous communities –– move comes after gun amnesty programme Story and Photos

by Leroy Smith THE Guyana Government, in an unprecedented move, on Friday issued 139 gun licenses to as

many residents of a total of 12 Indigenous communities in the Upper Mazaruni.

The gesture is in keeping with a promise made by the government to the residents of Paruima, Waramadong,

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan hands over an approval letter in their weapons during the amnesty period were given licence to bear arms

A section of the gathering at Kamarang on Friday morning where they were briefed on the process Kamarang/ Warawalker, Kako, Quebenang, Hawalla, Phillipai, Wayalayeag, Chinoweing, Way Creek, Ominaik and Imbaimadai that should they turn in their illegal weapons during the ‘gun amnesty’ of late 2015, they would be assisted in acquiring arms and ammunition the legal way.

According to officials of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, while residents of other Indigenous communities across the country did hand in illegal weapons during the period, it was the communities in the Upper Mazaruni who had the largest turnover of illegal arms and ammunition, numbering more than 200.

It was, however, pointed out during the process that not everyone who turned

and ammunition, as it was found during the background checks that they were not authorised to do so.

The government facilitated the purchasing of the weapons, and also wrote to the Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority asking for a waiver on the taxes on the guns.

The residents reportedly paid more than half the price they would have originally been asked to pay for the shotguns which were issued to them, had government just granted them approval to bear arms and ammunition.

Some of the persons who handed in their weapons back in 2015 were reissued them on Friday, but with the necessary legal documents to carry them. Those weapons were found to be serviceable

Police Lance Corporal Kuratas walks a female recipient through the paces of familiarisation with her brand new shotgun

at the time they were handed in, and as such they were serviced and handed back to their owners.

Minister of Public Affairs Dawn Hasting told the gathering of close to four hundred persons on Friday that she was asked by President David Granger to remind them that it was while he was at the very Kamarang Community Centre Ground that residents there called on the government to have a gun amnesty, as they felt that there were too many illegal arms and ammunitions in the hinterland locations.

“He says to wish you well, and to use your arms for your livelihood; not for anything else,” she said, adding: “He says to tell you not to point your weapons at your neighbours, but to use them for the sole purpose of providing for your families and the protection of your farms. So that is his message for you.”

The minister also reminded the residents that they could have been jailed for being holders of illegal arms, but that the government has taken a decision to give them that second chance.

RESTORE LAW AND ORDER Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs Sydney Allicock, in his address, pointed out that the amnesty period for illegal weapons and ammunition was a move by the government to restore law and order, as it allowed for better planning for communities, regions and the country at large.

He said that it was the government’s intention to have the licences delivered to the residents during the Heritage Month celebrations, but it was not possible given the technicalities and consultations with the other stakeholders, who had a part to play in the process.

Another setback, the minister said, was having to deal with those persons who were not registered and had to have the necessary source documents, such as birth certificates in some instances.

He then called on those residents who are now See page 7

‘Mischief afoot’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

–– GECOM chair laments deliberate ploys to stymie work of commission

By Lisa Hamilton

“THESE are troubling times for elections in Guyana,” Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) (ret’d) Justice James Patterson said on Friday, as he lamented court action taken by the opposition, which, if successful, could delay the holding of the polls.

President David Granger has already stated that LGEs will not be postponed. Patterson was at the time addressing the media at a press conference hosted at the commission’s headquarters, Kingston, where he stated that even at the last lap towards Local Government Elections (LGEs), several intentional obstacles are being placed in the path.

“The commission has been experiencing, at every turn, designs and machinations to stymie the operations coming into force [for the coming election]. Mischief is afoot, internal as well as external. I find that very troubling,” Patterson said.

While the chairman opted not to speak

Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) (ret’d) Justice James Patterson (Delano Williams photo) on the external efforts to stall the forthcoming elections, internally, he said that neither

commissioners nor staff are excluded from the plot. He stated further that oftentimes private discussions at meetings are disseminated almost immediately afterwards to outside persons.

The chairman also addressed the issue of racism.

He said that money remains the “source of all evil,” as Guyana’s pending oil wealth from its developing petroleum sector has given way to greed and greed to bad judgement.

“It is even more sad to see that the default position of our politicians seems to be to play the racial card. It seems too, that integrity has been put in a blind trust. It seems to be our politicians have retreated into ethno-political camps and that has got to stop if this country is to move forward,” Patterson said. He is still confident that the best days of Guyana are ahead and reminded the public that LGEs are critical to local democracy. “I feel sad to have to report to you that since my regime here, it seems to be that integrity has been put in a blind trust. Fortunately, I have a cadre

of operatives who don’t yield to that sort of description and they, as the saying goes, ‘hold my hand’,” Patterson said.

He warned: “So, anybody who wants to destabilise its work is tampering with democracy.”

Currently before the High Court is a challenge by GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick against the activation of seven new local government areas and the restructuring of 14 others. Also at the High Court is an appeal by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) executive secretary Zulfikar Mustapha on the basis that Patterson’s appointment was “unlawful, illegal, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect.” Although he noted that persons who are aggrieved should have access to the court, the GECOM chairman also warned against the use of the legal system as a “tool of destruction.”

November 12, 2018, has been set as the date for LGEs and the commission is currently working to ensure all criteria are in place for a smooth electoral process.

Ruling on GECOM chair appeal for next week

By Svetlana Marshall THE Court of Appeal will rule next week on whether the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission was constitutional. The decision will be handed down approximately one month ahead of the planned Local Government Elections.

Last June, the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire upheld President David Granger’s appointment of Justice (Ret’d) Patterson as Chairman of GECOM; however, the decision was appealed by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Secretary, Mustapha Zulfikar.

After two days of hearing arguments by Senior Counsel and Attorney General Basil Williams and his battery of lawyers, who are representing the interest of the state; and former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who appeared on behalf of Mustapha, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yon-

nette Cummings-Edwards, on Friday announced that the Appeal Court will hand down its decision next week.

The matter was heard Thursday and Friday before the acting chancellor, and Justices Dawn Gregory and Justice Rishi Persaud.

On Thursday, Barbadian Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne, in responding to written submissions made

by Nandlall that the decision by the chief justice (ag) is seriously flawed, argued that it was the former attorney general who has put forward a flawed argument.

“The question of acceptability under the constitution is no concern of the leader of the opposition. Under the constitution, the role of the leader of the opposition is to submit a list; that is his role under the constitution,” Thorne told the court, as he alluded to Article 161 (2) of the constitution.

That article states: “… the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a Court

having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth; or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court, or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit and proper person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the leader of the opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly.

“Provided that if the leader of the opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a Court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth; or a Court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such Court, or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.”

Thorne argued that there is nothing in the Constitution that mandates the President to appoint one of the six

persons provided in the list submitted by the Opposition Leader as he rubbished the Nandlall’s position that the proviso could only be activated if a list not provided.

“If the President finds that none of those persons is acceptable to him he may reject. He may exercise the discretion to reject,” the Barbadian Queen’s Counsel said.

He told the court too that under the constitution, there is only provision for a single list to be submitted by the opposition leader by the President. He said the decision to submit an additional two lists can be deemed as “extra-constitutional.”

The attorney general’s team also comprised Solicitor-General Kim Kyte-Thomas and Barbadian Queen’s Counsel, Hal Gollop.

As arguments continued on Friday, Nandlall argued that the provision of the six names by the leader of the opposition forms a critical part of the provisions within Article 161 (2).

“The President is not entitled to 100 choices, he is entitled to six, and he cannot randomly pick six; that six must come from a list emanating from the leader of the opposition. And the leader of the opposition also has limitations: he cannot put Tom, Jane and Harrilall on that list. He must put persons who are qualified to be judges or any other fit and proper person; and he is to determine where they are fit and proper, because he has to find them,” Nandlall argued.

He contended that Article 161 (2) is crafted the way it is to enable the President and oposition leader to arrive at a consensus which would produce a candidate that would enjoy the confidence of both sides.

The former attorney general maintained that the proviso could only be activated if the opposition leader had failed to furnish the President with a list, or had submitted a list that is manifestly absurd that amounts to nothing. Dubbing it the “magic formula,” he argued that the records would show that for-

mula as outlined in the article has worked.

“It worked and it produced Collins, it produced Hopkinson, it produced Doodnauth Singh, it produced Joe Singh, it produced Surujbally. All in a one-off process…one list was submitted, appointment made from that list,” Nandlall pointed out to the court.

Turning his attention to the issue of “reason” arising out of the arguments, Nandlall argued that the President did not give reasons for rejecting the third list submitted by the opposition leader, noting it is only logical to do so.

The chief justice (ag), in handing down her decision last June, said: “I hold that there is nothing before this court to permit a finding that the President acted unlawfully or irrationally in resorting to the proviso to article 161 (2) [of the constitution]; or to rebut the presumption that Justice Patterson is qualified to be appointed to the post of Chairman of GECOM.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Annandale woman wanted for cocaine in bauxite ship

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HE Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) has issued a wanted bulletin for Rosemary Singh aka Rose, in connection with the interception of the 81kg of cocaine found on a vessel in Canada last month.

In a release late Thursday night, CANU identified Rosemary Singh as a resident of Lot 123 Ramsingh Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara and 153 South Annandale, East Coast Demerara. The woman is also the proprietor of Rose Bar at Section C Enterprise.

CANU said the woman is

Wanted: Rosemary Singh aka Rose

wanted in connection to the interception of cocaine, which was found on a vessel in Canada on September 15, 2018. “Anyone knowing her whereabouts is kindly asked to make contact with CANU HQ – 227-3507, 226-0431,” CANU said in the release.

In a release on September 17, 2018, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said with support from the Canada Border Services Agency, it conducted a major drug seizure (suspected cocaine). It noted that 81 kilos were seized by CBSA at the Port of Valleyfield. The drug was

concealed in the hold of a vessel coming from Guyana.

In that release, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police disclosed that four persons were arrested, two of whom were charged with conspiracy to import drug for the purpose of trafficking. Those persons were identified as Roldan De Gorio Titom, 36, and Nazir Ahmad Hussain, 48. Based on investigations conducted by the Canadian authorities, investigation thus far has suggests that seized drugs were headed for the Toronto and Vancouver markets.

RUSAL seeks new shipping company amid U.S. sanctions

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Saturday, October 06, 2018

02:00 hrs

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AT U R A L R e sources Minister Raphael Trotman said though there is some degree of uncertainty surrounding the future operations of RUSAL and its subsidiary – the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc, there is a window of hope.

At the time he was briefing Cabinet on the impact of the U.S. Government- imposed sanctions on RUSAL. During his briefing on Tuesday, Minister Trotman told government ministers that there was no credibility to reports in the local media, which suggested that RUSAL intended to close operations; however, the fate of the company contracted to ship bauxite from Aroaima in the Upper Berbice River, Region 10, to the mouth of the Berbice River – Olendorff Carriers – remains a challenge;

14:30 hrs

that company has opted to abide by the sanctions, he explained. However, Minister Trotman told Cabinet that RUSAL is in the process of sourcing an alternative shipping company and thus far, a number of companies have signalled their interest.

While the date for imposition of the sanctions has been extended to November 12, 2018, from October 2, 2018, the natural resources minister admitted that there remains a degree of uncertainty. Nevertheless, he said, there was a window of hope that the situation would normalise. Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the task force set up to address industrial relations issues, in the light of U.S.-imposed sanctions on the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) – a subsidiary of Russian Aluminum Inc. (RUSAL),

is continuing its work.

No mention, however, was made of the interim report he reportedly received from the task force which he activated in April, shortly after the U.S. government imposed the sanction in response to Moscow’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, had headed the task force, but resigned shortly after the interim report was handed over to Minister Trotman. The task force, in that interim report, said if RUSAL is forced to close its operations here due to the sanctions, the workers should be given a similar payment package that was applied by LINMINE, BERMINE and OMAI, in the past. “Based on the decision of the companies to terminate their operations in Guyana, and

since they have benefited from concessions given to the mining sector, they pay a similar package that was applied in the case of LINMINE in 1993 and onward; BERMINE in 2002 and onward; and OMAI Gold Mines in 2004. This means that the minimum pay for each year of service shall be equivalent to six weeks for each year of service to the maximum of two years’ pay in benefits,” the task force recommended in its interim report, which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle.

According to the report, workers’ representation by the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and People’s United and General Workers Union (PU&GWU) at BCGI and Oldendorff Carriers, respectively, has been fraught with challenges. As such, a recommendation has been made for Compulsory Arbitration in keeping with the Labour Act. Minister Trotman had told this newspaper that he had no knowledge of an interim report submitted by the task force to him. General-Secretary of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), Lincoln Lewis, who was a member of the task force, told this newspaper that the government must do all in its power to safeguard the livelihoods of workers.

“It is not unlike this company (BCGI) to fold up, to close the plant, get rid of the workers and think about selling it or reopen at some other time,” Lewis had posited.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Duo found guilty Many private residences for polling stations-GECOM of attempted A murder/robbery with violence

- sentencing awaits probation reports

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HE joint trial for Marisco George and John Caesar came to an end on Friday, as a 12 member jury returned after hours of deliberation, with two proportional guilty verdicts for the accused.

The duo was facing charges of attempted murder, and in the alternative, robbery with violence, in that, on the first count, on July 4th 2009 in the county of Demerara, the two accused caused grievous bodily harm on Dhanwantee Phulchand with intent to murder her. And in the alternative, the same duo, on the aforementioned day, robbed Phulchand of GYD$572,000 in cash, one shirt and a lady’s purse and committed violence on Phulchand at the time of, immediately before or immediately after the robbery.

During the trial, State Prosecutor Abbigail Gibbs brought the victim herself to tell her story. In summary, both accused were known by the victim so they were easily identified by her on the ID parade. They entered her store that was located in the City Mall, under the pretext of coming in to buy. Whilst assisting with what they needed, Dhanwantee said she was attacked by Caesar and George assisted him. She was beaten mercilessly and robbed of the above mentioned items.

Dhanwantee said she is now left with a hole in her head, about six chop wounds and she is still affected by the injuries received from the attack.

In George’s case, the Jury came to an 11-1 and 10-2 guilty verdict, for attempted murder and robbery with violence, respectively. And for Caesar, two 11-1 guilty verdicts for both offences.

Justice Sandil Kissoon requested a probation report for both accused and the court will return on October 26th for the presentation of their reports by their counsels, after which, Justice Kissoon will hand down his sentence.

George is represented by attorney-at-law, Phillip Damien DaSilva and Caesar, by attorney-at-law, Brandon DeSantos.

MoE staffers receive trees as part of National Tree Day observances

NUMBER of private residences will be utilised as polling stations during this year’s Local Government Elections (LGEs), Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield has disclosed.

He said investigations will first be conducted to ascertain the level of political exposure of the owners of the residences.

Lowenfield made the disclosure at a news conference on Friday. “The reason for this is that constituency elections must be held in the constituency. Kaneville is a constituency, for instance; Kaneville has 1,500 or there about electors in the constituency [but] Kaneville doesn’t have a public building or public location. It means therefore, and if our limits of electors per polling stations stays at 400 or 450, we will have to find in Kanville private residences to be used as polling stations and not only for that constituency but for other constituencies where there are no public places for GECOM to use,” Lowenfield explained.

There have always been concerns about whether the owners of the private residences may have sympathy with a particular party but Lowenfield said that measures are being taken to address the concerns. “I’m aware that they’re [the Commissioners] doing their own investigations for determination as to whether this resident belongs to or is an active member of a party,” he said.

He also added that the use of private residences in some areas may very well result in increased expenditures on GECOM’s part.

Providing other updates, the CEO said that out of 596 constituencies countrywide, a total of 174 will be no-contest, meaning that only one party had submitted its list there on Nomination Day. Meanwhile, the number of electors intended for the 2018 elections based on GECOM’s official list of voters total 573,923, while polling stations are likely to total 1,684. Speaking about other materials required for the day, Lowenfield updated: “We have a team of commissioners putting together the ballots that are required for elections day. They should be returning shortly with our ballots and statements of polls and tally sheets etcetera.”

Also, GECOM will soon commence training of disciplined services ranks including police officers, army ranks and prison officers so that they can thoroughly grasp the process guiding their voting process. At the same time, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward stated that GECOM, by next week, will commence a public education programme focused on LGEs, which will also include a social media campaign.

The remaining dates leading up to the November 12, 2018 election day deadline are: October 11- deadlines for local observers to apply; October 21- closing date for appointment of election agents; November 2- notice of poll; November 5- closing date for application for appointment of proxy and November 5- closing date of cancellation of appointment of proxy.

Three charged in seawall cocaine bust

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HREE men, who were busted by CANU ranks with a quantity of cocaine, appeared on Friday before a city Magistrate where they were charged.

56-year-old Aundre Singh, 65-year-old Clifford Gouveia and 38-year-old Oneil Charan, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore and denied the charges which stated that on October 3,2018 at the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of the Kitty seawall, between Pere Street and Queen Street, the trio allegedly had 5.582 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking .

CANU Prosecutor, Konyo Standiford, objected to bail on all charges. She told the Court that the three men were under

surveillance for a while and provided statements to CANU investigators after they were nabbed with the cocaine during a handover.

However, Aundre Singh was slapped with three separate charges which allege that on October 3, 2018 at his home, at 779 Section B Block X Diamond Housing Scheme, he had 6.6 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

It was further alleged that on the same day, at the same location, Singh had one Taurus revolver with matching ammunition and one pistol with matching ammunition without being a licenced firearm holder at the time.

According to the facts, a search was carried out on the home of Singh by CANU

ranks and a further 6.6 grams of suspected cocaine, a large quantity of cash and the two above mentioned un-licenced weapons and ammunition were unearthed.

Singh was represented by Attorney Latchmie Rahamat, who told the court that her client was not found with any cocaine in his possession and in relation to the gun and ammunition charge, she added that her client is not the only occupant of the address mentioned in the charge and as such, she made an application for bail.

Charan who resides at Lot 47 Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was represented

by Attorney Bernard DaSilva, who also made an application for bail.

Cancer-afflicted Colombian imprisoned for illegal entry

A Principal Assistant Secretary (General), Mr. Kapildeo Loknauth hands over one of the plants to a MoE staff

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n observance of National Tree Day on Friday, the Ministry of Education (MoE) distributed plants to its staff members to foster cultivation at their homes and in their communities.

The distribution took place at the Ministry of Education’s 21Brickdam Office and was coordinated by Principal Assistant Secretary (General), Mr. Kapildeo Loknauth and Assistant Secretary (General), Ms. Patricia Stephen.

The variety of plants distributed included fruit trees such as lime, tangerine and gooseberry.

The initiative was conceptualised as a result of a request by the Ministry of Agriculture for the Education Ministry to participate in its Tree Planting initiative to mark Agriculture Month 2018 and National Tree Day. Additionally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Secretary-General in Guyana, Ms. Patrice La Fleur and staff held a tree-planting exercise at the La Bonne Intention Secondary School, East Coast Demerara and the East Ruimveldt Secondary School, in the city on Friday to also mark National Tree Day.

COLOMBIAN was on Friday sentenced to three months imprisonment for entering Guyana illegally.

40-year-old Aziel Sanchez appeared before Senior Magistrate, Fabayo Azore and denied the charge which alleged that on September 30, 2018, at Lethem, he entered Guyana by crossing a land frontier and

did not present himself to an immigration officer.

With the assistance of an interpreter, Sanchez told the court that he suffers from colon cancer. He also explained that he was a destitute in Brazil and Colombia.

Sanchez told the court that when he came to Guyana he was staying in the ‘bush’.

He was sentenced to three

months imprisonment by the magistrate and will be deported back to his country after serving his sentence.

According to the facts presented by CANU, Singh, along with passenger Charan, was the driver of a white Premio PSS8977 along the Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of the Kitty seawall, whilst Gouveia was the driver of PLL5213 along the same road behind Singh’s car when CANU Ranks intercepted the transfer of a box containing five suspected bricks of cocaine and beauty soaps between the said cars.

However bail was refused

by Magistrate Azore and the trio was remanded to prison.

The matter was adjourned to October 17, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Agriculture Month and food security

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HIS month has been designated Agriculture Month in Guyana and as the country has done in the last few years, the spotlight would be turned on the importance of agriculture to the country’s political economy. This year’s theme is, “Shaping Agriculture for a Green Economy” which evidently speaks to the government’s official developmental thrust. One can hardly argue against such a thrust, as it partly falls in line with the global direction of contemporary thinking about agriculture and economic development.

Agriculture however, is often centred on food security.

This is now the buzzword across the global community, which has become much more literate about the linkage between food and issues of development. No longer is this term and concept nestled in discourses among erudite agriculture scientists and armchair economists; it has correctly become part of popular discourse and thinking that cut across social class and other social divides. Here in Guyana, thanks mainly to young environmental activists and advocates, our governments have been forced to embrace it as both rhetoric and policy.

The World Food Programme (WFP) defines food security in the following way: “People are considered food secure when they have availability and adequate access at all times to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.” It also lists “Food availability “, “Food access” and Food utilisation” as pivotal, central planks of food security.

As we observe Agriculture Month and heed the designated theme, it is worth reflecting on the extent to which our country meets that test of food security. As a traditional agriculture-based society, we often take food availability for granted. This is understandable, given the relatively high production of food here compared to other countries across the globe. We are blessed with lots of land and water which are key ingredients for food production. Thus, despite a decline in some areas of production, we have ostensibly

continued to produce enough food for local consumption and trade.

But food production is only part of food security. Do Guyanese have adequate access to food and if they do, is that food nutritious enough to lead to proper health? It is in these latter areas that the government is challenged to make its theme real. Many in the poorer classes of our society would argue that adequate access to food is dependent on their financial capacity to access those foods. Given the relatively high rate of poverty that still exists in Guyana, it is fair to conclude that this must be an area of food security that should be targeted by government.

Those who produce the food we consume would also have something to say about food security. In a rapidly changing world where powerful governments subsidise agriculture in their countries, does our government do enough in that area? Does the government even have the financial capacity to adequately meet that challenge? These and other related questions must be pondered by the government, as it attempts to reshape our agricultural thrust to meet the demands of the new technological age.

We know of the negative impact of globalisation on small, local agriculture-based economies such as ours. It is now cheaper to import some foods into countries such as Guyana than to produce them locally. This has been a negative development for us as far as local farmers are concerned. How the government gets around this thorny issue is yet to be seen, but it is one that must be confronted. Cheap imported food has not improved access by poor communities, but it has sadly contributed to the utilisation of sub-standard food. Mass-production of food has severely hampered food security.

Of course, local food production would be enhanced by the expansion of manufacturing initiatives. This has been a troublesome area, as our entrepreneurs have not been as robust in their explorations of this sector; it is another area that cries out for adequate interrogation during Agriculture

Month.

The apparent hinterland thrust of the government is welcome. From all indications, there are vast acreages of land in the hinterland which could be used to produce both traditional and non-traditional foods. We have always talked about a hinterland agriculture thrust--the Burnham governments had made some strides in this regard in the 1960s and 1970s, but these were not sustained. It would help to study these experiments to ascertain what had worked and what didn’t.

We observe another Agriculture Month as we are in the midst of restructuring the sugar industry, which has been the bedrock of our agricultural sector. It is a painful process that is pregnant with history, hurt, nostalgia, ethnicity and party politics. Yet it is necessary. The government must be commended for confronting it head-on, risking political capital in the process.

We must confront agriculture, not just as economics and food production, but as culture. Many in the African-Guyanese community, for example, have advocated the return of the Village Economy which was essentially an agriculture-based economy. But they have had to confront the fact that the new generation does not have the same relationship to agriculture as previous ones. Most of the farmlands have been abandoned, while the limited farming that persists is hampered by poor infrastructure. Towards this end, a current government programme which targets selective countries, can be seen as a pilot programme that could tell us the extent to which agriculture could again capture the popular imagination.

Finally, as Guyana prepares to venture into the world of oil and gas, there is the temptation to downplay sectors such as agriculture. This would be a huge mistake.

We, therefore, should use the observances this month to drive home that critical point. Agriculture Month should ultimately be a time to also advocate for agriculture as a route to development, security and individual, community and national liberation.

Local content questions for Charles Ramson Dear Editor,

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HE October 3rd, 2018 Kaieteur online newspaper featured remarks by Mr. Charles Ramson on the topic of Local Content (LC). Ramson’s view is that Guyana’s economy could have been infused

by US $440 million dollars had the government enacted LC legislation. Ramson’s US $440 million number assumes local businesses would have captured 10% of a $4.4 billion Liza project spending. There is no premise on the 10%, seemingly plucked out of the air.

Below are questions for Mr. Ramson.

1.

Name a local company that can design a hull conversion of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), making it suitable for a Floating Production Storage and Offloading Unit (FPSO)?

2.

Name a local company that has the capacity to participate in the fabrication activities involved in VLCC hull conversion?

3.

Name a local company that can design the topside of a FPSO?

4.

Name a local company that can manufacture high-pressure pipe spools, pressure vessels, valves and instrumentation?

5. Name a local company that can assemble the topside of a FPSO? 6.

Name a local company that can commission and operate a FPSO? 7. Name a local company that can design subsea equipment (SURF)?

8.

Name a local company that can fabricate subsea equipment (SURF).

9. Name a local company that can install subsea equipment (SURF).

10. Name a local company that will drill 17 deepwater production and injection wells?

11. What services or products will local companies provide to the tune of US $440 million?

Questions 1-10 cover the major scope for the Liza project. There is no local company with capacity to be rewarded contracts for this specialised work. Local companies will provide services such as transportation, catering, security,

etc. It is false that opportunities are being lost capturing Liza project money because LC legislation is not in place. Correctly crafted LC legislation should be the focus. The government and operator should develop a plan with goals for local companies to build capacity, and for locals to be trained for jobs in the sector. Legislation dictating that the operator use businesses with poor standards and no track record must be avoided; the men and women working in the oil sector must have equipment and services of the highest standards. Their lives literally depend on it.

Pivoting to priorities, repeated discussions have centred on LC, production-sharing agreements, pre-contract costs, auditing the operator, etc. There is little discussion on the priority of improving and making robust 1 )the financial accountability systems and processes & 2) contracts and bidding processes, before what will be certainly increased infrastructural spending. Pradoville 2 corruption will be the tip of the iceberg if these systems are not strengthened.

Regards D. C. Daly

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CANU nabs three males GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

--with 5 bricks of suspected cocaine

T

HE Customs Ant i - N a rc o t i c U n i t (CANU) took three men into custody during a drug bust last Wednesday on the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of Kitty seawall between Pere and Queen Streets.

In a release late Thursday night, CANU identified the suspects as Aundre Singh of Block X Diamond Housing Scheme; Clifford Gouveia of Little Abary, East Coast Demerara; and Oneil Charan of Sandy Babb Street, Kitty.

The men reportedly had

in their possession 5.582 kilograms of cocaine, while another 6.6grams of cocaine was found at Singh’s home.

“Singh, with passenger Charan, was the driver of a white Premio PSS 8977 along Rupert Craig Highway in the vicinity of Kitty seawall, whilst Gouveia was the driver of PLL 5213 along the same road, behind Singh’s car when CANU ranks intercepted the transfer of a box containing five suspected bricks of cocaine and beauty soaps between the said cars,” CANU said in its release.

Singh’s Diamond home was subsequently searched, and it was then that the additional 6.6grams of what is suspected to be cocaine, a large quantity of cash, and the two unlicenced weapons and ammunition were unearthed.

Two motor cars, monies and two firearms (a Taurus revolver with matching ammunition and one pistol with matching ammunition) were found.

Both firearms and matching ammunition, CANU said, were found after the initial interdiction at a subsequent

search of Singh’s Premises at Diamond.

Clifford Gouveia

Licensed to... from page 2

legally qualified to carry arms and ammunition to be responsible in the use of their weapons, and ensure that there is proper storage and safeguarding of same in keeping with the conditions under which they were issued.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan said he was pleased to be part of the process to be delivering on yet another promise of the Coalition government; that he is partly to be blamed for the inconvenience Upper Mazaruni residents suffered when they had to turn in their weapons, but that it had to be done, as the government was also attempting to regularise the process of determining the amount of arms in the hinterland.

He, however, cautioned that it is expected of them to exercise the best of care and caution in the use of their firearms.

“I am urging, as security minister, that you appreciate that having a firearm under the laws of Guyana and also under the practices of good safekeeping and use of firearm makes it especially challenging; you must not feel, like some people who I know, when they have a firearm they put it down on the table with a bottle of rum and they start show off.

“No, no, no! You have to be responsible and disciplined; the person with it becomes more responsible to the community.

“If I start getting complaints that the people who have the licences and ap-

proval misbehaving silly and stupidly, I am going to revoke it; I am going to take it away.”

CARE AND ACCOUNTABILITY Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams, who was also present at the event on Friday, echoed the call by the minister that residents should ensure proper care and accountability for the weapons.

“Those firearms were ballistics-tested,” he said, “and if there is any aspect of its use, or the turning up

at a crime scene, the licence holder will have to answer.”

He also told them that there is no need to share or borrow rounds, and that they must safeguard their cartridges when going hunting, as persons can steal them and plant them at crime scenes.

He said that in the same way the Force had no quarrel with them when they carried illegal weapons, now that they are licensed holders, it does not expect to have to be dealing with any misuse of the weapons.

The bricks of suspected cocaine along with other items found on the suspects Oneil Charan

Aundre Singh

Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of Public Affairs, who represented the President, hands over an approval letter

Deputy Commissioner, Paul Williams presents an Indigenous resident with his firearm licence

The illegal weapons that were found

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Finance Minister meets high-level World Bank delegation

A HIGH-LEVEL mission from the World Bank is here in Guyana to conduct an assessment of the country ahead of the formulation of a country strategy.

On Friday, the delegation, which is probably the largest to ever visit Guyana from the international financial institution, met with Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. Shortly after exiting that meeting, Minister Jordan told reporters that the mission initiated discussions on the development of a country strategy.

“Their principle aim was to start the discussions leading to a country strategy. They haven’t done this for a very long time, in fact, this will be the first in a couple decades,” Minister Jordan said.

Ahead of the compilation of the strategy, a compre-

hensive assessment of the country’s economic, social, institution and regulatory frameworks is required.

“They are here to do a lot of that background work. So I had a preliminary discussion with them this morning on those. Quite informative discussion and these will continue during next week,” he disclosed.

The Sovereign Wealth Fund was among topics that came up for discussion when the high-level meeting was held. The finance minister explained that the Sovereign Wealth Fund Legislation forms part of the preconditions for the second tranche from the US$90M loan facility the World Bank has made available to the country for the next three years.

Last July, the government

received the first tranche in the sum of US$35M. The loan, which is a development policy credit, will provide financing on the basis of action which Guyana has already undertaken with regard to financial and fiscal stability; and under the conditionality that Guyana maintains an adequate macroeconomic policy framework.

The finance minister is optimistic that once the preconditions are met, by the first half of 2018, Guyana will be able to receive the second tranche. Zooming in on the pending Sovereign Wealth Fund, Minister Jordan disclosed that the World Bank officials were presented with the latest draft of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill.

“They raised a number of points before they saw the

draft, but based on the green paper, they were sure that a number of points that they raised are actually in the legislation. We then shared the legislation with them, they will go through it with our people and they will point to areas that they feel need further elaboration, strengthening or further definition,” Minister Jordan explained.

He said the ongoing consultation on the proposed legislation is in keeping with government’s thrust to have a piece of legislation that is strong and transparent. The legislation, he said, will be laid in the National Assembly within weeks. “We are on track with keeping our promise to have it in Parliament before the end of the year,” he posited.

The Green paper titled

“Managing Future Petroleum Revenues and Establishment of Fiscal Rule and a Sovereign Wealth Fund,” was presented to the National Assembly last August by Minister Jordan. The Green Paper is being issued by the government to present preliminary proposals to stimulate discussion as it details specific issues while pointing out possible courses of action in terms of policy and legislation.

Stabilisation, savings and domestic development are the key objectives of the fund and the fiscal rule options outlined in the ‘Green’ paper, Finance Minister had said when he laid the paper in the House.

Feedback on the ‘Green’ paper will inform the next stage, which is the

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan presentation of the SWF legislation to the National Assembly before the end of 2018.

UG Vice-Chancellor urges students to get involved in research –– as UG Press will facilitate publishing of their research and discoveries

THE University of Guyana Press (UGP) was established a year ago, succeeding the signing of a partnership agreement between the University of Guyana and Ian Randle Publishers, well known as the largest publisher in the English speaking Caribbean.

This agreement allows UGP to function as publisher of content produced by the University of Guyana.

As such the Vice Chancellor (VC), Professor Ivelaw Griffith is emphasising that students make full use of the opportunity of having their content published and

recognised. This will be done through his ongoing “Renaissance Project”. The Renaissance Project is part of phase one of the occasional online papers that UGP will be publishing.

Professor Griffith stated that the University of Guyana is certainly about teaching, but it is not about teaching alone.

“Any university that has a national mandate has to go beyond emphasis on teaching. It has to go with emphasising the importance of research and discovery. It has to emphasise of course, the importance of pushing the research and

discovery, in a way that it allows people to learn about what we research and learn about our discoveries. The only way to do that is to publish and so I am pushing as part of our University’s Renaissance,” he said.

He shared with students of the Turkeyen campus on Thursday, that when he was a student at UG in the 1970’s, UG was a place known as a research engine.

“UG was well known in the 70’s and 80’s as a place of research. Part of my renaissance project is to rebuild that respect, that credibility, that agency for research. We are pushing

the emphasis on research, not only by lecturers but by students. Get involved in research now,” he said.

He added: “sometimes you think you have one career goal, but when you get involved in research, you want to become more.

It’s amazing how much you can learn when you research. That will not only complement what you want to do as a career but it broadens your horizon on other fields. Find a way to not only be comfortable with doing your research but seeking other opportunities.”

Every year UG hosts

a Student Research Conference at Turkeyen and one at Tain. This year the parameter of disciplines was extended to include the arts. He believes that research is not only limited to Chemistry Physics, Mathematics and Engineering, but can be done in any field.

He said when students get involved in researching and making their own discoveries, UG Press will facilitate the publishing of their findings, to aid in the dissemination of knowledge to the universe.

“It’s important that we establish the mechanisms

that allow the research to be published, to be read, to be viewed and to be enjoyed by not only UG students or

by Guyanese but by others, wherever they are. We’ve had the first voting of the editorial board in Guyana.

The editorial board decided that the press will not only be in the business of producing books. The press will also be in the business of producing monographs, electronic occasional papers, scholarly journals, and other digital materials.

Things in which both lecturers and students can contribute in writing, to publish,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Many private residences for polling stations-GECOM A NUMBER of private residences will be utilised as polling stations during this year’s Local Government Elections (LGEs), Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield has disclosed.

He said investigations will first be conducted to ascertain the level of political exposure of the owners of the residences.

Lowenfield made the disclosure at a news conference on Friday. “The reason for this is that constituency elections must be held in the constituency. Kaneville is a constituency, for instance; Kaneville has 1,500 or there about electors in the constituency [but] Kaneville doesn’t have a public building or public location. It means therefore, and if our limits of electors per polling stations stays at 400 or 450, we will have to find in Kanville private residences to be used as polling stations and not only for that constituency but for other constituencies where there are no public places for GECOM to use,” Lowenfield explained.

There have always been concerns about whether the owners of the private residences may have sympathy with a particular party but Lowenfield said that measures are being taken to address the concerns. “I’m aware that they’re [the Commissioners] doing their own investigations for determination as to whether this resident belongs to or is an active member of a party,” he said.

He also added that the use of private residences in some areas may very well result in increased expenditures on GECOM’s part.

Providing other updates, the CEO said that out of 596 constituencies countrywide, a total of 174 will be no-contest, meaning that only one party had submitted its list there on Nomination Day. Meanwhile, the number of electors intended for the 2018 elections based on GECOM’s official list of voters total 573,923, while polling stations are likely to total 1,684.

Speaking about other materials required for the day, Lowenfield updated: “We have a team of commissioners putting together the ballots that are required for elections day.

They should be returning shortly with our ballots and statements of polls and tally sheets etcetera.”

Also, GECOM will soon commence training of disciplined services ranks including police officers, army ranks and prison officers so that they can thoroughly grasp the process guiding their voting process. At the same time, GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward stated that GECOM, by next week, will commence a public education programme focused on LGEs, which will also include a social media campaign.

The remaining dates leading up to the November 12, 2018 election day deadline are: October 11- deadlines for local observers to apply; October 21- closing date for appointment of election agents; November 2- notice of poll; November 5- closing date for application for appointment of proxy and November 5- closing date of cancellation of appointment of proxy.

AFC to host candidates confab today

THE youngest slate in Local Government Elections will be on full display today as Centre For Change will be invaded by hundreds of candidates as the party hosts its LGE Candidates Conference at its headquarters at Railway Embankment, Kitty, Georgetown, the Alliance For Change said.

The Candidates Conference will see Local Government Elections Constituency Candidates travelling from as far as Bartica, Corentyne, Kwakwani, Leguan and Linden as candidates from Regions Three, Four, Five,

Six, Seven and 10 will be in attendance. The party will host similar events in other regions on upcoming dates.

Candidates will be briefed on Local Government Elections rules and procedures and will receive a charge by Party Elder, Hon. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. Several candidates will deliver presentations in addition to presentations by party Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan, Vice Chair, Cathy Hughes and Campaign Director, David Patterson.

The event will also see the launch of campaign jingles and the LGE Edition of The

Key, the party’s newspaper.

“This event is designed to both energise and educate our candidates. We look forward to the legendary AFC camaraderie and energy tomorrow as the candidates swarm in from all over the country,” said Party Leader, Raphael Trotman. “ It has taken a considerable amount of planning and logistical work to put together this conference but all has gone smoothly and the final arrangements are being put in place for a successful event,” said Campaign Director, David Patterson.

Well-drilling commences; water discovered at first site THE well-drilling exercise in the South Rupununi, Upper Takutu - Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), which will see eight artesian wells being drilled in eight communities, has officially commenced and authorities are reporting the discovery of water at the first site in Karaudanawa.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, who was in the Region earlier this week, said personnel from the Brazilian Army’s 6th Battalion Engineering Corps conducted a test at Karaudanawa on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. The test, he said, showed a presence of water and drilling has since commenced at that location.

Artesian wells will be drilled in the villages

of Aishalton, Chukrikednau, Shea, Maruranawa, Awaruwaunau, Karaudanawa, Achiwib and Bashraidrun and will have a depth of approximately 80 metres or 250 feet deep. It is the intention of the Brazilian team to have the wells handed over to the Guyanese authorities on November 28, 2018.

The project follows President David Granger’s State visit to Brazil in December 2017, where the Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil for the Implementation of the Project Technologies to Reduce the Effects of the Drought in Region Nine was inked. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Cash Jet pilot convicted for cocaine smuggling GUYANESE pilot Khamraj Lall has been convicted for smuggling hundreds of kilos of cocaine in his private plane to South America and for his involvement in money laundering over a number of years.

Lall, 51, of Ringwood, smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from New Jersey and New York to Guyana on his privately-owned jet and then laundered the proceeds, U.S. Attorney, Craig Carpenito announced.

Lall, who owned a private jet charter business called Exec Jet Club in Gainesville, Florida, used the proceeds of his cocaine empire to purchase jet planes, houses, and cars, Carpenito said. He also paid

more than two million in cash to a Florida contractor to build an airplane hangar in Guyana. Lall made, or had others make, nearly 1,300 cash deposits totalling about $7.5 million into more than 20 different bank accounts, much of it in $20 bills. All the deposits were for less than $10,000 so Lall would avoid detection by authorities and circumvent bank reporting laws, Carpenito said.

In November 2014, Lall was flying one of his jets from the United States to Guyana and stopped in Puerto Rico to refuel. An outbound search of the plane discovered $470,000 in cash stuffed into a suitcase hidden in the plane’s tail and another $150,000 in cash hidden under a seat, authorities said.

Guyanese pilot Khamraj Lall Lall was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, structuring monetary instruments, and conspiracy to commit money laundering and structuring. The cocaine distribution charge carries a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $10 million fine.

The money laundering charges each carry a potential penalty of 20 years in prison. (reproduced from Patch.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Lindeners ‘sign’ their way to victory –– at third annual ‘Signing Bee’ contest

By Clestine Juan

THERE’S an old saying that says there’s no limit to learning, and this was proven so true on Wednesday when two students from the Linden Special Needs Centre dominated the Ministry of Education’s third annual “Signing Bee” competition.

The victors were Ulancy Emanuel, who’d won the competition before, and her schoolmate, Troy Scott.

The contest was held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), and saw students from, besides Linden, the David Rose, New Amsterdam and Diamond Special Needs Schools, and Harmony Secondary School in hot contention for the coveted prizes.

It was organised for students between the ages of 10 and 13 who are either deaf or hearing impaired, and required that participants spell words by way of sign language as they were presented to them in pictures.

The competition was staged in two categories, whereby Category One saw

SEN Officer, Savvie Hopkinson

‘Signing Bee’ champions Troy Scott and Ulancy Payne, both of Linden Linden’s Troy Scott placing and saw Satesh Rajkumar of first, followed by Abigail New Amsterdam and Tamar Jairam and Samuel Foo, both Clark of Diamond placing of New Amsterdam, in second second and third respectively. and third place respectively.

Speaking at the event was Category 2 was won by National Special Education Linden’s Ulancy Emanuel, Needs Officer, Savvie Hop-

kinson who noted that the competition is a way for students who are hearing-impaired to demonstrate their academic progress.

“It opens a window for those locked out of the universe of sound, but who live in a world of imagination and form mental images through the eyes of the mind,” Hopkinson noted.

She went on to explain that the purpose of the event is to stimulate the language faculty of students by expanding their vocabulary, and enhancing the

stock of words they possess so they can better apply them in their work and lives.

“The competition provides a platform for special schools to stage their educational quality, expand the capacity of the students to perform well in the curriculum, while having fun through a decentralising approach,” Hopkinson said, adding: “It also permits students in the Regions to compete and prove themselves against their counterparts in Georgetown.

“To us (at SEN), commitment to special needs education and sign language is more than a body of knowledge to be learned; rather, it is a social practice to be engaged and understood.”

Sign language, Hopkinson said, is crucial to the members of the deaf community, as it their only means through which their ideas, imagination, creativity and achievement flow out to the rest of society and among themselves as a selective group.

“This ‘Signing Bee’ competition is about vocabulary building, and the power of memory,” she said.

“It reminds us that persons with the disability of deafness also have communication needs. It provides for the req-

uisite education for a good life through the rich diversity of our culture, and contributes to the social development.”

In his opening remarks, Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson noted that the competition is a demonstration that there are no boundaries to learning.

He explained that the competition has become a signature event, in that it seeks to celebrate the competence of those with special educational needs, particularly in the area of the deaf.

Huston stressed that the Ministry of Education continues to work and remains committed in the area Special Education Needs with the construction the Regional Centre for Stimulating the Development of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

“There is now a centre designed to detect persons with issues at an early stage, so that we can make the necessary interventions to ensure that our children are captured early so they can move on with their lives as they receive the appropriate treatment,” he said.

Guyana well positioned

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

–– to take advantage of US multi-billion-dollar coconut water market

By Rabindra Rooplall

THE North American coconut water market, it is estimated, will be worth US$6 billion by 2020 and, with an abundance of land, Guyana is uniquely placed to take advantage of this boom, CEO of Pomeroon Trading, Duncan Turnbull said.

On a site visit Wednesday of the Stoll Estate in the Pomeroon River, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, in the company of Turnbull, British Member of Parliament (MP) David Lammy, Caribbean Agricultural Research & Development Institute (CARDI) representative, Dr. Cyril Roberts, along with other businessmen and investors, discussed the

much greater.

The minister noted that apart from the edible by-products, the coconut palm also provides a series of non-food by-products such as activated carbon, shell powder, fibre, charcoal, handicraft, furniture and roofing. It can also be a source of fuel for the rural areas and industries.

Minister Gaskin advised that there is an urgent need for intense research and commercialisation of the technology, so as to provide an additional source of income and to improve the economic status of the farmers and the country.

Dr. Roberts said within recent weeks, representatives of CARDI and other agencies and farmers have been collecting nuts and marketing healthy mother From left: Co-Founder Neil Passmore; CEO of Pomeroon Trading, Duncan Turnbull; Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin; and British Member of Parliament David Lammy during a discussion on the Charity Wharf before a tour of the Stoll Estate. (Rabindra Rooplall photo)

Minister Gaskin being informed about the potential of the coconut industry during a walkabout at Stoll Estate development and potential of the coconut industry.

“Guyana has coconut farming in its very fabric and the world’s biggest market is on our doorstep. Now is the time to diversify the Guyanese economy. Now is the time to solidify a position as the coconut water supplier to North America.

Now is the time to rally this industry into the giant it deserves to be,” Turnbull said.

The British businessman said major rehabilitation of the 700-acre Stoll Estate is ongoing and some of the changes will include building roads, digging drains, planting coconut trees and running intercrop pilot projects.

“As part of our commitment to improving the quality of genetic seedstock in the region, we have established a rapidly expanding coconut seedling nursery. Off the estate, in the community, we focused on projects in education and female empowerment,” he said.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin said the coconut industry is an old one, but with the injection of new ideas, pilot projects and new funding, the industry can become a major contributor to Guyana’s economy.

“When there is a processing facility, the operations will scale up and there would be need to attract more investors into the project to carry it to the level where it should be,” Minister Gaskin told the Guyana Chronicle.

He noted that the land which was dense vegetation a few years ago, has now been transformed into something

palms.

He explained that the nuts were placed in nurseries built by lead farmers (beneficiaries) with assistance from secondary farmers. It is expected that the secondary farmers will receive a percentage of good seedlings from the lead farmers.

The goal of this aspect of the project is to produce 5,000 coconut seedlings, after which, farmers will be able to continuously supply local demand for planting materials. Of the 10 demonstration nurseries that will be established, four are now operational.

Two of the four nurseries are located in Mahaica, one at Linden and the other at Buxton. Currently, each nursery has about 400 seedlings.

Dr. Roberts explained that once properly managed, these nurseries will be transformed into commercial entities.

Following a cost analysis, a price per seedling would be derived; however, the intention is to have farmers pay a fair, stable price per seedling. Many farmers find the present market price per seedling burdensome.

He explained that the establishment of these nurseries allows the beneficiaries to apply theoretical knowledge gained from several training exercises, such as integrated pest management, coconut husbandry and business and nursery management.

Further, it presents the opportunity for farmers to improve their livelihoods.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

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UG creates opportunities for students in the arts ––through logo competitions

THE University of Guyana Press (UGP) recently concluded a logo competition for which students were given the opportunity to showcase their artistic skills, and create a logo for UG Press.

The winners were on Thursday announced and awarded prizes for their skillful contribution.

The judges of the competition indicated that 60 entries were received. That number was trimmed down to 40 and the judges were deeply impressed with the work that the students produced.

Mr. Dwayne Hackett, speaking on behalf of the panel, said that some of the entries misunderstood the scope of the competition while some gave a broader academic perception. He stated that quite a number of the entries were outstanding in portraying the concept of UG Press.

However, Hackett said that no other entry matched the popularity of the winning entry. The first place award went to Hemendra Bhola. “His entry was the highest ranked amongst the judges. We were therefore in full agreement in declaring this entry the winner of the competition,” he said.

He added that Bhola’s design not only made use of the national colours of Guyana, but was also concise, and shows excellent comThe University of Guyana Press Logo position and thoughtful created by Hemendra Bhola conceptualisation.

Bhola is currently in New York and was unable to attend the prize giving ceremony, but Jamal Goodluck, a friend of his, spoke on his behalf.

Jamal shared that Bhola’s love for art and designing started in primary school and developed in secondary school.

He started winning competitions such as these, since he was in third form. Bhola was also recognised as the designer of the logo currently being used by the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana. He has extensive knowledge in all sorts of graphic designs, and though not an arts student, is grateful for the opportunity to showcase and be recognised for his additional skills.

The winner was awarded a trip to Kaieteur Falls, compliments of Evergreen Adventures and the second place winner was awarded a trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort, courtesy of Captain Gerry Gouveia, Roraima Airways.

The second place entry was a collaborative effort of three students, Jonathan Jacobus, Omari Joseph and Keston Keyes.

Speaking on behalf of the three, Jacobus expressed how happy they were for the platform to showcase their artistic skillset.

Vice Chancellor of UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, shared that many opportunities like these will be created for students. As a matter of fact, he said, the University is set to launch an Institute for Food and Nutrition Security on October 25 this year, and a logo competition will be held for same.

UGP was established in 2017, following the signing of a partnership agreement between the University of Guyana and Ian Randle Publishers, and serves as a medium for the dissemination of knowledge not only to students, but to every reachable individual.

UGP will be a publisher of books, monographs, scholarly journals, and digital materials from lectures and students of UG. The first book is expected to be published before the end of the year.

UG Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith (centre right) and Manager of UG Press, Danniebelle Mohabir (centre left), pose with winners and sponsors of the logo competition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

PAC partnering with Surinamese agencies to strengthen protected areas in Guiana Shield THE Protected Areas Commission of Guyana (PAC) is partnering with French Guiana Amazonian Park, the Ministry of Planning, Land and Forest Management and Ministry of Regional Development, Suriname on a project entitled, RENFORESAP “Strengthening the network of Protected Areas in the Guiana Shield and their contributions to sustainable development in respect of local cultures, values and lifestyles.”

This is according to a press release from the Department of Environment,

Ministry of the Presidency.

The three Guianas face common and sometimes interconnected threats to their biodiversity, and continue to grapple with issues around land allocation, mining, watershed management and indigenous rights issues. In facing these issues, each country has developed a suite of different, but potentially complementary, tools and approaches.

To this end, a project launch has been planned for October 1-3, 2018 in Paramaribo, Suriname.

This three-day event will bring together stakeholders from the three countries as

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and representatives from agencies in the Guiana Shield well as other global partners. will be launched on October Suriname. The RENFORE- Society and an internationThe official programme 1, with presentations and SAP Project will provide a al organisation working on speeches by Vice President unique opportunity for stake- Indigenous Peoples’ liveliand Minister of Indigenous holders to explore shared and hoods improvement.

Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Al- coordinated action between The implementation will licock, French Ambassador protected areas and forest- be coordinated alternatively to Suriname, Guyana and ed lands across the Guiana among Cayenne, Paramaribo CARICOM, Antoine Joly, Shield that can contribute to and Georgetown with the emand Minister of Regional the maintenance of this eco- ployment of a project manDevelopment of Suriname, system of global importance. ager, who will be posted in Edgar Dikan.

The project runs for three the three different countries On October 2, an incep- years, bringing together the alternatively. tion workshop will be held different managers of protectSeventy-five per cent of to discuss and deliberate ed areas in the region, as well the funding for the project on the proposed actions for as international organisations is provided by European implementation during the of nature conservation work- funds through the Europeproject cycle. The event will ing in the region such as, but an Regional Development conclude on October 3 with not limited to, Conservation Fund in the frame of the a field trip to the Mangrove International, WWF Guianas INTERREG - Amazonia Project at Weg naar Zee in and the Frankfurt Zoological Cooperation Programme.

Cancer Institute offering free screening, other services –– all month long in bid to push early detection WITH October designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cancer Institute of Guyana (CIG) is offering free screening, and encouraging women to take advantage of whatever other special offers they may have.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, CIG Director Syed Ghazi said “Early detection saves lives,” which is why he is urging those women who cannot afford the screening to take advantage of their free services.

“We are trying to do free mamograms and ultrasounds this month, depending on how much funding we have,” Syed said, adding: “Whatever funds we have, we will allocate them to screen women who cannot afford it.

Women in Guyana are

CIG’s Syed Ghazi and Fiona Legall really sacrificing; we’re try to help them.”

According to CIG General Manager, Fiona Legall, “The sad truth is that breast cancer knows no boundaries. Because of this, the CIG is very passionate about helping everyone learn about breast cancer, early detection, prevention, treatment and support.

“The battle against breast cancer cannot solely be the responsibility of the

government, nor should it be confined to healthcare professionals.

“The campaign against breast cancer needs to be brought right down to the ground level.”

Women desirous of cashing in on the offers can go to the Cancer Institute of Guyana located at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, close to the Lamaha Street entrance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

UK envoys working on strategy to strengthen relations in Caribbean

British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Mr. Tim Stew; British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Mr. Greg Quinn; Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl B. Greenidge; British High Commissioner to Barbados, H.E. Mrs. Janet Douglas; and Foreign Service Officer, Ms. Neishanta Benn

British High Commissioner to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, His Excellency Mr. Tim Stew; British High Commissioner to Guyana, H.E. Mr. Greg Quinn; British High Commissioner to Barbados, H.E. Mrs. Janet Douglas; and Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Carl B. Greenidge

BRITISH High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, accompanied by his counterparts to Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago respectively, Her Excellency Mrs. Janet Douglas and His Excellency Mr. Tim Stew, on Thursday called on Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge.

In a release, the ministry said the envoys are part of a team working on a regional strategy to increase focus on the Caribbean and to strengthen its relations with the United Kingdom. They discussed concerns related to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), disaster response and Brexit, among others. Moreover, the hgh commissioner assured Minister Greenidge that plans were in

place to protect UK-Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) relations as Brexit proceeded.

High Commissioner Douglas informed the foreign minister that close attention was being given to disaster management; in that regard, a coordination cell has been formed alongside the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), which is headquartered in Barbados, to execute unified responses to disasters.

High Commissioner Douglas is concurrently accredited Non-Resident High Commissioner to Dominica, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia and St. Kitts and Nevis.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

PNCR celebrates 61st Anniversary with flag-raising ceremony

THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), as it celebrates its 61st Anniversary, is proud to have restored local democracy to the country through the holding of regular Local Government Elections (LGEs).

These were the sentiments of President David Granger on Friday during a flag-raising ceremony on the lawns of Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Several top party leaders, some ministers of the government; mayors and members of municipal and regional councils were present. “Our party, consistent in its con-

The flag of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) is hoisted in celebration of its 61st anniversary (Delano Williams photo) Government Elections,” the President said in his feature

President David Granger speaks to the restoration of local democracy (Delano Williams photo) stitution and its principles restored Local Government Elections on the 18th of March 2016, only 10 months after entering office and 22 years after the People’s Progressive Party administration failed to conduct Local

remarks. He later asserted: “We shall return to the polls on the 12th of November, 2018.”

In his speech, President Granger noted the establishment of four new towns: Lethem, Mabaruma, Bartica

and Mahdia and the increase in the number of Neighbourhood Democratic Councils.

This, he stated, is a stark contrast from the practice of the previous administration which implemented “obnoxious interim management committees.”

“Comrades, we recall how former PPP Local Government minister employed the haughty and high-handed approach by removing Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and Municipalities and set up interim management committees without even bothering to consult the local residents. “Citizens all over this country…protested against the handpicked, PPP-installed interim management committees. We agreed IMC is history. Our party is proud to end the denial of citizens’ rights to elect their own local and municipal leaders. Our party is proud to have restored local government democracy to Guyana,” he said.

He highlighted, too, the

establishment of the Local Government Commission and the convening of the Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) conference as proof of the government’s commitment to regulating and reinforcing local democracy. These, he added, would also ensure collective discussions among leaders on how their communities can be improved.

“Today, our party celebrates its 61st Anniversary with a sense of satisfaction; satisfaction with the success of its efforts to make Guyana a better place for everyone.

As we go forward into Local Government Elections, let us take this spirit of struggle to ensure that there is victory

of the party and for placing their trust in her to improve upon past accomplishments.

She referred to the 20th Biennial Congress and the National Congress of Women Congress held last August as affirmation of the readiness of members to uphold the parties founding ideals.

“Comrades, today we have yet another golden opportunity to stop and take stock, each and every one of us, to consolidate that pledge we all unanimously made to intensify our efforts to strengthen the party’s membership and to reinforce the vision of the good life for all Guyanese,” Lawrence said.

She also urged members

the party’s second biennial congress held on August 19, 1977, our founder/leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham spoke to the PNC members on consolidating the party’s base by bringing together other sections of the working class, including groups and smaller political parties on board in order to achieve national unity.

Today, comrades, our party can lay claim to fulfilling that promise since we are partners in the coalition government with a vision of eventually forging national unity,” she stated. Lawrence further urged leaders to reach out to people in all regions of the country

Members of the audience on the lawns of Congress Place on Friday (Delano Williams photo) not only for the party, but also for the partnership and most of all for the citizens of Guyana,” he stated.

Meanwhile, during her remarks, Chairperson Volda Lawrence thanked PNCR members for contributing to the service and development

to reflect on the legacy of the PNCR’s late founding member and executive President of Guyana, Linden Forbes Burnham, who made numerous sacrifices to ensure betterment for all citizens today.

“Some 41 years ago, at

and in the diaspora and the future will present itself as better and brighter. During the ceremony, musical interludes came from the Guyana Police Band while closing remarks were made

by PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally.

GPF reintroduces traffic ed for safer roads

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department recently reintroduced its traffic education unit, with the aim of restoring safer and better road practices.

The re-launching took place on September 13, 2018 and was spearheaded by the Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles along with Deputy Superintendent, Dennis Stephen, Inspector Raun Clarke, Corporal Kenny Bishop and several ranks of the traffic unit.

The reintroduction of the programme is for all categories of road users and as a result, visits were made to several schools where pupils were informed of

safety practices when using the roads.

During the visit by the police traffic team, schoolchildren were reminded of the importance of applying the curb drill when using pedestrian crossings, the wearing of light-coloured clothing at nights and observing the traffic signs, which were just a few highlights of the lectures given at the schools.

The Traffic Education Unit intends to have ranks conduct “on air” radio programmes on NCN Radio 560am from Monday – Saturday at 6.30am, when the public would be allowed to share their views and become more aware of road safety.

Standing fourth from the right is Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles, third from the right Deputy Superintendent Dennis Stephen, second from the left Inspector Raun Clarke, Corporal Kenny Bishop and other ranks from the department.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Guyana’s forests score lower deforestation rates for 2017 - GFC

THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), in outlining key areas of advancement, reported on Friday that in 2017 they recorded the lowest deforestation rate in Guyana.

This was disclosed during a press briefing on Friday morning in observance of National Tree Day in which the GFC reported on their advancements within the forest sector, including national deforestation assessment, forest restoration efforts and forest legality.

Head of Planning and Development Division, Pradeepa Bholanath, said the GFC has completed mapping of year

for the year 2017.

CLIMATE CHANGE GFC Forest Monitoring Division Deputy Commissioner, Gavin Agard, told the press conference that over the past 10 years from 2009 to 2018, there have been several developments in the area of climate change mitigation with a focus on key areas of REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

He stated that over this time, the Monitoring Reporting and Verification System (of forest) underwent Phase

whereby progress continued in REDD+ development over the past two years. REDD+ includes an overarching umbrella of areas - technical monitoring aspects, as well as REDD+ policy, and programmatic implementation, directed towards the support of continued low rates of deforestation and forest degradation, conservation and sustainable management.

FOREST LAND ALLOCATION Bholanath disclosed that there has been a national review of forest areas allocated GFC Head of Planning and Development Division, Pradeepa Bholanath speaking at the press briefing on Friday.

Ministry of Natural Resources representative, Beverly Alert, Chairperson of the GFC Board of Directors, Joycelyn Dow and GFC Pradeepa Bholanath at the press conference on National Tree Day. (Delano Williams photos) 2017, forest change from deforestation drivers.

She related that the assessment is part of the national programme of Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) that Guyana started in 2010 with support from the Norwegian Government and which forms part of the Guyana Norway Partnership on climate and forests.

In giving statistics, she said results for year 2017 deforestation assessment show a continuing reduction on the rate of deforestation or loss of forest.

Bholanath added that the rate of deforestation for year 2017 is 0.048 per cent, which is a reduction from the year 2016 which concluded on a deforestation rate of 0.05 per cent and mapping of forest degradation is being finalised

one of its development which saw the completion of historic assessment of forest cover from 1990 to 2009, followed by five annual assessments for 2010 to 2014, and additionally, there were several developments at the natural resources sector level in various aspects including the passage of a new Forest Act and the revision of the National Forest Policy and Plan 2018.

Agard said a second phase of the MRVS was launched and the first assessment completed under this for the period 2015 and 2016, showing the lowest deforestation rate for the annual periods monitored from 2010 to 2016. Recent updates from Year 2017 also point to a similarly low level of deforestation.

He added that this momentum was maintained over the period 2015 to 2017

as forest concessions.

She stated that the review has concluded in areas being repossessed or not renewed to an extent of close to two million hectares, moving the total allocated state forest from six million hectares to four million hectares. All areas below the fourth parallel previously issued as State Forest Concessions, have reverted to the state.

INDEPENDENT FOREST MONITORING She pointed out that the GFC, with support from Norway, has continued the national level assessment programme of forest legality in Guyana and this has seen the conclusion of the assessment for year 2016 and 2017

completed and made public.

Bholanath added that this programme is set to continue with the next assessment which will be for year 2018; this will be completed by March 2019.

Meanwhile, European Union Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (Forest Legality Accreditation Programme), the FLEGT VPA seeks to establish a Trade Agreement between Guyana and the EU for agreed timber products.

Once signed, the VPA becomes binding on both parties.

The VPA is built on the national legislation in the partner country.

Since its formal commencement in 2012, the VPA process has been led by a multi-stakeholder, National Technical Working Group (NTWG).

Speaking on forest regulations, Secretary to the GFC Board of Directors, attorney-at-law Jacey Archibald, said that they have finally completed the regulatory framework adding that with the passage of the legislation in Parliament in May/June this year gives them stronger basis for enforcement.

He reported that the GFC has filed seven law suits in the courts totaling $90M against Chinese company Bai Shan Lin in their forest land concession matters.

Prosecutor favours bail –– but on certain conditions A 21-year-old man was on Thursday remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on an attempt-murder charge.

It is alleged that on September 24, 2018 at Stevedore Street, North Ruimveldt, Narish Samaroo caused grievous

bodily harm to Shane Cooper with intent to murder him.

The welder, who resides at James Street Albouystown, has denied the charge and retained the services of Attorney-at-Law Latchmie Rahamat.

And while her applica-

tion for bail, on the grounds that her client was kept in police custody long past the mandatory 72 hours, was not denied, the prosecutor, Inspector Shallon Daniels asked that there be certain conditions attached to it.

According to the police, the virtual complainant was plying his trade in North Ruimveldt when three males,

one of whom happened to be the accused, sidled up to him, demanded that he hand over all his jewellery, and when he refused and sought to take cover, shot him in the leg and back.

The magistrate, taking all the foregoing into account, refused bail and remanded the accused to prison until October 17.

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Demtoco signals intention to comply with Tobacco Control Act.

NEW Managing Director of Demerara Tobacco Limited (Demtoco), Jamaican-born, Christopher Brown, says he intends to ensure that the company is legally compliant with the recently established Tobacco Control Act. Brown told a reception on Wednesday evening at a cocktail event hosted at the Marriott Hotel that the company is actively working towards meeting the February 25, 2019 deadline by which all stakeholders in the industry should become compliant.

The legislation aims to protect both present and future generations from the harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. Among the main provisions of the Act is ensuring 100 per cent smoke-free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation, and specified indoor spaces to protect persons from exposure to tobacco smoke.

The Act also mandates that health warnings be featured on 60 per cent of the packaging for tobacco products while there will be a ban on all forms of advertising, sponsorship and promotion of tobacco products among other guidelines.

“We have received those regulations and we have prepared all the requisite labeling and packaging arrangements going from those regulations that need now to be placed on our pack. That aspect of the regulation doesn’t come into effect until February of 2019 so we are now in the process of producing, transforming and getting our packs to be compliant with those new regulatory requirements,” Brown stated.

He also added that Demtoco has already begun working with its stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition in the near future.

“We have already sensitised the customers, our retailers and wholesalers of how the new packs are going to look in terms of the graphic, pictorial and health images that will be on them and other matters that were changed,” the Managing Director said, adding: “They have some concerns and they have questions and that is why we have had sessions with them to educate them and to advise them and to hear their questions.

Where we ourselves cannot answer, we have our legal counsel both locally and globally who helps us to walk through those issues.”

However, the company still faces its share of challenges which Brown detailed, relates to rouge brands on the market. “What has been challenging, however, is the increase that we have noticed in products that are not complying with the respective labeling and packaging tax stamps regime that has been rolled out in the country.

“We find that there are other brands from other jurisdictions that are seeping into Guyana that are not playing on the level playing field as it relates to complying with the laws of Guyana.”

Brown added that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is aware of the issues and has met with the company on several occasions as they work towards addressing the issues.

Questioned whether the pending removal custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana in Guyana would present competition to the company, Brown stated: “That is not an issue that I would want to be concerned with at this time. I believe that’s an issue that the government is reviewing and when they have made that decision then we will understand the direction that we are going in.”

Brown replaces former Demtoco Managing Director, Maurlain Kirton and during his remarks to the gathering, promised to govern fairly, the local industry in Guyana.

“We are big on compliance, we are big on respecting and adhering to the law and we are big on supporting fair competition, reasonable business practices and as a major contributor of government revenues and taxes, we believe in equity and a level playing field across the industry,” he stated.

Demtoco is charged with providing marketing support to the British American Tobacco Group brands sold in Guyana. The Company was established in Guyana in 1934 and became a public entity in 1960, offering shares for local investors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

GBTI repositions to help clients cash in –– when oil-and-gas sector takes off

THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) has launched a new project aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, supporting underprivileged communities and enabling the corporate community to thrive in the impending oil-and-gas sector.

The project is tagged ‘We see Guyana through your eyes’, and the bank kick-started this repositioning with a staff rally at the Marriott Hotel last Saturday.

According to a company release issued Thursday: “Much more than just a new tagline, ‘We see Guyana

through your eyes’ therefore expresses GBTI’s commitment to its series of social initiatives created to provide much-needed support in a number of unique ways, from entrepreneurial workshops to specialised support for underprivileged communities across the length and breadth

GBTI staff celebrating the launch of their new project on Saturday at the Marriott Hotel of Guyana.

“Added to this will be the bank’s tradition of support to the corporate community through a range of new, innovative bank products and services consistent with the nation’s rapid development path and emergence as a major oil-and-gas industry player.”

The bank further emphasised that this project and its rich history of over 180 years are testimony to its promise to aid in the development of Guyana, and the delivery of excellent customer service countrywide.

“At all levels and in so many ways, GBTI’s philosophy of ‘Seeing Guyana

through your eyes’ is evolving in tangible ways that will benefit the development of our people and our nation,” the Bank said.

And while in celebration mode, the bank seized the opportunity to launch a Christmas Loan Promotion which will give customers who qualify for any loan of $250,000 and more the chance to win trips to Trinidad, local tourism destinations or a stay at the Marriott Hotel.

The fabulous prizes come along with a VISA Credit Card, while the promotion runs from October to December 31, 2018 and is being facilitated at GBTI branches

all across the country.

In closing, the bank said of its Christmas promotion, “At GBTI, we understand the needs of our Guyanese people, and we know that every Guyanese loves to enjoy a good Guyanese Christmas.

“Hence our Christmas Loan offer is designed not only to ensure that our customers and potential customers have a good Guyanese Christmas, but to do so in style.

“So whether you want to spruce up your home, buy a new home, car or special gifts for your loved ones for the holidays, GBTI is here to make it easy for you to do so.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

FFTP ‘chips in’ for Agriculture Month FOOD For The Poor (FFTP) has donated agricultural supplies to agricultural groups as they seek to promote diversification during Agriculture Month.

According to Senior Project Manager, Andrea Benjamin, “FFTP has been supporting the agricultural sector in Guyana for a number of years and [this year] we have patterned our support in recognition of diversification.”

With this agenda, the organisation reached out to smaller farming groups and six were beneficiaries: five from Region Three and one from Region Four. The Guyana Apicultural Society also received supplies as part of the push to foster diversification in the agricultural industry.

“We want farmers to start looking at alternative sources of income other than cash crop cultivation [and] we’re also looking at mechanisation, equipping farmers with the necessary equipment so that they can make farming easier,” Benjamin explained.

Cognisant that farming is always considered a very labourious activity,

the organisation actively sought to donate equipment that were more mechanical in nature so that farmers would be able to make their work easier and production would be boosted.

“In terms of alleviating poverty, agriculture is very important,” Benjamin also noted while adding that poverty reduction is a mandate of the FFTP, and as such, the organisation will continue to support the agricultural sector.

Representative from Region Three, Jermaine Davids, said the good gesture will help farmers to alleviate whatever hardship they are going through.

And since the dry season will be coming soon, Davids said he is appreciative of anything that will make work easier.

Vice-Chairman of the Guyana Apicultural Society, Linden Stewart, also expressed gratitude for the donation.

“It came in a very timely manner because this is the season where the honey flow starts and many beekeepers would have been looking to borrow extractors from other beekeepers.”

Thirst for gold lands Grove man in jail A VENDOR was on Thursday remanded to prison after he appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman on a robbery-under-arms charge.

The charge alleges that on September 29, 2018 at the Black-and-White Bridge in Tucville and while being armed with knife Bernard Farley robbed Wayne Bricks of four gold chains valued $664,0000, eight gold rings valued $600,000 and one gold band valued $250,000.

The 31-year-old, who resides at Grove, East Bank Demerara, denied the charge, and eagerly look forward to being granted bail, as, according to his attorney, George Thomas, he does not pose a flight risk since he has been rather cooperative with the police.

But while police prosecutor, Inspector Shallon Daniels had no objection to bail, he asked that the sum be substantial.

However, Magistrate Latchman thought better of it, and decided Farley was better off in prison, until he made his next appearance on October 10.

Farmers and beekeepers receiving agricultural supplies from Food For The Poor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Louis’ fire quenched by rain

(CMC) – LEEWARDS Islands Hurricanes fast-bowler Jeremiah Louis ripped through Barbados Pride’s batting order with a five-wicket haul, but his efforts were in vain as persistent rains resulted in their Group B encounter in the Regional Super50 at Kensington Oval ending in a no-result on Thursday.

Louis captured five wickets for just 33 runs from his eight overs to help restrict the Pride to 181 for nine from their 50 overs.

However, the Hurricanes’ run chase was first delayed due to a mechanical failure of one of the lights, and then after just 8.5 overs were bowled, heavy rains came to end the contest with the score on 37 for one, chasing a revised target of 140 from 29 overs.

It was a disappointing

Jeremiah Louis was the main destroyer, claiming five wickets.

result for the visitors, who would have fancied their chances of victory after bundling out the home side cheaply.

It didn’t take long for Louis to make inroads into Pride’s batting as he accounted for the early wickets of openers Shayne Moseley for one and Leniko Boucher for 12, to leave the score 20-2.

And following the dismissal of Jonathan Carter shortly after, Louis struck again by removing Justin Greaves as Pride stumbled to 28 for four.

Captain Shamarh Brooks then joined forces with Kevin Stoute and together they pulled their side out of trouble during a fifth-wicket partnership of 83.

But shortly after reaching his half-century, Brooks became Rahkeem Cornwall’s second victim to be out

WI in trouble!

94-6 replying to India’s 649-9 declared

(CMC) – WEST Indies suffered a now familiar batting collapse after India captain Virat Kohli struck his 24th Test hundred and Ravindra Jadeja his first, as the Caribbean side left themselves with an enormous task of saving the opening Test after only the second day here yesterday.

The right-handed Kohli stroked a high-quality 139 to add to 18-year-old opener Prithvi Shaw’s 134 from Thursday’s opening day, an innings which helped power the hosts to 649 for nine declared – their highest-ever total against West Indies.

Jadeja hit exactly 100 not out while wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant missed out on three figures with 92, as West Indies bowlers toiled without much success on a chastening day at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo picked up a four-wicket haul but leaked 217 runs from a marathon 54-over spell while debutant fast bowler Sherman Lewis ended with two for 93.

Left with the final session to navigate, West Indies made a mess of their reply, crashing to 94 for six at the close, as seamer Mohammed Shami (2-11) made key strikes to put in train the visitors’ demise.

Only right-hander Roston Chase, unbeaten on 27, showed any enterprise as wickets tumbled around him, leaving the Windies still trailing by a mammoth 555 runs heading into today’s third day.

Needing a solid performance after being kept in the field for the first two sessions, West Indies experienced a nightmare start when captain Kraigg Brathwaite’s (2) off-stump was sent cartwheeling by Mohammed Shami in the third over, after the right-hander was late on a defensive jab.

Kieran Powell followed for one in Mohammed Shami’s next over, lbw playing across a full-length delivery, as the Windies slipped further at seven for two in the fifth over.

Shai Hope struck a couple of lovely punches down the ground for boundaries but he played down the wrong line to one from off-spinner Ravi Ashwin and was bowled for 10 at 21 for three, and exciting left-hander Shimron Hetmyer was tragically runout for 10 in the 12th over after he and Sunil Ambris (12) found themselves stranded in the same crease.

Ambris, back in the squad for the first time in 10 months,

lasted just 20 balls before edging an extravagant drive at left-arm spinner Jadeja to Ajinkya Rahane at slip.

Chase, batting at number six, then attempted to halt the slide in a 25-run, sixth-wicket stand with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich (10) – the best stand of the innings so far.

Showing a penchant for counter-attack, Chase struck four fours – mostly lofted hits down the ground – in a breezy 38-ball knock while Dowrich was more watchful in his 35-ball innings.

But with the day drifting towards a close, Dowrich was lured into an injudicious drive at left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav and was bowled, with the ball clipping the top of off-stump.

Tail-ender Keemo Paul, in only his second Test, bludgeoned a four and a six in an unbeaten 13 to see West Indies to the close.

India had earlier turned the screws on the Windies after resuming the day on 364 for four, with Kohli becoming the second fastest batsman in history to reach 24 Test hundreds, after the iconic Sir Don Bradman.

All told, the right-hander faced 230 balls and counted 10 fours, posting his fourth triple figure score this year and moving into fourth place on the all-time list of India century-makers.

Significantly, he extended his fifth-wicket stand with Pant to 133, helping to put India in total command at lunch on 506 for five.

Pant, a 21-year-old left-hander in only his fourth Test, played with gay abandon, striking eight fours and four sixes off a mere 84 balls, before perishing about 45 minutes before the interval.

Kohli, unbeaten overnight on 72, reached his landmark inside the second hour with a boundary to fine leg off Bishoo, and reached the break on 120.

He had extended his sixth-wicket stand with Jadeja to 64 when he departed in the sixth over after the resumption, clipping Lewis to Bishoo at mid-on.

West Indies then enjoyed their best period, claiming three wickets for 37 runs as India stumbled at 571 for eight. However, any hopes of quickly wrapping up the innings were dashed by Jadeja who belted five fours and sixes in a 132-ball innings, to frustrate the Windies.

He put on 55 for the ninth wicket with Umesh Yadav (22) before the declaration came at tea.

for 53. He faced 86 balls and struck three boundaries during his 110-minute stay at the crease.

Stoute then found another partner in Shamar Springer, with the two adding a further 58 runs, before Springer, who made 25, became Louis’ fourth victim.

Fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell was reintroduced into the attack and he responded by clean-bowling Stoute for the top score of 66, to leave the hosts 173 for seven.

Stoute’s patient innings lasted balls and contained

two fours and one six.

Louis then claimed his final wicket by bowling Sulieman Benn, as Pride held on to bat through their allotted overs.

Chasing their revised total, Hurricanes were frustrated firstly by the lengthy delay due to the malfunctioning lights then the weather.

When their innings finally got underway, they lost Montcin Hodge for 15 off the bowling of Marquino Mindley, before the rains came down to bring a halt to the proceedings.

DCC, GCC clash in NBS final today THE Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) will be hoping that home comfort could give them the edge when they face an upbeat Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) unit in today’s Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA)-sponsored New Building Society second division 40-over final.

Both teams are high in confidence, and at yesterday’s pre-match press conference, held at DCC, the Home of Legends, both captains were upbeat for today’s game.

DCC captain Lawrence Smith said while his opponents are a competitive unit, his team are ready for the challenge.

“We know what we need to do as a group, so hopefully this gives us another opportunity for a win. Everyone is looking forward to it; we will be focused on the job at hand, and try to dominate right from the start.

On the other hand, GCC’s Ronaldo Alimohamed accepted the fact that the game will be a real test for both teams.

The Guyana Jaguars Super50 2018 standby player is of the opinion that once his team play as a unit, they can come out champions.

Today’s game starts at 10:30hrs and the presentation ceremony follows immediately after the conclusion of the game.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday October 6, 2018)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) Courtney Walsh-519 wickets (2) Anil Kumble-619 wickets (1)

(2)

Today’s Quiz:

What is the highest score made by a WI wicketkeeper in a Test against India?

What is the highest score made by an Indian wicketkeeper in a Test against the WI? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Blairmont CC clash in U-21 final TWO of the top junior cricket clubs in Berbice will clash today at the Port Mourant Cricket ground in the final of the Elizabeth Styles Under-21

Kevin Sinclair

cricket tournament.

The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets team appear stronger on paper but cricket matches are normally won by the team who play better on the day.

National Under-19 players Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair and Kevlon Anderson are geared to spearhead a strong Rose Hall Town batting order. It is expected that they will receive support from all-rounders Keith Simpson, Chanderpaul Govindan, Mahendra Gopilall, Tyrese Sealey and the highly talented Jonathan Rampersaud.

The Rose Hall Town Gizmos & Gadgets bowling will be spearheaded by pacer Sylus Tyndall and Anderson while spinners Kevin

Sinclair, Rampersaud, Sealey, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson and Jeremy Sandia will offer a lot of support.

Blairmont Community Centre, as they have proved on a number of occasions, are no easy walkover. However, a lot will depend on skipper Javed Karim, but they have a number of capable all-rounders who can change the course of any game.

A lot will surely rest on the shoulders of Marvin Prashad, Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Fawaz Gafoor and Wazim Ishan.

The winners of the tournament will pocket $70 000 and a trophy, the runners-up $35 000 and trophy while the man-of-the-final will take a cash prize and tro-

phy.

Bissoondyal Singh, representative of Elizabeth Styles, is expected to hand over the prizes after the game.

Meanwhile, the company will also be sponsoring two 50-over Under-15 trial matches, as part of the BCB’s early preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board Inter-County tournament for 2019.

The BCB will also host the 2019 Mike’s Pharmacy Under-15 tournament. A squad of 26 will be shortlisted after the completion of three rounds of matches.

The selectors will then select the Berbice team ear-

Sixteen more matches on today SIXTEEN more matches are on today as COURTS Pee Wee football tournament gets going at the Ministry of Education ground.

The tournament, which is also being sponsored by Banks DIH, through its Malta Supreme and Rainforest Waters brand, is into match day two.

In the first game, Sophia will play Mae’s on pitch one with St Stephen’s and Winfer Gardens playing on pitch two. Both games are set for 12:30hrs.

At 13:10hrs South Ruimveldt will play F.E. Pollard while on the second pitch St Pius face Redeemer. Marian Academy and Clonbrook clash on pitch one from 13:50hrs while West Ruimveldt and BV battle on pitch two.

Victoria and Enterprise are set to clash from 14:30hrs on pitch one with Tucville versus Den Amstel on the adjacent pitch. Mocha Arcadia and J.E. Burnham will meet at 15:10hrs along with Timehri and Ann’s Grove on pitch two.

Grove and Colaaco contest from 15:50hrs along with St Ambrose and Parfaite Harmonie on pitch two.

Goed Fortuin and Soesdyke meet from 16:30hrs along with Smith Memorial and Plaisance Orphanage on the opposing pitch.

St Agnes and Craig close off the afternoon along with North Georgetown against St Margaret’s.

T20 Leagues affecting West Indies Cricket

Kevlon Anderson

Female cricket is special to the BCB, says Foster PRESIDENT of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, says that female cricket in the Ancient County remains a top priority of the board.

As such, a three-match tournament will be played in order to further develop the game at that level.

The tournament is officially sponsored by Nand Persaud and Company Ltd. During the unveiling of the tournament at the company’s head office at No. 36 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Foster, hailed the investment of the company, stating that he enjoys a close working relationship with the entity’s Managing Director Mohindra Persaud.

Persaud hailed the outstanding work of the BCB, and stated that his company was delighted to be on board with such a dynamic and organised board.

The company, he stated, will continue to support the game in Berbice once the proper management is in place.

The tournament will be contested between the Rose Hall Town Metro female team and a combined New Amsterdam/Canje team.

COURTS Pee Wee football competition

ly, so that the coaches will have at least two months to work with them. Similar arrangement would also be made for the Berbice Under-17, Under-19, Female Under-19 and Berbice Female senior teams.

BCB president Hilbert Foster receives the sponsorship cheque from Amanda Budhoo in the presence of other staff members.

(CMC) - FORMER West Indies all-rounder Carl Hooper believes that the attraction of playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) is deterring young cricketers in the region from wanting to play Test cricket.

However, the 51-year-old Hooper who played 102 Tests for the regional side admitted that he could not blame those cricketers who chose to play in the shorter formats of the game.

“We should have seen this coming (IPL impact on Windies cricket). T20 cricket is here to stay. You got more leagues in play than what it was five years ago. It is crazy.

It is going to affect us because for most young players, the ultimate aim is to sign a contract with an IPL side, so it would have a bearing on his availability for Windies cricket including Tests,” Hooper said.

“I am not going to judge players who choose IPL for Windies. You cannot be upset with a guy who doesn’t want to sign a central contract as he wants to play in other leagues. It is a tough situation. Virat Kohli can stop playing today if he wants to but none of our guys can afford to do that.”

Hooper said several of the Caribbean’s best players had played very little Test cricket for the West Indies, as they had chosen instead to participate in the numerous T20 leagues around the world.

“The IPL is just a six-week window but we have had situations where we have had someone like Sunil Narine, who picked up six wickets in his last Test (in 2013) and has not played for us again. Same goes for Gayle and Kieron Pollard.

“I am not saying they were finished products in the longest format but at 26-27, let’s say if Pollard played Test cricket, who knows, he could have developed as a good Test cricketer,” Hooper said.

“But he stuck to the shorter formats. So we are missing players. Evin Lewis just decided to push back on a central contract. He is good enough to play Test cricket. So the shorter versions of the game curtail our progress. Having said that, I would be unfair to blame the players for making the choice (of playing IPL). We all want to be financially secure at the end of the day.”

Hooper said he hoped Shimron Hetmyer who starred in the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League (CPL), would go on to play Test cricket.

“Someone like a Shimron Hetmyer, who has had a very good CPL, is highly rated. Now he can be picked up in the IPL next season and I would hate to lose him to the IPL,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Prime Minister’s Cup 2 garners more support

Mario Allicock accepts the cheque from Thelisha Case.

GSCL Inc. secretary Telesha Ousman (right) collects the cheque from Ink Plus Sales Representative Raveena Mohan.

BILLED to commence on October 19, the Prime Minister’s Cup 2 has again attracted the attention of corporate Guyana.

The three-day tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Inc., has received an undisclosed amount of cash from Industrial Supplies and Services and Ink Plus towards the event.

Thelisha Case, a representative of the company, presented a cheque to Mario Allicock of the GSCL Inc. at its location, 51 Robb and Albert Streets, Bourda.

Case said that the company is impressed with the professionalism of the organisation and is happy to be on board for the hosting of this tournament, while Allicock expressed gratitude for the company’s support.

Ink Plus Sales Representative Raveena Mohan presented a substantial sum to GSCL Inc Telesha Ousman at the entity’s location, Laluni Street in Queenstown.

The GSCL is also reminding teams that more than $2M is at stake. The prize money in each category has increased since 2017, with the All Stars champions set to take home $700 000 while the Masters champions will pocket $600 000.

What’s more, the Most Valuable Player in each category will win a Hero motorcycle and a 55-inch Smart television set respectively.

Speedboat All-Stars are the defending Open champions and Regal Masters are the holders of the Masters title. The tournament will culminate on October 21 at the Everest Cricket Club ground.

Clarke begins training for next competition after third-place finish in Barbados

MR GUYANA Kerwin Clarke began training for his next bodybuilding competition on Tuesday, days after battling to a third-place finish at the Darcy Beckles Bodybuilding Invitational Classic and Bikini and Body Fitness Championships in Barbados.

Last Saturday night’s competition proved bittersweet for the five-time Mr Guyana, given that he did improve from his previous showing seven years ago (his first career international competition), but he also felt that the result could have been different.

“I honestly had myself right there in the top two, but I can’t see myself as against the other competitors. When I am on stage, I am in my own zone.”

TOTAL PACKAGE The former CAC gold medallist (2016) finished behind overall winner Wendel Setropawiro who hails from Suriname and Barbadian Kirk Alleyne in the competitive Invitational competition.

“I put together a total package that without a doubt I thought that it set me aside from the other competitors, but the judges went for the guys with more mass.”

Nevertheless, the 31-year-old said that the experience was great. “The judges’ decisions are final…I can be nothing else but thankful. It has been a great accomplishment, I don’t think there is any other Guyanese who has done this well at that particular show.”

Clarke, who trains at Space Gym, is now preparing for the Stage of Champions, which is scheduled for Georgetown in the first weekend of November.

FACC benefits from VSO donation of helmets THE Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam, Berbice continues to be recognised for its outstanding work in the field of cycling in Berbice and Guyana.

The club, which was founded by Randolph Roberts, has over the years been churning out outstanding cyclists and has attracted members from Guyana as well as overseas.

A number of its members have migrated and continues to perform outstandingly while still remembering the club with various donations and other assistance.

Recently the club has attracted the attention of some members of the Voluntary Service Organisation (VSO) – a group working in Guyana - who have joined up and become

members. One member Christine Miller has even participated in races organised by the club.

Recently Miller, with assistance from other VSOs donated 33 racing helmets to the club to be used by its members.

According to Miller she was attracted to the good workings of the club and the positive attitude it has been portraying over the years. She decided to join and participate in races and to see how much she can do to assist the members.

Ms Miller noted that the FACC is trying to keep the youngsters off the streets and in a positive mindset, noting that she and her group will do whatever they can to assist.

South Africa women keep series hope alive (CMC) – Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt both stroked commanding half-centuries to help South Africa defeat the West Indies in the fourth T20 at the Brian Lara Stadium here Thursday night, and keep their hopes of levelling their T20 international series alive.

With the hosts holding a commanding 2-0 lead in the bestof-five series, and the third T20 having been rained out, South Africa needed a victory to have any chance of drawing level.

And they did just that, as openers Lee and Wolvaardt shared an opening run stand of 89 in 12 overs to help the Proteas overtake the Windies’ score of 135 for three in their 20 overs, as the visitors eased to 136 for two with eight balls to spare.

Lee was in a no-nonsense mood, smashing 54 from just 38 balls, inclusive of five boundaries and three sixes, as she took the Windies opening bowling pair of Shamilia Connell

and Hayley Matthews to task.

Their opening partnership set South Africa on track for victory, so that even when Lee was eventually dismissed by Afy Fletcher, Sune Luus’ cameo 19 ensured that the visitors got to the target comfortably.

Wolvaardt finished unbeaten on 54 from 57 balls. She struck six boundaries during her innings.

Earlier, West Indies’ opener Natasha McClean also scored a half-century batting through the innings, but at less than a run-a-ball.

Her unbeaten knock of 57 took 61 balls, as the Windies struggled to up the tempo in the latter stages.

Captain Stafanie Taylor scored 26 but took 31 balls to do so, and the hosts depended heavily on Deandra Dottin’s late cameo of 28 from 15 balls to get up to their eventual total, which in the end proved insufficient.

Kerwin Clarke collects his third place prize from promoter of the competition Roger Boyce.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, October 6, 2018

Guyana to host Antilles 3X3 U-18 Basketball championship … Male, Female teams to clash October 19-21 THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) announced yesterday that they will host the Antilles 3X3 Basketball Championship, from October 19 to 21 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

According to the GABF, seven countries will join hosts Guyana in the tournament that will see each country feature both male and female teams.

Aruba, Barbados, Dominica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique and St Lucia are set to compete in the male championship, while Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique and St. Lucia are down to compete in the female category.

The Guyana U-18 3X3 Male team will be represented by Akeem Crandon, Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen, Shamar France and coordinator Mark Agard and the

FLASHBACK! From left, Jamal Gilkes, Stanton Rose, Jonathan Mangra and Timothy Thompson represented Guyana at the 2017 IBF 3X3 tournament in St Lucia.

Female Team will be represented by Annalisa Barclay, Saffiya Greene, Lydia Roberts and Roschelle Campbell, with Troy Greene as coordinator.

The U-18, Antilles 3X3 Basketball Championship is primarily funded by the International Basketball Federation (IBF) and managed by the National Federation of the host country.

At the 2017 Championship in St Lucia, the Guyanese team of Jamal Gilkes, Stanton Rose, Jonathan Mangra and Timothy Thompson went down 8-9 in the final against Martinique.

Prior to the finals in 2017, Guyana had played undefeated in the tournament, where they had defeated Barbados (15-1), Curacao (15-2), Antigua and Barbuda (9-7), St Vincent and the Grenadines (12-5) and Aruba (15-4) in the round-robin and Guadeloupe (12-9) in the semi-finals. (Rawle Toney)

Lucozade Handicap Squash Tournament

Pollard defeats Khalil in tense affair REGAN Pollard proved why he is still one of the most dominant squash players in the country when he disposed of seasoned national player Ashley Khalil in a first-round clash on day two of the Lucozade Handicap Tournament.

In the feature match on Thursday evening, at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street, Pollard established his dominance early with well-placed shots. He played off a -12 handicap, while Khalil started from -4 (meaning he had to score eight extra points).

The former national champion scored four straight points from the opening serve, but Khalil did not give up. In her biggest run of the match, she used a number of low power shots, which resulted in three consecutive points (0 to -7).

Pollard then composed himself and became the aggressor and he moved Khalil from one end of the court to the next - she never regained control as the game ended 15-11.

Game two proved less competitive, as Pollard scored six straight points. He soon tied the game at -2, but despite his dominance, Khalil, who won the competition in 2016, did not give up, as she scored a few points before eventually falling at 7-15.

Regan Pollard was clinical in his opening encounter.

GAME OF THE NIGHT The game of the night was between seasoned campaigner 21-year-old Nyron Joseph and 52-year-old Robert Natiello (will be 53 in a few days). Joseph started with -22 points (the lowest of the competition) and Natiello with 8.

Despite the disparity in talent, the older player managed to overcome one of the favourites of the competition in the first game 15-4. He moved well and answered Joseph’s shots, but in the end the youngster’s fitness proved too much.

Joseph, who won the Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament in February this year, upped the tempo in the second set and with every shot he wore Natiello down. He scored 22 straight points with dives and nifty soft shots off the wall complementing his power hitting. This had Natiello running all over the court.

In the end, he finished the game 15-9 and 15-10.

One of the surprises of the night was a win by Jonathan Antczak (started with six points) over Javid Rahaman (started with -2). Antczak moved well in the first set to win 15-13, but Rahaman took control and even the game at 15-10. In the third set Antczak got his second wind and it proved too much for his opponent as he triumphed 15-10.

Deje Dias and Steven Xavier were the other winners in the Open category. Dias (-8) got past Ian Mekdeci (5) 15-13 and 15-7, while Xavier (-6) defeated Brian Yong (7) 15-14 and 15-11.

In Category ‘A’, Nicholas Verwey (-1) defeated Madison Fernandes (0) 15-6 and 15-10; Abosaide Cadogan (-4) got past Teija Edwards (11) 15-12 and 15-12; Gianni Carpenter (-4) beat Zachary Persaud (7) 15-10 and 15-13; Kirsten Gomes (-2) got past Dhiren Persaud (11) 15-11 and 15-12; while Sarah Lewis (0) battled past Kamir Khan (8) 15-13 and 15-14.

COURTS Pee Wee Football Competition…

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Sixteen more matches on today

Part of the action during the COURTS Pee Wee football tournament

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dies

Win in

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite walks away after he was bowled by Mohammed Shami on the second day of the opening Test.

e! l b u tro

DCC, GCC clash in NBS final today

94-6 replying to India’s 649-9 declared

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DCC captain Lawrence Smith and GCC Ronaldo Alimohamed pose with the winners’ trophy.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2018