Guyana Chronicle E-paper 11-16-2018

FRIDAY 16th November, 2018

Get well soon No.105460

Idle 08 rantings PAGE

… Min Lawrence dismisses Jagdeo no confidence motion

Work begins on Hosororo hydropower project 17 PAGE

… outpouring of national goodwill for President’s full recovery PAGES

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… PM says health challenge is beatable

Coalition reaffirms unity

Guyana 15 bolstering vaccination coverage PAGE

The top leadership of the coalition: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Vice Presidents Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan; People’s National Congress Reform Chairperson and Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence; PNCR General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally; APNU General Secretary and Minister of State Joseph Harmon, and AFC executive member and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.

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Get well soon

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

… outpouring of national goodwill for President’s full recovery … PM says health challenge is beatable

PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Thursday said that the health challenge currently being faced

by Guyana’s Head of State President David Granger is “beatable.”

The Prime Minister, who

is also performing duties of Head of State, was speaking at the annual graduation ceremony of the Tutorial High

School. “In remembering our President on this day…

I believe firmly in the power of positive thinking and whatever challenges him today in Cuba is beatable,” Nagamootoo said.

The Prime Minister recalled that both he and President Granger attended the Auchlyne Primary School in Berbice. “Destiny placed us at the same place at the same time. Destiny must have had a reason why two persons from two different parts of the country must attend the same school. We stood the test of time and we became two boys from a village from the same school, at the same time, we became the President and Prime Minister of Guyana… I believe that today that we owe it to a great son of this soil who has invested his intellect into this country.”

According to the Prime Minister, never before has a person forsaken regular gifts for his own birthday and instead requested buses, boats, boots, bicycles and books. Those, he said, were then donated to schools across Guyana. “We have him in our thoughts today because we are speaking of a man of worth, a leader of quality who wanted to imbue the same intellect he has received, to our children,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo noted.

A release from the Guyana’s Embassy in the Republic of Cuba, on Wednesday evening reported that subsequent to a series of medical tests, President Granger was diagnosed as suffering from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

President David Granger and was placed in the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirurgicas (CIMEQ) on Thursday, November 1, where he underwent a surgical procedure.

The release further stated that the President’s medical personnel began the second phase of treatment on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, and is likely to be placed in CIMEQ for a short period of two to three days.

It said during this time, the president has been working and resting in accordance with the advice he has been receiving from his doctors.

“He is in fine form and a good frame of mind. He is expected to fully recover under the supervision of his doctors,” the release added.

Meanwhile, the Alliance for Change also extended best wishes for a full and complete recovery to President Granger. The party said in a statement that it is concerned to have learnt of President Granger’s diagnosis but is pleased that he is receiving medical treatment and is in good spirits.

“All Guyanese are aware that President Granger is a man of immense faith and fortitude and the AFC is confident that he will success-

fully overcome this hurdle and return to his duties as Head of State in due course.”

According to the AFC, it will hold His Excellency, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and their relatives in prayer at this challenging time.

“Prime Minister and AFC Elder Statesman Moses Nagamootoo is serving in the capacity of President during this period and all of Guyana can be assured of stability and continued astute leadership. The AFC looks forward to President Granger’s early return to Guyana and the resumption of his duties as Head of State.”

For its part the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) says it is joining with the rest of the country in wishing President Granger a speedy recovery and safe return to the shores of Guyana. “The nation is comforted by the government’s assurance that the President will make a full recovery.

The Party is also urging that no effort be spared in ensuring that the President receives the best medical care. During this period, the PPP offers words of prayer and comfort to his family and loved ones.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Coalition reaffirms unity

THE leadership of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change met Thursday evening to discuss a number of matters.

Present at the meeting were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Vice Presidents Carl Greenidge and Khemraj Ramjattan, People’s National Congress Reform Chairperson and Minis-

ter of Public Health Volda Lawrence, PNCR, General Secretary and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally, APNU General Secretary, Minister of State Joseph Harmon and AFC executive member and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson.

The leaders of the two parties jointly reaffirm that the coalition

remains united and strong, a release from the two sides said. Further, the leadership celebrated the triumph of democracy in the efficient and successful holding of Local Government Elections, the second under the Coalition Government since it came to office in 2015.

“The leadership congratulates

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GECOM for the smooth and efficient manner in which these elections were held and acknowledged that GECOM has demonstrated its capacity to hold free, fair and credible elections,” the release added.

APNU and AFC will host a joint media conference today at 11:00hrs at Congress Place.

Several honoured at BIT awards ceremony

A GROUP of artisans and apprentices were on Wednesday evening honoured when the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Competency-Based Vocational Training for Employment held its award ceremony titled “Apprentice in Focus” at the Pegasus Hotel.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott in congratulating the honourees, said BIT is approved and licensed to provide training and the ministry welcomes the critical roles played by the masters in apprenticeship schemes.

BIT has been in partnership with the private sector to produce skilled

persons through apprenticeship programmes. Scott related that although the programmes are relevant, apprentices must embrace innovation since things have changed over the years.

BIT Chairman, Clinton Williams said the board which has been in existence for 108 years, provides training to satisfy the needs of the labour force within the industrial sector.

The country, he said, still have youth labour market challenges as there is not always access to quality jobs.

He noted that there is need for youth accessibility to a stable career

and pointed out that ExxonMobil has since employed some of the graduates from the BIT programmes.

According to acting Chief Executive Officer/Secretary Richard Maughn, BIT has also settled 39 disputes involving apprentices and 180 persons in Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six have been trained in the apprenticeship scheme.

At the end of the ceremony which featured steel pan music by Ras Camp Williams and a cultural item performed by Roy Stewart, the masters were awarded with master’s licence and nine artisans and apprentices received special awards.

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Keith Scott addressing the gathering (Samuel Maughn photo)

The awardees, BIT staffers and others following the awards ceremony (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

May goes on the defensive

THERESA May has defended the draft withd r a w a l a g re e m e n t a s the best way to deliver Brexit, telling a press conference in Downing Street that the European Union would not agree to any deal that did not include a Northern Ireland backstop. The prime minister was speaking after two cabinet ministers, including Brexit secretary Dominic Raab, and two junior ministers resigned because they could not support the agreement.

“My approach throughout has been to put the na-

tional interest first; not a partisan interest, and certainly not my own political interest,” she said, adding: “I do not judge harshly those of my colleagues who seek to do the same, but who reach a different conclusion. They must do what they believe to be right, just as I do. “I am sorry that they have chosen to leave the government, and I thank them for their service. But I believe, with every fibre of my being, that the course I have set out is the right one for our country, and all our people.”

Mr Raab, who was appointed Brexit secretary

Friday, November 16, 2018

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last July after David Davis resigned, cited the specific measures for Northern Ireland under a backstop to guarantee no return to a hard Border. In a letter to the prime minister, he said the indefinite nature of the backstop, from which Britain could not withdraw unilaterally, made it unacceptable.

“I believe that the regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom,” Raab said.

“Second, I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit.

“The terms of the backstop amount to a hybrid of the EU Customs Union and Single Market obligations.

No democratic nation ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime,

imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement,” he added.

CALL FOR VOTE Mr Raab’s resignation was followed by that of Work and Pensions Secretary, Esther McVey, who had called for a vote on the Brexit deal at Wednesday night’s Cabinet meeting. Junior Brexit Minister Suella Braverman and Junior Northern Ireland Minister Shailesh Vara also resigned.

Environment Secretary, Michael Gove was reported to have rejected Mrs May’s request to succeed Mr Raab as Brexit Secretary, telling her he would only do so if he could seek to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement.

In the House of Commons on Thursday morning,

12:00 hrs

the prime minister faced three hours of questions on the Brexit deal, with most MPs expressing dissatisfaction. Jacob Rees-Mogg, who chairs the European Research Group (ERG) of Conservative Brexiteers, wrote a letter to 1922 Committee Chairman, Graham Brady expressing no confidence in the prime minister.

If he receives 48 such letters, Sir Graham must call a confidence vote in Mrs May’s leadership, but Mr Rees-Mogg said he was not launching a coup against the prime minister.

“A coup, he said, “is when you use illegitimate procedures to try and overturn somebody who is in office; this is working through the procedures of the Conservative Party. It is therefore entirely constitutional; coup is the wrong word.”

NEGOTIATIONS “What we need is a leader who will say to the EU, ‘It is impossible to divide up the UK; it is impossible to agree to a situation where we have a perpetual customs union; it’s impossible to pay £39 billion of taxpayers money for a few promises which was meant to be £39 billion for an implementation of a deal; and

--amidst Cabinet resignations it is impossible for us to allow the continuing jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.’ The problem is the negotiations have given away on all the key points.”

Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn wrote to party members on Thursday night, telling them that the government was falling apart and was incapable of delivering a Brexit deal. He said that Labour would not accept a choice between Mrs May’s deal and a no-deal Brexit, and would seek a general election. If that was impossible, the party would consider all options, including a second referendum.

“If parliament votes down this shambolic Tory deal, as seems likely, this will represent a loss of confidence in the government.

In those circumstances, the best outcome for the country is an immediate general election that can sweep the Tories from power, and deliver the Labour government this country desperately needs,” Corbyn said.

“If we cannot get a general election, in line with our conference policy, we will support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote,” he added. (IrishTimes)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

TT economy poised for moderate, energy-based recovery PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT) says the economy is poised for moderate energy based recovery.

In its Monetary Policy report released on Thursday, the Central Bank said the improvement in the energy sector observed in the first quarter of this year continued into the second quarter.

“For the first half of the year, energy output rose 9.1 per cent, driven by the additional natural gas output from bpTT’s Juniper gas platform. Several gas-based products also showed increases, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural

gas liquids (NGL) with the boost to natural gas helping to counter the shortages of feedstock faced by petrochemical companies in 2017,” the report stated.

At the same time, the decline in oil output continued given the maturation of existing fields. Based on data up to the third quarter, the bank noted that performances of the distribution, finance and transport sectors were marginally positive and encouraging signs emerged in the construction sector, with evidence of some reversal of the declining trend.

It was also noted that still sluggish overall economic climate has resulted in less favour-

able labour market conditions.

Concerning employment – while the official employment statistics for 2018 are yet to be published, data from the Central Statistical Office point to an increase in the unemployment rate to 4.4 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2017 from 3.6 per cent in the corresponding period of 2016.

As a result, the number of persons with jobs fell by approximately 12,000 and about 7,600 persons opted to leave the labour force.

The bank in its report said Central Government’s fiscal consolidation efforts resulted in a much lower deficit in fiscal year 2017/18.

“According to preliminary estimates from the Ministry of Finance , the overall deficit reached 4.0 per cent of GDP in 2017/18 compared to 9.1 per cent of GDP in 2016/17.”

It was noted that the Government achieved an overall reduction in expenditure of 1.7 per cent, with cuts across most expenditure categories. Meanwhile, total revenues increased by 17.8 per cent.

The Central Bank also revealed that headline inflation has been well contained so far in 2018 and stood at 1.2 per cent (year-on-year) by September.

“In September, food inflation was zero after declining

for the first time in seven years in August (-0.1 per cent). Core inflation, on the other hand, rose to 1.4 per cent in September, from 0.8 per cent in April, reflecting increased costs of home ownership and higher prices for fast food meals. “ After remaining unchanged since December 2015, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank implemented one hike in the Repo rate in June 2018.

The Repo rate was increased by 25 basis points to 5.00 per cent.

The MPC noted that although the inflation rate was low and the domestic economy not yet on the path to a solid

recovery, the rise in US and other external interest rates was leading to a situation that would encourage portfolio outflows if there were not some adjustment to local interest rates.

At its most recent meeting in September 2018, the Bank decided to hold the rate at 5.00 per cent level as the impact of the June change continued to filter into bank loan and deposit rates.

The bank added that growth of financial system credit to the private sector has been consistently above a monthly rate (year-on- year) of 5.0 per cent in 2018 , after averaging 3.0 per cent in 2017.

Venezuelan beauty queens migrate --for better shot at stardom SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — When the Miss Universe beauty pageant takes place in a few weeks, Chile will be represented by a slender brunette who has a killer smile and speaks Spanish with an unmistakable Venezuelan accent.

Andrea Diaz was born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela, where, from the age of 12 she learned to sway her hips and glide gracefully down catwalks at a local modelling academy. At 19, she won a pageant organised by her hometown’s baseball team and became a goodwill ambassador for the squad.

But Diaz’s career changed course in her 20s as she moved to Panama and then Mexico for modelling jobs, which are now scarce in crisis-wracked Venezuela. Three years ago, she settled down in Chile, where most of her family has also relocated.

“I represent the new Chile,” the 26-year-old said as she was training at a local gym in Santiago for the upcoming competition. “This is an inclusive country, where immigrants come in search of opportunities.”

As thousands of people leave Venezuela each day to escape food shortages and an inflation rate that is expected to surpass 1 million per cent, dozens of would-be beauty queens are also taking flight and finding

work as models and media personalities overseas.

Some are even representing their adopted homelands at international beauty pageants.

Next month, Portugal will be represented at the Miss World competition in China by a former Miss Venezuela participant.

And the recently concluded Miss Earth Contest, held in the Philippines, featured two Venezuelan models who competed on behalf of Peru and Spain.

“My dream of being a beauty queen was not going to stop just because I arrived in a new country,” said Jessica Russo, who represented Peru at Miss Earth, just a year after moving to that country.

She failed to make it into the finals, but said she will now train for more pageants, where she hopes to win a crown for Peru, the country where her mother was born.

“I’m still young,” said the 22-year-old. “And I want to be a global spokeswoman for good causes.”

Beauty pageants are followed almost as closely as baseball in Venezuela, which has long been obsessed with glamour and good looks. The South American country is a world leader in international pageants, with seven Miss Universe crowns, and six Miss

World titles.

While critics have described the pageants as misogynous and antiquated, they are defended by many Venezuelans who say the events have helped hundreds of women from all social classes launch careers as models, actresses, TV hosts and news presenters. One former Miss Venezuela winner even served as a mayor of a district in Caracas, and ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for the country’s presidency.

But as Venezuela’s economy plunges, the country’s many pageants no longer offer a direct path to employment. Live fashion shows have ground to a halt, TV productions have slowed down, and companies such as fashion brands increasingly refrain from spending money on advertisements.

Giselle Reyes runs four modelling schools for young women in Venezuela that she touts as the “University of Beauty.” She estimates that around 70 per cent of her graduates have left the country over the past decade to seek modelling jobs in Mexico, Colombia, the United States and other countries.

“I even have a tough time finding modelling instructors now,” Reyes said at a studio in Caracas that is lined with photos of celebrity Venezue-

lan pageant winners. “People always tell me they will work for me for a few months while they find a way to leave the country.”

Even Venezuela’s most competitive beauty pageant no

longer seems to guarantee its graduates a job in their own country.

The nationally televised Miss Venezuela contest chooses 24 participants each year, and puts them through a gru-

elling six-month academy that includes daily gym routines, modelling lessons and pep talks from instructors who sometimes coax their pupils into having plastic surgery.

(T&T Express)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

GECOM has delivered

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ARRING any very serious breach of the Standard Operational Procedure of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), it can safely be concluded that the nation’s constitutional body has successfully enabled the managing and conclusion of Guyana’s second Local Government Elections.

This very important exercise would have included, among other key measures, ensuring the posting of properly sanitised voters lists to the respective constituencies at the appropriate locations for pre-voting scrutiny by electors; ensuring that each of the polling stations was equipped with material for the voter exercise; that polling day staff had been properly and appropriately trained and be knowledgeable about the procedural steps for the casting of ballots; and last but not least, the providing of adequate security for protection of the polling day exercise.

And as far as has been reported, there were no issues that hampered/prevented any registered voter for the 2016 elections from casting his/her ballot.

A perennial complaint that has always been levelled against the national electoral body has been the very slow declaration of results. This time, the Commission was able to release some early results,

though it can be agreed that the voter turnout has been pegged at a very disappointing 28 per cent, which would have resulted in a very much reduced vote-counting time for its staff.

One can only encourage that the Commission continue to hone its mechanisms, especially for the highly-anticipated 2020 national and regional elections. Preparing for national elections of any type is always a challenge for any state electoral body, since it is about setting in train the required mechanisms for what is the most important human right of citizens anywhere–exercising their democratic right to choose a government of their choice in a free, fair, and transparent manner. This is the seminal function of such a body, inclusive of GECOM, tasked with such an all important task.

It means that any other undertaking outside of this remit runs counter to its constitutional mandate, and intention.

Within recent times, GECOM has been both the focus of accusations and attacks, both unfair, baseless, without merit and reckless, that were designed to add a totally unacceptable understanding to its national responsibility, which sought to undermine the national confidence in its ability to deliver an election that was above board. And since we are

fully aware as to the full details of this reckless behaviour, there will be no repetition here. But a further viewpoint is necessary.

Coming from the usual political direction, it would seem that the latter demand was for such constitutional entity to administer its daily functions in accordance with political dictates and expectations. A state elections commission was never established to perform its duties in a partisan manner or at the behest of any political party, since it is tasked with a matter of a national magnitude which involves all of the people.

In fact, its constitutional mandate entirely precludes it from delivering an election results/victory to any participating political party. Such must only occur on the campaign efforts of that particular party, with the elections body ensuring the transparency of the process.

GECOM has once again performed its constitutional, national mission in a professional manner in delivering a process that augurs well for the future advancement of national and regional elections. It has, by its adherence to its constitutional mandate, advanced the national democratic process. Very effectively, it has effectively silenced the usual critics.

EMPRETEC Guyana Inc. warns against refilling 5 gl water bottles at unlicensed vendors Dear Editor, EMPRETEC Guyana urges the public not to purchase water from unlicensed water operators, to reduce the risk of consuming contaminated water. A lack of proper sanitation services not only breeds disease, it can rob people of their basic human dignity. Help prevent health risks by purchasing from only licensed vendors.

Unlicensed vendors desirous of obtaining certification can contact EMPRETEC Guyana. EMPRETEC Guyana in response to the mandate of the Food and Drug Division of the Ministry of Health provides training to water, ice and wastewater operators in Guyana. This training is done as a

prerequisite of certifying water operators through a series of formal training sessions that are uniquely developed to enhance the method of water purification and distillation currently practised, making it safer for human consumption. EMPRETEC offers a series of sessions designed as an introductory course to certify water, ice and wastewater operators as authentic practitioners in the field. This course is certified through a collaboration with the University of Guyana -IDCE and is listed under their course offerings.

EMPRETEC Guyana is pleased to inform you that we are currently preparing to host another Water Treatment and Basic Sanitation Course designed for water processors on November 26-30, 2018, in Georgetown. Interested persons

can visit the EMPRETEC office at Lot 81 West Half, Laluni Street, Queenstown, or Telephone: 225-4330 or Email: empretecguyanainc@gmail.com for details.

There will [be]a combination of tutorials and practical demonstrations using state-of-the-art water purification equipment. Participants must complete ALL sessions before being awarded with the certification.

Sessions will be facilitated by experienced and qualified local specialists.

Regards Robyn Williams Programme Assistant, EMPRETEC Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

An explanation of Non- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Dear Editor, I KNOW I might have exceeded my allocated number of published letters for this year, but after Guyanese were informed of President Granger’s diagnosis, I have been inundated with calls and messages to provide a better understanding of what this means. I have taken a break off social media, so I’ll be grateful if you can indulge me by publishing this letter to better inform the concerned Guyanese populace.

Mr. Granger was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). NHL is a type of cancer of the blood. The blood is made up of many types of cells.

They are red cells which provide energy, platelets which facilitate blood clotting and white cells that fight infections.

NHL is a cancer of the white cell. Many may be wondering what causes it? Risk factors include personal or family history of lymphoma or other prior blood malignancy, past radiation or chemotherapy treatment, use of immunosuppressive agents, organ transplantation, exposure to certain agricultural pesticides, hair dyes, and dioxins e.g. Agent Orange) has also been associated with an increased risk of development of NHL. In contrast, the consumption of vegetables and fruit rich in antioxidants and regular routine residential ultraviolet exposure have been associated with a reduced likelihood of developing NHL. Infec-

tions associated with NHL include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis C, Borrelia burgdorferi, Chlamydia psittaci, and hepatitis B virus (HBV).

The clinical presentation (symptoms) of NHL varies tremendously, depending on the type of lymphoma and the areas of involvement. Some NHLs behave indolently with waxing and waning lymphadenopathy for years. Others are highly aggressive, resulting in death within weeks if left untreated. In typical cases, aggressive lymphomas commonly present over a short period with a rapidly growing mass, fever, night sweats, weight loss.

Indolent lymphomas are often insidious, presenting only with slow growing lymphadenopathy, enlarged liver and spleen or decrease blood cells.

What is concerning for most NHL patients would be the fever, night sweats and weight loss. This is likely what your dear President was experiencing what he described as “symptoms.”

Please permit me to elaborate on what I meant by [the] terms indolent and aggressive. We can look at NHL like humans. We all have different personalities.

Some of us are quiet (indolent) while others are quick to anger (aggressive). The quiet person, if provoked, will simply walk away and smile. The aggressive, like myself, if provoked (say by being pinched on the arm)

will drop a tonne of bricks on the person who pinched them; same with NHL. The indolent types will just sit there for years not causing any problems. The aggressive types are the most feared. They can kill you within weeks if not treated.

So what about prognosis (chances of survival or recovery)? Multiple studies have demonstrated that prognosis of NHL is far more dependent on [the] type of NHL; whether it is the aggressive type or the indolent type. Aggressive types fear worse. Other factors which are not so important include age (older, worse prognosis) presence of extranodal disease, performance status (how fit you are) and stage (how much it has spread) Let me do some explaining. Extranodal disease simply means the NHL has affected areas other than the lymph nodes, eg bowel.

What are lymph nodes?

Can you remember as a child when you had cut on your foot. Remember that a painful lump developed in your groin that you called a “cornal.” That was actually a swollen lymph node.

Why did they swell? Let’s use an analogy. Let’s say Venezuela attacks Guyana in Mabaruma. The government of the day will get irate. Soldiers would be sent to defend Guyana’s sovereignty. The Generals will place the soldiers in strategic locations and send specialist groups of soldiers to fight the invading enemy. That’s exactly how our immune system works. It sends out white

cells that accumulate in strategic locations. For your foot, that strategic location is your groin. Hence, all your well trained immune soldiers accumulate there, causing your lymph nodes to swell, hence forming what is known in Guyana as a “cornal.” With NHL lots of these lymph nodes are swollen-- Lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin. These lymphs are not swelling because of infection, but mainly because the white cells have gone rogue and just rapidly increasing in numbers, no longer listening to your immune system (the immune general), hence developing into NHL. Questions may be asked as to whether Mr. Granger’s NHL was missed in Trinidad when his doctors assessed him in May. The answer I don’t know. What I do know is that when he went back to Trinidad a few Monday’s ago with symptoms, it is likely it was detected then. If a patient of Mr. Granger’s age presents to me with fever and weight loss, I would try to get to the bottom of it. I would have done a thorough examination, some basic blood test and blood cultures, using those blood culture bottles. If that does not provide an answer, then I would have done a CT scan of his chest, abdomen and pelvis, looking for masses and abnormal growths. If those are seen then a biopsy is indicated.

I would have also done a scan of the heart (echocardiogram) looking for infections. I would have

also done PCR blood test for unusual viruses, bacteria and fungus. That’s what years of training teach you to do. That’s why it should not be rushed.

Treatment of NHL is mostly with strong drugs called chemotherapy. What are chemotherapies? Let’s use this analogy. Remember the gulf war when President George Bush dropped cluster bombs on Iraq. Shock and awe was the name. Remember what happened? It did kill the Iraqi soldiers but also killed thousands of innocent civilians, simply because those types of bombs do not discriminate. So chemotherapy is like that.

It will kill the cancer but other active bystanders are sure to die. For example, it may kill your red blood cells, making you weak; it may kill your platelets that can make you bleed; it may kill your hair, making them “fall out”; it will kill your white cells, making you prone to infections; it will attack your bowels, giving you diarrhoea which further weakens the patient.

So why can’t you see your President today? Why can’t he travel? The truth is that I’m not his treating doctor. I do not know but I can provide a professional opinion. It is likely that Mr. Granger is too weak to travel because his red cells are low (anaemia). Also, it is likely his white cells are also low. Remember, as discussed earlier, I said that white cells fight infections.

Well, if they are not there then your immune system is compromised (immunocompromise). They bad

bugs are now aware of this.

When your immune system was strong, they kept their distance. Nobody messes with America or Britain.

Now the immune system is compromised, they attack (opportunistic infections).

They will surely attack a weak Kuwait.

How are such infections treated? Very strong antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals. Also, the immune system needs a boost, since it has been depleted by the chemotherapy. A drug called colony stimulating factor(G-CSF) is used to provide this boost. But most importantly, the patient will have to be placed in an isolated room to protect them from infections.

Doctors and nurses will have to wear special protective clothes so that they do not infect the patient.

So it’s obvious now, isn’t it. The patient can’t go on a plane because they will be exposed to infections in an enclosed plane where everyone is coughing and sneezing bugs. In my opinion, that is the reason why Mr. Granger cannot fly.

I hope this answers all your questions. For those who believe in God, pray that Mr Granger gets well soon. For those who do not believe in God, place your faith in his treating doctors.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish, MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) FRCP(Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine, Nottingham University Hospital, UK

Idle rantings

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

… Min Lawrence dismisses Jagdeo no-confidence motion

MINISTER of Public Health and Chairman of the People’s National Congress/Reform, Volda Lawrence, has assured that the coalition is strong and united even as she dismissed as idle a no-confidence motion tabled against the government by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

Jagdeo’s minority party in the House does not have the votes to successfully pass such a motion. In the 10th Parliament, a similar motion was brought against the PPP’s minority government led by Donald Ramotar by then AFC MP Moses Nagamootoo, but before the motion was allowed, the then President prorogued Parliament. He was heavily criticised by both citizens and the diplomatic community, forcing him to dissolve parliament and call fresh elections, which he lost in May 2015.

“My fellow Guyanese, please do rest assured that the coalition government stands strong and united and is well prepared to withstand Bharrat Jagdeo’s idle rantings and no-confidence motion,” Lawrence said in a Facebook post Thursday evening.

Jagdeo announced at a news conference during the day that he submitted a no-confidence motion Thursday to the parliament against the government because of a poor track record in office. “APNU in the last government submitted a no- confidence motion against the Ramotar-led administration and they used several reasons to say that they have lost confidence in the government, and that the government should not continue.”

The opposition leader said that APNU had, back then, stated that the then PPP government was spending too much money and over the three years in office ANPU had to cut $90 billion from the budget. “So they claimed that the Ramotar- led administration had illegally restored the budgets for the Amerindian development fund, for hinterland airstrips, for the

One Laptop Per Family, for school vouchers.

Imagine, they filed a no-confidence motion against us because of this,” Jagdeo said.

He continued: “They then claimed that $4 billion given to GuySuCo was done in breach of procedures, not that the money was stolen, but they had procedurally made an error and should not have given the $4 billion to GuySuCo.” Further, Jagdeo said the then APNU opposition claimed that monies were illegally held in semi-autonomous agencies like GGMC, and the Guyana Forestry Commission, amongst others that should have been paid over into the consolidated fund, although those funds were created by Acts of Parliament. Additionally, he said APNU had claimed there was corrup-

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

tion at the CJIA airport and corruption in the Marriot Hotel project.

Focussing on some of the things the PPP will be using in its no-confidence motion, Jagdeo said since the APNU government took office 30,000 jobs have been lost and the entire sugar industry is decimated. “This government has increased taxes by $60 billion, although it came into office with a promise to reduce taxes. It broke its promise to the people of Guyana; it came into office on a promise of creating more jobs; we lost 30,000, they came into office on a promise to lower taxes but raise it; came into office on a promise to lower cost of living, they have increased water rates, they have VAT on electricity, on water; they have refused to reduce excise tax on fuel and I can go on and on,” Jagdeo said.

Jagdeo, who ruled Guyana for 12 years, was accused of leading a repressive government. Commentators have said that during his tenure there were heightened allegations—some not without justification of racial tensions and conflicts, groups targeted for exclusion based on geography, political association, and identity. Imbalances in budgetary allocations and resources directed to, or taken away from, regions where the government under his leadership did not control, were noted. Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence Additionally, the narco-economy was allowed to flourish, which Professor Clive carnage as being done by “phantom” squads.

Thomas noted represented a significant per- Later, it was learnt that the government’s centage of the economy. The criminalised hands were bloody.

Moreover, dissent and alternative views state was also coined, because in addition to the narco-economy, corruption was pervasive, were not treated as a right or opportunity to Thomas had said. Transparency International engage or review.

There exist several anecdotes. Notably ranked Guyana the most corrupt Caribbean English-speaking country, a shame and stigma among them is Mrs Jagan who was publicly that require much work to remove. During demeaned for disagreeing with Jagdeo’s that period under Jagdeo, when hundreds of policy of withdrawing government addead bodies were turning up all over the place, vertisements from Stabroek News for its Dr Roger Luncheon famously described the reportage.

LGEs a victory for democracy … APNU hails youth participation

THE A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has hailed Monday’s Local Government Elections as a victory for democracy and saluted the many young people who challenged for leadership positions in their respective parties and groups.

In a statement Thursday night the partnership said that for the second time since the government was elected to office, “we have had Local Government Elections as constitutionally due.” These elections, the APNU said are very important to all Guyanese, noting that some people regard elections as an opportunity to flaunt their personalities; some have proclaimed that it is an exercise in eth-

nicity, “but we in the APNU say it was an exercise in democracy. “ The partnership said Local Government Elections on Monday 12th November were not only the duty of our government, but also were a victory for democracy and an opportunity for inclusionary governance. “On Monday 12th November democracy won; the people of Guyana won,” APNU declared.

It added that it is no secret when in Opposition, the APNU had placed the question of local government and the return of local democracy at the centerpiece of our efforts, reminding that it was the then Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, who had personally led picket-

ing exercises calling for the holding of Local Government Elections. “APNU struggled on the streets, in the regions, and in the National Assembly for the restoration of local democracy. We are very encouraged by the number of young persons who came out to challenge for leadership in their communities. We believe that this is a very positive step and that, as partnership; an administration, as a government, we wish to embrace all of these persons irrespective of which political party, group or where they came from. We hope that they will continue to be part of that process to ensure that the communities where they contested are properly managed,” the partnership

stated.

The APNU thanked all Guyanese for what it described as the purposeful and peaceful manner with which they participated in the elections. “We thank all candidates who competed for office.

We thank all political parties, groups and individuals for their participation. We thank the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and its staff for their preparation and supervision of the elections.

I want to specifically thank all the campaign managers, polling and counting agents, field workers, runners and candidates who made it possible for the holding of Local Government Elections. We, all of us Guyanese, can now look forward with confidence to a new era of democratic governance of our country.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

‘Embrace the world of Innovation, Education’ –– PM Nagamootoo tells Tutorial High graduates

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo as he delivered the feature address at the Tutorial High School graduation PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the functions of President, on Thursday, charged graduates of the Tutorial High School to move out into the world and embrace everything it has to offer.

The Prime Minister was delivering remarks at the school’s annual graduation and prize giving exercise.

“Whatever you choose in life for in your career, it must be a path to excellence, to greater achievement. There is no room in the world to be left behind,” he said.

According to the prime minister, the world is moving rapidly in this age of technology and science.

He said the world is not “moving as it used to in a linear way, but is moving exponentially.” “You are moving in the age of inno-

vation that our generation could not have even have dreamt of. You are now being given that opportunity to enter into that new world.”

The Prime Minister reminded that Guyana stands on the cusp of a new economy, with the upcoming oil and gas resources. He said it is a national blessing “that this country will become rich.” In that regard, he urged the students to reach out and grab hold of the opportunities.

“You have to be prepared for it. You have to enter into the field of science and technology to become the next petroleum scientist, to become the new environmentalist, to become the new technicians. You have to be prepared for this new economy... I want to tell you that I am proud of you and

The graduates of Tutorial High School I want you to go forward into the world with greater confidence knowing that you are better educated, more integrated in your knowledge that we could have ever been.”

The institution’s acting Principal David Sam said there have been improved performances at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

The school entered 137 students in the examination for 27 subject areas.

An analysis of the results shows 100 per cent passes in Agriculture Science, Family Resources and Management, Spanish and Food and Nutrition and Health; 50 per cent pass-

es in Biology; 97 passes in Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM); 79 per cent passes in English Language; 89 per cent in Human and Social Biology; 96 per cent passes in Information Technology and 60 per cent passes in Mathematics among others.

There was 72 per cent overall pass in subjects receiving Grades One to Three, a six per cent increase from 2017.

There was a 98 per cent overall pass in subjects receiving Grades One to Four, compared to last year, the principal said. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

New Aranaputa NDC councillor Thieves mar has big plans for community family reunion

NEWLY elected councillor of the Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Virgil Harding, says he has “big plans” to further the development of his community.

The Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro Village in North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is the newest NDC created by the Coalition.

This area is made up of three constituencies of about 110 residents who participated in the recently held Local Government Elections (LGE).

Harding, who has resided in the community for over 25 years and was the candidate for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), emerged the winner of Constituency Three at the LGEs; along with Adon Jacabos, Constituency Two and Leona Brummer-DaSilva of Constituency One. During an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) Harding, who is grateful to his fellow villagers for having elected him, outlined a number of plans for his area, one of which is the establishment of a daycare centre for young working mothers. He also has plans to furnish the community sports ground so as to facilitate competitive football games.

“I’m hoping that during my tenure I

Newly elected councillor of the Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro NDC, Virgil Harding during his visit to the Department of Public Information (DPI) will be able to help the parents of young children by creating a daycare centre…

The young people are very involved in football. The government had fenced the playing area but we want to introduce the youths to night-playing and so we need lights.” He also pledged to improve the potable water system so as to ensure each household receives water through their taps.

In order to ensure the sustainability of food security in the village, Harding said during his tenure, he wants to establish a processing facility, fully equipped with farine and cassava bread baking pans, matapees, sifters, fans, graters and pots. “This will encourage villagers to plant; the facility is there and they just have to bring their cassava root and use the machinery and equipment that is provided to add value to their products. A small percentage of what they earn will be given back to the facility for its sustainability.”

In the long term, Harding said the NDC will be working to regularise the land leased to villagers. This, he explained, will enable villagers to fully utilise their lands for agriculture and other activities. “We were able to gain five of the six seats and we are hoping that we can put our energies together along with the people to make the development of Aranaputa a meaningful one that the people have voted for…We have been awaiting this NDC status for the past twenty years.

We thank the government for giving us that status and now we can play a meaningful role in the development of this country.”

–– strike during stop on way from airport

MERE hours touching down here, a US-based Guyanese couple is now counting their losses after thieves broke into their vehicle and carted off over $3M worth of electronics and jewellery.

According to reports, Fareezah Rambali, her husband Vicky and his brother arrived at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) early Thursday morning and were met by relatives with two minibuses, one for the luggage and the other to take them home.

The trio, who are reportedly here for a relative’s one-year memorial service, made a stop at the Kamboat Restaurant in Alberttown at around 12:00hrs where they ate and relaxed a bit before resuming their journey.

In all, they spent about 45 minutes at the restaurant, but when they went back to the minibus, they discovered that it had been broken into and their belongings were missing.

Among items reported missing were a handbag belonging to Fareezah, and two backpacks belonging to her husband and his brother, in which were their passports, jewellery and other personal items totaling some $3M. According to an eyewitness, two persons on a motorcycle were seen near the minibus and acting in a suspicious manner. This was corroborated by CCTV footage from the restaurant.

The matter is currently being investigated by the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Youth leader launches child bereavement centre

THE Guyana Golden Lives Organisation, a unique non-governmental organisation which caters for children coping with bereavement, was formally launched on Thursday here.

Founder and Queen’s Young Leader Awardee, Marva Langevine, said she was inspired to establish the NGO after reading a biblical scripture which called for the care of the less fortunate. She was also further persuaded after witnessing the effect her friend’s death due to cancer had on her two young children.

The 25-year-old said, “the training, the networking opportunities, the knowledge to manage a non-profit and how to take it to the next level… Persons were telling me that this going to get big; this

Orlanzo Raghunandan giving a testimony about his life’s journey after losing both parents during the launch of Guyana Golden Lives difficult, much less a child, at his Civil Engineering and for them to grow they studies despite having to need our support. For them learn to cope with the loss to cope they need our support. For them to develop into that adult who will make a positive contribution to the development of their country, and their

Advisor to the Minister of Public Health John Adams. going to blow up… So, the Queen’s Young leaders’ award gave me that push that I needed and here we are today.”

Langevine established the NGO in 2014 and has since assisted 30 children so far, with guidance from the Queen’s Young Leaders’ programme. Also, addressing the gathering at the launch was the Adviser to the Minister of Public Health, John Adams, who recalled during his 28 years of teaching and social protection experience, he witnessed how children attempted to cope with the loss of a parent or both.

Adams noted, “if an adult loses a parent it is

community, they need our support. I’m happy that Marva has chosen this path.”

Support for the initiative was promised by British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, who noted “I hope you will all be able to do likewise. It is the very least we can do for this amazing young woman, the embodiment of everything the Queen’s Young Leaders’ Programme is about.”

Stakeholders also heard an emotional testimony from orphan Orlanzo Raghunandan who lost both parents. Raghunandan who benefitted from the Golden Lives organisation spoke of his determination to succeed

of both parents at an early age. An explanation of the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance was given by Dr. Coleena Brown. She explained, “we can help them [the bereaved] get to the place of acceptance. Because once you are there, you’re able to manage your life as a child, as a teenager and as an adult in a much healthier way.”

At the conclusion of the launch, a puppy was presented to a Best Village orphan Angel Shivsanker and a certificate guaranteeing lifetime care, courtesy of Pawsome Pets’ Luana Pierre. (DPI)

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn and Founder of Guyana Golden Lives, Marva Langevine

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Transgender community to ride the wave of CCJ ruling …say will be pushing for other ‘rights’ including gender identity

WITH the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) recent ruling on cross dressing in Guyana, the Lesbian, Gay and Transgender and Bisexual (LGBT) community is hoping to ride on the wave of this victory to make further in roads on their rights in Guyana, including having transgender persons placed with the gender they identify with in cases when they are in the lock ups or placed in the hospital.

Members of the Guyana Transgender Union (GTU) on Thursday held a press conference at their Thomas Street, Kitty head office where they lauded the CCJ’s ruling that the criminalisation of cross-dressing in Guyana is “unconstitutional” and to be “struck from the laws of Guyana.”

“What it means for us is a Pandora box has just been opened and [it] gives us leverage to work and to sensitise persons about their rights,” commented GTU Director Quincy “Gulliver” McEwan.

GTU Financial Officer, Natasha Yhap, hopes that the Guyana Police Force would take note of the ruling and use it to adjust their handling of transgender persons being detained.

“We’re hoping that with this ruling law enforcement will now seek to approach transgender people in a different manner,” Yhap said. The case whereby a transgender woman was detained a few months ago in the male lock ups was also addressed.

“Hopefully in the future maybe separate them [transgender women] in a female cell or something like that, may be if they don’t put them with the female at least not put them with the males, at least set them apart in their own cell. We’re hoping they can be more sensitive towards this predicament in the future, especially with this ruling.”

McEwan also spoke on a case where, while attending a workshop, the issue of transgender persons accessing health care at public facility came up, and it was noted that how a transgender person is dressed should not impede

on their ability to access healthcare at any public facility.

A transgender-woman, McEwan spoke of being admitted to the hospital some years ago and having preferred to be placed in the female ward.

“About 2 years ago I was diagnosed for the first time [as a] diabetic… and [while unconscious] all I knew I was placed in a male ward where I was dressed in female attire throughout my two weeks in the hospital and if I had a choice before I would’ve requested strongly to go maybe to a female ward,” McEwan said. McEwan said the issue needs to be approached “outside the box”.

“There should be private ward, and wards on the hospital that cater to differences, and not just male and female. Too long we’ve been looking at just male and female as the only gender and we only provide services for male and female we should look outside the box. That persons who does not conform to gender identity and to be inclusive of all [identities].

Yhap said the Guyanese transgender community is not there just yet but such issues can be addressed in the future. “This is something to be looked at on a futuristic basis where the GTU can meet with officials from the GPHC and maybe come to an agreement with how they can move ahead with this, we can also meet with the police force and members of different organisations and come to agreement and methodologies on how they can move ahead,” she said. One the CCJ ruling Yhap said: “It’s not just an opening to eliminate this anti-cross dressing laws that we have here in Guyana but it opens the door for many other things in LGBT rights overall, especially with what was said and how it was worded by Justice Barrow.”

According to Yhap, while in the past the GTU have been more focused on the visibility of the transgender community, following this ruling they can now move forward to making efforts in other areas.

“At this point here it has been about the visibility, but I would rather believe that since this ruling has been so positive for the trans community, that there will be other efforts so they will now move from being just visible and raise their efforts,” she said.

The head table at yesterday’s press conference, from left, GTU Prevention Coordinator, Danielle Daphness; GTU Director, Quincy “Gulliver” McEwan; and GTU Financial Officer, Natasha Yhap (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Calls for 40% tax on beet sugar entering CARICOM

AMIDST a dwindling sugar industry in the Region, the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) has recommended that CARICOM should amend common external tariffs to impose 40 per cent tax on beet sugar entering the Community’s market.

Beet sugar, which is commonly produced in European countries, has been used as a supplement for cane sugar in

many countries.

SAC believes that imposing tax on beet sugar would increase the sale of cane sugar in Caribbean markets.

“It is a critical time for sugar in the CARICOM Region.....there remain significant challenges confronting the industry, which in our view can become viable if the necessary issues are addressed at the political level, so that sugar production

can find a place in the market,” said Belize’s Director of SAC, John McLachlan, during a presentation to representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture.

McLachlan said total sugar production exceeds demands in the Region, something which needs to be urgently addressed.

He said that while the association has been doing much in terms of research,

the reality is that sugar production will remain low unless governments intervene with significant financial support.

“Another area of focus is the impact the industry has on industrial producers which will continue to increase and I urge the political decision makers to fine-tune this,” McLachlan said.

According to SAC, the four CARICOM countries which have an active sugar industry are Jamaica, Belize, Barbados and Guyana.

Those and other sugar producing countries have to consider things such as global market challenges, European Union (EU) market changes, traditional reli-

ance on the EU, alternative markets for CARCIOM and impacts on sugar production and industrial producers.

Global demand for sugar increases two per cent annually, fueled by population growth, however, demand continues to fall in the EU. McLachlan said the association is working to correct market imbalances which exist. He believes that sugar remains competitive but there is need for strong regional integration and reform of sugar industries.

A report on SAC’s plan was presented to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and major sugar importing companies in the Caribbean

Director of Belize Sugar Industries LTD. Mr. Mac McLachlan Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The next step will be to present a position paper to COTED which will show how countries can evenout pricing in the long run, after which there will be a presentation on the findings and key outcomes at the next Heads of Government meeting.

AFC says unofficial analysis shows it has maintained support

THE Alliance For Change said based on all available unofficial results it has consolidated and in fact maintained its support across Guyana.

In a terse statement, the party said voter turnout was low and the initial results were not as projected, and fell below the party’s expectations. “The AFC, however, based on our preliminary analysis, has in fact

moderately increased its support among Guyanese from the 10.32 per cent which it registered in 2011 when it last contested elections independently.”

The party said once all the results are officially announced by GECOM, the AFC is confident that it will maintain its share of the vote in the various constituencies in which it contested.

Coroner’s inquest to be held today –– into 2013 vigilante killing in Sophia A CORONER’S inquest is expected to commence today into the alleged mob beating five years ago of Nigel Roy Lowe, called ‘Harry’, whose body was found tied to a utility pole at ‘B’ Field Sophia.

An inquest is a judicial inquiry in common law jurisdictions, held to determine the cause of a person’s death.

In Guyana, a sitting magistrate, who acts as coroner, then empanels a jury, after which an inquiry is conducted.

Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul of the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court will preside over the case with a five-member jury to determine whether anyone is criminally responsible for Lowe’s death. Some 13 witnesses are expected to be called.

Reports are that Lowe, then 40 or 41, was beaten and tied to the utility pole, where he was left to die by a group of men. Residents said that the attack on the man started at around 02:00hrs on May 8, 2013 after a resident

The late Nigel Roy Lowe of ‘A’ Field Sophia saw him left but we know he used to in his yard and began shout- work as a mason, building ing for thief. blocks in Lodge. And when Some of Lowe’s relatives, that work ease up, he would who asked not to be named, come in here and pick cosaid that they heard the noise conut from his mother yard when the attack started but and sell.” did not venture out of their Junior said he has never homes to see what was going heard Lowe being involved on. They say it was only after in stealing from people, alsunrise that they started to though he had turned to the receive telephone calls telling streets. them of his gruesome death.

He said he was told that One relative, who gave Lowe had gone to his mothhis name as ‘Junior’, said er’s property in ‘A’ Field ever since Lowe’s father Sophia to use the latrine, died, he was hardly seen in when an occupant of the the area. house saw him, raised an “After he father died, he alarm and led the attack.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Guyana bolstering vaccination coverage

By Vishani Ragobeer

GUYANA continues to bolster efforts aimed at fostering wide vaccination coverage under the Expanded Programme for Immunisation (EPI) while promoting good Maternal and Child Health (MCH).

This is according to Public Health Ministry nurse, Debra Ann Henry, who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle at the Quarterly Review Meeting for Maternal and Child Health/ Expanded Programme on Immunisation held at the Grand Coastal Hotel.

“What we’re doing through our meeting here is to empower, strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers so that they can work well and motivate them to keep delivering services,” Nurse Henry said.

During every quarter, she explained that health workers under the ministry aim to target a minimum 25 per cent immunisation coverage. During this time of the year, it is expected that at least a 75 per cent coverage would be recorded.

Though she was still assessing the data brought in from all 10 of Guyana’s administrative regions, Henry noted that the preliminary results indicate that Guyana is already achieved a 72 percent coverage.

The delay in obtaining the data, as explained by the nurse, is attributed to the geographical challenges that hinder compilation and presentation of the data.

“We are anticipating that everybody comes with their 75 per cent coverage,” she nevertheless said and hopes that when all the data is assimilated, the 75 per cent target will be met.

Improving the delivery of MCH services across Guyana has been under the radar for some time now. In 2017, it was reported that Guyana was set to achieve 100 per cent vaccination coverage for 2016.

According to records in the Health Situation Analysis of the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2016-2020, it was noted

that since 2010, Guyana has recorded high levels of immunisation coverage.

Public Health Minister Lawrence was high in praise of this achievement. “[This] means therefore that we must always remain one step ahead, that our procurement process for supply of vaccines is efficient, and that we are prepared to effectively deal with any threat or outbreak.”

Currently, Henry shared that the ministry is increasing capacity for healthcare resources and training personnel.

One batch of training for community health workers has already been completed and persons have moved on to acquire training in mid-wifery.

Training in obstetrics is also being provided.

“All these trainings are ongoing so that we can improve the delivery of our services in MCH and these [training opportunities] are for health workers in all administrative regions,” she said.

Additionally, work has begun to improve resources. Just recently, she related that some regions received solar-powered refrigerators which store vaccines for far-flung areas and keep them potent.

IMMUNISING MIGRANTS In bolstering immunisation efforts, Henry noted that due consideration must be given to the migrants coming to Guyana.

A cause for concern is that these migrants might not be immunised because many of them do not come with their medical cards to show their immunisation history.

To nip this in the bud, the nurse shared that all health workers are aware that migrants must receive health services as well.

“Once they don’t have it [the card], we are giving them all of the standard vaccines that they should get. We are working assiduously with the regions

where the migrants are coming in.

Whitewater is an area where much resources are being used and according to our policies in health, everybody should have access to healthcare services,” Nurse Henry said.

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Public Health Nurse Debra Ann Henry addressing health workers at the Quarterly Review Meeting for Maternal and Child Health/ Expanded Programme on Immunisation (Samuel Maughn photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

US fugitive to know fate Nov. 30

Man found dead on Diamond Public Road was murdered – autopsy

–– when extradition hearing resumes MAGISTRATE Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus is expected to rule on a submission made by the defence counsel of Troy Anthony Thomas, who is wanted in the United States (US) in connection with a 2011 murder.

Thomas is undergoing a magisterial hearing of the extradition inquest at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Attorneys Nigel Hughes, Bernard Da Silva and Darren Wade had made a no-case submission, and Magistrate

Isaacs-Marcus is expected to rule on November 30, 2018 on the matter. Attorney Stacy Gooding is representing the interest of the US Government.

Thomas, 31, of South Ozone Park, Queens, New York was nabbed by police during an operation on Wednesday, March 14, which had commenced since January 31, 2018.

According to reports, on December 11, 2011, 20-yearold Keith Frank was shot once in the torso in a flash

of violence outside a South Richmond Hill party. Frank, who’d moved to Queens from Guyana when he was 12, died exactly two months before his 21st birthday.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) began looking for Thomas in connection with the shooting.

However, within hours of the shooting, he allegedly fled the jurisdiction and crossed over to Canada from New York State.

In Canada, he is said to have used travel docu-

Troy Thomas ments belonging to a relative of his and boarded a Caribbean Airlines flight, arriving in Guyana in the early hours of the morning before the bulletin could reach Interpol.

AN autopsy done on Ronald Armstrong, who was found on the Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara, in the vicinity of Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) on November 9th, revealed that he died of hemorrhage and shock due to multiple blunt and sharp injuries to the neck and head.

Reports indicate that Armstrong, who was initially unidentified when he was found, was picked up by an ambulance and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was examined by a doctor. He died while receiving medical attention.

A security guard nearby had called the police after she noticed the body on the roadway while taking over a new shift from a colleague.

At that time, the police were treating the case as a fatal accident since the man’s body had bruises associated with a road accident, but the autopsy proved that Armstrong was murdered.

Reports indicate that the man’s reputed wife was taken into police custody for questioning as investigations continue.

Acid-throwing policewoman granted bail A PREGNANT policewoman, who allegedly threw acid in her boyfriend’s face, appeared on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court to answer to the charge.

Cassandra Vulture, 30, of School Street, Albouystown, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and denied committing the offence.

The particulars of the charge stated that last Wednesday at the corner of Camp Street and North Road, Vulture unlawfully and maliciously wounded Anthony Paul with intent to maim, disfigure, disable or cause grievous bodily harm.

The mother of three was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson who, in his bail application, told the court that his client and the victim are known to each other; that the victim was in the habit of abusing his client because she no longer wants a relationship with him; and that it was he who had bought the acid to use on his client.

Police prosecutor Simone Payne objected to bail due to the seriousness of the offence, and the fact that the victim is still hospitalised.

According to the police, Paul and Vulture shared a two-year relationship, but when Vulture told Paul she was pregnant, he insisted that she do a DNA test to determine who the child’s father was, as he’d caught her cheating on him with the father of her three other children.

Reports are that on the day in question at around 10:30hrs, Vulture told Paul she was feeling unwell, and he used his mother’s vehicle to take her to the hospital.

It was while they were in the vicinity of Camp Street and North Road on their way to the hospital, the police report stated, that Vulture took out a small glass bottle and threw the liquid on the victim, which caused the jersey he was wearing to immediately begin to melt.

Vulture was released on $300,000 bail, on condition that she lodges her passport and report to the Brickdam Police Station every Monday and Friday until the matter is called again on November 23.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Work begins on Hosororo hydropower project

CONSTRUCTION work on the 20KW Hosororo hydropower project at Mabaruma is moving apace, and key pieces of equipment are already on site.

During a visit to the site by the Guyana Chronicle last weekend, persons there reported that the contractor is aiming to complete the construction phase of the project before year-end.

They also reported that

in the 1980s when the project was first tried.

A power station, which will convert and send power to the Mabaruma power grid, has already been constructed, and mechanical parts have been taken to the area for installation. Reports are that power lines and additional utility poles will be set up soon.

Residents of Hosororo Hill told the Guyana Chron-

Ongoing construction work at the site of the Hosororo hydropower project plans are moving apace to make the power plant operational upon completion of the foundation works, and that thereafter testing will be undertaken before a decision is made to connect the power generated by the site to the grid at Mabaruma.

The project site lies at the Hosororo Creek, close to the Hosororo Falls, while the project proper is intended to feature a new design that was conceptualised by Guyana Energy Authority (GEA) engineers, and will entail the construction of a 20kW run-of-the-river type micro-hydropower plant, inclusive of weir/intake and penstocks, but will use the existing power station after it has undergone some repairs.

Workmen were last weekend also in the process of completing foundation works at the higher end of the project site where the source of the water is located.

A concrete foundation has already been laid, while the creek has been diverted to the side of it.

Several pipes will be connected to the concrete structure, and will carry water downstream past an old reservoir which was constructed

icle that the project is a welcome initiative, as it will ensure that the community and nearby villages receive electricity for additional hours. Already, a mega solar farm, reportedly the largest in Guyana, has been established at the nearby town of Mabaruma at Khan’s Hill.

An application was made by the Hinterland Electrification Company Inc/Mabaruma Power Company on May 11, 2017, for a Hydro-Electric Power Licence. This is according to the Official Gazette of September 1, 2018.

The company will manage the Hosororo hydropower project.

The original plant at Hosororo was built in the late 1980s to supply electricity to an agricultural processing facility that was built nearby.

The project was abandoned some years after its inauguration.

In 2015, the German Government, through its German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) initiative, committed to assisting the GEA with developing the project. The US$165,175 project received US$91,108 in financing from the Government of Guyana

This concrete structure reminds residents of a similar hydropower project which was built at the Hosororo Falls in the 1980s

and US$74,067 in financing from the GIZ/REETA. According to the GEA, a lot of work was done over the past three years to reach the current level of the project’s realisation.

The GEA will use the knowledge and experience gained from this project to continue its efforts towards the development of hydropower in Guyana, in keeping with its vision to provide reliable energy in an economically, environmentally and socially sustainable framework.

The completed concrete foundation at the site

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Matthews Ridge without power –– after station operator sold generator’s turbocharger

THE Hinterland Electrification Company Inc., an agency within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, has filed a report to the ministry of the theft of a turbocharger from the generator at Matthews Ridge, Region One. As a result of the stolen turbocharger, residents within Matthews Ridge are currently experiencing power outages. The matter has been reported to the relevant authority and the ministry is working to recover the stolen turbocharger or to have it replaced so that residents can enjoy the privilege of electricity.

A press release from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure stated that last weekend, as the mechanical engineer conducted maintenance work on the generators, he observed several parts were missing from the 156VA Cummins generator.

An investigation was immediately launched at the power station to find the missing equipment. It was upon this investigation that the station operator confessed that he had removed the turbocharger from the generator and sold it to a miner.

The station operator is currently in custody at the Matthews Ridge Police Station as investigation continues for the recovery of the stolen equipment.

While residents are experiencing power outages, the ministry assured the residents of Matthews Ridge that they are working towards the recovery of the stolen turbocharger.

The ministry also pleaded with the residents to remain patient as it works towards restoring normalcy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

FCPF-REDD+to help furnish NTC Secretariat

THE Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPFREDD+) Project on Wednesday, presented the National Toshaos Council (NTC) with a quantity of stationery and other essential office supplies.

These were handed over at the NTC Secretariat, Hadfield Street, to the Executive by the FCPFREDD+ Project Execution Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources. The supplies are part of the FCPF-REDD+ Institutional Strengthening and Capacity-Building Support to the NTC, a national representative body for indigenous people.

Receiving the items, NTC Chairman Nicholas Fredericks thanked the FCPF-REDD+ Project for the support and partnership which, he said, is helping the Council to execute its mandate. “We see this as an important aspect in the development of the NTC,” he said, adding that it positions “the NTC to function

FCPF-REDD+ Project Coordinator Clayton Hall hands over office supplies to NTC Chairman Nicholas Fredericks and others in the direction which it is supposed to be heading.”

The FCPF-REDD+ Unit will soon provide the NTC with the remaining office furniture, computers and other IT facilities as well as VHF radio communication equipment. The REDD+

Project already supports rental of the building that houses the NTC Secretariat, two key staff members and several capacity-building sessions with the NTC executives.

Local consultant Vanda Radzik was contract-

ed by the FCPF-REDD+ Project last March to facilitate the capacity building support to the NTC, indigenous non-governmental organisations/community-based organisations and community forest-dependent organisations.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

Trotman for UK visit –– team to advocate for lifting of greenheart ban

A MINISTRY of Natural Resources high-level delegation led by Minister Raphael Trotman will visit the UK next week to facilitate discussions on the complete lifting of a procurement ban on greenheart from Guyana to the UK. The team which will include Guyana Forestry Commission’s Chairman Joslyn Dow, EU-FLEGT Secretariat Head, Kenny David and GFC Deputy Commissioner Gavin Agard, among others will be meeting with UK officials on November 19-21.

In a release, the ministry said the ban which was introduced by the Environmental Agency (EA) in the UK in

2015, claimed that proof of sustainable sourcing of the forest product was inadequate. This resulted in a drastic decrease in export of the product to the UK. It has also seen several concerns being raised from members of the Forest Producers Association and the public, noting that the banned product is vital to Guyana’s history and economy and the long-term effect of the ban can be damaging to Guyana’s export of greenheart as well as its credibility internationally.

Greenheart represents over 18 per cent of Guyana’s logging industry production, of which timber is a major export earner. The

ministry said as such, it was agreed that the Government of Guyana will hold talks at the diplomatic level, among other things to resolve this ongoing issue.

It must be noted that Guyana’s systems of monitoring and verification to ensure logging is done in a sustainable and legal manner has been tested and proven overtime; particularly, through its agreement with the Kingdom of Norway.

In December 2016, after being advised that a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification was awarded to Iwokrama, the EA relaxed the ban on greenheart. This meant that the UK began to

accept Category ‘A’ FSC 100 per cent Greenheart only from Iwokrama but continued to refuse Category ‘B’ timber.

In 2017, the UK agreed to reopen dialogue. Guyana sees this opening as an opportunity to fully ventilate the issue and Guyana’s position with regards to the UK and make a case for completely lifting the ban on greenheart imports.

“Guyana will therefore take advantage of the opportunity for dialogue toward the resolution of the matter to restart the smooth export of Greenheart to the UK and strengthen the relationship between Guyana and the UK. “Guyana believes that it

has met and maintained all international standards and criteria for the product and export of timber products of all species. This again is evidenced by the successful implementation of the Partnership Agreement with the Kingdom of Norway, and by the successful conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the European Union, under the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade regime, which is to be signed in on 23rd November 2018 in Brussels, Belgium,” the release said.

While in the UK, the delegation will deliver a presentation in support of Guyana’s case for lifting of the ban and

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman hold discussions with senior officials in the UK regarding lifting of the ban on Greenheart imports from Guyana.

It is anticipated that the discussions will be fruitful and rewarding. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing support for the delegation.

Private Sector Commission hopes for speedy recovery of President

THE Private Sector Commission said it is deeply saddened by the news that His Excellency President David Granger has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

“We are, however, confident that given his fighting spirit, and the infinite care of his doctors, he will recover fully,” the PSC said in a release.

According to the PSC,

President Granger is not just the leader of Guyana, but also a human as any of us. “We pray for our President to get better and for the affairs of the State to return to normal.”

The Executive and Membership of the Private Sector Commission expressed the hope that President Granger will be speedily restored to good health, and that God will

bring him back to us safe and sound so that he will be strong enough to continue the leadership of our country.

“We also extend our good wishes to the First Lady and

the rest of his family and pray for fortitude and strength for them. We are hoping that he will be back with us in time to share in the festivities of the Christmas season.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

CSME must be achieved to add value to Region – COTED

CARICOM must be strategic, deliberate and effective in discussions, decisions and implementation activities along with management of time and resources in order to achieve the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

This is according to Minister within the Ministry of Barbados Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, during her opening remarks on Thursday at the 47th Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) at the Marriot

Hotel.

Minister Husbands, who is chairing COTED, said small states are being overlooked and become devalued and this puts CARICOM at a great risk if nothing is done, since deconstructing what no longer adds value is important as reconstructing what adds value to members’ states future. “Our efforts need to be focused on changing the dynamics at the extra regional and the inter-regional level, we must make CARICOM work, this includes ensuring our insti-

tutions work as a well-oiled machine,” Minister Husbands said.

Noting that CARICOM is one and not 15 member states, the Barbadian Minister said the Region’s survival depends on common interests while acting as one in a common cause to achieve various objectives.

“We are sister territories striving to manage our resources and opportunities to generate and accelerate the value and benefit which we share for our mutual benefit.

If we want to truly under-

CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque and Minister within the Ministry of Barbados Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands during the opening remarks. (Delano Williams photo) stand our joint relationship the advent of (hurricane) Maria and Irma illustrates how we are affected by any members’ misfortune and the active resolution of our difficulties requires each other,” the minister explained.

Adding that climate change has caused extensive flooding in member states, Minister Husbands said there is need for members to adjust and retool themselves to remain relevant and address these realities.

“Economic resilience must be one of our priorities… each one of us is aware that trade is skewed, the vast population of the agenda with request for suspension of the common external tariff reflects a tremendous lag in moving forward on a production cooperation initiative, this would generate jobs, increase trade and boost government revenue,” she said.

COTED, she said, has to build on the progress that was made by the Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay in July 2018 and the Prime Ministerial Subcommittee and the Council for Finance and Planning which met in Barbados in September last.

“We must move CSME forward, there are challenges but there are opportunities and we must seize them all, a space must be created for us to deal with and deliberate on making COTED the most revered organ in the community, our mandate speaks to trade and economic development which is the heartbeat of our societies,” she explained.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, said that the meeting is taking place at an uncertain time in world trade affairs; the budding trade wars and British Exit from the European Union (BREX-

IT) all have implications for member states.

He said that the most important immediate task is to now advance the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) of CARICOM, since it has long been identified as a vehicle towards sustainable development, while positioning members to take advantage of the opportunities in the international sphere.

The ambassador said that the outcome of deliberations at the current meeting should assist with deliberations in Port of Spain.

“While we have made some progress in implementing the CSME, there is a significant amount of work to be done, all of this is set out in the implementation plan that has been agreed to by our Heads of Government and we wish for our member states to implement the plan,” the CARICOM SG said.

He told the gathering that there is need for full compliance with the provision of the treaty as it applies to trade and the movement of people.

“We must act to ensure that our constituency, the private sector and the people of the Region are able to trade their goods and services without hindrance and to move, work or leisure.

The business of the community must not be stymied by refusal to live up to obligations,” he said.

He noted that as a rulebased institution, there is no alternative to compliance with obligations since the avenues for disputes have been laid down right up to the CCJ. The ministerial discussions precede the special CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting on the CSME scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago, 3-4 December.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 16, 2018

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Guyana to ink EU forest enforcement pact in Brussels

AFTER about six years of extensive engagements with local and international stakeholders on the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA), Guyana and the European Union are set to sign on to the agreement in Brussels, Belgium.

A multi-stakeholder team which will be led by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman will head to Brussels for the occasion scheduled for November 23rd, 2018, to engage EU officials and initial the VPA. In a release, the Ministry of Natural Resources said Guyana’s formal commencement in this EU-FLEGT VPA process began in December 2012. Since then, the negotiation phase was led by a multi-stakeholder National Technical Working Group (NTWG). At the invitation of the EU, members of the Working Group will also be present in Brussels to witness the initialling ceremony. The group includes representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Ministry of Legal Affairs, Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, National Toshaos’ Council, Community Loggers’ Associations, Exporters of Timber products, Forest Products Association, Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association, Forest Products Development and Marketing Council, Guyana Forestry Commission and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

From the negotiation phase of the VPA, key pieces of legislation were updated, these include the 2018 National Forest Policy Statement, and 2018 National Forest Plan. Additionally, following extensive stakeholder and Parliamentary engagements, the Code of Practice for forestry operations and the Forest Regulations were both approved and published in the Official Gazette in 2018.

Following the initialing, Guyana and the EU will then enter into the Implementation Phase. In this implementation phase, gaps identified during a “field testing” exercise in July 2017 will be addressed to

allow for the strengthening of the entire system and eventual issuance of FLEGT Licenses.

The implementation phase will have support structures which will include a National Implementation Working Group (NIWG) which replaces the NTWG, the Guyana Government Coordination Body (GCB), and the Joint Monitoring and Review Committee (JMRC) with representation from both Guyana and the EU. These support structures will develop the road-map plan for the implementation phase. This plan will contain activities by indicative timelines as well as cost estimates for the various activities of the implementation plan. Work plan activities for the Implementation Phase will be coordinated by the NIWG. The implementation phase can take between 3-5 years with an estimated cost of US $30M. Initial approaches have been made to the Kingdom of Norway, UK-Department for International Development and Food and Agriculture Organisation to provide funding.

The VPA is the bilateral trade agreement between the EU and Guyana that expresses that exports of forest products as defined under the agreement, meet the forest legality standards as jointly agreed to between the EU and Guyana.

This forms part of an accreditation scheme that give buyers of forest products from Guyana, the assurance that timber products have complied with the forest legality standards set in the agreement.

Great benefits will also emanate from this agreement, since under the terms of the EU Timber Regulation; products with FLEGT licences can automatically enter the EU market. This will allow for Guyana to potentially have access to a wider range of premium markets, especially those that require strong environmental and forest legality compliance. A delegation from Guyana will also be travelling to the United Kingdom prior, to facilitate discussions on the complete lifting of a procurement ban on greenheart from Guyana to the UK. This VPA move will also see a potential addressing of this.

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Festival of Plays for Theatre Guild Nov 24-26 A THREE-day festival of plays, featuring big topics that are current and appealing to a wide cross-section of Guyanese, is billed for Theatre Guild during the period November 24 to 26.

Festival Director Simone Dowding, told The Buzz on Thursday that five short plays will be featured, each with its own director. It is a competition for which an award ceremony will be held sometime next year.

Dowding, who was a member of the Theatre Guild Board back in 2012, suggested that the festival, which was originally held decades ago, be brought back to life. After a whopping 28 years, it was put on again in 2012, and later again in 2014.

The plays are written

by Guyanese preferably, while any other individual is usually required to first obtain permission before they can submit their play to the Guild. In 2019, awards will be given for Best

Festival Director Simone Dowding

Director, Best New Director, Best Newcomer (actor and actress), Best Playwright, Best Play, Best Costume and Best Actor and Best Actress.

According to Dowding, the aim is really to use the festival to introduce new actors and actresses in Guyana. All of the plays are produced by Theatre Guild and tickets can be obtained for $1,200. A ‘season’ ticket (one ticket for all three nights) cost $3,200.

gan-Taylor, the play seeks answers to whether or not parents should interfere in their children’s marriages and relationships and the sad consequences that come about when vulnerable people are taken advantage of.

“Before her parking” is another play by Coleen Humphrey in her directorial debut and it is written by Mosa Telford. Being a domestic violence play, it deals with murder, abuse, and loss of love. It speaks of a boy who was abused by his mother and

who subsequently brought forward negative traits that he exhibited in his own family, which led to sad consequences and even death. The play is both emotional and very realistic, Humphrey told this publication.

“Unbreakable” is another play that is written and directed by Randolph Critchlow.

The central theme revolves around mental health and depression.

The play, which was staged at the National Cultural Centre last October 10 on World

Mental Health Day, gives insight into a young adult who is coping with so much stress that she contemplates suicide.

It also gives viewers an idea of some of the coping measures that can be employed and a good idea of what someone who is depressed goes through. The play also advises sufferers to seek professional help.

Critchlow told The Buzz that he runs the One Act Foundation with his partner, Nuriyyih Gerrard, and that this play, a project that both of them worked on, was just another opportunity they received to spread the message of their foundation.

Rae Wiltshire will be directing a play called “Duenne” that is written by Professor Paloma Mohammed.

Sidney Henry has written and directed “Political Diversion”

One of the plays, entitled “Political Diversion” is written and directed by Sidney Henry.

It speaks about politics in Guyana and features the political views that are held by the public. It aims to find common ground during the discussions so as to motivate persons to vote based on policies and other important factors, as opposed to voting based on race alone.

Mrs. Sheron Cadogan-Taylor is writing and directing a play called “The Ex” which is about a man who was separated from his wife because of the deception and treachery meted out to him by his mother-inlaw. When he realises what happened to him, he is out to get the woman back even though she is now married to someone else.

According to Cado-

Randolph Critchlow has written and directed the play “Unbreakable” along with help from TV personality Nuriyyih Gerrard

Rae Wiltshire is directing a play called “Duenne”

Sheron Cadogan-Taylor has written and directed “The Ex”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Keep this article on copyright and explore from where it stands T HE opposition to copyright legislation becoming effective in Guyana echoes from a peculiar pool of ignorance, coupled with a comfortable way of doing business that regulates a large percentage of our citizens to a permanent ‘hand to hand’ existence. Copyright is a complex economic process of accountability that requires a knowledge base, learned from participation as a creative person involved in copyright issues. The current opposition leader and his party, and the columnist and letter writers who are linked to his rhetoric, simply have not done the study nor have bothered to even have a conversation with those who have an understanding through practising Cultural Industries in a country that has no legal structure to protect its creative citizens, nor even with the establishment of the Commercial Registry did they indulge in this conversation.

IPRs’ by Vandana Shiva and ‘IPRs, the WTO and developing countries’ by Carlos M. Correa. Those explore the pros and cons and options. To quote Shiva: “Indian medicines are far cheaper than even those in industrialised countries and other developing countries like Pakistan and Indonesia. This is primarily because many developing countries like Pakistan have continued with the colonial 1911 Patent Act inherited from the British which has maintained total dependence on imports with no development in indigenous capacity for production.”

Again –“In 1977, the South African government also passed a law to provide access to affordable medicines by using the provisions of compulsory licensing and parallel imports. The aim was to reduce the cost of treating HIV/ AIDS by 50 to 90 per cent. With over four million AIDS patients,the government action was a public health imperative.

reggae, them don’t know where the beat drop.” Marley also spoke in that interview about the differences between Contracts and Agreements (The Jamaican music industry was created with a significant percentage of ‘cover tunes’).

Both of my last children have an interest in the Arts. I have warned them about the dangers of placing music and short stories on Internet sites that they have not copyrighted because once it gets in the ‘Public Domain’ it’s over, your rights are done. In respect to Comic Books and other literary works mentioned and casually inferred in the article, the broad conclusion implied by a critic of copyright was completely clueless.

I had in 2013 entered an MOU for the development of a non-fiction graphic novel which manuscript and layout pencil pages I had begun in 1998, with a New York entity.

In late 2014, the contract was signed and it was a reasonable

Many of our political characters are ideologues of communism and capitalists in their private ambitions; they cannot perceive the legal individualism of copyright emerging to protect the perceived underprivileged. It was the Oil crisis of the 70s that killed manufacturing in this country. Every schoolboy in the 70s was eager to wear an Elite shirt with cuff links to church, job interviews etc. This was a Guyana brand, then there was ‘KENT’, Mr. MOD and Gobin’s drain pipes. We sewed most of our clothes at popular tailor shops.

Should the near future of oil and gas generate a likely return to local production, local brand names will need copyright and trademark laws to establish their niche. My buddy, the late Lance Braithwaite ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ brand of shirts and Linco’s, were a choice that Guyanese traders took to the Caribbean. Those days, we were never without creative talents. This seems lost to the critics of copyright in 2018.

The TRIPS agreement has so far evolved through several negotiations. We are already enveloped and subject to copyright restrictions from abroad. Should our manufacturing industry kick start in the next few years, our trademark capacity to trade must be intact; the world is not waiting for us. Our problem is our lack of adequate expertise in corporate trade laws. Two books that I can recommend for study among us explorers are ‘Protect or Plunder, Understanding

Yet, all the pharmaceutical giants mobilised to challenge the South African law.” South Africa changed their laws to purchase medications from countries like Brazil and India.

Many of the big drug companies cut their costs to compromise. Vandana Shiva emphasises the energies towards local content, rather than the laziness other nations choose to be enveloped in. We do not even support a proper catalogue of local botanicals, herbs and berries on the coastal belt under strict legal management for the purpose of functional database towards industry.

The physiology of copyright constitutes licence, contracts, franchises and sale of rights that do not involve ‘the copyright’ production rights, all based on the laws we craft.

Eric Clapton did not steal “I shot the Sheriff” from Bob Marley. For cover tunes work like this, you locate the publisher, serve them with proper notice and pay the statutory royalty rate. However, if the publisher has not copyrighted the song it becomes ‘public domain’ and can be used by anyone without paying royalties. In an interview with Bob Marley in the book “Bob Marley Reggae King of the World” Marley was asked: “I noticed when ‘I Shot the Sheriff’ came out, I heard your tune on [the black radio station] WBLS but on the other stations I heard Eric Clapton’s. Why do you think that was?”

Marley replied, “Well, people don’t know how to dance

contract. The book was digitally submitted and within three months I received an email asking for amendments to the contract, through his agent, asking for extensions that would neutralise the contract. I rejected it. By the end of the contract year, the publisher had failed to publish. I sent a letter warning on the 90-day contractual extension. He proceeded by using Staples or some other copy service to run off some copies then placed them on Amazon. I received via mail two of the contracted 12 copies. They were horribly done. I used a local lawyer, Leslie Sobers, to convey my concerns.

The books were withdrawn from Amazon, in due course, the contract was cancelled and my work and copyright certificate are intact.

I had other experiences that instructed me on the importance of copyright and an understanding of contracts.

This lobby against copyright is not fueled by knowledge of what it entails, but rather callous opportunistic contempt for the thousands of Guyana’s creative persons, from a constituency with an aversion to paying people they would prefer to rob, who will be empowered and employed in Cultural Industries, from Science to the Arts, and are a constituency regularly exploited. That exploitation will come to an end with the regulations of copyright legislation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Delegates strike a pose in their swimwear as they gear up for the swimsuit segment to be held at the Skeldon Estate Poolside.

T

he organisers of the ‘Miss Berbice I am a big deal pageant’ have residents of the ancient county counting down the days to their first official segment of the pageant, the Swimsuit and Pool Competition billed for tomorrow at the Skeldon Estate Poolside, Upper Corentyne Region Six. Tracy Khan, the Coordinator, told media operatives at a press conference on Thursday that despite being down to eight delegates instead of the initial 10 that signed up, patrons are in for no less of a treat as the Berbician beauties will be showcasing their designer swimsuits all custom made by local designers.

In addition to the swimsuit competition, there will be a fun-filled day with several activities including volleyball, cricket and football competitions earlier in the day, followed by a swimming competition, slim and trim competition, as well as a big belly man competition among others, before the ladies take centre stage. The swimsuit competition is also expected to

As Miss Berbice Pageant collaborate to showcase town

feature tons of local talent who are expected to keep the audience on their feet throughout the night.

The organisers have made it clear that the event is family-oriented and meant to provide much-needed, clean fun and entertainment for the public.

The cost of entry into the event is $1,000 with lots of food, beverages and allround entertainment and is expected to kick-start from 14:00 hrs. Tickets are available at Munchies in Skeldon and Poonai’s Pharmacy in Rose Hall Town.

All roads then lead to Rose Hall Town the following day, as the delegates showcase their ‘Birds of Paradise’ costumes in the first-ever Costume Extravaganza and Mini Carnival.

For this event, local and international designers will seek to outdo each other in their intricate designs, depicting the best among the over 150 different species of birds in Guyana.

The delegates will literally take over Guyana’s smallest town, as they and their entourage of revellers move from the JC Chan-

disingh School street to the public road and through the town to the Rose Hall Town Primary School tarmac for a final showdown and judging.

The organisers have teamed up with the Mayor and Town Council for the event which will seek to put the “little town with a big heart” in the spotlight.

To create a true carnival atmosphere, spots along the route and at strategic locations throughout the town will be sold for $2,200 where locals and corporate Guyana are encouraged to put on display their products and services.

Speaking at the press conference, Mayor Vijay Ramoo said he is excited that his town will be on display and since the initial meeting held with the organisers, he has been out campaigning to get all the spots sold.

“We will do everything that we can to make this event successful. We didn’t have too much of a Town Day activity this year but this will definitely be among the biggest events hosted in the town and there

From Left: Town Clerk Natasha Griffith, Pageant Coordinator Tracy Khan and Mayor of Rose Hall, Vijay Ramoo

are a lot of opportunities for persons to make money so be sure to get your spots early” he said.

Those desirous of getting spots are asked to make contact with the Town Clerk, Natasha Griffith, at the Town Council during working hours.

A sneak peek of one of the costumes

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Kim Porter, Days before release Buju mother of Diddy’s focused on peace and love children, is dead IT’S time for the weekend again, people! There a few big events going off this weekend including one that wants to help you celebrate the best you.

So don’t stay cooped up at home.

Today

If you missed Tower Poolside Sunday here is your chance to get a glimpse of epicness, Tower Suites presents Celebrity Lifestyle hosted by PStar Perry and his sexy crew out of Trinidad. Music by Determine Immortal Sound and DJ Face.

Tomorrow

Picture this: hot girls spraying fog into the crowd, even hotter girls spraying shots into your mouth. All of that’s going down at the Inhale Block Party, at the Giftland Parking Lot. What happens on the block stays on the block. Pick your potion as we prepare for Guyana Carnival 2019.

T h e V i n t a g e W i n e B a r, Restaurant & Lounge presents Saturday Fete & Karaoke. Ladies get one free cocktail. Enjoy soca, chutney, reggaeton, dancehall, and electronic mixes.

Sunday

Pure Racing, KFC Guyana and GT Motorsports present the “KFC Mega Cup” the first ever two-stage North American Styled Grand Prix to be held in Guyana. The three-hour event will see points posted in real time online. The event kicks off at 3 PM and will be aired LIVE nationwide – including Bartica, Essequibo and E-Networks Satellite.

Come and be part of history and the future at the same time - see the Guyana Drone Operator Association’s first ever Drone Race & Drones in Tourism Expo at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre! Enjoy drone racing, photography and video expo, and pick up a few of the 11 special limited edition GDOA postcards.

Party Sundays brings to you “Anything Goes” at Club Privilege. Free tequila shots. Hookah services available. Music by DJ Delon and Charlie, Stereo Sonic DJ David, DJ Denzel and DJ Pelham. Admission: Ladies: $1,000, Men: $1,500.

Kim Porter in happier times with her twin daughters (LOOP photo)

LOOP (Trinidad) - Kim Porter, former model, actress and mother of three of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs children, is dead.

Reports are that the 47-year-old Porter was found dead at her Los Angeles home.

According to celebrity site TMZ, a dispatch call stated that the patient was suffering from cardiac arrest.

TMZ said a source connected to Porter told them she’d been suffering flu-like symptoms, and possibly pneumonia, for several weeks, while another source said she had contacted her doctor just Wednesday complaining she wasn’t feeling any better.

Diddy’s rep Cindi Berger told the site: “Sadly, I can confirm the passing of Kim Porter.

I ask that you give the families privacy at this time.”

Porter dated Diddy for over a decade. They broke up in 1994 and again in 2007.

The couple has three children together, twin girls Jessie James and D’Lila and a son, Christian Combs.

Porter also has a son, Quincy, from her previous relationship with Al B. Sure!.

LOOP (Trinidad) As Buju Banton fans anxiously await his release from jail, the singer says his only desire going forward is peace and love.

“In light of the adversity I have encountered, I feel the need to stress that my only desire going forward is peace and love. I only want to be associated with my craft. Having survived, I want to share the good news and strength of my music. I just want to continue making music, which I’ve devoted my life to. I look forward to the opportunity to say a personal thanks to my fans and everyone who supported me,” he said in a message sent via his publicity team, Destine Media.

Buju is due to be released from a US jail on December 8.

He is said to have remained positive and is in great spirits.

He is currently counting down the days, along with millions of others to his release, the statement said.

Following his release, Buju will perform in a series of concerts dubbed the ‘Long Walk to Freedom Tour.

So far he is confirmed to perform in The Bahamas on March 30 and Trinidad on April 22.

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ICC Women’s World Cup T20

India beat Ireland to secure semi-final spot

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Indian Women’s cricket team progressed to the semi-final ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after beating Ireland by 52 runs yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

India last made the semi-finals of the Women’s World T20 in 2010. Since then, they’ve been rather ordinary. They lost all three games in 2012, lost out on net run rate to West Indies in 2014, won just one out of their four games in 2016.

However, things are much different this time around, as they recorded their third consecutive win to tie with Australia on six points in Group B. India have put themselves in a fantastic position at the halfway stage of the game, piling up 145-6, after they were asked to bat first by Ireland.

Mithali Raj 51 off 56 balls, with four fours and a six anchored the innings. Raj, who survived a drop chance early in her innings and Smriti Mandhana, played themselves in before attacking the Ireland bowlers.

With quick running between the wickets, complemented by a number of boundaries, the openers laid a solid foundation.

Ireland fielding, too, aided India’s cause as they eased their way forward without much discomfort, to add 67 in ten overs until the 18-yearold Mandhana was bowled by right-arm medium-fast Kimberley Garth. The lefthand batter hit a 29-ball 33, with four fours and a six.

Jemimah Rodrigues then joined the right-handed Raj, and continue chipping away at their opponents. The pair had taken India to 102 when medium pacer Laura Delany had Rodrigues (18), stumped

to end the partnership.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur Bhullar, who became the first Indian woman cricketer to score a century in T-20 Internationals in her side’s match against New Zealand earlier in the tournament, then smashed a second-ball six off Eimear Richardson but perished next ball, taken at the deep extra cover boundary.

Veda Krishnamurthy joined Raj, but her stay was also short after she was bowled by medium pacer Lucy O’Reilly. Raj, the experienced Indian batter brought up her 17th T20I fifty off 54 balls before her innings came to an end, caught at the wicket off Garth.

Thereafter, the Indian bowlers and fielders put up an incompatible show. They were bang on with their plans and despite not bowling their opponents out, they restricted them to 93-8. The spinners did the bulk of the work and ensured Ireland never stood a chance even to give India a minor scare.

Only opener Clare Shillington (23), and a top score of 33 from Isobel Joyce, reached double figures. Radha Yadav (3-25) and Deepti Sharma (2-15) were the best bowlers for India.

Meanwhile, the Indian captain said that while they have qualified for the semis, there are still a few things that they need to sit down and talk about.

“It is a short format.

Sometimes your main bowler might not have a great day. We need to improve on our batting and bowling also.

We did not bat according to our plan and the same with our bowling. We have to be aggressive all the time if you have to win against Australia,” she said after the game.

India and Australia clash tomorrow.

FROM BACK PAGE

Taylor lauds bowlers ...

While she declared that she was unsure whether there would be changes in the batting lineup, Taylor said she had great faith in her bowlers.

“I can’t really say if we’re going to have any changes (in the batting). I think going forward that would be the decision of the coaches and me. And we’ll see what happens,” she said.

“It’s a great feeling to have such talented girls, girls that have been working over the last few months, over the last few years working on their game, working on their bowling. And there’s never a doubt in the bowling department that if we put up 90 runs that we can’t come

and put up a good fight. And looking at how we played in Guyana and here, we do have a good bowling unit.”

Taylor said the team was now setting their sights on their crucial third round match against Sri Lanka, where a win would put them through to the semifinals.

“We want to win every game. We want to top the zone, get that momentum going into the semis. So I know it won’t be easy. We still have a lot of work to do and we have tomorrow’s (yesterday) training, and we just have to go out there, work on what we need to work on and come out fighting hard again,” Taylor said.

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Resilient Silva helps Sri Lanka gain lead of 46 PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Roshen Silva struck a combative fifty and expertly guided Sri Lanka’s lower order to help the hosts gain a first-innings lead of 46 against England on the second day of the second Test yesterday.

The hosts were handed a five-run penalty in a bizarre incident during the final session, after the match officials ruled Sri Lanka’s batsmen to have breached the law governing deliberate short runs.

It took England’s total to 290 In reply, Sri Lanka were all out for 336 shortly before the close of play with Silva’s 85 being the highlight of their innings.

England’s Jack Leach and Rory Burns were both unbeaten on nought, safely negotiating the one over they had to face before stumps were drawn.

Sri Lanka, trailing 1-0 in the three-Test series after last week’s loss in Galle, added 171 for their last four wickets to take a crucial lead, which had looked unlikely at one stage.

After resuming on 26-1, they lost nightwatchman Malinda Pushpakumara in the third over to a poor shot.

That dismissal brought opener Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva together, and the duo built a stand of 96 through some smart batting with England’s bowlers looking bereft of ideas as the partnership grew.

Roshen Silva made 85, as Sri Lanka picked up a 46-run lead. (AFP)

All-rounder Ben Stokes then stole the show with two brilliant efforts in the field to help England break through Sri Lanka’s resilience with a brace of wickets shortly before the lunch break.

Stokes sprinted from gully when de Silva prodded to the off side, picking the ball up with one hand and completing a run-out with one stump to aim at to dismiss Karunaratne for 63.

Stokes was soon in the thick of things once more when he took a sharp one-handed catch at slip to dismiss Kusal Mendis for one, off left-arm spinner Jack Leach.

Leg-spinner Adil Rashid reaped rewards for his probing line and length when he induced an edge from de Silva, who made 59, with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes completing a smart catch.

Former captain Angelo

Mathews fell in a similar fashion for 20, to Rashid with Foakes holding onto the catch at the second attempt.

Sri Lanka were tottering at 165-6 at that stage and needed a contribution from their lower order to stop England from gaining a sizeable advantage.

Niroshan Dickwella (26) and Silva proved up to the task with a 46-run stand for the seventh wicket before England captain Joe Root made the breakthrough by dismissing the former leg-before.

Silva continued to frustrate England’s bowlers in the final session, adding 56 for the ninth wicket with Akila Dananjaya (31) and another 28 with stand-in skipper Suranga Lakmal, who remained on 15 not out.

The 29-year-old Silva was, however, guilty of not grounding his bat at the non-striker’s end while go-

Reliance Grounds Committee to host cultural extravaganza tomorrow A GRAND cultural extravaganza is expected to unfold tomorrow at the Reliance ground on the Essequibo Coast.

Among the listed items will be dancing, singing, drumming and the reciting of dramatic poetry. Several local artistes have already indicated their participation including national chutney singer Dennis Thatpaul, Ravi ‘D’, drummer Learie McKenzie, calypsonian Mighty Hunter and dancer Lakshna Kishore.

The Reliance Grounds Committee has organised the event as part of a series of activities to raise funds for the transformation of the Reliance ground.

Already the ground has benefited from stakeholders, including the Region Two Administration, through the donation of materials to build a main pavilion which is currently under construction.

The washroom facility was also built compliments of overseas-based Guyanese Vishal Lall, while another pavilion is to be erected by Diayanad Chaitram who resides in Reliance.

The ground will soon also benefit from the construction of a scoreboard and sightscreen.

Meanwhile another overseas-based Guyanese, former national youth batsman Rovendra

Mandolall recently donated a quantity of cricket gear to the club including bats, pads, gloves and helmets which will be shared by the junior and senior teams.

The Orlando Cricket Club from Florida also visited and has promised to financially assist with making the ground a first class venue. Reliance Village is renowned to have produced a number of cricketers including West Indies one-day fast bowler Ronsford Beaton, Rovendra Mandolall, Rovindra Parasram, Alfred Maycock, Clain Williams, Lawrence Farnum and the late Balchand Shivambar and Shivanandan Mandolall.

Meanwhile, chairman of the grounds committee, Trevis Simon, is encouraging villagers, well-wishers and patrons to support the event which will commence at 14.00hrs with the entrance fee being $200.

The following day the Committee will also organise a 10/10 softball competition involving teams from Anna Regina, Richmond, Reliance, Cotton Field and Affiance where they will compete for cash prizes.

(Elroy Stephney)

ing for a second run, which resulted in the penalty that could prove important if the match turns out to be a tight one.

He was the final wicket to fall for Sri Lanka, handing Rashid his third wicket.

Leach also picked up three wickets for the touring side, whose seamers failed to take a single wicket in the innings - the first time for England since 1974.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1ST innings

Akila Dananjaya lbw Moeen Ali

31

SRI LANKA 1st innings 26-1 o/n

Suranga Lakmal not out

15

Dimuth Karunaratne

Extras: (b-6, lb-6)

run-out Ben Stokes Kaushal Silva b Jack Leach

285

63 6

Malinda Pushpakumara c Rory Burns b Moeen Ali

Ali 25-1-85-2, Adil Rashid 222-75-3, Joe Root 8-0-26-1, Ben

20

Roshen Silva c Moeen Ali b Adil Rashid

2-40-0, Sam Curran 4-0-19-0, Jack Leach 29-5-70-3, Moeen

1

Angelo Mathews c Ben Foakes b Adil Rashid

8-252, 9-308.

Bowling: James Anderson 14

59

Kusal Mendis c Ben Stokes b Jack Leach

336

Fall of wickets: 1-22, 2-31, 3-127, 4-136, 5-146, 6-165, 7-211,

4

Dhananjaya de Silva c Ben Foakes b Adil Rashid

12

Total: (all out, 103.0 overs)

Stokes 1-0-9-0.

ENGLAND 2nd innings

85

Niroshan Dickwella

Jack Leach not out

0

Extras:

0 0

lbw Joe Root

25

Total: (no wkt, 1.0 overs)

Dilruwan Perera lbw Jack Leach

15

Bowling: Dilruwan Perera 1-1- 0-0.

32

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Mehidy spins Tigers to victory despite second Taylor hundred BRENDAN Taylor’s second century of the match was in vain as Mehidy Hasan spun Bangladesh to a 218-run win over Zimbabwe and a 1-1 series draw in Dhaka.

Taylor made two hundreds in a Test for the second time in his career, but was left stranded on 106 when the tourists were dismissed for 224 on day five.

Mehidy took 5-38 - his fifth five-wicket Test haul as Zimbabwe lost their last five wickets for 38 runs, leaving Taylor unbeaten after scoring a defiant 106 to equal Andy Flower’s tally of 16 centuries for Zimbabwe.

Peter Moor offered some support, but Mehidy ran through the tail to seal victory in the second session at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, where Mushfiqur Rahim was named Man-of-

the-Match for his record 219 not out.

Mustafizur Rahman got the breakthrough after Zimbabwe resumed on 76-2, cleaning up Sean Williams

BANGLADESH 1st innings 552-7 declared ZIMBABWE 1stt innings 304 BANGLADESH 2ND innings 234 for 6 declared ZIMBABWE 2nd innings o/n 76 for2 Hamilton Masakadza c

(13) in the ninth over of the day and Sikandar Raza (12) followed caught-and- bowled

by Taijul Islam (2-93).

Taylor and Moor combined for a 139-run stand in

Mominul Haque b Mehedi Hasan Brian Chari lbw Taijul Islam Brendan Taylor not out

25 43 106

Sean Williams b Mustafizur Rahman

13

Sikandar Raza c & b Taijul Islam

12

Peter Moor c Imrul Kayes b Mehedi Hasan

13

Regis Chakabva run-out Mominul Haque

2

Donald Tiripano c Liton Das b Mehedi Hasan

0

Brandon Mavuta c Taijul Islam b Mehedi Hasan

0

Kyle Jarvis c Khaled Ahmed b Mehedi Hasan

1

Extras: (b-1, lb-3, w-5)

9

Total: (all out, 83.1 overs)

224

Fall of wickets: 1-68, 2-70, 3-99, 4-120, 5-186, 6-199, 7-201, 8-213, 9-224.

Bowling: Mustafizur Rahman 10-2-19-1, Taijul Islam 37-5-93-2, Khaled Ahmed12-4-45-0 (w-1), Mehedi Hasan

18.1-5-38-5, Ariful

Haque 3-1-7-0, Mahmudullah 1-0-1-0, Mominul Haque 2-0-17-0.

Mehidy Hasan ran through Zimbabwe’s batting order to pick up five scalps in the second session.

Brendan Taylor showed his class and pedigree by scoring a hundred in both innings.

the first innings and frustrated the Tigers again, occupying the crease with patience to give Zimbabwe hope of clinging on for a draw.

The excellent Taylor

Premier League to use VAR from next season LONDON, England (Reuters) - Premier League clubs have agreed in principle to introduce video assistant referees (VAR) from the start of next season, they said yesterday.

The top leagues in Spain, Italy and Germany are already using VAR, which allows disputed incidents to be reviewed with the use of video replays, and the technology was used at the World Cup in Russia this year.

The English clubs were provided with an update on this season’s VAR trials, with key examples of its use in the FA Cup and League Cup discussed in detail.

“The League will now formally make a request to the International Football Association Board and (world body) FIFA to use VAR next season,” the Premier League said in a statement.

The decision comes after contentious refereeing decisions overshadowed a 1-1 league draw between Southampton and Watford last weekend.

Southampton striker Charlie Austin demanded the introduction of VAR after his goal was disallowed by referee Simon Hooper, who deemed Maya Yoshida to

SCOREBOARD

Soccer Football - Bundesliga - Bayern Munich v TSG 1899 Hoffenheim - Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany - August 24, 2018. (REUTERS/Michael Dalder)

have interfered with the ball from an offside position.

The English top-flight was one of the first leagues to adopt goal-line technology in 2013 but had voted unanimously against VAR ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, instead agreeing to continue testing the system.

The initial trials in English domestic cup matches last season received mixed reviews, with fans often complaining that they were being left in the dark when decisions were made.

“The Premier League’s non-live testing programme

will remain in place for the rest of this season, with a continued emphasis on those Saturday afternoons which have several matches being played concurrently,” the League added.

The VAR system uses a match official who monitors video footage of the game for incidents that the onpitch referee and his assistant referees might have missed, such as determining goals, red cards, penalties and cases of mistaken identity.

How VAR decisions are communicated to the fans in the stadiums will also be

addressed, the league confirmed.

The use of VAR was hailed as a success by FIFA after the World Cup in Russia, which saw 455 incidents checked in 64 matches at an average of 7.1 per game.

Those incidents led to 20 reviews, with 17 decisions changed as a result.

Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey believes the time is right for the league to use the technology, which should help the officials to make correct decisions during match-defining moments.

“I think it is a good thing. I know a lot of people are against it but we’ve got to embrace it now and move forward,” he told the BBC. “We’ve seen this season a number of incidences that have been called wrong, especially this weekend when there were a number of goals ruled out when they shouldn’t have been.

“I think as long as we get the training and education right, and we get the right personnel, that’s the most important thing for me.”

VAR will also be used in the Champions League from next season.

reached a 95-ball half-century before lunch, but Mehidy struck again after the interval, reducing Hamilton Masakadza’s side to 186-5 when Moor was caught at

short leg by Imrul Kayes.

Regis Chakabva was run-out attempting an ill-advised single and although Taylor reached three figures by taking a positive approach to Taijul, Mehidy took three quick wickets to secure victory, with Tendai Chatara unable to bat.

MYO trounce Diplomats by 10 wickets in 40-over cricket HALF-centuries from Richard Latiff and Shafiek Ishmael propelled the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) to an emphatic 10-wicket win over the Diplomats Sports Club when action in the GCA/New Building Society (NBS) 2nd Division 40-Over Cricket competition continued on Sunday at the MYO ground.

The pair, who scored 19 runs in the first over and 21 in the second, raced to the target of 134 in 11.1 overs. Latiff struck six fours and three sixes in an unbeaten score of 54, while Ishmael hit 10 fours and a six in his not-out score of 53.

In their attempt to get a wicket and lessen the onslaught, the Diplomats used four bowlers; not only were they punished by the bat, a few were guilty of bowling several wides.

Diplomats won the toss and batted, but were

pegged back by Anthony King and Chien Gittens.

The opening bowlers cleaned up the top order.

King took two wickets in his second over to leave the score at 2-23 after which Gittens trapped the opener Claudius Anthony Fraser (9) lbw and had K. Dasilva caught for 11.

Mertima King, batting at number four, showed resistance with the bat. He struck five fours in 35, but was undone by his namesake counterpart.

R. Mohamed, who shared an important fifth-wicket rebuilding partnership with King, added 28 runs (3x4, 1x6), but in the end, the home team bowlers proved too much.

Anthony King finished with 4-38 from eight overs, Gittens 2-24 from five overs and Ishmael, who cleaned up the tail, with 3-27 from 6.3 overs.

33

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Mohamed, Kissoon, Duncan victorious at Infotrans Guyana Inc. Outdoor Archery Championships NARDA Mohamed, Talitha Kissoon and Sean Duncan finished on top of their respective category, when Archery Guyana hosted their first segment of the 2018 Outdoor Archery Championships, sponsored

by Infotrans Guyana Inc. on Sunday, November 11 at the Carifesta Sports Club ground.

Fifteen archers competed in the ranking rounds of Men, Women and Junior Women classes.

The official competition started after the opening ceremony with remarks from president Mohamed Khan and reminders for the day from head coach Nicholas Hing.

The action started at 12:00hrs after the official equipment checks, practice rounds and sighting-in for competitors were completed.

Competitors were classed

Results: RANKING ROUND RESULTS – WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL 1st place – Narda Mohamed 160 points 2nd place – Shereeda Yusuf 81 points 3rd place – Samira Duncan 64 points 4th place – Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon 47 points JUNIOR WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL 1st place – Talitha Kissoon 70 points 2nd place – Jessica Callender 57 points

Participants in the Outdoor Archery 2018 Championships

as: Individual Women, Individual Junior Women and Individual Men all shooting a 300 ranking round (a 300 round is 30 arrows shot with a possibility of scoring all 10s).

Excitement was in the air and the competition was intense as everyone braved the

blistering heat trying to gain top scores against each other whilst battling with the wind.

After the Individual rounds were completed, athletes were paired for the mixed team ranking rounds, whereby the highest scoring male paired with lowest scoring female and vice-versa.

India’s Kohli asks batsmen to step up

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - India have the bowling strength to dismiss any opposition, but their fate in the four-Test series in Australia will depend on their batsmen, captain Virat Kohli said yesterday.

The trip to Australia will be the last chance in 2018 for Kohli’s men to match their formidable home form with success abroad and show the world why they are the world’s top-ranked Test side.

Kohli has had strong recent returns from India’s fast bowlers, which could be crucial to his hopes of winning the Test series Down Under, which begins in December.

Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav have all been part of the pace attack in recent Tests and India are travelling to Australia at full strength in that department.

The likes of Shami, Ishant and Bumrah were impressive on recent tours of South Africa and England while Umesh became only the third Indian paceman after Kapil Dev and Javagal Srinath to claim 10 wickets in a home Test when he helped the hosts to a 10-wicket victory against West Indies in the second Test.

“After a long time we feel like we can pick up 20 wickets every game which I think is

Seven mixed teams contested for the top four spots, as the excitement grew.

The first four mixed teams will move on to the semi-finals and finals to be held on Sunday November 18, at the Carifesta Sports Club ground, Carifesta Avenue from 11:00hrs.

a great feeling to have but the whole combination has to come together for us to win series and not just one Test match and feel happy about it,” Kohli told reporters ahead of India’s departure for Australia.

India, who last lost a Test series at home in late 2012 against England, started the year with a 2-1 loss to South Africa but then thrashed debutants Afghanistan at home in a one-off Test before flying to England.

They lost the five-match series 4-1 before thrashing West Indies 2-0 with both matches ending inside three days.

“We are all feeling very good that we have a great bowling attack now but then our batsmen need to step up as well,” Kohli said.

“We have spoken again as a team after England and everyone is really keen to correct those things and put in a complete performance.

“So we put in a complete performance for a day and we want that to last for a series and for that to happen people have to take more ownership in every Test match that we play.”

Kohli said the contribution from the lower-order batsmen will prove crucial.

While he feels the team has made progress despite their losses away from home, head coach Ravi Shastri said the series in Australia will be decided on mental toughness.

“It is just seizing those moments, getting tough mentally, when the going gets tough,” former India player Shastri said.

India will play a threematch Twenty20 series before the first Test starts in Adelaide on December 6. Perth, Melbourne and Sydney will host the remainder of the Tests followed by a three-match one-day international series.

RANKING ROUND RESULTS – MIXED TEAM (ROUND 1) 1st place – Narda Mohamed & Robert Singh 177 points 2nd place – Ryan McKinnon & Talitha Kissoon 151 points 3rd place – Umasankar Madray & Shereeda Yusuf 1 4 7 points 4th place – Anand Mangra & Samira Duncan 122 points

Local clubs calling for fresh elections by the Esssequibo Football Association

By Elroy Stephney

Indian skipper Virat Kohli makes a point during a press conference in Mumbai on yesterday. (Reuters)

MEN’S INDIVIDUAL 1st place – Sean Duncan 211 points 2nd place - Nicholas Hing 191 points 3rd place - Anand Mangra 186 points 4th place - Ryan McKinnon 167 points 5th place – Umasankar Madray 148 points

MEMBERS from the senior Henrietta United and Queenstown football clubs have expressed their displeasure in the manner in which the Essequibo Football Association (EFA) is currently being managed.

In an invited comment with Chronicle Sport, Andrew Gordon, an executive member of the Henrietta United F.C, disclosed that the Association is not serving in the best interest of football on the Essequibo Coast and that the executives are non-functioning.

He further lamented that statutory meetings have not been held for a long time and that the clubs are not aware of the Association’s plans and objectives for the region.

He also expressed his disappointment at not knowing the financial status of the Association and questioned whether the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) provides a subvention to the local body.

“No financial update is available, and it seems that the EFA is being administered in isolation,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by Marlon Alves, another executive member of the Queenstown Football Club who was

adamant that the Association needs serious retrospection. He is of the view that the game is being stifled due to administrative mismanagement. “I am saddened by the current state of affairs with football in Essequibo, because there is no clear direction and communication from the hierarchy..

“It seems that the GFF is also condoning what is happening here, even without accountability and a plan that should have been in place to govern the game.”

He further explained that there seems to be favouritism in the execution of certain functions, citing refereeing and coaching where less qualified persons are being favoured as against those that were recognised by the GFF. “I have seen the sidelining of experienced coaches and referees and it must be worrying that their services are not being fully utilised for the benefit of our talent here.

“Competitions are being played without proper planning. There are no rules to be guided by, no knowledge of incentives and clearly a lack of motivation from the clubs to participate, due to a breakdown in communication among clubs and the Association. This is how the frustrated official described the present

scenario.

“It appears though that the Association is being operated by one person who does all the duties without consultation or respect for the functions of the other executives.

“But is there a functioning executive bod?, he questioned.

The Essequibo Football Association was dormant for a number of years until an interim management committee (IMC) was formed and headed

by Walter Joseph who served for approximately one year.

Subsequently the Association held its annual elections and elected Compton Haynes as its president. Haynes subsequently migrated and it is unclear who is performing the functions of president and whether any formal meetings were held since Haynes’ departure about one year ago.

The Association’s representative to the GFA is Maxine Stewart who is a long-serving member.

The disgruntled members are therefore appealing to the GFF to intervene and restore stability and credibility to the EFA, They are demanding that fresh elections be held in keeping with the Constitution and spirit of the senior clubs in Essequibo.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

France’s World Cup triumphs changed attitudes to immigrants - Thuram

By Richard Martin BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) - France’s two World Cup wins in 1998 and 2018, which were characterised by the diversity of the players’ backgrounds, have helped to ease racial tensions in the country and change attitudes towards immigrants, former defender Lilian Thuram has said.

Thuram, who is France’s most capped player, propelled them to their first-ever World Cup Final 20 years ago with two goals in a semi-final against Croatia, which set his side on their way to a triumph on home soil.

Yet the former Monaco, Parma, Juventus and Barcelona defender is also renowned for his political views, famously speaking up for citizens in the marginalised Paris suburbs during riots in 2005 and fiercely criticising then French

president Nicolas Sarkozy for labelling the rioters as “scum”.

Thuram says that the fight against prejudice is far from over, least of all in his own country, but he believes the success of his team and the recapturing of football’s biggest prize in Russia, by the likes of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe have contributed to a more fluid conversation on race relations.

“The success has been very useful, because when France win and people examine the make-up of the team it goes against what people are told about immigration,” Thuram told Reuters in an interview at Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium.

“Through football people can see that many of the very best players began their lives as poor children, in many cases from immigrant families. So when France win matches it’s very im-

French former soccer player Lilian Thuram poses during an interview at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)

portant for the country’s image and for the image of immigrants.

“When the team wins, discussions about immigration are easier.”

Yet the success of the so-called ‘Rainbow Team’, Thuram’s World Cup-winning side that also featured Zinedine Zidane, of Algerian descent and Patrick Viei-

ra, who was born in Senegal, did not heal racial tensions in France for long.

The far-right National Front political party rose to greater prominence in the years following the 3-0 win over Brazil in the World Cup final, with then-leader Jean-Marie Le Pen coming second in the presidential election in 2002.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

New Amsterdam cement place at top of Berbice leg NEW Amsterdam United cemented their place at the top of the Berbice leg of the GFF-Always National Women’s Development League last weekend, with a 2-0 win over West Side Conquerors.

Fruta Conquerors ‘A’ continued their dominance of the Georgetown leg, putting four without reply past Foxy Ladies, while in Mahdia, Micam Eagles ‘A’ drew 1-1 with Mahdia Gold Getters to leave Micam Ea-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday November 16, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

3 times (2010/2012/2014)

(2)

WI (2016)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two teams contested the opening game of the current ICC Women’s T20 World Cup? (2) Who was declared Player of the Match?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Tiandi Smith

gles ‘B’ clear at the top.

The national league, featuring a record 49 teams competing in a shorter format and seven-a-side matches, is part of the GFF’s strategy to develop women’s football, alongside girls’ participation in the GFF-Kool Kidz Grassroots national programme and nationwide GFF-Scotiabank Academy Training Centres.

Sponsored by Always, official beverage partner iCool (Ansa McAl) and Gaico Construction, the competition will take place in all 10 administrative regions, seeking to grow the player population, and to establish the foundations for talent identification and a player pathway into the national teams.

Results are as follows:

GEORGETOWN LEG Fruta Conquerors ‘A’ 4 0 Foxy Ladies Goals: Tiandi Smith (4th), Kenesha Williams (21st), Celena Chan (31st, Kendra Thomas (36th) BERBICE LEG Cougars 0-4 Orealla Falcons Goals: Sisisla France (11th), Lonetta France (18th, 27th), Veena France (39th) New Amsterdam United 2-0 West Side Conquerors Goals: Alliyah Elexey (11th, 19th) MAHDIA LEG Micam Eagles ‘A’ 1-1 Mahdia Gold Getters Goals: Micam Eagles ‘A’ – Clemencia Wilkie (34th); Mahdia Gold Getters – Rosianna Williams (28th)

‘IMPORTANT MOMENT’ Those fractures have far from disappeared two decades on, and a year before France won the World Cup again, Le Pen’s daughter Marine repeated her father’s success, gaining 10 million votes in the 2017 presidential election, before losing a runoff to Emmanuel Macron.

“Of course, one victory for the team does not change everything and mean these issues no longer exist,” said Thuram.

“But 1998 was a very important moment, it helped to legitimise immigrants. It’s now far easier to speak about these issues than before then.

“Football gives people a space to grow and become stronger, but racism continues to exist in society.

Winning the World Cup was an important development to fight racism but football alone cannot eliminate it.

Football cannot change ev-

erything, but it does have an impact.”

Thuram, 46, has spent his post-playing days campaigning against racism through his eponymous foundation and is working with Barca’s foundation, supporting refugees who have fled war-torn Syria in camps in Greece, Italy and Lebanon.

“People think refugees are not on the same level as we, that they are not legitimate. I work with refugees to get rid of this idea, to make people realise no-one is more legitimate than anyone else,” he said.

“We have made advances with race relations and with sexism, but we need to keep working to change people’s understanding,” he said.

“I’m sure that in 50 years’ time people will ask how it was possible that people were left to die in the Mediterranean Sea just because they were refugees.”

BCB-sponsored Pepsi 50 overs semi-finals set for tomorrow THE semi-finals of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-sponsored Pepsi 50-Over tournament are billed for tomorrow.

Young Warriors Cricket Club (YWCC) will host Port Mourant in the first semifinal at the Cumberland ground in East Canje while Rose Hall Town (RHT) Gizmos & Gadgets will play Blairmont Community Centre at the Area ‘H’ Ground in Rose Hall Town.

YWCC played unbeaten to head Zone A while Blairmont Community Centre advanced as runners-up based on a superior run rate ahead of West Berbice.

In Zone B, three teams – RHT Gizmos & Gadgets, Port Mourant Cricket Club (PMCC) and Albion Community Centre (ACC) - ended on similar number of points and, with Skeldon Cricket Club given a walkover in the tournament, the top teams were selected based on overall run rate and net run rate.

RHT Gizmos & Gadgets had an overall run rate of 4.93 and net run rate of 1.48 while PMCC had 4.41, 0.90 and ACC 4.20 and 0.20 respectively.

YWCC will be spearheaded by the talented Alex Algoo, Seon Hetmyer, Vishal Mo-

habir, Kassim Khan, Suresh Dhani, Trevlon Stanislaus and Linden Austin while Port Mourant would depend heavily on skipper Joshua Ramsammy, Madan Budram, Loyydel Lewis, R. Carmichael, Samuel Kistasammy and Doorsammy Mahadeo.

The powerful RHT Gizmos & Gadgets team have been dominating Berbice Cricket, along with ACC over the last decade, and under the captaincy of former National Under-19 skipper Shawn Pereira will start as favourites against Blairmont Community Centre.

Pereira would be supported by vice-captain Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Surendra Kissoonlall, Sylus Tyndall and the hard-hitting Vidal Crandon.

Blairmont Community Centre with a number of promising youth players will be no easy walkover.

The experienced player and team mentor Shabeer Baksh would spearhead the team with support from Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Javed Karim, Marvin Prashad, Zaheer Naseer and Fawaz Gafoor.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 16, 2018

Bates, Watkin lead New Zealand to victory over Pakistan OPENING Suzie Bates (35) and Jess Watkin (3-9) took New Zealand to a 54run victory over Pakistan last night at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine gave the Kiwis a solid foundation at the top of the order as they put on 59 for the first wicket, which put New Zealand in firm contention for a massive innings.

However, Bates was the first victim and she was soon followed by Devine at 83-2, but Amy Satterwaite (26) and Katey Martin (29) ensured that New Zealand amassed 144 for 6 to pose a challenging total.

The New Zealanders then bowled out Pakistan for 90 in 18 overs to clinch

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Suzie Bates hits out during her top score of 35 in New Zealand’s victory over Pakistan. (Adrian Narine photo)

a resounding victory off Jess Watkin’s 3 for 9 from her four overs. Captain

Javeira Khan was the only batter to offer any resistance with 36.

The loss cemented Pakistan’s exit from the World Cup.

Pogba, Sterling support my GFC, Camptown football dream, says Bolt record latest wins in Turbo KO football

SPRINT great Usain Bolt says Premier League stars Paul Pogba and Raheem Sterling have encouraged his bid to become a professional footballer.

Bolt, an eight-time Olympic champion, is weighing up whether to give up on his career change after failing to agree terms with A-League club Central Coast Mariners.

The 32-year-old scored twice in a pre-season trial match but was said to have a first touch “like a trampoline” by former Republic of Ireland international Andy Keogh.

Bolt hit back at the Perth Glory striker’s comment and revealed how he has drawn inspiration from some high-profile supporters.

“People are going to say what they want, I’m used to this,” Bolt told Sky Sports.

“I used to do track and field; people used to think badly of me when I started and I proved them wrong every year.

“Football is something that I want. I’m sure he (Keogh) is not at the level he

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Usain Bolt

was when he started, you know what I mean?

“I don’t take it personally, I just laugh at these things because I’ve met Patrick Vieira. I’ve met so many big football players.

“I’ve talked to Pogba and Sterling and they are happy to see me trying. They say ‘come on, you can do it’.

“They support me, so I’m not

going to worry about some simple players saying some things about me because I have high-level players knowing this is a dream and what I want to do.”

Bolt, a Manchester United fan, claims to have received “a lot of offers from other clubs” following his split from the Mariners.

(Sportnax)

THERE were contrasting wins for Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Camptown FC as the second annual Turbo Football tournament continued at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

The first game was smooth sailing for GFC when they played Den Amstel, winning 3-0.

LaVaughn Enniss with a double (50th, 59th) was the leading scorer in the drubbing, with Alberto Basanto opening the scoring in the 47th minute.

While GFC were comfortable in their win, the sailing was not so smooth for Camptown who had a scare in their 1-0 win over Grove Hi-Tech.

With the first half ending goal-less, it was anyone’s game when the sides came back out for the second half.

It was not until Jermain Beckles’ 76th minute strike that the game registered a goal. It was by no means over, however, as Grove fought back but were unable to secure an equaliser.

Today Riddim Squad and Northern Rangers clash from 18:30hrs and Santos face Police from 20:30hrs.

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India players are congratulated after their 52-run win over Ireland. (Adrian Narine photos)

ICC Women’s World Cup T20

India beat Ireland to secure semi-final spot PAGE

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Laura Delany is stumped off the bowling of Radha Yadav.

Taylor lauds bowlers, but says batters need to apply themselves

Windies were outstanding on the field and effected three run-outs in SA’s innings. © Getty

GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – While conceding that her team’s bowling department is quite potent, Windies captain Stafanie Taylor wants her batters to show more application when they are at the crease.

For the second straight match the West Indies’ bowlers were forced to bail them out of trouble after they were limited to just 107 for seven in their 20 overs against South Africa on Wednesday.

In their opening match against Bangladesh which they also won, the Windies only mustered 106 for eight from 20 overs.

And while Taylor has backed her bowlers, she said more was expected from their batters.

“Looking back in Guyana, our batting is not the best at the moment.

And here we are still in that position and we struggle to reach to 107. I thought that in the middle there Natasha (McClean) and Kycia (Knight) batted well. We needed that partnership and I think the bowling performance topped it off.

“We said in our team meeting we’ve been working hard in the nets and our game. I just believe it’s all about application (and) we need to give ourselves some time to assess the wicket. I don’t believe we are giving ourselves some time.

We’re good batters that can clear the boundary at any time. I’m not worried about boundaries. I just believe our application just needs to get better,” Taylor said during the post-match press conference following her team’s victory over South Africa by 31 runs.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2018