Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-21-2018

21st October, 2018

' No.105434

AG raps Nandlall for 03 attacking judges PAGE

Orphanage in Ogle destroyed by fire 14

Be wary of imposters

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12 –– President tells Lethem residents at APNU meeting Participants fill D’Urban Park on Saturday, as they get ready to walk, run or cycle in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness of the disease [Vishani Ragobeer photo]

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Sections of Ekereku Bottom airstrip 02 crumbling PAGE

Thousands move in solidarity with breast cancer survivors

Centre pages

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Sections of Ekereku Bottom airstrip crumbling –– less than a year after extensive rehabilitation works

LESS than a year after rehabilitation works were undertaken to the Ekereku Bottom airstrip in the Cuyuni/Mazaruni region, aviators are complaining that sections of the runway are beginning to break up.

In 2016, a sum of G$1.7M was set aside for repairs and maintenance works in the national budget for works to be undertaken on the airstrip.

In 2017, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that for that financial year, a further sum of $40M was set aside in the national budget for more works on the airstrip.

Several days ago, a pilot operating out of the Eugene F Correia International Airport at Ogle told Guyana Chronicle that sections of the airstrip are falling apart, mainly at the runway ends.

The runway orientation for the Ekereku Bottom Airstrip in aviation circles is known as 10/28, numbers signifying each of its two ends. Reports are that both ends, near the touchdown zones, are crumbling and the impact from landing aircraft has compounded the problem.

“The 10 end worst and that’s the spot we have to touchdown,” a pilot operating out of Ogle told Guyana Chronicle several days ago.

Calls have been made for the authorities

to inspect the runway to determine what further works can be undertaken to remedy the problem.

In June this year, the runway at the Baramita airstrip came under scrutiny. This happened after millions of dollars were spent on extensive rehabilitation works on the airstrip which started to deteriorate months after the project was completed. Later that month, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MPI) reported that the contractor was required to fix three potholes and 30 ft by 20 ft of sand seal that were separated from parts of the airstrip.

Following that visit, a report was compiled by a team of officials from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), including Director General Egbert Field; Air Navigation Services Inspector, Adrian Bassier; Aerodrome Inspectors, Nazrumudeen Mohamed and Jeffrey Braithwaite, along with MPI aerodrome inspector Alphonso Mangah and MPI Project Engineer, Dionne Amsterdam.

The report stated that the maintenance contracts for all airstrips will be redrafted by the MPI before the current contracts expire and the new ones will be used from next year.

The maintenance activities, approach to the works and frequency will be clearly defined.

A section of the threshold at one end of the runway at the Ekereku Bottom airstrip, Region Seven. Pilots have complained that substandard works by a contractor has resulted in cracks on both ends of the runway. The area where planes land has been in a deplorable state for the past several weeks

Contract awarded for operating theatre at Suddie Hospital SUDDIE Regional Hospital’s operating capacity will improve significantly in the not so distant future now that a $40.9M contract has been awarded for the construction of an operating theatre there.

The theatre will be constructed in the compound of the Suddie Regional Hospital on the Essequibo Coast, Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two). The project will be executed by Builders Hardware and General Supplies.

The awarding of the contract was announced by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon on Friday during his post-cabinet media briefing.

Minister Harmon said cabinet and its sub-committee, on October 16, noted the award of seven multi-million dollar contracts by the procurement entities and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

In Linden, Region 10, a new Regional Democratic Council (RDC) administrative building will be constructed. Minister Harmon noted that the contractor

– SKRN’s Engineering and Associates Limited – will provide consultancy services for the design and supervision for the construction of the regional office at a cost of $41.3M. New GPC Incorporated was awarded a contract to the tune of $117.9M for the supply and delivery of medical equipment.

Meanwhile, under the Ministry of Communities, $26.5M was awarded to Advanced Environmental Solutions Incorporated for the rehabilitation of the landfill at Esplanande, New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).

Also, a $45M contract was awarded to Industrial Supply of Guyana Incorporated for the supply and delivery one new, international garbage truck.

The final contract totalling $71.8M was awarded to Massy Technologies (Guyana) Limited and Andrews Enterprise for the supply and delivery of stationery supplies for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

AG raps Nandlall for attacking judges

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

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–– says assault on judiciary scandalous, must be condemned

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC, on Saturday took offence at what he called “the reckless and churlish attack on the judiciary” by Attorney Mohabir Anil Nandlall, the PPP front-bencher who lost his appeal against the appointment of Justice (Rt’d) James Patterson as chairman of GECOM. The Appeal Court last Thursday unanimously upheld the ruling of Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne George-Wiltshire that President Granger’s appointment of Justice Patterson as chairman of 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

Attorney General, Basil Williams a list where “one or two or three persons, as the case may be, are not acceptable to him.”

Thursday’s decision in the Appeal Court has dealt another blow to the opposition’s efforts to overturn the decision. However, Nandlall has taken umbrage with the decision and has stated his

displeasure publicly.

“While this latest attack is not surprising, given his penchant to making threats against a media house and other indiscretions, his crude assault on members of the judiciary--three of whom are women--must be roundly condemned,” Williams said in a statement issued Saturday afternoon.

Williams quoted Nandlall’s comments to members of the media, which stated thusly: “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 then followed up with a letter to the press, further castigating the judges.

According to Williams, these statements, when taken with Nandlall’s labelling of the learned Chief Justice George-Wiltshire’s ruling

as being adventurous in the Court of Appeal and him “describing two Barbadian Queen’s Counsel who are more senior to him as aliens, aptly sum up this ex-attorney general’s disrespect.”

these must be measured and respectful without seeking to scandalise the court by describing its decision as political and that the judges who made the decision as [sic] immature. This amounts to personal invective and abuse of the judges,” Williams DISCOURTEOUS asserted.

The AG added: “It howHe stated that “Mr Nandever has not escaped the lall is becoming unhinged attention of the attorney and for a man who has been general that Mr Nandlall claiming that other people has over the years been are losing cases, he seems given great latitude by the to have suffered a complete court and over time has meltdown on losing another become discourteous and major case.” disrespectful, two traits “Perhaps this experience that are often exhibited by in losing this case regardthe party he represents.” ing the appointment of the Williams recalled Nand- GECOM chairman should lall falsely accusing him of enlighten him that in the threatening to kill a sitting practice of law before the judge, which turned out to be courts, you win some and completely untrue. He said you lose some. However, despite this, the former attor- what is very frightening, ney general was allowed to is the serious deficiency in escape sanction by the court. Mr Nandlall’s psychological “As attorney general, I framework for him to believe fully support objective com- that he will find the courts to ments on judgments hand- rule in his favour despite the ed down by the courts; but plain and literal language of

SOCU being unfairly targeted, says Harmon

Article 161 (2), that the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM is to be done by the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and not the opposition leader.

Attorney Anil Nandlall Therefore, as head of the bar, I again roundly condemn his behaviour and remain hopeful that the usual commentators and the Guyana Bar Association will see it fit to do same.”

–– contends workload of the investigating body very heavy THE Special Organised Crime Unity (SOCU) is overburdened and is being unfairly targeted, said Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

In responding to questions on the recent dismissal of cases against former Guyana Rice Development Board (GRBD) General Manager, Jagnarine Singh and his deputy, Madanlall Ramraj by Magistrate Judy Latchman, Minister Harmon said that SOCU is doing a “fair job” at investigating but is burdened with conducting both investigation and prosecution.

“I think that they are doing a fair job at investigating but it is what you do with that information when you investigate and how you get it over into the courts,” the state minister told reporters at Ministry of the Presidency on Friday.

In making his point, Minister Harmon pointed out that SOCU, an arm of

the Guyana Police Force, was established just before the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government took office in 2015 in response to Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements outlined by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

However the unit, he said, lacked capacity at the time. “The entity was set up but without the necessary capacity to be able to do the work for which it was set up,” he posited, noting that over the last two years, the government has been building the capacity of SOCU with assistance from the United Kingdom (UK).

SOCU has specialised functions, however, despite its size and years of existence, it has been investigating and prosecuting.

“I believe that it is put-

ting a lot of pressure on that entity when you see the number of cases they have to investigate and then take people to court,” Minister Harmon told reporters.

With strong support from Irish Financial Investigations adviser, Dr. Sam Sittlington, Minister Harmon said government has been increasing the capacity of SOCU to investigate and prosecute.

“I believe this is where the entity is being unfairly targeted because for a small body like that only recently established, investigating matters and then having to take these matters to court, they are two separate issues here where this is a concern,” he said.

The minister of state said too, that government has challenges with the quality of some judgments and as such, is prepared to test those decisions at higher courts. The dismissed GRDB cases are being ap-

pealed.

Last August, SOCU also received high praises from British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, who had said the unit was doing an extraordinary job amid concerns of SOCU’s perceived inability to make any prosecutions despite the findings of the forensic audits.

CRITICISM Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, while debating the National Payments System in the National Assembly earlier this year, had questioned the existence of SOCU when it was not fulfilling its mandate.

High Commissioner Quinn, however, had made it clear that SOCU is not a prosecutorial unit but rather an investigative arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

It was noted that once investigations are completed, the reports are handed over

to the relevant authorities such as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

“It is not for SOCU to decide when a prosecution should go forward,” the British high commissioner said. He said that in keeping with UK standards, SOCU, under the guidance of Dr. Sittlington, has conducted a range of investigations.

But while both the high commissioner and minister of state sang praises for SOCU, Dr. Sittlington underscored the importance for SOCU and other investigating authorities to do better.

“We see a lot of cases getting to court and failing in court. We see failings within the files that go to the DPP. We don’t want files to come back to us for amendments or corrections, we want one file going one time to the DPP or the police legal adviser and that file being referred for charges,” he said.

At the time, he was ad-

Minister of State Joseph Harmon dressing prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and investigators from the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) during a recent training in State Assets Recovery and Anti-money Laundering at the Police Officer’s Training Academy.

The course was facilitated

by SARA and focuses on evidence gathering, successful prosecutions and the confiscation of assets and cash from criminal elements.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

Princes Street pump down for two months - other at Riverview also non-functional

DEPUTY City Engineer, Kenson Boston reported on Friday that of the city’s four pumps, two are down at the moment. In fact, the Princes Street pump has been down for the past two months.

At a City Hall press briefing where Boston was providing an update on the City Council’s preparedness for the upcoming rainy season, he said works have already started to clean a main canal that could prevent major flooding in the city.

However, while the Riverview pump should be back in operation within a week’s time, Boston said he is not sure when the Princes Street pump will be fixed. A private contractor is at the moment working on the Princes Street pump but cannot yet say when the works will be completed. This pump was missing a bearing box part, Boston said.

Sunday, October 21, 2018 –– 3:00 hrs to 4:30hrs

He told this publication that issues are being encountered at both locations because the canals that run alongside them cannot be efficiently cleaned. This is because persons are continuing to live on city reserves.

Meanwhile, Boston pointed out that the drainage channel along Avenue of the Republic is of prime importance because it helps to drain off water from the Bourda district, along with water from Lacytown and Church Street, which channel is in connection to Queenstown, Alberttown and all the way down to Water Street.

The Avenue of the Republic canal also affects the South Road and Croal Street channels which also encompass Brickdam, all the way back to Lodge. “This is a very important channel which has a large capacity to hold water,” Boston noted.

While he said City Hall

Deputy City Engineer Kenson Boston.

does not envision any major flooding during the impending rainy season, he said the municipality remains concerned about the amount of garbage that residents continue to dump in the various canals.

Just last May, the City Council reported how two of its pumps developed an oil leak and were out of working order. The Riverview koker and the JP Santos koker were the ones down at that time.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had noted that the May/June rainy season had come and that residents depend heavily upon these two pumps.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen added that because there will always be rainfall, the City Council ought to look

at acquiring more pumps.

“They previously said the two pumps were out and here I am finding out again that they’re still down. But the planning here is not very good. They should have had backup pumps that you could hook up to a trailer so that if certain areas have problems, you move them there. But of the four critical pumps we have, two are not working.”

Kuppen had further said that he was not satisfied with the explanation offered by the City Engineer. “A lot of times we are getting excuses here and I don’t buy in to that. We all know there are money problems in the council but the council has to have priorities, and prevention of flooding is priority.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

T&T faces severe weather conditions PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Trinidad and Tobago government on Saturday said teams were working to rescue people trapped by floods and landslides caused by heavy rains here over the past 48 hours and that the full extent of the damage caused will be revealed as the water subsides in the coming days.

“This is a national disaster, the flooding is quite widespread and quite severe and it is going to cost a lot of money to bring relief to people who have been affected.

Notwithstanding whatever shortages we are experiencing we will have to find the resources to help,” Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley said after touring some of the affected areas.

The Met Office said that an active ITCZ continues

to produce periods of rain/ showers and thunderstorm activity which can lead to flash or riverine flooding as well as landslides/landslips in areas so prone. Gusty winds can be experienced in the vicinity of heavy downpours.

Many parts of the country were flooded and there have been widespread reports of landslides and road blocks caused as a result.

While there have so far been no reports of deaths or injuries, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service has issued a “Red Riverine Flood Alert” warning persons to take all precautions to protect life and property.

“Riverine flooding occurs when water levels in a river over-tops its banks and spills into surrounding areas. This type of flooding is

more widespread and usually lasts for several days,” the Met office said, adding that currently river levels have exceeded threshold levels and some have already over spilled their banks.

In a statement early Saturday, Prime Minister Rowley said that he had been receiving “timely updates” from the relevant government agencies responsible for spearheading the ongoing rescue operations as well as those coordinating relief efforts in the communities affected by severe flooding.

He said “throughout the night and into this morning the men and women of our protective services and the various Regional Corporations have been working diligently on the ground to respond to this disaster”.

Rowley said that members of the Coast Guard and Defence Force are working to rescue those who are trapped, adding “for those of you who are still stranded I know that patience may be running thin but help is on the way”.

Rowley said that National Security Minister Stuart Young is mobilising with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) to conduct an aerial reconnaissance “so that we can better ascertain the scope of the intervention required.

“The Government through its respective agencies is working to ensure that much-needed resources reach those who require assistance. In the coming days the full extent of the damage will be revealed as the water subsides. Today

Thousands stuck at Guatemala-Mexico border THOUSANDS of people travelling across Central America en masse to the US are stuck on Mexico's southern border after a failed attempt to enter the country.

Some of them broke through Guatemalan border fences, but then clashed with Mexican riot police in no man's land.

On Friday, US President Donald Trump thanked Mexico for its efforts in stopping the caravan of migrants.

The migrants, mostly from Honduras, say they are fleeing violence and poverty, and include women and children.

President Trump, who has threatened to close down the US border and cut aid to countries allowing the caravan to pass, said the military would be called upon if

needed.

"They might as well turn back; they're not coming into this country," he told reporters on Friday.

After talks on border security in Mexico, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the situation was reaching "a moment of crisis".

Many of the migrants temporarily broke through barriers on a bridge which crosses the river border between Guatemala and Mexico.

Dozens of Mexican police in riot gear fired tear gas to force them to retreat into no-man's land after being attacked with stones.

A number of migrants jumped into the Suchiate River to reach rafts, while others either turned back towards Guatemala or simply sat down on the bridge.

Several people were reportedly injured in the clash, including migrants, police and journalists.

One woman nursing a baby told AFP she had lost two of her children in the chaos.

"We're running away from violence, and we arrive here and they just hit us more," Marta Ornelas Cazares, 28, said.

"I don't know what happened; I thought we were going to cross peacefully, and then suddenly there were rocks flying and tear gas."

The Mexican authorities said those with valid

passports and visas would be allowed in immediately, though this is believed to apply to only a minority of the migrants.

They warned that anyone without papers would have to apply for refugee status or turn back, and anyone who crossed illegally would be detained and deported.

According to AFP, they started to allow a small number of people - including women and children - who were seeking refugee status to pass the border late on Friday. They were put on to trucks and taken into shelters. (BBC)

there are families seeking shelter at community centers and schools,” Rowley said, urging citizens to ‘continue to remain vigilant and heed the warnings and alerts from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management and the Meteorological Office”.

The OPDM said that the adverse weather situation will continue until Sunday and urged motorists to seek alternative routes where possible and be extremely vig-

ilant of rising flood waters.

“The ODPM appeals to all persons to take the necessary precautions to preserve life and property,” it said, adding that people should also desist from driving or walking through flood waters.

“Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. Vehicles can be swept away or may stall in flood waters,” it said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

NIS: Good value for money

GOVERNMENTS of Guyana have always evidenced a deep concern for the welfare of the people. The underlying reason for this is that all Guyanese governments, from the time of independence in 1966, have been managed by political parties which were deeply committed to the humanitarian aspects of the Socialist philosophy, and secondly, because of our British heritage.

One of the best examples of this concern for the people’s welfare was seen when, under the People’s National Congress Forbes Burnham government, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) was established 50 years ago. This scheme remains one of the enduring legacies of the late Executive President of Guyana.

The NIS was largely modelled on the equivalent British National Insurance and has been widely praised and admired in Third World circles. The offerings of the NIS are many, and central among them is the pension awarded at the age of 60 years.

The quantum of this pension

is calculated on two-thirds percentage of the contributor’s last income. In some cases, the NIS pension is higher than the pension that would have been earned by the worker on his or her retirement from his or her normal job.

Then there are several other benefits, such as reimbursing one’s wages or salary during hospitalisation; bearing 80% of costs of prescribed medicines; assistance for the purchase of spectacles and dental work; disability pension; survivor’s pension, whereby a widow could receive a pension based on her late husband’s contributions; maternity leave benefits; and even a contribution towards the cost of a contributor’s funeral.

When the contribution made to NIS each month is compared to the much higher premiums private insurance companies charge for less benefits, it is clear that NIS is offering a value to the population unmatched anywhere else.

For many years, the NIS was financially strong. Its investments were profitable, and its income

from contributions was stable and kept pace with expenditure.

And over the years, those who have accessed NIS benefits, and particularly pensions, have been high in their praise of the scheme.

Though the scheme has continued to serve the public with understanding and humaneness and the public still rejoices in it, of recent years there has arisen some disquiet:the ill-advised investment in the Berbice Bridge Company Inc., which last week made headlines with its announced massive toll increases.

In addition, the reserves of the scheme had stood at over $31 billion, and those reserves were not to be touched, except for the purpose of investments. Now, a small fraction of the reserves is being spent on contributors’ pensions, and for 2018, the scheme is expected to pay out $23.6B as against expected contributor income of $23.2B. This erosion of the reserves is unacceptable.

To return to its unassailable financial strength, the scheme will have to preserve its reserves,

untouched; increase its contribution income; explore profitable investments; and strictly limit expenditure.

The management of the scheme is well aware of these problems and certainly has plans for addressing them.

There are large corporations and several big businesses that owe the NIS hundreds of millions of dollars. The NIS should try persuasion, as they have always done; but there must shortly come a time when they should repair to the courts to recover their debts.

The other procedure is for NIS officers to unrelentingly ensure that defaulters pay the workers’ contributions and their own at the end of each month. If this is done, it may even help to improve the efficiency of some corporations.

Most importantly, when the actuarial assessment was done half-a-century ago on life expectancy in relation to pensions, receipt of pensions at the age of 60 was considered fair.

Now, however, the life expectancy has improved; people are

living longer, and recent actuaries have recommended that the pensionable age should move to 62 or 63 years. In Barbados, it is 67.

Extension of the age for pension to 62 or 63 should be immediately and seriously considered.

The large majority of the self-employed are not insured; it is largely the wage earners who are and these are mostly persons in government employment.

Small retailers and their staff are generally uninsured; there has been an influx of East Asian businesses and the owners and staff could easily be insured, if the NIS inspectors are diligent and persistent.

More information should be disseminated of the extremely good value NIS offers, and this could sell itself to many small shop-keepers and vendors and fishermen and miners.

The NIS investment portfolio should be constantly reviewed, and opportunity should be taken of any profitable investment which may arise.

Christopher Ram’s personal opinions are not facts

Dear Editor

THE lowest forms of information/data quality are rumors, group and personal opinions. Quality writing uses inferences and facts, the highest forms of information/data quality. In the October 12th, 2018 Kaieteur News, Christopher Ram viscously attacked the contents of an advertisement seeking an auditor for the Liza pre-contract cost. Ram’s piece titled “Audit advertisement suggest that guyana will receive deficient work”, contained his personal opinions with no substantiating information.

Ram described the advertisement in the following terms: deficient, mediocrity, lacked fundamental issues, uninformed, amateurish, short of knowledge and understanding. The problem is Ram never once attempted to explain to the readers why the advertisement was deficient, mediocrity, lacked fundamental issues, uninformed, amateurish or short of knowledge and understanding. No one reading the newspaper column knows why Ram used the descriptions to characterise the advertisement; no supporting information for his criticisms was provided… none. Some-

how, Ram believes he can say anything, [and] does not have to explain why he is making the criticisms and his opinions are to be accepted as facts. Christopher Ram should respect the intelligence of the Guyanese people. His newspaper column is composed of low quality information; it should never have been published.

One of Ram’s many opinions that need further exploring for accuracy is his repeated contention that the 1999 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) expired prior to [the] 2016 PSA signing. If correct, the Minister of Natural Resources and his team had tremendous leverage to change the oil sharing formula and increase Guyana’s oil take in the 2016 PSA. Of course, if the 1999 PSA was still in effect, ExxonMobil (XOM) and partners-Hess and CNOOC Nexen--had the leverage, and no significant change to the country’s oil share would be expected. The operator and partners would choose to continue under the 1999 PSA if demands were not to their approval. The 2016 PSA oil sharing formula had one change i.e. royalties increased from 1% to 2%. XOM and its partners would never conduct deep-water exploration off Guyana’s coast and the 1999 PSA would be expired

after finding oil. No international oil company would ever make such a mistake. Christopher Ram, please print the evidence supporting your repeated expressed opinion that the 1999 PSA contract expired before [the] 2016 PSA was signed?

Ram wants a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the 1999 and 2016 PSAs. What is the value in a CoI? The only likely goal to be achieved is Ram gets a forum to criticize current and former government officials. How about moving forward working together; opportunities to increase the country’s oil take are likely to arise in the future. Let us be prepared for such an opportunity and not waste time blaming each other at a CoI. Guess who Ram wants at the CoI? His buddies Melinda Janki, Nigel Hinds and Ramon Gaskin…really. Here is a flavour of their false opinions. Janki said Guyana will have to sell its share of oil to pay XOM US $900 million pre-contract cost or generations of Guyanese would be saddled with US $900 million debt. She went full conspiracy, suggesting XOM’s announcement of 3.2 Billion BOE discovery was not to be trusted as the company had written down a similar value of reserves. Oil production in five years and expansions in the pipeline, yet

Janki conspires about oil find. Janki talked a lot about the ills of returning separated water and sewage to the Atlantic Ocean. Do other deep-water operations not return separated water and sewage to the oceans/seas. Janki should say whether she is in favour of recovering the oil under any circumstances? Hinds said, “Guyana’s oil is cheaper to refine”. This is false; refinery economics is not that simple.

Hinds said the pre-contract cost was a “Debt on Guyana Books” and he is an accountant. Hinds went on to say pre-contract cost should not be recoverable. Hinds should tell us which country has a deep-water PSA that does not allow recovery of investment cost. Ramon Gaskin, who is still mourning the fall of communism, said the operator and partners are in Guyana “to thief our oil”; responsible statement indeed.

Ram’s criticisms of the advertisement are emblematic of the criticisms by the self-appointed gas and oil experts; lots of opinions held up as facts. Many opinions are lacking a “feel” for the oil and gas industry. Others lack context or are simply inaccurate.

Regards Deryck Daly

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

My legacy speaks for itself, Mr Jagdeo et al Dear Editor, I AM happy to answer the question asked by the PPP in a recent newsletter titled, “What have Mr. Holland and the APNU leadership done for young people in Linden and Region 10 in general?”

Firstly, let me state that it will take a series of letters to give all the answers available, so this response is Round One. The PPP claims that when I asked Jagdeo if Guyana (was) his own, it reveals panic and desperation in the run-up to the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections. The truth is, there is no need for the coalition government to panic in Linden, since we are all aware of the “State executions” under Jagdeo and the PPP. However, whenever the PPP makes a pitch to Lindeners and Guyanese under some benevolent disguise at election time, it is most responsible of genuine leaders to debunk misinformation peddled by king liars, charlatans, despots and the whole dictionary of adjectives to describe Jagdeo and his cronies.

I have always allowed my name to be associated with good things, that’s why my people love me, that’s why I served them for two terms freely without financial perks, unlike Jagdeo who enriched himself. My entry into politics is the

reason many of your supporters in the mines will not vote PPP any longer, and that’s why they spurned the PPP in my constituency at the last LGEs. To compare Jagdeo’s 12 years of tyranny with my two years of changing a town’s “Ghost” status left by the PPP, to a town among the most progressive, according to the financial indicators, is like pitting Sammy Scaff vs. Mike Tyson.

Jagdeo can only be described as the architect of modern Guyana’s societal ills, corruption, barbarism, and a leader who abused public service to Guyanese. Further, to claim I suffer from amnesia is impervious that the PPP feels Guyanese forget their atrocities and that is why Jagdeo claims he is whom he is not; that is why Jagdeo and the PPP are trying to blame the current administration for a money-gouging behemoth Berbice Bridge contract they signed in 2006. It is true that Linden and Region 10 bears the footprints and marks of Jagdeo, as until now the scars and deep wounds are still haunting Linden-which was revived after the 2015 Elections. To claim that the physical infrastructure of Linden, including “Burnham Drive” was rehabilitated (around elections time), is a crying shame because fixing a major road once in 23 years should be seen as gross neglect. Further, the 1-inch election roads built by the PPP’s

hand-picked contractors lasted just for about one month. Building a new Linden Hospital Complex was an absolute necessity because their conscience bit them so hard that the nerve of their political wisdom tooth became exposed after they destroyed Linden’s healthcare, which was second to none in Guyana.

The water treatment plants, both in Amelia’s Ward and Wismar, were leaking ‘White Elephants’, and millions more had to be spent by the coalition government to activate them.

Three years later, these problematic plants are still being rectified by GWI. The LEAP programme was initiated by the European Union in partnership with the Government in the face of the continued decline of the bauxite industry in Region Ten, and the subsequent severe economic dislocations caused by the PPP in 2002 with a planned injection of 12 million Euros, which Linden residents only dreamt of receiving after much of it got stuck somewhere else, only the PPP can say. In short, the PPP snatches praise for rectifying problems they created through sheer neglect, then blazes in like the cavalry, touting their so-called accomplishments. The people are much too smart to be duped by this trend. The PPP’s tactic is two-fold: Fail to act, then assume glory when they finally, and often sloppily, do act, or emerge like the fireman to

save the day when they were the arsonists.

BOSAI and RUSAL were brought to Guyana to save bauxite, and the “savings” indeed, as an industry which once employed thousands under the PNC, was chopped down by the PPP and Sam Hinds’ “unbundling plan” to a meagre couple hundred employees in Linden, while RUSAL got the greenlight in their contract to act the way they did for several years until this government brought some ease to the plight of workers.

Who benefitted more from the few forest concessions given out in Region Ten? The residents or the PPP supporters? Housing development, schools and health centre’s under the PPP in 23 years cannot be positively compared to the development in these areas in just three years under the coalition. And this exposed the naked truth: That Linden was starved of development.

Furthermore, investigate those projects, and measure how much was claimed as expenditure as against what disappeared like Houdini.

The PPP’s claim that Jagdeo, as president, entrenched democracy in Guyana is a fallacy that bears no logic. Isn’t it part of Burnham’s very ideas the PPP, under Jagan, tried to use as a framework for their development strategy, but it was bungled by Jagdeo’s crave and self-

Studying in China

--An experience of a lifetime!

Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me some space in your newspaper to share with readers the incredible experience I had while studying in China.

I am a 24-year-old University of Guyana student, pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations.

China is very active in the diplomatic arena, and in an attempt to better understand this country and how it chooses to pursue relationships with developed countries, and especially developing countries like my own, I decided to attempt learning the Chinese language, Mandarin.

I enrolled at the Confucius Institute at the University of Guyana, and after

a few months wrote the HSK exam (a standardised test of Chinese language ability). I was pleased to discover that my test scores were sufficient to be offered a one-semester scholarship at the Dalian University of Foreign Languages, learning Mandarin in the north-east part of China.

I travelled to China, intending to participate in this programme, but it was also my desire to come to a higher level of understanding of the country that is considered by many to be so deeply important.

The first city in China I visited was the southern megacity of Guangzhou, with a population of over 13 million inhabitants. Coming from Guyana, a country whose population is small, I

was in awe at the incredible pace of life, and the energy radiating from this city.

Just like it says in the news articles, the roads, bridges and rail transportation systems are world-class and a pleasure to use, while the skyscrapers and skyline was a sight to behold.

The variety of food available was seemingly endless, with various Chinese, Indian, Mexican, American and Middle Eastern restaurants to choose from, all at surprisingly cheap prices.

My best memories of Guangzhou was the food, and here I was, convinced that a delicious meal in China is more often found in a smaller restaurant for a cheap price than in a large restaurant for an expensive

price. If you are a first-time visitor to China, consider Guangzhou as a city that will give you a warm and savory introduction to China.

I moved on to Shenzhen, a city of about 12 million inhabitants. There, I was impressed by its expansive metro system, transporting thousands every day in mere minutes to any part of the city. I assure you that China will never disappoint when it comes to its transportation systems. Shenzhen is famous for its cellphone, computer and other hardware products.

I will admit I was shocked to find out how cheap cellphone parts and accessories truly are when you buy them directly from the factory. Shenzhen felt different from Guangzhou, and is in fact a much younger city.

If you still consider Chi-

ish desires? Jagdeo is such a shame to this nation that his name should ideally be stripped from alongside credible names of former Presidents of Guyana. To further identify what the coalition has done to enhance and enrich the lives of young people in Linden and Region Ten in general after they were left broken and marginalised by the PPP will surely be outlined in Round Two. Meanwhile, Mr. Adams, the claimed writer, look no further than your own circle for what I did for Linden. While you sit in that red corner breathing heavily from these green salvos, please think carefully of what your trainer, Jagdeo, is saying to you as you sit on your red stool; feel carefully what you are being greased with by your cut-man, Romel. Check for sustainability, the choice of PPP over conscience, and think of what other fake news you will try to throw for the next 14 rounds.

Don’t throw in a red towel; after all, only white can be used.

Stick to facts.

na as a country of factories churning out metal and plastic goods, your perception is woefully outdated. Shenzhen is considered one of the planet's epicenters of hi-tech innovations alongside the Silicon Valley of the United States of America. It is this city which houses the headquarters of Tencent, the developers of the app, WeChat.

It was this app that allowed me to live in China for five months without ever needing to handle cash, because, from paying a bus fare, ordering a meal, buying clothing, paying bills or rent and much more can be done with ease, using one's WeChat wallet app.

I encourage Guyanese who are interested in drones, security systems, robotics and telecommunication technology to visit Shenzhen in pursuit of your business or education goals.

Finally, I moved on to Dalian, the city where my host university is located.

Cold and beautiful are the

Regards Carwyn Holland Former Mayor two words that stand out in my mind when I think about Dalian, and it was here that I spent the majority of my time in China.

I clearly remember opening the door to the floor where my room was located and seeing my roommates for the first time. They were all students who, like me, were interested in the Chinese language, and had travelled from Pakistan, South Korea, Slovenia, Tajikistan and Egypt respectively. In Guyana, being a Chinese language student, I am considered an oddity of sorts. It is not a common language to study when choosing a second language in Guyana. I also clearly remember walking from my dorm to the classroom on my first day of class; in front of me, a group of Russian students, on my left, a group of Mexican students, on my right a group of Japanese students, and behind me a group of students from Columbia.

Turn to page 8

8

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

Dismantling Jagdeo’s OP-ED Welfare State

By Imran Khan

THE Bharrat Jagdeo regime will be remembered -- apart from the rampant crime -- as a period of devious political patronage that saw him decide which of his loyal subjects should be rewarded and which ones punished.

This extended from the lowly sugar worker up to the country’s corporate boardrooms. It resulted in the loss of billions of dollars in tax revenue and led to a distrust of government as a force for good, that this current coalition has done much to restore.

THE WORKERS. Jagdeo for all his current talk about public servants deserving decent salaries, never gave them a proper salary increase. 5% to 8% was his preferred gift, handed down from on high days before Christmas.

(As a cheap election gimmick, Jagdeo also approved across-theboard increases in salaries for all government employees retroactive to January 2011, and payable a few days before the 2011 election) Instead, as was the case with the teachers, he created various intangible benefits such as annual clothing allowances and limited duty-free concessions for cars, that could be taken away or renegotiated at any time. This government has given genuine increases in salaries in order to put money in the workers’ pockets. As such, it did not wait until Budget 2016, but gave an immediate 26% increase to lowest paid public servants only three months after entering office and subsequently increased salaries to the extent that public servants have received a 50% increase in just three years. The recent multi-year agreement with teachers with substantial

increases came out of a strained process indeed; but it also showed that the government has created the political space for trade union activism after decades of having a boot heel on their necks.

AMERINDIANS Arguably no other group was treated as shabbily by Jagdeo as Guyana’s indigenous communities.

This culminated in what was a naked vote-buying operation ahead of the 2011 election. A Commonwealth Observer report stated that “opposition parties accused the government of expedient timing and the misuse of public funds by handing out GUY$20,000 each to hundreds of Lethem residents from the PPP/C?s Region Nine headquarters.” The dismissive, paternalistic attitude towards Amerindians can be seen in two incidents: one where first Nigel Dharamlall, the then permanent secretary of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry was recorded threatening to bar access to his office and withhold stipends from Amerindian leaders. And secondly, where the country’s own president Donald Ramotar was caught on tape telling a young Amerindian man in Aishalton that if Jagdeo had “been here, he might have slap you, cause you stupid.”

In contrast, this government has taken a genuine and respectful approach to development in the hinterland regions, including the provision of healthcare, infrastructural and educational facilities and several modern radio stations.

RICE AND SUGAR USED AS VEHICLES TO TRANSFER STATE FUNDS The Petro-Caribe rice deal, on the face of it, was a win-win for Guyana: cheaply financed petroleum products paid for by

high-priced rice. Indeed, it made many favoured millers fabulously wealthy, but it was also a creation of debt that transferred billions to the rice sector. The accumulated debt amounted to US$184M as of December 2014. Also, Guyanese commuters and drivers did not benefit from cheaper fuel at the pump as could have been the case. Instead, as prices for fuel dropped, the government raised the excise tax, thus passing on none of the savings to the average Guyanese. The use of the Guyana Rice Development Board to apportion rice contracts to Venezuela among millers was an opaque form of political patronage open to influence and corruption.

The industry has weathered the exit of what was always a tenuous agreement with a neighbour coveting two thirds of our land, and thanks to the efforts of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo in less than a calendar year, Mexico has purchased more than 174,875 tonnes of Guyana’s paddy. Compared to the first half of 2017, total volume of exports reached 290,000 tonnes, a 43% increase, earning the country G$23.2BILLION, as compared to G$16.1BILLION. The sugar industry is the most blatant example of the abuse of state resources for political gain. Through his own blunders, Jagdeo personally botched the Skeldon sugar project so badly that it sent GuySuCo into a financial tailspin. Howeve, instead of having the courage to fix an industry already declining due to mismanagement and external factors, he took a cowardly approach and simply used taxpayers’ funds to put the industry on life support.

The effect was a transfer of treasury funds, just from 2015 to the present of $32B or $45,000 for every man, woman and child in Guyana. This government is fixing

Studying in ...

In China, being a Chinese language student is not uncommon; it is a pursuit that students throughout the world take very seriously, and invest themselves in deeply.

I interpret this as an indicator of how truly important improving one's understanding of China and Chinese people truly are as part of a wider effort to improve the relationship between one's home country and China.

But don't think it was one-sided; quite the opposite. At the Dalian University of Foreign Languages, and no doubt at other universities throughout China, there are many hundreds of thousands of Chinese

students studying the languages and cultures of the world, all in an attempt to step out of China and directly or indirectly improve China's ties with those countries, either by working, studying or pursuing business activities. If you are interested in learning a Chinese language, I recommend the Dalian University of Foreign Languages as a good starting point for this activity.

No matter how distant or foreign China may seem, I urge my fellow Guyanese not to deny the reality.

In today's increasingly globalised world, we are all connected and will be more connected as time passes while China's international profile

the industry through rationalisation, right-sizing and a goal to create a corporation that can produce sugar sustainably. It may not be popular with everyone, but that is fit and proper leadership and governance. .

CORPORATE WELFARE Corporations also fell in and out of favour with Pharaoh Jagdeo. In favour always was Bobby Ramroop, whose Queens Atlantic II was given dubious tax concessions for its site in Ruimveldt (is it actually paying the $45M per year in rent for the 20 acres?), that had to be hurriedly made legal via legislation in Parliament. This was the tip of the iceberg: Mr. Geoff DaSilva, a long-time PPP member as head of GoInvest and thus a gatekeeper boasted that the agency facilitated investment projects of 285 companies, totalling US$835M between 2002 and 2008 with 1006 concessions in the form of duty-free concessions for machinery, equipment, vehicles and furnishings. Many of these projects ended up being empty promises. Mirages.

GRA Chief Godfrey Statia has been reeling in these and subsequent concessions. He told Demerara Waves that those found to be abusing concessions granted by government, as incentives primarily towards business ventures, if caught, will now have to pay up the applicable taxes that were waived by the Guyana Revenue Authority, or have those concession withdrawn or seized altogether.

“A number of Forensic Audit Reports into state agencies—ordered by the David Granger administration—found numerous loopholes, discrepancies and instances of abuse of concessions granted by government to the tune of billions of dollars.”

By Imran Khan

AND OTHER CRONIES Land was handed out like gifts to friends and family. Odinga Lumumba was sold a tract of land on Mandela Avenue for $1.5M and sold it four years later for $38M. Even criminals got into the action: Roger Khan, when not having his goons kill young Guyanese and exporting drugs, was building houses at an East Bank scheme, while the Guyana Forestry Commission granted a State Forest Exploratory Permit for a large tract of land in Guyana's interior to Aurelius Inc., a company controlled by Khan.

A convicted real estate fraudster, Ed Ahmad, was sold GuySuco land at Leonora on the cheap under the pretence of setting up a woodworking facility. Pass by there today and see what has come of it. Bush.

A radio licence was bestowed upon Jagdeo’s niece Kamini Persaud, husband of then Minister Robert Persaud, with which they did nothing for years and then turned around and sold to a Trinidad company. House lots by the sea to those in favour; withholding of advertising in an attempt to silence Stabroek News; well paid jobs for the sons and daughters of party apparatchiks; the former Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Power and Light, Bharat Dindyal, being paid an annual salary of over $73M. We could go on and on...At every turn, Jagdeo in his malicious and petty practices schemed to please his supporters and punish his enemies. It was a despotic rule. This government will ensure we create a new Guyana from the ruins of his kingdom.

From page 7

becomes more important by the day.

The relationship between China and Guyana holds untapped potential for the educational, infrastructural, technological and social development that Guyana badly needs. The strong magnetism that is exerted by China on university level students at this time will only increase as time passes. I urge my fellow Guyanese to consider China as a destination for further study. I urge aspiring businessmen and women to consider China as a market where you can expand your business activities. I urge Guyana's leaders to update your knowledge and understanding of China, its

leaders and policies in an effort to capitalise on the opportunities available at a State level.

Most Chinese had never heard about Guyana before, but were incredibly interested to know that a country in South America speaks English as its native language, especially as many tens of thousands of students in china pursue studies in English with the aim of travelling, opening businesses or studying abroad. I urge the Chinese leaders hosted here in Guyana to consider giving Chinese students the opportunity to study the areas of agriculture and forestry in Guyana, an unspoiled, mostly untouched environment which is rare in the

world today.

To close, I would like to say that as a university student, and as a Guyanese, I am trying my best to figure out how the relationship between Guyana and China can be improved, and taken to a higher level. We all from different backgrounds can contribute something to this effort and I urge other Guyanese to reflect on this matter and ask yourselves 'What can we do to improve the relationship between Guyana and China.'

Regards Justin Gomes

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Light roller on

9

20/20 pitch

W

HEN I arrived at the Parliament Building on Thursday last, I immediately noticed that the atmosphere was just right for the day’s ceremonial event: an address

by President David Granger at the start of a new session of the National Assembly.

In the foreground, were three groups with banners and placards. In a celebration of Guyana’s open democracy, one group was assuring solidarity for the coalition government; the second calling for legalisation of marijuana; and the third demanding final payment of redundancy monies to sugar workers.

I thought immediately that this week’s column should be titled: ‘Granger, Ganja and Paisa’, but decided against this after I had listened to the President’s address.

President Granger was composed and in total control of his message.

As he spoke, I realised that his was no ordinary address: he was cataloguing achievements just three years after taking office, which sent a clear message that the coalition government is here to stay. He was, as I told him afterwards, preparing the pitch for the 2020 elections.

GOOD WICKET I was not the only one who came to that conclusion. The opposition benches were disconcerted, squirming uncomfortably, probably realising that the coalition government was batting on a good wicket -- and scoring big. I mentally caricatured the posture of the opposition when an otherwise vociferous backbencher placed his hands over his head, which was bent over his desk, in apparent silent submission and resignation, as if to say, “All gone, Lake!”

The President didn’t bowl any bouncers; just slow, soft spin. The objective of his government, he remarked, is to secure the ‘good life’ for all. No one could fault or contradict that, as he explained: “The ‘good life’ entails providing every citizen with opportunities to be the best that they can be. The ‘good life’ is about securing sustained economic pros-

perity, ensuring citizens’ access to quality public services, and promoting social cohesion.

“The ‘good life’ involves eliminating extreme poverty and removing social, ethnic and geographic inequalities. The ultimate indicators of the good life are happy communities, happy households and happy people.”

Carefully and methodically, the President presented the score-sheet on how well the government has done to further the nation’s social agenda, in order to incrementally secure “happy households and happy communities.”

ACCESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS The entire nation would back a government that is building a first-class education system, with emphasis on providing access to education, attendance and achievement.

The first round of applause greeted the announcement that the Public Education Transport Service has distributed 1,254 bicycles, 28 buses and nine boats to help get our children to school, “without expending a dollar from the government coffers.”

President Granger was extraordinarily modest about this unprecedented achievement. It is his initiative, emerging from his 70th birthday, when he had said that he didn’t want personal gifts. Donors were invited to help the nation’s children by providing transportation facilities. The ‘Three Bs’ later included boots and books.

Then, the Ministry of Education expanded the school-feeding programme by adding a daily hot meal, mostly for pupils in hinterland areas.

As a former teacher during a time when the main educational tools were chalk and talk, the innovations in today’s education system must bring deserved credit to this government, which has reversed the failure of our students at competitive examinations. Today, apart from textbooks, our schools get musical instruments, micro-science kits, and toolkits for mathematics, literacy and social studies, and sports equipment.

The young and vibrant Nicolette Henry, as Minister of Education, has breathed

new life into the education system, and should be identified with the changes taking place. It must be, therefore, with justification and pride, that the President reported to the National Assembly that at the National Grade Six Assessment exams, the percentage passes in English moved from 42 per cent in 2016 to 60 per cent in 2018; Mathematics moved from 14 per cent in 2016 to 38 per cent in 2018; and Science from 28 per cent to 46 per cent.

Only a blind narcissist would not recognise the transformative effect of the government’s people-oriented policies.

These include, for example, a river ambulance being provided for Orealla Village, way up the Corentyne River, “to transport and provide medical interventions for pregnant mothers and other emergency cases en route to the nearest health facility”, or provision of Maternity Waiting Homes for high-risk, pregnant mothers, particularly those from the hinterland regions.

Also, the forward-looking “housing solutions” for 2019 will see development works in nine new housing areas; completion of 450 housing units; and installation of electricity in eight communities. In addition, more than 31,600 persons have benefited from access to potable water for the first time.

New water-treatment plants are being built at Uitvlugt, Diamond and Sheet Anchor, to provide improved access to potable water for more than 50,000 persons next year, when eight new wells would also flow in our Indigenous communities.

‘GREEN’ GROWTH The 2019 Budget has to be crafted, within the financial means of the state, “to sustain and improve the delivery of social services.”

According to the President, Budget 2019 will be based on “the theme of transformation for sustainable development and ‘green’ growth towards achieving the good life.” It will place emphasis on economic diversification, and on new and emerging sectors such as agro-processing,

information communications technology, and ecotourism.

Nothing gives me greater pride than to see the emergence of small, independent agro-processors who have placed on shop shelves a wide variety of local products.

Though the President did not speak to the issue of marijuana, it is the government’s known policy to reform sentencing laws that would ensure that no one goes to jail for possession of small quantities of this substance.

As for the understandable clamour by a cluster of cane-cutters for severance payment, it is a bankable promise that the additional sum of about $2.5B would be paid after funds are approval by parliament.

What the President avoided, however, is the hypocrisy of the opposition which had ruined the sugar industry, ran it into bankruptcy with an indebtedness of $85B and unashamedly jumping on the bandwagon of feigned sympathy for sugar workers over the severance pay issue. Under our government, the affected workers would get their ‘paisa’ soonest!

FIRST OIL Guyanese surely want to hear about the future; the announcements in Parliament about first-oil and a Natural Resources Fund would come to them as sweet melody to the ears.

The whole world looks at Guyana, and come 2020, or hopefully before, Guyanese will not only smell, but begin to taste the better life.

Above all, a grateful nation recorded gratitude to Vice-President Carl Greenidge and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their efforts to protect, in the President’s words, “our national patrimony” by representing successfully that the long-standing controversy between Guyana and Venezuela be referred to the International Court of Justice for a final and definitive settlement.

Parliament reconvened in an atmosphere of optimism. While our achievements are many, better days are ahead.

Though the President used a light roller, the pitch is already well prepared for the exciting 20/20 contest ahead.

10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

City garbage contractors owed since June –– M&CC promises part payment soon

WHILE the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has not been paying its two main garbage contractors for the past five months, Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine said based on a credit facility in the contracts, the money could only be deemed owed after the expiration of three months.

But according to manager at Puran Brothers Disposal Services, Kalesh Puran, more than three months have passed and he is yet to receive payment.

“I can’t go out there and say they owe for two months when in fact they owe since June,” Puran told the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, adding, “We don’t want to wait six or seven months and then they will ask why we waited so long to say something.”

At a press briefing last

Friday at City Hall, Narine referred to the figures the contractors supplied to the media earlier this month and sought to clarify the situation. “That may be true, but the binding contract specified that 90 days after the submission of invoices, that money becomes owed. The figures given by the contractors are not in keeping with what the contract specifies,” he offered.

For June and July, the M&CC is owing just over $60M, Narine said, noting that both contractors have been working with the City Council for decades now and they ought to be aware of what is stated in the contract. “This is nothing new,” he offered.

Furthermore, he said the contractors should also know that the Christmas period is very slow for the municipality. As such, Narine said he

Puran’s, along with Cevons Waste Management Services are once again faced with a financial dilemma because together, they are owed $148M. Approximately $75M is owed to Cevons and $73M to Puran’s.

FRUSTRATED Representatives of both companies said earlier this month that they are frustrated by the inability of the M&CC to make timely payments to them.

Solid Waste Management “We are in negotiations Director Walter Narine with the city but we have not is pleading with the contrac- done anything concrete as tors for their understanding yet; we are still trying to get during the Christmas season. something done,” said BusiHe said the M&CC is ness Development Officer of committed to paying the Cevons, Morris Archer in an contractors and plans on invited comment.

Chief Executive Officer meeting with them early in the new week to pay some (CEO) of Cevons, Morse Arof the money that is out- cher, in a follow up to what was said by his colleague, standing.

noted that the company cannot continue to work without being paid and that at some point, they will have to stop.

“We are at a close breaking point… we had a meeting with the City Council and they promised to meet again to discuss payments but it is annoying and frustrating, it is a consistent cycle,” said Morse.

“The non-payment is affecting our working capital but we have not made a definitive decision as yet as to the way forward,” other contractor Puran had said.

Despite attempts to maintain the professionalism with the M&CC, the companies said they are frustrated and might even resort to striking.

“We have not said that we will strike but we are contemplating it,” said Puran, explaining that in the past they had put faith and in-

vestment into the system, with the hope that the situation would improve.

The contractors had opted to pull their services in August 2017 when the City Council had racked up more than $400M in debt to the two companies.

Although the companies had agreed to wait for payments for the years 2015 and 2016, the municipality was not even keeping up with its current balances for 2017.

Government stepped in and paid the contractors all of the outstanding balances and even went further to create a special arrangement to cover services up to the end of that year.

During that time, the contractors had anticipated that the City Council would make some effort to contact them on a new system beginning 2018.

MoU with Stabroek Wharf vendors not yet signed –– slothfulness of city administration cited A MEMORANDUM of Understanding (MoU) between vendors operating on the Stabroek Market Wharf and the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has not yet been signed, although an undertaking was given for this to be done weeks ago.

As such, many of the vendors are continuing to operate in this location although a threat to their lives exists; and even in view of City Engineer, Colvern Venture’s warning that the facility is in a dire state and persons need to remove.

Acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry told reporters on Friday that the plan is now for the vendors to sign the MoU early in the new week.

The site where they are to be relocated, being west of the Parliament

Buildings, has not yet been prepared for the vendors, Harry reported. Toilet facilities are still to be built and stalls are yet to be constructed.

According to Harry, after the vendors sign the MoU, they will then be given a location to erect their stalls.

Meanwhile, the MoU does not specifically state that the vendors will be returned to their original spots on the Stabroek Wharf after the repairs are completed.

The council had taken a decision in the past that the vendors will be allowed to go back to the wharf after renovation works.

In fact, the MoU should have already been handed to the vendors for their perusal and their feedback to the M&CC, Chairman of the Markets and Public Health Com-

Markets Committee Chairman Trichria Richards mittee, Trichria Richards told Guyana Chronicle recently. She said she could not understand why the administrative arm of the M&CC opted to read the MoU to the vendors as opposed to handing them copies.

“The sloth of the administration is what is

Councillor Bishram Kuppen delaying the process.

They’re taking their own time. We need to allow the people to start the process; Christmas coming,” Richards said.

“Some vendors are still on the wharf even though we issued a cease order and other notices. But we’re trying to see how

best we can speed up the process. We know people are losing money every day,” she added.

Richards said while the vendors will be returned to the Stabroek Wharf area, it was not necessary for this detail to be included in the MoU, lest it “confuses” the document.

But Councillor Bishram Kuppen is of the view that this agreement ought to be included in the MoU. Based on the visits he conducted at the area in question, he said vendors are very concerned that they will not be returned to the location.

He recalled it being said by authorities in the past that the wharf is being repaired in a manner that may not permit these low end type businesses in the future.

Meanwhile, the relocated vendors are expected to construct the stalls at their own expense and will be paying a rent of $6,800 monthly.

It is estimated that

one stall will cost some $400,000 to construct.

“Rightly $6,800 is a low figure but I don’t agree in raising either; not with what is happening, we have the vendors agree to build their own stalls and we give them a grace period, because it’s not easy to find $400,000 – $500,000 to build and then to pay [rent] so we’re still willing to do it,” Mayor Patricia Chase-Green had said.

Additionally, she said the M&CC will also have to look at drainage works, sanitary facilities and security lighting, among other things.

The vendors will have to adhere to building the stalls to the standard dimension of 8 feet x 10 feet and a maximum height of 13 feet. At this dimension, a total of 82 stalls are expected to fit in the designated relocation site, the area west of Public Buildings, which formerly housed the number 42 bus park.

11

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Understanding Energy

Guyana’s emerging role in geopolitics GUYANA’S growing importance on the global stage is being noticed. Since the discovery of massive oil resources, international attention and investments have been steadily growing.

Just this last week, an American think tank turned its focus on Guyana by hosting an event on the prospects for oil revenue to bolster our regional status and the security situation.

The American Security Project (ASP) is a non-profit and non-partisan research organisation in Washington, D.C. The organisation’s board of directors includes former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, and former Senator and presidential candidate Gary Hart.

The event on Thursday included Sonya Boodoo from the Norwegian energy research firm Rystad, Lisa Viscidi, director of the Energy, Climate Change, and Extractive Industries Program at the Inter-American Dialogue, and Vice-Admiral Kevin

Green, USN (Ret), who had commanded the U.S. Navy’s Southern Command. At the event, ASP unveiled an academic report examining Guyana’s security situation and calling on American policymakers to build a closer relationship with Guyana.

The report was written by Andrew Holland, the ASP’s chief operating officer and an expert in sustainable energy, environmental policies, and infrastructure, who worked as a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate. Holland’s paper emphasised the fortunate timing of Guyana’s oil discoveries, coming just as Venezuela’s oil production collapses and other major conventional oil finds have been scarce.

“If properly managed, these new resources could help Guyana become a model for how to build sustainable security and prosperity. For too long, U.S. policy has ignored the interests of the Caribbean and Latin America, seeing it only as a source of problems,” the report stated.

At the event itself, which

was livestreamed, Boodoo outlined the projections of Rystad Energy and noted that Guyana had effectively used attractive fiscal terms in its production-sharing agreements to attract investment—a decision that could help lead to the government taking in more than US$110 billion over the next few decades, according to Rystad projections at $70 per barrel oil.

The report did not ignore the challenges faced by Guyana and the problems that resource extraction can sometimes pose. However, the panelists emphasised that they believe Guyana is on the right track. “Guyana faces geopolitical challenges, ranging from transnational crime to threats to its territorial integrity. If properly managed, the oil boom can help alleviate these threats and turn Guyana into a model for the Region.”

“The resource curse is not a prophecy: it is a warning,” noted the report, which also stated that if the Green State Development Strategy is im-

Security guard kill suspected fowl thief POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Jarrel ‘Dumb Boy’ Noble, 22, unemployed of lot 12 Tuschen Tiger Bay, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), who died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Saturday.

Investigations revealed that about 04:30hrs Saturday morning, an armed security guard on duty at a service station at Vergenoegen, EBE was alerted that someone was seen in a yard that housed a poultry farm at Line Top Vergenoegen, which is located in close proximity and where he was also responsible for securing.

Reports indicate that the security responded together with the poultry farmer who earlier reportedly observed the in-

truder on the premises via CCTV cameras.

On checking inside of a building, the security guard and the farmer alleged that the now dead man emerged from a room armed with a knife and attacked the security guard, who discharged two rounds which struck him.

The police were summoned and the wounded man was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital and was later transferred to GPHC where he succumbed.

When contacted, police said that the security guard is in custody assisting with the investigation and the firearm, a licensed shotgun, has been lodged.

Police confirmed that the now dead man was previously charged with breaking and entering and larceny.

plemented effectively, Guyana could become a model in the Region and the world for how to balance energy development, economic growth and conservation.

The elements of territorial integrity and geopolitical independence are also important ones. Considering the regular threats from Venezuela, our security situation is usually on the minds of many Guyanese. As outlined in the ASP report, Venezuela

doesn’t just claim more than half the country as its own, but also an area that includes all major oil finds to date.

“For small countries, energy security affords resilience to external threats.

Without energy security, a country’s economic and social well-being becomes hostage to foreign actors. There are few places in the world that exhibit the challenges of energy insecurity more so than the nations around the

Caribbean,” Holland wrote in the report.

As the report and panel emphasised, revenues generated by the oil project provide an opportunity for Guyana.

With an effective fiscal regime, Guyana can direct the profits to build local industry, invest in crucial infrastructure and education, ensure domestic energy supplies and enhance our geopolitical status.

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Be wary of imposters

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

–– President tells Lethem residents at APNU meeting AS a part of his 5Bs Initiative, President David Granger handed over 50 bicycles and a school bus to the town of Lethem on Friday to aid students with transportation.

“These bicycles are gifts.

You don’t have to pay and your parents don’t have to pay. Why? Because APNU believes that one of the most important things for children is education,” he told a community meeting held at the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference Hall Under the programme, some 28 buses, over 1200 bicycles and 10 boats have been distributed to various

communities thus far.

President Granger said even with little resources when in opposition, the coalition found ways and means of assisting schoolchildren.

“This is something we believe in; children must not be prevented from going to school because their parents are poor,” the President said.

Also present at the handing-over was Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, who advised the recipients that the bus is not for excursions or other activities, but only to transport children to school.

Aside from the kind gesture, the President spoke on

leadership, democracy and the bright future he wants for all Guyanese.

Reminding residents of the recent past, he said it was the coalition which in 2014 campaigned against the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-initiated Interim Management Committees which hindered local progress.

The President recounted that as the opposition then, they were driven by the vision of empowering citizens to make decisions for themselves for the benefit of their communities.

“PPP didn’t damage the system, they destroyed the system. They deprived the

they were intended.

Meanwhile, he stated that the elected mayor must be business-oriented to lead his

Social Protection Minister Amna Ally addressing the Lethem gathering

President David Granger commissions a new David G School Bus

President Granger speaks to the children of Lethem as he hands over bicycles to them

This child puts her bike into action on Saturday

NDCs of resources to do their work and we now have to correct that situation, because you cannot develop Guyana unless you develop the communities,” he counselled.

He stressed further that the party’s leaders are not haphazardly chosen; and that those who want to lead must first learn how to serve and know the needs of their communities.

“I regard the elections as an apprenticeship, as a school house. Where you learn to serve your constituency, you learn to speak to people, you learn to walk the streets, you learn to find out people’s needs,” he said.

With this in mind, he urged the leaders to prudently manage the resources of their municipalities and ensure they are used for the purpose

town in the right and prosperous direction.

The President said it is his hope that eventually the region will be populated with strong local government bodies.

“I congratulate you on what you have done today, what you have achieved. I urge you and encourage you to go forward in the next few weeks or so to make sure that election keeps out the imposters and hypocrites who have caused only pain and distress... and give your children a chance to grow up in a democratic society,” he said.

Minister Ally underscored that from 2016 to now, under the present administration, there has been much improvement in the

town.

Some she mentioned were the installation of street lights; construction of a pavilion; the construction of an internal fence; a community sports club; upgrades to roads; and improvement in drainage, just to name a few.

“My dear comrades of Lethem; don’t throw it away, because it is this coalition government that saw the upliftment of Lethem from since 2016 to now,” Ally said.

She further urged them to keep these improvements going by ensuring that the APNU leads the town in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs).

“I recall that in 2016 we were APNU+AFC, but in 2018 we are APNU. Comrades, we don’t want a third

force to compete with. So I say to you this afternoon, do not split your votes!” she admonished.

Ally took the opportunity then to introduce to the residents the constituency and candidates of the five constituencies in Lethem.

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock was also present at the meeting and the town welcomed him as the “son of the Rupununi.”

Meanwhile, representatives of the town thanked the President for his frequent visits to the region.

Entertainment performances came in the form of a group dance, poem and songs from the St. Ignatius Nursery and Secondary Schools.

Residents at the community meeting

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Traffic Chief impounds minibuses for offences

TRAFFIC Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles along with his deputy, deputy Superintendent Dennis Stephen and other ranks from traffic headquarters,

carried out a traffic exercise in various parts of Georgetown on Saturday.

Police PRO, Jairam Ramlakhan, said over 35 minibus drivers were taken to

The Traffic Chief addressing the minibus drivers about the various offences when they were at traffic headquarters on Saturday traffic headquarters and their vehicles impounded for various traffic offences such as: breach of conditions of road service licence, tinted motor vehicles, unlicensed conductors, untidy driver, wrapped vehicles and uncertified motor vehicle, amongst numerous other The impounded minibuses

offences.

Isles, while addressing the minibus drivers, notified them that at 13:00hrs on Saturday, their vehicles will be inspected by the Licensing and Certifying Officer for further and necessary action to be taken.

Orphanage in Ogle destroyed by fire A FIRE of unknown origin which occurred at 06:00hrs on Saturday, gutted the Shaheed Girls Orphanage at Oleander Gardens, Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

Reports indicate that the building which was not insured, is looked after by two caretakers.

According to reports,the fire started from the upper flat of the two-storey building; the

upper flat was made of wood and the lower flat, concrete.

When residents in the area saw the fire they contacted the police and the fire service, which arrived promptly. Residents said that when the police arrived, the upper flat was already engulfed in flames.

The fire was extinguished through efficient work by the fire service.

The aftermath of the fire (Delano Williams Photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

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Thousands move in solidarity with breast cancer survivors

THOUSANDS of Guyanese assembled at D’Urban Park, Georgetown at the crack of dawn on Saturday dressed in pink and walked, ran or cycled to raise awareness of breast cancer in the country, as part of GTT’s Pinktober activities. participants moved from

D’Urban Park along Vlissengen Road to the Kitty Roundabout and back to the park, completing a course distance of five kilometres (5K). They ran the 5K or 10K race or cycled for 20K but most persons managed the 5K walk.

The aim of this event was to stress the severity

of breast cancer and raise awareness, so that it may be eradicated. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, alongside Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, were among those who came out to show their solidarity.

Saturday’s event was

Little Princesses walked the 5K route to show their support [Delano Williams photo]

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo were among those who came out to show their support to raise awareness of Breast Cancer [Delano Williams photo]

Cyclists who were part of the event [Delano Williams photo] perhaps the highlight of GTT’s month-long activities held in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month, held throughout October.

In September, Chief Executive Officer of GTT, Justin Nedd, said Pinktober is intended to be a “seismic shift” in how Guyanese address social causes, particularly breast cancer and cancer on the whole.

“Ultimately, our dream is to ensure that every single person in Guyana … is screened routinely … and as we make this a routine occurrence we will remove the stigma associated with cancer,” Nedd said.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that returned to D’Urban Park, Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes too, stressed, “breast cancer is preventable.”

She, however, added that

the work does not stop at wearing pink and marching.

Instead, screening for breast cancer regularly to detect it as early as possible is paramount.

While stressing that women should get the screening done regularly, she also urged the men present to encourage women to get checked up. And he hailed the men for coming out to support women in this manner.

Early detection in order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. This is the key message that is continually amplified by the World Health Organisation [WHO] when it comes to this disease.

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

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Thousands of participants at the D’Urban Park getting ready to walk, run or cycle in solidarity with those affected by breast cancer and to raise awareness of the disease [Vishani Ragobeer photo]

The participants leaving D’Urban Park and walking along Homestretch Avenue and Vlissengen Road, to get to the Kitty Roundabout and back [Vishani Ragobeer photo] shape, dimpling of the skin, or fluid coming from the nipple.

Data, published in the Ministry of Public Health’s Cancer Surveil-

lance Report in 2015, suggests that between 2003 and 2012, breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer- related deaths in Guyana.

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New attorney describes lawyers as problem solvers

“NO longer are our roles merely adversarial, lawyers are now being called upon to be problem solvers and conflict resolvers,” Attorney–at–law, Christopher Anthony Thompson said during his admittance speech on Friday before High

Court Justice, Sandra Kurtzious.

Thompson was admitted to practise law in the civil and criminal courts of Guyana after a petition was presented on his behalf.

Thompson’s mentor, Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram, presented the

petition on his behalf.

The lawyer detailed Thompson’s academic and professional journey to becoming a legal practitioner.

Ram noted that the young lawyer built an academic foundation at the St John’s College and St Stanislaus College

SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Christopher Anthony Thompson and his mentor Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram after the swearing in. before venturing into law studies at the University Of Guyana and the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to Ram, Thompson’s experience in the professional world includes employment as an audit clerk at National Hardware and a graphic artist at Kaieteur News, where he worked for several years.

In accepting the petition, Justice Kurtzious advised the new member of the legal profession to continue being a student of the law, “and remember your clients are your best advertisers.”

The new lawyer said, “today is not merely about me, it’s about the ideas that were instilled in me as a child. Ideas such as: That one can rise

in spite of their circumstances; that education is still the key to success; that there is no substitute for hard work and persistence and that sacrifices will realise results.”

He explained that he joins a profession in transformation to meet new challenges and the needs of an evolving society since the modern lawyer “we are told and were taught, must first seek alternative means of solving our client’s problem before we approach the steps of this August body. The new Civil Procedure Rules all but endorse this position.”

Thompson thanked God, his parents, wife, Justice Claudette La Bennett and well-wishers for his success.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

No policing plan in place yet for Christmas ––limited resources to confine officers to main shopping areas

CHIEF Constable, Andrew Foo has said that a policing plan needs to be in place to deal with the security issues arising as a result of increased shopping during the upcoming Christmas season. However, he reported last Friday that such a plan has not yet been completed.

Speaking with members of the media at a City Hall press briefing, Foo mentioned yet another difficulty being experienced by the city constabulary, which is that of having to work with limited resources.

Earlier this year, Foo had reported that the constabulary is short of approximately 140 staff members and that efforts to recruit more workers were not bearing much fruit.

While the constabulary is expected to provide security

throughout Georgetown, Foo said the lack of resources will mean that the officers will have to confine themselves to the main shopping areas for Christmas, being Bourda and Stabroek Markets.

“We have a mandate to ensure that we establish a presence in the city. It is necessary that we have a policing plan to cover the entire City, but we are not able to do so. So we will ensure we confine ourselves to the commercial areas, Stabroek and Bourda. All of our resources are going to be deployed to the Stabroek and Bourda areas. Those are the areas that are heavy in terms of commercial activities, and therefore, it is necessary that we have a policing presence there,” Foo said.

Apart from uniformed officers, Foo said officers

New Wildlife Management and Sustainable Use Regulations coming PROPOSED legislation related to wildlife management and conservation, drafted by the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, has been submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval.

This was announced Friday by Minister of State Joseph Harmon, who noted that among the legislation are the Draft Wildlife Conservation Management and Sustainable Use Regulations.

These regulations, he said, are in accordance with Section 83 One (A) of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016 and will replace the Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations of 2013.

The new regulations, Harmon said, will govern all aspects of “hunting, trapping, trade, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife in Guyana.

Specifically, the new regulations will provide the legal framework for conservation and management of all species of wildlife in Guyana.

Minister Harmon stated further that these regulations will ensure the “conservation, preservation, management and protection of Guyana’s biodiversity and licensing and decisions which support the principles of transparency and justice in the management and conservation of wildlife in Guyana.”

The Draft Zoo Administration and Management Regulations were also presented to the Cabinet. This second set of regulations, the minister said, will provide a legal framework to govern the operation, establishment and management of zoos in Guyana in accordance with Section 83 One (E) Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2016.

In addition, the Draft Wildlife Holding Premises Regulations, in keeping with Section 83 One (B) Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016, will provide a legal framework to govern and regulate the design, management and operation of wildlife holding premises across Guyana.

Minister Harmon said the objective of these regulations is to provide the minimum operating standards for the “design, operation and management of wildlife holding premises; and secondly, to create supporting mechanisms that are cognisant of the national goals for wildlife conservation and management.”

Cabinet granted its approval for the three sets of legislation and directed that they be gazetted to be brought into effect, the minister of state disclosed.

(DPI)

will also be at those locations in plain clothes. The aim, he said, is to offer protection not just to the stallholders, but to shoppers as well.

Meanwhile, the City Constabulary Department has responsibility for the prevention and detection of crime in Georgetown and has similar powers and privileges of the Guyana Police

Force (GPF).

It also has the authority to prosecute persons for offences such as assault, disorderly behaviour, urinating in public places, using indecent language, encumbering the pavements and so forth.

The department also provides security for municipal markets, day-care centres, koker pumps and City Hall

buildings, among others.

Providing security alone takes up much of the department’s resources, Foo had once told the Guyana Chronicle.

The Enforcement Unit, which deals with itinerant vending and other breaches of the law, is also very small and short of its full number of staff.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 21, 2018

Agriculture sector going 'green' ––Min. Holder

A section of the stakeholders at the International Small Business Summit

MINISTER of Agriculture, Noel Holder has said that Guyana’s agricultural sector is en route to becoming a ‘green’ one as Guyana transforms holistically into the Green State envisioned by President David Granger.

Addressing stakeholders at the International Small Business Summit, held at the Ramada Princess Hotel

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder (Adrian Narine photos) as part of the Green Guyana expo, Holder said: “A paradigm shift is required to transform today’s predominantly conventional brown agriculture to an ecologically greener agriculture.”

He explained that Guyana is on track to becoming a ‘green’ state, as envisioned

by President Granger and that includes the development of green agriculture.

Green agriculture entails the reduction of the excessive extraction of soil nutrients, lessened use of chemicals in planting such as fertilisers, the reduced use of extensive farm mechanisation, less use of transportation fuels and a reduction in water usage that exceeds the hydrological recharge rate.

Instead, it advanced the use of sustainable agro-chemicals, integrates location-specific organic resources and natural biological processes to restore and improve soil fertility. “[Moving] towards a green agriculture sector stipulates we must create sustainable livelihoods to feed a growing population, and at the same time safeguard the environment,” he stressed.

And he added, “green growth has an important role to play in fostering the interlinkages between sustainable agriculture and the empowerment of our farmers, agro-processors, and exporters to enhance their standard of living.”

Under the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), the government is seeking to reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy, reduce reliance on transitional sectors and open up new sustainable income and investment opportunities,

Holder reminded.

As such, he said his Ministry is doing its best to foster this agenda and will be embracing green agriculture throughout the sector. In so doing, he opined that the summit and expo are especially timely as they underscore that the transition to more sustainable agriculture will require a change in the ways things are done. The event also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to learn how to do things differently, from local and foreign experts.

But the summit and expo will not be the only avenues where learning about the transformation of the sector will take place.

He said that the labour pool within the sector- the farmers and supply-chain partners- must be fed with information through training sessions and engagements with the public and private sectors before they can wholly adopt green agricultural practices. This is imperative, according to Holder, who also said that only then will the sector reap benefits from the transformation.

And with 80 per cent of the country’s population residing on the low-lying coastal zone which is susceptible to natural disasters spurring from climate change, the population should understand the importance of this move to green agriculture.

The new practices associated with green agriculture will help with mitigation, he explained and added: “We are improving the drainage and irrigation infrastructure, promoting climate-smart practices and extending our agricultural base inland.”

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

2018 IBF Antilles U18 Championship

Guyana men, women through to today’s quarter-finals GUYANA’S male and female teams have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2018 IBF Antilles U18 Championship, which bounced off last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The Guyanese quartet of Akeem Crandon, Andrew Johnson, Nigel Bowen and Shamar France opened with an impressive 11-7 win over French Guiana, but fell 5-11 to Martinique in their second group-stage game.

The result was good enough to see them advance to the final day of the annual championship, where they will face St Lucia at

14:15hrs.

Over in the women’s category, Annalisa Barclay, Saffiya Greene, Lydia Roberts and Roschelle Campbell got off to a flying start with a 4-2 win over St Lucia, and followed up a 14-0 blowout victory over Aruba.

The local ladies were however humbled 4-8

by Barbados, who had played undefeated in their three group games, and as per tournament rules, have progressed to the semi-finals based on their win-record.

In today’s quarter-finals, Guyana’s female team will face Guadeloupe from 14:30hrs.

COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament

West Ruimveldt on course for another title

TWO successive strikes from Jonathan Andries ensured that West Ruimveldt continued on their path to another COURTS Under-11 Boys’ Pee Wee title.

Andries helped the holders in their 2-1 comefrom-behind win over Plaisance Bosco during round-of-16 action yesterday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground.

Andries’ goals came in the 20th and 30th minutes after Jude Daniels had given Plaisance the early lead in the 10th minute.

Inaugural winners, Marian Academy, were booted from the competition through Golden Grove’s Bryan Wharton who netted two goals for his side’s 2-0 win.

St Agnes Primary were always in the winners’ row yesterday under the overcast conditions with a thumping 9-0 victory over Colaaco

South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:50 hrs London Call 09:25 hrs Double ‘O’ Eight 10:00 hrs Panza 10:35 hrs Roy Had Enough 11:10 hrs Fire Island Irish Racing Tips Naas 08:35 hrs San Andreas 09:05 hrs Chamrousse 09:35 hrs Chestnut Express 10:10 hrs Kestrel Prince 10:45 hrs Moteo 11:15 hrs Castle Guest 11:50 hrs Espoir D’Soleil 12:20 hrs Kalaxana Cork 08:50 hrs Court Maid 09:20 hrs He’s No Molly 09:55 hrs Cappacon 10:30 hrs Padraic O Conaire 11:00 hrs Penny Jane 11:35 hrs Judgement Day 12:05 hrs Doctor Duffy English Racing Tips Kempton 09:00 hrs Quel Destin 09:30 hrs A Place Apart 10:05 hrs Grand Saucy 10:40 hrs Valhalla 11:10 hrs Verdana Blue 11:45 hrs One Of Us 12:15 hrs Admiral Barratry Sedgefield 09:10 hrs Inchcolm 09:45 hrs Chica Buena 10:20 hrs Absolutely Dylan 10:50 hrs Ask Paddington 11:25 hrs Boric 11:55 hrs Sonic 12:30 hrs Emma Lamb

Primary.

Justin Alcindor fired home an unbelievable tally of seven goals during the rout to take his tally to nine in the tournament while his teammate Shamar Murray beat the opposing keeper twice to take his tally to nine goals as well.

St Pius Primary are another team who have been playing like potential champions and they continued their top form with a 6-0 thumping of Soesdyke, spearheaded by a helmet-trick from Kaden Wellington to go along with a brace from Keron Garraway.

In other results, Tucville finessed Mae’s 3-0, Mocha eased past Timehri 4-1 while St Ambrose edged South Ruimveldt 2-1 and North Georgetown earned a hard-fought 3-1 Triumph over the perennially competitive Enterprise Primary.

GMR&SC launches Ignite race meet NOVEMBER 10 - 11 has been promised as a racing extravaganza as the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) launched its Ignite race meet at the GT Motorsport Hall on Thomas Lands on Friday.

The event promises to be one of the biggest to date for the sport, according to GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed.

“The programme that we have set out is one which we feel confident will ensure that fans get their money’s worth and racers have an enjoyable weekend.”

Mohamed added that the club has already begun preparatory work to ensure that those touring drivers and riders are accommodated properly.

GMR&SC vice-president Hansraj Singh echoed Mohamed’s comments adding that they are looking forward to a large turnout of local drivers.

Meanwhile Ansa McAl through representative Linden Henry and GBTI through Pamela Binda ex-

pressed their company’s pleasure at being on board.

GMR&SC’s Ignite will form the basis for the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2018.

Apart from the Groups 1-5 and Superstock classes of events, the Radicals are expected to make their competitive debut in the SR3 cup which culminates here as well Among the sponsors for that event are ExxonMobil, GBTI, B.M. Soat, Noble House Seafoods, STAG Beer, Air Services Limited, GUYOIL, Palm Court, Handin-Hand, Ramada Hotel, Survival Supermarket, Club 704, Sheriff Security, EC Investments, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machinery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Choke Gas Station, Japarts, R. Kissoon Contracting, E Networks, Miracle Optical, Bikers’ Bar, Samaroo Investments, Innovations America and SuperBet, Agriparts, Mobil1 and KGM Security Service

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

International 6 triumph in Shew birth anniversary dominoes

Manniram Shew (left) presents the winners’ trophy to Barbados’ Anderson Layne. Next to Layne is Charmaine Durant, vice-president of the Barbados Dominoes Association.

AFTER a fiercely contested six sittings, it took fives to decide the winners of last Sunday’s Manniram ‘Packer’ Shew birth anniversary feature dominoes game, played at Ernest shop, Ca-

nal Number One. In the end, International 6 with four fives bested Barbados (246) with two, after the two teams were deadlocked on 73 games and with six sixes each. Canal Six trailed

on 68.

Barbados had the better of the early exchanges but International 6 took a decisive two-game lead heading into the final sitting with the scores reading International 6

on 63, Barbados two games behind on 61 and Canal Six still in contention with 57.

Veteran Hilbert ‘Bumpy’ Ali, in a superb display, registered the maximum 18 games for the winners, which also included sharing the lone love. Skipper Shew supported with 16. For Barbados, Leroy Hope and Anderson Layne scored 15 and 14 games respectively.

The top markers for Canal Six were M. Samjeewan (15) and Ramroop ‘Spoon’ Sukhai (14). P. Ramdial from Canal suffered a love.

Trophies were awarded to the winners and first runners-up and top player Hilbert Ali. As a kind gesture to the visiting Barbadians, some of whom were here for the staging of the World Council Domino Feferation (WCDF), Shew donated the winnees’ trophy to captain Anderson Layne.

Narine blasts unbeaten 80 to seal England win rain-marred T20 victory for Invaders Masters fourth ODI to bag series FORMER national T20 all-rounder Ramesh Narine hammered an unbeaten half-century to lead Invaders Masters to a convincing six-wicket victory against Enterprise Sports Club of Leguan, last Sunday at the Leguan Community ground.

The hosts,, after winning the toss and batting, amassed a challenging 159-9 in their allotted 20 overs. They batted with consistency along the way with Shem Persaud leading the charge with a well-executed half-century.

He counted six fours and three sixes in a brisk 59 and received firm support from Azad Khan 30 (3x4), Jaimini Singh 25 (2x4) and Terrence Tulsieram 22 (3x4).

Fast medium bowler Roy Gonsalves had excellent figures of 4-27 from his 4 overs while Linden Daniels had 2-8 from 2 overs also bowling medium pace.

Invaders Masters were then indebted to a masterful batting display by Narine as he played an array of delightful strokes to all parts of the ground.

The onslaught began after the loss of 2 early wickets and when Narine entered at 35-2 in the 5th over, he quickly got into his strides by stroking two beautiful fours that sped across the fast outfield. He continued to blister the boundaries with Masters taking full control of the game during the middle and latter overs.

Despite some consolation wickets which saw the loss of two other batsmen, Narine stayed the course to be unbeaten on 80 (8x6, 4x4) .

He was ably guided by Lindcn Daniel and Ian Rampersaud who both contributed 28 each to see Masters to a massive win reaching 160-4 in 18 overs.

A. Khan accounted for 2 wickets which cost 37 from his 4 overs. The fixture was the result of an invitation extended by the hosts who will now pay a reciprocal visit to the Essequibo Coast. Trophies were presented to the winning team while Ramesh Nraine was adjudged man-of-thematch.

PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - England beat Sri Lanka by 18 runs via the Duckworth Lewis Method in the rain-marred fourth oneday international yesterday to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing a target of 274 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, England were comfortably placed at 132 for two after 27 overs when rain forced the players off.

No further play was possible in the penultimate match of the series and England were 18 runs ahead at that stage under the scoring method governing such rain-shortened fixtures.

England’s Test captain Joe Root was unbeaten on 32 at the crease with his ODI counterpart Eoin Morgan 31 not out, the duo adding a crucial 56 for the unbroken third-wicket partnership to keep their team ahead of the run rate.

Sri Lanka had a chance to break the stand when Root was caught at short fine leg off spinner Dhananjaya de Silva but the delivery was called illegal by the umpire as the hosts had more fielders outside the 30-yard circle than permitted.

Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya dismissed opener Jason Roy for an attacking 45 off 49 deliveries and Alex

Hales for 12 but the hosts made no further inroads.

Earlier, half-centuries from opener Niroshan Dickwella and middle-order batsman Dasun Shanaka and some useful contributions from the lower order helped Sri Lanka to 273-7 after being put in to bat.

Dickwella hit a 70-ball 52 and with captain Dinesh Chandimal laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s innings with a second-wicket partnership of 70 runs.

But the hosts slipped against the off-spin of Moeen Ali and leg-spinner Adil Rashid, losing three wickets for 13 runs to be reduced to 102-4.

Shanaka then launched Sri Lanka’s counterattack, taking the aerial route to hit the spinners for sixes and fours. He added 52 for the fifth wicket with Dhananjaya de Silva to start Sri Lanka’s recovery.

The 27-year-old hit five sixes and four boundaries in his run-a-ball innings before getting run-out.

All-rounder Thisara Perera made 44 off 41 balls as he and Shanaka added 58 for the sixth wicket. He then shared 56 runs with Akila Dananjaya who made 32 not out off 26 balls.

The fifth and final one-dayer will be played in Colombo on Tuesday.

Warm-up games will be vital for Windies Women, says Springer ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – As the West Indies Women prepare to defend their Women’s T20 title next month, head coach Hendy Springer believes the team’s upcoming warm-up games will be crucial to their preparation.

The Windies will play their first warm-up game against India on Sunday, November 4 at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, followed by a meeting with New Zealand on Wednesday, November 7 at the Guyana National Stadium.

The 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 will run from November 9 to 24.

“The warm-up matches are very significant as we prepare to enter this major international tournament. We will get a chance to test our skills and put into play what we have been working on since we started our camps back in May,” Springer said. “…As we move into the tournament it will give us a gauge as to where we are

and where we need to be … we want to have positive momentum as we move into the tournament.”

The Windies squad, led by Stafanie Taylor, assembled in Antigua last Monday for a camp ahead of the tournament.

The hosts are placed in Group A along with England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Ireland are in Group B. Springer said from what he had been seeing he was optimistic the Windies would repeat as champions.

“I am loving what I’m seeing … the girls are focused. I see a very enthusiastic group of players, who are dedicated and looking to give a good account of themselves. We are the defending champions and we are playing at home, so there is pressure, but this is that golden opportunity to do something really special on home soil and retain the trophy,” Springer said.

Barbados pride beat Jamaica Scorpions by 39 runs – Group B BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Barbados Pride defeated Jamaica Scorpions by 39 runs in their Group B match of the Regional Super50 at Kensington Oval here last night.

Scores: PRIDE 246 for five off 50 overs (Jonathan Carter 82, Shamarh Brooks 60, Leniko Boucher 46, Shayne Moseley 27) SCORPIONS 207 off 41.5 overs (Andre McCarthy 83, Nkrumah Bonner 41, Jermaine Blackwood 23; Shamar Springer 5-30, Keon Harding 3-58) From page 31

Turks and Caicos coach...

The former US Premier Development League coach said that although the left-winger only found the back of the net once, he was instrumental in three of the first five goals. He said that the home team had a game plan for the 24-year-old, after watching him in previous games, but it did not go as planned.

“We knew his tendencies, had a specific way to manage him and he still

killed us. He’s a very good player in my opinion.”

Along with Bobb, Barnes said that the Guyanese goalie also made very “good decisions,” which were ably supported by a large crowd support for the visitors.

Although TCI are the lowest-ranked by FIFA, Barnes feels that experiences such as last Saturday against a quality team such as Golden Jaguars can only help them advance.

27

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

Returning De Bruyne adds to unbeaten Manchester City’s aura

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - For all the talk of title bids from Chelsea and Liverpool, defending champions Manchester City are once again looking like the record-breaking side that dominated the Premier League last season.

City crushed Burnley 5-0 at the Etihad yesterday and while Sean Dyche’s strugglers were never expected to win, the sheer strength of City’s stylish squad was evident in abundance.

After nine games, City are unbeaten and top of the league with a positive goal difference of 23 - ten more than Chelsea.

Last season they scored a record-breaking 106 goals in 38 games and, with 26 in nine so far, they are on course to break that record.

The win over the Clarets came with Kyle Walker and Danilo out injured and centre-half John Stones filling in at right-back.

Ominously for their rivals Kevin De Bruyne, whose knee injury has kept him sidelined since the opening game of the season, marked his return as a second-half substitute.

Unsurprisingly Guardiola looked happy and composed after the fifth win in

five at home this season.

“Our level at home last season, this season, is high - we win with good performances in general, and we attack more comfortably, with more options,” he said.

Guardiola feels the atmosphere and mood around the Etihad is well suited to his side.

“I would say we feel comfortable at home with our people. Last season we drew

Kaneria admits spot-fixing after six years and apologises to Essex

City even stronger and Guardiola expects him to be quickly back to his best.

“He has no pain, physically he is a guy who is so strong, he needs minutes, this is the first time he played Danish Kaneria, who spent six seasons at Essex, has now apologised to the club and former team-mates.

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne in action with Burnley’s Jack Cork and Ben Mee (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

“We had five different players score, so there is less pressure on (strikers) Sergio (Aguero) or Gabriel (Jesus).

“We learn every day to attack better when they defend deeper .... People attack us and we regain the ball ... we have a lot of pace to attack on the counter. It is important for us to combine both things, whether they attack or defend deep,” he said.

against Everton and lost to United but won all the other games. We feel comfortable with our fans and the grass, thanks to the greenkeepers for the grass in perfect condition that helps us to play quicker. We feel comfortable so we can keep going and be consistent, especially in the Premier League, and that is so important,” he said.

De Bruyne should make

30 minutes and this is so important.

“We have a lot of games but of course he’s not new - not like Riyad (Mahrez) (we have had) three years together so when I say something he knows what we have to do.

“He’s another important player and he’s back and will help us to achieve what we want to do.”

Bermuda Cricket Board chief executive Neil Speight quits after 13 years HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) – Neil Speight has quit after 13 years as chief executive of the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB), the latest in a string of resignations.

Speight, a former board treasurer who is currently abroad on cricket business, was not immediately available for comment, but is said to have found another job.

BCB president Lloyd Smith said on Friday vice-president Nyon Steede had also handed in his resignation.

Four board officials have now resigned in the past six months with cricket in turmoil in the island. Treasurer Gershon Gibbons stepped down in May, followed two weeks ago by Clay Smith, who chose not to seek a new deal as national coach after his three-year contract expired three months ago.

Smith, who was voted in as presi-

dent last November when Lloyd Fray chose not to seek re-election, received Speight’s resignation last Friday, before receiving another e-mail on Thursday from Steede, who served as vice-president under Fray.

“Nyon Steede handed in his resignation today (Thursday),” Smith said. “It’s a setback for the board that two good people have chosen to move on. Neil has the knowledge while Nyon has been a member of the executive for many years.

“Neil has found another job and will be leaving, though we don’t have a date as yet. He handed in his resignation last Friday. I’m surprised at both and haven’t been able to talk to either because Neil is in Singapore representing the ICC Americas.”

Steede was also not immediately

available for comment.

Bermuda cricket at the international level has been in the doldrums since the island qualified for the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean when coached by former West Indies batsman Gus Logie.

In the spring, Bermuda sank to a new low when they were relegated to the World Cricket League Division Five after finishing last in a tournament in Malaysia.

Smith, the former national coach, said he was sad to leave the post, adding in his resignation letter: “My decision to walk away now is not an easy one, as coaching one’s country is the ultimate achievement and honour for any coach. Unfortunately, things drastically changed over the last year, as the lack of support was obviously evident.”

FORMER Pakistan cricketer Danish Kaneria has admitted he spot-fixed, after six years of denial.

The 37-year-old has also apologised to former Essex team-mate Mervyn Westfield, who was sent to jail after Kaneria encouraged him to spot-fix.

Essex Police say they are “currently reassessing the investigation” following Kaneria’s admission.

Kaneria, who was banned from playing in England and Wales for life, says he “cannot live a life with lies”.

“It’s been six years. I lost everything,” the leg-spinner told Al Jazeera.

“I lost friends, respect from fans.

“I want to apologise to Mervyn Westfield, my Essex team-mates, Essex Cricket Club and the fans, to Pakistan and my fans around the world. And to my wife and family - I have let them all down.”

I CAN EDUCATE PEOPLE Kaneria was found to have pressured Westfield - who was handed a fourmonth prison sentence - into agreeing to concede 12 runs during an over of a oneday game for Essex against Durham in 2009.

Kaneria was banned for life and described as “a grave danger to the game of cricket” by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who also banned Westfield for five years.

In 2014, Kaneria told BBC Sport he had not pressured Westfield and said if given the chance, he would ask his former team-mate why he had chosen to “destroy” his career.

But he now says he knew Westfield - who received a £6 000 payment for his role - wanted to “become a rich cricketer”.

In reflecting on his denial of the crime, Kaneria says the ill-health of his father around the time of the spot-fixing scandal had been an influence.

“His health was getting worse and worse,” added Kaneria. “I didn’t have the courage to face him and tell him that I had done wrong.

He was so proud of me and it would have caused him a lot of suffering.”

Kaneria took 261 Test wickets for Pakistan - a figure only bettered by Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Imran Khan.

He exhausted all legal options in appealing against his lifetime ban but hopes he can return to the sport in order to “give something back”, and ask for “people’s forgiveness”.

Kaneria added: “If the ECB, International Cricket Council and other bodies would give me a second chance, I can help to educate young people in cricket, teach them that if you do wrong, you are finished, like me.”

Kaneria’s spot-fixing timeline February 2009: Essex play Durham in a 40-over match.

February 2012: Westfield is jailed for four months, of which he served two, for spot-fixing in that game.

During the trial Kaneria was accused of applying “pressure” on Westfield to underperform for money.

April 2012: Westfield and Kaneria are charged by the ECB for “alleged breaches of anti-corruption directives”.

June 2012: Kaneria receives lifetime cricket ban while Westfield is suspended for five years.

December 2012: Kaneria’s appeal against the verdict is deferred.

April 2013: Rearranged ECB appeal hearing sees Kaneria fail to overturn spot-fixing finding.

August 2014: Kaneria’s application to appeal his ban is deemed to be “totally without merit” and rejected by the Court of Appeal.

October 2018: Kaneria finally comes clean after six years of denials. (BBC Sport)

28

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

John vs Williams to headline today’s Digicel Cancer Awareness cycling meet CYCLING enthusiasts, fans, families and most importantly, Guyana’s top cyclists, will assemble today from 08:00hrs on Irving Street in front of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna, where they will compete in Digicel’s Annual Cancer Awareness cycling meet.

The most anticipated event of the meet will be the 40-lap Senior and Junior event which will pit Jamual John, fresh off of victory in last weekend’s Kadir Mohamed Memorial Road Race, against defending champion

of the Digicel Meet, Geron Williams.

John, who returned from racing overseas for this meet, is in top form and will be looking to come good this year, compared to last year when he could not finish the race due to cramps. However, Williams has quietly been making his return to form and this will bill for an exciting encounter.

The duo will not have it all their own way as Paul DeNobrega, Michael Anthony, Christopher Griffith and Alonzo Ambrose can all be devastating on any given day.

The race will begin at the traditional starting point in front of the GDF compound on Irving Street. However, this year the organisers have changed the course in order to facilitate better spectator viewing.

The cyclists will proceed north along the western carriageway of Irving Street, turn right at the Kitty roundabout, head south on Vlissengen Road, before turning at the Thomas Lands intersection and back to the starting point to make a lap.

In another twist there will be an introduction of match sprints where riders will be

Geron Williams is the defending champion of the Digicel Cancer Awareness cycling meet.

paired against each other with the winners moving into the next round.

The race will begin at 08:00hrs with registration at 07:00hrs. The entrance fee is $2 000 per person for road races, with mountain bikes and novices paying $1 000.

Those wishing to enter the match sprint competition will be required to pay a further $1 000 as will those who will enter a second race.

As is traditional all of the Jamual John will be looking to dethrone Geron Williams today

Former T&T coach believes new football league can benefit Caribbean players TORONTO, Canada (CMC) – The Canadian Premier League (CPL) is the ideal professional league for Caribbean footballers who are finding it difficult to breakthrough into the European circuit.

That is the view of Stephen Hart, a former coach of the Soca Warriors, who has been named as Halifax (HFX) Wanderers Football Club coach in the CPL. The CPL is scheduled to kick off in April 2019 and will feature seven franchises; York9 FC (York, Ontario), Forge FC (Hamilton, Ontario), FC Edmonton (Edmonton, Alberta), Calvary FC (Calgary, Alberta), Valour FC (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Pacific FC (Langford, British Colombia) along with Halifax.

Hart, who coached the Trinidad national team from 2013 to 2016, said the exposure to professional leagues would surely help to improve the standard of Caribbean footballers.

“I think it’s important for everyone to understand that CPL is a brand new league and just judging from the try-outs (CPL got game trials) that we have been having, they are many players from the Caribbean and Latin America who have been trying out.

“It’s one of those situations where opportunity does exist. For the players from Trinidad & Tobago when you understand how difficult it has been to get into Europe in the past due to work permits that are necessary (and) it is an avenue to get into the

USA market .…” Hart said.

Hart, however, acknowledged that while the CPL could offer in some cases easier travel home and easy cultural assimilation due to Caribbean heritage population in Canada, he noted some unique Canadian conditions will provide their own challenges.

“Then of course pre-season in the winter will be different, playing indoors and with the league being east to west in, despite sounding exciting, it does put wear and tear on the body for players, who are potentially lucky enough to be chosen, but these are things one has to adapt to if they want to be professional in the CPL,” Hart explained.

proceeds from the entrance fees will go to the Guyana Cancer Institute. The organisers have said that they are looking forward to the support of all cycling enthusiasts and the public at large.

The top finishers in the Match Sprints will receive as follows: 1st Place – $35 000 2nd Place – $25 000 3rd Place – $15 000 The race schedule will be as follows:

Mountain Bikes/Novices Race – 10 Laps (Prizes 1-3) Kiddies Race – Short Loop (Prizes 1-3) Match Sprints – Preliminary Round – 1 Lap (Prizes 1-3) Veterans U-45 & O-45 – 20 Laps (Prizes 1-3) Match Sprints – Final Round – 1 Lap (Prizes 1-3) Seniors & Juniors – 40 Laps (Seniors 1-6, Juniors 1-3)

Senior men challenged to follow in women’s footsteps KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica’s national men’s football team have been told to replicate the efforts of the women and qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The challenge has been issued by Sports Development Foundation (SDF) general manager Denzil Wilks, who has said he would love to see the men qualify for their second World Cup. The Reggae Girlz created history on Wednesday when they defeated Panama 4-2 on penalties to finish third in a CONCACAF qualifying tournament and book their place at next year’s Women’s World Cup in France.

“I throw out a challenge to the entire coaching staff and players: You will not wait so long to qualify for a second World Cup. “I am sure. We’ve been waiting. This now, I think, will spur the men on to say ‘Listen, it’s been way back in 1998,’ some people won’t

The Reggae Boyz last qualified for the World Cup in 1998.

even remember, some weren’t born, but this is just a wonderful thing,” Wilks said during an official welcoming ceremony for the local-based delegation of the senior women’s football team.

Wilks, who presented the Jamaica Football Federation with a $5 million cheque at the event, said while the SDF had been backing women’s football for a number of years, he wanted to see more investors get behind the team.

“The Sports Development

Foundation has been in the trenches for a long time. For those who don’t know, football, in spite of the criticisms, is in our blood. It’s our most popular sport without any doubt,” Wilks insisted.

“It can’t just be men’s football (that gets attention) because the women have now done what the men did in 1998. We spend quite a bit of money on football and sometimes we take flak for it because people are saying ‘Nutten naa gwaan,’ but what more can we say?”

29

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

First ODI against India

Underdogs Windies tackle India with one eye on World Cup GUWAHATI, India (CMC) – All odds appeared stacked against West Indies as they look to redeem themselves from a wretched outing in the just-concluded Tests, when they face powerhouse India in the opening OneDay International of the five-match series here today.

The Caribbean side meekly lost both Tests inside three days by comprehensive margins but will hope the change in formats also brings a transformation in fortunes, though they have been given little hope against the World number two side especially with a relatively inexperienced unit.

In fact, West Indies are missing key players like openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis both of whom made themselves unavailable, and there also has been no recall for left-hander Darren Bravo, though he has been named for the three Twenty20 Internationals which follow.

It means Windies boast four debutants – all-rounder Fabian Allen, batsman Chandrapaul Hemraj and fast bowlers Oshane Thomas and Obed McCoy – in their 15-man unit and another three players with just 19 ODIs in all.

Further, experienced seamer Kemar Roach has played only five matches in the last three years, following a spell away from international cricket.

Captain Jason Holder acknowledged the deficit in experience but noted it was a process

of building towards next year’s World Cup in England.

“It’s a young side, a lot of unfamiliar faces.

I just think it is an opportunity for those unfamiliar faces to get an opportunity to showcase what they’ve got,” Holder told reporters ahead of the contest.

“It won’t be easy. Obviously India are playing some very good cricket at the moment.

They are probably one of the best one-day sides (and they have) some world class players as well so we expect a really tough challenge from them but as I said before, it’s all about building towards the World Cup. “We’ve got some youngsters here whom we just want to see and hopefully they can express themselves and make us proud.”

He continued: “You see young people, like Fabian Allen who has come into this team or McCoy … he’s done really well for us in domestic cricket, so we’ve got good talent here.

This is the future for West Indies cricket.

“Obviously for anyone coming into international cricket, there’s a bit of nerves and pressure trying to solidify oneself into the side. Hopefully, those guys can put that aside and channel the nervous energy in the right direction.”

West Indies are ranked ninth in ODIs, just two ratings points above Afghanistan, and their recent ODI record tells the story why. Last

West Indies ODI captain Jason Holder

year alone, they won just three of 23 matches in bilateral series and have not won a series in four years, since beating Bangladesh in the Caribbean.

In their only bilateral series this year, they went down 2-1 to the Bangladeshis at home.

Their recent record against India also makes for dire reading. They have not beaten their hosts in a series 12 years and have not won a series on the subcontinent in nearly two decades.

But Holder said with the World Cup fast

approaching, it was important that his players made the most of every opportunity available.

“We’ve had a pretty long year. We started with the World Cup qualifiers, moving down to the one-dayers in Bangladesh (later this year).

This has been our third encounter in terms of ODI cricket for the year,” the all-rounder pointed out.

“There are still lots of cricket leading up to that World Cup. Hopefully our players can utilise these games as best as possible and hopefully get some performances in behind them going into the World Cup to give them lots of confidence.”

The day/night match bowls off at 13:30hrs (04:00hrs Eastern Caribbean time).

SQUADS: INDIA – Virat Kohli (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Ambati Rayudu, Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Yujvendra Chahal, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Khaleel Ahmed WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Devendra Bishoo, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Obed McCoy, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Oshane Thomas.

Calypso support and history add to flavour of ICC Women’s World T20 2018 THE Windies have grown as a team and it seems only apt that the Caribbean is hosting the first standalone ICC Women’s World T20 from November 9-24.

After a golden 2016, when Caribbean cricket teams won three ICC world titles, the West Indies will host their second ICC Women’s World T20 this November. And unlike the first time, when the event featured both men’s and women’s teams, this time the ICC Women’s World T20 will make history as a standalone women’s event.

When the baton passed to the region two years ago, they could not have asked for a better start. The Windies women had created history when they won the 2016 event in India, becoming only the fourth team since 1973 to win a global title.

They returned home to a rousing welcome, including a motorcade in Barbados, alongside members of the victorious men’s side.

But in 2016, the Windies were the underdogs. Now they must deal with the pressure that comes with being defending champions playing at home. While they had a difficult campaign in the 2017 Women’s World Cup, their side remain formidable in the

T20 format.

Captain Stafanie Taylor has established her credentials, and has consistently been in the top layer of the the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings among batters and all-rounders.

Hayley Matthews, who won Player-of-the-Match in the 2016 final aged only 18, is also among the leading all-rounders. And with Deandra Dottin, Merissa Aguilleira and Anisa Mohammed (the only bowler with more than 100 T20I wickets), there is plenty of experience in the ranks to complement upcoming talents like Natasha McLean.

The West Indies will also draw from history; the last time they played the ICC Women’s World T20 at home, they enjoyed both individual and team success.

Dottin lit the tournament up with a century off 38 balls against South Africa, still the fastest T20I century in women’s cricket. The Windies also qualified for their maiden semifinals, knocking out the defending champions England on the way.

The 2010 edition saw plenty of drama from other teams as well, with a group match between England and

West Indies are the defending ICC Women’s World T20 champions.

Australia ending in a tied Super Over, and decided by a countback of sixes.

The tournament culminated in a thrilling final between trans-Tasman rivals, favourites New Zealand and Australia. Australia prevailed on the last ball in a low-scoring thriller. It triggered an ascent for the Southern Stars; they went on to take two more consec-

utive WT20 titles.

Even for the Windies, the 2010 WT20 marked an upswing. It was the beginning of a period where the team played high quality cricket consistently, redefining the world’s top four.

They made at least the semis of the next four ICC events, reaching the final of the 2013 Women’s World Cup, where they lost to Aus-

tralia. Their peak came in 2016 with the WT20 win in India, this time getting the better of the Australians.

With the home team being defending champions, supportive crowds are expected for the tournament.

The Windies will play at both group stage venues, starting their campaign against Bangladesh at Guyana National Stadium.

They will then shift to St Lucia for the remainder of their games. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of the people of the Caribbean and a carnival atmosphere at the venues is expected.

Keep an eye out especially for the steel bands that often add to the atmosphere at the grounds. The Windies are of course the only international team to comprise multiple countries, each adding their own particular flavour and culture to the squad.

It is a matter of great pride for the people there to don the maroon cap and be a part of a rich cricketing legacy, which includes a period where the men’s team dominated the world in the 1970s.

The Windies Women are one of the fastest improving sides in recent years, and have already embellished that legacy. Their win in 2016 showcased the global expansion of women’s cricket beyond the usual bastions of England, Australia and New Zealand.

World cricket is richer when teams from the West Indies do well, and the Caribbean people will have high hopes from Taylor’s squad to put on an impressive show.

30

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

EBFA/Ralph Green Under-11 League kicks off at Diamond ground … Culmination of commitment, initiative and partnership – GFF’s Wayne Forde INFORMING the young lads from 10 of the 12 clubs that are participating in the Third edition of the East Bank Football Association/Ralph Green Under-11 League, that the next few weeks would bring new challenges in further developing their skills, Guyana Football Federation (GFF)

and the tournament is geared towards developing sound players.

Gratitude was extended to the Diamond Grove Primary School, Regional Democratic Council of Region 4 and REO Ms Pauline Lucas, the Grove/Diamond NDC coaches and players for their combined efforts

If we are committed, fully committed to the obligation of organising football, we’ll give opportunities to these young people. And if we seek out new partnerships we gain access to a facility like this here.”

The federation head also told the players that they will experience many situ-

the league and challenged the EBFA to work with the host school to see how many more females can be injected into the teams.

“The GFF technical staff would be scouting for players during this tournament and many of you, based on your performances, would be invited to join the Acad-

and girls. I hope that you have a good healthy tournament.

Remember everyone is a winner and I want to see good sportsmanship and I wish every team the best of luck.”

Grove Diamond NDC Councillor, Ms Nafeeza Rodrigues, representing the NDC encouraged the players to always: “Be unique in

in this league and I want to see you building your careers and be grounded persons in society always.”

The clubs attending yesterday’s opening were Swan, Herstelling Raiders, Hauraruni Eagles, Grove Hi Tech, Timehri Panthers, Samatta Point/Kaneville, Friendship

EBFA U-11 players were joined by presidents of GFF and EBFA, Wayne Forde and Franklin Wilson, Headmistress of New Diamond Grove Primary School Ms Wendy Norville and Grove Diamond NDC Councillor MsNafeeza Rodrigues among others for a photo after yesterday’s kick-off. president Wayne Forde yesterday kicked off proceedings at the Diamond Grove Primary School ground.

Sharing the moment along with Forde were president of EBFA Frankie Wilson and executive members of the host association, Grove/Diamond NDC Councillor Ms Nafeeza Rodrigues, Headmistress of New Diamond Grove Primary School, Ms Wendy Norville, coaches and parents.

Wilson, in welcoming all to the event, told the players that they are all winners

to make the league a reality.

Sponsor Ralph Green who resides in the USA was also praised for his continued commitment towards the development of youths. In his feature remarks, Forde noted that what was being witnessed on the opening day of the league was a culmination of commitment, initiative and partnership.

“If we take the initiative as members of the Guyana football fraternity to just get the job done, we’ll produce tournaments similar to this.

ations during the tournament that will mould their character.

“You will learn to win, you will learn to lose, you will learn to support your friend, you will learn to be a member of a team, you will learn to laugh, you will learn to cry and life is nothing without these things. Every disappointment must be converted to a positive life-changing experience.”

Forde also noted that he was happy to see a number of female players involved in

emy Training Centre programme. Work hard, do well but remember most importantly to enjoy the game and have fun.”

Headmistress of New Diamond Grove Primary School, Ms Wendy Norville, said that she was excited to be supporting the youths for this league stating that it is very good to have boys and girls involved in sports.

“I am very much elated to see the girls especially, involved in football. It shows that we care about both boys

society and you will always be respected.

“You are all winners, but you will have challenges along the way during this competition. Play to enjoy your games and be respectful.”

Ms Rodrigues also told the young players that while sport is an extracurricular activity, they must all strive to keep an academic focus.

“Because if we ensure one complements the other it makes us rounded human beings. I want to wish you well

All Stars, Diamond United, Diamond Upsetters and defending champions Agricola Red Triangle. Absent were Mocha Champs and Kuru Kururu Warriors.

Four matches were contested and teams who recorded wins were Diamond United, Timehri Panthers, Grove Hi Tech, Swan, Agricola and Diamond Upsetters, the latter two, via walkover.

Details in tomorrow’s edition.

Skipper Holder praises Samuels as he plays his 200th ODI today GUWAHATI, India (CMC) – Jason Holder has praised Marlon Samuels as one of West Indies’ best, as the veteran right-hander prepares to play his 200th One-Day International today.

The 37-year-old Samuels is the most experienced player in an otherwise inexperienced 15-man touring party for the five-match series against India, and will become only the eighth West Indies player to achieve 200 ODIs, behind

Brian Lara, Shiv Chanderpaul, Chris Gayle, Desmond Haynes, Carl Hooper, Sir Richie Richardson and Courtney Walsh.

“He’s done significantly well especially in the recent past,” Holder told reporters.

He’s obviously got a wealth of experience and thrives on competition. He’s one of the most competitive players I’ve ever come across.

There’s a reason he’s playing his 200th game … because

he’s done well. Hopefully he’ll pass the knowledge to the younger lot.”

Samuels has had an outstanding career for West Indies since making his debut as a 19-year-old, gathering 5 472 runs at an average of 33 and scoring 10 hundreds.

Significantly, the Jamaican has had a love affair with the subcontinent. His maiden ODI century came against the Indians at Vijayawada and two more of

Veteran Jamaica and West Indies right-hander Marlon Samuels

his triple figure scores have come against the same op-

ponents.

In fact, Samuels also had six half-centuries in India where he averages 45, making him the most successful West Indies batsman here.

It was in Kolkata two years ago where he produced an astonishing unbeaten half-century to guide West Indies to the capture of the second Twenty20 World Cup title.

“Marlon has been around for a while. He has carried

the West Indies batting for many years, along with guys like Chris Gayle,” Holder explained.

“He has been one of our best batsmen in ODI cricket, and that’s the reason why he has played for so many years.”

He added: “Marlon certainly tries to make the younger West Indies players understand what it takes to be successful at the international level.”

31

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 21, 2018

Prime Minister’s T20 Cup climaxes today at Everest … Defending champs vying for consecutive titles

By Frederick Halley IT PROMISES to be two enthralling finals when the second edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), climaxes at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, Georgetown today.

Both defending champions, Ariel Speedboat and Regal Masters, who have played unbeaten in the tournament, will be seeking to add this year’s title to their collection when they clash with Boots All Stars and Mike’s Wellman respectively.

Boots All Stars and Mike’s Wellman also have unblemished records, winning all four of their matches, including semi-final victories over DS 18 and Fisherman’s Masters respectively and are fancying their chances of toppling the defending champions and favourites.

In yesterday’s Open semis, Ariel Speedboat defeated Regal All Stars at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground, Queenstown while Boots All Stars turned back the challenge of upstarts DS 18 at the Police Sports Club, ground, Eve Leary.

The Masters semis saw Regal Masters make light work of Parika Defenders at Everest while Mike’s Wellman did the same to Fisherman’s Masters at Police.

Ariel Speedboat crowned

Eric Thomas

Ameer Mohamed

an excellent day with a six-wicket win over Regal All Stars with opener A, Bharat (52) and Wazeer Hussain (47) ensuring there were no hiccups on the path to their second consecutive final. Bharat struck two sixes and three fours while Hussain’s knock contained three sixes and three fours.

For Regal All Stars, Sachin Singh (39), Marvin Babb (29) and Sewchan Budhu (29) were among the runs as Greg Singh (three for 29) and Shazim Hussain (two for 27) were among the wickets.

Over at Police, Boots All Stars sent DS 18 packing for 109 in 13.1 overs with A. Wallace bagging three for 19, Boots All Stars reached the required target in 12.2 overs with Balram Samaroo hitting a top score of 33.

In a lop-sided game, Regal Masters raced to 87 without loss after restricting Parika Defenders to a paltry 86 for nine. Eon Abel (47 not out with two

sixes and two fours) and Eric Thomas (31 not out with three fours) sealed the game for the defending champions following David Harper’s three for 18 and Lawrie Singh’s two for 10.

In a game reduced to 16 overs, Mike’s Wellman served notice that they are up for a shot at the Masters title with an effortless 37-run victory over Fisherman’s Masters at Police. Taking first strike, Mike’s Wellman scored 142 for three in their allotted overs with Jagdesh Persaud (34), Wayne Jones (26) not out, Mahase Lutchman (33) and Ramesh Narine (24) being the principal scorers. Fisherman’s Masters were restricted to 105 for seven with Hemraj Pillay being the main scorer with 37.

Ariel Speedboat continued their winning ways yesterday morning at Everest over the previously unbeaten Bartica All Stars, winning by 70 runs in a high-scoring third-round encounter.

Led by a scintillating unbeaten 105 from Ameer Mohamed, who clobbered 10 sixes and six fours, Ariel Speedboat piled up an imposing 303 for five in 20 overs. Wazeer Hussain, who hit a century on the opening day, followed up with a fluent 66 (6x6, 1x4) while the consistent Lennox Marks supported with 52 and Shazim Hussain 46. R. Seenarine took three for 38.

Bartica rallied to 233 for nine with R. Sookra (66), S. Cornelius (41) and J. Azeez (39) being the main scorers.

Vishnu Tamethandra took five for 38, including a hattrick.

In what was easily the most intriguing game of the tournament, Boots All Stars prevailed by one run off the final delivery over Corriverton Spartan - a loss that cost the latter a semi-final spot.

Chasing 166 for victory, Corriverton Spartan were left high and dry on 164 for nine when the overs expired.

For Corriverton, Delbert Hicks scored an even half-century with four sixes and three fours while J. Fernandez did most of the damage with four for 21.

Boots were earlier bowled out for 165 in 18.4 overs with Balram Samaroo hitting a top score of 45 while R. Jafferally made 41.

Like their senior counterparts, Regal All Stars were also in a punishing mood, registering a huge 320 for three against Success All Stars at Police with opener Marvin Babb smashing 13 sixes and six fours in 112.

Fazal Rafeek supported with 85 (9x6, 3x4) while Delroy Perreira’s 50 included five sixes and three fours. Success were routed for a paltry 115 with Perreira returning to claim three for 16.

DS 18 earned their semi-final place with an effortless victory over Enterprise Rebels, who suffered three consecutive defeats.

Needing 284 for victory, Enterprise were prized out for 96 with Ricaardo Poloram grabbing four for 21.

Poloram had earlier smashed 79 with 10 sixes and a four.

Malcolm Hubbard and Jermaine Maxwell supported with 56 and 53 respectively.

SVC All Stars registered their first win of the tournament with an 11-run victory over Challengers All Stars.

Richard Latif thumped five sixes and 10 fours as SVC All Stars were dismissed for 162 in 19.1 overs. Challengers were bowled out for 151 in 19.5 overs.

In the Masters category, a brilliant 115 from Eric Thomas, which contained

13 sixes and four fours and 50 (6x6, 2x4) from Rudolph Baker saw Regal Masters pile up 280 for three versus Royal Canadian Masters who reached 135 nine in their allotted 20 overs. Mahendra Arjune (3-19) and Lawrie Singh (2-3, 4 overs) excelled.

Opener Lloyd Ruplall scored 60 not out with five sixes and four fours and along with Wayne Jones 41 not out, led Mike’s Wellman to 158 for two in reply to Albion Masters 157 for seven, as Mike’s Wellman remained unbeaten in the preliminary rounds.

The tournament, which is in its second year, has seen a substantial increase in prize money in both the Open and Masters categories. The winning team 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.

Today’s final will see the use of lighted bails while added entertainment will be provided by the Caribbean Hot Shot Crossover band and cheerleaders during the finals.

The tournament was played in collaboration with National Sports Commission, Ministry of the Presidency Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport. Regal Stationery & Computer Centre & Regal Sports also supported the tournament.

Turks and Caicos coach impressed

by Golden Jaguars game plan … feels Bobb was the ‘X’ factor

THE Turks and Caicos Islands senior national coach Matt Barnes was impressed with his counterpart’s plan last Saturday when the Golden Jaguars visited the island of Providenciales for their CONCACAF Nations League qualifying clash.

“Golden Jaguars were very good on the day. I was impressed with the job Michael Johnson (Guyana’s national coach) has done with the squad. They had a clear plan to try to manage us in our own half. I thought they possessed

the ball well and played direct enough when it counted.”

Golden Jaguars won 8-0 after three goals each from Sheldon Holder and Emery Welshman, but Barnes feels that Trayon Bobb was the catalyst that engineered the big win.

“I think the game is a different one if they don’t have an in-form Trayon Bobb.

I felt that he was the most impactful player on the pitch.”

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The Guyana team that whipped the Turks and Caicos Islands last Saturday with Trayon Bobb kneeling third from left

2018 IBF Antilles U18 Championship

Guyana men, women through to today’s quarter-finals PAGE

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Annalisa Barclay drives hard to the basket in Guyana’s 14-0 win against Aruba.

Guyana’s Shamar France during his team’s 11-7 win over French Guiana. (Delano Williams photos)

GMR&SC launches Ignite race meet COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament

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West Ruimveldt on course for another title PAGE

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Defending champions West Ruimveldt survived a scare to beat Plaisance Bosco 2-1.(Delano Williams phoo Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2018