Guyana chronicle e paper 11 28 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

VAT removed from private education Page 19

Budget at $267.1B No. 105110

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

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Finance Minister, Winston Jordan presenting the government's $267.1B 2018 budget in the National Assembly (Adrian Narine photo)

$154B in investments, over 5000 jobs P18 Tributors tax slashed, gold smuggling bites P8

$30B for Mazaruni expansion, purchase of fire boat P11

US$37.6M for broadband roll out P3

New water plants for West Dem, Berbice P12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Jordan unwraps slew of ‘good life’ measures …tax-free vacation allowances for private sector employees

By Ariana Gordon GOVERNMENT in keeping with its commitment to better the lives of Guyanese unveiled its $267.1B budget for 2018 which among other things includes budgetary measures to reduce the tax burdens on citizens.

Chief among the tax breaks are the removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on education services, the removal of tax on personal vacation allowances, and tax amnesties, among other measures.

In a nearly four-hour-long presentation before the National Assembly, Finance Minister Winston Jordan emphasised his government’s commitment to achieving and maintaining fiscal sustainability through an efficient and effective tax regime that promotes growth and development. In a relatively quiet atmosphere, Jordan explained that the 2018 budgetary measures will improve the country’s competitiveness while supporting the business sector. He said too that to achieve the objective, it is imperative that there is a constant review of the tax system and the streamlining and modernising of the tax administration. The Finance Minister said his administration intends to broaden the tax base and to use the revenue gains “to lower marginal tax rates to, among other things, improve equity in the tax system, principally, lowering the income and other tax burdens on the low- income groups”; something the administration started in Budget 2017.

Vacation allowance Presented under the theme, “The journey to the good life continues,” the Finance Minister announced that persons who work for part of a year can currently claim only for part of the Personal Allowance of $720,000. However, he has proposed that the minimum Personal Allowance of $720,000 be given in full, regardless of whether a person works for the whole year or a part of the year.

Jordan said the tax deducted by the employer and remitted to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), will be refunded to those employees whose income did not reach $720,000. This

relief will clearly benefit those low-income earners who may have been unable to work for the entire year.

“This new measure will help, also, to simplify the personal allowance calculation, thus easing the administrative burden for GRA. The revenue loss is estimated to exceed $400 million,” the Finance Minister stated. This measure takes effect from Year of Income 2018.

from January 1, 2018, Old Age Pensions will rise to $19, 500 from $19,000 representing a 49 per cent increase in two and a half years. Similarly, Public Assistance will be increased to $8,000, approximately 36 per cent growth over the same period.

Several measures were also proposed to support the private sector and to stimulate economic activity. Among those are the

the private sector in a Public/ Private Partnership, to establish a Dimension Stockyard.

Mining concessions Meanwhile, in the gold-mining sector, Jordan acknowledged the contributions mining has made to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), income and export earnings and employment. As a result, he said his government has enabled small and medium-scale

Finance Minister Winston Jordan shares a light moment with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo just before presenting the national budget (Adrian Narine photo)

Additionally, Jordan proposed that private sector employees enjoy the vacation allowance tax-free to use it as they see fit. Currently, only public sector employees enjoy a tax-free vacation allowance, whether they spend their vacation here or abroad. Private sector employees are only given the allowance to the extent of the cost of the passage to travel abroad. “… A tax-free vacation allowance to a 76 private sector employee will be allowed up to a maximum of one month of the employee’s base salary. The GRA will scrutinise these allowances closely to ensure that the previous abuse of this benefit-in-kind, where employees were being paid huge vacation allowances, in lieu of salaries, does not recur,” the minister said of the measure which takes effect from January 1, 2018.

A slight increase in the Old Age Pension for 2018 was announced. With effect

restriction of the importation of pine wood and pine wood products, which comes into effect on January 1, 2018. Guyana’s representation to the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), an organ of CARICOM, for the suspension of increase the Common External Tariff (CET) on Pine Wood and Pine Wood Products, from 5 percent to 40 percent, has been approved. The new tariff will be in effect from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019.

Additionally, Jordan announced that from January 1, 2018, the supply of logs and rough lumber to the sawmilling industry will be exempted from VAT. This, he said, would improve the cash flow of operators in the industry by at least $80M, while some $120M has been set aside to begin a forest inventory. The Finance Minister said too that $50M has been allocated in the 2018 Budget for government to partner with

miners to benefit from tax concessions on machinery, equipment and fuel; and the waiving and remission of taxes on vehicles, based on gold declarations.

For 2016, a total of $47.6M in taxes was waived on motor vehicles, while, for 2017, such waivers have amounted to $64.4M for personal motor vehicles and $188M for fuel, so far. Many operators in the sector have been permitted to hold foreign exchange retention accounts; instead of the 10 per cent, they have been allowed unlimited retention of foreign exchange to purchase mining equipment.

In the housing sector, Jordan in an effort to encourage the building of low-cost houses, proposed to exempt VAT to complete housing units costing up to $6.5M that are built by or on behalf of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) or any other

approved entity. In the area of transportation, government in recognition of the need and ability to acquire appropriate vehicles at affordable prices has proposed to reduce rates of excise tax on the importation of overland transportation used for tourism purposes in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

This concession, the finance minister stated, will be applicable to vehicles between 2,000 cc and 4,000 cc that are used exclusively in the tourism sector for the transport of persons by incorporated entities that have been operating in those regions for at least five years.

For vehicles 2,000 cc to under 3,000 cc and which are less than four years old, the Excise Tax would be slashed from 110 per cent to zero; for vehicles over 3,000 cc to 4,000 cc and which are less than four years old, the Excise Tax would be reduced from 140 per cent to zero. Additionally, Jordan proposed to grant free vehicle licences to motor buses and motor vehicles that operate in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine, along with the removal of VAT on vehicles that are less than four years old, which are used to transport more than 21 persons.

REMOVAL OF EXCISE TAX Moreover, the minister also proposed removal of the Excise Tax flat rate of US$6,900 and replace it with a VAT of 14 per cent, on vehicles four years and older that carry between 22 and 29 passengers. In keeping with his administration’s green agenda, Jordan reminded that in Budget 2017, hybrid vehicles below a certain engine capacity had benefited from tax concessions, while there were no engine- capacity limits for electrically powered vehicles.

However, in an effort to further reduce emissions, he proposed an exemption on Excise Tax on vehicles principally designed to accommodate Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG gas), with an engine capacity not exceeding 2000 cc and not exceeding four years old from the date of manufacture to the date of importation. The

Finance Minister also recommended that Part III B (i) of the First Schedule to the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 be amended to exempt machinery and equipment from the payment of Customs duties to set up 75 refilling stations for such vehicles, as determined by the Commissioner-General. The VAT will still be payable.

In the case of small businesses, the sum of $100 million has been allocated in Budget 2018 to replenish the Small Business Development Fund.

Jordan noted that many small businesses do not adequately utilise the various concessions available under the various Tax Acts, the Small Business Act and those offered through Investment Development Agreements (IDAs). “In particular, small businesses do not get the benefit of concessions under the Small Business Act. Exemptions go a-begging and the various allowances under the Income Tax Act, the Income Tax (in Aid of Industry) Act and the Customs Act are often not utilised,” he stated.

As a result, the Ministry of Business, through GO-INVEST, and the Ministry of Finance, through GRA will be embarking on an intensive education programme aimed at sensitising small businesses to the availability of these concessions and how to acquire them.

Given the large number of businesses that operate without licences as a result of the difficulties in obtaining some requirements, which include approved building plans, and safety and sanitary certificates, the finance minister has proposed that a Provisional Licence be issued for a period not exceeding two (2) years, for premises conducting some of the following businesses: Grocery Shops, Variety Stores, and Snackettes. “It must be noted that this Provisional Licence cannot be used to acquire any additional licence such as a Liquor Licence. In addition, upon expiration of the Provisional Licence, no extension will be granted,” Jordan stated. This measure takes effect from January 1, 2018.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Budget set at $267.1B …economy projected to grow 3.8 per cent

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan on Monday unveiled a $267.1 budget for 2018 and projected that the economy will grow at 3.8 per cent next year. He anticipated that growth will be realised across all sectors, with the exception of the sugar industry.

Presenting his fourth budget themed “The Journey to the Good Life Continues”, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan said minus the weight of the sugar industry, the non-sugar growth rate is expected to be 4.6 per cent.

The overall real growth rate for 2017 was projected at 3.8 per cent but at mid-year, an economic growth rate of 2.2 per cent was achieved, up from two per cent for the same period the previous year.

In the Mid-Year Report, laid in the National Assembly, on August 4, the projection for 2017 was revised downwards to 3.1 per cent, on account of expected weak performance in the mining and quarrying sector, and the sugar and forestry industries.

The projected outturn for real growth of the economy, in 2017, is 2.9 per cent.

According to Jordon, the global economic growth is expected to improve through 2017 as markets benefit from increased investment, trade

and industrial production, as well as reinvigorated business and consumer confidence.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), in its most recent World Economic Outlook (WEO), has projected global growth to reach 3.6 per cent in 2017, 0.4 percentage points higher than the level

“Mr. Speaker, advanced economies are projected to grow by 2.2 per cent in 2017 as a result of various factors, including an increase in global demand, stronger exports, and supportive fiscal and monetary policy. In 2018, growth in this area is anticipated to decline to 2 per

effects of Brexit continue to take a toll on the economy, with a dampening of consumption growth due to a weakening of the pound,” the finance minister said.

In addition, Jordan told the House that economic expansion in emerging markets and developing economies is

The Chinese economy was sustained by buoyant external demand, which is anticipated to support further expansion in growth, in 2018, to 4.9 per cent.

The economies of Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to finally recover, in 2017. Following

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

recorded in 2016, and 0.1 percentage points above its previous forecast.

In 2018, the global growth is projected to rise marginally to 3.7 per cent.

cent on account of a lower expected growth in all major economies, apart from the United States and France. The United Kingdom expects to see declining growth as the

anticipated to improve from earlier projections, with 4.6 per cent growth expected for 2017, 0.3 percentage points above the growth recorded in 2016.

significant declines over the past few years, growth of 1.2 per cent and 1.9 per cent is expected in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

The anticipated recov-

ery in the region will be supported by improved demand from external trading partners and accommodative financial conditions, on account of a less volatile international financial market and resilient capital inflows.

In the Caribbean, overall growth projections for 2018 show an improvement to 1.9 per cent from 0.3 per cent the previous year. However, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are projected to contract by 3.2 per cent and 1.2 per cent, respectively, as the downturn in the previous years extend into 2017.

In 2018, however, these economies are expected to recover and, as a group, both tourism-dependent and commodity exporters are projected to record over 2 per cent respectively, with Trinidad and Tobago projected to expand by 1.9 per cent, and Suriname by 1.2 per cent as prices are anticipated to rebound.

“Despite the improved outlook, the region still faces a number of risks, including climate-related catastrophes, which are expected to increase in frequency; capital flow reversals; tightening financial conditions; and volatile commodity prices,” Jordon said.

US$37.6M for broadband roll out …safe city solution, 200 ICT hubs on the cards

THE Government is in the process of securing funding of US$37.6 million, to implement the first phase of its Smart Guyana programme-a national broadband initiative to expand the e-Government network.

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan told the National Assembly during his budget presentation on Monday that as part of the programme the administration will upgrade the existing LTE network, and construct data centres, provide capacity building, outfit smart classrooms and eLibraries, launch eHealth solutions for remote health care services, and increase closed circuit television capacities towards a Safe City solution. “To this end, we have allocated $2.3

billion to commence work on this initiative, in 2018. In addition, a further US$17 million has been earmarked to ensure that vulnerable groups and farflung hinterland communities, which might otherwise be excluded, are provided with the necessary infrastructure, hardware and software that will enable access to high quality ICT, training and e-services,” Jordan told the House as he unveiled the $267.1B budget.

According to him, implementation of this project is anticipated to commence in 2018 and, on completion, will see over 89,000 residents, in approximately 170 communities, having access to over 200 eGovernment ICT hubs.

“Mr Speaker, the Information and Communications

Technology (ICT) sector is a continually advancing and evolving one. It has been transforming traditional sectors such as transport, security, health and education. There are newer and more intelligent smartphones being released almost every month, some of which can monitor your health to a high degree of accuracy; homes are being designed with smart technology that will learn and adapt to owners preferences and comfort while providing security measures; and classrooms that are fully digital to provide a more immersive learning experience,” the finance minister stated.

Notwithstanding, he said the government is fully committed to accelerating its assimilation of new technologies

into the way “we do business and into our way of life. To this end, our focus is placed on completing the process of liberalisation of the telecommunications sector.” Jordan said the government is keen on having the benefits of a competitive ICT industry being passed on to the consumer in the form of improved services, added coverage, and reduced cost. Additionally, he said the administration will be working to further develop the requisite infrastructure to support such a transformation.

“Our interventions, going forward, will be guided by our National ICT Strategy, which will be finalised in 2018.”

Jordan said in 2017, the foundation was laid for the full operationalisation of

the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology (CEIT)-an ICT finishing school geared to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The building that will house the centre was fully refurbished and furnished and, in 2018, over 100 students are expected to graduate from the centre with advanced tutelage in network security, JAVA and Android, among others. Over $140 million has been allocated to support the CEIT in the new year.

Jordan said while capacity building remains a priority for Government, the need for innovation is critical to supporting transformative growth. He said in 2016, government started

nurturing the talent of the local community by hosting events such as Hackathons and CodeSprints. These have been a success, with the eventual winners of the latter developing a practical Agricultural Commodities Trade Exchange that will be employed by the Ministry of Agriculture. He said the recently-concluded Hackathon required participants to create a software or mobile application that caters for the management of Rates and Taxes and reporting for Municipalities and NDCs. While still in the early stages, he said government anticipates the application developed by the winners will be put to good use.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Prince Harry makes it official Zimbabwe makes Mugabe’s --finally proposes to Meghan Markle

PRINCE Harry says he and US actress girlfriend Meghan Markle fell in love “so incredibly quickly”, it seemed proof that the “stars were aligned”.

The fifth in line to the throne was speaking after the couple announced their engagement and plans to marry in spring 2018.

The couple told the BBC’s Mishal Husain they met on a blind date, and neither had known much about each other.

Prince Harry said “beautiful Ms Markle just tripped and fell into my life.”

He believed Ms Markle and his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, would have been “thick as thieves; best friends.”

Ms Markle is already involved with humanitarian work, and is a women’s advocate with the UN. CAMPING IN BOTSWANA The 36-year-old star of US legal drama, Suits confirmed she would be giving up acting, and, with her new role, focus even more energy on the causes that are important to her.

Ms Markle said: “I don’t see it as giving anything up; I see it as a change. It’s a new chapter.”

Turning to Prince Harry, she

said: “Now it’s time to work as a team with you.”

The prince, 33, added: “I know that she will be unbelievably good at the job part of it as well.”

Prince Harry said “both of us have passions for wanting to make change for good.”

Ms Markle said, “One of the first things we started talking about when we met was just the

Harry and his belle after they’d made the announcement

The couple described how they were set up on a blind date by a mutual friend, and how they got to know each other camping in Botswana.

“I think about three, maybe four weeks later I managed to persuade her to come and join me...

“And we camped out with each other under the stars... She came and joined me for five days out there, which was absolutely fantastic.”

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different things we wanted to do in the world, and how passionate we were about seeing change.”

She said it was “disheartening” there had been a focus on the fact her father is white and her mother is African-American.

“At the end of the day, I am proud of who I am and where I come from; we’ve just focused on who we are as a couple.”

‘AMAZING SURPRISE’ Prince Harry revealed he proposed earlier this month during a “standard, typical night for us” at his home in Kensington Palace as the couple were making roast chicken.

“It was just an amazing surprise. It was so sweet, and natural and very romantic,” Ms Markle said.

Prince Harry said: “She didn’t even let me finish. She said, ‘Can I say yes?’

“Then there were hugs, and I had the ring on my finger.

“I was like, ‘Can I give you the ring?’ It was a really nice moment; just the two of us.”

Turning to Ms Markle, Prince Harry said: “And I think I managed to catch you by surprise as well.”

The couple declined to reveal the name of the mutual female friend who introduced them in July 2016.

Ms Markle said she “didn’t know much” about Prince Harry.

“The only thing I had asked her when she said she wanted to set us up was ‘Is he nice?’”

The prince said he had not been aware of Ms Markle before their first meeting in London as he had never watched her TV show.

Earlier, the couple posed for

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photographs outside Kensington Palace in London, where they will live.

Prince Harry said he was “thrilled”, while Ms Markle said she was “so very happy”.

Ms Markle, wearing a white belted coat, held Harry’s hand as they appeared briefly for the press at the palace’s Sunken Garden, and showed off her diamond engagement ring.

Asked by a reporter when he knew Ms Markle was the one, Prince Harry said: “The very first time we met.”

The announcement of their engagement was issued by Clarence House on Twitter, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall’s official residence, and said details about the wedding day would be unveiled “in due course”.

Downing Street said there are “no plans” for a bank holiday on the day.

HARRY’S THOUGHTFULNESS Ms Markle’s engagement ring was designed by Prince Harry, and features two diamonds which belonged to his mother.

The band is made from gold, and at the centre is a diamond from Botswana.

Ms Markle said it was a sign of Harry’s thoughtfulness.

She had that while she was obviously not able to meet his mother, it was “so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us”.

Ms Markle said she had met the Queen a couple of times, and described her as an “incredible woman”.

Asked about having children, Prince Harry said: “One step at a time, and hopefully we’ll start a family in the near future.”

Ms Markle grew up in Los Angeles and attended a private primary school before studying at a girls’ Roman Catholic college. She graduated from Northwestern University School of Communication in Illinois, as her acting career was beginning.

The Archbishop of Canterbury said he was “absolutely delighted” at the engagement announcement, and indicated the couple would have a church wedding.

She was previously married, but the Church of England agreed in 2002 that divorced people could be allowed to remarry in church. (BBC)

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birthday a national holiday

ZIMBABWE has officially declared February 21 to be Robert Gabriel Mugabe National Youth Day, thereby making the former president’s birthday a public holiday, the Herald newspaper reports.

New President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to form a cabinet this week.

Mr Mugabe resigned last week after a military intervention, and days of mass protests.

The police and army are to stage joint patrols as the country returns to normal, the authorities have said.

They have already received reports of looting and illegal occupation of properties, particularly farms and farmhouses.

Police had not been seen in public until November 21 when Mr Mugabe resigned, and they slowly started returning to work. The army had effectively been in charge.

Before the army operation, police officers had been an ever-present sight in the centre of the capital, Harare, and roads around the country, although they were not always welcome, as many complained of police harassment.

Calls for the former president’s birthday to be made a national holiday were adopted by the government in August, following intense lobbying by the Zanu-PF Youth League, the Herald reports.

The decision was officially recorded on Friday, it adds.

Last week, President Mnangagwa said the former president needed to be given the respect and recognition he deserved as one of the founders and leaders of Zimbabwe.

“To me personally, he remains a father, mentor, com-

rade-in-arms and my leader,” he said during his acceptance speech at his inauguration on Friday.

Reports that Mr Mugabe was granted $10M (£7.5M) to ease him out of office have not been confirmed.

BREAK FROM THE PAST? There is speculation as to whether Mr Mnangagwa will select a broad-based government, or keep figures from the Mugabe era.

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change has called for an inclusive “transitional authority” to mark a break with his 37year rule, and bring in reforms to pave the way for free elections next year.

There are fears that President Mnangagwa, who is associated with some of worst atrocities committed under the ruling Zanu-PF party since independence in 1980, will not usher in the democratic reforms that many in Zimbabwe are hoping for.

Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in to replace Mr Mugabe as president on Friday.

Earlier this month, Mr Mnangagwa was sacked as vice-president, triggering a political crisis that led to the army taking control, and Mr Mugabe eventually standing down.

Mr Mugabe and his wife, Grace, remain at their house in Harare, and have no plans to leave the country.

The military takeover came in response to Mr Mugabe’s decision to position his wife as his successor, and sack Mr Mnangagwa from the vice-presidency. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

PM Skerrit pledges support --for Dominican students at UWI Cave Hill

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has given assurances to Dominicans at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies that his government will do all it can to assist them in completing their studies following the passage of Hurricane Maria in September.

Students have been outlining concerns over their inability to complete their courses, given that their

parents are now focused on rebuilding their homes and lives, after the Category Five storm destroyed the majority of houses on the island in September.

Skerrit, who made a brief stop here on Sunday following a visit to Trinidad and Tobago, told the students at the Cultural Centre in Black Rock just outside the capital, that his government will work to keep Dominicans studying at home and abroad enrolled in current programmes, whether it

be at primary, secondary, or tertiary level.

“We do not want any student dropping out because his or her parents cannot pay the fees. So let the word go forth from here this morning that your continued studies here in Barbados is not under threat, and will not be frustrated or terminated by any action of my government,” Skerrit said, adding that their skills will be needed to rebuild the country.

“We need you to com-

plete your areas of study and come back home and help build the new Dominica,” he said, adding: “Do not waste this opportunity to develop and equip yourselves for life’s challenges in the third decade of the 21st Century.”

The Prime Minister also appealed to the students to work with the government in “easing the strain and overall toll” that the current challenges being faced by the students will have on the public purse, and

warned that his administration will not tolerate negative behaviour, or those who squander their opportunities for higher education.

“We will negotiate with your various institutions of learning; we’ll also appeal to the kindness of your host country and its citizens and government,” he said.

“We’ll contribute as much as we can to the upkeep of your education, but I want this morning to appeal to you to not flaunt or take the opportunity for

granted…

“The government of Dominica commits to helping those who are serious about their education through to the very end.

But by the same token, I can give no such assurance to those whose attitude and behaviour is not consistent with what we would hope and wish for…

“There will be zero tolerance of bad attitudes and behaviours; one strike and you’re guaranteed to be out. Full stop!”

UWItv to honour regional broadcaster, Julian Rogers BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The multimedia public information and education service of the University of the West Indies (UWItv) will honour regional broadcaster, Julian Rogers as it celebrates the milestone of its first anniversary this week.

UWItv, which was launched in November 25, 2016 and went live in December 2016, will mark the success of the platform with a celebratory event and award ceremony today at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination at UWI’s Cave Hill Campus here.

Guided by its ethos, “Caribbean matters”, UWItv deemed it fitting to pay tribute to Rogers’ 54-year career of contributions to Caribbean press, radio and television, and as a ground-breaking presenter and programme-maker, owner/manager, trainer and consultant.

He is well known for his track record of transforming new, independent radio stations into market leaders and national institutions, particularly throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and has

remained at the forefront of building new media brands throughout the turn of the new century.

In addition to his numerous career highlights, Rogers has been an adviser to several regional and international institutions on media development and training, and has sat on the Regional Advisory Board of the UWI’s Caribbean Institute for Media and Communication.

UWItv is a tripartite partnership involving The UWI, CaribVision (the regional cable service of the Caribbean Media Corporation) and the RJR Group in Jamaica.

It delivers three hours of programming daily to millions of viewers across the region, as well as the large Caribbean Diaspora communities in New York, Toronto, Montreal, London and Europe.

Its traditional televi-

sion broadcasting is complemented by a robust web and social media presence, which allows users access to content in real time or on demand.

UWItv‘s diverse Caribbean-focused programming features the intellectual content of the regional university.

It is central to The UWI’s mission as a vehicle for disseminating knowledge, stimulating critical thinking, pro-

Acclaimed Caribbean broadcaster, Julian Rogers

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moting activism and nurturing leaders in every sphere of Caribbean life.

In its first year of operation, UWItv has sought to drive regionalism through solution-based discourse and public education.

The anniversary programme will include a feature address

by President of Caribbean Broadcasting Union, Gary Allen.

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

SARA and claims of victimisation SINCE every society is governed by laws it means that among other supportive sign posts, the Rule of Law is paramount and automatic, as an accepted plank in the judicial decision–making process.

Therefore, it is the legitimate expectation of society that all law breakers, irrespective of status and class, will be answerable to its laws. But is this the understanding of sections of this society, especially those who are aware that they have committed serious acts of dishonesty that have placed them in direct collision with the law? Moreover, is this clearly known by their political backers, from the political opposition who continue to deliberately mislead their constituents by claiming “witch hunt.’’

How can the latter be, when there are clear and unambiguous charges for them to answer at court? This is unashamedly an act of political dishonesty which

continues in its desperate bid to legitimise corruption.

It would seem that because of the longevity of this chronic social evil that has permeated every crevice of public service, that it has been accepted as a norm.

The recent responses from the opposition once again bring this grave issue into focus. In fact, each time government makes an announcement about the advancement and preparation of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) to pursue persons who have allegedly stolen state assets–the opposition shouts victimisation of those suspected because of members and association with its political party.

SARA as a body enacted by legislation is not about politicisation as a reason for its raison d’etre, for investigating those suspected of financial crimes, because of their political affiliation.

Its mandate in accordance with its prescribed lawful authority, gives it the

right to prosecute anyone, irrespective of ethnicity, political loyalty/affiliation, or social standing who unlawfully have taken state assets. Neither, is the agency about taking away from a particular ethnic group what they have lawfully acquired, as one opposition party spokesperson claimed at a cultural function, some time ago.

Theft, embezzlement and misappropriation of state assets take many forms. Some include denial of revenue to the state through non-payment or underpayment of taxes, white collar crimes and evading the regulatory and oversight functions of the state as prescribed by law. The idiom that there is no excuse for ignorance under the law — though not disputed— would be more meaningful should persons be aware what the laws require of them. Here there may be utility in establishing an information reservoir, easily

Ramkarran is showing his true colours Dear Editor,

WHILE serving as a leading executive member and potential presidential candidate of the PPP, Ralph Ramkarran must have heard of his party’s excesses, ranging from its now widely established links to the underworld, support for drug lords and private death squads, runaway corruption and squandermania, nepotism and its rampant give away of state lands to friends, family and foreign investors of dubious backgrounds.

He said little or nothing during that period, particularly after Bharrat Jagdeo became president and decided that Guyana and its resources were his to give. It was not until the end of June 2012, when it had become clear that he would never be the PPP’s presidential candidate that he decided to throw in the proverbial towel, resign and became a political commentator. Neither Mr. Jagdeo nor the

PPP’s executive had any plans for him. But his preference for the PPP remains and can no longer be hidden. Writing in his weekly blog/column over the weekend, he ironically joined with Jagdeo and the PPP to call on the AFC to abandon a coalition that has restored national pride, put the death squads to pasture and is allowing SOCU and SARU to do their work unhindered in bringing the corrupt to justice and reclaiming stolen state assets.

Mr. Ramkarran had even turned up at a sitting of the National Assembly after elections in 2011-12 expecting to be elected Speaker again.

Legislators wisely chose Raphael Trotman instead. It has now become clear that Senior Counsel Ramkarran has rejoined forces with the PPP in a desperate effort to drive a serious political wedge between the coalition partners.

He never once criticised the PPP during its 23 years in of-

fice, regardless of what it had done, and never asked MPs or ministers with a conscience to walk away. Why now? What is his agenda?

As well, Mr. Ramkarran knows fully well that constitutional reform requires the support from the opposition.

In some cases the vote must be by a two-thirds majority.

Government has failed to win support in the House for Bills of lesser importance.

Just why does he think the PPP will support such reform? The senior counsel must also understand that the AFC politicians had campaigned to remove the PPP from office, to rebuild Guyana and to save Guyana from becoming a completely lawless and criminalised state under the PPP. Why resign and join them in opposition?

That would be foolhardy.

Regards PETER JOSEPH

accessible, and understood by the public. It may be useful to advance some form of public education that includes the delivery of literature, public service announcements and online access. Laws such as the Integrity Act are vital to the process of holding public officials accountable.

The principle of upholding ethical standards while in service to the people should not be trifled with.

And here is where Guyanese look forward to the APNU+AFC Government honouring its commitment to strengthen the Integrity Act and establish the Integrity Commission.

Chairman of the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU), Professor Clive Thomas, has publicly made known this unit’s limitations of pursuing justice in the absence of enforcing laws. In his writings within recent years on the health of the economy, he has referred to Guyana

as a “criminalised state.”

Speaking to the issue in Kaieteur News (8th January), Thomas said by 2006 capital flight had doubled to US $173 million and doubled yet again to US $575 million by 2010. This is a staggering amount of money — in four years — that has fled Guyana and by extension its development.

The many training courses, designed to arm investigators of the various relevant arms tasked with these asset crimes investigations; the re-training of the nation’s judiciary for their role in the judicial process; the hiring of international state asset crimes experts to aid in the establishment of anti-corruption systems, as

well as holding seminars that seek to inform public servants as to the evil that is corruption, and its threat to the state’s socio-economic well-being, testify to the vastness of an unprecedented avarice of state assets. No responsible government can afford to ignore such criminal pervasiveness that has inflicted so much damage. Thus, it is the right of any state to pursue and prosecute those that have transgressed its laws, irrespective of what their political party ties are-those who are found to be corrupt must never be rewarded by their illgotten gains on the backs of the hardworking tax paying Guyanese.

Some questions for City Hall Dear Editor, ON Tuesday, November 21, 2017, a group of Mayor and City Council workers led by Kurt Clarke, a Treasurer Department staff, informed regular and potential vendors that the Council has authorised vending on the eastern side of the road, in front of Stabroek Market ( The’ No ‘, ‘ No’ area) and on Regent Street. Interested vendors were required to submit their names and were told that the Council will be collecting weekly rates, but such rates will vary, depending on the type of goods being sold.

However, they did not indicate when such a Council’s revenue-earner, will commence.

The Guyana Market Vendors Union is of the view that the Council’s compassion for these wage-earners is commend-

able, whereby vendors operating on a small scale are being given an opportunity to ply their trade in an orderly manner. Surprisingly, on Friday evening another group of council workers led by the same Kurt Clarke, which included Revenue and Security personnel were collecting money from vendors in varying amounts, ranging from $1500 to as much as $5000. Three days after selling the idea.

Questions for City Hall ----1) Did the Market and Public Health Committee which is chaired by the Deputy Mayor initiate this Christmas season road-selling exercise that traditionally commences around the 15th December each year?

2.) Is it a road-sale opening exercise or a permanent arrangement? 3.) Who set the rates in the form as it was collected on Friday and why? 4.) Are the spots being rented to vendors or the

rates collected represents a cleansing fee?

The Guyana Market Vendors Union is of the view that it would have been more appropriate if a standard fee was charged for each spot instead of what was witnessed on Friday 24.11.2017. Also, if the ongoing exercise was not hatched and proposed by the Market and Public Health Committee, then endorsed by full Council, by whose fiat was it implemented?

Finally, it is the union’s opinion that even though this City Council exercise appears to have been done in good faith, implementing same contrary to the Council’s Standard Operational Procedure, is a recipe for corruption.

Regards EON ANDREWS President, Guyana Market Vendors Union

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Stronger focus on technical, vocational education -- Remote Area Incentive increases 80 per cent

GOVERNMENT will support the construction of practical instruction departments at secondary schools in Mabaruma, Bartica, Mahdia, and St. Ignatius, and practical instruction centres in Fellowship, Beterverwagting and Hopetown.

This is according to Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who said the upgrade and expansion of these centres will create an enhanced learning environment necessary to equip students with marketable skills.

He said by 2021, government envisages a total of 42 workshops being constructed and/or refurbished to cater for over 2,900 students.

Training will be conducted in the fields of joinery, masonry, cookery, garment production and motor vehicle repairs, amongst others. Additionally, government will support the construction of a technical and vocational centre at Bina Hill.

He also said that government has boosted the School Feeding Programme, to provide wider access to a larger cohort of students.

The community-based

hot meal programme has been expanded from 110 schools to 172 schools.

The programme now includes schools in the riverain communities of Region Two, in addition to the hinterland Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

In the area of capital improvements to the education infrastructure, government has budgeted to spend over $4.7 billion on the construction, rehabilitation, extension and maintenance of educational facilities throughout Guyana.

New secondary schools will be constructed at G o o d H o p e a n d P a rfaite Harmonie, while St. Rose‘s High and Wismar/ Christianburg Secondary Schools will be re-constructed.

The University of Guyana (UG) will receive a subvention of over $2.4 billion, in 2018. It is expected that the skill sets within the leadership of the university will ably manage these resources in a fiscally responsible manner.

“We can do everything I have just mentioned and more, but there is still one thing that will prevent us from achieving the good life as it relates to educa-

tion – that is, ensuring that teachers are available in all corners of the country.

Too often, as we go out to the hinterland regions, the stories of quality-of-living comparisons to the coastland abound from our education officials. The cost of bread, water, cooking gas, the isolation from the wider communities, having to travel miles to

INCREASE IN INCENTIVE Budget 2018 caters for an 80 per cent increase in the Remote Area Incentive (RAI). Persons currently in receipt of $5,000 and $7,000 will see increases to $9,000 and $12,600, respectively.

This aside, the finance minister said government will continue to add to the

teachers’ certificate programme. In 2018, an additional 335 trained teachers are expected to join the workforce.

“We intend to improve the quality of learning by providing a stimulating environment. In this regard, government will intensify efforts to transform our systems of education delivery via technolo-

The community-based hot meal programme has been expanded to 172 schools today

get basic supplies, are only some of the daily issues confronting our hinterland teachers. In order to ensure that we improve the quality of education and the opportunities for our young people, the availability of good teachers is vital, and we must both retain and move additional teachers to those locations,” Jordan said.

pool of trained teachers, which currently stands at 77 per cent, in order to ensure that each child is afforded the best possible education.

This year, some 450 graduates will join the trained teacher workforce and 37 untrained teachers will complete the teacher upgrading programme, to prepare for the trained

gy. To date, 610 teachers have received basic IT training, while 162 have been trained in the use of software to facilitate those who learn at different paces. Additionally, 56 teachers are currently being trained in website building and online teaching. These and other initiatives are expected to continue, in 2018.

Other programmes, such as the Digital Classroom Programme, are slated to commence, also. This particular programme is set to benefit about 3,540 students and 170 teachers.

In 2018, priority will be given to creating e-material for improved learning in classrooms,” Jordan said.

In 2018, much emphasis will be placed on early childhood education literacy programmes and, in this regard, the roll out of 200 early childhood resource kits, and the continued roll out of the READ, PLAY, LOVE mass media campaign will continue.

Passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects, the minister said must be aroused at an early stage in a child‘s development and transitioned throughout the primary and secondary levels.

In this regard, the government is implementing an Inquiry Science Education approach, which is being piloted in 10 primary schools.

In addition, 250 mathematics kits, to facilitate better learning outcomes, have already been distributed to secondary schools.

Government should re-evaluate advice from GuySuCo Fed up with management of BCGI Dear Editor, SEVERAL sections of the media reported on Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s statement that some 70 unsolicited expressions of interest were received by the sugar Special Purpose Unit (SPU) in recent times. For the GAWU, it is not surprising that such a large number of expressions have been received as it serves, no less, to indi-

cate that our union’s view that all the estates can be made viable and sustainable was realistic and possible. But, the minister’s admission undoubtedly casts a dark light on the advice that the administration has been receiving from what we understand is a highly rewarded GuySuCo IMC. We wonder if the government does not find it strange that so many are advising that

they can make the estates viable but GuySuCo is saying it cannot, more so when the corporation possesses so much institutional knowledge and experience. Clearly, an objective, rational person would see there is something that doesn’t meet the eye. While heartened by the expressions received, the GAWU strongly believes that the industry could be saved as cur-

rently structured though a different approach is required. We urge the government to re-examine the advice it has received since, from all indications, it was not genuine and maybe intended to further the nefarious ends of certain individuals.

Regards SEEPAUL NARINE General-Secretary GAWU

Dear Editor,

WE, the employees of Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), are very saddened and angry at the insensitive and disrespectful manner in which the management of this company are treating us, the employees, who are the most important assets of this company.

One year has passed since this government has given the go-ahead to halt the deductions of tax on all overtime after 40 hours, and

just recently it was reiterated again at a meeting held between the Government of Guyana and the management of BCGI. This company has however not in the workers’ interest to inform them of its final position.

We have therefore made a decision that by 30th November, if no adjustments are made to our salaries, we would therefore be withdrawing our labour until this situation is remedied.

Regards, Employees of BCGI

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Miners hail slash in tributors tax …but gov’t worried about gold smuggling

By Navendra Seoraj SMALL and medium-scale miners are reportedly in high spirits now that their longstanding crusade for a lowering of the Tributor’s Tax is over, with the government finally conceding to a 10-per-cent cut. However, government is concerned about the rate of gold smuggling and will soon deploy wardens in mining areas to strengthen enforcement efforts.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, made these comments on Monday during his presentation of the 2018 Budget to the National Assembly.

According to the minister, the decision was made following strong representation by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) throughout the year to have the tax reduced.

GGDMA President, Terrence Adams, expressed satisfaction at the government’s decision to reduce the tax by half of what it once was, saying that 20 per cent was too burdensome on small miners in particular.

“This will not only benefit small miners; it will benefit all

miners,” Adams told the Guyana Chronicle by telephone on Monday evening.

When questioned about other aspects of the budget that may redound to the benefit of the mining community, Adams said he will be better able to pronounce on that after the executive arm of the GGDMA meets today.

The reduction in Tributor’s Tax is, however, expected to take effect from January 1, 2018, but the minister indicated that tributors will continue to file their annual tax returns and pay any taxes due or be refunded as appropriate. Jordan said that both the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will intensify their efforts to bring operators in the industry within the tax net.

That is expected to be done, since the minister announced that there will be a replacement of the current two per cent of the gross proceeds regime with a sliding scale percentage that is based on the price of gold.

“Operators in this industry will continue to keep records in keeping with the provisions of Section 33E (5) of the In-

come Tax Act, Chapter 81:01, which states, ‘Nothing in this section shall be construed as exempting a gold or diamond miner from the requirement to keep adequate records of the income from mining operations,’” Minister Jordan announced.

GGDMA President, Terrence Adams

The gold and diamond industry has, however, been making a valuable contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)income, export earnings and employment.

In recognition of this, the government had enabled small

and medium-scale miners to benefit from tax concessions on machinery, equipment and fuel, and a waiver and remission of taxes on vehicles, based on gold declarations.

Jordan, during his budget presentation on Monday, said that for 2016, a total of $47.6M in taxes was waived on motor vehicles, while for 2017, such waivers have amounted to $64.4 million for personal motor vehicles and $188 million for fuel so far.

Many operators in the sector have also been approved to hold foreign exchange retention accounts, in that instead of the standard 10 per cent, they have been allowed unlimited retention of foreign exchange to purchase mining equipment.

Meanwhile, Jordan noted the admirable performance of the gold sector in 2016 will be replicated in 2017, and is expected to be surpassed in 2018.

However, production levels are thought to be much higher than declared, with thousands of ounces reportedly smuggled out of the country each month.

“Not only is this hampering our nation‘s development, it also casts a shadow over other law-abiding miners. To help address this problem, 41

trained wardens/compliance officers will be deployed to mining areas, in 2018.”

These officers, Jordan said, have been vested with the powers of various categories of law enforcement and are tasked with enforcing mining regulations and other relevant laws. The work of these wardens will supplement the efforts of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to reduce the incidence of illegal mining and to improve compliance. Also, a set of incentives to encourage higher declarations will be announced shortly.

The minister said although there have been fewer fatal accidents in this sector, priority will be placed on promoting occupational health and safety standards and industry best practices. “In the new year, Government will continue to support the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre which has been training miners and staffers of the sector in areas such as occupational health and safety, environmental management, exploration and geological techniques, and improved recovery practices.” Additionally, to reduce the risk

associated with the use of mercury in mining to human and environmental health, the importation and use of mercury will be regulated in 2018, with a view to reducing its use.

Touching on the bauxite industry, Jordan said it is anticipated to benefit from added productive capacity as a new mine is slated for construction at Bonasika, in 2018. Approximately US$50 million is expected to be sunk into this project, which is expected to employ more than 150 workers. The mine is envisaged to commence production in 2019.

Manganese is also expected to be in production, thus contributing to economic growth for the first time in over 40 years. Jordan said preparatory works, including the rehabilitation of roads, has already begun, and about 1,200 persons will be employed during the construction phase. When the mine becomes operational, between 300 and 400 individuals will be gainfully employed, thus benefitting Matthews Ridge and surrounding communities.

Gold smuggling continues

Contractor robbed at Success koker Guyana intends to export beef in near future TWO armed bandits on Saturday robbed a 45-year-old contractor while he was at the Good Success koker, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports are that the contractor, who hails from Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, was at the koker to pay his workmen, when he was accosted by the bandits.

They relieved him of two cell-phones, one silver cricket band, his ID and GBTI bank cards, and $300,000 in cash.

Before making their getaway in a silver-coloured Toyota 212 motorcar, the bandits discharged two shots in the air so as to discourage anyone from pursuing them.

Police were, however, unable to find any spent shells at the scene of the crime as investigations continue.

Minibus conductor granted bail

--in spite of near fatally wounding schoolboy A ROUTE 40 minibus conductor was on Monday placed before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for stabbing a 17-year-old secondary school student.

Miguel Isaac, 19, of Garnett Street, Kitty denied that on November 9, at Sta-

Minibus conductor, Miguel Isaac

broek Market, he maliciously wounded Odaffi Taylor.

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves made no objection to Isaac being released on bail.

According to Gonsalves, on the day in question, Taylor was standing at the Kitty bus park awaiting transportation, when the bus on which Isaac is a conductor pulled in.

He related that as Taylor attempted to board the bus, he was prevented from doing so by Isaac, which caused the two to get into a heated argument.

It was in the course of the argument that Isaac pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed Taylor in the neck.

Isaac was released on $100,000 bail and ordered to return to court on December 11.

GOVERNMENT has embarked on a targeted livestock development programme, which will see Guyana not only rebuilding its herd with a view to exporting beef, but also establishing two modern abattoirs.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the abattoirs will be built in Regions Five and Nine and when completed, will enable farmers to slaughter and process their livestock according to international standards.

The inclement weather in 2017 resulted in significant loss of livestock and dampened agricultural production overall.

In recent years, Guyana has experienced extreme rainfall patterns, which resulted in the flooding of critical agricultural regions of the country.

“The negative impacts of this on the sector and the livelihoods of many have been painful. As a climate change adaptation and mitigation intervention in 2018, Government will procure the services of a contractor to design and supply nine fixed and five mobile pumps to augment the existing inventory of 60 fixed and mobile pumps,” Jordan said.

These pumps will provide services to targeted areas along the coast that are susceptible to excessive flooding and have limited natural drainage capacities.

Over 50,000 acres of rice cultivation, cash crops and cattle are expected to benefit from the installation of the fixed pumps.

Additionally, the five mobile pumps will serve areas that have a larger residential population, such as La Penitence South, Cummings Canal, Church Street, Sussex Street and South Ruimveldt.

increased monitoring and surveillance will be executed with the aim of increasing licensed vessels in the artisanal fleet. Further, the Fisheries Department will benefit from $54 million to purchase a vessel of their own

dress the needs of the people, be data-driven and supported by evidence-based planning.

“We must first take stock of the current configuration of farmers, farming systems and cost structures across the

Government has embarked on a targeted livestock development programme geared at rebuilding the herd with[MY1] a view to exporting beef.

“Government will continue to dedicate significant resources to the development, rehabilitation and maintenance of our drainage and irrigation systems, with over $6.1 billion being allocated in 2018. In addition, over 75 km of canals and drains and over 20km of dams will be constructed, rehabilitated and/ or maintained, clearing approximately 150 acres of land for cultivation and benefitting over 100 farming households,” he said.

He also noted that work will commence in 2018, on the development of aquaculture and inland fisheries regulations and Government will finalise the marine fisheries regulations.

“It is also expected that

to ensure more effective sea monitoring. Tuna fishing is also being developed and there is expression of interest from other private investors in other areas of fishing such as mariculture,” the minister said.

The Fisheries Department will continue to work closely with all stakeholders to facilitate the development of a diverse and thriving industry.

Jordan said given the changing agro-economic landscape and the collapse of the sugar industry, Government has to be thoughtful, vigilant and strategic in outlook.

Investment in the agriculture sector, he said, must have sustainable cost structures, ad-

country, through a national agricultural census. Such an exercise was last undertaken over half a century ago. The census will be critical in the development of land-use plans for the agriculture sector and facilitate a more efficient allocation of resources by both Government and the private sector,” the minister said.

In 2018, a sum of $200 million has been allocated towards this activity. The census will also complement Government’s interventions, especially as it escalates attention and investment in the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

9

GTI ready to put ‘agri’ theory into practice

--thanks to timely intervention, as usual, of Gen-Equip

By Navendra Seoraj CURRENT and prospective students of the Government Technical Institute (GTI) are to benefit from a practical aspect of the institution’s existing agricultural programme, which was added to its curriculum on Monday.

Over the years, students were only able to access theoretical knowledge in that field of study, something that would not have fully boosted their marketability to employers.

GTI’s Principal Renita Crandon-Duncan believes the new addition to their agricultural programme will help the institution produce “well-rounded” graduates.

And it’s all thanks to a

long-standing partnership with the firm, General Equipment Guyana Limited (GenEquip), which five years ago was kind enough to help the institution start its agricultural machinery workshop.

This year again, the company has pitched in by allowing GTI to use its tractors, ploughs and other equipment to create a practical aspect of its agricultural programme.

As Ms Crandon-Duncan explained, “Instead of just being exposed to the theoretical aspect alone, students will be able to do crop production and actual farming on a piece of land at the back of the school.”

She said that whereas before the school had only offered agricultural science, now that the subject seems to

be disappearing, she believes that it is time that they revitalise the entire programme.

Since the start of their partnership with Gen-Equip five years ago, the school has reportedly seen a marked increase in students wanting to pursue studies in agriculture.

She is of the belief that as the agriculture sector continues to grow, GTI must be on par with the constant changes and enhancements of key aspects of the sector.

Gen-Equip and GTI have over the years collaborated in the areas of training and industrial attachments among other areas of mutual interest.

Said Ms Crandon-Duncan, “We would still like to encourage other industries to come on board and partner with us, because there is only

Gen-Equip Managing-Director, Renger Van Dijk (centre) speaking to students and GTI Principal Ms Renita Crandon-Duncan (second left) about the new aspect of the school’s agricultural programme

so much we can afford to do on our own.”

Some students said that while they have ben-

efited immensely from the school’s agricultural programme, they believe that actually being in the field

would boost their knowledge and understanding of the sector.

Crackdown on smuggling …GRA to set up outposts at Eteringbang, Mabaruma DETERMINED to stamp out smuggling, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will establish offices in Mabaruma and Eteringbang, Finance Minister Winston Jordan announced in his budget presentation on Monday.

Fuel smuggling and other contraband trade have been rampant in these areas and government has estimated revenue losses in the millions. Jordan told the House that government is not only working to improve the service delivery to large taxpayers, but also to all others, noting that in 2017, the GRA established an outpost in Morawhanna, which reduced revenue leakage that was due to fuel smuggling. Additionally, offices have been established in Charity and Parika that offer a level of service similar to that of the Head Office. “In the coming year, the Authority will seek to establish additional offices in Mabaruma and Eteringbang,” the finance minister said.

He said another initiative which government anticipates will result in improved tax compliance, is the implementation of the excise stamp system for the sale of alcohol and tobacco. Through the use of seals to signal customs compliance, this measure will also help to reduce the incidence of smuggling of these particular goods. Jordan

said in anticipation of the economic development expected in the next few years, the country’s capacity for effective tax administration must be brought up to par, “If we are to continue to be fiscally responsible.” He said with the aim of strategically bolstering the capacity of the GRA, a five-year strategic plan will be developed in 2018, which will prioritise actions to be taken by the authority to maximise government revenue and improve the overall administration of taxes.

“In 2017, Government requested the conduct of a Tax Administration Diagnostic Assessment Tool to assess the effectiveness of the tax administration system. The findings of the report indicate that there is much work to be done. One recommendation from this report has led to the establishment of a Large Taxpayers Unit, in light of the fact that the majority of revenues are collected from a small group of taxpayers.

The operationalisation of the Unit is expected to improve service delivery, thereby increasing compliance and revenue collection. It is anticipated that, in 2018, the Unit will improve its operational capacity to service all 243 large taxpayers on its roll.”

“Mr Speaker, efforts will continue to focus on improving the internal ca-

pacities of the GRA to better serve the taxpayer. The GRA e-services are currently being tested for tax returns processing, and taxpayer registration. We anticipate that these e-services will be launched in time for at least the average taxpayer to file his or her tax return online

by April 30th, 2018. In addition, in the new year, we will begin testing the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), an integrated customs management system.

We will launch the testing of the manifest module of ASYCUDA with a private sector company, which will allow for advance filing of cargo declarations. This is intended to improve customs processing times and accelerate the clearance and release of shipments to taxpayers. By the end of 2018, it is expected that this module of ASYCUDA should go live.”

Jordan said from 2018, emphasis will be placed on refocusing and strengthening risk management, the re-establishment of a business information technology steering group, implementing a data warehouse, rapid cleansing of the taxpayer register, and developing and implementing a risk-based debt management strategy.

All of these reforms he said are intended to stabilise the tax base, allowing for more predictability with regards to

revenue streams, and more evidenced-based planning and forecasting.

Derisking Touching on the issue of derisking, which resulted in foreign-owned banks terminating correspondent banking relationships with locally-owned banks, Jordan said this continues to affect the economy. He noted that at the end of October, 2017, more than two-thirds of the locally owned banks were unable to facilitate third-party foreign currency cheques, and only one bank has been executing wire transfers.

“This has led to increased cost of financial transactions which has the potential to reduce trade and investments, as well as remittances from abroad. We continue to work with our Caribbean neighbours and international institutions to develop a methodology to facilitate analysis of the impacts of these lost relationships, as well as to inform measures that can be put in place to mitigate against future losses.

The finance minister said throughout the year, the Bank of Guyana continued to develop systems to improve Guyana’s ability to monitor and maintain the stability of the financial sector. Central to this, he said, has been the

drafting of amendments to the Financial Institutions Act (1995), which address the findings of the 2016 IMF and World Bank Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP) of Guyana. These amendments, he said, aim to address risks by enhancing the supervisory capacity of the BOG and enforcing monitoring, prevention, and correction measures. “This exercise benefited from technical assistance, which also enabled the drafting of Financial Consumer Protection legislation, for which consultations are expected to be held during 2018. When enacted, it will provide for a grievance mechanism to be established to receive and investigate civil complaints against financial institutions.”

Additionally, Jordan said critical to financial sector stability, is the continued enhancement of the riskbased supervisory (RBS) framework of the BOG, to adapt to changing supervisory methodology and best practices. He said the current framework has been in existence for over a decade.

Jordan told the House that government is cognisant that financial sector development is pivotal for sustained economic growth and development. Some of the core policy initiatives that were implemented within the financial sector over the

past year were: measures to promote capital market development, and measures to enhance financial market infrastructure. The overarching goal of these initiatives is to create a more competitive financial environment, enhance financial stability, and fulfill the government‘s financial inclusion imperative.

Jordan said the design of a country‘s payment system has financial risk implications for the development, safety and soundness of the domestic financial system and the performance of the macro economy. These risks need to be managed and mitigated through the establishment of a modern payments infrastructure that is supported by a sound institutional and regulatory framework. This evolution of our NPS, from paper-based to electronic, is underway.

The Bank of Guyana has commenced work on the National Strategy for the Payments System Reform, which will serve to guide the development of the NPS. Specifically, in 2018, the Strategy is expected to be completed and compilation of the technical specifications of the required infrastructural upgrades will be underway. Once operationalised, the NPS is expected to handle a turnover of approximately 120 percent of Guyana‘s GDP.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

$19.4B pumped into agri sector

SOME $19.4 billion has been allocated to the agriculture sector in 2018 and Government has begun exploring the possibility of harnessing the vast agricultural potential of the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs.

Delivering his fourth budget on Monday, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan told the House that more must be done to improve the competitiveness of farmers, through diversification and agro-processing.

In 2018, he said, Government will facilitate the development of the Savannahs; work with the private sector to stimulate growth in agro-processing; expand our investment in non-traditional crops, livestock, extension services, and further research; and consolidate our drainage and irrigation services.

“Mr. Speaker, our intensified focus on diversification and value-added production in the non-sugar agriculture sector becomes absolutely critical at this point, as the sugar industry continues to undergo restructuring. This is key to ensuring that the sector remains productive and growth-stimulating,” he said.

In 2018, the Special Purposes Unit (SPU) is tasked with examining and articu-

--$6.3B towards ailing GuySuCo

lating the way forward with respect to the divestment of the Skeldon, Rosehall, and East Demerara estates.

With respect to the remaining estates, the SPU will also work to reconfigure operations to guarantee economic viability.

“Our taxpayers must no longer be burdened to carry the weight of an un-profitable, inefficient, and antiquated public corporation.

Government has allocated $6.3 billion, in 2018, to support the reduced operations of GuySuCo. The Government intends to uphold its duty to the communities and families in the areas affected by divestment, as part of the GuySuCo restructuring. In order to ensure continued livelihoods, a skills re-training programme is anticipated to be offered for those who choose to pursue new opportunities. Those who wish to continue with a livelihood in agriculture may see an opportunity to own their own farmland. In addition, the Government will assume responsibility for social services, including health centres and community centre grounds. We will also undertake critical drainage and irrigation services for the areas affected by divestment,” the minister said.

He also said that the

Government has begun exploring the possibility of harnessing the vast agricultural potential of the Intermediate and Rupununi Savannahs

Government is committed to improving the livelihood of rice farmers and recognises that one important aspect of strengthening stability and sustainability of Guyana‘s rice sector is to increase productivity per unit area.

UPDATING EXPERTISE, TECHNOLOGY As such, Jordon said the Government will partner with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), through the Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), in updating the expertise and technology in rice production, through a Reverse Linkage Project to the tune of US$863,000.

This will be done through the introduction of innovative rice varieties from MARDI that are more resilient and will significantly increase rice yields per unit.

In 2018, an allocation of $265 million has been made to design and commence construction of an agricultural centre and reservoir in Lethem, and commence upgrading of the agricultural research station in Ebini.

These stations will facilitate research programmes in cassava, peanuts, orchards, livestock, and pasture development in the Savannahs; and complement the existing demonstration farms for turmeric, black pepper and

ginger in Hosororo and Mabaruma, all geared towards the expansion of non-traditional crop production.

In addition, discussions have begun with a view to conducting a feasibility study for the most suitable options to opening up of the Linden-Ituni-Kwakwani and Kwakwani-Ebini corridors.

The development of agriculture in these areas, Minister Jordan said would result in a more resilient industry that will no longer be affected by the coastal threats caused by climate change.

“However, while we tackle the issue of geography, we must ensure that competitiveness is not compromised.

Government remains proactive in the promotion of non-traditional agricultural products, new technologies and supporting infrastructure towards the ultimate goal of enhancing national production and productivity. These efforts will not only maintain national food security, in an efficient and sustainable manner, but, also substantially transform the cost structure and competitiveness of our agriculture sector,” Jordan said.

The National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will continue to support the expansion of the agricultural base and reduce dependence on imports, through research in improving the yield of non-traditional crops, as well as testing the feasibility of agro-processing in various areas.

To complement these efforts, draft regulations for general food safety which will cover fruits and vegetables; water; slaughterhouse regulations; beef inspections and grading; and poultry, milk, and eggs will be completed, in 2018, in a conscious effort to standardise the outputs of the sector, thereby improving competitiveness and promoting easier access to international markets, the finance minister said.

Jagdeo knocks budget

…says gov’t has ignored ‘major public concerns’ OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has criticised the 2018 Budget, claiming that the government has ignored major public concerns while regurgitating insignificant routine work programmes from various ministries into the budget.

The opposition leader in sharing his sentiments in the Committee Room with two Parliamentarians of his party immediately after the Budget Presentation by Finance Minister Winston Jordon, said the budget has not offered hope to the majority of society in the areas of jobs, welfare, framework for growth and development of the country and a tangible vision for Guyana’s economy and future. “I said let’s give them (Government) a chance, but they have lived up to the

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo during the press conference

low expectations that people have of the government,” Jagdeo said.

He said under the PPP, in a single year thousands

of titles and house lots were issued, but only hundreds of persons benefited now in one year, according to the Finance Minister speech.

“Then there are 100 families that will benefit from some drainage project, then they are buying wheel chairs for people at the palms; these sorts of things don’t inspire a country to produce and expand welfare and generate jobs,” Jagdeo said. Adding that the promises of the good life in the APNU manifesto can be counted on one hand.

Jagdeo said there is a list of promises that the Government routinely pretend to forget and behave as if they were never made to the electorate.

He said that although government had implemented over 200 tax measures last year, the revised 2017 growth rate has not even been reached. “Although he said that there are no new taxes in the Budget, having exhausted the tax measures

at the national level, they are introducing a measure now that will have the NDC and municipality increase,” Jagdeo said.

Meanwhile, the opposition leader said that the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) legislation is being further delayed, since it was a promise made over two years ago.

“I think they do not want the sovereign wealth fund in place because the SWF will restrict their ability to waste and use the resources wantonly,” Jagdeo said.

He opined that the entire budget speech was dealing with how the resources can be used from oil and gas and the real issues were not confronted. The opposition leader said that the key to managing any system properly surrounds transparency and that is not something the

government has been forthcoming with in their form of Governance.

Jagdeo spoke at length regarding corruption in the form of procurement and contracts while noting that the fiscal policy in the tax administration reform has not evolve since everything surrounds collecting more revenue at all costs. He further challenged the Finance Minister who promised to create 5000 jobs in 2018 to actually show how these jobs will be created rather than dealing with fiction. He then advised that if the government is serious about ICT development, they should not be charging VAT on data, since it is a hindrance to the sector’s development. “Without cheap data, you can’t develop the sector rapidly.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

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Prison fires exposed decades of neglect of security sector …$30B budgeted for Mazaruni expansion, purchase of fire boat

By Ariana Gordon SOME $30.7B has been budgeted this year for the security sector to cater to among other things the expansion and rehabilitation of the prison infrastructure and the procurement of a fire boat for the Guyana Fire Service, Finance Minister Winston Jordan stated.

During presentation of Budget 2018, Jordan told the National Assembly that this year’s budget which is approximately $15B more than last year’s ($14.534) will see some $1.5B going towards the expansion and rehabilitation programme.

Works include the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison to accommodate 400 inmates, or 61 per cent more than its current capacity.

Additionally, work on the construction of a new Georgetown Prison is likely to begin in the new year while some $150M has also been allocated to purchase surveillance equipment, body scanners, and beds, among other items. Jordan disclosed that provisions have also been made for strengthening of the Prison Service‘s capacity for case management, as well as rehabilitation and reintegration. Furthermore,

in Budget 2018, $1.8B has been provided to cater for the Prison Service‘s operational costs, a 4.6 per cent increase over Budget 2017.

The 2018 budgetary allocation is aimed at strengthening measures to deal with the ever-increasing prison population. The Georgetown Prison has suffered two major fires within the space of two years as a result of prison riots. “Mr. Speaker, this year a tragedy befell our nation which caused us to collectively hold our breath and wonder. I am referring to the rioting of prisoners and the razing of the Camp Street Prison, which was so frightening as to cause public advisories to be issued cautioning citizens to stay indoors,” said Jordan, who noted that such wanton acts of violence and mayhem threatened the country’s security.

The last prison riot which occurred in July, resulted in the Camp Street penitentiary being flattened. “It is an experience that has illuminated the state of dysfunction and disarray into which our security services had fallen over the past two decades.

Government places great emphasis on both the safety of our citizens and public officers, as well as the reha-

Fire set by inmates destroyed the Camp Street Prison back in July this year

bilitative process to support the successful reintegration of prisoners into society, thereby reducing the rate of recidivism,” the Finance Minister stressed.

He noted too that the catastrophe has forced the administration to undertake a comprehensive examination of the security sector. Additionally, it resulted in the diversion of scarce resources to address the immediate security and management concerns, as well as the judicial and other related systems.

Operations Cleansweep and Safeguard were put into effect to quickly remedy the effect of the prison riots, which resulted in prisoners escaping.

New vehicles for police Meanwhile, the Finance Minister noted too that in an effort to continue modernisation of the Police Force over the next year, 114 police stations across the country will benefit from increased vehicular access to support their response times to reported crimes. Further, team-polic-

ing efforts are expected to deliver a 24-hour patrol service, Jordan stated. He told the National Assembly that while six police stations were remodelled, in 2017, another six stations will be targeted next year.

Additionally, police stations at Cove and John, Lethem, Springlands, Central (New Amsterdam), and Matthews Ridge are slated for rehabilitation, and a new police station in La Parfaite Harmonie will be constructed to service the catchment area.

Another $200M has been allocated for the purchasing of equipment for the Police Force which he said will supplement the generous gift received from the Government of the People's Republic of China, comprising vehicles, riot gear and other equipment worth $500M. The Finance Minister disclosed too that 300 youth will be trained, in 2018, in the areas of entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and violence-prevention, and parenting, as part of the citizen security initiative. Overall, since this government took office, the number of reported serious crimes is estimated to have declined by about 23 per cent.

In the fire department, the Guyana Fire Service will receive its first fire boat next year and a sum of $165M has been budgeted for the final payment. The boat will be fully equipped and will form part of a package of interventions to improve the capacity of the service to respond to fires, both on waterways and bridges. Additionally, an allocation of $60M will be used to expand fire service coverage, to cater to residents of Melanie Damishana, Mabaruma, and, for the first time, Onverwagt.

Guyanese too accepting of DV …Beverly Braithwaite-Chan urges robust stance

By Lisa Hamilton IT’S not like Beverly Braithwaite-Chan to give up that easily, but she’s clearly at the end of her tether.

Guyanese are still too accepting of domestic abuse, she says. And she should know, because in her line of work, she gets to see firsthand the negative impact domestic violence can have, particularly when its perpetrated against women and girls.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Davis Memorial Hospital, Ms Braithwaite-Chan firmly believes that this ‘16 Days of Activism’ thing is not working out; that a different angle needs to be taken on the matter.

“Every year we pay attention to this elimination of violence against women,” she said, “and the irony is, it’s getting worse; the conversation has become so mundane that you keep on hearing the same thing every time... And they hear that every day until they stop hearing it.”

Clearly at her wits end to come up with a workable solution, Braithwaite-Chan, who is also a certified counsellor, said: “It’s not about the laws that are there; it’s all about changing the conversation.”

This change of conversation of which she speaks has to do with tackling the issue of domestic violence against women and girls head-on; taking it by its roots, if necessary.

By that she means educating the child from the home;

Speaking of anger management, she said: “There are some families where that’s all they know: Violence. To resolve a problem, it’s always in a violent way, either in tones or physical abuse; that’s all they learnt.

“We have to intensify our programme in terms of anger management and being able to live with differences.”

Davis Memorial Hospital CEO, Ms Beverly Braithwaite-Chan (Photos by Delano Williams)

teaching amicable relations between spouses and couples, and confronting issues of anger management among other key strategies.

EXERCISING PRUDENCE Surprisingly, Commander of ‘A’ Division, Marlon Chapman has a slightly different strategy in mind, in that he’s all for exercising prudence in trying to resolve disputes.

Though he was at pains to underscore that the Police Force has zero tolerance where domestic violence

Commander Marlon Chapman

is concerned, Commander Chapman said: “There are a lot of factors that cause these things to happen, but I believe that if there’s a problem between two parties, they should be

able to reason it out instead of allowing violence to get in.

“And if the two parties cannot sort it out by themselves, then experts at the Ministry of Social Protection should get involved and try to get the situation under control. Because a child seeing his father beating his mother in the house sends the wrong message, the effects of which might not be seen now, but later down.”

Recently, the Davis Memorial Hospital conducted a two-day workshop, which saw staff being trained to identify victims of domestic abuse among those seeking medical attention for one reason or the other.

“Domestic violence has gone so out of control, that it needs now Turn to page 12

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

New water plants for West Dem, Berbice

By Svetlana Marshall CITIZENS across Guyana can expect significant improvements in the quality of tap water being supplied now that the government has committed to pump some $3.2B into the water sector for 2018.

An additional US$30M has been earmarked for the housing sector as the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government makes good on its promises to build sustainable communities.

In presenting his $267.1B Budget to the National Assembly under the theme, “The Journey to the Good Life Continues,” Finance Minister Winston Jordan said the provision of safe and potable drinking water is a fundamental human right that must be enjoyed by all Guyanese. It was on this note, that he disclosed that $3.2 billion has been budgeted to improve the quality of water being supplied across the country. The allocated sum is 9.7% above the projected amount for 2017.

“Our efforts in this area continue to be guided by the Guyana Water Inc.‘s strategic plan, which aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water,” the Finance Minister told the 65-Member National Assembly during its 73rd Sitting on Monday.

It was explained that in 2018, the government, through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), will continue to expand its water-supply capacity. In this regard, the construction of three new water treatment plants is expected to commence soon. These water

treatment plants will meet the demands of residents residing in Goed Bananen LandSheet Anchor, in Region No. Six; Diamond-Herstelling, in Region No. Four; and Cornelia Ida-De Kinderen, in Region No.Three. “Over 20,000 households are anticipated to benefit from these water treatment plants and thousands more will benefit from

to the over 10,000 already projected for 2017,” Minister Jordan added.

It was noted too that the institutional strengthening of GWI will continue to target the reduction of commercial and technical losses and improve the billing system.

In the area of sanitation, the Finance Minister told members on both sides

struction of Kara Kara Landfill access road; the commencement of the rehabilitation of existing landfill sites at Lusignan, Bartica, and Linden; and the undertaking of final consultations on the National Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy.

In 2018, the APNU+AFC will be spending some

The Housing Solutions piloted by the Central Housing and Planning Authority in 2017

the anticipated completion of eight new wells across the country, in 2018,” Minister Jordan informed the House.

To improve the efficiency of the existing water-distribution systems, GWI, using the funds allocated, will upgrade a number of transmission lines across the country, including those in 11 villages across the hinterland, such as Port Kaituma, Lethem, and Mabaruma. The water-distribution systems at Moblissa, Three Friends, and the Shelter Belt will also be expanded.

“We will install an additional 10,000 meters by the end of 2018 compared

of the House that in keeping with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the government will continue to manage all waste in an environmentally sound manner, in an effort to minimise the adverse impacts on public health and the environment. In 2017, Government expended $338M on improving solid waste management – a move which included rehabilitation of the access road to the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill; the commencement of the inventory and survey of all landfill sites; the completion of the con-

$178.6M to further improve the country’s capacity to handle solid waste.

“We will aim to complete designs for new sanitary landfills at Bartica, Linden, and Mahdia, as well as rehabilitate and upgrade access roads at the Lusignan, Belle Vue, and Rosehall sites. We will also commence preparation of Cell 2 of the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill. As part of the solid waste programme, we will continue to provide training in solid waste management practices,” Minister Jordan said with a sense of optimism.

Additionally, government will be boosting its Public

Relations Campaign to educate the populace on effective waste management.

“Government recognises that we must not only manage the handling of waste, but, also, modify our consumption patterns as a nation, if we are to live in a truly greener and more sustainable Guyana,” Minister Jordan contended.

HOUSING The country’s housing sector will also continue to evolve but the Finance Minister said the challenges facing the sector cannot and should not be ignored.

“With the departure from the old housing model, government’s housing programme going forward must consider the challenges that currently beset this sector. These include cost of financing, inadequate public infrastructure and services, absence of strategic planning, and an inadequate and inefficient application process, all of which combine to contribute to low occupancy of housing schemes,” he told the House.

“There is need to find an optimal mix of providing site and services and completed houses solutions, while giving due regard to accounting for affordability, efficiency, and innovative financing, in order to address the needs of a wider cross-section of the population,” Minister Jordan added.

Nonetheless, government has placed affordable housing at the forefront of its social policy and in an effort to address the issue of housing needs for low-income families, it has concluded negotiations for a US$30M loan to improve occupancy

of existing housing schemes.

A systemic review of the government’s housing programme has revealed that there is a backlog of over 50,000 applicants. Cognisant of the challenges facing the housing authority, a joint technical working group has been established and tasked with examining the challenges with the aim of finding solutions to fulfil the government’s vision.

“A position paper that addresses the challenges facing the housing programme has been completed and is currently drawing the attention of Cabinet. Solutions that target low and middle-income households, including young professionals, are being considered, such as: (i) public-private partnerships towards community solutions; (ii) access to more affordable financing including graduated interest rates; and (iii) shared ownership/phased equity,” Minister Jordan informed the House.

In the meantime, the CH&PA has formulated and made available a number of housing solutions such as single houses, duplexes, and condominiums to the public.

“In 2017, CH&PA has piloted 6 duplexes, 2 elevated single-family houses; issued 2,116 land titles; regularised 322 squatters; and allotted 381 house lots. The pilot units will be evaluated and the models refined accordingly,” Minister Jordan reported. In addition to the US$30M, 164 full house replacement subsidies and 38 roof-replacement subsidies are anticipated to be disbursed under the Hinterland Sustainable Housing Programme, which has been allocated $240M in 2018.

From page 11

Guyanese too accepting ... to be sieged by every agency: The hospitals, the clubs, the churches, the schools, the community as a whole. Everyone! We have to besiege this problem before it is addressed,” Ms Braithwaite-Chan said.

She, however, was the first to admit that this will be no easy task. It’s a fact that the Women and Gender Equality Commission is well aware of.

“We still have a hard and rocky road ahead to change those norms in our society that accept violence against women, children and all forms of gender-based violence. Attitudes, practices, beliefs are difficult to change; but change is also inevitable,” the Commission has said in a statement.

Braithwaite-Chan couldn’t agree more.

She somehow feels it in her bones that there are many persons out there in unhappy and abusive relationships battling with the difficult

decision to leave.

She says that when counselling such persons, she is very meticulous.

“What I do is ask them: ‘What do you want from this relationship? Where is it taking you?

How is it benefiting you?’

“I stimulate their thinking about it, and, given the responses, then I help them towards making a decision, based on what they want.

“People need access to information...We talk about empowering people, but you can’t empower anybody.

“What you can do is provide mechanisms for them to be empowered, and the greatest of these is information. Because if people know better, they are likely to do better.”

The goal of the 16-day campaign is to continue to build awareness of, and advocate for, an end to all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

$33B for health sector

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-- GPHC to get second mammography machine

By Svetlana Marshall GUYANA’s Public Health Sector is expected to receive a significant boost, come 2018, with Government proposing to inject some $33.3B into the sector, seven per cent more than it did in 2017.

In unveiling the 2018 National Budget in the National Assembly on Monday, Finance Minister Winston Jordan said despite being faced with numerous challenges, the public health sector is making steady progress.

To complement that progress, he said Government will pump some $33.3B into the sector to ensure that the services offered are of high standards.

“In 2018, we have budgeted to spend another $33.3 billion, seven per cent more than in 2017, 12.5 per cent of

Budget 2018 and 4.2 per cent of the GDP, in our quest to modernise and transform the sector. These statistics testify to the seriousness with which we view the sector and its significance in the attainment of the good life,” the finance minister told the House.

It was noted that in 2017, Government had placed significant emphasis on improving the capacity of the delivery of specialist diagnostic health services to the public.

This year, a mammography machine was purchased for the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for the first time in about 20 years. For 2018, provisions have been made for the purchase of a second such machine.

“Screening for breast cancer no longer needs to be outsourced at great cost to patients, as capacity is be-

ing built for early diagnosis and treatment of this type of cancer,” the finance minister pointed out.

Added to that, the public health sector is in line to benefit from a new viral load machine, which was procured this year, to improve the Government’s capacity for HIV testing, Zika screening, and other specialist tests, some of which had to be sent overseas.

Government, through the Public Health Ministry, will also be piloting a point of care testing programme at the National Care and Treatment Centre for non-HIV sexually transmitted infections, come next year.

BUILDING HUMAN CAPACITY In addition to placing significant emphasis on building human capacity

within the health sector, special attention is also being given to the sector’s infrastructure.

Government has allocated $2.4 billion for the upgrade, maintenance and construction of health infrastructure across the country. Nearly $600M has been budgeted for the procurement of medical equipment, and over $2.2 billion has been allocated for drugs and medical supplies.

“Mr. Speaker, an investment of US$8 million, over five years, will be made to improve maternal child health. The project got underway this year. In 2018, we have budgeted to spend $150 million on activities, which include the rehabilitation of the obstetric unit in the CC Nicholson Hospital and the provision of essential obstetric and newborn care equipment for GPHC,” Minister

Jordan pointed out.

It was explained that the project involves capacity building towards an eventually improved supply chain management system for health facilities.

“These initiatives and more are intended to improve the health outcomes for mothers and children, by contributing to the reduction of the maternal and infant mortality rates,” he noted.

Meanwhile, as the country ups its battle against mental illnesses, 500 health professionals are expected to be trained to better detect and treat mental illnesses.

Training commenced this year and is expected to wrap up in 2018.

In an effort to improve the Public Health Ministry’s current planning systems, the Ministry of Finance piloted a Budgeting for Results

Platform with the ministry, allowing for improved programme budgeting and results-based management.

As such, it is anticipated that the Public Health Ministry will be better equipped, in 2018, to develop and articulate health programmes in a manner that delivers better value for money, and is explicitly linked to results in health-related outcomes.

Additionally, in 2018, the Public Health Ministry will continue to assess the potential for a Geographic Health Information System (GHIS), which was piloted, in 2017, at seven locations.

GHIS is intended to improve data collection, allowing for the coordination and harmonisation of the various aspects of patient care towards effective resource allocation and care management.

Gov’t ministers praise budget …but Toshao, UG lecturer say key ingredients lacking

By Navendra Seoraj THE coalition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) government presented its fourth budget to the National Assembly on Monday under the theme, “The journey to the good life continues.”

Although it was comprehensive, many stakeholders believe that the $267.1 billion was challenging and lacked some key features that would have benefited the average Guyanese.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan after presenting the budget to the National Assembly told members of the media that it was a challenging budget but it was the best under the current economic circumstances. He explained that a major industry, sugar, is no longer contributing in a meaningful way to the economy, so they had to find the “second best” solution to get the industry back on its feet.

“The industry is too big to fail but it will take years to turn around and can only happen if you support the industry,” the minister said, pointing out that they however tried to ensure that everyone benefited from the budget.

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma

Head of the Department of Economics at the University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong however shared a different view. He told the Guyana Chronicle that the budget will receive mixed reactions because there was mixed spending in sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture and security. “There was big spending which is good but they need to look at how the average man in the street is affected…I believe there was nothing significant in the budget that would improve the lives of the most vulnerable people,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong explained that there was no additional in-

Head of the Department of Economics, University of Guyana, Sydney Armstrong

come; no reduction in income tax and pointed out that the increase of Old Age Pension from 19,000 to 19,500 cannot suffice. In addition, he described the 2.4 per cent growth of the economy as sluggish, because he believes Guyana has the potential to do better.

Every group receiving Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, admitted that they could not have included everything that was requested by stakeholders during preparation of the budget, but the gov-

Toshao of Santa Mission, Lennox Shuman

ernment tried to give every group something. Sharma even believed that the parliamentary opposition was caught off-guard since some of the things they had lobbied for, such as the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on private education, was in the budget.

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, agreed that the budget was neither lacklustre nor overly exciting but it was the kind of budget they expected at this time. “I am very happy with it… putting aside the emotionalism, I believe it is a mid-term budget that

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

indicates that a government is in its half-way point,” said the minister, adding that he is however excited about his sector because there were incentives and reversal of some measures which were unpopular.

Other ministers shared similar views, but Minister of State Joseph Harmon said they (the government) put together packaged measures that will increase the public good. He believes that the budget will benefit all categories of people since the Minister of Finance did an excellent job of reviewing the global economy in order to position the country

to project from here. “There are better working conditions, better conditions for business, entrepreneurs and young people outlined in the budget,” said the State Minister. In addition to having no new taxes, Harmon said there are benefits for many people from young to old. “This budget represents an important step in the development of the country… we pledged a good life for all Guyanese and we are taking important steps on the road to a good life,” said the Minister of State.

More robust Toshao of Santa Mission, Lennox Shuman, also believes that the budget should have been more robust, especially for the hinterland communities. “I think a lot more could have been done and said to look at the hinterland…for instance, how do we continue to fund the Amerindian land-titling programme,” the Toshao lamented. Although some of their recommendations from this year’s National Toshaos’ Council were reflected in the 2018 budget, he thinks that more things should have been included for the development of hinterland education

New oil pact 14

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

…Gov’t seeks new production sharing agreement with Exxon

GOVERNMENT, in a revision of the existing template of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil, is to be more accommodating to changing commodity prices while maintaining a level of progressivity that is responsive to profitability.

This was announced when Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, presented the country’s $276.1B budget in the National Assembly on Monday. Under the agreement signed between the Guyana Government and ExxonMobil and its partners, this country will be entitled to 50 per cent of the proceeds from whatever oil and gas resources are extracted by the company in the Stabroek Block. A PSA is usually signed between governments and companies involved in resource extraction to determine how much of that resource the parties will receive.

Jordan reminded the House that in 2017, three additional oil discoveries in the Stabroek Block were announced: Payara, Snoek, and Turbot. He said while the quantity and quality of the latter two discoveries are still being assessed, the gross recoverable resources for the Stabroek Block is now estimated to be between 2.25 - 2.75 billion oil-equivalent barrels, making it one of the most significant global finds in recent years.

“These discoveries have

derisked the basin, which is estimated to contain at least 7 billion oil-equivalent barrels, and has resulted in the significant ramping up of exploration activities in other already-allocated offshore blocs,” Jordan said.

ble PSAs, key Government agencies within the recently-established Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee on petroleum to continue to coordinate capacity building and interactions with the industry.”

Oil Rig, Stena Carron conducted exploratory drilling operations on the Snoek well, a reservoir within the Stabroek Block 130 miles off the Atlantic sea-coast of Guyana

He told the House that in light of the recent discoveries in the Stabroek Block, government anticipates significant interest in exploring the unallocated blocks of its derisked, off-shore basins.

“As such, it is imperative that we safeguard the rights of our nation to a fair share of resource wealth. While we strengthen our ability to negotiate more equita-

The committee‘s agenda in the immediate future will focus on coordinating capacity building, information sharing, as well as providing input into the development of a legal and institutional framework to support the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). According to Jordan, the development of a rules-based SWF is critical to ensuring that resource

Tucville couple charged, bailed --deny drugs in gas cylinder were theirs

FOLLOWING the discovery of almost 126 pounds of cannabis stashed inside three gas cylinders at a home in Tucville, Georgetown, a couple was on Monday charged for drug trafficking and arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan.

Maliva Softleigh and Colin Denny denied that between November 14 and November 15 at Lot ‘C’ Tucville, Georgetown, they had in their possession 57.086 kilos of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

revenues are responsibly managed within a transparent framework that promotes the highest levels of accountability. He noted that the SWF will not just serve for investment, but also to save for future generations

The couple’s attorney, James Bond, made an application for bail on the ground that there are special reasons, since the drug was not found in the couple’s home but elsewhere.

But Police Prosecutor, Arwin Moore told the court that the drugs were found at Softleigh’s cousin’s house by ranks from the Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit following a tip-off.

The cousin denied having knowledge of the drugs, and told the ranks that it was Softleigh who

had purchased the gas cylinders and arranged for them to be taken by a taxi to her home for keeping.

The cannabis was found stashed in transparent Ziploc bags inside three empty gas cylinders, after CANU ranks had them cut in half.

The chief magistrate, after considering the details as told by both the prosecution and the defence, released the couple on $400,000 bail and adjourned the matter to December 18.

and to stabilise the economy in times of global economic instability.

“During 2018, we will publish a green paper to apprise this Honourable House on the proposal for the SWF and to seek feedback for further refinement, and to stimulate a national discussion to ensure that all citizens understand the benefits to be had and the perils we must

guard against in the collection and management of our oil resources,” Jordan said.

In addition to the establishment of the SWF, the finance minister said in 2018, the Petroleum Commission will be operationalised after the anticipated passage of the Petroleum Commission Bill. The Commission will be tasked with monitoring and regulating this new and emerging sector, with a mandate to ensure that the exploration, development and production of petroleum are done in an efficient, safe, effective and environmentally responsible manner.

“Mr. Speaker, while we continue to build capacity for effectively managing and regulating the oil and gas sector, we will ensure that systems and regulations are in place to properly and transparently account for, and manage oil revenues.

Specifically, an oil and gas unit will also be established within the GRA, and will benefit from extensive training in revenue administration within the context of PSAs. The prudent management of these revenues, in addition to a well-thought out development plan, will help to guard against the resource curse.”

Jordan said to also prepare the private sector for rapid growth in this sector, government will be hosting an Oil and Gas Exposition and Business Summit in the first quarter of 2018, to bring

together various segments of the private sector towards creating partnerships and facilitating information-sharing for business opportunities. The minister said although oil remains the main focus of this emerging sector “we are carefully exploring the feasibility of utilising natural gas as a temporary alternative for power generation. In the coming year, further steps will be taken to identify the preferred option for transporting gas onshore, including the most suitable location.”

Jordan also hailed Guyana’s achievement of becoming a candidate member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). He said next year, the country will support the EITI Secretariat in the implementation of its work plan as we embark on the 18-month journey to full membership. At that time, Guyana would have met a global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources. This standard requires information along the extractive industry value chain, from the point of extraction to how the revenue makes its way through the government and its contribution to the economy. These efforts serve to demonstrate our commitment to responsible and effective governance in the pursuit of sustainable development.

One jailed, two remanded --for recent Bel Air Park armed robbery A 37-year-old man was on Monday sentenced to 50 months in jail for an armed robbery committed on a Brazilian and her driver, at Bel Air Park, Georgetown, while his two co-accusers were remanded to prison.

Kelvin Emperor, of West Ruimveldt, appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman jointly charged with Leon Smart and Nzumi Scipio on two counts of armed robbery.

The charges allege that the trio on November 24, at Bel Air Park, while being armed with a gun, robbed Tasia DaSliva DaSouza of an iPhone and other valuables totalling $499,000.

It is further alleged that

they also robbed Davidand Pablall of an iPhone valued $150,000.

Emperor, who confessed to the offence, also admitted being the mastermind behind the armed robbery. He, however, said that the two other defendants had no part in it.

“I’m being truthful! I ain’t able waste de court time! Dem two man innocent!” Emperor told the court.

The court heard from Police Prosecutor, Shawn Gonsalves, that DaSouza is a Brazilian and Pablall is her driver. He said that on the day in question, the driver reportedly took DaSouza to see her relatives in Bel Air

Park, and as they disembarked their vehicle, a white Toyota Allion motorcar drove up beside them.

Emperor, while armed with the gun, the court also heard, got into the victims’ vehicle and robbed them.

DaSouza, however, managed to track her cellphone to a house in West Ruimveldt where she observed the same white car the robbers were in earlier parked in the yard.

Emperor was arrested at the house, and all the stolen items were also recovered by the police.

While Emperor will begin serving his sentence, his co-defendants will return to court on December 11.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Delinquent taxpayers granted amnesty --Statia says its doable, but hard work for GRA

THE government has proposed to grant amnesty to all delinquent taxpayers, whether corporate or individual, who are in default of either the filing of true and correct tax returns, or payment of their true and correct taxes.

This was announced

by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during his presentation of the 2018 Budget to the National Assembly on Monday.

The amnesty is expected to take effect from January 1, 2018 and will last up to September 30, 2018.

“Taxpayers who file and pay all principal taxes on or before June 30, 2018 will have all interest and penalties waived, while those who file and pay all principal taxes between July 01, 2018 and September 30, 2018 will have 50 percent of interest and penalties waived,” Minister Jordan

announced.

But there’s a caveat, in that taxpayers who expect to benefit from this amnesty must file true and correct returns.

Those found to be in violation of this stipulation, the minister said, will be subject to an audit and the attendant penalties and interest will be applied.

Commissioner-General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), Godfrey Statia told the

GRA Commissioner-General, Mr Godfrey Statia (Delano Williams photo)

Guyana Chronicle last night that his agents will have their jobs cut

out for them, especially when considering all that was said by the Minister

of Finance.

“The amnesty entails a lot of work, because we have to quantify taxes that are outstanding, and identify what are true and correct,” Statia said.

In order to get the work done, Statia said, the Authority will have to shift around its staff in order to maximise output. The GRA will also be devoting increased resources to the enforcement of the income tax laws.

Singh tried a t’ing --but it just didn’t work out for him

A 40-year-old man was on Monday sentenced to 36 months imprisonment by Magistrate Judy Latchman for two counts of break and enter and larceny.

Michael Singh admitted that on September 11 at Lot 64 King Street, Georgetown, he did break and enter the storage bond of Asraf Ali and stole a quantity of footwear valued at $40,500.

He further confessed that on November 1, at the same location, he again broke into the storage bond and stole $367,280 worth of footwear.

Apparently,not wanting to waste the court’s time, the unrepresented defendant told the magistrate, “Your worship, I was there, and I did steal a couple of footwear, but one man alone can’t steal all of them footwear that they calling.”

He even tried appealing to the magistrate’s softer side, saying that since his wife left him, he hasn’t been himself.

He also admitted selling the booty to buy cocaine with the money.

Needless to say, the magistrate was unmoved and sentenced Singh to 18 months jail, consecutively, on each of the two charges.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

$154B investments, over 5000 jobs next year— Go-Invest

THE Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) has anticipated investment of around $154B next year, Finance Minister,Winston Jordan announced in his budget speech on Monday.

He said the entity is projecting that the investments will create some 5,725 jobs but there was no mention where the investments will come from. Jordan said the entity facilitated almost $23 billion in investments this year which, over time, will create over 970 jobs across various sectors, including services, agriculture and energy. In addition, GO-Invest will be hosting the first-ever

Guyana Trade and Investment Exposition, aimed at promoting collaboration between private sector actors towards knowledge sharing and creating business partnerships. According to Jordan, the office anticipates up to 75 businesses participating in the Exposition, in April, 2018.

Finally, work on updating the National Export and Investment Strategy will commence in the new year.

Meanwhile, the finance minister said that his administration recognises the important role that entrepreneurship and, in turn, the private sector, plays in generating employment and income. He said it

is imperative, therefore, that they continue to strengthen the fabric of micro and small businesses, especially those owned by vulnerable groups, through the alleviation of prohibitive constraints.

He said established enterprises have a crucial part to play in nurturing micro and small businesses, just as government has done, and continues to do, for both domestic and international enterprises through the facilitation of an enabling environment.

“The Small Business Bureau (SBB) has directly supported over 1100 budding entrepreneurs in 2017. More than 168 young persons benefitted from

business grants, as part of the YouthBiz 592 project, as well as, a pilot in-school entrepreneurship project.” Jordan said a further 160 micro and small businesses directly benefitted from improved access to finance through the disbursement of business grants and loans by the Micro and Small Enterprise Development (MSED) project. A total of 392 jobs were created and 831 persons from the hinterland and coastland received training in areas related to business development.

According to the minister, a new initiative to support small businesses, in 2018, is the establishment of a $100

million revolving fund, to finance businesses whose goods and services are sustainable and environmentally friendly. “Mr. Speaker, additional support to micro and small businesses will be delivered, in 2018, through the creation of business incubators and accelerators, in Regions 5 and 9, at a cost of $36 million.” These structures will foster the growth of businesses by facilitating the provision of support services, such as business registration, documentation, and capacity building, Jordan posited.

Further, he said through the establishment of business registration hubs, like the one opened in Lethem (Region 9) this year, and the upcoming one in Mahdia (Region 8), “ we will continue to improve the ease of doing business.

In 2018, four other business registration hubs will be established in Regions 1, 5, 6 and 10.”

The Finance Minister told the House that despite government’s best efforts to alleviate the financial constraints facing businesses, access to credit still prohibits investment and growth of enterprises. “We will continue to devise strategies to address this problem such as the implementation of a Secure Transaction Regime, in 2018. This will allow for easier access to financing using moveable collateral.”

He said while the focus is on nurturing micro and small businesses, works on the Lethem Industrial Estate and the Belvedere Industrial Estate will continue into the new year. An allocation of $350 million has been made for the completion of works, in 2018. These estates are expected to have a combined capacity of about 250 to facilitate value-added production, while benefitting from economies of scale.

No bail for duo --accused of tailing, robbing elderly Man of God

TWO men who allegedly trailed and robbed a 66-year-old pastor of $1.8M as he left a city bank were on Monday charged and remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman for armed robbery.

Renhart Khan, a 31-year-old fish vendor of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara and 25-year-old Alexander LaCruz of Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, both denied that on November 22 at Church Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, they robbed Pastor Eldon Anderson.

Alexander LaCruz

Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to the pair being released on bail on the grounds of the seriousness of the charge, and the fact that a gun was used to commit

the crime.

As such, the magistrate ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded the duo until December 11.

According to reports, the victim left his North Haslington home at around 08:45hrs with $400,000 in his possession, using motor vehicle PVV 3830.

When he reached the city, he reportedly made a stop at a bank where he withdrew $1.4M which was to be sent overseas.

He then went to another city bank, where he planned on making the transfer, but was told that he needed some additional information before he could do so, which necessitated his having to leave the bank.

The court heard that the pastor was at first reluctant to go, knowing that he had all that money on him, but in the end decided to.

It was while he was driving east along Church Street on his way to get the information that he was rear-ended by a silver-grey Toyota Spacio.

Upon getting out of his vehicle to inspect the damage, he was reportedly approached by the men, who, gun in hand, demanded that he turn over to them all the cash he was carrying.

He must have hesitated, as the gunmen well and truly assaulted him before searching the car and eventually finding the money.

And as has become their wont these days after such an operation, the bandits discharged a few rounds into the air before making good their escape.

Police found the evidence of their folly at the scene of the crime.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Unions lose court bid to stop closure of sugar estates

THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have appealed Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire’s decision to throw out their application to quash the government’s decision to close the East Demerara and Rose Hall Estates.

The court ruling was made on November 10, 2017, the unions said in a joint statement on Monday. “Our unions, contended before the learned chief justice that the closure decisions were improper and there were insufficient consultations between the government and GuySuCo, on one hand, and the GAWU and the NAACIE, on the other. We pointed out to the court that consulta-

tions between the unions, the opposition and the government regarding the future of the sugar industry cannot be deemed as acceptable, noting that just about four hours in total were spent on the three occasions the parties met.”

Both GAWU and NAACIE have contended that they have a legitimate expectation to be consulted in a comprehensive manner, and pointed to previous instances where GuySuCo involved “our unions extensively in considering decisions which would have affected the employment of workers.”

According to the unions, they illustrated that the Sugar Commission of Inquiry (CoI) spent several hundred man hours over many days in reviewing information, considering submissions from several individuals and organisations, and visiting

the estates and interacting with workers and managerial personnel, and at the end of that process it was recommended that closure should not be pursued. “Our unions contended too that the closure decision clearly was not informed by the full consideration of all the factors which we have pointed out, especially that a socio-economic study was not pursued though it was necessary.

Furthermore, we argued that the closure decision did not follow the clearly set out procedure contained in the Trade Union Recognition Act and the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. Our unions are seeking that the government and GuySuCo engage in a proper and full consultation as we hold that such an exercise will result in a different decision being taken.”

lives. We have also sought that the affected workers receive pensions equivalent to what they would have received had they been employed by GuySuCo. Our unions have argued that sugar workers have a fair expectation to employment until they attain pensionable age with many following their parents, grandparents and other forefathers into the sugar industry. Furthermore, GAWU and NAACIE are arguing that sugar workers possess unique skills which are not portable, presenting a grave difficulty for them to secure employment beyond the industry.”

According to the unions, it is intended that similar actions would be pursued regarding the workers of Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Estates when the decisions

--serving the community in more ways than one

VAT removed from private education VALUE Added Tax (VAT) on private education has been removed after much criticism and protests following its introduction in the previous budget.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan in his budget presentation on Monday, said as part of Government’s efforts to widen the tax base, services provided by private educational institutions were standard rated, while educational supplies previously zero-rated were exempted from the payment of the VAT. “In view of the representations made, I propose to remove the VAT on the provision of all educational services, with effect from January 1, 2018,” the minister told the House.

The announcement by Minister Jordan is most welcome news for private education providers and students, who have been clamouring for the removal of the tax, which they say is burden-

The unions believe their appeal has great merit and substance and believe that the learned chief justice (a.g.) erred in her determination to deny our application. “Recognising that time for the closure decision is quickly approaching, we intend to file submissions seeking that the Appeal Court considers our matter soonest.

Compensation Meanwhile, separately, the unions are seeking that the High Court require the State to pay damages to the ex-Wales Estate workers. “In our legal submissions, our unions are arguing that the State, as the owner of GuySuCo, by virtue of several articles of the constitution, is bound to provide suitable alternative employment or income support in lieu of work to the displaced workers for the rest of their working

some.

Head of Nations University, Dr Brian O’Toole, in April had told a public consultation on the tax that the solution to the issue is “not to punish who pay tax”, but to go after those who are not compliant.

He said 12 per cent of students pursuing the American Business Executive (ABE) programme at Nations had already dropped out of the programme in light of the increased fees, which were made following implementation of the VAT measure.

Stacy French of Mae’s School had called on the Government to explain what

factors were considered in a $2B figure, which the authorities noted private schools have attained from tuition.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan earlier this year had said some 86 private schools operate in Guyana and many of them make huge revenues.

Fees range from between $144,000 and $300,000 annually, which do not include extra lessons, uniforms, books and coaching fees, among others.

The top eight among these private schools rake in fees estimated at over $2 billion annually, he had pointed out.

On Monday, Jordan said efforts will continue by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to ensure that these institutions become tax compliant, pointing out that the potential revenue loss as a result of the removal of the tax is $342 million.

Contractor robbed at Success koker TWO armed bandits on Saturday robbed a 45-year-old contractor while he was at the Good Success koker, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports are that the contractor, who hails from Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, was at the koker to pay his workmen, when he was accosted by the bandits.

They relieved him of two cell-phones, one silver cricket band, his ID and GBTI bank cards, and $300,000 in cash.

Before making their getaway in a silver-coloured Toyota 212 motorcar, the bandits discharged two shots in the air so as to discourage anyone from pursuing them.

Police were, however, unable to find any spent shells at the scene of the crime as investigations continue.

concerning those estates fructify. “We are also hopeful that this matter would receive speedy attention given the difficult times that have beset the people of Wales. Our unions are fortified in our determination to protect the workers who will be affected by the plans for sugar. We believe that we should use every available option in our efforts to safeguard the workers, their families and their communities, who seemingly, at this time, can be said to be up the river without a paddle. Clearly, it is our strongly held view, that they are no real or workable alternatives for the displaced sugar workers and they, their families and their communities will suffer tremendously from the cold-hearted approach to the industry.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

New Bagotville Bridge to open December 10 --residents excited at the prospect

TRAVERSING the West Bank of Demerara (WBD) road will be easier than it was two months ago when the Bagotville Bridge fell apart, now that the new bridge is almost done and scheduled to be opened to traffic on December 10.

GAICO Construction Inc. was awarded a $97M contract to build a new bridge in the community after the main access bridge in the area started to sink.

The support beams of

the bridge were damaged due to erosion and heavy rains; heavy-duty vehicles also helped add to the deterioration.

GAICO Managing Director, Komal Singh told the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday that the company has already poured the concrete, but that the mixture has to go through a 21-day curing period, which is expected to end on December 7. “This week, we are go-

ing to asphalt it because it has to be overlaid, but we are on track and will finish before December 10,�

Singh said.

Work on the bridge began on September 21 with the intention of having it completed on or before November 30.

The contractor said that while they did not encounter any difficulties over the past two months, they gave the project maximum attention so that the work would Workers adding the finishing touches to the new Bagotville Bridge

be done properly.

Singh believes that it was only a matter of time before the old bridge sank, because it was a wooden structure that was encased in concrete.

The new bridge, however, is made of steel and concrete, so it is expected

to last a very long time.

It will also cater for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, since two walkways have been installed on either side of the bridge.

Prior to the construction of the new bridge, a temporary one was constructed nearby so as to help ease

the traffic.

But residents had said the temporary bridge was not enough to handle the level of traffic that traversed the area on a daily basis, so they were excited to hear that the new bridge will be opened soon.

Pedestrians were not left out when the new bridge was being conceptualised (Photos by Adrian Narine)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 28, 2017

RUSAL workers yet to be paid --Scott, Lewis blame each other for not seeing matter through

RUSSIAN bauxite company, RUSAL has not yet paid the outstanding overtime and tax-exemptions due to their employees.

This is despite their recently being ordered by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott to make those payments immediately.

them since October 2016.

The MoU was reportedly signed since October 2016 by the GB&GWU and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, but not by RUSAL, owing to “technical issues”.

“For over one year, the workers were expecting the union and the company to agree to have them receive

GB&GWU President, Lincoln Lewis

Both Scott and President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers’ Union (GB&GWU), Lincoln Lewis have confirmed that the workers are yet to be paid by the company, but blamed each other for not following up on the matter.

The Minister had officially ordered the company to pay the workers on November 17, 2017 after representatives of the company failed to sign a three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), that would clear the way for the employees to be paid what was owed to

their overtime and their deducted Income Tax in November 2016, which government had agreed to have the company return

to them,” Scott said during a meeting with the RUSAL representatives and members of the Union in his office on Brickdam on November 17.

In RUSAL’s defence, one of its representatives, Vladimir Permyakov gave as the reason the company did not sign the MoU, that it was unprepared for that type of meeting at the time.

This was because they’d first needed to consult with their principal, who was out of the country at the time, Permyakov said.

He, however, assured Minister Scott and union representatives at the November 17 meeting, that the principal who is the company’s country manager, would have been back within a week, by which time he had expected that the matter would have been sorted out.

Unfortunately, it is now over a week and there has

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott

been no movement as yet on the matter, as workers are still to be paid and the MoU is reportedly yet to be signed by the company.

When contacted by the Guyana Chronicle on Monday, Minister Scott said the issue is now in the hands of the GB&GWU, since

he had already ordered the company, by way of letter, to pay the workers.

Lewis, however, says the issue cannot be in the union’s hands since it was the minister who ordered the company to pay the workers.

“The government

gave the instruction; not us… Plus, tax waivers are the responsibility of the government and not the union,” Lewis said.

He had said at the November 17 meeting that the union does not intend on taking any further action against RUSAL.

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Stokes ‘spotted at Heathrow Airport’ to fuel rumour mill

THE sight of Ben Stokes wandering through Heathrow Airport on Monday evening, sporting his full cricket kit, fuelled extensive rumours on social media that he was heading to Australia to reinforce England's Ashes squad in the wake of their defeat in the first Test at Brisbane.

However, the truth proved to be more prosaic.

In response to wildfire rumours on social media, the ECB confirmed that Stokes was simply making a private trip to New Zealand to spend time with his family.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes

Though he was travelling with his cricket gear, Stokes' arrangements had not been arranged by the ECB, and he was not headed either to link up with the Ashes squad, or the England Lions, who are currently in Queensland shadowing the main squad, or any other official training camps with the England set-up.

Instead, he is expected to spend time with his parents in Christchurch, and may look to play some form of domestic cricket in New Zealand as he steps up his return to action.

Stokes, who was arrested in Bristol on September 25, remains under investigation by Avon & Somerset Police, following allegations of Actual Bodily Harm.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

Ashwin makes history as India North Georgetown continues consign Sri Lanka to record defeat dominance in swimming

… Off-spinner becomes quickest to 300 Test wickets RAVICHANDRAN reached 300 Test wickets SCOREBOARD in record time as India consigned Sri Lanka to a crushing innings and 239run defeat in Nagpur on day four.

Ashwin took four wickets in the first innings of the second Test and claimed 4-63 yesterday to reach the landmark in only his 54th Test, two fewer than the previous record set by Dennis Lillee exactly 36 years ago.

The spinner bowled Lahiru Gamage to make history, Sri Lanka dismissed for only 166 to suffer their biggest innings loss as India celebrated equalling their most emphatic innings win.

Captain Dinesh Chandimal (61) showed some resistance, but the sorry tourists trail 1-0 with one match remaining in Delhi after being totally outplayed in a one-sided contest at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium.

Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav took two wickets apiece on another miserable day for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka started the penultimate day on the ropes after a magnificent Virat Kohli double century and a Rohit Sharma hundred enabled India to post 610-6 declared on Sunday before Ishant got rid of

Ravichandran Ashwin, got the ball to rip and sniped out the Sri Lanka tail. He became the fastest to bag 300 Test wickets. (BCCI)

Sadeera Samarawickrama without scoring.

Murali Vijay dealt another blow by somehow holding a catch at short leg when Dimuth Karunaratne (18) attempted to work Jadeja (2-28) for runs into the leg side and Sri Lanka were 48-3 after Lahiru Thirimanne (23) played a poor shot to gift Yadav (2-30) a first wicket.

Angelo Mathews launched Jadeja for six over long-on, but the spinner had the last laugh, the former captain attempting another big hit but only picking out Rohit at mid-off.

SRI LANKA1st innings 205 (D. Chandimal 57, D. Karunaratne 51; R. Ashwin 4-67) INDIA 1st innings 610 for 6 decl. (V. Kohli 213, C. Pujara 143, M. Vijay 128, R. Sharma 102 n.o.)

SRI LANKA 2nd innings (o/n 21-1) Sadeera Samarawickrama b I. Sharma 0 Dimuth Karunaratne c Vijay b Jadeja 18 Lahiru Thirimanne c Jadeja b U. Yadav 23 Angelo Mathews c Ro. Sharma b Jadeja 10 Dinesh Chandimal c R. Ashwin b U. Yadav 61 Niroshan Dickwella c Kohli b I. Sharma 4 Dasun Shanaka c Rahul b R. Ashwin 17 Dilruwan Perera lbw b R. Ashwin 0 Rangana Herath c Rahane b R. Ashwin 0 Suranga Lakmal not out 31 Lahiru Gamage b R. Ashwin 0 Extras: (lb-2) 2 Total: (all out, 49.3 overs) 166 Fall of wickets: 1-0 S. S, 2-34, 3-48, 4-68, 5-75, 6-102, 7-107, 8-107, 9-165.

Bowling: I. Sharma 12-4-43-2, R. Ashwin 17.3-4-634, R. Jadeja 11-5-28-2, U. Yadav 9-2-30-2.

Chandimal rode his luck at times and could only watch on at the other end as the procession of wickets continued, striking 10 boundaries to score his second half-century of the match.

Dasun Shanaka went on the attack, hitting Ashwin for two sixes in an over, but tried one too many against the canny tweaker, who drifted one up outside off stump and the all-rounder took the bait, coming down the track and offering a catch to KL Rahul

running back from mid-on.

Ashwin closed in on the 300 mark by seeing the back of Dilruwan Perera and Rangana Herath in the same over without scoring and Chandimal holed out to Yadav, to leave Sri Lanka nine down after the skipper put on 58 with Suranga Lakmal.

Lakmal was unbeaten on 31 when Ashwin finished off the job, deceiving Gamage to put Sri Lanka out of their misery and etch his name in the record books.

Cricket world pays tribute to Hughes

ON the third anniversary of the late batsman’s tragic death, cricketers and fans alike have remembered the boy from Macksville.

Australia players wore black armbands bearing the late Phillip Hughes’ initials on the final day of the first

Magellan Ashes Test on the third anniversary of his tragic death.

Opener David Warner looked skywards upon reaching 63 not out, the same tally Hughes was on when he was fatally struck during a Sheffield Shield

match in 2014, in Australia’s second innings in Brisbane yesterday.

The Barmy Army, England’s famed group of travelling supporters, also made a touching tribute to the late batsman by singing ‘there’s only one Phillip Hughes’ to

the tune of ‘Winter Wonderland’ during the opening session of day five at the Gabba.

Players from around the world took to social media yesterday to pay their respects to the muchloved left-hander from Macksville.

Highlights of Sunday’s NBA games Heat 100, Bulls 93 GORAN Dragic scored 24 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, and Wayne Ellington finished with 19 points as Miami defeated Chicago.

Miami won its third straight game as James Johnson finished with 15 points to go along with 11 points and 10 rebounds from Hassan Whiteside and 10 points off the bench from Kelly Olynyk. Tyler Johnson rounded out Miami’s balanced scoring attack with 10 points.

The Bulls, who have lost five straight, were led by Jerian Grant, who scored 24 points. Denzel Valentine scored 14 points and had 13 rebounds for Chicago, which also got 15 points from Justin Holiday and 11 apiece from rookie Lauri Markkanen and Bobby

Portis.

Timberwolves 119, Suns 108 Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and Jimmy Butler chipped in with 25 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves held on for a 119-108 win against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday.

Towns recorded his league-leading 16th double-double, and Andrew Wiggins scored 21 points with a season-high four 3-pointers for Minnesota, which survived another strong shooting night from an opponent. Phoenix shot 50.6 percent from the field and was 13 of 26 from 3-point range despite playing without leading scorer Devin Booker.

Taj Gibson had 16 points and a

season-high 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who had lost three of their previous four games. Minnesota is off to its best start since 2005-06 when it also started 12-8.

Nets 98, Grizzlies 88 DeMarre Carroll scored 24 points and Trevor Booker had 16 points and 11 rebounds as Brooklyn beat Memphis.

Marc Gasol and Tyreke Evans had 18 points each to pace the Grizzlies.

Gasol scored only two points in the second half.

Memphis, playing its sixth straight game without injured starting point guard Mike Conley, was outscored 3218 in the third quarter. The Grizzlies lost for the 11th time in 13 games.

By Tamica Garnett IT was yet another year of disorganisation at the swimming competition of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships, but that did not prevent North Georgetown from defending their title and continuing their stronghold in the pool.

Returning with their usual throng of quality swimmers, it came as no surprise; for the District ruled the competition at the National Aquatic Centre yesterday.

Lian Winter, Daniel Scott, Amy Grant and Teshanna were just a few of the names who made several trips to the podium as they grabbed medal after medal for District 11.

As organisers still grappled to correctly tally the points late into the evening, North were officially declared the winners finishing with 422 points, to keep Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (District 10) at bay.

District 10 were second with 296.5 points; while South Georgetown held on to third with 237 points, with their team being led by the astonishing skills of young Aleka Persaud.

East Georgetown ended in fourth with 180.5 points, to ensure all of the Georgetown Districts made it into the top five.

Rounding out the top five were Bartica (District 7) with 174 points.

District 11 sealed off their dominance for the day by claiming both the Boys’ and Girls’ Open relays.

Winter, Hunter, Grant and Accalia Khan teamed up to the secure the Girls’ win, while Leon Seaton, Noel Raekwon, Alex Winter, and Scott were too much for the competitors.

District 1 managed second in the Girls’ relay, while District was close behind in

second for the Boys.

The day started out with the 100m backstroke, where Hunter, Scott and Khan took early wins for the District. As the day moved on routinely, Scott shared the spoils in the Boys’ Open category with his team mate Alex.

Scott won the 100m backstroke (1:12.44s), 50m butterfly (28.12s) and 50m backstroke (31.19s), while Alex won the 50m freestyle (26.94s) and 100m freestyle.

In the Girls’ open category Accalia Khan and her team mate Maiya Francois were getting quite the run from Linden’s Nikita Fiedtkou, who trumped Khan in the 50m breaststroke in a time of 43.25 seconds, Khan being some five seconds behind.

Fiedtkou also picked up the 100m freestyle (1:05.19s) and 50m butterfly wins (34.25s). Khan won the 100m backstroke (1:24.41s) and 50m backstroke (37.31s), while Francois claimed the 50m freestlye (32.32s) The full points standing for the swimming competition are as follows: North Georgetown (Dist 11) 422 points Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (Dist 10) 296.5 points South Georgetown (Dist 13) 237 points East Georgetown (Dist 12) 180.5 points Bartica (Dist 7) 174 points North West (Dist 1) 173 points Rupununi (Dist 9) 128 points Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon (Dist 2) 124 points East Bank Demerara (Dist 14) 58 points West Coast Berbice (Dist 5) 21 points East Coast Demerara (Dist 4) 20 points West Demerara (Dist 3) 12 points Potaro/Siparuni (Dist 8) 4 points Corentyne (Dist 6) 3 points

From back page

GBA’s/Terrence Ali....

Vergenoegen and Forgotten Youth Foundation.

The four-night tournament which ends on Friday evening is expected to attract over 40 boxers including three from the Dutch-speaking Republic of Suriname.

Among the fighters who are expected to showcase their talent are: defending heavyweight champion Jason Baker of the GDF, Dennis Thomas of the Guyana Police Force

who is the middleweight champion, Colin Lewis who is another GDF fighter and is the current defending junior welterweight champion, GDF’s Markember Pierre (defending light heavyweight champion), Guyana and Caribbean middleweight champion Desmond Amsterdam and national and Caribbean lightweight champion Joel Williamson of Rose Hall Jammers’ Boxing Gym of Berbice.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

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Brathwaite hits unbeaten 88 in tame draw with New Zealand A LINCOLN, New Zealand (CMC) – Leading West Indies batsman Kraigg Brathwaite warmed up for Friday’s first Test against New Zealand with a half-century, as the Caribbean side earned a tame draw against New Zealand A in their three-day match here yesterday.

Having failed in the first innings, the right-hander carved out 88 in the second on the final day of the contest at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval, to find form ahead of the twoTest series against the Black Caps.

West Indies, resuming from 53 for two overnight, were dismissed for 186, with wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich chipping in with 47 to follow up his first-innings 35.

Worryingly, however, there was another failure for Jermaine Blackwood who

fell without scoring after making just four in the first innings.

Hamish Bennett led New Zealand A with three for 50 while fellow seamers Jimmy Neesham (2-16), Lockie Ferguson (2-24) and Logan van Beek (2-46) all finished with two wickets each.

The hosts then rattled up 72 without loss as the match petered out into a predictable draw, with West Indies affording their bowlers decent spells in preparation for the first Test.

Jeet Raval stroked an unbeaten 32 and captain Tom Latham, 28 not out, both players using the game to also get in tune for the Test series.

Resuming the day hoping for another productive batting display, West Indies were rocked early when Roston Chase added two to his

West Indies opener Kraigg Brathwaite

overnight four before perishing and Blackwood followed soon afterwards.

On 72 for four, West Indies were bailed out by Brathwaite who put on 29 for the fifth wicket with Raymon Reifer (12) and a further 70 for the sixth wicket with

Dowrich.

All told, Brathwaite faced 124 deliveries in 3-1/2 hours and counted 12 fours while Dowrich struck five fours and a six in a 71-ball knock.

The prolific Barbadian is expected to lead West Indies’ batting in the Test series as

SCOREBOARD WEST INDIES 1st Innings 451-9 decl.

NEW ZEALAND A 1st innings 237 WEST INDIES 2nd innings (o/n 53 for two) K. Brathwaite ret. out 88 K. Powell b Ferguson 4 S. Hetmyer b van Beek 10 R. Chase c Worker b Ferguson 6 J. Blackwood c Astle b Bennett 0 R. Reifer c Latham b van Beek 12 S. Dowrich b Bennett 47 J. Holder c wkp. Blundell b Neesham 0 D Bishoo c wkp. Blundell b Neesham 1 A Joseph c Broom b Bennett 0 K Roach not out 2 Extras: (b-4, lb-1, nb-3, w-8) 16 Total: (all out, 53 overs) 186 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-43, 3-71, 4-72, 5-101, 6-171, 7-178, 8-178, 9-179.

Bowling: Ferguson 7-1-24-2, Bennett 11-2-50-3, van Beek 10-0-46-2, Astle 15-3-34-0, Neesham 7-3-16-2, Worker 3-0-11-0.

NEW ZEALAND A 2nd innings J. Raval not out 32 T. Latham not out 28 Extras: ((b-4, lb-1, nb-7) 12 Total: (without loss, 29 overs) 72 Bowling: Gabriel 4-2-4-0, Roach 4-1-11-0, Cummins 4-2-9-0, Joseph 2-1-6-0, Chase 8-3-13-0, Reifer 4-2-9-0, Bishoo 2-0-11-0, Brathwaite 1-0-4-0.

the visitors chased their first series win on New Zealand soil in 22 years.

Brathwaite’s retirement, however, led to a lower order

slide with the last five wickets going down for 15 runs.

The first Test gets underway at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on December 1.

England can look forward to further `aggressive cricket’ - Smith warns

By Ian Ransom BRISBANE, Australia (Reuters) - England can look forward to further “aggressive” cricket in the second Test in Adelaide, Australia captain Steve Smith said, after his team found their mean streak to rout the tourists by 10 wickets at the Gabba yesterday.

Australia were matched

by England for three days, with the unusually slow Gabba pitch blunting their bowlers’ pace and their batsmen struggling in the first innings barring a magnificent, unbeaten 141 by the skipper.

The hosts hit back on day four, however, as their pacemen grabbed seven wickets

Josh Hazelwood

in a furious short-pitched assault to skittle England for 195.

Openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft then mowed down 170 for victory before lunch on day five to

give Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

“Really pleased with the way we played this Test match. It’s great to go up 1-0 in this Ashes series,” said man-of-the-match Smith.

”We’re going to continue to play the same way we have, nice and aggressively. ”We’ve played some really good cricket we had to fight after the first couple of days to get the result we’re after.

“No doubt there will continue to be some good, hard, aggressive cricket throughout the series.”

A small media storm was generated by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow’s ‘headbutt’ greeting of Bancroft at a bar in Perth in the lead-up, an incident both teams played down.

Smith revealed his team had used the incident as ammunition to throw Bairstow off his game when he was

batting on the field and believed the tactic had worked when the wicketkeeper was dismissed softly for 42 when he hit straight to third man.

The incident had proved to be a distraction to the England camp, with their coach Trevor Bayliss saying staff would meet with players to potentially discuss tighter curfews.

Smith shrugged when asked whether Australia’s exploitation of the incident might fuel animosity between the teams.

“It’s always played hard out on the field. There’s a line you’re not to cross. I don’t think it makes any real difference,” he said.

Adelaide Oval will offer

a different challenge for both teams, with the pink ball likely to move far more in the first day-night Ashes Test than at the Gabba.

England’s veteran pacemen Stuart Broad and James Anderson may be best placed to exploit the conditions but Smith was also excited what his pacemen might do under lights.

“The Adelaide wicket might bring some of their bowlers into the game a little bit but having said that, it’s probably one of the quickest wickets in the country at night,” he said.

“We saw how effective our bowlers could be when this wicket quickened up a little bit. so it’s exciting.”

Essequibo, Georgetown in winners’ row ESSEQUIBO and Georgetown were victorious on Sunday when the Guyana Cricket Board/Cricket Guyana Inc. Jaguars 50-over Franchise League continued with two round-four games.

At the Imam Bacchus ground, Affiance, Essequibo Coast, the hosts whipped East Coast Demerara by nine wickets. Batting first, the visitors reached 169-9 off 40 overs.

Kamesh Yadram top-scored with a 50-ball 54, with five fours. Rajendra Chandrika

made 29, Chanderpaul Hemraj 19 and Bhaskar Yadram 18. Ricardo Adams claimed 3-42,while Anthony Adams had 2-20 and Akieni Adams 2-25.

Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul then slammed four fours and two sixes in scoring 72 off 102 balls. Kemol Savory scored a 48 off 58 balls including three fours and a six as Essequibo ended on 172-1 in 33.4 overs.

Over at Bush Lot ground in West Berbice, the

game was reduced to 20 overs.

The home team crumbled for 96 in 19.2 overs. Leon Johnson claimed 5-26 and got support from medium pacer Paul Wintz (2-6). Only Arthley Bailey (24) and Gudakesh Motie (18) reached double figures.

Teams Lower Corentyne Essequibo West Demerara Georgetown Upper Corentyne West Berbice East Coast Demerara Upper Demerara/East Bank

Matches Points 18 15 15 9 9 8 0 0

Robin Bacchus (22), Andrew Lyght Jr (17), added 39 for the first wicket, but thereafter the visiting side suffered a batting meltdown. Shemroy Barrington (5), skipper Chris Barnwell (3), Johnson (0), West Indies U-19 selectee Raymond Perez (1), keeper Darwin Christian (15), Wins

Loses

Tie

3 2 2 1 1 1 Nil Nil

0 0 0 1 1 2 3 3

NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

N o result 1 1 1 1

Steven Sankar (0) and Wintz (1) all fell cheaply.

However, with ten runs needed off the last over Ramaal Lewis ended the game with a six and a four.

Points Table: After Round Three

Super Bonus (Batting) NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA

Super Bonus (Bowling) 6 4 2 2 NA NA NA NA

Total 24 19 17 11 9 8 0 0

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

Mixed results as Karting excursion ends in Jamaica

By Stephan Sookram (Compliments of Fly Jamaica, Nexus Machining, Bell Communication and GT Motorsports) THE weekend Jamaican Karting excursion called Double Trouble came to an end on Sunday with positive results for Guyanese.

While they had mixed fortunes over the two-day event with several podium spaces, they learnt something more important than winning, and that was the ability to adapt.

Justin Ten-Pow was the standout performer in the Micro Max event where he picked up three third place finishes but was disqualified from one.

The disqualification resulted from a restrictor plate on the exhaust of his kart being too small and thus out of specifications, though the Guyanese argued that they were unaware of this having borrowed karts to compete.

In the end, they lodged a protest with the Jamaica

Karting Association (JKA) over the event with the body expected to make a formal ruling later in the week.

Still, Ten-Pow was still upbeat over his performance in the new class, especially considering the fact that the engines used in the Reggae Isle are vastly different than those used here.

In the Junior Class, there were podium finishes for Mikhail Persaud and Rayden Persaud in the final races

while Elan Rahaman picked up a third in one pre-final.

Utilising rules that were also foreign to the Guyanese, the JKA runs firstly a qualifying session followed by a pre-race which is to decide gridding for what they call the finals where the points are awarded to the finishers.

This is done in two rounds to complete one karting weekend.

In the seniors Matthew Phang while failing to finish

Justin Ten-Pow displays his trophy from the third step of the podium following one of the Micro Max Races in Jamaica.

Mikhail Persaud leads Rayden Persaud in Junior Class action..

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ continues tonight THE Burnham Basketball Court will come alive tonight, when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Zone continues with nine group matches.

According to an official release from tournament coordinators, Three Peat Promotions, “The event is off to a fantastic start, large crowds have swarmed the venues and we are expecting another mammoth viewership tonight.”

“At this rate we are expecting record turnouts for the remainder of the event given the response during the second day held at the Albouystown tarmac. It has clearly justified the decision to take the event back into the communities - the foundation of the Championship,” the organisers said.

At 19:00hrs, Gaza Squad will oppose Ol Skool Ballers, while Albouystown-A battle GTI Ballers at 19:15hrs and Leopold Street tackle Bad-A-Yard from 19:30hrs.

The fourth fixture will pit Rising Stars against Back Circle at 19:45hrs, while Bent Street match skills with Tucville from 20:00hrs and Broad Street engage Queen Street Tiger Bay at 20:15hrs.

In the final three matches, North East La Penitence tackle

New Market Street at 20:30hrs, Future Stars battle Alexander Village from 20:45hrs, and Albouystown-B opposw Trap Squad from 21:00hrs.

Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500 000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.

The runners-up, third- and fourth-place finishers will receive $250 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively.

The event is sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Complete Fixtures - Burnham Court Today 1. Gaza Squad vs Ol Skool 19:00hrs 2. Albouystown-A vs GTI Ballers - 19:15hrs 3. Leopold Street vs Bad-AYard - 19:30hrs 4. Rising Stars vs Back Circle - 19:45hrs 5. Bent Street vs Tucville 20:00hrs 6. Broad Street vs Queen Street Tiger Bay - 20:15hrs 7. North East La Penitence vs New Market Street - 20:30hrs 8. Future Stars vs Alexander Village - 20:45hrs 9. Albouystown-B vs Trap Squad - 21:00hrs

on the podium was one of the standout performers in one of the largest groups.

He managed to hold his own and keep up with some of the host’s drivers, despite only learning the kart this weekend.

There was also one third-

place finish for Steven Nobrega who competed in the Super Rotax where competitors have to race cautiously so as to not go faster than 59 seconds.

This quirky rule ensured that there were several penalties for those who did faster than the pre-defined time.

Mechanical woes plagued Jeremy Ten Pow all weekend as well in the Mini Max class.

In the end, however, all the Guyanese were awarded with tokens for participating.

The Guyanese departed before the final round of races on Sunday.

Ambris praised for the transformation of his game LINCOLN, New Zealand (CMC) – West Indies latest batting recruit, Sunil Ambris, has been praised for the way he has transformed his game, in order to make the rise to the international level.

The 24-year-old has scored heavily over the last year, subsequently forcing his way into the West Indies one-day squad before being recently called up for the Test tour of New Zealand.

He sent a clear signal to tour selectors with an audacious 153 off 145 balls in the three-day tour match against New Zealand A which ended here yesterday.

“Having seen Sunil at the Under-19 level – he obviously toured Australia with the West Indies in 2012 when I was coach – I know Sunil quite well,” said assistant coach Roddy Estwick.

“What he has done (since then), he’s made adjustments to his game. He doesn’t hit the ball much in the air at all, he knows where to find a single, he’s quite organised. He’s carried the good form forward.”

The right-handed Ambris was in superb form in the last first class season, amassing 608 runs at an average of 43 – including a cracking double century of 231 against Leeward Islands Hurricanes in March.

He also piled up 423 runs in the Regional Super50 to be one of the leading run-getters.

On the one-day tour of England last September, he stroked an unbeaten 38 in his only innings before returning to the Caribbean to plunder two centuries in the two-match four-day ‘Test’ series against Sri Lanka A. “I thought he batted well in the one game he played in England and he went to the A team and got two centuries as well, so he’s brought that

confidence and that form (with him),” Estwick noted.

Last weekend’s hundred helped Ambris press his case for a spot in the starting XI in the first Test against the Black Caps bowling off December 1 in Wellington.

But Estwick said aside from Ambris’s form, what had impressed him even more was the player’s attitude to improvement.

“What I admired most about him when the fast bowlers wanted to have a workout during the first day (of the tour match),” Estwick explained.

“Sunil was the first to put his pads on and he said to me, ‘I’m batting the five best fast bowlers in the region’ and the best five best fast bowlers had about an hour, hour-and-a-half bowling at him.

“He was able to bat them and he took that knock straight out in the middle and you could see the benefits from it.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday November 28, 2017)

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) 660/5 declared (Wellington, 1994/95) (2) 609/9 declared (Dunedin, 2013/2014) Today’s Quiz: (1) What is the highest individual score made by a WI in Tests against NZ to date?

(2) What is the highest individual score made by a NZ in Tests against the WI to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday November 28, 2017

31

District 6 in the lead, District 10 close behind as National Cycling Championships gets on the way AFTER the completion of day two at the 57th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track & Field Championships, District 6 (Corentyne) amassed 229 points to remain on course to defend their Cycling Championship which pedalled off at the National Park yesterday.

District 10, the overall title-holders, are seven points behind (222) the leaders, while District 13 (125), District 4 (122) and District 3 (111) wrapped up the top five spots.

Esan Lowden of District won two events, the Boys’ Under-14 800-metre race as well as the Boys’ Under-14 3000-metre race to give his district 20 points.

Sherwin Sampson of District Two (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon placed second to Lowden in the 800-metre race, while Nixon Williams of District Seven (Bartica) was third.

In the Boys’ Under-14 3000-metre event, Steve Bhimsen of District Six was second and Julius Craigon of

District 13 (South Georgetown) was third.

Other winners for District 10 yesterday were Denzil Huntley who won the Boys’ Under-16 800-metre, Oneal Rose who won the Boys’ Open 5000-metre and Danellot Hackett who won the Girls’ Under-14 1000mtre race.

David Hicks of Corentyne was second to Huntley in the 800-metre race while Henry Elcock of District 13 was third.

In the 5000-metre Boys’ Open event, Ralph Seenarine of District Six was second and Andrew Holder of District 11 (North Georgetown) was third.

Cyanna Retemiah of District Three (West Demerara) placed second to Hackett in the Girls’ Under-14 1000-metre race while Dayna Roberts of District 14 (East Bank Demerara) finished third.

For District Six, Beyonce Ross won the Girls’ Under-16 1000-metre race ahead of Annastaysha King of District Four (East Coast

District 10’s Esau Lowden breezes past the finish line to win the GTU/MoE Boys’ Under-14 800-metre race in the National Park, yesterday. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Demerara) and District 10’s Crystal Hutson respectively.

National cyclist Shineka Teixeira (District 6) won the 3000-metre girls open race ahead of Abigail Jeffrey (District 10) and Saudia DaSilva of District Four respectively.

Another District Six winner was Balram Narine who won the Boys’ Open 800-metre event. Second was Oneal Rose (District 10)

and placing third was Denzel Curry of District three.

In other results, standout junior cyclist Jonathan Ramsuchit of District 15 (New Amsterdam) won the 3000-metre race for Boys’ Under-16. Second was Denzil Huntley (District 10) and finishing third was Chaneshwar Dhani of District Six. Abigail Valentine of District 11 (North Georgetown)

won the 800-metre event for Girls in the Open category.

Kenesha Williams of District 5 (West Coast Berbice) was second and placing third was Kelicia Henry (District Three).Roy Charles of District four won the boys under-14 1000-metre race ahead of Jeremiah Harrison of South Georgetown and Delron McGregor respectively.

Reshoka Crawford

Overall points after 32 completed events: District 1 - 0 Points District 2 - 15 Points District 3 - 111 Points District 4 - 122 Points District 5 - 46 Points District 6 - 229 Points District 7 - 75 Points District 8 - 30 Points District 9 - 0 Points District 10 - 222 Points District 11 - 80 Points District 12 - 92 Points District 13 - 125 Points District 14 - 51 Points District 15 - 45 Points

of District Six won the Girls’ Under-14 800-metre race ahead of Negosti DeYounge of District Four and Krystal Alexander (District 10) respectively.

Beyonce Lewis (District Six) was the winner of the Girls’ Under-16 800-metre race. Second was Annastaysha King (District 10) while Clivecia Spencer (District 10) placed third.

The championship will continue on Friday when the Boys’ 40K road race as well as the Girls’ 25K road race will be staged in the West Demerara area.

Queen’s Park, Pizza Hut Ladies rule DMW Hockey

Queen’s Park men and GCC ladies celebrate their victorie.s

THE climax of the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival saw another outstanding display of hockey skills by Queen’s Park in the men’s final and a nail-biting finish in the women’s competition, between six-time champs Pizza Hut GCC and 2016 runners-up the Woodpecker Hikers.

The Carib Veterans category also saw Queen’s Park edge arch-rivals Vintage GCC to reverse the result of

the two sides when they last met in Trinidad 10 months ago.

The men’s final saw a predictable matchup based on pool round performances and a repeat of last year’s final between the Pepsi Hikers and Queen’s Park CC. With Queen’s Park enjoying an 8-3 victory in the pool round, they entered this year’s final as underdogs seeking to win their first-ever festival.

While both sides played a

good brand of hockey, the superiority of Queen’s Park was evident as they tightened the reins on the match and were up by 4-1 at halftime.

MVP Jordan Vieira of Queen’s Park and Trinidadian international Akim Toussaint produced a duo that was too much for the Hikers defence to handle.

Queen’s Park repeated their first half feat with four more goals in the second half while tournament top-scorer

Aroydy Branford managed just two for his side to leave the final score at 8-3.

In the Ladies’ final, Guyana national champs Pizza Hut GCC would have their hands full against a determined Woodpecker Hikers side bolstered by the addition of two Trinidadian internationals in Alana Lewis and Brittany Hing.

The Hikers had soundly beaten GCC by 4-1 in the pool round and were poised to lift the trophy for the first time this year.

The fast-paced game, however, saw a more determined GCC who enjoyed the greater possession and won several penalty corners in the early minutes.

With the halftime score remaining at 0-0, the teams continued an even battle in the second half, but the Hikers managed to get more production out of their forwards and pressed GCC back into their defensive area as the game wore on.

Time expired on both sides, however, as they remained scoreless and had to rely on a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

Most Valuable goalkeep-

er of the tournament chose this moment to shine, as she successfully blocked all three Hikers’ attempts by the two Trinidadians Lewis and Hing as well as Maria Munroe’s. Tournament MVP Gabriella Xavier’s opening shootout goal for GCC was all the team needed to secure the victory for the Pizza Hut ladies.

Top-scorer of the Carib Beer Veterans’ competition, Raphael Gouveia, managed to score three of his eleven goals in the final match against Vintage GCC. Left back Jerazeno ‘Skillaxe’ Bell was in fine form orchestrating the attack and making several penetrating passes into the GCC scoring area to set his team in good stead to score.

MVP GCC’s Dwayne Scott was first to score through a penalty corner in the 3rd minute but Gouveia equalised three minutes later.

This was the case twice again in the first half as every time GCC found a way through the Queens’ Park defence to score, the Trinidadians would respond with a goal of their own.

Queen’s Park surged ahead in the second half with

three unanswered goals and just as the match seemed out of reach for the Bourda side, GCC managed to pull two goals back, with less than one-minute remaining.

Time was the enemy for Vintage GCC as the final buzzer saw Queen’s Park pull off the 6-5 victory.

Jordan Vieira of Queen’s Park received the Most Valuable Player award for the Men’s competition while Reiza Hosein also of Queen’s Park received the Best Goalkeeper award. Aroydy Branford of the Pepsi Hikers scored the most goals of the competition.

Pizza Hut GCC swept the individual awards in the ladies’ competition with Gabriella Xavier picking up the Most Valuable Player award, Briawna Gordon the Best Goalkeeper and Kerensa Fernandes the Most Goals.

Dwayne Scott was adjudged the Most Valuable Player in the Carib Veterans competition while Bryan Lee Chow of Queen’s Park received Best Goalkeeper award. Raphael Gouveia of Queen’s Park and Dwight Sullivan of Old Fort shared the Most Goals award.

District 6 in the lead, District 10 close behind

Page 31

North Georgetown continues dominance in swimming Page 28

Some of the members of the successful North Georgetown swimming team. (Samuel Maughn photo)

One of the swimmers dives off at yesterday’s swimming competition. (Samuel Maughn photo)

GBA’s/Terrence Ali National Open Championship starts tonight … Three Surinamese boxers expected to participate THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA)/Terrence Ali Open Championship will box-off tonight at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue from 19:30hrs and will see ten boxing gyms from Colin Lewis

across the country represented.

The Guyana Defence Force Gym are the defending champions, a title they have successfully defended for 15 consecutive years, but judging from the performances of other gyms over

the past year, they will have their work cut out to successfully defend the title.

Much is expected from others, the Republican Gym, Rose Hall Jammers, Turn to page 28

Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

Desmond Amsterdam TUESDAY, NOVEMBER, 28, 2017