Guyana Chronicle E-paper 12-11-2018

TUESDAY 11th DECEMBER, 2018

No.105485

16 foreign companies apply for business registration

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Police killing costs state $20M

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Ramson dismissed

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

…PM says office was rendered dysfunctional … emphasises the need for appointment of non-partisan person

…High Court grants judgement in favour of mother in 2012 fish shop killing

Gov't to beef up air surveillance

… National Intelligence Centre gets $12.5M

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Santa Parade! Teachers, parents and pupils of the Alexander Village Nursery School participated in a Christmas parade through the village on Monday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Unrepresented inmates to get legal aid …as gov’t rolls out $195M justice sector reform project

By Lisa Hamilton INMATES without representation have been one of the contributing factors to prison overcrowding and the government is about to tackle this through the ambitious Justice Sector Reform Project, which will provide legal aid to some 71per cent of that population.

Guyana’s justice sector will receive the much-needed attention it deserves with the approval of a $195M Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded pilot project, aimed at reaching persons who have been unrepresented over the years.

It will ensure the legal representation of litigants across the country; address the provision of legal aid to 71 per cent of the prison population presently without; strengthen institutions and restorative justice and facilitate training and public awareness.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams presented the fiveyear programme in the National Assembly Committee

of Supply, during the consideration the budget estimates for his ministry on Monday.

Digging into the details of the project, Minister Williams said that some $10.4M will aid in the design and implementation of the restorative judgement programme which seeks to train the judiciary, magistracy, police prosecutors, probation services and other stakeholders.

“It is estimated almost 12,000 officers will be trained. This essentially involves bringing victims and perpetrators together to look at options other than the usual adversarial options that you have,” Minister Williams remarked.

Meanwhile, $8.3M has been allocated to the office set up for the restorative judgement programme, which includes the purchasing of furniture and other equipment. Added to this, a $12.5M case management system will be developed to connect relevant agencies involved in facilitating a matter to the court system, with $45.7M to facilitate the system itself.

Judges and magistrates

will also be trained in the use of alternative to pre-trial liberty with the sum of $13.1M. “This project seeks to carry out various training activities to promote the effective use of alternative sentencing, so that we would avoid the overcrowding of the prisons,” the Legal Affairs Minister began.

“We’ve had a consultant who has been reviewing the Summary Jurisdiction Procedure Act, to weed out archaic and other laws that have been there since the days of slavery. That would also deal with minor offences that people are detained and are in custody for, and are clogging up the prison system.”

He added that the custodial sentencing for the possession of small amounts of marijuana is also a matter to be addressed under the funding.

Regarding alternative sentencing, $26.5M will go towards the recruitment of two attorneys-at-law and four paralegals for their legal representation. They will work to request alternative punishments for selected non-violent offenders on re-

mand. Additionally, $5.2M will go towards training programmes to increase representation skills; $19.3M to the strengthening of probation services; $20.8M to capacity development of probation officers.

A public awareness and sensitisation programme will also commence with $12.5M funding, and aimed at educating the people of Guyana about restorative practices and how they can benefit.

An additional $20.4M will be go towards support of the Law Reform Commission in 2019, which will also address the Mental Health Act; Substance Abuse and Psychotropic Substances Act and the need for the Bail Act. Responding to Opposition Member of Parliament Anil Nandlall on when these Acts can be expected in the House of Assembly, Williams said: “We have as system where we do consultations on bills, so it’s not an overnight process; it’s a process we send to all stakeholders; we have consultations and other

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams (Adrian Narine photo)

engagements and then the toand-fro until eventually you get a bill that comes to this Honorable House.”

Further questioned by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Priya Manickchand on whether the project will incorporate the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, Minister Williams affirmed the possibility of the same.

The Legal Aid Clinic provides free or subsidised legal advice and represen-

tation to people who cannot afford to pay for an attorney.

Williams stated that the fact is that the project will also explore the establishment of a national legal aid framework, to ensure access to legal representation to all.

“I suppose as we develop this pilot project, we can probably look and examine how we can mesh this…in fact we paid a consultant to do exactly that. To map all of the legal aid that exists in Guyana so that at the end of the funding of the programme, what we do with what we have created,” he said.

With the development of several capital towns in Guyana by President David Granger along with the project, Minister Williams believes that these and other magisterial districts will have greater access to legal aid in future.

The Justice Sector Programme is to be administered by the Legal Affairs Ministry by a project manager to be stationed in Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Ramson dismissed

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…PM says office was rendered dysfunctional … emphasises need for non-partisan commissioner of information

Government has parted ways with Commissioner of Information, retired Judge, Charles Ramson Snr, for “rendering his office dysfunctional”.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo told the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly on Monday, during the Consideration of the 2019 national budget estimates that Ramson has not submitted any information regarding his mandate, and as such, his post was terminated on March 8, 2018.

“He has rendered no report, has provided no account for what he has done,” Nagamootoo said, noting that no money was set aside for the Office of the Commissioner of Information in the 2019 budget.

In reply to a barrage of questions from PPP's Juan Edghill and Anil Nandlall, the Prime Minister said that he could not say whether the sacked Commissioner did any work that benefitted any citizen, since he did not file any report. The PM said that his office, however, did

pay him salaries and benefits in excess of $22 million for 2018.

"Our Department of Governance will review the functioning of this office, with the hope of re-activating it in the future," the Prime Minister assured.

Meanwhile, the Opposition PPP which has questioned the presence of the Prime Minister in the House, on the ground that he is performing functions of the President, fully engaged him in a spirited question and answer exchange during consideration of the estimates of expenditure on agencies within his portfolio.

The Prime Minister has responsibilities for public information, broadcasting, governance and parliamentary affairs.

The Prime Minister also disclosed that the Government and the former Commissioner of Information, Charles Ramson Senior, are engaged before the courts in a “series of litigations” for monies which the com-

FLASHBACK: Retired Judge, Charles Ramson Snr as he peered out his East Street home in 2016 with the sign “Office of the Commissioner of Information” (Samuel Maughn photo)

missioner claims are owed to him. It was however disclosed that issue of the office of the Commissioner of Information is being “re-examined.”

“We recognise that this a statutory office and the contractual employment of the last commissioner having been terminated, the Department of Governance and the Office of the Prime Minis-

ter will be looking at what measures to have the office resituated.”

The Prime Minister emphasised that it is necessary to assign someone who is fully qualified to function in the capacity of Commissioner of Information.

In November 2016, it was reported that Ramson was the subject of scrutiny following his failure to submit reports

of his work, since he took office in 2013.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo told reporters at the time that he wrote Ramson asking whether he (Ramson) had submitted the information necessary for compilation of the report to be tabled before the National Assembly.

“I am not aware that any report had been submitted since the appointment of the Commission in 2013. None has been tabled in the National Assembly,” the prime minister said.

The commissioner is empowered by the Access to Information Act, which was enacted in 2011. The legislation establishes in Guyana, a regime of transparency and accountability wherein residents and domiciled persons can access public information once it does not conflict with the country’s Official Secrets Act. There were concerns about Ramson’s decision to move his office from the Ministry of the Presidency to his East Street, George-

town home, and Prime Minister Nagamootoo said in 2016 that he was unsure why Ramson relocated.

He told reporters: “I’d have to find out specifically why he would have had to relocate… I think he had problems parking his huge vehicle… there were some concerns about that.”

Ramson said to Guyana the Chronicle in June 2016, that there were very few requests for information since he took office, and even fewer after the administration had been changed. He pointed to requests made by the Guyana Bar Association and Transparency Institute of Guyana Incorporated (TIGI).

The former Attorney General (AG) under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration had refused to honour a request from the TIGI once, because he was not referred to as “Justice” in the official correspondence sent to him. Ramson’s appointment to the post was confirmed in 2013 by then President Donald Ramotar.

SPU wants gov’t to intervene –– in dispute with GuySuCo over LBI Sports Bar THE Special Purpose Unit (SPU) of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) has called on government to intervene and declare the true owner a sports bar at GuySuCo’s head office, LBI, East Coast Demerara.

The SPU has contended that under the transfer order (Vesting Order) which was signed by both parties, GuySuCo transferred the right to all immovable and movable land and property at the Rose Hall, Enmore, Wales and the LBI Sugar Estates.

Properties and Fixed Assets Officer Calvin Boxhill, with the help of SPU’s legal advisers said section five of the vesting order is conclusive evidence of NICIL’s full and absolute ownership of the property.

He also said section five

of the Public Corporation’s Act states that the vesting order should be given the status of a transport.

“Despite the existing legal documents, GuySuCo is refusing to acknowledge that we own the LBI Estate… that is why there is still a dispute over the ownership of the club house,” said Boxhill, adding that SPU is looking for an amicable conclusion to the matter but GuySuCo has not shown a similar interest.

In order to end the ongoing dispute, ministerial or government intervention is needed, said Boxhill.

SPU had renovated the facility which was “rundown” but, the unit has not been able to break even on their investment although months have gone by since the official launch of the facility.

Boxhill said the unit

would have possibly retained their investment but staff of GuySuCo had gone to the extent of evicting persons from the facility and even ordering the guards to deny entry to the sports club.

“On the day of the launch, GuySuCo staff stood at the gate and turned away persons we invited... persons included ministries and managers from DDL, ANSA McAL and Banks… some of the people who were invited had given us stuff on credit and so forth so it was bad for business,” said the SPU officer.

The SPU had opened the once private facility to members of civil society, public servants and even persons from the corporate society.

“One time we even came over and found staff of the GuySuCo breaking a lock on the door,” he lamented.

A section of the sports bar at the LBI Estate (Delano Williams photo)

Despite the odds, Boxhill said SPU remains optimistic that the matter could be resolved amicably.

Recently, Public Relations Officer of GuySuCo, Audreyanna Thomas explained that the works and the plans for the facility when it was under renovation were

all going on during a window period. At the time the company was not sure who was really responsible for the corporation, be it the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture or the Special Purpose Unit.

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder in a previ-

ous report had said that he understands that there has been a tussle between NICIL’s SPU and GuySuCo over a number of matters but the two sides have to first try to trash out any differences before his or any subsequent Cabinet intervention.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Venezuelan jailed for ‘Shoelace’ sentenced to gun, ammo possession life imprisonment for

A VENEZUELAN on Monday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was sentenced to two years imprisonment on a charge of illegal possession of gun and ammunition when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

The charge alleges that on December 7, 2018 at in the Cuyuni, Caesar Agusto Gonzalez Suarez had in his possession 15 rounds of ammunition without being a firearm licence holder at the time.

It was further alleged that on the same day at the same location, Gonzalez had in his possession a

9mm pistol without being a firearm licence holder at the time.

The man pleaded guilty to both charges that were read out to him in court by the magistrate and translated in Spanish to him with the aid of a translator.

According to the facts presented by Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question at about 20:00hrs, ranks in the area were on patrol when the defendant was seen acting in a suspicious manner and as such he was contacted by police ranks where a search was carried out on him and a black shoulder bag he was carrying . The bag was searched in his presence and a 9mm pistol was found along with 15 rounds of ammunition.

The defendant was arrested and placed into custody where he was transferred to Georgetown. With aid of a translator, Gonzalez told the court: “I have never been in trouble before; I use the gun for personal defence”.

However he was sentenced to two years imprisonment along with a $50,000 fine for the ammunition charge and also two years along with another $50,000 fine for the gun charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Tuesday, December 11, 2018 05:00hrs. - 06:30hrs.

Saturday 8, December, 2018

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01, 12, 15, 19, 20

8, 8, 5

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Annandale murder

PHILLIP “Shoelace” Paul was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of the murder of an Annandale shop owner A bewildered Phillip “Shoelace” Paul was on Monday afternoon sentenced by Justice Sandil Kissoon in the Demerara High Court for the 2012 murder of Annandale shop owner.

On November 19, 2018 a mixed 12-member jury found him guilty of the murder of Kamal Ramsahoye.

The judge ordered that he must serve 30 years in jail before becoming eligible for parole, however, Justice Kissoon deducted six years for time spent on remand.Paul did not show any remorse on Monday at his sentencing but he seemed anxious. His probation report was read and admitted on Monday afternoon before he was sentenced to life imprisonment.

After the sentence was handed down, relatives of the deceased told reporters that they are pleased with the court’s decision since they continue to cope with the loss of their loved one.

The prosecution’s case, which was led

by Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt, was that, under caution, Paul told Police that he saw his friend “Tall Man” on the “Line Top” (Railway Embankment) and invited him to go to a house in Annandale.

During his trial,

Murdered: Kamal Ramsahoye.

it was revealed that Phillip “Shoe Lace” Paul was paid some $60,000 by an accomplice “Tall Man” for the December 2012 murder of Annandale businessman Kamal Ramsahoye. Only Paul was on trial for the man’s murder.

According to the indictment, Phillip Paul murdered Kamal Ramsahoye called “Vickie” in the course or furtherance of a robbery in the county of Demerara between December 8 and 9, 2012.

The North Annandale, East Coast Demerara man was found dead in his residence in which housed a grocery shop. A post-mortem revealed that he had been stabbed 14 times and that he died from shock and hemorrhaging.

The state was represented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt while, the defence attorney was Brandon De Santos.

01, 05, 12, 13, 17 7, December, 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Guyana welcomes observance of human rights day

THE Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana said it welcomed the observance of International Human Rights Day, and celebration of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.

“Today we are reminded of

the cardinal role of the United Nations (UN), in not only championing human rights worldwide but to protect peace and stability,” the government said in a statement.

According to the government, Guyana has every reason to celebrate the solid foundation “of our multi-party

democracy and the full guarantee of all human rights. But we are agonised by raging conflicts elsewhere, and the disrespect for the sanctity of life, including that of journalists.”

According to the administration, “we urge that all should join in the fight

against poverty, hunger, ignorance and diseases, as these are hindrances to the enjoyment of socio-economic rights. We urge respect for all humans irrespective of their differences, and for the world to meaningfully embrace social cohesion and cooperation.”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

Law Reform Commissioners identified

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams SC has announced that the commissioners for the long-awaited Law Reform Commission have all been identified and are now waiting to be sworn in by President David Granger.

This will take place when President Granger, who is away on treatment, is able to conduct the procedure. Minister Williams announced the same on Monday during the consideration of Budget Estimates 2019 in the Committee of Supply in the National Assembly.

The permanent Law Reform Commission seeks to reform and modernise Guy-

ana’s laws—the majority of which were inherited from its colonial masters and are long overdue for review. “The commissioners have been identified. They have to be sworn in by His Excellency and you know the reason why they have not been sworn in as yet,” Minister Williams said.

He was, at the time, responding to questions from Opposition Member of Parliament and former Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall who noted that the commission was appointed some two years ago.

Although the commissioners are yet to be appointed, Williams had stated that a legal officer, two legal clerks,

Businessman who brutalised disabled man gets bail AFTER being on remand for one month for the attempted murder of a differently-abled man, Abdul Imran Khan was granted $700,000 bail by High Court Judge, Sandil Kissoon on Friday.

After being continuously denied bail in the magistrate’s court the businessman’s attorney moved to the High Court before Justice Kissoon last Friday and was granted bail.

Abdul Imran Khan However conditions were attached. Khan was ordered by the judge that he must not make contact with the victim, his relatives and witnesses involved in the case. The 32-year-old businessman is expected to return to the magistrate’s court before Magistrate Leron Daly for continuation of the trial on January 08, 2018.

On October 28, 2018 around 02:00hrs the virtual complainant: Romario Baljeet called ‘Short Boss’, went to the Palm Court night club where he and a friend spent an hour. As they were about to leave, the accused and another male were standing at the gate in the path of the duo. Balgeet and his friend decided to walk between the accused and the accused dealt the victim two punches to his head and face causing him to fall. The accused then took a glass bottle and drinking glass and smash it on the right side of the differently-abled man’s face, causing him to sustain injuries. He then kicked the man. The victim was picked up in an unconscious state and he was taken to the Woodlands Hospital where two surgeries were performed on his face.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams (Adrian Narine photo)

three typists, an office assistant, cleaner and driver have been hired. He confirmed the same on Monday, stating: “Mr. Chairman, we’ve already acquired a building for

them; we already have staff in there for them and as soon as they’re sworn in it’s going to be up and running.”

Meanwhile, the commission will comprise of no less

than three and no more than seven commissioners with a chairman to be elected by and from the members of the commission. On Monday, Williams announced that $20.4M will be going towards support of the Law Reform Commission in 2019 which will facilitate training; addressing marijuana as a public policy issue and the need for legislation reform.

The funding for such comes from a $195M Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)-funded project and will also address other pieces of legislation such as the Mental Health Act; Substance Abuse and Psychotropic Substances Act and the need for the Bail Act. The

minister said: “These acts relate to mental health persons coming through the penal system. There was no real distinction made in relation to such persons and they would have to be diverted from the conventional prison system and be especially treated.

[Meanwhile] the question of a Bail Act is important to give guidance to the magistracy regarding sentencing.”

Explaining the importance of the commission, Minister Williams had said in the past that the body will work continuously to ensure that Guyana’s laws are fair, relevant and effective in serving and protecting the interests of the people.

Barbados: Fugitive link (Nationnews) BARBADOS HAS BEEN MENTIONED in criminal proceedings involving Malaysian tycoon fugitive Low Taek Jho (aka Jho Low), who has been implicated by the United States Department of Justice in the alleged misappropriation of billions of dollars linked to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

Jho Low, 37, who is facing charges in the US, Malaysia and Singapore in what is being described as one of the world’s largest money laundering scandals in history, at one

time considered buying Amicorp Bank Barbados to “park his money”.

He travelled here on several occasions in his private jet and yacht, staying at high-end hotels, and meeting with executive officers associated with the bank.

All of this was revealed last year during the criminal trial in Singapore of Jho Low’s consultant and adviser Yeo Jiawei, who was subsequently sentenced to 54 months in jail for money laundering and cheating charges. (MB)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Stand up for human rights GUYANA on Monday joined the rest of the world in observing Human Rights Day under the theme #StandUp4HumanRights.

Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10th December – the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year, Human Rights Day marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a milestone document that proclaimed the inalienable rights which everyone is inherently entitled to as a human being -- regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. It is the most translated document in the world, available in more than 500 languages.

Drafted by the representatives of diverse legal and cultural backgrounds from all the regions of the world, the Declaration sets out universal values and a common standard of achievement, for all peoples and all nations. It establishes the equal dignity and worth of every person. Thanks to the Declaration, and States’ commitments to its principles, the dignity of millions

has been uplifted and the foundation for a more just world has been laid. While its promise is yet to be fully realised, the very fact that it has stood the test of time is testament to the enduring universality of its perennial values of equality, justice and human dignity.

In a plural society, we accept and celebrate diversity, rule by majority and protect minorities. To do so, we default to the ‘commons’ – common principles, commonsense, a common conscience, common concerns and common courtesies. Human rights are arguably the most common principles of a plural society. In the face of different, often divergent, sometimes opposing views on everything that matters and much that does not, human rights principles ground us. They remind us of the most fundamental ‘common’ – our humanity.

Scientists tell us that genetically, human beings are somewhere between 99.0 per cent and 99.9 per cent identical. This scientific assertion is no surprise to anyone who has spent some time with a ‘stranger’.

How quickly we discover that we have the same hopes and dreams, the same fears and frustrations. We basically are born,

grow up, grow old and die, and along the way we take the same materials and create myriad recipes and styles and melodies.

Unfortunately, we also make war to make peace, often because we are not content to dream our own dreams but wish to dictate to others, and while we revel in the variety of flowers, (attempt to) protect ‘our’ bio-diversity and cherish tourism as a past-time and a source of income, we are scared, if not resentful, of the ‘other’. The result of such fears and resentments is the violation of the very rights each of us holds so dear, and the ensuing quotidian deprivations, discrimination and discord which we seem to have accepted as a matter of course.

The idea and ideal of our collective pursuit of human rights challenge our civil, political, economic and social status quo. Pursuit of human rights suggests and asserts that as a human race we can and must do ‘better’. That our fear and resentment of other ways of being are not merely irrational, but harmful to ourselves in the long-run, and that finding mutually tenable ways of expressing and addressing such fear and resentment, even transforming these into acceptance and respect, is likely

to yield individual and collective benefits far beyond what we currently enjoy.

Acceptance and respect for the ‘other’ must never, however, be misconstrued as an invitation to ‘say what I want, do as you please’. The three fundamentals of any viable plural society – the rule of law, peace and security, and decent work – are born of and engender respect for human rights.

So, what are human rights? Simply put, they are civil, political, economic, social, cultural and group entitlements that each of us holds because we are human, regardless of geography or demographic markers. Because these rights are indivisible and interdependent, their realisation is interrelated. But perhaps the most fascinating and enduring attribute of human rights is that at one and the same time each of us is always both a rights-holder and a duty-bearer. For states are made up of people, and government in viable states are for, by and of the people. In the pursuit of my rights, therefore, I must respect the rights of the ‘other’. As we commemorate International Human Rights Day, let us stand up for someone’s rights today!

City Hall has to be degutted and replaced by fresh, honest and talented individuals Dear Editor, I would like to be given space in your letters column, to congratulate most sincerely the former Chancellor of the Judiciary, the Honourable Cecil Kennard for his perspicacity, thoroughness, intellectual dexterity and expediency in carrying through with the much-needed Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the shenanigans at City Hall.

His task was not a simple one, as corruption, malfeasance, nepotism, slackness and incompetence are the order of the day at the

Georgetown City Council.

As dem boys would seh ‘If trousers say massah teef, yuh can’t doubt am’. To get an understanding of the magnitude of ineptitude, and lack of transparency and accountability at that institution, one will have to go back for more than a decade, during which time absolutely no audits were done, the payroll ballooned to well over 100 million per month with friends and family and Georgetown became a failed city.

One can only hope that now that the commissioners who will have to sit and review these recommen-

dations and pronounce on them, will not only accept all of the recommendations, but would go even further into cleaning the Augean stables. It would be totally unacceptable for these delinquent officers to be given a ‘golden parachute’ and sent home, with all of their benefits or just given a slap on the wrist.

Not only should a clean sweep be made of all the errant officers but the councilors who signed the vouchers for all of these billions of dollars that were improperly spent, those who approved the hiring of hundreds of their kith and kin, and those

of the senior officers, and even those councillors who flew around the world, committing the Council into shady deals in Panama, New York City and further afield.

They should also be brought seriously to the books.

If we are genuine about the restoration of Georgetown, including the rehabilitation of City Hall, ridding the markets and the areas contiguous to them of the of daily crimes, or fixing the roads, the street lights, cleaning the drains, but more importantly of advancing our city to the elevated state of other capitals around the world, then City

Hall has to be degutted and the intractable elements replaced by fresh, honest and talented individuals.

Where did evils like the corruption at the Georgetown Municipality arise from? It came from the never-ending greed of some senior officers and councillors. The fight for a corruption-free ethical capital will have to be fought against this greed, and replace it with a ‘what can I give’ spirit. Georgetown has to be run like a modern corporate entity and not continue with this level of mendicancy delinquency and venality. The

opportunity of the findings and recommendations of this CoI must be taken now to allow Georgetown to pick up the pieces and rise again, otherwise the citizens of Georgetown may be doomed to a future for our children and grandchildren that relegates them to living in underdevelopment for decades to come while the ‘big enchiladas’ at City Hall continue to line their pockets, and abuse the city of its resources for their own selfish ways.

Regards, Modi Sankar

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

What is repressive about arresting Ali? Dear Editor, IS it wrong or incorrect in procedure, for law enforcement, once they have sufficiently good reason or cause, to go to a suspect’s place of abode, or wherever known to be, at any time that is deemed appropriate and convenient to arrest or apprehend that person for a given matter?

More so, can it be described as “repressive,” when all the necessary procedures, such as seeking proper legal advice and its subsequent permission to lay charges in the particular matter, have been had?

Editor, I am not a legally trained person, nor do I pretend to be knowledgeable in such complex matters; however, my layman’s understanding informs me that agents of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), acted within the confines of their remit when they arrived at the home of former Minister of Housing Irfaan Ali, and took him into custody at a reported time of 06.30hrs.

But, if one is to be guided by PPP/C former Education Minister now Member of Parliament (MP), Priya Manickchand’s recent parliamentary remarks during the current BUDGET 2019 debate, she referred to Ali’s arrest - as “repressive.”

I am not au fait as to why this MP, who has lost all credibility as a representative of the people, due to her scurrilous lie of being assaulted in the National Assembly, would want to describe as “repressive”, the police action against her colleague, who is accused of very serious charges against the state.

Her statement though, is not surprising because it follows a particular pattern, epitomised by her deceptive and dishonest party leader, where his party members charged before the courts are claiming to have been “witch hunted”. In fact, editor, we are dealing with a new culture, and understanding evolved by the leaders of this discredited political party, that has given an entirely new cultural interpretation and understanding, to criminal acts committed against the state,whereby PPP/C high officials are not to be prosecuted because of who they have been, and of course, their party membership, and even because of their race; since Bharrat Jagdeo has also implied the aspect of race as being a reason for their being charged.

Manickchand must be reminded as to how repressive her former government had been when they had the security forces constantly harassing Mark Benschop, whom they eventually had charged for treason; former army lieutenant, Oliver

Hinckson, on trumped-up sedition and advocating terrorism charges. Then the equally trumped-up charges against a former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Major Munroe and his wife, Carol Ann Munroe, and ex-soldier Leonard Wharton who were eventually freed. Then there is the execution of outspoken activist Crum Ewing for which fingers have been pointed at the former government; as well as the death of close to 400 young African Guyanese ; the unleashing of the security forces on the Buxton community, with the purpose of its pacification; and the now infamous disbanded Target Special squad that shot down so many African Guyanese, even when their hands were held high in surrender; the execution by the Target Special Squad, on Mandela Avenue, of three young men, although they were made to lay face downwards on the roadway. These were in addition to many other acts that highlighted the desecration of the Rule of Law during the tenure of PPP/C governance.

So repressive is the nature of the PPP/C in their understanding of democracy and freedom of expression, inclusive of the right of expression, that the case of a letter writer, who wrote in the then Guyana Chronicle letters column, criticising a certain cabinet appointment

occasioned a response, in which the then Editor-in-Chief was asked as to reasons for allowing such a letter. The list is legion, of the various examples of repression by Manickchand’s administration.

Any honest Guyanese, except those from the PPP/C, and others with a political agenda will testify that no such repression currently exists in this country.

It would seem that Manickchand is taking issue with the time of Ali’s arrest.

If indeed it is, then one wonders whether she may be inferring that the arresting officers ought to have waited until the MP had taken his breakfast ? But that is to make light of a most serious criminality, of which the former cabinet officer is accused.

Manickchand should be reminded, that the timing of any police operation is part of a police agency’s special prerogative; as well as arresting any citizen for any alleged offence, or for enquiries into such is the lawful act of any law-enforcement agency, once there is good cause. This action must be carried out, irrespective of who these persons are, or may have been; and irrespective of their race and ethnicity.

Regards, Dillon Goring

Gov’t should put together a plan of action on anti-discrimination, good governance Dear Editor, SHOULD Minister Lawrence issue an apology to the full satisfaction of all, nothing in the country’s administrative and political governance would meaningfully and sustainably change. For, we are focused exclusively on the “offensiveness” of the statement.

The opportunity, therefore, is likely to be missed to discuss the redesign of our public administration that even should a minister or a public servant want to illegitimately discriminate in the award of public benefits, the system could discourage, prevent, detect, or correct such actions. An apology with nothing more takes us nowhere.

From the published responses to Minister Lawrence’s speech, persons want three concerns to be ad-

dressed: (i) preventing any government from engaging in illegitimate discrimination, (ii) correcting the wrongs from historic political discrimination, and (iii) encouraging greater participation of the marginalised or under-represented groups of the population in key public spheres.

These three concerns are not new. And, while the coalition government can claim the improvements in public procurement and local government as evidence of its non-discriminatory posture, it has chosen not to sing often on that theme. Indeed, the government appears to have dropped the idea of jumping on the good governance platform, as a way to radically distinguish itself from the dark politics of the PPP. But for now, back to the discrimination. The first of the concerns listed above

(preventing systemic government discrimination) boils down to discouraging, preventing, detecting, or correcting the practice of “jobsfor-the-boys” (or “jobs-forthe-party-comrades”). The country already has a host of constitutional and statutory provisions against discrimination. Furthermore, we can copy from several public institutions right here in Guyana that can claim to meet these standards. As one model, I can point to the staff recruitment and student application processes at the University of Guyana (despite a few issues in recent times). I am also encouraged by the post-exams student placement system at the Ministry of Education. As highly non-discriminatory systems, what they share in common are clear and preset rules and criteria, public notification and transparency (UG, for

example, advertises its teaching vacancies as a norm, and its student application system is accessible online to the students themselves), checks-and-balances (three senior persons are required to vet a student application to UG), and an accessible complaints mechanism.

The second and third concerns above (righting historic acts of discrimination, and encouraging greater participation of the marginalised or under-represented groups) are, admittedly,more politically challenging. For they require the government to actually and openly discriminate, but in a legitimate way. Affirmative action programmes in contract awards or employment in the US, South Africa, Canada and other countries, are examples of legitimate government discrimination to correct social and econom-

ic inequities or injustices.

Such government actions, however, demand public debate, acceptance, and full transparency. Personalised or private affirmative actions by ministers and other political operators are illegitimate and, in any case, not fit for the purpose given the scale of the problem. The set-aside of 20 per cent of the Guyana Government contracts for small firms is overdue but of the right caliber. What I advised in a previous letter to the editor (‘Public Procurement Commission must have social agenda’, in SN 17th May, 2013) remains relevant today: that “the role of public procurement as a socio-economic force and instrument (social procurement) must be duly recognised and acted upon”; and that the government, as the country’s largest purchaser of goods, services

and works, must accordingly assess and target how these public funds are distributed across firms and individuals, races, genders, regions and communities.

The non-normalisation and eradication of illegitimate discrimination and the promotion of legitimate varieties can do much to address the ethnic and social concerns of Guyanese and the political concerns of their parties.

I would strongly advise the coalition government that, Minister Lawrence’s mea culpa apart, to put together a plan of action on anti-discrimination and good governance in general. Anything less would leave the government fumbling around badly in a political storm.

Regards, Sherwood Lowe

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

‘Greening industries’ could be new development pathway –US EPA senior economist UNITED States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Senior Economist, Ralph Lucan has suggested that ‘greening’ local industries can lead to economic gains for the country while ensuring environmental sustainability.

According to Lucan, ‘greening’ an industry refers to any activity by which the processes of manufacturing fosters the efficient use of energy, water and raw materials; reduce pollutant discharges and encourage ‘green trade’.

‘Green’ trade, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), refers to trade that does not deplete the natural resources, harm the environment and or deteriorate social conditions while promoting economic growth.

To this end, the economist affirmed that green industrial development offers new opportunities to diversify the local economy.

“It improves resource efficiency and thereby competitiveness,” Lucan said and added: “For a country like Guyana, greening industries can be the basis for a structural transformation but investments in innovation capacities, human capital, industrial estates and business services management are essential.”

To achieve this, he recommended that Guyana should move to demonstrate resource efficiency in one sector first then move to transform industrial estates and sugar estates to eco-industrial parks, bolster the export potential of green goods and develop and enforce environmental safeguard mechanisms.

And in so doing, he suggested that Guyana delinks its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from resources use and pollution.

Lucan explained that it is necessary for Guyana to

Project Manager of the GSDS Coordination Office, Deirdre Shurland

delink manufacturing activities- which contribute to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—from inefficient resource use and pollution.

And to do this, the country would have to engage in ‘relative decoupling’.

This relative decoupling occurs when the country’s GDP increases more rapidly that the resource usage.

According to Lucan, a

value chain analysis must first be done to ascertain if the positives of bolstering production in a specific sector would outweigh the negative environmental implications.

He gave the example of the agro-processing industry, where increased profits and job generation could be benefits garnered from bolstered production but simultaneously, there is the environmental implication that can be had from using increased pesticides and fertilisers, and an inefficient production process.

Lucan, who was in Guyana for a short period, spoke about ‘greening’ industries at a recently held edition of ‘Green Conversations’.

These conversations are a series of talks held throughout the country, with the aim of enlightening citizens on green, economic development and garner information on some of the issues that are emerging from Guyana’s

‘Green’ State Development Strategy (GSDS).

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Project Manager of the GSDS Coordination Office, Deirdre Shurland said that it is important for all citizens to know that ‘greening’ is not a reference to colour, but it is a philosophy of development. “‘Greening’ industry is about facilitating industrial development, whether at the ‘light level’ in terms of manufacturing plants, but ensuring that industries are cognisant of their corporate responsibility of conserving the environment,” Shurland explained.

In fact, she noted that this falls under a tenet of the GSDS—economic transformation and sustainability.

Under this tenet, it is envisaged that Guyana can diversify its economy by moving away from the creation to primary products towards creating more value-added manufacturing,

while enforcing principles of conservation.

“It’s not only about environmental sustainability but also economic diversification, producing real jobs, building the capital, and creating opportunities for innovation and getting into the small businesses,” she said.

And there is a lot that can be done in this regard, according to Shurland, but citizens have to take initiative too.

She said, “Government will try to provide a facilitative environment, but it is up to citizens to harness the opportunities.

And where there are roadblocks—let it be known, so that they can be removed.

The GSDS is promoting the creation of a better business environment so that innovative, great ideas from young entrepreneurs could get into the productive process and create real value here for Guyana.”

Time to implement fully the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service Dear Editor, IT is reassuring to read reports on the statement by Minister Joseph Harmon that the government wants to build and develop a Public Service of integrity, politically neutral and impartial. The road map for such a Public Service is embodied in the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service.

This Commission which was under the Chairmanship of Professor Harold Lutchman, presented its Report to His Excellency President David Granger on 11 May 2016.

The report was subsequently presented by the government to the National Assembly, and was debated. So, the roadmap, albeit unduly delayed in implementation, is in the hands of Minister Harmon, in the Department of the Public Service, and in the Ministry of the Presidency. Time for action! Please Minister Harmon and the APNU- AFC Government act now. Such a Public Service will contribute significantly to national cohesion.

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into

the Public Service recommended the enactment of a Public Service Law with related regulations for effective public management and administration of the Public Service to insulate the Public Service from irregular political influences and other external pressures.

This is the first of the 89 recommendations of the Commission, made after a review of the earlier inquiries and studies into the Public Service, and consideration of the views of many who testified before this Commission. They all called for the Public Service to be impartial, neutral, professional, non-partisan, non-political, serving the public interest in keeping with the rule of law – the Constitution and other laws of the land, International Treaties and Conventions within the frame work of Constitutional fundamental rights. These principles are in line with Article 38G of the Constitution states that: “(1) The Integrity of the public service is guaranteed. No public officer shall be required to execute or condone irregular acts

on the basis of higher orders.

(2) The freedom of every public officer to perform his or her duties and fulfill his or her responsibilities is protected.

(3) No public officer shall be subject of sanctions of any kind without due process.

(4) In the discharge of his or her duties, a public officer shall execute the lawful policies of the government.”

The report referred to the late President Forbes Burnham’s address on the theme “The Civil Service in an Independent Guyana,” an extract of which was put a PSC Circular No. 46 of 1966 and was sent to all public servants in November 1966. This circular was referred to and appended to the Collins Commission Report of 1969. The circular states in part: “… Governments, and their ministers, come and go at the will of the electorate, but under the present system there needs to continue in being an experienced civil service which can carry on the routine of administration and constitute the skilled instrument for implementing the policy of the government of the day. To bring appointments to public

office under the aegis of ministers would create the danger of such appointments being subject to political considerations, with serious disruption of the administration with each change of the elected government. The Constitution seeks therefore to ensure that a newly-appointed Government finds at its disposal an efficient, impartial and experienced permanent staff, owing particular allegiance to neither the outgoing nor the incoming administration, and imbued solely with the aim of using its abilities in the service of the Government…”

The Harold Lutchman Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service 2016, affirmed the validity and relevance of these principles which must be developed and promoted, given the reality of our social and political context. It is in the national interest to establish a sustainable and professional Public Service for the public good.

Regards, Joshua Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Gaming Authority to be strengthened –– still quite a lot of looseness in the sector, says Harmon

AN increase in allocations for the Gaming Authority of Guyana has been made in the 2019 national budget to strengthen its ability to regulate the sector, says Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Harmon, on Monday, told the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly during the Consideration of Budget Estimates 2019, that the sums allocated were some $40M, an increase by $19M fromthe previous budgetary allocation. It is to ensure that the authority is better equipped to ensure compliance in the sector.

The budgetary allocations for the Gaming Authority

fall under the purview of the Ministry of the Presidency.

While noting that the sector is “very wide”, the minister of state, who was responding to the Opposition’s queries on the budgetary allocation for the authority, said there are instances where various entities try to operate without licenses.

To this end, he informed the Committee that a new legislation geared at strengthening the regulatory arm of the authority, is receiving the attention of the Attorney General Chambers.

The legislation intends to bring additional staff to the authority in keeping with the plans in train to improve the functions of the body.

Following the passage of the Gambling Prevention Act (2008), the Gaming Authority of Guyana was launched on December 1, 2008.

The body operates as the Supervisory Authority for betting shops, casinos and lotteries under the AML/ CFT Act of 2009 and its Amendment.

In June this year, Director Christine King highlighted the readiness of the Board and Directors of the authority to fulfill the mandate of the body, a designated non-financial business or supervisory authority to implement and enforce the requirements of the AML/CFT Act. She made the statement during the first

Minister of State Joseph Harmon responding to questions during Consideration of Budget Estimates 2019 on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

in a series of stakeholders’ fora.

At that forum, King emphasised the commitment of the Gaming Authority to ensuring that policies and procedures relative to AML/ CFT, are stringently observed and implemented by all gaming entities to bring about order and to ensure that the gaming industry in Guyana is well regulated.

Meanwhile, under questioning from the Opposition regarding an increase in allocation from $30M to $100M under the current estimates of the Ministry of the Presidency’s budgetary allocation for 2019, Harmon

9

said that monies from the allocated sum will go towards improving the infrastructure at the ministry offices.

He said that when the APNU+AFC administration assumed office in 2015, there was a lot of flooding at the ministry, formally the Office of the President. He said the revetment and drainage was poor. The minister said the revetment is being addressed around the complex and the pavement is also being fixed.

“We are trying to make the Presidential complex look Presidential,” Harmon said.

It was noted too that the allocated sum will also cover expenditures at the Castellani and Stephen Campbell houses.

Opposition wants PM vacate seat …insists he can’t be unelected …former speaker says PPP move incorrect THE opposition has written Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland requesting that Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing duties of President, be excluded from the National Assembly during consideration of estimates for Budget 2019.

According to the letter signed by Opposition Chief Whip, Gail Teixeira in the 8th, 9th and 10th Parliaments in accordance with Articles 96 (1) and 178 (1) and (4) of the Constitution of Guyana, when then Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was carrying out “the functions of office of the President” who was overseas, he was not allowed to attend a sitting or a committee meeting of the National Assembly.

The opposition also said records to this effect can be found in the archives of the Parliament Office and besides, there was no differing view on this matter during the tenure of former Speakers Ralph Ramkarran or Raphael Trotman.

In the 11th Parliament, the prime minister has been attending sittings of the National Assembly, committee meetings and votes while performing duties of President when the President was out of the jurisdiction.

The opposition believes that these acts by the prime minister are in contravention

of the law. “As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, Article 103 (1) of the Constitution provides: ‘The Prime Minister and every other Vice President shall be a Minister of the Government of Guyana.’ Article 106 (1) reinforces this further by providing that ‘ there shall be a Cabinet for Guyana, which shall consist of the President, the Prime Minister, the Vice-Presidents, and such other Ministers as may be appointed to it by the President.’ Article 96 (1) of the Constitution provides: ‘Whenever the President is absent from Guyana or considers it desirable to do so by reason of illness or any other cause he or she may, by direction in writing authorise any member of Cabinet, being an elected member of the National Assembly, to perform such functions of office of the President as he may specify and the person so authorised shall perform those functions until his authority is revoked by the President or until the functions are resumed by the President.”

The prime minister is an elected member of the National Assembly and a member of Cabinet. Therefore, he qualifies to have been appointed by the President, to perform the functions of office of President and in fact, has been appointed on many occasions to do so in keeping with this article. Article 178 (4) of the Constitution then unambiguously reads:

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

‘During any period when a minister is performing the functions of the office of the President under article 96 or 179 or has assumed the office under the provisio to article 95(1), his seat in the National Assembly shall be regarded as vacant … At the expiration of the period… the seat shall thereupon be resumed by the Minister’. The language of Article 178 (4) is unequivocal.

Once a minister, (who must be an elected member of the National Assembly) of the Cabinet is appointed to perform the functions of the office of President, then that minister’s seat in the National Assembly ‘shall be regarded as vacant’,” Teixeira said in the letter.

CONSTITUTION IS CLEAR The opposition contended that the framers of the Con-

stitution also went to great length in creating a clear divide between the executive and the legislature, between the President and the National Assembly. As such, the opposition said while performing the office of President, the prime minister’s presence in the National Assembly is a constitutional violation.

“We are, therefore, formally bringing to your attention that these constitutional provisions are once again being violated and call upon you to uphold the Constitution as was done by your predecessors. Failure to uphold the Constitution will expose the entire consideration of National Estimates for the 2019 Budget and any other matters before the House during this period to be infected by the germ of unconstitutionality and thereby making it liable to be set aside by a Court of competent jurisdiction, should there be a resort to such an option,” Teixeira said.

PRIME MINISTER IS CORRECT Former Speaker of the National Assembly and Senior Counsel Ralph Ramkarran has however disagreed with Jagdeo. Asked for his comments on the matter on Sunday, Ramkarran, a former PPP executive said: “The prime minister is correct; it is only if a minister is appointed to

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo

perform the functions of the President that the minister has to vacate his parliamentary seat while he is performing the functions of the President.

“The article in the Constitution requires a minister, if appointed, to vacate his seat.

It does not require the prime minister, if similarly appointed, to do so.”

Minister Nagamootoo himself has accused Jagdeo of attempting to sow seeds of discord among the citizenry in an attempt to block passage of the government’s $300.7B budget.

“I want to put that in context for the Guyanese people to know that the deviousness is what we see playing out; that they’re trying to first divide members of this government and set us up against each other; and then when you believe, as a throwback, as a fallback, you’re now asking for the removal from the House of the prime min-

ister,” he said. “Because, the intention is to first defeat the $300.7B Budget; to lock down the government; to create a constitutional crisis; and to breathe disaffection and rebellion among the people of this country. “It is diabolical, and it has to be met squarely.

It has to be answered; it has to be defeated,” the prime minister, who is also leader of the House told the National Assembly late Friday.

He further explained that the Constitution provides for the prime minister to be leader of government business in the House, first vice-president and principal adviser to the president.

He said, too, that the president, in or out of Guyana, could authorise the prime minister to carry out “certain functions”, which could be “any function.”

“The prime minister, performing any functions, one or more, has never been invited to vacate his membership of the National Assembly. The Constitution provides that the president is elected, and once elected, he always remains the president until he is un-elected. “The prime minister is an elected member of the National Assembly, and I cannot ipso facto un-elect myself. In fact, I cannot act on bad advice to un-elect myself,” Minister Nagamootoo was quoted by Demerarawaves as saying.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

‘Demand more from your regional officials’ –– Minister Harmon tells Mabaruma residents Minister Amna Ally to ensure that we can address this problem. As residents too, you have a responsibility to ensure that you read the newspapers and gather information on what is taking place and going to take place so that you can take advantage of those opportunities,” he said.

Meanwhile, one resident, Mr. Robert Jessemy, who owns a small furniture workshop, said he would like to employ 20 youths to reduce unemployment in the community. However, thus far he has not been successful

“I am going to hold you to that commitment that you are going to provide jobs for our young people. I am going to support you so that you can provide opportunities for others. You can hold me to that,” Minister Harmon said, much to the support of the residents. Additionally, the minister spoke of President David Granger’s Frontline Village Policy that was announced during his visit to Whitewater, also in Region One, earlier this year. The policy speaks to the establishment of military patrol bases and heightened 24-hour security by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

roads; a better administration of this township and I cannot believe that so many things have happened in Region One in such a short time. This government is going to chart a course where we are not just going to take the town of Mabaruma [forward] but this entire region and you also have a role. You are close to the border so therefore whatever happens in the country next door has an impact on what happens in this region. I want you to embrace the Frontline Policy that has been outlined by the President and you are the eyes and ears of the State in these communities.

If things happen, you are

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon addresses residents of Mabaruma, Region One, at a community meeting held at the Mabaruma Primary School on Sunday

MINISTER of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, on Sunday, urged the residents of Mabaruma, Barima-Waini (Region One) and surrounding communities to hold public officials, inclusive of those in Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (RDC/ NDCs), accountable.

Public officials, the minister stated, have been elected to serve and citizens must, therefore, demand that their interests and those of the community are addressed.

Minister Harmon was at the time speaking at a community meeting held at the Mabaruma Primary School, where he addressed concerns raised by residents.

He told residents that central government will continue to play its part in ensuring that infrastructural, social and other needs are met, but

noted that the Regional and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils must also share in this responsibility. The minister said too that community leaders and regional and local officials must understand their roles and endeavour to function efficiently. He posited that citizens suffer the most when leaders become complacent and do not serve in the best interests of those who elected them.

“Our community leaders must face the community.

If you cannot talk to your people and do things for them then they will not respect you or listen to you. You have to see people and see what they need. As a leader, you need to get on the ground and relate to people so that you can understand what is taking place. It is always important to come on the ground and get in touch with the people,

with their feelings, with their understandings and what needs to be done,” Minister Harmon said.

Several residents raised concerns about government-run programmes such as the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development [SLED] Project, community training and other capacity building opportunities, which they say benefit only one section of the community. To this end, Minister Harmon assured the aggrieved residents that the Ministries of Social Protection and Public Health along with other agencies will be consulted on the approach used to select candidates for programmes and initiatives.

He made it clear that all must benefit from opportunities made available by the government.

“I am going to engage

A section of the gathering at the community meeting held at the Mabaruma Primary School on Sunday

in accessing funds to expand his business. In response to Mr. Jessemy’s challenge, Minister Harmon has assured that the needed resources will be provided and a team from his office will visit next week to begin preparations.

Man bolts from house during police raid POLICE are hunting a suspect after he fled a house recently at First Street, Paradise Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, where a raid was carried out and several items were seized.

Reports indicate that police seized one brush cutter, an air gun, one generator, speakers and equalisers, cellphones, electronic tablets, one television, water pumps and other electrical items.

One resident said a man ran out the house before police got into the house.

It was noted that the building is owned by an overseas-based Guyanese. Efforts were being made to contact the proprietor to verify if anyone was assigned as a caretaker or how the items reached into the home as investigations continue.

Some of the items seized during the raid

As such, Minister Harmon urged the residents to continue being vigilant as the country’s borders are expansive. “I am here and I can see so many changes since this government has come into office. I see better

the first eyes and ears on the ground,” he said. Minister Harmon committed to having more ministerial visits at the conclusion of deliberations on Budget 2019. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Cop critical after accident at Herstelling POLICE Sergeant Joseph Elton Ambrose, 42, who is stationed at Alberttown Police Station and resides at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara, is in a critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital following an accident Sunday night on the Herstelling Public Road, EBD. Enquires revealed that the policeman, who was driving motorcar PMM 9099 north along the western carriageway of the

road, reportedly at a fast rate of speed, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the rear of motor lorry GLL 5592 which was properly parked.

Public-spirited citizens rushed the—then and still unconscious— sergeant to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was treated and transferred to the GPHC. Sergeant Ambrose is currently on accumulated annual vacation leave.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Police killing costs state $20M

…High Court grants judgement in favour of mother in 2012 fish shop killing

JUSTICE Sandil Kissoon on Monday afternoon granted Donna Sulker, mother of Dameon Belgrave, millions in her case brought against the State for the death of her son.

On October 5th, 2012 Belgrave was negligently shot and killed by members of the Guyana Police Force namely Sheldon Williams and Errol Williams, while acting in their official capacities in the vicinity of the fish shop on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The police were in hot pursuit of occupants of motor car PGG 3506 during the evening of the said day, and challenged the occupants of the said car after it was observed that they were attempting to evade the police as the patrol approached.

A chase ensued around the streets of Georgetown and the motor car PGG 3506 eventually stopped in Hadfield Street and five men exited the vehicle.

During efforts to ar-

rest them, rounds were discharged and it was later learnt that Belgrave, of Middle Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, who was standing on the roadway in the vicinity of the White Castle Fish Shop, had been shot to his left side. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He died from shock and haemorrhage, as a result of a bullet which entered and exited his body.

The young man would have celebrated his 22nd birthday the day after the incident. He was having a pre-birthday drink when he was killed. His mother, who was represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes, filed proceedings at the High Court in August 2014 contending that her son’s life was snuffed out by the reckless behaviour of police ranks.

In the Statement of Claim filed, the plaintiff outlined that the said police ranks were not in any imminent danger at the time of the as-

sault and killing of her son, and there were no lawful circumstances to justify the shooting.

By reason of the matters aforesaid, Belgrave was wrongfully denied of his constitutional right to life as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In the particulars of negligence, the document claimed that the officers discharged live ammunition in public when it was unsafe to so do, and in the interim, failing to see and observe the now deceased on the said road.

The officers also discharged live ammunition where there were no circumstances to justify the discharge of same. By reason of the matters aforesaid, the expectation of life of the deceased was shortened and his mother has hereby suffered loss and damage. In addition funeral expenses have been incurred amounting to $250,000.

Justice Kissoon high-

Pastor in critical condition after accident An eyewitness said that the driver immediately turned off his car lights and sped away from the scene, leaving the injured man lying on the roadway.

However, public-spirited citizens took the senior pastor of Faith Deliverance Tabernacle to a nearby health institution where he was admitted. Relatives said he underwent an emergency sur-

suspect who was later found hanging out at the Intersection Bar at Winkle Road, New Amsterdam.

After a heated exchange, the police were summoned and following a search of the motor vehicle PPP2518 he was allegedly driving, a large bottle of whisky, a cutlass and several grams of cannabis sativa were found.

Pastor Cecil Agard

A PASTOR is in critical condition at the New Amsterdam Hospital after he sustained several fractures in the right leg when a drunken driver collided with his motorcycle at the Canje intersection on Sunday evening.

The driver reportedly sped away from the scene.

Pastor Cecil Agard, 76, of Nurseville, New Amsterdam, had moments earlier left the home of a Sheet Anchor, East Canje family who was in need of spiritual guidance and intervention. At around 20:00hrs, as he was heading west along the roadway, motor car PPP 2518, in an apparent bid to overtake him, collided with the pensioner’s motorbike.

The motorcycle which Pastor Cecil Agard was riding when he was struck down by motor car PPP2518

gery and they were told that he sustained four fractures to the right lower limb.

Meanwhile, as word spread about the accident, family and church members launched a search for the

The suspect, a 51-yearold, retired seaman, has since denied involvement in the accident. Nevertheless, he remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Deceased: Dameon Belgrave

lighted that in the trial, the officers denied the allegation of negligence and claimed

that they discharged rounds in self-defence. However, the judge said that the evidence points to recklessness and that cannot be denied.

Judge also noted that police officers have a duty to execute care and diligence to protect citizens, and their actions on the night of the incident showcased neither.

He pointed out that the young man was the eldest of his mother’s four children and he was a volunteer at Cheddi Jagan Dental School, working diligently to be a valuable addition to society.

In effort to send a “strong statement of condemnation to this act”, Judge ordered that $250,000 in special damages be paid to Sulker for funeral expenses, $15 million for breach and violation of constitutional right to life, one million in general expenses, another $6.7 million for dependency, and law of violation and another amount for interest.

In total, the mother receives in excess of 20 million dollars for loss and damages caused by the negligent killing of her son.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Guyana can pursue green state agenda in oil economy -US Ambassador

By Lisa Hamilton It’s very possible for Guyana to grow simultaneously as a ‘green’ state and a well-recognised petroleum producer should the country move briskly ahead in developing and finalising certain regulatory frameworks.

Leaving a few wise words behind on the topic, outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway last Tuesday spoke to the media on Guyana’s approaching possibilities and measures it must take to ensure sustainability. Guyana first discovered oil in May 2015 and as recent as last week, oil company ExxonMobil updated its estimates of recoverable oil-equivalent in the Stabroek block offshore Guyana to 5 billion barrels.

“You’re going to have this big amount of money coming in and then you can decide what you want to do with it. You want to turn the whole country solar or hydro? You can do it,” Ambassador Holloway began.

He then asked: “Right now, what’s the challenge of implementing a full green state economy, making every house solar? It’s money.

That’s the problem. So it gets even easier as the more

money you have, the easier it is to do it.”

However, it simply being easy is not enough to make it happen, as the Ambassador stressed that much will need to be in place between now and first oil, set for March 2020.

“This will be about the fastest any country has ever discovered oil, deep water oil, and produced it basically in less than five years. That’s the fastest it’s ever been done in history. So this is moving very fast.

“I do commend the Government for taking a lot of steps, they are moving in the right direction but this is very fast so as it accelerates, the Government of course is going to need to accelerate its activities if they want to keep up with the pace of things,” he advised.

The draft legislation to establish Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) needed to manage in the spending of oil revenues is expected to be placed before the National Assembly before December according to Finance Minister, Winston Jordan.

Meanwhile, the World Bank is assisting in the redrafting of the Petroleum Commission Bill; a Ministry of Petroleum is likely for 2020; the Department

Outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway (Delano Williams photo)

of Energy is drafting new model Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) for future contracts and the University of Guyana (UG), along with twelve other educational agencies, is working to provided higher education in oil and gas related fields.

Added to this, hundreds of Guyanese businesses are being trained to improve their standards and are gradually joining the supply chain for ExxonMobil and its prime contractors while “Guyana’s got to get its regulatory environment

straight, they’re working on it; they have passed some laws; they created a Department of Energy; they need to figure out ---- however they’re going to do whatever it’s called whether it’s a Sovereign Wealth Fund, a Rainy-day Fund, a Green Fund --- when the money comes in how do you manage it for the good of the future,” the Ambassador advised.

He added that while a number of models exist for the management of resources, the ones he has noticed work best are those structured to be applicable to successive Governments. “You put this thing, as much as you can, on auto-pilot so no matter if you’re the president this week and next week [someone else] is the President, much of what has been planned and decided upon continues to move forward and no one can change it easily,” he cautioned.

“It’s not to say you can’t change it, you do need flexibility if you’re a government [because] things happen you couldn’t plan for like your politics change, but you need to make it as not controlled by one or two individuals but controlled by guidelines and priorities as much as possible.”

Holloway also gave his opinion on which areas he believes the money should be spent in, which he noted was similar to the ideals of President David Granger.

The key areas for investment he singled out were education, health, security, agriculture and infrastructure.

“There’s going to be money to spend on 10 pri-

orities if you have 10. The amount of money will not be Guyana’s problem, it’s how you spend it and how do you spend it well,” he said.

Another area recently up for discussion by environmentalists, international specialists and politicians and the country’s citizens in general, has been that of the mechanisms in place to deal with an oil spill.

The release of such liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment oftentimes mainly affects the marine ecosystem.

On the topic, Holloway said that while everyone should be concerned about a possible oil spill, it’s very infrequently in the industry with ExxonMobil being one of the most safety-conscious oil company to-date.

Nonetheless, the noted that the universal understanding is that in the case of an oil spill, the operator has the responsibility for clearing it up.

“I think Guyana is lucky in the sense that you do have one of the largest operators in the world with the most knowledge…ExxonMobil, they’re probably the most safety-conscious that I’ve ever visited or seen. They’re very concerned about safety,” the Ambassador said.

He continued: “Guyana should be preparing itself to be able to-- if one were to occur –understand the terminology and provide guidance to the operators because either way pretty soon in Guyana I suspect they’ll be more than one operator.”

Earlier this year the Civil Defence Commission’s

(CDC’s) hosted an Oil Spill Response Training exercise for 35 representatives from government and private agencies while local fishermen could soon receive hands-on training in oil spill response.

At the same time, Guyana’s National Oil Spill Contingency Plan is in its draft stage with ExxonMobil forming a part of the National Oil Spill Committee working along with the CDC and other stakeholders.

Apart from these preparations and precautions, Ambassador Holloway, in continuing his string of advice, reminded that petroleum is a non-renewable resource which means that Guyana should remain firm on its vision of a sustainable, green economy.

“Guyana will not be an oil producing country forever, no one knows how long it’s going to last. You see [the predictions] of 20-30 years, I suspect it will be longer because there’s more to be discovered, it seems, but there will come a time when oil is not the answer.

“You have countries like Venezuela which still has more oil than any country in the world and people are starving; they’re going through the jungle of Region One to come to Guyana. So, oil is not an answer to everything,” he notified.

However, this still is no reason for Guyanese, though they may be cautious about a number of uncertainties, to fall into a state of pessimism or despondency. The Ambassador stated: “I hear a lot of doom and gloom about a lot of things in Guyana, but I understand. There have been a lot of people who say ‘we had gold, we didn’t really benefit that much; we had bauxite, we didn’t benefit that much’, [that’s] all true but this is so much bigger than gold or bauxite or anything. This is a monstrous amount of oil and a large amount of money.

“What I tell the doomand-gloomers is it’s good to be cautious but you should [also] try as much as one can as a single citizen –and I know they’re limits in every country --- to hold your government’s feet to the fire; try to get as smart as you can on the subject and get ready for it. It’s going to be a rising tide that I think will raise all ships.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Gov’t to beef up air surveillance … National Intelligence Centre gets $12.5M

THE capacity of the National Intelligence Centre (NIC) to undertake its mandate, including utlising technology for air reconnaissance, will be boosted in 2019 after funds budgeted under the Ministry of the Presidency were green-lighted in the National Assembly on Monday .

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon said during the consideration of the estimates of the 2019 National Budget by the Committee of Supply of the National Assembly that the budgeted sum will cater for the creation of an offline back-up system for the storage of critical data for closed circuit television (CCTV) sites. A sum of $12.5M has been budgeted to fund the project.

Harmon explained that information is stored in a command centre but he noted that the storage capacity is not enough for revisiting footage. Essentially, he noted, the facility is an “offline

back-up system.” During questioning, Harmon said too that the equipment being catered for will provide for coverage throughout the length and breadth of the country. In addition, he said it is a brand new minibus for undertaking global strategic management investigations.

Government has been undertaking projects to enhance the capacity of the NIC, which is headed by Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell.

The allocations for the centre are part of wider efforts to improve security in and around the country.

Meanwhile, the Committee of Supply approved the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) capital expenditure of $1, 0142, 500 Billion and current expenditure amount of $12,977,028 Billion. In response to queries raised about the sum and staffers allocated to the Civil Defence Commission, Minister Harmon confirmed that the agency was now under the

responsibility of the GDF. The increase in salaries was attributed to the increase in staff for the army.

The minister also informed the House, that the GDF utilises more local produce in order to decrease dependency on imported foods. The GDF is self-sufficient in pork, eggs and 20 per cent sufficient in poultry, owing to its Land of Canaan farm. According to Minister Harmon, the facility also serves as a teaching aid for students. The committee was also informed that the allocations for marine development include rehabilitation of the Ruimveldt female coast guard quarters, the Morawanna base, the Eteringbang Boat House and trailers for rapid deployment of the metal shark fast patrol boats.

It was also clarified that two Highlander aircraft, costing US$300,000 each, were delivered and are being dismantled for a thorough inspection, in keeping with the

requirements of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. The examination is being done at a cost of US$14,000 each.

Two Skyvans are also expected to be delivered in the next few months. The aircraft fleet will be further supplemented by military spec/type drones to boost coastal and riverine security.

Additionally, the Committee of Supply also approved $2,112,351,000 for the Ministry of Presidency’s 2019 current spending in the areas of policy development and administration. Asked about the employment details for four additional staffers, by opposition member Juan Edghill, Minister Harmon said, “There is no increase since there is a reduction. The figures will show rather than 217 there are 202 because 15 of these staff have actually moved from here to Department of the Environment.”

MP Edghill also sought information relating to the number and age of contract-

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

ed employees, and whether the Ministry of Presidency was in compliance with the Public Service Commission’s rules governing such employment. “We are in compliance and there is no requirement for age… the employees provide a particular skill we are looking for and therefore that requirement of being under the age of 45 is not applicable…”

Minister Harmon said.

In addition, the Minister of State, responding to MP Anil Nandlall’s question on

the allocation of $29,300,000 for the maintenance of other infrastructure at the ministry, said the sum represents continued spending to upgrade the presidential complex.

“This is not a new project. This is work that will make the presidential complex better secured and prevent the effects of flooding. In 2015 we encountered flooding which caused the loss of documents on the bottom floor because the revetment was poor….

We are ensuring the presidential complex looks presidential. This project also covers Castellani House and BIDFORD, now the Stephen Campbell House which accommodates the Ministry of Citizenship…”

Minister Harmon explained. Among the works identified by the Minister of State is the construction of a concrete fence around the Presidential Complex. This, Minister Harmon assured was in keeping with the regulations of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Court orders Princess Hotel Ministry of Social Protection pays mother for death of teen son brings Christmas to the elderly GEORGETOWN Investments and Management Services Inc., trading under the name “The Princess Hotel”, was sued by Marcia Duke, mother of Shaquille Edwards—the teen boy who died by drowning in the pool of the hotel four years ago.

Edwards, who was 17 years old at that time, went with a group of approximately 20 teenagers, comprising final year and former students of St. Stanislaus College, to enjoy a day of swimming at the Princess Hotel Swimming Pool.

While they were preparing to leave, Edwards told his friends that he was going to take one last jump before they leave. However, his last jump ended tragically. The mother’s claim however, is that the absence of a lifeguard at the pool contributed to the death of her son.

It was reported that the teen was under water for about 12 minutes before he was rescued and no lifeguard was there to resuscitate him or even save him while he was drowning.

The matter was called before Justice Sandil Kissoon, who on Monday morning gave his ruling in favour of the mother.

The mother, represented

by Attorney Nigel Hughes, in her Statement of claim, contended that on the 25th January, 2014, the defendant negligently failed to provide a lifeguard on duty and failed to place visible warning signs

Shaquille Kwame Edwards

to the public of the dangers of using the pool which was at the premises of the defendant, thereby negligently causing the death of Edwards by drowning.

Hughes told the Guyana Chronicle that the hotel had a duty to ensure that if they are going to have this big pool where people are coming, they have a responsibility to ensure that they have an effective lifeguard. The hotel he said, claimed they don’t have lifeguards at the pool, but there was a lifeguard, one that was negligent because at the time of the incident he was liming in the lobby and it took him about 10 minutes to render assistance to the dying teen.

In the particulars of negligence, the document stated that the defendant failed to warn the public of the dangers of the pool of water; failed to place visible and proper signs in and around the pool to warn and/or deter

persons from using the facilities for swimming purposes; failed to provide a lifeguard at the said pool at all times while the pool was open; and failed to provide proper security for the said premises.

By reason of the matters aforesaid, Edwards sustained injuries, from which he died on the 25th of January, 2014.

The claim also pointed out that the deceased was attending Saint Stanislaus College and was in the Sixth Form class. He was preparing to write four (4) subjects at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination in 2014. He was very athletic and showed much promise in his intellectual capacity as an eager 17 year old.

By reason of the matters aforesaid, the expectation of life of the deceased was shortened and his mother has thereby suffered loss and damage. In addition funeral expenses have been incurred amounting to $250,000.

Justice Kissoon said he found that the teen was contributory negligent to 25 per cent and as such he granted exemplary damages in the sum of $7.5 million, instead of $10 million.

In addition to exemplary damages, Judge granted $250,000 for funeral expenses, $668,968 for special damages and a total of $2.5 million for general damages. The general damages entailed loss of earning capacity – $1,250,000; loss of life – 1,000,000; and pain and suffering - $250,000.

Some of the senior citizens dancing and enjoying their Christmas party

GUYANA Women’s Leadership Institute (GWLI) on Saturday held its inaugural senior citizens party at the Guyana National Gymnasium.

The elderly citizens came from several communities around Georgetown, and as far as Mocha, Ann’s Grove and Victoria, to be given a Christmas treat from the team at GWLI. They were given a Christmas gift and a food hamper, and were given the opportunity to dance and sing and meet with other citizens that they haven’t seen in a long time and engage with others they have met for the first time.

GWLI also organised for them to be entertained by Guyanese Soca Queen, Michelle ‘Big Red’ King, and

partake in other fun activities to give them the feeling of belonging and usher in the Christmas spirit.

Chairperson of GWLI’s Board Mavis Benn, told the Guyana Chronicle that this activity was organised to give the senior citizens the opportunity to recapture what they would have been partakers of, and to remind them that they have not been forgotten.

“Sometimes we forget our senior citizens of this country and the contributions they’ve made to society.

This is an activity to help them realise their efforts and contributions and let them know they have not been forgotten,” Benn said.

She explained that this is the first activity of its kind; however, GWLI has planned to make it an annual activity

to continue to bring that feeling of appreciation and spreading the joy of Christmas with the senior citizens of Guyana.

GWLI is a board that is primarily concerned with capacity building and life skill enhancement of women and young girls at every level. It is aimed at creating and implementing gender focused education and training programmes for women and men in the government, non-government, public, and private sectors in order to promote gender awareness and equity and enable the full participation of women in leadership and decision-making processes throughout society, thereby contributing to the equitable and sustainable development of Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Adventists open $100M school …targeting nursery and primary students

The unveiling of the corner stone at the new Georgetown Seventh-Day Adventist Academy on Monday. Standing from left are: President of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) Dr. Hilary Bowman; President of the Guyana Conference of SDA, Pastor Richard James; Executive Secretary of the Guyana Conference of SDA, Pastor Exton Clarke and Elder Michael Kendall (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANESE children have been given the opportunity to receive quality education with the launching of a $100M Georgetown Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Academy on Monday.

The institution is owned by the Guyana Conference of SDA and caters to nursery and primary students, with focus being placed not only on their academic development, but spiritual growth as well. The new school, outfitted with six classrooms, has the capacity to accommodate 120 students and is located in Durban Backlands just opposite the Davis Memorial Hospital.

It is also equipped with a wheelchair-friendly sanitary block and composite furniture to allow easy switching from individual to group studies. It currently caters for Nursery One and Two and Grade One students with provisions being made for higher grades. Already, 24 students have been attending classes at the intuition since September 2018. The Georgetown SDA Academy is the first official denominational educational institution to be owned and operated by the SDA church in Guyana in 42 years.

Expounding on the reason behind the over four decade gap at the launching, was Executive Secretary of the Guyana Conference of SDA, Pastor Exton Clarke who presented a historic perspective of Adventist education in Guyana. He told the gathering that there was once a very vibrant SDA academic presence locally with SDA schools in the country’s three

counties.

However, in 1976 Guyana’s education programme was nationalised whereby private education was abolished for several years, until the early 90s with a change of government policies.

Due to financial limitations, restarting for the school took time, but when Pastor Dennis Hamilton met with the President of the Maranatha Volunteers International at a meeting of the SDA Inter-American Division in 2013, things took a turn.

Hamilton had intended to secure an agreement with the volunteers, along with Head of the General Conference of SDA of erecting several one-day churches throughout Guyana, but when the team arrived they realised that a different need existed.

“While here, and realising that there was no church school in Guyana for 40 years and knowing the value of an Adventist education on enhancing the mission of the church and aiding in leadership development, [they] made a strong recommendation to amend the proposal for Guyana and instead of focusing exclusively on church buildings, he proposed to construct a primary school and the remaining resources will be used to construct approximately 10 one-day churches,” Pastor Clarke said.

The idea was readily embraced by President of the Guyana Conference of SDA, Pastor Richard James, who in his remarks stated: “Children are important to Christ and the church must see to it that we provide the vital service that is needed for their holis-

Students of the Academy welcome the audience with song. (Samuel Maughn photo)

Parents, teachers and other well-wishers gather for the commissioning of the school (Samuel Maughn photo)

tic development.”

He also told media operatives that the school is open to all children, which includes those who are non-members of the Adventist church.

“We have an open system in that we are concerned about all children not only Seventh-Day Adventist children, and we would be willing to help parents with achieving the objectives that they have for their children especially as it relates to academic excellence. while at the same time they’re developing a character that is in keeping with God’s plan for children,” he said.

Invited to deliver the feature address was President of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) in Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Hilary Bowman who in his remarks said: “[The] Georgetown

SDA Academy must be the catalyst for growth in Adventist education in the development of Guyana. “Whatever you do here must not be the same because Adventist education must be different…the academic programme must be of very high quality and our spiritual programme must be of high quality.”

The school has now become an official school of the SDA Caribbean Union adding to the 8,515 SDA education institutions worldwide; the over 2M students and 85,000 educators in over 100 countries.

Communication Director at the Guyana Conference, Barbara Savory, told the media that some of the interesting programmes also being offered include music, information technology, health and physical education.

“We believe that intellectual development is paramount to our progress as human beings. Notwithstanding, however, we believe that there are other dimensions of life that need critical attention. So, while on one hand we uphold a high degree of academics, we also are adamant that our children should receive the grounded education that will help them to be good moral human beings, and I think that is what we offer that is so different from the regular classrooms,” Savory said.

She said, too, that soon a canteen will be added which will abstain from the sale of unhealthy foods and beverages, like soft drinks and snacks with high sodium content which are very dangerous to the body in the long run.

Speaking to the newspa-

per on the sidelines, parent Marissa Pearson-Jones said that she transferred her fouryear- old son from his previous nursery school when she learnt about the institution’s existence.

“I found that the fees were affordable. His dad and I had a discussion about it and we came to an agreement and honestly I have no regrets because my son is doing extremely well. I’m seeing a lot of improvements; he comes home singing a lot of songs,” Pearson-Jones said.

“I can say, as an adult, he teaches me a lot. He can pray; he prays very strong prayers and I was overwhelmed as a parent at the opening just now. Water almost came to my eyes to see my son being able to do certain things. I’m very proud of it.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

16 foreign companies apply for business registration …AG says businesses “flocking Guyana in droves” BETWEEN January to October 2018 applications to do business in Guyana have come from 418 local companies and 16 foreign companies along with 9,813 new business names and 8,619 business names renewed.

These were the figures presented by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams on Friday in the National Assembly, as he stood to present an update on the countries registries.

He told the House that the Commercial Registry had several significant accomplishments for the year 2018, so he is puzzled as to why the opposition is intent on painting a different picture to the public.

“I don’t know what is all this talk about that we are not doing well. Why are all these people coming to register businesses in Guyana if it was a doom and gloom situation?” the minister queried.

Meanwhile there were 4,730 Bills of Sale; 2,345 Bills of Sale renewals; 601 Trade Marks; five Patents; 12 Patents Renewal and two Trade Unions. Altogether, the Commercial Registry earned $183,969,436 for the period January to November 2018.

“Mr. Speaker, the Guyanese people and foreigners have found Guyana to be a place for doing business and are complying with our legal requirements to get their registration and the necessary documents that would give them locus standi to do business in this beautiful country of Guyana and they are flocking in droves.”

The highlights came even as in the same year the registry also launched its new website; strengthened database sharing between Georgetown and two sub registries in Berbice and Essequibo and developed the Guyana e-Registry system.

Minister Williams said that for 2019, there are plans

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams (Adrian Narine photo)

to have the e-Registry system operational and accessible to the general public with the “beneficial ownership register” in place. It would ensure the digitisation and uploading of all company documents into the database and the implementation of the “secure transaction regime and Move-

able Property Security Act”.

Meanwhile, the three Deeds Registry in Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo, together accumulated $725,255,405 in revenue to the state between January to October the 2018.

The minister referred to this year’s earning as “a pro-

ductive year” compared to the previous years’ earning between the same periods of $683,888,000. At the land registry, Williams reported that the previously experienced “backlog” is now a “thing of the past” as matters are now being dealt with in a timely manner.

“When we took office this was the most heavily criticised institution of the State…for the most part, the registry has been achieving a ‘two week’ time span after date of filing, for delivery of titles,” the minister updated.

“Excellence of service has been the watch word of the registry and towards this end, there have been some major developments, namely—the registers in the registry both Georgetown and Berbice have been scanned and the process of uploading same to the main system, restoration of registers has been completed.” During the period there were 1,413 transfers; 236 re-issued titles; 1,393 mortgages and 4,041 miscellaneous. The legal affairs minister added that the by 2019, each member of staff at the head office branch will be able to access the digitised records, thereby providing responses to queries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Agriculture producers to get help through GSDS initiatives –– Minister Harmon Agriculture producers are among the beneficiaries who will be assisted to overcome persistent barriers through initiatives of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS).

This was noted by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during his contribution to the budget debates which concluded at the National Assembly on Friday night.

While addressing parliamentarians on Thursday afternoon, Harmon said the foundation of the GSDS lies atop several existing and prior national strategies including the National Development Strategy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy , the Social Cohesion Strategy and the Cultural Policy among others , the principals of which are still relevant today, he added.

He said the GSDS came from a multi-layered national stakeholder consultation process which began in 2017 and involved 1700 participants from 200 communities’ nationwide, expert groups comprising 130 professionals who met frequently to determine its policies and priorities.

Harmon said two separate presentations were made to Cabinet and according to him, by January 2019 it will be put to the public for

comment and review. He said it will then be laid in the National Assembly and government anticipates the entire process will be completed in 2019.

Harmon said that the APNU+AFC government has already matched rhetoric on the GSDS “with solid action.” To this end, he said government’s vision is already in motion, from conception to policy to implementation at a rapid pace.

He said one core area of the GSDS is about supporting economic and environmental and infrastructural resilience.

Harmon explained that this will occur through the green and inclusive economic diversification, the transition to renewable energy and transition and establishment of resilient infrastructure.

In this regard , the said agriculture producers will be assisted to overcome persistent barriers and to switch to more lucrative and sustainable technique such as organic farming while expanding into processing and value- added activities.

The Minister of State also noted that the strategy is development that provides a better quality of life for all Guyanese based on sustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources and the protection of the environment.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

He said it presents priorities for Guyana’s development including -sustainable management of the natural resources through mechanisms such as the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF, ) that will protect the prosperity of the country and pave a pathway to long term growth and sustain priority.

He said the SWF fund will be in line with Santiago principles and practices which covers the legal framework , objectives and coordination with macro-economic policies and the institutional framework and governance structures and investment and risk management framework.

Harmon told parliamentarians that said the world has recognised the threat posed by climate change and has embarked on a multi-lat-

eral international climate change policy.

He said the GSDS will assess the case for coordinated support schemes such as technology parks, improve the operating environment for business and build resilient infrastructure, green towns and urban and rural public spaces.

He said the GSDS will see diversification of production, reduce Guyana’s dependence on fossil fuel, generate renewable energy and emphasis low carbon manufacturing.

The Minister of State noted that the GSDS also proposes the sustainable management of land resources as a principle undertaking that will secure and safeguard “our natural patrimony” for future generations from a land-use planning perspective.

Harmon described the GSDS as a “comprehensive document of strategic actions, policies and programmes “to guide the country’s development trajectory over the next two decades.

He said its objective is broader than other previous development strategies and captures a more holistic view of social, economic and environmental well-being, which he noted is in line with the United Nations sustainable goals.

AG accuses PPP of holding up work of Constitutional Reform Committee ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, SC., who is also the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Constitutional Reform, said a meeting of the committee called on Friday last was only attended by the government Members of Parliament (MP).

The attorney general (AG) said Opposition MP, Priya Manickchand, who was the only opposition member at the meeting, left before it was convened. Nevertheless, AG Williams said several key decisions were made, among them, the inclusion of the Berbice Bar Association on the committee, the appointment of the deputy chairperson by the Parlia-

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC.

mentary Committee on Appointments and consideration of a possible expiry date for the life of the committee.

The attorney general made it clear that the opposition continues to stall

the work of the committee which has only met five times since being constituted.

“Even if we were to proceed without them, in relation to the type of amendments… some of them would require a two-thirds majority… those would meet a stumbling block in the National Assembly,” he noted.

The AG intends to call a meeting of the committee later this week or as soon as members make known their availability. Given the changing landscape, the AG said constitutional reform is necessary to ensure the right legislations are enacted to meet this and other needs.

He reiterated the coalition administration’s commitment to the process and dispelled comments being made by

the opposition which suggest otherwise. The bipartisan committee was formed in 2015. The committee comprises AG Williams who is the Chairman, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine.

Opposition MPs on the committee include Anil Nandlall, Priya Manickchand, Dr. Frank Anthony and Adrian Anamayah.

The bill was sent to the committee to be examined as it is the body responsible for dealing with constitutional matters. (DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Bright Christmas for Massy employees MASSY and the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) on Monday signed a two-year agreement that will see the company’s employees receiving between two-nine per cent salary increases for 2019 retroactive from October 1.

Employees of the mega store will also receive a Christmas bonus equivalent to a month and half salary.

For 2020, B1, B11 and B111 salary scale employees will all get a further fixed $4000 increase while sales representatives, who were given the two per cent, increase for 2019 will get a $500 increase.

The sales representatives were given lesser consideration in the increases be-

cause they work on a commission basis which adds up to a significant amount.

The agreement also included other allowance increases. The bicycle allowance was increased to $10,000, up from $8,200 while the scholarship allowance was increased by 25 per cent.

The signing of the agreement took place in the boardroom of the Department of Labour, Brickdam, Georgetown, and was attended by Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle. Also present were CCWU President Sherwood Clarke, Consultant Grantley Culbard, Massy Director Christen BobbSemple and Human Resources Manager Sharon

Rodrigues.

Ogle commended the parties for coming to an agreement in such a short time and without the need for going pass the negotiations stage of the collective bargaining agreement process.

“It shows that their relationship is good and let me wish both sides all the best. We didn’t have to intervene, they were able to do it without our help, so all we had to do is countersign the agreement,” Ogle noted.

CCWU was very pleased with the package awarded to its members.

“We’re happy and we made some stride in bettering the workers’ conditions,” Clarke expressed.

Culbard noted that the company was pleased to

Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle (centre) with and Massy and CCWU representatives at the signing of the agreement (Samuel Maughn photo)

reach an amicable agreement in the best interest of its employees.

“The relationship with CCWU has always been cordial. We were able to agree

on an agreement that would set the tone of some form of reward to the employees for their efforts. Of course, this is just the minimum. The company believes in our em-

ployees and going above and beyond what is stated in the agreement,” Culbard noted.

The negotiations between the two sides concluded after three meetings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Businessman donates 100 traffic cones to police

From left: Businessman Retesh Singh of Bardon Construction Services, Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles and Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Maxine Graham during the formal handing over of the cones

BUSINESSMAN Retesh Singh of Bardon Construction Services on Monday donated 100 traffic cones to the Guyana Police Force.

The donation was received by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Maxine Graham and Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles at the Forces’ Transport Department, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary.

Singh, who is an ardent supporter of law enforcement initiatives, recently donated 50 traffic cones to ‘D’

Division Commander, Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper, who has since been using same in front of several schools to avoid congestion.

The businessman said he took the opportunity to donate the cones because of the approaching holiday season and the expected spike in traffic congestion during the period.

Both Graham and Isles applauded and thanked the donor for his timely donation of the much-needed equipment.

More contraband found in Mazaruni Prison

A Joint Service search of the Mazaruni Prison unearthed contraband on Monday. Authorities said 17 improvised weapons, two knives, two chisels, a screw driver, six USB cables, two cellular phones, 37 smoking utensils, 14 metal spoons, 18 cigarette lighters, two bottles of fermented wine and other prohibited item were found.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

FROM BACK PAGE

Guyana recapture...

By Michael DaSilva GUYANA are once again the Caribbean boxing champions after winning 15 medals at the 2018 edition of the championship which concluded on Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH).

Known world-wide for its tremendous gold resources, Guyana’s boxers picked up 10 gold medals, three silvers and two bronze to regain championship honours which they surrendered last year in St. Lucia when that Island hosted the tournament.

The locals had won the inaugural Caribbean Boxing Championship when Guyana hosted the tournament in 2015 and subsequently made a successful defence of the championship title in Barbados in 2016, but in 2017, due to financial constraints, could only have sent four boxers to the championship which was hosted by St. Lucia.

Despite this small contingent of boxers, the Guyanese won three gold medals and one silver.

Bantamweight boxer and 2018 Best Boxer, Keevin Allicock, middleweight Desmond Amsterdam and light welterweight Colin Lewis, all won gold medals, while Joel Williamson won a silver medal.

This time around (2018), the host team (Guyana) fielded a 31-member team and came out victorious.

The pick of the local team was Allicock, who was adjudged Best Boxer after registering points-decision victories against Trinidad and Tobago’s Anthony Joseph and Barbados’ Ajayi Jones in the bantamweight category of the Elite Class.

It could be contended that Allicock’s speed, clinical display of boxing and his aggressiveness caused him to be named Best Boxer of the championship.

On Sunday night, there was one knock-out win, seven bouts were stopped by the referee and five fights went the distance (three rounds).

In the lightweight final of the Elite Class, Guyana’s Jamal Eastman knocked out Trinidad’s Jessie Edwards at 33 seconds of the second round to register the only knock-out of the night.

Registering technical knock-out wins were Guyana’s Astion Niles, who caused the referee to stop his novice lightweight contest against Dominica’s Delroy Charles in the second round.

Cayman Islands’ Brandy Barnes had his fight against Guyana’s Joanne Williams stopped at two minutes 15 seconds of the second round in his (Barnes) favour, then Guyana’s Quincy Boyce scored a one minute, 55 seconds stoppage win against St. Maarten’s Shemar Beartam in their novice’s welterweight bout.

Winning for Guyana also were Aleisha Jackman and Abiola Jackman in the female category, Amsterdam who defeated St. Lucia’s Arthur Langalier in the middleweight final, and Markember Pierre who defeated the US Virgin Islands’ Delon Pruitt in the light heavyweight class.

FROM BACK PAGE

Golden Jaguars’ Emery Welshman...

In 2015, Welshman signed with Real Monarchs SLC of the USL, where he made 19 appearances and scored six goals. At the conclusion of the 2015 USL season, he signed with Real Salt Lake.

While he didn’t make a first team appearance, Welshman made three appearances on loan with the Monarchs. In 2017, he signed with the Carmelo Anthony-owned Puerto Rico FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL). Welshman made 22 appearances, including 13 starts, scored five goals and added three assists.

Welshman has seven caps for Guyana, and has

scored six goals since making his international debut in 2015. Most recently, he was called up for Guyana’s CONCACAF Nations League Qualifiers against the Turks and Caicos Islands in October and French Guiana in November.

The forward notched a hattrick in the Golden Jaguars’ 8-0 victory over Turks and Caicos Islands on Oct. 13.

The next time Cincinnati takes the field, it will be as MLS’ 24th team in 2019 when the club debuts in the top professional league in the U.S. and Canada.

Season tickets for the 2019 season are now on sale at fccincinnati.com/tickets.

23

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Australia battle hard but India take 1-0 lead in Adelaide

By Ian Ransom

ADELAIDE (Reuters) - India crushed a lowerorder insurrection to secure a nerve-jangling 31-run victory in the first test against Australia on Monday, raising the South Asian nation’s hopes of a breakthrough series win Down Under.

The tourists had to work hard to remove Australia’s last four batsmen on the final day at Adelaide Oval but finally broke through at the end of an extended middle session to send India’s travelling fans into raptures.

Faced with a docile wicket and tenacious tailend slogging, Virat Kohli’s team bowled with patience and determination to claim India’s first win in the country since Anil Kumble’s men beat a Ricky Pontingled Australia by 72 runs in Perth in 2008.

It was also India’s first win in a Test series-opener in Australia and they will head to Perth for the second

Moment of victory, moment of defeat: India’s celebrations begin ©(Getty Images)

of the four matches full of confidence.

“Obviously it’s a great feeling, we’ve never taken a lead in a series in Australia,” said Kohli, who scored backto-back centuries in a 48-run loss in Adelaide during the 2014/15 tour.

“I think our fast bowlers came in and bowled with great heart but we knew

(Australia) were not going to throw in the towel.”

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took the final wicket of Josh Hazlewood for 13 to dismiss Australia for 291, with Nathan Lyon unbeaten on 38 after a valiant chase of 323 for victory.

After suffering defeat in their first home test without the suspended Steve Smith

and David Warner, Tim Paine’s Australia will go into the second match with batting worries confirmed.

On a pitch that presented few demons, only two home batsmen managed scores above 50 across the match, with a majority of victims falling due to poor shot selection.

“It’s pretty shattering,”

Paine said.

“Really proud of the fight of the lower order but I think over the five days we had a number of opportunities to get ahead of the game but failed to capitalise on any of them and India thoroughly deserved to win.”

Kohli’s side banked 123 and 71 from man of the match Cheteshwar Pujara, while Ajinkya Rahane chipped in a vital 70 in the second innings against a world class seam attack.

India have been excited by their own pace bowlers and they delivered when it counted.

Mohammed Shami had 3-65 in the second innings and Jasprit Bumrah (3-68) made key breakthroughs on day five. Ishant Sharma started the ball rolling by taking Travis Head’s wicket for 14 in the morning.

Under pressure after a dreadful run of scores, Shaun Marsh was removed by wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for 60, leaving wicketkeeper Paine and tail-

ender Pat Cummins to scrap desperately to lunch.

Paine had treatment for a hand injury before the break and was out slogging for 41 soon after before Mitchell Starc kept the terraces entertained with a typically swashbuckling innings of 28.

Mohammed Shami broke through to remove Starc, with Pant catching the edge to equal the world record of 11 dismissals shared by AB De Villiers and Jack Russell.

Pant dropped a diving, one-handed chance that would have given him sole possession of the record when Bumrah coaxed a nick off Cummins (28).

But the Indian bowler got Cummins eventually, with an edge flying to Kohli in the slips.

No team had scored more than 315 runs in a successful run chase at Adelaide Oval but Lyon and Hazlewood kept the crowd entertained in a final 32-run stand before falling short.

Chelsea ban fans over alleged racial abuse of Sterling

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea said on Monday they had banned four supporters from matches pending an investigation into alleged racial abuse of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling.

The incident involving the 24-yearold England international occurred during City’s 2-0 Premier League defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Chelsea said they were “fully supporting” a police investigation launched after a video posted online showed Sterling being shouted at by a fan as he went to collect the ball from behind the goal.

Asked about the remarks the fan made, Sterling told journalists on Sunday he “had to laugh” because he expected no better, adding that newspapers were “unacceptable” in their portrayal of young black players.

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) said harsh treatment that Sterling was receiving from the media was fuelling racism on the terraces, reports of which had increased from last season.

“We commend Raheem for his professionalism during the incident,”

Former England and Liverpool International John Barnes

the PFA - the trade union for players in England - said in a statement.

“We stand with him in calling for the press to consider the coverage of all footballers carefully, and to end their imbalanced coverage aimed at young, black players.

“We have been aware for a few months of the targeting Raheem faces in the press, it is evident that he is often singled out and treated more harshly than his colleagues.”

No arrests were made after Saturday’s match but the Metropolitan Police said they would review footage to determine whether any racist abuse

took place.

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said last month that reports of discriminatory abuse within football were up 11 percent from last season.

“While it may be true that no racial slurs have been used in the press coverage received by Raheem and others, we are in no doubt that the negative narrative influences public opinion and emboldens racist rhetoric,” the PFA added.

Former international John Barnes, who like Sterling played for England and Liverpool and faced racist abuse during his career, said the issue of discrimination went beyond the pitch.

“More often than not the media influences society... The only way we can change racism is if we change the perception of the average black person in the street and then you will have many more average black people being given what they deserve,” the 55-yearold told the BBC. “It’s a very long-term process, we’re talking about hundreds of years of indoctrination ensuring that there are certain groups of people who are more worthy than others.”

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:30 hrs Nuntius Oratorion 09:05 hrs Mawsoof 09:45 hrs Green Haze 10:25 hrs Visigoth 11:00 hrs Aeronautical 11:30 hrs Andiamo

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24

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

England keep faith with winning squad for WIndies tour

England’s tour of the West Indies 15-16 January: warm-up match v WI Board XI, Barbados 17-18 January: warm-up match v WI Board XI, Barbados 23-27 January: 1st Test, Kensington Oval, Barbados 31 Jan-4 Feb: 2nd Test, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua 9-13 February: 3rd Test, Darren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia 17 February: one-day warm-up match v Vice Chancellor’s XI, Barbados 20 February: 1st ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados 22 February: 2nd ODI, Kensington Oval, Barbados 25 February: 3rd ODI, National Stadium, Grenada 27 February: 4th ODI, National Stadium, Grenada 2 March: 5th ODI, Darren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia 5 March: 1st T20, Darren Sammy Stadium, St Lucia 8 March: 2nd T20, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis 10 March: 3rd T20, Warner Park, St Kitts & Nevis’s

England have won their last five Test matches

(REUTERS) - England on Monday kept faith with the players who clinched a historic test series win in Sri Lanka, naming an unchanged squad of 16 for next month’s tour of the West Indies.

Joe Root’s side whitewashed Sri Lanka

3-0 last month, ending a 17-year wait for a series victory there.

Uncapped all-rounder Joe Denly did not play, but he kept his place ahead of short-form specialist Jason Roy, who emerged as a candidate after playing for England Lions against

Pakistan A in the United Arab Emirates.

England also named their final one-day squad before the World Cup, with fast bowlers Tom Curran and David Willey returning to a unit who defeated Sri Lanka 3-1. Tom replaces brother Sam as Liam

Dawson and Olly Stone also miss out.

England face West Indies in three Tests. starting in Barbados on Jan. 23. The two teams will also play five onedayers and three Twenty20 internationals.

Test squad: Joe Root

Pride suffer dramatic collapse to hand Hurricanes victory BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Off-spinner Terrance Warde snatched two wickets to spark a dramatic slide as Leeward Islands Hurricanes stunned Barbados Pride by 34 runs in their day/night opener of the Regional Four-Day Championship here Sunday night.

Chasing 170 for victory at 3W’s Oval, Pride went to the first break on 82 for four but lost their six wickets for 51 runs afterwards, to be bowled out for 135.

Captain Shamarh Brooks topscored with 32 while wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott got 30 and veteran left-hander Jonathan Carter, 24.

Warde claimed four for 33 while West Indies seamer Alzarri Joseph picked up three for 16 to finish with a seven-wicket match haul.

Resuming at their overnight 13 for one, Pride added only three runs before losing opener Shane Moseley for seven in the second over of the afternoon, bowled by Joseph.

Alzarri Joseph

Pride’s two most senior batsmen, Brooks and Carter then stabilised the innings in a 50-run, third wicket stand which appeared to have put Pride back in the driver’s seat.

Brooks faced 76 balls and counted three fours while the lefthanded Carter struck four fours in a 57-ball knock.

With lunch approaching, however, Hurricanes struck twice, Warde bowling Carter and legspinner Damion Jacobs also bowling Aaron Jones for one.

Brooks then perished in the second over following the resumption from lunch, bowled missing a full toss from Warde and when Justin Greaves (9) had his defence breached by seamer Jeremiah Louis, Pride were tottering again on 94 for six.

But Walcott and Walsh (15) combined in a gutsy 36-run, seventh wicket stand that once again blew the game wide open.

Both batsmen were positive, Walcott striking two fours and a six off 58 balls while Walsh belted a four and a six in a 16-ball cameo.

Jacobs struck the key blow when he drew Walsh from his crease and had him stumped and Warde then struck twice as Pride lost their last four wickets for just five runs.

(captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

ODI squad: Eoin

Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Entries for KMTC Boxing Day horse race Meet closes on Sunday ENTRIES for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club’s (KMTC) Annual Boxing Day meet will close on Sunday and race-horse owners and trainers are asked to ensure that their entries are registered, as no late entries will be accepted.

Seven races are carded for the day and over $3M and a trophy will be up for grabs. The feature event carries a total prize purse of $1.6M with the winner receiving $800,000, while the second, third and fourth place finishers will earn $400,000, $200,000 and $98,000 respectively.

The feature event is opened to horses classified `C and lower’; they will compete over a distance of one mile.

According to a release from

the organizing committee of the KMTC, the event will take place at the club’s facility, Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, and will be convened under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority.

There will be races for `H1 and Lower’ along with a race for two-year-old and older horses that carries first prizes worth $250,000 and $240,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, the race for twoyear-old Guyana-bred horses (maiden) which will be over five furlongs, will see the winner collecting $200,000.

For more information, interested horse owners and trainers can make contact with Niketa Ross (662- 4668), Issac Dalio (689-0629), or Justice Cecil Kennard (623-7609).

25

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Cameron warns of ‘serious decisions’ to deal with player commitment

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Controversial Cricket West Indies president, Dave Cameron, has questioned the commitment of West Indies players and has warned that “serious decisions” will be taken at board level to curb the problem.

Speaking in a radio interview here in the wake of the Windies historic series whitewash to Bangladesh in the two-Test last week, Cameron said the board was spending “millions of dollars” to develop players but was not managing to maximise its investment.

“Part of our challenge is we’re having players who are going in and out of the system, they’re not fit enough and we spend millions of dollars on

bringing them to where they’re at and we need players to commit to West Indies,” Cameron said.

A CWI board meeting was held in Trinidad and Tobago last weekend which Cameron said would have been used to come to “serious decisions” on what is referred to as the “West Indies cricket first policy”.

The policy urges players to prioritise West Indies availability over global Twenty20 leagues, with the aim of ensuring the best squad at all times for international tours.

Cameron hinted that at the moment, players seemed to be distracted by the lure of the lucrative short format franchise cricket.

“Everybody wants the game to be over in three hours and we all want to get

West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine (left) and opener Evin Lewis … two of the players missing from the Windies one-day tour of Bangladesh.

rich very, very quickly,” he contended.

For the ongoing threematch one-day series in Bangladesh, West Indies

are again without several first-choice players like Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.

More support for Boxing Day horse race meet

Proprietor of Ganesh Parts & General Store Roop Persaud hands over the cheque to President of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard, in the presence of other employees. (Delano Williams photo)

GANESH’s Parts & General Store has thrown its support behind the Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) Boxing Day horse race meet.

The company which, over the years supported the club, has come on board once again with proprietor Roop Persaud handing over a cheque worth $200,000 to President of the KMTC, Cecil Kennard, yesterday at the business entity’s Robb Street location. The money will help offset the ‘L’ Open

event.

In a brief comment, Persaud said what a pleasure it was to be associated with the Kennard Memorial Turf Club again.

Kennard thanked the sponsors for coming forward and said that he would love to see the working relationship between the two parties continue. Set for the Bush Lot, Corentyne race track, the provisional programme has listed seven races for the meet with the ‘C’ Class and Lower event being the

feature race with a total cash prize of $1.6 million dollars on offer.

In the ‘C ’ Class and lower race which will be competed over a distance of one mile, the top finisher will ride away with $800,000; second $400,000; third $200,000 and fourth $98,000.

The ‘H’1 and Lower race, along with the threeyear-old and over races will see attractive top purses of $250,000 and $240,000 respectively.

Meanwhile, the race for two-year-old Guyana bred horses (maiden) which will cover a distance of five furlongs, will see the winner galloping away with $200,000. The other races and first place cash prizes are as follow, the ‘L’open--$140,000; ‘L’-nonwinners --$120,000; and ‘L’-non-earners-- $100,000.

The races will be run under the regulations of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority and entries close on December 16.

While Gayle indicated his unavailability prior to the India tour last October, mystery surrounds the omission of Lewis, Narine and Russell especially since the trio turned out in the T10 League in Sharjah earlier this month.

In the past, West Indies selectors have struggled with player unavailability due to contractual commitments to foreign franchises, and were forced to do without several players for their World Cup qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe last March.

Cameron argued the Caribbean was perhaps the only jurisdiction where players were allowed to freely flout national selection.

“It’s not an outcry across the region because West Indies is not one country. If

this was South Africa, we would not allow our players to be playing other events while West Indies is playing cricket. There would be a national outcry and players would be banned and all kind of things but it’s ok,” he pointed out.

“We seemingly don’t have the moral authority to choose people to play for us even though we spend millions of dollars developing these athletes.

I think we need some kind of a public forum where everybody can get get behind us.”

At last weekend’s board meeting, CWI were also expected to discuss vacant head coach position of the men’s team, following the recent resignation of Australian Stuart Law.

Narine out-foxes Crawford to win Homeline Furnishing 1St Anniversary cycle race THE ever-improving Balram Narine of the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of Berbice out-foxed seasoned campaigner, Romello Crawford, to win the Homeline Furnishing 1st Anniversary cycle road race that was staged in Berbice on Sunday.

The 30-mile event, which was opened to cyclists from Berbice only, wheeled off from outside the Homeline Furnishing, New Amsterdam branch, situated at Strand, New Amsterdam and proceeded to the University of Guyana’s Tain Campus before returning to the place of origin for the finish.

Almost immediately after the start, Narine and Crawford broke from the pack and never looked back as they journeyed unchallenged to the turn-back point and continued their dominance to the finish line which was the origin of the race.

It was while nearing the finish line that Narine upped the tempo and edged Crawford to the tape. Jeremiah Joseph, Syborne Fernandes and Steve Bhimsain occupied the other top three places in that order.

Joseph, by virtue of placing third overall, was declared the winner of the juvenile category, while Bhimsain was second and Mario Washington third.

Joshua Campbell won the boys under-14 age group from Shazim Yacoob, while Maria Carrington was first among the females.

26 26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Assuria supports GFF/STAG Year-End tournament AS the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) counts down to the start of the GFF/Stag Year-end Tournament on December 14, Assuria has committed a monetary donation to the success of the tournament.

Yesterday, at Assuria’s Head Office, GFF’s president Wayne Forde in the presence of Erwin Daniels, Assuria’s Agency Manager and Head of Life Department, received a cheque for an undisclosed sum from the company’s Financial Planner, Patrick Hazelwood.

Following the presentation, Daniels said the agency is pleased to be associated with the initiative, as it has the potential for positive change, noting “the GFF is engendering good

behaviour for our youths and youth development.

The tournament affords youths the extracurricular activities outside of education. Football has the ability to produce role models for the society through the development of national athletes, including coaches and players; It takes care of the youths.

So Assuria will partner with any organization, which enhances society as a whole, and the GFF is such an organization.”

Echoing Daniels’ sentiments, Hazelwood said the partnership is monumental for his company, calling it “a great achievement in the sense that we’re among the first set of insurance companies to entertain such a thought.

Assuria’s Patrick Hazelwood presents his company’s contribution to the GFF/STAG Year-End tournament to GFF’s president, Wayne Forde

Based on that, I’m looking forward to the aspect of moving from strength to

strength, making the GFF much more effective in terms of our input as well as that

of the Federation from an insurance and developmental standpoint where football is concerned.”

Meanwhile, in expressing his pleasure at the partnership, Forde said the contribution will be impactful for the sport of football.

“This is an extension of an already robust relationship. Assuria is the single supplier of all of our insurance products and we’re happy to transition that relationship to the support of the game. Many young men will have an opportunity to positively engage themselves during this festive season in the game of football, which will no doubt take them away from any other form of activity that may not be

in their best interest or the society’s best interest; so we’re happy that Assuria has seen it fit to reinvest in the development of young people in Guyana,” Forde stated.

The tournament was launched on Monday, 19th November 2018 and is scheduled to kick off on December 14, 2018 with a double-header at the GFC ground, Bourda, commencing at 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs, respectively, pitting Buxton United vs River’s View and GDF FC vs Essequibo Football Association.

Admission to all matches are as follows: $500 (to end of the quarterfinals stage), $1,000 (semi- finals) and $1,500 for the finals.

Permaul’s landmark helps crush Volcanoes resistance GROS ISLET, St Lucia,(CMC) – Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul reached another landmark in his first class career as Guyana Jaguars kicked off their bid for a fifth straight title with a 125run victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes on the final day here Sunday.

Resuming at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground on 54 for two in pursuit of an improbable 348 for victory, Volcanoes folded for 224, with 20-year-old left-hander Alick Athanaze top-scoring with a patient unbeaten 64. Opener Taryck Gabriel converted his overnight 33 into 57 while wicketkeeper Denis Smith struck 38 and Kavem Hodge, 32.

Clinton Pestano received the Player-of-the Match award for his fine allround performance

Permaul snatched three for 56 to reach 450 first class wickets, ending the contest with a six-wicket haul. Another Berbice player Clinton Pestano was named Playerof-the-Match for his all-round showing in the match.

Fast bowlers Romario

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday December 11, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) Tamin Iqbal (2) Brian Lara Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has bagged most ODI wickets for Bangladesh to date?

(2) Who has claimed most ODI wickets for the WI to date?

Answer in tomorrow's issue

Left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul has now taken 450 firs-class wickets.

Shepherd (2-20), Chris Barnwell (2-36) and Clinton Pestano (2-49) all supported with two wickets each. Gabriel and Hodge extended their overnight third wicket stand to 58, to give Volcanoes some impetus early in the day.

The right-handed Gabriel faced 124 balls in 2-¾ hours at

the crease and counted seven fours while Hodge struck five fours off 49 deliveries.

Hodge and Gabriel were both knocked over by Permaul – two of three wickets to fall for 26 runs in the space of 52 balls – to leave Volcanoes struggling on 114 for five.

However, Athanaze came to his side’s rescue, producing an innings that required 137 deliveries, 2-½ hours and included five fours and two sixes. Crucially, he anchored an 88-run sixth wicket stand with Smith who faced 68 balls and struck six fours.

The partnership propelled the hosts to 202 for five, further raising hopes of at least saving the match but once Smith perished, the last five wickets fell for just 20 runs

JAGUARS 1st Innings 224 Volcanoes 1st Innings 187 Jaguars 2nd Innings 310-4 decl.

Volcanoes Innings (target: 348 runs) T Theophile c Pestano b Joseph 6 T Gabriel lbw b Permaul 57 *K Edwards lbw b Pestano 4 K Hodge c Shepherd b Permaul 32 R Cato c Vishaul Singh b Permaul 1 A Athanaze not out 64 +D Smith c Permaul b Barnwell 38 S Shillingford lbw b Pestano 0 D Johnson c Vishaul Singh b Barnwell 4 R Jordan b Shepherd 6 J Thomas c wkp Bramble b Shepherd 0 Extras (b2, lb3, w1, nb4) 10 TOTAL (all out, 76.2 overs) 222 Fall of wickets: 1-6, 2-30, 3-88, 4-96, 5-114, 6-202, 7-203, 8-214, 9-221, 10-222.

Bowling: Joseph 12-2-41-1, Shepherd 12.2-3-30-2, Pestano 16-5-49-2, Permaul 23-8-56-3, Barnwell 12-3-36-2, Johnson 1-0-5-0.

Points: Jaguars 12, Volcanoes.

Max Persaud wins A and R Printery golf tourney MAX Persaud continued to excel as he turned in yet another outstanding performance to emerge as the overall winner when the Lusignan Golf Club hosted the A and R Printery Golf Tournament on Saturday last.

Persaud shot 81-69 to take the 10-18 Flight which also handed him the best gross overall title. Shanella Webster took the runner up spot in this flight with 86-71.

The best net overall title went to Pastor Ragnauth who scored 89-66. His performance handed him the hardware in the 19-28 Flight, while Maurice Solomon placed

second with 96-72.

Kassim Khan scored 81-73 to win the 0-9 Flight ahead of Aleem Hussain who chalked up 84-75 to earn second spot.

Persaud said he is delighted with the win which is a result of his commitment. “I cherish this victory because I had to work hard and keep my focus.

The competition was of a high level and there was hardly any room for mistakes,” he added.

Persaud expressed gratitude to the sponsors and congratulated the other winners.

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Team Wreckers ends Endurance year undefeated –Crack and Lean takes bike win AFTER two hours of competitive driving, team Ramchand’s Wreckers, through driver Adrian Fernandes, continued its stranglehold on the Endurance title of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club.

The team amassed a total of 86 laps over two hours.

But it was not without a close fight from the team of Motilall Deodass, who finished just one lap adrift of the winners in the overall as well as the 1501-1600cc class. Finishing third overall was the team of Shan Seejattan, who finished as the first unlimited cardriver to cross the line after completing 82 laps.

After a late start to the day, the action finally got going with over 30 cars on the grid, representing one of the largest competitor turnouts this year.

At the halfway point one hour in, the Ramchand and the Deodass teams were tied on laps but the changeover and refuelling effort is where the battle was won and lost.

Coming third in the 1501-1600cc class was

Adrian Fernandes completed a perfect year of endurance racing with three wins from three races.

Team Crack and lean comprising Dwayne Caesar (right) Carey Griffith (centre) and Romeo Singh, won the 45-minute bike endurance race.

Kamal Seebarran with 80 laps while Clint Seebarran finished fourth with 78 laps.

In the 0-1500cc class, Selwyn Persaud (71 laps) finished ahead of Naresh Alves by three laps with the

team of Reyad and Richard Hamid third and the Nexus team of Haniff Mohamed and Raymond Seebarran fourth.

In the 1601- 2000cc class, Rishan Ali, after 81

laps completed the top spot ahead of former champion Mohamed Roshandin who fell just one lap short.

Rafeeq Khan finished third.

Shan Seejattan and the Special Auto team took glory in the unlimited class easily as he completed 82 laps with Romeo Singh finishing second and the other Ramchand Wreckers team of Anand Ramchand and Andrew King placing third.

NEW RECORD Meanwhile, a new large circuit record was

set yesterday by Rameez Mohamed, with a 1:17.026.

Driving his Honda Civic in the unlimited class, he was able to break a record once set by Eric Vieira back in 1972. “Well, it’s a win in a way to break a record that has stood for decades; I didn’t get the result I want with the endurance but we are pretty happy with what the car is doing. It is my circuit car, so there’s definitely a positive,” he said.

Team ‘Crack and Lean’ dominate bikes The car section was

preceded by a 45-minute bike class which was won by team crack and lean. A competitive bit of riding by the trio of Carey Griffith, Dwayne Caesar and Romeo Singh saw them winning by just over three laps.

Finishing in second was team Blaze, comprising John Bennett, Sharal Gooding and Romel Singh, while Team Viper which had Kwame Ridley, Elton Carter and Zuri Jhonson finished third.

The final event of the GMR&SC Calendar is this weekend’s KFC Mega cup round two.

Trophy Stall on board with KFC Goodwill tournament TROPHY Stall is the latest entity to show support for the upcoming KFC Goodwill schools’ football tournament which kicks off this Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) ground.

Yesterday, at Trophy Stall’s South Road location, the entity presented Troy Mendonca, who is the Director of the tournament’s organising body (Petra Organisation), with trophies that will be used in the historic event.

“On behalf of Petra Organisation, I would like to extend a big ‘thank you’ to Ramesh Sunich (Proprietor of Trophy Stall) for his contribution towards the anticipated success of this inaugural KFC Schools’ Goodwill tournament”, Mendonca posited during the simple but significant

handing-over ceremony.

“Trophy Stall has always been a partner with Petra who are known to be actively involved in the development of football in Guyana. And, as these organisers embark to extend their reach into the region, we couldn’t be happier with the ambition and our support is automatic”, explained Trophy Stall’s Kevin Eshwar.

The competition was decided using the roundrobin format with three playing days: the 15th, 18th and 22nd of this month.

Annai Secondary of Region nine, along with the recent Guyoil/Tradewind Tankers school league champions, Annandale Secondary, and runnersup Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) will be challenging the

Trophy Stall’s Kevin Eshwar presenting the trophies toTroy Mendonca

very strong Trinidad and Tobago’s (T&T) champions-- Shiva’s Hindu College.

The fixtures for the tournament have been released and each day’s play will witness a doubleheader with games at 17:00hrs and 19:00hrs.

Saturday’s games will see CWSS playing Annandale first, before Annai clashes with Shiva’s Hindu College in the feature match. On the 18th, CWSS will play Annai first, followed by feature play between Annandale and Shiva’s Hindu College.

The final match day will see Annandale against Annai at 17:00hrs while the final match of the tournament will be an anticipated clash between Linden’s CWSS and the fearsome youngsters from T&T at 19:00hrs.

Guyana recapture Caribbean Boxing –Keevin Allicock adjudged Title with 15 medals Best Boxer of tourney See Page 22

Best Boxer of the just concluded Caribbean Boxing Championship, Guyana’s Keevin Allicock (left) steps out of range in his bantamweight final against Barbados’ Ajayi Jones at the CASH on Sunday night. Allicock went on to win the bout on points.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association Steve Ninvalle (fourth Left) presents 2018 Caribbean Boxing Championship `Best Boxer, Keevin Allicock with his accolade in the presence of Director of Sports, Christopher Jones (third left) and other members of the Guyana team.

Golden Jaguars’ Emery Welshman is MLS-bound with FC Cincinnati

GUYANA’s Senior Men’s National Team forward, Emery Welshman, will be heading back to the MLS, this time with Futbol Club, Cincinnati.

On the strength of record-breaking soccer attendances and the completion of an innovative plan to build a new, state-of-the-art football stadium, Major League Soccer (MLS) announced in May that Cincinnati has been awarded an expansion team, and will play in the 2019 season.

The expansion side, which will continue as FC Cincinnati when it joins MLS, plans to play at Nippert Stadium until 2021, when a new 21,000seat football stadium in Cincinnati’s West End neighbourhood is expected to be completed.

Welshman, who will occupy an international roster spot on Cincinnati’s 2019 MLS roster, said “This is a huge opportunity for me to move forward with a club that has ambition.”

The charismatic attacker further noted that “When I signed with the club last year, I knew where they were heading, and I was excited to be part of that team. Now, to be part of an inaugural MLS squad, I’m very blessed. It’s very humbling. It’s a huge blessing for me and for my family and I’m very grateful.”

Welshman originally signed with FC Cincinnati on January 3, 2018 and in his lone season with the ‘Orange and Blue” in the United Soccer League (USL), the forward made 26 appearances, including 14 starts, scored four goals and added four assists.

Guyana’s Emery Welshman in action for FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati coach Alan Koch described Welshman as a player that makes everyone else around him better, while further pointing out “He’s a selfless player and a selfless person. He’s willing to do what the team needs him to do and I’m excited to see him showcase himself in MLS. Like several guys on the team, he’s had a taste and probably didn’t get the best chance in the league. Now he has a chance to embrace this opportunity.”

The Mississauga, Ontario, native was one of four FC Cincinnati players to record at least four goals and four assists in a season.

He scored his first goal-- the game-winning goal-- in the club’s second match of 2018 at Indy Eleven on March 31.

The forward also recorded a goal and an assist for the Orange and Blue on two separate occasions. Outside of MLS play, he also added a hat-trick in FC Cincinnati’s U.S. Open Cup overtime win over Detroit City FC on May 16.

Welshman’s professional career began in 2013 when he was drafted by Toronto FC in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft after completing his final two collegiate seasons at Oregon State.

In 2013, he made two appearances across all competitions for Toronto FC. Following the MLS season, he signed with Sigma FC of League1 Ontario, where he played for one season.

SEE PAGE 22

Cameron warns of ‘serious decisions’ to deal with player commitment See Page 25

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2018