Guyana Chronicle E-paper 11-28-2018

WEDNESDAY 28th November, 2018

Scotia Sold

No.105472

PSC 14 commends budget PAGE

…but wants relief from high energy costs, lowering of tax on commercial businesses

Hope for 16 Lindeners PAGE

…as gov’t pours $218M into LEN revolving fund

Four firemen charged for Fly Jamaica theft 12 PAGE

… Republic Bank acquires nine Caribbean branches for US$123 million … Guyana Gov’t concerned about market domination by Republic Bank

… insists adherence to Financial Institutions Act … promises to act in best interest of Guyanese 02,03, & 08 PAGES

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Public officers must execute lawful policies of gov’t –PM tells cadets

“IN the discharge of duties a public officer shall execute the lawful policies of the government and the integrity of the public service is guaranteed since no public officer shall be required to execute or condone irregular acts on the basis of higher orders.”

This is according to Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo during his address as a guest lecturer to the outgoing Public Service Cadets of class 2018 on Monday at Ogle Estate, East Coast Demerara.

Under the theme “Politics and the Public Service”, the prime minister said an independent and effective public service is one which responds well, and in a timely manner to the public or social demands of the day. “It consists of getting done all the work of the government, not any political party.”

The prime minister explained that in 2003 the Constitution of Guyana was amended to guarantee the independence of the public service from political influence. The statesman said in order to insulate the public service from political influence, the constitution provides for the establishment of a Public Service Commission, consisting of six members who are appointed on the basis of consultation.

“You are entitled to your personal political views and association, but you must ensure that these do not interfere with your public duties. You are how-

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo poses with outgoing Public Service Cadets of class 2018. (Delano Williams) ever, the dedicated citizens who not only serve the government of the day but work for Guyana,” Nagamootoo said.

In advising the public service cadets, the PM noted that public servants must act professionally with honesty, consistency and impartiality; place the public interest over personal interest and provide apolitical and non–partisan advice regardless of political party affiliation.

He challenged the cadets to commit themselves to become career public officers since the career public officer survives the life of governments.

“Government may change, but you remain, aim to be a professional whose opinions and advice carry value and worth, whose duties are to country and in fulfilment of the national Pledge,” the prime minister noted. President David Granger established the Bertram Collins College with a vision to transform and improve the public service in Guyana. In 2016 the first batch of students were

enrolled.

The Cadet programme is designed for new recruits or intakes into the Public Service of Guyana. It is

intended to make them the catalyst for positive change within the executive arm of the government. The programme has a classroom

component and provision for work attachment. Its duration is for a period of one year.

At the end of the train-

ing programme, successful Cadets will be eligible for appointments within the Public Service and the wider Public Sector.

Antigua opposes sale of Scotiabank to Republic Bank

… says local banks should have been given first preference THE Antigua and Barbuda government Tuesday said it was “deeply disappointed” that the Bank of Nova scotia would decide to sell its operations “without any form of consultation with the regulators or the Finance Minister.”

The Guyana government said the agreement “raises a number of issues for the banking sector in Guyana and for the public which the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Guyana and the Government of Guyana will need to carefully consider”. The Trinidad-based Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) said it had entered into an agreement to acquire Scotiabank’s banking operations in nine Caribbean countries.

A RFHL statement said that the banks being acquired are located in Guyana, St. Maarten, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It said that the purchase price is US$123 million, which represents US$25 million consideration for total shareholding

of Scotiabank Anguilla Limited; and a premium of US$98 million over net asset value for operations in the remaining eight countries.

But in a letter sent to Suzan Snaggs-Wilson, Scotiabank general manager in Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that he was “deeply disappointed’ at the manner in which the sale had gone through. “On behalf of my Government, I advise that I am deeply disappointed that the authorities of the Bank of Nova Scotia would decide to sell its operations in Antigua and Barbuda without any form of consultation with the regulators or the Finance Minister whose agreement and authority for such a sale are required by law.

“I am further deeply concerned that the Bank of Nova Scotia would spring such an important decision on the people of Antigua and Barbuda, particularly its many clients who have displayed great loyalty to the bank for almost 50 years, providing it with significant profits,’ Browne wrote.

He said that he was now informing

the authorities of the Bank of Nova Scotia “that their decision to sell the operations in Antigua and Barbuda, without the requisite consultation and agreement of the regulators and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, is unacceptable.

“Should the Bank of Nova Scotia wish to divest its operations in Antigua and Barbuda, it would be necessary to seek the government’s approval.

In this connection, my government would strongly commend that such divestment should be offered first to local banks as the priority. “Indeed, I am aware that, notwithstanding the unexpectedness of Bank of Nova Scoria’s announcement, a consortium of such banks has already expressed an affirmative interest to acquire,” he said.

Browne said that his government now expects “a formal application by the authorities of the Bank of Nova Scotia for the terms of any divestment, including a reasonable time to identify new local owners, and assurances of the safety of the assets and investments of local clients”.

Sale of Scotiabank regretted

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

…gov’t concerned about loss of jobs, market domination by Republic Bank

… promises to act in best interest of Guyanese

THE Government of Guyana on Tuesday said the sale of Scotiabank to Republic Bank is regretted and raises concerns about an over-concentration of banking services, market domination and the ‘too big to fail’ risks, with the Trinidad-headquartered bank now in possession of 51 per cent of both assets and deposits of the banking systems.

Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) on Tuesday reported fourth-quarter earnings which were marginally below expectations and said it planned to exit nine countries in the Caribbean as part of a shake-up of that business. The bank, which has operated in the Caribbean since 1889, said that it would refocus its business in the region by selling its insurance operations in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago to Sagicor Financial Corporation, with whom it will partner to sell insurance products in those countries.

Scotiabank said it planned to sell its banking operations in Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent & the Grenadines to Republic Financial Holdings.

In a statement of its own on Tuesday the Ministry of Finance said Republic Bank currently holds 35.4 per cent of the banking systems assets and 36.8per cent of deposits in Guyana and the ac-

quisition of Scotiabank will up this to 51 per cent of both assets and deposits.

This too will have an impact on competition and the potential for Republic Bank to have too much influence on pricing of banking products and rates. The sale will also have an impact on issues related to correspondent banking options and the loss of jobs with Republic Bank likely to consolidate branches.

The finance ministry said the decision is made when Guyana’s economy is on the cusp of financial transformation with the onset of massive new oil and gas sector raises concerns and is regretted.

Meanwhile, emphasising that the move is not Guyana-specific and is part of a region-wide refocusing by Scotiabank, the Ministry of Finance said it notes the statement by Republic Bank that the agreement is “subject to all regulatory approvals”. According to the ministry, the Financial Institutions Act (FIA) has clear stipulations regarding ‘acquisition of control’ and requires approval of the Bank of Guyana following the submission of an application and due diligence being conducted.

Further, the FIA addresses as well the issue of ‘fundamental changes’ as it relates to mergers and transfer of assets or liabilities. “The agreement raises a number of issues for the banking sector

in Guyana and for the public which the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Guyana and the Government of Guyana will need to carefully consider,” the finance ministry said. “The Ministry of Finance wishes to assure that it will continue to stay abreast of this matter, will act in the best interest of the Guyanese people and will issue subsequent updates as necessary,” the statement concluded.

According to a Reuters report, the transactions are not material to Scotiabank, but will result in its core tier one capital ratio, a key measure of its financial strength, increasing by 10 basis points when the deals, which are subject to regulatory approvals, close. The bank reported adjusted earnings per share of C$1.77 in the quarter ended Oct. 31, up eight percent but marginally below the average forecast by analysts of C$1.79 per share, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Excluding one-off costs, net income rose by 13 per cent to C$2.35 billion ($1.77 billion), compared with the average estimate by analysts of C$2.24 billion, according to IBES data. For the full year, Scotiabank reported a 7 per cent increase in earnings at its Canadian business to C$4.4 billion, helped by improved margins as it benefited from five Bank of Canada rate hikes since last summer and growth in customer deposits. The bank’s international

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan business increased earnings by 18 per cent during the year, driven by growth in the Pacific Alliance trading bloc which comprises Peru, Mexico, Chile and Colombia and accounts for around a quarter of its revenues. Scotiabank is the first of Canada’s major banks to report fourth-quarter earnings.

Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD. TO) will report later this week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Climate change: CO2 emissions rising for first time in four years Global efforts to tackle climate change are way off track says the UN, as it details the first rise in CO2 emissions in four years.

The emissions gap report says that economic growth is responsible for a rise in 2017 while national efforts to cut carbon have faltered.

To meet the goals of the Paris climate pact, the study says it’s crucial that global emissions peak by 2020.

But the analysis says that this is now not likely even by 2030. The report comes days before a major UN climate conference starting in Poland from 2-14 December.

WHAT IS THE EMISSIONS GAP? For the last nine years, UN Environment have produced an assessment of the

latest scientific studies on current and future emissions of greenhouse gases. It highlights the difference between the level of greenhouse gas emissions that the world can sustain to keep temperatures within safe limits, with the levels that are likely based on the promises and actions taken by countries.

This year’s report records the largest gap yet between where we are and where we need to be.

While the rise might seem small, it needs to be seen in context of efforts to keep global temperatures from rising by more than 1.5C, as recently outlined in a key IPCC report. According to the UN, to keep the world below that target, global greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 would

The burning and clearing of forests in Asia contribute hugely to emissions

have to be 55% lower than today. “There is still a tremendous gap between words and deeds, between the targets agreed by governments worldwide to stabilise our climate and the measures to achieve these goals,” said Dr Gunnar Luderer, from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and one of the authors of the study.

The scientists say that to tackle the gap, nations must raise their ambition five fold to meet the 1.5C goal. Right now, the world is heading for a temperature rise of 3.2C by the end of this century the report says. One key aspect of the study is about the peaking of global greenhouse emissions.

The report says that peaking of emissions in 2020 is “crucial for achieving the temperature targets in the Paris agreement,” but the scale of the current efforts is insufficient. The study says that by 2030, around 57

countries representing about 60% of global emissions will have peaked. Nowhere near where the world needs to be.

Does the report point the finger at countries that are doing badly?

In some ways yes. The study says that countries including Argentina, Australia, Canada, the EU (including the UK), South Korea, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the US, are falling short of achieving their nationally determined contributions for 2030. Three countries, Brazil, China and Japan are currently on track, while three others, India, Russia and Turkey are set to beat their targets.

The authors believe that some of these achievements may be down to setting relatively low targets for their national plans.

Is there any positive news in the report?

Undoubtedly, yes.

The UN is placing great

Saturday 24, November, 2018

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hopes in what it terms “nonstate actors”, meaning local, city and regional governments, businesses and higher education institutions can have major impacts on the future gap. They estimate that, right now, more than 7,000 cities from 133 countries and 6,000 companies with at least $36 trillion in revenue have pledged to take climate action. But the authors believe this is just scratching the surface. With over 500,000 publicly traded companies worldwide, there are many more that can take steps that cumulatively would have a significant impact on the gap. The study says that there is the potential to cut emissions from this sector by 19 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by 2030 - that’s enough to keep the world on a 2 degree path.

The future is fiscal?

The report also suggests that government tax plans

could be hugely important in tackling emissions. It says that carbon taxes or carbon trading systems cover only 15% of the global carbon output, which could rise to 20% if China implements its planned market. But the report says that half of the emissions from fossil fuels are not taxed at all and only 10% are priced at a level consistent with keeping warming to 2C. “When governments embrace fiscal policy measures to subsidise low-emission alternatives and tax fossil fuels, they can stimulate the right investments in the energy sector and significantly reduce carbon emissions,” said Jian Liu, UN Environment’s chief scientist. “If all fossil fuel subsidies were phased out, global carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 10% by 2030. Setting the right carbon price is also essential. At $70 per tonne of CO2, emission reductions of up to 40% are possible in some countries.”

WHAT HAPPENS NOW? This report is aimed at informing delegates to next week’s key climate conference in Katowice, Poland.

Negotiators will be trying to finish the rules on how to implement the rule book of the Paris agreement but the report’s authors hope it can push countries to greater levels of ambition.”Germany and Europe could demonstrate leadership in this area by pledging complete greenhouse gas neutrality by 2050 and a clear strengthening of the emission reduction targets for 2030,” said Dr Gunnar Luderer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Caribbean farmers prepare for coconut boom Coconuts are a longtime staple of Caribbean cuisine, and practically an emblem of the region’s climate and culture. But a new international initiative is shifting coconut’s image to an icon for business process innovation, wealth generation and sustainable livelihoods.

In the last four years, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has been implementing a major regional project, working alongside the International Trade Center and stakeholders along the coconut value chain to transition the region’s smallscale operations to enterprise-level profitability in the global coconut industry.

The European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Secretariat funded the four-year project to the tune of US$27 million.

An upcoming celebration called CARDI Day will highlight the Institute’s ongoing work in the EU-ACP funded Regional Coconut Industry Development Project, through a series of exhibitions, public lectures and school tours. Participants will see the many practical ways in which the project is breathing new life into one of the region’s oldest industries.

Held on December 5, the celebration will also mark the day in 1974 when Caribbean government representatives met in Georgetown, Guyana

to sign an agreement establishing the Institute.

Worldwide, a growing demand for fresh coconut produce is being driven by recent trends in the global food and beverage sector and the health and beauty market.

It’s hardly surprising that Caribbean farmers are exploring new ways to get more out of the coconut value chain, converting every part of the iconic tree into marketable assets. But it’s not that simple. For many farmers, issues like pests, disease and limited market access are severely constraining their ability to make a sustainable living from coconuts.

Ricardo Vriesde farms his family’s 500-hectare lot on the coastal district of Coronie, just west of Paramaribo, a region once known as the coconut capital of Suriname. Far from reminiscing on glory days of coconut monoculture, Vriesde is embracing a mixed farming approach. Through the technical advice received under the project, he is replacing ageing coconut trees on his plantation with dwarf and hybrid varieties. And while waiting for the coconuts to come into production, he inter-plants with fruit trees such as cherries, carambolas and bananas to diversity income and regularise cash flow. Vriesde’s not limited to primary production. He plans to scale up his existing

Manuel Trujillo, Chairman of the National Stakeholders Platform, Ministry of Agriculture, Belize, holds up a coconut seedling at Central Farm, Belize in September 2018.

Photo courtesy: Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute

bottled coconut water business and has already secured machinery from Thailand to begin producing virgin coconut oil in early 2019.

And he’s not alone.

CARDI is working alongside local and international agencies in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago to help other farmers benefit from the window of opportunity created by an upsurge in global demand.

In Belize, small-scale coconut processor Dona Dougal Sosa took part in a similar series of training modules to learn how to streamline the manufacturing and packaging processes for her line of coconut-based soaps.

In Jamaica, the project has focused on developing farmer’s business skills in order to open up crucial access to financial products and services. A recent collaboration saw the International Trade Centre and the Development Bank of Jamaica providing financial literacy training to several Jamaican producers.

Those kinds of interventions are happening across the region’s coconut value chain, bringing together smallholder farmers and small-scale processors with representatives from finance and other sectors so that they can more easily share technical knowl-

edge and market information.

Barton Clarke, Executive Director of CARDI, says the multi-stakeholder efforts will add up to a more competitive coconut industry for the entire region. “Through this Regional Coconut Industry Development Project, CARDI is working to improve income and employment opportunities, food security, and overall competitiveness of the Caribbean coconut sector,” Clarke said.

“In its first phase, the project has laid a firm foundation from which growth and expansion of the industry can now be accelerated. CARDI will continue to work alongside national stakeholders, regional actors and international agencies to deepen linkages with players from sectors such as health services, manufacturing, finance and tourism,” said Maurice Wilson, regional project coordinator.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

The Essential Guiana Shield THIS column has been emphatic on the importance of environmental protection. Further, this publication has always supported sustainable environmental practices; mitigation of climate change; wildlife conservation; and the preservation of life, particularly in the local context including the Guiana Shield.

The Guiana Shield is an essential formation of the earth’s environment and a natural formation against the damage that humans have inflicted on our planet.

The Guiana Shield is recognised internationally as being 1.7 billion years old, making it one of the earth’s oldest geological formations. It is a geolog-

ically identifiable feature of the north-eastern tip of South America that is a distinguishing formation of the coast of the continent.

The area covers a vast 2.7 square km of land extending from the Brazilian state of Amapa to Para, Roraima and Amazonias in the east.

It has no political borders; as such, the governments of Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Colombia, Venezuela and Brazil must work together to preserve this unique part of the world.

The United Nations (UN) recognises the Guiana Shield as being integral to environmental development and sustainability, as it is the richest biosphere in the world. Scientists say that the oldest rocks in the area

consist of archean imitica complex, composed of a quartz-feldspar set of rock formations; those formations mark the faultline between the southern boundary of the complex and the remainder of the continent.

The Guiana Shield contains highlands that include the majestic Kaieteur Falls, Angel Falls, and Kaquenen Falls. The shield underlies the whole of Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname, as well as parts of Venezuela and Colombia.

The Guiana Shield is one of the richest and most diverse biospheres in the world. That area alone has over 3,000 known vertebrate species; 1,168 species of fresh-water fish; 269 amphibians, of which 54 per

cent are found nowhere else on earth; 295 reptilian species; 1,004 types of birds and 282 mammals. The variety of invertebrates is so large that scientists have not agreed on a number.

Almost 14,000 species of plants have been identified in the area, 40 per cent of which are unique thereto.

The Guiana Shield is the largest area of tropical forest in the world; and we must protect it, as it absorbs more carbon than our Region produces, making our Region a carbon sink and mitigating the effects of global climate change.

The area is the only one of its kind in the world: it holds 15 percent of global freshwater reserves, and it must be protected.

Scientific studies have concluded that human activities have negatively affected the planet, resulting in climate change. Those activities include deforestation, agricultural expansion, overhunting, overfishing, carbon emissions and mineral extraction.

According to experts, about 60 per cent of the world’s flora and fauna are threatened with extinction under current conditions.

M o r e a l a r m i n g l y, l a n d abuse has resulted in the biodiversity falling below safe levels in over 60 per cent of the world’s landmass, straining the ability of ecosystems to support human life. Guyana, however, is taking action.

Guyana is part of the

International Society for Biodiversity of the Guiana Shield (IBG). Through international congresses, scientists, policy-makers, politicians, researchers, non-governmental organisations, community leaders and others will meet re g u l a r l y t o e x c h a n g e ideas and implement programmes to protect our unique area. President Granger has stated his commitment to the administration’s determination to protection of the Guiana Shield. That commitment, articulated in his book, “The Green State,” gives hope to Guyanese and the world, that one of nature’s treasures will be preserved, and humanity can survive.

Give Guyanese accurate information with context, free of innuendo and fearmongering Dear Editor, RESPECTFULLY, the Stabroek News editorial on Sunday about the Lisa Phase 2 development misrepresented several important financial aspects of oil development and ignored journalistic ethics by including Jan Mangal’s unsubstantiated and unsourced claims about costs.

The editorial repeatedly questions why the government did not “test” the US$4.4 billion budget associated with the Liza Phase 1 development plan. What was left out of the editorial is that this number was simply the ESTIMATED budget for the project.

WorleyParsons, the international oil consultancy, scrutinised the technical aspects of this budget estimate before the government approved it. No matter how it was evaluated, the project budget was always an estimate of the costs; no amount of enhanced evaluation would make that number any more certain.

It is, and always will be, the best guess at the time. Think of it from the perspective

of a homebuilder—he can estimate what he thinks it might cost to construct a home and explain what he expects to spend on materials, subcontractors, etc.; but until the job is finished he can’t tell you for certain what it did cost. Stabroek News suggests there is something unethical at play here, but the government can and will audit the actual costs of the project after it has been completed. The government has a clear responsibility to ensure accuracy once costs are fully known.

The editorial board also cites Jan Mangal’s often-repeated claims that Exxon could be inflating costs by as much as 20 percent.

But he has never provided a source for these claims and they continue to defy common sense. This isn’t about blind faith in the morality of Exxon or its partners; it’s a simple question of: would gain from this kind of deception? And the answer is NO. Exxon, its consortium partners, and the government are all incentivised to keep costs as low as possible. Why? Because this will maximise

profits for all of them.

Mr. Mangal seems to think that “cost recovery” is Exxon writing a cheque to themselves. But this is the opposite of how major energy development projects actually work.

Looking at the “big ticket” items already known to the public reveals Mangal’s claims to be foolish.

The drill ships off the coast charge hundreds of thousands of US dollars per day for their services, forming a large part of the estimated $4.4 billion in costs. But Exxon doesn’t own the Stena Carron and the Noble Bob Douglas. They’re owned by Noble Corporation and Stena Drilling, independent companies that are currently billing Exxon for their services. When Exxon “recovers” these costs, it won’t be paying itself, it will be paying the bills sent by these sub-contractors and other companies.

Another item, the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that will produce oil from the Liza field will cost more than one billion US dollars to build and

outfit. Mr. Mangal seems to imply that Exxon has an incentive to inflate these costs and “overbill” Guyana. But Exxon isn’t the one building the FPSO. It’s being built in Singapore by a Dutch multinational shipbuilder called SBM. The list goes on and on. Seismic studies were done by the French engineering firm Technip FMC. The undersea control systems will be done by Italy’s Saipem.

Why would Exxon inflate these costs when it wouldn’t be the one benefitting?

Mr. Mangal has a responsibility to the Guyanese people to either cite real sources for his claims or admit that by accident or choice he is misleading readers. Stabroek News has every reason to encourage a full and accurate accounting of costs; but it also has an obligation to correct these errors and give the Guyanese people accurate information with context and free of innuendo and fearmongering.

Regards Clement Smith

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Ramkarran’s article was a mischievous false alarm Dear Editor “Tied vote on budget bill would see gov’t fall.” THIS was the screeching headline of an article by former PPP Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, which Stabroek News published on November 27, 2018.

Commenting on the PPP’s no-confidence motion that was recently filed in Parliament against the APNU+AFC government and the 2019 Budget Appropriation Bill, Ramkarran stated, inter alia, that “The PPP needs two votes. One would only neutralise the advantage, but the other will see them winning the motion unlike in the passage of the Appropriation Bill.

If there is a tie when the no-confidence motion goes to the floor, then the Standing Orders state that the motion doesn’t pass.

And by the same logic, if the Appropriation (bill) is put to the House and there is a

tie then that doesn’t pass or it is defeated.

That is very serious because what that means is that the government will fall”.

Mr. Ramkarran’s contention that if a government Member of Parliament (MP) votes against the budget and the overall vote is tied, the budget bill will be defeated and the coalition government will automatically fall is utterly false. It has no constitutional basis.

Clearly, Mr. Ramkarran and Stabroek News are on a mission. Stabroek News has transformed itself into the official public relations arm of the PPP and has been trafficking in all sorts of non-factual and ridiculous PPP claims and theories.

Suffice to say, that it is irresponsible to publish such wild and tenuous speculation on the front page of a national newspaper as if it were fact. Everyone should by now surmise that Stabroek News’ overt hostility towards the coalition government

and its relentless pursuit of a dangerously subversive agenda is meant to engender instability, trepidation and uncertainty in the nation.

Here is why Mr. Ramkarran’s claim, albeit subversive, is ridiculously and inherently dishonest. Mr. Ramkarran knows that if any coalition MP votes against the government, the government can, prior to the declaration of the vote by the clerk, seek an adjournment and instantly recall and replace said member on the spot, then resume the vote when the body reconvenes -- a vote which the government will win.

Article 156 3(c) of the Guyana constitution grants the power of the representative of the coalition’s list of parliamentary candidates to at any time issue a written notice of recall to a Member of Parliament in whom the coalition has lost confidence, and that such notice shall be forwarded to the Speaker. The representative of the list

will, concomitant with the recall notice to the Speaker, extract a replacement to fill the vacancy created by the recall. This provision may also be invoked to recall a MP who is absence In accordance with Article 156 4(b), upon receipt of said notice, the Speaker shall declare that member’s seat vacant, and pursuant to the request, administer the oath of office to the newly extracted member who will immediately assume duties and vote for the motion. Consequently, any coalition MP who attempts to vote or votes against the government in this manner will fail and instantly destroy and end his/her parliamentary and political careers. Readers must therefore dismiss the referenced article as a deception.

Regards Rickford Burke

I will do what I can to assist the coalition forces to achieve victory in 2020 Dear Editor, I HAD refrained from writing this letter while President David Granger was under medical review in Cuba, as a demonstration of concern for his well-being. Like every other Guyanese, I welcome him back and express best wishes to him for a full and expeditious recovery. Because the nation is informed that he has resumed work I think the time is now more appropriate to do so.

The recent Local Governments Elections results have demonstrated the individual and collective weaknesses of the coalition parties and the strength of the opposition PPP/C. This awareness has led to a renewed sense of urgency in the ranks of coalition members and supporters to put the APNU+AFC back on a winning course.

I have been approached on a daily basis, directly, or by phone calls and emails requesting that I do what I can to help avert a possible defeat of the APNU+AFC coalition in the 2020 General and Regional Elections. My response to this has been as follows: what you are asking

me to do I was doing from the first day the coalition came to office and I continue to do so. I pointed out that it is impossible to influence government policy when you are only apprised of those policies and decisions primarily through the instrumentality of the media.

I mentioned my writings in the letter columns of the newspapers and the collective advocacy of WPA political commentators on the Walter Rodney Groundings, including Dr. David Hinds, who has unsuccessfully been offering advice to the coalition on the need to develop a more realistic economic and social programmes to keep its constituents engaged and energised. Improve PR and more democracy in decision-making in the APNU, coalition, and government.

I have set out here in some measure of detail my efforts to prevent the situation and to inform supporters of the government and the populace at large of my state of “powerlessness”, and to assure them that, in spite of this fact, I remain committed to doing whatever I can to assist in re-energising the coalition’s support base. I am also using this opportunity to

warn that if the APNU+AFC coalition is to achieve its goal of retaining the government at the 2020 general and regional elections, it can only do so through the collective efforts of all of the parties in the coalition. It has to be a collective effort.

Those in the coalition who seek to sideline those they refer to as insignificant and are of no consequence had better beware and learn from their poor political judgment.

If truth be told, it is my strongly held view that for the APNU+AFC to avoid defeat at the 2020 elections, the coalition leadership needs to make a 180-degree turn in thinking and actions and not the 360 degrees as I had mentioned in a previous letter. On this matter, I acknowledge brother Ali Majeed’s contribution in pointing out to me the flaw in my previous recommendation, when he noted that if the coalition engages in a 360-degree turn it would end up back at the same point from which it started . To achieve the radical shift that the situation requires, those responsible for the present state of affairs will have to acknowledge that responsibility and commit to bring-

ing about the desired change.

In other words, it can no longer be a situation where the views of some members of the APNU in the coalition are ignored to the point that makes their participation pointless.

It is in this context that I believe Comrade Granger’s leadership will face its sternest test. He has to be objective in his assessment of why things have not gone as planned and what his role in reversing the situation must be. He must understand the dynamics at work; his role as president and leader of the APNU and the coalition and his party’s role and the extent to which it has affected the functioning of both the APNU and the coalition government. Unless this is effectively done by him and the results communicated to all, there is very little chance that the required new direction-- which is so necessary for success at the 2020 elections-- would materialise.

Given our political culture, once the leader is in denial and plays the “blame game,” political opportunism and paralysis will be the order of the day. In other words, the change in this political environment will be almost

impossible to achieve.

To support my contention why President Granger’s action is vital to a successful new direction for the APNU and the coalition, I point to two issues that in my opinion are important and submit that their correction falls exclusively in the president’s domain:The first is the future role of the cabinet. Will this body continue to be the policy-making and executing arms of the government? The second is in relation to the absence of cohesion among coalition parties and more particularly in the APNU, as reflected by the growing alienation of the WPA in the APNU. In my considered view, these matters as they stand, are driven by the President and sections of the PNC leadership who, after coming to office in 2015 under the electoral brand of the APNU, have, for shortsighted partisan purposes, been seeking to restore the PNC as the electoral franchise in the near future. In pursuit of this goal, they are zealously promoting counterproductive policies of neutralising their allies. I am sure that after reading this those persons in

the PNC who want to wish away the presence not only of the WPA but the other small parties in the APNU will scoff at this observation.

However, they will be doing so at their own peril.

As I said above, these are just two issues, which can only be effectively addressed by the president. There are many other matters that are equally or more important to the APNU+AFC winning the 2020 elections that have not been addressed here. They are economic and governance issues that do not rest solely with the president and are much more difficult to deal with by any government. I am committed to addressing those matters in some detail in another letter. Comrades should rest assured that, notwithstanding the difficulties, I will do what I can to assist the coalition forces to achieve victory in 2020. Hopefully, those persons who desire to lock some of us out of the process will come around to understanding the importance of the collective effort and do their part to ensure victory.

Regards Tacuma Ogunseye

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Republic Bank acquires Scotiabank Guyana …several other Caribbean branches for US$123 million REPUBLIC Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Scotiabank’s banking operations in Guyana, St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean territories, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The purchase price is US$123 million, which represents US$25 million consideration for total shareholding of Scotiabank Anguilla Limited; and a premium of

US$98 million over net asset value for operations in the remaining eight countries, the Trinidad-headquartered bank said in a release.

This price does not include any amounts required to capitalise the branches post-closing, Republic Bank said. According to Republic Bank, the agreement executed on November 27, 2018, signalled the commencement of a transaction that is subject to all regulatory and other customary approvals and conditions.

In making the announcement, Ronald F de C. Har-

That Scotiabank sale Dear Editor I WAS astounded to read in an online news article from a prominent online news establishment that Scotiabank has sold its local operations and will be exiting the Guyana operations.

I am astounded because as a long-time account holder of this

bank for several decades, I would have expected to be informed by the bank before this information reached the public domain. I would hope that the arbitrary transfer of my account to the sold bank is not a done deal without any consultation with me.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

Today is Critchlow Day THE Ministry of Social Protection proudly recalls that a motion piloted by the late Hon. Mr. Winston S. Murray C.C.H., M.P. was passed in the National Assembly on November 30, 2005. The motion declared that November 28 then and henceforth be recognised as Critchlow Day, in recognition of the sterling contribution he made to, inter alia, the development of the labour movement and consequently the trade union movement.

Critchlow who was also known as ‘Skibby’, will always be remembered as one of the most outstanding political leaders of Guyana and the British Commonwealth, the ministry said in a release.

The Ministry of Social Protection which currently promotes the maintenance and expansion of workers’ rights said it is conscious of the fact that the benefits which all workers enjoy these days’ rest on the legacy laid by this great hero.

As our leaders prepare to debate and adopt the largest-ever budget which is designed to promote workers’ rights and human development, the Ministry of Social Protection urges all citizens to reflect on the struggles, work and achievements of our hero Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow on this day of national importance.

ford, Chairman of RFHL, said “This acquisition represents another major milestone for the Republic Group.

As we grow and acquire significant positions in our existing markets, it is important that we continue to broaden our footprint, regionally and internationally.”

He added: “This agreement, which is subject to all regulatory approvals, affords us the opportunity to reach more clients in the Eastern Caribbean and Guyana, two markets we are familiar with, and build new relationships in St. Maarten. We are confident that our expanded presence or entrance in those markets will redound to the benefit of Scotiabank’s clients and employees as well as Republic’s existing stakeholders. I would like to thank Scotiabank for the confidence expressed in our ability to look after their valuable clients, and we are pleased that all impacted employees of Scotiabank in

Ignacio (Nacho) Deschamps, Group Head, International Banking at Scotiabank

the nine countries will join the Republic Group.”

According to Republic Bank, its group’s total asset base as at September 30, 2018 stood at US$10.5 billion, with equity at US$1.5 billion and profits attributable to shareholders for the year ended September 30, 2018 of US$198 million.

This acquisition will increase the group’s asset size by ap-

proximately US$2.5 billion and will be accretive to the earnings of the group by approximately US$ 0.20 per share. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is advising RFHL on this transaction.

“Scotiabank is proud to work with the Republic Group – a leader in financial services in the Caribbean who is well positioned to invest and grow the business, and to provide customers across the region with leading financial solutions that meet their needs,” said Ignacio (Nacho) Deschamps, Group Head, International Banking at Scotiabank.

Harford explained that RFHL’s focus on seeking out expansion opportunities in the Caribbean is a testament to the group’s confidence in and commitment to the Caribbean Region. He added, “We have a proven track record of adding value to the markets we enter, and we look forward to partnering with the teams in these ter-

ritories to deliver excellence in customer satisfaction, employee engagement and social responsibility.”

CLOSING OPERATIONS Since 2014 Canada’s Scotiabank had announced plans to shut or shrink 120 branches, largely in Mexico and the Caribbean, in a bid to save CAN$120 million (One Canadian dollar =US$0.87 cents) annually. The bank said then it would close 35 of its 200 branches in the Caribbean and would sever 1, 500 full-time employees, including 500 from its international operations.

“In some of these (Caribbean) countries, we are just over-branched and we have to size it to the economic realities of these economies,” said then Scotiabank chief executive officer, Brian Porter.

Porter said that the bank’s revenue growth has been encouraging outside Canada, but profit has not jumped as much he would like. “The frustration for us across the international footprint is we’ve had very solid asset growth over the last three or four years, and not all of that has dropped to the bottom line,” he said, adding that the bank still has plans to grow in the Region. Scotiabank said the closure of the Caribbean branches were due “to the prolonged economic recovery and continued uncertain outlook” and that it had started restructuring initiatives “in order to improve the speed and quality of service it provides its customers, to reduce costs in a sustainable manner, and to achieve greater operational efficiencies.”

“The bank intends to record a restructuring provision of approximately CAN$148 million in the fourth quarter. The majority of the restructuring provision relates to employee severance charges in the bank’s Canadian banking and international banking divisions and will affect people at all levels of the organisation.” The statement said “in international banking, the charges are primarily for closing or downsising approximately 120 branches, which will allow us to focus on highgrowth markets, minimise branch overlap, and realise synergies resulting from recent acquisitions.”

Scotiabank made a record CAN$6.7-billion net income in 2013.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Abide by the Rule of Law at all times –PM urges prosecutors at launch of Code of Conduct

The DPP Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

By Clestine Juan PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has urged prosecutors to steer clear of malicious, vexatious and politically motivated prosecution, and to show the highest respect for the Rule of Law when handling cases.

The prime minister made the call while delivering the feature address at the launch Tuesday of a ‘Code for Prosecutors’ at the Pegasus Hotel, which event also saw in attendance Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Ms Shalimar AliHack and other members of her Office.

Said the PM: “More often than not, I see that as a politician, you could take certain initiatives that are vexatious and a waste of either legislature or legislative time.

“The need to prosecute someone because everyone else says the person should be prosecuted; it doesn’t happen that way.”

An attorney-at-law himself, Minister Nagamootoo urged those prosecutors present at the launch, as well as those persons representing the court not to accept evidence that is secured by threat, torture, or inducement of any kind, and is not deemed credible.

The ‘Prosecutors Code’ was drafted by Crown Prosecutor David Robertson, who is a British attorney-at-law.

Funded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the document will help guide prosecutors in determining whether or not criminal charges should be instituted in their cases and handling of matters.

JUSTICE AT ALL TIMES The PM emphasized that prosecutors show the highest respect for the Rule of Law and ensure that cases are made out on the basis of the objective test--the strength of evidence.Additionally,he said they should not seek convictions at all costs, but should pursue justice at all times.

He said that in cases

where the prosecution discovers that “evidence” has been obtained by way of torture, coercion or bribery, they should discontinue prosecution; but this should be done only after making full disclosure to the defence.

He also advised against the wasting of judicial time, but stressed that police investigators should exercise diligence in collecting evidence and make out cases that have real prospects of success.

Weighing in on the subject of jurisprudence, Director Ali-Hack said that everyone brought before the criminal courts ought to know the principles that are applied in deciding whether a case will be brought before them or contained against him or her, and that those principles will be applied, regardless of race, religion, gender, national and political association, family connections, wealth or any other personal factor.

The Prosecutors Code, she said, is amongst the latest developments at the DPP’s Office, and will be the precept by which constitutional

Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

prosecuting bodies such as the Guyana Police Force, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other bodies which institute charges are guided.

WORD OF CAUTION She, however, cautioned that charges should only be instituted by the foregoing bodies after all of the evidence and the relevant circumstance have been properly considered, and legal advice sought.

She also warned that incorrect decisions to prosecute such cases may ruin lives, and undermine confidence in the criminal justice system.

In closing she said: “It is hoped that this Code will improve consistency in decision-making among prosecutors in Guyana in giving guidance on general principal to be applied when making decisions in prosecution.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Paul Williams, who

Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams

was once a Police Prosecutor, welcomed the ‘Code’, as it will now be setting the bar for prosecution in Guyana. He also called for prosecutors to work along with the investigators when handling cases.

As Justice Cummings-Edwards observed, “Society wins not only when the guilty are convicted, but when a criminal trial is fair.”

Noting that the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) suffers when an accused is treated unfairly, Justice Cummings-Edwards said she,

therefore, believes that the ‘Code’ will help guide prosecutors in making sure that justice is served, and that there is confidence in the criminal justice system.

“Prosecutors,” she said, “are Ministers of Justice; they are not to secure a conviction, but to see that justice is done.”

The “Code for Prosecutors” is a 27-page booklet that is now available at the Office of the DPP, which is located at Seawall Flats, Eve Leary, Kingston.

Construction of trauma centre ‘timely’ …says Minister Cummings MINISTER within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings has said that the move to build a modern, state-of-the-art trauma centre is one which is timely as the nation continues along its path of development.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during the presentation of the National Budget for 2019, noted that government will construct a new accident and emergency facility at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Additionally, he highlighted that discussions have commenced with interested development partners to build a modern, state-of-theart trauma centre that will better manage emergency cases, including addressing patient flow, isolation and capacity.

Addressing the construction of the

trauma centre, Minister Cummings said: “I think it is an excellent move [since] I think we have outgrown our present state.”

A trauma centre is a centre that is equipped and staffed to provide care for patients suffering from major traumatic injuries such as falls, motor vehicle collisions, or gunshot wounds. As such, Dr. Cummings explained, “So if we have a trauma centre, the emergency cases will divert to there and we will have more space, and the doctors will have more time to look after other patients.”

She highlighted that the focus of the health sector is still on preventative care, but contended nevertheless: “Becoming an oil-rich country, we are going to have more inflows [of people] and we need to ensure that the waiting time for patients

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings

can improve.” Though plans for this centre are still being explored, the delivery of emergency care could be significantly bolstered.

To this end, the junior minister said: “Really, it is an excellent move and it couldn’t come at a better time.” According

to the estimates of the budget, central government has been funding works to improve the services offered by the GPHC. Already, $1,799.457(G $Million) has been spent in this regard. A further $524.595 (G$Million) is budgeted for these works to continue in 2019. The overall amount budgeted for this GPHC project from September 2015, to December 31, 2019 is pegged at $2,324.052 (G$Million). As per the proposed 2019 National Budget, a total of $35.9 billion has been budgeted for the health sector.

This is amounts to 11.9 per cent of the $300.7B Budget, and is $2.6 billion above 2018‘s allocation. Within this allocation, Minister Jordan said a sum of $3.2 billion is for the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of health infrastructure across the country and another $7.8 billion will be used to procure drugs and medical supplies.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Man kills self after attempting to murder woman … was reacting to rumours of infidelity

By Michel Outridge

A MAN killed himself after he attempted to kill his reputed wife at Swan Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, on Tuesday.

The police said in a release that 39-year-old Ian English a labourer of 11 Kuru Kururu Squatting Area severely wounded his common-law wife, Malicia Andrews, 30. He was later discovered hanging from a tree some distance from where the incident occurred.

Andrews, a maid of Swan Village, Kuru Kururu, is presently in the Surgical Theatre of the Georgetown Public Hospital in a critical condition; English’s body is at Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

A police investigation has revealed that the couple was experiencing domestic problems and about 15:30hrs on Tuesday, the victim’s mother was counselling English at her home when he allegedly went downstairs, returned with a cutlass and inflicted several chops about

his reputed wife’s body; he then allegedly cut a piece of rope and ventured into the nearby bushes.

Meanwhile, Andrews’ sister Carmelita, who accompanied her to the GPH told the Guyana Chronicle that her sibling is conscious but critical and is being prepared for emergency surgery, having undergone a CT scan. Carmelita added that Andrews was administered blood since she lost a lot after being chopped repeatedly; she spoke to her briefly before she was taken away for medical attention.

The scene was visited at 18:00hrs by Detective Superintendent Wright; Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police Whittaker; Detective Inspector Singh; and Detective Inspector Henry. The investigation has revealed that Andrews and English shared a relationship for about four years; a relationship that saw the birth of one child.

Reports are that on Tuesday English and Andrews, who were experiencing

problems in their relationship due to rumours of infidelity, were heard arguing.

As a result, she left her home and went to her mother , Janet Domingo, who lives nearby. The police said English went and engaged them and Janet, the mother, tried to counsel him. English then left, went downstairs, returned with a cutlass and inflicted several chops about Andrews’ body.

Andrews collapsed and was picked up and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre; there she received initial treatment and was transferred to the GPH in a critical condition. Andrews is presently in the surgical theatre.

Meanwhile, English having inflicted the injuries on Andrews cut a rope from her mother, Janet’s hammock and ventured into some nearby bushes. A search was mounted and English was found with a cement sling around his neck, hanging from a tree about 200 meters in the bushes with the cutlass near his body. The

Critical: Malicia Andrews scene was photographed by Constable 22637 Hannibal from the Scenes of Crime Unit. Several persons were interviewed and statements were taken.

Domingo told reporters that her daughter came to her house at about 15:30hrs saying that she had a row with English. The elderly woman related that soon after her daughter came, English showed up and began quarrelling as he stood in the rain and she invited him in to try to settle the issue between the two. Domingo stated that she tried talking to English, but he was angry and his rage intensified when her daughter refused to accompany him to her home.

She added that English in a fit of rage ran upstairs to Andrews and she tried to shut the door on him but was overpowered and he

gained entry into the house; he took a cutlass which was on the veranda and began chopping her. Domingo told reporters on Tuesday night that she tried to intervene to bring about peace, but English began issuing threats and when she tried to part the duo he pushed her down after he had inflicted a few lashes about her body. At that point, Domingo said she became frightened, because she realised there was nothing she could do to help her daughter. She exited the house to inform neighbours when she saw English still chopping away at her daughter.

Domingo said the couple lived together for three years, but English was married with eight children. His wife and children lived in Kuru Kururu and he would enjoy the pleasure of both homes.

Domingo told the media that the couple was arguing because he was upset she was ‘talking’ to another man and he disapproved, even though he never saw her talking to the person but was told that she does. “Is jealousy make he do this thing, she keep telling him she got nothing to do with the man but he insisted she had ‘something’ going on with the man,” Domingo said.

Dead: Ian English The woman stated that she was however surprised at English’s behaviour, since she had no idea that was how he was treating her daughter.

She said, “I said Ian look how you mek meh hand fall, I never know you does behave so and is only today I learn of everything that going on and Ian wasn’t known to abuse my daughter and we keep talking to him and we tell he that dis thing stemmed from stupidness, but he just deh pon dis one topic.”

Domingo is hoping that her daughter survives since she has six children. Andrews worked at a dog food business place and is a member of the Swan Strikers Cricket team.

Kwakwani man’s alibi gets him bail A 36-YEAR-OLD man appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for possession of marijuana.

The charge alleges that on November 22, at the Kwakwani Waterfront, the accused Ancel John, had in his possession 110 grams of

marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

The father of three denied the charge, while his attorney, in applying for bail, told the court that a party of people armed with guns went into his client’s store, and seeing that they did not identify themselves as policemen, he ran away.

He said that it was not

until a few hours later that they called him saying that that they’d found what looked like marijuana at his store.

Put like that, prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no alternative but to approve of bail, which was granted in the sum of $50,000.

The matter was adjourned to December 21.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Addressing Gender-based Violence

CAN you recall me asking last week what was celebrated on November 25th? I hope you did your research, because it was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children.

This day is also known as ‘Orange Day’ when persons wear the colour orange to help spread awareness of the ongoing issue of violence against women and children. This act is so heinous that it is sometimes considered a hate crime.

The issue of gender-based violence and abuse comes in many forms-- psychological, physical, sexual and emotional.

The psychological aspect of it deals with the mind-what we think and how we think. A person may psychologically abuse you by intentionally causing fear, trauma and mental instabilities within you; same with

the emotional aspect-- always raising those negative emotions. As we know, the sexual abuse is caused by forcing someone into sexual activities without their consent; and the physical aspect includes the beating/lashing, strangling, in Guyanese terminology-- ‘licks’. From rape to sexual harassment, domestic violence-- they are all gender-based violence as the majority of victims are women.

We remember those women who have lost their lives at the hands of a man that they once trusted. It is saddening to look at the headlines every week, seeing a woman being killed or abused by her partner.

However, one must wonder how do women actually end up with partners like these?

There are good men, don’t get me wrong, but that is not the point of my writing this week. The caregiver and parents are supposed

to be the sole providers of a child’s needs. Children should be nourished in all aspects of life (mentally, emotionally physically). A child is unable to provide for her/himself fully. As such, parents and guardians of children under the age of 18 have this sole responsibility.

On Monday, November 26th, the entire Social Work Department at the University of Guyana (Berbice Campus) collaborated to raise awareness through a road march, an anti-violence programme and an exhibition.

Just like us, you can all help to eradicate gender-based violence by looking out for your friends and family.

Some signs you can keep an eye out for are: if the person always has an excuse for marks and bruises on their skins; low self-esteem; a controlling partner; and little to no participation in social activities. Most importantly, I’d like for you all to look

out for yourselves. Choose your partners wisely.

I urge everyone to join the fight and get into advocating for this detrimental act. Start your own campaign, take your message to social media, share information with your friends and family.

Women are so much more than just sexual toys and a man’s playing field for when he’s bored. We’re human beings and we deserve to be treated that way. Women and children have been seen as vulnerable and inferior to men for centuries. Our society and culture as mentioned last week plays a major role in how we

move forward with issues such as these. All I can say is that I refuse to be part of any culture that promotes inequality and violence; it’s 2018-- certainly not the dark ages.

Before I go, I’d like you all to read this wonderful poem written by Rupi Kaur.

It’s a beautiful message for all my female readers and if you’re a male, share this with all of your female friends and family: ‘I want to apologise to all the women I’ve called pretty, Before I’ve called them intelligent or brave, I am sorry I made it sound as though

Something as simple as what you’re born with is the most you have to be proud of when your spirit has crushed mountains, From now on I will say things like, you are extraordinary, Not because I don’t think you are pretty, But because you are so much more than that.’

If you or someone you know is affected by gender-based violence, please contact the nearest police officer, nurse, doctor or any other public servant and they will then refer you to the relevant personnel.

A MATERNITY waiting home is expected to be constructed at Santa Rosa in the Moruca Sub-Region and the authorities are expected to make several other investments to improve the delivery of health care in the North West District in 2019.

According to the budget estimates, a sum of $101M has been allocated for several projects in the region including the waiting

home. The sum will also fund the construction of a health training complex at the town of Mabaruma while a health post at the village of Parakese and an incinerator at Kwebanna are also catered for under the budgetary allocation.

The Kumaka District Hospital at Moruca will also receive an ambulance and a sum of $14M has been budgeted by the finance ministry for this ven-

ture. Under the regional budgetary allocations, a sum of $151M has been set aside for the extension of the White Water Nursery School in the Mabaruma Sub-Region. In addition construction of sanitary blocks at Waramuri and Port Kaituma are also catered for under the sum allocated.

In the 2019 budget, various sums of monies have been set aside for

several projects which will be undertaken at Mabaruma. Under agricultural development, a sum of $20M has been set aside in the regional budget for the construction of a food processing facility at the town. The North West District town will also see the installation of underground cables as part of the Hinterland Electrification programme of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and

the construction of a police divisional headquarters at Mabaruma is catered for under the budgetary allocations for the Ministry of Public Security. The community of Port Kaituma in the Matarkai Sub-Region will also see significant investments from government in 2019.

Sums have been allocated for the provision of medical equipment to the hospital there while con-

struction of nurses’ quarters at the community has been catered for under the Ministry of Public Health’s budget.

The water supply systems at the community will be upgraded under the Ministry of Communities budget while sums have been budgeted for the maintenance of roads in the area under the budget of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Maternity waiting home, new ambulance for Moruca

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Not an ‘elections’ budget … AFC says $300.7M estimates will bring relief to citizens

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has announced its “unequivocal support” for Budget 2019 characterising it as the country’s largest and one which will bring relief and benefit to citizens.

At a press conference on Tuesday at the party’s head office, its General Secretary Marlon Williams and Executive Member Michael Leonard commended especially the areas of education, public infrastructure, public security, agriculture and telecommunications.

They noted the “heavy investment” in education to the tune of $52.2B as well as the continuation of the Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) programme for the benefit of youths in the hinterland.

Acclamations were given too to the Linden to Lethem and Parika to Bartica Road projects; the new Demerara River bridge; and allocations to the judiciary, parliamentary branches, constitutional agencies and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Also singled out were allocations to the portfolios held by AFC members such as Public Infrastructure receiving $38.5B; Public Security receiving

$35.6B and agriculture and public telecommunications together at $21B. “In government, the AFC worked tirelessly in lobbying, preparing and making representation for a budget which is directed towards improving the lives and welfare of our Guyanese people,” Williams stated later adding: “The AFC looks forward in 2019 to the Local Government Commission being added to the schedule of constitutional agencies. The AFC looks forward to the full and complete implementation of Budget 2019.”

Questioned whether increases in old age pension from $19,500 to $20,500; income tax threshold from $60,000 to $65,000 and public assistance from $8,000 to $9,000 were small feats, the general secretary defended the opposite.

“You have to look at the national budget in its holistic sense,” he advised. “Their objective is to generally benefit people in their natural lives.

Some people are just looking at the one thing – how much money they’re physically getting in hand – not looking at the other works that have been happening,” Williams said. He also dis-

agreed that the budget is an “elections budget” giving his take that the budget is designed for national development.

“I don’t see it as an elections budget, rather I see it as just a working, functional, national budget,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leonard added: “The term ‘elections budget’ has some connotations. It means that we’re going to give you some goodies in the budget this year to make you want to vote for us. I believe that that the coalition government from 2015 has consistently increased allocations to very crucial sectors year after year. Education is a very good example [as] from 2016 to now it represents a 60 per cent increase in the allocation for that sector. The old age pension is not much but it represents a 30 or 40 per cent increase… the reality is that we can’t necessarily increase it to 500,000 in one fell swoop but consistently, steadily and surely we are seeing increases in allocations.”

Budget 2019 was announced on Monday to the tune of $300.7B, the highest the country has since experienced, showing increases in allocations to all regions and no new taxes among many other provisions.

AFC says learning from mistakes

THE Alliance For Change (AFC) has noted that one of its major setbacks in the recently concluded Local Government Elections (LGEs) was time constraints which hindered them from competing in several constituencies, but will serve as lessons for the future.

“One of the biggest problems we suffered from was time constraints. Lots of people are now calling and saying ‘I was available. I’m really sorry that I did not come in and presented myself as a candidate for the given area’. And, this is something that we must work on,” said AFC General Secretary Marlon Williams on Tuesday.

“I believe in admitting our issues and one of the biggest issues is that we relied on a few people and in many instances we were not able in a timely manner, to present a list to GECOM so we weren’t able to compete in many constituencies… had we fueled candidates in all the constituencies we’re very confident, based on the outcomes, that we would have done significantly better.”

Williams made the observations at the party’s headquarters during a press conference where he added that these unfortunate obstructions at the LGEs have, in no way, hindered the party’s growing support base.

“The party is as strong as ever,” he said, confidently adding that there are continuous requests being placed by persons to join the AFC. Williams said further: “The Alliance For Change remains relevant and constant in its position and its numbers in the elections.”

Executive Secretary Michael Leonard had added that the 3.8 per cent of votes as reported by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to be secured by the AFC are “nationalistic” while the some 10 per cent of votes the party has assessed it secured is “constituency based”.

“In Georgetown, for example, we got about 10.8 per cent. Compare our numbers to the APNU’s number in Georgetown, we got 16 per cent of the APNU’s votes so we did relatively well,” Leonard said.

“In this local government election we have to always remember how low the voter turnout was. It was very, very low. So, in all of those constraints, with all of those issues, we still maintained that 10 per cent even in the city and the other areas that we contested.”

Meanwhile, Williams reminded that under half of the constituencies countrywide were contested in by the AFC; that Guyana was robbed of LGEs for many years and the younger population base which supports the AFC largely did not turn out to vote at the election.

Four firemen charged for Fly Jamaica theft FOUR of the firemen implicated in the theft of passengers belongings on the ill-fated Fly Jamaica aircraft have been charged and will appear in court soon.

Police said in a release on Tuesday that the charges were instituted after legal advice. Also the case file in respect of the policemen implicated in the alleged theft of some model planes, is still with the Police Legal Adviser.

Cabinet had condemned what it deemed the “reprehensible” alleged acts of theft by the firemen who had first responded to the Fly Jamaica aircraft that crash-landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport recently.

Several firemen were accused of stealing personal items belonging to crew members and several passengers of the Fly Jamaica airplane which made an emergency landing at the CJIA shortly after it had taken off for Toronto, Canada.

The Ministry of the Presidency had said in a statement that both Cabinet and the National Security Committee (NSC) were briefed about the incident involving the Fly Jamaica flight OJ256. During the emergency operations that followed the emergency landing, members of the GFS rushed to the scene. After the mop-up, some personal items belonging to crew members and some passengers were discovered missing. The firemen were since detained by the police and some released on bail.

“Cabinet strongly condemned as criminal and morally corrupt, those alleged acts of theft, and urged that the perpetrators be brought to swift justice,” the statement read.

It added: “It must be noted that not only did the accused cast a blemish on the reputation of the disciplined services, but they have tarnished Guyana’s image.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

TotalTec trains 21 for oil industry

GUYANA’s premier oil and gas academy, TotalTec has conducted its first Banksman and Slinger Safety and Operational training programme with 21 recruits from the Strategic Recruitment Solutions Inc. (SRS).

Through the International Petroleum and Maritime Academy (IPMA), TotalTec hosted recruits from SRS which is a local recruitment company which focuses on the oil and gas industry.

According to the representatives of TotalTec, SRS had recruited 21 Guyanese for one of its clients with the intention of placing their recruits in the Oil and Gas sector.

“We are pleased that SRS recognises that in the IPMA, there is a local company that provides the highest standard

13

Oil: An employee of TotalTec explaining some of the exercises (Delano Williams photo)

of safety and operational training in Oil and Gas that meets international requirements,” said TotalTec. The request for a training course was made last week and in less than a week, the course was set up with the instructor mobilised from

Aberdeen, Scotland.

“We are proud to work with a fellow Guyanese company to provide opportunities to our fellow Guyanese citizens participating in our Oil and Gas industry,” said the TotalTec representatives.

A section of the SRS recruits (Delano Williams photo)

TOTALTEC Oilfield Services is focused on the success of the emerging Guyana Oil and Gas industry for the benefit of the country and its people, through three main areas: developing and plac-

ing talent, forming mutually beneficial relationships between local and international service companies, and developing and operating a safe, highly efficient supply base to support offshore

operations.

The 94 per cent Guyanese TOTALTEC workforce includes eight nationalities with over 160 years of international oilfield experience.

Disability community lauds new measures in 2019 budget MEMBERS of the disability community in Guyana have commended the coalition government for the special interest it has placed on their lives in the 2019 National Budget.

They say that the administration is much more sensitive to persons living with disabilities. For the first time, such persons will be able to purchase their own vehicles free of excise duty and Value Added Tax (VAT). They will also be granted tax rebates on handsets with accessibility features, allowing visually and hearing-impaired persons to afford smartphones.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan made the announcement on Monday during presentation of the 2019 budget. The announcement caught on quickly and several persons with dis-

Disability rights advocate Ganesh Singh

abilities said they are very excited about the move.

Chairman (ag) of Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities in Guyana Cecil Morris told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that the measure will especially aid organisations in acquiring vehicles

Leroy Phillips, a volunteer on the National Commission on Disability

to transport their members.

Morris said this proves that government is aware of the situation of persons living with disabilities in Guyana.

“It would help persons with disabilities to access more of the internet. Transportation is a big thing in

Chairman (ag) of the Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities in Guyana, Cecil Morris

Guyana for persons with living [sic] disabilities. Government is being more sensitive to what is happening in the disability movement in Guyana and we are happy that they are coming on board and they can see fit to do

things that can benefit persons with a disability more.”

Leroy Phillips, a volunteer of the National Commission on Disability, said that government has made a stellar move with the two new developments. “Persons who wish to own their own cars, their own vans, or trucks, can now have those designed in a manner to accommodate them. I look forward to being able to take advantage of that provision.”

Phillips also spoke of the many benefits that will be had through the acquisition of smartphones, free of tax.

Disability rights advocate Ganesh Singh said persons with disabilities already face challenges utilising the services of public transportation. He said whoever made the recommendation to the government on behalf of the community must be com-

mended.

“Many persons, especially wheelchair users, have to face difficulties moving from one location to another. Many taxi drivers do not want to take their wheelchairs, then minibuses don’t want to carry wheelchairs.

So, with the removal of the excise tax, they may be able to find the money to secure a vehicle to transport themselves,” he said.

Minister Jordan noted, however, that the commission representing persons living with disabilities must certify that the person, the vehicle and the handset are eligible for the concessions.

The minister said the two initiatives solidify the government’s commitment to equity and inclusion for all citizens through the use of Information and Communication Technology. (DPI)

AFC wants greater accountability at local gov’t level …says voting records on issues must be made public WITH the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into City Hall’s operations unveiling several transparency and mismanagement issues, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has vowed that in its leadership within local organs it will not support any act done in secret.

AFC General Secretary Marlon Williams and Executive Secretary Michael Leonard, in representing the party on Tuesday, both spoke on the issue and included the much contested parking meter contract.

Leonard said that one of the challenges witnessed at City Hall over the past three years is the issue related to transparency and accountability. “There are many, many cases where we have issues coming out of the Commission of Inquiry where there were verbal contracts; there were allegations of abusing the emergency clause to ensure that you can single source and then obviously the single sourcing went various places it should not have gone.”

“So, one of the things I’m

personally looking forward to seeing and I believe the party is looking forward to seeing as well; is transparency and accountability,” he said.

Leonard added that he believes that there is no reason which deters municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) from providing public voting records.

“I see no reason why we can’t live stream in this 2018 the proceedings of council.

The persons who elected the councillors and elected

the mayor should be able to see and understand from the comfort of their homes what is going on at council. I also believe that they should be some public record of voting at the council. We need to begin with small steps to hold our councillors accountable,” he added.

Meanwhile, speaking on the topic of the parking meter project which the AFC remains against, Williams said that should the Georgetown Municipality consent to its implementation, such a decision must be transparent

and unanimous amongst the council.

“If the new council as a collective agrees, to that position and methodology and that route of earning revenue, it is absolutely imperative and we’ll hold to the position that it must be a consensus on the council and there must be public inquiries and public presentations on what is best.

“Foremost in our mind is as Mr. Leonard correctly said, we must assure that there is accountability at all levels from who agrees to it; why they’ve agreed to it; what is the methodology in coming up with such a deci-

sion,” Williams said.

He then added: “Unless there is a threat to national security, there is nothing the Alliance For Change will ever support that must be done in secret… it must be all the facts [that] must be presented to the people of this city and generally. This is not just for the M&CC but for every municipality and every local government [organ]. This is what the Alliance For Change is premised on; they’ve advocated for this from commensurate and we will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability at all levels.”

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PSC commends budget

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

… but wants relief from high energy costs, lowering of tax on commercial businesses

THE Private Sector Commission has commended Finance Minister, Winston Jordan on yet another early budget, hailing some of the measures, but expressed concerns that no provision was made for relief on energy costs, which it said were stifling businesses.

In a statement the PSC said the early budget set at $300.7B provides the opportunity to begin the year on a pre-charted course.

The commission noted that in consultation with the minister as the budget was being crafted, it made a number of recommendations, chief among which was the gradual lowering of the corporate tax rate over a period of ten years to 20 per cent. “The commission is therefore pleased at the reduction to 25 per cent which was announced for 2019 and signals a commitment to this mutual goal,” the PSC statement said.

It added: “We are happy too that Budget 2019 contains several measures such as the raising of the tax threshold, which the commission had proposed for the relief of the tax burden upon employees, and the monies earmarked for hinterland airstrips. Also gratifying is the provision for the differently abled, a demographic which is often neglected.”

Meanwhile, the PSC said it is cognisant of the need to

incentivise the manufacturing sector but would have hoped that, given the substantial contribution of the services sector to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, consideration would have been

Desmond Sears, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission given to reducing the tax rate for commercial businesses “from the draconian 40 per cent as this is having an adverse effect on legitimate businesses.” However, the business umbrella body said it is pleased that plans have been announced for the construction of the Linden-Lethem road, which will ease the woes of businesses and residents who depend on this corridor for their livelihood.

“The dire need for the East Bank road, which had been proposed by the commission, has also been addressed and the commission is heartened that the development of modern Port Georgetown is being addressed,” the statement read. “We are, however, concerned about the level of proposed overall tax revenue on businesses and individuals as Budget 2019 projects a 9.9 per cent increase in revenue while the economy is projected to grow by 4.6 per cent.

Most importantly, there is no provision for relief on energy costs which are stifling businesses. Worrying too is the impact of Budget 2019 upon the foreign reserves of the Central Bank; an impact that does not appear to have taken cognisance of the need to cushion against external shocks to which the country and its currency are vulnerable,” the PSC said.

Jordan on Monday unveiled a range of measures to help the private sector here during the presentation of the budget in the National Assembly on Monday. “Mr. Speaker, in Budget 2018, I announced a series of measures designed to simplify the tax regime applicable to the gold and diamond sector.

Specifically, I indicated an intention to amend Section 33 (E) (1) of the Income Tax Act to allow for the tax to be assessed based on a

sliding scale, and that such a tax would be a final tax on income from gold mining activities. Unfortunately, the law did not make this explicit. I now propose to amend the law to treat as a final tax, the tax assessed on income derived from gold mining activities. It will also be made clear that this final tax relates only to declarations made to the Guyana Gold Board; that the income must be from individual gold mining and not from the sale of gold or the rental of blocks; that income from other sources are excluded from this tax treatment,” Jordan stated.

Jordan said that in 2017, the non-commercial or manufacturing rate was reduced from 30 per cent to 27.5 per cent. This enabled these businesses to improve their profit margins, thereby allowing for new investment and capitalisation. He said that following visits to sev-

eral businesses, and in an effort to boost activities in the sector, he proposes to further reduce the manufacturing and non-commercial rate to 25 per cent, with effect from Year of Income January 1, 2019. This measure, which keeps a promise by government to reduce the manufacturing rate to 25 per cent before the end of our first term, will cost $1.1 billion.

Property Tax – Individual and Companies In an effort to restore equity and consistency in the tax regime between individuals and companies, and to further reduce the burden of Property Tax and Capital Gains Tax, I propose the following: An increase in the threshold for filing a return for: individuals, from the current net property of $1.5 million to $40 million; and for companies, from $0.5 million to $40 million.

A reduction in the cur-

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan rent rate for both individuals and companies from 0.75 per cent to 0.5 per cent for the first $20 million in taxable net property, and the remainder being taxed at 0.75 per cent.

PNCR Region Six election for chairmanship ends in deadlock DURING the People’s National Congress Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) Council congress, the election of a regional chairman ended in deadlock after the contenders--the incumbent Kirk Fraser and former Vice-chairman Jevaughn Stephens--were tied with 41-41 votes.

The elections were held at the Berbice High School on Sunday afternoon. Central Committee Representative Ms Barbara Pilgrim-Roberts told the Guyana Chronicle that as a result of the deadlock, the central executive of the political party will have to determine the way forward.

This newspaper was reliably informed that many of Fraser’s supporters--drawn from the New Amsterdam district--were not on the list of eligible voters. However, Pilgrim-Roberts revealed that Corwin Crawford is the new vice-chairman; Shirla Scott Richardson (Secretary), Busta Wright ( Treasurer), along with Wainwright Mc Intosh, Fiaz Mursulin, and Morris Richardson, who are committee members.

The PNCR over the weekend convened regional conferences across the country with leaders rallying the base to get ready for the 2020 general and regional elections. Attorney General

Basil Williams speaking at the Mahaica-Berbice conference held in Rosignol, West Coast Berbice, told members not to be daunted by the no-confidence motion tabled by the opposition against the government.

Regional conferences were also held in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) and Cuyuni-Mazaruni held their conferences on Saturday; Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region Two), Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four), Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) were among those regions that held their conferences on Sunday.

In Demerara-Mahaica, several members were elected unopposed, namely chairman Genevieve Allen, Secretary Monica Thomas and Treasurer Ivelaw Henry.

The vice-chairman post went to James Bond, while the Central Executive Committee (CEC) representative is Ernest Elliott and the committee members are Linda Gomes-Haley, Yvonne Fortune, and Roger Allicock.

Vinceroy Jordan won the chairmanship in Mahaica-Berbice; Charles Gibbons took the vice-chairman position; Carol Smith Joseph is the secretary and Carol Nurse is the treasurer; Member of Parliament Jennifer Wade is the CEC Representative and

Kirk Fraser Wayneright Henry, Frank Wilson and Chandram Basantram are the committee members.

Williams in his feature address at the conference dismissed the no-confidence motion. “We have been in office for a mere three years plus, and we will remind them of this. It is unfair to judge us in a mere three years after we have had to deal with the mayhem of the past 23 years.

An inordinate amount of this government’s time has been spent on cleaning up the mess we inherited from them,” Williams declared, to cheers from party members gathered at D’Edward Village, West Bank Berbice, regional office.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Mayor assures Blairmont sugar workers council Christmas call for 15% pay hike security plan in place

GEORGETOWN Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has announced that a security policing plan is in place for the Christmas season, which will see a greater collaboration between the City Constabulary and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Reporting to city councillors at Monday’s statutory meeting, Chase-Green informed that the GPF met recently with members of the constabulary and have since made some adjustments on how things are done on the streets; and have put in place certain temporary arrangements.

According to the mayor, Traffic Chief Superintendent Linden Isles met with a high-level team from City Hall and conducted a walk-about last Saturday around the Stabroek area.

A decision was made to relocate the mini-buses from under ‘Silvie’s’ on Hadfield Street to the western side of Parliament Buildings. ‘Silvie’s’ had in the past written to the City Council, complaining about the inconvenience that the operations cause to their business and the number of robberies that are being committed as a result.

The GPF officers also asked that some vendors pull back their stalls so as not to go beyond the lines drawn on the roadways.

Chase-Green said an arrangement was also made to deal with the traffic build- up in front of ‘Brassonics’ on Water Street, where motorists usually do a U-turn and where many robberies are reported to have been committed.

Just last week, Chief Constable (Ag) Laurel Gittens told the Guyana Chronicle that most of the criminal activities being recorded so far, as the holiday season approaches, are being committed by juveniles.

“Most of the criminal activities are being committed by juveniles; young school-leavers. Some of them are well educated, but because they are unemployed they are finding illegal things to do,” she stated.

Substantive Chief Constable Andrew Foo, who recently proceeded on 42 days’ vacation leave, had said that a policing plan needs to be in place to deal with the security issues that will arise as a result of the increased shopping during the Christmas season.

The constabulary is short of approximately 140 staff members, and efforts to recruit more workers are not bearing much fruit.

While the constabulary is expected to provide security throughout Georgetown, Foo said the lack of resources will mean that the officers will have to confine themselves to the main shopping areas for Christmas — Bourda and Stabroek Markets.

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

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

The City Constabulary Department has responsibility for the prevention and detection of crime in Georgetown and has similar powers and privileges of the Guyana Police Force (GPF). It also has the authority to prosecute persons for offences such as assault, disorderly behaviour, urinating in public places, using indecent language, encumbering the pavements and so forth.

The department also provides security for municipal markets, day-care centres, koker pumps and City Hall buildings, among others. Providing security alone takes up much of the department’s resources.

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

EMPLOYEES of the Blairmont Sugar Estate have resorted to industrial action with the hope of getting an increase in their wages and salaries.

According to a press statement from the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), the workers want the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to approve a 15 per cent increase which was being considered for some time.

GAWU said the workers were upset to know that they remain the only group of state workers to not receive any improvement in pay since 2015. The employees, representing a large percent of the field and factory workers, picketed outside the estate’s administration office, calling for pay

raises which they claimed have be owed to them for three years.

“The GAWU is at a lost why sugar workers, it seems, have been singled out for such unwarranted and unnecessary treatment,” the union noted in a statement.

Workers picketed one day after Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan read the proposed National Budget for 2019 in the National Assembly.

According to the minister, with GuySuCo now charged with managing the operations of three estates, the viability of the sugar industry has been given a new opportunity with restructured cost profiles.

The ongoing recapitalisation of the Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates, as part of the Sugar Task

Force three-year plan for GuySuCo, is anticipated to result in production in future years rising from a low of 98,000 tonnes by the end of 2018, to nearly 145,000 tonnes by 2021. Sugar production is also projected to increase to 113,262 metric tonnes, in 2019.

“The Guyana Sugar Corporation will continue to introduce cost-reducing measures, explore lucrative markets and marketing strategies, and undertake critical capital works.

Sugar production is projected to increase to 113,262 metric tonnes, in 2019,” said Minister Jordan, adding that the world market price of sugar is expected to increase marginally to US$0.27 per kilogramme at the end of this year and US$0.28 per kilogramme in 2019.

Workers of the Blairmont Sugar Estate picketing outside of the estate’s administration office on Tuesday (GAWU photo)

Hope for Lindeners

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

… as gov’t pours $218M into LEN revolving fund

DETERMINED to help lift Linden out of its economic plight, government has pumped $218M into the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) — a revolving fund that is geared at providing start-up capital to small businesses in the mining town.

This is a significant increase from its $100M in 2016 and $90M in 2017.

During the three years, LEN has made massive strides in diversification and self-sustenance after realising that its initial role as a micro-financing institution for small entrepreneurs and manufacturers has not been viable.

Region 10 MP Jermaine Figueira noted that the allocation is evidence of LEN’s ability to diver-

sify without losing sight of its main purpose as a lending institution. He said because of this, it has been granted such a huge increase, which of course will continue to stimulate economic growth in Linden through business ventures, manufacturing, agriculture and housing initiatives. “I think that LEN has done a great job in pushing itself to obtain financial self- sufficiency rather than to display this rock-back attitude and as the good book said, ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ It is genuinely helping itself by rolling out several initiatives, all in the interest of enabling financial stability of the residents of Linden.”

Only last September, LEN unveiled a five-year

LEN’s business incubator on Republic Avenue, Linden Strategic Development Plan, which will serve as a guide for its further expansion and diversification.

The company took the initiative to do same, after realising its diversification strategies have resulted in a 50 per cent increase in clientele. The strategic plan aimed at allowing LEN to have national penetration and to reach to the point of excellence to pioneer technology, food security, develop industry standards and other sectors according to the CEO Tanniza Gasper. To date LEN has improved its expertise in agriculture, construction, tourism and manufacturing.

In addition to the strategic plan, LEN has also initiated a low-income housing initiative which has received overwhelming response from not only Linden residents, but persons from other regions.

The two-storey bauxite brick houses cost $3.5 M and LEN has since rolled out a three-bedroom house at $4.5M to cater for larger families. LEN has also expanded its central business incubator to cater for the very entrepreneurs they

are financing.

Over the last three years, LEN has also shifted its focus to agricultural empowerment in Region 10, cognisant of the region’s high level of dependability on agricultural production. Apart from giving loans, greater technical and tangible assistance were given to persons in the agricultural sector. These include farmers, seedling and poultry producers and apiculturists.

The hallmark of the agriculture project was the distribution of 800 seedlings to farmers. Most of the seedlings were hot and sweet peppers, given the upsurge in pepper processing in Linden. In a bid to meet the demands for these agro processors, farmers were encouraged to plant pepper.

LEN would have also assisted two youths with establishing apiculture businesses. With these significant strides, residents of Linden, especially entrepreneurs, were calling on the government to pour more into LEN as the previous allocations were not enough to create the

change in the economic landscape in Linden. With LEN’s current financial abilities, it can only afford to LEN a loan up to $1M and this was deemed insignificant in most cases, to invest in a real viable businesses.

The Linden Chamber of Commerce is an organisation that networks with LEN on several initiatives and its President, Victor Fernandes previously urged the government to inject more into LEN as that may be a good solution to the economic problems faced in Linden. Following the announcement of the $215 M allocation, Fernandes said that he is upbeat about the allocation since it will definitely allow LEN to expand its various initiatives, especially its lending portfolio. “It will now give LEN the latitude to reach the needs of the borrowers.

I feel very upbeat about it,” he said.

Lindeners are calling for the simplifying of the process of accessing the loans since the requirements put a strain on one’s pocket and in effect is a deterrent to those accessing the scheme.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Protection of developing nations’ interests urged in WTO reform N

ECESSARY reform to the World Trade Organisation should safeguard the multilateral trading system, protect the interests of developing member countries and take into account all parties’ concerns, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday.

Wang Shouwen, vice-minister of commerce, said China supports reform of the international body to enhance its “authoritativeness and effectiveness”, since unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise. Introducing China’s five-point proposal on the issue, Wang said WTO reform should strengthen the role of multilateralism in boosting global trade liberalization and facilitation.

The reform should give priority to resolving issues that threaten the future survival of the WTO, Wang said, adding that certain countries have been blocking the appointment of Appellate

Body members. The Appellate Body is responsible for resolving disputes, a core function of the WTO. Other priorities include resolving unfair trade rules and responding to current pressing issues, Wang said. For example, the reform should address the problem that some developed members provide huge subsidies in the trade of agricultural products.

Wang stressed that WTO reform should protect developing member countries in accordance with “special and differential treatment”?a term used to describe how developing countries are treated differently from developed countries within the WTO system. Wei Jianguo, vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, a government think tank, said: “Special and differential treatment is an important cornerstone of the WTO. The principle cannot

be denied; otherwise it will shake the foundation of the multilateral trading system.”

The WTO has met with many challenges after the Doha round of trade talks in 2006 failed to reach key agreements. Consequently, trade protectionism and investment barriers have grown quickly. Though many countries have begun talks on WTO reform, a consensus has been elusive and views on the issue vary widely, said Xue Rongjiu, deputy director of the Beijing-based China Society for WTO Studies.

To speed up the pace, China and the European Union have recently established a high-level working group on WTO reform, according to Hong Xiaodong, head of the Commerce Ministry’s department of WTO affairs.

The two sides will seek advice from the WTO and conduct discussions on a respectful and equal basis, Hong said

on Friday.

Experts said WTO reform should reinforce the primary purpose of the WTO and push forward worldwide trade liberalisation. The WTO is for the good of the public, not a tool for meeting the needs of particular members, said Zhang Xiangchen, China’s ambassador to the WTO. The reform has to stick to “the principle of nondiscrimination and adopt a democratic approach”, he was quoted by Xinhua News Agency as saying.

Sang Baichuan, director of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, said the WTO framework, which took decades to crystallise, is now under threat from rising protectionism and unilateralism. China is pushing for reform for the benefit of all economies, Sang added. (China Daily)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Confucius Institute bridg

A NEW art space in Nuremberg is bringing China closer to the southern German city.

The opening show of works by Chinese and German artists in late October highlighted the venue’s role in being a cultural bridge.

The space will offer philosophic and artistic perspectives on cultural encounters, said Guenther Beckstein, former state premier of Bavaria and senior advisor to the

Confucius Institute of Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, which initiated the art space.

The space represents a new attempt in the Institute’s agenda to diversify its educational and cultural offerings, with Chinese language teaching at the core.

CULTURAL BRIDGE China’s Confucius Institute is a non-profit, international public educational

organization, similar to Britain’s British Council, France’s Alliance Francaise, Germany’s Goethe Institute or Spain’s Cervantes Institute.

Built in cooperation with a local educational institution and run by a bilateral committee and dual-presidency structure, more than 530 Confucius Institutes and 1,110 Confucius Classrooms have landed in 149 countries and regions over the 14 years

since its debut in Seoul.

“The U.S. and China will never really understand each other unless we study their language and culture and share experiences that build a foundation for dialogue,” said Susan Jain, executive director of the Confucius Institute of University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which was founded in 2007.

“We’ve been criticized by some far-right Senators of being too close to China.

Students write Chinese calligraphy at the That’s ironic because our top priority has been to help under-privileged kids here in the U.S. get ahead,” said Jain. “Our cultures, our economies, our destinies are irrevocably intertwined. Young people get that, in spite all the rhetoric and negativity they hear from Washington,” said theater director Peter Sellers, now UCLA professor in world arts and culture.

“The Institute opens doors.”

In Germany, the 17th Confucius Institute was launched in 2016 in the northeastern town Stralsund.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said at the inauguration, “Germany has a rich culture and traditions. We also know that China has a long history of five thousand years of civilization. Confucius Institute can contribute to promoting communication and understanding between the two peoples.”

Similar to the Confucius Institute in London, the one

at Merkel’s “political home” features traditional Chinese medicine programs. There’s one in Kenya focused on textiles, in Ethiopia on vocational education, and another at the Royal Danish Academy of Music on Chinese music.

Confucius Institutes around the world cater to local needs. Academic exchange is becoming another part of the Institute’s identity. In late September, the school at Paris Diderot University hosted a seminar on social administration.

Thanks to the Confucius Institute at the University of Geneva, visiting Chinese archaeologists learned from the techniques of their Swiss counterparts during a 10day workshop last summer .

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Jain feels the Confucius Institute’s language programs are key to giving American kids a competi-

Chinese President leave Panama, Portugal PRESIDENT Xi Jinping left Beijing Tuesday for state visits to Spain, Argentina, Panama and Portugal, and the 13th Group of 20 (G20) summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Xi was invited to pay the visits by Spanish King Felipe VI, Argentine President Mauricio Macri, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He was invited to attend the

G20 summit by A Mauricio Macri.

Xi’s entourage Peng Liyuan; Ding ber of the Politic Communist Party Central Committe Secretariat of the C mittee, and direct Office of the CPC tee; Yang Jiechi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

ges gap between cultures time at the Confucian Institute when in college. “I hope to get a good job in the (China-Belarus) industrial park.”

Likewise in Tajikistan, the craze to learn Chinese in recent years has prompted some 3,000 people a year to pursue further study in China, making China the second largest host country of its overseas students.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY Speaking of the UCLA

e Confucius Institute in Brussels, Belgium tive future. “When American kids learn languages like Mandarin and understand more about foreign cultures, it opens up all kinds of well-paid job opportunities for them and makes them better equipped to compete with applicants from other countries.”

Speaking Chinese fluently during a Confucius Institute event in late September, first year Stanford University student Charlie Hoffs said her romance with Chinese started from the love of Chinese characters. “Then I increasingly realized the language’s importance for the economy and tourism,” she said. “Chinese is a vital skill.”

For Lytone Chibona, a Confucius Institute student in University of Zambia, learning Chinese is simply practical. “Very few of them take up practical skills such as learning the Chinese lan-

guage ... which they can use while looking for a job. That skill can later turn out to be your main job in the long run,” said the 22-year-old.

In October, local branches from 14 Chinese enterprises visited a job fair held by the University of Zambia’s Confucius Institute. “Our business is growing with the participation of hundreds of Zambians, so we come here to recruit more skilled young workers,” said Linda Yan, a human resources manager with the Chinese aviation company AVIC International.

Expanding cooperation in countries under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) leads to increased Chinese investments and local jobs. Learning Chinese has thus become a trend in Belarus, for example. High school student Anastasiya Solonets said she has been studying Chinese for four years and will continue part-

es for Spain, Argentina, visits, G20 summit

Argentine President

e includes his wife g Xuexiang, memcal Bureau of the y of China (CPC) ee, member of the CPC Central Comtor of the General C Central Commiti, member of the

Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee; State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi; and He Lifeng, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and head of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Confucius Institute, Shabnam Fasa, artistic director of the Santa Monica Youth Orchestra, told Xinhua: “The Institute is a powerful force for cultural diversity.

They are looking to teach the world what true collaboration and multi-cultural discourse looks like in a creative, impactful way.”

Globally, more than 9 million students have attended Confucius Institutes and Classrooms. Cal-

ligraphy, ink painting, or kung fu complement the language program. The Institute also plays a role in promoting traditional Chinese festival celebrations.

A dragon boat sailing event in June took the northern Portuguese city of Aveiro by storm that city official Catarina Barreto called for more such events in the future, saying it combined the traditional cultures

of Portugal and China. In the Italian town of Castel Maggiore in September, a Chinese bun stuffed with Bolognese mince brought the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations there to a climax.

“What I like most about Chinese culture is that it’s rich, it’s deep, it exposes you to a lot of things,” said Charles Wanika, a Kenyan student. (Xinhua)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Unused bikes cause stir at City Hall WHILE 30 bicycles were donated to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) just last year, councillors heard on Monday how of the 10 that have been in use, five are down at the moment and need repairs.

Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen asked where the other bicycles were, and Acting Chief Constable Laurel Gittens offered that they were locked inside a room at City Hall.

The response led to councillors questioning why more bicycles were not brought

out to replace the five that are unserviceable at the moment. Gittens responded that they were not handed over to her by Chief Constable Andrew Foo, before he proceeded on his 42 days’ vacation leave lately. Furthermore, she attempted to explain that only 10 bicycles were being used because of a shortage of manpower in the Constabulary Department.

Councillors again wanted to know why the brand new bicycles that are reportedly stored away, could not be brought out to replace

the five dysfunctional ones.

In fact, Councillor Heston Bostwick pointed out that to his knowledge, it would not cost the municipality more than $3,000 to repair one of the cycles.

“This is unacceptable. It doesn’t make sense to me,” Councillor Monica Thomas stated and she also questioned why Gittens does not have access to the bicycles.

“Of course it’s unacceptable, because it shows that there is no vision,” ChaseGreen responded, as she recalled how the municipality

was clear on servicing and other details when the bicycles were received.

Councillor Andrea Marks said she could not understand how only 10 bicycles are in use, because in the past she was told that all 30 are being used. “I’m surprised at what I am hearing,” she said.

Councillor Bishram Kuppen recalled that the last time the chief constable went on leave that there was no access to the records.

He added that since Gittens is acting in his (Foo’s) ca-

pacity, she is in charge and should have access to the bicycles.

Kuppen said the City Council needs to find out where those bicycles are.

Two hundred bicycles and accessories were handed over in August 2017 to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Georgetown City Constabulary by the United States, through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) Square, Eve Leary.

The donation, worth over

US$145,000, saw the GPF receiving 170 bicycles with 30 being assigned to the City Constabulary.

At that handing over ceremony, Chase Green shared that the donation was part of a broader commitment to a stronger regional security, through the Caribbean-based community initiative and programmes like this (police cycling training).

She had indicated that officers already trained in police cycling will instruct others how to ride the bicycles.

Woman arrested for allegedly setting Stabroek wharf ablaze THE woman who allegedly set fire to the Stabroek Market Wharf in Georgetown has been arrested and is now in police custody, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green announced on Monday.

Chase-Green had no details to offer except that the woman, of mixed race, was arrested on Monday morning. Police have reportedly been in search of her since the incident.

Attempts by the Guyana Chronicle to garner details of the arrest from the Public Relations Division of the Guyana Police Force, and from several relevant officers, proved futile on Tuesday.

Following an argument

with her partner, the irate woman allegedly set alight a stall aback the Stabroek Market on November 20.

The blaze razed several other stalls leaving millions in losses in its wake.

Reports are that the fire began sometime between 22:00hrs and midnight that Monday.

T h e f o l l o w i n g d a y, while providing the report of the City Constabulary, Acting Chief Constable Laurel Gittens told the media that she was at home when she received the call about the fire.

“A stall holder was arrested who claimed that himself and his [partner] was engaged in an argument and she wounded him

and he was suggesting that she’s the person who lit the stall on fire, but that is just speculations thus far. However, he was held in custody; he was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital,” Gittens informed.

She continued: “This morning at about 08:15hrs I received another call that another stall was ignited. However, that is under control and from all speculations that fire escalated from some exposed electrical wires, but all this is just speculation until the report from the Fire Service is final.”

The woman allegedly bolted after setting the wharf ablaze.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Gov’t keen on reviving ‘PC’ dairy farm –– sets aside funds to do it

By Alva Solomon FOR years, past students and commentators have bemoaned the state of the facilities at President’s College, once a prestigious secondary school founded by former President Forbes Burnham.

The school was once self-sufficient and even had its own farm for which it was famous for more than two decades ago. The farm reached a rundown state in recent years. But things are expected to change at the Golden Grove, East

Coast Demerara secondary institution soon, as in 2019 the government will be ploughing monies into the school’s farm.

One of the capital projects, which appear under the government’s Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development programmes in Budget 2019, is the resuscitation of the school’s dairy farm and funding has also been set aside for the construction of a processing facility at the college.

The entire infrastructure development programme has been budgeted at a sum

of $350M, with a fraction of the figure to go towards the school’s dairy project.

According to the 2019 Budget Estimates, the benefits of the dairy farm and processing facility project include improved access to agricultural infrastructure and farmlands. It also includes increased agricultural productivity.

“I would love for these and other programmes to come back on stream and make `PC’ what it once was,” a former student of the school told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday, one

President’s College students during a farming exercise (Ministry of Agriculture photo) day after the 2019 National created a number of loopBudget was presented in holes within the system, the National Assembly by which developed into major Finance Minister Winston challenges.

Jordan.

Downes said the She said that similar school was designed to be projects can make the self-sufficient, with the school the example it was establishment of certain built to be, when its doors programmes and projects, were opened in 1985. “It such as the setting up of a will do great for self-sus- school farm. tainability if managed “President’s Colproperly,” another former lege was supposed to be student and current member self-sufficient. But today, of the Alumni Association what are we providing for noted. ourselves? Our farm is of On September 11, no standard; it is just there,” 2015, `PC’, as it is called she said. by current and former “I remember, as a stustudents alike, celebrat- dent, our rice fields were ed its 30th anniversary there, and we could have under the theme, “Qual- walked along the corridors ity achievements through and see paddy when it was sustained holistic educa- harvesting time. But now tion”. the fields are there, and persons from the villages come MAJOR and loose their animals.”

CHALLENGES In 2017, when the That year, Alyne-Ann school celebrated its 32nd Downes, a former stu- anniversary, President Dadent who was teaching at vid Granger paid a visit President’s College at the and promised the governtime, said that the school ment’s support, especially has undergone some ma- in subject areas such as the jor challenges, with its sciences and technology, standards dropping dras- to ensure that the school tically over time. maintains a high standard.

Downes, who delivered As he toured the instithe feature presentation tution, President Granger during the Forbes Burnham listened to the concerns of Foundation General Mem- students and staff, and took bers Meeting in October note of their needs. He said 2015 at the Critchlow La- at the time, that discipline and bour College, said that `PC’ value of education was one had changed “dramatically”. of the key messages students “I don’t think it is be- of the school should keep in cause the foundation wasn’t mind. set properly,” she said. “I Carlyn Canterbury, the think it is because persons school’s principal, noted no longer hold the school at the time that when the in the highest esteem, and school opened its doors they allowed things to just on September 11, 1985, go.” its mission was to provide She said the decision a place of learning, with by the former People’s the highest management of Progressive Party (PPP) knowledge. government, through the That hasn’t changed, school’s board, to change she said. Neither has its the structure of the school vision.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Procurement entities staff get training

IN keeping with its mandate to provide training the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) recently held a successful two-day “Procurement Planning” Training Workshop with staff of procuring entities at the Roraima Duke Lodge.

The training was attended by 36 participants from ministries and government agencies, the commission said in a release.

The objectives of the training workshop were to: reinforce understanding and compliance with applicable legisla-

tion; introduce the PPC’s Procurement Plan template; establish linkage among work plans, budgeting and acquisition of resources; establish the value of Procurement Expenditure Reporting and introduce Procurement Control Concepts.

According to the PPC, participants hailed the training as timely and beneficial since there was meaningful interaction and active participation during the sessions.

At the conclusion of the training, the participants received Certificates of Participation.

PAHO launches campaign to prevent cervical cancer THE Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) launched a communication campaign today to prevent cervical cancer, which kills more than 34,000 women each year in the Americas and is among the leading causes of cancer death in women in 23 countries across the Region.

“It is Time to End Cervical Cancer” is a communication campaign designed to inform health providers and empower women and girls with health information on how to prevent this disease, which is diagnosed in some 72,000 women each year.

With the slogan, “Don’t let cervical cancer stop you,” the campaign provides materials (poster / video), information and stories about the vaccine against human papilloma virus (HPV), the cause of cervical cancer and about cervical cancer screening methods, to encourage women to have regular examinations for the early detection of precancerous lesions. The ultimate goal is to mobilise health providers, women and girls to seek preventive care and stop cervical cancer from keeping women from reaching their maximum potential in life.

“By being informed about cervical cancer and how to prevent it, we can help to ensure that women lead healthy, productive lives,” observed Dr. Anselm Hennis, Director of the PAHO Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health. “We have the tools to prevent cervical cancer from being a threat to the health and well-being of women, their families, and communities.”

Cervical cancer can be prevented with HPV vaccination and with screening. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls ages 9 to 14 and is available in 35 countries and territories of the Region. However, in the majority of countries, the HPV vaccine coverage rate with the recommended two doses, has not yet reached 80 per cent of the target population.

In addition to providing information about cervical cancer vaccination, the campaign also aims to raise awareness about cervical cancer screening, which is recommended primarily for women aged 30 to 49 years. An estimated 32 million women in the Region are eligible for cervical cancer screening, which, when coupled with treatment, can save lives.

The web-based campaign has a section for health professionals that contains guides, factsheets, answers to frequently asked questions, and a free online course, all aimed at building knowledge of the issue and improving HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. In September 2018, the Ministers of Health of the Americas, at the PAHO Directing Council meeting, agreed on a plan to reduce cervical cancer by a third in the Region by 2030. To accomplish this, the plan aims to strengthen primary prevention through information and education and HPV vaccination, as well as improve cervical cancer screening and treatment of precancerous lesions, and strengthen access to cancer diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

This online and social media campaign is an additional instrument in PAHO’s toolkit to help reach the goal of ending cervical cancer.

Participants of the procurement training workshop

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NATIONALS 2018

Barclay cops gold in Girls U-18, Long Jump on rain-affected Day 3 THE third day of the 58th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships was much affected by rain over at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. However, the small yet vociferous crowd was treated to some keen competition in the field events and the 4x100m relay heats.

Among the day’s top performers was District 4’s (East Coast Demerara) Annalisa Barclay who won gold in the Girls’ U-18 Long Jump before helping her District to qualify for the Girls’ Open 4x100m relay finals.

Barclay, who fouled her first jump in the pit, came back to record a best jump of 5.02m to cop gold ahead of District 14’s (East Bank Demerara) Tatyana Duncan, who recorded a best leap of 4.65m to win silver while Jasmaine Assanah (District 12 - East Georgetown) had to settle for bronze with a jump of 4.60m.

Speaking to Guyana Chronicle, Barclay revealed that she would be participating in the Triple Jump and High Jump.

She noted; “I’m very confident following my gold in the Long Jump, I am going for gold as well in the Triple Jump, but High Jump is not really my favourite event. However I’ll do my best.”

The 16-year-old President’s College student also talked up her District’s chances in the 4x100m Relays.

Also copping gold on the day was District 13’s (South Georgetown) Prudence Codrington in the Girls U-20 Javelin. Her best throw was marked at 35.38m which was good enough for gold while District 2’s (Essequibo Coast/ Pomeroon) Denitta Marks copped silver with a best throw of 18.99m. Miriam Primo (District 12- East Georgetown) closed out the top three with a bronze following her best effort of 18.33m.

In the Boys’ U-14 Discus, Javaun Conway (District 15-New Amsterdam) claimed gold with his throw of 33.03m while silver went to District 6’s (Corentyne) Kemar Leitch with 28.38m while District 10’s (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) Sel-

win Haywood secured bronze with 27.43m.

Up to press time most of the final field events and relay events results were yet to be made available. These results will be published in a subsequent report.

On Monday, District 6 (Corentyne) narrowly retained their Cycling title with 245 points ahead of District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) who were just eight behind on 237 points while North Georgetown (District 11) with 434 points also retained their Swimming Championship ahead of District 10 who amassed 319 points.

The action continues today at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara where fans will see the heats and finals for the 800m and 100m events.

Last year District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) won their second consecutive and 16th overall title while South Georgetown (District 13) finished second and North Georgetown (District 11) third.

AIBA-ranked referee Beckles to host seminars here … leading up to Caribbean Championship

THE Caribbean’s highest AIBA-ranked boxing referee, Trinidadian James Beckles, will arrive in Guyana on Saturday for a 10-day stint.

Beckles will be the guest of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA). He will hold two referee/judges (RJ) seminars as well as officiate in the Caribbean Championship.

“Mr Beckles’ (or King James as we call him) presence in Guyana is synonymous with international competitions here.

He was here in July when we

held the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors tournament and now for the Caribbean Championship, scheduled for December 6 to 9,” GBA president Steve Ninvalle informed.

“He will attempt to update both local and foreign RJs on rules of the sport. Beckles will hold a seminar on Sunday December 2 at the Resource Centre for local RJs. The following day that seminar will wrap up with a practical session at the Andrew Lewis Gym in Albouystown. On Tuesday and Wednesday he will stage seminars for the foreign RJs,” Ninvalle added.

The GBA boss noted that his association is grateful that the high-ranking official has taken time out from his busy scheduled to fit in Guyana. “He is in high demand around the world and Guyana is fortunate that he has accepted to be with us at this time.”

The Caribbean Championship has attracted several countries including Antigua, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. The Twin Island Republic has the largest contingent of 26 boxers and would be led by Olympian Nigel Paul, a super heavyweight.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

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Yasir spins Pakistan to series-levelling win ... equals Imran Khan’s most wickets in a match by Pakistan bowler

THEY were made to toil, but Pakistan completed a comfortable innings victory to square the three-match series 1-1 against New Zealand at Dubai.

The architect of the victory was Yasir Shah, who finished with a match tally of 14 wickets to give the hosts their victory. He had run through the New Zealand batting order with eight wickets in the first session and added another fivefor in the second essay.

He ended up with 14 wickets in the match - equalling Imran Khan for the most wickets taken in a Test match by a Pakistan bowler. He was

well supported by Hasan Ali, who picked up 3 for 46, to fashion the hosts’ win late on the penultimate day.

Yasir’s performance was one for the top drawer. He put on a show, a full array of skills, bamboozling the batsmen on the way to a record haul. He had to battle a little longer in the second innings, but consistently proved that he was on the top of his game.Pakistan’s wickets were much harder to get in the second session.

New Zealand resisted strongly, with Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls and Tom Latham all scoring fifties as they pushed to claw their way back in the

game.

Latham’s was an innings of patience. He had shown how the rest of the lineup can handle the Yasir threat, but fell early on the day, ruled out caught behind to Hasan Ali after notching up his fifty.

Ross Taylor took the aggressive approach. He cut and swept with abandon, scoring a quick-fire 82 off 128 balls, before the sweep shot brought about his downfall. It was a well-planned dismissal for Pakistan, who had a man stationed in the deep for the top edge against the tall Bilal Asif.

Henry Nicholls mirrored Latham with his patience. He

SCOREBOARD

Yasir Shah is pumped after taking yet another wicket in the match - 14 in all. (AFP)

PAKISTAN 1st innings 418 for 5 declared; NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 90 all out NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings o/n 132 for 2 Jeet Raval stp. Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 2 Tom Latham c Sarfraz Ahmed b Hasan Ali 50 Kane Williamson c Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 30 Ross Taylor c Yasir Shah b Bilal Asif 2 Henry Nicholls b Hasan Ali

77 BJ Watling lbw Yasir Shah

27 Colin de Grandhomme b Hasan Ali

14 Ish Sodhi b Yasir Shah

4 Neil Wagner c Hasan Ali b Yasir Shah 10 Ajaz Patel not out 5 Trent Boult c Sarfraz Ahmed b Yasir Shah 0 Extras: (b-9, lb-2)

11 Total: (all out, 112.5 overs)

312 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-66, 3-146, 4-198, 5-255, 6-270, 7-285, 8-301, 9-311.

Bowling: Mohammad Abbas 15-7-29-0, Hasan Ali 19-7-46-3, Yasir Shah 44.5-9-143- 6, Mohammad Hafeez 3-1-6, Bilal Asif 27-5-61-1, Haris Sohail 4-0-16-0.

Croats dance as Davis Cup victors come home ZAGREB, Croatia (Reuters) - Thousands of Croats danced and cheered in Zagreb’s central square on Monday as they welcomed their national tennis team back home and celebrated its Davis Cup victory.

Top-ranked Marin Cilic

and other players boarded a special bus straight from the airport, drove into the heart of the capital and climbed onto a stage in Ban Jelacic Square to greet their fans.

As footage of their best moments played out on a video wall behind them, the play-

Croatia team captain Zeljko Kraja and team celebrate winning the Davis Cup November 26, 2018.

(REUTERS/Antonio Bronic)

ers sang and danced along with the flag-waving crowd.

“We’re extremely happy to bring this trophy to Croatia and to show everyone that we are the best,” Cilic said from the stage as he held up the prize.

Croatia’s 3-1 defeat of France over the weekend was the second time they have won the trophy, after beating Slovakia in 2005.

It was also Croatia’s second major sporting clash with France this year - the first was Croatia’s 4-2 defeat in the World Cup soccer final in Moscow in July.

“We are proud of our guys. They struck back after the defeat of our soccer team,” one of the revellers in Zagreb said.

scored 77 off 187 balls, and kept the New Zealand hopes flickering even after the dismissal of the aforementioned duo.

But the star of the day was Yasir. He’d already picked up two wickets the previous day, getting rid of Jeet Raval and Kane Williamson the previous day, and his influence continued into Day 4.

He had to wait until his 20th over of the day to break through, but when it came it was the all-important opening.

Watling and Nicholls had been involved in a 57-run stand for the fifth wicket, helping New Zealand chip away at the deficit. The pair had batted nearly 25 overs when Yasir finally trapped Watling in front.

After de Grandomme fell,

to Hasan Ali, Yasir came back to remove Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner and Trent Boult, fittingly taking the final wicket of the game to give Pakistan their series-levelling triumph.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 418-5 decl. beat New Zealand 90 (Yasir Shah 8-41) & 312 (Ross Taylor 82, Yasir 6-143) by an innings and 16 runs.

(Cricbuzz)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Coach Ramesh Powar was out to hurt and destroy me, alleges Mithali Raj MITHALI Raj has alleged that coach Ramesh Powar humiliated her and discriminated against her during India’s World T20 campaign in West Indies which ended with a semifinal exit that the ODI captain wasn’t a part of.

According to a letter sent

by Mithali to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and general manager Saba Karim, which was published on the India Today website, Mithali stated that her exclusion from the semifinal match against England was “baffling and hurtful” and that her main issue was with the coach who was indifferent to her in the lead-up to the match in Antigua.

“My issues with the coach started immediately as we landed in the West Indies. At first there were small signs that his behaviour towards me was unfair and discriminatory but I did not bother much about it,” stated Mithali in the letter revealed by India Today.

She alleged that despite adhering to some of the decisions taken by Powar in the interest of the team - like batting out of her usual opening position and delivering with back-to-back fifties when asked to return to her preferred slot - the coach’s indifference to her caused her a lot of stress.

After scores of 0 and 18 that Mithali managed in the World T20 warm-up matches against the Windies and England, Mithali was moved down the order in the game against New Zealand where she didn’t get to bat at all.

However, she was restored to the opening position in the games against Pakistan and Ireland in which she scored successive half-centuries and was also given the Playerof-the-Match award for both games. That she was able to open again was only due to the intervention of the selectors before the match against Pakistan, stated the letter.

“This left me completely shocked, as against Pakistan there was no requirement of strengthening the middle order and also I have a great record against them. This was a match we had to win. I immediately reached out to the selectors and upon their intervention he told me just before the game at breakfast that I was opening.

“I performed well in the

Mithali Raj was excluded from the side for the World T20 semis. (ICC)

“Not having played middle order in recent times and without practice still, I agreed for the greater cause of the team. For me team comes ahead of anything.

After the game it was evident that the opening did not work as the team was 3-38 after power-play and yet in the team meeting the next day he informed me that we are going with the same opening pair as against New Zealand. And he also praised the openers despite them not succeeding.

game and we cruised to victory. But instead of saying any words of encouragement it appeared he was out there to prove a point and from there on his behaviour changed dramatically towards me and really caused a lot of stress in the middle of one of the most important tournaments for us.”

The letter alleged that Powar ignored and avoided Mithali during net sessions which left her embarrassed and humiliated, and that she sought the team manager’s help to

facilitate a meeting with Powar to air her concerns and offer her suggestions, including trying out youngsters at the opening position in the game against Ireland.

Things took a turn for the worse after the meeting, alleged the letter, which stated that Mithali, who was down with a fever and nursing a bruised knee, was asked not to turn up to the ground for the game against Australia.

“In the evening after the team meeting before the Australia game, Ramesh rings up in my room and instructs me not to come to the ground as the media will be there. I was told I was not to be with my own team in one of our biggest games.

“I was shell-shocked. I spoke to the manager immediately and told her that I am not seriously injured and only seriously sick, and that I want to come and watch my team play. She agreed and told me to come.

“But I received a text from Ramesh in a few minutes after my conversation with the manager wherein he told me not to step out of the dressing room.

“I found it strange: why is he getting involved when it was purely the manager’s and physio’s call. When we won the Australia game, Ramesh sent a word across with a team mate to call me down to the dugout so that I can join the team for a victory lap. It was strange because right through the match I had been put under house arrest and was never allowed

to leave the dressing room.”

Having reached Antigua three days before the semifinal against England, India only had a scheduled fielding session.

Powar, however, took five players for extra practice and upon hearing the news of the same, Mithali had expressed her willingness to take part in the session having not had the opportunity to bat for a few days.

The letter stated that there was no reply from Powar and she was only asked to join later with the whole team. The letter also said Mithali was among the last to get a hit out in the nets, a clear sign “that he had already made up his mind that he didn’t want to play me in the semis”.

The playing-eleven and the news about her exclusion for the semifinal was only known a few minutes before the toss, contrary to the usual methods of deciding upon the team a day before or on the eve of the game, stated the letter.

“It is when Harman walked to toss, he (Powar) came running to me and said that they were going with the same team. It meant the whole team knew who were playing and it was just me who was not aware.

“Also, when the team was getting ready to field in the second innings, it is customary that even those who aren’t playing should join the team huddle as it has always been the norm in our team. But to insult me that day, he sent a word through the manager to tell that

it was only the playing-eleven that can join in the huddle and the rest can go back to the dugout making us feel as outcasts.

It was worrying and insulting because the coach was out to destroy and humiliate me.”

Mithali’s criticism wasn’t restricted to Powar alone as the letter alleged that CoA member Diana Edulji, despite being aware of what had transpired chose to ignore it.

“Her brazen support in the press with regard to the decision of my benching in the semi-final of the T20 World Cup has left me deeply distressed, more because she knows the real facts having spoken to me. Thereafter her statement saying ‘selection is not the COA’s headache’ is like suggesting there is no system of cheques (sic) and balances and anyone can do anything and get away because they have the backing of people in power.

“I have always adhered to protocol and haven’t said a word in the press regarding anything that happened in the West Indies believing that the BCCI is there and in the end ‘my truth ‘ will have an ear there and my matter will be handled justly.

“But the brazen support of a COA member is a clear sign of bias and also that a stance has already been taken against me. By saying, ‘I don’t support someone’ and then going all out to support my benching in the press is prejudice of the clearest sort,” the letter stated. (Cricbuzz)

General Services retain Bosai basketball trophy with 70-57 win over Operations

...Terron Welch is MVP of final GENERAL Services retained supremacy with a 70-57 win over Plant Operations in the Bosai Inter-Department basketball championship final at the Mackenzie Sports Club basketball hard court, thus cartmg off bragging rights with their second straight title.

This time Services were led by their new recruit, shooting guard Terron Welch, whose national experience served him in good stead as he netted 17 points to be the final’s Most Valuable Player in

the process, edging out teammate centre Clive McCalman, who gave admirable support with 16 points.

L a s t y e a r ’s M o s t Valuable Player Jamar Bethune had a relatively quiet night after showing some form in the semifinals and added seven points for the winners.

The Plant Operations Omisisi Williams was the game’s top scorer with 23 points in a losing cause while teammate Myron Prescott scored 15.

In the supporting game,

former junior national player Marlon Pollydore singlehandedly led Mines to the third place win with a tournament-high 40 points in a 64-56 win over Plant Maintenance after his team led 33-31 at halftime.

The best players for Plant Maintenance were Anson Durant with 18 points and Mark Louis with eight.

For the second consecutive year Nickel Carr won the female free throw competition. (Joe Chapman)

The 2018 Bosai Basketball Champions General Services.

At right is Most Valuable Player Terron Welch.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

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Van Lange cops Division 10 win at Joola North American Team Championships

By Michelangelo Jacobus ALREADY with a fast growing reputation after coming into the table tennis arena, just a little over a year, Titans Table Tennis Club player, 11-year-old Jonathan Van Lange once again proved why he’s one of Guyana’s brightest young prospects by adding another accolade to his ever-growing trophy cabinet.

This time the youngster teamed up with overseas-based Guyanese Shaun Abrams, Yuqiao Zou and Bandhu Paudyal in Division 10 of the Joola North American Team Championships being held at the Gaylord National Resort, National Harbor, Maryland in the USA. The quartet representing the Li Loeber Table Tennis Club won their division convincingly by first topping their group (Group 2) then dispatching Group 1 winners ‘Cidra 3’ in the final to claim the Division 10 title.

Each group had 8 teams and in their seven group stage matches, Li Loeber only lost once with Van Lange in particularly beastly form.

Li Loeber’s only loss was in their first match against the Maryland TTC who managed to defeat them 5-4.

However, the quartet rebounded to win six matches on the trot, Nor’Easters 5-1, PW TTC 5-3, HWGF 5-3, HT TTC 5-3, Beasts 5-2 and an especially harsh thrashing of Los Marlins 5-0.

Abrams inflicted a 11-6, 11-9 and 11-5 thrashing over the former. Abrams also defeated Jerall Montijo 11-7, 11-3, 9-11 and 11-9 while Yuqiao Zou also had 7-11, 11-2, 11-7 and 11-6 victory over Mon-

The victorious team Li Loeber TTC, from left, Shaun Abrams, Bandhu Paudyal, Jonathan Van Lange and Yuqiao Zou

In the crushing victory over Los Marlins, Van Lange beat Gilianie Avila 11-6, 11-8, 11-9 and Luis Barbosa 11-4, 11-6 and 11-7 while Shaun

tijo.

When Li Loeber met Cidra 3 in the final, Van Lange and Zou were merciless. Van Lange was a

picture of composure belying his youthfulness as he beat Luis Rivera 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 and Jesus Rodriguez 11-4, 8-11, 11-5 and 11-7.

Zou made light work of Eduardo Sanchez at 11-4, 11-7, 6-11 and 11-8 while he (Zou) beat Rodriguez in sets of 11-3, 14-12, 9-11, 12-14 and 11-6.

Abrams suffered the only loss against Sanchez at 12-10, 11-9, 3-11, 10-12 and 2-11. However he closed out Li Loeber’s victory with a 6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-9 and 11-9 win over Rivera.

Van Lange along with Titans teammate, Krystian Sahadeo, left Guyana’s shores last week for the United States of America where they will be participating in various competitions for the remainder of the year.

As Van Lange and Sahadeo compete, win or lose they will be placed in categories and earn USA ranking points. They will not be in any age category.

Teams will be placed with other teams with similar rankings.

Both youngsters will be returning early January and are being accompanied by their parents.

Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward/Village KO Cup postponed ORGANISERS of this year’s Hamilton Green 9-a-side Inter-Ward/ Village KO Cup have been forced to postpone tonight’s round of matches due to circumstances beyond their control.

According to co-ordinator Lennox Arthur, the scheduled round of matches which was set to be played this evening will not be played, following a request from the custodians of the Centre, who related that athletes and officials, currently participating in the National Schools Cycling, Swimming & Athletics Championships, are using the Den Amstel Community Centre ground.

Arthur disclosed that the new date for the penultimate round of games is now Sunday and eight exciting matches are scheduled to be played.

Hosts Den Amstel will headline the pro-

ceedings when they clash with Soesdyke in the final game of the night.

In the opening encounter, at 18:00hrs, Zeelugt tackle Charlestown and many feel that this game is the perfect start for the night’s proceedings.

This clash will be followed by the game between Sophia and Central Mackenzie, before Mahaica and Mahaicony square off for a place in the next round as well as bragging rights.

Goed Fortuin then collide with Wales, before Crane and Sara Lodge take to the field for their matchup.

Up for grabs will be close to $700 000 in total prize moneys.

West Demerara’s Pouderoyen then look to repel the challenge of visiting Newtown Kitty, before another team from the West Side Uitvlugt face Timehri.

Postponed Libertadores final moved outside Argentina in December

By Daniela Desantis

ASUNCION (Reuters) - The Copa Libertadores soccer final between Argentine rivals River Plate and Boca Juniors will take place in early December outside of Argentina after fan violence forced the match to be postponed last week, organisers said on Tuesday.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) said in a statement that the game - the South American equivalent of the Champions League final in Europe - should be played on Dec. 8 or Dec. 9, but did not specify an alternative location.

After playing to a 2-2 draw in the final’s first leg, Argentina’s two biggest clubs were scheduled meet in the decisive second leg on Saturday at River’s Monumental stadium. The match was called off after several Boca players were hurt when their bus was pelted with rocks by River fans.

“It will be played outside Argentina because the conditions do not exist for the game to be played in Argentina,” CONMEBOL President Alejandro Dominguez told a news conference after meeting with the heads of both clubs at the confederation’s headquarters in Paraguay.

Paraguayan police commander, Walter Vazquez, told a local radio station that Asuncion could be the venue and that the match would be played on Sunday, Dec. 9.

Boca Juniors, meanwhile, have officially requested that CONMEBOL disqualify River and award the championship to them. The organization has opened disciplinary proceedings against River.

Boca president Daniel Angelici said in Paraguay that the club could take its case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an international body headquartered in Switzerland that settles sporting disputes.

The showdown between the fierce Buenos Aires ri-

vals was billed as the greatest final in the competition’s 58-year history.

Both legs were sold out and fans and media came from

around the world to watch what many consider to be one of the most bitter rivalries in world sport.

However, Argentine

President of the CONMENBOL Alejandro Dominguez speaks to the media after having a meeting with Daniel Angelici and Rodolfo D’Onofrio, presidents of soccer clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate respectively at the CONMEBOL headquarters to discuss the rescheduling of Copa Libertadores final, which was postponed after a bus with players was attacked, in Luque, Paraguay November 27, 2018. REUTERS/Jorge Adorno

football was disgraced after River fans threw stones and missiles at the Boca bus as it made its way to the stadium, breaking windows and injuring players.

Tear gas or pepper spray used against the unruly fans got into the vehicle, disorienting players and causing some to vomit. Boca captain Pablo Perez was taken to hospital with cuts to his eye and several other players suffered lacerations caused by shards of glass from broken windows.

Even though the stadium was filled to capacity, Boca said they were in no state to play and CONMEBOL first delayed the match and later postponed it until Sunday.

On Sunday, CONMEBOL called the game off once again after Boca complained that a fair contest could not be guaranteed if the game was played at the River stadium.

The postponements of what was supposed to have been a gala occasion for

South American football was a huge embarrassment to CONMEBOL and Argentina, which this week hosts a summit of the Group of 20 industrialized nations.

Argentina’s president on Monday called for Congress to pass a bill in special session that would more severely punish soccer hooliganism.

In addition to the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, Miami has been suggested as a potential site for the rescheduled match. Cities in Italy, Brazil and Colombia have also reportedly offered to host.

The new date will ensure the Libertadores champions can compete in this year’s Club World Cup, which starts on Dec. 12 in the United Arab Emirates.

The CONMEBOL winners play their first match in the tournament on Dec. 18 and could face UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid in the final.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Den Amstel win BK Tiwari 60th Birth Anniversary football competition

Prize winners pose with their hardware along with Brian Tiwari’s daughter and grandson (stooping) at the company’s head office on Monday.

WINNERS of this year’s Brian Tiwari 60th Birth Anniversary Football Competition were rewarded with their prizes on Monday, during a simple ceremony that was conducted at the company’s head office on Water Street, Kingston.

On hand to make the presentation to the winning teams was CEO Brian Tiwari in whose name the tournament was played, his daughter and grandsons.

Speaking at the occa-

sion, the successful businessman, who is a leader in philanthropic undertakings, told the gathering that he is no stranger to football and sports, citing his involvement with Western Tigers as proof of his love for the sport.

More popular for his business ventures that include infrastructural works and investment in the airline industry, Tiwari spoke of his company’s seriousness when it comes to their social responsibility, informing that they would

usually set aside close to $20 million annually to assist in sports, arts & culture and a host of other social activities.

He promised to make the event an annual one and hopefully increase his involvement and the popularity of the tournament.

“As long as my good friend Lennox Arthur approaches me I will continue to support the tournament and even try to make it bigger”, Tiwari stated.

Meanwhile, Den Amstel trounced Timehri Panthers

4-0 in the final to cart off the major prize worth $100 000, while Timehri Panthers took home $50 000.

Teams’ representatives all thanked Tiwari for his kind gesture and his support for the sport and urged that he should return in a meaningful way in helping to develop the game.

His grandsons Bradley and Kane Gabriel sponsored an exhibition tournament which carried a winner-takeall prize of $50 000 and a trophy.

Champions League

Real Madrid, Roma reach last 16 as CSKA lose at home MOSCOW, Russia (Reuters) - Holders Real Madrid and AS Roma reached the Champions League knockout stages before kicking a ball yesterday after CSKA Moscow lost 2-1 when suffering a late collapse at home to Viktoria Plzen in Group G. CSKA had to win to have any chance of reeling in the top two, who both have nine points and met later yesterday in Rome, and took the lead after 10 minutes with a Nikola Vasic penalty after Lukas Hedja had tripped Georgi Shchennikov.

The Russian defender then conceded a penalty at the other end just before

halftime for a foul on Radim Reznik. However, Russia’s World Cup goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev dived to his right to save Roman Prochazka’s weak effort.

Prochazka made up for that miss by beating Akinfeev with a miscued finish into the top right corner 10 minutes after the break before Hedja got redemption of his own by heading in a cross from Patrik Hrosovsky to complete Plzen’s comeback.

CSKA’s first defeat by Czech opposition at home meant that Plzen join them on four points in the group, intensifying the battle for third place and a Europa League spot.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday November 28, 2018)

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

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Bangladesh won by 64 runs Australia Women

(1) (2)

TODAY’S QUIZ: Where and when was the first ever Test match played?

Where and when was the first ever ODI contested?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

United qualify after controversial late Fellaini winner MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini struck a controversial stoppage-time winner to bring blessed relief to Old Trafford after a laboured 1-0 win over Young Boys edged them into the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday.

United’s struggles at home and their fans’ disenchantment had looked set to continue as it seemed that, for the first time in their history, they were going to fail to score at their own ground in a European tie for three matches in a row.

Yet, after largely dominating the match while being betrayed by a blunt edge up front, Belgian Fellaini turned to shoot home in the 91st minute, despite the ball appearing to come off his hand as he swivelled to strike it.

“For me it was not a handball,” Fellaini told BT Sport afterwards. “If it touched my hand, it was not on purpose.”

United, though, were also grateful for the right hand of goalkeeper David de Gea, who made a truly remarkable second-half save at full stretch from a deflected Ulisses Garcia strike, clawing the ball off the

line at full stretch.

That save came as the Swiss champions grew in confidence in the second half, encouraged by the prosaic efforts of Jose Mourinho’s side, who struggled to create chances and squandered the few they did fashion.

Marcus Rashford, one of their livelier players, was also their most wasteful, missing five opportunities, including an outstanding one in the opening five minutes.

The relief around Old Trafford when Fellaini turned to fire his effort through the legs of defender Loris Benito was so pronounced that United’s emotional manager Jose Mourinho picked up and hurled the pitch-side drinks holder to the ground.

The late win after another sub-par performance at least ensured United qualified from Group H as they moved on to 10 points, two behind leaders Juventus who beat Valencia 1-0 to eliminate the Spaniards who have five. Young Boys are on one.

“The most important thing is to qualify and for some of my lovers, and

those that like stats, I am 14 seasons in the Champions League and 14 times my teams have qualified through to the group stages,” Mourinho told BT Sport.

ford enlivened by the sight of 3 000 visiting fans all in yellow rain macs cheering on the underdogs, United began brightly, even with Mourinho having left Paul Pogba on the bench

when United won 3-0 and it looked from the opening exchanges, as Rashford chipped over when one-onone with goalkeeper David von Ballmoos, as if it could

Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini celebrates scoring their first goal with manager Jose Mourinho. (Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine)

“The season I was not in the Champions League, I won the Europa League.”

On a wet night at Old Traf-

and omitted Alexis Sanchez.

The Frenchman had scored twice in the corresponding fixture in Berne

be a similarly comfortable night for United.

Rashford forced another sharp save from Von Ball-

moos on the quarter-hour and fired another wide 10 minutes later but his exciting approach play was betrayed by his poor finishing as United began to perform in now-familiar stodgy fashion.

Young Boys created barely an opportunity but could have sneaked the lead just before halftime if it had not been for Djibril Sow’s attempt at an over-elaborate backheeled finish.

Rashford’s profligacy continued after the break when he sliced wide with his left foot before Fellaini hoicked another volleyed opportunity skywards.

It all encouraged the visitors to come out of their shells and Garcia forced the incredible stop from De Gea as they looked increasingly dangerous.

“We’re thankful for David pulling off an unbelievable save but we dug in there, kept going and, okay, it wasn’t pretty but we won the game.” said United defender Phil Jones.

“It takes the pressure off going to Spain but we need to finish the group strongly.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, November 28, 2018

35

Foster willing to serve for one more year as BCB president PROACTIVE president of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB), Hilbert Foster, is willing to serve at the helm for one more year.

Foster, who has given the sport in the Ancient County an energy shot under his watch, told a gathering of cricket officials and players last Sunday at the Port Mourant ground that the decision was no easy task.

He said that he was moved after receiving a countless number of requests from clubs, officials, parents and umpires, who were afraid that his exit would result in county cricket becoming inactive.

Foster, who has loyally executed his duties with Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC) for many years as Secretary/CEO said that the club remains his first priority.

In February of 2018, Foster reluctantly accepted the top position of the BCB as he looked

to create a similar atmosphere like the RHTY&SC - where youths were given opportunities.

The respected administrator noted that his mandate was to grow the sport in Berbice to such a level that youths could have their dream of playing cricket at the highest level fulfilled.

He also wanted to give youths an alternative to misguided paths.

Reaching from where he started, which was a twoyear dormant sport with only $42 000 in the bank, took hard work.

Foster stated that it was depressing to see youths turning up at practice every day of the week with no cricket to play.

He added that a lack of developmental programmes failed to unearth talent in the region.

EIGHTEEN AND COUNTING The BCB under Foster’s leadership this year has suc-

cessfully completed 18 cricket tournaments while another four have moved into the finals.

A total of 26 tournaments would have started over the last nine months at the Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-21, Internal Zone, Second Division, Double Wicket and First Division levels.

Information from the board indicates that the tournaments which were not completed this year, would roll over into the new year.

INITIATIVE The board has also started early preparations for the 2019 Inter-County season by securing sponsorship for Under-15, Under-17, Female and Under-19 level competitions.

The Under-15 competition for 2019 has already started, while the others would start shortly, weather permitting.

Dozens of developmental programmes and award ceremonies have also been or-

ganised in an effort to make sure that every talent in the Ancient County is identified and nurtured. Systems are also in place to make sure that every hero is recognised and honoured.

Efforts have also been made to assist clubs with balls, stumps, raincoats, scorebooks, trophies among other items.

The BCB, over the last nine months, has also launched programmes such as financial stipends for national junior and female cricketers, inter-county cap system, inter-county MVP, educational posters among others.

The RHTY&SC (MS) has pumped over $1.5M of its own funds to assist the BCB to fulfil its mandate over the last nine months.

EVEN BETTER IN 2019 Foster urged the players and officials to remain focused on the task ahead, as much work needs to be done. He stated that if re-elected, he

BCB president Hilbert Foster is willing to serve for one more year.

would work along with others to identify a leader of the future and serve as a mentor.

He stated that while it may be difficult to match the achievements in 2018, 2019 promises to be even better as many more sponsors are willing to come on board once he remains at the helm. This would result in more tournaments and developmental programmes.

Special efforts would also be made to play a round-robin

two-day first division tournament and obtain a modern indoor cricket facility for the county cricketers.

Foster was quick to point out that he had received cooperation from everyone in the county, including clubs who had voted against him at the election. Every commitment and promise had also been fulfilled as he strongly believed that his word/promise is his bond.

Dottin jumps to number two Weightlifting team set for Barbados competition in all-rounder rankings DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Veteran West Indies star Deandra Dottin is now the world’s number tworanked all-rounder in Twenty20 Internationals.

In the latest rankings announced yesterday by the International Cricket Council, the 27-year-old had jumped two spots to second, following her exploits in the recent ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Dottin overtook West Indies teammate Hayley Matthews and Australia’s Ellyse Perry, and is now only 32 points behind her captain Stafanie Taylor, who tops the list with 353 ranking points.

Barbadian Dottin was one of the few consistent performers for the Windies in the T20 World Cup, making 121 runs and finishing as the joint-leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps.

Bowling her sharp rightarm seam, she produced career-best figures of five for five in the opening match against Bangladesh in Guyana.

Perry, meanwhile, lies third in the all-rounders rankings while Matthews sits fourth and South Africa skipper Dane van Niekerk, fifth.

6, 8, 1 and 5 in her other four innings.

She also took a tumble in the bowling rankings, falling 11 places after taking just three wickets with

Flashback: The 2017 team captured six medals, including three gold.

West Indies all-rounder Deandra Dottin

In the batting rankings, Taylor remained steady at number two despite her poor form in the T20 World Cup while Dottin also remained unmoved at number four but the 20-year-old Matthews slipped three places to 15th spot.

Matthews, a rising star, struck 62 against Sri Lanka but mustered scores of only

her off-spin in the recent tournament – all coming in her stand-out game against the Sri Lankans in St Lucia.

However, Matthews is the only West Indies player in the top 20 of the bowling rankings headed

by Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt.

New Zealander Suzie Bates remained top of the batting rankings.

A THREE-member team, selected to represent Guyana Amateur Weightlifting Association, will wing out this afternoon to compete in the Phillips and Springer Classic Caribbean Championships, which is scheduled for Bridgetown, Barbados later this week.

Krystol Chanderban and Deion Nurse will look to replicate their performance when the two-day weightlifting event gets underway

tomorrow. Chanderban was adjudged the best Junior female lifter, while Nurse was declared the best overall lifter in the Masters category one year ago.

With only two lifters set to compete this year, the national team will not be able to repeat their 2017 performance, which saw Guyana win three gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze.

According to Nurse, who is the technical director of the

local association, he is hopeful for a good performance.

“There are never any guarantees. However, I’m very optimistic.”

Up to a few weeks ago, a few other lifters were contemplating making the trip, but according to Nurse, commitment to work and studies shortened the numbers.

The other person in the travelling squad is coach Sean Cozier.

NATIONALS 2018

Barclay cops gold in Girls U-18, Long Jump on rain-affected Day 3

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Action in the Boys’ Open 4x100m Relay

Gold medallist in the Girls’ U-18 Long Jump Annalisa Barclay (centre) stands on the podium with Tatyana Duncan (silver) to her right and Jasmaine Assanah (bronze) to her left.

East Coast’s (District 4) Annalisa Barclay is aiming to add the Girls’ U-18 Triple Jump and Girls Open 4x100m relay gold medals to her name.

AIBA-ranked referee Beckles to host seminars here … leading up to Caribbean Championship

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AIBA-ranked boxing referee James Beckles

GBA president Steve Ninvalle

Dortmund bus bomber sentenced to 14 years in prison THE man responsible for a bomb attack on Borussia Dortmund’s team bus has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after being found guilty of 28 counts of attempted murder.

Dortmund were en route to their Signal Iduna Park home for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Monaco on April 11, 2017 when three explosions went off.

Defender Marc Bartra was wounded and suffered a broken wrist, while the game was delayed by 24 hours – the Bundesliga side suffering a 3-2 defeat before eventually bowing out 6-3 on aggregate.

The Federal Prosecutor’s Office alleged that the 29-year-old suspect of dual German and Russian nationality, identified during the trial as “Sergej W”, was motivated by financial gain after buying options on the day of the attack entitling him to sell Dortmund shares at a set price.

The suspect admitted having built and detonated the bombs but denied any killing intent, claiming to have wanted only to spread fear and terror.

He was charged with 28 counts of attempted murder in August and was handed his sentence yesterday.

The prosecution had been pushing for life imprisonment, while the defence wanted a sentence “in the single-digit range”.

Foster willing to serve for one more year as BCB president » 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

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2018