Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-18-2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

THURSDAY

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18th October, 2018

No.105431

Con man gets 30 years for rape

‘No legal effect’

... AG says of BBCI toll hike announcement 03 ––argues company in breach of both concession agreement, Bridge Act PAGE

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A section of the crowd at the APNU LGE campaign rally at Linden ( Photo by Vanessa Braithwaite)

CAL promises improved service, lower rates 02 PAGE

Five bandits nabbed after robbing Parika bar

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NO time to experiment …President rallies Linden for big LGE victory

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

CAL promises improved service, lower rates

By Svetlana Marshall

NEWLY appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), Garvin Medera, said the Trinidad-owned airline remains committed to the people of Guyana, promising better services and lower rates in the future.

“We at Caribbean Airlines are committed to serve Guyana in the future…we remain committed for the long term, and we remain committed to improving the service of Caribbean Airlines as we go forward,” Medera said during a press conference on Wednesday at the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

With Guyana likely to experience an economic boon in 2020 and thereafter, competition among regional and international carriers are likely to increase and according to Medera, Caribbean Airlines is very opened to a competitive market. “We are happy

to partake in a competitive market, and that is one of the ways the people of Guyana will get the value that they deserve,” he stated.

The CEO posited that Caribbean Airlines is looking forward to connecting more of the markets together to build the economies of scale and ultimately pass on those economies of scale to the people of Guyana.

“We are always working towards that goal of providing reliable and better valued transport in the region, and the innovations that we have already started with the renewal of our fleet…would also help us to reduce our fuel expenditure and maintenance cost,” he said. He added that Caribbean Airlines is optimizing its operations.

The CEO said too that Caribbean Airlines is building on its legacy here in Guyana by becoming part of the communities in which it serves. The carrier is partnering with the Private

Section Commission, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), and considering becoming a member of National Air Transport Association (NATA).

“We see this as a start, and we see these organisations as key stakeholders in Guyana, and we see it as a start to understanding our customer’s needs, understanding how we need to adapt the service, but we also see it as a start to our push and our vision to better connect the Caribbean,” he told reporters.

Medera said there are a lot of gaps in regional travel, and Caribbean Airlines has taken up the mandate to fill those gaps, but not just in air transport; the company is moving to partner with its market.

“We are also interested in becoming a partner in each of the markets that we work in and that means understanding more than just the transpor-

NEWLY appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), Garvin Medera

tation needs. It means understanding the concerns that we have in Guyana, the concerns that we have in Jamaica, in Trinidad, etc,” he explained.

Recently, Caribbean Airlines would have partnered with the First Lady of Guy-

ana, Sandra Granger, to facilitate her “Shoes that Grow” initiative.

Medera, who was appointed CEO of Caribbean Airline on October 10, 2018, met with representatives of government and the private sector on Wednesday.

President of NATA, Captain Gerry Gouveia, and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Desmond Sears, thanked Caribbean Airlines for its decades of service to the people of Guyana, but underscored the need for improvements. “Caribbean Airlines has been servicing Guyana for in excess of 70 years, and Caribbean Airlines has been here with us when other airlines come and they go, and Caribbean Airlines has stayed with Guyana,” Captain Gouveia said.

He urged the new CEO to place more focus on local content. “So we want you, for example in your services to Guyana, demonstrate not only in the back office of

your operations, but in the front office of your operations, Guyanese content.

“Of the PSC – now we did had a pretty good meeting with the CEO-- this is a follow up to an initiative that Caribbean Airlines took in September to engage the private sector businesses and what we are doing at the commission is sort of advance those discussions, and we are looking at having regular engagements “Caribbean Airlines is a household, it is in the lives of Guyanese and the travelling public and the imaginary needs to be changed; many people would say negative things about Caribbean Airlines but Caribbean Airlines has been here for quite a long time.”

Roraima Airways Inc. Director of External Relations, Wesley Kirton, was among officials present at the meeting with NATA and Caribbean Airlines at the PSC.

Guyana laments visa requirement to enter Schengen

GUYANESE inability to travel to Schengen – the area comprising 26 European states – without a visa, remains a major concern to the administration, Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge said on Wednesday.

In 2015, a short-stay visa waiver agreement was signed with the European Union (EU) paving the way for the citizens

of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago to travel to the Schengen area without visas. Other CARICOM countries have reportedly benefited from a similar agreement; but approximately three years after Guyana remains on the waiting list to have visa-free travel to the 26 countries of the Schengen area. Minister Greenidge said

this concern was raised during a recent meeting here with the European Delegation headed

by Ambassador of the European Union Jernej Videti?.

“We have expressed concern, if not alarm, about the treatment of Guyanese as regards the visa- free entry into Schengen; this was a strong point, we believe one it is discriminatory,” the Foreign Affairs Minister told reporters

during a press conference at his ministry.

He noted that while many CARICOM countries have been afforded the visa-free-travel system to access the Schengen area, Guyana has not been treated similarly and fairly, although it meets the requirements. “As a matter of fact, as far as we can see from the criteria they use, Guyana falls squarely among

those countries that don’t pose a risk; and therefore it should be treated differently,” Minister Greenidge said.

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the Commission, Federica Mogherini, has informed the Guyana Government that the matter will not come up come up for discussion until a new Council comes into office. “In other words, kicking it down the road or kicking it into the tall grass, it depends on how you look at it, which makes us extremely unhappy,” Greenidge stated.

That aside, the foreign ministry and the European Union engaged in discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues such as political developments and economic affairs; EU-Guyana and regional development cooperation; consular matters, governance and human rights issues, including the death penalty, children’s rights, women’s rights, LGBTI issues, domestic abuse, prison conditions; trafficking in persons; security, climate change, and regional integration.

The two sides also expressed their continued commitment to an international order based on multilateralism and undertook to continue cooperation in this regard. They welcomed the forthcoming initialling of the Voluntary Partnership on FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Gov-

ernance and Trade), which will represent a milestone in cooperation on sustainable management of the forests.

The Sixth Round of European Union-Guyana Political Dialogue in the framework of Article 8 of the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement was also held last Monday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The previous round of the Political Dialogue took place in October, 2017.

Guyana’s delegation was headed by the Foreign Affairs Minister; Director-General, Audrey Jardine-Waddell; Troy Torrington, Director, Multilateral & Global Affairs Department; and other heads of departments within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as representatives of key government ministries.

For the EU, Ambassador Videti? was accompanied by Ambassadors of the UK, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden.

The meeting was intended to allow the exchange of information, as well as to facilitate the establishment of agreed priorities and shared agendas, in particular, by recognising the existing links between the different aspects of the relations between the parties and the various areas of cooperation, as laid down in the Cotonou Agreement.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

‘No legal effect’

...AG says of BBCI toll hike announcement ...argues company in breach of both concession agreement, Bridge Act MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams has stated that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. is in breach of both the Berbice River Bridge Act and the agreement that the company has signed with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The BBCI on Tuesday at a press conference announced plans to increase the bridge tolls over threefold, with a view to meeting operational costs and making up for the company’s accumulated loss of over G$2.8B. The rates announced by the company are as follows: Cars: G$8,040; Pickups: G$14,600; 4WD: G$14,600; Minibuses: G$8,040; Small trucks: G$14,600; Medium trucks: G$27,720; Large trucks: G$49,600; Articulated trucks: G$116,680; Freight: G$1,680 and Boats: G$401,040. These the company said would be implemented on November 12, 2018.

However, at a press conference also on Tuesday, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said that the government would do all in its power to ensure that the increases are not implemented. He also committed to seeking legal advice on the matter.

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper on Wednesday evening, Williams said that the company has arbitrarily announced increases in tolls for all classes of vehicles without going through what is required under the agreement and the Act governing the bridge, which commenced operation in 2009.

“This unilateral announcement by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. is really in breach of the concession agreement,which requires any announcement to be consensual; secondly, it is in breach of Section 4.1 subsection 2 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, which gives the company the ability to specify the toll increases after consultation with the minister,” he said. “There of course was no consultation with the minister on increases of any toll,” said Williams.

According to the attorney general, the company must know that the power it has under Section 4.1 subsection 2 of the Act must be read subject to Section 4.1 (d) (III), which empowers the minister to determine the maximum amount of toll. “Only the minister could publish in the Gazette, the tolls. That announcement that (BBCI) made is of no legal effect,” said Williams.

He stressed that other than the amount that has been approved and gazetted, no other increases can be accepted without the minister’s approval.

“Therefore, the increases announced have been rejected by the government. The minister has made this rejection verbally and will be writing the company to formally reject the increases,” he said.

Attorney General Basil Williams, SC

This rejection, he said, will formally give rise to a dispute which will then trigger a dispute-resolution mechanism as outlined by the agreement. The parties are mandatorily required to, in good faith, enter into negotiations for at least 45 days to resolve this dispute before they could proceed to the other option under the clause that is to enter into arbitration, or go to the courts,” he said.

He said that both sides will be bound to be guided by the elaborate dispute resolution mechanisms as envisaged by the concession agreement.

Noting that the Minister of Public Infrastructure has to act in the interest of the people of the country, he said that the government has been consistent in ensuring that the interest of the people come first. He pointed to the subsidy that the government granted

the company to alleviate some of the burdens on the persons using the bridge. “When we came into office, the amount of the toll was $2,200 and the subsidy that we gave reduced the toll to $1,900 for certain categories of vehicles and other categories were reduced by 10 percent. So we have always had the interest of the people of Guyana at heart,” he said.

Pointing to the timing of the announcement and the proposed date of implementation, the minister said that it reeks of cheap political manoeuvring with Local Government Elections scheduled to be held on November 12, 2018.

Meanwhile, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, under whose government the Berbice River Bridge was constructed, said by not issuing a Toll Order, the government can easily block the proposed toll increases – contending that there was no need for legal advice, but Public Infrastructure Minister said it is simply not that simple.

During a press conference at his Church Street Office on Wednesday, Jagdeo, who is now leader of the opposition, while condemning the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated’s (BBCI’s) proposed 420 per cent toll increase, said under the Berbice River Bridge Act of 2006, the government could block the increases.

He explained that provision is made under Part III of the Berbice River Bridge Act for the Public Infrastructure Minister to issue a Toll Order to give effect to new tolls, and by refusing to sign that order, the minister, in this case David Patterson, can prevent the proposed increases.

Jagdeo pointed out that in 2008, the then Minister of Public Works, Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn signed a Toll Order specifying the rates to be effected.

But Minister Patterson on Wednesday told the Guyana Chronicle that Part III of the Berbice River Bridge Act of 2006, which was crafted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is ambiguous, and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government is seeking legal advice on the way forward, in keeping with its initial plan.

Residents especially of Berbice have expressed concern and fears over what the planned implementation of the increased rates would mean for their businesses and livelihoods.

$120M National Forest inventory begins today THE National Forest Inventory will commence today, according to Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), James Singh.

The Guyana Chronicle reported earlier this year that the sum of $120M was set aside to commence a forest inventory to effectively manage the nation’s forestry resources.

Commissioner of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), James Singh

Addressing stakeholders recently at the GFC Kingston location, Singh shared that the National Forest Inventory will begin on October 18, and it is expected to last 3-4 years.

The last national forest inventory was done perhaps in the 1950s, according to Singh. “Since then we have not been updating it on a national scale,” he explained.

Singh further said that the GFC is looking to bolster the information available. “We are now looking at a sampling design that captures the entire country and basically give us a fair idea of what the resource base nationally is,” he stated.

Further, he said that this inventory will only foster developments in the sector.

Singh highlighted that from the inventory, the GFC and its stakeholders can engage in more informed planning, strategise forest resource allocations and generally have a clear idea of the resources on hand.

“So, it is going to be better for the stakeholders and for the policy makers and [it will] feed into the work of national bodies such as the Department of the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and others,” he contended.

A challenge, however, is that the GFC does not have all the human resources to carry out the inventory and, as such, he told stakeholders that persons in communities who have been trained in forest inventory or who are willing to be trained will be recruited.

The meeting with the stakeholders was held to update them on the forestry sector and the plans for the remainder of the year, Singh told the Guyana Chronicle.

Importantly, the European Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT) is a Voluntary Part-

nership Agreement (VPA) that government has engaged with the EU, and he said it is important to keep the stakeholders abreast.

At the end of 2017, Guyana officially signed on to the VPA with the EU. Once Guyana begins FLEGT licensing, the products covered by the VPA will only

be exported to the EU, accompanied by the EU’s FLEGT licences attesting to their legality. Singh told the stakeholders that the discussions on the content of the VPA between the EU and the government have been completed and from November, works will begin in this regard.

Thursday, October 18, 2018

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NO time to experiment …President rallies Linden for big LGE victory

By Vanessa Braithwaite PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday evening called on Linden to reward the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with a big win at the November 12 Local Government Elections, warning them against experimenting with other parties and to shun the main opposition, which he said had crippled local democracy for 22 years.

President Granger was at the time addressing a large crowd of Lindeners who converged at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre in support of the APNU LGE candidates for both Linden and Kwakwani. Linden campaign manager Valerie Yearwood, who is also Minister within the Ministry of Communities; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, along with several regional and municipal councillors and other officials were also present.

President Granger, in keeping the campaign spirit alive, alluded to the many positives that were derived from the return of LGEs that have been visible not only in Linden, but countrywide.

He noted the commissioning of the Linden Magistrate’s Court, which has saved Lindeners thousands of dollars from travelling to Vreed-en-Hoop to conduct legal business; the budget for Region 10 was increased significantly; communities were lit up with street lights, as well as improvement in solid waste

management. His government, he said, will continue to support Linden and its development and much more is in store for the town.

DON’T SUPPORT THEM “We cannot support a party that has had its foot on our necks for 22 years and refused to call

This, however, can only be done through cooperation among the three tiers of government: central, regional and municipal.

While this is evident in Linden,

President David Granger presenting bicycles to the Linden students

The President articulated that the country has seen much development, even in the four new towns and because of the removal of LGEs for 22 years, development had been stymied.

The former administration removed some 38 NDCs and replaced with them Interim Management Committees (IMCs), which he deemed undemocratic.

This was also the case in Linden.

elections… Guyana has had its last IMC; this is an opportunity for you … this is the party that has created four towns in the last three years… the PPP was keeping Guyana underdeveloped,” President Granger told the gathering. He added that LGEs have been used to transform Guyana, to bring about change and to provide better services at the community level.

the President said, in some regions this is not being practised and can even be seen in the absence of regional officials when he visits these areas. “That is what is holding back this country, that is what is holding back development,” he posited. This, he noted however, is not evident in Linden and residents are keeping their leaders accountable, while urging the candidates to

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018 prove themselves and remain accountable and responsible to the electorate. “ LGE would have allowed for those who feel they are worthy to serve, to prove themselves to their constituents… it is you, the representatives of those communities, who must inform and instruct and direct their representatives on how to provide services for their communities.

“Local Government Elections are special, you have to prove yourself; you have to demonstrate your care, your passions, your capability, to serve these constituencies. We are in the stage my brothers and sisters, in which we are at a new form of democracy, not only one that will promote the development of Linden, but one that will empower the residents, that will make them more conscious of the needs of their various communities.”

As the LGE date draws closer, the APNU leader urged the candidates to remain conscious of what is needed to bring Linden to a higher level and to work to the satisfaction of their constituents. He said he is excited for what is to come for Linden and for Guyana post-LGE 2018.

Region 10 PNCR Chairman Deron Adams in his short address noted that the APNU was the only contesting political party that held constituency primaries and this shows the parties’ stance for community involvement. This, he said, was a reflection of President Granger’s mission to strengthen and consolidate communities and ordinary citizens, since their voices matter.

DON’T EXPERIMENT He said it is not time to

experiment, but to execute; and that is what the APNU is ready for. “Victory for the APNU will improve your life,” he told Lindeners.

After the formal part of the programme, the residents were given a chance to air their concerns, many of which dealt with community issues and issues relating to their disappointment with the representation received from regional and municipal officials, in prioritising their call for help. The residents complained about the economy of Linden and stressed that there needs to be candidates with vision, since this will enable development.

President Granger urged the Lindeners, however, to get involved in the entire process and to work along with the candidates in realising their visions. President Granger also hosted a prayer breakfast with members of the religious community and regional officials at the Watooka Guest House on Wednesday morning. The President also presented bicycles to over two dozen Linden students at the primary and secondary levels.

A sewing machine was also donated to a disabled entrepreneur in Linden, who manufactures shopping bags to sell for a living. The LGE ANPU candidates for Linden for Constituencies One to Four in respective order are Lawrence Simon, Steven Massiah, Leroy James, outgoing Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune, outgoing Mayor Waneka Arindell, Lorna Calvan, Fern McKoy and Gary King.

‘An MoU is not an IOU’ – Foreign Minister Greenidge VICE-PRESIDENT and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, has made it clear that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is not an IOU – a signed document acknowledging a debt, as he allayed the fears of some over the MoU signed by the Governments Guyana and China within the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative.

“An MoU is not an IOU, we have signed an MoU,” the Foreign Affairs Minister said, while fielding questions from reporters during a press conference at his ministry on Wednesday. He explained that after a MoU is signed, identifying broad areas of cooperation, the parties involved would then identify priority areas to be dealt with, emphasising that it is not an agreement that

involves the issuing of loans.

Since the signing of the MoU in July to foster enhanced cooperation between the two countries in five critical areas, namely: Policy coordination; facilities connectivity; trade and investment; financial integration; and people-to-people interaction, the Guyana Government has been criticised.

The Silk Belt and Road Initiative, through which the Chinese Government has already made available over US$50B in funds for utilisation by member states within Latin America and the Caribbean, has been viewed by some as a “dark alley” or as a “debt trap” for countries.

Minister Greenidge said Guyana has long been benefiting from its relations with China.

“Long before the Belt and Road even appeared anywhere

on the horizon, the International Conference Centre hasn’t left us indebted to the Chinese to the point of burying us. Nobody until you all started to make an issue of it ever bothered about that; and there are many other things that the Chinese have contributed to us,” he said.

He posited that sections of the media appear to be preoccupied by the nationality of the country’s partner. “In economics, what matters in a loan or in a grant are the terms, so you can borrow from Germany, China and Poland, it is not the nationality, the place from which the loan comes,” Minister Greenidge emphasised.

He further pointed out that part of the Chinese cooperation is a grant. “Part of it is grant-funding; do let us not get carried away,” he posited. Asked

when the MoU will be released, Greenidge in response, said the “MoU will be released in good time.” “We will release it when we are ready, and that would be at an appropriate time,” he said.

Guyana, Panama, Bolivia, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua and Barbuda are countries in Latin America and the Caribbean that have signed on to the Belt and Road Initiative.

The extension of the Guyana National Broadband Project on a US$26.46M concessionary loan; and an economic and a technical cooperation agreement for US$14.58 million grant aid are two aspects of the agreement that was signed.

At that signing ceremony, Minister Greenidge maintained that Guyana has been China’s trustworthy, long-standing partner and friend.

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‘Legal robbery’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

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…Berbicians baulk at proposed tolls hike

–say better buying a boat, urge good sense be made to prevail

By Rabindra Rooplall “I AM better off buying a boat than paying that toll increase,” Julian Edwards, a resident of New Amsterdam, remarked after being asked how the proposed increase tolls to cross the Berbice Bridge will affect his livelihood.

The Berbice Bridge Company has proposed a more than 400 per cent increase, which is expected to take effect from November 12. The increase will see minibuses and cars traversing the bridge paying $8,040 instead of the $2,200 previously paid. Based on his analysis, he said on an annual basis it’s over $1M in toll a person will be paying the BBCI, since many Berbicians drive across the bridge on a regular basis.

Berbice. “Right now some drivers already declared that they won’t be working Georgetown anymore, but they will work from Corentyne to Skeldon and with that it means more competition for the already limited dollar,” he explained.

Deodat Ramotar, who is the owner of three canter trucks that transport fish, said he has a daily routine which involves crossing the bridge to receive his supplies to distribute. “The fish we carrying in Georgetown price drop; then we have to pay the boat men who supply us; we barely surviving with the current fare and with such an extreme increase, that means the business have to close off and I have to find something else to do,” Ramotar said.

Julian Edwards, a resident of New Amsterdam

Dennis Chesney, President of the Minibus Association

“This will affect me, firstly my child is attending President’s College, and automatically buses will raise their fares; this will be hard on me, now I have to find money when I also cross the bridge, because I am also a student studying.

Sometimes for the week I have to cross the bridge three times, now where will I find this money from to pay, since all aspects of cost of living will skyrocket with this bridge increase,” Edwards said.

He also noted that many persons will opt to use the river, since that would be a more feasible mode of transport and government will be forced to provide shuttle services. Taxi driver Kevin Hussein, said this will hit an already overtaxed population with the working class facing the full brunt of the increase in tolls.

“Many people salaries small and taxi drivers will have to increase their fares; passengers will feel the pressure, and we as drivers need passengers to work, so everyone is losing,” Hussein said. Hussein said that he crosses the Berbice bridge five times a week and based on the proposed increases, it won’t be wise to cross and there will now instead be a saturation of taxi drivers trying to survive in

He explained that persons are not going to pay more for the fish, which means “that has to come out of my pocket; and how must I absorb $14,000 to just cross my truck back over to return home, and this is for only one small truck, who can afford to lose that amount in any day?”

Ramotar explained that that his expenses include buying ice to stock his enclosed canter truck, diesel, paying workers and putting aside money for wear and tear of his vehicle. “All odd hours of the night we must be waiting to collect fish, then most time we don’t get the amount of load that is require to make a profit when we stock the truck; if fishermen don’t catch, we still have to pay that toll that will kill all business in Berbice,” the father of three said.

LEGAL ROBBERY He said that Guyana is the only country where a person is paying close to US$10 to cross a simple car on a floating bridge. “Now imagine this has to be raised to US$40, to cross just a car, what is wrong with this, somebody tell me, this is legal robbery and theft; a pontoon or the big boat is needed if this continues,” he said.

Businessman Kester Layne, who has been living in New Amsterdam for the past 14

years, said the proposed increase “is real rough, especially on poor people”, since with such an increase all aspects of business transactions will increase making things harder for everyone. Businessman Premchand Ramdatt, whose business is located at lot 21 Main Street, New Amsterdam, said he usually visits Georgetown many times in the week to restock, but that will be reduced to once every two weeks or once per month, since the toll would mean an increase on all of the items he has in stock, which would then be placed onto the consumer.

“These tyres I am also selling with [will] not be feasible anymore, since I don’t buy in a large amount and to cross the bridge to pick up a few tires won’t make sense anymore, because the toll just ate away at all my profit,” he explained.

Dennis Chesney, President of the Minibus Association (Berbice), criticised the proposed toll hikes by the Berbice Bridge Company, noting that many motorists and passengers have since rebuffed the proposed tolls increase.

Minibus operators parked in the vicinity of the New Amsterdam ferry stelling collectively agreed that such a steep increase would cause tremendous hardship on citizens. “If the bridge going to raise the fare, we can’t work anymore; we are working and paying for our vehicles and if we can’t work, the bank will

take our vehicles and we are going to be the losers! We have kids going to school, we have families, bills to pay and we are not going to make it; so what you think will happen when a man has to feed his family…,” one driver lamented.

Fish dealer Deodat Ramotar.

Following the signing of the Berbice Bridge Act in 2006, the present administration, subsequent to it acceding to office, had promised citizens during its campaign that it would work to provide a reduction in the bridge toll. In 2015, Minister David Patterson wrote the BBCI on several occasions to reduce the toll, later introducing the free Berbice River taxi which caters for schoolchildren, pensioners, nurses and

This is businessman Premchand Ramdatt’s outlet. He said he will stop selling tyres and rarely visit Georgetown, since the cost cannot justify business transactions and consumers will end up feeling the squeeze.

(Adrian Narine photos)

teachers to ease their financial burdens.

In addition, since January 2016, the government has also been paying annually $155M to the BBCI in keeping with a contract signed for a 10 per cent reduction in the toll. Even so, Patterson has expressed his confidence in the government’s ability to stop the BBCI’s “unconscionable” plans. “I would like to give all assurance to all communities in Berbice and Region Five and Region

Six, that the government will do all that are necessary to ensure that commuters can continue to use the bridge safely and without any particular undue harassment or tolls,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

We are all owners of Guyana I

T is always best for politicians, especially those who aspire to the summit of national leadership, to refer to their particular country’s history as a guide to its historical evolution as a nation. This excursion into the past will undoubtedly inform their minds as to the challenges that have beset the nation along its travels, and their residual effects on its socio-political dynamics that made for a resolution or otherwise.

No would–be aspirant to executive power should ever ignore his/her country’s historical journey, particularly its lessons as a guide to understanding how his/her country had arrived at its current juncture. These are always there to serve as a warning to avoid errors that predecessors had made; but that depends on whether the would-be aspirant will follow the lessons, thus avoiding the deep pitfalls, or become subsumed by the lust for power which mostly removes the ability to be rational.

Recently, the call has been made from the leader of the political opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo to the PPP/C supporters that, “Though these are Local Government Elections…this is about more that City Hall…this is the beginning of the fight to take back our country…” This is not the first time that such a statement has been made by this former president of the Cooperative Republic. Even though this time, his call has been made within the ambit of the upcoming Local Government Elections, its appeal and meaning are quite clear.

Unequivocally, this statement is not only reckless, and

grossly irresponsible; but it is also designed to inflame a society already beset by problems of race and ethnicity. Moreover, it is not helpful to efforts on the part of the government to bring about healing after over two decades of Jagdeo’s administration, which did not contribute any meaningful programme of any kind, to remove the barriers of race, and other inequalities.

We find it even more amusing that he speaks with such boldness, given the fact that his bid for a second term had been nixed by the decisive judicial ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It is further instructive to note that Jagdeo had been the chief executive at the time, when the constitution was amended, to stipulate two terms only for any President of Guyana. This was after a national constitution reform process, which recommendations were accepted and the requisite legislative Act to which he assented made it into law.

It is clear that this former leader, now opposition leader, still has not learned from his disastrous period as president of Guyana, much less from this country’s past challenges, during which he had every opportunity to effect historical changes.

This latest example illustrates a leader who is obsessed with power and under whose tenure there were heightened allegations—some not without justification--of racial tensions and conflicts and groups targeted for exclusion based on geography, political association, and identity. Imbalances in budgetary allocations and resources directed to, or taken away

from regions where the government under his leadership did not control, were noted.

The narco-economy was allowed to flourish, which Professor Clive Thomas noted represented a significant percentage of the economy. The criminalised state was also coined, because in addition to the narco-economy, corruption was pervasive. Transparency International ranked Guyana the most corrupt Caribbean English-speaking country, a shame and stigma that require much work to remove. During this period, when hundreds of dead bodies were turning up all over the place, Dr Roger Luncheon famously described the carnage as being done by “phantom” squads. Later, it was learnt that the government’s hands were bloody.

Dissent and alternative views were not treated as a right or opportunity to engage or review. There exist several anecdotes: notably among them, is Mrs Jagan who was publicly demeaned for disagreeing with Jagdeo’s policy of withdrawing government advertisements from Stabroek News for its reportage.

Guyana is home to six races, with each having the right to live as Guyanese and be part of the family of nations; and being entitled to be treated equally. They are also part of the process of national development. This means that each race has earned the right to benefit from the national pie in an equal manner–they each have equal claim to Guyana. We the Guyanese people are all its collective owners.

Al Madinah Islamic Academy sets record straight on school’s operations Dear Editor,

T

HE Board of Directors of the Al Madinah Islamic Academy is refuting an article in the Guyana Chronicle regarding protest action last week, by parents of children attending the school.

First of all, the reporter did not do due diligence in her reporting; she did not make any attempt to obtain a comment from anyone on the board. When asked why, she indicated that she didn’t have time for that; she was “busy with the protest” and “why would parents lie.” The protest lasted no more than 20 minutes. Let me start by correcting and providing accurate information that she should have gathered: 1. Firstly, it was just about 25 parents, not scores, as the article mentioned, who held the protest. Before the protest, no parent ever approached the board to file a complaint; not in person, nor in writing. The board has an open-door policy and the parents have access to any of the members at any time. You have to understand the dynamics of what is happening, which is a power struggle. The protest came about because there are folks using the parents, who unfortunately don’t know any better, to cause trouble because they want the boards’ position.

2. “Azad, speaking on behalf of the parents, said that the school lacks trained-teachers and oftentimes children are sent home due to lack of funds.”

This couldn’t be further from the truth; the school has three sections: nursery, primary and secondary, all with qualified teachers and no child has ever been sent home because of a lack of funds. If your reporter had taken five minutes to clarify this, she would have known this. This is laziness and poor journalism at best.

3. “Last week, children were sent home because their parents did not pay their fees; the children are now at home going to the “backdam.” This was not why the school was established; the board of directors were informed and none of them did anything,” Azad alleged.

Again incorrect, this never came to the board. However, there are a few parents who have large sums of school fees outstanding and the office had been writing every month to these parents since January 2018 without fail, but to no avail. The board made a decision that as at September 2018, persons with large outstanding sums would have to pay in full or part before their child is let back into the school.

This happens to be 11 students out of 183; all other parents have paid. Allow me to give you some stats: from the 183 students, 32 are on sponsorship, meaning that sponsors pay for them. The 151 remaining, their total monthly school fees is $379,000; the total salaries as at September 2018 totalled $1,018,795.

4. “The Parent Teachers Association (PTA) does not have a voice in the school and everything they do must be approved by the board.”

A PTA is not a mandatory body in any school, whether public or private. It is at the discretion of the school to allow a PTA. This body is created to foster relations between the parents and teachers of a school; their mandate is not to run a school. The PTA members cannot do as they like; in the past, before systems were put in place, there were members of the PTA who would barge into the classes without permission and do as they please, causing disruption during school hours. The school has procedures and they must be followed at all times. There were times when members of the PTA would offer to do things and never get them done; and when they are asked, they would indicate that

they never promised anything. So now permission must be sought from the board. This is a clear indication that the PTA members do not know their roles and functions.

5. “The parent also said that most of the directors who sit on the school board are out of Essequibo and therefore called for Essequibians to take up positions.”

Again, inaccurate information; all of the board members, except one, live in Georgetown; some of whom were at the masjid during the “protest.” A proper reporter would have known this if only they had asked. But it is clear that the more sensational the headline is, the more papers you can sell.

6. “On a weekly basis, parents pay $4000 per child for primary and $5000 [for] secondary. The school also has a bus service, which transports the children to and from school.”

This is the most ridiculous of all. The fee structure is as follows: Nursery: $2000 per month per child Primary: $2000 per month per child Secondary: Grades 7-9, $3000 per month per child; and grades 10-11, $4000 per month per child!

Your reporter has done a great injustice to the name of this school and to the board, management, teachers and students. It is so sad that we--the public--depend on these reporters for fair, accurate and balanced information and, because of incompetence, laziness and lack of proper investigation, this is what is printed.

Sincerely, Shafeek Ferouz Secretary, Al Madinah Islamic Academy

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

We needed to offer attractive terms to attract major capital investments Dear Editor,

I

found a recent letter in the press examining Exxon’s Facebook video on oil contract, revenues and taxes from February frustrating.

The authors asked an important question: what does Exxon mean when it calls Guyana a “frontier country”? But the two members of the Oil and Gas Governance Network, which is opposed to oil development, seem to intentionally skirt around the true answer.

The theories about what the term “frontier” means was entertaining, but the authors almost entirely missed the point and concept. It has nothing to do with the depth of wells, the type of crude oil we possess, violence, or Facebook.

To be clear, the term “frontier country” is how global markets refer to nations that are in the early stages of economic development. To investors and developers, frontier countries may have problems with local politics, social unrest, poor financial frameworks or a lack of existing infrastructure. All these things are a risk for business be-

cause they can make energy investments too difficult and too expensive to make a profit. Fortunately, in the case of Guyana, we are not plagued by all of these ills. But we are still very much a “frontier” in the industry sense.

For one, we have a general lack of infrastructure. Exxon and other producers are experts at getting oil out of the ground, but the production chain requires extensive infrastructure on onshore support. They need deep water ports, pipelines to move the oil, refineries to process it, roads to move it. They need storage facilities for the reserves which are secure. They need places for their workers to live and eat. It is unfortunate but true that Guyana cannot provide all of these things at the moment, whereas other nations such as the United States or even smaller countries like Trinidad are able to provide them to some extent.

In addition, we must remember that the contract that we are discussing dates back to 1999 and was renegotiated in 2015, which the letter ignored. Some will recall that in 2000, a CGX Energy drillship was chased off by gunships from Suriname. More recently, Venezuela detained an

Anadarko survey vessel operating in Guyana’s waters, in 2013.

While the label of “frontier country” is frustrating, we must see why the global markets have given it to us.

Our first oil contract reflects these realities. We needed to offer attractive terms to attract major capital investments. So how do we move beyond that of a frontier country? Building our infrastructure and improving our general security requires money. Fortunately for us, we will start getting a lot of it starting in 2020, from the very contract which the letter writers go on to criticize.

We should focus on creating real plans to build up our infrastructure and remove the “risk” that global markets see when they evaluate the oil operations here. In that way, we can build partnerships with international companies which are more beneficial and will allow us to benefit from our reserves for years to come.

Regards Clement Smith

Adults need to set better examples before their children Dear Editor,

I

wish to share with the public an issue which I think needs dire attention and consideration. I recently attended a high school meeting that discussed registration matters for CSEC. At the end of the meeting, a female teacher was addressing the parents about the manner of dress of their children, particularly the wearing of dresses that are below the knee and the wearing of pencil bottom pants. Now I commended the teachers for addressing this issue, as parents need to ensure that their children are properly attired for school and in compliance with the rules of the school.

I commend them for encouraging parents to watch how their children dress and deter them from any inappropriate trends.

However, beside me was

seated a teacher whose knees were quite visible due to the shortness of her skirt. This has been observed not only in the school environment, but outside of it also. I wanted to raise a question with the teachers and that is: if the wearing of skirts below the knee is so wrong, why do the female teachers wear their skirts so short that when they sit, their knees show? And why do they feel that they are permitted to do so while the younger females are not? Is it because they are adults and so are allowed to dress however they feel or is it because there is something wrong about dressing with the skirt above the knees?

I have spoken with children and they have raised this same point: why do the female teachers tell them not to wear short skirts or makeup or do their hair and yet do the same and why they, as teachers, are not supposed

to set the example? Why do male teachers tell students not to curse and yet curse themselves, in the very presence of those students?

There was, and still is, a reason for the implementation of these rules: to teach children to dress and conduct themselves in a decent and respectable manner. A woman who has respect for herself and her body will keep it covered and not flaunt it before the general public for all to see. A person’s body is something that belongs to them and their husbands only, and not even other family members should be exposed to it. It is a wedding gift to her husband. And for her to flaunt it before another who is not her husband is no different than adultery.

In the past, a harlot could be identified from a respectable woman by the way she dressed. She dressed to attract other people’s husbands and

single men, using her body. Today, one cannot tell the difference. There are many who claim to be respectable and desire to be respected, but dress no different from harlots. That is not to say that there were not and do not exist wolves in sheep’s clothing: those who dress respectable but yet are within no better than harlots. However, it also cannot be denied that a tree is known by its fruits, and what’s on the inside will show on the outside: a woman who respects herself on the inside will dress in a respectable manner on the outside.

Many women today would argue against this point and some would even be ready to fight to the death over it. And the reason for this is, knowingly or unknowingly, they love to showcase their body before the public. No, this may be a sensitive statement, but

can you flaunt a piece of meat before a jaguar and expect that it will not pounce? Or do you expect to put out honey and not attract ants? So, if a woman dresses in a seductive manner, does she expect that men would not be seducted? Unless that is her intention. And when the men act, the men alone are placed in the wrong?

And if the first thing she is going to flaunt is her body, won’t she attract those who are only interested in her body and not those who are interested in a decent woman? One can argue that there are no longer decent men but, at the same time, if there are no decent women, must a man lower his standards of decency to obtain a wife?

Teachers, both male and females alike, and also those outside of the school environment, are leaders and role models for our children and true leaders lead by ex-

ample; not by command.

There is nothing as aggravating as hearing ‘do as I say and not as I do’, even to an adult.

It generates feelings of injustice and unfairness that lead to a resentment against the rules and against those that implement it. Students will obey the rules because they are forced to, and abandon them when they can. Or if they are bolder or fed up, rebel against them outright. If they understand the reason for those rules-- that they exist to protect them-and see those requiring them implementing them themselves, then they are more likely to submit. I therefore call on teachers and those in the office to dress in a manner that sets an example before the younger generation.

Regards Concerned citizen

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

Fourth well-drilling underway in Awaruwaunau BRAZILIAN soldiers on Tuesday commenced drilling the fourth well in Awaruwaunau Village, South Rupununi, Upper Takutu – Upper Essequibo (Region Nine).

This follows closely on the heels of similar exercises in Aishalton, Chukrikednau and Karaudanawa. So far, water has been found in all of the areas drilled. Upon completion, this initiative, which is being executed by the Brazilian Army’s Sixth Battalion Engineering Corps (BEC), will see eight artesian wells being drilled in eight communities.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant-Colonel Kester Craig and Colonel Carlos Elizio Santiago Nery, Chief of the Engineering Operations Centre, Second Engineering Group, of which the Sixth BEC is a subordinate, conducted site visits on Monday, October 15, 2018 and Tuesday, October 16, 2018. The purpose of the visits was to determine the

status of the operations and to address any challenges.

The wells have been drilled to a depth of 80 metres or 250 feet and will provide continuous water supply for residents through the dry season. In an invited comment, Toshao of Aishalton Village, Mr. Michael Thomas, said that residents in the areas slated to benefit have welcomed the initiative, as he noted that it will bring significant relief.

“First of all, I would like to thank the government for the initiative placed in our region and our sub-district and in our villages. We are glad for the eight wells that will be drilled in our villages.

We are going to benefit tremendously and the residents are already excited to access the water. We have been suffering for a very long time in the Rupununi, where we have to divert to creeks in the dry season but after a time, that runs out of water too; so this initiative is going to benefit us,” he said.

Mr. Regis James, who

The Brazilian army preparing to drill the fourth well in Awaruwaunau village (MoTP photo)

lives in close proximity to the well that has been drilled in Aishalton village, said that for years residents have suffered, but relief is now within sight. “Year after year we are suffering, but it has now come to reality that we

Mother of 10 refused bail on ganja, ecstasy charges A MOTHER of 10 was on Wednesday remanded to prison on two charges of drug trafficking when she appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Judith Alexander, 53, denied the charges which alleged that on October 15, 2018, at Lot 109, D’Andrade Street, Newtown, Kitty, she had in her possession 410 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking It was further alleged that on the same date at the same location, Alexander had in her possession 24 ecstasy pills, amounting to three grams, for the purpose of trafficking.

The vendor, who resides at the same address, is being represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson, who made a bail application.

Police Prosecutor Thornhill objected to bail,

due to the seriousness of the offence. According to the police facts, on the day in question, ranks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) acting on information, conducted and searched the bottom flat of the defendant two-storey house, where they found a pink suitcase and a black bag containing several zip lock bags containing stems and leaves suspected to be marijuana. The search continued and the police found, in a cupboard, a white bottle containing coloured tablets which was suspected to be ecstasy. As such the defendant was arrested.

Bail was refused by Magistrate Judy Latchman and the defendant was remanded to prison until November 7, 20

are going to have water and everybody by my side are going to have water. This will be a plus for us there and we are very happy. I think this is a beneficial initiative and I am happy that the government has collaborated with

the Brazilian Government to get this done,” he said.

Mr. James said that approximately 200 persons are set to benefit from the well in that village.

Another resident, Mr. Herman Ritchie, said that he

too is grateful for the project.

“During the dry season, we always have problems. We always struggle to get water, but since this new well is being done, we should benefit from it and we will be able to do agriculture and gardening.

It will also see our elderly people not having to walk a long distance to get water. I want to thank the government and the Brazilian army for doing this for us,” he said.

The Brazilian team intends to hand over the project to the Guyanese authorities on November 28, 2018. The project follows President David Granger’s State visit to Brazil in December 2017, when the Complementary Agreement to the Basic Agreement on Technical Cooperation between Guyana and Brazil for the Implementation of the Project Technologies to Reduce the Effects of Droughts in Region Nine was inked. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Fisherman put away for robbing friend “You need to go fishing for fish and not fishing for people’s items" were the words of a city magistrate before passing sentence on a 29-year-old man for robbery under arms when he appeared on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charge alleged that on October 14, 2018 at Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara, while being in the company of others and armed with a knife, Mohamed Shafeek robbed Ravindradat Seodat of one cellphone val-

ued $ 20,000 and $1000 cash. The fisherman pleaded guilty to the charge that was read out to him in court by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Shafeek, in his explanation, told the court his mother is sick and he was frustrated and did not know what came over him to commit the act. According to the police facts, the victim and the accused are known to each other. On the day in question, the victim was walking along Ramp Road when the ac-

cused and another individual rode up to him and asked him for $200. While reaching for the money in his pocket, his phone came out the same time and the bandits took both the cash and the phone.

The matter was reported and an investigation was carried out and the accused was arrested. Shafeek was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment.

‘Fit and Proppa’ AFC candidates ready to serve

By Lisa Hamilton

AS the Alliance For Change (AFC) gears up for the November 12 Local Government Elections (LGEs), its members are challenging all candidates in the running to public debates to prove their competency.

On Wednesday at its weekly press conference at the party’s Centre For Change, party members provided an update on the journey along the campaign trail.

Present at the press briefing were Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan; Vice Chairman Cathy Hughes; Region Four Chairman, Michael Leonard; Minister of Business (Treasurer) Dominic Gaskin and Campaign Director, David Patterson.

The party launched its LGE campaign on October

6, 2018, with a mega candidates’ expo at the Centre for Change where over 300 candidates from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10 attended.

Since then, they have also met with candidates in Regions Eight and Nine while several meetings have been held in various municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) with the party’s contestants.

Leonard stated that these activities will continue until Elections Day while senior party members will be meeting with candidates in every region during the course of this week and the next.

He added that social media platforms are also being widely used to communicate with voters and this had been successful thus far.

“The campaign commit-

tee is pleased with how the campaign has been executed thus far and will continue to work with all the candidates to ensure their success at the polls,” Leonard said.

Briefing the media on the works being done in his region, candidate from Region Five, Trevon Chichester, said the AFC is contesting six of the NDCs. He said the party will be working to rectify the lack of confidence in NDCs in the region.

“The Alliance For Change is very strong in this area and we know that we will not be defeated and we are going there with that confidence because the people are expecting great things from us,” he said and contended that all members are “fit and proppa” and ready to serve.

EXCELLENT PEOPLE “All of our candidates are well respected, they are well educated and they are well connected with the people.

They know what the needs of the communities are and they are able to fulfil on those promises,” Chichester told reporters.

The major issues he will tackle include drainage, streetlights, water challenges and roads.

“We want to ensure that throughout the NCDs, all areas are serviced, that the roadways are safe for our children, that the dirt is off [and] that there’s proper drainage for the water to be off of the road,” he said.

Meanwhile, representing Lamaha Yarrowkabra, locally known as Kuru-Kururu, is Amaniah Cort for Constituency Two.

Cort is a teacher who lives and was born in the area and wants to see local democracy begin there.

“There has never been an NDC in Kuru-Kururu, so the area has been neglected for a while and there haven’t been a lot of development in the area, so we’re hoping that with this LGE 2018 [to] set up Local Government within the area; get our NDC work in order and begin to enact change within the community,” she said.

Cort said she is receiving a lot of support from persons in the area who are eager to see real change.

One of the areas she will address is youth advocacy for the development of skill and job-readiness training for youths.

Leonard utilised the forum to challenge all candi-

dates for public debates as this, he said, would prove to be beneficial for the voting process for citizens.

“We believe that it is in the best interest for the population for the candidates to present themselves as we are doing here for interrogation, but also to present their ideas and their proposals,” he said.

He added: “For councillors and persons who have operated in the Local Government System before [would be able to] answer questions on their record.

So, we are re-issuing our challenge to all the political parties and independent candidates to public debate and discussions on our plans and proposal for Local Government Elections.”

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

Lusignan prisoners very destructive –– Ramjattan says trying his best with little resources

By Lisa Hamilton EVEN with no international loans available for prison infrastructure development in Guyana and present limited resources, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan says that works are being done to improve prison conditions.

At an Alliance For Change (AFC) press conference on Wednesday, Ramjattan noted the difficulty of managing Guyana’s age-old prison structures with a small budget.

Just Monday night, unrest broke out at the Lusignan Prison/Holding Bay after inmates protested for food and water conditions.

The unrest saw a fire being started and several prisoners being shot just hours before three prisoners escaped from the holding facility.

Explaining the challenges, the minister said: “We can’t put them in circumstances outside of Lusignan because I tell you honestly, its 558 prisoners we’re talking about and that has been caused by the inmates burning down Camp Street [prison]. But as best as possible, in the circumstances, we are trying.

“We did [improvements on] facilities at Lusignan Holding Bay to ensure their security and, of course, it is not the best… but in my circumstances I don’t know what better I can do.”

However, he added that what the ministry can do at the moment is look into and address the complaints of prisoners pertaining to water and food.

“Indeed, I have given in-

Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan

struction to the DoP [Director of Prisons] but he has indicated that they have been getting good food and water and all of that. We will try to better the water because they were saying all manner of things about the water,” Ramjattan stated.

He added that the prisoners have also been given pallets on which to place their mattresses for resting at nights, but they continue to be very destructive with the materials.

“They have now burnt about half of the amount of mattresses we gave them there and the pallets. So, it is an extraordinarily difficult circumstance and I don’t have any other suggestion that can better that… they even destroyed the gated areas within holding bay 1, holding bay 2 and holding bay 3,” he said.

To improve the infrastructure of Guyana’s prisons, Ramjattan said he has made contact with several international money-lending agencies but, thus far, has received no satisfactory responses.

“I did tell them of our

circumstances. We have now gotten the monies to do the Mazaruni [prison] which will accommodate in the vicinity of about 300 prisoners. We have paid off steel cells to rehabilitate, by the end of another four months, the Camp Street Prison which will accommodate another 140 prisoners.

“I went internationally, too, to ask for a loan and IMF said they don’t give loans for prisons; World Bank said they don’t give loans for prisons; IDB said ‘no way,’ they don’t give loans for prisons. So I had to tell them you’re making my police force better to increase people that we arrest and put in the prisons and you’re not helping out by giving me a loan for prisons?,” Ramjattan said.

He explained further that money for development now needs to be taken from the treasury and this presents a great predicament, as there is much difficulty in prioritising limited resources.

“We have tremendously other big priorities. Severance pay for sugar workers, teachers’ salary increases, all kinds of things. The minute you take from [them] to build some prison people will start cussing,” he stated.

However, the public security minister assured: “But expect with greater revenue streams coming from the oil-and-gas sector, we have the plans that will take care of major projects for more prisons and so on.”

PSC backs work of new energy department THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has expressed its full support for the work of the new Department of Energy within the Ministry of the Presidency and has committed to working with the entity in fulfilment of its mandate.

The commitment was made last Thursday during a meeting with the Chairman of the Energy Sub Committee of the PSC, Mr. Deonarine Ramsaroop and Dr. Mark Bynoe, Director of the new department and his colleague, Oil and Gas Adviser, Matthew Wilks.

The commission and the department have also agreed to a regular schedule of consultations, a release from the PSC has said. Dr. Bynoe posited that “the philosophy of the department is to be open, transparent and predictable. We are seeking to establish partnerships and to work collaboratively with institutions such as the PSC; and we look forward to the PSC being a partner with whom we can have candid dialogue and discussions.”

He added that there are a number of areas which need to be addressed and soon there will be advertisements for specialised skill sets in the areas of cost recovery and legal framework and economic modelling in the oil-and-gas sector. These would have to be sourced overseas, but with embedded Guyanese capacity-building, since such skills are not readily available in Guyana, the PSC release stated. Notwithstanding this, no effort will be spared to develop local capacity over time. According to the PSC, it was made clear that the department will seek to avoid the

sole- sourcing mechanism as far as practicable and that requests for proposals will be tendered.

On the issue of local content, the PSC said both Dr. Bynoe and Mr. Wilks emphasised that the oiland-gas industry is not labour-intensive; and that job creation would largely come from supporting industries such as construction and hospitality, as well as sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and infrastructural development, which should be beneficiaries of the revenues generated from the sale of oil.

In fielding questions from members of the Energy Sub –Committee, Dr. Bynoe and Mr. Wilks said the department will soon embark on a sustained public information and education programme, which will encompass community outreaches.

The importance of developing capacity and high standards of production and performance was agreed upon by both the PSC and the visiting two-man team.

Joint venturing with reputable foreign companies was also agreed as a mechanism for accelerating the development of local capacity. On the issue of gas, it was pointed out by both Dr. Bynoe and Mr. Wilks that “gas economics is different from oil and a decision will not be made in haste about how we handle gas. We are getting help from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), with studies on how best is gas handled.”

The PSC, through the chair of its Energy Sub-Committee, Deonarine Ramsaroop, committed to working together in the best interest of Guyana.

OP-ED

By Imran Khan

‘Suarez brothers Circus faces stiff competition’

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

INITIALLY, when they arrived, the Saurez Brothers Circus had announced that they will be in Guyana for a “long period”.

On September 28th last, The Guyana Times reported thusly: “The Suarez Brothers Circus…. was in Guyana 13 years ago for a short time. This time, they (sic) are here for a longer period…”

Via public notices, the Suarez Circus has now announced that it is back to a “short season” and “only in Georgetown”.

The competition from across the way on upper Church Street with its weekly press conference ‘performances’ seems to be too stiff for Saurez Brothers. They are packing up and shipping out early. And so he was at it again yesterday, frothing at the mouth with his trademark vitriol and his infamous invectives, for part of his performance, while cornered and afraid for another part.

His supporters must have been wincing as noted journalist, Gordon Moseley, interrogated him on his feeble, convoluted defence of the obscene Berbice Bridge contract (which was conceived and signed during his presidency).

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo became incensed and irritated at Moseley’s insistence that he provides credible answers which he was incapable of doing and became evasive and insulting. It was the kind of performance we have become accustomed to from this ill-tempered, vindictive former President who once instituted a ban against the very Moseley from the Office of the President.

In a sad attempt to evade Moseley, Jagdeo went into an elongated spiel, repeating what he deemed successes of his presidency. He mentioned a number of projects.

Let us examine some: The Leonora Athletic Stadium. The location of this facility was purely political and had nothing to do with the development of athletics in Guyana. Leonora has no history or legacy of athletics. The stadium should have been located in either Linden or Georgetown where the majority of Guyana’s athletics emerge from. They would have been able to use the facility on a daily basis to train and prepare for domestic and international competition.

In addition the facility was poorly designed and the construction was shoddy with the

walls cracking and buckling. The seats in this “stadium” are cheap wooden benches which resemble crude road corner liming spots. It is a disgrace for anyone to boast that this is a shining achievement.

The Guyana National Stadium: Another horribly designed project which is so badly designed that tarpaulins have to be used to prevent the seats in the esteemed Presidential Box from getting wet when it rains.

Several areas have also been cracking and certain parts of the stands and surrounding areas flood. The dressing rooms for the teams are so small that some players have had to sit in the washroom. These are irrefutable, if not well known, facts.

The Skeldon Sugar Factory remains a glorious white elephant-- a colossal waste of money and a multi-billion dollar burden on taxpayers. We now know of the vulgar and oppressive contract which preceded the building of the Berbice Bridge. The location of the bridge too was done to spite the people of New Amsterdam (where the stelling is located) because they are deemed to be supportive of the Coalition.

The Arthur Chung Conference Centre had to be closed for almost a year, as it required BILLION DOLLAR repairs recently as the building was sinking. The CARICOM Headquarters is so inadequate that CARICOM has to rent an annex across the road to accommodate its staff. There are reports too that the ceiling is abnormally low, resulting in complaints by staff and feelings of claustrophobia.

What Mr. Jagdeo did not speak on was under his presidency Guyana was reduced to a pariah, narco-state in which drug lords openly boasted about providing security and funding public servants salaries. Drug lords were untouchable dons who murdered, slaughtered and did as they pleased without fear of the law or leadership. Sanity and law and orderliness have been restored to Guyana under the Coalition Government.

So lawless was Guyana that the United States authorities revoked the visas of high ranking government officials and the then Police Commissioner.

Guyana’s economy, under Jagdeo, was nothing but a house of cards, which, once the drug money was removed, collapsed. For all his boasting of being an economist of note, [all] Jagdeo could do to have a semblance of a properly functioning economy was to rely on drugs and the underground economy. This exposed how inept he is as a macro-economist and as a leader. This retiree who longs to return to government, lacks the temperament to be a credible and successful national leader. He proved this during his disastrous 12-year presidency and now that he has evicted Clement Rohee as his party’s General Secretary and entrenched himself as he seeks to cling on to power at all costs, he continues to prove same. And all [the] while he further harms the economy from taking off as he offers competition for outfits such as Saurez Circus as they seek to provide some clean family entertainment for the people of Guyana. Everything that attempts to put a smile on the faces of Guyanese, Jagdeo jumps in and challenges and destroys. Destruction is his legacy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

Bandits caught after robbing Parika bar

POLICE in ‘D’ Division (West Demerara /East Bank Essequibo) have arrested five bandits, minutes after they robbed the proprietor and patrons at Nancy’s Sports Bar at Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) Tuesday night.

Reports indicate that the robbery occurred minutes to midnight. Masked gunmen drove up in a Toyota Allion, PPP 8242, and proceeded to commit the robbery.

Anti-crime patrol in the division intercepted two of the suspects in the car at Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) while the third suspect was intercepted in a minibus, along with

his accomplices, at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. He was arrested with firearms and ammunition, two toques and the stolen articles.

Another person, suspected to be an accomplice, was also arrested in the said vehicle.

The suspects hail from Diamond, Kuru Kururu, Albouystown and Best Village, WCD. Residents in the area disclosed that while the proprietor, along with the patrons were in the sports bar, a black car drove up and the three men exited; two of them were masked and armed.

Inquiries revealed that one of the robbers held the propri-

etor at gun point while another bandit robbed two patrons.

The robbers then ran back to the car and fired a shot in the air and sped off. The car was allegedly driven by a 19-yearold taxi driver who was identified as Raymond Lindo of Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

The other bandits held were identified as Derick Pealey, 24, of Kuru Kuru Squatting area; Jeremy Adridge of Den Amstel, WCD; Trevor Xavier of Albouystown; Joseph Jaisingh of Albouystown; and Charles McIntyre of Best Village, West Bank Demerara.

Only recently, Commander Edmond Cooper organised a “March against crime and traf-

fic lawlessness” from the Den Amstel Police Station to the Leonora Police Station.

He had noted that police partnership with the community was very important in catching criminals.

The commander had noted that the way the police treat individuals and communities with which they interact on a daily basis can make a difference in the reduction of crime. He had contended that by treating people equally, making decisions fairly, explaining those decisions, and being respectful, the police can encourage people to cooperate with them and not break the law.

Guard charged for allegedly stealing PGS gun, ammo

A SHIFT commander of Professional Guard Service (PGS) appeared Wednesday in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged for allegedly stealing a gun and ammunition from the said security firm.

The 38-year-old man denied the charges which stated that on October 9, 2018, at Subryanville, he stole one Smith and Wesson revolver valued at $109, 649, property of PGS. It was further alleged that on the same day at the same location, he stole six live rounds of .38 ammunition, property of PGS. The man,

who resides at 5b Tucville, Georgetown, was unrepresented. Police objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence and the penalties it attract and the fact that the weapon nor the ammunition have yet been recovered.

According to the police facts, on the day in question, the accused was an employee at the guard service and had signed for uplifting the weapon and ammunition. Bail was granted by Magistrate Judy Latchman in the sum of $200,000 and the matter was adjourned to November 7, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

Challenge to GECOM chair appointment...

Immunity crucial to preserve dignity of presidency

-AG tells Court of Appeal ATTORNEY General Basil Williams SC, says presidential immunity serves the purpose of staving off possible indignities that may be thrown the way of the head of state, noting that every dignity must be accorded to the office of the President as he is the trustee of the people and that only immunity can ensure the dignity of his office.

Williams made the remarks in both written and oral submissions on Tuesday, when the Court of Appeal heard the final arguments in the challenge by the People’s Progressive Party to President David Granger’s decision to appoint Justice (rtd) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission. The decision was made following three not acceptable lists submitted by leader of the opposition to the President.

After close to two hours of arguments on Tuesday by Williams and his team and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, who is representing the appellant Zulfikar Mustapha, Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards set today for the decision. The case is being heard by the chancellor and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

Before the date for the decision was announced, the parties involved, in their arguments, responded to four questions put forward by the Appellate Court.

Those questions were: (1) Whether the Orders sought in paragraphs III and IV in Fixed Date Application dated the 23rd day of October, 2017, or the effect of those Orders can be granted by way of these proceedings; (2) whether Article 177 has any bearing on the President’s role under Article 161 (2); (3) whether the role of the leader of the opposition in submitting a list under Article 161 (2) is restricted only to the category of “other fit and proper persons”; and whether the list is still valid, if not all six persons are deemed not unacceptable.

Attorney General Williams, while thanking the court for posing the questions to the parties involved, said the President’s act of appointing Justice Patterson Chairman of GECOM was done during the performance of his office under Article 182 (1) and Article III (1) of the constitution.

In his submission, Williams said the constitutional provisions on presidential im-

munity are found in Article 182 of the constitution, Article 182, which states: “(1) subject to the provisions of Article 180, the holder of the office of President shall not be personally answerable to any court for the performance of the functions of his or her office, or for any act done in the performance of those functions and no proceedings, whether criminal

President David Granger

or civil, shall be instituted against him or her in his or her personal capacity in respect thereof either during his or her term of office or thereafter.

“Article 182 gives the President of Guyana immunity from legal action and applies to the President himself and includes criminal indictments or civil suits. This means that no court can compel the President to exercise any power or perform any duty or to desist from doing so. It also means that no court can prosecute the President. This protection is wide and covers all actions. It is important to note that Article 182 of the Constitution affords the President two types of immunities,” Williams argued.

PERSONAL CAPACITY He cited that Article 182 (1) speaks to actions done by the President in his personal capacity. In his personal capacity, the President is not personally answerable for any performance of the functions of his or her office, or for any act done in the performance of those functions. Additionally, once those actions are done or omitted to be done during the performance of those functions, then no criminal or civil

proceedings can be instituted against him in his personal capacity, Williams advanced.

He told the court that this immunity is subject only to article 180 of the constitution, which deals with the removal of the President by the National Assembly for violation of the constitution, or for gross misconduct. “The purpose of 180 is to have an avenue where the President can be made personally answerable to the Parliament. On the other hand, the purpose of Article 182 (1) is to grant the President immunity from legal proceedings in court. The case R v Bartle and the Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis and others EX Parte Pinochet (1999) 2 W.L.R. 827, illustrates the meaning of ‘personal capacity.’ In this case, Senator Pinochet (former head of state) was not entitled to immunity, as torture, hostage-taking and crimes against humanity, committed while he held office fell beyond the functions of a head of state.

NOT ABOVE LAW Meanwhile, Williams made it clear that the President is not above the law and said while the constitution grants the President immunity, this is to allow him to perform the functions of his office. He cited a Guyanese case Baird v Public Service Commission (2001) 63 WIR 134, where CJ Chang held that at page 164- “The immunities which attach personally to the President under article 182 of the constitution are for the limited purpose of ensuring effective performance of the functions of his high office, and not for the purpose of granting immunity to the state for any wrongdoing. The state would still be liable for the President’s wrongdoing, even though the President himself would be immune from the curial processes. It is the President who is immune from the curial process, not his acts.”

Additionally, Williams said in India, it would seem that the President’s acts are justiciable, but only for actions done by the President in his personal capacity (not official), and once he no longer is President.

Article 361 of the Indian constitution provides for certain privileges among which is that- “No civil proceedings in which relief is claimed against the President(or a governor) shall be instituted during his term of office in a court in respect of any act done or purported to be done by him in his personal capacity, whether

before or after he entered upon his office until: (i) A notice in writing has been delivered to the President or (Governor); (ii) Two months have elapsed after the service of such notice; (iii) The notice states the nature of proceedings and description of the party taking the proceedings and the relief claimed.”

However, commenting on actions done by the President in his official capacity, Dr. Shir Dayal in Constitutional Law of India, Allahabad Law Agency (1981) at page 235 opines: “This provision implies that as far as acts done or purported to be done by the president (or governor) in his official capacity are concerned, no civil proceedings can be brought, as there is an absolute bar against it under article 36.”

ings in the ordinary courts of law.”

Following this reasoning, Williams said the chief justice observed that the President is not above the law of the land.

The chief justice observed that the immunity of head of state is not unique to Sri Lanka and noted that the efficient functioning of the executive required the President to be immune from judicial process. “[i]f such immunity is not conferred, not only the prestige, dignity and status of the high office will be adversely affected, but the smooth and efficient working of the government of which he is the head will be impeded. That is the rationale for the immunity cover afforded for the President’s actions, both official and private.”

Attorney General Basil Williams SC

Justice (rtd) Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission James Patterson

Williams pointed out to the court that another jurisdiction to consider is Sri Lanka: citing a case Mallikarachchi v Shiva Pasupati (1985) 1 SLR 74, where the Chief Justice Sharavanda explained the rationale for the immunity doctrine, stating that “it is very necessary that when the Executive Head of State is vested with paramount power and duties, he should be given immunity in the discharge of his functions.”

Dealing with the purpose of Article 35 of the Sri Lankan constitution, he said at page 78, “The principle upon which the President is endowed with this immunity is not based upon any idea that, as in the case of the King of Great Britain, he can do no wrong. The rationale of this principle is that persons occupying such a high office should not be amenable to the jurisdiction of any but the representatives of the people, by whom he might be impeached and removed from office; and that once he has ceased to hold office, he may be held to account in proceed-

PROCEEDINGS AGAINST AG On whether the attorney general should be answerable for acts done by the President in his personal and or official capacity, Williams contended that Article 182 and in fact the entire constitution is silent on the role of the attorney general with respect to this matter.

This, he said, can be contrasted with the Sri Lankan constitution, which sets out clearly in the proviso to Article 35 (1) that- “35. (1) While any person holds office as President of the Republic of Sri Lanka, no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against the President in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by the President, either in his official or private capacity: Provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be read and construed as restricting the right of any person to make an application under Article 126 against the attorney general, in respect of

anything done or omitted to be done by the President, in his official capacity; provided further that the Supreme Court shall have no jurisdiction to pronounce upon the exercise of the powers of the President under Article 33(2) (g).”

“Consequently, in proceedings in respect of such acts or omissions of the President, the Attorney-General of Sri Lanka can properly be made the defendant or respondent. The attorney general is clearly made constitutionally liable (unlike in Guyana) to defend such acts or omissions, but his liability is limited to specific actions.

Therefore, one can conclude that the framers of Guyana’s constitution, by not including provisions such as the one in Sri Lanka, never intended that the proceedings be instituted against the attorney general for acts or omissions of the President,” Williams argued.

He insisted that the silence of article 182 and the entire constitution on the role of the attorney general must be taken to indicate that the attorney general has no role in these proceedings. “To create a role for the attorney general would only enlarge the provision and impose on it a meaning that the framers never intended [see Iselin v. United States, 270 U.S. 245, 250 (1926).

IMPORTANCE OF PRESIDENTIAL IMMUNITY Stressing that immunity is very important for the President to perform his duties, Williams said it serves the purpose of staving off possible indignities that may be thrown the way of the head of state.

“Therefore, every dignity must be accorded to the office of the President as the President is the trustee of the people and only immunity can ensure the dignity of his office,” the attorney general said.

Williams also proffered that executive immunity enhances harmony in the political process, noting that this would be eroded if the President is exposed to the scrutiny of the judicial system. “Ensuring the sacredness and dignity of the office of President by guaranteeing the President immunity under the constitution therefore cannot be overemphasised. Without this protection, the President would be obligated to justify every contestable action…”

Williams advanced.

Sophia man jailed, fined for ganja possession A 42-year-old man was on Wednesday sentenced to three years imprisonment after pleading guilty to having marijuana in his possession.

Police stated that on October 13, 2018, at South Sophia, Seon Fitzgerald had in his possession 76 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. The dhall puri vendor pleaded guilty, with an explanation, to the charge that was read out to him in court by the magistrate. Fitzgerald, in his explanation, told the court that he was coming around the corner and he

found the bag with the marijuana. He apologised to the court, saying he was sorry and asked the magistrate to be lenient with him, as he was the only breadwinner for his family.

According to the police facts, on the day in question around 07:00hrs ranks were on patrol when they observed the accused acting in a suspicious manner. He was searched and the suspected narcotics were found. Magistrate Judy Latchman sentenced the defendant to three years imprisonment along with a $30,000 fine.

Seon Fitzgerald

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

AG Chamber considering legislative changes to facilitate Protocol on Contingent Rights

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said the Attorney General’s Chamber is currently considering legislative changes to facilitate Guyana becoming a signatory to the Caribbean Commu-

nity’s (CARICOM’s) Protocol on Contingent Rights.

Last July, seven CARICOM countries signed onto the Protocol on Contingent Rights, paving the way for spouses and dependants of per-

sons with approved skills certificates to move freely within the community and benefit from critical services in areas such as health and education.

Guyana, at the time, did not sign onto the protocol.

During a press conference on Monday at his ministry, Minister Greenidge explained that last July when the protocol was signed by other CARICOM member states, the Government of Guyana had not gotten a chance to deliberate on it. He said those deliberations are now finished and the Attorney General’s Chamber is now looking at the protocol to facilitate legislative changes.

“As soon as that is done we will sign,” Minister Greenidge told reporters.

The protocol was signed by chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness; Prime

Minister of St. Lucia, Allen Chastenet; Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell; President of Suriname, Desire Bouterse; Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley; and Foreign Minister of Haiti, Antonio Rodriguez at the end of the 39th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the 15 CARICOM member states are expected to facilitate movement of 10 categories of skilled persons – artisans with CVQ, artistes, associate degree holders, domestic helpers/housekeepers with CVQ,

media persons, musicians, nurses, sportspersons, teachers and university graduates. With the commitments given by the heads of government during the high-level CARICOM forum in Jamaica, it is expected that by 2019 persons with approved skilled certificates should be allowed to travel freely within the community hassle-free, to work and live with their families.

At the time, Prime Minister Holness had said that the signing of the Protocol on Contingent Rights is critical in addressing the implementation deficits with the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

Cabinet briefed on digital governance roadmap CHAIRMAN of the Management Board of the e-Governance Academy (eGA) of Estonia, Dr. Arvo Ott, accompanied by Ms. Marit Lani and Mr. Tõnis Mäe, presented a draft report on the project-- Digital Governance Roadmap-for the Government of Guyana, during Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.

The draft roadmap outlines an implementation plan that will see the complete establishment of digital governance by 2030. During an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency's Public Information and Press Services Unit, Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Mr. Floyd Levi, explained that the roadmap was drafted after an assessment of Guyana’s e-governance status and is meant as a guideline to shift Guyana into a more modern state. As Estonia is world renowned for its successful e-governance system, Mr. Levi said that a partnership with the eGA primes Guyana for an efficient and effective e-Government.

“There are several e-government initiatives undertaken by government and we wanted to review

Man charged for killing Yarrowkabra youth

A FATHER of five appeared in court on Wednesday, charged for the murder of a teen at Yarrowkabra last week.

Anthony Jones, 40, of Circuit Ville, Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was not required to plead to the capital charge. Particulars of the charge allege that on October 13, 2018, at Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Jones murdered Nyron Vyphuis.

The man was represented by attorney James Bond.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne told the court that the post-mortem was still outstanding, as well as other police statements. The magistrate remanded Jones to prison. The matter was adjourned until November 6, 2018.

According to reports, about 19:30hrs on October 13, the teen was at a liquor shop owned by Anthony Jones, in the area.

At the time, the owner of the shop was imbibing with friends when suddenly he started to abuse his spouse.

Turn to page 18

that against a baseline. We chose the country of Estonia, which has had a very successful e-government implementation. We wanted to ensure that we were on the right track and using the e-Governance Academy of Estonia to review our work… as a starting point, we designed a roadmap that will clearly show what we need to have in place in order to get where we want to go,” he said.

The chairman added that the Estonian delegation highlighted four key areas of development that will ensure Guyanese benefit fully from the e-governance: the integration of the population registry into the e-government framework, the establishment of unique digital identities for every citizen in Guyana, the development of a secure and seamless digital exchange to facilitate the sharing of information between government agencies, and the listing of all available government services that need connection to the secure government information exchange.

Mr. Levi said that tackling these gaps in Guyana’s e-governance development will boost efficiency, whereby a citizen needs only share

President David Granger and his Cabinet fully engaged as a delegation from the Estonian e-Governance Academy presents the draft report on the project, Digital Governance Roadmap for the Government of Guyana.

their information with a government agency one time.

“This is what we call the ‘once only’ principle. A citizen is already known to government and you should not be asked by different government agencies for the same information every time you interact with them…

The system will be able to verify that you are who you claim to be with the government agency that is offering you service seamlessly [and] securely,” Mr. Levi explained.

The NDMA chairman said Guyanese will benefit from online government services as soon as next year.

“I believe citizens would be very satisfied if they can have all of their interactions with government done online, so we are aiming at this point in time to have over 200 government services be available to the citizens online by the end of 2019…

You go online and you have this interaction, you complete your application and you send it into government agencies from the comfort

of your own home, from your own smartphone, and, if you do not have one, from the government-initiated community ICT hub in your community,” the chairman said.

Referencing the government’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), Mr. Levi said that the NDMA has aligned itself with government’s ‘green’ agenda.

“The Green State Development Strategy is Guyana’s blueprint for development.

It is not only an environmental blueprint. It is a blueprint that this administration has advanced as its development framework for the entire country for all sectors of society… We have to compete and work in tandem with the other sectors of society toward the same goals… We are very synchronised with government’s agenda,” he said. In a determined effort to promote inclusivity and equality, Mr. Levi said that the department is actively reducing the occurrence of digital exclusion, especially

for those living in Guyana’s hinterland.

“I know at this point in time [that] we’re very focussed on the coast, but we are now moving on a project to get into the hinterland [and] to get those hinterland areas connected. There are over 17 hinterland communities where we are providing services and citizens can use those existing facilities that we have developed and deployed to use those government services when we bring them online… We take out the need for transportation, for moving [citizens] from their communities to get [government] service done. [This] has an implied cost and, of course, the time it takes to get all of this done,” he said.

Some of the planned interventions include eCabinet, ePolice, eHealth, eSchool, and eResidency. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Berbice fire leaves eight homeless

EIGHT persons are now homeless after a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed a number 40 Village, West Coast Berbice home Wednesday afternoon.

“I was sitting under the bottom house of my neighbor; all I hear is someone calling out fire, Fire, and when I come out I see was our house.

Myself, husband and three children lived downstairs and my mother and a cousin, who suffered a stroke and is bed-ridden, live upstairs,” Nelta Campbell said.

Persons who reside at the premise could not say how the fire started. Campbell said she will be staying in her neighbour’s yard where there is shelter until she can figure out how to move on.

“My youngest child is two years old and this is not easy at all, I don’t work and my husband tries his best and now we have to start over,” she lamented.

Residents in the area said when the fire started, persons immediately rushed upstairs to assist the elderly woman and a stroke victim who is bed-ridden.

“This is sad, we assist and saved whatever

Firefighters contained the fire that totally damaged the entire building (Adrian Narine photo)

we could have gotten out of the house, but the entire house is now totally damaged, but at least the firefighters managed to ensure that the other houses were not damaged,” one resident said.

Another resident expressed gratitude that no one was hurt or killed in the fire and praised the firefighters for doing a good job.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

Convicted confidence trickster gets 30 years for rape CONVICTED fraudster Troy Webster was on Wednesday afternoon sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for sexually penetrating a girl without her consent on November 21, 2015, in the Sexual Offences Court of the Demerara High Court before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a 12-member jury.

He was found guilty in the proportion of 11 to 1 by a mixed jury.

In handing down her sentence, Justice Barlow told the court that Webster used one trick to another to lure the victim, then gained her trust which he later betrayed.

The judge added that the victim told the court that she can regain money and her job which she lost, but can never regain what was taken from her by the convict.

Barlow added that the convict tricked the victim and took her money and as such, society cannot condone what he did.

The judge imposed a 30year sentence which he will serve after serving a 10-year sentence for fraud.

She however, urged Webster to use his ability in a meaningful way by getting involved in prison activities.

The accused in response told the court that the decision of the jury had shocked him, but stated that ‘they did what they had to’ after which he apologised to the victim for the pain he caused her.

He said however that it was not rape, but consensual sex.

The accused then asked the judge for leniency.

Meanwhile, state prosecutor Tiffini Lyken told the court to consider an appropri-

Man charged for killing ...

The young man, upon realising what was happening, intervened and attempted to stop the man from harming the woman. At this time, Jones got annoyed and left, but he returned with an axe.

The weapon was eventually taken from him by other persons who were at the shop.

However, the furious

ate sentence, since Webster has other offences of fraudulent activities, for which he was convicted.

It was after 3pm that the 12-member jury returned to the courtroom after hours of deliberations, following the summation of the case on Wednesday with a guilty verdict in the proportion of 11 to 1.

There was no impact statement from the victim who was age 25 years old back in 2015 when the rape took place in the County of Demerara.

In his plea of mitigation, defence attorney Clyde Forde told the court that the accused is 38 years old and a father of two.

He has spent one and half years in jail on remand and he has expressed remorse to the victim.

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man went into his home and again armed himself, this time with a knife which he allegedly used to attack and stab the teenager. The teen, in an effort to escape, ran a short distance, but collapsed to the ground as blood gushed profusely from the wound. Friends of the teenager alerted his family

members, who rushed to the scene where they found his lifeless body lying in a clump of bushes. The police were contacted and the suspect was taken into custody while the teen’s body was removed from the scene. The mother of the 19-year-old teen is seeking justice for her son.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday October 18, 2018

NICIL submits documents showing it owns Sussex Street wharf

THE National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) on Wednesday submitted documents to the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall showing that it was vested ownership of the disputed Lot 1 Mudflat, Lombard Street property, popularly known as the Sussex Street wharf, by the property’s transported owner, the Guyana National Engineering Corporation Limited (GNEC), since 2002.

Ownership of the land has been in question for some weeks now, ever since it was revealed that the land was being leased by the Mayor and

City Council (MCC), to Quick Shipping Inc. However, shortly after beginning works on the land, Quick Shipping Inc was approached by both NICIL and the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC), who claimed rights to the land.

Proprietor of Quick Shipping Inc., Paul Sandy, testified earlier this month that he has already paid over some $1,875,000 to the MCC for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018, on a lease entered into with Town Clerk Royston King. Sandy also informed that he invested millions to upgrade the land.

In-house attorney for NICIL, Arianne McLean, yesterday appeared before the

Gov’t, DDL to explore expansion of dairy industry

Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder with DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo, other DDL officials and Tetra Pak representatives during a discussion

GOVERNMENT and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) have agreed to examine the implementation of a Public/Private partnership to develop the local dairy industry with focus on the production of milk and other products.

The partnership will also seek to expand local juice production with the Ministry of Agriculture embarking on a programme to encourage market-driven agriculture.

This was among the decisions taken Wednesday, when Agriculture Minister Noel Holder and a team from his ministry toured DDL operations at Diamond. During the tour, there were wide-ranging discussions with a DDL team headed by its Chairman, Komal Samaroo.

In a statement, DDL said the meeting also viewed a presentation by a visiting team of personnel from Tetra Pak, a Swiss-headquartered company with which DDL is currently finalising an agreement for the design and supply of a new packaging plant to be installed next year at Diamond. The presentation also included a system for the effective collection of fresh milk from dairy farmers.

Minister Holder’s visit is the third by a government minister over the past three months, as DDL and government seek to work together to ensure a smooth and coordinated approach to the implementation of their respective development projects, the company said.

Earlier visits were paid by Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson and Finance Minister Winston Jordan.

These followed visits late last year by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Business Minister Dominic Gaskin.

Minister Holder during the meeting indicated that Guyana’s milk and milk- product imports amount to about $25 million (US); and the local production of milk would eliminate this expenditure, while creating jobs and generating revenue for local cattle farmers. He said there is a pool of animals in Guyana that can be converted to dairy production over the next five to 10 years.

He said that DDL with its technical, marketing and management expertise is best suited to partner with government to pursue the production of milk in Guyana. The Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Livestock Development Authority, will provide the required expertise in artificial insemination, embryo transplant techniques, pasture management and on farm development and milk-collection activities.

“There are synergies for us to work together and to access the needed resources, through international agencies such as the World Food Programme,” he said. Mr. Samaroo said that DDL is open to pursuing a partnership with the government and will continue to engage in moving the process forward as part of the company’s diversification plans.

CoI at the Critchlow Labour College to explain that the land is transported to GNEC via Land Transport #525 of 1985, a copy of which she submitted.

GNEC acquired the property in 1985, after purchasing it from the Guyana Marketing Corporation. Further evidence showed that NICIL subsequently acquired the property when GNEC was dissolved, and all of its assets and liabilities were handed over to NICIL via a vesting order dated 30 May 2002.

“All the assets of the corporation [GNEC], whether movable or immovable (including rights claims and interests) vested in the corpo-

ration immediately before the appointed day shall as from the appointed day stand transferred to and vested in NICIL,” the vesting order stated.

The vesting order detailed all of the properties being transferred to NICIL, with the Lot 1 Mudflat Lombard Street land being the first asset listed on the vesting order.

“The transport was not in the name of NICIL, [but] NICIL is the lawful owner of the property by virtue of the vesting order #13 of 2002, which dissolved GNEC and vested all of its assets to NICIL. Those assets include the property in question,” McLean asserted.

In the case of GNIC’s claim to the land, McLean explained that at one point GNIC was a tenant of the land via a lease agreement with GNEC; however that agreement expired in 2010.

At the time of vesting the GNEC was in a 15-year lease with the GNIC, which began in October 1995, for use of the land. An amended supplemental lease was entered into between the parties in January 2002; however, this did not extend the lease.

Hence, McLean maintained, NICIL is the only entity with legal rights to the land.

On the question of how the M&CC could have ever

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thought they had enough rights to lease the property, McLean said she had no idea.

“They were claiming to be the owner of the property, the M&CC, I don’t know [why], you have to ask them,” McClean conveyed.

As to what will now become of the situation with Quick Shipping Inc., McLean said she would have to consult with her superiors for them to decide on a way forward. Sandy had approached NICIL about the possibility of signing a lease with them, given that he had already invested so much to develop the land.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

Ansa McAl, NSC support ‘Bragging Rights’ street football

… 16-team tournament kicks off tomorrow SIXTEEN of the country’s top ‘street’ football teams will collide this weekend in an unfamiliar territory – the Marriott Beach front – when ‘Freedom Boss’ Marlon Jacobs hosts his ‘Bragging Rights’ tournament.

With $300 000 up for grabs for the winner, Jacobs will have Ansa McAl Limited under their STAG Beer and ICool water brands, as well as the National Sports Commission (NSC) in his corner for the tournament that kicks off tomorrow evening at 18:00hrs.

“The idea was simply to host a tournament that’s unique in many ways, but yet be familiar with street football fans,” Jacobs told reporters at the launching of the tournament yesterday at the NSC’s Homestretch Avenue headquarters.

Bragging Rights will mark the first time any organised sporting activity will be held at the Marriott Beach, as Jacobs also pointed out that the event will fuse sports and entertainment, since there will be an after-party nightly.

Director of Sport Christopher Jones said he welcomes the idea and the NSC was pleased to be on board - something he said is creative and fosters social cohesion.

Errol Nelson, head of Ansa McAl business unit, believes the initiative provides the perfect platform for his company with regard to business, and as such, he’s looking forward to seeing the action unfold, more so in a party atmosphere.

Sparta Boss will join familiar foes Leopold Street, along with Back Circle, Gold is Money, North East La Penitence, Avocado Ballers, Tiger Bay, Future Stars and Kingston as the teams representing Georgetown.

Diamond, Beterverwagting and Uprising are the East Coast of Demerara teams involved, while Agricola Warriors will represent the East Bank of Demerara. Swag Entertainment and Dave & Celina will represent Linden.

The teams will be divided into four groups of four. Each team will play two group games on opening night, followed by the conclusion of the group games on Saturday, as well as the quarter-finals.

On Sunday evening, the top four teams will play the semi-finals, and the top two teams will advance to the final.

Second-place finishers will pocket $100 000, third-place $60 000 and fourth-place will go home with $40 000.

Teams drawn in respective ... categories will pocket $100 000 more than last year’s winners. This year $700 000 will be up for grabs in the Open category, while the Masters will vie for the winners’ purse of $600 000. Both categories will have a runners-up prize of $100 000 as well as trophies.

Meanwhile, organisers have confirmed to Chronicle Sport yesterday that all systems are in place for another successful tournament.

Everest cricket ground will host the finals on October 21. Lighted bails will be used in the competition and added entertainment will be provided by the Caribbean Hot Shot Crossover band and cheerleaders during the finals.

The tournament is being played in collaboration with American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 Chasindamoney Race 2 Mahobodhi Tree Race 3 Ajnadeen Race 4 Time Ex[pired Race 5 Snidely Race 6 Hangman Race 7 Sheputaspellonme Race 8 Shiraz South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Chariot Of Gold 09:10 hrs Shogun 09:50 hrs Snow In Seattle 10:25 hrs Green Plains 11:00 hrs Van Halen 11:30 hrs Shifting Shadows Irish Racing Tips Tramore 08:35 HRS Seapoint 09:05 hrs Moondance 09:35 hrs Ballyfionboy 10:10 hrs Monition 10:40 hrs Moonball 11:10 hrs Cowboy Des Long 11:45 hrs Ask Neilus

From page back page

National Sports Commission, the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

Further, Regal Stationery & Computer Centre & Regal Sports has thrown its support behind the tournament.

At a simple presentation ceremony which took place at the entity’s location at 69 Seaforth Street, Campbellville recently, representative of the business entity, Amarita Bahadur, handed over a cheque to Brandon Persaud of GSCL Inc. In an invited comment Bahadur said they are happy to be given the opportunity to come on board since this tournament only comes once a year. She wished the teams well, adding that she is looking forward to an exciting and successful tournament.

English Racing Tips Carlisle 08:40 hrs Canny Style 09:10 hrs Luckofthedraw 09:45 hrs Good Boy Bobby 10:15 hrs Al Dancer 10:45 hrs Sky Pirate 11:20 hrs Pineapple Rush 11:55 hrs Middlebrow 12:30 hrs Rashee Uttoxeter 09:20 hrs Kublai 09:55 hrs Brandy James 10:25 hrs Dieg Man 10:55 hrs Mia’s Storm 11:30 hrs Dostal Phil 12:05 hrs Sounds Of Italy Wolverhampton 12:25 hrs Top Boy 13:00 hrs Havana Sunset 13:30 hrs Smart Illusion 14:00 hrs Prestbury Park 14:30 hrs Repaupo 15:00 hrs Liberisque 15:30 hrs Top Offer 16:00 hrs Raven’s Raft

BCB/NBS second division tournament continues in Berbice

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) and New Building Society-sponsored 40 overs second division tournament continued last weekend with several matches in Berbice.

Scores for the latest matches played are: At No.72 Ground: No.70 Spartan defeated No.72 All Stars by 88 runs. No.70 made 159 all out in 34.1 overs.

Thameshwar Ramoutar 37; A. Hemchand took 4-31 and W. Garnett 2-30. No.72. were bowled out for 71 in 15.2 overs. Ryan Ramdass 20; Naeem Yacoob 5-10, Omesh Khemraj 2-23 and H. Ramoutar 2-9.

At Yakusari: Yakusari Caribs defeated Yakusari Horizon by 73 runs. Yakusari Caribs 143 in 20 overs. C. Iyana 34, R. Iyana 28; V. Rampersaud 2-15, Karim Amin 2-20 and T. Ramsundar 2-23.

Yakusari Horizons 70 all out in 19.2 overs. Karim Amin 20. Naipaul Iyana 5-10.

At No.69: No.69 Red Rose Cricket Club (CC) defeated No.70 Young Blood CC by five wickets. No.70 Young Blood 142 all out. S. Rampersaud 26, V. Lakeram 19; Deoraj Rampersaud 3-26, Deodat Seeram 2 -20, Tarrick Chaitram 2-20 and Trishan Narinedat 2-24.

No.69 Red Rose 143-5.

Deoraj Rampersaud 70, Deodat Seeram 23; Ashwood Mahsond 2-27.

At No.70 MYO: No.70 MYO CC defeated No.71 Sports Club by eight wickets.

No.71 Sports Club 111 all out in 27.5 overs. Somedat Singh 21, Karamchand Poopaj 30; Ahmad Khan 2-21, Areef Khan 2-29, Asardeen Mohamed 2-18, Jameel Asad 2-3.

No.70 MYO 112-2 in 16 overs. Jameel Asad 49, Salu Khan 27.

At No.72: Cut and Load CC defeated No.73 Young Warriors CC by five wickets. No.73 Young Warriors CC 94 all out in 34 overs.

Danesh Seenarine 13, Azad Mohamed 28; Rishi Persaud 3-11, Devanand Chatterpaul 2-15 and Imran Khan 3-16.

Cut and Load 95-5 in 10 overs. Rishi Persaud 53;

Azad Mohamed 3-25 and Ganesh Singh 2-27.

At No.48: No.48 Challengers defeated No.43 Scorpions by two wickets.

No.43 Scorpions CC 205 runs in 34.3 overs. S. Diaram 67, M. Harvey 29, A. Grant 50; A. Lensankar 3-33 and M. Drepaul 2-21. No. 48 Challengers CC 206-8. Munesh Lalu 94, Balram Persaud 31, Terrence Budhu 34; Jaipaul Sewnauth 3-39 and Devin Baldeo 3-12.

At Courtland: Chesney CC defeated Courtland CC by six wickets. Courtland 126 in 21.4 overs. Jermaine Cort 31, Eon Gibson 21; Imran

Khan 4-38 and S. Khan 3-6.

Chesney CC 129-4 in17 overs.

Pavindra Somwaru 58, Saif Latchana 18; Jermaine Cort 3-16.

At Fyrish: Fyrish CC defeated Kilcoy CC by 51 runs.

Fyrish CC 171 in 27 overs.

Y. Chinapen 25, Y. Cordyall 29, K. Rengasammy 22; H. Mohamed 3-60, S. Kamalldin 3-8 and S. Kamaludin 3-10.

Kilcoy CC 120 all out in 20 overs. K. Ramnarain 54, H. Mohamed 18; R. Ramcharran 3-10 and K. Roopnarine 3-34.

At Goed Bananen Land: Young Warriors CC defeated BG Triple Star CC by 27 runs. Young Warriors 185 in

33 overs. Alex Algoo 30, S. Khan 27, Devindra Ramoutar 20; L. Jugister 3-38, O. Emandin 3-27. BG Triple Star 158 all out in 27.3 overs. K. Sobhai 47, K. Gangaram 42, S, Amichanen 20; Devindra Ramoutar 5-44.

At Mount Sinai: Mount Sinai CC defeated Bermine CC by 23 runs. Mount Sinai 180 all out in 33.5 overs. R. McAndrew 27, S. Daniels 24, R. Barrington 36; Gregory Crandon 3-23 and R. Seitaram 3-22. Bermine 157 all out in 29.4 overs. K. Roster 38, R. Seitaram 37; S. Daniels 6-34 and J. Amsterdam 2-31.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

Abbas wrecks Australia as Pakistan dominate second day (REUTERS) - Seamer Mohammad Abbas ripped through Australia’s batting order, claiming a career-best five wickets for 33, before Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali scored half-centuries to help Pakistan take control of the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Having dismissed Australia for a paltry 145 in their first innings, Pakistan stretched their lead to a daunting 281 by stumps on day two with Zaman’s 66 and an unbeaten 54 by Ali taking them to 144-2.

After Mohammad Hafeez fell for six off the bowling of Mitchell Starc, opener Zaman picked up from where he left off in the first innings, smashing seven boundaries en route to his second half-century of the match.

However, the 28-yearold fell when his flat drive o f f N a t h a n Ly o n w a s plucked out of the air by the bowler. Ali was joined at the crease by Haris Sohail and the pair ensured Pakistan did not give their rivals any more joy.

Earlier, Abbas produced a deadly spell of pace bowling in the morning as Australia were reduced to 91-7 at lunch.

Resuming on 20-2, Australia batsman Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh struggled to cope with the moving ball as Abbas and Mir Hamza choked the scoring rate in the opening hour.

Abbas, who removed inform opener Usman Khawaja and nightwatchman Peter Siddle on the first day, grabbed his third wicket when he dismissed Marsh for three after he edged a delivery to Haris Sohail at first slip.

The 28-year-old right-arm quick tested Finch with some sharp inswingers but it was his partner Travis Head (14) who cracked under pressure, gifting a catch to Asad Shafiq to leave Australia reeling at 56-4.

Mitchell Marsh came in with a positive mindset and added 13 runs before he edged one from Yasir Shah to Shafiq.

Finch soon followed Marsh back to the pavilion when he gloved to short leg for 39, handing off-spinner Bilal Asif his first breakthrough of the match.

Four overs later, Asif trapped Australian captain Tim Paine leg-before for three. Marnus Labuschagne was run-out after the lunch break and Nathan Lyon soon followed him.

Starc smashed two sixes but was dismissed lbw by Abbas for 34, with the bowler claiming his fifth wicket of the innings.

With the momentum going their way, Pakistan look set to deny Australia a first series win in Asia since 2011.

Paine’s side sealed a battling draw in the first Test.

from Alex Amsterdam.

Left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes claimed four for 44 to lead the Pride attack while veteran left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn conjured up a stingy 10-over spell which yielded two wickets for 27 runs.

The visitors were wobbling on 21 for two in the eighth over when Drakes struck in successive deliveries, having Jaskaran

Left-hander Jonathan Carter struck his fourth half-century of the tournament.

made another half-century and Adil Rashid claimed 4-36 as England went 2-0 up in their series with Sri Lanka following a seven-wicket win in a rain-reduced third oneday international.

Inclement weather in Kandy meant the contest was only 21 overs-a-side and though Sri Lanka were 57 without loss when batting first, Rashid and Tom Curran (3-17) helped restrict them to 150-9.

to depart for a third successive ODI duck and the progress of Samarawickrama and captain Dinesh Chandimal was slow.

Rashid struck again in successive balls in the 13th over as Samarawickrama (35) edged a waisthigh full toss to square leg, before Thisara Perera was tempted by a flighted delivery that a diving Roy held on to.

Aside from Chandimal (34), Dasun Shanaka (21)

Mohammad Abbas finished with career-best figures of 5 for 33 as Australia conceded a 137-run first-innings lead. (Getty Images)

SCOREBOARD PAKISTAN 1st innings 282 AUSTRALIA 1st innings (20-2 o/n) Usman Khawaja c Sarfraz Ahmed b Mohammad Abbas 3 Aaron Finch c Fakhar Zaman b Bilal Asif

39 Peter Siddle lbw Mohammad Abbas

4 Shaun Marsh c Haris Sohail b Mohammad Abbas 3 Travis Head c Asad Shafiq b Mohammad Abbas 14 Mitchell Marsh c Asad Shafiq b Yasir Shah 13 Marnus Labuschagne run-out Yasir Shah

25 Tim Paine lbw Bilal Asif

3 Mitchell Starc lbw Mohammad Abbas

34 Nathan Lyon b Bilal Asif

2 Jon Holland not out

2 Extras: (lb-3)

3 Total: (all out, 50.4 overs)

145 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-20, 3-36, 4-56, 5-75, 6-85, 7-91, 8-128, 9-132 Lyon.

Bowling: Mohammad Abbas 12.4-4-33-5, Mir Hamza 9-2-27-0, Yasir Shah 19-3-59-1, Bilal Asif 10-3-23-3.

PAKISTAN 2nd innings Fakhar Zaman c & b Nathan Lyon

66 Mohammad Hafeez c Travis Head b Mitchell Starc 6 Azhar Ali not out

54 Haris Sohail not out

17 Extras: (nb-1)

1 Total: (two wkts, 44.0 overs)

144 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-106.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 4-0-22-1 (nb-1), Peter Siddle 6-0-28-0, Nathan Lyon 20-3-59-1, Jon Holland 10-3-17-0.

Carter, Moseley extend Pride revival in third straight win BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Left-handers Jonathan Carter and Shayne Moseley struck half-centuries as Barbados Pride rattled off their third straight victory to move into semi-final contention in the Regional Super50 here Tuesday.

Asked to chase a modest 213 at 3Ws Oval, Pride overcame a few hiccups to reach their target in the 36th over, beating USA Cricket by four wickets to close in on second place in Group B held by Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners.

Both opener Moseley and Carter top-scored with 60 while captain Shamarh Brooks chipped in with 35, as Pride got their final four bid back on course after a shaky start to their preliminary campaign.

USA Cricket had earlier rallied to 212 for eight off their 50 overs on the back of opener Monank Patel’s 80 and 40

Morgan, Rashid star as England win rain-reduced third ODI CAPTAIN Eoin Morgan googly in the next over

Malhotra caught at the wicket for nine and then trapping lefthander Steven Taylor lbw without scoring.

However, Patel held the innings together in a knock lasting 103 balls and including four fours and two sixes, anchoring two half-century stands which propelled USA up to their eventual total.

First, he put on 77 for the third wicket with Amsterdam who struck five fours in a 69-ball innings before adding a further 54 for the fifth wicket with Jannisar Khan who made 27 from 50 balls.

In reply, there was never really any doubt about the result once Moseley dominated a 76run opening stand with Kevin Stoute who made 17.

Moseley struck nine fours and a six in a stroke-filled innings that required 48 balls, en route to notching his maiden regional 50-overs half-century.

However, he fell in the 14th over, bowled playing back to one from left-arm spinner Steven Taylor that skidded on, and Stoute followed in the 18th over, lbw to slow bowler Usman Ashraf (2-34) also playing back.

On 90 for two at that stage, Pride were in need of a solid partnership and got it in the form of an 80-run third-wicket stand between Carter and Brooks.

Carter, already with three half-centuries under his belt, dominated the USA attack with four fours and three sixes in a breezy 43-ball innings while Brooks counted two fours and a six off 37 deliveries.

When seamer Kyle Phillip removed Brooks to a return catch in the 28th over, Pride lost four wickets for 33 runs as left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige (2-54) triggered a slide but by then the result was all but secure.

Jason Roy was dismissed on review but Eoin Morgan recorded his second consecutive fifty. (Getty Images)

The tourists then cruised to that victory target with 15 balls to spare as Morgan and Ben Stokes, who were unbeaten with 58 and 35 respectively, saw England home after Jason Roy had laid the foundations with a 26-ball 41.

With no result possible in the first ODI and England winning the second on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method, anything other than a Sri Lanka victory in Kandy on Saturday will ensure Morgan’s men take the series.

Sri Lanka’s openers had started in impressive fashion when play finally began, as Niroshan Dickwella and Sadeera Samarawickrama smashed 45 off the initial four-over power-play.

The partnership was at 57 when England finally made the breakthrough, Dickwella (36) launching Curran’s back-of-a-length ball to mid-off where Chris Woakes claimed the catch at the second attempt.

Kusal Mendis then failed to pick Rashid’s

was the only other Sri Lankan to make double figures as Rashid, Curran and some fine fielding that led to two run-outs gave England a modest target.

Their effort was given a boost when Lasith Malinga bowled two wides from his first three balls in an opening over that cost 17.

And though Jonny Bairstow lasted just two balls and Joe Root was out for eight - Amila Aponso accounting for both men - a 46-run stand between Roy and Morgan ensured England always looked comfortable, even when the former was pinned in front by Akila Dananjaya following a review.

Stokes came in and mimicked team-mate Jos Buttler’s ramp shot for one six and Morgan, who made 92 in the second ODI, reached his fifty with one of his seven fours.

And it was Stokes who scored the winning runs when he launched Aponso back down the ground for his second maximum. (Yahoo Sport)

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

Survival to enhance spectators’ experience at Guyana Softball Cup SURVIVAL Group of Businesses is fully onboard with the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) for the eighth edition of Guyana Softball Cup, billed for later this month.

The company presented its sponsorship to the organisers recently with Survival Travel Agency’s Manager, Mark DeFreitas, making it abundantly clear that the entity is committed to ensuring the success of the event.

To this end, the business establishment will be providing all-expenses paid trips for three couples to local destinations - Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls.

In addition, Survival will make available five hampers to be won on the day of the finals. All patrons need to do is to retain their half ticket to be eligible.

Dharam Persaud of the GFSCA said Survival’s support is key to the success of the Guyana Softball Cup and the association is grateful for

the continued partnership.

Teams from Guyana, New York, Canada and Florida will converge on Guyana on the weekend of

is promising an action-packed and competitive tournament.

The category finals would be on October 28 at the Demerara Cricket Club, starting

sored by STAG Beer, RUBiS Guyana, Trophy Stall, Survival, Steve’s Jewellery, Clear Waters, Busta, Rohan Auto Spares, A&R Jewan-

Survival’s Mark De Freitas, left, displays the tour packages certificate.

October 26-28 to compete for softball supremacy in the Americas.

Once again, the GFSCA

at 10:00hrs and concluding with the Open final under floodlights.

The tournament is spon-

ram Printery, Ramchand’s Auto Spares WJ Enterprise, Mike’s Pharmacy and Karibee Rice.

ECCCC/Banks Beer 100-ball cricket

Hemraj century, Latif 4-4 dominate with bat and ball for Strathavon A BLISTERING century from Gobinraj Hemraj and four wickets in three overs

by U-19 spinner Kevin Latif highlighted the opening day of the Enmore Community Centre Cricket Club (ECCCC)/Banks Beer 100-ball cricket tournament.

The home teams dominated in the 10 games that were played across the five East Coast venues last Sunday in the East Coast Cricket Committee-endorsed competition.

Although all the games had their level of entertainment, the action at Strathavon had the home team supporters in frenzy.

Strathavon Sports Club won back-to-back games.

First, they whipped Mahaica SC by 10 wickets. In that game, Latif bagged four wickets for four runs from three overs to restrict the visitors to 31 in 11.3 overs, while the home team openers reached 37 in only four overs.

In their second game, Strathavon defeated Beehive SC by 93 runs. Led by 111 (11x4, 5x6) from Gobinraj, the brother of West Indies player Chanderpaul Hemraj and 30 unbeaten runs from Mohan Ronald, the home team raced to 179-2.

Beehive, in reply, were restricted to 89-9 after G. Hemraj and Ronald picked

up three wickets each.

Dinesh Vivikanand led Beehive with 31 unbeaten runs.

Strathavon SC were not the only winners. Fairfield Sports Club also won backto-back games at home. First, they defeated Beehive SC by seven wickets. The visitors scored 92-7 (H. Samlall 36; Richard Chatura and Walter Byrne two wickets each). In reply the home team raced to 97-3 in 12 overs after Chatura scored 43.

In their second game, Chatura again helped his team with the ball. He nabbed three wickets to restrict Mahaica SC to 124-6 (Yeudister Persaud 43, Darshan Persaud 40), while Wazim Mustapha with 51, led Fairfield to 126-3 from 11.3 overs.

Another double win occurred at the Enmore Community Centre ground, with the ‘A’ team defeating Mahaica Cavaliers by nine runs and Lusignan East by 75 runs.

ECCCC ‘A’ reached 1318, with Vishwanauth Ramlakhan scoring 32, before the Cavaliers were restricted to 122-9 with K. Fraser top-scoring with 34. Yuvraj Dyal and Amir Khan were the pick of the Enmore bowlers after grabbing 3-15 and 2-26 respectively.

In their other clash, EC-

CCC reached 123-7 with Dyal (39) and Khan (38) leading the charge. S. Sahadeo finished with 3-6 for the Lusignan team, but their batsmen did not support him, as they were bundled out for 48 from 10.2 overs after Dyal and Ranjeet Hiralall picked up three wickets each.

Gobinraj Hemraj scored the competition’s first century

Enterprise also won both of their home games, but they did so with two teams.

Enterprise ‘B’ defeated Enmore CCCC ‘B’ by six wickets. The visitors were restricted to 92-5 from their 100 balls (S. Jainarine 36 retired,

N. Ulla 3-21), before Enterprise ‘B’ reached 93-4 from 14.4 overs. Mankat Balkissoon led the batting team with 39, while 16-year-old Chaitram Balgobin led Enmore’s attack with 3-12 from three overs.

In game two, the Enterprise ‘A’ team thrashed Paradise SC by 10 wickets. The visitors were bundled out for 41 in 10.2 overs after Vivian Albert grabbed 3-11 from two overs. Enterprise, in reply, reached 42 without loss with Baskar Yadram leading the way with 29.

At Enterprise, Lusignan also recorded two wins with their ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams.

The ‘B’ team got past the LBI Cricket Club by 58 runs.

Lusignan ‘B’ reached 126-5 from their 100 balls with a top score of 42 from S. Alli, before LBI succumbed for 68. Ferron Kadir led the home team’s attack with 2-10.

In their second clash, half-centuries from Robin Williams (65) and Vishnu Ramjeet (59) led the Lusignan ‘A’ team to a 77-run win over Enterprise ‘B’. The home team reached 190-6, despite K. Mohammed grabbing 3-26, before restricting Enterprise ‘B’ for 113-6 from their 100 balls. N. Ulla led the visitors with 46 runs.

The competition is set to continue on Sunday.

Celtics too good for 76ers in NBA opener THE Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 105-87 on Tuesday to get the 2018-19 NBA season started with a statement win in Boston.

Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward both returned to the court after injuries affected them last season. Hayward did not even make it out of the first quarter of the first game last year, but he returned to score 10 points with five rebounds and four steals.

gerous squads ready to jump on opposing teams’ second units.

Kyrie Irving

76ERS NEED SHOOTERS It is easy to hit them when down (39 per cent shooting, 19 per cent from three-point range), but the 76ers consistently proved last season that J.J. Redick was their only true deep threat.

Ben Simmons has blossomed into a dangerous player, but he cannot shoot. Simmons had 19 points, 15 rebounds eight assists, and Joel Embiid 23 points 10 rebounds, but neither are threats from outside the free-throw line.

The NBA has become a shooter’s league, with the best teams carrying multiple threats from beyond the arc. Philadelphia could struggle to win big games if they cannot find a couple more dangerous shooters.

Looking deep and dangerous, the Celtics claimed an early edge as the Eastern Conference favourites with this victory.

Celtics are the deepest team in the East Few teams are going to be able to compete with Golden State’s starting lineup this season, but Boston might have the league’s best bench. Marcus Smart, Marcus Morris, Aron Baynes and Terry Rozier all provided solid minutes and production on Tuesday, building on last season’s playoff success.

With Jayson Tatum, Irving, Al Horford, Hayward and Jaylen Brown in the starting lineup, Boston have two dan-

DEFENCE CAN STILL WIN GAMES IN THE NBA In an era of ‘Big Threes’ and collaborative superstars almost as famous off the court as they are on it, defence has lost a bit of its appeal over the past decade. But Brad Stevens has this Celtics team locked in on both ends of the court, something rarely seen in the NBA since the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs’ dominant days in the early 2000s.

Brown and Tatum are rare young stars who get just as excited shutting their opponent down as they do scoring. That mentality could help Boston pull off some upsets when the games really start to matter.

FIBA secretary general Patrick Baumann dies of heart attack in Buenos Aires BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Switzerland’s Patrick Baumann, the secretary general of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), died here of a heart attack.

He was 51.

Baumann, who died last Sunday, was in the Argentine capital for the third edition of the Youth Olympic Games and news of his death sparked consternation both within the IOC and in the basketball world.

“This is a great shock, which has hit us all very hard.

We can hardly believe this terrible news. Particularly since, even today, we have seen him working hard, as we always knew him, for the sport he loved,” said IOC president Thomas Bach in a statement, reports Efe news.

“We lose a young and sympathetic leader full of hope who was standing for the future of sport. Our thoughts are with his wife, his children and his family,” Bach added.

Gerardo Werthein, the president of the Argentine Olympic Committee and the top official for Buenos Aires 2018 said: “Patrick was a brilliant sports leader and a great person. I had the honour of having him consider me to be his friend. We’re saddened by his sudden loss.”

In tribute to Baumann, the Olympic flag will be flown at half-staff at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, as well as in Buenos Aires for three days, and there will also be a ceremony to pay homage to him at the Youth Olympic Village in the Argentine capital.

Born in Basel, Baumann was a former basketball player, coach and referee, served as FIBA deputy secretary general 1995-2002 and then was appointed to head the organisation.

He recently chaired the evaluation committee for the 2024 Olympic Games and was also president of IOC’s Coordination Commission for the Youth Olympic Games Lausanne 2020 and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

(IANS)

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

John Fernandes Limited supports South Steyn, Rabada named for Australia tour American 10K Road Race Classic JOHN Fernandes Limited yesterday became the first corporate entity to support the second leg of the South American 10K Road Race Classic, which is set to run off on Sunday November 4, in Georgetown.

The company which has a rich history in supporting sports and its development in Guyana expressed delight at having an opportunity to be part of something it deemed as ‘significant’ and also wished the local athletes representing Guyana well.

Aubrey Hutson, president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), which is tasked with ensuring one of South America’s important fixtures of distance events is properly organised, lauded John Fernandes Limited for answering its call for support, as he collected the cheque for an undisclosed sum.

According to Hutson, the 16th edition of the South American 10K will coincide with his association’s 70th anniversary, and as such, John Fernandes’

SOUTH Africa have included express pacemen Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada in a 15man squad for next month’s ODI series against Australia.

Rabada’s overturned twomatch suspension for making physical contact with Steve Smith was one of the main talking points of this year’s Test series in South Africa prior to the ball-tampering furore.

AAG president Aubrey Hutson receives a cheque for an undisclosed sum from John Fernandes Limited’s Accounts executive, Tricia Azaire. Also in photo is executive Peter Peroune. (Adrian Narine photo)

support is seen as timely.

The South American 10K second leg will be launched officially tomorrow, when all

information pertaining to the event will be given.

The race will be held under the theme: ‘Run for Guy-

ana gold’, since it is the only athletic meet in Guyana to offer the winner a ‘real gold medal’.

Thirteen clubs to contest East Bank FA Senior KO competition SENIOR players are bracing for a return to competitive football on the East Bank from Sunday when the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) kicks off a knockout competition that will ultimately see the top two clubs qualify for the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yearend Super 16 tournament.

A total of 13 clubs will be battling for the two spots and among them the traditional powerhouse Grove Hi Tech who will have to prove that they still have the potency to overcome opposing teams.

The likes of Agricola

Red Triangle, the resurging Timehri Panthers, the neversay-die Kuru Kururu Warriors, along with giantkillers Herstelling Raiders, will all be putting their hands up and hoping to claim one of the spots.

Mocha Champs have some work to do to get back their status as one of the best, the same goes for Soesdyke Falcons.

Diamond United and Friendship along with new kids on the block, Diamond Upsetters, Swan FC and Hararuni Eagles will all be relishing the chance to showcase what they’ve got at this level.

The Executive and members of the EBFA is extending appreciation to the Chairman and Councilors of the Grove/ Diamond NDC for approving the uses of the venue for the tournament and the association is looking forward to working with the NDC to transform the venue into one of the best on the East Bank and by extension, Guyana.

Set to kick off the tournament would be Swan FC and Hararuni Eagles who will battle in a playoff match to enter the main draw from 14:00hrs.

Saturday’s main attraction features Grove Hi Tech against

another new kid on the block, Samatta Point/Kaneville from 16:00hrs> On Sunday, another double- header will be played.

Kuru Kururu Warriors will open against home team Diamond Upsetters from 14:00hrs with the feature game between Herstelling Raiders and Friendship.

The other clubs competing are Mocha Champs, Soesdyke Falcons, Agricola Red Triangle, Diamond United and Timehri Panthers.

Matches will be played every Saturday and Sunday at the same venue.

FA says Wembley sale off after Khan withdraws offer

By Simon Evans

(REUTERS) - England’s Football Association’s plans to sell Wembley Stadium and invest around £600 million into grassroots facilities and projects were in tatters yesterday after potential purchaser, American Shahid Khan, withdrew his offer.

The billionaire owner of the NFL (National Football League) club Jacksonville Jaguars made his offer public in April and the proposed sale had been discussed by the FA’s Board with the full FA Council to have voted on the matter on October 24.

However, the outcome was in doubt with the sale of the iconic national stadium dividing opinion.

“At a recent meeting with Mr Khan he expressed to us that without stronger support from within the game, his offer is being seen as more divisive than it was anticipated to be and has decided

to withdraw his proposal,” FA chief executive Martin Glenn said in a statement.

“There has been much deliberation on both sides of this debate and it has undoubtedly raised awareness of the issue that community football facilities in England need significant investment.”

“We will continue to work together to identify new and innovative ways of investing in community football facilities in the future,” added Glenn.

Khan, who also owns English Premier League club Fulham, said his offer had not received the backing he had hoped for.

“At this moment, following last week’s FA Council hearing, it appears there is no definitive mandate to sell Wembley and my current proposal, subsequently, would earn the backing of only a slim majority of the FA Council, well short of the conclusive margin that the FA Chairman

has required,” Khan said in a statement.

“The intent of my efforts was, and is, to do right by everyone in a manner that strengthens the English game and brings people together, not divides them,” he added.

There had been opposition to the sale from within the game with some critics questioning the wisdom of surrendering ownership of the national stadium and others sceptical of the future investments in the game.

“Unfortunately, given where we are today, I’ve concluded that the outcome of a vote next week would be far from sufficient in expressing the broad support favoured by the FA Chairman to sell Wembley Stadium,” Khan said.

“Until a time when it is evident there is an unmistakable directive from the FA to explore and close a sale, I am respectfully withdrawing my offer to purchase Wembley Stadium.”

However Khan left the door open, should his idea win broader backing.

“I cannot rule out revisiting the opportunity at another time when perhaps the Football Association family is unified in its views on the opportunity,” he said.

“I recognise the passion many people have for Wembley and what it means to English football, and will be willing to re-engage with the FA on this matter under proper circumstances.”

The new Wembley Stadium opened in 2007 on the site of the original venue and cost around £750 million to build.

Under the plan, Wembley would have remained the home to major football matches such as the FA Cup final and would also have been available to England for internationals — outside of autumn when it could have been used for NFL games.

Dale Steyn Steyn recently marked his international return from injury against Zimbabwe, having gone almost two years without playing an ODI. The 35-year-old was on the sidelines throughout this year’s Test series between the rivals, which was overshadowed by the incident that led to long bans for Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.

Australia’s three-match ODI series against South Africa starts in Perth on November 4. The two sides will then play a one-off Twenty20 on the Gold Coast on November 17.

Skipper Faf du Plessis is one of five members of the touring party who helped the Proteas win an incredibly spiteful Test series that was stacked with controversy.

“Never in my 14 years of

refereeing have I seen such animosity between two teams,” match referee Jeff Crowe said earlier this year, having been in charge of the first two Tests.

The Proteas were unable to call on injured veterans Hashim Amla (finger) and JP Duminy (shoulder), but all-rounder Chris Morris returns from injury.

“Chris confirmed his fitness with his excellent form for the Titans in the first two rounds of the 4-Day Domestic Series,” Cricket South Africa (CSA) National Selection Panel (NSP) convener Linda Zondi said in a statement yesterday.

“He is the leading wicket-taker in this competition to date and also adds value as a batting option in the lower-order.

“With Wiaan Mulder ruled out at the moment through injury we need to look at our resources as far as batting all-rounder options are concerned and Dwaine, in particular, fits into this category.

“We have also lost a lot of experience in our specialist batting order through the injuries to Hashim Amla and JP Duminy, but Farhaan gives us another experienced option in the top order.”

Both South Africa and Australia will be looking to ramp up their preparations for the 2019 World Cup. Fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, who missed the ongoing UAE tour because of back injuries, are both hoping to return for Australia in the ODI series South Africa’s 15-man ODI squad: Faf du Plessis (capt.), Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn.

Four GCA matches this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will host three matches this weekend, with three games in the GCA/ Friends of Cricket Under-17 (100 overs) and one game in the New Building Society second division 40 overs tournament.

On Saturday, Georgetown ECO Champs will play Bel Air RUBiS at Ogle while DCC will host GCC and MYO will host to Everest on Sunday in the Under-17 tournament. Those games commence at 09:30hrs on both days.

The second division game is billed for Sunday with Police opposing Third Class at Eve Leary from 10:30hrs.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday October 18, 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) (2)

Courtney Walsh-7/37 (vs NZ, Wellington, 1995) Kapil Dev-9/83 (vs WI, Ahmedabad, 1983)

(1) (2)

Who is the first Indian to score twin tons in a Test?

Who is the first WI to register separate hundreds in the same Test?

Today’s Quiz:

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, October 18, 2018

Digicel Cancer Awareness Cycling Race to feature exciting match sprints WHEN telecommunications giant Digicel partners with Team Evolution to host the Annual Cancer Awareness Race on Sunday, October 21, there will be a number of changes including a more spectator-friendly route and exciting match sprints.

The race will begin at the traditional starting point in front of the GDF compound on Vlissengen Road.

However, this year the organisers have changed the course in order to facilitate better spectator viewing.

The cyclists will proceed north along the western carriageway of Vlissengen Road, turn right at the Kitty roundabout, head south on the eastern carriageway of Vlissengen Road, turn at the Thomas Lands intersection and

Geron Williams is the defending champion of the Digicel Cancer Awareness Cycling Race.

back to the start point.

For the most part this will provide a better view of the participants throughout the race. In another twist there will be an introduction of match sprints where riders will be paired against one another with the winner moving into the next round.

The races will begin at 08:30hrs with registration at 07:30hrs. The entrance fee is $2 000 per person for road races with mountain bikes and novices paying $1 000. Those wishing to enter the match sprint competition will be required to pay a further $1 000 as will those entering a second race.

As is traditional all of the proceeds from the entrance fees will go to the Guyana Cancer Institute. The organisers have

said that they are looking forward to the support of all cycling enthusiasts and the public at large.

The top finishers in the Match Sprints will receive as follows: 1st Place - $35 000 2nd Place - $25 000 3rd place - $15 000 The race schedule will be as follows: Mountain Bikes/Novices Race - 10 Laps (Prizes 1-3) Kiddies Race - Short Loop (Prizes 1-3) Match Sprints - Preliminary Round - 1 Lap (Prizes 1-3) Veterans U-45 & O-45 20 Laps (Prizes 1-3) Match Sprints - Final Round - 1 Lap (Prizes 1-3) Seniors & Juniors - 40 Laps (Seniors 1-6, Juniors 1-3)

Public Relations Officer Pamela Binda confirmed the partnership by handing over the company’s contribution yesterday.

The club in a statement confirmed too that their

partnership with the banking institution represents the company’s faith in the organisation and by extension the event.

The anticipated event is expected to see the culmination of the 2018 season of the CMRC championship for Groups 1-5 as well as the Superstocks and SR3 radicals along with the local classes.

The overseas competition will involve drivers from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), Jamaica and Canada.

Tickets are on sale at the GMR&SC office on Thomas Lands at a cost of $2 500, children $1 000.

Among the sponsors for that event are ExxonMobil, B.M. Soat, Noble House Seafoods, STAG Beer, Air Services Limited, GUYOIL, Palm Court, Hand-inHand, Ramada Hotel, Survival Supermarket, Club 704, Sheriff Security, EC Investments, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machinery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Choke Gas Station, Japarts, R. Kissoon Contracting, E Networks, Miracle Optical, Bikers’ Bar, Samaroo Investments, Innovations America and SuperBet, Agriparts, Mobil1 and KGM Security Service.

The event will be launched tomorrow at the GMR&SC Thomas Lands office.

GBTI on board with Ignite THE Guyana Bank for Tr a d e a n d I n d u s t r y (GBTI) has announced its partnership with the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) for the upcoming Ignite motor racing meet.

Guyana’s male and female players during a recent practice session at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall

Team Guyana hoping to make full use of ‘home court’ advantage

… Antilles U-18 3x3 Basketball Championships bounce off today with workshop GUYANA’S male and female teams are aiming take make good use of their home court advantage when they take on the rest of the Caribbean in the Antilles U-18 3x3 basketball Championships this weekend, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The teams stepped up their preparations for the tournament, working intensely on fitness and tactical plays.

Guyana hosts the U-18 Championships from October 18 to 21 and it is anticipated that over 65 athletes from countries across the Caribbean will descend on these shores, hoping to take the title back to their respective

countries.

The Guyanese men will face Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Dominica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Lucia, while the women’s category comprises Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana.

The Championships will bounce off today with a workshop that will be conducted by IBF/FIBA officials, while competition commences at 14:00hrs on October 20 and 21.

Apart from rivalry in the 3x3 segment, players will also compete in Three Points

Shootout, Skills Challenge and Slam Dunk contests.

Participating countries are expected to begin arriving today.

Meanwhile, the shortlisted players for Guyana are Akeem Crandon, Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen and Shamar France with Mark Agard listed as the team’s coordinator.

The U-18 Antilles 3x3 Basketball Final is being organised by the International Basketball Federation (IBF) and the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF). The event is free to the public both days.

GBTI’s Pamela Binda hands over sponsorship to GMR&SC’s Saurica Singh.

See Page 23

Ansa McAl, NSC support ‘Bragging Rights’ street football … 16-team tournament kicks off tomorrow

From left are Brand Coordinator Fharis Mohamed, Errol Nelson, head of Ansa McAl business unit, Director of Sport Christopher Jones, Organiser Marlon Jacobs, and STAG Beer Brand Manager Nigel Worrell.

FFA won’t help Mariners fund Bolt’s salary Teams drawn in respective groups

… A-League future remains unclear FORMER sprint king Usain Bolt’s dream of securing a professional contract with Australia A-League club Central Coast Mariners has suffered a major blow after Football Federation Australia (FFA) declined to assist with the player’s wages.

The 32-year-old Bolt has been training with the Mariners for the last two months, having joined the club for an indefinite trial period.

The Jamaican hopes to eventually secure a contract but a part of the initial deal had reportedly been dependent on input from the FFA. The club had hoped to secure an amount believed to be in the region of US$641 664 to help secure the deal, should Bolt make it past the trial period.

The FFA provides the marquee player fund as a way to subside the costs for clubs when signing high-profile players. The organisation has, however, declined to allow Central Coast to use the fund to help sign the Jamaican.

In reacting to the latest development, the club has claimed it will be business as usual with the player’s trial period but will certainly have to find creative ways to bridge the shortfall, should they be interested in the player.

Bolt, who could perceivably play for less, recently turned down a two-year deal with Maltese club Valletta C but is said to have other offers on the table.

The 32-year-old Usain Bolt has been training with the Mariners for the last two months.

for Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup … All systems in place for another successful tournament

Brandon Persaud accepts the cheque from Amarita Bahadur in the presence of Sasha Arjune.

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE teams, who will participate in the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.)-organised second edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup, were drawn in their respective groups on Tuesday evening, ahead of the October 19-21 tournament.

The draw, which was held at the GNIC Sports Club, saw Regal Masters, one of the country’s leading softball teams, placed in Group A with

Florida Guyana Hope (Florida) and Sunrisers Masters in the Master Over-45 category.

In Group B, Royal Canadian Masters (Canada), Fisherman Masters and Enterprise Masters will collide; Group C will see Albion Masters, Parika Defenders and Tropical Spring Masters while Group D consists of Ontario Masters Softball International (Canada), Wellman Masters and Marine Masters (USA).

In the Open or All Stars category, Group A consists of Hill Foot Vipers, Enter-

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prise Rebels and Speed Boat; Group B - Bartica All Stars, Farm All Stars and DS 18 All Stars; Group C - Regal All Stars, Boots All Stars and Challengers All Stars while Group D consists of SVC All Stars, Success All Stars and Corriverton Spartan.

The organisers have indicated that there is a substantial increase in cash prizes for both categories. The winning teams from the Open and Masters Turn to page 23 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2018