Guyana Chronicle E-paper 10-23-2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

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TUESDAY 23rd October, 2018

No.105436

Several injured following gas leak at PSI

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15 Everyone’s on the take, mayor says – even senior members of the constabulary P A G E

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BBCI ignores public outcry

Security boost for Parika port …as gov’t responds to influx of undocumented Venezuelan migrants

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C’wealth gears for climate governance

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…says moving ahead with hefty toll increases

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Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and other top officials in the audience at the opening of the 12th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) being held at the Guyana Marriott Hotel Kingston, Georgetown (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

Gov’t to tighten security at Parika port …as undocumented Venezuelan migrants pour in

THE Ministry of Citizenship is concerned about the number of Venezuelan migrants arriving at port Parika, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region (Region Three) without documentation, as well as those not presenting themselves to immigration authorities.

At a meeting of the National Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Committee on Monday, Minister of Citizenship Mr. Winston Felix mandated the Immigration Department to strengthen its operations at Parika, Region Three, while working closer with the Ministry of Public Health to document, screen and vaccinate persons arriving through that route. To

date, the Immigration Department has recorded a total of 2,779 migrants here.

Over the past weeks, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), one of the international partners that the government has been working with, has been using the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) system, to identify the needs and vulnerabilities of those displaced.

Through that system, the IOM has been able to verify that for the Barima- Waini Region (Region One) and the Demerara-Mahaica Region (Region Four), migrants coming to Guyana are young and with the overwhelming majority being female.

The DTM has also revealed that the most import-

ant needs at this time are assistance with documentation, food and employment or income generating activities.

Further, based on the interviews conducted in Regions One and Four, the vast majority of migrants indicated that Guyana is their final destination, at least for the duration of their displacement. Going forward, the IOM will be working closely with the Immigration Department to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to deal with occurrences, like the influx of Venezuelan migrants.

Meanwhile, the committee was informed that while the arrival numbers are not very high, the situation can change significantly as other countries tighten their immi-

gration policies or even close their borders as Brazil briefly did in August. Regional Coordinator of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Mr. Joel Anderson, who was present at Monday’s meeting, informed that his organisation is currently working on a Humanitarian Response Plan through which Guyana will be entitled to assistance under the Caribbean Chapter.

With respect to reports of an outbreak of gastroenteritis in Blackwater Village, Region One, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) representative informed the committee that 141 Venezuelans were treated, and the situation has been stabilised. Additionally, community health

Minister of Citizenship Mr. Winston Felix

workers (CHW) are working in Yarakita, Whitewater, Morawhanna and Kariako communities. In terms of direct relief, last week, the IOM distributed 140 non-food item kits to Yarakita, Whitewater, Imbotero and Kumaka all communiies located in Region One, while the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has also dispatched an additional 84 food and non-food item hampers to the Region.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), another international partner on the Committee, recently received an additional US$500,000 at aid relief efforts. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Nissan Duke hijacked, driver beaten, robbed at Ogle THREE men who started off as passengers in a Nissan Duke car, ended

up hijacking the vehicle and robbing the driver in the wee hours of Monday

morning, at Ogle Railway Embankment on the East Coast of Demerara.

Reports indicate that the 40-year-old taxi driver of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, was approached by three men outside a hotel on Vlissingen Road, Kitty Georgetown and requested to be taken to Kitty.

They entered the vehicle and when as it moved off some distance, one of the men changed the destination and asked that they be taken to the East Coast instead.

The unsuspecting driver proceeded with the request but while in the vicinity of the Ogle Airport road, one of the men seated in back seat choked him as the bandit in

the front passenger seat dealt him several punches about the body and demanded valuables.

The other bandit who was in the back seat reportedly took out a knife and inflicted several cuts about the driver’s body. Having relieved him of his valuables, he was then thrown out of the vehicle and the carjackers drove

away with it.

The taxi driver made his way to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was treated for his wounds and sent away. A report was subsequently made to the police and an investigation is ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

C’wealth gears for climate governance

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…PM says national patrimony, climate considerations cannot be divorced Under the theme: “Transforming the Public Sector for Climate Governance” acting President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, said the public sector is a critical stakeholder in and guardian of the national patrimony and such cannot be divorced from climate considerations.

The acting President was at the time delivering the opening address at the Caribbean Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) 2018 on Monday at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

The Biennial Conference is being held from October 22–24.

The conference is expected to create the opportunity for experts and practitioners to set out arguments for a prosperous future that includes the public service being responsible custodians for the environment.

“Guyana is keen to collaborate with and learn from all innovative ideas at this historic juncture when we ourselves are engaged in re-orienting and re-positioning our public sector to embark on the path of a green state agenda, as well as management of our environment

Acting President and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo

as we develop a new oil and gas industry,” the statesman said.

He continued: “Oil and gas is the new buzz in town, and brings with it new responsibilities for the public sector. While the focus would be to develop and implement strategies to secure the better life for our citizens, the pub-

lic sector has to be prepared to grapple with environmental and climate governance challenges, as well as the green agenda as a whole.”

The acting President explained that the integrated mandate of the public service which includes ministries, agencies and departments, is to ensure improved human and social wellbeing within this framework.

As such, Mr. Nagamootoo stressed that climate change is real and all sustainable development will require partnerships and collaborations across borders.

“Our own Rupununi Region experienced periodic severe flooding, even when rains did not fall in this area, but our rivers swelled from waters flowing from across our borders as a result of deforestation in some areas in the vast Amazon region,” he said.

This, Mr. Nagamootoo said, reveals the reality of cross-border implications and the need for inter-state cooperation as climate change can affect countries that may not themselves be internally vulnerable.

“We have seen the tropical storms, typhoons, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods

and other natural disasters that are ravaging the world around us. Our sister Caricom state, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, is currently suffering from the effects of unpredictable weather changes, resulting in severe floods,” he said.

Further, the acting President said while CAPAM will invariably play its part in assisting with transformational change and international cooperation, a sustained, local multi-stakeholder approach to any green agenda is necessary for its effective and efficient implementation.

Adding that seven multi-stakeholder expert groups made up of public sector; private sector and wider civil society members have been working with the Green State Development Strategy since its beginning in 2017. Nagamootoo said the expert group on Sustainable Management of Natural Resources prioritised the expansion of environmental services and stewardship of the natural patrimony.

The prime minister explained that the seven expert groups on the pertinent green agenda areas in their detailed analyses, pointed to the strength in collabora-

President of the CAPAM Board, Dr. Ali Hamsa

tion among all stakeholders, whether they are in the public service, private sector or the wider civil society.

However, the public sector, he said, must lead the way in preparing itself to meet the challenges of climate governance. It must also build networks and part-

nerships within and beyond sovereign borders.

The acting President noted that Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), the framework for which is being refined, offers a 20-year national development plan and serves as a mechanism for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that have been adopted by all United Nations member states.

Meanwhile, President of the CAPAM Board, Dr. Ali Hamsa, spoke to the relevance of the conference’s theme noting that the effects of climate change are felt globally.

“The theme of our conference today is timely…

‘Transforming the Public Sector for Climate Governance’, that is; the effects of changing climate are being felt to various degrees around the world… With many regions experiencing both shared and unique climate challenges, it is clear that effective and efficient climate governance must occur across government systems through a multitude of sectors and industries in order to better tackle the complex environmental Turn to page 9

President Granger meets Rowley in Port of Spain President David Granger on Monday met his counterpart of Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley at the Diplomatic Centre, Port of Spain.

The informal meeting focused on matters of mutual interest and specifically on the CARICOM CSME Single Agenda Item Meeting scheduled for December 3rd and 4th in Port of Spain, a statement from Rowley’s office said.

Prime Minister of Barbados the Honourable Mia Mottley and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr the Honourable Keith Mitchell are expected to visit Trinidad today for a similar meeting.

President Granger departed on Sunday for Trinidad and Tobago and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has been sworn in to perform the duties of the President. (Photo by Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Khashoggi death: US meets Saudi crown prince despite criticism

BBC) A senior US official has held talks with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince in Riyadh, despite growing concern over the Saudis’ role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin met Mohammed bin Salman on Monday.

Turkish officials say Mr Khashoggi was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul after a visit on 2 October.

Saudi officials have given a series of conflicting accounts, but now say a “rogue operation” was to blame.

They initially said Mr Khashoggi had left the consulate on the same day he visited it. Last Friday they admitted for the first time

he was dead and said he had been killed in a “fist fight”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said he will reveal the “naked truth” of the matter in parliament on Tuesday.

What do we know of the Riyadh talks?

Saudi state media reported that Mr Mnuchin and the crown prince had stressed “the importance of the Saudi-US strategic partnership”.

The meeting in the Saudi capital was held behind closed doors and the US has so far made no public comment on the talks.

They were held despite the fact that Mr Mnuchin - like a number of other Western politicians and businessmen - had pulled out of a major investment

Saudi Arabia blamed the killing of Jamal Khashoggi on a “rogue operation”

forum being held in the Saudi capital this week.

President Donald Trump’s latest comment suggests the US is yet to decide on its response.

“I am not satisfied with what I’ve heard,” Mr Trump told reporters at the White House.

But he added: “I don’t want to lose all that investment that’s been made in our country,” referring to the multi-billion-dollar arms deals with Saudi Arabia.

He said: “We’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

Mr Trump also said he had discussed the issue with the Saudi crown prince, seen as the country’s most powerful figure.

The Saudis say they have arrested 18 people, sacked two aides of Mo-

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hammed bin Salman and set up a body, under his leadership, to reform the intelligence agency over the killing.

How has the Saudi version changed?

Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir provided the latest comments, saying the killing was a “rogue operation”.

“We are determined to find out all the facts and we are determined to punish those who are responsible for this murder,” he said.

“The individuals who did this did this outside the scope of their authority,” he added. “There obviously was a tremendous mistake made, and what compounded the mistake was the attempt to try to cover up.”

He said that Saudi Arabia did not know where the

body was.

How high up does the plot go?

Mr Jubeir insisted that the action had not been ordered by the crown prince.

However, Yeni Safak, a media outlet close to Turkey’s government, said it had information showing that the office of the crown prince received four phone calls from the consulate after the killing.

Reuters news agency reported on Sunday it had spoken to a Saudi official who said Mr Khashoggi had died in a chokehold after resisting attempts to return him to Saudi Arabia.

His body was then rolled in a rug and given to a local “co-operator” to dispose of.

A Saudi operative then reportedly donned the journalist’s clothes and left the consulate.

CNN quoted a senior Turkish official as saying a Saudi agent had been captured on surveillance footage dressed as the journalist.

The video appears to show the man leaving the consulate by the back door on the day the journalist was killed, wearing Mr Khashoggi’s clothes, a fake beard and glasses, CNN said.

In another development, Turkish police found a car belonging to the Saudi consulate left in an underground car park in Istanbul.

Turkish media also posted footage apparently showing Saudi consular staff in Istanbul burning documents a day after Mr Khashoggi’s disappearance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Regional leaders stand ready to assist as Trinidad flood crisis continues

(Trinidad Express) Regional leaders have reached out to flood devastated Trinidad and Tobago to offer help.

The Office of the Prime Minister said in a release yesterday that Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has been contacted by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr Keith Mitchell and the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro.

“The regional leadis, we are coping for the ers have expressed their moment through Governconcern for the people of ment agency responses Trinidad and Tobago as and private outpourings we grapple with the effrom persons across the fects of the floods due to nation,” the release statthis unusually protracted. ed period of inclement US Ambassador offer weather. They have all help indicated that they are Meanwhile, the Minon standby to assist the istry of Foreign Affairs people of Trinidad and said yesterday that the Tobago in the event that United States continues requests for assistance to stand in solidarity with are forthcoming.

Trinidad and Tobago in “The Prime Minister the aftermath of the unthanked all the leaders precedented rainfall and for their concern and resulting floods These best wishes and indi- Some Chanka Trace, El Socorro residents seek dry ground on were the sentiments excated that difficult as it Monday via a pirogue. Photo: ROBERT TAYLOR pressed by the newly ap-

pointed Ambassador Joseph N. Mondello, during a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Minister Dennis Moses at the Ministry’s headquarters.

During the meeting, Ambassador Mondello offered his sympathy in the wake of the recent adverse weather which impacted Trinidad and Tobago and expressed his willingness to provide support to the relief efforts in any way that could be facilitated, the release stated, adding that Moses thanked the Ambassador for his kind words and expressed appreciation for the offer.

Trump vows to cut aid over migrant caravan (BBC) President Donald Trump has said the US will “begin cutting off” foreign aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador because of a large convoy of migrants heading north.

Mr Trump criticised the countries on Monday for allowing people to leave the region and come “illegally” to the US. The group is travelling through Mexico, but is still far from the US border.

Human rights organisations have said that cutting aid would make the situation worse.

The president has not specified what money will be cut and it is unclear if such action can be taken by presidential order.

In 2017, Guatemala received over $248m (£191m) in US aid. The same year, Honduras received $175m and El Salvador $115m, according to the US Agency for International Development.

“Cutting aid to refugee-producing countries will only make worse the conditions that displace people in the first place,” said Human Rights Watch on Sunday.

The organisation said root causes must be addressed. “People generally don’t want to leave their homes if they can live normal, safe lives there.”

Though President Trump has accused the migrants of trying to illegally enter the US, many of the families travelling towards the border are seeking asylum.

They say they are fleeing persecution, poverty and

and unknown Middle Easterners”. When he was later pressed by journalists on what this meant, he offered no origin for the claim but invited reporters to investigate for themselves.

Many of those in the caravan are women with children

violence in their home countries.

Women feel safer in a convoy The square in Tapachula - the first major population centre inside Mexico for these migrants - has turned into what looked like a makeshift camp. Along one side, ambulances lined up so medics could treat those who had become sick or got injured on their journey.

Mexicans came to offer food, water and clothes to the many hundreds of Hondurans who rested ahead of the long punishing journey that still remains ahead of them to the US border.

Many women among the group in particular have told us that they could never have made this journey alone, because it would have been too dangerous. So in spite of their tiredness, they are glad to be with others.

But there is a sense that this is no longer just

a convoy of those here in Tapachula, but that there is now a long stream of people stretching back along the route through Guatemala to Honduras, with people stuck at various obstacles and others who are still coming to join this migration.

Why is President Trump reacting so strongly?

Curbing illegal immigration was one of the main campaign promises Mr Trump made when he ran for president.

His Republican Party is facing mid-term elections on 6 November and could be unseated by Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Without offering evidence, Mr Trump has repeatedly suggested the caravan was politically motivated.

On Monday he urged people to blame Democrats for the border crisis, saying: “Remember the mid-terms”.

He also tweeted that the caravan contained “criminals

WHERE ARE THE MIGRANTS NOW? On Sunday, the migrant caravan reached the town of Tapachula, approximately 37km (23 miles) from Mexico’s southern border with Guatemala.

The Mexican authorities had earlier tried to stop them at a border bridge, but some managed to cross into Mexico illegally by boat over the Suchiate river.

“We have sunburn. We have blisters. But we got here. Our strength is greater than Trump’s threats,” migrant Britany Hernández told AFP news agency.

It is expected to take weeks before the caravan reaches the US-Mexico border, according to US media.

One of the closest border crossings in Brownsville, Texas is still over 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away from Tapachula.

The last leg of their journey will also have to wait until Mexico processes the group, and asylum claims can take up to 45 days.

Who are the migrants?

A group of about 1,000 Hondurans set off on foot from a bus terminal in the crime-ridden city of San Pedro Sula on 13 October in an attempt to escape unemployment and the threat of violence.

Many of them had become aware of the caravan after a former lawmaker had published a poster announcing the caravan on Facebook.

News of it quickly spread on social media.

They have since been

joined by other Central American nationals as they crossed Guatemala towards the Mexican border.

The region has one of the highest murder rates in the world and many try to flee gang violence.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

The ‘good life’ through LGEs

PRESIDENT David Granger last Thursday returned to his administration’s familiar theme of ‘The Good Life for all’ when he addressed the Parliament.

This theme has a sense of wellness, from the standpoint of a promise to society for growth and development in personal life and governance.

For many Guyanese, who desire these, this theme was a drawing card. As the government settles in, many are beginning to see evidence of this promise, with some of the programmes and actions having already been undertaken and or completed. But the work must continue.

In his address last Thursday, President Granger outlined some of what the ‘good life’ entails which he listed as: providing every citizen with opportunities to be the best that they can be, while adding that the ‘good life’ is about securing sustained economic prosperity, 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, “President Granger said.

In addition to the areas mentioned by His Excellency, to the student a good life means quality education, reliable electricity supply, being able to afford school supplies, nourishing meals and transportation to and from school. To the worker this means being able to earn income in an environment that is safe and respecting of their labour. The homemaker desires finances to meet the needs of the family. The unemployed sees opportunity for employment with decent pay. The farmer desires bountiful crop and market for the produce. To the vendor it means being able to eke out a decent living. Though the

identifiers are by no means exhausted, they capture the fact that there is no one-sizefits-all to the good life.

The good life also has a communal desire, from which Local Government Elections plays a pivotal role. Every Guyanese desires appropriate, reliable and affordable social services and proper infrastructures. Citizens want to live with low crime rate and feel assured police officers are adequately equipped to respond to challenges. At the environmental level, communities desire an absence of garbage build-up, stagnant water and mosquito infestation.

Guyanese want assur-

ance, through action, that the good life also means elected and appointed officials who abuse their authority will be subject to the rule of law. It is with these in mind many are heartened by the government’s push to hold local government elections which Guyanese have been denied for the entire life of the previous administration.

The good life is also both individualistic and communal, in the home and wider environment. Yet these needs can be met through the embrace of guidelines outlined in the Guyana Constitution, laws and international principles. Article 13 of the Constitution is the best

starting point, since it speaks to inclusionary democracy, requiring the involvement of stakeholders in the management and decision-making processes of the state on matters that impact their lives.

Consequently, President Granger’s call for citizens’ involvement in choosing the best candidates to manage their affairs at the local level must be heeded.

Bottom line is that the good life is underpinned by good governance and this is what had eluded citizens for almost two decades under the previous administration.

They have been counting on this new government to deliver.

Overt attempts at bullying the courts to rule in favour of any particular group is dangerous Dear Editor, OUR politicians have to be careful what they are saying lest they reinforce the belief that for them politics is about raw, naked power and self-aggrandisement, and the only time they unite and are cordial is in attending to their remuneration packages.

The Appeal Court, last week, handed down its decision that the President did not act outside of the scope of the Guyana Constitution in appointing the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, not from a List submitted to him by the Leader of the Opposition. Article 161(2), which identifies how a chairman is arrived at, is very clear-cut.

The first paragraph in this article allows for a name to be extracted from a List, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition to the President, of which he will find “not unacceptable” to him. The second paragraph allows, for where there is failure to satisfy paragraph one, the President to appoint a Judge. Whereas, the first paragraph has in the past been utilised to extract the names for appointment as Chairman, the presence of the second paragraph is not without relevance. Every single article in the Constitution has relevance.

We can argue whether the utilisation of paragraph two was the best approach em-

ployed by President David Granger. Nothing is wrong in exploring this given the general mood in society to create a political space of inclusion, which paragraph one at this juncture in our history may seem better suited. The other argument that Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo may have failed to present a list of complete persons, deemed “fit and proper” for the President to extract a name from, also aids the discourse. The court weighed in on this in its ruling on the case brought by Marcel Gaskin, and offered pertinent advice as to how the two leaders can engage with each other on matters of national import. Arguments should not include attacks on the Justices or the Judiciary The politicians, complaining about the President’s use of paragraph two, must too, take responsibility for ensuring its presence in the Constitution. This acknowledgement escaped Donald Ramotar and Anil Nandlall in their letters to the media. The opportunity was presented during the Constitutional Reform (1999-2001) to excise or make it more explicit. That it has a presence in the Constitution, it is law. And, where both courts have so accepted its presence, it stands until such time a higher court rules otherwise and it is repealed or amended. When it comes to the Rule of Law, we don’t get to cherry pick it

and this is the way it must be.

At the same time, it is encouraging that where dissatisfaction exists on the court’s ruling, the aggrieved will seek to pursue the grievance at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). However, it is noted that even in the attempt to pursue this channel, the effort by Jagdeo to put the CCJ on notice that he expects a particular ruling, lest its credibility will be brought into question. This is a troubling perception and could send the signals that CCJ, like the High and Appeal Courts, will not be allowed the opportunity to function and guided by established principles and existing laws.

Overt attempts at bullying the courts to rule in favour of any particular group, is dangerous because underpinning of the judiciary is the principle that justice is blind. The judicature is supposed to be independent and all efforts must be made to secure and strengthen this, not undermine it.

Instructively, when the court ruled on the interpretation of the qualifying conditions for a person to be considered as a candidate for Chairman-paragraph one of Article 161(2)such ruling was consistent with the extant article, and not Granger’s opinion that that person has to be a judge. The court’s decision received kudos from the political opposition.

As clear-cut as paragraph one is so too is paragraph two.

The politics being employed around this case is reinforcing the importance of the need for constitutional education, not only at the University of Guyana but as part of a National Policy, and ensconced in the education curriculum. Where the politicians will seek to make mileage and further divide us, we need to start cultivating a society where present and future generations will not fall prey, having being empowered to hold politicians to account based on the law. Ignorance of the Constitution works to the politicians’ advantage and the masses detriment.

As the Local Government Elections (LGEs) campaign are heating up it is being noted that one camp is promoting these as an opportunity to take back government, and the other not putting power back in the hands of its opponent. This country belongs to all of us and this nonsense must stop. Political maturity, which the masses are crying out for, would see a campaign of competing ideas that would bring about sound policies and programmes for the benefit of all.

Regards, Lincoln Lewis

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Jagdeo contemptuous of Guyana’s highest court Dear Editor, THE Jagdeo regime (1999 to 2011) had little regard for the law. The phantom squad specialised in extra judicial killings of Guyanese citizens. He spent taxpayers’ money and handed out lands like they were his own. It was a truly lawless time.

Now, today we read that he threw another tantrum on Saturday evening over a ruling by the Court of Appeal that did not go his way. While criticism and comments on court rulings are generally accepted when based on the merits of

the case, legal minds will now consider whether Mr. Jagdeo’s attack on the ruling verges on contempt. He described the decision as a “travesty”. He also branded the three judges’ ruling as “perverse”.

In other words, the judges deliberately ignored the issues in the case to arrive at their decision.

This is a scandalous charge which can be viewed as an attack on the judiciary.

The Leader of the Opposition is setting a disgraceful example to the people of Guyana, as he undermines the rule of law and encourages disrespect for the judiciary.

Of course, with Mr. Jagdeo, this is nothing new. His call on Saturday, putting

the CCJ “on notice” is just a reminder of his disregard for Guyana’s and the Caribbean’s court of last resort. In 2010, he had said there was a conflict of interest within the CCJ because the Chairman of the Trust Fund of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Dr. Rollin Bertrand, was also the Chief Executive Officer of Trinidad Cement Limited (TCL), which recently won a challenge it brought against the Guyana government over the importation of cement. This was even as his (Mr. Jagdeo’s) administration ignored the court’s ruling.

There was also a recent whisper campaign against the CCJ, ahead of

the ruling that barred Mr. Jagdeo from ever contesting the presidency, which centred on the racial composition of the court. It would appear as though Mr. Jagdeo is incapable of coming to grips with the reality that he is no longer the big, bad bully of the Caribbean that he used to be, but now a much diminished and shrivelled, lame duck opposition leader whose days of lawlessness are over.

Regards, Imran Khan Director of Public Information

Drug trade was a central part of national economy APART from the distinguished and erudite, internationally renowned Professor, Dr. Clive Thomas, there is no other Guyanese that can explain Guyana’s economy and its dynamics, better than Mr. Winston Jordan, the Minister of Finance in the current the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC).

His academic record speaks for itself; for he has had his professional training at very reputable western institutions. I stand to be corrected, when I say that he has spent significant years in budget preparations, especially during the Jagdeo years. In fact, he had been responsible for the preparation of virtually all the yearly

estimates, during his years at the Ministry of Finance.

Undoubtedly, he would have occupied a critical vantage point in observing the national economy, especially with regards the composition of the money flow.

This qualifies him to make any statement with regard any aspect of the national economy, such as his recent one that the pre-May 2015 economy was based on the proceeds of the drug trade, but that since post-May 2015 that has ceased. This has solicited a response from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Chairman Deodat Indar, asking for “empirical evidence”.

One agrees that it is the right of Indar to challenge any such statement. After all,

as one of the PSC’s leading representatives, there must be concern, and perhaps anxiety on his part as to what such a statement means for the propriety of his general membership. There are other implications which are sure to have influenced his response to the minister.

The extent of this country’s descent into the abyss of becoming a criminal state, a fact which Professor Thomas had clearly illustrated in a series of articles in his Sunday Stabroek column in the early millennium years, could not have been challenged because of the pin point accurate facts and analysis that supported his contention. It cannot be, because there is no doubt as to the huge volumes of drug money that circulated

Safraz Beekham not a resident of Whim

Dear Editor,

I saw in your newspaper of October 14, that one Safraz Beekham is a Whim resident. This is not true. Beekham is from Letter Kenny.

He is a PPP supporter and NDC candidate who benefited from huge fish ponds by the seaside.

I am the representative of the AFC for the Whim-Bloomfield NDC lists. I want to

make it clear that all of the candidates freely agreed to contest on our lists. Some PPP people wanted to set us up by going on our lists, but we rejected them. Beekham signed as a backer of our lists knowing that he was already a PPP candidate. We removed his name as soon as we were informed that his name was duplicated. A few other names were also replaced. Our lists

are clean, and in spite of the confusion being created by the PPP and their threats against our candidates and supporters, the AFC will win the Local Government Elections (LGEs) in this NDC. Our people want a change from the PPP who are doing nothing for them. They will vote for the key.

Regards, Mavis Nagamootoo

in the local economy, and the other acts of state criminality that had been taking place, and which gave rise to such a brand.

Of course, its natural ally of money laundering flaunted its dirty presence in ways which not only Indar, but all clear minded Guyanese surely would remember. In fact, its criminal proceeds are an ever present reminder as to what this country represented and became, during the rapacious years of PPP/C

governance.

Surely, Indar cannot claim to have been absent from these shores, or even if he had been, not to have followed closely the very frequent reports on the large drug seizures, evidently from syndicates; and those quantum also intercepted from the smaller shippers, although secreted via some ingenious methods. There is no jurisdiction in which such large drug interceptions would have

taken place, and which would have been a deemed transshipment point that its proceeds would not have been pivotal to the particular economy. Surely, if this PSC spokesperson is denying the presence and operation of the drug trade, as he probably is, and its role in Guyana’s economy, then Guyana did not exist prior to May – 2015.

Regards, Dillon Goring

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

BBCI ignores public outcry …says moving ahead with hefty toll increases

THE Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) says it has not shifted its position on the proposed toll increases, despite citizens’ outrage.

Commuters have dubbed the move to impose hefty tolls to use the bridge as unconscionable, but BBCI’s spokesman Kit Nascimento, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, that the bridge company will be moving ahead with the proposed increases.

“Nothing has changed at this point in time,” he said.

According to him, since the last consultative meeting with Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and BBCI on October 11, 2018, the Government has not approached the company.

The announcement was made on October 16 by Chairman of the BBCI Board of Directors Dr. Surendra Persaud, after Minister Patterson had indicated during the October 11th meeting that he will not be signing a toll order to give effect to the increases.

Nascimento said the BBCI, as stated by the Dr. Persaud, will be moving ahead with the increases based on legal advice on the rights and responsibilities of BBCI and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Minister Patterson has sought legal advice on the

matter from the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams and according to the attorney general, the unilateral announcement by BBCI is in breach of the Concession Agreement and Section 4.1 Subsection 2 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, which gives the company the ability to specify the toll increases after consultation with the minister.

The attorney general is maintaining that only the minister could publish in the Gazette, the tolls. As such, he said the increases will be of no effect come November 12 – the set implementation date.

The proposed rates are as follow: Cars: G$8,040; Pickups: G$14,600; 4WD: G$14,600; Minibuses: G$8,040; Small trucks: G$14,600; Medium trucks: G$27,720; Large trucks: G$49,600; Articulated trucks: G$116,680; Freight: G$1,680 and Boats: G$401,040.

Meanwhile, members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce at a recent emergency meeting, expressed their shock, astonishment and anger at the recent amended fare structure put out by the BBCI, and openly wondered if the company wants to strangle the citizens of East Berbice.

The Corentyne chambers in

Board Chairman of BBCI, Dr. Surendra Persaud

a statement said, that with the present economy of East Berbice not quite booming following the closure some sugar estates, it is extremely insulting to the citizens to now be faced with this horrendous increase in fares. As a matter of fact, members of the chamber are asking for the present fare of $2200 for motor cars and buses to be reduced to $1500.

“The biggest issue for Berbicians that the government and the bridge owners have to address is that we cannot afford to pay the present fare, so how can any sane and responsible person want the travelling public to pay an increase in fare of almost 400 per cent?”

“The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, be-

ing cognisant of the fact that the Berbice River Bridge is the only vehicular link to the rest of Guyana, is asking the government to buy out the existing shareholders, since the company is unable to show a profit in operations to guarantee returns to their shareholders. Whilst we are sympathetic to the shareholders of the bridge being a private company and they should have a reasonable rate of return in investment, the bottom line is the people cannot afford it.” The chamber said that the appalling effects of this fare increase, should it be effective, would cripple Berbice and place the citizens in endless misery. “We are calling on the bridge company, the government, and the opposition to urgently have

discussions to find a solution that would entail no increase to Berbicians but a possible decrease in fares.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Chairman David Armogan said that while he is not privileged to the information on how the company arrived at the new rates, they are “extremely ridiculous” and unreasonable. “The people of Berbice will not be able to bear that heavy cost to traverse the bridge. Already, we are in some difficult economic situation in the region and the application of a 450 per cent increase on the bridge rates is going to kill us.”

Ryan Alexander, the president of the Berbice Chambers of Commerce, echoed similar sentiments and believes that if implemented, the new rates will create “havoc” and he called on all relevant stakeholders to unite so a solution can be worked out for the benefit of all. “It is time we stop playing with the economy, it is time for us to be more serious and put our energy and our efforts together for the betterment of the economy, more so, the people of Berbice and Guyana because not only Berbicians use the bridge and it will cost them to dig deep into their pockets. It will definitely

affect trade and will affect people’s livelihood.”

Mohindra Persaud, the president of the Upper Corentyne Chambers of Commerce said he does not think the rates will be implemented since he believes the government will step in.

Persaud said from experience he knows the cost for maintenance for anything increases as it gets older, but feels the BBCI needs to look at other avenues to increase their revenue to help cushion this cost. “No responsible government will want to allow the Berbice Bridge to carry that rate to some 300 and something percent, maybe a small increase but they won’t allow it to happen. I understand the cost of maintenance and interest may be a big cost for the bridge but then there are many ways you can restructure your business model. For instance, like shares and other options to reduce your cost, and that can be worked out, I am almost certain that can be agreed by a responsible government and a responsible owner of the bridge,” Persaud reasoned.

Wakenaam farmer Miner kills friend over cigarettes dies after snake bite A CASH crop farmer from the Island of Wakenaam, Region Three, tragically lost his life after he was bitten by a snake in the backdam.

According to information, the farmer went early Thursday morning to the backdam when he was attacked by a snake, suspected to be a Labaria.

Dead is Jaichand, aka Guana. He died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Thursday evening.

According to a close friend, after being bitten, Jaichand was immediately rushed to the GPHC but doctors could not save his life due to the lack of anti-venom medications.

The friend said that they were told that the hospital does not have the drug and it has to be sourced from Brazil.

The farmer’s body is presently at the GPHC awaiting a post-mortem examination. The elderly man has left to mourn his wife and children.

A 35-year-old miner appeared on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the alleged murder of a colleague during a misunderstanding over cigarettes.

Particulars of the charge detail that last Tuesday at Barakat Backdam on the Mazaruni River, Parsaram Ramnauth of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, murdered another miner named Daniel George.

Ramnauth, who was unrepresented, is claiming self-defence, saying: “Is four men bank meh; all meh eye black-andblue.”

According to police, George and Ramnauth were drinking at a shop when an argument broke out between them over cigarettes.

In the end, Ramnauth apparently got the upper hand as he fatally stabbed George in the abdomen and right eye with a knife.

Ramnauth was remanded prison and the matter adjourned until October 31.

Parsaram Ramnauth

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

BBCI ignores public outcry …says moving ahead with hefty toll increases

THE Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) says it has not shifted its position on the proposed toll increases, despite citizens’ outrage.

Commuters have dubbed the move to impose hefty tolls to use the bridge as unconscionable, but BBCI’s spokesman Kit Nascimento, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, that the bridge company will be moving ahead with the proposed increases.

“Nothing has changed at this point in time,” he said.

According to him, since the last consultative meeting with Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and BBCI on October 11, 2018, the Government has not approached the company.

The announcement was made on October 16 by Chairman of the BBCI Board of Directors Dr. Surendra Persaud, after Minister Patterson had indicated during the October 11th meeting that he will not be signing a toll order to give effect to the increases.

Nascimento said the BBCI, as stated by the Dr. Persaud, will be moving ahead with the increases based on legal advice on the rights and responsibilities of BBCI and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Minister Patterson has sought legal advice on the

matter from the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams and according to the attorney general, the unilateral announcement by BBCI is in breach of the Concession Agreement and Section 4.1 Subsection 2 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, which gives the company the ability to specify the toll increases after consultation with the minister.

The attorney general is maintaining that only the minister could publish in the Gazette, the tolls. As such, he said the increases will be of no effect come November 12 – the set implementation date.

The proposed rates are as follow: Cars: G$8,040; Pickups: G$14,600; 4WD: G$14,600; Minibuses: G$8,040; Small trucks: G$14,600; Medium trucks: G$27,720; Large trucks: G$49,600; Articulated trucks: G$116,680; Freight: G$1,680 and Boats: G$401,040.

Meanwhile, members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce at a recent emergency meeting, expressed their shock, astonishment and anger at the recent amended fare structure put out by the BBCI, and openly wondered if the company wants to strangle the citizens of East Berbice.

The Corentyne chambers in

Board Chairman of BBCI, Dr. Surendra Persaud

a statement said, that with the present economy of East Berbice not quite booming following the closure some sugar estates, it is extremely insulting to the citizens to now be faced with this horrendous increase in fares. As a matter of fact, members of the chamber are asking for the present fare of $2200 for motor cars and buses to be reduced to $1500.

“The biggest issue for Berbicians that the government and the bridge owners have to address is that we cannot afford to pay the present fare, so how can any sane and responsible person want the travelling public to pay an increase in fare of almost 400 per cent?”

“The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, be-

ing cognisant of the fact that the Berbice River Bridge is the only vehicular link to the rest of Guyana, is asking the government to buy out the existing shareholders, since the company is unable to show a profit in operations to guarantee returns to their shareholders. Whilst we are sympathetic to the shareholders of the bridge being a private company and they should have a reasonable rate of return in investment, the bottom line is the people cannot afford it.” The chamber said that the appalling effects of this fare increase, should it be effective, would cripple Berbice and place the citizens in endless misery. “We are calling on the bridge company, the government, and the opposition to urgently have

discussions to find a solution that would entail no increase to Berbicians but a possible decrease in fares.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Chairman David Armogan said that while he is not privileged to the information on how the company arrived at the new rates, they are “extremely ridiculous” and unreasonable. “The people of Berbice will not be able to bear that heavy cost to traverse the bridge. Already, we are in some difficult economic situation in the region and the application of a 450 per cent increase on the bridge rates is going to kill us.”

Ryan Alexander, the president of the Berbice Chambers of Commerce, echoed similar sentiments and believes that if implemented, the new rates will create “havoc” and he called on all relevant stakeholders to unite so a solution can be worked out for the benefit of all. “It is time we stop playing with the economy, it is time for us to be more serious and put our energy and our efforts together for the betterment of the economy, more so, the people of Berbice and Guyana because not only Berbicians use the bridge and it will cost them to dig deep into their pockets. It will definitely

affect trade and will affect people’s livelihood.”

Mohindra Persaud, the president of the Upper Corentyne Chambers of Commerce said he does not think the rates will be implemented since he believes the government will step in.

Persaud said from experience he knows the cost for maintenance for anything increases as it gets older, but feels the BBCI needs to look at other avenues to increase their revenue to help cushion this cost. “No responsible government will want to allow the Berbice Bridge to carry that rate to some 300 and something percent, maybe a small increase but they won’t allow it to happen. I understand the cost of maintenance and interest may be a big cost for the bridge but then there are many ways you can restructure your business model. For instance, like shares and other options to reduce your cost, and that can be worked out, I am almost certain that can be agreed by a responsible government and a responsible owner of the bridge,” Persaud reasoned.

Wakenaam farmer Miner kills friend over cigarettes dies after snake bite A CASH crop farmer from the Island of Wakenaam, Region Three, tragically lost his life after he was bitten by a snake in the backdam.

According to information, the farmer went early Thursday morning to the backdam when he was attacked by a snake, suspected to be a Labaria.

Dead is Jaichand, aka Guana. He died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Thursday evening.

According to a close friend, after being bitten, Jaichand was immediately rushed to the GPHC but doctors could not save his life due to the lack of anti-venom medications.

The friend said that they were told that the hospital does not have the drug and it has to be sourced from Brazil.

The farmer’s body is presently at the GPHC awaiting a post-mortem examination. The elderly man has left to mourn his wife and children.

A 35-year-old miner appeared on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the alleged murder of a colleague during a misunderstanding over cigarettes.

Particulars of the charge detail that last Tuesday at Barakat Backdam on the Mazaruni River, Parsaram Ramnauth of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, murdered another miner named Daniel George.

Ramnauth, who was unrepresented, is claiming self-defence, saying: “Is four men bank meh; all meh eye black-andblue.”

According to police, George and Ramnauth were drinking at a shop when an argument broke out between them over cigarettes.

In the end, Ramnauth apparently got the upper hand as he fatally stabbed George in the abdomen and right eye with a knife.

Ramnauth was remanded prison and the matter adjourned until October 31.

Parsaram Ramnauth

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

‘Stabroek wharf’ vendors get permission to begin construction --Min. Patterson commits to helping out

By Telesha Ramnarine

liament is held.

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on Monday took a decision to allow vendors of the Stabroek Market Wharf to begin construction of their stalls immediately.

This, according to City Engineer Colvern Venture, is even though the relocation site has not yet been fully prepared.

He said that with the overlaying of the road yet to be done, this means that once the vendors would have erected their stalls, they would again need to move in the near future to facilitate the road works.

But Mayor Patricia Chase-Green and other councillors, at the council’s fortnightly statutory meeting, argued Monday that the council is barely left with any other option than to allow the vendors to begin construction immediately.

One of the concerns being raised was that the M&CC does not even have the $4M that contracting firm Chung’s Global is asking to complete the works at the relocation area, which is west of the Public Buildings where par-

ALREADY INDEBTED The M&CC is already indebted to the company for works carried out, and while the contractor has agreed to complete the repair works on credit, he is asking for at least the $4M. Rather than going into further debt to the company, the M&CC has decided that it is best to allow the vendors to return for now and then ask them to “shift down” in the near future, so as to get the other works done.

Mayor Chase-Green spoke with Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson during the course of the statutory meeting, and he indicated his willingness to assist the municipality in completing the works, but not before November 30.

According to ChaseGreen, the minister said he is expecting a supplementary budget for his office, and it is from these funds that he will be able to lend a helping hand. He reportedly said although he is willing to help, he cannot do so at the moment because he has already over-stepped his budget.

It is after the minis-

ter will have handed over this sum of money, which is any time after November 30, that the vendors will be required to move again.

Chairman of the Markets and Public Health Committee, Councillor Trichria Richards said that the overlaying of the road is an important aspect of the works to be done, and indicated that she does not see the sense in allowing the vendors to return and then having to move them again in

C’wealth gears for ... institutional frameworks.

[Guyana] has set, for us, a very good example [in] its ‘Green’ State Strategy,” said Ms. Sapolu.

CAPAM provides an opportunity for government heads within the Commonwealth to exchange innovations in public sector management to promote good governance.

The conference is designed for an international audience of senior public sector managers and administrators. The three-day event will offer insightful dialogue, theoretical and practical knowledge exchange and networking opportunities.

According to a concept paper on the conference, “more and more, it becomes evident that strategic partnerships, consultation across political and bureaucratic boundaries and leading prac-

Monday’s meeting was the last statutory meeting before the holding of upcoming Local Government Elections (LGEs).

At Monday’s statutory meeting

From page 3

matters,” Dr. Hamsa said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Director of the Governance and Peace Directorate of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Ms. Katalaina Sapolu called for policy changes that reflect the urgent need for climate governance.

“The theme… is timely and important given the existential threat posed to humanity by climate change.

The role of the public sector in climate change governance is, therefore, critical and governments are ultimately responsible for the implementation of a ‘green’ international global governance framework. Indeed for governments to meet their commitments to address climate change in accordance with the Paris agreement, the public sector needs to put in place appropriate national strategies, policies, and

the not-too-distant future.

However, in the interest of the welfare of the vendors, whom she said are losing money every day, she urged

tices will advance innovative solutions and support the public service in determining and advising governments on ways to promote economic prosperity while protecting the natural productivity of our world.”

The note explains that with many regions experiencing both shared and unique climate challenges, effective and efficient climate governance must occur across government systems and sectors and industries to better tackle complex environmental matters.

In attendance was Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Service, Rupert Roopnaraine, members of the diplomatic community and international officials.

that the municipality allow the contractor to work on credit.

VERY UNHAPPY “I’d be one unhappy councillor knowing that we brought no relief to those vendors,” Councillor Heston Bostwick said.

Other councillors, namely Gregory Fraser, Bishram Kuppen, Welton Clarke, Ron Persaud, among others, argued in favour of the vendors being allowed to begin earning as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between vendors and

the 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 at the wharf, in spite of the threat it poses to their lives, and in spite of the City Engineer’s warning that the facility is in a dire state and persons need to move.

Acting Town Clerk, Sharon Harry has said that the MoU will be signed this week, and that after that is done, the vendors will then be allocated a spot to begin construction.

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.

Additionally, the M&CC has also promised 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.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

Local ‘agri’ scientists urged to do more research

By Clifford Stanley Agriculture scientists and researchers were on Monday urged to redouble their efforts to bridge the gap between theory and practice while enabling producers to adopt the technologies necessary for green agricultural development.

The call was made by Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder , during the opening ceremony of a two-day research conference hosted by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos.

The conference is being held under the theme: “Agriculture, Guyana’s pathway to a

green economy.”

The conference is being attended by farmers and farmers’ organisations, chairpersons of boards of agencies of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), directors of the various MoA boards, heads of agencies such as the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), the Guyana Sugar

utilisation of same.”

He stressed that given these challenges; research will play a crucial role in providing a sound base for the development and implementation of Guyana’s agricultural policy.

“This is a means to ensure food and nutrition security in a changing world amid the combined pressures of climate change, resource scarcity, biodiversity decline,

promote green agricultural development is documented as a guide to future sustainable actions/programs to be developed for the agricultural sector in support of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

Dr. Chesney disclosed that the Board of NAREI is re-organising to significantly contribute to a modern

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder delivers the feature address at the Research Conference

Some participants at day one of the two-day conference

Corporation (GUYSUCO), scientists and students of the Guyana School of Agriculture and the University of Guyana.

Other speakers at the opening ceremony were Dr. Oudho Homenauth, Chief Executive Officer of NAREI and Dr. Patrick Chesney, Chairman of the Board Directors of NAREI. Minister Holder noted that the agricultural sub-sector has many opportunities for improving food security, job creation and business prospects for both the hinterland and coastland.

He added: “However we are faced with significant challenges that require solutions based on research and innovation. These challenges necessitate the creation of new adapted green technologies for agriculture and innovation for modernisation.”

He also added: “additionally we must always remember that our work is not only limited to the production and supply of enough food but also the safe and healthy

malnutrition shifting demographics and migration.”

He also urged the research scientists to be futuristic and to be transformative in their research given Guyana’s imminent emergence as a major oil and gas producer.

Dr. Homenauth stressed that the greening of agriculture refers to the increasing use of farming practices and technologies that simultaneously: Maintain and increase agricultural productivity and profitability while ensuring the capacity for provision of food and the health of the ecosystem.

• Services on a sustainable basis; • Reduce negative externalities and gradually lead to positive ones; • Rebuild ecological resources (i.e. soil, water, air and biodiversity natural capital assets) by reducing pollution and using resources more efficiently.

He said that the main aim of the conference was to ensure that a synopsis of the current initiatives to

agricultural sector through use of environmentally friendly, innovative and relevant research methods and tools for development.

He said: “Food and agriculture are drivers of economic growth and wellbeing and we must find ways to work together to achieve those objectives.”

The two keynote presentations on the first day were: Agriculture Health and Food Safety by Mr. Wilmot Garnett, Country Representative of the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the other presentation by Dr. Chesney, this time on the topic of hinterland agriculture-Guyana’s new agricultural frontier.

The conference continues today with presentations by researchers on topics such as the GSDS, climate smart practices, improving production and productivity, green agricultural practices and agricultural health and food safety practices.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Gov't gifts Regions 5, 6 farming equipment MINISTER of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally, on Sunday, delivered on government’s promise to provide much-needed farming equipment to farmers of Hamlet Chance Village, West Coast Berbice and Crabwood Creek, East Berbice- Corentyne.

The farmers had made a request to the Ministry of Social Protection for farming equipment and on Sunday, Minister Ally visited both communities to make good on the government’s promise.

Among the items handed over were a water pump, spades, and forks. “The President is advocating for people to go back to the land, for them to farm and the government is willing to give support to small farmers to facilitate this process,” said Minister Ally.

During her visit to both villages, she spoke with farmers about their challenges and possible solutions to alleviate the problems. The farmers expressed gratitude to the government for the provision of the much-needed

Some of the farmers listening attentively to Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally ( not in picture) . Some of the donated farming equipment are at left

Minister Ally hands over a bicycle, made available under PETS to this student

equipment.

Meanwhile, while at

Crabwood Creek, Minister Ally presented a bicycle to a

student as part of the Public Education Transport Service (PETS). In 2015, President David Granger launched the PETS, which was popularly known as the Three Bs’ Initiative, to provide equal

access to education for all children.

The initiative was born out of the recognition that many parents found it costly to send their children to school. To date, over 1,300

bicycles have been distributed to school children and 28 school buses and nine boats have been given to communities across the country to enable children to attend school. (DPI)

‘Never give up on your dreams, or your God’ –new Attorney-at-law Kezia Campbell

Attorney-at-Law Kezia Campbell being sworn in

TWENTY-five-year-old Kezia Campbell sent praises up to God as she stood before Justice Brassington Reynolds who, on Monday afternoon, granted the application for her to be admitted to the bar of Guyana.

This young multi-faceted woman credited all her achievements to the Almighty, her supportive fami-

ly, friends and husband.

The now attorney at law is a product of Stella Maris Primary, Queens College and the University of Guyana.

During her 25 years of existence, Kezia accomplished a myriad of achievements, having been involved in both academic and extra-curricular activities.

Petitioning on her behalf, Ret’d Justice Stanley Moore

S.C, stated that during her school years, Campbell was deeply involved in debating competitions, impromptu speech and sports, specifically track events.

This activeness in school, however, served as no hindrance to her academic performance, as she would have graduated with 14 subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate; 10 of

which were grade ones, three twos and one three. Moore said Kezia went on to sit nine units at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam, highlighting also that she was the Head Prefect at the said school.

Volunteerism and Development also played a pivotal role in her life, as she would have worked closely with the Guyana Responsible Parent Association and United Nations Operation Fund. Kezia was also selected as one of Guyana’s two national youth delegates in the Commonwealth Youth Council, and served as an English tutor in Cusco, Peru, for a short period. Those are but a few of the reputable achievements and involvement by this young woman.

“Upon completing her Secondary education, she cultivated an interest in law and development. In 2012, she enrolled in the International Relations programme at UG. After securing a 3.7 GPA in her first year, she answered the call which best suited her varied and unique

talents and made the switch to law,” Moore said.

He added that the scholar maintained a solid GPA, while still finding the time to participate in extra-curricular activities at UG and graduated with distinction.

Kezia was amongst the top 25 who gained automatic entry to the Hugh Wooding Law School, where she completed her two years and graduated with honours.

“Having listened to the very persuasive observations so eloquently made by Mr. Moore on behalf of the applicant, and having satisfied myself initially from the facts posted in the affidavit in support of the application, I satisfied myself that the applicant is quite eminently qualified and to say first, I am pleased to accept, without any reservations whatsoever, the respectful petition for admission to practise as an attorney at law in the courts of Guyana,” Justice Reynolds said before formally and official admitting Kezia Campbell to the bar.

Justice Reynolds advised

Attorney-at-Law Kezia Campbell

the young woman not to treat today’s achievement as the end of the road, but to treat it rather as the beginning of a new journey to the real summit. He said, also, that great is expected of her.

He added that from her petition, he deemed that at a very tender age she was destined for great things, and her admission is without doubt a significant point in the evolution of what can be a very wonderful career.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

NAREI to be reorganised –for greater efficiency, effectiveness

By Clifford Stanley THE recently installed Board of Governors of the National Agricultural and Extension Institution (NAREI) intends to reorganise the entity to improve all-round quality, and widen the scope of its agricultural research offer.

Chairman of the B o a r d D r. P a t r i c k Chesney has disclosed that some changes have already been made, and more are to follow at the conclusion of a soon-to-be-held programme planning retreat to develop

NAREI’s strategic plan for the next five years.

Dr. Chesney said that agricultural research is expensive, and that so far, the tax payers of Guyana and occasionally international and regional development partners have supported the growing expenditure, but that going forward, NAREI must become more efficient and effective in the execution of its mandate.

He disclosed that under the guidance of the recently installed Board for 20182020, the critical elements of the NAREI research offer

is expected to be as follows: * Centralised and sub-national laboratory services in the fields of soil science, plant nutrition, crop protection, seed science and technologies and plant genetic resources management; * landscape ecology and management services to assess and respond to the multidimensional challenges of climate change, land degradation, and pollution of watersheds. * Seed production, storage and supply system as well as crop improvement

of native plants of economic importance. Non-native crop plants will be on 100% cost-recovery basis. * Agricultural data and information analytics to aid evidence-based decision making, intellectual property rights, patenting.

He said, too, that Article 16 of the Constitution of Guyana speaks to Co-operativism as the dynamic principle of socialist transformation and shall pervade and inform all interrelationships in the society.

“Co-operativism,” he said, “is rooted in the his-

Chairman of the Board Dr. Patrick Chesney

torical experience of the people; is based on self-reliance; is capable of releasing the productive energies of the people; and is a unifying principle in the total development of the nation.”

He said that Article 36 States also: “In the interests of the present and future generations, the State will protect and make rational use of its land, mineral and water resources, as well as its fauna and flora, and will take all appropriate measures to conserve and improve the environment.”

He added: “On your behalf, farmers and farmers’ organisms, it is my intention as Chairman to ask the NAREI Board to support the installation and wise use of co-operative and collaborative research infrastructure and programs in all the administrative regions.”

This, he said, will establish the universality of NAREI-coordinated food

and agricultural research at the sub-national level and increase impact because it directly caters to your needs.

He added: “I am advised that NAREI has a presence in all regions, so the transformation ought not to be difficult.”

He also announced a decision to reverse an unwise and unpatriotic and unilateral decision by NAREI to withdraw the services of researchers to lecture at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA).

He said: “I am here to tell the GSA that the NAREI Board has heard the cry of your CEO and has resoundingly agreed to restore GSA’s access to NAREI’s researchers.”

He also announced plans for a young researcher fellowship programme to support the transformation of NAREI into a world-class institute and service.

No bail for taxi driver caught with ‘weed’ A TAXI driver was on M o n d a y re m a n d e d t o prison by Magistrate Judy Latchman for possession of marijuana.

Marlon Benn, 25, of Guyhoc Park, denied the charge which alleged that last Monday, at Plum Park Sophia, he had in his possession 46 grams of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the police, ranks acting on a tip-off swooped down on the said

location where the defendant was caught red-handed. The defendant had in his possession a blue bag which contained what looked suspiciously like marijuana in several Ziploc bags.

At the behest of police prosecutor Quinn Harris, bail was refused because of the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it attracts, and the defendant, who was unrepresented, was remanded to prison until October 30.

13

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Shell brings Ferrari excitement to Guyana –as brand celebrates 70 years in the business

Shell models with a Ferrari printout

SOL Guyana Inc, a Shell Licensee and distributor of Shell fuels through a network of Shell-branded Service Stations, has brought the celebrations of Ferrari’s 70th anniversary to Guyana with its new Classic Ferrari rewards programme.

This programme was

launched on Monday at the company’s Vlissengen Road service station, and according to Sol Fuel Marketing Manager, Aisha Lockhart, it will afford patrons the opportunity to collect all five Ferrari classic model cars.

She said, too, that it would be “doubly-rewarding” for customers, as they

will benefit from using the Shell V-Power or Shell FuelSave while collecting the classic cars.

“We love exciting our customers; and having these Ferrari classics as rewards for using Shell fuels is a win-win experience that delivers allround value,” Lockhart said.

And since Shell has had

Some of Sol Guyana’s stakeholders at Monday’s launch of the new promotion

a partnership with the car manufacturer, Ferrari, the company has decided to use the opportunity to give back to customers, she added.

The rewards programme runs from October 22 to December 2, 2018 or while stocks last. To be part of the promotion, motorists need to collect four coupons and submit them to the gas stations to

receive a model car.

A purchase of $3,000 worth of Shell V-Power or Shell FuelSave earns a custome one coupon. There are five iconic model cars up for grabs, and one will be released each week.

The Sol Group of companies operates in 23 countries across the Eastern Caribbean, namely Jamaica, Puerto Rico,

Haiti, Dominican Republic, Bermuda, Bahamas, Cayman, Belize, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Sol supplies fuels, lubricants, bitumen and LPG through an extensive service station network, with marine, aviation and commercial operations in the Caribbean.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

New attorney on a mission to fight for human rights in Trinidad as one of two Guyanese on the Principal’s Roll of Honour, together with awards for Best Performance by a Student from Guyana, The Book Specialist Prize and the Ronnie Boodoosingh Human Rights Prize.

Hamid is now admitted, since over the past year, he spent his time at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, United Kingdom, read-

how suitable human rights law can be to protect the interests of the oppressed and is the perfect catalyst to effect positive change and to uphold principles of equality and fairness.

Petitioning the court on Hamid’s behalf, Attorney-at-law, Mr. Glenn Hanoman said that Many assumed Hamid would pursue a Masters in Oil and Gas, however he noted that

lations among my fellow attorneys, to represent the best interest of my clients and to be a relic for justice in our society.”

Regarding his short term goals as a new attorney-at-law, he intends to garner some experience by practicing in the area of criminal law. He is currently concerned with the human rights issues related to child

(From left to right) New Attorney-at-Law, Saeed Hamid, Justice Simone Morris Ramlall, and Attorney-at-law Mr. Glenn Hanoman

“I WILL look to the law to respectfully and effectively articulate the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Guyana.”

Those were the words

of the newly admitted Attorney-at-law, Mr. Saeed Hamid, during his address to the court before Justice Simone Morris Ramlall last Friday.

The 25-year-old is a product of the St. Roses High School, who ventured into the field of law, and last year graduated from the Hugh Wooding Law School

Centre - Saeed Hamid and Justice Simone Morris Ramlall, posing with Hamid’s relatives

ing for his Master of Laws in Human Rights. With the same dedication and commitment at law school, Hamid was able to secure straight A’s and is expected to graduate with First Class Honours in November.

He said that his interest in human rights law was awakened during his time at the Hugh Wooding Law School, serving as President of the Human Rights Committee and student attorney at the Human Rights Specialist Law Clinic, where he did extensive work on domestic violence. He noted

Human Rights Law incorporates many issues in society and there are environmental and social concerns which arise from oil and gas sectors worldwide which may be remedied by a knowledge of human rights law.

The young man credits hard work, determination and a strong support system for his achievements.

Hamid went on to thank his friends and family, and made a personal commitment to “uphold the ethics of this noble profession, to carry myself with dignity always, to foster good re-

abuse, sexual abuse, heavy penalties associated with youth justice and detention.

His long term goals however, include assisting in legislative reform, human rights consultancy, giving back to the University of Guyana at some point in his career and perhaps work at the United Nations.

Hamid concluded his remarks to the court by citing the words of the late John F. Kennedy “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Caught robbing the till --but she doesn’t know it yet A 39-YEAR-OLD woman appeared on Monday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for fraud.

The charge alleges that last Friday, while a clerk at the Royal Castle David Rose Street, South Ruimveldt branch, Yurette Persaud fraudulently obtained the sum of $2,200, property of the

company.

Of course, she denied doing so, even though the facts state that on the day in question, she was working the 16:00h shift in the ‘Drive-thru’ section when the supervisor, while monitoring staff via the cameras, noticed that she made a sale and instead of putting the money in the cash register

she allegedly put it in the waist of her pants.

When confronted by the supervisor and a search was carried out on her person, there was $2,200 neatly tucked away in Persaud’s pants waist. When asked about the money, the woman claimed that it was the tips she’d made for the day.

She was released on $20,000 bail, and the matter adjourned until tomorrow (Wednesday).

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

Several injured following gas leak at PSI …Fisheries dept. to launch investigation

OVER a dozen Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc. employees were rushed to the Woodlands Hospital, Georgetown, after an alleged gas leak left some persons in an unconscious state on Monday.

Details of the gas leak at the Mc Doom, East Bank Demerara location of the fisheries, remain sketchy, but, workers have confirmed that a gas leak did occur reportedly at around 14:00h on Monday. The name of the gas has not been verified.

“I just went in deh, and I see a young lady fall down in the compound,” a male employee who had assisted in rushing some of his colleagues to the private hospital in the city, told the Guyana Chronicle.

Another employee, who declined to disclose her name over fear of losing her job, told this newspaper that she was in the Glazing Department when she realised that something was wrong.

“We just start smelling gas, at first it wasn’t that high but the gas in the air got stronger and stronger, and people start falling down,” she related.

According to her, among those severely affected were three pregnant women and persons with asthma. Those in the Glazing Department

were instructed by their supervisor to evacuate the building.

“We ran out in the compound but the smell was still strong,” the employee said, as she recalled seeing more persons collapsing.

Another female employee added, “one of the pregnant woman fall down on she belly, so we had to rush she to the hospital.”

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the PSI Mc Doom facilities, workers who were standing on the road were tight lipped about the incident. A request to speak with a senior representative of the company was met with objection, and according to the guard on duty, nothing had occurred at the facility.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture when contacted by this newspaper was unaware of the incident as they had received no report of a gas leak or gas explosion. However, Chief Fisheries Officer Denzil Roberts said that although no report was made, the Department of Fisheries will be launching an investigation.

Scenes from the Woodlands Hospital where employees of Pritipaul Singh Investment Inc. were taken for medical attention, after several of them fainted during an alleged gas leak (Photos by Delano Williams)

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

Vandals deface newly-laid concrete road at Port Kaituma

FOR the first time in its history, the roads at Port Kaituma in the North West District are being paved with concrete, but residents say that that moves are afoot to sabotage the project.

Last week, residents welcomed the new landscape feature which saw the contracting firm, International Imports and Supplies, upgrading the mud roads at Central Port Kaituma to concrete. The firm is working on two projects simultaneously in the community, as in the past, residents had protested the impassable state of the roadways there.

Late last week, one day after the workers attached to the firm laid the foundation and placed concrete on the roadway, persons in the area noted

that a motorist drove over the concrete which was not fully compacted.

This occurred overnight on Friday, and reports are that the perpetrator removed the barricades from both sides of the project before proceeding to drive over the work area.

Residents reacted in disgust, as some noted that the act may have been politically motivated, since many persons have been questioning the functions of the Matarkai Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC). That body has responsibility for undertaking rehabilitation works to internal roads within the area, and among its mandate is to determine ways and means of generating funds for such works.

This is one of several

of its responsibilities which it has failed to honour.

Residents have reported over the weekend that the road upgrade is a change that is welcomed, and many said that they will be monitoring the works being undertaken.

Residents are also on the lookout for persons who may wish to interfere with the on-going project.

In 2017, the con tracting firm was awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of road from Port Kaituma to Matthew’s Ridge Phase Two, at a cost of approximately $334.3M and another project, the rehabilitation of Port Kaituma Road from Airstrip to Fitzburg Housing Scheme at a cost of G$16M.

The damaged section of the road which is undergoing rehabilitative works

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Guyana positioned to be climate change leader GUYANA was on Monday commended for its vision of a Green State Development Strategy at the launch of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) 2018 Biennial Conference.

The conference at the Marriott Hotel is being held under the theme “Transforming the Public Sector for Climate Governance.”

CAPAM Chief Executive Officer, Gay Hamilton remarked that with the discovery of oil and gas, coupled with a largely

untouched forest, Guyana is “at a crossroads with a unique opportunity to integrate economic growth and still be a climate-conscious country. I think they would be well positioned to be an exemplar to many other countries in the world which maybe have gone past that point and need to readjust.”

Over the next three days, over 200 delegates from Commonwealth nations are going to be engaged on the topic of climate change.

Hamilton stated that climate change is being focused on

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson

because it is “permeating every part of the fabric of our society,” while noting that “public servants need to be prepared for that transformation.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency’s Department of Public Service, Reginald Brotherson, noted that Guyana having the “opportunity to play host to the Commonwealth, is bringing to light the issues we have with climate change.” He remarked that in this regard, the country has the necessary experience to lend

support to CAPAM. “As a country that is being managed also by public servants, we figure that our contribution, our experiences to share with CAPAM, will be very ideal for the movement and moving it forward,” Brotherson said.

The permanent secretary disclosed that at the conclusion of the conference, he hopes that Guyana can “borrow and learn new things” through the “sharing of experiences and cross-fertilisation of ideas” to better manage the environment. (DPI)

Guyana receives climate landscape analysis for children from UNICEF MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, on Monday received the first Climate Landscape Analysis for Children (CLAC) to be presented in the South American Region from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The report which was presented by UNICEF’s Representative to Guyana, Ms. Sylvie Fouet, is an assessment of the impact climate, energy and the environment have on Guyanese children.

In receiving the report, Minister Harmon said the Government of Guyana views the document as important, while noting that the

handing over is timely as the administration is in the process of finalising its Green State Development Strategy.

“Climate Change is very important to Guyana and it is important that we educate our people from the lowest level coming up. Climate Change and the Green State Development Strategy are all matters which are of current concern,” the Minister of State stated.

Further, Minister Harmon said, “Climate Change is not just another buzz word, but it is something that affects the lives of all of all Guyanese.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Fouet said environmental aware-

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon (right) makes a point to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Guyana, Ms. Sylvie Fouet and United Nations Children’s Fund, Emergency Specialist, Mr. Ian Jones, during a discussion on the Climate Landscape Analysis for Children today

Breast cancer No. 1 killer for cancer deaths among women in Caribbean Breast cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths among Caribbean females, accounting for 14%-30% of cancer deaths.

This disease has a significant impact on women’s health and is two times higher in the Caribbean compared to the USA. “The large number of deaths from breast cancer is very alarming since they are mostly preventable.

Breast cancer can be detected early and treated successfully. It can be prevented through education, screening, early detection, accurate diagnosis and treatment,” said Dr. Virginia Asin-Oostburg, Director, Surveillance Caribbean Public Health Agency, as the Agency observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast and can affect both men and women, but it’s far more common in women. It’s never too early to take personal responsibility and control of your health.

Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. Dr. Asin-Oostburg encourages women “to act now to lower your chance of getting cancer. Get tested. Detection of the disease is not a death sentence.” She further stated, “There’s a good chance of recovery if it’s detected in its early stages.”

The exact causes of breast cancer aren’t fully understood. However, there are certain factors known to increase the risk of breast

cancer. These include: age – the risk increases as you get older; q family history of breast cancer; a previous diagnosis of breast cancer; being overweight or obese; a previous benign breast lump and excessive use of alcohol.

Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way toward reducing cancer risks and the associated personal and financial costs. Prevention measures include avoiding use of tobacco, limiting alcohol use, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, keeping a healthy weight, and being physically active.

To understand and assess the burden of cancer, and provide a foundation for cancer control plans and effective public health interventions, it is critical to establish reliable cancer surveillance systems in the Region.

CARPHA said it is committed to working with its Member States and key partners to reduce the burden of cancer in the Region.

Earlier this year, CARPHA and the International Agency for Cancer research (IARC) launched the IARC Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub. The hub seeks to strengthen cancer surveillance by building capacity for cancer registration in the Region. Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed in October, is an annual international health campaign which seeks to increase awareness of the disease.

ness among youth is very important and hopes that there would be continued consultations with the youth on the subject. “What I like the most is that we have been supported by the Office of Climate Change (OCC) and more than 21 agencies in Guyana opened their doors [to us] … so it is a very comprehensive review, ” Ms. Fouet said of the analysis while committing to strengthening UNICEF’s relationship with the OCC and other stakeholders.

The CLAC study is the first of its kind to be presented in the South American Region.

Barbados starts laying off public sector workers BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Barbados government on Monday announced that it has started its programme for restructuring the public service and for reducing expenditure as it seeks to turn around an ailing economy.

Head of the Civil Service, Dr. Louis Woodroffe said that persons affected by the “adjustment exercise” are being given a package which includes an exit cheque for vacation leave, severance, and any other entitlements at the time.

“Some categories of workers have already been given a package in line with the enunciated procedures, notably, security guards who were informed last Friday, October 19, and given the package, including their cheques.”

Last week, Prime Min-

ister Mia Amor Mottley said at least 1, 500 public workers would be laid off over the next few weeks, even as she acknowledged that sending home one worker “is too many”.

She said the job cuts will affect workers in central government and government entities.

“We give the country the assurance that while we do not have the exact number because we are following process rather than arithmetical deductions, we know that it is unlikely to be more than 1,500 people over the course of the next few weeks. But, regrettably, one is too many,” she said, while detailing a wide-ranging plan to cushion the fallout.

Woodroffe said that the process for other departmental posts which are being affected will be completed by Wednesday,

with workers to be affected coming from the Ministry of Transport, Works and Maintenance and the Post Office Department.

“With respect to general service posts, the termination process will commence today, and is also expected to be completed by Wednesday,” he said, adding that the layoff process is one of the most challenging in any restructuring process.

“The Government is making every effort to ensure that these public officers are given the necessary support to assist them in going forward. This will include opportunities for retraining to allow them to provide services to Government, including, the digitising of Government records, as was recently announced by Prime Minister Mottley,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

CDB, UWI sign historic cooperation pact

FORMALISING their longstanding relationship, which spans several decades, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last Friday to strengthen evidence-based decision making for economic and social policy issues relevant to the Caribbean Region.

The MoU supports a stronger partnership between

the bank and the university on programmes and projects, CDB said in a release.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the bank’s headquarters in Barbados, CDB President, Dr. Warren Smith, hailed the agreement as a vital step, which will allow for deeper collaboration and cooperation on critical issues facing the Region.

“With the signing of this MoU, we are cementing almost 50 years of collaboration and cooperation,

broadening the strategic focus of our collaboration, and creating new pathways for deepening our relationship. CDB is energised by the opportunities it presents for knowledge-sharing, research and innovation, and is pleased to partner with the UWI in this enterprise. We look forward to strengthening our decades-long partnership and to taking our collaboration to even higher levels for the benefit of our Region,” he said.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice Chancellor, the UWI (left) and Dr. William Warren Smith, President, CDB (right) sign an MoU to support a stronger partnership between the two institutions, while Diana Wilson Patrick, General Counsel, CDB (centre) looks on. The signing ceremony took place at CDB’s Headquarters in Barbados on October 19, 2018.

Vice-Chancellor of the UWI, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, described the CDB as a valued partner in advancing the development of the Region, which is the primary mandate of the university. He said, “It is undeniable that this region is currently faced with fundamental issues of inequality, economic growth, technological advancements, democracy and social justice.

At this moment the Caribbean Region demands sustainable, regional solutions, birthed out of partnerships such as this one. In the conceptualisation and implementation of its current strategic plan, deemed The Triple A Strategy, the UWI’s mandate focuses on revitalising Caribbean development. The

MoU signed today re-emphasises our commitment and dedication to advancing the well-being of our Caribbean people.”

The MoU covers shared priorities such as promoting youth development and community inclusion through sport, improving implementation capacity and developing joint training and educational programmes. CDB and the UWI have ongoing partnerships that support the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, including projects in areas such as climate adaptation and mitigation, gender equality, and education and training. In 2013, the bank approved a US13 million project to support the expansion and rehabilitation

of the UWI’s open campus locations in Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It also invested in the development of UWItv and in 2018, approved funding to enhance the UWI’s new Faculty of Sport.

The MoU is also significant as the UWI celebrates its milestone 70th anniversary. Given its position as a global university rooted in the Caribbean with established centres in North America, Asia, and Africa, the UWI is intent on fostering Caribbean-focused partnerships like this one with the CDB as it seeks to maintain its leadership role in supporting the development of competitive Caribbean economies.

Gunshot to chest killed Mon Repos handyman – Autopsy CHRISTOPHER Swamy who was killed at his Lot 161 Mon Repos Pasture, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home on Sunday, died as a result a gunshot wound to the left chest, an autopsy done Monday confirmed.

The post mortem report noted that a warhead was recovered from the chest of the 30- year-old father of two, who was a handyman.

The police have arrested a suspected bandit as investigations continue into the murder of Swamy.

Reports indicate that Swamy, his wife and her sister, along with Rawle Williams, 28, and his spouse Marcia Williams, 38, also

Dead: Christopher Swamy

residents of Mon Repos, ECD, were “liming” and imbibing in front of the home

of the deceased. It was then that they were pounced upon by two masked men, one brandishing a handgun.

The bandits allegedly relieved Marcia of her cellphone and a sum of cash; they also lashed her husband, Rawle, on his head and shot Swamy in the left region of his chest, after which they fled the scene.

Christopher and Rawle were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), but Christopher was pronounced dead on arrival and Rawle was treated and admitted in a stable condition.

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

BBCI ignores public outcry …says moving ahead with hefty toll increases

THE Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) says it has not shifted its position on the proposed toll increases, despite citizens’ outrage.

Commuters have dubbed the move to impose hefty tolls to use the bridge as unconscionable, but BBCI’s spokesman Kit Nascimento, told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, that the bridge company will be moving ahead with the proposed increases.

“Nothing has changed at this point in time,” he said.

According to him, since the last consultative meeting with Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and BBCI on October 11, 2018, the Government has not approached the company.

The announcement was made on October 16 by Chairman of the BBCI Board of Directors Dr. Surendra Persaud, after Minister Patterson had indicated during the October 11th meeting that he will not be signing a toll order to give effect to the increases.

Nascimento said the BBCI, as stated by the Dr. Persaud, will be moving ahead with the increases based on legal advice on the rights and responsibilities of BBCI and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Minister Patterson has sought legal advice on the

matter from the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams and according to the attorney general, the unilateral announcement by BBCI is in breach of the Concession Agreement and Section 4.1 Subsection 2 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, which gives the company the ability to specify the toll increases after consultation with the minister.

The attorney general is maintaining that only the minister could publish in the Gazette, the tolls. As such, he said the increases will be of no effect come November 12 – the set implementation date.

The proposed rates are as follow: Cars: G$8,040; Pickups: G$14,600; 4WD: G$14,600; Minibuses: G$8,040; Small trucks: G$14,600; Medium trucks: G$27,720; Large trucks: G$49,600; Articulated trucks: G$116,680; Freight: G$1,680 and Boats: G$401,040.

Meanwhile, members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce at a recent emergency meeting, expressed their shock, astonishment and anger at the recent amended fare structure put out by the BBCI, and openly wondered if the company wants to strangle the citizens of East Berbice.

The Corentyne chambers in

Board Chairman of BBCI, Dr. Surendra Persaud

a statement said, that with the present economy of East Berbice not quite booming following the closure some sugar estates, it is extremely insulting to the citizens to now be faced with this horrendous increase in fares. As a matter of fact, members of the chamber are asking for the present fare of $2200 for motor cars and buses to be reduced to $1500.

“The biggest issue for Berbicians that the government and the bridge owners have to address is that we cannot afford to pay the present fare, so how can any sane and responsible person want the travelling public to pay an increase in fare of almost 400 per cent?”

“The Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, be-

ing cognisant of the fact that the Berbice River Bridge is the only vehicular link to the rest of Guyana, is asking the government to buy out the existing shareholders, since the company is unable to show a profit in operations to guarantee returns to their shareholders. Whilst we are sympathetic to the shareholders of the bridge being a private company and they should have a reasonable rate of return in investment, the bottom line is the people cannot afford it.” The chamber said that the appalling effects of this fare increase, should it be effective, would cripple Berbice and place the citizens in endless misery. “We are calling on the bridge company, the government, and the opposition to urgently have

discussions to find a solution that would entail no increase to Berbicians but a possible decrease in fares.”

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Regional Chairman David Armogan said that while he is not privileged to the information on how the company arrived at the new rates, they are “extremely ridiculous” and unreasonable. “The people of Berbice will not be able to bear that heavy cost to traverse the bridge. Already, we are in some difficult economic situation in the region and the application of a 450 per cent increase on the bridge rates is going to kill us.”

Ryan Alexander, the president of the Berbice Chambers of Commerce, echoed similar sentiments and believes that if implemented, the new rates will create “havoc” and he called on all relevant stakeholders to unite so a solution can be worked out for the benefit of all. “It is time we stop playing with the economy, it is time for us to be more serious and put our energy and our efforts together for the betterment of the economy, more so, the people of Berbice and Guyana because not only Berbicians use the bridge and it will cost them to dig deep into their pockets. It will definitely

affect trade and will affect people’s livelihood.”

Mohindra Persaud, the president of the Upper Corentyne Chambers of Commerce said he does not think the rates will be implemented since he believes the government will step in.

Persaud said from experience he knows the cost for maintenance for anything increases as it gets older, but feels the BBCI needs to look at other avenues to increase their revenue to help cushion this cost. “No responsible government will want to allow the Berbice Bridge to carry that rate to some 300 and something percent, maybe a small increase but they won’t allow it to happen. I understand the cost of maintenance and interest may be a big cost for the bridge but then there are many ways you can restructure your business model. For instance, like shares and other options to reduce your cost, and that can be worked out, I am almost certain that can be agreed by a responsible government and a responsible owner of the bridge,” Persaud reasoned.

Wakenaam farmer Miner kills friend over cigarettes dies after snake bite A CASH crop farmer from the Island of Wakenaam, Region Three, tragically lost his life after he was bitten by a snake in the backdam.

According to information, the farmer went early Thursday morning to the backdam when he was attacked by a snake, suspected to be a Labaria.

Dead is Jaichand, aka Guana. He died while receiving treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Thursday evening.

According to a close friend, after being bitten, Jaichand was immediately rushed to the GPHC but doctors could not save his life due to the lack of anti-venom medications.

The friend said that they were told that the hospital does not have the drug and it has to be sourced from Brazil.

The farmer’s body is presently at the GPHC awaiting a post-mortem examination. The elderly man has left to mourn his wife and children.

A 35-year-old miner appeared on Monday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the alleged murder of a colleague during a misunderstanding over cigarettes.

Particulars of the charge detail that last Tuesday at Barakat Backdam on the Mazaruni River, Parsaram Ramnauth of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, murdered another miner named Daniel George.

Ramnauth, who was unrepresented, is claiming self-defence, saying: “Is four men bank meh; all meh eye black-andblue.”

According to police, George and Ramnauth were drinking at a shop when an argument broke out between them over cigarettes.

In the end, Ramnauth apparently got the upper hand as he fatally stabbed George in the abdomen and right eye with a knife.

Ramnauth was remanded prison and the matter adjourned until October 31.

Parsaram Ramnauth

GUYANA CHRONICLE,Tuesday October 23, 2018

19

Contract signed for operating theatre at Suddie Hospital THE Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Two on Monday signed a contract for the construction of an operating theatre at the Suddie Public Hospital.

During the symbolic signing of the contract, Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson said that the construction of the operating theatre will significantly boost health services in Region Two. The construction will ease residents the burden of travelling outside of Region Two to conduct surgeries. Hopkinson said the theatre will also assist those communities and islands that are nearby the Pomeroon-Supenaam with health services. Hopkinson signed on behalf of the Region Two RDC while Rakesh Samaroo signed on behalf of the contracting company Builders Hardware.

The signing was witnessed by Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, Regional Engineer, Kawan Suchit, Secretary to the Regional Tender Board, Ms. Kuntie Nankoo, EPMA Ms. Portia Jacobs, Systems Development Officer, Mr. Farouk Basir, member of the Anna Regina Town Council, Mr. Mark McLean, Regional

Health officer, Dr. Afarah Khan and Suddie Hospital Administrator, Mrs. Ambrose.

Speaking to key stakeholders, Ferguson called on the contractor to use local persons during the project in an effort to create employment. She said that the government was happy to announce such beneficial project for the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Afarah Khan also expressed her satisfaction for the project. Dr. Khan said that currently, persons had to be transferred from the region to conduct operations at the Georgetown Public Hospital. She also pledged the support from staff from the Suddie Public Hospital whenever construction commences.

The contact was awarded at a cost of $40.9 million and will take approximately four months to complete. The theatre will be constructed in the compound of the hospital and 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.

Bandits stab, rob handyman of cell phone in Sophia A 26-year-old man, who was speaking on his mobile phone on Sunday night along a street in the vicinity of the Sophia Health Centre, was stabbed and relieved of it by two armed bandits.

Reports are that Devon Joe, who works as a cleaner, was robbed of his Samsung mobile phone valued $50,000 by two men, one of whom was armed with a knife.

Reports are that the man was in the street close to the health centre at “C� Field,

Sophia when he was attacked by the men who demanded his phone. After he refused, one of the men stabbed him twice in his rib cage before escaping.

Joe was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and was admitted. His condition has been listed as stable.

When contacted, police said no arrests have been made in connection with the robbery. Investigations are ongoing. `

Key stakeholders during the signing of the contract for the construction of the Suddie Operating Theatre

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Everyone’s on the take, mayor says –even senior members of the constabulary

THE City Constabulary Department of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has again been accused of unlawfully demanding money from store owners and other vendors.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen said on Monday that she was disgusted by such reports involving constables and even senior members of

the Constabulary.

She said she is in possession of many allegations of this nature, and that the victims are afraid to come forward because of their fear of being victimised.

The constables are accused of demanding money for the space that vendors use outside of the store for their mannequins. In one instance,

Chase-Green said a vendor who objected was even removed from his vending spot and replaced.

A van with several constables also swooped down on the owner of a caravan and threatened to remove it if the owner did not pay up, the mayor related.

Vendors at the various municipal markets in

Georgetown continue to complain about the harassment they regularly experience at the hands of City Constables, but even so, they prefer not to make official reports, as they claim that those in the higher authority also accept bribes.

Chief Constable Andrew Foo had told the Guyana Chronicle in the past that those vendors who are affected by bribery on the part of the constabulary officers ought to lodge official reports, and he had guaranteed that such matters will be investigated.

“But they don’t come in; there is an agreement between the vendors and officers, but whenever the officers have to act, the vendors come up with all sorts of allegations,” Foo said, adding:

Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

“People who give and receive a bribe can also be charged. But no one is coming forward to make official reports; they go to the politicians instead to lodge their complaints, but that’s not right.

“So it remains just an

allegation if no one comes in. Why do the vendors do business at the level of a constabulary officer?”

The Mayor had also chided those vendors who pay bribes, but complain only when they experience a problem. “The constables don’t push their hands in your pocket,” she had said.

“Not because you know the Chief Constable or some other officer in authority, it means you will disrespect the constables in uniform. Don’t be no ‘big-boy’ or ‘big-girl’ and jump on your phone.”

Chase-Green had also noted that it is equally important for the constabulary officers to be respectful to the vendors and not just break up their stalls and carry away their items without proper explanation.

“Go Green” forum opens at Pegasus GUYANA is headed in the right direction and is poised for much investment with its initiative to “go green”, according to Managing Partner of Arminius Partners, LLC, Herman Tribukait.

Tribukait on Monday delivered remarks at the “Forum on the Green Industrial Revolution: Challenges and Opportunities” held at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel, sponsored

by CGX Inc. The forum follows just after the hosting of the Green Guyana Expo and Small Business Summit, which ended last Saturday.

At the forum, Tribukait spoke on some of the myths surrounding clean energy, showing examples where a rise in the use of clean energy has been a benefit to all, and also spoke about the Clean Energy Materials Innovation Challenge - an initiative to accelerate the process of finding new high-performance and lowcost energy materials using machine learning robotics and supercomputing.

Also presenting at the forum was Gabriel de Alba, Managing Director and Partner of The Catalyst Capital Group Inc., a private equity firm specialising in investments. According to Tribukait, the idea that renewable energy is more expensive is

not the case, the same goes for the idea that investing in renewable energy will affect the economy, or that using renewable energy would cause more blackouts.

Tribukait used the case of California as an example; he noted that California has already attained 33 per cent of its energy coming from renewable energy, while aiming to be 100 per cent by 2045.

Despite transitioning more and more to utilising renewable energy, California has empirically debunked most of the myths surrounding the use of clean energy. “And California wants to collaborate with the world, and share their experiences with the world,” Tribukait declared.

“We have to be as ambitious as we can be. Think differently, don’t buy into myths, and lead by example. Collaborate and communicate with the world.”

According to Tribukait, the renewable energy industry is even helping to create jobs, creating more jobs than the conventional energy companies.

And he believes Guyana is poised to follow California with the right kind of investment backing. The “Go Green” initiative is one that Guyana has been behind for a number of years now.

And according to de Alba, Guyana is not going unnoticed by investment companies. “Guyana has the unique opportunity in history to become an example to the world on how to manage natural energy. Improving not only the natural resources but promoting a green economy,” de Alba remarked.

Though investing is important, de Alba stressed that emphasis has to be placed on giving back to the community, noting that whatever comes out of the investment every effort has to be made to ensure that local people gain their fair share of the benefits. For de Alba, transparency and honesty are key, and he believes Guyana is headed in the right direction.

During a Q&A segment at the end of the forum, the head table was questioned on Guyana’s oil and gas industry’s ability to run alongside its promotion of a green economy, and why should businesses continue to explore for fossil fuels if the world is going green.

Tribukait reminded that fossil fuel is not only used as a means of fuel, but a lot of other products are also derived from the petroleum and there will always be a high market demand for such products.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

England, Australia boards dismiss spot-fixing allegations

LONDON (Reuters) - Allegations of spot-fixing by English cricketers have been dismissed by the England and Wales Cricket Board’s Integrity Team and Cricket Australia.

The Al Jazeera television network said it had uncovered evidence of corruption in international cricket, including “a small group” of England players in seven matches between 2010 and 2012.

Unnamed Australia and Pakistan players were also accused by the broadcaster in a documentary broadcast on Sunday.

“Whilst the limited information we have been given by Al Jazeera is poorly prepared and lacks clarity and corroboration, it has been properly assessed,” the ECB said in a statement.

“Analysis of this by the ECB Integrity Team has cast no doubt on the integrity or behaviour of any England player, current or former.

“The ECB takes its responsibilities on anti-corruption and preserving the integrity of cricket very seriously.

ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson

“The materials we have been given have been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption unit and we will continue to work with them, as is the correct procedure for protecting the game.”

Spot-fixing occurs when players agree to manipulate part of a match by, for example, bowling a wide on a particular delivery or ensuring a particular run rate.

The corruption does not usually affect the overall outcome of the match but gamblers in the know can use the information to beat the betting market.

Cricket Australia’s outgoing chief executive James Sutherland said it took “a zero-tolerance approach”

to any attempts to compromise the integrity of the game.

The CA integrity unit had reviewed the claims, he added in a statement.

“Our team have not identified any issues of corruption by any current or former player,” he said.

“The materials we have been given have been referred to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption unit and we will continue to work with them in order to ensure the integrity of the game.

“We urge Al Jazeera to provide all un-edited materials and any other evidence to the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.”

The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) were

even more forthright, with their chief executive Alistair Nicholson saying players had had enough of “unsupported accusations”.

“The players are sick and tired of being subject to accusations without the proper evidence to substantiate it,” he added.

The International Cricket Council has previously hit out at Al Jazeera for failing to share unedited footage from their investigations into corruption in cricket.

“We will again take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make seriously and will investigate fully,” said Alex Marshall, the general manager of the global governing body’s anti-corruption unit.

“The investigation into these allegations has already commenced and will run alongside a number of other live unrelated investigations. When considering the claims, we will work with professional independent betting analysts.

“As with the first programme we have, and will continue to ask for the cooperation of the broadcaster.”

Bowlers, Short beat listless UAE IN a classic case of a big full member bullying an associate, Australia thumped UAE in their first ever T20I encounter by seven wickets and with 23 balls to spare on Monday..

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, things got to the worst possible start for the hosts, with Nathan Coulter-Nile, on his comeback, striking off the very third ball of the match to get rid of Ashfaq Ahmed, before Billy Stanlake ripped out skipper Rohan Mustafa’s stumps with a searing yorker to reduce them to 0 for 2.

Chirag Suri (13 off 20 balls) couldn’t last long either, looking to break the shackles as he looked to drive Stanlake on the up, only to chip it straight to cover.

D’Arcy Short starred with an unbeaten 68 © Getty

Rameez Shahzad and Shaiman Anwar did try to steady the ship with a 53-run stand, but they just couldn’t get the necessary acceleration they’d have hoped for, falling in quick succession. Had it not been for Mohammad Naveed’s pyrotechnics at the end, where UAE managed 35

runs in the final three overs, things could’ve been a lot more embarrassing.

A target of 118 on a flat track was never going to be much of a challenge for the fancied Australian batting lineup. D’Arcy Short made sure it wasn’t. After Finch fell early, Chris Lynn provided good impe-

tus with a quickfire 13-ball 20.

Short, who until then was getting his eye in, stepped up the scoring rate once Lynn fell and stitched up good partnerships with Glenn Maxwell and debutant Ben McDermott to bring up his fourth T20I half-century.

He finished with an unbeaten 68, scoring nearly sixty-percent of his side’s runs in the process.

Brief scores: UAE 117/6 in 20 overs (Shaiman Anwar 41,Mohammad Naveed 27; Nathan Coulter-Nile 2-20, Billy Stanlake 2-20) lost to Australia 119/3 in 16.1 overs (D’Arcy Short 68*, Chris Lynn 20; Amir Hayat 2-26) by 7 wickets.

Golden Jaguars...

THREE national players departed today to participate in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Caribbean Combined, scheduled for Bridgetown, Barbados from October 22 – 25.

The three – Ryan Hackett, Kevin Layne and Kevin Dundas – were shortlisted from a six-member player profile submitted by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).

Dundas said he is looking forward to the opportunity to make an impression, stating “I feel really grateful for this opportunity to showcase my skills and talents at this level.

With the help we have been getting from GFF’s technical staff as well as the technical staff of the senior national team, I hope to go, impress, and make the squad.

Post the Brazil “Train and Play” encampment, I have been doing a lot of physical work, including agility.

I have also been doing ball control work just to improve and get the final touches right. I have also been working on fitness, as that’s really great to have, so I can improve on my game and work hard when I get there.”

“I’m very overwhelmed with the opportunity to participate in the MLS Combined in Barbados,” Layne said, while further pointing out that “for the last few weeks, I have put in a lot of hard work with the senior team as well as when I’m not active on the field. I have been working to develop my game with guidance provided by the national senior team staff.”

For his part, Hackett said he has what it takes to compete and will grasp the opportunity with both hands, and according to the Fruta Conquerors player, “I feel that I just have to be focussed, put my best foot forward and compete with the other players from

across the Caribbean.

I’m currently a part of the national U-20 team and also did work with the senior team, so that will help me get ready for this experience and push me to compete at a higher level. I definitely feel I have what it takes to be selected and it will be a good moment when it happens. I just need to work hard, listen to the coach and execute.”

Guyana is among 15 countries whose players will be competing for a chance to play in the MLS. The other teams are St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Dominica, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, Grenada, Antigua & Barbuda, St Lucia, Montserrat, Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Suriname, St Marten, St Maarten.

According to the MLS, should a player be selected, the player’s club will receive an Adidas Allotment, as well as a US$50,000 transfer fee if the player’s MLS option for 2020 is exercised. As it relates to performance fees, a player will pocket US$25,000 to the player’s former club, once the player starts in 15 official MLS matches, $50,000 to the player’s former club once the player starts in 30 official MLS matches and $100,000 to the player’s former club once the player starts in 60 official MLS matches.

Future sell-on: The player’s former club shall receive 20% sell-on on any transfer fee received by MLS within the first 4 years of the player’s employment with MLS. This year, the 2018 MLS Caribbean Combine was/is being hosted at two venues – Jamaica, October 15 – 18 and Barbados. It is open to players 18 – 23 years old and who have a minimum of one U-20 or senior cap since 2017. A detailed eligibility profile was required for consideration.

FROM BACK PAGE

Christianburg/Wismar...

Vergenoegen were also winners against Georgetown-based Queens College 5-3. The West Demerara side had Rivaldo Smith (14th) and Ronaldo Macey (15th) scoring back-to-back goals with Brentol Bobb’s brace (24th and 50th) and Jomar Levan (60th) rounding out the five goals. Queens College had a double from Darra Thomas

(47th and 58th) and one from Ronneil Lord (42nd).

The final match of the afternoon had Lodge Secondary beating Charlestown 5-1, thanks to a double from Rickie Stewart (4th and 12th) and a hat-trick from Dorwin George in the 62nd, 63rd and 70th, while Charlestown had Isaiah Moore (20th) on target.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Benjamin donates BMX and track bike to two secondary schools on the Corentyne.

WINSTON. S. Churchill stated, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give”. At a simple yet pleasing ceremony held recently at Benjamin Sports store which is located Lot 220 Courtland Village, Corentyne Berbice.

Former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin willingly accepted the pleads of two Secondary schools on the Corentyne by donating a spanking New BMX bike to Corentyne Comprehensive High and a sleek looking Black Track Bike adorned with his brand (Benjie) to Central Corentyne Secondary.

Benjamin being a former student of Corentyne Comprehensive High made good of the request to his Alma Mater.

Present at the presentation was Samlall Rabindranauth teacher of Corentyne Comprehensive High who

Brian Harris and Luceen Benjamin, niece of Wilbert Benjamin, present cycles to two Central Corentyne students. (Colin Bynoe photos)

Presentation of BMX and track bike to Corentyne Comprehensive High and Central Corentyne Secondary Schools.

indicated to the media that the school will be hosting a grand School Raffle which was drawn on yesterday at the School’s auditorium.

Head Teacher of Corentyne Comprehensive Nirmala Somwaru reached out

preciation to Benjamin for such a timely gift.

Smartt mentioned, “first of all thanks to Mr Benjamin, the bike will be needed for the Central Corentyne Branch for its upcoming Inter Branch Championship, we will seek

to the former cyclist for a BMX bicycle which will go towards the second prize of their Raffle.

In the second presentation, teacher of Central Corentyne Secondary Cleon Smartt offered words of ap-

Herath to retire after first England Test

Rangana Herath has taken 10 wickets or more in Tests nine times.

RANGANA Herath, the most-successful left-arm bowler in Test history, will retire after the first Test in Galle, having told the selectors that he is reluctant to play through an entire three-Test series.

Galle is a sentimental venue for Herath - not only did he make his Test debut there in 1999, he also needs only one more wicket to join Muttiah Muralitharan in having taken 100 wickets at the ground.

It was at this venue that Herath also reignited his career at the age of 31, taking five wickets in a Test against Pakistan in 2009, after having been suddenly called up to the Test side while he was playing league cricket in England.

Herath, 40, has not played a complete three-Test series since January 2017, having since left two India series early due to injury, before playing no more than one of the three Tests in West Indies in June this year.

Herath has had to manage knee injuries for several years now; the strain of carrying Sri Lanka’s spin attack since the retirement of Muralitharan is understood to have caught up to him.

His retirement will leave a substantial hole in the Sri Lanka side, with offspinner Dilruwan Perera likeliest to replace him as leader of the spin attack, for the remainder of the England series at least.

Sri Lanka also have three other spinners in the

squad: all-sorts offspinner Akila Dananjaya, leftarm wristspinner Lakshan Sandakan, and left-arm orthodox bowler Malinda Pushpakumara. Of the remaining spinners only Dilruwan has played more than 10 Tests, however.

A beloved figure across the island, Herath’s retirement will also bring to an end one of the most remarkable careers in modern cricket.

Not only is he the 10th most successful Test bowler in history with 430 wickets, all but 36 of those dismissals came after he had turned 31, with Herath having struggled to maintain a place in the Test side in the first decade of his career.

No bowler has also taken as many as his 230 wickets after turning 35. If he takes five wickets in his final Test, he could move up to seventh on the alltime list, passing Richard Hadlee (431 wickets), Stuart Broad (433) and Kapil Dev (434). Herath is also the last active Test cricketer to have made his debut in the 1990s. The Galle Test begins on November 6.(ESPN Cricinfo).

to utilise it with care and hope with such a donation at this time we can gain some added points that will allow us to go close if not win the Champion of Champion Championship at our Inter Branch sports this week.

Benjamin, who resides overseas, is a businessman both at home in Guyana and in his adopted country, Canada. He has made several other donations to outstanding athletes on the Corentyne.

GCA Friends of Cricket 100 overs U-17 Tournament

Balgobin’s century in vain as MYO beat Everest

AN aggressive maiden century from Everest batsman Ushardeva Balgobin was undone by 98 runs from MYO’s opener, Ricardo Ramdehol, and a five-wicket haul from off-spinner, Krshna Singh, when action in the GCA Friends of Cricket 100 Overs U-17 tournament continued on Sunday at the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground.

Everest scored 223 in 42.2 overs, while MYO replied with 224-7 from 33.2 overs. Balgobin (106) smashed six fours and 11 sixes at the small ground to lead the visitor’s attack. The 15-year-old left-handed batsman, who batted at number five, paced his innings, but he lacked support.

Except for Balgobin and the opening pair of Anthony Khan with17 (2x4s and 1x6) and Matthew Nandu with 46 (6x4s and 2x6s), none of the other batsmen reached double figures, as Singh did serious damage

Ushardeva Balgobin scored 106 runs and took two-wickets in a losing cause for the Everest Cricket Club.

to the middle order. The 13-year-old finished with 5-40 runs from seven overs, while fellow spinner, Niran Bissu, grabbed two wickets.

Ramdehol was solid at the crease from ball one. He was forward in defence to all the good balls and pounced on the bad ones. In total, he hit eight fours and seven sixes. His most productive over was against Lakeram Ramator who was belted for back-to-back sixes into Woolford Avenue.

Although he looked set to score a century, the opener

Ricardo Ramdehol smashed 98 runs to lead MYO to victory.

lost his wicket by a miss-hit flick to square leg, off the bowling of left-arm spinner, Raynaldo Mohamed.

Despite losing that wicket, the home team were in control and skipper Zechariah Mootoo played a solid knock of 47 (6x4s) to ensure victory. Just as Ramdehol did, Mootoo also lost his wicket with a miss-hit, looking for his milestone.

15-year-old Mohamed and right arm leg-spinner Balgobin, who left his wicket-keeping duties to bowl, finished with two wickets each for Everest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Blairmont Blazers lift West Berbice Magic Moments T20 title

Man-of-the-match Zameer Nasser collects his trophy from BCB’s Secretary, Rabindranauth Saywack

The winning Blairmont Blazers team

BLAIRMONT Blazers produced an excellent allround effort to capture the West Berbice Magic Moments T/20 title on Sunday last, after they whipped hosts, Cotton Tree Die Hard, by 70 runs.

The victory was the sec-

ond title for Blairmont for the year, after winning the Elizabeth Styles Under-21 title.

Blairmont won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 215-5 from their allotted overs and then limiting Cotton Tree to 145 all out in 15.4 overs. The victory was made

possible through half centuries from openers, Zameer Nasser and Javed Karim, followed by a four-wicket haul from Seon Glasgow.

Nasser made an unbeaten 39-ball 81, with four fours and eight sixes while Karim hit 54 off 34 balls.

Rising Sun Turf Club Rodeo set for Sunday

THE Rising Sun Turf Club Rodeo Committee has organised a Grand Rodeo for Sunday at their West Coast Berbice facility, starting from 11:00hrs.

Several events are carded for the day to bring the usual excitement associated with rodeo events staged by the organisers at this venue.

Among them are the Best Dressed Vaquero or Cowboy Contest, Wild Cow Milking, Calf Roping, Steer Roping, Bare Back Bronco or Wild Horse Riding, Bull Riding and Saddle Bronco.

Adding entertainment and excitement to the programme would be the popular Clown and the Bull

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday October 23, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 121 ODIs (2) WI 61, India 56, Tied 1; NR 3 Today’s Quiz: (1) Which WI has scored most runs against India in ODIs? (2) Which Indian has scored most runs against the WI in ODIs? Answer in tomorrow's issue

fighter, as they display their evasive skills against the wild animals on show.

The danger and tremendous skills of the performers (vaqueros, clowns and bull fighters) will be on full display and will be supported by side attractions, including musical accompaniment by Thunderbolt Sounds.

No event of this nature is possible without the key support of the sponsors.

Among those assisting the Rising Sun Turf Club Rodeo committee are: Banks DIH, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Cattle Ranch, Rommel Jagroop Cattle Ranch, Abary Cattle Ranch, Sunil Suruj Cattle Ranch, BM Soat Auto Sales, Jai Seegobin Cattle Ranch, Reginald Hookumchand and Jerry Hookumchand.

Fans are encouraged to make Sunday a family outing to the West Berbice location of the Rising Sun Turf Club for top class Rodeo entertainment.

Kevin Jawahir supported with 34. Roshan Gafoor and Waqar Hassan claimed 2-39 and 2-40 respectively for the hosts.

In reply, Pooran Persaud (39), Nick Ramsaroop (25) and Narshad Gafoor (25), made fighting knocks.

Glasgow claimed 4-31 while Jawahir and skipper Shabeer Baksh took two wickets apiece.

Earlier in the day, No. 5 Monnedderlust defeated Bush Lot Rising Stars by four wickets to take home the third place spot.

Meanwhile, the BCB congratulated the Blairmont Cricket Club on a well-deserved victory.

Blairmont Blazers joins No. 48, Young Warriors and Rose Hall Town Bakewell as the four Magic Moments champions.

Rubis Ogle upstage DCC Under-15s

The winning Rubis Olge team and officials

RUBIS Ogle halted the winning streak of Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) Under-15 team when the two teams clashed in a feature game under lights last Friday night at the DCC ground, Queenstown.

Led by an excellent bowling performance from Omari Lallbachan, who grabbed five for 26, including a hat-trick, Rubis Ogle dismissed DCC for 94 in

25.2 overs in their 30-over affair.

The powerful DCC lineup failed to fire, losing wickets at regular intervals with opener Jaden Campbell (22) and Shivkumar Kumar (19 with four fours) offering some resistance.

Rudranauth Kissoon and Davenand Khemraj supported Lallbachan with figures of two for seven and one for two respectively.

Rubis Ogle reached the required target in 14.2 overs with Khemraj returning to hit a top-score of 28 (3x4s) and Rabindra Samaroo (27 not out with three fours and a six).

For DCC, Ezekiel Wilson took two for eight, Anthony Hudson one for 18 and Mark Sharma one for 19. Lallbachan was named man-of-the-match for his fine bowling performance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 23, 2018

2023

World Cup qualification scenario undergoes massive change QUALIFICATION for the 2023 Men’s World Cup will be significantly different from how it has been. A three-step process has been included whereby 32 teams will partake in an elaborate qualification process involving 372 matches overall starting from July 2019 till May 2022.

Out of this the eight teams from the CWC Super League, consisting of 13 teams will earn direct qualification while the bottom five will play a CWC qualifier, involving five more teams.

The newly designed structure will see more ODI games for seven Associate Members.

As it stands, the 2023 World Cup, just like the 2019 one, will be a ten-team affair.

But that could be up for discussion at a later stage.

The ICC has come under criticism previously for restricting the 2019 World Cup to a ten-team affair.

Associate Members felt significantly dismayed by the decision to restrict and not expand the World Cup playing teams. ICC’s CEO

Dave Richardson feels that this move will cater to the earlier demands.

“To date the World Cricket League has played an important role in improving standards in Associate Member cricket, but feedback from our consultation with Members clearly articulated the need for more frequent playing opportunities and greater certainty over when they would be playing.

“The new structure significantly increases the number of matches and competitive playing opportunities for our Members as well as shortening the whole qualification process to two and a half years, when previously it was six.

There is a clear pathway now for teams looking to qualify for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup,” he said.

The new structure allows even the bottom-ranked team (out of 32) a chance to become one of the two teams to play in the World Cup while also making sure that there is a substantial increase in ODI and List A cricket played

The ICC has come under criticism previously for restricting the 2019 World Cup to a ten-team affair © (ICC photo)

by the lower-ranked teams through the newly-designed pathway.

No pathway for Test cricket?

Additionally, there could be a standstill in new teams getting Test status, with the ICC deciding to ask it’s members if they’d be interested in continuing to play multi-day cricket such as the Intercontinental Cup. “Following consultation

with Members, it has been agreed in respect to multi-day cricket, that the ICC will now seek Expressions of Interest from Members who have previously competed in the I-Cup and / or World Cricket League Championship, who are keen and committed to playing the multi-day format.

Following this, a structured multi-day competition on a cost-sharing basis will be proposed giving Members the choice of playing longer

form cricket,” ICC stated.

Qualification for Women’s World Cup All ten teams with ODI status will be part of the next ICC Women’s Championship, beginning post-2021 World Cup, as opposed to just the top-eight currently.

As of now, the ninth and tenth ranked Bangladesh and Ireland don’t feature in IWC (ICC Women’s Championship) that offers a shot

at direct qualification for the 50-overs megaevent.

There will also be a change in the qualification procedure for the 2021 Women’s World Cup, with top-five teams gaining automatic entry - including the hosts - as opposed to the existing rule of four. The event, however, remains an eight-team affair.

“It was confirmed that there will be a qualifying event in all five ICC regions with the top team in each region progressing to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier / ICC Women’s World T20 Qualifier,” stated ICC. The eight-team 2021 World Cup will see a qualifier round that will consist of three bottom-placed teams from ICC Women’s Championship 2017-20, Bangladesh, Ireland and the five regional winners vying for the three remaining spots. These decisions were taken in the ICC Board and Committee meetings in Singapore.

(Cricbuzz.com).

Ramesh Narine earns Fly Jamaica trophy

Winner of last year’s Payless Variety cycling meet, Geron Williams

Seventh Annual Payless Variety 11Race Cycling Meet set for Saturday THE Seventh annual Payless Variety Store 11-Race Cycling meet will be held at the inner circuit of the National Park on Saturday, October 27.

The defending champion of the feature Schoolboys and Invitational 35-lap event is Geron Williams, who won that race in a record time of one hour, 12 minutes and

35.42 seconds.

Last year’s winner of the 10-lap race for Juveniles was Curtis Dey, who clocked 26 minutes, 37.59 seconds.

The Veterans Over-50, 5-lap race was won by Linden Blackman while the U-50 race was won by Ian Jackson.

Jonathan Ramsuchit was

the winner of the 3-lap Boys and Girls 12-14 year-old race and Nigel Jacobs copped the 5-lap Mountain Bike event.

Jared Barrington won the two-lap BMX Boys 6-9 event and Joheme Henry won the BMX Boys 9-12 race.

A representative from Payless Variety Store will be present at the presentation ceremony.

VETERAN softball stalwart Ramesh Narine’s exploits in the game continue unabated. During Sunday’s presentation ceremony of the second Prime Minister’s T20 Softball Cup, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL), Narine, who represented Mike’s Wellman in the

Masters category, collected the prize for the batsman with the highest score.

The Essequibo-born Narine smashed a brilliant 137 on the opening day of the tournament last Friday and followed it up with 80 in the second round.

Here, Narine (left) receives his trophy from Fly

Jamaica Toronto representative, Edward VanLuien.

Fly Jamaica has been one of the proud sponsors of the GSCL since the tournament started last year and has pledged to continue doing so in the future. Also on hand to witness the day’s finals was Fly Jamaica Commercial Manager, Carl Bowen.

s r a u g a J n e d l Go

trio for MLS Caribbean Combined See Page 24

Golden Jaguars trio (L-R) Kevin Layne, Ryan Hackett and Kevin Dundas

Holder full of praise for ‘outstanding’ Hetmyer …but wants him to go deeper G U WA H AT I , I n d i a , (CMC) – Skipper Jason Holder has hailed the brilliance of century-maker Shimron Hetmyer but says he hopes the left-hander can bat deeper into the innings in the future.

The 21-year-old smashed a scintillating 106 to propel West Indies to a rare score in excess of 300, as they piled up 322 for eight off their 50 overs, in Sunday’s opening One-Day International against India.

“He’s obviously one of the young exciting players.

I was really pleased for him, especially after the Test series which he had – a few tough dismissals obviously.

The character he showed today was outstanding,” Hold-

er said.

“He really backed himself – he was going at more than a run-a-ball – and it’s just a matter for him to [bat] a little deeper. Probably if he had batted another five, six overs it would have been the 340 that we’ve been looking for.

“Still, credit to the young player coming in and scoring his third ODI century.

Hetmyer blasted half-dozen fours and sixes in a 78-ball knock but was dismissed – holing out in the deep – with still more than 10 overs remaining.

Predictably, the innings faltered thereafter with 74 runs coming from the last 68 balls of the innings.

The hundred was Hetmy-

er’s third of the year in only his 13th ODI and Holder said it was pleasing to see his contribution.

“He’s been doing pretty well in the limited overs format for us so it’s really good to see him put up his hand and score a hundred for us,” the all-rounder noted.

“Probably unfortunate at this stage he got out – I felt as though he could have gone a bit deeper.”

Despite the competitive target, India made light work of the run chase, to get home with more than eight overs remaining.

Opener Rohit Sharma struck an imperious unbeaten 152 while skipper Virat Kohli carved out a special

Left-hander Shimron Hetmyer … struck his third ODI hundred.

140, the pair sharing a record 246-run for the second wicket.

Holder conceded afterwards that India’s batting strength meant it was difficult knowing exactly what

constituted a good total.

“It’s a game where I think with a team like India, you’re never quite sure what is a par score. In hindsight, 320 was probably a par score and we needed to kick on a bit fur-

ther,” he pointed out.

“Having said that, I was pleased to at least get 300 because we’ve been at fault in the past for not getting up to 300 or not batting out the allotted overs.”

GUYOIL Tradewind Tankers Football League…

Christianburg/Wismar demolishes Marian Academy 12-0 Lodge secondary in action against Charlestown

IT was goals galore when Wismar/Christianburg Secondary School met Marian Academy in the ongoing GUYOIL Tradewind Tankers School Football League.

Randy Pickering and Tyrese Lewis were the line leaders as they scored four each of the side’s 12-0 drubbing of the

Georgetown-based side.

Pickering had goals in the 26 th ,27 th ,61 st and 68 th while Tyrese Lewis struck in the 11th, 43 rd, 45 th and 47 th. The duo made Andre Mayers’ hat trick (16th,48th and 58th) seem paltry while George Stephens 27 th minute strike iced the cake.

In the opening game of the

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day, Uitvlugt beat off Bishops High 3-1. Rueben Dainty (19th and 30 th ) and Anthony Benn (50 th) were the scorers for the West Demerara side with Malachi Richards scoring in the 53rd for the Georgetown side.

SEE PAGE 24 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2018