Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-19-2018

FRIDAY 19th October, 2018

No.105432

Gov’t to build five new magistrates courts 12 PAGE

... budget tabled for courts in Diamond, Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Kwakwani

PPP loses appeal … as Appeal Court upholds appointment of GECOM chair

Demerara Bank opens … says President could have activated proviso after first list new branch in Anna Regina 08

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President David Granger greets enthusiastic supporters outside of Parliament Buildings following his address to Members of Parliament and other special invitees (Delano Williams photo)

No uncertain future

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–– President assures sugar workers in wide-ranging address to Parliament

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Total security reform … President assures of gov’t resolve to tackle security challenges … announces plan for CoI into massacre of fishermen in Suriname waters

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday assured that his government is committed to total security reform here, noting that despite the challenges within the police and prison systems, there is great resolve to make the country safer.

In his address to the parliament, President Granger said the security of citizens is paramount and that his government is reforming the security sector to ensure safer communities and to protect investments.

“We do not underestimate the seriousness of the public security challenges which we face but, equally, no one should underrate our resolve to make our country safer,” the Guyanese Leader told the House.

He said the security sector has not yet fully recovered from the damage done during the period which he has codenamed ‘The Troubles’. “Your government is committed, through security sector reform, to restore integrity to the police force. Security sector reform, with the support of the United Kingdom, has started. A new Force directorate, established in accordance with the constitution, is in place. A new Commissioner of Police with four deputy commissioners have been appointed. Police administration is being decentralised with the alignment of divisional boundaries to regional boundaries. The Commissioner and his team will be given the support to correct the abuses which have hitherto afflicted the Force,” President Granger said.

He said his government has committed, thus far, close to $1.7 billion dollars for the construction, refurbishment and

Police Commissioner Leslie James (right) sits alongside Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels (centre) and Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle

renovation of police stations, in order to provide a comfortable working environment for policemen and policewomen, to improve services to citizens and increase crime-prevention capabilities.

“The Force is being retooled with equipment and vehicles, some of which are being provided by friendly governments such as the People’s Republic of China.”

MANAGEMENT OF PRISONS Meanwhile, amid the challenges within the prison system, with three inmates breaking out earlier this week, President Granger said security sector reform extends to the management of the prisons, noting that “our prison system has become unstable because of past failures to implement security sector reforms in a timely and comprehensive manner.”

“Your government is transforming the prison system from being primarily penal institutions to one that is correctional in character. We will promote successful offender

reintegration into society and rebuild public trust in the Guyana Prison Service.”

The President said work will continue, in 2019, to improve prison management, noting that the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison and the reconstruction of the Georgetown Prison will reduce overcrowding and improve prison safety.

COI FOR PIRACY ATTACK Turning his attention to sea piracy, the President said his administration will work to ensure security and safety on both land and sea.

“We will launch a Commission of Inquiry into the tragic incidents which occurred in Surinamese waters during the period 27-28 April, 2018, and again on 3rd May, 2018, when our fisherfolk were attacked and some of them murdered.”

During April-May this year, two separate attacks took place against five Suriname-registered fishing vessels, both with some 25 crew members, mostly Guyanese.

Nine fishermen survived the grisly, gruesome blood-bath; 12 are still missing, and are presumed dead. The alleged mastermind, 43-year-old Primnauth Persaud, called “Sinbad” of Cromarty Village, and his co-accused, Nakool Manohar, popularly known as “Fyah” of Number

43 Village, have since been charged with two counts of murder for allegedly killing fishermen Mahesh Sarjoo and Tillacknauth Mohabir during a piracy attack in Suriname earlier this year.

The men had appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Springlands Magistrate’s Court. The charge stated that between April 26 and May 3, at sea, they allegedly murdered Tillacknauth and Sarjoo during the course or furtherance of a robbery.

A week before the duo appeared in court, 19-year-old Alexander DenHart, called “Shame Face,” appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and was not required to answer to the charge. Particulars of that charge allege that between April 26 and May 3, 2018, while in Guyana’s territorial waters, DenHart murdered Tillacknauth Mahabir, called “Caiman”, who was on a vessel that was robbed.

President Granger, days after the attacks, had described it as a massacre.

Subsequently, he declared a national day of mourning for the victims.

IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP In the area of citizenship, the President told the House that government is relieving citizens, who live outside of Georgetown, of the frustra-

tion and high costs associated with obtaining passports.

He said the service at the Central Passport Office in Georgetown is now more people-friendly and efficient, noting that the Department of Citizenship is decentralising the service in order to make it more accessible to persons residing outside of the city.

“Passport offices have been established at New Amsterdam and Linden. We will establish additional offices in Anna Regina, Bartica and Lethem.”

He said the Department of Citizenship, also, has been integrally involved in addressing the influx of migrants from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. In a supplementary paper tabled on Thursday, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan had requested some $4.8M to meet expenditure for providing relief supplies to Venezuelan migrants in Regions One, Seven and Nine.

“The crisis in that country (Venezuela) has created challenges for our small state and has led to an estimated 2,500 Venezuelan migrants seeking refuge, mainly in our frontier communities,” President Granger said.

He said government will provide, within its means, humanitarian assistance, including food and medical treatment and temporary settlement to these migrants.

He noted, too, that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collaborated with the Department of Citizenship and the Ministry of Public Security on the development of new procedures whereby Venezuelan migrants, including undocumented migrants entering Guyana, would be registered and issued with a three-month permit of stay which could be further extended.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA In his address, Presi-

dent Granger also spoke of his government’s legislative agenda for 2019. Among the bills to be brought to the house include: the Public Debt Management Bill, addressing reforms of the country’s procurement system, as well as for improved expenditure planning, management and execution of the public sector investment programme.

This, the President said, will be introduced to ensure improvements in Guyana’s financial management.

Additionally, he mentioned the Natural Resource Fund Bill will be introduced. The Bill will place the administration of the Fund under the Bank of Guyana and will require parliamentary approval for withdrawals. The Mining Act and its Regulations are being comprehensively overhauled to ensure that mining is better regulated to ensure safety, efficiency and environmental sustainability, the Head of Sate said, noting that the Mining (Amendment) Bill and its companion regulations will be introduced in the National Assembly in the first quarter of 2019. Amendments will also be tabled in respect of the Guyana Gold Board Act and its regulations. New regulations to reduce the use of mercury in the mining sector and to ensure better environmental practices on land and water resources will be introduced in 2019.

The Judicial Review Bill, aimed at providing the courts with gatekeeping functions to distinguish between frivolous and vexatious applications will also be tabled as well as an Intellectual Property Rights Bill to upgrade Guyana’s intellectual property rights legislation. The Integrity Commission (Amendment) Bill will amend the schedule of declarants so as to more accurately reflect today’s range of senior public officers.

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PPP loses appeal

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

… as Appeal Court upholds appointment of GECOM chair … says President could have activated proviso after first list

By Svetlana Marshall THE Court of Appeal on Thursday unanimously upheld the ruling of Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne George-Wiltshire that President David Granger’s appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was constitutional and even suggested that on the first instance of a defective list, the Guyanese leader could have activated the proviso which allowed him to select someone unilaterally.

Another of the judges even went as far as saying that the Opposition leader could not have expected the Head of State to choose from a list where “one or two or three persons, as the case may be, are not acceptable to him.”

Commentators had argued that a number of controversial figures were on all of the lists submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, including Indian rights activist, Ryhan Shah and former PPP elections candidate, Dr. James Rose, among others.

Thursday’s decision in the Appeal Court would have dealt another blow to the opposition’s efforts to overturn the decision. “We were always convinced that under the constitution, the President has the right to appoint the chairman from a list of six persons and, insofar as the President finds that the list is unacceptable, then he can properly reject the list and that has happened three times and the court has arrived at the decision that the President acted constitutionally and lawfully,” Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, said in an immediate reaction to the ruling.

The unanimous decision was arrived at by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud after several days of arguments and deliberations on the case brought against the AG by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Secretary, Mustapha Zulfikar Mustapha. Mustapha was represented by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

AT FIRST LIST Justice Cummings-Edwards said that the proviso

some engagement on the names and the CVs and the various characteristics that he had put in place,” Justice Gregory said while adding that “what was sent to the President-- three lists-- should have been the subject of engagement and not a request for him to choose a name at the same time,” Justice Gregory emphasised.

Retired Justice James Patterson receives his instrument of appointment from President David Granger at his swearing-in as chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission back in October 2017 should have been activated by the President upon the rejection of the first list.

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

However, in addressing the issue of “not unacceptable,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said it is her respectful view that the “reasonable man’s test” be applied in this regard, explaining that if a reasonable person can view the list of candidates as acceptable, then one passes the test.

“In that manner, if one person or two persons on a list is found to be unacceptable, the whole list need not be rejected. If more than half is found to be unacceptable, well this necessarily narrows the choice and therefore can be reasonably rejected. Conversely, if half or more of the list is found to be not unacceptable, the list is good.

Therefore, as argued by Mr. Nandlall, there is no perfect list of six,” the Chancellor explained.

Given the fact that the President has discretion in the circumstance, the Chancellor said, he can choose from the list whether it is the whole list or part of the list, once those persons on the

list are not unacceptable to him. As agreed by the Chief Justice, Cummings-Edwards said that the President may or may not select persons from the list in the exercise of his discretion; however, he must act reasonably.

“So while the President can act in his own deliberate judgment, he should consider an objective way when persons on the list are not unacceptable to him,” she posited.

PRIOR ENGAGEMENT For her part, Justice Gregory examined several elements of the case, including the intention of the framers of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, which highlights the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the process of identifying and appointing the Chairman of GECOM by the President.

Under that article, the Chairman of GECOM must be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly. That person ought to be a current judge, a former judge, someone who is qualified to be appointed as a judge or any other fit and proper person. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, in 2017, submitted three lists with six names each, all of which were rejected by President Granger. In delivering her decision, Justice Gregory

endorsed the position held by the Chief Justice (ag) that one list with six names was contemplated by the framers of the article. The Appellate Judge said while Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted three lists with six names each, he should have engaged the President prior to the submission of the list to give rise to consensual appointment as intended by the article.

“I find that to have submitted a list, three sets of names, and simultaneously ask the President, in submitting those names, to choose a chairman, in my mind that could not have been contemplated as achieving consensus. “So, I read not unacceptable to the President as requiring the Leader of the Opposition to engage in a separate process of determining acceptability and then after the engagement process is undertaken, then to have gathered one list of six names and to have submitted that as the final list to the choice of a Chairman of the Elections Commission,” Justice Gregory explained.

The Appellate Judge made it clear that the decision of the Opposition Leader to submit three lists with a total of 18 names without engaging the President on the issue of acceptability would not have led to a consensual appointee, positing that the manner in which the lists were submitted was not reasonable.

“The President could not have been expected to make a choice without

THE PROVISO Turning her attention to the proviso, which is included in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, Justice Gregory said that the President could not have been faulted for activating it following the rejection of the list for a third time.

It was noted that the President in his final rejection, explained to the Leader of the Opposition that the process had taken a period of eight months (January to August, 2017), and the delay in the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM, in the interest of the public, could not have continued. “In my mind, the activation of the proviso, although it was not ideal as contemplated by the framers, in that the framers wanted consensual candidates, the resorted proviso could not be faulted,” Justice Gregory said.

Taking into consideration the explanation given by the President, the Appellate Judge said that “the resort to the proviso was not unlawful or unconstitutional in the circumstances of the case as outlined in the letter,” as she dismissed the appeal.

In his decision, Justice Persaud said while it would appear that the President and the Leader of the Opposition strove to arrive at a consensual appointee in keeping with Article 161 (2), the subsequent submissions of names by the Leader of the Opposition may have been as a realization, on his part, that the names submitted may not have been in keeping with Article 161 (2).

“There is nothing on record to suggest otherwise,” Justice Persaud posited.

Referencing again to the article, the Appellate Judge said that the six persons identified on the list submitted to the President by the Opposition Leader must be chosen from the identified categories, and must not be unacceptable to the President. He stated that anything outside of that would be a failure on the part of the Leader of the

Opposition to submit a list as provided for in the Article. Justice Persaud noted, however, that this could only be achieved by meaningful engagement characterised by good faith.

The Appellate Judge said too that it is “wholly undesirable” that a President must choose from a list of which one or two or three persons, as the case may be, are not acceptable to him. “It would be an affront to the spirit and intention of the framers, and unreasonable fettering of his discretion,” he said. It was noted too by the judge that President Granger was guided by the ruling of the Chief Justice in the Marcel Gaskin case.

Gaskin, a private citizen, had asked the High Court to provide an interpretation of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution as it relates to the selection of a Chairman for GECOM. In her ruling, Justice George-Wiltshire advised that there is no legal requirement for the President to state reasons for rejecting a list, though it is her belief that in the furtherance of democracy and good governance, he should, to facilitate dialogue and compromise. Justice Persaud, like the Chief Justice, believes that the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM by the President is constitutional. “We have perused the records here, and to my mind, there is nothing to establish that the President actions may have been unlawful or unreasonable,” he said while noting that the appointment of a former judge, in the person of Justice (ret’d) Patterson, is intended to result in a state of impartiality and fairness.

“As one who has held such high a constitutional office and falls within the four categories of persons contemplated by the framers of the Constitution, the question of the appropriateness of his appointment and constitutionality of his appointment is misguided,” Justice Persaud said as he joined with Justice Gregory in dismissing the appeal.

Ahead of handing down the ruling, the Appellate Court had dispelled the arguments put forward by the Attorney General that it had no jurisdiction, sitting as it is, to hear the appeal against the ruling of the Chief Justice. The Attorney General was supported by Barbadian Queen Counsel Hal Gollop and Ralph Thorne and Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas.

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‘We’re happy with the decision’

By Svetlana Marshall

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC, said his team is “happy” with the decision of the Court of Appeal to uphold the decision of the High Court on the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“We are happy with the decision. We always believe that only the President could appoint the chairman of GECOM, and obviously we are vindicated in that view, and the learned Chief Justice is also vindicated,” he told reporters shortly after the Appellate Court handed down its decision.

While the panel of judges comprising the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards, Justice Dawn Gregory and Justice Rishi Persaud, dismissed the appeal against the ruling of Chief Justice (ag), Roxane George-Wiltshire which upheld the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM, it held that it had jurisdiction, sitting as it is, to hear the appeal.

“It is good for the law to be healthy and you notice how the law develops. The Great

Lord Denning would lay the foundation in cases as he went along, and my history in this court, and in the practice of Guyana, is that this court has struck me down many times, and I have always, always at the CCJ overcome it, every time,” Williams continued in his reaction.

He emphasised that the Court of Appeal’s decision could be appealed at the final court – the Caribbean Court of Justice (CJJ), and government stands ready to defend its positions.

The case was brought against the Attorney General by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall. Nandlall outside the court told reporters that the decision of the Court of Appeal comes as no surprise and vowed to appeal it this time at the level of the CCJ. “First of all let me say that I am not surprised, I am disappointed but not surprised. This is yet another case that shows how far more our judiciary has to mature because it is a part of a trend. All the cases that are deeply political are decided in a political way and that has to change,” he told reporters.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

…AG hails Appeal Court ruling as healthy for the law

The team that represented the state in the matter. From L-R: Barbadian Queens Counsel Hal Gollop and Ralph Thorne; Solicitor General, Kim Kyte-Thomas, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Principal Legal Adviser Tiffany Castello

New drink headlines at Green Guyana Expo

By Vishani Ragobeer “SAK”, a locally produced beverage made from the same ingredients as indigenous drinks ‘Piwari’ or ‘Fly’, was launched at the opening of the inaugural Green Guyana Expo at the Guyana National Stadium tarmac on Thursday.

This beverage is being produced by the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST) which is chaired

by Dr. Suresh Narine.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Narine said the idea for the product came from a visit to the hinterland regions with Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock.

“This particular product

has been used by the Macushis and Patamonas for a very long time. Some of you may know it as ‘Fly’ [and] some of you may know it as ‘Tonic’ but it is made from purple sweet potatoes,” he said.

According to Dr. Narine, the potatoes have immense health benefits including the promotion of cardiac and circulatory health, regulation of blood pressure, improvement of sexual function and the reduction of stress and inflammation.

The product is excellent

for the young and old, he said, noting that the production of the beverage signals a bigger picture of developing green and sustainable businesses in indigenous communities.

He said the production is “vertically integrated” into sustainable agriculture backed in the Rupununi Savannahs and the Pakaraima valleys.

This is so because according to him, indigenous peoples have a wealth of knowledge on their own and noted that the IAST will continue to brand this line of products.

Existing products include crabwood oils and sundried tomatoes that are all produced from collaboration between indigenous communities and the institute. Importantly, Sak is being marketed under the ‘Kaieteur Nutraceuticals’ brand to emphasise that the products are a result of their geographical underpinnings.

All of the profits generated from the sale of Sak will go back into the communities.

Minster Allicock said he is happy that the institute is tapping into the indigenous

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and IAST Chairman, Dr. Suresh Narine sample the new drink

culture and using innovation to bring new products to the wider society.

“We know how to use it, it is for our sustenance in the hinterland and it is now becoming a big market for

Guyana, a big market for our indigenous people and more so for the economy of our communities,” he said.

The beverage will only hit select stores and will go at $250 per bottle.

The locally made purple potato drink, Sak

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Small businesses catalyst for green development -- says Jordan at opening of Small Business Summit

By Vishani Ragobeer SMALL businesses are a necessary part of Guyana’s development into a ‘Green State’ as they are important catalysts for innovation and have the ability to tap into niche markets, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said.

He expressed these sentiments at the opening of the International Small Business Summit of the inaugural Green Guyana Expo 2018 at the Ramada Princess Hotel on Thursday.

“I want to posit that the achievement of green growth is inseparable from developments in the private sector, particularly Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs),” he said, noting that they play a vital role in the transformation process.

There is now a growing demand for green products and services, given that Guyana is exploring all avenues from energy to aid the transformation into a ‘Green State’ guided by a Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

“The key is to find a green market niche that is consistent with market demands and the government’s priorities and develop it,” Jordan said, pointing out the administration has banned the use of single-use plastics in 2016 and will ban more plastic

products by 2020.

With a versatile material like plastic being increasingly phased out from daily use, the minister related that small and medium businesses have an opportunity to cash in on the void that would be created.

Helping small businesses

business realm while avenues for policy change to facilitate the transformation are being explored.

“This event is being held at a time when the government is developing, altering and otherwise shifting national policies and investments to

tility and climate change as well as to make the country better aligned with inclusive growth, sustainable development and poverty reduction,” he stated.

According to Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, Leo Hei-

for small businesses to effectively illustrate their vital role in Guyana’s transformation.

But though small businesses seek to continuously “innovate”, Heileman noted that the constraints that affect the private sector as a whole must not be ignored.

growth in Guyana.”

“This event that we are opening today is an important one for our country. It is also an important one for businesses, especially small businesses because businesses that understand where Guyana is heading over the

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

to fill this void was just one of the reasons the expo was embraced with much alacrity, Jordan said.

“This expo and summit bring together business experts from Guyana and around the world to educate and inspire local businesses to adopt new technologies and good practices that are necessary to build business resilience and competitiveness,” Jordan stressed.

He added that the aim is to have businesses understand the emerging trends and practices in the green

reflect a green development agenda,” the finance minister reminded.

He shared that Guyana’s novel approach will be to harness the funds derived from the exploitation of oil and gas resources to finance the green economy while aiming to avoid the pitfalls of other oil-producing nations.

“It is in this context that the Government of Guyana remains resolute in the GSDS which will guide long-term planning to better position the country to address challenges like economic vola-

The Green Guyana Expo was opened by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan and Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn Hastings who cut the ceremonial ribbon alongside Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock; IAST Chairman, Dr. Suresh Narine; IDB Country Representative, Sophie Makonnen, and chairman of the Expo’s Planning Committee Eric Phillips

leman, one pitfall countries may have would be to look towards bigger businesses to stimulate transformation and development.

“Too often developmental strategies focus on supporting the big businesses and overlook the wealth and value that small businesses generate,” he said, noting that the expo provides a unique opportunity

“For decades, high energy costs, inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of skilled labour have raised the costs of doing business in Guyana,” he said, explaining that “economies thrive when their people are educated, healthy and safe. Tackling these rooted issues while hard is critical to developing entrepreneurship and sustained economic

next two decades will make better decisions than those that do not.” Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin opined.

He added: “It is important that small businesses understand how the Green State Development Strategy will impact their sectors,” and said government will not leave these businesses unattended.

‘Psych’ evaluation for Yarrowkabra man Partners-in-crime --with penchant for baring his ‘privates’

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday remanded a 47-year-old Yarrowkabra man to prison for showing a woman his penis.

Mark Phillips appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, which stated that on October 13, 2018 at Yarrowkabra, he showed a female his penis, causing her to become alarmed and distressed.

Police Prosecutor Simone Payne made no objection to bail, but asked that the defendant keep his distance from the victim because they live in the same village.

The victim, who was in court, begged the magistrate not to grant Phillips bail as he is a nuisance and she’s afraid of him; that he even tried to grope her once.

The woman said he not only entered her home twice, but harassed her in public, and that it was only because his family begged her that she dropped the matter.

Visibly shocked, Phillips said from the prisoners dock

that contrary to what the woman was saying, it was she who constantly harassed him, and that one point he even had to give her electricity.

The Chief Magistrate remanded Phillips to prison and ordered that psychiatric evaluation be done on him. He will return to court on November 6.

Porn star, Mark Phillips

turn on each other --as drug deal goes awry

FOLLOWING a sting operation conducted

by Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks, two persons w e re o n T h u r s d a y hauled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and charged for trafficking ecstasy.

Appearing before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court were Samuel Bruce, called ‘Sammy Wintz’, a 25-yearold taxi driver of Jackson Street, Tucville; and Kelder Roxana Halley, 21, of Gibson Street, Guyhoc Park.

The charge states that on Monday, at Gibson Street, Guyhoc Park, the

pair had 63 grams of ecstasy pills, reputedly an amphetamine substance, for the purpose of trafficking, which they both denied.

Bruce’s attorney, Tiffany Jeffery during an application for bail told the court that her client is a taxi driver and that on the day in question he was dropping off a package for a customer of his, and did not know what it contained.

Halley’s attorney, Bernard DaSilva, on the other hand, said his client was not busted with the drugs, and that as such was entitled to bail.

CANU prosecutor, Konyo Sandiford opposed to bail being granted to either party, on the grounds that it was Halley who called Bruce and together they planned the drop, which unfortunately was made to an undercover CANU officer.

However, when both parties were arrested and a confrontation was made, Halley denied calling Bruce who, in turn, accused her of setting him up.

Both were released on $150,000 bail each, and the matter adjourned until November 9.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Electing the best candidates

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E have written several opinion pieces on the historic return of Local Government Elections, its significance, and what it means for the furtherance and consolidation of national democracy, with its central role of returning the choice of decision-making into the hands of citizens at the grass roots level.

Today, we feel compelled to further reiterate the thrust of the government’s central theme of this constitutional exercise that is just as important as national and regional elections. We begin by underlining the stated fact that Local Government Elections are not about winners or losers, or party politics, but instead should focus on citizens in the respective municipalities, and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) coming together by selecting those persons who are of integrity, good competence, and honestly committed to working together with their respective locales and citizens for socio-economic betterment.

This has been the campaign message of, particularl, President David Granger, leader of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) segment of the coalition government, and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, representing the Alliance for Change (AFC) that is contesting the elections on its own platform.

For the first time in the history of competitive politics in Guyana, with specific reference to the current Local Govern-

ment Elections campaign, constituents are being challenged to ascend to a higher ground of bipartisan understanding for the best results for their respective communities.

Both at Corriverton and Rose Hall, the President was emphatic when he reiterated that it was not about voting for which political party, but it was about selecting the best possible representatives. “There is no point putting back people because they belong to party A and party B. I am asking you to put the best people because they are good for Rose Hall”… “He also admonished, “Not to put lazy people who come from your party, not to put your cousin and your aunty, but to put people who are concerned with the economic development of Rose Hall Town” … “We don’t want a municipality that will have to call Freedom House to do one thing or the other; we want a democratic municipality, the President said at Rose Hall.

Indeed, these are very strong but significant statements, which although containing a tincture of partisan politics, for this is an election campaign, break new ground since it heralds a new vista in a country that has been bedeviled by the unhelpful negatives of deep partisanship that continues to flow from that poisoned chalice of ethno politics.

Undoubtedly, these are not only statements, but are also implicit appeals to all citizens of Guyana, from whatever administrative region, and community, to remove themselves from the shackles of a decrepit brand of politics that have

not benefitted the material needs of their communities, and instead embrace the new dawn of the untold opportunities which the holding of local government elections offers.

This call to a new understanding and acceptance of democracy at the grass roots level is about fashioning a new maturity which understands that it is about garnering the best talents from the communities, irrespective of race and political affiliation, and be prepared to work together for the whole and not specific sections of any community.

This is a seminal step which has to be taken by citizens with regards to their individual communities, in terms of choice for representation, for which there must be no ambivalence.

A municipality and NDC that has good, vibrant, and competent leadership of integrity will be able to deliver results for their respective town and community, because of being able to involve their fellow citizens in the decision-making process. The opposite will certainly make for stagnation and decay, with citizens being denied the services which they should have.

Guyanese are matured enough to understand what heavy reliance on political party dictates, coupled with ethno partisanship, has produced for most communities: Incompetent leadership, corruption of all sorts, and stagnation. It is only the right leadership that can avoid such a continued tragedy.

The most important support that parents can give a child is love Dear Editor,

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AMILY and community play an important role in molding children which will directly impact any society as a whole, therefore it’s important that families be supported to prevent child abuse and keep children safe within their own homes and communities.

The alternative is institutionalisation (placing children in orphanage care). Children all across the world depend on their families for love and support. Therefore, families have a vital and most important role in the development of children. The family should provide for the child’s holistic growth through nurturing and teaching, especially during their early years.

In Guyana, child abuse is the leading cause of children being placed into institutional or orphanage care. In 2016, ChildLinK released a report captioned: An Analysis of the Nature and Extent of Institutionalization of Children in Guyana. The report indicated in 2016 there were 749 children in institutional/orphanage care. Although institutional/orphanage care provides alternative accommodation for children who are in need of protection and care, it is not the ideal place for a child’s holistic development.

The family remains the ideal care environment for the long term well-being of children.

According to the Journal of Human Development and Capabilities: Early Childhood Development in the Context of the Family, published/ written by Wodon, Quentin, and published in 2016; early childhood is the most rapid period of development in a human’s life. The years from conception through birth to eight years of age are critical to the complete healthy cognitive, emotional and physical growth of children and the family plays a major role in their development. ChildLinK’s 2016 study found that many of the children separated from their families often long to return to their biological family, even though they know that’s where they were abused. The separation from the biological family and familiar surroundings is an emotionally, painful experience and in many cases, a traumatic experience for particularly

young children.

The family gives the child a sense of belonging and protection and is most influential in helping the child to understand their culture and history and a sense of social, historical and cultural identity which is very important to the development of self. Even as adults, we take pride in the fact that we came from a long line of teachers, doctors, nurses, etc. It is equally or even more important for children to know their “roots” and history.

The family history in some cases inspires children to surpass the achievements of their ancestors.

Family is possibly the single most important influence in a child’s life. Parents should aim to set a good example of how to handle difficult emotions such as anger, loss, conflict and other difficulties children are likely to experience in growing up. The family should instill values and set boundaries. They are a child’s first teachers and role models in how to behave and how to experience the world around them. Adult family members can teach children about what is right from wrong; how to handle conflict; how to relate lovingly and respectfully to others their age or persons in authority; how to form lifelong relationships; how to function in a group and other critical life lessons. Family life is where the child spends most of his or her learning time. Although considerable learning takes place at school and in the community, essential, foundational and character-building principles are first taught at home. It is where the closest relationships are formed and nurtured.

The most important support that parents can give a child is love and affection. Institutional care may not be capable of providing children with the necessary love and affection that is required for their emotional and psychological development, since children need quality time and affection which is more meaningful to the child when it comes from their biological parents.

One child, who at the time of the research, was in the institution for four years, stated with tears that he would often question the way his mother feels about him and how he misses his father and siblings to the point where he considered “running away” from

the orphanage to be with his family.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) articles 9, 18 and 20, states that every child has the right to live with his or her parents or to stay in touch with them, unless this would harm the child’s development. It also states that every child has the right to grow up in a supportive, protective, and caring environment that promotes his or her full potential.

Article 18, in particular, points to government’s responsibility to provide support services to families. However, all other sectors in society, including the business sector, should recognise that they have a role in supporting children through their families. This may be done either through partnerships and or holding those accountable for safeguarding children.

Children thrive when parents are active participants in their growth and development. Every parent should understand that it is sometimes difficult to do this important work without help, support, and additional resources. As a society, we need to have more openness to accessing help, especially counselling and other forms of psycho-social support.

ChildLinK, the Childcare and Protection Agency and other organisations offer parental skills education to help parents strengthen their parental capacity. However, it is unfortunate that some parents do not take advantage of this opportunity because they believe they are not in need of counselling. Parents, improving your parenting skills lead to stronger support to your overall family life to create a better environment for children to grow up and is one of the best options for improving your child’s chances of achieving their full potentials.

ChildLinK’s project officer for the RSR project, Ashome Clarke, believes that “every child needs a loving family, a champion that will stand up for their protection”.

Regards Shaquita Thomas Communications Officer ChildLinK Inc

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

New 356% Berbice Bridge toll will bankrupt Berbicians Dear Editor,

O

N October 16, 2018, the board and management of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc (BBCI) announced an astronomical 365% increase in tolls to cross the bridge. The proposed increase ranges from US$40US$2,006.00 for one crossing for different categories of vehicles. This is a killer toll. It will bankrupt Berbicians. It is an unconscionable and disgraceful punishment of Berbicians.

The board of directors of the bridge was installed

by Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP government. Members are Jagdeo’s friends and PPP supporters. Mr. Jagdeo, with a wink and a nod to the bridge’s management, claimed that the PPP is against the toll hikes. But the PPP cannot deceptively hide behind the bridge company. Both the PPP and the bridge company own this crazy toll that will bankrupt Berbicians.

They have no conscience.

They want poor people, who

work or live on either said of the bridge, to pay US$80.00 a day to cross the bridge to and from work. Here is the new killer toll the PPP management of the bridge wants Berbicians to pay: cars: from $2,200.00 to $8,040.00 – US$ 39.00; 4X4s: from $4,000.00 to $14,600.00 – US$ 72.00; minibuses: $2,200.00 to $8,040.00 – US$ 39.00; small trucks: $4,000.00 to $14,600.00 – US$ 72.00; medium trucks: $ 7,600.00 to $27,720.00 – US$ 137.00; large trucks: $13,600.00 to $49,600.00

Turned away by GECOM Dear Editor,

D

OES the Guyana Elections Commission have the authority to overrule the Constitution of Guyana? How many election officials/ officers/trainers have the power to discriminate against our citizens? Countless other questions traverse through my mind as I was told that I could not participate in the training provided for polling staff for the upcoming Local Government Elections.

I was invited by GECOM to the training provided for polling day staff and or officials on Saturday & Sunday-- October 13th & 14th 2018-- at the Berbice Educational Institute.

However, being a born Seventh Day Adventist, I have the utmost respect for the Bible and believe in all its teachings which state: ‘Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work…’ Exodus 20:8-10. This is my religious belief.

So I did not attend the first day of training. Upon arrival on the second, I was told by the registration clerk that they do not know if they could accommodate me because I missed the first day of training. I informed the clerk and the assistant that I could not have attended the training on the first day because it goes against my religion. I was then accompanied by one of my brothers. We were then told that there’s nothing that they could do about my situation because they called their supervisor who informed them that we are not entitled to join because we missed the first day of training. “Am I not a citizen of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana’ I asked, but I was greeted with words from the registration clerk ‘there is nothing we can do!’.

The Constitution clearly states ‘For the purposes [of] this Act, a person discriminates against another person if the first mentioned person makes, on any or the grounds mentioned in subsection (2), any distinction, exclusion or preference the intent or effect of which is to nullity or impair equality of opportunity or treatment in any employment or occupation. 4.

(2) The grounds referred to in subsection (1) are- (a) race, sex, religion, colour…Any act or omission or any practice or policy that directly or indirectly results in discrimination against a person on the grounds referred to in subsection (2), is an act of discrimination regardless of whether the person responsible for the act or omission or the practice or policy intended to discriminate’ Cap 99:09, Prevention Of Discrimination, Laws Of Guyana. This is the Law; it is very embarrassing to know that even our election officers/officials/trainers are not aware of the laws that govern our country.

It is against the law for election officers/staff to discriminate against voters, but it is no big deal if they do the same thing to prospective polling staffs that are voters who also are citizens. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church accounts for almost 30,000 Guyanese citizens which is way more than the difference between the two major political parties that contested at the last general elections. Inside of the manual given to potential polling staff there is an extract of chapter. 28:03 Local Authorities Act (Elections) which states that no staff/official should solicit voters: whether or not to vote; yet these same people are inferring that we are not citizens and we don’t matter. How? Regards Political Student University of Guyana Berbice Campus

– US$ 247.00; articulated trucks: $32,000.00 to $116,680.00 – US$ 582 and boats: $55,000.00 to $410,040.00 – US$2,006.00 This is absolute unconscionable craziness! The PPP claims that it supports an increase in teachers’ pay.

However, the entire backpay Berbice teachers will receive will go towards the new bridge toll. Berbicians must therefore reject the increase. They must tell the PPP and the bridge company - no way!

Haven’t these people swindled enough from Berbicians and all Guyanese?

Furthermore, where is all the toll money going now?

Is this increase a con for Jagdeo’s friends at the bridge company to stockpile cash to fund the 2020 elections campaign?

The coalition government said it will not approve the toll increases, which will bankrupt Berbicians. The Minister of Public Infrastructure said he will block the new killer tolls. The government has also asked citizens not to pay the new tolls. But eager for a fight to the government, the bridge’s management insists that it will begin charging the killer tolls from November 12.

Consequently, unless already enshrined in law, I call on the coalition govern-

ment to pass a new law in Parliament – Protection of the Citizens of Berbice Act, to prohibit toll increase in any and all river crossings in Guyana without the express, written consent of the minister responsible for public transportation, and that any agent of an entity that collects or attempts to collect an unauthorized toll shall commit a criminal offence punishable by penalty of law.

Regards Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Demerara Bank opens new branch in Anna Regina ... to help spur investment in agriculture in region

By Indra Natram CHIEF Executive Officer of Demerara Bank, Mr. Pravinchandra Dave on Thursday declared that the financial institution is the best performing bank in Guyana in terms of profit, network and paying taxes to the government. He was at the time addressing a gathering at a grand opening of a newly relocated Essequibo Branch at Henrietta in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region.

During his address he said the bank

started serving Essequibians in May 2009 at Cotton Field village but that location was insufficient to serve customers. On that note he told the gathering of special invitees, members of the business community, staffers, school children and regional officials that the bank had opt to acquire a new location to better serve its customers. The location, which is located in the town of Anna Regina, will provide a more spacious and comfortable environment for those accessing the services.

“The arrangement of the previous location was not sufficient, there were some security

The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon officially opening the new branch, in picture are the Bank’s CEO, Pravinchandra Dave, the bank’s founder and Chairman Dr. Yesu Persaud and Director and Chairman DDL Komal Samaroo issues, we were getting some complaints from the business people and we decided to locate our branch in a better place and I hope we will be able to serve the people of Essequibo better,” the bank’s CEO said. The CEO further boasted that Demerara Bank is the leading lenders to the agriculture industry particularly rice farming and for that reason it has special linkage to Essequibo since it is an agriculture- based region. “We think in Demerara Bank, that agriculture is the main development in Guyana, agriculture is the most productive sector of the economy and if we help the rice farmers rise then it will help the country economy and the people at large” Dave said.

Speaking on the Essequibo Branch’s performance, the CEO said the branch has progressed well and therefore urged more businesses and customers to invest.

FULLY SOLAR Under the vision of “Practicing energy conservation for the future generation” the CEO announced that the branch is fully powered by solar.

“We are a very innovative bank, the banks at Camp Street, Georgetown and Diamond, East Bank Demerara, are fully solar and that’s the difference between other banks and Demerara Bank. I can promise you we should be able to give not only clean energy but clean and efficient services” Dave said.

Chairman and founder of Demerara Bank, Dr. Yesu Persaud, during his address, said that Essequibo branch is the eighth branch for the bank since its establishment 24 years ago in Guyana. He said since establishment, the bank has seen tremendous progress and has been moving very fast. “We have had an exceedingly good year; when you read the results of 2018 you will see what I am saying and the reasons for that is looking for opportunities where they exist and go after them and we have succeeded beyond our wildest

dream… so Demerara Bank is not only here for today but here for tomorrow and way in the future” Dr. Yesu Persaud said.

Dr. Persaud mentioned that the Bank is very confident in what it does and attested that is the reason why the bank has grown so much in the last 24 years and assured customers that once they invest it will be a wise choice. “Banks don’t make profit in their first year but Demerara Bank made a nice little profit the first year, we didn’t make dividends but I can tell you from the second to the seventh year we started to progress and currently is successful, this bank is here to stay,” the founder and chairman explained.

Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson commended the bank’s efforts for the new location in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region. He therefore congratulated the banks board of directors and management on behalf of the Region Two administration, for the convenient banking services and for having confidence in the region’s economy. Hopkinson said the capital investment made by the bank will aid in the various developments in the region especially towards in the business and tourism sectors. Attending the opening of the newly relocated Essequibo Branch of the Demerara Bank was also Director of the bank and Chairman of DDL Mr. Komal Samaroo and Director of Demerara Bank, Garfield Wiltshire. At the end of the formal part of the programme there was a ceremonial ribbon and cake cutting exercise after which persons were given the opportunity to tour the bank.

The occasion was blessed by religious leaders from the various faiths.

At the ceremony also Dr. Persaud, who is celebrating his 90th birth anniversary was honoured by the bank. He was treated to a cake which he shared with a customer of the Essequibo branch. He was highly praised for his efforts and achievements See page 9

The gathering at the opening of Demerara Bank’s newly relocated Essequibo Branch

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Top Cop foresees ‘exciting times ahead’ –– as Force gears to add aviation to growing portfolio

By Leroy Smith

THE Guyana Police Force has commenced a process that will see the service expand to include an aviation wing.

The announcement was made on Thursday by Commissioner of Police, Leslie James during a familiarisation tour of ‘C’ Division, East Coast Demerara.

The top cop declared that things will be implemented as the Force continues pushing ahead to modernise itself.

He said that in addition to the overall infrastructural upgrade of the organisation, air support is paramount.

“Air support is under consideration, and helicopters and aircraft are being looked at. If we are going to be an investment destination, part of our police capabilities must include air support,” Commissioner James told a gathering of ranks and officers.

He pointed out that the assets are part of the Forces in developed countries and even developing countries are moving along that vein.

Commissioner James also made mention of works which were done in the past with about six members of the police force who were trained in the area of aviation and are now pilots. He called on the other members of the force who

may have an interest in aviation to be on the lookout for when the force does its internal advertisement, where applicants to proceed on a similar course would be sought.

“There are exciting times ahead for the Guyana Police Force and there are better times ahead also. You as members of this force are reminded to never lose sight of this,” James told the gathering.

According to James, Guyana is poised to become a state where lots of persons would be looking to settle and invest here, and with that in mind one must understand that needs such as capabilities of the premier law enforcement agency in the country is expected to rise to the challenge.

He further stated that there are several other aspects which are in train for the Guyana Police Force, many of which cannot be made public at this point.

The top cop, however, stated that as it relates to the marine capabilities of the Guyana Police Force, that unit would also be enhanced to deal with the coastline and borders with rivers and waterways.

There are also aggressive moves which are being examined to ensure that the vehicles and police stations are equipped with the most modern technologies to enhance the force and its response capabilities.

A section of the police gathering which the commissioner addressed on Thursday Contacted on Thursday, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan agreed that the move for the aviation section of the force is indeed ambitious, and one which the powers that be are seriously talking about.

He attributed all of what James said to being steps to bring the Guyana Police Force in line with the security reform process which will, no doubt, put the organisation in a better position.

“Look, it’s a plan of action which ties into the British Security Reform. However, much is dependent on resources, and we do have the resources,” Minister

Demerara Bank opens new ...

Ramjattan said, adding: “We will have the aviation section, which would help the police force tremendously.” The Minister continued as he pointed out that there are also several other aspects which would have to be considered with going along this route, and that speaks to the issue of engineering and maintenance which the force has to also look at seriously.

“We have to depend on the revenue streams, and this is an extremely positive thing. So we have to ensure that we are also getting the personnel to deal with this,” the minister said.

From page 8

in the bank’s development.

Dave hailed Persaud as a visionary who has contributed towards change in Guyana’s economy.

“The contribution of Dr. Yesu Persaud is really unique why I say so, a person can be wealthy, happy and rich but still cannot make a difference in others life but a person who can make a difference in the life of others is very important and Dr. Persaud is

one who has made significant difference in the life of so many segments of society, socially, politically and economically, what he has done for the people of Guyana will be remembered” the CEO said.

The CEO told the Essequibo gathering that Dr. Persaud has established many businesses in Guyana starting from DDL, IPED, Demerara Bank and has taken the first

step towards their establishment. Singling out IPED he said that the organisation, since its formation, has managed to give many persons jobs and loans. He also recognised Dr. Persaud’s contribution towards politics. It was mentioned that Dr. Persaud was very instrumental in promoting free and fair elections in 1992. He was also very instrumental in building the Indian Commemorations

Dr. Yesu Persaud cutting his birthday cake in Region Two

Trust in Guyana, bringing Indians together under one umbrella.

Samaroo for his part said that he knew Dr. Yesu Persaud for 42 years now and they shared a very good working relationship.

Samaroo described Dr. Persaud as a humble person and said despite growing up in a “logie” environment, he still managed to become successful.

Founder and Chairman of Demerara Bank Dr. Yesu Persaud speaking to the audience

Dr. Yesu Persaud being fed a piece of his 90th birthday cake by a customer

No uncertain future

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

–– President assures sugar workers in wide-ranging address to Parliament

By Alva Solomon

ASSURING Guyanese that the government recognises the importance of the sugar industry, President David Granger said his administration will not abandon the workers.

The Head of State made the disclosure during an address at the first session at the 96th sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday. Several members of the diplomatic corps and public sector employees were among those seated in Parliament as the head of state addressed both sides of the House. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo sat in during the President’s address.

The head of state provided an update as well as measures taken by government as

it manages various sectors of the economy including agriculture.

As regards sugar, he told parliamentarians that “your government recognises the importance of the industry.”

Noting that the industry is being restructured, he said measures which have been taken including estate consolidation and workforce downsizing, were necessary to save the industry.

“We want to see a sustainable and viable industry – one that will contribute to national development and to the workers’ well-being,” the President noted.

He said the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has installed a board which met representatives of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL)

President David Granger being accompanied by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to the parliamentary chambers on Thursday afternoon and he noted that a plan is being developed between the two bodies to boost production in the remaining East Berbice, West Berbice and West Demerara estates. “We have begun to provide training to sugar workers to become self-employed in various fields,” he said.

“Sugar workers have not been abandoned to an uncertain future. The divestment of some of the sugar estates, which is expected to occur as early as the first half of 2019, will see some displaced workers being afforded the opportunity to regain employment,” the head of state said.

He said the government will continue to work diligently to ensure that the displaced workers are provided with opportunities to participate actively in other sectors of the economy. These include production and processing of rice and other crops, livestock, fisheries, construction, manufacturing, services and mining.

Prior to the President’s address, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan tabled a financial paper in which the government is asking the National Assembly to approve a sum of G$2.451 billion to pay the final tranche of severance to retrenched

sugar workers following the closure of several estates including the Skeldon, Rose Hall-Canje, East Demerara and Wales Estates.

OIL AND GAS On Thursday, the President also spoke on the evolving the oil and gas sector. He posited that oil production will be the most transformative economic development in the country’s history.

He said government is taking steps to ensure that revenues gained from the petroleum industry will not be squandered but rather will be invested strategically in building human and institutional capacity, addressing infrastructure deficit and guiding economic security for future generations.

“Your government is committed to transparency in the management of this sector,” he noted. He said the government has made public contracts which have been signed with petroleum companies.

He said the government will make See page 11

President David Granger as he addressed the National Assembly on Thursday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

No uncertain ...

11

From page 10

priority investment in human capital, particularly in public education and key projects which will bridge the divide between the hinterland and coastland.

The head of state noted that the government is also ensuring prudent management of other sections of the extractive sector, such as the forestry and the mining sectors.

APPOINTMENTS The President also noted that government has re-established and made appointments to institutions as decreed by the constitution.

He said the Ombudsman, the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Police Complaints Authority, the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and the Police, Public and Teaching Service Commissions have been appointed.

Local Government Elections this year is less than a month away and will be held for the second time under the APNU+AFC administration. According to the President, the government is proud to have restored local democracy on March 18, 2016 after a 22-year hiatus. “Those historic Local Government Elections have created a democratic dividend,” he said.

Municipalities, he noted, including the newly-created towns of Bartica, Lethem,

Mabaruma and, more recently, Mahdia and neighbourhood democratic councils are being “energised and revitalised” since residents are paying greater interest in the well-being and development of their communities.

He said too that the Ministry of Communities is supporting the work of local democratic organs, and according to him, the 2018 subvention programme is fully disbursed in accordance with the Fiscal Transfers Act. “The local democratic organs are focused on completing their respective programmes by year- end,” the head of state noted.

He told parliamentarians that local democracy is a means of citizens’ empowerment and assured that the government will ensure that respect is paid to local democratic organs and their capacity will be strengthened to deliver effective and efficient services. The President, during his address, provided an update on several issues including the Venezuela border issue which is before the International Court of Justice.

He noted that Guyana continues to sensitise the international community about the UN Secretary-General’s decision and actions taken thus far at the ICJ. “Guyana, in so doing, has obtained the support for the judicial process from several international organisations,” the head of state told Parliament.

Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali, left, engages Minister of State Joseph Harmon (second from right) following President David Granger’s address at parliament on Thursday

Supporters of the government outside of the Parliament Buildings (Adrian Narine photo)

President David Granger is greeted by Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland and Clerk of the National Sherlock Isaacs (Adrian Narine photo)

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Gov’t to build five new magistrates courts

... budget tabled for courts in Diamond, Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Kwakwani

THE construction of a magistrate’s court at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara is among undertakings budgeted under a sum of $13.27B fiscal spending, laid out for 2019 for the 16 Constitutional Agencies as contained in the Constitution of Guyana.

The construction of the court, which is valued at $93.664M, comes under provisions being made available to the Supreme Court to fund its 2019 work programmes. The sod was turned to begin construction on March 12 of this year.

The new court will reduce the workload which is “continuously increasing and voluminous” at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan explained. The current jurisdiction of the Providence Magistrate’s Court spans from the east by Soesdyke and Timehri, west by the village of Klein Poudreyen on the left Bank of the Demerara River, north by McDoom Village and south by the Hauraruni River. The new Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court also takes into consid-

eration the expanding population in the new housing areas on the lower East Bank Demerara.

Also, budgeted for 2019 is the construction of several magistrate’s courts across the country. At Bartica, Region Seven, a $148.181M magistrate’s court and living quarters will provide access to justice to approximately 15,000 residents in Region Seven, especially those in the remote areas/villages and importantly, release them from having to travel to Essequibo to file and hear their matters. The building will also provide a more conducive working environment for the Supreme Court’s staff, lawyers and litigants using the service of the courts. $140.385M has been allocated for a court at Mahdia, Region Eight. This court will benefit 4,000 persons. This figure includes residents of the nearby Indigenous village of Campbelltown. According to the information tabled by Minister Jordan, the court is currently held in a 10 ft x 12 ft section of the Mahdia Police Station. This is inadequate since prisoners are no further than

five feet from the magistrate and clerk. The area also requires proper lighting, cooling, washrooms and seating accommodation.

The tabled document also states that there is presently no courthouse at Port Kaituma, Region One and that court is normally kept at a building identified by the region. Some $268.149M has been allocated for the building of a court which will see justice handed down for approximately 800 residents living in the community and 18,000 more persons living in the region, mainly Indigenous villages. The document also outlined the decision to retrofit an old building to a magistrate’s court and living quarters in Kwakwani, Region 10. Costing, $32.909M, the court will see justice dispensed to the furthest reaches in Guyana.

Kwakwani is a mining and logging community on the Berbice River in the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region. Kwakwani is approximately 100km South of Linden with a population of approximately 7,000 persons.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Ex-soldiers charged with rape

TWO ex-soldiers, accused of raping a girl and then robbing her boyfriend, have been charged and will appear in court on the Essequibo Coast today.

Police in a statement said that based on legal advice obtained, the suspects, who allegedly raped a 26-year-old female on the Essequibo Coast and also allegedly robbed her boyfriend at Anna Regina on Saturday, October 13, 2018, are charged with rape and will appear at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court today.

The accused, both former army privates are Rawlston Reid, 22, of Douchfour Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara and Isaiah Rawlins, 21, of Wisroc, Linden.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Handyman stabbed to death in brawl

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Duo busted with cocaine at Stabroek Market

TWO men who were being monitored for a while by agents of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) were on Wednesday night arrested at the Stabroek Market area.

According to reports, the men were on CANU’s radar for a while and on Wednesday night based on information the unit received; a tab was put on the men. It was observed that they went to a car dealing establishment on Duncan Street, spent sometime in the building and then left.

The ranks trailed them and arrested them at the Stabroek Market area where searches on their person were carried out. Several kilos of cocaine were found to be in their posses-

Police detectives at the scene where the murder took place SEON Harry was on Thursday morning stabbed to death by a man who accused him of picking up his pedal cycle and riding off without seeking his permission.

The incident took place at Farmers’ Field, Block ‘E’ South Sophia, Greater Georgetown. According to information this publication received, Harry works as a handyman around the community.

The suspect, who was handed over to the police by his father, is said to be someone who openly retails small amounts of marijuana within the Greater Georgetown and Sophia areas.

Reports indicate that Harry, on Wednesday evening, picked up the cycle of his assailant and went to purchase food and upon his return, the assailant confronted

him about removing the cycle without permission. This led to a heated exchange and the suspect kicked the box of food out of Harry’s hand. Residents say the fight ended with both men going their separate ways.

On Thursday morning, Harry showed up at a location where the suspect normally limes and confronted him about his behaviour on Wednesday night.

Harry reportedly showed up with a cutlass and dealt the suspect several chops about the body but the suspect managed to whip out a knife and stab Harry.

Harry fell to the ground and died in view of several persons who had gathered at the scene.

The dead man leaves to mourn his pregnant girlfriend and several other close friends and relatives.

Detoxification programme for health workers

PROFESSIONAL health workers who usually work beyond the call of duty even when experiencing personal traumas will soon benefit from a mental health detoxification programme to deal with the stresses that come with their job.

This is according to Senior Psychologist, Balogam Osunbiyi, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle on the sidelines of a recent mental health forum in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

According to the UK- trained psychologist, senior health officials are in discussion to have a licensing programme for Mental Health First Aid, targeting professionals in the field.

This initiative would ensure health care workers are in a proper state even while facing personal trauma, but are expected to go on with their professional lives.

“We need to pay attention on how to take care of our professional staff from the most junior to the senior. We want to be able to train sufficient number of persons to deal with mental health first aid so that you will have your own internal process as a professional…. You are simply having a mental health detoxification,” he said.

Osunbiyi also announced that between 20 to 25 workers will receive mental health training this month and a week after, a

team, including mental health experts, behavioural specialist, psychiatrist and psychologist from the UK, will be training 36 persons, drawn from Regions Three, Five and Six in the management of anxiety and depression.

The training programmes executed in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and the National Psychiatric Hospital are aimed at improving mental health care delivery, identifying the forms of mental health and how to help patients manage their respective symptoms.

sion and the men were promptly arrested.

Ranks then went back to the location where they carried out a search but nothing was found. That took place on Wednesday night.

By noon on Thursday, the ranks returned to the location and carried out an even more detailed search but again nothing was found.

The agents also carried out a search on another building which is owned by the businessman but that too proved that nothing illegal was there. The establishment is in the business of selling reconditioned or second hand vehicles and also spare parts.

The proprietor was, just a few weeks ago, caught on video verbally abusing a policeman.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Gov’t seeks $4.8M to aid Venezuelan migrants

THE Government of Guyana is requesting GYD$4.8 million be added as supplementary provision in the 2018 budget, to help support Venezuelans who have fled social upheavals in their homeland and found refuge in Guyana.

In Financial paper No.3 2018, the Ministry of the Presidency – Defence and National Security, is requesting the said amount to provide relief

supplies to Venezuelan migrants in Regions One (Barima-Waini), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Essequibo-Upper Takatu).

Government recently announced that it continues to work with its international partners to support Venezuelan migrants and the Ministry of Social Protection will be training a group of officers from the Departments of Citizenship

and Immigration to arrest human trafficking.

These officers will lead an intense sensitisation campaign geared at removing vulnerable individuals from exploitative situations. This announcement was made at the fortnightly meeting of the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee, which, since its establishment by President David Granger, has been working tirelessly to ensure that Venezue-

lan migrants are properly documented, vaccinated and provided for, in terms of food and shelter. However, given the expansive and porous borders between Guyana and Venezuela coupled with limited resources, the committee has been facing challenges.

While in recent weeks there has been a reduction in arrival at the various ports of entry, there are a total of 2,588 documented Venezuelan migrants in Guyana and through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the committee has reached out to a significant number of them, particularly those living in shelters in Region One; providing essential food and non-food items.

This effort has been supported by various government agencies as well as international partners

such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

In addition to providing this type of support, last month, the Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that more lenient immigration policies and measures will be instituted to ensure that persons, who have come to Guyana to escape harsh economic and political conditions in their homeland, are not deported for illegal entry or overstaying.

Meanwhile, efforts are also being made to facilitate more long-term support. Minister of Citizenship, Mr. Winston Felix explained that a policy will now have to

be put in place to assess the proportionality of the qualifications and skills of the Venezuelan migrants to that of Guyanese to see how they can be placed in the local job market. This again, will ensure that their labour is not exploited and that Guyanese are not treated unfairly.

During a recent visit to Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), Minister Felix, after hearing of the challenges that migrants on the Essequibo Coast are facing, pledged his department’s support, particularly as it relates to documentation, since many of them cannot afford to travel to Georgetown. He also addressed cabinet today on the need for systems to be put in place to deal with housing and education for migrants.

International Credit Union day celebrated

Logo for International Credit Union Day 2018 INTERNATIONAL Credit Union (ICU) Day was observed on Thursday under the theme Find your Platinum Lining, to mark the event’s 70th anniversary.

It has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness about the tremendous work that credit unions and other financial cooperatives are doing around the world and give members the opportunity to get more engaged.

President and Chief Executive of the World Council of Credit Unions (Woccu), Brian Branch, said that ICU Day is the opportunity to engage credit union members, share their experiences and celebrate with the growing global credit union community.

He also stated that Woccu released ICU Day logos and posters in English and Spanish to help credit unions mark the day, as well as celebration ideas and other tips to create unique member experiences. He encouraged members and employees to share photos and

experiences on social media using the hashtag #ICUDay. In previous years, Branch said, credit unions have hosted fundraising events, opening houses, holding contests, organizing parades and other activities. The USA’s Credit Union National Association (Cuna) said in their release, that the credit union movement is steeped in a rich history of collaboration across divides.

“For nearly two centuries, financial cooperatives have encouraged people of every race, gender and belief, to come together and give their all towards the betterment of their communities.” Adding that “This year, we’re celebrating International Credit Union Day’s Platinum anniversary, a chance to look back after 70 years and be thankful for the lives and communities that have been improved by the unique principles and actions of our movement.”

Cuna also offers promotional resources for credit unions wishing to mark the day.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

TV series launched to tackle suicide, other social ills

By Gabriella Chapman

MERUNDOI and a team of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) launched a new television series Tuesday evening at the National Cultural Centre.

This series, titled “The Helpline”, is part of a project being funded by the European Union. This project aims to bring about suicide awareness and foster change to alleviate, if not eradicate, the scourge in Guyana.

The project incorporates three NGOs, namely Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG), Family. Awareness. Consciousness. Togetherness (FACTS) and Merundoi.

Each is responsible for a different part of the project, with Merundoi being the producer of the television series.

The head of Delegation of The European Union to Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago and for The Dutch

Overseas Countries & Territories, Ambassador Jernej Videtic, urged that all make full use of the programme.

He also noted the efforts being made to change the legislation, which allows persons who attempt suicide to serve jail time. This, he said, is not beneficial to victims and he believes that they deserve better help than incarceration.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Dr. Suzanne Siebs said suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting, harmful effects on individuals, families and communities.

“We must have effective prevention strategies that are needed to promote awareness of suicide and encourage commitment to societal change. It’s everybody’s business and should be undertaken as your personal responsibility,” she said.

Dr Siebs applauded Merundoi for their exceptional work in raising awareness of suicide.

“The aim must be to effect positive change in Guyana and the premiere of the helpline is certainly one more positive step to making an incredible difference in the lives of Guyanese.”

This newspaper spoke with the writer of the script for “The Helpline”, Mosa Telford, who said the idea started out as a six-episode series, but after editing, it turned into a two-hour movie.

Though focused on suicide awareness, Telford said that other issues were highlighted, such as child sexual abuse and domestic violence, just to name a few.

“The whole idea is that it brings about some sort of change and hopefully people who are struggling with cer-

A section of the audience who came out to view the premiere of the new series

First Lady Sandra Granger sits in the audience, as “The Helpline” was being screened at the National Cultural Centre

tain issues can be inspired to seek help. When people watch it, if there is somebody that’s going through something like that, I really hope they would decide to seek help or talk to family members, or a friend, or even utilise the various helplines we will highlight in the series,” the young woman said.

She added that the script was written in a way to be enjoyed by a general audience and will be aired on a regular basis, on TV stations across the country.

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Mosa Telford, writer of the script for “The Helpline”, the new Guyanese television series aimed at combating suicide and other social ills

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Harmon confirms President Granger in charge of oil and gas sector

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon on Thursday reiterated that responsibility for the oil and gas sector rests solely with President David Granger, even though he is answerable to the National

Assembly for the Ministry of the Presidency and its departments, which includes the Department of Energy.

Minister Harmon was, at the time, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the opening cer-

emony of the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management High Level Meeting of Caribbean Ministers from Small Island Developing States at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown.

Responding to an ar-

ticle carried on the online news site, Demerara Waves, captioned “Granger takes charge of oil and gas sector; Harmon not required to meet with oil company executives”, dated October 17, 2018, Minister Harmon

explained that at previous post-cabinet press briefings, it was made explicitly clear that the Department of Energy will be under the purview of the President.

“I had announced that His Excellency would have established the Department of Energy from August 1, 2018 and that it would be headed by a Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe and that the entity will report directly to His Excellency, who would exercise personal supervision over it. So it is strange [to hear this now]. You understand that in the way in which our official gazettes are published…with ministerial responsibility that all of these issues, which fall under the President and the Ministry of the Presidency will be published under my name so that I will answer to those issues in the National Assembly,” Minister Harmon said.

At the post-cabinet press briefing on March 8, 2018, Mr. Neil Marks, a reporter attached to the local media outfit, the News Room, questioned whether the Minister of State would be gazetted as the person who holds responsibility for this Department. Minister Harmon had responded that, “the Department of Energy is under the Ministry of the Presidency and will receive direct guidance from His Excellency, the President.

The quintet of Ministers with responsibility for oil and gas have been tasked with setting up the various items that I’ve explained to you, 10 different things – the structure, functioning, the capacity building and all of these different issues will be dealt with under that. So, it’s basically giving more space, more authority, more resources

and the direct eye of the President in dealing with these issues.”

Further, Mr. Denis Chabrol from the Demerara Waves, followed up on this question, querying who will be the reporting minister to the House when it comes to the energy department.

Minister Harmon stated on that occasion that “once it is in the Ministry of the Presidency, the minister of state is the person who will answer to the Parliament for any matter that relates to the Ministry of the Presidency.”

In reference to a letter from the President to oil companies, which Demerara Waves quoted in its article, Minister Harmon said that even before the President’s letter was dispatched; he would have already written to the companies and other agencies informing them of the change.

“Even before the letter that you spoke about written by His Excellency, I had written to all of the companies including the international banks and some foreign countries indicating to them that the Department of Energy was established on August 1, 2018 and that all issues in relation to oil and gas were to be referred to that entity under Dr. Bynoe.

It is important, with this being a new entity, that we establish very clearly the authority of the entity and this is what His Excellency, the President has reinforced; that this is a new department of government established and therefore we have to work assiduously to ensure that it is given that authority and scope which is required by us,” the minister of state said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Mercy Hospital now providing rapid STDs, tuberculosis testing

IN synch with the recent recertification of its laboratory by the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (SJMH) has been rapidly advancing the upgrade of its systems and technological equipment.

Noteworthy is the hospital’s acquisition of advanced testing machines to significantly accelerate rapid testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and tuberculosis. These are expected to give faster results to patients visiting the medical institution.

Recently, alluding to the capabilities of the new equipment, SJMH Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Enoch Gaskin indicated that the new developments are all in line with the hospital’s commitment to ensure that it continuously improves the quality of service to the public and meet international standards.

“Here at Mercy we believe in sustained quality and with that in mind we attempt to analyse the marketplace and fill the niches in a speedy and affordable manner. These tests were as a result of a need. There is a need and we decided to step up to the challenge. This is something we’ll do quite often because our lab is a quality certified lab and one of the features of any quality organisation is continuous improvement. You can’t be satisfied with where you are… you need to go to the next step and for us, adding services, quality services, in a sustainable and affordable way, is how we will satisfy the ethos of a quality organisation,” he posited.

Quality Manager of the laboratory, Nolan Hawke explained that the additional advanced technology in the laboratory is all part of the process in line with requirements by the Centre for Dis-

ease Control (CDC).

“The US Embassy wanted… well… they actually upgraded CDC to the point where you had to introduce the new testing, the Quantiferon Gold (blood test) and also the Neisseria Gonorrhea as well as the Chlamydia testing,” he disclosed.

Hawke explained further some of the features of the highly advanced machines and their capabilities. “…The gene expert, the technology comes with three control panels attached to the one unit so for every test that we actually conduct, quality control checks are made within that same timeframe and the technology is such that we now take a log of the control measures that we actually executed and likewise with the tuberculosis testing the control panels are there as well, standards are set up and we analyse the outcome of

Quality Manager Nolan Hawk, CEO Enoch Gaskin and DCEO Deborrah Ramsay that,” he said.

AHEAD OF LOCAL INDUSTRY Elated to be part of the team announcing the new technology, Deputy CEO of the hospital, Deborrah Ramsay pointed to the fact that the hospital is the only medical institution thus far, equipped with at least one of the advanced machines that would provide rapid testing to patients.

“Regardless of where the public has to take their results, we are ensuring that we give this service to the entire public and as such with the two pieces of equipment… we are really the only hospital in this country right now

that can do this test so we have really… made it even better for people to get fast testing, so the tuberculosis test, as I said, we’re the only hospital now in the country that has this testing and we have the gene expert testing which actually relates to STDs… so we’re very proud of the fact that we are with technology at its highest in this country,” Ramsay noted.

She announced further that with the institution now also equipped with new machines comprising hormone testing capabilities, it could be assured that patients seeking hormone tests would obtain faster results.

“I’m elated, happy to announce that we can offer our

hormone panel for females, for men. Those doctors that are into gynaecology would be happy as well too that we can offer that service for the nation. What is important as well too is that we would still be offering PSAs,” said Hawke.

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital is the only medical institution in Guyana currently approved by the United States Embassy to conduct medical testing for visa-processing and the hospital has been living up to the trust of the U.S. Immigration Service thus far.

SJMH was awarded the Platinum Service Award for Quality by the GNBS during the National Quality Awards 2017.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Spain honours Brian Tiwari Brian Tiwari poses for a photo with Spain’s Ambassador (third from right) and his family

Brian Tiwari receiving the Spanish National Award from Spain’s Ambassador to Guyana, Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez

By Vishani Ragobeer LOCAL businessman Brian ‘BK’ Tiwari was awarded with the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit, a national award of the Kingdom of Spain, on Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel.

The award was presented for the first time to a citizen of Guyana on Guyanese soil. It was proclaimed by the King of Spain, Felipe VI on December 6, 2017.

Part of the proclamation reads: “... In recognition of the merits and qualities possessed by Mr. Brian Tiwari, bestows upon him the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit. He is thus granted the orders, distinctions and usage of insignias he is entitled in accordance with the statutes.”

Brian Tiwari is honorary consul of the local consulate of the Kingdom of Spain. To this end, Spanish Ambassador to Guyana, Javier Maria Carbajosa Sanchez, said “When you don’t have a career consul in a city, it is extremely difficult to find the right person to represent your country.”

He, however, ascertained that Tiwari has been a good friend to the Spanish nation and has illustrated the integrity

and virtue which serves to promote the interests of the nation.

Cognisant of Tiwari’s role in improving bilateral relations between Guyana and Spain, Sanchez said, “Few things in life [are] more satisfying that publicly acknowledging the merits of someone who has been doing such a splendid job on behalf of Spain.”

He added: “Spain and Guyana have excellent relationships and I think it is only fair to underline that your work here has been important in this moment of where Guyana sees bright development ahead and certainly Spain wants to be part of the future of brilliant Guyana,” he related.

Tiwari, giving his remarks, shared his joy at receiving the award.

The local businessman also highlighted that he is happy to be part of the process of cementing the relations between Guyana and Spain, not only culturally, but in the area of oil exploration through Repsol, an integrated global energy company based in Madrid, Spain.

“It is my hope that other Spanish companies will be encouraged to come to Guyana to discuss the tourism, agriculture and commercial sectors,” Tiwari said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

AG, Energy Dept. discuss legislation, legal advice

Attorney General, Basil Williams SC and officials of his Ministry with Dr, Mark Bynoe and members of the Department of Energy HEAD of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe and Advisor on Oil and Gas, Matthew Wilks on Thursday met with the Attorney General, Basil Williams and other top officials of the chambers

to discuss the drafting of legislation and providing legal advice on energy.

Dr. Bynoe and Wilks were joined by Ms. Joanna Homer, Legal Adviser. In a release, the AG’s Chambers said the visit con-

cerned the work of the Department of Energy and the role of the chambers and Ministry of Legal Affairs with respect to drafting legislation and providing legal advice on oil and gas.

To this end, the need

for a legislative review of the existing legal framework for oil and gas, the local content policy and capacity building in the area of oil and gas were discussed. The attorney general expressed appre-

ciation for the visit by Dr. Bynoe and team and committed to working with the Department of Energy to ensure that a strong legal framework is in place to ensure all Guyanese benefit from the emerging oil sec-

tor, the release stated.

The Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Mr. Charles Fung-a-Fatt, and Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Ms. Joann Bond also attended the meeting.

Singapore keen on sharing development experience with CARICOM SINGAPORE has said it is happy to share its development experience with the Caribbean Community, as the country’s second Ambassador to CARICOM was accredited Wednesday.

Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque accepted the Letters of Credence of Her Excellency Karen Ann Tan Ping Ming, Plenipotentiary Representative of Singapore to CARICOM, at the secretariat’s headquarters in Georgetown, Guyana.

Ambassador Tan said her appointment represented Singapore’s commitment to “continue to work to sustain and deepen” its engagement with the region, and to find new avenues for cooperation, the Caricom Secretariat said in a release. To date, the new envoy revealed that 1060 officials from CARICOM have participated in various programmes, including public administration, urban planning, finance, information technology and

civil aviation in Singapore.

She said cooperation in Disaster Risk Management or Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is also available.

This offer was announced in 2017 by Singapore’s Foreign Minister, His Excellency Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, when he met the CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) during its 10th Special Meeting on the side-lines of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly.

Singapore is also working with partners in Latin America, such as Chile and Argentina, to offer Third Country Training Programmes for CARICOM; opportunities Ambassador Tan said she hopes officials will maximise. Ambassador Tan noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) can be a useful partner for CARICOM in the areas of trade, investment promotion and sustainable development, with Singa-

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque welcomes Singapore’s new Ambassador to CARICOM, HE Karen Ann Tan Ping Ming pore serving as Chair for of resilience and innovathis year. tion. He said CARICOM CARICOM welcomed has recognised, and he has the opportunity to work to- personally witnessed, the gether with ASEAN in ar- significant advancements eas of shared interest, Sec- Singapore has made in inretary-General LaRocque frastructural, environmenstated, noting Singapore’s tal, social and sustainable current chairmanship and development and in ICT. its focus on the concepts The Community, therefore,

welcomed the opportunity to partner more closely with Singapore in that area, he said.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Singapore’s offer to support the Community’s vision to become the first climate resilient region in the world. He also commended the country for designating 2018 as the “Year of Climate Action,” to raise national consciousness around the need to take individual and collective action to fight climate change for a sustainable Singapore.

He said CARICOM was looking forward to their engagements leading up to the 24th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 24). Ambassador Tan underscored the significance of small island states, like Singapore and many of CARICOM, working together to ensure that the systems of global governance continue to

hear and note their voices.

She described as a “privilege”, working with “distinguished diplomats” from CARICOM Member States throughout her diplomatic career with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, including as Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Singapore and CARICOM have worked in unison, she said, to advance their common interests and to overcome challenges in international fora like the United Nations and in groupings such as the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) and the Commonwealth of Nations. In 2015, she co-chaired the Preparatory Committee of the 3rd Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Conference in Samoa, which allowed SIDS to promote key aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Singapore’s ties with the region date back to 1971, when it established diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Top Cop justifies reversing Ramnarine’s decisions … says keen on boosting morale in the force

By Leroy Smith AFTER careful consideration and consultation with his administrative team, Commissioner of Police Leslie James has reversed a few decisions which were made by former acting Top Cop, David Ramnarine.

The decisions had all received much media attention and some level of public criticism when they were first made by Ramnarine, as he performed the duties of Top Cop. Among them were the transfers of ‘A’ Division Traffic Officer Stephens to Berbice and Traffic Sergeant Boyce from the said division to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU). Also, the transfer of Inspector Playter from Berbice to ‘C’ Division, after the officer had refused to accept a call on a civilian’s cellular phone, which reportedly was from Ramnarine who was at the other end.

On Monday, Commissioner James was asked about his decision, and he made it clear that the force is not static and that there are times when decisions made would be re-examined with the best interest of the force

Commissioner of Police Leslie James in mind.

According to the Top Cop, based on rethinking and reconsideration, of course there will be actions which would be taken. He hinged these on a broader perspective, which he described as ensuring that there is good morale among those who serve the organisation.

“Moral is very, very important for any force like ours and as long as we have a force where moral is very high, performance will not be

questioned, and any person who knows management will understand that very clearly” Commissioner James affirmed.

He, however, cautioned that he is not in the business of engaging in any actions that will cause a media frenzy and he will never seek to allow his actions, now or later on, to be the subject of a public debate to the detriment of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), his deputy commissioners, other senior officers and junior ranks.

This, however, did not prevent the new head of the premier law enforcement body, from pointing out that there are many issues which many persons who are serving the organisation would like to action to be taken on. “The force must have high morals among its ranks, that is what we are building. This is an organisation that is alive and we have persons with very serious and genuine concerns and we have the public to serve and we have to ensure that moral is very high in this

force” Commissioner James continued.

On the issue of Boyce and Stephens, they were transferred after a pastor was pulled over, charged and ended up before the court for allegedly having several expired documents for the vehicle he was driving, while other papers were also not in order. Ramnarine, in his capacity as CoP, had reportedly passed instructions for the pastor to be allowed to continue along his journey, but that message never reach the rank who was dealing with issue. This resulted in the pastor being charged and placed before the court, where he pleaded to guilty to some of the infractions for which he was accused.

As the news reached the Top Cop, he ordered the immediate transfer of the two policemen.

The issue of reversal of decisions is not new to the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

While acting as Commissioner, Ramnarine himself had reversed a few decisions

which were made by the substantive Top Cop at the time, Seelall Persaud, who was then on leave.

Persaud on resuming duty, reversed some of the decisions made by Ramnarine. The most `popular’ but controversial decision, however, was where Ramnarine promoted close to 200 junior ranks and Persaud when he returned from leave, attempted to reverse the decision.

The development, however, captured the attention of the government and Commissioner Persaud was advised against making such a move.

There was also the issue involving Deputy Superintendent Motie Dookie, who in December 2017, was under investigation after he was found in a vehicle which had several cases of smuggled high-end whiskey. Dookie was sent on leave and upon his resumption was sent to head a sub-division by Ramnarine.

However, when Ramnarine left the country on

Former Top Cop David Ramnarine travel duties and then Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Williams held the fort, he removed Dookie from the sub-division.

Subsequently, Dookie was sent on leave ‘in the public’s interest’ by Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, who then was performing the duties of Minister of Public Security. Felix before retiring had also held the position of Commissioner of Police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

MCC owes contractor $3.7M for street lights

AS the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall continued at the Critchlow Labour College on Wednesday, yet another contractor appeared before the commission to protest being owed millions by the Mayor and City Council (MCC) for works completed for the municipality.

Like many of the other cases, the business was never given a contract and the arrangements for the works was handled by Town Clerk, Royston King Quacy La Rose, proprietor of La Rose Electrical, said he is owed some $3.7 million for light installation works that he carried out for the MCC since February 2016. La Rose was hired to install light fixtures at varying locations across Georgetown, including in Agricola at the East La Penitence Market.

“Basically they contracted me, more or less the town clerk, to carry out some work in the year 2016, which is two years ago, it was three different projects, that was directed by Mr. King. He was asking us to put up some

Town Clerk, Royston King street lighting; we did the entire security lighting for East Ruimveldt Market. We also did some lights for Agricola and High Street,” La Rose said.

“He learnt of the company, he called me in, and we had the agreement, I submitted my quotation he agreed and we executed the works.”

However, upon completing the works and applying for his payments, La Rose was informed that there was no money to pay

him. Over the past two years he has been continually checking with the MCC to find out about his payment.

“I haven’t gotten paid, and every time I go it’s a frustrating attempt. They send you to the treasurer downstairs then when you’re finished with the treasurer downstairs they send you back upstairs then you hear they not finding the voucher and it’s a whole lot of up and down.

Then Mr. Oscar Clarke, he was supposed to call me to tell me the way forward, up to this day I haven’t gotten a call,” La Rose expressed.

FELT CONFIDENT La Rose explained that he felt confident carrying out such a large-scale work without a contract because it was not the first time that he was contracted by the MCC to do works and since payments were honoured in the past.

He had no fear in executing the works. La Rose was first contacted by the town clerk in 2015 and had smooth arrangements with the MCC.

Berbice High Court staffers accused of corruption TUCBER Park Co-op Society Chairman, Maxine Williams is calling on Attorney General, Basil Williams to investigate alleged corrupt practices of some officers employed at the Berbice High Court.

The call comes in wake of a whistleblower’s report that some staffers of the Supreme Court in New Amsterdam are moving to possess lands within the Tucber Co-op Society.

Williams believes that an audit should be done with respect to all the lands which were given out in recent times, by prescriptive rights, to members of the court staff and their families.

The Tucber Co-op Society is the holder of the transport #872 of 1965, which covers the ownership of lands that court staffers have been filing for prescriptive rights, Williams told the Guyana Chronicle.

Due to the death of the co-op’s secretary, there was a period of dormancy, but the society is now organising elections for new office bearers, in an effort to move forward.

According to Williams, at the beginning of last week,

a whistleblower called and

Tucber Park Co-op Society Chairman Maxine Williams informed her of some petitions before the Berbice High Court with regards to prescriptive rights involving two members of the Supreme Court in New Amsterdam.

Copies of the petition with regards to two portions of lands at Lots 340 and 342 Tucber Park were seen by this reporter.

The portions of lands were allocated to society members who are residents overseas and are in receipt of

their proof of payments.

Most recently, Williams noted that a member came from overseas to deal with one of the matters on behalf of her cousin, but the power of attorney subsequently died, leaving that arrangements hanging. However, efforts were made to clear and prepare the land by relatives of two persons, namely, Tessa Albert and Winston Bynoe.

Members of the society were contacted via social media to get residents involved in checking, to ensure that the lands allocated to them, is still owned by them.

Meanwhile, Wendy Benjamin, who is looking into the interest of Tessa Albert , said, it was last Wednesday that she was informed that court staffers were using their position and knowledge to be possessor of the lands, which remains unoccupied .

There are reports of similar cases in New Amsterdam. Attorney Ramesh Rajkumar, who is representing the society, confirmed that the lands are owned by the society and legal steps will be taken to repossess the unmovable properties.

“It started with a call; then a quotation and we execute the works. I talked directly to Mr. King himself, he even took me to the location himself,” La Rose explained.

He added: “I had no [written] contract, it was a verbal contract, why I went ahead is because I did works with them prior to that and I was paid.

And they had no contract involved then so I figured okay if I had a verbal agreement before and I execute the works and I was

paid, then if I’m instructed further and I execute the works I would get paid,” La Rose reasoned.

The situation created a financial strain for La Rose, who had employees to pay.

He was eventually forced to pay his employees out of pocket.

“I had to pay them, they don’t want to hear that City Hall doesn’t want to pay me, I had to pay them just after the problem. So I’m just trying right now to reimburse myself,” La Rose related.

Given the run around he has been getting, La Rose has since written to the President David Granger and the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan.

“I write the President in April this year and I wrote Mr. Bulkan in August, he responded through his PA and they said they called City Hall and they verified that they do owe these money but cannot pay because of their financial position and whatever,” La Rose said.

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Five to stand trial –– for Berbice murder-for-hire

FIVE men were on Wednesday committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of Berbice carpenter, Faiyaz Narinedatt.

Magistrate Charlyn Arti-

ga, at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday ruled that a prima facie case was made out against Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram,

and Niran Yacoob.

The men were undergoing a preliminary inquiry (PI) for allegedly murdering Narinedatt between October 31 and November 1, 2016 at Number

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

70 Village, Berbice.

Overseas-based Guyanese businessman, Marcus Bisram, 28, was also charged, but in absentia, for Narinedatt’s murder, and is currently in the United States before a New York judge facing extradition proceedings.

Evidence was led by special prosecutor Stacy Gooding, while the men were represented by defence attorneys, Bernard DaSilva, Sanjeev Datadin and Siand Dhurjon.

Police had initially labelled the case a ‘hit-and-run accident’, but Narinedatt’s relatives had always been adamant that the scene was staged by persons known to them.

Reports are that after

Overseas-based Guyanese businessman, Marcus Bisram

Three of the five murder accused: Radesh Motie, Harri Paul Parsram and Niran Yacoob beating Narinedatt to death, his assailants placed his lifeless body into the trunk of a car, and when they reached a prearranged spot, dumped it on the public road. They then drove the car over the body to make it look like an accident.

Meanwhile, Bisram’s mother and sister are currently on trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Shinella Indarally, 45, and Mary Anne Lionel, 25, both of Lot 171 Section ‘B’ Number 71 Village, Corentyne, were charged for deliberately attempting to obstruct the course of justice.

It was reported that they offered a police corpo-

ral $4M to release the five men who were detained for the murder of Narinedatt, and to cease efforts to apprehend Bisram.

The late Faiyaz Narinedatt

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Friday, October 19, 2018 01:30 hrs - 13:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Local Designer to showcase at Suriname fashion week L

ocal designer Mark Junor is set to debut his newest collection “She Killed Death” at Suriname Fashion next week, which runs from October 23-28.

The line consists of eight pieces, comprising a mix of high fashion contour, prints, black, blue and white with a hint of red. Junor says the line pays homage to his female loved ones.

“She killed death is me saying thank you to my mom, sister, grandmother aunt, and female in general. Females are superheroes, especially those that fight to make ends meet for their kids, single mothers or mothers in an abusive relationship but can’t leave because of their kids,” he declared.

This will not be the first time that Junor has showcased designs overseas, but will be the first time that he will be displaying an entire line at a fashion show outside of Guyana. And of course, he’s super excited to make this next step in his designing career.

“I am not nervous but I am nervously excited to see how people would react to my work. But I am humbled by this opportunity, and forever will be,” the 24-year-old expressed.

Junor decided to showcase at the event after attending the Fashion Week last year and getting a chance to see what the platform had to offer.

Though still young and up and coming, Junor has been making a lot of traction on the local scene, and his brand “Kramronuj Designs” continues to develop, turning heads, and piquing interest. Showcasing beyond Guyana’s borders is a goal he’s been continually working on since he first began designing in 2013.

Junor most recently collaborated with local model, Onesha Huston, to design her evening gown for a pageant - the Miss Venus Model Caribbean 2018 – in Anguilla. His design went on to win best evening wear, and Hutson finished second runner-up for her part.

A piece from Kramronuj by Mark Roy Junor

Guyanese designer Mark Junor

Nine to vie for Miss Berbice “I’m a big deal” pageant

T

HE ancient county of Berbice is abuzz with anticipation and excitement as the official sashing ceremony of the nine beauties vying for the coveted ‘Miss Berbice’ title is set for Saturday, October 20, 2018, on the lawns of State House, New Amsterdam.

Given the ‘I’m a big deal’ treatment for the inaugural pageant from RD Productions last year, and the sneak peek of the beauties at the Berbice Expo last week, pageant fanatics can’t wait to officially meet the 10 young ladies and get to know them, before the most anticipated regional beauty pageant set for November 24, 2018, at the Albion Sports Complex.

According to Coordinator Tracy Khan, there will be several activities before the big day which will involve community projects, youth empowerment activities, family entertainment and a sports competition among others.

Khan highlighted that in addition to the “glitz and glamour and the red carpet” sashing event, the public will get the opportunity to hear the contestants as they get “up, close and personal” about their platforms on social ills.

The sashing ceremony is followed by a Swimsuit and Pool competition on Saturday, November 17 at the Skeldon Heritage Resort, a Costume Extravanganza and a Mini Carnival set for Sunday, November 18 at the Rose Hall Town Primary School.

The organisers also believe in giving back to the community, as such as a part of the calendar of activities has set aside November 21 as a Family Fun Day and the launch of a magazine at the All Saints Ground, New Amsterdam.

Organiser Royston Drakes explained that the concept behind the pageant is to create role models not just models.

“We are looking to empower women from all walks of life to take up leadership roles in various communities. We are also focusing on youth empowerment,” he said.

“This year we are going to make it a bit different. We want to spread our wings across Berbice; we want to help business people such as Carona to invest in something that will be lucrative at the end of the day, and also we are not limiting ourselves to the glitz and glamour associated with pageantry. We want to make an impact in most of the communities we will be venturing into.”

Meanwhile, Andy Henry who is tasked with the launch of the magazine related that the goal of the commercial magazine is to give young people the vehicle where they will not only be motivated, inspired, educated and entertained but they will also be empowered.

“We would love to showcase Berbice, people, places and cuisine. The magazine will feature entrepreneurs, small businesses and cuisine. An ideal vehicle for small business and youth empowerment and talents,” he said.

Since the launch of the pageant in 2017, the organisers have been involved in numerous community projects as women empowerment, such as the Women of Worth Awards ceremony and community clean-up exercise in collaboration with the municipality of Rose Hall and the Police.

Tickets will be available soon at several locations across the country soon.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha to host countrywide motorcades Diwali set for November 6

A flashback of some creative floats from the Essequibo Coast

A look back at last year’s motorcade. Two young girls from Golden Fleece Mandir dressed as Goddess Maha Lakshmi.

By Indrawattie Natram

A

S Hindus across Guyana are preparing for the festive holiday Deepavali, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha will be hosting countrywide motorcades commencing from November 2-5, 2018. Diwali will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 6th.

According to President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the largest motorcade will be held between Georgetown and the East Coast of Demerara on Monday, November 5. The creative floats, she said, will assemble at the Shri Krishna Mandir in Campbelville from 17:30 hrs and will leave at 18:30 hrs from the traditional route, along Sandy Babb Street for Vlissengen Road and then along the Seawall to the Chateau Margot Ground, East Coast Demerara.

This year there has been a change from the usual ending point, instead of the floats assembling at the LBI Community Centre ground they will be assembling at Chateau Margot. A cultural programme and presentation of prizes starting from 19:00 hrs will commence.

Outstanding singers, Neval Chatelal and Nishard Mayroo of Trinidad and Tobago, will perform alongside top Guyanese artistes including the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Singh, Mona Gowkarran and others. Admission at Chateau Margot is free and no alcohol will be allowed.

The Sabha’s president said that millions of dollars in prizes and trophies will be presented to the winning floats. It is anticipated that more than 25 floats will participate in the

Winner of last year’s motorcade Golden Fleece Vishwa Jhotir Mandir.

motorcade. Over the last 44 years, the Diwali Motorcade has become a highlight is Guyana’s cultural and tourism calendar and it is known to draw persons from across Guyana to view the spectacular designs.

In addition to the Georgetown and ECD motorcade, motorcades will be held at the Anna Regina Ground in Essequi-

bo on Friday, November 2, at the Diamond Market Tarmac, East Bank Demerara, at the Oceanview Mandir Compound.

West Coast Demerara on Saturday November 3, and at the Bath Community Centre Ground, Canje Ground, Port Mourant Community Centre Ground and Tagore High School Ground in Berbice on Sunday November 4.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

The necessary biblical and folk wisdom for our changing world O

UR inherited cultural traditions and the Hebrew text we know as the Bible, have fused into the thinking that has shaped the perspectives of most Guyanese. The paradox of my mother going to church and coming home humming a hymn, then to have me cut ‘Brian Pimpler’ - a thorn stick with a strong offensive smell that grew along the coastal belt- that was then placed above the windows of the room that my then-baby twin brothers slept in, which also included a manicole [palm] broom, just in case- epitomised the fusion of Folk and Christian compatibility. There was a proverb in adult conversation to address every situation and to convey secret messages above the interpretation of leering little ears.

PARENTING Parents are blamed when their children explore the forbidden and fall into public embarrassment. The children are accused by the social self-righteous onlooker, to be paying for things their parents did wrong in this or perhaps some other life. Few have considered that from every ancient text, including the Bible, that an adult, over 18 or 21 years old is accountable for his or her actions. That there is the phenomenon of peer pressure or temptation, that suggests an alternative to parental guidance to a susceptible mind, possibly inclined to be led into some envied glorious space that parents would have denied the indulgence off.

Our folk culture is alive with proverbs old and sayings new that define the upsurge of adolescent rebellion, its aspirations, pretentions and at times lifelong consequences. We hint to ‘Yard fowl highfalutin’, ‘Bourgeoisie sweet scent, but dutty story still smell‘, ‘Who deh flouncing pon now?’ ‘Ambition higher than de position’ and much more. The recent years of ‘Gun men’, ‘proper people’, ‘Boss man’ that relates to instant drug money and glory, have lured many young people to acquire no skills, limited education, a cul-de-sac of vulnerable knowledge base and low self-esteem if unable to indulge in conspicuous consumption have infected them with a blame ‘someone’ syndrome. This applies also to educated ones also with an unrealistic sense of entitlement. But I have found the source of challenged parenting further back; much further back, to Genesis Chapter 1. Yes, the metaphoric story of Adam and Eve. God instructed them both: “Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shall surely die.” Yet the serpent reasoned with Eve to eat, and Eve ate and gave Adam and he ate, and when confronted by God neither took responsibility for their actions and asked for forgiveness, they instead both blamed somebody else. Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent, on behalf of the serpent he merely suggested, and not through some intoxicating means compelled- I can argue this with any pastor - that the sin of Adam and Eve is that neither was honest enough to ask forgiveness and admit to personal responsibility. Is the ability of self-responsibility difficult to embrace rather than ‘Is you mek suh?’ Is this an innate flaw passed on to us from our original ancestors? Or is this a weak escape that betrays the tremendous gift of ‘Free choice’, because God acted on the consequences of disobedience and threw them both out of the garden, thus, it is the consequences of actions that count and not the blame game.

The other Biblical term we have come to abuse and trivialise is the term ‘Blessed’; a trick theme no doubt applied by people who practice ‘Priest Craft’ which is a term used to describe religious con men, who flaunt ‘Highly Blessed and Favoured’ most times. It’s a celebration of some monetary or social achievement, even some drugs that got through the dragnet. The term, however, is not applied to the zest of material gain in the eight or nine times it was used in the Bible, but rather in defining character and substance to which material things follow as an accoutrement of needs and wants. We grew with the proverb “nawh dig hole fuh spite, or yuh gon fall in it yuhself”. We live in an expanded age of treachery rather than respect and acknowledgement, the currents of modern survival suggest that our living, social and public display needs are more, thus we extend less empathy. Rewards should be an expectation of efforts made, but it’s a fact that ‘Wisdom is better than Gold’. Wisdom translates to understanding the obvious and extended needs that your talent (or skill) can serve, and needs are physical and philosophical, combined they nurture logic and imagination, the creative formula of edge industry and inspiration, that at times go against the grain of things within the tribal customs and “accustomsy”.

Like children, some will stray and blame, some will stand with you, likewise talents need nurture, research, attention and original expression, not ‘De bad wuk man blame he tools’ the blame game is easy to do, don’t bury your talent, like the lazy servant who buried his talent and complained. We’re back in the scriptures again, but once we recognise how ancient some of the human problems we are facing today are, it will enable us to triumph over them with much less stress, because the references are there.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Guyana wins National Costume at Miss Earth pageant G uyana’s Xameira Kippins did her country proud last week Friday, when she went on to win in the South American category at the Miss Earth National Costume Competition, in the pageant currently ongoing in the Philippines.

Designed by local pageant designer Randy Madray, the costume puts an interesting and provocative spin on the depiction of the Guyanese folklore “Ole Higue”.

The Ole Higue is a shape-shifting creature of folklore that appears in the form of a solitary old woman by day. During the night, however, she strips off her wrinkled skin and puts it in a mortar. This causes her to reveal her true form, a ball of fire. As a fireball, she can fly across the dark sky in search of an unsuspecting victim. ‘Ole Higue’ can enter the homes of her victims through the use of any size hole with direct access to the interior of the house.

In the South American category, second place went to Miss Earth Ecuador, Diana Valdivieso, while the third place went to Miss Earth Peru Jessica Russo.

Kippins was one of six winners of the night. The 85 beauties were placed into six separate groups based on their continents, and each group had a winner.

It came as no surprise when Kippins took the win since her costume was getting rave support ever since it was revealed last week.

The next hurdle for Kippins will now be the Long Gown competition, the swimsuit competition, resort wear competition and the talent competition, before the grand Coronation night on November 3, to determine the ultimate winner of the pageant.

I

T’S time for the weekend again, people!

There are quite a few big events going off this weekend with a particular DJ celebrating his birthday. The Circus continues tonight and throughout the weekend.

With Halloween almost here there’s also a few pre-Halloween events to warm you up.

So don’t stay cooped up at home.

Today Head out and support Cancer Awareness! Roraima Duke Lodge presents Open Mic. Head out and experience local talent, or share your own. It’s always a good time. 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Guyana Cancer Foundation. Starting time is 19:00hrs.

Bravo Arts is teaming up with the Giftland Mall to bring you a Halloween experience like never before in Guyana.

It’s “Halloween Fest: Halloween Village and Grand Horror House”. Halloween Village includes spooky games, face painting, special effects makeup, spooky treats, Halloween crafting, pumpkin carving, costume competition, trick or treating and much more, not to forget the large horror house which is not for the faint of heart.

Tomorrow Pulse Entertainment and the Strip Restaurant and Bar presents “Blood Rain: Halloween J’ouvert Party”! It’s going to be water, foam and powder, so get your flip flops, shorts and tees ready for this one. Music by DJ Ryan, DJ Anisah, DJ Shizzle and Entertainer Kerwin.

Ladies free before 20:00hrs. Tickets: $1,500 (More at the door).

MBK Family Entertainment brings to you their annual OVO Party at Club 704! This year they’re Going Pitch Black! Admission: $2,000 (More at the Door).

Get your Costumes ready and prepare to be blown away! Feed the Flames presents the biggest live rock show of the year, a pre-Halloween show called “Border Clash: The all-black edition” at the Girls Guide Association on Brickdam. Featuring three foreign bands, for the first time in Guyana are presenting Bon Cane from Trinidad, Carnage and Aeons of disorder from French Guiana. Supporting local bands include Celestial Burn, Ettu Brutus and Feed The Flames.

The Miss Cultured Guyana Committee presents the third annual “Miss Cultured Guyana“ at the Theatre Guild Playhouse.

G e t ready for an evening where culture meets intelligence and class. Tickets $1,500 & $1,000 General Shades, Colin, and Luke present a birthnight party called “Floss and Swagg: the Bottles Edition” at Park Square, Mahaicony. Music by Thunderbolt Sound, Love Vibrations and Invasion One-Man Band

Sunday Sundays were meant for the 70s & 80s!

The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant & Lounge presents “Dinner and 70s and 80s music” 704 Sports Bar presents “Pizza and Beer” buy one pitcher of draft beer and one 10” pizza and another pitcher of beer free and a serving of chicken tenders at half price.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

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Rhonda Lewis T20 tournament concludes tomorrow

THE Rhonda Lewis Memorial T20 cricket tournament will conclude tomorrow at the Tamarind Root Cricket ground located in the quiet Corentyne rural village of Hampshire.

for 2018 at all levels.

RHT Bakewell, most dominant second division team in Berbice, will by spearheaded by Kevin Sinclair. He expects support from Vidal Crandon, Junior

Kevin Sinclair

Kevlon Anderson

Rose Hall Town (RHT) Bakewell and Fyrish cricket teams will clash in the remaining semifinal from 09:30hrs, with the winners going on to play Whim in the grand finale from 13:30hrs.

The final will be the 12th to be hosted by the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) for the last three months as it strives to complete 22 tournaments

Sinclair, Surendra Kissoonlall, Kevlon Anderson, Keith Simpson and Chanderpaul Govindan in a strong batting lineup.

Former national Under-19 pacer Sylus Tyndall and West Indies female fast bowler Erva Giddings lead a powerful bowling attack that includes another medium pacer Kevlon Anderson.

Off-spinners Kevin and Junior Sinclair, national Under-15 all-rounder Jonathan Rampersaud and left-arm spinner Keith Simpson complete a strong bowling attack, capable of defending any total on the scoreboard.

Fyrish will depend heavily on former Guyana Under-19 player Javed Mohamed and players like Yogindra Chinapen, Anarine Shrikissoon, Yohana Goordial, Akenen Rangasami, Saif Bacchus, Imran Ally and Reeaz Ramcharran, are expected to put up a good showing.

The last time, the two teams clashed in the Lower Corentyne Magic Moments T20 final last month, Fyrish lost by over a 100-run margin.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Red Force crush Volcanoes to secure semifinal berth TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force assured themselves of a semifinal spot in the Regional Super50 with a crushing seven-wicket over the Windward Islands Volcanoes at the Brian Lara Stadium here yesterday.

The result meant that while the Red Force qualified for the knockout round, the defending champions were eliminated from contention.

And the home side did so in emphatic fashion, bundling out the Volcanoes for just 78 runs – the lowest total so far of the competition.

They then needed only 30 minutes to romp to victory, racing to 83 for three off just 9.4 overs.

In a shameful batting display by the Volcanoes, no other batsman apart from opener Gidron Pope who scored 37

made it into double figures.

In fact, the eight extras which the Red Force conceded was the next highest contributor.

Lendl Simmons’ unbeaten knock of 52 helped the Red Force to book their semifinal spot.

Had it not been for Pope’s knock which came from 44 balls, things would have been considerably more embarrassing for the visitors.

By the time Pope was dis-

South American 10K second leg officially launched

OVER 50 athletes, drawn from within South America and the Caribbean, are expected to participate in the second leg of this year’s South American 10K, according to president of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) Aubrey Hutson.

Hutson, at the time of the announcement, was addressing the gathering of media, athletes and officials of Banks DIH at the official launch of the 16th edition of the prized 10K event yesterday at Thirst Park.

The AAG president revealed that 2018 South American 10K will host its first leg in Suriname next weekend, following which, the athletes will turn their attention to Guyana for the second leg, before heading to Panama for the third and final leg.

According to Hutson, based on information received from his counterparts in South America and the Caribbean, some of the top and well-known athletes are geared to compete in Guyana, where the winner of the male and female categories, apart from the cash incentive, will win ‘real gold’ medals.

It was advised that unlike previous years, with the help of the Guyana Police Force, the entire 10K route will be closed to traffic and only authorised vehicles will be allowed.

Meanwhile, Communication Officer, Troy Peters, who was part of the local organising committee for the inaugural South American 10K, said that the event is one of the most important for distance athletes in Guyana, since, for many, it provides a platform where they are able to compete with the best within the South American region, and often times the Caribbean.

Peters further noted that as a company, Banks DIH is always willing to support the event, and this year, will be offering support with their Banks Malta and award-winning Rainforest Waters brand.

The race will start on Carifesta Avenue at the GTT Earth Station, from where the athletes will proceed to the Rupert Craig Highway, make a U-turn at the University of Guyana junction, and then head onto the Kitty Public Road, into Vlissengen Road, on to Thomas Lands and into the National Park for the finish.

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missed, the Volcanoes were already in trouble at 58 for four, following the earlier losses of Tyrone Theophile for one, Kirk Edwards for seven and Devon Smith for two, with four different Red Force bowlers accounting for the wickets.

Spinners Imran Khan and Khary Pierre then teamed up to snare five of the six remaining wickets, for the addition of just 20 runs.

Without another run being added, Kavem Hodge was dismissed by Rayad Emrit and Khan sent Roland Cato back to the pavilion.

Lendl Simmons’ unbeaten knock of 52 helped the Red Force to book their semifinal spot.

Pierre was responsible for the wickets of captain Shane Shillingford and Alick Athanaze, who was clean bowled to be the last man out.

Man-of-the-match Khan ended with three wickets for 13 runs from four overs, while Pierre and Emrit each took two wickets.

In their chase, the Red Force suffered a brief slump before an unbeaten half-century from the in-form Lendl Simmons carried them to a hasty victory.

Simmons blasted 52 from only 29 balls, inclusive of five boundaries and four sixes.

The promoted Kieron Pollard, who opened the innings, was dismissed without scoring, along with Jason Mohammed (3) and Darren Bravo who also made a duck, to leave the Red Force precariously placed on 23 for three, with Hodge snaring all three wickets.

But Simmons and Nicholas Pooran who made 25 not out, carried them to victory without any further alarms.

GABF/IBF U-18 Antilles 3x3 basketball championships

THE Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF)-organised International Basketball Foundation (IBF) Under-18 Antilles 3x3 Championships was officially launched yesterday at the SleepIn International Hotel, Brickdam.

Set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, October 20-21, the tournament will see eight countries participate in the championships that will involve both male and female teams.

The nations that have confirmed their participation for Boys division are Aruba, Barbados, Dominica, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique and St Lucia.

Group B comprises Guyana’s male team of Akeem Crandon, Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen and Shamar France along with Martinique, French Guiana and Dominica, while Group A consists of Barbados, St Lucia, Guadeloupe and Aruba.

In the female division, Annalisa Barclay, Saffiya Greene, Lydia Roberts and Roschelle Campbell were placed in Group A with Barbados, St Lucia and Aruba, while Group B comprises Guadeloupe, Antigua and Barbuda and Martinique.

The players will have a chance to showcase their individual skill-set, when they compete in the Skills Challenge, which will only be contested by the females, while males will ‘show off’ in the Dunk Contest. The three-point shootout will be contested by both categories.

Speaking at the launching, president of the GABF, Nigel Hinds, believes that the tournament provides a great opportunity for the respective participants especially the local contingent, adding that the programme can be viewed as a platform for educational and athletic progression.

Theren Bullock, the IBF representative, stated that the partnership with the GABF to host the championship will help the 3x3 format to grow in the region, especially now, since from 2020 it will be featured at the Olympic Games.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Pakistan set Australia mammoth victory target of 538 ... Babar Azam falls one run short of maiden Test ton

(REUTERS) - Babar Azam fell one run short of his maiden century as Pakistan set Australia a mammoth victory target of 538 on day three of the second and final Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Australia then lost opener Shaun Marsh as the visitors ended the day on 47-1 and facing an uphill battle to avoid defeat after Pakistan declared their second innings on 400-9.

Paceman Mir Hamza sent back Marsh for four before Aaron Finch (24) and Travis Head (17) steadied the ship, although Australia’s hopes of a first series win in Asia since 2011 were hanging by the slenderest of threads with 491 runs still needed.

Azam hit six fours and three sixes in his 171-ball knock before falling leg-before to Mitchell Marsh as he closed in on a deserved century. He put on a 133-run stand with skipper Sarfraz Ahmed (81) for the sixth wicket.

Ahmed also failed to convert his aggressive knock into a century, as he was dismissed leg-before while looking to sweep spinner Marnus Labuschagne.

Earlier, Asad Shafiq and Azam provided stability in the middle order after Pakistan lost a couple of early wickets as the hosts stretched their lead to 369 at lunch.

Resuming the day on 144-2, Pakistan lost the wicket of Haris Sohail (17) when he was stumped by visiting captain Tim Paine off a tossed-up delivery from off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Sohail’s overnight partner Azhar Ali (64) was then run-out in a bizarre fashion when he edged a Peter Siddle delivery fine of gully and walked up the pitch for a chat with partner

Shafiq, thinking the ball was running safely to the boundary.

Mitchell Starc, who is nursing a tight hamstring, picked up the ball that had ground to a halt just inside the rope before sending a throw for wicketkeeper Paine

Stage of Champions receives more support from Italian Grill and Windjammer

THE third edition of the Stage of Champions bodybuilding championship, which is set for November 3 at the Theatre Guild in Kingston, is fast receiving much-needed corporate support as popular restaurant Italian Grill and the Windjammer Hotel have come on board as the latest sponsors.

The show, which attracts international competitors because of the lucrative cash prizes on offer, is set to be of a higher calibre than previous years.

Along with foreign athletes, recently crowned bodybuilding, men’s physique and bikini champions, Kerwin Clarke, Emmerson Campbell and Chandini Khan are expected to compete on stage which will offer fans an even bigger treat.

Should Khan and Clarke participate, they will be making their debuts.

Campbell won the physique segment in 2016 and 2017 and will be gunning for a three-peat Last year, the bodybuilding, physique and bikini champions took home $250 000, $100 000 and $100 000 respectively.

The second- and thirdplace finishers in bodybuilding secured $130 000 and $100 000 while the first- and second-place in physique and bikini pocketed $50 000 and $25 000 in that order.

Organiser of the Stage of Champions, Videsh Sookram, collects the sponsorship package from a Windjammer representative.

Organiser Videsh Sookram receives the sponsorship package from two Italian Grill officials.

to whip off the bails with both batsmen standing idly in the middle of the strip.

Australia were dismissed for 145 on day two, handing Pakistan a 137-run first-innings advantage.

SCOREBOARD

PAKISTAN 1st innings 282: AUSTRALIA 1st innings 145 PAKISTAN 2nd innings o/n 144 for 2 Fakhar Zaman c & b Nathan Lyon

66 Mohammad Hafeez c Travis Head b Mitchell Starc

6 Azhar Ali run-out Mitchell Starc

64 Haris Sohail stp. Tim Paine b Nathan Lyon 17 Asad Shafiq c (sub.) b Marnus Labuschagne 44 Babar Azam lbw Mitchell Marsh

99 Sarfraz Ahmed lbw Marnus Labuschagne 81 Bilal Asif c Travis Head b Nathan Lyon 15 Yasir Shah lbw Nathan Lyon

4 Mohammad Abbas not out

0 Mir Hamza not out

0 Extras: (lb-2, nb-2)

4 Total: (nine wkts decl, 120.0 overs)

400 Fall of wickets: 1-15, 2-106, 3-154, 4-160, 5-235, 6-368, 7-390, 8-394, 9-400.

Bowling: Mitchell Starc 7-0-32-1 (nb-1), Peter Siddle 23-4-680, Nathan Lyon 43-8-135-4, Jon Holland 16-3-46-0, Marnus Labuschagne 16-1-74-2, Mitchell Marsh 13-3-39-1, Travis Head 2-0-4-0.

Babar Azam cruised to 99 and then got lbw, missing out on a maiden Test-match century (Getty Images)

AUSTRALIA 2nd innings Aaron Finch not out

24 Shaun Marsh b Mir Hamza

4 Travis Head not out

17 Extras: (lb-2) 2 Total: (one wkt, 12.0 overs)

47-1 Fall of wickets: 1-10.

Bowling: Mohammad Abbas 4-0-15-0, Mir Hamza 3-0-19-1, Yasir Shah 3-0-6-0, Bilal Asif 2-1-5-0.

Cornwall’s century sends USA to fifth Super 50 defeat

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Rahkeem Cornwall’s scintillating unbeaten century condemned USA Cricket to their fifth loss in six games, as they went down by 47 runs via the Duckworth/Lewis method to the Leeward Islands Hurricanes in their rain-affected Group B match in the Regional Super50 here at the Three W’s Oval Thursday.

The heavy-set 25-yearold slammed an unbeaten 125 from just 93 deliveries to lead the Hurricanes to 248 for seven, after the inclement weather had reduced their innings to 49 overs.

USA then struggled to get up to 131 for seven off 36 overs when heavy showers eventually ended play, with them 47 runs short of the required target at that stage.

Cornwall came to the crease with his side in trouble at 74 for four in the 21st over and helped stage a remarkable recovery.

Nosthush Kenjige had given USA a good start by removing openers Keacy Carty for one and Montcin Hodge for 13, while Kyle Philip dismissed Jaison Peters (8).

Rahkeem Cornwall was in devastating form scoring an unbeaten century against the USA Skipper Devon Thomas fought back with an enter-

prising knock of 43, but fell just short of his half-century after he was removed by Timil Patel.

Akeem Saunders and Chesney Hughes made just one and eight respectively before they both fell to leave the score 97 for six.

Rahkeem Cornwall was in devastating form scoring an unbeaten century against the USA

However, Cornwall found a worthwhile partner in Orlando Peters with the two putting on 114 runs for the seventh wicket.

Cornwall was especially dominant in this partnership, with Peters contributing just 27 runs.

And when Peters was dismissed in the 47th over, Cornwall and Terance Ward added 37 runs in quick succession with Cornwall scoring all but eight of those runs.

By the time the innings came to an end, Cornwall had smashed six fours and 10 sixes.

Kenjige was the top USA bowler taking 3-62 and Philip took 2-28.

Apart from a 42-run partnership between USA captain Jaskaran Malhotram who top-scored with 40 and Steven Taylor who made 23 for the second wicket, their run-chase never materialized.

Once Taylor was dismissed with the score 64 for two, USA lost wickets steadily.

Cornwall also contributed with the ball, snagging the important wicket of Malhotram as well as Aaron Jones as they fell to 96 for five in the 32nd over.

By the time the rains came the Hurricanes were well on their way to victory, with the Duckworth/Lewis method eventually having the final say.

Both Cornwall and Peters took two wickets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Ed Moses told to ‘shut They’re going to speak about it for years – Azhar up’ at WADA meeting reflects on comical run-out TWO-TIME Olympic gold medallist Ed Moses says he was told to “shut up” at a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) meeting.

Beckie Scott, WADA’s Athlete Committee chair, told the BBC some officials tried to “bully” her over her opposition to Russian reinstatement.

Moses, who is chair of the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), backed calls for an investigation into Scott’s claims.

WADA denied Moses or anyone else at the foundation board meeting in May was told to shut up.

“Unfortunately, Scott is not alone in being attacked for wanting to clean things up,” said Moses.

In an article syndicated in various Australian newspapers including the Sydney Morning Herald, the 63-year-old said he was “told bluntly by various individuals not to speak” at the meeting, adding that he was

“told to shut up”.

In a statement to BBC Sport, WADA said: “WADA’s Foundation Board meetings are open to the media and members of the public.

“Indeed, during the course of the meeting, Mr Moses did speak. He delivered his report as the chair of the education committee, for which he was thanked and which was duly

Ed Moses won 400m hurdles gold at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics.

“Neither Mr Moses nor anyone else was told to ‘shut up’ at the board meeting in May - had that happened, it would have been reported by media in the room.

and officially noted by the board.”

WADA reinstated Russia’s anti-doping agency in September after a three-year suspension which followed

a major scandal over alleged state-sponsored doping.

The move was criticised by many athletes and national anti-doping agencies, with Canadian former Olympic cross-country skiing champion Scott resigning from a WADA panel last month in protest.

She said she was “treated with disrespect” at a recent meeting and faced “inappropriate” comments and gestures from some members of WADA’s executive committee.

WADA officials ‘disrespected’ me - Scott tells BBC sports editor Dan Roan WADA has said Scott’s concerns “were being taken seriously”.

“The leadership of WADA are independent and have shown time and time again that they make decisions exclusively in the best interests of the organisation and fight against doping,” it said. (BBC Sport)

Harpy Eagle MAA excel in Barbados THE Harpy Eagle Martial Arts Academy (HEMAA) captured four goals and a silver medal at the recently-held Pan-Caribbean Martial Arts Championship hosted by Caribbean National Martial Arts Alliance (CNMAA) in Barbados last October 12 to 14.

The HEMAA was represented by 12-year-old, Niquann Fevrier and Sensei Troy Bobb. Fevrier captured gold in the weapon form and silver in the open form, while Bobb, who also competed in self-defence, weapon and open form, captured gold in each of the categories.

Bobb was also upgraded to Junior Master, Fifth Degree, Black Belt.

Niquann Fevrier and Sensei Troy Bobb with famous movie star and Grand Master in Martial Arts, Cynthia Rothrock

Karibee Rice on board with Guyana Softball Cup 8 RICE giant Nand Persaud and Company Ltd of No 36 Village, Corentyne, Berbice takes the lead in providing sponsorship for ‘Guyana Softball Cup 8’.

Organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA), the mega event is set for October 26-28, at grounds in and around Georgetown.

In presenting the cheque, chief executive officer of the business entity, Mr Mohindra Persaud, said that he is happy to be asso-

Mr Mohindra Persaud

ciated with this tournament and wished the organisers well. The GFSCA would like to express gratitude to the rice giant for providing sponsorship for the championship.

The 2018 competition promises to be the largest ever with over 30y teams from Guyana and North America.

For the first time, an Over-50 segment will be played. This adds to the regular Open, Female and Masters categories.

Floodlights Masters and

Speed Boat will defend their titles in the Masters and Open category respectively, for the second time, while Karibee Strykers are the defending champions in the female category.

Information coming from the GFSCA indicated that there are significant cash incentives and trophies up for grabs. Attractive gates prizes, along with beyond the boundary entertainment and a well-stocked food and drinks bar will be available.

Azhar Ali was run-out by Mitchell Starc for 64.

AZHAR Ali revealed his Pakistan team-mates have already started mocking his bizarre dismissal in the second Test against Australia.

The Pakistan batsman was run-out in ludicrous fashion yesterday as he assumed a drive towards the boundary had reached the rope, turning to a conversation with Asad Shafiq outside of his crease.

The ball instead stopped short and Mitchell Starc, in hot pursuit, returned it to Tim Paine, who knocked down the stumps as a static Azhar watched on.

With Pakistan ending the third day well on top and on course to a series win, Azhar found his team-mates in jovial mood later in the day.

“We (he and Shafiq) were just discussing that the ball was swinging a bit late. We both didn’t realise something like this could happen,” Azhar said. “We didn’t see anyone chasing that ball.

“When Starc threw the ball, we still didn’t think anything was happening. But when it landed in the glove of the keeper, we realised something strange was happening. The way the shot was hit to a fast bowler and the edge flew I thought it reached the boundary.

“But there is no excuse. Everyone was pulling our leg in the dressing room but in that moment it was a shock.

They’re going to speak about it for years.” (Sportsmax)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Friday October 19, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: Vijay Hazare-116 & 145 (vs AUST, Adelaide, 1948) George Headley-114 7 112 (vs ENG, Georgetown, 1930)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the only Indian to claim a wicket with his first ball in Tests?

(2) Who is the only WI to capture a wicket with his first ball in Tests?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

35

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 19, 2018

Corporate Guyana rallies behind National U-20 team

Some members of the National U-20 Team display the Health Supplement and Sports Rub from New GPC Inc.

CORPORATE Guyana has thrown its support behind the National U-20 team ahead of their participation in the Concacaf U-20 Men’s Championship, scheduled for November 1-22, 2018 in Florida, USA. The donations, in the form of health supplements, snacks, water, a monetary and in-kind contribution, were received and will assist the team in their daily preparations.

The New GPC Inc. donated Codal Compound and Mustard Cream, the former being a nutrition supplement, which, according to the company, “provides extra-strength and vitality while building resistance” and the latter helps sore joints and muscles.

In an invited comment, Team Manager Daniel Thomas expressed his gratitude for the donations, which have greatly contributed to the success of the programme thus far, adding, “We’re happy that Maggie’s Catering has come on board and provided snacks for a number of days as well as offering a discount for snacks provided for the remainder of the

month thus far.”

“The Guyana Producers Limited through Aaron Fraser has also given a financial donation. We have also had water being provided for the team through Mr Clifton Douglas of Ultra Waters, which has resulted in our not paying for water for the past month through that kind sponsorship,” Thomas said.

St Joseph Mercy Hospital was also instrumental in facilitating the medicals, which were required by CONCACAF as a prerequisite for participation in the tournament.

Thomas said the team, which is scheduled to depart on October 28, is also open to additional sponsorship, and as such, corporate entities should feel free to reach out to the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

The National U-20 team’s match schedule in the first round will see them face Guatemala on November 2, on November 6 they will come up against the Cayman Islands, while on November 8 and 10, the Guyanese men will play Curacao and El Salvador respectively.

Softball in a new dispensation bowls off today

President Granger donates $200 000 Prime Minister’s Cup 2 promises worth of trophies to BCB

to be full of action, says Ian John

By Rajiv Bisnauth

IN what is sure to be a battle of softball talent, Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc. (GSCL Inc.)-organised second edition of the Prime Minister ’s T20 Softball Cup is set to commence today and conclude on Sunday.

dispensation over the next three days.

John said that a competitive three days of cricket is in the making, adding that all logistics are in place for a successful tournament.

Ian John

Regal Masters captain Mahendra Hardyal

Twenty-four teams in two categories are lined up to battle it out for top honours over the next three days, since the tournament has attracted most of the country’s talented softball players who will match their skills against teams from the USA and Canada.

The tournament is about winning games/ Exposure and promotion of the game are the organisers’ main objectives.

President of the GSCL Inc., Ian John, told Chronicle Sport yesterday that fans can witness softball in a new

“This will definitely be an exciting and challenging competition. Softball cricket has become so popular and competitive over the years; so definitely this will be an exciting tournament,” John promised.

Meanwhile, Regal Masters and Speed Boat are the defending champions. However, Regal Masters captain Mahendra Hardyal told Chronicle Sport yesterday that while he anticipates a competitive tournament, his players are confident and ready to defend their title.

Hardyal pointed out that his team’s success over the years is based on a team building together, adding

that his team is famous for playing a cavalier brand of cricket.

“Definitely we are confident of retaining the title.

We held the team together for the last six to seven years...no chop and changing, and that’s the key for our success,” Hardyal, who is a softball fanatic, said.

Matches will be played at seven venues in Georgetown with the finals set for the Everest Cricket Club ground.

The organisers have indicated that there is a substantial increase of cash prizes for both categories. The winning team from the Open and Masters 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.

The Most Valuable Player (Open) will win a Dawn 150 motorcycle, compliments of Hero Motorcycle, while the winner in the Masters will collect a flat screen television. A special donation will be made to the Florida Open Charity Organisation.

The tournament is being played in collaboration with National Sports Commission, Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport.

THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) last Tuesday benefited from $200 000 worth of trophies. The donation was made possible through His Excellency President David Granger.

The donation is a major boost to cricket development in the Ancient County and will assist the BCB in its drive to successfully host 22 cricket tournaments at all levels in 2018.

BCB president Hilbert Foster hailed the large donation of trophies from the Guyanese leader and Ministry of the Presidency.

The trophies will be used in other tournaments to be played in the next two months as well as to honour outstanding players at the different levels.

The BCB, for the first time in its history, will also commence preparations for the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) junior Inter-county tournaments, four months in advance.

Foster, who is also the Secretary/CEO of Guyana’s leading youth and sports

Angela Haniff receives the financial donation from a Ministry of the Presidency staff member.

organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, (RHTY&SC) disclosed that the board was very grateful for the donation.

Foster noted that when his administration took over in February this year, a meagre $42 000 was in the BCB’s bank account, and over the

last eight months the board has raised over $8M worth in cash and kind from local and overseas donors.

Former Secretary and current BCB Administrator Angela Haniff expressed gratitude to the Guyanese President for his kind gesture.

Windies throws support behind staging of Guyana Softball Cup

WINDIES Restaurant & Bar of Scarborough, Toronto, has thrown its support behind the staging of the 2018 Guyana Softball Cup, organised by the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) and set to be played next weekend.

At a simple ceremony held in Toronto, Canada, proprietor of Windies, Fazil Mirza, handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to GFSCA vice-president Ramesh Sunich, who was visiting the North American country.

Jamaica create history by qualifying for 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup

The Reggae Girlz celebrating their victory over Panama which sends them to the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France TEXAS, (CMC) – Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to qualify for a senior Women’s World Cup by defeating Panama 4-2 on penalties to claim third place in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament here Wednesday.

Dominique Bond-Flasza scored the winning spot-kick after both teams had battled to a 2-2 draw at the end of regulation and extra-time.

Both USA and Canada who competed in the final in the qualifying tournament had already secured their places at the 2019 World Cup scheduled to be held in

France, with the third-placed team also earning a spot in the prestigious competition.

In so doing, the Reggae Girlz who are ranked No. 64 in the world became the first Caribbean team to earn a spot in the World Cup. The island nation re-started its women’s national team programme in 2014 after a six-year hiatus.

The Jamaica women opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Khadija Shaw buried her shot past Panama’s outstanding goalkeeper Yenith Bailey.

It was Shaw’s 13th goal for the Reggae Girlz in her last 12 national team matches.

However, Panama drew level in the 74th minute thanks to a strike from Natalia Mills.

The scored stayed that way at the end of 90 minutes, but Jamaica pulled ahead once again courtesy of 16-year-old Jody Brown’s goal in the 95th minute.

But just five minutes from time, Panama were able to lock the scores at 2-2, with Lineth Cendeno’s goal sending the game to penalties.

However, after a pair of Panama misses, BondFlasza placed her shot past Bailey to send Jamaica to France.

South American 10K second leg officially launched

… Banks DIH on board with Banks Malta and Rainforest Waters PaSgeee 32

AAG president Aubrey Hutson receives the sponsor’s cheque from Rainforest Waters Brand Manager Clive Pellew, in the presence of other athletes and Banks DIH officials at Thirst Park.

GABF/IBF U-18 Antilles 3x3 basketball championships

GABF president Nigel Hinds (third from right) and IBF representative Theren Bullock (centre) pose with members of the launch party for the IBF Under-18 Antilles 3x3 Championships.

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… Tourney bounces off tomorrow at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall See Page 32 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018