Guyana chronicle e paper 12 14 2017

First solar farm here expected in 2018

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No. 105126

THURSDAY DECEMBER 14, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

Bonus acceptance legitimate – President Granger says non-disclosure no intention to deceive

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CJIA slated for December 2018 deadline Page 3

New bridges for Moruca, Puruni Rivers Page 17

Bandits rob family, threaten to burn woman alive Page 8

This child gets his hand painted as his friend looks on at a Christmas party hosted by Digicel and several other organisations at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Thomas Lands, Georgetown on Wednesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Vulgarity must stop – PPP behaviour in Parliament unacceptable, says President Granger

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Vulgarity must stop 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

– PPP behaviour in Parliament unacceptable, says President Granger

By Ariana Gordon WHILE describing the behaviour of the Parliamentary Opposition in the National Assembly over the past two months as “vulgarity”, President David Granger has called on Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to get a hold of his members so that such acts of disrespect never recur in the National Assembly.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday at State House, the Head-of-State said the disrespectful behaviour of the Opposition is uncalled for.

“It is a level of vulgarity that I referred to since November 2; we have never seen it before and I hope we’d never see it again. There is no place

PPP Members of Parliament protest President David Granger’s address in Parliament on November 2

for that in the National Assembly,” said President Granger.

On November 2, 2017, the President addressed the National Assembly but the

majority of his speech was inaudible as the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) hoisted placards and shouted while the President addressed the House.

On Monday, Opposition MP Juan Edghill defied the orders of Speaker, Dr Barton Scotland to sit down and subsequently leave the Parliament Chambers.

Edghill’s inaction coupled with continuous outbursts towards the Speaker resulted in the suspension of the Committee of Supply when the Consideration of Estimates was being deliberated on.

The police were called in and a scuffle ensued between the Opposition parliamentarians and the law enforcement officers. Edghill was suspended by the Speaker for the next four sittings of the House and will not be financially com-

pensated and or given benefits for that period.

“It is a very poor display on the part of Mr Edghill and his colleagues to demonstrate to the public and our children that the Honourable House should be the scene of such a disorderly show,” said President Granger.

“I can’t imagine that the Chancellor of the Judiciary would have to put up with that in the Court of Appeal; she is the head and I can’t imagine that the Speaker should be faced with that type of vulgarity. We have three branches of Government: the Judicial, the Legislative and the Executive, and every branch has its head and the head of the legislative branch must be treated with respect,” he continued.

MUST BE RESPECTED The President made it

clear that the heads of the three branches of Government must be respected at all times.

“We don’t treat the Chancellor like that, we don’t treat the Speaker like that and you don’t treat the President like that,” he declared.

Asked whether he would meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on the matter, the President said he does not have a problem meeting Jagdeo--a former President--on any matter he (Jagdeo) wishes to raise with him (Granger). “I think that the treatment meted out to me on November 2 was completely uncalled for.

I think the treatment meted out to the Speaker this week was completely uncalled for and I think the Leader of the Opposition needs to deal with the cultural issues within his party.”

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Tuesday described the move by the Parliamentary Opposition as “gross disorderly conduct”.

“Their bad behaviour cannot be rewarded,” said the Prime Minister even as several other ministers of government condemned the Opposition’s behaviour.

Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, who has been a parliamentarian for 20 years, said Monday’s ruckus was unprecedented.

“I have never witnessed anything like this,” he told

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo led the PPP walkout of the National Assembly on Tuesday

reporters in the corridors of Parliament. “The Speaker has always been shown respect and when the Speaker has invited a member to sit, be quiet or refrain or withdraw, that has always been complied with; so we have set a new precedent today,” he continued.

Trotman, who now serves as Minister of Natural Resources under the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, said “We have descended to a new low.”

“I also want to say that none of us would like to see chaos erupting further in the House, but at the end of the day the parliamentary system is one where the Speaker is a presiding officer and that presiding officer must be shown respect.

“The dignity of the House has to be maintained,” he stressed, noting that it is important for the members of the Opposition to try to de-escalate the situation.

Similarly, Minister of State Joseph Harmon said the matter is not about the Opposition and Government, but about what is the lawful position.

“This has nothing to do with who can speak; it is a question of the rule of law.

The Speaker is the person who controls the business in this House and Edghill or no other member of the House can decide that they can violate these rules of the House by refusing to take action when the Speaker tells them to do so.”

Harmon posited that should such behaviour be allowed, the National Assembly would descend into a place of chaos as no one respects the Speaker’s ruling and can do as they desire.

“So Mr Edghill must know, the PPP must know, that the Speaker’s ruling must be obeyed and they can stay in there for as long as they want but it has to be obeyed,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Bonus acceptance legitimate

– President Granger says non-disclosure no intention to deceive

By Ariana Gordon PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday made it clear that his administration acted legitimately by accepting the US$18M signing bonus from U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil and placing same into an escrow account at the Bank of Guyana.

He told reporters that the money was received to address national security matters. Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an accreditation ceremony held at State House, the head-of-state said he takes full responsibility for government’s decision on the matter.

“I am the head of government, I am responsible, I am aware of it and it is a legitimate Government of Guyana exercise and I am aware that it is Bank of Guyana in Escrow – once it is an Escrow account, it means that it cannot be used for purposes for which it is not intended,” he said in response to questions on the issue.

The President maintained that there was nothing wrong or illegal done, stressing that “It is a legitimate Government of Guyana practice and the money has not been dishonestly acquired and has not been used for purposes for which it is not intended.”

He explained that the money was received at a time he believes that was necessary, given “some national security implications.”

“It is a legitimate exercise, it is to be used for certain matters which we perceive to be of national security interest and [at] that

“deliberately organised to cause some embarrassment to this government.”

“What Mr Speaker, I would say is…they meant evil by releasing this letter,” said the minister. The letter was published by the Stabroek News and the Guyana Times newspapers. Government had said that it will release the entire contract by month-end.

President David Granger speaks with reporters on Wednesday at State House (Delano Williams photo)

point in time it was the thing to do, so that we can have access in the event of a national security emergency,” he said.

After months of denying that it received a signing bonus from the U.S. oil company, government last Friday through subject Minister Raphael Trotman admitted before the National Assembly that Guyana accepted funds from ExxonMobil to assist with protecting the country’s territorial sovereignty.

He did not disclose the amount of money, but instead described it as a “large sum” geared towards the payment of legal and associated fees, should the Secretary-General of the United Nations refer the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

for final ruling.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed Dag Nylander his Personal Representative on the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, to work with both Guyana and Venezuela with a view to resolving the border controversy.

Both countries have steadfastly maintained their positions, while observers have noted that taking the controversy to the ICJ for a final resolution will be costly for Guyana.

“Mr Speaker, we did what we did to preserve the safety and well-being of the people of Guyana and to safeguard the sovereignty,” declared Trotman, who called on the opposition to blame his administration for securing the country’s territorial sovereignty.

DID WHAT WAS RIGHT “Let us be blamed! Let us be blamed for doing what is right,” said Trotman.

Trotman’s admission followed media publication of a letter written by the Finance Secretary Hector Butts on the signing bonus granted by ExxonMobil, requesting the opening of a bank of account to receive the signing bonus.

Government has been repeatedly called upon by civil society, Transparency International Guyana, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP), as well as the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), one of the parties forming the APNU+AFC coalition government to release Guyana’s agreement with the U.S. oil giant.

Trotman said the leaking of the said document was

NO INTENTION TO DECEIVE Meanwhile, asked why government chose to keep the signing bonus a secret, President Granger said it is not a question of secrecy, noting that “evidence of non-disclosure does not mean there is evidence of any intention of deception.”

“There is no intention to deceive, but no need to make it public; it is a governmental decision and I make governmental decisions all the time; it is not deceptive -- the transaction was conducted on government letterhead paper between two state agencies, the Bank of Guyana and the Ministry of Finance.”

When told that ministers who ought to have been au fait with the transaction had denied that the transaction occurred, the President said, “I am not sure that all the ministers were aware of the transactions.”

Asked if the minister of finance was not aware, as he had in the past said there was no signing bonus, the President said, the transaction was conducted through the Finance Ministry’s finance secretary and the Bank of Guyana.

“I know that the transac-

tion was conducted through the financial secretary, but as I pointed out it is on government paper, it is between the Bank of Guyana, it is a legitimate transaction and I am aware of it and I am responsible for everything surrounding that transaction.”

President Granger stressed that the matter of the signing bonus was dealt with in that manner, because there were national security implications.

“That’s the only reason it was transacted in that manner and I am responsible for national security and it is my decision,” he declared.

On Sunday, ExxonMobil Guyana through its Country Manager, Rod Henson, confirmed that the company paid a US$18M signing bonus to Guyana, one which he said was earned by the country.

Henson told members of the media following a public lecture on Oil Spill Readiness Response at the Queen’s College auditorium, that such bonuses are “customary and normal in many petroleum agreements.”

He said the money was paid into a Bank of Guyana account last year, one that is owned by the Government of Guyana and which falls under the management of the Ministry of Finance.

Noting its reputation as a business entity, he said the company has no role in how the money would be spent.

Henson said too that the oil company is a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), the global standard for the good governance of oil, gas and mineral resources.

CJIA slated for December 2018 deadline THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is now scheduled to be completed by December 2018 after several delays.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, during examinations of the 2018 budget estimates told the National Assembly that despite the delays, “there are no cost implications.”

Whilst acknowledging that the project is behind schedule due to several reasons, the minister gave the assurance that during the first quarter of 2018, the new arrivals terminal building, gen-

erator building, pipe installation, pump station and water tank, boarding corridor and passenger boarding bridges will be completed.

However, work on the check-in and departure lounges and remaining works on the departure terminal, screening and VIP areas and the south-west runway will be completed by December 2018.

“In Guyana dollars, the total project costs $30.9B. Expenditure as at December 31, 2017, will be $24.1B. We are projected to spend $5B on expenditure in 2018; this will

give a total of $29.1B which leaves $1.8B for retention in 2019… The defect liability is one year and we put the completion date for everything at December 2018. There are no cost implications for the delay of the project,” Minister Patterson explained when questioned.

In July of this year, $300M, in addition to the $9B allocated in the 2017 Budget, for the CJIA’s expansion, has been pumped into the project to facilitate its completion.

Minister Patterson outlined that the terminal building area will increase from

An artist’s impression of the CJIA when completed

13,431 to 13,737 square metres; checking counters will be increased from 20 to 32, and the runway length increased from 10,066 metres

to 10,090 metres.

The project was scheduled to be completed within 32 months of its commencement in 2013; however, the

deadline was extended to December 1, 2017, after several delays were encountered.

The project was also put on hold following discussions between the minister, and the contracting company, China Harbour Engineering Corporation (CHEC).

When completed, the US$150M expansion project is expected to yield two passenger boarding bridges for arrival and departures; a 450-seat departure area, escalators and elevators, in addition to its extended runway catering for larger categories of aircraft.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Brexit bill: Government loses key vote after Tory rebellion The government has been narrowly defeated in a key vote on its Brexit bill after a rebellion by 11 Tory MPs. In a blow to Prime Minister Theresa May, MPs voted to give Parliament a legal guarantee of a vote on the final Brexit deal struck with Brussels.

The government had argued this would jeopardise its chances of delivering a smooth departure from the EU. Despite a last-minute attempt to offer concessions to rebels, an amendment to the bill was backed by 309 to 305.

Ministers said the “minor setback” would not prevent the UK leaving the EU in 2019.

Of the Conservative MPs who voted against the government, eight are former ministers.

One of them, Stephen Hammond, was sacked as Conservative vice chairman in the aftermath of the vote.

“Tonight I put country and constituency before party and voted with my principles to give Parlia-

ment a meaningful vote,” he tweeted.

The government said it was “disappointed” at losing - its first defeat on Brexit - despite the “strong assurances” it had offered.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the defeat was “a humiliating loss of authority” for Mrs May on the eve of an EU summit where leaders will discuss Brexit.

It’s the first time that Theresa May has been defeated on her own business in the Commons. She has to front up in Brussels tomorrow with other EU leaders only hours after an embarrassing loss in Parliament.

Beyond the red faces in government tonight, does it really matter? Ministers tonight are divided on that.

Two Cabinet ministers have told me while it’s disappointing it doesn’t really matter in the big picture.

It’s certainly true that the Tory party is so divided over how we leave the EU that the Parliamentary process was always going to be very, very choppy.

But another minister

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told me the defeat is “bad for Brexit” and was openly frustrated and worried about their colleagues’ behaviour.

attorney general Dominic Grieve and championed by other pro-Remain campaigners - of trying to “frustrate”

But other Conservative MPs reacted angrily, with one, Nadine Dorries, saying the rebels should be dese-

Conservative rebels, and argued that Mr Grieve’s amendment would put unnecessary time pressure on the government if talks with the EU continued until the last minute.

They had already promised a vote on the final deal and to enshrine the withdrawal agreement in an Act of Parliament.

But critics demanded a guarantee of a “meaningful vote” before the deal is agreed. They said the wording of the bill would allow ministers to bypass Parliament in implementing what is agreed with Brussels.

And minutes before the vote, they offered a last-minute promise of action at a later stage of the bill’s journey through Parliament.

Some Conservatives said this had changed their minds but Mr Grieve said it was “too late”.

Speaking afterwards, the government said: “We are disappointed that Parliament has voted for this amendment despite the strong assurances that we have set out.

“We are as clear as ever that this bill, and the powers within it, are essential.

“This amendment does not prevent us from preparing our statute book for exit day. We will now determine whether further changes are needed to the Bill to ensure it fulfils its vital purpose.”

Justice Minister Dominic Raab said the defeat would not hold up the Brexit process.

“It’s a setback but it’s a fairly minor setback, it won’t frustrate the Brexit process,” he said, adding: “It’s not going to stop us leaving the EU in March 2019.”

Mr Corbyn said “Parliament has asserted itself” amid a “power grab” by the prime minister.

The European Parliament’s chief Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt tweeted: “British Parliament takes back control.

European and British Parliament together will decide on the final agreement. Interests of the citizens will prevail over narrow party politics. A good day for democracy.” (BBC)

During the debate Conservative MPs from both sides of the Brexit debate clashed

The defeat came after opposition parties joined forces with Conservative rebels during a heated debate in the Chamber on the amendment.

Critics accused those behind the amendment - which was authored by former

Brexit and tying the government’s hands.

After the result was announced, one of the rebels, former cabinet minister Nicky Morgan, tweeted: “Tonight Parliament took control of the EU Withdrawal process.”

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The Tory rebels were Mr Grieve, Heidi Allen, Ken Clarke, Jonathan Djanogly, Stephen Hammond, Sir Oliver Heald, Nicky Morgan, Bob Neill, Antoinette Sandbach, Anna Soubry and Sarah Wollaston.

Another Conservative MP, John Stevenson, abstained by voting in both lobbies.

Two Labour MPs, Frank Field and Kate Hoey, voted with the government.

The UK is due to leave the EU in March 2019, and negotiations are taking place on what their relationship will be like in the future.

The EU Withdrawal Bill is a key part of the government’s exit strategy.

Its effects include ending the supremacy of EU law and copying existing EU law into UK law, so that the same rules and regulations apply on Brexit day.

MPs have been making hundreds of attempts to change its wording - but this is the first time one has succeeded.

Unless the government manages to overturn it further down the line, it means a new Act of Parliament will have to be passed before ministers can implement the withdrawal deal struck with Brussels.

Ministers had made several efforts to placate the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Ecuador vice-president jailed for corruption The vice-president of Ecuador has been sentenced to six years in jail in connection with corruption at the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht.

Jorge Glas is the highest-ranking politician to be convicted in the scandal that has spread across Latin America and further afield.

Prosecutors said he took $13.5M (£10.2M) in bribes.

The President had removed his duties from him, and he had been in preventative custody since October.

Mr Glas was relieved of his vice-presidential duties earlier this year

He is the highest-ranking politician to be convicted in the Odebrecht scandal.

The company routinely gave bribes to win business, particularly in government

contracts. It has admitted to paying $788M in bribes across 12 countries.

Glas was arrested on 2 October.

Vice-President since 2013, he was re-elected to the post in February. But with corruption allegations mounting against him, he was relieved of his duties by President Lenín Moreno in August.

As part of a plea deal, former top Odebrecht execu-

tive in Ecuador Jose Conceicao Santos revealed that the company had paid $33.5M in bribes since 2007 to secure infrastructure contracts in the country.

Prosecutors said Glas took payments via his uncle, Ricardo Rivera, who is one of four other people also sentenced to six years.

Glas’s lawyer said the sentence was “wicked” and “barbaric”. Former President

Rafael Correa, who appointed him, has previously said he believes the case is politically-motivated.

The sentences will not take effect until confirmed by the court, and the defendants also have the chance to appeal.

The scandal has tainted politicians in several other countries, including Mexico, Peru and Panama as well as Brazil, where Odebrecht is based. (BBC)

El Salvador reviews controversial baby-murder case Judges in El Salvador are due to decide whether to free a woman jailed for murder after her baby was found dead.

Teodora Vásquez has always maintained her innocence, saying that she called an ambulance when she had abdominal pains late in her pregnancy and then passed out.

By the time she regained consciousness her newborn was dead and she was surrounded by police, she says.

She was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2008 for aggravated murder.

El Salvador is one of six countries in the world where abortions are completely banned and carry heavy sentences.

The punishment for abortion is up to eight years in jail but in many cases in which the foetus or newborn has died, the charge is changed to one of aggravated homicide, which carries a minimum sentence of 30 years.

Ms Vásquez’s was one of those cases.

Now her case is up for review and a judge is due to decide later on Wednesday whether she should be released or whether she should serve

another 20 years in prison.

Human rights groups have expressed concern at the fact that it is being heard by the same judges who sentenced her in 2008.

woman has tried to end her pregnancy. If they fail to report such cases, they too could face long sentences in jail.

The result is what human rights groups are calling a

lease with the help of pressure group Amnesty International.

Her relatives say Ms Vásquez, who was 24 when she became pregnant with her second child, had been looking

Teodora Vásquez was accused of intentionally inducing an abortion, a charge later changed to aggravated homicide (BBC Photo)

While El Salvador is not alone in Latin America in having a total ban on abortions, the country is particularly strict in the way it enforces it.

Doctors have to inform the authorities if they think a

criminalisation of miscarriages and medical emergencies, with more than 100 convicted of abortion-related crimes in El Salvador since 2000.

Ms Vásquez’s family has been campaigning for her re-

forward to having the baby and had no intentions of having an abortion.

They say she has hardly had any chance to see her first child since she was jailed in 2008. (BBC)

Brazilian senator casts doubt on pension vote this year A Brazilian Congress vote on a major pension overhaul has been postponed to next year, the Government’s Senate leader said on Wednesday, although cabinet ministers said they were still looking to hold the vote next week.

Senator Romero Jucá said President Michel Temer had not secured enough lower house support for the unpopular overhaul of Brazil’s costly social security system. The vote would be held in February after the Christmas recess, he said, although an extraordinary session could be held earlier in January.

Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles, however, insisted that the government was still working toward holding the lower house vote next week. Senator Jucá, he said, was only “expressing his opinion” on the matter.

The legislation, which is aimed at lowering the cost of the bloated pension system, is considered vital for Temer’s efforts to bring Brazil’s huge budget deficit under control.

Winning approval for the bill is expected to be harder next year, as general elections approach in October. Lawmakers fighting for their seats are concerned about voters’ anger over the bill’s attempt to make payouts more modest and raise the retirement age.

Investors fear that a failure to pass the bill could weaken the currency and stock market, while boosting interest rates and possibly fueling new credit rating downgrades for Brazil next year.

Meirelles, a former banker who has vowed to restore health to Brazil’s government accounts, insisted on Wednesday that the bill should be put to the vote as soon as possible. Planning Minister Dyogo Oliveira said he was unaware of any agreement to delay the vote.

But Jucá said the needed votes were not there, even though support for the bill had increased.

Lower house Speaker Rodrigo Maia, who has refused to call a vote until the government had secured the necessary three-fifths majority of 308 votes, also said backbench support for the bill had improved.

The Brazilian Social Democratic Party, Brazil’s third largest, announced its support on Wednesday, instructing its 46 lawmakers to back the bill.

Temer has warned that the economy would suffer if the pension bill is not passed. In a speech on Wednesday morning, he said cutting back Brazil’s generous pension system will be more painful to do if left to the next president, due to take office in January 2019.

“If we do not reform pensions now, in two years’ time it will have to be done more radically,” he said, in a speech seeking support from mayors for the bill.

“The economy could react negatively if we do not succeed in passing pension reform,” he said.

Temer canceled meetings aimed at shoring up support as he flew to Sao Paulo for a medical check later on Wednesday.

The bill must be approved twice in both chambers.

Its approval in the Senate is expected to be easier.

(Reuters)

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Blatant disrespect

WITHOUT resort to sophistry of language, in every state there is a particular building that is the meeting place for a very special collective. Whether known as the House of Commons; House of Representatives; or simply Parliament or the National Assembly, as in Guyana’s case, it has to be the most important place in that country, as in every other, since its business is about the making of the country’s laws.

Equally, it means that those persons elected by the people are very important as a collective, as they are the ones who make the laws. Whether branded as Members of Parliament; senators etcetera, their role is critical in terms of determining the political, social and economic direction of the particular state. Therefore, it is no coincidence that they are described as lawmakers.

Arising out of this milieu is the Speaker. As the name implies, this high parliamentary function-

ary is the prime mover of the total proceedings that take place in this principal state building. As its chief referee, the Speaker has to be impartial, in addition to having a multiplicity of functions, chief among them being to ensure proper order of parliamentary proceedings, where debates are to be civil; ensuring that parliamentarians do not infringe on any of the House’s rules, and that their personal conduct does not threaten good order and discipline.

In fact, in a Commonwealth Parliament, “All debate [sic] is carried out through the Speaker and it is to him or her, therefore, that all speeches are addressed. The Speaker will ensure that (Members of Parliament (MPs) are not interrupted unless they agree to give way, but MPs who obstruct or disturb proceedings will be called to order. At worst, the Speaker can even arrange for an MP to be suspended from further proceedings of the House or to be removed

from the Chamber.” (siteresources.worldbank.org/PSGLP/Resources/commonwealthunit2.)

So eminently powerful is this Chief Officer of Parliament, because of the functions that are embodied in the office, that even if a Member of the House is speaking and the Speaker intervene, that House member is mandated to immediately cease for that moment and take his/ her seat, until the Speaker completes whatever is the statement.

It needs not be reminded then that a nation’s parliament is indeed an august environment, with very, very important rules of which every elected member must always clearly be mindful, whenever they enter its sacred chambers for matters in the name of the nation.

On November 2, 2017, there was a shameful violation of the time-honoured tenets of the nation’s Parliament. It was Guyana’s day of infamy, when People’s Progressive Party/

Civic(PPP/C) members in a shocking display of disrespect, loudly interrupted the address to the National Assembly by President David Arthur Granger.

On Monday, there was another blatant and deliberate display of disrespect, albeit in a different form, when a PPP/C Member of Parliament disobeyed the Speaker’s instructions to be seated. Even as the Speaker was calling the MP to order, he continued to challenge the Speaker in a loud and belligerent manner. This resulted in the latter ordering the recalcitrant Member of the House, suspended and to leave the Assembly. This order was also refused and the rest that ensued was another shameful chapter in the nation’s parliamentary history.

Unequivocally, we condemn this most reprehensible conduct by this House member, who is purported to be a man of the cloth. It is inconceivable that this shocking disregard for the National Assembly pro-

cedures, read to the entire house, before proceedings of the day started, could have been attempted to be barefacedly challenged by this Assembly member.

What message is this rude behaviour intended for the nation?

How could this emanate from a lawmaker, with full support from his fellow opposition Member of Parliament colleagues?

Unprecedented in its occurrence, it has to be asked for what purpose or end did this Member of Parliament commit such a procedural blasphemy?

Such a category of citizens should be seen as paramount examples of upholding laws; for, it would be the gravest act of con-

tradiction for lawmakers not to be upholders of the very laws to which they subscribe.

This latest, desecrating behaviour must have caused the entire nation, particularly its younger-aged segment, to further question the civility of our parliamentary leaders, as to not only the manner in which they conduct the nation’s affairs, but also the respect shown to important national institutions such as our Parliament and its Speaker.

If such lawmakers are breakers of their parliamentary codes of conduct, as they certainly are, then they are thoroughly unfit to be part of this country’s lawmaking process.

Government has to focus on its agenda Dear Editor,

THIS letter is an appeal to both my government and the opposition to take their roles seriously. While I do not have a problem with the opposition performing its role in which they are trying to hold on to their supporters, let me add some clarity here. The role of the opposition is to question the government and hold them accountable to the public. They have to challenge the policies of the government and will substitute different policies which they feel can work beneficially for the country. The opposition should put the spotlight on serious issues and force the government to resolve them, but they are not doing that, they have their own agenda. However , at times the opposition must agree with the government and this

is one area which needs improvement. Therefore, it is clear that for the past two and a half years the opposition has been busy fulfilling its role by getting the government to dance to its tune.

My government needs to focus on its agenda and not be derailed by the opposition who gains political mileage all the time. They must focus on their mission. The recent battle for political mileage in Parliament worked in favour of the opposition. The government has everything to lose, not the opposition.

The government could have come out unscathed and looking good if the speaker had NOT allowed these types of behavior by the MPs since 2015. In fact, the leader of the opposition is now bolstering his claims of a dictatorial government in the making. The government loses and the people lose.

This is counterproductive to the role of our government.

The government must prove to the people that it has their interests at heart and are doing everything to achieve that objective.

On the other hand, the government must manage the affairs of the country to ensure economic stability and growth. It must ensure that citizens are protected, their health and education are taken care of and they live a ‘good life’. Therefore, the government must ensure that they implement monetary and fiscal policies which can result in economic growth, full employment and stability.

Therefore, I want to remind our government ministers, other government officials and government agencies that they have serious challenges to face in 2018 and they have to stop being unnecessarily bogged

down by the opposition. The opposition are fulfilling their functions and are going up in the public’s ratings, while the government is busy engaging them to their detriment. The government must ensure that each sector is growing and is contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and this is where the subject minister needs to be more vigilant to ensure that there is proper monitoring and evaluation. Money is just being spent without due regard for the three Es-economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

There are many examples where departmental heads have failed even at the budgetary planning stage.

Inflated bills of quantities are common and this has always been the feature of all the governments, including the previous government.

Corruption is ingrained in the engineers’ estimates

through the tendering right into the execution of the works. This eats away our value for money. My estimate is that as much as 25% of contract costs are shaved off by varying levels of corruption, leaving contractors no alternative but to do sloppy works. This is a festering sore for a few ministries which need to be addressed since yesterday.

When I first joined the RDC as an APNU+AFC Councillor, I was met with an aggressive opposition side and I would normally take offence at that type of behavior, but gradually I learnt that if I focus on fulfilling my role which is aimed at promoting regional and community development, then the approach of the opposition councillors will change. It did and I now have a very harmonious relationship with everyone. Why is it that the government’s

side of the House has continuously failed to achieve harmony by executing their roles for the benefits of the people?

It was said by a great man that, ‘You don’t get harmony when everybody sings the same note’, and the British philosopher and political activist (among other things) once said that, ‘The only thing that will redeem mankind is COOPERATION’. I appeal to both the opposition and the government that as you undertake your various and diverse roles, let there be harmony and cooperation so that we as Guyanese can redeem ourselves as ‘ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION AND ONE DESTINY’.

Yours sincerely, GOBIN HARBHAJAN Regional Democratic Councillor

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

This kind of behaviour is unheard of

Dear Editor,

I LEARNT of the rowdy behaviour in the hallowed Chambers of our Parliament that took place last Monday.

The centre piece of this unacceptable behaviour was MP Bishop Juan Edghill who refused to accept the ruling of the Speaker. This itself being a violation.

In the first place, this kind of behaviour is unheard of in Parliaments.

Life, like civilization, is anchored on the acceptance by all and sundry of the rules of the ‘game.’

When we are playing cricket and the Umpire puts his hand up, even if the Batsman thinks it’s an unfair decision, tradition demands that he walks; and that goes for every activity in a civilized society.

Bishop Edghill is no ordinary man and as a Christian Leader, he is duty bound to set a good example.

Juan Edghill came into the political arena as one of my Lieutenants in 199293, when we marched

hand in hand, from the Square of the Revolution to the National Park with hundreds of others, including my wife, taking her to protest the PPPs attempt to downgrade, if not dismiss our Mashramani Republic celebrations.

Our efforts were fruitful since it knocked some sense into the heads of the PPP that Mashramani and Republic celebrations were above and beyond Party partisan politics.

Edghill emerged at the time when we were advocating a moral and spiritual revival as the gateway to a better Guyana.

With his professed religious beliefs, one will assume that he will be a useful protagonist to uphold moral and spiritual values.

We talked about the Family Unit being the cornerstone of Society and that the integrity of husband and wife is vital and, more importantly, that we must do all things possible to convey to our young people the importance of family and marriage.

What lured Edghill to

the PPP, only he can say; was it ideology, the lure of the filthy lucre or some other magnetic attraction?

Whatever, when Dr. Bharat Jagdeo had participated in a fake marriage, I spoke to Edghill about it and suggested that as a Minister of Religion, he should say something in order not to allow young minds to feel that that sort of behaviour is acceptable and that our young men in particular can follow suit.

With a straight face the goodly Bishop [SIC] said it was a private matter.

But the rowdiness in Parliament on Monday must be seen as a Party that has not learnt or does not care for protocol, the rule of law and the sacred nature of certain Institutions, such as our Parliament.

And, I again remind readers that it appears as though the PPP is the classic case of the Leopard that cannot change its spots.

Be reminded again of the tandrums which saw Dr. Jagan, in Parliament, removing the mace and hiding it in his Office, and

later throwing the Law Books to the floor of the Parliament Chambers.

And how could we forget that at the 40th sitting of the Legislative Assembly held on 28th May, 1963, (the PPP was in Government) the Speaker gave a ruling during the Debate dealing with the extension of the State of emergency. The PPP Members, who had earlier nominated Mr. Rahman B. Gajraj as Speaker, were clearly upset by his ruling and some members accosted the Speaker in a manner previously unheard of.

One PPP member in a vulgar gesture, holding his hands on the front of his trousers, demonstrated his displeasure. The four members involved in this shameful and disgraceful behaviour were asked to apologise. They refused and so the Speaker named the four persons, barring them from attending future sessions of the Legislative.

The four (4) Members suspended were: a) Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Premiere, Minister of

Better days are ahead Dear Editor, THIS missive serves to be a voice of reassurance to my fellow citizens--that better days are ahead--regardless of the challenges this dear land has experienced and is presently experiencing.

I know that God is in control and He has a plan for Guyana.

The reports of death by horrific vehicular accidents,

moral failings by some of our leaders, corruption, domestic violence and suicide, have taken a toll on the psyche of this nation; but the destiny of the land is in the hands of God. He determines the appointed times and boundaries of our habitations.

Be assured that better days are dawning on us as a nation and thus we ought not be negative in our projec-

tions because of the state of affairs we are presently experiencing. There is always darkness before light and valleys before mountains.

So as a nation let us be optimistic, desire good and dedicate our energies towards climbing out of the valley of decadence. The great Nelson Mandela said “There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass

through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain top of our desires”.

The destiny of this great nation is not in the hands of man, but in the hands of the Omnipotent God. Let us align ourselves to his ways and he will exalt this Nation.

In Christ, Bishop Joseph Inniss

Development and Planning, b) Derick Jagan (Dr. Jagan’s younger brother), c) Victor Downer and d) Mohamed Shaffie.

As happened on Monday, there were a lot of noise and rowdiness.

You see Editor, when all is said and done, (the)PPP hierarchy seem unable or unwilling to

learn good behaviour and to respect those sacred Institutions which, if not cultivated and secured, could lead to anarchy, disregard for values, and the breakdown of Law and Order.

A serious, sad and sorry situation engineered by the leadership (of) the PPP. Yours sincerely, HAMILTON GREEN

GAWU responds to Heath-London Dear Editor,

Some persons have argued along the lines Mr HEAD of the sugar Spe- Heath-London espoused, cial Purpose Unit (SPU) but such sentiments have Mr Colvin Heath-Lon- never been expressed by don in an article entitled, GAWU and the PPP/C as “GuySuCo operating in far as we are aware. We rogue manner” which hasten to point out that the appeared in the Guyana White Paper on the Future Chronicle of December of the Sugar Industry in 7, 2017, is reported to Guyana dated March 16, have said “…unlike what 2017, which was not reGAWU and the PPP leased publicly but a copy want others to believe, of which our union obthe sugar industry is not tained, sentiments similar wholly an Indo-Guya- to those referred to by Mr nese sector.” We find Mr Heath-London were conHeath-London’s report- tained. We recall a known ed statement untrue and supporter of the Adminismisleading. tration also making similar As a responsible organ- statements as well. isation, we wish to advise We hope that this Mr Heath-London and the w o u l d c l e a r u p a n y Guyanese public that our misconception in Mr union has never argued Heath-London’s mind, as that the industry’s work- we see many of the sentiforce is largely Indo-Guy- ments we expressed were anese. Our contentions also shared by him in the have always been centred December 7 article. on the effects of the plans

to minimise the industry Yours faithfully, on the workers irrespective SEEPAUL NARINE of race, geography, sex, reGeneral-Secretary ligion and any other factor.

GAWU

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

First solar farm here Grass cutter shot, robbed by motorcycle bandits for 2018 completion ISHWAR Ramanan, 30, called “Jack” of Macaw Drive, Kaneville, East Bank Demerara is hospitalised after he was shot in the abdomen and relieved of his grass-cutting machine while operating in Alberttown between Light and Cummings Streets, Georgetown, on Wednesday.

The man was also

– Min. Patterson GUYANA‘s first-ever solar farm in Mabaruma is expected to become operational next year, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson told the National Assembly Tuesday evening.

Patterson told the House that the solar farm will translate tremendous benefits for the people of Guyana.

He also noted that feasibility studies for the establishment of solar farms in Port Kaituma and Bartica have commenced.

The minister said Government buildings, including ministries, schools, and health centres, are being outfitted with solar photovoltaic panels, to reduce Government’s dependence on the national grid.

The Government will also be pursuing other solar farms at Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni); and at Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-

Guyana‘s first-ever solar farm in Mabaruma is expected to become operational next year, says Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

Mazaruni). These farms are projected to generate 800, 400, and 1.5 kilowatts of electricity, respectively.

Patterson further explained that the sum budgeted to the Ministry will be used for the execution of the Ministry’s 2018 work programme, which includes policy development and administration, public works and transport.

The $32B allocated to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be used to complete and commence several infrastructural projects.

These works cater to

roads, bridges, ferry vessels, sea and river defences, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and stellings, among others.

When questioned, Minister Patterson pointed out that while there have been delays with some of the projects, including the CJIA upgrade, works will still be completed in a timely manner.

From the $32B allocated to the Ministry, some $7.8B will go towards current expenditures while the remaining $24.1B will go towards the capital expenditures.

Businessman on $1M bail for teen’s death BUSINESSMAN Sultan Ayube, 48, of Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, was placed on $1M bail when he appeared before Magistrate Charlyn Artiga at the Number 51 Magistrate Court, charged for causing the death of a teen.

Ayube was slapped with four charges: failure to stop at the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident, failure to render assistance and causing death by dangerous driving.

According to information, on September 17, 2017, while on the Number 55 Public Road, the businessman was allegedly proceeding at a fast rate in motorcar, PLL 5704, when he reportedly struck Tristan Sahai, 19, and his friend Mooneshwar

Jairam, 28.

Around 20:20 hrs, on the day in question, the two were standing on the parapet on the Number 55 Village Public Road, when the car which was proceeding west at a fast rate, struck the two and did not stop.

The impact sent Jairam landing on a parked car a short distance away, smashing the windshield in the process, while Sahai was pitched several feet away.

They were both picked up and taken to the Skeldon Hospital where Sahai, of Lot 11 B, Number 57 Village, was pronounced dead on arrival. His friend who suffered severe head injuries, was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for treatment.

Dead: Trishan Sahai

According to an eyewitness, he was standing about two houses away when he saw a car coming at a fast rate and collided with the two pedestrians.

Ayube was arrested last Friday after a relative informed police that motorcar, PLL 5704, was involved in an accident and was repaired and sprayed.

robbed of a gold chain valued $40,000. His condition has been listed as serious by staffers at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Reports indicate that while the grass-cutter was weeding at the aforementioned location, two men rode up on a Honda motorcycle from an eastern direction and stopped next

to him.

The pillion rider attempted to pull away the weeding machine but the victim held onto it and the suspect whipped out a gun and shot him.

The robbers then collected the machine and escaped on the motorcycle. The matter was reported to the police as investigations continue.

Sex worker disarms robber

A 24-year-old man is in police custody after allegedly attempting to rob two male sex workers on Tuesday night of their motorcycle and cellphones.

Police said four armed suspects attacked the sex workers and a scuffle ensued, resulting in one of the bandits being disarmed of his .32 pistol with five matching live rounds.

Reports indicate that at around 21:15 hrs, the sex workers were seated on their motorcycle at the corner of Croal Street and Orange Walk when they were suddenly pounced on by four armed males who arrived in a motorcar.

The sex workers were relieved of their valuables and their motorcycle, but as the robbers tried to get

away, one of them who rode away on the motorcycle was pursued and caught by police.

The suspect was arrested on Camp Street with the victims’ motorcycle. He was positively identified by the victims and is cooperating with investigators as police continue their hunt for the others.

Bandits rob family, threaten to burn woman alive POLICE are hunting for two men who robbed Sital’s Grocery and General Store, Bush Lot Village, East Berbice Corentyne early Wednesday morning.

Around 10:30 hrs, two unmasked men who posed as customers attack the owner and his wife demanding cash and valuables.

According to proprietor Besham Sital, 54, he was gun-butted in the face while his wife Savitree Sital, 45, was doused with gasoline and threatened by the robbers to be burned alive if she did not comply with their demands.

At the time of the incident, Savitree was babysitting her three-year-old granddaughter and both of them were drenched in gasoline.

Besham said he was a couple of houses away from home when he noticed the men arrived at his shop on a motorcycle and decided to attend to them.

“When I reach over one of them hold me at gunpoint and hit me with the gun and say lie down, done move! I didn’t know the other one was already in the house with a bottle gasoline. He was threatening my wife and granddaughter then he bring she out in the shop and ransacked the cashier area.”

The businessman said the men carted off with a quanti-

Besham Sital

ty of phone cards, Brazilian jewellery and over $250,000 in cash and foreign currency.

Savitree, who was in a traumatised state, recounted the ordeal.

“I had just finish bathing

my granddaughter when he rush up to me and say don’t scream, where the money and gold deh? My pocket had some money, me just give them all.”

Not satisfied, the bandit continued demanding more and threw the gasoline on her while threatening to set her alight. At that point she fell and injured her knee.

“He carry me in the shop and both of them were tumbling, moments before that happen, I did buy $60,000 in phone card. Them grab all and jump on the motorcycle and get away,” the woman said.

The police were called and they responded promptly. The gasoline bottle was retrieved from the scene and lodged as evidence as police launched an investigation into the robbery.

The grocery shop that was robbed early Wednesday morning

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Case brought against State by Bacchus discharged CHIEF Justice (ag) Roxanne George-Wiltshire on Tuesday ruled that the Orders of Rule Nisi of Certiorari and Prohibition granted on March 10, 2017, against the Minister of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the case of Inshanally Bacchus, trading under the name and style of I & R Bacchus Trucking Service, be discharged.

Bacchus, the applicant, on March 2, by way of Prerogative Writs of Certiorari and Prohibition, instituted proceedings against the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, and Fitzroy Corlette, Head of Law Enforcement, GRA, (the Respondents) calling for, inter alia, an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari to be directed to the Minister of Finance.

The finance minister on November 23, 2016, made a decision which terminated an Investment Development Mineral Prospecting, Mining and Stone Quarrying Agreement entered into on March 13, 2014, by and between the Government of Guyana, represented by the Minister of Finance, and the applicant.

Bacchus had been granted concessions on duties and taxes under the agreement with the Government and

noted that he was not the holder of any mining concession.

BLAME He blamed the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for the blunder.

In his Affidavit in support of a Notice of Motion, Bacchus said that on October 29, 2013, he had entered into a written agreement with the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI), to carry out specific mining operations mainly at Kurubuka, Upper Berbice River, to evacuate and transport bauxite overburden.

By letter, Bacchus said he applied to former Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, for a waiver of duties and taxes on a list of trucks and machinery.

The waiver was granted but before signing the agreement, he said he informed the GGMC that he was not a miner and was only concerned with excavation and transportation of bauxite to varying locations.

The applicant said he was told that the agreement was a standard one used by the GGMC to recommend the granting of concessions to applicants. Bacchus said

he signed the agreement, which was also signed by former finance minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and witnessed by a GRA officer and a representative from GGMC. Thereafter, Bacchus said he applied to the Commissioner General of GRA for VAT exemptions on the equipment for which he required the exemptions.

He was granted exemptions for heavy-duty caterpillar equipment.

On April 2, 2014, Bacchus said he received a letter from GGMC officers to apply to the GRA for exemptions on the items contained in the list approved by the Minister of Finance and was told that copies of invoices and worksheets for every consignment or cargo imported ought to be submitted before the items arrived, so as to facilitate timely processing of the application for tax exemptions.

The Bush Lot Berbice businessman said he had ordered eight Caterpillar trucks and one Caterpillar excavator, costing approximately $464M. He was granted tax exemptions for the machinery on April 16, 2014. The machinery arrived subsequently and after the tax exemptions were applied, they were transported

to the mining operation at Kurubuka.

Another request for tax exemptions were made in July 2014 and approval, he said, was granted 16 days later. The exemption was for vehicles and equipment valued $960M. Upon expiration of his contract with BCGI in the last quarter of 2015 and the fact that his equipment were parked for several months until the following year when he was contracted by China Habour Inc. to transport sand and loam for the ongoing construction works at Timehri.

BREACH OF AGREEMENT In November, 2016, Bacchus said he received a letter from Corlette, indicating that an investigation conducted

by GRA revealed that he (Bacchus) was not the holder of a Prospecting Licence, Mining Permit, Privilege or any other licence issued by GGMC and as such he was in breach of his agreement with the Government.

As a result, Bacchus was told that he would be required to pay within 14 days, $212M, representing duties and taxes due and payable on the machinery and vehicles he had imported.

Bacchus stated that it

was through a subsequent letter from Corlette that he first learnt of the termination of his agreement with Government. It was as a result of GRA’s demand for the money and threat of seizure of Bacchus’ equipment that caused him to approach the High Court through his attorney Anil Nandlall.

Nandlall begged the court to grant several orders as well as costs to his client and Chief Justice (ag), at the time, Yonette Cummings-Edwards granted provisional orders quashing the Government’s decision to revoke an investment agreement and the demand made by GRA for him to pay $212M in customs duties and taxes.

Justice Cummings-Edwards issued an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari quashing the minister’s decision and called on him to show cause why the order should not be made absolute.

She also ordered that an Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari be directed to Corlette, quashing his demand for Bacchus to pay the $212M and that he must show cause why the Order should not be made absolute.

An Order or Rule Nisi of Prohibition was also issued to the GRA, stopping

any seizure, forfeiture and/ or disposal of machinery, equipment and motor vehicles belonging to Bacchus and requesting that cause must be shown why the order should not be made absolute.

However, when the matter was brought up on Tuesday before Justice George-Wiltshire, the applicant unsuccessfully made an application for further time to lay over submissions.

The Court found that the failure of the applicant to disclose in his application that he had signed, not one but three, Supplementary Investment Development Mineral Prospecting, Mining and Stone Quarrying Agreements, was material non-disclosure and as such cannot rely on a plea of nonEst factum.

The said documents were brought to the attention of the court through the Affidavit filed on behalf of the respondents.

The court discharged the Orders Nisi of Certiorari and Prohibition granted by Justice Cummings-Edwards for material non-disclosure on the part of the applicant and awarded costs to each respondent in the sum of $50,000.

Attorney General, National Library spread Christmas cheer As the holiday’s activities move into full gear, several ministries and agencies are pitching in to do their part to spread Christmas cheer.

The children and staff at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre (PRRC) were feted by the staff members of the Ministry of Legal Affairs during its Annual Christmas party Wednesday.

The children were Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, treated with gifts speaking at the Christmas party and a medley of on Wednesday Christmas carols sung by the minHe also commended the istry’s staff spontaneous staff for their dedication to choir. providing a good life for In brief remarks, Attor- the children stationed at ney General and Minister the rehabilitative centre. of Legal Affairs, Basil “The level of commitWilliams SC, told the gath- ment of the staff as they ering that it was an honour seek to improve the lives to celebrate the festive of those whom they serve, holiday with them, par- i s d e s e r v i n g o f g r e a t e r ticularly since the centre recognition and commenis observing its 50th anni- dation,” he said. versary.

He observed that the

centre’s crucial services should not be overlooked, particularly the Orthotic and Prosthetic workshop.

He also opined that the operations, conducted by the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, should be include d i n t h e c o u ntry’s national budget.

Rehabilitation Officer in charge of the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre, Hyacinth ‘Cynthia’ Massay, thanked the Ministry for spreading Christmas cheer with the centre’s children.

Meanwhile, the senior citizens of the Millicent Greaves Memorial Senior Citizens’ Residence, Uncle Eddie’s Home, Archer’s Home, Byer’s Senior Citizens Home and the St. Thomas Moore Home,

A staffer at the Ministry of Legal Affairs serving a child at the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre

Some of the participants at the National Library’s fifth Library Link Christmas Programme

were entertained during the National Library’s fifth Library Link’ Christmas Programme.

Chief Librarian at the National Library, Emily King, described the activity as part of the library’s mission of giving back to the elderly for their contribution to the nation’s development.

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New Moroccan Ambassador accredited

AS Guyana and the Kingdom of Morocco celebrate five years of cordial diplomatic relations, President David Granger on Wednesday accredited Mr. Nabil Adghoghi as the new Moroccan Ambassador to Guyana.

The two countries established formal diplomatic ties on December 14, 2012.

President Granger said that Morocco’s efforts to balance economic development and the protection of the environment can provide valuable lessons for Guyana.

Moreover, he lauded Morocco’s global leadership on issues such as climate change and the protection of the environment manifested in its hosting of the Conference on Climate Change in Marrakesh, November 2016, which he had attended.

“I had the opportunity to participate in that event and to iterate our support for the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions, including through the increased generation and use of renewable energy. Guyana is in transition towards becoming a ‘green’ state.

The ‘green’ state will place emphasis on the protection

Moroccan Ambassador Nabil Adghoghi presenting his Letters of Credence to President David Granger on Wednesday in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the generation of energy from renewable sources. Guyana looks forward to cooperation with Morocco in advancing its ‘green’ development agenda,” the Head of State said.

The new ambassador said that there is potential for significant cooperation between Guyana and Morocco, noting that his country has a keen interest in developing partnerships in agriculture, fisheries, maritime transport, professional training, water management, student exchanges.

“Guyana has been playing an important role in regional and international relations, especially in the formulation of development policies…

Morocco launched in November in Brasilia, negotiations for [a] free trade agreement with Mercosur [Common Market of the South] to which Guyana is an associated member.

This framework will automatically impact the development [of] economic and commercial ties between our two countries,” he said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

President accredits United Arab Emirates Ambassador PRESIDENT David Granger said that he notes the offer by the United Arab Emirates to support the participation of developing countries in the World Expo 2020, which that country will be hosting and added that Guyana will work towards being represented at the event.

The Head of State made this announcement today when he accredited Ms. Hafsa Abdulla Mohammed Shar?f al Ulama as Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Guyana, adding that there is much Guyana can learn from that country’s renewable energy development commitments.

“Guyana is about to become a producer of petroleum. The United Arab Emirates is already a prosperous petroleum producing peninsula but, notwithstanding its hydrocarbon resources, has demonstrated a firm commitment to renewable energy development. We look forward to learning from the experience and expertise of the Emirates as we develop the petroleum sector of the economy,” the President said.

He noted, also, that Guyana will not be swayed from

Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Guyana, Ms. Hafsa Abdulla Mohammed Sharf al Ulama, with President David Granger and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Waddell (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

its objective of becoming a ‘green’ state, which will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the generation of energy from renewable sources.

The President reminded of Air Services Agreement, which the two countries signed in 2015. This agreement, he said, can become a catalyst for the development of tourism and can increase contacts between the peoples of Guyana and the United Arab Emirates.

“Guyana looks forward, also, to continued collaboration between our two

countries within the ambit of the Organisation of Islamic States, the Non-Aligned Movement and the United Nations,” he said.

Meanwhile, the new Ambassador said that she has been given a mandate by President of the United Arab Emirates--His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan--to develop the relations between the two countries.

Guyana and the United Arab Emirates have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on February 6, 1995. (Ministry of the Presidency)

New Bahamian High Commissioner accredited PRESIDENT David Granger reaffirmed Guyana’s support for The Bahamas in their reconstruction process even as they work to recover from the recent catastrophic hurricane season and said that there is much scope for strengthened cooperation between the two states, especially in the areas of agriculture, education and tourism.

The Head-of-State made these remarks Wednesday when he accepted Letters of Credence from Mr. Reuben Rahming; accrediting him as the new High Commissioner of The Bahamas to Guyana.

“Guyana and The Bahamas are members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); a community where every citizen can be secure and has the opportunity to realise his or her potential with guaranteed human rights and social justice… Our two countries have enjoyed excellent relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 10, 1973. Guyanese teachers and lawyers continue to contribute to The Bahamas’ public services,” President Granger

New High Commissioner of The Bahamas to Guyana, Mr. Reuben Rahming, in conversation with President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

said.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Rahming said that the new administration in The Bahamas has a lot in common with the Government of Guyana, as both are committed to fighting corruption and climate change and pursuing greater economic prosperity for the peoples of their respective countries.

He also spoke of The Bahamas’ high food import bill, which he said his country is seeking to reduce through increased production and the strengthening of the agricultural sector. In this regard he said that, “There is much

that we stand to learn from Guyana and look forward to engaging in discussions at the technical level towards this end.”

The Bahamas is a leader in tourism and the new High Commissioner said that he will work to increase the tourism exchange between the two countries.

He noted too, that given the diversity of the two countries’ respective tourism products, there is much they can learn from each other so as to keep tourism in the region strong and vibrant. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Children fete

300 feted at Food For The Poor Christmas party

A lass gets her face painted during the children's Christmas party at FFTP headquarters on Saturday

MORE than 300 children were feted on Saturday when Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana Inc. hosted its annual Christmas party for children at its headquarters in which they were treated to goodies and toys.

Children turned up in their best outfits at the event with their parents and were accommodated under tents where they had plenty to eat and drink while being entertained after which they participated in fun games such as ‘musical chairs’ and a lively modelling competition for both boys and girls.

The winners were given special treats in the form of extra toys in addition to a

bag which was filled with goodies and varying toys.

FFTP Committee Manager, Natasha Baburam told the Guyana Chronicle that they catered for 250 children from several communities but more showed up and they accommodated them nevertheless.

She related that every year at Christmas they gave back to the community and would usually host a party especially for children.

FFTP Secretary to the Board of Directors, Paulette Charles who was present to witness the sharing of the gifts said she was pleased to see the smiles on the faces of the children who came from as far as Sophia.

She said it was indeed

a joy to give back to the community since they were aware that many children were not privileged at this time of the year and they wanted to ensure they got something to take home.

Charles added that the neediest children were selected to benefit from the exercise and they were happy to accommodate them.

Also present was the FFTP’s Chief Executive Officer, Kent Vincent who ensured that all the children were well looked after.

Several children, with their toys firmly in hand, told the Guyana Chronicle that they were pleased with their presents and would share with their siblings at Christmas.

Driver robbed while entering home TWO bandits, one armed with a handgun, robbed a 54-year-old driver of Jamoon Drive, Meadow Brook Gardens when he was about to enter his yard Tuesday night.

Reports indicate that he was robbed of his cell phone and $70,000 cash.

Inquires revealed that the driver arrived home and was about to enter his yard when he was attacked from behind

by one of the robbers who placed a handgun to his head and told him to lie on the ground.

The traumatized man complied as the robber took out the valuables from his pocket. The robber then mounted a black Honda CG motor cycle which was idling with a rider a few feet away.

The pair then made their escape on the motor cycle.

Blow to face caused Qualfon teen's death – post-mortem – seven suspects being grilled A post-mortem performed on the body of Qualfon Call Centre receptionist, Raynelle Benfield, on Wednesday revealed that she died as a result of crust injury to the face caused by a blunt object, police said.

Two more persons have since been arrested and are being grilled by sleuths, bringing the total to seven suspects in custody up to press time.

The body of the 18-yearold was found on Monday morning in a Muslim cemetery along Beterverwagting Main Road, East Coast Demerara.

Police reported that the body of Benfield, a telephone receptionist attached to Qualfon Call Centre, was found around 07:00hrs with

her face smashed. The victim was last seen alive about 18:00hrs on Saturday last by her colleagues.

Detectives are of the opinion that she was the victim of a heinous crime in which she knew her attacker (s) and was probably held at gunpoint or knifepoint and taken forcefully into the cemetery where she was beaten to the point where her face was smashed in.

The body, with her jeans pulled down almost to her knees and her blouse still on while her hands rested on her stomach, was found near one of the many tombs in the burial ground. Her face was unrecognisable.

Sleuths said a handbag, which relatives said belonged to the teen, was retrieved

Dead: Raynelle Benfield

near the body but her cell phone was not among the items in it. The body was found when a passerby was hit by a strong stench emanating from the cemetery.

After the discovery, the police were summoned and the body removed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

$6.515B Ministry of Communities budget approved THE Committee of Supply has approved the sum of $6.515B for the Ministry of Communities during consideration of the 2018 National Budget on Tuesday.

Under the ministry’s $4.

751, 320B Capital Expenditure, $1.027B was allocated for subventions to municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), to enhance the environment and improved community services.

The sum of $20M is also provided in the 2018 Budget, for the Local Government

Commission (LGC). The monies are expected to be used for provision of vehicles, furniture, and equipment.

Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Gail Teixeira questioned whether the $30M allocated to the Local Government Commission (LGC) in the 2017 budget was spent.

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan explained that the commission is in the process of creating a bank account to which $20M will be transferred and the re-

maining $10M was handed over to the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM).

MP Teixeira further queried if permission was sought for the money to be transferred into an account and Minister Bulkan responded in the positive.

Questioned by Opposition MP Neil Kumar as to location of the office of the LGC and whether it is currently functioning as an autonomous body, Minister Bulkan explained that the commission currently occu-

pies a space in the Parliament Building.

He said that the body is in the process of identifying a building.

The minister further added that the commission is governed by an act which specifies details relating to its operation.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Budget 2018 provided for the sum of $178.6M for completion of designs for sanitary landfill sites at Bartica, Linden and Mahdia; the construction of Cell II at the Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill Site, Eccles, and the rehabilitation of an access road to the Rose Hall Landfill Site.

A total of $10M was also allocated for reviews of the provision of social and physical infrastructure for new townships of Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma and Mahdia and the urban renewal of Georgetown, while $10M will also be expended for capacity-building of local organs.

HOUSING AND WATER The sum of $3,889.600B was allocated for the improvement of water-supply services in coastal areas and hinterland communities and a feasibility study for use of surface water from the

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan

Hope Canal, while $200M will be spent in 2018 for the Georgetown Restoration Programme.

Under the Hinterland Water Improvement Project, the sum of $150M was also allocated for the completion of water-supply improvement at Oronoque, Kako, Kamwatta, Koberimo, Chenapau, Campbelltown, Chinoweing and Paramakatoi; the upgrading of water-supply systems at Mabaruma, Port Kaituma and Moruca, and the installation and extension of transmission and distribution systems at Lethem In an effort to improve

water-supply systems on the coast, $218M will be spent for the completion of wells at Port Mourant, Bartica, Sophia, Sparendaam, Vergenoegen, Pouderoyen and other areas. Some $60M was also provided for the completion of water-supply systems at Wisroc, Half Mile, Canvas City, Ituni, and drilling of a well at West Watooka.

New water treatment plants will also be constructed at Cornelia Ida to De Kinderen, Diamond to Herstelling and Cumberland to Williamsburg at a cost of $2.2B. Meanwhile, the sum of $240M has been allocated for the Hinterland Sustainable Housing programme.

Cannot be business as usual – Jordan urges businesses to re-adjust thinking to get in on oil and gas sector LOCAL entrepreneurs need to re-adjust their thinking and way of doing business, Finance Minister Winston Jordan reiterated during his 2018 Budget debate presentation.

“I went to various places, whether is it the GSA or the embassy in Washington and I said, do not wait on local-content legislation.

Go out there and scout for people who you want to form partnerships with. But there seems to be an aversion to a certain class of people, to form partnerships with public companies,” he said.

The complaints about foreign-based companies establishing local operations have already begun, the minister noted. He questioned, however, the reluctance of many businesses to partner with their foreign counterparts and to commit.

He asked, “Do you want to go with them? We don’t have the technology. We

don’t have the finances. We don’t have the human capacity. So how are we going to compete side by side with these people, who have all these years of experience knowledge and everything?”

He advised, “We have to creep before we walk! Creep by forming partnerships with people who know. Learn the business. Accept the technology transfer; gain some financing before you can get out on your own.”

Minister Jordan emphasised that it was time to stop all the talking and to take action.

“This is a different government. You have to work hard to get what you want.

The procurement system is as open as anybody who wants to see it. It’s far more open and it’s far more rigorous!”

According to the finance minister, the government is working to introduce ‘Local Content’ legislation and re-

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

minded that business operators should not wait for this to occur, whilst foreigners are forging ahead.

The government is seeking to legislate the need for certain amounts of ‘local content’ within the expanding oil and gas sector. This will ensure that local businesses and workers have a fair share and opportunity within the industry.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Good and bad of technology highlighted – at launch of UNICEF State of the World’s Children Report THE negatives and positives of technology were put under the spotlight at the launch of The State of the World’s Children 2017 Report at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) on Tuesday.

The report prepared by the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) looks at issues affecting children around the world, and according to Sylvie Fouet, UNICEF representative, this year’s theme for the report for Guyana and Suriname is “Children in a Digital World”.

The report highlights both the benefits and challenges of digital technology and looks at how digital technology is impacting the lives of people, especially children. Digital technology, Fouet said, can be a game-changer.

Technology provides opportunities for learning and allows platforms to be connected and used to communicate globally.

During the launch, eight

Acting Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ingrid Trotman (right) receiving the SOWC Report from UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Sylvie Fouet in the presence of students of Queen’s College

schools from the 10 administrative regions were connected live using the Smart Classroom at NCERD. The UNICEF representative said she is looking forward to seeing children in the hinterland connect with their

colleagues on the coastland to learn from each other, share information and ideas.

Aside from the positives, Fouet pointed out that excessive use can lead to depression and anxiety in children.

As such, use of technol-

ogy must be moderate, she warned, noting that the impact of technology can be a challenge in some instances.

NCERD Director, Jennifer Cumberbatch said the embrace of digital technology by the education sector will

allow children to learn a lot more.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Education ICT Coordinator, Marcia Thomas informed those in attendance of the importance technology in providing equal opportunities in education.

It is a tool to bridge the gap between the hinterland, rural and coastal regions and the Smart Classroom is a way forward in the delivery of education. One feature of the Smart Classroom is that the E-Station monitors the devices that are used by students to connect to the system. This way, the tutor can know what each child is doing with the device and ensure that it is being used correctly during periods of instruction.

This is bolstered by the classroom management software called “Radix”. With this software, teachers can record lessons and students can participate in the live recordings. However, for students who might have missed the live lessons, they can access the recordings for as long as one month.

Access to these materials will be facilitated through an App called “Smart Class Guyana” that will be available in Google Play Store and on Apple App Store.

Following the speeches and presentations, students from the outlying schools that were viewing the launch from their Information Technology labs said technology plays an important role in their school life in terms of assistance to complete work and to learn about foreign cultures, which boosts their tolerance of others.

The students were also shown videos that taught them about the dangers and benefits of technology.

The UNICEF SOWC report was handed over to the Ministry of Education. The ministry was represented by acting Deputy Chief Education Officer, Ingrid Trotman.

Also present at the launch were other UNICEF representatives, the diplomatic corps and students and teachers from the North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and Queen’s College.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Woodley Park Nursery in festive mood

Students of Woodley Park Nursery School accompanied by their teachers as they participated in their annual Christmas Road Parade

WOODLEY Park Nursery School hosted its annual Christmas concert and pageant last Friday and parents and guardians who turned out in their numbers to support the students, got an opportunity to see the talents of their charges.

As the show progressed, the audience was entertained as students offered renditions of traditional Christmas carols.

However, the main attraction was the Christmas Pageant which saw seven little ladies taking to the stage. Each contestant was required to give a brief introduction of herself,

perform a talent piece and display a gown.

The final four then answered a selected question and at the end of it all, Anusha Brijlall was crowned winner with Sanita Jingree as the first runner-up The school’s holiday festivities then continued the following Monday with a Christmas Road Parade. In a colourful display of various costumes, the students, accompanied by their teachers and traffic wardens, marched through the village then back into the school compound.

According to Headteacher,

Carlotta Nicholson, the Woodley Park Nursery School held its first Christmas Road Parade in 2012, and since then it has become an annual feature.

Nicholson noted that while there is room for improvement, the school has been well supported by the parents, guardians and the community in general.

According to the headteacher, this backing has contributed significantly to the school’s success over the years, and she anticipates with such continued support the school will grow from strength to strength.

New bridges for Moruca, Puruni Rivers – Min. Patterson

THE controversial Moruca Bridge renowned for failing, subsequent to its 2014 construction, will be rebuilt in 2018.

This was disclosed by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson during examinations of the budgetary estimates for the public sector Tuesday. The minister also revealed that his Ministry will also be constructing a new bridge over the Puruni River.

2018, and construction is expected to be completed in the same year. Minister Patterson emphasised his Ministry’s commitment to providing citizens with quality infrastructure. He further explained that his Ministry oversaw a packed bridges programme during 2017, during which several bridges along the coast and hinterland were upgraded.

The Minister outlined that upgrades were conducted on

This kind of behaviour is unheard of

The controversial Moruca Bridge renowned for failing, subsequent to its 2014 construction, will be rebuilt in 2018

The current $43 M Moruca Bridge was constructed in March 2014, after a series of contentions and Ministerial visits including that of Ministers Joseph Harmon and Valerie Garrido-Lowe while they were in opposition.

The contracts for both bridges will be awarded in

public bridges in Ogle, Better Hope, Bellfield, Mahaica, West Coast Berbice, Eteringbang and Moleson Creek, East Berbice Corentyne.

Further, maintenance was carried out to aqua panel bridges in Region Four. The Minister noted that “all the tenders for the works on those

Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

bridges were publicly done, the lowest cost for those bridges in 2017 is $1.4M and the highest cost is $43.8M.” Upgrades were also conducted on hinterland bridges in Kurupukari to Annai, Annai to Lethem and Soesdyke to Linden, among others.

According to Minister Patterson, in 2018, similar projects will continue with aesthetic repairs being carried out on bridges in Georgetown, East Coast, East Bank and West Bank Public roads, West Coast Berbice, East Berbice Corentyne, Essequibo Coast, Soesdyke/ Linden, Linden/Lethem, Mahadia/Mabaruma, Bartica/ Potaro.

Additional repairs will be conducted on community bridges in Regions Two, Three, Four and Five.

There is also the likelihood of a robust emergency works programme arising in 2018, he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

Dozens attend pet show ‘SANTA Paws’ came to town Sunday afternoon as dozens of pet lovers and owners flocked the National Park, Georgetown, as “Pawsome Pets” presented their first annual pet show.

Under the Christmas theme ‘Santa Paws,’ ‘doggies’ competed in categories such as Best

Behaviour, Pets Got Talent, Waggiest Tail, Best Dressed, Fastest Eater, Happiest Dog, Shiniest Coat, Golden Oldie, Santa Paws is coming to town, Pet most like its Owner and the Most Unusual Pet. Gracing the show was special guest speaker, veterinarian, Dr. Steve Surujbally,

who spoke on the issue of pet care and the importance of healthy diet for pets.

The Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Clinic and Shelter was also at the event with pets up for adoption.

A veterinarian from the Guyana Livestock Development Author-

ity and other members were on site.

Luanna Pierre, the coordinator of the pet show and owner of Pawsome Pets, said the event provides an opportunity for pet lovers to interact and show off their pets.

She hosted the pet show to educate and entertain pet owners.

Owner of Pawsome Pets, Luanna Pierre

Dr. Steve Surujbally

A pet lover and Santa’s reindeer

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 14, 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 14, 2017

Millions unaccounted for in 2016 GFF Audit

By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will have lots to answer at Saturday’s Extraordinary Congress, following the revelations of their Audited Financial Statements for the year ending December 31, 2016, which was done by Ram and McRae, Chartered Accountants, Professional Services Firm.

In fact, the primary purpose of the congress is to present the audited statements for 2016 and for it to be approved by the Congress.

Ram and McRae, upon

completion of the Audit, could have offered only a ‘Qualified Opinion’, where it stated that in the ‘Basis for Qualified Opinion’, the GFF did not maintain adequate documentation of transactions with suppliers and consequently, Ram & McRae could not determine the accuracy, validity and completeness of accounts payable and accruals stated at $89,881,316 in the financial statements. Of this amount, a total of $48,320,142 was supported by third party confirmations and other audit evidence.

“Additionally, adequate

Digicel, GMR&SC spread Christmas cheer

Children were treated to a stage show as part of the Digicel Christmas Cheer.

By Stephan Sookram TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant Digicel yesterday teamed up with several organisations, including the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), to host a fun day for children of various orphanages.

According to the Company’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara, the idea behind the event was to give back to several children’s homes, especially as it is the season of giving.

“Previously, we would have gone to the different homes and do what we call a Digicel Christmas Cheer but this time, we have decided to bring them

together.”

“We have children from Kannan Children’s home in Port Mourant, St John’s Bosco Boys Orphanage, the Shaeed’s Boys & Girls Orphanage and Prabucharran’s home from the West Coast,” she added.

“They are going to get to see Santa, they are going to go home with presents and just leave in a merry spirit for the Christmas holidays.”

Hosted at the GMR&SC facility on Thomas Lands, the children were treated to face-painting, Santa, as well as a show and some lessons on karting.

They were taught the importance of being safe when driving and the ideologies of sportsmanship.

documentation for expenses paid during the year under review, totalling $2,319,499 was not provided during our test of controls,” Ram & McRae said in the basis for the qualified opinion.

According to the findings of the Financial Audits, the GFF “did not maintain adequate documentation in respect of game and other income stated at $21,051,698 in the financial statements.

Of this amount, a total $16,834,029 was supported by receipts and other audit evidence.”

The GFF president Wayne Forde could not have

been reached for a comment on the findings, while Chronicle Sport reached out to a number of the Federation’s affiliates.

While some affiliated associations’ representatives refused to comment, stating that they will reserve their comments for Saturday’s congress, some spoke and asked to remain anonymous, out of fear of victimisation.

One affiliate said at the Congress, the GFF will have to answer why wasn’t there any finance committee meeting for more than a year, up until recently, and why the audit and compli-

ance committee hasn’t been constituted after two years in office.

Chronicle Sport was informed that since August 26, the GFF Finance Committee, a constituted body, only met on November 23, 2017.

In May, the GFF held a congress, but absent from the agenda was the Financial Report, and according to another affiliate, “the GFF has changed plenty Financial Controllers since Forde came in, so of course they’re going to be irregularities. It will be interesting to see how Mr Forde and others respond to this because they came in

championing good governance and accountability.”

Indeed, upon taking office following a period of being governed by the country’s first FIFA-installed Normalisation Committee, Forde said his presidency should be remembered by their transparency and proper management of the game.

“When you have over $45M unaccounted for in the debts and claims of income, of course that’s enough to make you wonder where all the money went and who were these debts paid to,” another affiliate member said.

Gayle backs ‘greatest’ title (ESPNCricinfo) - Chris Gayle gave it the full Universe Boss treatment after striking a world-record 18 sixes to turn the final of the Bangladesh Premier League into an affirmation of his talent.

Asked by ESPNcricinfo if he would class himself as the Don Bradman of T20s, Gayle banged his own publicity drum after another epic display. "I'm the greatest batsman of all-time," he pronounced.

To watch Gayle, legs slightly apart with the bat over his head in his follow through as the ball sailed over the long-on fielder was one of the most enduring images of BPL 2017.

Gayle's relentless assault - a record 146* off 69 balls - razed defending champions and pre-tournament favourites, Dhaka Dynamites, in the title clash. Gayle's 18 sixes was a methodical assault, which thrilled the packed Mirpur crowd.

He cherished his fifth BPL hundred and 20th overall in T20 cricket, calling it one of his best T20 knocks.

"It is a big game, a big occasion to actually stand out and get a century in a final," Gayle said. "You actually look back and say ‘well done’. You tap yourself on the back. It is a winning effort as well, which makes it more special for me. So I am glad that we came out on

Chris Gayle

top. I would put it in the top five (among T20 centuries), certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there."

Gayle said that Rangpur Riders looked to bat deep into the innings, especially after they had lost previous match-winner Johnson Charles in the second over.

"They (Dhaka Dynamites) started well. We lost Charles a bit early," Gayle said. "We had to give ourselves a chance to bat as deep as possible. It was important for one of us to bat right through the innings. It actually set the momentum for us."

Gayle said keeping Dhaka's key bowler Sunil Narine at bay was also part of Rangpur's plan. "It is a good wicket, once you are set on it," he said. You can score a bit freely. It wasn't the best, fully 100 % batting

conditions. They had quality bowlers. We didn't let their best bowlers get wickets.

"Narine is their key bowler. Once you lose Charles early, you play according to the situation, use a bit of experience. Know when to go, when to hold back."

Gayle also credited Brendon McCullum with whom he added an unbroken 201 - the highest stand for any wicket in the BPL. "Turning over the strike was always going to be im-

portant. I thought we did a fantastic job - myself and McCullum," Gayle said.

"We worked out what to do in the middle, which bowler to take down, and when.

"When we arrived in Bangladesh, everyone was so excited to see Gayle and McCullum. It didn't happen early on in the tournament, but I am glad it happened when it mattered. It is not about trying to outdo each other. The communication and understanding was very good.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday December 14, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Jeet Raval-84

(2)

61 (Tim Southee & Trent Boult)

Today’s Quiz: (1) What were the best bowling figures by a WI bowler in the first innings of the justconcluded second Test against the NZ? (2) Who top-scored for the WI in the first innings of the recent second Test against NZ? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 14, 2017

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Rohit double levels series

(REUTERS) - Opener Rohit Sharma smashed his third one-day international double-century to set up India’s comprehensive 141-run win against Sri Lanka in the second match of the series at Mohali yesterday.

Leading the hosts in the absence of rested skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit laid waste the Sri Lankan bowling with an unbeaten 208 off 153 deliveries to help India post 392 for four in their 50 overs.

India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal then took three for 60 as the hosts restricted Sri Lanka to 251 for eight in their 50 overs to square the three-match series at 1-1.

Former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews remained unbeaten after a dogged 111 for his second ODI century but the touring side never had a realistic chance in their steep chase.

Sri Lanka, who lost the three-Test series 1-0 against India, had been hoping for a repeat of the series opener

Rohit Sharma gets into position for a lap-sweep. (ESPNCricinfo photo)

in Dharamsala on Sunday, when India were bundled out for 112 in a seven-wicket defeat.

With India slumping to 29 for seven in their previous game while batting first, Sri Lanka captain Thisara Perera

had no hesitation in putting the hosts in after winning the toss.

But Rohit, who notched

up his 16th hundred in the 50-over format, and fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan denied them any early success

with a watchful start.

The 30-year-old added 115 with Dhawan, who made 68, to build a solid base for India and then added 213 for the second with fellow Mumbai batsman Shreyas Iyer, who scored 88 in what was his second ODI. The right-handed batsman hit 13 fours and 12 sixes with his first 100 coming off 115 deliveries in the 40th over. Rohit then tore into Sri Lanka’s bowlers and India scored 147 in their last 10 overs.

It was the seventh time a batsman had scored 200 or more in ODIs with Rohit’s 264 against the same opponents in Kolkata in 2014 being the highest individual score in the 50-over format.

Sri Lanka paceman Nuwan Pradeep went for 106 runs off his 10 overs, while Perera gave away 80 off his eight overs of seam bowling.

The third and final ODI will be played at Visakhapatnam on Sunday before the two teams meet in a three-match Twenty20 series.

Questions loom for Froome (BBC) - Chris Froome is facing questions after returning an "adverse" drugs test at the Vuelta a Espana.

The Team Sky rider had double the allowed level of legal asthma drug Salbutamol in his urine.

Cycling's world governing body the UCI wants more details from the team but says Froome is not suspended.

The Briton, 32, says he increased his dosage but it was within the legal limits and the UCI is "absolutely right" to ask questions.

Froome says he took his team doctor's advice to up his inhaler use after his asthma symptoms got worse during the Vuelta.

He became the first Briton to win the three-week race around Spain and it followed his Tour de France victory in July.

He was notified of the "adverse analytical finding" on September 20 2017.

The urine test, taken on September 7, showed levels of the drug, Salbutamol, which is commonly taken for asthma, were at 2 000 nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml).

That compares to the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) threshold of 1 000 ng/ml.

The use of Salbutamol is permitted, without the need of a therapeutic use exemption (TUE), but only within certain doses.

No other samples taken from Froome during the race needed further examination.

The organising body of Vuelta said it will "await the UCI's official conclusions" before any further action, adding its position is one of "extreme caution, as it hopes for this issue to be resolved as quickly as possible".

The information has only come to light following a Team Sky statement yesterday, issued on the back of

recent media reports.

The UCI also published details of its investigation yesterday.

The UCI says analyses of Froome's A and B samples show levels which exceed the limit.

Team Sky insists the rider inhaled no more than the permissible dose.

Froome, who has suffered with asthma since childhood, says he welcomed the investigation.

"It is well known that I have asthma and I know exactly what the rules are. I use an inhaler to manage my symptoms (always within the permissible limits) and I know for sure that I will be tested every day I wear the race leader's jersey.

"My asthma got worse at the Vuelta so I followed the team doctor's advice to increase my Salbutamol dosage. As always, I took the greatest care to ensure that I did not use more

Chris Froome than the permissible dose.

"I take my leadership position in my sport very

seriously. The UCI is absolutely right to examine test results and, together with

the team, I will provide whatever information it requires."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 14, 2017

Williamson rested for final two ODIs (CMC) – Captain Kane Williamson will be rested for the last two OneDay Internationals against West Indies, while George Worker will replace the injured Martin Guptill at the top of the order, for the three-match series starting next Wednesday.

Cricket New Zealand said Williamson would play the opening game in Whangarei before giving way to Tom Latham who will then lead the squad in the final matches in Christchurch.

Seamer Tim Southee will also be rested for the last two matches with Neil Broom and Mitchell Sant-

ner, coming in as replacements for him and Williamson.

“It’s a long summer, so for those guys playing in all three formats it’s important we keep them fresh and build depth leading into a World Cup year,” said selector Gavin Larsen.

“Tim and Kane will both take breaks during this series, but there will be others who will also rest throughout the season.”

Guptill, who has hit 12 centuries in 149 ODIs, is yet to recover from a hamstring injury, and selectors have gone with Worker to partner Colin Munro.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson

The 28-year-old left-handed Worker has played four ODIs, the last coming against Bangladesh

in May earlier this year.

“We will miss Martin’s influence at the top of the order, but unfortunately he

is not back to full fitness and this provides a well-earned opportunity for George in the ODI series,” Larsen noted.

All-rounder Todd Astle, meanwhile, is set to make his ODI debut as part of the 13-man squad, having already played a couple of Tests and Twenty20 Internationals.

Larsen said the 31-yearold had been deserving of his call-up.

“Todd with his all-round ability provides a straight swap for Mitchell in the first ODI,” Larsen pointed out.

“Todd has been one of the top domestic bowlers in

the country for a number of years now and performed very well during the recent One Day New Zealand A tour to India.

“He was unlucky to to get injured before the Black Caps tour in India, but he’s continued to bowl well on return and thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”

SQUAD – Kane Williamson (captain), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, George Worker.

Windies drop three ranking points (CMC) – West Indies have taken another blow to their Test ranking, following their 2-0 series defeat to New Zealand.

Though the Caribbean side remain eighth in the rankings, they have lost three rankings points and are now alongside ninth-ranked Bangladesh on 72 points.

Only mere decimal points have kept the Windies in eighth spot.

West Indies’ hopes of making a move up the rankings were scuppered when they went down by an innings and 67 runs to the Black Caps inside four days in the opening Test at Wel-

lington two weeks ago. And their attempt to level the series in Hamilton this week came up short as they lost by 240 runs with a session to spare on the fourth day.

The Windies have languished near the bottom of the international rankings in recent years, as their results in the game’s longest form continue to wane.

The recent series defeat meant they have now not won a series on New Zealand soil in 22 years and are without a series win over a higher-ranked nation since they swept the Black Caps in the Caribbean five years ago.

West Indies beat Zim-

West Indies have fallen three rankings points.

babwe 1-0 in a two-match series in Bulawayo last month but dropped points as the African side are the lowest-ranked Test-playing nation.

They have now won just four Tests of their last 20 inside the last two years but three of those have come over the last three months, including victories over then highly-ranked Pakistan and England.

With the series win, New Zealand have risen three points but remained fourth, one place ahead of Australia, while India maintain a healthy lead over South Africa at the top.

GSA kicks off Farfan and Mendes juniors THE Guyana Squash Association (GSA) kicked off its final junior tournament for 2017 - the annual Farfan and Mendes Junior Skill Level, at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts on Tuesday.

There were several new entries this year as well as a few notable absentees, including Shomari Wiltshire who is competing internationally at this time.

Categories A-G will be battling from now until Sunday for a spot at the top of their respective groups.

Taylor Fernandes, although now a senior, will be

playing in Category A in her continued support of the junior players, to extend their challenges and increase the number of the smallest group in the tournament.

The four contenders began their matches on yesterday.

Tuesday’s matches saw the girls triumph in category B with Kirsten Gomes beating Demetrius DeAbreu and Abosaide Cadogan defeating Ethan Jonas.

Kirsten came out hard in the first game for a close win 11-9. De Abreu answered by taking back the second 11-8 but Kirsten took back the third 11-9 and

went on to storm through 11-5 in the fourth.

Cadogan fought hard but couldn’t hold the first game, with Jonas winning 12-10, but then made light work of the following 3 games 11-4, 11-6, 11-5.

New talent shone through in the lower categories as some of the young players displayed skilful serves and treated spectators to unexpected rallies. No doubt these categories will develop as the tournament progresses.

Matches continue from 18:00hrs each evening, two sessions on Saturday and

the final matches on Sunday.

Results of the matches played Tuesday evening were as follows.

Category B Abosdaie Cadogan overcame Ethan Jonas 10-12, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5 Kirsten Gomes defeated Demetrius De Abreu 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 11-5 Category C Nicholas Verwey overpowered Zachary Persaud 11-5, 11-8, 11-7 Mohryan Baksh crushed Louis DaSilva 11-7, 11-4, 11-5 James Mekdeci over-

whelmed Jason Gomes 113, 11-7, 11-7 Category D Jahcinta Adams beat Beau Fernandes 11-3, 9-11, 15-13, 9-11, 11-7 Dhiren Persaud beat Isabella Ramjohn 11-6, 11-7, 11-7 Aishani Persuad demolished Teija Edwards 11-2, 11-1, 11-4 Category E Arvin Seelall beat Angel Rahim 11-4, 11-13 Jared Saul defeated Grant Fernandes 11-9, 11-4 Joshua Verwey crushed Noah Rahaman 11-3, 11-2 Rayad Boyce overpow-

ered Lajuan Munroe 11-9, 11-6 Category F Leshaunte Berkley beat Jehan Singh 11-9, 11-8 Brenno DaSilva smashed Rylee Rodrigues 11-6, 11-0 Matthew Spooner overcame Tiana Gomes 10-12, 11-5, 12-10 Kayden Pynaendy beat Thandi Dean 11-8, 11-7 Category G Safirah Summer beat Nicholas Sawh 11-7, 11-8 Jnae Singh whipped Mya Dean 11-6, 11-8 Shriya Persaud crushed Alea Ruplal 11-5, 11-3.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 14, 2017

27

Jaguars fully aware of Hurricanes threat, says Crandon … Seventh round CWI/PCL Four-day bowls off today

The Guyana Jaguars return to action today against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

By Rajiv Bisnauth HEAD coach Esaun Crandon says the Guyana Jaguars are under no illusions about the massive threat posed by the much-improved Leeward Islands Hurricanes.

The Jaguars skipper stressed that the title-holders would be looking to execute their game plan clinically, when the seventh round Cricket West Indies Profes-

sional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day day/night encounter bowls off today at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

The visiting team have been the only team to beat the Jaguars twice in the history of the PCL, beating the Jaguars in both their encounters last season.

“We are fully aware of their (Leeward Islands Hurricanes) threat. They beat us twice last year and they have

played some good cricket this season, but once we stick to our game plans we can give a good account of ourselves,” Crandon pointed out.

He added, “We need to bat better, our last game we failed as a batting unit, but there is always room for improvement, so I am confident that our batters will be much better this time around.”

The title-holders and the Windward Islands Volcanoes played to a tie in the last

Anthony Adams

Rahkeem Cornwall

Esaun Crandon

game, the first such result in 152 years of regional first class cricket.

The Jaguars were bowled out for 164, but despite the shocking result, the Jaguars remained at the top of the table, moving to 97.2 points.

However, they enter this round with one change to their 13-man squad, with fast bowler Keon Joseph making way for left-arm spinner Anthony Adams. Joseph, the West Indies A team seamer is expected to undergo a minor foot surgery.

in an invited comment yesterday implored his teammates to play patient cricket.

The Hurricanes are fourth on the points standing with 57 points, but Cornwall said this could well be another absorbing contest, considering the make-up of the two sides.

“Our mood is good, we are a confident bunch of players, so I am confident we can do well. Once we play patient cricket we can come out on top,” Cornwall said.

The game bowls off at 15:00hrs and admission to the venue is free.

Guyana Jaguars squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Tagenarine Chander-

paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Vishaul Singh, Anthony Bramble, Keemo Paul, Akshaya Persaud, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Veerasammy Permaul, Gudakesh Motie and Anthony Adams.

Leeward Islands Hurricanes squad reads: Rahkeem Cornwall (captain), Jahmah Hamilton, Montcin Hodge, Chesney Hughes, Shane Burton, Sheno Berridge, Nkrumah Bonner, Jeremiah Louis, Akeem Saunders, Terence Warde, Gavin Tonge, Devon Thomas and Mervin Matthew.

PATIENT CRICKET Meanwhile, the visiting captain Rahkeem Cornwall

Archery Guyana hosts second fundraiser for Mercy Hospital ARCHERY Guyana recently partnered with St Joseph Mercy Hospital for the second year in a row, by having an Archery Booth at the Hospital’s Annual Christmas Fair on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Demerara Park, Banks DIH. Enthusiasm amongst patrons was high as usual, as lots of persons, (children and adults) were eager to try their hands with the bow and arrow.

Those who wished to try were as usual, first advised on the safe and proper use of the equipment and the gen-

Jonathan DeGroot trying his hand at the bow for the first time.

He was the winner of the grand prize.

eral safety guidelines since safety remains paramount in the sport.

The prizes were provided by the Hospital Fair’s Organising Committee, with a grand prize of a giant teddy bear being up for grabs.

This year’s prize was won

by Jonathan DeGroot who racked up the most points.

Last year, Archery Guyana was pleased to contribute all the funds raised towards the construction of the Mercy Resident Care Facility in Georgetown.

Archery Guyana believes in giving back to the community as best as it can and to

support persons of all walks of life and encourage anyone, (young, middle-aged or elderly), to join the sport of Archery, whether for recreation or for competition, by contacting any of our members.

Archery is in fact a great leveller, so young and old, abled and disabled can compete against each other. It’s a sport where the basics are easy to pick up, but perfecting them takes lots of practice.

There is no maximum age for archery and around the world many persons take up the sport after retiring.

Williamson rested for final two ODIs

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Millions unaccounted for in 2016 GFF Audit

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The GFF office in Georgetown. (Adrian Narine photo)

Jaguars fully Digicel, GMR&SC spread aware of Christmas cheer Hurricanes threat, says Crandon Page 24

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GSA kicks off Farfan and Mendes juniors Page 26

125cc competitor Mikhil Persaud shows one of the children how to use the kart. (Adrian Narine photos) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

THURSDAY, DECEMBER, 14, 2017